bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematized Approach to Provide Assistive Technology (AT) for Augmentative Communication, to Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Azevedo Luis  , Londral Ana Rita  , Pinto Anabela
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a systematized approach to assess and provide Assistive Technological equipments that help ALS patients to overtake some the severe limitations posed by this disease, with an emphasis in the area of Augmentative Communication. Thanks to a cooperation between the Department of Rehabilitation of a State Hospital and a team of professionals (rehab engineers) working for a Company specialized in AT, patients with ALS of that hospital are referred to those professionals that assess them and suggest to the clinicians the AT devices for AAC they consider to be the most adequate to the patients. The authors developed an “AT Integrated System for AAC” based on a tablet computer with specific software and a multimodal system of interfaces that will be “adaptable” to the end-user and adequate to be used by the patients, taking into account the progression of the disease. As at the time of the writing of this paper not all the data considered as crucial was available, what follows is a summary of the work done with preliminary conclusions. Full data will be available by the time of the AAATE 2009 Conference, a complete paper will then be presented by the authors.
Raising the Floor: A Collaborative Open-Source Approach to Providing Access Languages and to All Economic Levels
Authors: Vanderheiden Gregg
Published: February 2025

The Internet is rapidly becoming an essential component of daily living, social interaction, education and employment. As a result, those who cannot access and use technologies are increasingly being put at a distinct educational, social, and economic disadvantage in comparison to those who do have access. Raising the Floor (RtF) is an international consortium of organizations, projects and individuals focused on ensuring that people experiencing disabilities, literacy problems, or the effects of aging are able to access and use all of the information, resources, services and communities available on or through the Web even if they have little or no resources. RtF uses an open source model in order to maximize collaboration and will be building access features directly into the Internet in order to allow anyone, anywhere to use any computer they encounter to access the Internet. Basic access features will be free but the system will also support virtual commercial AT for advanced features and special applications.
Accelerating Web Accessibility: Migrating to WCAG 2.0 and Ensuring Vigilance over Emerging Technologies
Authors: Brewer J.  , Signore O.
Published: February 2025

This Special Session on Web Accessibility at AAATE 2009 will explore several topics of importance to achieving the goals of an accessible and inclusive Web. Discussants will consider issues in the migration from the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 to the new standard WCAG 2.0, examining issues such as standards harmonisation and different approaches to policy adoption and referencing. Discussants will also explore issues arising from the convergence of different technologies onto the Web and the emergence of new dynamic and social technologies within the Web, each of which can inadvertently create new barriers to accessibility. They will explore the role of accessible browsers and media players, and their interoperability with assistive technologies; and will explore how to more effectively exercise vigilance over accessibility support in future Web technologies so that the Web can become and be maintainable as an accessible and inclusive environment.
Health @ Home: A New Homecare Model for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Fanucci Luca  , Pardini Giuseppe  , Costalli Filippo  , Dalmiani Stefano  , Salinas José  , De la Higuera Jose María  , Vukovic Zlatko  , Cicigoj Zlatko
Published: February 2025

The paper presents main objectives and challenges of the Health @ Home project (http://www.health-at-home.eu/). The project aims to propose and implement a new model for delivering healthcare services at home for elderly citizens affected by Chronic Heart Failure (CHF). The two years project started on 1st February 2009 it is partly co-funded by the European Ambient Assisted Living Programme (AAL) http://www.aal-europe.eu/.
Telecare Service Deployment – Case Study
Authors: Rugnone A.  , Como A.  , Paggetti C.  , Tamburini E.  , Nugent C.
Published: February 2025

Nowadays employment of new technologies has been established as an acceptable means to support daily living for different segment of young population, elderly or people with disabilities. In this context, new technological tools for telecare and Ambient Assisted Living can support people in their daily life activities. Several solutions have been demonstrated to support different level of services through seamless data acquisition or specific users interaction modalities. In such approach, services usability and accessibility are handled in design process itself and validated with small users' groups. Moreover, while service design and systems development have been extensively described in literature, the service deployment methodologies are not properly addressed and documented and proper reference guidelines are missing.
Behaviour Monitoring and Interpretation
Authors: Gottfried Björn  , Aghajan Hamid K.
Published: February 2025

This chapter provides an overview of the area of Behaviour Monitoring and Interpretation, BMI for short. It outlines this research direction and gives examples of current research. In a nutshell, BMI is about monitoring behaviour of humans or other entities and interpretation of the observed behaviour. Then, the chapter shortly discusses how BMI compares to related areas such as Ambient Intelligence and ubiquitous computing. Some details about future challenges are finally shown.
Common OSGi Interface for Ambient Assisted Living Scenarios
Authors: Marco Alvaro  , Casas Roberto  , Bauer Gerald  , Blasco Ruben  , Asensio Angel  , Jean-Bart Bruno  , Ibañe Miriam
Published: February 2025

