bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of Large-Scale Biomedical Images on a Cluster of Multicore CPUs and GPUs
Authors: Catalyurek Umit V.  , Hartley Timothy D.R.  , Sertel Olcay  , Ujaldon Manuel  , Ruiz Antonio  , Saltz Joel  , Gurcan Metin
Published: February 2025

Today's state-of-the-art cluster supercomputers include commodity components such as multi-core CPUs and graphics processing units. Together, these hardware devices provide unprecendented levels of performance in terms of raw GFLOPS and GFLOPS/cost. High-performance computing applications are always in search of lower execution times, greater system utilization, and better efficiency, which means that developers will need to leverage these disruptive technologies in order to take advantage of modern cluster computers' full potential processing power. New application models and middleware systems are needed to ease the developer's task of writing programs which efficiently use this processing capability. Here, we present the implementation of a biomedical image analysis application which serves as a case-study for the development of applications for modern heterogeneous supercomputers. We present detailed application-specific optimizations which we generalize and combine with new programming models into a blueprint for future application development. Our techniques show good success executing on a modern heterogeneous GPU cluster providing 10 TFLOPS of peak processing capability.
Fighting Terrorism in Cyberspace
Authors: Cataldo Giovanni
Published: February 2025

The theme of the discussion is very topical due to the fundamental role that cybernetics and data transmission play in our everyday life. Often, each technological innovation brings, along with the benefits, risks for society at large. The Carabinieri are working in today's global scenario, sure that the only effective way to fight terrorism is through the concerted coordinated and cooperative efforts of all possible resources, in the areas of intelligence and investigations, where the control of the territory, both real and virtual, plays a pivotal role.
Secure Software Engineering: Developing the New Generation of Secure Systems by Introducing a Security Focus Throughout the Development Lifecycle
Authors: Mouratidis H.
Published: February 2025

In this paper we argue that, in order to develop the next generation of secure software systems, a security focus must be introduced throughout the development lifecycle. We also argue that security is not just a technical issue, and we explain how considering security issues from the earliest stages of the development process leads to the development of more secure software systems. After looking at the limitations and barriers of existing research and industrial approaches, with respect to the engineering of secure software systems, we briefly describe a methodology, which considers both the social and the technical aspects of security and supports the objective of considering security from the early stages of the software systems development. Moreover, we also argue that, in order to provide a security focus throughout the development lifecycle, we need to look at the issue collectively, rather than individually, by establishing a discipline that will form the basis of an in depth understanding of the security issues involved in the development of software systems; provide the appropriate knowledge and best practice to assist software and security engineers in developing secure software systems; and also educate system users on security related issues.
The Relevance of Humiliation Studies for the Prevention of Terrorism
Authors: Lindner Evelin G.
Published: February 2025

