The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by phy...The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by physical attacks,EMP(electromagnetic pulse)events,or cyberattacks,such disruptions could cripple essential services like water supply,healthcare,communication,and transportation.Research indicates that an attack on just nine key substations could result in a coast-to-coast blackout lasting up to 18 months,leading to economic collapse,civil unrest,and a breakdown of public order.This paper explores the key vulnerabilities of the grid,the potential impacts of prolonged blackouts,and the role of AI(artificial intelligence)and ML(machine learning)in mitigating these threats.AI-driven cybersecurity measures,predictive maintenance,automated threat response,and EMP resilience strategies are discussed as essential solutions to bolster grid security.Policy recommendations emphasize the need for hardened infrastructure,enhanced cybersecurity,redundant power systems,and AI-based grid management to ensure national resilience.Without proactive measures,the nation remains exposed to a catastrophic power grid failure that could have dire consequences for society and the economy.展开更多
Ghanaian construction projects encounter a number of challenges, including low health, safety, and environmental requirements, poor performance, and time and cost overruns. To provide value for money (VFM) on governme...Ghanaian construction projects encounter a number of challenges, including low health, safety, and environmental requirements, poor performance, and time and cost overruns. To provide value for money (VFM) on government infrastructure projects in Ghana, this research assesses the roles of project consultants, specifically architects and quantity surveyors, and highlights important obstacles. A cross-sectional survey design involving architects and quantity surveyors yielded a 96% response rate after 100 questionnaires were distributed. Consultants’ responsibilities also include monitoring standards compliance, providing advice on delays, controlling budgets, and advising on project completion dates. Difficulties encompass a lack of promptness in decision-making, unethical conduct, political pressure, and inadequate focus on contract administration and construction audits. Project urgency, longevity, political clout, timely decision-making, and team experience are important variables that impact VFM. Policy makers and construction management practitioners should take note of the implications for Ghana’s public infrastructure projects.展开更多
The advancement of the fourth industrial revolution has shaped the integration and interaction of different information, communication and technologies (ICTs) in the merging cyber, physical, and social infrastructures...The advancement of the fourth industrial revolution has shaped the integration and interaction of different information, communication and technologies (ICTs) in the merging cyber, physical, and social infrastructures. The impact of ICT has accelerated the progress of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and influenced the evolution of smart, sustainable, stable society development. Making the trustworthy information and communication technologies infrastructure widely available will promote the community innovation needed to stimulate domestic economics, provide decent work, and reduce inequalities. This article attempts to outline a big picture about the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s trust provisioning framework, including its motivation, current status, and application for achieving the UN SDGs by 2030. This article first describes the purpose of the UN SDGs and the evolution of the industrial revolution, then demonstrates the challenges of global risks affecting the fourth industrial revolution and the need for trustworthy ICT infrastructures. Subsequently, the article evaluates the ITU trust provisioning framework and assesses its applications in the future knowledge society, trust provisioning ecosystem, and cyber, physical, and social infrastructure toward achieving UN SDGs. Use cases are also presented in this article to show the effectiveness of the ITU trust provisioning framework on achieving UN SDGs.展开更多
Cyber Defense is becoming a major issue for every organization to keep business continuity intact.The presented paper explores the effectiveness of a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm-Artificial Bees Colony Algori...Cyber Defense is becoming a major issue for every organization to keep business continuity intact.The presented paper explores the effectiveness of a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm-Artificial Bees Colony Algorithm(ABC)as an Nature Inspired Cyber Security mechanism to achieve adaptive defense.It experiments on the Denial-Of-Service attack scenarios which involves limiting the traffic flow for each node.Businesses today have adapted their service distribution models to include the use of the Internet,allowing them to effectively manage and interact with their customer data.This shift has created an increased reliance on online services to store vast amounts of confidential customer data,meaning any disruption or outage of these services could be disastrous for the business,leaving them without the knowledge to serve their customers.Adversaries can exploit such an event to gain unauthorized access to the confidential data of the customers.The proposed algorithm utilizes an Adaptive Defense approach to continuously select nodes that could present characteristics of a probable malicious entity.For any changes in network parameters,the cluster of nodes is selected in the prepared solution set as a probable malicious node and the traffic rate with the ratio of packet delivery is managed with respect to the properties of normal nodes to deliver a disaster recovery plan for potential businesses.展开更多
