Investigation of mobility supports for smart-securedseamless (SSS) public transportation in Kuala- Lumpur based on TV white space

The future smart public transport infrastructure is emerging as a complex web, where fine-grained monitoring of all transportation systems via wireless communication will be made possible. Inadvertently, resulting in Smart-Secured-Seamless (SSS) public transportation network infrastructure. Kuala-Lumpur (KL), the capital city of Malaysia is endowed with a network of well-developed and articulated public transportation system. However, there is no hotspot while in or around the KL public transport hubs to facilitate Smart-Secured-Seamless connectivity either for the management or for the commuters. Leading to relying on commercial Internet providers for internet access. In order to solve this problem, we are proposing using Television White Space (TVWS) technology to provide connectivity to all bus/train public transport hubs in Kuala-Lumpur and environs. Based on our framework, we draw conclusion regarding the feasibility and commercial importance of SSS public transport framework, and identify some of the remaining technical challenges. We presented simulation based on Clarke-Gans channel model to study Doppler shift effects. Results, indicate that there is no remarkable performance difference between 802.22 TVWS wireless standard and 802.16e WiMAX, which is the closest wireless standard to 802.22. Hence, offering TVWS as the preferred and alternative wireless standard for intelligent transport system in Malaysia. View les

Social, Private, and Trusted Wearable Technology under Cloud-Aided Intermittent Wireless Connectivity

There has been an unprecedented increase in the use of smart devices globally, together with novel forms of communication, computing, and control technologies that have paved the way for a new category of devices, known as high-end wearables. While massive deployments of these objects may improve the lives of people, unauthorized access to the said private equipment and its connectivity is potentially dangerous. Hence, communication enablers together with highly-secure human authentication mechanisms have to be designed.In addition, it is important to understand how human beings, as the primary users, interact with wearable devices on a day-to-day basis; usage should be comfortable, seamless, user-friendly, and mindful of urban dynamics. Usually the connectivity between wearables and the cloud is executed through the user’s more power independent gateway: this will usually be a smartphone, which may have potentially unreliable infrastructure connectivity. In response to these unique challenges, this thesis advocates for the adoption of direct, secure, proximity-based communication enablers enhanced with multi-factor authentication (hereafter refereed to MFA) that can integrate/interact with wearable technology. Their intelligent combination together with the connection establishment automation relying on the device/user social relations would allow to reliably grant or deny access in cases of both stable and intermittent connectivity to the trusted authority running in the cloud.The introduction will list the main communication paradigms, applications, conventional network architectures, and any relevant wearable-specific challenges. Next, the work examines the improved architecture and security enablers for clusterization between wearable gateways with a proximity-based communication as a baseline. Relying on this architecture, the author then elaborates on the social ties potentially overlaying the direct connectivity management in cases of both reliable and unreliable connection to the trusted cloud. The author discusses that social-aware cooperation and trust relations between users and/or the devices themselves are beneficial for the architecture under proposal. Next, the author introduces a protocol suite that enables temporary delegation of personal device use dependent on different connectivity conditions to the cloud.After these discussions, the wearable technology is analyzed as a biometric and behavior data provider for enabling MFA. The conventional approaches of the authentication factor combination strategies are compared with the ‘intelligent’ method proposed further. The assessment finds significant advantages to the developed solution over existing ones.On the practical side, the performance evaluation of existing cryptographic primitives, as part of the experimental work, shows the possibility of developing the experimental methods further on modern wearable devices.In summary, the set of enablers developed here for wearable technology connectivity is aimed at enriching people’s everyday lives in a secure and usable way, in cases when communication to the cloud is not consistently available

Cultural migrants : the 'imagined West' and the national identity of young Japanese in Tokyo, New York City and London

This thesis examines the joint effect of media and migration on national identity. It particularly aims to explore (1) how people conceive the idea of migration to Western countries for symbolic reasons; (2) how migrants experience their sense of national identity in their host country. To answer these questions, I conducted a case study of twenty-two young Japanese. By using 'multi-sited ethnography', I followed their migration process from Tokyo to New York City/London (and to Tokyo) over three years. The first question is based on Arjun Appadurai's theory of the relation between media and migration. Following this theory, I show how the media lead potential migrants to construct their 'imagined worlds'. Having been exposed to a large quantity of images conveyed by the media, some respondents begin to imagine NYC to be very 'similar' to Tokyo and believe that they can live a 'normal' life with better prospects; others imagine London to be the place where they can acquire 'cultural capital' for their art careers. Thus, they conceive the idea of migration to these particular regions of their 'imagined West'. As for the second question, however, I argue that the media do not always enable migrants to develop transnational identities, and here I challenge the emerging orthodoxy in theories of transnationalism. In this case, the key is the 'homogeneous' Japanese national identity which the young migrants bring with them. Because Japan is generally considered 'racially homogenous', they are not much aware of issues concerning 'race' and ethnic relations while living there. After arriving in NYC or London, however, their race becomes 'marked', and various obstacles become visible to them in their everyday lives. Consequently, they renegotiate their sense of Japaneseness in significant ways, and often develop a stronger attachment to their nation of origin than they had prior to migration

