bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soil Moisture on Shear and Dilatational Wave Velocities Measured in Laboratory Triaxial Tests
Authors: Irfan Muhammad  , Uchimura Taro
Published: February 2025

Study of moisture variation in soil slope is vital for effective prediction of landslides/slope failures. An idea to predict slope moisture variation during heavy rainfall, by monitoring wave velocity changes in soil is presented. A series of triaxial tests were conducted on unsaturated sand specimens with varying moisture content. A unique set of flat surfaced piezoelectric transducers named as disk transducers, capable of measuring both shear and dilatational wave velocities over the same travel path, were used to monitor the variation of elastic wave velocities with changing soil moisture. Both shear and dilatational wave velocities were found to decrease with increasing soil moisture. The decrease in wave velocities as saturation ratio is increased from 20% to 80% was significant enough to be used as an indicator of moisture increments in real slope.
Parametric Studies on Reduction in Surcharge Induced Earth Pressure Using EPS Geofoam Inclusion
Authors: Dave T.N.  , Dasaka S.M.
Published: February 2025

In the present study, a validated retaining wall model of 6 m height is used to evaluate magnitude and distribution of earth pressure on a retaining wall subjected to a surcharge loading using Finite Element Code PLAXIS. Properties of backfill soil, EPS geofoam thickness and distance between retaining wall and edge of surcharge loading (h/4) were maintained while varying surcharge pressure over the backfill in the range of 10 kPa to 50 kPa and densities of EPS geofoam in the range of 10 kg/m3(10D) to 15 kg/m3(15D). It was observed that under surcharge pressure of 50 kPa, geofoam inclusion of 10D, 12D and 15D resulted in reduction in lateral thrust of 44%, 47.5% and 40%, respectively. The corresponding strains in geofoam at 50 kPa surcharge were 1.6%, 1.2% and 0.89%, respectively. The maximum backfill surface settlement of 19.45 mm, 24.3 mm, 21.2 mm and 19.78 mm were observed for nofoam, 10D, 12D and 15D cases, respectively. Comparing settlement due to 10D, 12D and 15D geofoam compression, observed surface settlement was minimum in case of 15D geofoam.
Multi Earth Retaining Systems for an Excavation Project in Old Alluvium, Singapore
Authors: Koh Edward  , Chua Tong Seng
Published: February 2025

A good understanding of the soil type is important for Engineers to design a safe and economical earth retaining wall to facilitate excavation works. The paper presents a case study of a project in Singapore which adopted various types of earth retaining wall system for excavation works for the construction of basement structure of a residential project. The various methods adopted include open-cut slope, sheetpiles and bored piles. The retaining walls were cantilever or supported by horizontal struts or raker struts. The various methods were chosen by taking into account the nature of soil type at the site, geometry of the excavation and the need to minimize damages to existing buildings. The various type of retaining walls were rigorously analysed using finite element method, Plaxis 2D and their predicted behavior during excavation will be presented. The predicted behaviors of the various retaining walls will be compared with actual results from field instrumentation. Site observations on the actual soil encountered and its behavior will be highlighted.
The Causes of Big Movement of Temporary Sheet Pile in El-Atf Power Plant North of Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: February 2025

The failure of sheet pile walls used for temporary works may cause loss of project time and money. In some cases, it may lead to loss of life. The failure can be due to lack of knowledge about the soil conditions or due to design mistakes. In this case study a big movement of the sheet pile happened during the construction stages due to using unrepresentative soil profile and soil parameters. In this paper, a back analysis is made to find out the causes of the big movement and how the soil parameters affect the design. Also, the designer ignored boreholes that should be important. Alternative design was suggested with more representative soil condition and soil parameters.
In-Situ Measurement of the Anchor-Pile Displacement in the Geotechnical Conditions of Sochi
Authors: Ryabukhin Alexander  , Matsiy Sergey
Published: February 2025

The test results of a large number of the anchor piles under the actual geotechnical conditions of Sochi Region of Krasnodar Territory are given. The recommendations concerning the design of the combined pile anchor landslide stability constructions are proposed.
Monitoring of Bridge Scour Using Changes in Natural Frequency of Vibration – A Field Investigation
Authors: Prendergast Luke J.
Published: February 2025

The high profile failure of the Malahide Viaduct in late 2009 in Dublin was attributed to erosion of the supporting soils, commonly referred to as foundation scour. This is a more widespread geotechnical-structural problem, where foundation scour has been identified as the number one cause of bridge failure in the United States. In light of current changes in climate, increased frequency of flooding, coupled with the increased magnitude of these flood events, leads to a higher risk of bridge failure occurring. Monitoring scour is of significant importance to ensure the continued safe operation of the aging bridge asset network. Most monitoring regimes are based on using expensive underwater instrumentation that is often subject to damage during times of flooding, when scour risk is at its highest. In this paper, a technique based on using dynamic measurements to monitor scour is described. Accelerometers placed on the structure, above the waterline, may be used to detect changes in natural frequency arising from the loss of stiffness due to scour.
In-Situ Testing of FBG Deformation Sensors with Use of a New Test Beam
Authors: Záleský Marek  , Záleský Jan  , Šašek Ladislav  , Čápová Kristýna
Published: February 2025

