31 research outputs found

    Robust and secure resource management for automotive cyber-physical systems

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    2022 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.Modern vehicles are examples of complex cyber-physical systems with tens to hundreds of interconnected Electronic Control Units (ECUs) that manage various vehicular subsystems. With the shift towards autonomous driving, emerging vehicles are being characterized by an increase in the number of hardware ECUs, greater complexity of applications (software), and more sophisticated in-vehicle networks. These advances have resulted in numerous challenges that impact the reliability, security, and real-time performance of these emerging automotive systems. Some of the challenges include coping with computation and communication uncertainties (e.g., jitter), developing robust control software, detecting cyber-attacks, ensuring data integrity, and enabling confidentiality during communication. However, solutions to overcome these challenges incur additional overhead, which can catastrophically delay the execution of real-time automotive tasks and message transfers. Hence, there is a need for a holistic approach to a system-level solution for resource management in automotive cyber-physical systems that enables robust and secure automotive system design while satisfying a diverse set of system-wide constraints. ECUs in vehicles today run a variety of automotive applications ranging from simple vehicle window control to highly complex Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) applications. The aggressive attempts of automakers to make vehicles fully autonomous have increased the complexity and data rate requirements of applications and further led to the adoption of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) based techniques for improved perception and control. Additionally, modern vehicles are becoming increasingly connected with various external systems to realize more robust vehicle autonomy. These paradigm shifts have resulted in significant overheads in resource constrained ECUs and increased the complexity of the overall automotive system (including heterogeneous ECUs, network architectures, communication protocols, and applications), which has severe performance and safety implications on modern vehicles. The increased complexity of automotive systems introduces several computation and communication uncertainties in automotive subsystems that can cause delays in applications and messages, resulting in missed real-time deadlines. Missing deadlines for safety-critical automotive applications can be catastrophic, and this problem will be further aggravated in the case of future autonomous vehicles. Additionally, due to the harsh operating conditions (such as high temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI)) of automotive embedded systems, there is a significant risk to the integrity of the data that is exchanged between ECUs which can lead to faulty vehicle control. These challenges demand a more reliable design of automotive systems that is resilient to uncertainties and supports data integrity goals. Additionally, the increased connectivity of modern vehicles has made them highly vulnerable to various kinds of sophisticated security attacks. Hence, it is also vital to ensure the security of automotive systems, and it will become crucial as connected and autonomous vehicles become more ubiquitous. However, imposing security mechanisms on the resource constrained automotive systems can result in additional computation and communication overhead, potentially leading to further missed deadlines. Therefore, it is crucial to design techniques that incur very minimal overhead (lightweight) when trying to achieve the above-mentioned goals and ensure the real-time performance of the system. We address these issues by designing a holistic resource management framework called ROSETTA that enables robust and secure automotive cyber-physical system design while satisfying a diverse set of constraints related to reliability, security, real-time performance, and energy consumption. To achieve reliability goals, we have developed several techniques for reliability-aware scheduling and multi-level monitoring of signal integrity. To achieve security objectives, we have proposed a lightweight security framework that provides confidentiality and authenticity while meeting both security and real-time constraints. We have also introduced multiple deep learning based intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor and detect cyber-attacks in the in-vehicle network. Lastly, we have introduced novel techniques for jitter management and security management and deployed lightweight IDSs on resource constrained automotive ECUs while ensuring the real-time performance of the automotive systems

    MINA - a tool for MSC-based performance analysis and simulation of distributed systems

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    Performance analysis can help to address quantitative system analysis from the early stages of the system development life cycle, e.g., to compare design alternatives or to identify system bottlenecks. This thesis addresses the problem of performance evaluation of distributed systems by employing a viewpoint where analytical and simulative evaluation techniques are unified in the MINA tool to make use of both techniques. We suggest a modelling tool chain to evaluate the performance of distributed systems like computer and communication systems based on an MSC description of the system. MSC-based performance evaluation of distributed systems is an approach that uses performance models, which are based on an MSC description of a system to evaluate system performance measures. To determine the system performance, these descriptions can be extended by notions for time consumption and resource usage and afterwards be included in a system performance model. Based on this unique model specification, analytical as well as simulative techniques can be applied to achieve either quick mean value results by queueing networks analysis or confidence intervals or transient measures by simulation. The applicability to real world systems and the advantages of the tool has been demonstrated by a large application example in the field of mobile communication systems, and its effectiveness has been evaluated by comparing it with other approaches. The experimental results show that the tool is scalable, the way it can model simple as well as complex systems. Moreover, it is straightforward and has the ability to find reasonable solutions in an efficient manner