Communicating Science

Modern science communication has emerged in the twentieth century as a field of study, a body of practice and a profession—and it is a practice with deep historical roots. We have seen the birth of interactive science centres, the first university actions in teaching and conducting research, and a sharp growth in employment of science communicators. This collection charts the emergence of modern science communication across the world. This is the first volume to map investment around the globe in science centres, university courses and research, publications and conferences as well as tell the national stories of science communication. How did it all begin? How has development varied from one country to another? What motivated governments, institutions and people to see science communication as an answer to questions of the social place of science? Communicating Science describes the pathways followed by 39 different countries. All continents and many cultures are represented. For some countries, this is the first time that their science communication story has been told

Skills Development for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Asia-Pacific

Focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, which in recent years has been the engine of global economic growth , this volume surveys trends and prospects in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with particular reference to achieving inclusive growth and the greening of economies. Underlying the increasing pressure for new models of TVET provision is the rapid pace of technological change, demand for a work force which is highly responsive to evolving needs and a transforming market place that calls for higher order skills and lifelong learning. The book proposes a re-engineered, modernized TVET system that fosters an innovative approach which enhances the employability of workers as well as the sustainability of their livelihoods. The book includes contributions from leading policy makers, researchers, and practitioners, including those in the private sector in analyzing and forecasting the most urgent priorities in skills development. The book argues for creative approaches to TVET design and delivery particularly with a view to improve job prospects , and meeting the goals of inclusion, sustainable development and social cohesion. Addressing issues such as the chronic mismatches between skills acquired and actual skills required in the work place, the volume proposes diversified approaches towards workforce development and partnerships with the private sector to improve the quality and relevance of skills development . The new imperatives created by ‘greening’ economies and responses required in skills development and training are addressed. Developing TVET is a high priority for governments in the Asia Pacific region as they seek to achieve long-term sustainable growth since the .continued success of their economic destinies depend on it. The volume also includes an emerging framework for skills development for inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia and Pacific region

Communicating Science

Modern science communication has emerged in the twentieth century as a field of study, a body of practice and a profession—and it is a practice with deep historical roots. We have seen the birth of interactive science centres, the first university actions in teaching and conducting research, and a sharp growth in employment of science communicators. This collection charts the emergence of modern science communication across the world. This is the first volume to map investment around the globe in science centres, university courses and research, publications and conferences as well as tell the national stories of science communication. How did it all begin? How has development varied from one country to another? What motivated governments, institutions and people to see science communication as an answer to questions of the social place of science? Communicating Science describes the pathways followed by 39 different countries. All continents and many cultures are represented. For some countries, this is the first time that their science communication story has been told

Social Sciences and Cultural Studies

This is a unique and groundbreaking collection of questions and answers coming from higher education institutions on diverse fields and across a wide spectrum of countries and cultures. It creates routes for further innovation, collaboration amidst the Sciences (both Natural and Social) and the Humanities and the private and the public sectors of society. The chapters speak across socio-cultural concerns, education, welfare and artistic sectors under the common desire for direct responses in more effective ways by means of interaction across societal structures

Corporate Governance Reforms in the Philippines: An Ethnographic Approach

This research investigates the impact of corporate governance reforms in Philippine institutions and firms. Literature reviewed looks at the macro and micro view of corporate governance theories and the prevailing business environment. The methodology of this research applies an ethnographic approach combining both deductive and inductive inquiries with a triangulated method using interviews, media articles and participant observation. Collection of the interview data occurred over four intensive months whilst in situ in Manila, Philippines. The data was then analysed using the NVivo qualitative analysis computer program. The results of my data collection and analysis are explained and distilled in six chapters. They are: - Chapter 4: Business and Corporate Governance Environment - Chapter 5: The Regulators - Chapter 6: Business Groups: The Owners of Companies - Chapter 7: The Board and Management: The Controllers of the Company - Chapter 8: The Government Financial Institutions - Chapter 9: Corruption The thesis concludes with a chapter on a summary of the research findings and recommendations for policy and practice

Migration, Resilience, Vulnerability and Migrants’ Health

In recent times, particularly during the 21st century, there have been significant increases and changes in international migration and resettlement patterns due to factors such as people’s ability to travel, ease of communication and technology, and civil unrest and conflicts. Global populations have increased and integrated across settings, challenging the differentiation between types of migrants, such as refugees (those migrating because of factors such as civil unrest, wars, persecution, or other vulnerability) and economic migrants. This mixture of migration and resettlement patterns will continue for generations due to these diverse, multicultural, and complex communities and we will need more research to provide evidence to inform nations and global responses to any emergences. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health focused on the migration, resilience, and vulnerability and general migrants’ health accepted original research papers, case reports, reviews, and conference papers. Articles dealing with new approaches to address issues, including migration (opportunities, challenges, and vulnerability), migrants’ health, settlement, and migrant health-care service access and specific migrants’ subgroups were also accepted. Other manuscript types including methodological papers, position papers, policy briefs and reports, and commentaries were sought. We accepted manuscripts from different disciplines, including public health, social and behavioural sciences, anthropology, epidemiology, psychology, and demography. This reprint compiles 30 publications