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is currently being studied by research institutions and industry, and it is expected to become a reality in the near future. One of the main issues in AAL is the heterogeneity of technology, which demands a major effort to allow interoperability of elements operating in a smart environment. Service-oriented frameworks such as OSGi provide beside other interesting facilities an adequate way to handle this heterogeneity and are often used as framework platforms which support smart home environment systems. However, there is also heterogeneity among different AAL projects, as every research team develops its own smart environment. Thus, devices and services definitions usually differ from one project to another. In the following a proposal for a Common OSGi Interface is introduced, which publishes both interfaces for devices and services of AAL related scenarios. By using these interfaces, an AAL application designer will be able to take advantage of existing device and service developments and ensure interoperability with other systems.
Qualitative Spatial Reasoning for Navigating Agents
Authors: Dylla Frank
Published: February 2025

In this chapter we show how qualitative representations can be applied for the formalization of agent behavior. First, we give an introduction to several aspects of space relevant for agent motion and agent control, especially orientation, location, and distance. Based on these preliminaries we explain which characteristics a qualitative spatial representation and its operations, called qualitative calculus, should have so that the knowledge can be manipulated in an adequate manner. Afterwards, we present the two main categories of reasoning with qualitative calculi: constraint-based reasoning and neighborhood-based reasoning, action-augmented neighborhood respectively. Exemplary, we sketch how this structure can be utilized for representing agent behavior. Additionally, we apply the approaches to agent control in the context of right-of-way rules in sea navigation.
RFID and Real-Time CRM
Authors: Zhou Wei  , Piramuthu Selwyn
Published: February 2025

The importance of Customer Relationship Management(CRM) to firms in exceedingly competitive environments where customers have an increasing array of access to information cannot be overstated. There has been a resurgence in interest in CRM, specifically real-time CRM, as more data about customer behavior and means to processing these data to generate actionable policies become available. Recent years have also seen the emergence of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in a wide variety of applications where item-level information can be beneficially leveraged to provide competitive advantage. We provide an overview of existing literature in this are and then propose a knowledge-based framework for real-time CRM incorporating RFID-generated data. We discuss possible scenarios where such a framework could be utilized.
Ethics of Ambience
Authors: Gill Satinder P.
Published: February 2025

Ambient Intelligence is a domain of research into novel approaches to building and using technology that is responsive in its interactions with us, according to our needs, moods, tastes. There are various approaches to what ambient intelligence is. It is a vast spectrum of ‘cross-modal’ and sensory technologies, the specific nature of which depends on the goals of the particular research lab or/and industry. This spectrum and the ideologies that drive the various forms and meanings of ambient intelligence are explored here, and the ethical issues that each raises is considered. The discussion raises the need for ethical guidelines to handle the social pervasiveness of this technology.
Exploring The Design of a Memory Model for Smart Objects
Authors: Fitton Daniel  , Kawsar Fahim  , Kortuem Gerd
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an exploration of the design of a memory model to support the management of persistent historical memories recorded by smart work objects. Analysis of a range of potential application categories and scenarios involving a smart work object is used to highlight the requirements and different characteristics of object memories. The analysis is then used to identify a range of pertinent issues and trade-offs which are used to inform the design of a generic parameterized memory model. A case study involving a smart object prototype in a workplace application scenario is then presented. The case study then analyzes how the proposed memory model can be applied to memories collected by the prototype.
Empirical analysis of a UHF RFID multi tag pallet using a handheld reader
Authors: Martínez Catalá Rafael V.  , Brito Megías Víctor
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the analysis of a particular case of study consisting of a full pallet with multiple UHF tags readings using a single handheld reader and following the EPC Class1 Generation 2 standard [1]. To perform the analysis, an empirical experiment to obtain the RSSI (Received Strength Signal Intensity) transmitted from a handheld reader and the number of readings for each tag over a fixed period of time was designed. A pallet consisting of 15 boxes filled with plastic objects was employed and measures were taken at different reading angles. To experiment with different materials the configuration of the test pallet was modified including some metallic objects in two random boxes. Finally, some conclusions regarding correlation between RSSI, tag location and number of tag readings are presented for both cases.
Nondeterministic Coordination using S-Net
Authors: Shafarenko Alex
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results obtained in the project S-Net by members of the Compilation Technology and Computer Architecture (CTCA) group at University of Hertfordshire, U.K. We argue that globally distributed HPC will require tools for coordination of asynchronous networked components, and that such coordination can be achieved by reducing the vertex in- and out- degrees of the processing nodes to 1, using single-input single-output combinators for network construction and by externalising the component state. This approach is presented first as a set of language design principles and then in the form of coordination language. The language is illustrated by an application example.
HPC Interconnection Networks: The Key to Exascale Computing
Authors: Vetter Jeffrey S.  , Tipparaju Vinod  , Yu Weikuan  , Roth Philip C.
Published: February 2025

