Satellite-based delivery of educational content to geographically isolated communities: A service based approach

Enabling learning for members of geographically isolated communities presents benefits in terms of promoting regional development and cost savings for governments and companies. However, notwithstanding recent advances in e-Learning, from both technological and pedagogical perspectives, there are very few, if any, recognised methodologies for user-led design of satellite-based e-learning infrastructures. In this paper, we present a methodology for designing a satellite and wireless based network infrastructure and learning services to support distance learning for such isolated communities. This methodology entails (a) the involvement of community members in the development of targeted learning services from an early stage, and (b) a service-oriented approach to learning solution deployment. Results show, that, while the technological premises of distance learning can be accommodated by hybrid satellite/wireless infrastructures,this has to be complemented with (a) high-quality audio–visual educational material, and (b) the opportunity for community members to interact with other community members either as groups (common-room oriented scenarios) or individuals (home-based scenarios), thus providing an impetus for learner engagement in both formal and informal activities

An Applied Electromagnetics Course with a Conceiving-Designing-Implementing-Operating Approach in Engineering Education

This paper describes and discusses the implementation of a project-based undergraduate course on applied electromagnetics in electronics engineering with a conceiving-designing-implementing-operating (CDIO) approach involving active project-based learning (PBL). The course, which requires a combination of mathematical and physics concepts for its completion, allows students to understand the principles of electromagnetic transmission theory in wireless communication systems. This paper presents the course proposal, its project description, and results hinting at the relationship with the CDIO process. The proposed projects allow students to engage in core concepts such as complex vectors, Maxwell’s equations, boundary conditions, Poynting\u27s theorem, uniform plane waves, reflection and transmission of waves, waveguides, cavity resonators, and computer-assisted design. The proposed methodology results suggest that students lowered their perception of the difficulty of the course, and most students recognized a better learning process of the core concepts for this course. In addition, students’ final course grades showed an average improvement of approximately 6% compared with the final grades of other groups with different methodologies

Contextually and identity aware 5G services

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University LondonThe fifth generation (5G) mobile networks aim to be ten times faster than the existing 4G connection, whilst providing low latency, and flexibility. Hence, various alterations are planned to the existing network infrastructure to be able to reach the 5G expected performance levels. The main technologies that were used, to ensure high performance, flexible network, and efficient resource allocation, are Software Defined Network and Network Function Virtualization. As these technologies are replacing the device-based architecture with, a service-based architecture. This thesis provides a design of location database interactive web interface and interactive mobile application. The implementation of real time video streaming location server, the streaming system's performance parameters demonstrated a high level of QoS (0.07ms jitter and 9.53ms delay). In regard to experimental examination, it measured the localisation coverage, accuracy measurements and a highly scalable security solution. The localisation coverage and accuracy measurements were achieved through the mmWave and VLC link transmitters. The proposed simulated annealing algorithm aimed at data optimisation for location measurements accuracy showed results of the average location error of x and y which showed significant improvement from x= 22.5 and y=21.6 to x=11.09 and y= 11.63. The proposed indoor location security solution showed significant results, as it provides a high scalability solution using the VNF. The solution showed that it was not 100% effective, as some of the fake discover packets still reached the DHCP server. This was due to the high load of traffic passing through the network. Nonetheless, 90% of the fake DHCP discover packets never reached the DHCP server because the scripts began blocking all fake discover packets after realising it was an attack. This conveys that the proposed system was able to run successfully without crashing or overloading the controller. Overall, the main challenges facing 5G have been addressed with their proposed solutions, which showed promising results. Conclusively showing that there is a lot more space for technological advancements to support the future of mobile networks.European Union’s Horizon 2020 research program - the Internet of Radio-Light (IoRL) project H2020-ICT 761992

Interactive on smart classroom system using beacon technology

The emergence of many internet industries ushers in IOT era, and about to bring us to the point of universal connectivity. In the field of education, the IOT technology has a broad applicable prospect for a more interactive and intelligent way by improving the quality of teaching and management. The proposed class affair management system is mean to enrich the interaction between lecturers and students which in an efficient and smart way. Based on the existing model, a layered architecture is proposed to build the beacon based campus management system. Backend device and protocols compose the physical layer to collect the raw data from physical objects. Data link layer and control layer are responsible for forming required package and sending to corresponding layer. Beacon technology used for proposed design applies Bluetooth low energy 4.0 standard which allowing devices exchange data through Bluetooth at an extremely low power consumption-using a single coin cell battery can last for several years. Saved up to 97 percentage energy compared with similar system. The entire proposed platform allows participants to bring personally owned devices to access campus management system. Through location information, teaching activities and personalized information notification can be automatically accomplished, which will inspire the innovation and development of classroom teaching mode. Beacon technology has a great potential that can be completely transplanted into other scenario such as the hypermarket and library