    Port Sustainability Management System for Smaller Ports in Cornwall and Devon

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    Many smaller ports in Cornwall and Devon (CAD) are situated in environmentally sensitive habitats and generate benefits for stakeholders and local communities. Such ports are often embedded in tourist based economies. Increasing environmental legislation is placing a strain on the resources of smaller ports making compliance a threat to profitability and thus the future of some ports and local economies. Over-reliance on environmental management systems (EMS) across the ports industry has predominated over the importance of holistic sustainability. This project develops and disseminates a port sustainability management system (PSMS) in CAD, assisting ports to plan marine and maritime operations more sustainably, to facilitate mitigation of potential risks, to increase knowledge and awareness of port sustainability, and to promote the adoption of a proactive stance towards sustainable port management. A constructivist philosophy suited a multiple methods research design which included ethnographic content analysis (ECA), statistical verification of qualitative coding, nine scoping interviews, and eight semi-structured interviews during the main phase of data collection. The seven Harbour Masters (HMs) in this phase represented all port governance types found in the UK. Charmaz’s grounded theory (GT) methodology guided the collection and analysis of primary data between August 2012 and February 2013 to create new theory using an inductive constructivist approach. Validation by fifteen of the thirty local HMs during industry testing revealed numerous advantages and benefits of deploying PSMS which is estimated to generate £50,000 worth of benefits per port annually, and £3,865,005 for the 15 participating ports over 5 years. A new model of smaller port sustainability has emerged. PSMS has eleven pillars of sustainability which underpin the spectrum of port operations. Within this model, each pillar is equally important in contributing to the overall sustainability of a port, and neglect of one could jeopardise sustainability overall and potentially cause a chain reaction with other pillars.European Social Fund Combined Universities of Cornwall (ESF-CUC

    Earned Value Management (EVM) Implementation Handbook

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    The purpose of this handbook is to provide Earned Value Management (EVM) guidance for the effective application, implementation, and utilization of EVM on NASA programs, projects, major contracts and subcontracts in a consolidated reference document. EVM is a project management process that effectively integrates a project s scope of work with schedule and cost elements for optimum project planning and control. The goal is to achieve timely and accurate quantification of progress that will facilitate management by exception and enable early visibility into the nature and the magnitude of technical problems as well as the intended course and success of corrective actions

    Military Sciences – The Backbone of Military Educational Institutions? Book of abstracts ISMS 2017

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    On November 15th–17th 2017 the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC) will host the #ISMS17 conference in Oslo on behalf of the International Society of Military Sciences (ISMS).This #ISMS17 Book of Abstracts is to serve as an introduction to all of the abstracts submitted and presented at the conference. The publication is organized according to the ISMS thematic Working Group structure which provides an overview of sub-disciplinary efforts of addressing issues of relevance within the field of Military Sciences. All abstracts contain institutional affiliation and contact information to the presenter. Therefore we believe that the #ISMS17 Book of Abstracts will be useful also as a tool for potential collaboration between the ISMS institutions with its research fellowship and among the wider ISMS community

    Understanding how the identity of international aid agencies and their approaches to security are mutually shaped

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    The objective of the thesis is to study, through a critical constructivist analysis, the conception and practice of security by humanitarian international aid agencies (IAAs), with particular reference to their relation with private military and security companies (PMSCs). The research provides a qualitative analysis of humanitarian security, which is defined as the practice of safely accessing vulnerable populations for humanitarian purposes. Its methodology relies on semi-structured interviews, including in Afghanistan and Haiti; participant observation; and a literature review. The thesis‘ critical constructivist approach implies studying the co-constitution of aid organizations‘ identity and interests. It argues that IAAs‘ identity and approaches to security are mutually shaped. It does so by first highlighting dominant discourses framing aid agencies‘ identity and processes by which particular views are reproduced. It then identifies the dominant representations in security management and reveals how they relate to IAAs‘ identity. The thesis defines three ideal–types of IAAs (Deontological, Solidarist and Utilitarian) and of PMSCs (Guarding, Unarmed, and Weaponised). This typology allows a dissecting of IAAs‘ different conceptions and practices of security, and the conditions under which each type of IAA employs PMSCs. The research reveals that an aid agency‘s identity forms the basis of its approach to security. Identity and security, are however, not stable but dynamic and in a constant process of interaction with each other. The thesis then offers a study of these dynamic processes, with a focus on agents. The thesis delves into the implications of the research for the concept of security and reveals how humanitarian security embodies IAAs‘ distinctive baggage. It suggests that IAAs require a more comprehensive understanding of how their identity and practices affect their security. The thesis‘ original contribution is two-fold: it represents the first critical constructivist study of humanitarian security practices and is the first research to study humanitarian organizations as referent objects of security

