Climate Risk and Price Jumps

Scientific Conference (2022, October)

OpenAirInterface as a platform for 5G-NTN Research and Experimentation

in IEEE Future Networks World Forum (2022, October)

Technical advancements and experimental works for the integration of 5G and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) have gained significant traction over the past few years. NTN components have been officially ... [more ▼]

Technical advancements and experimental works for the integration of 5G and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) have gained significant traction over the past few years. NTN components have been officially included in the 5G ecosystem by 3GPP in the latest Release-17. 5G-NTN research is ongoing and it is desirable to have a platform that facilitates quick prototyping of the proof-of-concept methods. OpenAirInterface(OAI) is an open-source experimental yet 3GPP standard-compliant Software Defined Radio (SDR) based protocol stack that has been widely known for implementing 4G/5G technologies. Due to its proven capabilities and flexibility, OAI is currently in the developmental process of integrating adaptations for the 5G-NTN. In this work, we discuss the peculiar features of OAI which are shaping it towards becoming a preferred tool for research and experimentation related to 5G-NTN. We provide details of completed/ongoing 5G-NTN projects leveraging OAI to achieve their objectives. In particular, we discuss 5G-GOA and 5G-LEO where critical adaptations in OAI are being done to support 5G-NTN usecases. Such adaptations enable direct-access between UE and gNB via transparent payload Geostationary (5G-GOA) and Nongeostationary satellites (5G-LEO). Both projects have closely followed 3GPP discussions over 5G-NTN and the adaptations are compliant with the currently frozen 3GPP Release-17. OAI adaptations from both projects will be merged into the main development branch of OAI. We also provide a future roadmap of OAI towards 5G-NTN development. We believe that the pioneering steps taken in the course of the aforementioned projects will establish OAI as a preferred tool for 5G-NTN research and experimentations. [less ▲]

Enabling Elements of Simulations Digital Twins and its Applicability for Information Superiority in Defence Domain

Scientific Conference (2022, September 29)

The emerging concept of digital twins is the key enabler for modelling and simulations needs of any future-ready entity. Digital twins enable rapid transformation of requirements into capabilities at much ... [more ▼]

The emerging concept of digital twins is the key enabler for modelling and simulations needs of any future-ready entity. Digital twins enable rapid transformation of requirements into capabilities at much lower costs, compared to conventional methods, through enhancement of modularity and scalability. Elements of a modelling and simulations digital twin are discussed in this paper. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, surrogate modelling, optimization, parallelization, high performance computing, cloud architecture design, etc. These concepts are relevant for the integration of modelling and simulations technologies into a single interface digital twin for rapid prototyping and qualification of engineering systems. Use of these emerging technologies leads to significantly less simulation computation time (reduced from hours/days to seconds or even micro-seconds) compared to the conventional methods. Ease-of-collaboration with all stakeholders, reduced testing time, minimal on-site infrastructure requirements are the key cost-reducing advantages found in this study. Applicability of such intelligent and online digital twins for information superiority to enhance cybersecurity and on-board threat assessment of space-based (defence) services is analysed. The use of these synchronized and interoperable capabilities mitigates both reversible and non-reversible physical and cyber threats to defence space infrastructure. [less ▲]

Android Malware Detection Using BERT

in Jianying, Zhou (Ed.) Applied Cryptography and Network Security Workshops (2022, September 24)

In this paper, we propose two empirical studies to (1) detect Android malware and (2) classify Android malware into families. We rst (1) reproduce the results of MalBERT using BERT models learning with ... [more ▼]

In this paper, we propose two empirical studies to (1) detect Android malware and (2) classify Android malware into families. We rst (1) reproduce the results of MalBERT using BERT models learning with Android application's manifests obtained from 265k applications (vs. 22k for MalBERT) from the AndroZoo dataset in order to detect malware. The results of the MalBERT paper are excellent and hard to believe as a manifest only roughly represents an application, we therefore try to answer the following questions in this paper. Are the experiments from MalBERT reproducible? How important are Permissions for mal- ware detection? Is it possible to keep or improve the results by reducing the size of the manifests? We then (2) investigate if BERT can be used to classify Android malware into families. The results show that BERT can successfully di erentiate malware/goodware with 97% accuracy. Further- more BERT can classify malware families with 93% accuracy. We also demonstrate that Android permissions are not what allows BERT to successfully classify and even that it does not actually need it. [less ▲]

Methods for increasing the dependability of High-performance, Many-core, System-on-Chips

in Graczyk, Rafal; Memon, Md Saad; Volp, Marcus (Eds.) IAC 2022 congress proceedings, 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) (2022, September 21)

Future space exploration and exploitation missions will require significantly increased autonomy of operation for mission planning, decision-making, and adaptive control techniques. Spacecrafts will ... [more ▼]

Future space exploration and exploitation missions will require significantly increased autonomy of operation for mission planning, decision-making, and adaptive control techniques. Spacecrafts will integrate new processing and compression algorithms that are often augmented with machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities. This functionality will have to be provided with high levels of robustness, reliability, and dependability for conducting missions successfully. High-reliability requirements for space-grade processors have led to trade-offs in terms of costs, energy efficiency, and performance to obtain robustness. However, while high-performance / low-robustness configurations are acceptable in the Earth's vicinity, where assets remain protected by the planet's magnetosphere, they cease to work in more demanding environments, like cis-lunar or deep space, where high-energy particles will affect modern components heavily, causing temporary or permanent damage and ultimately system failures. The above has led to a situation where state-of-the-art processing elements (processors, co-processors, memories, special purpose accelerators, and field-programmable-gate arrays (FPGAs), all possibly integrated into System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designs) are superior to their high reliability, space-qualified counterparts in terms of processing power or energy efficiency. For example, from modern, state-of-the-art (SOTA) devices, one can expect a 2-3 order-of-magnitude performance per Watts improvement over space-grade equipment. Likewise, one finds a gap of approximately nine technology nodes between devices, which translates into a factor 25 decrease in operations per Watts. In this paper, we demonstrate how to utilize part of this enormous performance advantage to increase the robustness and resilience of otherwise susceptible semiconductor devices while harnessing the remaining processing power to build affordable space systems capable of hosting the compute-intensive functionality that future space missions require. We are bridging this performance-reliability gap by researching the enabling building blocks for constructing reliable and secure, space-ready Systems-on-a-Chip from SOTA processing elements. [less ▲]