Scientists from many domains desire to address problems within the next decade that, by all estimates, require computer systems that can achieve sustained exaflop computing rates (i.e., 1×1018floating point operations per second) with real-world applications. Simply scaling existing designs is insufficient: analysis of current technological trends suggests that only a few architectural components are on track to reach the performance levels needed for exascale computing. The network connecting computer system nodes presents a particularly difficult challenge because of the prevalence of a wide variety of communication patterns and collective communication operations in algorithms used in scientific applications and their tendency to be the most significant limit to application scalability. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and elsewhere are actively working to overcome these network-related scalability barriers using advanced hardware and software design, alternative network topologies, and performance prediction using modeling and simulation.
Al-Qaeda: Its Global Marketing Strategy
Authors: Hochberg-Marom Anat
Published: February 2025

This study presents a new and unique perspective – the marketing perspective – to analyse and increase our understanding of the global terror phenomenon. Based on a quantitative-statistical content analysis of the statements of Al-Qaeda's leaders, I examined how a global terror organisation, such as Al-Qaeda, markets itself using the international media and the Internet between the years 2000-2008.
Striking the Balance: Security vs. Utility
Authors: Vidali Ari
Published: February 2025

Maximum security requires, by definition, a “closed system” whereas maximum utility requires “openness.” Is it possible to reconcile these two extremes? Can a highly secure system actually be easy to use?
Mechanical efficiency of asynchronous hand-rim wheelchair propulsion after 4-weeks of practice
Authors: Lenton J.P.  , Fowler N.E.  , van der Woude L.H.V.  , Goosey-Tolfrey V.L.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptations in gross mechanical efficiency during asynchronous hand-rim wheelchair propulsion of novice able-bodied participants following 4 weeks of practice. Twenty seven male participants performed a series of five, 4-minute sub-maximal exercise bouts at 1.7 m·s-1. Arm frequencies consisted of the freely-chosen frequency (FCF), followed by 4 counter-balanced paced trials pushing at 60, 80, 120, and 140% of the FCF. Gross efficiency (GE) was determined. Participants were divided into two experimental groups (FCF, N = 9; 80% FCF, N = 8) and a control group (N = 8). The experimental groups received a 4-week propulsion practice period (3·wk-1, 12 practice trials) at 1.7 m·s-1. Post practice period all groups repeated the five 4-minute sub-maximal exercise bouts. Over the practice period the mean GE for the FCF condition increased in both experimental groups (+1.0 & 0.9%) compared to the control group (+0.1%) (P = 0.001). Arm frequency decreased at FCF in both experimental groups (P = 0.001), however, larger changes were observed in the FCF experimental group. Four weeks practice had a beneficial effect on metabolic cost and GE in male novice participants. This improved GE associated to the resulting changes in the self-selected arm frequency in both experimental groups, as an overall indicator of propulsion technique.
Metabolic energy cost and external mechanical work of level walking after ankle arthrodesis using different types of footwear
Authors: van Engelen S.J.P.M.  , Wajer Q.E.  , van der Plaat L.W.  , van Dijk C.N.  , Houdijk J.H.P.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to evaluate metabolic energy cost and external mechanical work for step-tot-step transitions during level walking after tibiotalar arthrodesis and to examine if curve-shaped shoes reduce external mechanical work and metabolic energy cost of level walking. Oxygen uptake, forceplate data and kinematic data were recorded in 18 controls and 15 patients while walking at a fixed speed of 1.25m/s. Subjects were offered three walking conditions: barefoot, normal walking shoes and curve-shaped shoes. The results showed that patients with a tibiotalar arthrodesis had a 11.8% higher metabolic energy cost. During step-to-step transitions positive work during push-off with the fused ankle was decreased but negative work during collision of the unaffected leading leg was not increased. Total absolute external mechanical work over a complete stride was not different between groups and therefore could not explain the increased metabolic energy cost in patients. Both in patients and controls curve-shaped shoes led to decreased push-off and increased collision and higher metabolic energy cost. From the results it was concluded that metabolic energy cost increases after ankle arthrodesis, but external mechanical work for step-to-step transitions cannot account for this increase. Curve-shaped shoes did not reduce metabolic energy cost of walking.
Exercise in rehabilitation and chronic disease
Authors: Frontera W.R.
Published: February 2025

Exercise is an effective rehabilitation intervention. Abundant scientific research during the last two decades shows that exercise can also be effective in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. Physical inactivity has been identified as one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. The programs that promote physical activity should become higher priorities in national health care systems. The relationship between the level of physical activity and chronic disease was first studied in the context of heart and cardiovascular disease. The level of exercise and physical fitness correlates with all cause mortality. This relationship is independent of the presence of all other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The incidence and morbidity associated with several chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer have been shown to correlate with the level of physical activity of the population under study. Although the optimal exercise intervention has not been defined, it has been suggested that at least 30 minutes of moderate intensive physical activity on most, preferably all days of the week is a reasonable recommendation. This level of physical activity is effective in the primary prevention of chronic diseases mentioned above.
Positioning the wheelchair close to the target surface reduces shoulder muscular demand for sitting pivot transfers
Authors: Koontz A.M.  , Gagnon D.  , Brindle E.  , Cooper R.A.
Published: February 2025