Why do young people who grew up in Europe kill innocent citizens in suicide attacks? In her paper, the author makes a link between the deep structure of terrorism and genocide, and offers humiliation as an explanation for both – feelings of humiliation, which carry the potential to lead to acts of humiliation and cycles of humiliation. Current historic times are characterised by two historically novel trends, first, rapidly increasing global interdependence, and second, a growing impact of the human rights message. Furthermore, new research indicates that one can feel as humiliated on behalf of victims one identifies with, as if one were to suffer this pain oneself, a phenomenon that is magnified when media give access to the suffering of people in far-flung places. Human rights ideals also compound this effect because humiliation represents the core violation of the human rights ideal of equality in dignity for all human beings. In the context of globalisation and human rights, therefore, humiliating people no longer produces humble underlings but risks fostering angry ‘terrorists,’ who have yet to realise that equal rights and dignity for all can only be attained by non-humiliating means. The Nelson-Mandela path out of humiliation, namely his strategy of embarking on proactive constructive social change instead of re-active cycles of humiliation, requires the nurturing, locally and globally, of a social and societal climate of mature differentiation, embedded into respect for the equality in dignity of all.
How neurological disability influences the quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pedro L.  , Ribeiro J.L.P.
Published: February 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) it is a chronic neurological disease, characterized by demyelisation. The impact of multiple sclerosis on QoL is usually quite dramatic. A reported that the somatic symptoms of MS affect the functioning life, family life, economic condition, social interaction and autonomy. The aim of the present study is to examine the Influences of neurological disability in quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. The study is cross-sectional and correlational and utilised the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MSQoL-54 Quantifying neurological disability in multiple sclerosis and MSQoL (SF-54): The results in correlations between EDSS and the domains of MSQOL-54, demonstrate de strong relation in every body dimensions of quality of life with neurological disability. These results are more important in dimensions: Physical Health and Physical Role Limitations Conclusion neurological Disability can play an important role in the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis.
The development of an innovative rehabilitation measurement system
Authors: Oosterwaal M.  , Statham A.E.  , Wijnen M.  , Hoppenbrouwers M.B.  , Kok P.M.J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The aim of the work was to develop a rehabilitation analysis solution that was robust, simple to use, wireless and inexpensive that could facilitate research and application in areas that were previously impractical. Methods: The embodiment of this vision was a pressure measurement insole and optical knee angle sensor system capable of wirelessly logging data. A participant was equipped with an experimental version of the system and performed various gaits along a motion-lab runway. A Vicon system tracked the participant's motion along the runway and an embedded force plate measured contact forces. The motion-lab reference data was used to validate the system and identify correlations that could aid with data interpretation and possible applications of the system. Results: Validation of the insole device showed good correlation with reference data (r>0.9) for centre of pressure location and an accuracy of +/-0.2 ms for all timing parameters. The joint angle sensor demonstrated an accuracy of within +/-3 degrees. Further correlations in the data were identified enabling classification of gait patterns. Conclusion: The system proved to be reliable, robust and accurate enough to be used in a variety of “in the field” research and rehabilitation quantification product scenarios previously rendered impractical by existing technology products.
Physical capacity after 7 weeks of low-intensity wheelchair training
Authors: van den Berg R.  , de Groot S.  , Swart C.M.A.  , van der Woude L.H.V.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 7-week low-intensity hand rim wheelchair training program on the physical capacity in able-bodied individuals. In total 25 able-bodied participants participated; 10 participants exercised three times a week at 30% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes (training group), and 15 participants participated in a control group. Physical capacity (maximal isometric strength, sprint power, peak power output and peak oxygen uptake) and submaximal performance were assessed before and after training. Levels of upper body discomfort were determined with the use of the LEO-questionnaire (Dutch version Local Perceived Discomfort). The experimental group improved significantly on sprint power and peak power output compared to the control group. The participants did not experience high levels of discomfort during the program, as indicated by the LEO-questionnaire. A low-intensity training program can improve physical capacity in able-bodied individuals. Its effectiveness must be tested in a wheelchair-dependent population.
Seated double-poling ergometer – a new training device for persons with spinal cord injury
Authors: Bjerkefors A.  , Tinmark F.  , Nolan L.  , Arndt A.  , Uchiyama S.  , Nilsson J.  , Thorstensson A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To introduce a new training device and its applicability for persons with spinal cord injury. Method: A person with a T4 spinal cord injury (SCI) and an able-bodied person (AB) performed double poling exercise at incremental intensities, submaximal to maximal, on a new ergometer. Forces in the right pole and movements were measured in 3D with a piezoelectric force sensor (Kistler) and an optoelectronic system (ProReflex), respectively. Results: Stroke rates showed similar ranges for the two subjects, 27-38 strokes/min in SCI and 24-35 strokes/min in AB. Mean power per stroke, calculated over 5 strokes, ranged 29-124 W for SCI and 30-255 W for AB. The highest single pole forces attained were 153 N (SCI) and 307 N (AB). Sagittal upper trunk movement increased with intensity in both subjects, 29-37 deg (SCI) and 8-20 deg (AB), the larger amplitude in SCI being due to additional backward lean. Conclusion: The results hitherto obtained in this study in progress have indicated that the new ergometer for seated double poling is a suitable tool for training of the upper body in persons with spinal cord injury. It provides a large range of controllable intensities making possible both endurance and strength/sprint type of training.
Relationship between physical capacity and the four dimensions of psychopathology in patients with heart conditions
Authors: Nieuwenburg- van Tilborg E.M.  , Eversdijk M.N.  , Zwarts B.  , Angenot E.  , de Groot S.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to determine whether distress, depression, anxiety or somatisation result in a diminished physical capacity in patients with heart conditions. Data on the Dutch version of the four dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DKL, with the components distress, depression, anxiety and somatisation) and physical capacity, expressed in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak power output (POpeak) were collected on all patients who followed the rehabilitation program in the Rehabilitation Centre Amsterdam between January 2004 and August 2008. A total of 445 patients completed a symptom-limited bicycle exercise test and the 4DKL. Scores on the 4DKL were classified into low, medium or high for the four different dimensions. Differences in VO2peak and POpeak between these three groups were analysed. On the dimensions distress, depression and anxiety no differences were found in VO2peak or POpeak. Patients with a high somatisation score had a significantly lower POpeak (p=0.02) than patients with a low somatisation score while no difference was found in VO2peak. Except for somatisation, psychopathology has no diminishing effect on physical capacity in patients with heart conditions. The effect of somatisation on physical capacity might be explained by actual physical complaints apart from psychological well-being.
Implementation of a physical activity programme for cancer patients
Authors: Canonne E.  , Bonneterre J.  , Wieczorek V.  , Thevenon A.
Published: February 2025