Hardware-in-the-loop Proximity Operations in Cislunar Space

Scientific Conference (2022, September 20)

Space missions to Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits (NRHOs) in the Earth-Moon system are upcoming. A rendezvous technique in the cislunar space is proposed in this investigation, one that leverages coupled ... [more ▼]

Space missions to Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits (NRHOs) in the Earth-Moon system are upcoming. A rendezvous technique in the cislunar space is proposed in this investigation, one that leverages coupled orbit and attitude dynamics in the Circular Restricted Three-body Problem (CR3BP). An autonomous Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) technique is demonstrated in which a chaser spacecraft approaches a target spacecraft in the southern 9:2 synodic-resonant L2 Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO), one that currently serves as the baseline for NASA's Gateway. A two-layer control approach is contemplated. First, a nonlinear optimal controller identifies an appropriate baseline rendezvous path, both in position and orientation. As the spacecraft progresses along the pre-computed baseline path, optical sensors measure the relative pose of the chaser relative to the target. A Kalman filter processes these observations and offers precise state estimates. A linear controller compensates for any deviations identified from the predetermined rendezvous path. The efficacy of the GNC technique is tested by considering a complex scenario in which the rendezvous operation is conducted with a non-cooperative tumbling target. Hardware-in-the-loop laboratory experiments are conducted as proof-of-concept to validate the guidance algorithm, with observations supplemented by optical navigation techniques. [less ▲]

Machine learning applied to higher order functional representations of omics data reveals biological pathways associated with Parkinson‘s Disease

Poster (2022, September 18)

Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and research efforts to understand its underlying molecular pathogenesis, early diagnosis of PD remains a challenge. Machine ... [more ▼]

Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and research efforts to understand its underlying molecular pathogenesis, early diagnosis of PD remains a challenge. Machine learning analysis of blood-based omics data is a promising non-invasive approach to finding molecular fingerprints associated with PD that may enable an early and accurate diagnosis. Description: We applied several machine learning classification methods to public omics data from PD case/control studies. We used aggregation statistics and Pathifier’s pathway deregulation scores to generate higher order functional representations of the data such as pathway-level features. The models’ performance and most relevant predictive features were compared with individual feature level predictors. The resulting diagnostic models from individual features and Pathifier’s pathway deregulation scores achieve significant Area Under the Curve (AUC, a receiver operating characteristic curve) scores for both cross-validation and external testing. Furthermore, we identify plausible biological pathways associated with PD diagnosis. Conclusions: We have successfully built machine learning models at pathway-level and single-feature level to study blood-based omics data for PD diagnosis. Plausible biological pathway associations were identified. Furthermore, we show that pathway deregulation scores can serve as robust and biologically interpretable predictors for PD. [less ▲]

Investigating mental health of children in out-of-home care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Scientific Conference (2022, September 16)

Zum (vermeintlichen) Verschwinden des Reparierens seit den 1970er Jahren

Scientific Conference (2022, September 15)

In der Technikgeschichte wird oftmals angenommen, dass die industrielle Massenfertigung und die Herausbildung der so genannten Wegwerfgesellschaft zu einem Rückgang bzw. Verschwinden des Reparierens von ... [more ▼]

In der Technikgeschichte wird oftmals angenommen, dass die industrielle Massenfertigung und die Herausbildung der so genannten Wegwerfgesellschaft zu einem Rückgang bzw. Verschwinden des Reparierens von Konsumgütern geführt haben. In „Shock of the Old“ spricht David Edgerton z.B. davon, dass sich aufgrund der gesunkenen Anschaffungspreise, das Reparieren einfacher Haushaltsgeräte nicht mehr lohne. Das Hauptargument dieser These verweist also auf das sich seit der Vormoderne wandelnde Verhältnis von Personal- und Materialkosten, das letztlich den Neuerwerb von Konsumgütern günstiger gemacht habe, als die Reparatur gebrauchter Güter. Während der Begriff der Wegwerfgesellschaft bis in die 1950er Jahre zurückreicht, werden für westliche Industriegesellschaften vor allem die 1970er und 80er Jahre als Wendepunkte im Verhältnis von Neuanschaffungs- zu Reparaturkosten beschrieben. Ausgangspunkt für den Vortrag sind Zahlen der Luxemburger Statistikbehörde Statec, die zeigen, dass der Reparatursektor in Luxemburg in den 1980er Jahren einerseits zwar in Bewegung, andererseits keineswegs im Verschwinden war. Ausgehend von einer eingehenderen Betrachtung der verfügbaren Statistiken beschreibt der Vortrag die Veränderungen des Luxemburger Reparatursektors und diskutiert daran die These des vermeintlichen Verschwindens des Reparierens von Konsumgütern. [less ▲]

Investigating subjective well-being and mental health of children in out-of-home care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Scientific Conference (2022, September 15)

Modèles de mélanges finis pour une distribution de loi BETA sous-jacente avec une application à des données sur la COVID-19

Scientific Conference (2022, September 14)

3D printed mathematics visualisations by STEAM teachers

Scientific Conference (2022, September 12)

Visualising abstract concepts such as for example geometrical objects in mathematics can be a valuable support for learners. Visualisation, however, is a process involving several steps that influence ... [more ▼]