For many wheelchair users, performing transfers is essential for achieving independence with daily activities. However, transfers are particularly straining on the upper limbs and may contribute to the development of pain and overuse injuries at the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to determine the muscular demands of seven bilateral muscles acting at the shoulder and elbow during level and non-level transfers with and without a gap separating the wheelchair and target surface. Fourteen men with spinal cord injury transferred from their own wheelchair to a 1) level bench, 2) level bench with a 10 cm gap, 3) higher bench (+10 cm), 4) higher bench with a 10 cm gap, 5) lower bench (-10 cm), and 6) lower bench with a 10 cm gap in a random order. The maximum surface EMG reached during transfers was normalized to the subject's maximum EMG value reached during maximum static contractions for each muscle. Gaps required greater recruitment of the biceps and anterior deltoid muscles (p < 0.05). The increased muscle activation observed with gaps is likely due in part to increased combined shoulder flexion and abduction and glenohumeral joint strain on the anterior wall. As a result, individuals with SCI should be advised to position their wheelchair as close as possible to the surface they intend to transfer.
Determination of overweight in Spinal Cord Injury: comparison of different methods
Authors: Eriks-Hoogland I.  , Hilfiker R.  , Balk S.  , Baumberger M.  , Perret C.
Published: February 2025

Obesity has become a major health problem in persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI). An in SCI persons validated measure of fat mass is the use of single frequency bio-impedance with a for the SCI population specific equation (BIA+ equation). Conversely, clinical management relies on measures which are both valid and practical in day-to-day practice. Lacking an alternative, BMI is still in clinical management although it is shown to be not valid in SCI populations. Potential alternatives for clinical practice are the simple measurement of waist circumference (WC) or the calculation of an anthropometric index integrating using waist circumference, calf circumference, chest diameter and measurement of subscapular skin fold (AI). To examine the validity of WC and an AI in comparison to BIA+ equation we studied these measurments in 23 adult male persons with motor complete paraplegia (duration > 1 year). An estimation of obesity using WC and AI and comparing them with BIA+ equation using Bland and Altman plots and statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficients was made. Good agreement between BIA+ equation and AI with a small systematic difference (mean difference: -0.28) was found. The correlation (Pearson's r) between WC and the BIA+ equation % FM was very high (0.83). Concluded can be that using an AI is suited to determine obesity in adult male SCI persons. WC measurment is promising, but needs further validation.
Relation between shoulder proprioception, kinematics and pain after stroke
Authors: Niessen M.H.M.  , Veeger H.E.J.  , Meskers C.G.  , Koppe P.A.  , Konijnenbelt M.H.  , Janssen T.W.J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To identify a possible relationship between chronic Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain (PSSP), scapular resting pose and shoulder proprioception. Methods: A total of 21 inpatients with stroke and 10 healthy control subjects were included and kinematics and proprioception of both shoulders were measured. Results: The contralateral (i.e. paretic) shoulder of patients with PSSP showed more scapular lateral rotation and larger errors on proprioception tests compared to both patients without PSSP and control subjects. Additionally, the contralateral shoulder of patients with deteriorated proprioception showed more scapular lateral rotation compared to control subjects whereas their ipsilateral (i.e. unaffected) shoulder showed more scapular lateral rotation when compared to both control subjects and patients with good proprioception. Conclusions: A clear relation between affected shoulder kinematics, affected proprioception and PSSP was found. In determining the risk of developing PSSP, attention should be paid to a patients shoulder proprioception and kinematics. If both are altered after stroke, this could worsen the initial pathology or cause secondary pathologies and thus initiate a vicious circle of repetitive soft tissue damage leading to chronic PSSP. Additionally, more attention should be paid to the ipsilateralshoulder since it could be used in determining the risk of developing PSSP in the contralateral shoulder.
Cardiovascular disease, SCI, and exercise: risks and focused countermeasures
Authors: Nash M.S.
Published: February 2025