This paper is focused on in-situ testing of FBG (Fiber Bragg Gratings) sensors which are used in borehole extensometers, and other fiber optics deformation measurement instruments developed within a R&D project. The properties of “raw” optical fibers with FBGs and FBG deformation sensors have been examined on a newly designed test beam. It is one “IPE” (double T) steel beam with consoles, where the FBG sensors can be fixed. The deformations are induced by controlled mechanical displacement of consoles and/or by temperature changes of the steel beam caused by heating with precise regulation. The in-situ tests are carried out in the Josef Underground Laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, CTU in Prague. Following issues will be described and discussed: design of the test beam, independent doubled deformation measurement, high accuracy temperature regulation of the steel beam, selected results of test measurements gathered with a new FBG interrogator of our own development.
Naphthalene Diffusion and Sorption Coefficients for Cement Solidified/Stabilized Materials
Authors: Goreham Vincent C.  , Lake Craig B.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates naphthalene diffusion and sorption parameters for three soil-cement mixtures. Transient, double-reservoir diffusion tests were used to assess the effective diffusion coefficients and distribution coefficients for the three mixtures. Batch testing was performed to independently investigate the distribution coefficient. Effective diffusion coefficients ranged from 1.50×10−10m2/s to 3.50×10−10m2/s depending on the interpretation of the experimental results. Values of the distribution coefficient were found to range from 1.4 to 2.5 cm3/g.
A Wearable Assistive Device for AAL Applications
Authors: Montalto Francesco  , Bianchi Valentina  , De Munari Ilaria  , Ciampolini Paolo
Published: February 2025

MuSA, Multi Sensor Assistant, is a wearable device designed for elderly people monitoring. The system provides healthcare services as a fall detector, a user alarm button, heartbeat, breathing rate and body temperature measurement. The full integration of MuSA in the ambient-assisted living framework CARDEA allows to provide the user with remote health monitoring, supporting independent and autonomous life at home. The paper illustrates the main concepts behind the MuSA device and presents details of single functionalities. Field tests have been carried out to ensure that the low-cost approach provides adequate quality of the system response.
A Novel Depth-based Head Tracking and Gesture Recognition System
Authors: Guness S. P.  , Deravi F.  , Sirlantzis K.  , Pepper M.G.  , Sakel M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the architecture for a novel RGB-D based assistive device that incorporates depth as well as RGB data to enhance head tracking and facial gesture based control for severely disabled users. Using depth information it is possible to remove background clutter and therefore achieve a more accurate and robust performance. The system is compared with the CameraMouse, SmartNav and our previous 2D head tracking system. For the RGB-D system, the effective throughput of dwell clicking increased by a third (from 0.21 to 0.30 bits per second) and that of blink clicking doubled (from 0.15 to 0.28 bits per second) compared to the 2D system.
Development of a Driving Simulator with Joystick Steering for Persons with Reduced Mobility: A Technology Transfer Project in Spain
Authors: Chicote J.C.  , Romero M.  , Dols J. F.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the process of a Technology Transfer project. The project aim is to develop a driving simulator which meets the appropriate interface configuration to be controled by a person with reduced mobility.
From Touch to Brain Control: Augmenting Communication in Persons with ALS
Authors: Schettini F.  , Riccio A.  , Simione L.  , Liberati G.  , Caruso M.  , Calabrese B.  , Ielpo N.  , Palumbo A.  , Frasca V.  , Mecella M.  , Amato F.  , Pizzimenti A.  , Inghilleri M.  , Mattia D.  , Cincotti F.
Published: February 2025

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems aim to provide people with severe motor impairment with an additional/alternative channel to communicate and interact with the external world. At the state of the art there are several custom computer programs specifically developed to be controlled through a BCI. However from the end users' point of view it is important to become familiar with their own assistive device before the BCI represents the only way to access it. The Brindisys project aims at designing and developing a general assistive technology to support communication and autonomy in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) from the onset of the disease to the locked-in phase. The prototype consists of a specific interface allowing for communication and environmental control that can be managed both with conventional/assistive input devices and with a P300-based BCI. This work describes the system functionalities and reports the results of a preliminary assessment with end users and healthy control subjects.
Working Internationally to Meet the Academic Needs of Accessibility Professionals
Authors: Whitney Gill
Published: February 2025

