bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Wall Follower NXT Robot to Localization and Mapping in an unknown environment
Authors: Baltazar Rosario  , Cervantes Abel  , Zamudio Victor
Published: February 2025

In this work preliminary results of the implementation of a service robot is presented. A service robot needs to recognize his environment in order to be able to navigate with freedom, and therefore a robot needs localization and mapping system in order for the robot to be able to perform different task such as searching and relocating objects. This work shows an inexpensive robot that was built with a Lego Mindstorms NXT kit. This kind of robots can be constructed in different morphological configurations due to the capacity of quickly assemble and disassemble. On the other hand the communication based on the Bluetooth protocol allows an efficient way of transmitting information between the robot and the computer; in this case the measurement of the distance from the robot to the wall, enables the creation of a map of the environment in real time. In this project the robot was programmed using Lejos, which enables efficient programming using the Java Virtual Machine. In this project the NXT set-up with the ultrasonic sensor to detect the distance to obstacles and to scroll using the wheel, use the SLAM shifting technique, using an adaptation of this to simulate the instinct of a rodent or wall follower, to move and explore in an unknown environment and simultaneously plot a sketch of the area explored.
Robot interaction with domestic environments considering AAL services and smart home technologies
Authors: Isken Melvin  , Frenken Thomas  , Brell Melina  , Hein Andreas
Published: February 2025

In this paper we compare domestic service robot systems and home automation systems with a combined approach where robots make use of the surrounding home automation and show the advantages and disadvantages of this combination. Home automation and smart home technologies as well as mobile service robots have become more and more accepted within the last years. Prices decrease and supply increases so both technologies become more affordable. It is a common approach to use separately either one technology or the other. A combination of both systems can make sense in various situations. We describe benefits and drawbacks by having a look at a mobility assessment experiment that is done by the robot, the smart home and both mixed.
Biofeedback/Neurofeedback Treatment of Psychiatric Disturbances Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Case Reports
Authors: Kozaric-Kovacic Dragica  , Jambrosic Sakoman Andrea  , Marinic Igor
Published: February 2025

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is often comorbid with psychiatric disturbances that impede patients' recovery and everyday functioning. We present two case studies of patients who exhibited psychiatric disorders after TBI. Both patients were included in psychiatric treatment for approximately one year without improvement in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in everyday functioning, before we decided to apply biofeedback/neurofeedback (BFB/NFB) treatment as add-on therapy. Protocols of BFB/NFB treatment are described in the paper. BFB/NFB treatment showed clinical improvement in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and overall functioning, which was confirmed by psychophysiological measures and clinical scales, as well as by patients' subjective reports.
12-month Outcome of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Polytrauma in U.S. Military Service Members
Authors: Lange Rael T.  , Brickell Tracey A.  , Iverson Grant L.  , Parkinson Glenn  , Bhagwat Aditya  , French Louis M.
Published: February 2025

This study examined 12-month outcome following polytrauma and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) in injured service members who were evaluated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center following injuries sustained in combat theater during Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). Patients (N=48) completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory within 2 months of injury (M=15.9 days, SD=13.6) and a telephone interview at 12 months post injury (M=13.1, SD=0.8). More than half of the sample met DSM-IV criteria for Postconcussional Disorder within 2 months (54.2%) and 12 months post injury (55.6%). Over time, 20.8% showed an improvement of symptoms, 16.7% worsened, and 33.3% had persistent symptoms. At 12 months, most were on active duty (79.2%), reported that they were satisfied with life (81.3%), and indicated that their health status was either “excellent,” “very good,” or “good” (66.7%). However, a substantial percentage reported that they continued to take medications (81.3%), experienced bodily pain (72.9%), needed help with daily activities (29.2%), and were currently in treatment with a mental health professional (39.6%). A small percentage reported that they had recently had suicidal or homicidal thoughts (10.4%). Extended follow-up is recommended for service members who sustain an MTBI in the context of polytrauma.
An Operating System Strategy for General-purpose Parallel Computing on Many-core Architectures
Authors: van Tol Michiel W.  , Jesshope Chris R.
Published: February 2025

General purpose many-core architectures of the future need new scalable operating system designs and abstractions in order to be managed efficiently. As both memory and processing resources will be ubiquitous, concurrency will be the norm. We present a strategy for operating systems for such architectures, presenting the approach we take for our SVP (Self-adaptive Virtual Processor) based Microgrid many-core architecture. Aspects such as scheduling, resource management, memory protection and system services are covered, with a detailed discussion on the design of an I/O subsystem for the Microgrid.
Integrating Service and Desktop Grids at Middleware and Application Level
Authors: Kacsuk Peter
Published: February 2025