Visualising abstract concepts such as for example geometrical objects in mathematics can be a valuable support for learners. Visualisation, however, is a process involving several steps that influence each other. Duval (1998) uses steps connecting reasoning by an explanation or proof to a construction step involving tools creating a visualisation to a production of a visual representation leading to new insights about a geometrical object. Vágová (2020) argues that visualising geometrical objects needs the ability to create, manipulate, and transform mental images by an internal and an external representation which both require information about the spatial arrangement. 3D modelled and then visualised geometrical objects can support the development and train visualisation skills. Steps of visualisation processes require visuospatial competencies and are also important for other subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education (Ng 2017). Being able to understand representations and their spatial rotations, transitions between 2D and 3D and being able to manipulate representations are valuable for STEAM related subjects (Kok 2020). Martin-Dorta et al. (2008) says that spatial abilities can be improved using real and computer-aided models. 3D printing can therefore be an interesting activity as it also combines the mentioned steps in a mathematical modelling way. This approach was used in a beginners course for pre-service mathematics teachers and some of them chose to create mathematical proofs as visualisation. We will look at 3D printed objects, which concepts they visualise and what teachers' ideas behind visualisations were. [less ▲]

Entre chien et loup de Christiane Jatahy (2021-2022) : un théâtre au présent, témoin des formes contemporaines de fascisme

Scientific Conference (2022, September 09)

Nous entendons nous intéresser à la rencontre qui s’est déroulée, le lundi 7 mars 2022 à 20h au cinéma Mk2 Nation (Paris, 12ème), entre la mettrice en scène brésilienne, Christiane Jatahy, la philosophe ... [more ▼]

Nous entendons nous intéresser à la rencontre qui s’est déroulée, le lundi 7 mars 2022 à 20h au cinéma Mk2 Nation (Paris, 12ème), entre la mettrice en scène brésilienne, Christiane Jatahy, la philosophe Marylin Maeso, autrice de La petite fabrique de l’inhumain et la psychanalyste Clotilde Leguil, venant de publier Céder n’est pas consentir. Cet échange fut dédié à Entre chien et loup, dernier spectacle en date, voulu par l’artiste carioca précitée — à la notoriété grandissante en Europe depuis près de vingt ans — d’après le scénario du film de Lars von Trier : Dogville avec Nicole Kidman dans le rôle-titre de Grace. Cet événement liminaire nous servira à démontrer, à terme, combien cette création se révèle être un théâtre éminemment ancré dans le présent, témoignant de toutes les formes contemporaines de fascisme, par le truchement, précisément, du personnage de Grace, devenu, pour les besoins de la mise en scène, Gracia, jeune femme d’origine brésilienne, interprétée par Julia Bernat, actrice fétiche de Christiane Jatahy grâce à laquelle elle peut faire pleinement entendre sa propre voix d’artiste politiquement engagée. [less ▲]

Optimal industrial flexibility scheduling based on generic data format

in Energy Informatics (2022, September 07), 5

The energy transition into a modern power system requires energy flexibility. Demand Response (DR) is one promising option for providing this flexibility. With the highest share of final energy ... [more ▼]

The energy transition into a modern power system requires energy flexibility. Demand Response (DR) is one promising option for providing this flexibility. With the highest share of final energy consumption, the industry has the potential to offer DR and contribute to the energy transition by adjusting its energy demand. This paper proposes a mathematical optimization model that uses a generic data model for flexibility description. The optimization model supports industrial companies to select when (i.e., at which time), where (i.e., in which market), and how (i.e., the schedule) they should market their flexibility potential to optimize profit. We evaluate the optimization model under several synthetic use cases developed upon the learnings over several workshops and bilateral discussions with industrial partners from the paper and aluminum industry. The results of the optimization model evaluation suggest the model can fulfill its purpose under different use cases even with complex use cases such as various loads and storages. However, the optimization model computation time grows as the complexity of use cases grows. [less ▲]

Many-valued coalgebraic modal logic with a semi-primal algebra of truth-degrees

Scientific Conference (2022, September 07)

Translanguaging pedagogy and creative activism for early education in multilingual Luxembourg

Scientific Conference (2022, September 07)

Luxembourg is a highly linguistically and culturally diverse country. In early education, there are 64 % of four-year old children who not speak Luxembourgish at home (MENJE, 2018). From 2017 ... [more ▼]

Luxembourg is a highly linguistically and culturally diverse country. In early education, there are 64 % of four-year old children who not speak Luxembourgish at home (MENJE, 2018). From 2017, multilingual early education is mandatory, which obliges teachers to develop children’s Luxembourgish, familiarizing them with French, and valuing their home languages. Therefore, the present project aimed to: (1) offer an 18-hours professional development (PD) course in translanguaging pedagogy to 40 teachers over 6 months, (2) strengthen home-school collaboration, and (3) support children’s linguistic, socio-emotional, and cognitive development and engagement in the classroom. The results from teacher questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews, showed that there was some positive change regarding the attitudes towards children’s home languages. The interviews with 17 parents indicated that there was a need for more home-school collaboration. The tests in early literacy and numeracy with 23 preschool children over one year, identified that children performed higher in their home languages. The video observations showed that when the teachers used children’s languages in the classroom, this impacted positively their well-being. Following the principles of creative activism, the author produced: (1) the website with over 100 practical activities on how teachers can involve children’s languages and families, (2) the illustrated book Sumak for parents, showing difficulties with integration in a new country, and (3) the illustrated book, Mara’s song for preschool children, showing how Mara finds her way in the new classroom. [less ▲]

Analysis and comparison of gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus using wearable sensors and machine learning algorithms

Scientific Conference (2022, September 05)

Objectives. Gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are visually assessed by movement disorders experts for diagnoses and to decide on ... [more ▼]

