bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptual Design of Haptic-Feedback Navigation Device for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Che Me Rosalam  , Biamonti Alessandro  , Mohd Saad Mohd Rashid
Published: February 2025

Wayfinding ability in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is progressively impaired due to ageing and deterioration of cognitive domains. Usually, the sense of direction is deteriorated as visuospatial and spatial cognition are associated with the sensory acuity. Therefore, navigation systems that support only visual interactions may not be appropriate in case of AD. This paper presents a concept of wearable navigation device that integrates the haptic-feedback technology to facilitate the wayfinding of individuals with AD. The system provides the simplest instructions; left/right using haptic signals, as to avoid users' distraction during navigation. The advantages of haptic/tactile modality for wayfinding purpose based on several significant studies are presented. As preliminary assessment, a survey is conducted to understand the potential of this design concept in terms of (1) acceptability, (2) practicality, (3) wearability, and (4) environmental settings. Results indicate that the concept is highly acceptable and commercially implementable. A working prototype will be developed based on the results of the preliminary assessment. Introducing a new method of navigation should be followed by continuous practices for familiarization purpose. Improved navigability allows the good performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) hence maintain the good quality of life in older adults with AD.
Combining apps targeting professionals and senior citizens to improve housing accessibility and influence housing provision policies
Authors: Helle Tina  , Iwarsson Susanne  , Lunn Tine Bieber  , Iversen Mogens Holm  , Jonsson Oskar  , Mårtensson Knut  , Svarre Tanja  , Slaug Björn
Published: February 2025

Two separate apps that address the increasingly important issue of accessible housing for senior citizens have been developed in different project settings. One of the apps was developed to facilitate the process for professional raters to assess housing accessibility in the context of individual housing adaptations. The other app was developed for senior citizens to raise their awareness of possible accessibility problems in their current dwelling and in other apartments within the available housing stock. Both apps were developed with a high degree of active user involvement in processes utilizing multiple state of the art methods. The results are two well accepted prototype apps perceived as user-friendly and appropriate for the intended user groups. By combining these two apps, our ambition is for the professional raters to benefit by gaining knowledge of their clients' perceived needs and desires, and for senior citizens to benefit by getting access to a database of professionally rated dwellings. The ultimate goal is the generation of sound knowledge reflecting the needs and desires of senior citizens and professional requirements regarding accessible housing as a means to inform and influence housing provision policies.
Mapping City Accessibility: Review and Analysis
Authors: Comai Sara  , Kayange Daniel  , Mangiarotti Raffaella  , Matteucci Matteo  , Ugur Yavuz Secil  , Valentini Francesco
Published: February 2025

The paper presents an analysis of prototypes, studies, and applications for the mapping of city accessibility, focusing mainly on sidewalks accessibility. Moreover, it presents the results of two focus groups that we organized both with electric and with manual wheelchairs to attain requirements and insights to design a user-friendly app for the collection and visualization of information about the accessibility of urban pedestrian pathways.
Emergent Application on Smart Phone for Deaf, Language Dysfunction and Foreigners:
Authors: Hosono Naotsune  , Inoue Hiromitsu  , Nakanishi Miwa  , Tomita Yutaka
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses the efficiency of the Emergent Application on Smart Phones (EASP). In an initial survey, hearing impaired people are asked to explain their difficulties in an emergency situation. With this survey as background, an application with five steps is implemented on Smart Phone touch panels using outcome icons and pictograms to communicate to a call centre in the fire brigade. The evaluation results with EASP application by deaf people found that it was about five times quicker to report an emergency using this tool, than it by using text message input.
Agile Walker
Authors: Katz Reuven
Published: February 2025

The goal of the Agile Walker is to improve the outdoor mobility of healthy elderly people with some mobility limitations. It is a newly developed, all-terrain walker, equipped with an electric drive system and speed control that can assists elderly people to walk outdoors or to hike. The walker has a unique product design with an attractive look that will appeal to “active-agers” population. This paper describes product design requirements and the development process of the Agile Walker, its features and some preliminary testing results.
Way-Finding Support in Public Transport Environments provided by the NAMO Mobile Travel Assistance System
Authors: Bühler Christian  , Heck Helmut  , Nietzio Annika  , Reins Frank  , Berker Frank
Published: February 2025