We present a collaboration between the Regional Cancer Centre and a sports club for providing a specific physical activity programme for cancer patients during and after therapy. A promotional brochure was created in order to advertise the programme and inform patients of the value of physical activity, which reduces the side effects of cancer therapies, improves the quality of vie and may prolong life expectancy. To date, the programme has attracted 15 participants.
Using SenseWear® armband to evaluate energy expenditure in manual wheelchair users with SCI
Authors: Ding D.  , Hiremath S.  , Kelleher A.  , Cooper R.
Published: February 2025

Accelerometry-based devices have been studied in measuring activities and predicting energy expenditure (EE) for ambulatory populations. The purpose of the study is to examine the validity of SenseWear® Armband (SenseWear), a multi-sensor activity monitor, in assessing EE in manual wheelchair (MWC) users. This paper presents the preliminary data obtained from five subjects (n=5) with spinal cord injury (SCI) performing wheelchair propulsion, arm-ergometer exercise, and deskwork. Wheelchair propulsion and arm-ergometer exercise involved three trials at different intensities. The EE estimated from the SenseWear was compared with the EE measured from a metabolic cart, used as the criterion measure. It was found that the SenseWear was relatively accurate when estimating EE for resting, but overestimated EE for wheelchair propulsion (+87.48%, +47.14%, and +124.77%), arm-ergometer exercise (+57.64%, +30.50%, and +42.94%) and deskwork (+10.12%). In future raw data and extracted features from multiple sensors of the SenseWear will be utilized to model EE for MWC users with SCI.
Body weight-supported gait training for restoration of walking in people with an incomplete spinal cord injury: a systematic review
Authors: Wessels M.  , Lucas C.  , Eriks-Hoogland I.  , de Groot S.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of body weight-supported (BWS) gait training on restoration of walking, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) in persons with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Datasources: Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and DocOnline. Studies were assessed for methodological quality and described regarding population, training protocol and effects on walking ability, ADL and QoL. A descriptive and quantitative synthesis was conducted. 18 articles/17 studies were included. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that subjects with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) C or D of less than one year duration reached higher scores on the locomotor item of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-L, range 1-7) in the over-ground training group than in the BWS treadmill training group at the end of training, mean difference 0.80 (0.04-1.56). There were no differences regarding walking velocity and hardly data on ADL or QoL. Concluded was that subjects with subacute SCIs classified AIS C or D reached a higher level of independent walking after over-ground training compared to BWS treadmill training. More RCTs are needed to clarify the effectiveness of BWS gait training on walking, ADL and QoL for subgroups of persons with incomplete SCIs.
Effects of treadmill training on physical activity in infants at risk for neuromotor delay
Authors: Angulo-Barroso R.M.  , Chen L.C.  , Tiernan C.W.  , Lloyd M.  , Ulrich D.A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To examine the immediate and long term effects of pre-ambulatory treadmill training on the levels of physical activity (PAL) in infants at risk for neuromotor delay (ND). Relationships between PAL and walking onset (WO) were also examined. Method: Twenty eight infants with moderate risk for ND (9.4±1.3 mo) were randomly assigned to a treadmill training (Experimental group-E-TMT) or a control group (C). Infants were tested at home every two months until they walked independently, and 3 more visits at 1, 4, and 7 months of walking experience. Treadmill training was terminated at WO. PAL profiles were recorded using an activity monitor during the intervention and at the 3 follow-up visits. Results: Infants in both groups walked on average around 15 months corrected age. From 10 to 16 months, infants increased PAL (F(3,37)=2.91, p=0.047). However, the E-TMT group showed a suggestive larger amplitude of trunk activity compared to the C group during the intervention. During the follow-up phase, the E-TMT group showed significantly less time spent in high levels of PA at visit 1 compared to the C group (F(2,28)=5.41, p=0.01). PA and WO yielded significant relationships at 10, 12, and 14 months for the E group and at 12 month for the C group. Conclusions: The treadmill intervention may facilitate high level of PA but the termination of the training at WO may be counterproductive. Apparently, infants who are more active in early development also show earlier WO. Therapeutic interventions should aim to improve the mobility of these infants at moderate risk for locomotor delay.
Functional electrical stimulation assisted cycling of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Szecsi J.  , Schlick C.  , Schiller M.  , Pöllmann W.  , Koenig N.  , Straube A.
Published: February 2025