Heightened risks for all-cause cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are widely reported in persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI). These risks occur earlier in life, develop silently, and are defined by fasting and non-fasting dyslipidemias, vascular inflammation, and other archetypical CVD hazards. Fasting studies typically show depressed levels of cardioprotective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and less often elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Low HDL is especially revealing, as it typically foretells low fitness levels. Post-prandial risks for hypertriglyceridemia have also been reported after SCI, and may also be associated with sedentary lifestyle. Reduction of this risk is important for decreasing feeding-induced vascular inflammation. Both cross-sectional and prospective studies support exercise conditioning in effective treatment of SCI-associated dyslipidemia. Acute exercise, not longitudinal conditioning, however, better treats post-prandial CVD risks. The latter evidence may require a change in the exercise conditioning paradigms for those with SCI. Risks of CVD must be better understood and effective exercise interventions adopted, if best health, life quality and longevity are to be preserved.
Arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation and power output are maintained at peak oxygen consumption in upper compared to lower body exercise in normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Thake C.D.  , Simons C.  , Price M.J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To examine the effect of reduced FIO2 and the magnitude of reduction inpeak, peak power output (PPO) and arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) in upper compared to lower body exercise. Methods: Nine healthy able-bodied male participants (age mean 22 ± 2 years) undertook three upper and three lower body discontinuous (30 sec intervals) incremental exercise tests to volitional exhaustion (UBX; LBX) whilst breathing either normoxia (N) or normobaric hypoxia (H1and H2); FIO2s ≈ 0.21, 0.15 and 0.13 respectively. Data were examined using general linear model analysis of variance. Results: UBXpeak was 71 ± 10 and 76 ± 8% whereas PPO was 50 ± 5 and 55 ± 3% of that in LBX at H1and H2respectively; demonstrating thatPPO were maintained in UBX relative to LBX in H2. Correspondingly SpO2was 79 ± 4% in UBX versus 73 ± 4% in LBX at H2compared to 85 ± 5% in UBX versus 83 ± 4% in LBX at H1. Conclusion: UBXsame manner as LBX with reduced FIO2. This may be explained by the smaller reduction in SpO2observed during UBX compared to LBX.
Estimation of energy expenditure derived from a body-worn sensor versus indirect calorimetry in wheelchair users
Authors: Tanhoffer R.A.  , Tanhoffer A.I.P.  , Pithon K.R.  , Estigoni E.H.  , Raymond J.  , Davis G.M.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between energy expenditure (EE) derived from an arm-mounted multi-sensor device versus indirect calorimetry in wheelchair users undertaking treadmill exercise. Six individuals with SCI performed two different wheelchair treadmill protocols, one at a constant grade but 6 different velocities, and the other with a constant velocity but at 6 variable grades. EE was measured concurrently from breath-by-breath measures of VO2and a 4-sensor arm-mounted commercial device (SenseWear). To assess internal validity of the SenseWear armband and its equations employed to transform skin temperature, GSR, heat flux and accelerometry to EE, the estimated submaximal EE and VO2were contrasted using each system. Across all treadmill velocity and gradient combinations (n=84), SenseWear overpredicted mean VO2(680±322 ml·min-1) and mean EE (at 14.3±6.8 kJ·min-1) when compared to calorimetry (VO2=521±173 ml·min-1; EE=11.3±3.9 kJ·min-1[R2=0.76 and R2=0.73, respectively]). Algorithms utilised by the SenseWear armband apparently overestimated the metabolic demand of wheelchair propulsion, a finding previously demonstrated utilising other types of accelerometry that have compared able-bodied versus spinal cord injured individuals.
Rolling resistance analysis during wheelchair movement
Authors: Cabelguen J.C.  , Lavaste F.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to present an analysis of wheelchair's rolling resistance which can be explain by the two wheel's rolling resistance factor λ1/r1 and λ2/r2, of the back wheel and of the front wheel respectively. Deceleration tests of manual wheelchair allowed calculating λ1/r1 and λ2/r2 from accelerometer measurements. For a rigid ground, λ2/r2 is almost 8,5 times higher to λ1/r1; so, the value of the wheel's rolling resistance factor is higher on front wheels. In this case, for a velocity of 1m/s and a total weight of 1000N, the power rolling resistance could be 11watt. This information shows the importance of the wheel's rolling resistance factor and of the centre of gravity position to study wheelchair locomotion.
Compliance with a physical activity programme: comparison of an obese group with a low back pain group
Authors: Preud'Homme-Maurice M.  , Leriche B.  , Bouron C.  , Tiffreau V.  , Thevenon A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose: although regular physical activity is recommended for low back pain (LBP) and obesity, compliance with exercise programmes is a critical problem. Here, we compared compliance with group exercises for these two conditions. Methods: we performed a cohort survey from January 2003 until June 2007. The Lille University sports club provides specific exercise programmes for LBP and for obesity. This programme has been designed as a transitional stage to help people start taking regular physical activity in a normal environment. Results: 154 LBP patients (104 females) and 41 obese patients (33 females) were included. Obese patients participated for longer than the LBP patients (16.49±12.9 months vs. 13.16±8.4 months, p<0.04). 15% of the LBP patients and 29.3% of the obese subjects attended for over two years. Conclusion: it is unclear whether participants stayed in our programmes because they have a positive opinion or because they are afraid to exercise in ordinary settings.
Electrical stimulation-induced Gluteal and Hamstring muscle activation can reduce sitting pressure in individuals with a spinal cord injury
Authors: Janssen T.W.J.  , de Koning A.  , Legemate K.J.A.  , Smit C.A.J.
Published: February 2025