Middlesex University has recently launched a new qualification, the Post Graduate Certificate, Professional Practice in Design for Diversity in Information and Communication Technology. This programme replaces the MSc Digital Inclusion which was launched four years ago and has been withdrawn due to lack of interest from potential students. The aim of this paper is to address the design and management decisions which went into the creation of this new programme and the way in which the academic community can support students who wish to learn about accessibility whilst holding down difficult jobs and working as figureheads in the accessibility field. Both the MSc Digital Inclusion and the Post Graduate Certificate Professional Practice in Design for Diversity in Information and Communication Technology were based on content created from within the EDeAN: European Design for all eAccessibility Network. This on-going collaboration should enable the material to be of a suitable quality, suitable depth and fit for purpose to enable the graduates to practice as accessibility professionals in both Europe and the USA. It will enable the students to understand both the technical and user benefits of solutions such as ambient assisted living as well as the relevant ethical and business case.
Creating Design Scenarios for Elderly Communities: Opportunity Areas and Positive Behaviours
Authors: Allen Jamie  , Boffi Laura
Published: February 2025

The design of practicable systems for elderly support that develops through Design for All agendas in ICT development are enabled by particular front-end usercentered and experience-centered design methods. From the outset, what are sought are not “problems” in an elderly home or lifestyle, but “opportunities,” where either positive behaviors and technology appropriations by elderly individuals or the emergence of speculative scenarios can highlight and inspire the design of systems and services with broad applicability and interest. Shifting from a need-based approach to an opportunity based one when designing ICT solutions for elderly people further creates market and technical solutions not normally revealed when ICT and engineering are used as a means of “solving problems,” presumed or otherwise. Using user-centered design techniques in elderly peoples' local communities and support networks, design drives beyond usability and the often too-narrow focus of these solutions. Herein, this argument is supported through the description of a design process undertaken within “FOOD,” a European Union Ambient Assisted Living project focusing on the development of services for new kitchen technologies and environments, aiming at supporting the autonomy and independence of elderly people in their own homes. The FOOD project design process and initial service concepts derived from the opportunities areas mapped out through fieldwork with the elderly are presented.
Developing a Care at a Distance Application to Support Stroke Patients
Authors: Willems Charles G.  , Rietman John
Published: February 2025

Objective: With the increase in life expectancy and growth in the number of frail elderly, the demand for complex care will increase. The rehabilitation of these patients takes place in the hospital or in rehabilitation clinics. If possible a transfer is made to the clients home situation as soon as possible. The use of technology as part of the rehabilitation process could facilitate a quick transfer to home. This paper reports on research initiated to develop a web-application that is supportive to the rehabilitation of stroke patients by means of care at a distance. Main content of the paper: A sequence of research and co creation cycles is described by which the development of a stroke rehabilitation application is designed. Literature search, focus groups, creative sessions with care professionals were used to identify potential approaches. Fine tuning to determine realistic approaches in terms of acceptance by users leaded to the idea to focus on the support of clients in the phase of therapy during which a transition to the home situation is prepared. Coping with energy management to prevent fatigue appeared to be a crucial factor. Delivering care at a distance in combination with a graded activity program was identified as being the most promising approach. The development of technology to support this kind of approach in combination with care provision is described. Results: A treatment protocol was identified by which the transition of a stroke patient from the nursery home towards his own home can be supported using the principles of care at a distance. Conclusion: The use of care of a distance to support the transition of stoke patients from the rehabilitation clinic to home clearly has potential. It represents both the introduction of a care protocol as well as the introduction of technology to support the activities of care professionals and patients.
Improving Accessibility by Matching User Needs and Preferences
Authors: Loitsch Claudia  , Stiegler Andreas  , Strobbe Christophe  , Tzovaras Dimitrios  , Votis Konstantinos  , Weber Gerhard  , Zimmermann Gottfried
Published: February 2025

We present the concept of mapping needs and preferences of users to customisation facilities of ICT solutions which aims to increase accessibility and decrease barriers to customisation. We describe the challenges associated with the objective of crossplatform personalisation by mapping between preferences of one platform to preferences of another platform. Our matchmaking approach considers 2 scenarios which (1) allow the user to access arbitrary ICT products by launching their tailored ATs and (2) deliver new preferences which may improve the individual workflow in a certain context of use.
The Neurophysiology of Augmentative Manipulation: A Method for Technical Implementation
Authors: Alvarez Liliana  , Wiebe Sandra  , Adams Kim D.  , Cook Albert M.
Published: February 2025