The NAMO travel assistance system is a mobile application providing support for elder travellers in public transport and on foot. The system combines technical and human support during the journey, especially in situations where many seniors experience orientation difficulties. Several approaches to way-finding and orientation support have been developed. This paper introduces the different approaches and presents the results of the extensive user evaluations, leading to recommendations for future development of mobile travel assistance applications for seniors.
Evidence-based development and evaluation of mobile cognitive support apps for people on the autism spectrum: methodological conclusions from two R+D projects
Authors: Gyori Miklos  , Stefanik Krisztina  , Kanizsai-Nagy Ildikó
Published: February 2025

A growing body of evidence confirms that mobile digital devices have key potentials as assistive/educational tools for people with autism spectrum disorders. The aim of this paper is to outline key aspects of development and evaluation methodologies that build on, and provide systematic evidence on effects of using such apps. We rely on the results of two R+D projects, both using quantitative and qualitative methods to support development and to evaluate developed apps (n=54 and n=22). Analyzing methodological conclusions from these studies we outline some guidelines for an ‘ideal’ R+D methodology but we also point to important trade-offs between the need for best systematic evidence and the limitations on development time and costs. We see these trade-offs as a key issue to be resolved in this field.
Sweet Cheese. Back to the Physical World
Authors: Dupire Jerome
Published: February 2025

Sweet Cheese (switches) is a physical device that brings back the virtual keyboards to the physical world. Although the virtual keyboards are useful for people with motor impairment, they require to be used in a windowed environment. This is sometimes impossible due to the imposed full screen mode. We present in this paper our solution that mixes advantages of both physical and virtual keyboards.
Human-computer interface using a head mounted camera and IR markers
Authors: Walsh Edwin Peter  , Daems Walter  , Steckel Jan
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an alternative way to control the selection of items in computing devices. A survey of the issues of the current state-of-the art is performed and a solution is presented based on a cheap, head-mounted, IR sensitive camera tracking IR LEDs. Benefits related to this approach are indicated, initial performance results are presented from which we can conclude the feasibility of the proposed solution.
Introducing LUDI: a research network on play for children with disabilities
Authors: Besio Serenella  , Carnesecchi Marco  , Encarnação Pedro
Published: February 2025

This paper presents LUDI, an interdisciplinary network of research centred on the topic of play for children with disabilities. The primary aim of the network is to ensure the theme is given the widest recognition as an independent field of research and intervention. Currently, the network comprises over 80 researchers and practitioners from 27 European countries. It is funded by the EU COST Programme through the means of an interdisciplinary Action started in May 2014 and lasting four years. The present contribution will discuss the scientific and social background and their implications that lead to the creation of the network, activities carried out during the first year of the Action and introduces the expected results of the ongoing activities.
Assistive Technology as an artificial intelligence opportunity: Case study of letter-based, head movement driven communication
Authors: Miksztai-Réthey Brigitta  , Faragó Kinga Bettina
Published: February 2025

We studied an artificial intelligent assisted interaction between a computer and a human with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI). In order to speed up AAC, we extended a former study of typing performance optimization using a framework that included head movement controlled assistive technology and an onscreen writing device. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed with mathematical methods, manual interpretation and semi-supervised machine video annotation. As the result of our research, in contrast to the former experiment's conclusions, we found that our participant had at least two different typing strategies. To maximize his communication efficiency, a more complex assistive tool is suggested, which takes the different methods into consideration.
YouDo – we help! – An Open Information and Training Platform for Informal Caregivers
Authors: Sili Miroslav  , Bolliger Daniel  , Morak Jürgen  , Gira Matthias  , Wessig Kerstin  , Brunmeir Dominik  , Kropf Johannes  , Tellioğlu Hilda
Published: February 2025

The number of people in need of care increases constantly, and in the coming few years many seniors will depend on their close relatives for their care needs. These relatives very often need support to fulfill their role as informal caregivers. The YouDo prototype presented in this paper aims to provide special training programs for informal caregivers in order to help them to improve the quality of their nursing. This work illustrates first development concepts, used methods and techniques towards a modular, extensible and user adaptable multimodal information and training platform.
Advancing Telemedicine Services for the Aging Population: The challenge of Interoperability
Authors: van Velsen Lex  , Solana Javier  , Oude-Nijeweme D'Hollosy Wendy  , Garate-Barreiro Francisco  , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam
Published: February 2025

We reflect on our experiences in two projects in which we developed interoperable telemedicine applications for the aging population. While technically data exchange could be implemented technically, uptake was impeded by a lack of working procedures. We argue that development of interoperable health technology for the aging population should go accompanied by a thorough study into working protocols by consulting all end-users and stakeholders.
Real-time Pedestrian Crossing Recognition for Assistive Outdoor Navigation
Authors: Fontanesi Simone  , Frigerio Alessandro  , Fanucci Luca  , Li William
Published: February 2025

