A comparative analysis of graduate employment prospects in European labour markets:a study of graduate recruitment in four countries

The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of higher education and the graduate labour markets in selected European countries (France, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom) in the context of the expectations of graduates and prospective employers, and respective recruitment and selection practices. Expectations of graduating students from a number of European collaborating universities are sought and analysed in order to find out about a match between the knowledge and skills of graduates and the needs of European employers. The study examines the process of graduate recruitment, employee and employer expectations, and the role of higher education institutions in meeting such expectations. Primary data was gathered from 252 employers and 485 final year (graduating) students through the use of questionnaires. The analysis of the data collected has revealed different approaches to but similar methods of graduate recruitment between the four countries. Despite the current differences in higher education systems and labour market trends, the expectations of employers and graduating students are more similar than different. It is concluded that EU graduates will have good employment prospects in an integrated labour market

Will Employers Want Aging Boomers?

Explores the status quo of older workers; why baby boomers are likely to work longer; and how changes in needed skills, the characteristics of older workers, and labor force growth will affect demand for older workers. Includes policy recommendations

Selection and Validation of Health Indicators in Prognostics and Health Management System Design

Health Monitoring is the science of system health status evaluation. In the modern industrial world, it is getting more and more importance because it is a powerful tool to increase systems dependability. It is based on the observation of some variables extracted in operation reflecting the condition of a system. The quality of health monitoring strongly depends on the selection of these variables named health indicators. However, the issue in their selection is often underestimated and their validation is, of what is known, an untreated subject. In this paper, the authors introduce a complete methodology for the selection and validation of health indicators in health monitoring systems design. Although it can be applied either downstream on real measured data or upstream on simulated data, the true interest of the method is in the latter application. Indeed, a model-based validation can be integrated in the design phases of the system development process, thereby reducing potential controller retrofit costs and useless data storage. In order to simulate the distribution of health indicators, a well known surrogate model called Kriging is utilized. Eventually, the method is tested on a benchmark system: the high pressure pump of aircraft engines fuel systems. Thanks to the method, the set of health indicators was validated in system design phases and the monitoring is now ready to be implemented for in-service operation

The safety case and the lessons learned for the reliability and maintainability case

This paper examine the safety case and the lessons learned for the reliability and maintainability case

Machine Learning-Enhanced Advancements in Quantum Cryptography: A Comprehensive Review and Future Prospects

Quantum cryptography has emerged as a promising paradigm for secure communication, leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to guarantee information confidentiality and integrity. In recent years, the field of quantum cryptography has witnessed remarkable advancements, and the integration of machine learning techniques has further accelerated its progress. This research paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest developments in quantum cryptography, with a specific focus on the utilization of machine learning algorithms to enhance its capabilities. The paper begins by providing an overview of the principles underlying quantum cryptography, such as quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum secure direct communication (QSDC). Subsequently, it highlights the limitations of traditional quantum cryptographic schemes and introduces how machine learning approaches address these challenges, leading to improved performance and security. To illustrate the synergy between quantum cryptography and machine learning, several case studies are presented, showcasing successful applications of machine learning in optimizing key aspects of quantum cryptographic protocols. These applicatiocns encompass various tasks, including error correction, key rate optimization, protocol efficiency enhancement, and adaptive protocol selection. Furthermore, the paper delves into the potential risks and vulnerabilities introduced by integrating machine learning with quantum cryptography. The discussion revolves around adversarial attacks, model vulnerabilities, and potential countermeasures to bolster the robustness of machine learning-based quantum cryptographic systems. The future prospects of this combined field are also examined, highlighting potential avenues for further research and development. These include exploring novel machine learning architectures tailored for quantum cryptographic applications, investigating the interplay between quantum computing and machine learning in cryptographic protocols, and devising hybrid approaches that synergistically harness the strengths of both fields. In conclusion, this research paper emphasizes the significance of machine learning-enhanced advancements in quantum cryptography as a transformative force in securing future communication systems. The paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in understanding the state-of-the-art in this multidisciplinary domain and charting the course for its future advancements

Introducing industrial computer networks into the curriculum through a partner informed case study

Today an increasing number of systems and devices are being interconnected. The popular perception of this Internet of Things is of domestic appliances existing in comfortable or air conditioned environments connected to the Internet. However many systems that need to be interconnected exist in harsh environments such as extremes of temperature or in hostile environmental conditions, for example railway trackside equipment, utility plants or even at the bottom of an ocean. The network devices employed in these systems must operate in such harsh conditions. Westermo Data Communications manufactures networking equipment of this nature, for what we might refer to as the field of Industrial Networking. There is increasing demand for personnel with the experience and expertise in the design, implementation and management of these industrial networking systems. This represents an opportunity for the future employability of students enrolled on the computer networking degree programme at Southampton Solent University. Westermo has partnered with the University to help develop the unique industrial networking skills required by this sector through means of a case study based on a real world industrial networking scenario. This paper discusses how students developed solutions to the case study based on research supported by practical experience with Westermo equipment and informed by supporting material from their own teaching programme. Students also have the opportunity to gain Westermo certification to provide supporting evidence of expertise in this area

Mobile Paving System (MPS): A New Large Scale Freeform Fabrication Method

In the last decade, significant opportunities for automation have been identified in the area of construction. Soaring labor and material costs have driven multiple research efforts in construction automation. In this paper, we present a novel means for construction automation that involves the fusion of the rapid prototyping, controls and mechatronics technologies. The resultant autonomous construction mechanism has been designed for commercial applications. Mobile Paving System (MPS) is a new freeform fabrication process which is capable of rapidly producing variable profiles such as curbs and sidewalks out of materials like cement and asphalt. Path generation and guidance of the construction operation is controlled by a mobile robot. This article presents an overview of research and development efforts that are aimed at establishing the feasibility and the potential of the process.Mechanical Engineerin

From resource advantage to economic superiority : development and implications of China's rare earth policy

Rare Earth Elements (REE) have become the new strategic economic weapon for the modern age. Used in the manufacturing of products ranging from mobile phones to jet fighter engines, REEs have become the new “oil” of today in terms of economic and strategic importance. Currently, 95% of REEs mined globally are mined in China, giving China a monopoly on the industry. Deng Xiaoping foresaw the importance of REEs in 1992 when he commented: “as there is oil in the Middle East, there is rare earth in China.” Recently, China temporarily stopped exports of REEs to Japan, the EU and the US as an unofficial response to varying political and economic issues. This stoppage raised concerns as to the dependability of China and REE exports. Using the theory of neo-mercantilism, this paper analyzes China’s actions in the REE market and its subsequent economic and political implications. It concludes with a look at how countries are trying to position themselves away from a dependency on China