This paper investigates the machine detectability(MD)of road markings under various environmental conditions,crucial for the definition of operational design domains(ODD)of automated driving systems as well as the ass...This paper investigates the machine detectability(MD)of road markings under various environmental conditions,crucial for the definition of operational design domains(ODD)of automated driving systems as well as the assessment of operational domains(OD).By analysing the correlation between MD parameters,specifically contrast,gradient,and edge detectability,and common photometric properties of road markings currently used for maintenance management(retroreflectivity and daytime visibility),the paper aims to bridge the gap in current road marking detectability research and OD assessment.The methodology encompassed a detailed examination of road markings on a motorway under different lighting and weather conditions,employing both camera and Li DAR sensors for data collection.The findings reveal that the retroreflectivity is a consistent predictor for MD in camera images during nighttime and for Li DAR contrast in dry and moist conditions,whereas the daytime visibility fails to reliably predict MD in daytime conditions.Moreover,the study introduces a multi-parameter approach that transcends sole contrast analysis as well as the usage of off-the-shelf machine vision systems,proposing a new set of MD parameters for a broader and transparent evaluation of road marking detectability.This comprehensive assessment highlights the need for quality standards for road markings that would accommodate varying environmental impacts on MD of road markings.Ultimately,this research provides valuable insights and recommendations on research approaches to find demand-oriented minimum standards for MD of road markings,enabling comprehensive OD assessments,and facilitating safer navigation for automated vehicles.展开更多
With the growing rate of automated vehicles(AVs)at the lower level of automation,the experimental tests are also in progress with vehicles at higher levels.In the absence of extended digital infrastructures and deploy...With the growing rate of automated vehicles(AVs)at the lower level of automation,the experimental tests are also in progress with vehicles at higher levels.In the absence of extended digital infrastructures and deployment of level 5 full automated vehicles,the physical infrastructure is required to maintain a fundamental role to enable their introduction in public roads.This paper focuses on lane support system(LSS)whose operational design domain(ODD)is strongly connected to the road characteristics and conditions.An experimental test was carried out with a state of the art,and LSS and advanced technologies were used for road monitoring on different roads under various environmental conditions including dry,wet pavements and rain.We applied the generalized estimation equation for logistic regression to account within-cluster homogeneity which is induced by repeated measures on the same road sections.Statistical models allow the identification of variables that are significant for the LSS fault probability among various effects of road features including marking,pavement distress,weather conditions,horizontal curvature,and cross section.Results pointed out the relevance of the wet retro-reflection of marking(RLw)and the horizontal curvature in the definition of ODD for LSS.Threshold values have been proposed for the tested LSS.Wet pavement doesn’t affect the LSS performance when compared to the dry condition.Rain was shown to be critical even with very good road characteristics.展开更多
文摘The national grid and other life-sustaining critical infrastructures face an unprecedented threat from prolonged blackouts,which could last over a year and pose a severe risk to national security.Whether caused by physical attacks,EMP(electromagnetic pulse)events,or cyberattacks,such disruptions could cripple essential services like water supply,healthcare,communication,and transportation.Research indicates that an attack on just nine key substations could result in a coast-to-coast blackout lasting up to 18 months,leading to economic collapse,civil unrest,and a breakdown of public order.This paper explores the key vulnerabilities of the grid,the potential impacts of prolonged blackouts,and the role of AI(artificial intelligence)and ML(machine learning)in mitigating these threats.AI-driven cybersecurity measures,predictive maintenance,automated threat response,and EMP resilience strategies are discussed as essential solutions to bolster grid security.Policy recommendations emphasize the need for hardened infrastructure,enhanced cybersecurity,redundant power systems,and AI-based grid management to ensure national resilience.Without proactive measures,the nation remains exposed to a catastrophic power grid failure that could have dire consequences for society and the economy.
文摘Ghanaian construction projects encounter a number of challenges, including low health, safety, and environmental requirements, poor performance, and time and cost overruns. To provide value for money (VFM) on government infrastructure projects in Ghana, this research assesses the roles of project consultants, specifically architects and quantity surveyors, and highlights important obstacles. A cross-sectional survey design involving architects and quantity surveyors yielded a 96% response rate after 100 questionnaires were distributed. Consultants’ responsibilities also include monitoring standards compliance, providing advice on delays, controlling budgets, and advising on project completion dates. Difficulties encompass a lack of promptness in decision-making, unethical conduct, political pressure, and inadequate focus on contract administration and construction audits. Project urgency, longevity, political clout, timely decision-making, and team experience are important variables that impact VFM. Policy makers and construction management practitioners should take note of the implications for Ghana’s public infrastructure projects.