Although there are many production level service and desktop grids they are usually not able to interoperate. The European FP7 EDGeS project aimed at integrating service grids (SG) and desktop grids (DG) to merge their benefits. The established production infrastructure includes gLite based service grid and BOINC and XtremWeb desktop grids. The paper describes the bridging technology developed in EDGeS both for the DG→SG and SG→DG directions both at middleware and application level.
Assessment of User Satisfaction and Mobility-related Participation Outcomes
Authors: Brandt Åse  , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: February 2025

Objective In a study on outcomes of powered wheelchair interventions, users' assessments of their satisfaction and mobility-related participation (MRP), i.e. participation in everyday life presupposing mobility, were found to be high, and it was therefore hypothesized that the two constructs would highly correlate. In order to investigate this, the psychometric properties of the used instruments first needed to be established. This is the objective of this paper together with the description of the subsequent development of a new instrument, in which end users from the five Nordic countries took part.
The MOvIT project phase I: Designing a mobility device monitoring intervention with end-users and healthcare providers
Authors: Auger Claudine  , Tamblyn Robyn  , Miller William C.  , Jutai Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Objective. The purpose of the Mobility Outcomes via Information Technologies (MOvIT) project is to optimize the mobility and community participation of older wheelchair users by systematically monitoring patient reported outcomes following a wheelchair prescription using an interactive voice response system (IVRS). One of the challenges in designing computerized automated calls was to maximize the acceptability of the monitoring intervention for middle-aged and older wheelchair users, and to consider the perceptions of the clinicians who provide the intervention. Thus, the phase I objectives of MOvIT were to customize the IVRS monitoring intervention for both groups of users.
Client assessment for recommending assistive solutions: protocols and tools
Authors: Andrich Renzo
Published: February 2025

Objective. Individual assessment for assistive technology solutions (AT) is often part of the rehabilitation program; however, it may also be carried out as a specialist consultation in Assistive Technology Centres (ATCs), especially when inter-disciplinary competence and trial equipment are required. Currently, this specialist consultation is not officially recognized by the Italian National Health Service (NHS): thus it is not eligible for reimbursement. For custom-made equipment, this is not a big problem (as the cost of the professional work is embedded in the cost of the device). Conversely, it is critical for the sustainability of Institutions operating ATCs. In view of prospective accreditation and reimbursement, protocols for these consultations have been defined in order to make sure that the same type of consultation, provided by different ATCs, has a similar output at a comparable quality level. Based on economic analyses, tariffs have also been established for negotiation with Regional Authorities.
REHADAT: The German information system on assistive devices
Authors: Winkelmann Petra
Published: February 2025

Objective. The provision and financing of assistive devices (AD) in Germany is regulated by social legislation. Depending on the rehabilitation goal and the personal situation of the person needing an AD, different agencies are responsible. The term assistive device is not clearly defined and a variety of regulations apply for reimbursement. Statutory health insurance and long term care insurance finance a major part of aids for medical rehabilitation and care. Other agencies are the social welfare office, statutory accident insurance, pension insurance, employment office and integration office. Experts and persons concerned often have problems clarifying whether entitlement of an AD exists and which agency is responsible. Another problem is choosing the appropriate product. The large German assistive device market offers a wide range of products, it is however non-transparent and fragmented.
The Emergence of eAccessibility Policy and Legislation in Europe
Authors: Kemppainen Erkki
Published: February 2025

Objective. This article discusses the role of multidisciplinary research in contributing to better eAccessibility. Over the years, several project researchers have analysed the development of European policies and legislation, as have other actors. In research projects in the field of technology and disability the interest in policy and legislation can be seen to have emerged in the 1980s.
A Smart Garment for Active Ageing: Mapping User Requirements to Technology
Authors: Burns William  , Nugent Chris  , McCullagh Paul  , Finlay Dewar  , Cleland Ian  , Altemeyer Boris  , Parente Guido  , Scotney Bryan  , McClean Sally  , Benton Stephen  , McCann Jane
Published: February 2025

Objective. Physical exercise may be used to improve mental cognition, physical strength and overall dexterity within the older population. This can enhance health and wellbeing. Walking is cited as the best exercise for persons over 60. We outline the development of a smart garment that allows the wearer to monitor their wellbeing whilst harnessing technology to provide additional safety measures and functionality.
User Involvement in the Early Development of Assistive Technology Devices
Authors: Clarke Zoë  , Judge Simon  , Heron Nicola  , Langley Joe  , Hosking Ian  , Hawley Mark
Published: February 2025

Objective. The importance of user involvement in design, development and diffusion of all devices is widely accepted; however, the methods of achieving true user contribution to a design or development process are challenging. The challenges are increased when the target consumers for the device have disabilities that can make traditional methods of gaining user involvement at best difficult, and at worst impossible. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of user involvement techniques employed on projects carried out by the authors.
Knowledge Utility Results from Rigor in Methods and Relevance in Content
Authors: Lane Joseph P.
Published: February 2025