    Quality Driven Scheduling in Construction

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    Despite the enormous research effort that has been made in the last fifty years, the goal of construction scheduling quality seems still a long way far. This dissertation has the aim of contributing to the understanding of the quality of construction scheduling, and three issues have been chosen: schedule quality; quality and project control; scheduling approaches for construction. The goal of the whole research work is to study quality in scheduling and project controlling, and to propose some possible research lines to better understand the needed quality for the planning, scheduling, and controlling approaches in construction projects, i.e. quality driven scheduling.Starting from the development of the Critical Path Method (CPM), PERT and Precedence Diagramming, until the recent Location-Based Planning, project scheduling has been developing and improving continuously. However, construction project scheduling systems are still considered to miss the goal of increasing project control efficiency. Project Scheduling is, indeed, one of the basic tools of construction project management, and the success of a project partially depends on having a high quality schedule that defines when each activity will occur and with which duration, and its logic links with other activities and their sequences. Moreover, construction productivity is considered to be improved through scheduling as it can manage different problems such as process productivity, coordination and safety, and connections between systems and processes. Quality of construction scheduling has been object of research in a rather limited manner, and the need of recommended schedule development practices for quality assurance of scheduling processes and deliverables still exists. Therefore, the research work is based upon three main research questions: a) what is schedule quality? b) what does scheduling produce in terms of quality? c) can the activity network schedule model be process-oriented and quality driven? The gained results propose the following regarding to the research questions.a) What is schedule quality? Schedule quality is the fulfilment of many schedule requirements, with the aim of satisfying the needs of work structuring of construction process and of scheduling mechanics. A method of understanding and measuring schedule quality in construction, termed “Schedule Health Assessment” is proposed. The Schedule Health Assessment method also has the aim of guiding the project scheduler in the schedule development process.b) What does scheduling produce in terms of quality? Project schedule is the basis for project control, mostly addressing time and progress of activities, and costs, while quality control is usually separated. Although, these three project objectives are interdependent, and process and product quality management should be fully included in project control. Quality control should be integrated in the project schedule through a “Quality Breakdown Structure”.c) Can the activity network schedule model be process-oriented and quality driven? Activity network creates logic of work structuring. A process-oriented scheduling method for construction has to deal with resources, workflow and spaces. The proposed method, termed Repetitive Networking Technique (REPNET), creates a quality driven construction-oriented schedule model by plotting network logic on resource-space charts and on flowlines.The research results suggest the implementation of these three approaches in the project scheduling of a construction project can improve the quality driven scheduling of the project, meaning the implementation of a good quality schedule, the integration in project control processes of the delivered quality and the process-oriented scheduling

    PORT PERFORMANCE AND CRUDE OIL EXPORT LOGISTICS SYSTEM DISTRIBUTION IN NIGERIA

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    Port Performance and Crude Oil Export Logistics System Distribution in Nigeria. Crude oil export is a resource that provides essential building blocks for economic development and prosperity for Crude oil exporting countries (COECs). Previous research found information flow been significant for logistics and supply chains sustainability. In the current low price environment, key COECs experienced recession, especially brought by the 2014 oil price crash. Obviously, performance of export terminals is vital to maintain competitive advantage. Nigeria’s reputation in the global oil market suffers due to avoidable delay arising because cargoes for tankers are occasionally disrupted through shutdown due to pipeline leaks or sabotage. In addition, when prices are relatively high an evolving energy transition scenario reveals a global shift in demand away from traditional fossil fuel to gas, and increasingly, reducing global demand for fossil fuels. The study was guided by a pragmatic philosophy, commencing with scoping interviews and mixed methods that embraced different analytical techniques. First, a model of key strategies to model port performance. Supply chain management (SCM) concepts were not fully understood by low-cost producers’ and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). International oil companies (IOCs operate more effectively than Indigenous companies and NNPC needs to review its business model. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) group decision makers scored the information sharing and synergy between supply chain actors’ strategy to be highest at 22.85%. Investment and security are topical in Nigeria because of inadequate investment in the pipeline automation security system, dredging, security platform and capability, metering systems and information communication technology. Improved port security encompass anti-piracy laws, private maritime security companies. The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) remains a key concern for all stakeholders, particularly concerning investment and information sharing networks. Policy contribution includes the use of reliable and accurate metering systems for bill of lading figure. Theoretical contribution revealed template analysis being a rare technique. In addition, weather friendliness has been found to be effective for seamless logistics operations as a resource base view strategy for Nigeria.PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND (PTDF), NIGERI

    A real-time demand response pricing model for the smart grid

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    Submitted to the University of Bedfordshire, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)This thesis contributes to a novel model for Real-Time Price Suggestions (RTPS) of the Smart Grid (SG), which is the next generation modern bi-directional grid, particularly with respect to the pricing model. The research employs an experiment-based methodology which includes the use of a simulation technique. The research developed a Demand Response (DR) pricing model. Energy users are keen to reduce their bills, and Energy Providers (EP) is also keen on reducing their industrial costs. The DR model would benefit them both. The model has been tested with the UK-based traditional price value using real-time usage data. Energy users significantly reduced their bill and EP reduced their industrial cost due to load shifting. The Price Control Unit (PCU) and Price Suggestion Unit (PSU) utilise a set of embedded algorithms to vary price based upon demand. This model makes suggestions based on an energy threshold and makes use of Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation Methods to produce prices. The results show that bill and peak load reductions benefit both the energy provider and users. The tests on a daily basis and monthly basis both benefit energy users and energy provider. The model has been validated by building a hardware prototype. This model also addresses users’ preferences; if users are non-responsive, they can still reduce their bills. The model contributes significantly to the existing models, and the novel contribution is the PSU which uniquely benefits energy users and provider. Therefore, there is a number of fundamental aspect of contributions to the model RTPS constitutes the final thesis of the PhD. The Real-Time Pricing is a better pricing system, algorithm developed on a daily basis and monthly basis and finally building a hardware prototype
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