文摘The advancement of the fourth industrial revolution has shaped the integration and interaction of different information, communication and technologies (ICTs) in the merging cyber, physical, and social infrastructures. The impact of ICT has accelerated the progress of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and influenced the evolution of smart, sustainable, stable society development. Making the trustworthy information and communication technologies infrastructure widely available will promote the community innovation needed to stimulate domestic economics, provide decent work, and reduce inequalities. This article attempts to outline a big picture about the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s trust provisioning framework, including its motivation, current status, and application for achieving the UN SDGs by 2030. This article first describes the purpose of the UN SDGs and the evolution of the industrial revolution, then demonstrates the challenges of global risks affecting the fourth industrial revolution and the need for trustworthy ICT infrastructures. Subsequently, the article evaluates the ITU trust provisioning framework and assesses its applications in the future knowledge society, trust provisioning ecosystem, and cyber, physical, and social infrastructure toward achieving UN SDGs. Use cases are also presented in this article to show the effectiveness of the ITU trust provisioning framework on achieving UN SDGs.
文摘Cyber Defense is becoming a major issue for every organization to keep business continuity intact.The presented paper explores the effectiveness of a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm-Artificial Bees Colony Algorithm(ABC)as an Nature Inspired Cyber Security mechanism to achieve adaptive defense.It experiments on the Denial-Of-Service attack scenarios which involves limiting the traffic flow for each node.Businesses today have adapted their service distribution models to include the use of the Internet,allowing them to effectively manage and interact with their customer data.This shift has created an increased reliance on online services to store vast amounts of confidential customer data,meaning any disruption or outage of these services could be disastrous for the business,leaving them without the knowledge to serve their customers.Adversaries can exploit such an event to gain unauthorized access to the confidential data of the customers.The proposed algorithm utilizes an Adaptive Defense approach to continuously select nodes that could present characteristics of a probable malicious entity.For any changes in network parameters,the cluster of nodes is selected in the prepared solution set as a probable malicious node and the traffic rate with the ratio of packet delivery is managed with respect to the properties of normal nodes to deliver a disaster recovery plan for potential businesses.
基金the German Federal Highway Research Institute(BASt)project FE 0.3.0590/2019/EGB,which funded part of the measurements in this study。
文摘This paper investigates the machine detectability(MD)of road markings under various environmental conditions,crucial for the definition of operational design domains(ODD)of automated driving systems as well as the assessment of operational domains(OD).By analysing the correlation between MD parameters,specifically contrast,gradient,and edge detectability,and common photometric properties of road markings currently used for maintenance management(retroreflectivity and daytime visibility),the paper aims to bridge the gap in current road marking detectability research and OD assessment.The methodology encompassed a detailed examination of road markings on a motorway under different lighting and weather conditions,employing both camera and Li DAR sensors for data collection.The findings reveal that the retroreflectivity is a consistent predictor for MD in camera images during nighttime and for Li DAR contrast in dry and moist conditions,whereas the daytime visibility fails to reliably predict MD in daytime conditions.Moreover,the study introduces a multi-parameter approach that transcends sole contrast analysis as well as the usage of off-the-shelf machine vision systems,proposing a new set of MD parameters for a broader and transparent evaluation of road marking detectability.This comprehensive assessment highlights the need for quality standards for road markings that would accommodate varying environmental impacts on MD of road markings.Ultimately,this research provides valuable insights and recommendations on research approaches to find demand-oriented minimum standards for MD of road markings,enabling comprehensive OD assessments,and facilitating safer navigation for automated vehicles.
基金partially financed by“Astro Database”Project of the University of Catania
文摘With the growing rate of automated vehicles(AVs)at the lower level of automation,the experimental tests are also in progress with vehicles at higher levels.In the absence of extended digital infrastructures and deployment of level 5 full automated vehicles,the physical infrastructure is required to maintain a fundamental role to enable their introduction in public roads.This paper focuses on lane support system(LSS)whose operational design domain(ODD)is strongly connected to the road characteristics and conditions.An experimental test was carried out with a state of the art,and LSS and advanced technologies were used for road monitoring on different roads under various environmental conditions including dry,wet pavements and rain.We applied the generalized estimation equation for logistic regression to account within-cluster homogeneity which is induced by repeated measures on the same road sections.Statistical models allow the identification of variables that are significant for the LSS fault probability among various effects of road features including marking,pavement distress,weather conditions,horizontal curvature,and cross section.Results pointed out the relevance of the wet retro-reflection of marking(RLw)and the horizontal curvature in the definition of ODD for LSS.Threshold values have been proposed for the tested LSS.Wet pavement doesn’t affect the LSS performance when compared to the dry condition.Rain was shown to be critical even with very good road characteristics.