The most well-known form of infant learning is motor experience. The strong relationship between motor and cognitive development suggests that the limited motor experience of children with physical disabilities can impact their cognitive and perceptual development. The assessment of cognitive skills of infants with physical disabilities is also compromised due to limited verbal communication and motor gestures. Robots have been used to give children with disabilities an opportunity to independently manipulate objects around them and to reveal their cognitive skills when they use the robots. However, little is known about the neural correlates that subtend robotic augmentative manipulation and its impact on the underlying mechanisms of neuroplasticity. Several technical considerations pose a challenge to such studies. This paper presents a methodology for the implementation of neurophysiological exploration of robot augmented manipulation. Preliminary results of an adult pilot study are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of this method for technical implementation are discussed.
The Use of Assistive Technology in Different Age-Groups of Old People
Authors: Löfqvist Charlotte  , Haak Maria  , Slaug Björn
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to explore the use and perceived unfilled need for assistive technology (AT) for everyday life in three age-groups during the ageing process. Data on use and perceived unfilled need for AT from three age-groups were used; the very old age-group; 81-90, n=314, the oldest old age-group; 85-94, n=154 and younger agegroup, 67-71. The results show that the proportion of users highly increased between the youngest age-group and the very old age-group. An increase of use was also seen between the very old and oldest old age-groups, however not so prominent. In most respects the perceived unfilled need followed the same pattern. The result of this study can contribute to increased effectiveness of the supply of AT.
A Taxonomy for Describing ICT-based Assistive Technologies
Authors: Gower Valerio  , Andrich Renzo  , Lyhne Thomas
Published: February 2025

Within the ETNA project – a European Thematic Network aimed at implementing a EU-wide Portal devoted to ICT-based assistive technologies and e-accessibility solution – a Taxonomy has been implemented for describing the technical details of ICT based AT products. The taxonomy, based on a two level hierarchy of Clusters and Features, has been connected to the third-level categories of the ISO 9999 standard – “Assistive Products for Persons with Disability – Classification and terminology”. A procedure has been defined to manage the continuous update of the taxonomy.
Developing the Assistive Technology Device Services in North Savo Hospital District, Finland
Authors: Kanto-Ronkanen Anne  , Miettinen Timo  , Airaksinen Olavi
Published: February 2025

Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has published Quality Recommendations of Assistive Device Services in 2003. According to these recommendations Assistive Technology Device Services should be centralized. North Savo Hospital district had a planning project which aimed at more centralized Assistive Technology Device Services. Main problems in today's delivery service are that the quality of services and specially maintenance varies, lots of devices are waiting at the storerooms and process protocols are unclear. To correct this situation, the project recommends that assistive device technology services are centralized at hospital district in order to get; equal services, better quality for devices to support safety of the users, and to increase knowledge of ATDS to support seamless services. In the long run it is expected that centralized model cuts down the increasing cost of ATD services. The model is financed by the fee/inhabitant in municipalities which is 6, 6 million euros altogether. This model is going for political decision-making during spring and autumn of 2013.
Simplifying User-tuned Content Management in Assistive Software
Authors: Lucas Da Silva Margarida  , Gonçalves Daniel  , Plácido Da Silva Hugo
Published: February 2025

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are of upmost importance in the field of assistive technologies. Previous research from our group has proposed Troc@s, a multimedia tool to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the development of communication skills. A cornerstone of Troc@s is the ability that the caregiver has to customize the tool according to the profile of each child, creating the need to have streamlined procedures for the caregivers to follow. In this paper we propose an approach for easy customization of the tool, and present results of a usability study conducted with several caregivers, which show that, although training is required, our approach is considered to be a simple and adequate solution for routine use.
“I Need to Know, I Cannot, I Don't Understand”: Older Users' Requirements for a Navigation Application
Authors: Angeletou Angeliki  , Garschall Markus  , Hochleitner Christina  , Tscheligi Manfred
Published: February 2025

With the goal to design a mobile navigation solution for older users, we performed a user requirements analysis study with 49 participants in four different cities: Zaragoza (Spain), Paris (France), Oslo (Norway) and Vienna (Austria). The study focused on older users' mobility and interaction with mobile technology and it included focus group discussions, brainstorming, questionnaires, observations and interviews with tourism organizations for older adults. Our findings suggest that older users “need to know” information that will make their routes accessible and predictable; they often “cannot” properly use gestures, speech interfaces or read from the screen and in many instances they “do not understand” common navigation interfaces and their symbols.
IT-Support Direct from Project to a National Service
Authors: Johansson Lars  , Tjäder Claes
Published: February 2025

Many people need support to manage IT in daily life. Some people have relatives or others who help them, others lack that kind of support. For this reason, a service, IT-support Direct was created and a pilot project was launched. The results indicate that the need is huge and the service can play an important role to realize e-Inclusion for all..
Roadmap for Accessible Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Garcia Rocio  , Cerezuela Elena  , Yañez Rosa  , Sevillano Jose Luis  , Civit Anton
Published: February 2025