Digital television applications

Studying development of interactive services for digital television is a leading edge area of work as there is minimal research or precedent to guide their design. Published research is limited and therefore this thesis aims at establishing a set of computing methods using Java and XML technology for future set-top box interactive services. The main issues include middleware architecture, a Java user interface for digital television, content representation and return channel communications. The middleware architecture used was made up of an Application Manager, Application Programming Interface (API), a Java Virtual Machine, etc., which were arranged in a layered model to ensure the interoperability. The application manager was designed to control the lifecycle of Xlets; manage set-top box resources and remote control keys and to adapt the graphical device environment. The architecture of both application manager and Xlet forms the basic framework for running multiple interactive services simultaneously in future set-top box designs. User interface development is more complex for this type of platform (when compared to that for a desktop computer) as many constraints are set on the look and feel (e.g., TV-like and limited buttons). Various aspects of Java user interfaces were studied and my research in this area focused on creating a remote control event model and lightweight drawing components using the Java Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) and Java Media Framework (JMF) together with Extensible Markup Language (XML). Applications were designed aimed at studying the data structure and efficiency of the XML language to define interactive content. Content parsing was designed as a lightweight software module based around two parsers (i.e., SAX parsing and DOM parsing). The still content (i.e., text, images, and graphics) and dynamic content (i.e., hyperlinked text, animations, and forms) can then be modeled and processed efficiently. This thesis also studies interactivity methods using Java APIs via a return channel. Various communication models are also discussed that meet the interactivity requirements for different interactive services. They include URL, Socket, Datagram, and SOAP models which applications can choose to use in order to establish a connection with the service or broadcaster in order to transfer data. This thesis is presented in two parts: The first section gives a general summary of the research and acts as a complement to the second section, which contains a series of related publications.reviewe

A highly miniaturized wireless inertial sensor using a novel 3D flexible circuit

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a highly miniaturized wireless inertial sensor system based on a novel 3D packaging technique using a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The device is very suitable for wearable applications in which small size and lightweight are required such as body area network, medical, sports and entertainment applications.Design/methodology/approach - Modern wireless inertial measurement units are typically implemented on a rigid 2D printed circuit board (PCB). The design concept presented here is based around the use of a novel planar, six-faceted, crucifix or cross-shaped FPC instead of a rigid PCB. A number of specific functional blocks (such as microelectromechanical systems gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, microcontroller (MCU), radio transceiver, antenna, etc.) are first assigned to each of the six faces which are each 1 cm2 in area. The FPC cross is then developed into a 1 cm3, 3D configuration by folding the cross at each of five bend planes. The result is a low-volume and lightweight, 1 cm3 wireless inertial sensor that can sense and send motion sensed data wirelessly to a base station. The wireless sensor device has been designed for low power operation both at the hardware and software levels. At the base station side, a radio receiver is connected to another MCU unit, which sends received data to a personal computer (PC) and graphical user interface. The industrial, scientific and medical band (2.45 GHz) is used to achieve half duplex communication between the two sides.Findings - A complete wireless sensor system has been realized in a 3D cube form factor using an FPC. The packaging technique employed during the work is shown to be efficient in fabricating the final cubic system and resulted in a significant saving in the final size and weight of the system. A number of design issues are identified regarding the use of FPC for implementing the 3D structure and the chosen solutions are shown to be successful in dealing with these issues.Research limitations/implications - Currently, a limitation of the system is the need for an external battery to power the sensor system. A second phase of development would be required to investigate the possibility of the integration of a battery and charging system within the cube structure. In addition, the use of flexible substrate imposes a number of restrictions in terms of the ease of manufacturability of the final system due to the requirement of the required folding step.Practical implications - The small size and weight of the developed system is found to be extremely useful in different deployments. It would be useful to further explore the system performance in different application scenarios such as wearable motion tracking applications. In terms of manufacturability, component placement needs to be carefully considered, ensuring that there is sufficient distance between the components, bend planes and board edges and this leads to a slightly reduced usable area on the printed circuit.Originality/value - This paper provides a novel and useful method for realizing a wireless inertial sensor system in a 3D package. The value of the chosen approach is that a significant reduction in the required system volume is achieved. In particular, a 78.5 per cent saving in volume is obtained in decreasing the module size from a 25 to a 15 mm3 size

Increasing Retention and Knowledge Transfer Through Digital Storytelling and the Comics Medium: A Design Case

Asynchronous multimedia learning is a common form of delivering training in the workforce industry, and organizations rely on a completion status to measure that training. However, measuring retention and knowledge transfer of new material rarely occurs during asynchronous learning. Grounded in the Visual Language Theory (VLT) and a delivery modality of digital storytelling (DST) suggest that sequential images presented as a visual narrative have higher degrees of retention. Thus, knowledge transfer occurs when learners relate to the narrative and visual applications when engaging with a comics approach to learning. From 2019-2022 a story emerged to design and develop an asynchronous digital storytelling comic narrative about simulation obstetrics training for distribution to 700 nurses in Bihar, India. Chapter 1 introduces digital storytelling and the use of comics in medical education. Chapter 2 explores the literature around visual language theory, digital storytelling, and andragogy in comics. Chapter 3 investigates the initial design beginning in 2018 with the implementation study, to the Simulation Educator Training redesign in 2019. A thorough needs assessment introduces Chapter 4 with learner and context analysis, exposing communication barriers, culture representation, character development, and technology challenges. The initial deployment and subsequent feedback survey in late 2019 resulted in a major redesign beginning in 2020. The following two years resulted in ten comic episodes with shorter seat time, more in-depth explanations of abstract concepts, and interactive scenarios to practice real-world situations. Chapter 5 concludes with lessons learned, opportunities, and closing with the results of a final study conducted in late 2021 and published in February 2022 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, resulting in an 86% increase in retention