Objectives. Gait impairments in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are visually assessed by movement disorders experts for diagnoses and to decide on pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. Despite standardised tests and clinicians’ expertise, such approaches entail a considerable level of subjectivity. The recent development of wearable sensors and machine learning offers complementary approaches providing more objective, quantitative assessments of gait impairments. We aim to employ the data gathered from an inertial measurement unit synchronized with a novel foot pressure sensor embedded in the patient’s shoes to characterize gait impairments. We focus on distinguishing PD from NPH and on assessing gait impairment before and after surgical intervention. Methods. A cohort of 10 PD and 10 NPH patients was assembled and patients performed standardised walking tests. Measurements were performed employing wearable sensors comprising a three-axes gyroscope, a three-axes accelerometer and eight pressure sensors embedded in each patient’s shoe. To analyse the generated data, existing algorithms were implemented and adapted. These allow to compute gait cycle parameters such as step time and metrics characterizing the swing and stance phases. Machine learning algorithms where employed to identify major changes in gait cycle parameters between the two groups of patients, and for individual patients before and after surgical intervention as DBS implantation in PD and Shunt implantation in NPH. Results. The gait impairments of both disease groups were measured and quantified. An algorithm to extract gait cycle parameters from sensors was implemented, tested and employed on such patients. Gait cycle parameters within and between the groups of PD and NPH patients were compared, assessing what gait cycle parameters allow to distinguish between these groups. Gait cycle impairments of patients before and after surgery were compared, assessing the effect of DBS or Shunt implantation and which gait cycle parameters allow to monitor symptoms improvement. Conclusions. Wearable sensors measuring pressure, combined with gait cycle parameters extraction and machine learning algorithms, have a great potential for objective evaluation of gait impairment. In particular, they allow to characterize what differentiate such impairments between PD and NPH patients, and what allow to assess motor symptoms improvement after surgery. [less ▲]

Space-as-a-Service: A Framework and Taxonomy of -as-a-Service Concepts for Space

in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress 2022 (2022, September)

The servitization of space is introducing profound change, challenging established companies with new business models, and significantly lowering the entry barrier to space. New types of services such as ... [more ▼]

The servitization of space is introducing profound change, challenging established companies with new business models, and significantly lowering the entry barrier to space. New types of services such as Mission-as-a-Service, Satellite-as-a-Service, Constellation-as-a-Service, etc., are introduced. However, what these notions mean is not clear and in practice, they are often used with contradicting meanings. This paper aims to provide an initial survey of various new service concepts in the space domain and develops a taxonomy and framework for classifying these emerging services with their underlying systems. A particular emphasis is put on distinguishing novel, "New Space" services from traditional space services. We find that these new space services differ, compared to traditional space services in at least three aspects: New space services have their origin in a transition from a product-to a use-oriented business model and make reference to Cloud computing and its underlying techniques such as virtualization. We conclude that analogous to the terrestrial impact of Cloud computing on the emergence of numerous e-commerce start-ups, we might see a similar surge of in-space applications, building on a new space service backbone. Such a development is likely going to be enabled by the shift from traditionally high capital expenditures of developing space applications to operating expenses, thereby lowering the entry barrier. [less ▲]

Radio Regulation Compliance of NGSO Constellations’ Interference towards GSO Ground Stations

in IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, 12–15 September 2022, Virtual Conference (2022, September)

The commercial low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellations have shown unprecedented growth. Accordingly, the risk of generating harmful interference to the geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite ... [more ▼]

The commercial low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellations have shown unprecedented growth. Accordingly, the risk of generating harmful interference to the geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite services increases with the number of satel- lites in such mega-constellations. As the GSO arc encompasses the primary and existing satellite assets providing essential fixed and broadcasting satellite services, the interference avoidance for this area is of the utmost importance. In particular, non- geostationary orbit (NGSO) operators should comply with the regulations set up both by their national regulators and by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to minimize the impact of emissions on existing GSO and non-GSO systems. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the most recent radio regulations that dictate the NGSO-GSO spectral co-existence. Next, we analyze the NGSO-GSO radio frequency interference for the downlink scenario, following the so-called time-simulation methodology introduced by ITU. The probability distribution of aggregated power flux-density for NGSO co-channel interference is evaluated and assessed, adopting different degrees of exclusion angle strategy for interference avoidance. We conclude the paper by discussing the resulting implications for the continuity of operation and service provision and we provide remarks for future work [less ▲]

The Impact Of Distributed Data Preprocessing On Automotive Data Streams

in 2022 IEEE 96th Vehicular Technology Conference: (VTC2022-Fall) (2022, September)

Vehicles have transformed into sophisticated com- puting machines that not only serve the objective of transporta- tion from point A to point B but serve other objectives including improved experience ... [more ▼]

Vehicles have transformed into sophisticated com- puting machines that not only serve the objective of transporta- tion from point A to point B but serve other objectives including improved experience, safer journey, automated and more efficient and sustainable transportation. With such sophistication comes complex applications and enormous volumes of data generated from diverse types of vehicle sensors and components. Automotive data is not sedentary but moves from the edge (the vehicle) to the cloud (e.g., infrastructure of the vehicle manufacturers, national highway agencies, insurance companies, etc.). The exponential increase in data volume and variety generated in modern vehicles far exceeds the rate of infrastructure scaling and expansion. To mitigate this challenge, the computational and storage capacities of vehicle components can be leveraged to perform in-vehicle operations on the data to either prepare and transform (prepro- cess) the data or extract information from (process) the data. This paper focuses on distributing data preprocessing to the vehicle and highlights the benefits and impact of the distribution including on the consumption of resources (e.g., energy). [less ▲]

Indicators for assessing the necessity of power system flexibility: a systematic review and literature meta-analysis

in Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM) (2022, September)

There are different flexibility options to align power systems to volatile feed-in of renewable electricity sources. The flexibility options differ in the dimensions of time, spatiality, and resource type ... [more ▼]