Objective. To increase the utility of knowledge generated through R&D projects to industry.
Simultaneous Execution of Voice Recognition Programs for Note Taking
Authors: Kawabe Hiroyuki  , Sugimori Kimikazu  , Seto Shuichi  , Shimomura Yuko
Published: February 2025

Generally, in universities it is ordinary that a small number of experts of the note taking support the hearing impaired because of the difficulty of taking a note simultaneously with hearing a lecture. The purpose of this research project is to construct a new note taking system, namely, the note taking system based upon “Quantity Rather Than Quality” concept. The origin of the name of our system is that in our system many beginners of the note taking, who is an alternative way of a skilled note taker, type the text data and finally reproduce the lecture note with the similar quality as experts do. In this study, we briefly present the mathematical model and the result of computer simulations of our note taking system. Finally, We discuss the load of the executions of voice recognitions and the feasibility of our system.
Eye Size Recognition to Control AAC Devices for Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Kawai Toshihiro  , Takahashi Hironobu  , Kamimura Akira  , Inoue Yoshiaki  , Lao Shihong  , Oku Hidehisa
Published: February 2025

Objective: Various kinds of control switches for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices have been developed so far. It is, however, difficult for persons with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) to use these switches effectively in their advance stages, because of severe physical constraints. Then, blinking that is the typical residual function of the severely physically disabled is not an available one for persons with ALS (PALS) in their advanced stages. On the other hand, some of PALS can open their eyes normally and widely, even in their advanced stages. However, no control switches can be operated by this residual function. In these circumstances, the purpose of this research is to develop a control switch, for AAC devices, that can be operated by PALS residual function to open their eyes normally and widely.
Multifactorial assistive device intervention to prevent low back pain among caregivers
Authors: Bjørnskov Stina  , Brandt Åse
Published: February 2025

Caregivers are among those professionals who experience the highest incidence of low back pain and low back injuries, and one of the most frequently described reasons for this is person transfers. This paper reports on a controlled intervention study in two Danish municipalities with perceived strain during person transfer, self reported low back pain and low back injuries as main outcomes. The intervention was implemented in one municipality consisting of maximum use of assistive devices for person transfer combined with organizational changes. The other municipality served as control group. The study population consisted of all permanently employed caregivers in the two municipalities, and data was collected by means of a questionnaire at baseline and after 10 months of follow-up. At follow-up the caregivers in the intervention group reported lower perceived strain during person transfer and fewer low back injuries compared to the control group. However, no differences were found in terms of intensity and duration of low back pain. Reasons for the differences are discussed.
Ambient Assisted Living User Interfaces
Authors: Mayer Christopher  , Morandell Martin  , Hanke Sten  , Bobeth Jan  , Bosch Tanja  , Fagel Sascha  , Groot Matti  , Hackbarth Kai  , Marschitz Walter  , Schüler Christian  , Tuinenbreijer Kees
Published: February 2025

Objective. Many services older people can benefit from lack of accessibility, adoptability and usability of the user interface concerning arising special needs. The aim of the AALuis project is to facilitate the connection of different services to different user interfaces and thus to enable the users of AAL systems to use more services interacting in their preferred way. An open middleware layer that can be used for different platforms to connect different user interfaces to existing AAL systems, new AAL services and innovative user interfaces will be developed.
Eye-tracking assistive technology: is this effective for the developmental age? Evaluation of eye-tracking systems for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Amantis Raffaela  , Corradi Fabrizio  , Molteni Anna Maria  , Massara Bruno  , Orlandi Marco  , Federici Stefano  , Olivetti Belardinelli Marta  , Mele Maria Laura
Published: February 2025

Objective. The main purpose of this study is to better understand whether eye-tracking technologies might be considered as a valid tool for enhancing communication and facilitating the process of rehabilitation, in order to improve the empowerment of persons in developmental age.
Improving Mobility of Pedestrian Visually-Impaired Users
Authors: Fanucci Luca  , Roncella Roberto  , Iacopetti Fabrizio  , Donati Massimiliano  , Calabro Antonello  , Leporini Barbara  , Santoro Carmen
Published: February 2025

Objective. In the present paper the study, design and prototyping of a mobility aid system for visually impaired persons in outdoor scenarios is presented. The application scenario is autonomous mobility in urban context, and, in particular, the living of outdoor public places of tourist/cultural interest and urban routes.
Early detection of dementia and ICT: signs from practice
Authors: Wouters E.J.M.  , Roijers S.M.  , Overdiep R.A.
Published: February 2025