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk of developing pressure sores, in part due to high sitting pressures under the buttocks. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of ES-induced activation of the gluteal and hamstring muscles on the sitting pressure in individuals with SCI. METHODS: Five men with SCI received ES in their own daily-use wheelchair while sitting pressure under the buttocks was measured. The subjects wore a Bioshort (Bioflex Inc.) with built-in electrodes. Two 3-hr protocols were randomly applied, both consisting of 3 min of stimulation (all muscles simultaneously activated) followed by 17 min rest. Prot. A had a 1s:1s and prot. B a 1s:4s on-off duty cycle. Peak pressure under the buttocks and pressure gradient were calculated. RESULTS: For both protocols, peak pressure decreased (p<0.05) from 183±13 (A) and 179±14 (B) during rest to 168±17 (A) and 147±24 (B) mmHg during the 3-hr stimulation periods. The pressure gradient tended (p<0.1) to decrease for both protocols indicating an improved pressure distribution. Prot. B showed in general superior effects. CONCLUSIONS: ES-induced activation of the gluteal and hamstring muscles in sitting individuals with SCI causes a temporary decrease in peak sitting pressure under the buttocks and an improved pressure distribution.
Motion control shoe affects the lower leg muscle activities in runners with over-pronation
Authors: Ng G.Y.F.  , Cheung R.T.H.
Published: February 2025

Motion control shoe is a well developed technology in running shoe design for controlling excessive rearfoot pronation and plantar force distribution. There is, however, little evidence on the lower leg muscle activation response to different shoes. This study examined the shank muscles EMG activity with different footwear. Methods: Twenty female recreational runners with excessive rearfoot pronation were tested with running for 10km on a treadmill on 2 days. Subjects wore either motion control running shoe or neutral running shoe during each day. Activities of their right tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneus longus (PL) were recorded with surface EMG. Their normalized root mean square (RMS) EMG and median frequency (MF) were compared between the two shoe conditions. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between the RMS EMG and running mileage in both TA and PL in the neutral shoe condition (p<0.001). There was MF drop in both shoe conditions with mileage but paired t-tests revealed significantly larger drop in the neutral shoe (p<0.001 for PL, p=0.074 for TA). Conclusions: Motion control shoe may facilitate a more stable activation pattern and higher fatigue resistance of TA and PL in people with excessive rearfoot pronation during running.
The cutaneous reflex response during manual wheeling
Authors: MacGillivray M.K.  , Sawatzky B.  , Lam T.  , Zehr P.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Approximately 155, 000 Canadians depend on manual wheelchairs for locomotion [1] and an estimated 31-73% of these people will experience shoulder pain as a result of manual wheeling [2]. Biomechanical research into the determinants of shoulder pain has been inconclusive. However, to date there has been very little research into the neural control of manual wheeling. One concept is that rhythmic upper limb movement (such as arm swing, swimming, and possibly manual wheeling) is regulated by a central pattern generator (CPG) and follows a similar pattern of sensory processing as described for walking. This study will explore this concept by investigating the modulation of cutaneous reflexes during manual wheeling. Purpose: The purposes of this study are to determine if the cutaneous reflex response to stimulation of the superficial radial nerve are phase-dependent during manual wheeling, to determine if there is evidence of task specificity between manual wheeling and upper arm cycling and to determine if manual wheeling experience changes the pattern of reflex modulation during wheeling. Methods: Subjects will include 15 manual wheelchair users (MWUs) with spinal cord injury and 15 non-MWUs. All subjects will complete two tasks in a randomized order including wheeling on a wheelchair treadmill at a self-selected speed and arm cycling using an arm ergometer. Electrical stimulation of the superficial radial nerve will be conducted pseudorandomly throughout the wheeling cycle eliciting cutaneous reflex responses. EMG responses will be measured in 6 muscles. The wheeling cycle will be broken up into phases using a custom made program utilizing SmartWheel and Optotrak data. Cutaneous reflex responses will be grouped and averaged depending on the phase of the wheeling cycle and be compared between MWUs and non-MWUs. Anticipated Results: It is anticipated that that the difference in cutaneous reflex amplitude between stimulated and un-stimulated EMG responses will vary dependending on the phase of the wheeling cycle. It is also anticipated that task-dependency will be evident by greater amounts of cutaneous reflex modulation of the wheeling task compared to the arm cycling task and that a greater amount of modulation will be observed in the MWU group compared to the non-MWU group.
The Role of Scientists in Assessing the Risks of Dual-Use Research in the Life Sciences
Authors: Smith Geoffrey  , Davison Neil  , Koppelman Ben
Published: February 2025