Objective: To determine whether functional electrical stimulation-supported ergometric training of patients with multiple sclerosis has a prosthetic or therapeutic effect on biomechanical (power, smoothness of cycling) and functional outcomes (walking capability, strength of muscle, spasticity). Design: Twelve subjects with multiple sclerosis participated in an electrical stimulation-supported ergometric training (3 sessions/week for 2 weeks). Measurements were to study prosthetic (with and without stimulation) and therapeutic effects (before and after training). Methods: Power and smoothness were calculated, spasticity; strength and walking capability were measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale, Manual Muscle Test, and 10-Meter Walk Test. Results: The power and smoothness of pedaling significantly improved prosthetically with electrical stimulation, but did not show significant improvement over the 2 weeks of training. Significant short-term reductions of spasticity (before vs. after training session; p < 0.05) were found. Isometric strength did not increase significantly during the 2-week training period and there was no improvement in walking ability. Conclusion: Patients with multiple sclerosis are able to improve their cycling power and smoothness by pedaling with stimulation. Severely affected patients benefit more from FES-cycling therapy than slightly affected patients do.
Development of a tricycle for spinal cord injured
Authors: Berkelmans R.  , Duysens J.  , van Kuppevelt D.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To develop a tricycle with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for the leg muscles of spinal cord injured. It has to give the therapeutical benefits of FES, but also be practical in speed, range and reliability. Methods: We combined voluntary arm cranking with FES leg cycling. Three different models are made. One model is just a front part with one wheel, which can be attached and detached to a wheelchair. Two models can also be used outdoor tricycles and all models can be used as a stationary bike. Results: Compared with FES leg cycling only, the power output and the stamina improved. The combined exercise from arms and legs gives a higher oxygen uptake then separate exercises. Conclusion: A practical outdoor tricycle for people with SCI is developed. The different models are suitable for complete spinal cord injured ranging from C5 to T12.
A comparison of low and high frequency functional electrical stimulation during standing in spinal cord injury
Authors: Tanhoffer A.I.P.  , Crosbie J.  , Davis G.M.  , Middleton J.W.  , Butler J.E.
Published: February 2025

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) using a low frequency [LF] of 35 – 50 Hz can assist people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to stand, however recent work suggests that a higher frequency [HF] (100Hz) might be preferable, eliciting longer duration muscle contractions at lower current intensities. We compared the two FES paradigms in people with incomplete SCI, with respect to the duration and stability of their upright standing. Subjects stood unassisted, and with LF and HF FES. Stimulation was applied to quadriceps and gluteus muscles, intensity being increased according to the tolerance and requirement of the individual. Postural sway characteristics were measured using a force platform to capture the variance of the horizontal shear forces plus the AP and lateral motion of the Centre of Pressure. Preliminary findings indicate that duration and stability parameters are significantly and substantially improved by both forms of FES compared to no stimulation. There is some indication that HF stimulation evokes a more stable response than LF.
The influence of glove type on mobility performance for wheelchair rugby players
Authors: Mason B.S.  , van der Woude L.H.V.  , Goosey-Tolfrey V.L.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of different glove types on mobility performance specific to wheelchair rugby. Ten international wheelchair rugby players performed three field drills in four glove conditions: i) players' current glove selection (CON), ii) American football glove (NFL), iii) building glove (BLD) and iv) new prototype glove (HYB). Performance was assessed by times taken, peak velocities and accelerations within each drill through the use of a velocometer sampling at 100Hz and a short likert scale questionnaire. A Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed that participants' performed significantly better for measures of acceleration and sprinting when wearing CON in comparison to HYB (p < 0.05). Subjective data identified that players also favoured CON ahead of other gloves. It may be concluded that gloves which have been modified to cater for the specific demands of wheelchair rugby players are more effective for aspects of mobility performance.
Sports, disability & classification: a philosophers debate?
Authors: van Hilvoorde I.M.
Published: February 2025

Technological developments within elite sports for disabled athletes raise intriguing philosophical questions that challenge dominant notions of the body and of normality. The case of ‘bladerunner Oscar Pistorius’ in particular is used to illustrate and defend ‘transhuman’ ideologies, in which the use of technology is promoted to extend all human capabilities. Some argue that new technologies will undermine the sharp contrast that still dominates between the athlete as a cultural hero and icon and the disabled person that needs extra attention or care; the one incorporating the peak of normality, human functioning at its best, the other often representing the opposite. Do current ways of classification do justice to the performances of disabled athletes? The case of Oscar Pistorius will be used to further illustrate the complexities of these questions, in particular when related to notions of normality and extraordinary performances. Pistorius' wish to become part of ‘normal’ elite sport may be framed as a way of ‘inclusion’ or ‘integration’, but at the same time reproduces new inequalities and asymmetries between performances of able and dis-abled athletes. Accepting Pistorius to compete within the ‘regular’ Olympic Games paradoxically underlines the differences and reproduces the current order and hierarchy between able and disabled bodies.
The leveraged freedom chair: a wheelchair designed for developing countries
Authors: Winter A.G.  , Bollini M.  , Delatte D.  , Jones G.  , O'Hanley H.  , Scolnik N.
Published: February 2025