Objective and research questions. Dementia is a growing challenge in our aging society. Often, persons close to older people at some point in time sense that ‘something is wrong’ (long) before dementia is actually diagnosed, but do not know how to act upon it. This may lead to situations where dementia progresses unnoticed, until it escalates, and people need sudden admission to a hospital or nursing home. Therefore the aim of this project was to develop the outlines of an ICT system to effectively register and interpret signs of potential dementia, in order to give proper care long before things get out of hand. Besides relatives, close friends and health care workers, also other persons or organizations that are involved with older persons could play a role in the early detection of dementia. Individual signs often do not elicit a call to action. The combination of signals from several sources into a central digital system might generate a more complete view of an individual's situation. This yielded the following research questions: 1. Who are the important social contacts in the network of older persons that might detect early signs of problems? 2. How do social contacts currently experience and process possible signs of dementia? 3. How do older persons and their social contacts perceive a solution like the one we are envisioning (a kind of ‘digital central signaling system’)?
The ergonomics of wheelchair configuration for optimal sports performance
Authors: Mason Barry  , van der Woude Lucas  , Goosey-Tolfrey Vicky
Published: February 2025

Objective. To explore the effectiveness of an ergonomics approach in the evaluation of different sports wheelchair configurations for the optimisation of mobility performance specific to the wheelchair court sports.
Hazardous Behavior Detection of Residents with Multi-camera Gates in Nursing Home Corridors
Authors: Matsumoto Tetsuya  , Nakamoto Hiroyuki  , Goka Masanori  , Kitagawa Yoichi  , Kameyama Hirofumi  , Kamise Yojiro  , Omori Kiyohiro  , Kitayama Ichiro  , Sumiya Kazutoshi
Published: February 2025

Objective. Elderly people, who occupy nursing homes with dementia or legs getting weak, are on the increase. The nursing homes are requested to keep wandering, fall or other incidents of residents from going to fatal accidents. We propose a new hazardous behavior detector with face recognition technology in nursing home corridors.
Evaluation of Physical Load while Propelling Manual Wheelchair on a Slope
Authors: Hashizume Tsutomu  , Kitagawa Hiroshi  , Mohri Taichi  , Ueda Hisatoshi  , Miyamoto Tadayoshi  , Yoneda Ikuo  , Fujisawa Shoichiro
Published: February 2025

Objective. The vertical slope in sidewalk is a big barrier for the wheelchair users. In Japan, the Law for Promoting Barrier-free Transport and Facilities for the Elderly and the Disabled and it's guideline indicate that the vertical slope in sidewalk is expected to be 5% gradient or less and it can be allowed 8% or less when it is unavoidable. Grounds of this guideline depended from existing studies and related documents reported that most of wheelchair users were able to climb up 5% gradient slope and 24/25 subjects were able to climb up 8% slope. However, the research on the relationship between the feature of slope with gradient, distance, ascending speed and the physical load of wheelchair users was still remained. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physical load of the wheelchair users by the oxygen uptake values and the wheelchair driving force while they are propelling a wheelchair upward on a slope, and to realize barrier-free environment.
Exergaming improves dynamic balance in community dwelling elderly
Authors: Lamoth Claudine J.C.  , Caljouw Simone R.
Published: February 2025

Objective. Improving and maintaining balance is essential for the elderly population, as impaired balance is a major risk factor for falling. In daily-life settings, balance control is no aim by itself, but postural adjustments of the whole body are continuously required for many goal-directed movements. Exergaming, the notion of exercise combined with video games, is popular in health care practice to improve balance and suggested to help avoid falls in the elderly. When exercising by playing a balance game people do not pay attention to the physical exercise and their own movements but on the outcome of their movements in the projected environment. However scarce, some evidence is available for the direct beneficial effect of playing an active video game with a balance board as a peripheral on postural control. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess the effect of 6 weeks exergaming based balance training program on balance performance in a group of elderly community dwelling persons.
Technological Developments and Design for All
Authors: Emiliani Pier Luigi  , Burzagli Laura  , Gabbanini Francesco
Published: February 2025

Objective The paper summarises activities carried out in the DfA@eInclusion (Design for All for eInclusion) Coordination Action, active from 2007 to 2009, set up to support EDeAN (the European Design for All eAccessibility Network-www.edean.org), by performing an in depth analysis of the on-going technological developments, of the use of the DfA approach to influence the development for the emergence of an inclusive environment, and of the corresponding necessary research activities.
Information Services for All in Public Transport
Authors: Bühler Christian  , Heck Helmut  , Wallbruch Rainer
Published: February 2025