In this paper we analyze the future research topics that would have to be emphasized to improve the accessibility of Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). The analysis starts from the few previously available surveys on VLE accessibility and then complements this data by a questionnaire-based study with experts from industry and academia. The final results are mapped to the research lines and areas found in the EU Cardiac project showing that these provide a very good coverage of our requirements.
ADL Task Performance in Mobility Impaired Older Dyads: Preliminary Data from the CG ASSIST Pilot
Authors: Griffiths Patricia C.  , Sanford Jon A.
Published: February 2025

The ‘Caregiver Assessment of Skill Sets & Individualized Support through Training’ or ‘CG ASSIST’ project is a feasibility study that was designed to adapt, implement and evaluate a comprehensive hands-on skills training program with family caregivers of older adults who required assistance with transferring and/or positional change during daily activities. Specific objectives were to (1) field test a comprehensive in-home intervention delivered by a clinical expert which included training in caregiving skills and provision of assistive technology; and (2) to compare two needs assessment procedures (caregivers' subjective self-reports of dyadic performance during ADL task execution and objective, observation-based ratings made by Clinical Experts as part of the comprehensive assessments in the CG ASSIST pilot study.) Ratings of ADL performance in 4 domains were examined using percent agreement (P++, Cohen's Kappa (K) and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). In general, concordance was poor but varied by task and domain for: level of assistance (ICC=.36, ns -.84, p<.005), safety (P++ = .11 - .53; K = -.07 - .11, ns), satisfaction with skills (P++ = .42 - .75 K =.11 - .23, ns); and reports of assistive technology and environmental supports present (ICC = -.01, ns - .60, p<.005) and used appropriately (ICC = -.06, ns - .53, p<.05). All dyads received AT and training on the safe and appropriate use of the equipment until the caregivers felt comfortable with their ability to use the AT and the Clinical Experts rated appropriate device use as 100%. These data point to the importance of the periodic assessment of ADL task performance and evaluation of assistive technology used by dyads for ADLs.
Change in Eye Controlled Performance over Time with an Eye Tracker Controlled System, Used by Children with Severe Physical Disabilities
Authors: Borgestig Maria  , Falkmer Torbjörn  , Hemmingsson Helena
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to describe how speed and accuracy in eye controlled computer performance changed over time for children with severe physical disabilities that used eye tracker controlled system (ETCS) in daily activities as an effect of assistive technology (AT) intervention. Data was collected with diaries and with Compass software. The preliminary results from this study from the first four children indicate that two children improved significantly in eye controlled performance up to 19 months since start of ETCS usage in daily activities.
Inertial Human Interface Device for Smartphone and Tablet Dedicated to People with Motor Disability
Authors: Turturici Mauro  , Fanucci Luca
Published: February 2025

A novel interface to enable people with severe upper limbs impairment use a smartphone and a tablet is presented in this paper. Since smartphone and tablet market is constantly increasing and is overcoming respectively the one of cellular phones and the one of notebooks, the availability of novel human device interfaces (HIDs) for the disabled person is mandatory. Few solutions for Android and IOS-based devices are available on the market but not all the disabled users can take advantages of these products since these HIDs can mainly be used with upper limbs. Even though other types of HID technologies for disabled users are available, such as camera-based and inertial guidance systems, these can nowadays be used only with personal computer operating systems and they are not available for operating systems dedicated to portable devices. Therefore the technology transfer to Android and IOS is an eligible and novel result. To this aim a device featuring inertial-based pointer guidance and connectivity for standard sensor switches, is presented in this paper. It allows a person with disability to upper limbs to use a smartphone and a tablet by means of head tilt. A prototype of the device has been developed and tested, allowing some preliminary tests. A second test campaign with final users is soon expected and a second version of the prototype will be released according to the user's feedbacks.
Validation of Fitts's Law Adapted for Upper Limb Motor Impairment on Software Keyboards
Authors: Vella Frédéric  , Vigouroux Nadine
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to make a validation of the Vella's model based on Fitts's law on several virtual keyboard layouts to prove its validity. Firstly, we have obtained this model through an experiment in three populations (able-bodied, suffering myopathy and tetraplegia). The Vella's model takes into account the motor behaviour variability inside of a population. We have observed a more important variation for the motor impairment than for the able-bodied. In second time, we have compared to the keyboard performance with the different models based on Fitts's law. Then we have evaluated the Vella's model on suffering myopathy subject. This one has used two virtual keyboards: Annie and AZERTY. Theoretical results have been compared with experimental results. The Vella's model is more efficient for suffering myopathy participants than for able-bodied participants . These results show that there are still strong needs to adapt the Fitts's law to accurately model the user's behavior.
ePhone – a Technical Aid System to Ease Accessibility to Android Smartphones for Motor Skill Impaired Users
Authors: Donati Massimiliano  , Iacopetti Fabrizio  , Mandoloni David  , Giometti Francesco  , Fanucci Luca
Published: February 2025