In this work we present the Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC), a wheelchair-based mobility aid designed specifically for the developing world. People with disabilities in developing countries have needs that differ drastically from those of people in the developed world; they most often do not have access to public transportation and are forced to travel long distances on rough terrain. Existing mobility aids, such Western-styled wheelchairs, are inefficient to propel and difficult to use off-road. Hand-powered tricycles, although more efficient for long distance travel, are too large to use in the home. The LFC is designed to fully suit the needs of people with disabilities in developing countries by utilizing upper body power through a lever-drive system. The drivetrain, which is made from locally available bicycle components, enables the user to select different gear ratios by sliding his or her hand up and down the levelers. The levers are sized to optimally convert upper body power when traveling on the variety of terrains encountered in the developing world.
Evaluation of the external mechanical work produced during manual wheelchair locomotion on the field
Authors: de Saint Remy N.  , Vaslin P.
Published: February 2025

The physical capacity of wheelchair users is usually evaluated by their power output, which is generally calculated from the mechanical work of the resultant braking force only. This method does not take into account the kinetic energy variations of the subject-and-wheelchair system. The purpose of this study was to verify if these variations could be neglected for estimating the subject's mechanical work. Three young wheelchair users performed a straightforward displacement with a Wireless Wheelchair Ergometer. According to the subjects, their total estimated mechanical work could be 2 to 5 times higher than the mechanical work of the resultant braking force applied on the system. These results showed that the system's kinetic energy variations should not be neglected for estimating the subject's mechanical work in real conditions.
Lower limb skin blood flow and calf volume changes during continuous and intermittent upper body exercise
Authors: Price M.  , Bhogal R.  , Thake C.D.  , Bottoms L.M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To determine the changes in thigh and calf skin blood flow during continuous and intermittent upper body exercise. Methods: Eight healthy able-bodied males undertook a preliminary incremental arm crank ergometry (ACE) test to volitional exhaustion and two experimental trials. Experimental trials consisted of either 28 min of continuous ACE at 50% peak power (CON) or 28 min intermittent exercise (INT) involving alternating 2 min bouts of ACE at 25% and 75% peak power. Changes in skin blood flow were measured by Laser Doppler techniques. Changes in calf volume were measured by strain gauge plethysmography. Heart rate and expired gas were continuously monitored. Aural and skin temperatures were measured. Results: Calf volume decreased in both trials, decreasing to a greater extent during INT (P<0.05). Changes in skin blood flow of the thigh and calf demonstrated intensity dependent increases during INT whereas a more steady state increase was observed during CON. There were no differences in aural temperature between trials. Calf skin temperature decreased in both trials and to a greater extent during INT. Conclusions: Increases in skin blood flow occur concurrently with a decrease in calf volume. Additionally, changes in skin blood flow appear to change rapidly with changes in exercise intensity.
Roll-over shape as a tool for design, alignment, and evaluation of ankle-foot prostheses and orthoses
Authors: Hansen A.H.  , Childress D.S.
Published: February 2025

The effective rocker shapes created by able-bodied (human) lower limb systems (roll-over shapes) have been useful for understanding lower limb function in walking. This paper describes the effects of walking speed, shoe heel height, added weight attached to the trunk, and shoe rocker radius on the characteristics of the physiologically produced roll-over shapes. In general, we have found that the able-bodied human responds to various conditions of level walking to maintain the same invariant roll-over shape. Able-bodied lower limb roll-over shapes measured during ramp walking are rotated in ways that could be mimicked using changes in equilibrium point (alignment) of prosthetic and orthotic components. New systems are becoming available and others are being developed to automatically adapt to different ramp surfaces. More research is needed to demonstrate the likely biomechanical benefits of these adaptable systems to their users.
Best Practices: Advising the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention about Trends in Science and Technology
Authors: Trapp Ralf
Published: February 2025

Advances in the life sciences and in enabling technologies affect the operations of both the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Both treaty regimes have developed mechanisms to review scientific and technological advances in order to ensure that their future implementation will not be negatively affected by such developments. These reviews also identify opportunities where new scientific knowledge and technology can help enhancing the effectiveness of the treaty regimes, or improve protections against CB weapons. This paper reviews experiences with both formal and informal mechanisms to provide effective and meaningful science advice to the States Parties of the two conventions, and in the case of the CWC also the international agency implementing it (the OPCW). These mechanisms include, for example, the provision of scientific advice by government scientists, in the CWC case by the Scientific Advisory Board of the OPCW, and independent advice received from international science unions, the Inter-Academy Panel, the International Council for Science and other international scientific institutions, as well as industry associations. The paper concludes that independent science advice is important for the proper functioning of the two conventions, and that dialogue between the science, technology and industry community on the one hand, and the arms control and security community on the other, is needed if the conventions are to be implemented in depth, and made to adapt to new requirements emanating from advances in the life sciences.
Beyond a Threat Assessment: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Defenses and Other Countermeasures, and Counter-Countermeasures on the Part of the Offense
Authors: Garwin Richard L.
Published: February 2025