The information required to plan a journey with public transport has to be available in a clear, suitable and accessible format. It needs to be comprehensive and up to date. Comprehensive information for the traveller with mobility restrictions deals with timetables, potential obstacles, assistive infrastructure and special information services in public transport. The objective of the German research projects BAIM and BAIMplus was to provide information services on barrier-free travelling chains for people with reduced mobility in public transport, applying Design-for-All principles. – An information system has been developed that supplies detailed information on the accessibility of public transport facilities, including vehicles, buildings, footpaths, ramps and assistive infrastructure (e.g. tactile paving for blind people) taking into account user specific accessibility requirements. This information is available at any time prior or during a journey using multiple communication channels such as an Internet based information platform, a phone based speech information system, or a mobile device (e.g. PDA, smartphone, mobile phone). The benefit for the traveller consists of real time information (e.g. trains being late, or facilities not being operational) being available at the time of travel. The system does not simply inform the traveller of any unforeseeable deviation from the travel schedule, it provides the full functionality to re-plan the journey even whilst travelling. Thus people with mobility restrictions can easily circumvent barriers which would otherwise present themselves as being insurmountable. – Various user tests have shown the usability of the information services and the benefits for the users. The two participating public transport associations, serving a population of eleven million people, maintain the information system after the project end in 2010. – End user participation during BAIM and BAIMplus has led to considerable valuable input for the whole design process of the system. Realistic objectives with focus on those system features that yield most benefit to the users and the embedding of the new services in the well established information systems of the public transport associations led to a successful R&D work and sustainable project results.
The effects of CareTV on feelings of loneliness and safety in frail elderly
Authors: van der Heide Loek  , Spreeuwenberg Marieke D.  , Willems Charles G.  , de Witte Luc  , Rietman John
Published: February 2025

Objective: With the increase in life expectancy and growth in the number of frail elderly, the demand for complex care will increase. In 2035, about 54% of the Dutch population will be over 65 years of age. Loneliness will be a problem in an estimated 30–40% of these elderly. Most elderly prefer care at home and in most cases this is less expensive than institutionalised care. Both client and care provider could benefit from systems using advanced technology to support people at home. CareTV is a technological solution, which allows users to interact with carers, family and friends from their home. In prior research users mentioned that CareTV expanded their social contacts, but it had not been measured if feelings of loneliness as a consequence have decreased. This paper reports on research whether CareTV is a valid instrument for elderly to engage in meaningful social contacts by a video connection to avoid loneliness.
Evaluating Accessibility of E-Learning Tools
Authors: Schaten Michael  , Fisseler Björn
Published: February 2025

Objective. Accessibility of e-learning tools is a hardly addressed characteristic. When it comes to review an e-learning environment, no or only outdated evaluation methods exist. Developing and applying evaluation methods for Learning Management Systems (LMS) and authoring tools is a major aspect considered within the project “ELoQ – e-learning based logistic qualification”. This paper presents the work in module 2 of the ongoing research project ELoQ. Module 2 covers technical aspects related to e-learning activities.
Expanding Product Accessibility with Primary Market Research Techniques
Authors: Flagg Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Objective. To identify and describe the “Voice of the Customer” methods that academic investigators can use to enhance the accessibility of products and services brought to market by industry partners, while satisfying grant goals and funding agency mandates.
Chapter 6: Security and Anonymity in Agent Systems
Authors: Leszczyna Rafał  , Kotenko Igor
Published: February 2025

Many agent systems have been developed and suggested for commercial application. However, in spite of the significant potential offered by the agent paradigm, the lack of such important properties as security, anonymity and untracebility especially in open dynamical environment, such as the Internet, has blocked the active implementation of agent technologies. Protecting agent systems poses a more demanding challenge comparing to traditional environments. Apart of all the threats which face the latter, there are attacks specific to agent environments. The chapter considers issues of agent security, anonymity and untracebility and outlines the main threats to agent systems and existing protection methods.
Chapter 10: Multi-Agent Systems in E-Health Territorial Emergencies
Authors: Cabri Giacomo
Published: February 2025

In the e-health domain, territorial emergencies represent dynamic, unpredictable and heterogeneous situations where software agents can be exploited in an effective way, thanks to their features of autonomy, reactivity, proactvity and sociality. In this chapter we discuss about the exploitation of agents in e-health and territorial-emergency situations, and we present UbiMedic, an agent-based system developed to provide services in the e-health field in general, which can be successfully exploited in emergency scenarios. In addition, we report some considerations that aim at being useful to developers that are going to consider agents to build applications in the field of e-health.
Chapter 4: Wireless Sensor Networks and Software Agents
Authors: Essaaidi Mohammad  , Fortino Giancarlo
Published: February 2025