Mobile devices are indubitably the main tools for communications, and they offer a wide range of opportunities to the users. Especially for people with disabilities these devices produce benefits in social inclusion and security. Unfortunately, the accessibility of the current devices is compromised by small form factors, touchscreen input methods, complex user interfaces. A complete aid system is presented in this paper, to allow people with motor skill impairments to take advantage of mobile devices. It enables to control the main functionalities of a smartphone through different kinds of switch sensors for the exploitation of residual abilities. Compared with similar solutions, it reduces the efforts required to the user.
There Is Nothing More Practical than a Good Theory: Designing an Ambient Event Detector based on a Technological Impact Assessment Model (TIAMo)
Authors: Ortlieb Stefan  , Streffing Gaby  , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: February 2025

In this paper we report the results of two multi-cultural user requirement surveys which have been conducted within the European AAL-JP-project fearless prior to technical specification of an ambient event detector for solitarily living elderly. Needs and expectations of older adults (N=259), relatives and trusted persons (N=215) as well as healthcare professionals (N=22) from Austria, Germany, Spain (Catalonia), and Italy were surveyed. Subsequently, a set of system requirements was derived from the empirical data. These requirements were integrated into a Technological Impact Assessment Model (TIAMo) which describes the interplay of technical performance, psychological well-being and business indicators related to the projected ambient event detector. In the forthcoming stages of the user-centered design process the TIAMo will serve as a “balanced scorecard” for project evaluation.
Computer-based Assistive Technology Device for Use by Students with Disabilities in Mainstream School
Authors: Lidström Helene
Published: February 2025

The increased implementation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in education means that it is important for students with disabilities to keep up with students in general in computer-based activities in school. Method: The design of this study was cross-sectional, with group comparisons in 287 students with motor impairment and 113 with neuropsychiatric diagnosis, who used and did not use a computer-based assistive technology (ATD) in mainstream school. Result: The prevalence of using computer-based ATDs was about 42 % of students with disabilities. More than half of those students were dissatisfied with all aspects of the service. Students who use a computer-based ATD are also less satisfied with their computer use at school than those who do not use an ATD. Conclusion: An individual plan could be beneficial for each student to: focus on the aim of the computer use, examine the student's needs in terms of computer-based ATDs and their inclusion in education.
Co-Exploring Everyday Life of Adults with ADHD
Authors: Eklöf Linnéa  , Boman Inga-Lill  , Hedvall Per-Olof
Published: February 2025

There are relatively few studies based on an individual adult perspective on ADHD which takes into account how various factors interact and affect everyday life. Compensatory strategies can facilitate life for people with ADHD and those strategies might include the use of assistive technology or cognitive support. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss how various factors can facilitate or challenge a person's tendency to adopt technology to better meet the demands and expectations of adult life. Participant observations and narrative interviews were used while co-exploring the life of three adults diagnosed with ADHD. By using this method the participants' own solutions, adaptions and preferences regarding cognitive support and assistive technology become visible. Results showed that factors like negative symptoms, stress, sleep deprivation, financial- or social problems effected the participant's motivation, feelings of competence, ability to identify prioritized activities and to maintain supportive routines – things that have been proven to be important for assistive technology use. Developing useworthy support and technology that meets the needs of people with ADHD is important in order to enable autonomy and compensate for the impairment.
Attempt at Treating Tinnitus with Brain Cognition Sound
Authors: Toyama Takeya  , Takahashi Daishi  , Taguchi Yousuke  , Fukumoto Ichiro
Published: February 2025

This study sought to develop an effective novel treatment method for tinnitus which uses phase-shift sound stimulation. In this method physical audio signal processing is performed to convert sounds resembling subjective tinnitus to use as sound stimuli. In addition, the experimental study involving subjects with tinnitus demonstrated the reproducibility of time delays. These results suggest that the present method can be applied as a novel tinnitus treatment in clinical practice.
Development of a Handwritten Note-Taking System for the Support of Hard-of-Hearing Students Participating in Lectures
Authors: Hatakeyama Takuro  , Watanabe Takashi  , Doi Kouki
Published: February 2025

Objective: Note-taking can be used during lectures to make reasonable accommodation for hard-of-hearing students. Focusing on handwritten note-taking, we have developed a new system aimed at providing better support in terms of reasonable accommodation.
Incorporating Typographic, Logical and Layout Knowledge of Documents into Text-to-Speech
Authors: Kouroupetroglou Georgios
Published: February 2025

Although Text-to-Speech (TtS) is considered a mature technology capable to produce synthetic speech of very high quality, current TtS systems do not include effective acoustic provision of the semantics and the cognitive aspects of the visual (such as the typographic cues) and non-visual (such as the logical structure) knowledge embedded in the rich text documents. In this paper, after the introduction of an appropriate document architecture, we analyze the semantics of the document signals. Then, by following a Design-for-All methodology, we present the Document-to-Audio approach we have developed for the automatics rendering document signals from the typographic, logical and the layout layers to the auditory modality.
A Multi-Modal Telerehabilitation Platform: Design and Applications
Authors: Tousignant Michel  , Brière Simon  , Hamel Mathieu
Published: February 2025