Navigation in urban environments can be difficult for people who are blind or visually impaired. In this project, we present a system and algorithms for recognizing pedestrian crossings in outdoor environments. Our goal is to provide navigation cues for crossing the street and reaching an island or sidewalk safely. Using a state-of-the-art Multisense S7S sensor, we collected 3D pointcloud data for real-time detection of pedestrian crossing and generation of directional guidance. We demonstrate improvements to a baseline, monocular-camera-based system by integrating 3D spatial prior information extracted from the pointcloud. Our system's parameters can be set to the actual dimensions of real-world settings, which enables robustness of occlusion and perspective transformation. The system works especially well in non-occlusion situations, and is reasonably accurate under different kind of conditions. As well, our large dataset of pedestrian crossings, organized by different types and situations of pedestrian crossings in order to reflect real-word environments, is publicly available in a commonly used format (ROS bagfiles) for further research.
Information Issues and Contexts that Impair Team Based Communication Workflow: A Palliative Sedation Case Study
Authors: Cornett Alex  , Kuziemsky Craig
Published: February 2025

Implementing team based workflows can be complex because of the scope of providers involved and the extent of information exchange and communication that needs to occur. While a workflow may represent the ideal structure of communication that needs to occur, information issues and contextual factors may impact how the workflow is implemented in practice. Understanding these issues will help us better design systems to support team based workflows. In this paper we use a case study of palliative sedation therapy (PST) to model a PST workflow and then use it to identify purposes of communication, information issues and contextual factors that impact them. We then suggest how our findings could inform health information technology (HIT) design to support team based communication workflows.
Usability Evaluation of a Medication Reconciliation and Allergy Review (MRAR) Kiosk: A Methodological Approach for Analyzing User Interactions
Authors: Lesselroth Blake  , Adams Kathleen  , Tallett Stephanie  , Ragland Scott  , Church Victoria  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kushniruk Andre
Published: February 2025

Internationally, major efforts are underway to improve medication safety and reduce medication errors during transitions of care. One strategy that has emerged to improve data accuracy and close information gaps is the introduction of software applications and workflow models that allow patients to review, enter, and modify their own patient data (e.g. information about medications they are taking). Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of such patient-facing healthcare applications is critical, especially when this approach is applied to high-stakes clinical tasks such as medication reconciliation. In this paper we describe an approach that has been used to assess the usability of a patient-facing medication reconciliation and allergy review (MRAR) kiosk. The phases involved are described along with implications and challenges of carrying out this work.
Urban Groundwater Management as Risk Reduction Tool for Groundwater Extractions
Authors: van der Hout Ella  , de Doelder Bert
Published: February 2025

In the urban area of Rotterdam many different groundwater extractions take place, which affect the groundwater system. Urban groundwater Management is a tool to prevent the risk of non-intended effects of these extractions and not-sustainable use of groundwater. The main goal is to exchange information and knowledge for a better understanding of the groundwater system and an integrated approach when regarding and authorizing the different functions of groundwater.
Geotechnical Risk Management for Museum “Our Lord in the Attic” Amsterdam
Authors: Balder A.T.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes the geotechnical design and execution challenges in underground construction in the historical center of Amsterdam. The geotechnical design and risk management approach of the total works wills be presented in detail, with special attention to the specific geotechnical conditions in Amsterdam and the Geo-RM risk document. The design results, using FEM calculations will be mentioned shortly and the risk control during execution of the works will be presented and discussed. The design contains special geotechnical features such as trenching to remove underground obstacles, special retaining walls and means to prevent instability of the excavation floor. Through a sophisticated geotechnical and structural design, and by applying Geotechnical Risk Management in the design and during execution the Museum was constructed successfully without any significant damage or delay.
Analyzing Spatial Variability of Geologic Profiles for Four Sites in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu W.F.  , Leung Y.F.
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the spatial variability characteristics of geologic profiles, including variations in thickness of marine clay deposits and rockhead levels, based on borehole data obtained from four sites in Hong Kong. The numbers of boreholes are approximately 100 in two cases, while the other two cases comprise more than 400 boreholes each. The large volume of data allows comprehensive statistical analyses to identify the spatial correlation/variability in subsurface profiles using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method. The Matérn Autocorrelation model is adopted for its flexible functional form, with the parameters optimized using the Differential Evolution algorithm, in order to maximum the log likelihood value in REML. This technique is used to evaluate the spatial variability characteristics of geologic profiles, including parameters such as the spatial dependence and scale of fluctuation at the four sites. The effects of irregular sampling pattern, sample domain scale and sampling density on these parameters are also discussed based on the analyses. In addition, the existence of faults in two of the sites is found to significantly affect the spatial variability of rockhead level, as indicated by the reduced scales of fluctuation and spatial dependence in areas intersected by faults.
Non-intrusive Reliability Analysis of Multi-layered Slopes in Spatially Variable Soils
Authors: Xiao Te  , Li Dianqing  , Cao Zijun  , Tang Xiaosong
Published: February 2025