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are currently emerging as one of the most disruptive technologies enabling and supporting next generation ubiquitous and pervasive computing scenarios. In particular, Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSNs) are conveying notable attention as their real-world applications aim at improving the quality of human beings life by enabling continuous and real-time non-invasive assistance at low cost and effectively supporting emergency response scenarios. The aim of this chapter is twofold: (i) to provide an overview on WSN technology and (ii) to promote the agent-based model for programming WSNs. In particular, a high-level programming approach based on the agent-oriented model to flexibly design and efficiently implement WBSNs applications is proposed. The approach is contextualized in the emergency response application domain and is exemplified through a case study concerning a real-time human activity monitoring system which is developed through MAPS (Mobile Agent Platform for Sun SPOT), a Java-based framework for Sun SPOT wireless sensors.
The Evolution of State Counter-terrorism Strategies in France, Germany and United Kingdom, 1960-2010
Authors: Roth Mitchel P.
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on the development of counterterrorism strategies between 1960 and 2010 in three democratic European countries - France, Germany and the United Kingdom. What becomes clear is that the strategies used by these countries were predicated on each country's historical response to terrorism. For example, the demilitarization of Germany after 1945 and the poor showing at the Munich debacle; the UK reliance on internment from the Boer War through Malaya, Kenya, Palestine and the Irish troubles; and the French experience in Indo-China and North Africa. These strategies have been amplified by changes in the political environment of each country in the aftermath of World War Two and the post-colonial struggles that followed. Thus, this paper suggests that each country is tethered to its historical and political past.
Al Qaeda as a Transnational Political Movement
Authors: May Cindy L.
Published: February 2025

Following the September 11thterrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of its headquarters in Afghanistan, Al Qaeda had to adapt its structure, operating procedures, and tactics to survive. Al Qaeda has become a constantly evolving entity that is continually moving into new regions of operation and developing novel tactics to perpetrate its attacks. Today the guidelines of what classifies an individual as an Al Qaeda operative are not as clear as they were prior to September 11, 2001. Many so called Al Qaeda members have never received formal training and have not had contact with Al Qaeda's senior leadership. Consequently, this paper will propose a political movement paradigm from which to view and understand Al Qaeda. Through this paradigm Al Qaeda's structural and tactical evolution from its pre-September 11thform into its current state will be examined, paying special attention to the implications this transformation has on Western counterterrorism strategies.
A Stratified Environment of Intelligent Early Warning Agents for the General Problem of Asymmetric Threats
Authors: Özgüven Kutluk
Published: February 2025

With growing complexity of civilian or defence systems and structures intelligent security attacks have become more difficult to detect, analyse and respond in real time. Attacks in the information and communication technologies environment are usually defended by individual elements targeted, or according to the type of attack. This approach is difficult, costly and is always a step behind the attackers who have strategic view. Attackers may also target the defender's finances by driving its defence expenditures to unsustainable levels. It is proposed here a general macro vision of defence as a whole, with two major aspects. First, the defence system is composed of independent layers of detection, starting from the cheapest and most available to expert level with high costs, based on autonomous agents, swarm behaviour and immune system metaphor. Secondly, the whole defence should be considered as a single system, with cyber-attacks, financial fraud, money laundering, organised crime, border trafficking, terrorism, guerrilla warfare, stealth attacks, conventional war and other threats are considered as parts of the same defence with feeding information to each other in a real time environment.
Using Social Networks for On-line Credit Card Fraud Analysis
Authors: Fogelman Soulie Françoise  , Mekki Amine  , Sean Savaneary
Published: February 2025

Internet sales are growing very fast, thus becoming a major target for fraudsters. This fraud is mostly perpetrated by international organized crime rings. Fighting fraud is thus critical for our societies' security. Classically, fraud detection has been implemented through data mining techniques; however, social networks techniques have recently emerged in the security domain. We present here a methodology to use social networks together with data mining for fraud analysis and illustrate the approach through results recently obtained in an ongoing project, with transaction data provided by a major national network.
Devices and Infrastructure to Facilitate AAL
Authors: McCullagh Paul
Published: February 2025

This section explores technology used to identify an individual in their environment, promote their safety and wellness at home and beyond and support rehabilitation. All three aspects need to be addressed if AAL is to flourish.
Home-Based Computer Vision Access Technologies for Individuals with Severe Motor Impairments
Authors: Chau Tom  , Memarian Negar  , Leung Brian  , Treherne Deborah  , Hobbs David  , Worthington-Eyre Breanna  , Lamont Andrea  , Pla-Mobarak Michele
Published: February 2025

For individuals with severe disabilities, home-based access to communication, computer and environmental controls can prove to be a non-trivial challenge. In this chapter, we introduce a family of home-based access technologies that exploit computer vision via one or more cameras, operating in the visible or infrared light spectrum. These technologies are non-contact, requiring no devices to be attached to the user. We present two major categories of access: corporeal access whereby the user interacts with his or her environment using gross movements of the limbs, trunk or head; and orofacial access where the user connects to the environment via gestures of the mouth. After introducing the fundamentals of each type of access technology, we provide clinical illustrations of how these technologies have been applied in the home or community setting. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the merits and limitations of computer vision-based access technologies.
Preparation and Start-Up Phase of the European AAL Joint Programme
Authors: Huch Michael
Published: February 2025