Examples are discussed of the use of independent technical analysis of a broad range of aspects of national security programs in the United States. These include assessments of effectiveness of defenses, and counter- and counter-counter measures, with particular reference to missile defense.
Poland
Authors: Pastusiak Longin  , Wągrowska Maria
Published: February 2025

After the Warsaw Pact was dissolved in 1991, Poland found itself in a unique security situation, outside any multilateral alliance and with no bilateral security treaty with any country. Moreover, Poland found itself in a new geopolitical situation having lost three neighbors Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and German Democratic Republic) and acquired seven new ones. Joining NATO was the right strategic decision to which there have been no good alternatives. Poland supports NATO's transformation and its new missions, but at the same time is interested in maintaining the Alliance's capability to protect the members against threats, including military ones that may occur and destabilise the region.
Slovakia
Authors: Samson Ivo
Published: February 2025

Slovakia's road to NATO was complicated. As successor state to former Czechoslovakia, Slovakia had to grapple simultaneously with three tasks: post-communist transformation, finding another security anchor and building new statehood. The author analyzes several issues, notably, the remaining obstacles which prior to 2002 blocked Slovakia's progress towards NATO membership; overcoming security deficits; obtaining the support of public opinion; adopting new security documents and carrying out military reforms. Although the final result was a success, several issues have remained open (transatlanticism, participation in NATO-led operations and continuation of military reforms).
A Scandinavian Perspective
Authors: Møller Karsten Jacob
Published: February 2025

The Scandinavian countries have been supporting the enlargement of NATO, particularly in the Baltic area where the security situation changed dramatically. Russia lost her former strategic dominance in the area. Unfortunatelythe confidence between NATORussia has been severely weakened and needs to be restored.
Croatia
Authors: Čehulić Vukadinović Lidija
Published: February 2025

Croatia, which has gained its independence less then two decades ago, became a NATO member in April 2009. Its path to the Alliance was not easy. After the war, the liberation of its entire territory and the post-socialist reforms, the Alliance recognized Croatia as a modern, democratic and stable state, willing to help other countries in joining the Euro-Atlantic integration.
Albania
Authors: Starova Arian
Published: February 2025

After the democratic changes in Albania the Albanians have strongly supported their country's membership in NATO and EU as a symbolic return to their Western identity. The NATO air campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina later in Kosovo reinforced the appreciation of NATO as protector of human rights and as liberator of a part of Albanian nation.
Assistive Environment for Decision Support in Emergency Situations
Authors: Čech Pavel  , Bureš Vladimír  , Ponce Daniela  , Antoš Karel  , Macela Aleš
Published: February 2025

The emergency situations demand for urgent decisions in which much information needs to be gathered and processed and in which many often opposing interests needs to be taken into account. The number of causes, effects, measures, stakeholders and the amount of domain knowledge that is necessary to compile into an optimal solution go beyond human cognitive abilities and draw decision makers for random decisions. This is the situation where the decision makers and/or any authorized personnel can be helpfully and fruitfully supported by intelligent tools that would assist the human decision maker in a proactive and unobtrusive way. The concept of smart office is the label for application of ambient intelligent principles to workplaces where worker often face problem solving and decision making. The paper presents a concept of an assistive environment for decision support in emergency situation. The environment consists of an expert system connected and integrated with simulation engine and the decision support software.
Digital Household User Interfaces for Seniors
Authors: Macik Miroslav  , Hanzl Filip  , Klima Martin  , Slovacek Vaclav
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a User Centered Design driven development of a system for modern digital home based on the ISO/IEC 24752 standard: Universal Remote Console – URC. The primary target group – elderly users – has problems accepting certain devices and their respective user interfaces. We show that certain user interfaces are acceptable despite the fact that they convey a complex set of functionalities in a modern digital home.
An architecture for Idea Generation in Smart Meeting Rooms
Authors: Freitas Carlos Filipe  , Ramos Carlos  , Alferes José
Published: February 2025

In this we propose a software architecture to support the Groups in meetings of Ideas Generation in an Ambient Intelligence context. The main issue is how the explicit information, that already exists in the meetings, is represented in order to be easily accessed for future usage. This enables environments in the context of work (Meeting Rooms) to be able to review the past, to be aware of the current context and to be able to propose solutions/ideas for future meetings. The knowledge management is achieve by means of intelligent agents, which must perform tasks such as building knowledge on Domain Ontologies, finding related/equal/opposite issues on indexed knowledge, and delivering the knowledge to the users in appropriate time.
Towards Understanding of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments
Authors: Révészová Libuša  , Pal'ová Dana
Published: February 2025