There are different flexibility options to align power systems to volatile feed-in of renewable electricity sources. The flexibility options differ in the dimensions of time, spatiality, and resource type. To make policy decisions on future energy systems, it is necessary to get a top-down indication of how much power system flexibility is needed. With the ongoing energy transition, there is yet no comprehensive overview of indicators that describe which dimension of flexibility will be necessary to what extent for different energy systems. Therefore, this paper provides a first overview of indicators that can be used to assess the necessity of power system flexibility. Thus, we do a systematic literature review to identify indicators that allow us to estimate the necessity of power system flexibility. We conduct a meta-analysis of these indicators and categorize them as indicators that either stand for an increasing or decreasing necessity of power system flexibility. Our paper can help inform policy, assess needed changes to system operations, increase stakeholder acceptance and investor confidence in implementing new technology and measures. [less ▲]

Obfuscating LLVM Intermediate Representation Source Code with NSGA-II

in 15th Intl. Conf. on Computational Intelligence in Security for Information Systems (CISIS'22) (2022, September)

With the generalisation of distributed computing paradigms to sustain the surging demands for massive processing and data-analytic capabilities, the protection of the intellectual property tied to the ... [more ▼]

With the generalisation of distributed computing paradigms to sustain the surging demands for massive processing and data-analytic capabilities, the protection of the intellectual property tied to the executed programs transferred onto these remote shared platforms becomes critical. A more and more popular solution to this problem consists in applying obfuscating techniques, in particular at the source code level. Informally, the goal of obfuscation is to conceal the purpose of a program or its logic without altering its functionality, thus preventing reverse-engineering on the program even with the help of computing resources. This allows to protect software against plagiarism, tampering, or finding vulnerabilities that could be used for different kinds of attacks. The many advantages of code obfuscation, together with its low cost, makes it a popular technique. This paper proposes a novel methodology for source code obfuscation relying on the reference LLVM compiler infrastructure that can be used together with other traditional obfuscation techniques, making the code more robust against reverse engineering attacks. The problem is defined as a Multi-Objective Combinatorial Optimization (MOCO) problem, where the goal is to find sequences of LLVM optimizations that lead to highly obfuscated versions of the original code. These transformations are applied to the back-end pseudo- assembly code (i.e., LLVM Intermediate Representation), thus avoiding any further optimizations by the compiler. Three different problem flavours are defined and solved with popular NSGA-II genetic algorithm. The promising results show the potential of the proposed technique. [less ▲]

The impact of total cost of ownership on MaaS system appeal using an agent-based approach

in The impact of total cost of ownership on MaaS system appeal using an agent-based approach (2022, September)

Despite the interest in the MaaS system is growing fast within the scientific community, it remains uncertain if MaaS could be a potential tool able to reduce car ownership. This study aims to capture the ... [more ▼]

Despite the interest in the MaaS system is growing fast within the scientific community, it remains uncertain if MaaS could be a potential tool able to reduce car ownership. This study aims to capture the impact of the total cost of ownership (TCO) on MaaS demand by endogenizing the MaaS choice and the TCO within the users’ travel choice in an agent-based model. We simulate different TCO price range starting from a benchmark cost in the literature and embed a specific type of MaaS plan which gives unlimited access to the services. Results show a significant growth of MaaS demand when TCO rises, in particular MaaS members are car users who shift their mode choice to public transport by travelling within more trips but in a shorter time slot. In contrast, MaaS users employ public transport for short trips while they still employ cars reducing their travel time but employing the same number of trips when TCO decreases. Results suggest that MaaS might become a more sustainable service by developing specific subsidies to discourage car ownership and by increasing mobility accessibility. [less ▲]

Integrated Spacecraft Design: Demonstration of a prototype process and platform for satellite design application

in Proceedings of International Astronautical Congress (2022, September)

Joint Beam Placement and Load Balancing Optimization for Non-Geostationary Satellite Systems

in IEEE International Mediterranean Conference on Communications and Networking (IEEE MediCom), Athens, Greece, Sept. 2022 (2022, September)

Update: Besteuerung der digitalen Wirtschaft (International und Europäische Union)

in Taeger, Jürgen (Ed.) Tagungsband 2022: Daten, Plattformen und KI als Dreiklang unserer Zeit (2022, September)

Luxembourg Completing its Space Legislation

in Hofmann, Mahulena (Ed.) Luxembourg Completing its Space Legislation (2022, September)

On January 2021, the general Space Law of Luxembourg entered into force. It complemented the 2017 Law on Space Resources by an authorization regime applicable to the remaining space activities under ... [more ▼]

On January 2021, the general Space Law of Luxembourg entered into force. It complemented the 2017 Law on Space Resources by an authorization regime applicable to the remaining space activities under Luxembourg's jurisdiction. By these steps, the Luxembourg authorities have now at their disposal a full-coverage legal framework capable to authorize all space activities. [less ▲]

PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON THE COGNITIVE PROFILE IN PRODROMAL PARKINSON’S DISEASE – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY 

Poster (2022, September)

A Reusable Structural System Fit for Geometrical Standardisation and Serial Production

in ce/papers (2022, August 31)

A series of demountable connections for reusable composite flooring systems and a standardized adjustable steel connection have been developed and tested, to facilitate circular economy as well as the ... [more ▼]

A series of demountable connections for reusable composite flooring systems and a standardized adjustable steel connection have been developed and tested, to facilitate circular economy as well as the serial production of structural elements and the suitability to be added into BIM or other digital tools. Demountable beam and floor elements and adjustable steel con-nections form the basis of a Lego-liked ‘plug and play’ circular framed structural system. This paper presents the proposed circular system, the results from experiments and finite element analyses and indicates the analysing methods for structural engineers to open a path way for fully implementation of the structures ‘as built’ into digital tools, fabrication and construction. [less ▲]

Deontic Sentence Classification Using Tree Kernel Classifiers

in Intelligent Systems and Applications (2022, August 31)

Development of a fair cognitive test battery for multilingual and multicultural children

Poster (2022, August 29)

Deep Learning-based Intra-slice Attack Detection for 5G-V2X Sliced Networks

in 2022 IEEE 95th Vehicular Technology Conference: (VTC2022-Spring) (2022, August 25)