Research and development in the context of home-based ICT applications – in combination with services – that aim to increase the self-determined and independent life of older persons is today known under the name of Ambient Assisted Living. This text gives a brief historical background how the AAL Joint Programme (AAL JP) was established and thus helped to spread the term over Europe and to the rest of the world.
Managing Chronic Conditions Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Marin-Perianu Raluca  , Jimenez Garcia Juan  , Bosch Stephan  , Marin-Perianu Mihai  , Havinga Paul
Published: February 2025

Physical activity, therapy and exercising are essential for the management of many chronic conditions. This is why human motion tracking for healthcare applications has received significant attention recently. In this chapter we describe the architecture in which we provide a person-centric healthcare solution for patients with chronic conditions based on the recent advances in wireless inertial sensing systems. We emphasize the role of the home as care environment, by providing real-time support to patients in order to monitor, self-manage and improve their physical condition according to their specific situation.
SmartSenior – Intelligent Services for Senior Citizens
Authors: Balasch Michael C.  , Schultz Martin  , Carius-Duessel Christine  , John Michael  , Hänsel Joachim  , Pieth Norbert  , Ernst Thilo  , Kiselev Jörn  , Kock Gerd  , Hennig Ben  , Wagner Klaus F.  , Haesner Marten  , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth  , Gövercin Mehmet  , Jansen Jan-Peter  , Schröder Markus  , Masur Matthias  , Leipold Tobias  , Busch Irina  , Zeidler Stefan  , Meyer Sibylle  , Böhm Uta  , Fricke Christa  , Spindler Claudia  , Klaus Harald  , Waidelich Fabienne  , Busser Jens-Uwe  , Klasen Wolfgang  , Müller Katrin
Published: February 2025

SmartSenior is the largest Ambient Assisted Living research project in Germany, and is scheduled to run from 2009 to 2012. It aims to develop technologically innovative services that will enable older people to continue living in their own homes for longer, and stay independent for longer. SmartSenior is oriented to customers' needs for safety, health, and independence as well as optimum usability. Appliances and services from Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and (tele-)medicine are integrated into an overall concept to create a comprehensive, modular solution. Research also focuses on the development of role and business models promising effective exploitation and on general issues such as privacy protection and sustainability of AAL services. Selected aspects and current research results of SmartSenior are presented in this article.
Beyond System Integration: Who, What, How, and When
Authors: Lhotská Lenka  , Doležal Jaromír  , Chudáček Václav  , Huptych Michal  , Burša Miroslav  , Havlík Jan
Published: February 2025

The objective of AAL and home care is a better care for frail individuals (elderly chronic and disabled patients) in a home care setting. In principle it means to allow the citizens to stay at home as long as possible, delaying the institutionalization of people, possibly avoiding it for a high percentage of them. Recent development in ICT shows that it is almost impossible to design and implement an AAL system as fixed to certain hardware, operating system, and infrastructure. Thus it is necessary to develop such architectures that will be easily extensible and modifiable. We will discuss such approaches in the chapter. We will also analyze the social, legal and ethical issues connected with the technology issues.
Growing Older Together: When a Robot Becomes the Best Ally for Ageing Well
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca Irene  , Morin Fabrice O.  , Garzo Ainara  , Remazeilles Anthony  , Rentería Arantxa  , Gaminde Gabriel
Published: February 2025

While recent technological developments increasingly bring robots into people's life, improving individuals' productivity at work or easing their life at home, many elderly adults have not benefited of that societal change yet, therefore remaining excluded from the information society. Against this phenomenon, several innovative products have been recently proposed in assistive technology: among them, multipurpose robotic systems certainly represent the most appealing solution designed to improve elderly people quality of life. However, for robots to truly become part of the life of elderly people, essential usability, acceptance and ethical issues need to be addressed and solved by robotics researchers.
Countering Terrorist Recruitment
Authors: Ersen M. Uğur
Published: February 2025

Terrorist organizations need to recruit new members in order to survive and continue their actions. They have several reasons for recruiting new individuals. Recruitment is clearly the lifeblood of terrorist organizations and countering recruitment is key to success in the defence against terrorism. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to provide information on important aspects of the recruitment process used by terrorist organizations. Under this topic, we will discuss why terrorist organizations need recruitment, how becoming a terrorist may be attractive, characteristics of target population and recruits, recruitment methods and models, post-recruitment process and ways to counter recruitment. At the end of the paper, some recommendations to counter the recruitment of terrorist organizations will be provided.
Framing Suicide Terrorism: Perceptions and Representations
Authors: Spence Keith
Published: February 2025