Stochastic finite element method and random finite element method can provide rigorous tools for slope reliability analysis incorporating spatial variability of soil properties. However, both of them are difficult to be applied into practice due to the modification of finite-element codes and the low efficiency, respectively. To address these problems, this paper develops a more practical approach called non-intrusive stochastic finite element method (NISFEM) for slope reliability analysis in spatially variable soils. In the NISFEM, the random fields of spatially variable soils are generated using Karhunen-Loeve expansion, and the safety factor of slope stability is calculated using commercial finite-element package. After that, the Hermite polynomial chaos expansion is used to express the safety factor explicitly for slope reliability analysis. In addition, this paper suggests an easy dimension reduction technique to further improve the efficiency of NISFEM, namely, to adopt a relatively small truncated ratio in Karhunen-Loeve expansion. The proposed method is illustrated and verified using a multi-layered slope example. Through the sensitivity study, it is found that the vertical spatial variability affects the slope failure probability and the sensitivity of uncertain soil properties significantly.
Determination of Spatial Variability in d
Authors: de Visser M.M.  , Kanning W.  , Koopmans R.  , Niemeijer J.
Published: February 2025

Research to the failure mechanism piping (internal, backward erosion) in the Netherlands shows that the dikes require costly berms to meet the required safety standards. According to the Sellmeijer piping-formula, the d70(70%-quantile of the grain size distribution by weight) is an important parameter in the resistance against piping. Therefore a better insight in the d70variability in the naturally deposited sand layers beneath dikes is of great importance. High density site measurements (5x5 meter spacing) give insight in local heterogeneity of the d70and the implications for representative design values. Three test sites were developed at locations with distinct geomorphological deposits. The spatial variability in the d70appears to be large. Despite the large amount of data at a very dense measurement grid, there is no obvious spatial correlation in the measurements. The sites have a similar or larger coefficient of variation than the much sparser regional datasets that are normally used to derive the representative d70. Current regulations prescribe the characteristic (5% lower bound) value as the design parameter in the piping formula. Considering the large variation in d70values this approach may not be appropriate. Given the influence of the d70on dike dimensions, hence investment costs, establishing a method for determining a representative d70value is important. We recommend to develop more sites at distinct geomorphological deposits to gain insight in the spatial variability in grain size distribution and to determine design values with matching site sampling requirements. An important aspect of further research is the interaction between d70variability and the physical development of the piping channel.
Correlation Effect in Probabilistic Design against Piping in Multi-Functional Flood Defences
Authors: Aguilar López J.P.  , Warmink J.J.  , Schielen R.M.J.  , Hulscher S.J.M.H.
Published: February 2025

The multi-functional flood defences are one of the many solutions proposed for climate adaptation in deltaic areas. This kind of defences can also be found in literature as Delta-dikes, un-breachable dikes or super-levees. Yet all of them have two key design requirements to tackle. The first one is to improve their reliability given the uncertainty in future projections of water level rise. The second one is the optimization of their dimensions in order to allow them include additional functions while allowing them to be cost effective. In the case of the Netherlands, the failure mechanism of piping is one of the main concerns of the designers and flood risk managers. The large uncertainties that come from the heterogeneity of the soil properties are coped by moving towards a more complete probabilistic design. However correlation between input parameters is one of the sources of uncertainty that must be solved. In the present study, the effect of possible correlation between grain size and hydraulic conductivity is investigated. A straight forward approach is implemented by the inclusion of joint bivariate distributions generated from copulas. This random sampling method allows to induce not only the degree of correlation of two variables but their different tail dependence behavior as well. The generated random samples are propagated trough the piping Sellmeijer limit state function in order to estimate the reliability of the analyzed flood defence. The present study showed that correlation has an important effect in the design of this kind of structures, and therefore a robust soil investigation can be more cost effective than the actual over dimensioning of the structures.
Dynamic Axle Loads as a Main Source of Railway Track Degradation
Authors: Steenbergen M.J.M.M.  , de Jong E.  , Zoeteman A.
Published: February 2025