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) represent one of the main verticals of 5G to provide road safety, road traffic efficiency, and user convenience. As a key enabler of 5G, Network Slicing (NS) aims ... [more ▼]

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) represent one of the main verticals of 5G to provide road safety, road traffic efficiency, and user convenience. As a key enabler of 5G, Network Slicing (NS) aims to create Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) network slices with different network requirements on a shared and programmable physical infrastructure. However, NS has generated new network threats that might target CAVs leading to road hazards. More specifically, such attacks may target either the inner functioning of each V2X-NS (intra-slice) or break the NS isolation. In this paper, we aim to deal with the raised question of how to detect intra-slice V2X attacks. To do so, we leverage both Virtual Security as a Service (VSaS) concept and deep learning (DL) to deploy a set of DL-empowered security Virtual Network Functions (sVNFs) within V2X-NSs. These sVNFs are in charge of detecting such attacks, thanks to a DL model that we also build in this work. The proposed DL model is trained, validated, and tested using a publicly available dataset. The results show the efficiency and accuracy of our scheme to detect intra-slice V2X attacks. [less ▲]

Polishing the Image of a Nation-State: Luxembourg and the Uses of the Past since the 1990s

Scientific Conference (2022, August 18)

Since the 1990s the Luxembourg government has increasingly used the past to improve the country’s image. Though this use of history was not new, it has evolved significantly from the 1990s onward, both ... [more ▼]

Since the 1990s the Luxembourg government has increasingly used the past to improve the country’s image. Though this use of history was not new, it has evolved significantly from the 1990s onward, both due to international influences and to specifically Luxembourgish developments. The transformation of the cultural landscape, the organisation of large events, and the European integration process are some examples. The contribution will analyse the uses of the past by public authorities in Luxembourg within this context. The paper will cover a series of key events and initiatives since the 1990s. It aims to understand how history has been used and shaped to promote a national identity and improve Luxembourg’s image, from the 150th anniversary of independence in 1989 to the more recent nation-branding initiatives. It investigates what kind of narratives were disseminated, who the involved stakeholders were, and whether tensions existed in this process. [less ▲]

Public Engagement with Web Archives

Scientific Conference (2022, August 17)

With a view to ensuring future access to digital cultural heritage, the first Web collections were established in the mid-1990s. To date there exist for example some 25 national Web archives in Europe ... [more ▼]

With a view to ensuring future access to digital cultural heritage, the first Web collections were established in the mid-1990s. To date there exist for example some 25 national Web archives in Europe that collect and preserve Web material and the Internet Archive has saved 651 billion pages since 1996. However, research projects based on the archived Web rarely engage with or include the general public. There are several reasons for this limited use of Web archives: there is a lack of awareness and a lack of examples demonstrating their value; to use them requires skills that many people do not have; and no quick and easy access is available (Winters, 2017). However, several research projects were developed which are of interest for the general public: some of them have studied national Web ('Probing a nation’s Web sphere — the historical development of the Danish Web' (DK, 2013-), 'Big UK Domain Data for the Arts and Humanities' (UK, 2014-15), etc.), others have focused on the web activity in relation to an event, for instance the terrorist attacks in France (‘Archives sauvegarde attentats Paris' (FR, 2016)). In 2020, a nationally funded researcher network has been established (WARCnet, DK). Web archiving initiatives have also been very reactive during the COVID crisis (and sometimes invited the public to nominate URLs). This resulted in huge national collections and a unique collection of international web archives gathered by the IIPC thanks to the collaboration of more than 30 web archiving institutions (https://archive-it.org/collections/13529). As leaders of and/or participants in several of these initiatives, the proposers aim to stimulate greater involvement of the public with the treasure trove to be found in Web archives. Web archives contain their histories, but these important stories are largely hidden from view. The proposers want to create a frame for developing an ambitious relationship with the public, by identifying the challenges and limits to their involvement in Digital Public History at the level of: - Web archiving How/why could we better include publics in the selection of archived content? What is the added value? What are the constraints (i.e legal deposit)? How can we make information about access to Web archives available and raise public awareness of Web archiving? - Selection and analysis of archives Web archives require good knowledge of the Web archiving process if they are to be used effectively. The identification of scarce existing resources for the general public will be coupled with a perspective on needs and tools. - Dissemination Legal and ethical issues (author rights, gender bias, etc.) must be taken into account and the very notion of what is public must be refined. All these elements advocate for an in-depth reflection and this working group is the starting point for a better inclusion of audiences in the creation/selection, use and enhancement of Web archives. [less ▲]

Poster: Art Installation “Mirror, Mirror” featuring Deepfake and Neural Style Transfer Technologies

Poster (2022, August 15)

The robotic art installation “Mirror, Mirror” is a result of a creative collaboration between an artist and an engineer. The aim of this project is to transform a person’s image and background in order to ... [more ▼]

The robotic art installation “Mirror, Mirror” is a result of a creative collaboration between an artist and an engineer. The aim of this project is to transform a person’s image and background in order to prompt them to examine their version of self and the surrounding reality and make them aware of the developments in the field of social robotics and Artificial Intelligence. [less ▲]

Unlinkability of an Improved Key Agreement Protocol for EMV 2nd Gen Payments

Scientific Conference (2022, August 10)

To address known privacy problems with the EMV standard, EMVCo have proposed a Blinded Diffie-Hellman key establishment protocol, which is intended to be part of a future 2nd Gen EMV protocol. We point ... [more ▼]

To address known privacy problems with the EMV standard, EMVCo have proposed a Blinded Diffie-Hellman key establishment protocol, which is intended to be part of a future 2nd Gen EMV protocol. We point out that active attackers were not previously accounted for in the privacy requirements of this proposal protocol, and demonstrate that an active attacker can compromise unlinkability within a distance of 100cm. Here, we adopt a strong definition of unlinkability that does account for active attackers and propose an enhancement of the protocol proposed by EMVCo. We prove that our protocol does satisfy strong unlinkability, while preserving authentication. [less ▲]