Telerehabilitation is a growing alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy to meet the demand in the rehabilitation field. However, because teleheath care is mostly deployed between two health care establishments, patients still need to travel to clinics to receive their treatments. To solve this specific problem, telehealth provided directly at home is an innovative solution. Because of both technological and clinical challenges surrounding in-home telehealth, the platform used must be in constant evolution. This ensures a high quality and an efficient way for rehabilitation delivery. The aim of this presentation is to present the telerehabilitation platform designed and built by our research team, “Équipe Spécialisée en TéléRéadaptation À Domicile” (ESTRAD). Based on a modular design, the generic platform integrates commercial systems and peripherals with custom software, TeRA. In addition to the video and audio components, other components are launched by TeRA (e.g. oximeter, stationary bike, speech therapy software) depending on the clinical applications. Until now, the platform has been used successfully to treat different rehabilitation populations (e.g. orthopedics, pulmonary and neurologic). ESTRAD is already working on the next generation of the platform in order to reduce its cost by using a less expensive videoconferencing solution and to provide further capabilities.
Patients Satisfaction with an in-Home Telerehabilitation Exercise Program and Physiotherapists' Satisfaction toward Technology for an Acute Stroke Population: A Pilot Study
Authors: Corriveau Hélène  , Tousignant Michel  , Gosselin Sylvie  , Boissy Patrick
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate the satisfaction of patients and physiotherapists toward technology used during in-home teletreatment following discharge from an acute care hospital after a stroke. The teletreatment that was delivered to the patients consisted of 45-minute sessions of exercises inspired from Tai Chi movements, twice a week, over a period of 8 weeks. The health care services satisfaction questionnaire was completed by the patients at the end of the intervention. The subjective appreciation of the technical quality of the physiotherapist using the technology during the telerehabilitation treatment was noted at the end of each treatment session. The analyses for this pilot study have thus been completed on a total of 6 patients and over 96 sessions by a physiotherapist. Satisfaction towards health care services provided was high for both patients (86%) and physiotherapists (90%). While patient satisfaction is very important in maintaining treatment compliance, the satisfaction of health care professionals must be high in order for new treatments to become mainstream in clinics. Our results show that in-home telerehabilitation seems to be a promising alternative to traditional face-to-face treatments.
Detecting and preventing Falls with Depth Camera, Tracking the Body Center
Authors: Dubois Amandine  , Charpillet François
Published: February 2025

Fall is a major risk for elderly people. This paper is an outline of the research work that we are conducting in our group concerning the development of new technologies for fall detection and prevention at home. Our aim is to propose new affordable devices at home which: (1) automatically detect falls, and then alert whom is concern when a fall has been detected, (2) proceed with some measure in order to define an indicator associated with the risk of fall. Such devices could reassure persons affected by mobility problems or being recently injured in a fall, thus permitting them to stay at home longer. We are currently examining how low-cost RGB-D cameras could be used to track continuously a person at home. We show that we can easily extract, from depth images, the body center of mass of a person and some other simple parameters from which we can detect and prevent falls. Preliminary results are presented based on two real experimentations with young people, within an experimental smart home. 208 sequences were recorded for the first experimentation concerning fall detection and 106 strides were analyzed for gait parameters measurement.
GPS-Tracking Devices in Dementia Care: New Tasks, Responsibilities and Competencies
Authors: Thygesen Hilde  , Moser Ingunn  , Øderud Tone
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the use of GPS-tracking devices in dementia care in a Norwegian context. The paper is based on empirical data drawn from two sources: the “EFORTT” project and the ongoing “Safe Tracks” research project. The results show that the use of GPS-tracking has important implications for the actors involved. Both the persons with dementia and family carers report on improved safety and increased independence. These findings are in accordance with the expectations expressed in current policy documents, which opens up for increased use of GPS and other telecare technologies in a dementia care setting. The focus of this paper is on the key role of family carers in relation to the implementation of the GPS-tracking device. The research findings show that in order to make the new technologies work, family carers are assigned new tasks and responsibilities. The critical issue raised in this paper is that many family carers do not have the necessary capacity, skills and competencies needed in order to take on these tasks. And in addition, not all persons suffering from dementia have someone to do the tasks for them. In this is the acknowledgement that the introduction of GPS-tracking devices in dementia care is not a trivial matter, which calls for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges posed by the introduction of new technologies to dementia care.
AAL Living Lab Methodologies based on ICF
Authors: Martins Ana  , Queirós Alexandra  , Cerqueira Margarida  , Silva Anabela G.  , Alvarelhão Joaquim  , De Francesco Silvia  , Rocha Nelson Pacheco
Published: February 2025