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) technology is a step forward to innovation of the whole industrial working environment. The wealth of organizations and enterprises has to be sought in people, their knowledge and skills, internal processes and the company's reputation. Human capital depends on the competence, intellectual ability, and attitudes of the organizations' members. The paper presents a new approach and some practises concerning the education young managers at the Faculty of Economics, Technical University of Košice towards understanding challenges of AmI.
Modelling AmI Using Object Systems
Authors: Bucko Jozef  , Mihók Peter
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, a rapid progress in information technologies brings the digitalisation into almost every part of our life, with information sources being inter-connected through a variety of online or offline media. The basic idea of the presented paper follows the research report of the British Smith Institute for Industrial Mathematics and System Engineering which states that the design of new products, the delivery of new services, and improvements in operational efficiency in the area of Information Technologies rely in large part on the improvement of collaboration between mathematics and informatics. The problem of the modelling of reality, economical and social processes, is very important in the concept of Information Society. Several methodologies, methods, modelling languages and computer-based tools have been developed. We introduce object-systems as generalizations of graphs as modelling tools in the world of Ambient Intelligence.
The Next Step: Beyond Best Practice Guidelines
Authors: Murphy Barbara J.
Published: February 2025

Disaster response is considered in relation to terrorist attacks. The challenges involved in disaster response are broken down and weaknesses in the current system of guidelines are revealed. A historical example of disaster response is provided and examined in depth. Improvements are suggested in order to remedy existing systemic vulnerabilities.
Systemic Aspects of Security Technology in Hospitals: Combining STEEPV-SWOT Methodologies in Risk Analysis of Hospitals
Authors: Kaivo-oja Jari
Published: February 2025

Coping with risk situations in hospitals can be complex and controversial. Government and industries have devoted considerable resources to develop and apply techniques of risk analysis and risk characterization in order to make better informed and more trustworthy decisions about security threats to human health, welfare and the environment.
The Law of Armed Conflict and Terrorism
Authors: Aytaç Osman
Published: February 2025

The various international treaties governing armed conflicts date from different periods: the main Hague Conventions from 1907, the most recent Geneva Conventions and the Hague Cultural Property Convention from 1949 and 1954, the protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions, and the conventions on certain conventional weapons from 1977 and 1980. These various law of war treaties thus reflect the needs, concepts, circumstances, and language of their times. As a consequence of the growing complexity of modern armed conflicts, the law of war is also becoming more and more complicated.
Use of Force – The UK Experience
Authors: Charvat Julian P.I.A.G.
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses the responses to terrorism under the Criminal Justice and War Models. Within this framework, the Troubles in Northern Ireland (1969-2007) and the UK’s use of force in dealing with the terrorist threat are examined.
A Flexible, Application- and Platform-Independent Environment for Benchmarking
Authors: Frings Wolfgang  , Schnurpfeil Alexander  , Meier Stefanie  , Janetzko Florian  , Arnold Lukas
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the new benchmarking environment JuBE. It is a stand-alone framework independent of the underlying benchmark applications and supports all steps of performing and analyzing benchmark runs on different computer systems. These steps are fully recorded to allow a consistent administration and analysis of the runs. JuBE is the benchmarking environment chosen by the European Projects DEISA and PRACE.
DEISA Mini-Symposium on Extreme Computing in an Advanced Supercomputing Environment
Authors: Gentzsch Wolfgang  , Lederer Hermann
Published: February 2025

The DEISA Mini-Symposium held in conjunction with the ParCo 2009 Conference was devoted to “Extreme Computing in an Advanced Supercomputing Environment”. For a representative overview of the application related key areas involved, the Mini-Symposium was structured into three sessions devoted to the description of the DEISA Extreme Computing Initiative DECI and the Science Community support, the application oriented support services, and examples of scientific projects performed in the Distributed European Infrastructure for Supercomputing Applications (DEISA) both from the DECI and the fusion energy research related science community behind the EU FP7 project EUFORIA.
Chemical Characterization of Super-Heavy Elements by Relativistic Four-Component DFT
Authors: Tarantelli Francesco  , Belpassi Leonardo  , Storchi Loriano
Published: February 2025