Further Resource Multiplication with Age? Education, Parental SES, and Age Interactions in their Health Impacts

Scientific Conference (2022, August 07)

Profiling the real world potential of neural network compression

in 2022 IEEE International Conference on Omni-layer Intelligent Systems (COINS), Barcelona 1-3 August 2022 (2022, August 01)

Abstract—Many real world computer vision applications are required to run on hardware with limited computing power, often referred to as ”edge devices”. The state of the art in computer vision continues ... [more ▼]

Abstract—Many real world computer vision applications are required to run on hardware with limited computing power, often referred to as ”edge devices”. The state of the art in computer vision continues towards ever bigger and deeper neural networks with equally rising computational requirements. Model compression methods promise to substantially reduce the computation time and memory demands with little to no impact on the model robustness. However, evaluation of the compression is mostly based on theoretic speedups in terms of required floating-point operations. This work offers a tool to profile the actual speedup offered by several compression algorithms. Our results show a significant discrepancy between the theoretical and actual speedup on various hardware setups. Furthermore, we show the potential of model compressions and highlight the importance of selecting the right compression algorithm for a target task and hardware. The code to reproduce our experiments is available at https://hub.datathings.com/papers/2022-coins. [less ▲]

Goodness Groceries! A mobile sustainable food shopping app advocating for food literacy and ethical choices. Entailments for suppliers, consumers and researchers.

Scientific Conference (2022, August)

Within the currently rising concerns around sustainability of food systems, in the related economic areas of regenerative production modes, responsible supply chains and informed consumption, there often ... [more ▼]

Within the currently rising concerns around sustainability of food systems, in the related economic areas of regenerative production modes, responsible supply chains and informed consumption, there often remains a practice gap between what people know they should do and what they actually do. This is preceded by a knowledge gap: the knowledge of what a sustainable product specifically is tends not to be entirely consensual, blurred with potentially contradicting injunctions between different claims of sustainability. Instead of trying to solve this puzzle with metrics, we propose an App that makes various components of sustainability transparent, thus qualifying sustainability complexity. Our aim is not to hierarchically determine ‘the best’ sustainable choice, but rather to relationally empower consumers to choose the product with the sustainability criteria that most fit their values and priorities. Goodness Groceries is a University of Luxembourg consumer study piloting a mobile sustainable food shopping app in partnership with a supermarket chain. The App acts as a virtual shopping companion providing eco-responsible and ethical product information of selected staple food products, each time for up to four types: local organic, local conventional, imported organic and imported conventional. The information provided is based on self-assessments made by product suppliers. Each food item is granted criteria in the four main areas of Environment, Social Well-being, Economic Well-being and Good Governance, subdivided into relevant indicators (cf. SAFA guidelines, FAO 2014) – marked with easy-to-recognise icons. The user-friendly App is designed to scan alternatives of the same product via a QR code whilst shopping, to analyse if this helps consumers make an informed choice – or not, and why. Starting in Spring 2022, entailments of the (ongoing) study and App in terms of structural obstacles for researchers, necessary supply chain adaptations for suppliers and analysis of consumers’ shopping habits and App usage feedback will be discussed. [less ▲]

Retrograde procedural memory in Parkinson's Disease and in REM-Sleep Behavior Disorder

Poster (2022, August)

Real Time Hyper-elastic Simulations with Probabilistic Deep Learning

in 15th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM-XV) (2022, August)

Towards a Framework for Human-Robot Co-creation

Poster (2022, August)

Novel Reinforcement Learning based Power Control and Subchannel Selection Mechanism for Grant-Free NOMA URLLC-Enabled Systems

in Proceedings of 2022 IEEE 95th Vehicular Technology Conference: (VTC2022-Spring) (2022, August)

Reducing waiting time due to scheduling process and exploiting multi-access transmission, grant-free non-orthogonal multiple access (GF-NOMA) has been considered as a promising access technology for URLLC ... [more ▼]

Reducing waiting time due to scheduling process and exploiting multi-access transmission, grant-free non-orthogonal multiple access (GF-NOMA) has been considered as a promising access technology for URLLC-enabled 5G system with strict requirements on reliability and latency. However, GF-NOMAbased systems can suffer from severe interference caused by the grant-free (GF) access manner which may degrade the system performance and violate the URLLC-related requirements. To overcome this issue, the paper proposes a novel reinforcementlearning (RL)-based random access (RA) protocol based on which each device can learn from the previous decision and its corresponding performance to select the best subchannels and transmit power level for data transmission to avoid strong cross-interference. The learning-based framework is developed to maximize the system access efficiency which is defined as the ratio between the number of successful transmissions and the number of subchannels. Simulation results show that our proposed framework can improve the system access efficiency significantly in overloaded scenarios. [less ▲]

Multilingualism as Challenge for Luxembourgish Literary Historiography

Scientific Conference (2022, July 29)

"Mapping" biographies in relational databases - The case of Luxembourg soldiers in the Second World War

Scientific Conference (2022, July 25)

The Impact and Legacy of War Experiences in Luxembourg” researches the personal side of the history of Luxembourgish youth born between 1920 and 1927 who were enrolled into German services under the Nazi ... [more ▼]

The Impact and Legacy of War Experiences in Luxembourg” researches the personal side of the history of Luxembourgish youth born between 1920 and 1927 who were enrolled into German services under the Nazi occupation of Luxembourg during World War II. The research focuses on personal testimonies and their individual war experience to uncover these men, women, and families’ individual experiences. Using a relational database to represent their war experiences, we face several challenges, such as a data structure that is too rigid and strict to “map” the fluid and unpredictable life patterns of our study subjects. We developed a data model where we treat different life stations (military unit, POW camp etc.) as equal data levels like our recruits (as persons). Each “life station” or event we treat as a “person” and create a separate “biography” to include all relevant data. Afterwards, we link the life stations or events with the actual person in the database. The aim of my contribution is the “translation” of lives, with its twists and turns into a static data set such as a relational database to map the individual war experiences of our study object. [less ▲]