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems and services must support users' activities and participation. Therefore, AAL evaluation tools must go beyond the instrumental factors and must assess how AAL systems and services can help people to perform complex activities of daily life or social roles. In this context, this paper presents an on-going research work within the Living Usability Lab (LUL) where the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is being used as a comprehensive model for the evaluation of AAL systems and services.
Footstep Localization based on In-home Microphone-array Signals
Authors: Van Den Broeck B.  , Vuegen L.  , Van hamme H.  , Moonen M.  , Karsmakers P.  , Vanrumste B.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a system able to detect footstep locations. Through acoustic information retrieved from a wireless sensor network with small and relatively cheap microphone arrays. A dataset was recorded in order to validate the accuracy of the detection. Results on this dataset show that a best median of errors of 31cm per time moment are achievable, but results heavily depend on the positions of the microphones relative to the footsteps.
Hybrid Book – Universal Access to the Content
Authors: Gůra Tomáš  , Hladík Petr  , Ondra Svatoslav
Published: February 2025

Hybrid Book provides a universal access to the content for users with various disabilities as well as for users without disabilities and it is based on synchronization of various types of components of audio, video and text media.
CAPKOM: A Wizard to Facilitate the Web Experience of Users with Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Radu Nicoleta-Ioana  , Petz Andrea  , Miesenberger Klaus
Published: February 2025

Adaptable and adaptive user interfaces for both, software and (mobile) web applications are an extensively researched area for mainstream users as well as users with disabilities. The “sticking point” in developing adaptable and adaptive user interfaces for people with cognitive disability is the lack of appropriate, reliable and stable recommendations, guidelines, techniques and tools as well as evaluation methods and techniques [1], especially for people with cognitive disabilities (e.g. persons with unknown reading capabilities using a web site or service), measuring how well user interaction paradigms and content is understood and used. In this paper, we present initial work carried out in this field within the project CAPKOM that aims at developing a “Wizard” that supports the definition of requirements for people with cognitive disabilities when accessing the web, means to evaluate necessary adaptations to ease reading and understanding, compile individual user profiles out of it and hand them to the browser to adapt websites following the gained profile. Within the presented project CAPKOM, the Wizard works with a specifically designed website (online-atelier.com) but can be adapted and implemented to other use cases to allow profile based adaptations and the definition of support functionalities when accessing mainstream web pages.
Verification of LED Blocks Used at Crosswalk Entrances for Persons with Visually Impairment
Authors: Ikeda Norihiro  , Takahashi Kazuya  , Yamamoto Genji  , Kimura Yuki  , Ito Shin-ichi  , Sato Katsuya  , Fujisawa Shoichiro
Published: February 2025

A person with low visual capacity's eyesight might decrease remarkably under low-light conditions such as the morning, evening, and nighttime, decreasing their opportunities to go out. Research and development underway to ensure safe walking for visually impaired persons examined a walking guidance system in which LED blocks are embedded into the road at edges of warning blocks installed at crosswalk entrances. The LED block used in the experiment is 120mm wide and 300mm long. The LED block is a flat-topped bar made from transparent acrylic fiber. The solar panel and LED are embedded in the ground. The LED block is set adjacent to the warning block at crosswalk entrances. The LED block can be detected with the visually impaired person's residual vision. Blind persons can also detect this block through the soles of their shoes. The detectability of this LED block was evaluated by subjective experiments performed by visually impaired and blind persons. The function of the temporary stop can be strengthened in the sight or the sense of touch. Installing LED blocks at crosswalk entrances was found to be useful for guiding visually impaired persons.
The Role of Hospitals in the International Disaster Response
Authors: Ingrassia Pier Luigi  , Foletti Marco  , Ripoll Gallardo Alba  , Giovagnoni Erica  , Ragazzoni Luca
Published: February 2025

Since the end of the Cold War, Foreign Field Hospitals (FFHs) have been considered as a feasible solution to cope with the lack of prompt emergency aid in low-income countries, especially after sudden-onset events. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have developed guidelines regarding the dispatch of FFHs in areas after being hit by natural disasters. It has been demonstrated that the first hours after a catastrophic event are crucial in order to save lives. Therefore, coordination among organizations providing aid and high-level staff qualification must be guaranteed for the purpose of assuring the most cost effective management.
Integrated Response to CBRN Mass-Casualty Events
Authors: Lanzi Cecilia  , Botti Primo  , Masini Emanuela
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with the necessity of a qualified emergency plan in CBRN mass-casualty incidents and enumerates the basic and standard criteria to be followed in case an event of this kind occurs. Its focus also encompasses the integrated response to chemical mass-casualty events and on the key role of Poison Control Centres in this type of emergency.