During train operation, geometrical irregularities develop in soil-supported ballasted railway tracks as a function of born tonnage. This form of degradation is combatted by periodic maintenance in the form of tamping by specially equipped trains in order to guarantee predefined levels of structural performance. The growth of irregular settlements depends on one hand on track properties (such as sleeper spacing, rail bending stiffness, subsoil geotechnical properties) and the intensity of longitudinal stiffness variations (variations in soil profile, switches and crossings, transitions etc.). The latter stiffness variations include both the static and the dynamic, frequency-dependent stiffness. On the other hand also the nature of the loading has an important influence. Running trains exert – depending on their velocity – quasistatic loads on the infrastructure due to the passing axles with a constant loading. Apart from this a dynamic loading component may occur with different frequencies as a result of non-perfect wheels, as a function of the speed. In general, the structural design of a railway line can be optimised with respect to its structural performance for the whole lifecycle. However, for existing lines this is difficult, and the only way to limit degradation and associated costs is to influence the condition of the rolling stock. The present study discusses theoretical backgrounds of track degradation in the form of differential settlements. It then shows results of an analysis of the loading conditions on Dutch railway lines, with both mixed passenger and freight transport and with dedicated freight traffic, based on actual measurements. Conclusions are drawn regarding deterioration and the effects of different loading types. Results show that especially on freight lines huge improvements are possible, with reductions in geometrical degradation up to 52% of actual values. The main driver of excessive degradation appears to be the low-frequency dynamic axle loading component.
Preliminary Assessment of Debris Flow Hazard in a Catchment under Extreme Condition
Authors: Gao L.  , Zhang L.M.  , Chen H.X.
Published: February 2025

Due to hilly terrain and frequent heavy rainstorms, debris flow is one of the most common and catastrophic hazards in Hong Kong. To mitigate the debris flow risk, prediction of the magnitude and consequence of debris flow is essential. The objective of this paper is to simulate debris flow hazards in a study area in Hong Kong. Assessment of the surface geology is firstly conducted to ascertain the source materials. The physical parameters of the loose materials such as size, location, and soil type are investigated. The volume, sediment concentration and resistance parameters for debris flows are subsequently evaluated and adopted as the input for the debris flow simulation. Numerical debris flow simulation is then conducted according to the established parameters. The maximum flow depth and maximum flow velocity are calculated by solving the continuity equation, the momentum equation and a friction slope equation. Based on the simulation results, a debris flow hazard map as a function of both the maximum flow depth and the maximum flow velocity is finally produced.
Soil Probabilistic Slope Stability Analysis Using Stochastic Finite Difference Method
Authors: Effati Daryani M.B.  , Bahadori H.  , Daryani K.E.
Published: February 2025

The paper contrasts results obtained by the partially factored limit state design method and a more advanced Random Finite Difference Method (RFDM) in a benchmark problem of slope stability analysis with random undrained shear strength parameter. Local Average Subdivision method was used to simulate a non-Gaussian random variable. The key difference between the methods is that RFDM takes into account spatial variability of soil allowing slope failure to occur naturally along the path of least resistance. The probabilistic method lead to predictions of the “probability of slope failure” as opposed to the more traditional “factor of safety” measure of slope safety in the limit state design method; however, they give significant different results depending on the level of the variability. Analyses conducted using Monte Carlo Simulation show that the same partial factor can have very different levels of risk depending on the degree of uncertainty of the mean value of the soil shear strength. Calibration studies show the partial factor necessary to achieve target probability values.
Approaches towards a Probabilistic Assessment of Geotechnical Parameter Distributions Relying on Geophysical Imaging
Authors: Paasche Hendrik
Published: February 2025

Geophysical imaging techniques, such as seismic crosshole tomographic methods, provide spatially continuous information about physical parameter variations in the ground. This physical parameter information, e.g., distribution of seismic velocities, is frequently used to estimate spatial distributions of geotechnical target parameters that could only be calibrated by sparse measurements in boreholes. The employed geophysical model generation procedure is usually deterministic, which does not allow for transducing the ambiguity inherent to the geophysical imaging procedure into the prediction of spatial geotechnical target parameter distributions. Here, we review self-organizing geophysical inversion of tomographic data allowing for data-driven ambiguity assessment of geophysical models. Opposite to deterministic geophysical imaging resulting in a single geophysical model this approach delivers ensembles of different but equally plausible geophysical models. We use this probabilistic information about geophysical model uncertainty and employ fuzzy cluster analysis for propagating the geophysical model generation uncertainty into probabilistic inference of spatial geotechnical parameter distributions exemplary illustrated by generating 2D scenarios of sleeve friction distribution.
Considering parameter uncertainty in a GIS-based sliding surface model for large areas
Authors: Mergili Martin  , Marchesini Ivan  , Rossi Mauro  , Alvioli Massimiliano  , Schneider-Muntau Barbara  , Cardinali Mauro  , Ardizzone Francesca  , Fiorucci Federica  , Valigi Daniela  , Santangelo Michele  , Bucci Francesco  , Guzzetti Fausto
Published: February 2025