High-Performance Computing for the simulation of particles with the Discrete Element Method

Scientific Conference (2022, July 21)

In this talk, we will give an overview of the main techniques used for the parallelization of numerical simulations on High-Performance Computing platforms, and provide a particular focus on the Discrete ... [more ▼]

In this talk, we will give an overview of the main techniques used for the parallelization of numerical simulations on High-Performance Computing platforms, and provide a particular focus on the Discrete Element Method (DEM), a numerical method for the simulation of the motion of granular materials. We will cover the main parallelization paradigms and their implementations (shared memory with OpenMP and distributed memory with MPI), present the performance bottlenecks and introduce load-balancing techniques. [less ▲]

“The human-machine era dawns”: Spanning beyond the computation/linguistics binary

Scientific Conference (2022, July 14)

Uplink Capacity Optimization for High Throughput Satellites using SDN and Multi-Orbital Dual Connectivity

in IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) (2022, July 11)

Dual Connectivity is a key approach to achieving optimization of throughput and latency in heterogeneous networks. Originally a technique introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for ... [more ▼]

Dual Connectivity is a key approach to achieving optimization of throughput and latency in heterogeneous networks. Originally a technique introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for terrestrial communications, it is not been widely explored in satellite systems. In this paper, Dual Connectivity is implemented in a multi-orbital satellite network, where a network model is developed by employing the diversity gains from Dual Connectivity and Carrier Aggregation for the enhancement of satellite uplink capacity. An introduction of software defined network controller is performed at the network layer coupled with a carefully designed hybrid resource allocation algorithm which is implemented strategically. The algorithm performs optimum dynamic flow control and traffic steering by considering the availability of resources and the channel propagation information of the orbital links to arrive at a resource allocation pattern suitable in enhancing uplink system performance. Simulation results are shown to evaluate the achievable gains in throughput and latency; in addition we provide useful insight in the design of multi-orbital satellite networks with implementable scheduler design. [less ▲]

The European Public Prosecutor Office and White-Collar Crimes

Scientific Conference (2022, July 08)

Le parcours de vie entre défense sociale et maladie mentale de Maxence C. Etude d’un cas de dégénéré délinquant dans la Belgique du XXème siècle

Scientific Conference (2022, July 08)

« L’intelligence et le sens moral d’un enfant de 8 ans », c’est par ces mots qu’en août 1933, le médecin-chef de l’Etablissement de Défense Sociale de Tournai qualifie l’état psychique de Maxence C., un ... [more ▼]

« L’intelligence et le sens moral d’un enfant de 8 ans », c’est par ces mots qu’en août 1933, le médecin-chef de l’Etablissement de Défense Sociale de Tournai qualifie l’état psychique de Maxence C., un débile mental (sic) reconnu coupable du chef de vol et d’escroquerie mais jugé incapable du contrôle de ses actions. A l’aube de ses 27 ans, ce « demi-fou » enchaîne depuis vingt ans les séjours en institution. Entre internats médico-pédagogiques, asiles d’aliénés et établissements de défense sociale, le parcours de vie de Maxence C. est jalonné de multiples interactions avec les autorités judiciaires, médicales et administratives qui tantôt le condamne à l’incarcération, tantôt favorise sa réhabilitation au sein de la société. Arrimé à cette identité de marginal dans un « monde faux et crapuleux » selon ses dires, Maxence C. peine à acquérir une pleine autonomie synonyme de liberté (re)trouvée. Travail, suivi médical, tutelle morale et accompagnement familial semblent toujours vains. Devenu sexagénaire, il demeure ainsi un « danger social » balloté entre asiles-prisons et prisons-asiles aux quatre coins du royaume. A travers l’examen minutieux d’un dossier de plusieurs centaines de pages élaboré par la Commission de défense sociale de Forest, cette communication propose de mettre en lumière la complexité de la trajectoire de vie d’un individu à la fois criminel et aliéné, visé par un dispositif hybride de sécurité et de soins. Si cette étude considère la perspective du patient à travers une histoire par le bas, elle dépasse celle-ci pour entrouvrir la possibilité d’un récit polyphonique sur des temps longs qui confronte de multiples voix (celle de l’administration et de la police, celle des médecins et des magistrats, celle du malade et de ses proches). Nourrit par les enseignements de la micro-histoire et de l’étude de cas dans la recherche historique, cette contribution offre un regard original sur l’évolution des normes qui conditionnent un mouvement vers ou, au contraire, hors de l’institution. Les phases d’entrée et de sortie des établissements sont en effet des moments charnières de l’affirmation du pouvoir des acteurs. Dès lors, quels sont les motifs à une incarcération et quelles sont les conditions à un élargissement ? Comment s’organise la prise de la décision entre les différents intervenants ? Et qui en assure le contrôle et le suivi ? Enfin, quelles sont les marges de manœuvre et les capacités d’actions du « malade » face à eux ? Cette étude d’une trajectoire de vie individuelle constitue également une opportunité de s’interroger sur l’évolution des systèmes de prise en charge des criminels malades mentaux dans le royaume au XXème siècle. Ainsi durant l’existence de Maxence C. se créent de nouvelles structures psychiatriques (dispensaires d’hygiène mentale, annexes psychiatriques dans les prisons et les hôpitaux généraux, établissements de défense sociale, etc.) se construisent des nouvelles politiques sociales (INAMI, CPAS, mutualités, etc.), s’élaborent des nouvelles législations (loi relative à la défense sociale, au handicap, à la maladie mentale), s’affirment de nouveaux métiers de la santé mentale (psychologue, infirmière psychiatrique, assistants sociaux, etc.), s’établissent de nouveaux rapports à la folie, au handicap et à la criminalité. [less ▲]