Analysis of media coverage and political responses to the suicide attack on the NATO (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan on 15 August 2009 illustrates the presence of a pattern of established conventions that structure the representation of suicide terror events. The framework described by these conventions incorporates a range of implicit but deeply inscribed assumptions concerning the origins and motivations of terrorists in general, and suicide terrorists in particular. These assumptions predate the events of 11 September 2001, but received their clearest articulation in the aftermath of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. The vocabulary associated with the “War Against Terror”, and the constructions of terrorism and terrorist to which it gives rise, are identified and contested through discussion of available demographic data pertaining to suicide terrorism, to the discourse of the “clash of civilizations” associated with the work of S. P. Huntington, and to the paradoxically commensurable self-presentation of suicide terrorists themselves. Analysis of these materials significantly undermines accounts of cause and motivation that seek to explain suicide terrorism in terms of religious fundamentalism and economic deprivation. Disputes concerning global military policies, and claims against perceived territorial interference, emerge as being of greater significance. The conventions established within the prevailing assumptions and frameworks adopted in the course of media productions are, however, firmly established and not readily susceptible to adaptation or control. By critically challenging this established framework, however, and exposing its assumptions and limits to scrutiny, the possibility of redescription, and over time to the reframing, of currently prevailing perceptions and representations of both terrorism in general and suicide terror in particular, can be envisaged but not guaranteed.
Improvement of Restoration Accuracy of Semi-elliptical Surface Crack Considering the Resolution of Flux Gate Sensor
Authors: Nakasumi Shogo  , Suzuki Takayuki
Published: February 2025

In non-destructive evaluation using magnetic flux leakage, formulation of a function which associates magnetic dipole and magnetic flux density in terms of geometrical coordinates is modified in order to capture the average magnetic flux value along the sensor length for low lift-off area. The effectiveness is verified through numerical simulation scheme. Inverse analysis of two adjacent semi-elliptical surface cracks is conducted. Cracks are detected separately by using the modified function, and the restored crack shape becomes more proper.
Statistical Analysis of Array Probe Eddy Current Data From Steam Generator Tubes
Authors: Arunachalam Kavitha  , Udpa Lalita  , Udpa Satish
Published: February 2025

Eddy current (EC) methods of nondestructive evaluation are used extensively in steam generator tube inspection in nuclear power plants. With advances in technology, new sensor designs are being proposed for improving data acquisition and defect detection. Limitations associated with manual analysis of the large volume of EC data have led to the development of automated data analysis. In this paper, we present statistical models for automated analysis of the complex array probe data. The EC data is modeled as independent random ariables with identical distribution and the statistical parameters of the two class problem are estimated using Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. Defect identification in the noisy EC data is assessed using minimum error rate (MER) detection rule. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) generated for in-service steam generator tubes are used to assess the model performance.
GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure based Micro-Hall Sensors and response to A.C. excitation
Authors: Ravi Kumar Ch.  , Abhilash T.S.  , Rao B.P.C.  , Jayakumar T.  , Rajaram G.
Published: February 2025

Hall sensors are fabricated from GaAs/AlGaAs based heterostructures. The sensors are characterized for sensitivity using A.C and D.C. excitation techniques w.r.to a known magnetic field in the range of 0-100Oe. Sensitivities of the order of 1000V/AT are obtained with a low variation of 0.15% in the temperature range of 30°C-100°C. A.C excitation (30Hz to 1 kHz) for the sensor current and phase-sensitive detection of the Hall Voltage are used to eliminate thermo-emfs and its drift with a consequent improvement in data acquisition rates of >50% over that of D.C excitation. This improves scan rates in applications such as magnetic flux leakage (MFL) measurements. The sensitivity is independent of the frequency of excitation as expected; however, the zero-field Hall voltage ‘offset’ value is found to have small frequency dependence.
Quantitative Non-Destructive Testing of Local Wall Thinning Defect Based on an Efficient Simulator of Pulsed Eddy Current Testing Signals
Authors: Xie Shejuan  , Takagi Toshiyuki  , Uchimoto Tetsuya  , Chen Zhenmao
Published: February 2025

In this paper, an efficient numerical simulation solver for pulsed eddy current testing (PECT) signals was developed, and based on this the quantitative non-destructive testing of local wall thinning defect in pipes of nuclear power plants (NPPs) was conducted. First, a frequency domain summation method combined with interpolation strategy was proposed and implemented based on finite element method with edge element for the PECT simulation. Comparison of numerical results and experimental results verified the efficiency of the developed simulation solver for PECT signals. Second, a self-differential probe which can penetrate deeper was proposed to detect the subsurface local wall thinning defect in pipe walls of NPPs. Through analyzing the simulation results calculated using the developed simulator, it was found that the distance between the positive peak and the negative peak of the Bz (magnetic flux density in z direction) in scanning signals can be considered as a feature to quantify the width of defect, while the minimum time to peak of the differential Bx (magnetic flux density in x direction) can quantify the depth of defect.