The chemical characterization of super heavy elements (SHE), achieved by studying their interaction with a heavy metal surface, is currently of fundamental importance for the placement of new elements in the periodic table. Effects described by relativity theory on SHE chemistry are known to alter expectations dramatically. We use the 4-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham (DKS) theory in order to gain an accurate understanding of the chemical properties of the element 112 (E112) interacting with large gold clusters. The large number of heavy atoms that have to be considered in the DKS calculations require an extreme computational effort. An important enabling phase, in particular aimed at overcoming the diagonalization bottleneck of DKS calculations and reducing memory usage per processor, took advantage of the expertise available within Distributed European Infrastructure for Supercomputing Applications (DEISA) in a project of the DEISA Extreme Computing Initiative (DECI). We have thus been able to show that all-electron relativistic four-component Dirac-Kohn-Sham (DKS) computations, using G-spinor basis sets and state-of-the-art density fitting algorithms, can be efficiently parallelized and applied to large chemical systems such as those mentioned above.
Gradient projection methods for image deblurring and denoising on graphics processors
Authors: Serafini Thomas  , Zanella Riccardo  , Zanni Luca
Published: February 2025

Optimization-based approaches for image deblurring and denoising on Graphics Processing Units (GPU) are considered. In particular, a new GPU implementation of a recent gradient projection method for edge-preserving removal of Poisson noise is presented. The speedups over standard CPU implementations are evaluated on both synthetic data and astronomical and medical imaging problems.
RAPTOR – A Scalable Platform for Rapid Prototyping and FPGA-based Cluster Computing
Authors: Porrmann Mario  , Hagemeyer Jens  , Romoth Johannes  , Strugholtz Manuel  , Pohl Christopher
Published: February 2025

A number of FPGA-based rapid prototyping systems for ASIC emulation and hardware acceleration have been developed in recent years. In this paper we present a prototyping system with distinct flexibility and scalability. The designs will be described from an architectural view and measurements of the communication infrastructure will be presented. Additionally, the properties of the system will be shown using examples, that can be scaled from a single-FPGA-implementation to a multi-FPGA, cluster based implementation.
Performance Modeling Tools for Parallel Sparse Linear Algebra Computations
Authors: Cicotti Pietro  , Li Xiaoye S.  , Baden Scott B.
Published: February 2025

We developed a Performance Modeling Tools (PMTOOLS)library to enable simulation-based performance modeling for parallel sparse linear algebra algorithms. The library includes micro-benchmarks for calibrating the system's parameters, functions for collecting and retrieving performance data, and a cache simulator for modeling the detailed memory system activities. Using these tools, we have built simulation modules to model and predict performance of different variants of parallel sparse LU and Cholesky factorization algorithms. We validated the simulated results with the existing implementation in SuperLU_DIST, and showed that our performance prediction errors are only 6.1% and 6.6% with 64 processors IBM power5 and Cray XT4, respectively. More importantly, we have successfully used this simulation framework to forecast the performance of different algorithm choices, and helped prototyping new algorithm implementations.
Antisemitism and Terrorism on the Electronic Highway
Authors: Weitzman Mark
Published: February 2025

The Internet has become the prime tool for extremist propaganda. This paper explores the history of extremism online as well as examining some of the methods and techniques used by extremists. It ranges from the earliest use by neo-Nazis to the surge in terrorist websites since 9/11, and also reflects on the increasing technical sophistication of extremists in what is currently called Internet 2.0. Finally, some suggestions are offered in how civil society can begin to take steps in countering this use without surrendering basic civil liberties.
Islamist Propaganda on the Internet. Terrorist Entities’ Response to Alleged Anti-Muslim Western Actions
Authors: Sibianu Daniela
Published: February 2025

The comparative assessment of public statements released by certain Islamist groups/leaders highlights the continuous process of tailoring the response to topics seen as an offence to Muslims as a whole, in order to boost the impact of allegations linked to the thesis of their oppression by the West and to justify terrorist actions. As far as propaganda is concerned, one can notice the change in the discoursive characteristics of the texts and the dissemination means depending on the chosen theme, intended objectives and aimed targets. Thus, Jihad ideologists try to dissimulate the fact that arguing the legitimacy of the Islamist movement radicalization is related to double standards and reject any inter-confessional dialogue meant to contribute to ending the conflict between Islam and the Western society.
The Islamist Propaganda on Women and Children Web Sites
Authors: Stan Mariana  , Vlădescu Andrei
Published: February 2025

Since 2002, the terrorist phenomenon dynamics has become increasingly linked to the use of the communication component in order to expand the recruitment pool, by luring women and children. This paper intends to review the context, the reasons and the promoters of change, the media tools and propaganda techniques employed, while assessing their impact.
Multi mode nano scale Raman echo quantum memory
Authors: Moiseev Sergey Andreevich  , Moiseev Evgenii Sergeevich
Published: February 2025

Low loss magnetic surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes characterized by enhanced electrical field component and subwavelength confinement on the dielectric and negative-index metamaterial interface are presented. We demonstrate a possibility of storage and perfect retrieval of the low loss magnetic SPP fields by using a photon echo quantum memory on Raman atomic transition. We describe the specific properties of the proposed technique which opens a possibility for efficient nano scale multi-mode quantum memory.