Dual-use research is that which could be misused for malign purposes. The challenge to the international community is to manage the risks from this type of research without constraining its benefits. Scientists have a clear role to play in placing dual-use concerns in the broader context of the full spectrum of biological risks, and to inform assessments of the changing nature of biological risks. They can help ensure a focus on the highest risk research and avoid unnecessary restrictions or censorship. They can also inform policymaking through contribution to risk assessment and management strategies, whilst recognising that the risk of misuse cannot be eliminated.
NATO in the Post Cold War Era: Shift of Strategies
Authors: Bakr Noha
Published: February 2025

NATO has gone through a change of strategies in the post Cold War era. It has transformed from a merely military alliance to an active player in the international system confronting a variety of soft and hard threats. NATO's strategies within Europe have proved more successful than its manifested strategies with the Southern Mediterranean countries through the Mediterranean Dialogue and with the Gulf through the Istanbul Cooperative Initiative. There has been minor success on the political and practical level of both initiatives. Both initiatives have taken place on a bilateral level, but they proved to lack momentum. In fact, there are several obstacles hindering further cooperation between NATO and the Southern Mediterranean and the Gulf Arab countries that require mutual efforts and understanding to overcome.
The Economic and Systemic Impacts of a Pandemic
Authors: Hancock William I.
Published: February 2025

Part I of this article is a summary of some of the major economic effects of a pandemic, especially a pandemic entailing a severe strain of influenza. The study is mainly quantitative in nature and is based on several models created and run by government and private agencies in the United States and by international organizations involved in public health. The principle scenarios analyzed are based on the influenza pandemics of 1918 (“Spanish flu”), 1957, 1968 (“Hong Kong flu”), 2003 (SARS) and 2005-to-present (H5N1 avian flu). Both actual historical and forecast model data are included. Pandemic economics is a topic of research & teaching at Texas A&M University’s Integrative Center for Homeland Security. Part II of this article summarizes many of the nation-specific and multinational systemic effects of a pandemic, especially a pandemic entailing a severe strain of influenza. The study is mainly qualitative in nature and is a collection of information from a variety of sources from the US, other nations, and international organizations. Recent events have demonstrated the fragility of the major systems that civilization depends on. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and financial breakdowns may only be preludes to a systemic collapse precipitated by an uncontrollable pandemic. In today’s world, we are all dependent on the continuation of complex and interdependent systems that are the operational “machines” of societies, economies, governments, and businesses.
Bulgaria
Authors: Pantev Plamen
Published: February 2025

Bulgaria's road to NATO was very uneven. Its membership is important for the country's prosperity and stability. As NATO member Bulgaria strives to facilitate the integration of the rest of the Western Balkans in the Alliance. Modernizing Bulgarian armed forces contributing to NATO's out-of-area missions, especially in Afghanistan, are priority national tasks.
Principles and Applications of Refinement Types
Authors: Gordon Andrew D.  , Fournet Cédric
Published: February 2025

A refinement type {x : T | C} is the subset of the type T consisting of the values x to satisfy the formula C. In this tutorial article we explain the principles of refinement types by developing from first principles a concurrent λ-calculus whose type system supports refinement types. Moreover, we describe a series of applications of our refined type theory and of related systems.
Learning from Human Behavior in Participatory Simulation
Authors: Ishida Toru  , Murakami Yohei  , Nakajima Yuu
Published: February 2025

To design socially embedded systems, this paper proposes to learn from human behavior in participatory simulation, where scenario-guided agents and human-controlled avatars coexist in a shared virtual space and jointly perform simulations. To create agent models incrementally, we use machine learning technologies. We characterize agents by using a various combinations of behavior rules instantiated by the user operating his/her avatar. We apply hypothetical reasoning, which offers consistent selection of hypotheses and allows us to start with incompatible behavior rules, for incrementally improving the agent models. Using data obtained during the participatory simulation and the hypotheses including known behavior rules, we can generate an explanation for human behavior.
Ontologies in HYDRA – Middleware for Ambient Intelligent Devices
Authors: Kostelník Peter  , Sarnovský Martin  , Hreňo Ján
Published: February 2025

This poster will demonstrate the current state of the semantic technologies usage in the HYDRA project, which aims to develop middleware for networked embedded ambient inteligent devices. Poster provides overview of used ontologies in the project, its structure and description of basic concepts. Ontology maintenance tools and its main functionalities developed within the project are also described.
Preparedness for Biological Threats: Position of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE)
Authors: Planté Caroline  , Dehove Alain
Published: February 2025

The ability to control animal diseases, whether occurring naturally or deliberately, will depend on the early detection and rapid response capacity of Veterinary Services regarding outbreaks. OIE is the reference intergovernmental organisation for animal health, which develops standards that are democratically adopted by its 173 Members. These standards include minimum requirements for quality and efficiency of national Veterinary Services such as human and financial resources, technical authority and capacity, as well as transparency of the national sanitary situation. Their implementation by all countries makes an essential contribution to preventing and responding to bioterrorism attacks, keeping in mind that 80% of pathogenic agents having a potential bioterrorist use are zoonotic (diseases transmissible to animals and humans).
The Anthrax Letters: Challenges and Lessons
Authors: Cole Leonard A.
Published: February 2025

The 2001 anthrax dispersion through the U.S. mail system is recounted and considered. Lessons that were imparted by the incident are revealed and catalogued. Challenges and surprises that were presented by the incident are examined in order to prevent them from being repeated. Critical information is determined to facilitate preparation and response for future attacks which may be similar in nature.
Military Counter-Terrorist Operations and International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Švarc Dominika
Published: February 2025

The peculiar nature of contemporary terrorism and counter-terrorism creates unprecedented situations of violence that do not fit clearly into the established concepts and categories of international humanitarian law.. This paper reconsiders the relationship between military counter-terrorist operations and international humanitarian law, by assessing the general conditions for the applicability of international humanitarian law in this context, as well as by addressing the specific issues of combat targeting and the treatment of detainees. The paper concludes that despite certain conceptual uncertainties, the existing framework of international humanitarian law can adequately cover the basic issues that may arise in the context of military counter-terrorist operations.
A Comparison of Different Communication Structures for Scalable Parallel Three Dimensional FFTs in First Principles Codes
Authors: Canning A.  , Shalf J.  , Wang L.-W.  , Wasserman H.  , Gajbe M.
Published: February 2025

Plane Wave based first principleselectronic structurecalculationsare the most widely used approach for electronic structure calculations in materials science. In this formulation the electronicwavefunctionsare expandedin plane waves (Fourier components)in threedimensionalspaceand 3d FFTs are used to construct the chargedensity in real space.Manyotherscientific application codesin the areas of fluid mechanics, climate research and accelerator design also require efficient parallel 3d FFTs. Due to the large amount of communications required in parallel 3d FFTs the scaling of these application codes on large parallel machines depends critically on having a 3d FFT that scalesefficiently to large processorcounts.In this paper we compare different implementations for the communications in a 3d FFT to determinethemost scalablemethodto usefor ourapplication.We presentresults up to 16K cores on the Cray XT4 and IBM Blue Gene/P as well as compare our implementations to publicly available 3d FFTs such as P3DFFT and FFTW. In our application our 3d FFTs significantly outperform any publicly available software. Our 3d FFT has been implemented in many different first principles codes used for research in materials science, nanoscience, energy technologies etc. as well as being a stand alone benchmark code used for the procurement of new machines at the Department of Energy NERSC computing center.
Hierarchical Visualization System for High Performance Computing
Authors: Dzhosan Oxana  , Popova Nina  , Korzh Anton
Published: February 2025

The article proposes a scientific data visualization system for high performance computing. Suggested system has hierarchical architecture where software modules of the system are implemented on the different hardware modules. Supercomputer IBM Blue Gene /P is used as the main test system. Visualization system includes parallel modules for video rendering, video enhancement, video compression and video up-sampling. System proposes visualization for 2D displays, 3D displays, multidisplay complexes. The results of using proposed visualization system for 3D torus network simulation are presented.
Extending Task Parallelism For Frequent Pattern Mining
Authors: Kambadur Prabhanjan  , Ghoting Amol  , Gupta Anshul  , Lumsdaine Andrew
Published: February 2025

Algorithms for frequent pattern mining, a popular informatics application, have unique requirements that are not met by any of the existing parallel tools. In particular, such applications operateon extremelylarge data sets and have irregular memory access patterns. For efficient parallelization of such applications, it is necessary to support dynamic load balancing along with scheduling mechanisms that allow users to exploit data locality. Given these requirements, task parallelism is the most promising of the available parallel programming models. However, existing solutions for task parallelism schedule tasks implicitly and hence, custom scheduling policies that can exploit data locality cannot be easily employed. In this paper we demonstrate and characterize the speedup obtained in a frequent pattern mining application using a custom clustered scheduling policy in place of the popular Cilk-style policy. We present PFunc, a novel task parallel library whose customizable task scheduling and task priorities facilitated the implementation of our clustered scheduling policy.
Adaptive Parallel Matrix Computing through Compiler and Run-time Support
Authors: Buenabad-Chávez Jorge  , Castro-García Miguel Alfonso  , Rosales-Camacho Rosa Angélica  , Domínguez-Domínguez Santiago  , Peralta Julio C.  , Aguilar-Cornejo Manuel
Published: February 2025

This paper presents compiler and run-time support that simplifies the programming of adaptive parallel matrix computing. Matrices are declared with special keywords and can be referred to in high-level matrix operations specifying only their names, e.g., A=B*C, or in statements specifying individual matrix elements. Both types of references are translated into calls to procedures in a library. Procedures that carry out matrix operations are adaptive, currently in two ways: i) in selecting a parallel algorithm based on a cost model that considers various run-time conditions, and ii) in adapting to load imbalance.