The GIS-based open source software r.slope.stability computes broad-scale spatial overviews of shallow and deep-seated slope stability through physically-based modelling. We focus on the landslide-prone 90 km2Collazzone area, central Italy, exploiting a comprehensive set of lithological, geotechnical and landslide inventory data available for that area. Inevitably, the geotechnical and geometric parameters are uncertain, particularly for their three-dimensional variability. Considering the most unfavourable set of geotechnical parameters (worst case scenario, appropriate for engineering purposes) is less useful to obtain an overview of the spatial probability (susceptibility) of landslides over tens of square kilometres. Back-calculation of the parameters based on topographic and geotechnical considerations would be experimental. Instead, we estimate the slope failure probability by testing multiple combinations of the model parameters sampled deterministically. Our tests indicate that (i) the geotechnical parameterization used allows to reproduce the observed landslide distribution partly (a challenge consists in the appropriate treatment of the variation of the geotechnical parameters with depth); (ii) the evaluation outcome depends strongly on the level of geographical aggregation; and (iii) when applied to large study areas, the approach is computing-intensive, and requires specific strategies of multi-core computing to keep the computational time at an acceptable level.
Effect Of Telephone Calls And Text Messages On Goal Attainment In A Ehealth Coaching Service
Authors: Brivio Eleonora  , Gatti Fabiana  , Galimberti Carlo  , Gambini Paolo  , Binello Maurizio
Published: February 2025

Yukendu is a personal mobile coaching service that supports people in reaching good levels of psychological and physical wellbeing through the use of an app and a telephone-based relationship with a health coach. The aim of this contribution is to describe the results obtained in a sample of 171 clients (female, n=150) and investigate the main factors in attaining their health-related goals. Results show that 61,98% (n=106) of the sample attained the results they wanted totally or partially. The regression model (number of phone calls, text messages, plan duration, achieved weight loss) accounts for 56,9% of data variance in achieved weight loss. Significant predictors of achieved weight loss are average number of calls (B=.388, p<.05), texts exchange (B=.331, p<.05) and plan duration (B=.291). These results suggest therefore that in the first phase of health behavioral change, eHealth coaching efficacy lies primarily in the communication between coach and coachee.
NO-FEAR Airlines: A Computer-aided Self-help Treatment for Flying Phobia
Authors: Quero Soledad  , Campos Daniel  , Riera Del Amo Antonio  , Bretón-López Juana  , Tortella-Feliu Miquel  , Baños Rosa Ma.  , Botella Cristina
Published: February 2025

In vivo exposure is the treatment of choice for specific phobias. However, this treatment is linked to a number of limitations in its implementation. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies for improving treatment adherence, acceptance, and dissemination of evidence-based treatments. Information and Communication Technologies, specifically, computerized programs boast advantages in treating flying phobia. NO-FEAR Airlines is a Computer-aided Self-help Treatment for this problem, which can be self-applied via Internet. NO-FEAR Airlines treatment protocol comprises three therapeutic components: psychoeducation, exposure and overlearning. Exposure is carried out through 6 scenarios that are composed by images and real sounds related to a flight in process. The aim of the present work is to describe NO-FEAR Airlines program.
The Identity Mapping Project: Demographic differences in patterns of distributed identity
Authors: Gilbert Richard L.  , Dionisio John David N.  , Forney Andrew  , Dorin Philip
Published: February 2025

The advent of cloud computing and a multi-platform digital environment is giving rise to a new phase of human identity called “The Distributed Self.” In this conception, aspects of the self are distributed into a variety of 2D and 3D digital personas with the capacity to reflect any number of combinations of now malleable personality traits. In this way, the source of human identity remains internal and embodied, but the expression or enactment of the self becomes increasingly external, disembodied, and distributed on demand. The Identity Mapping Project (IMP) is an interdisciplinary collaboration between psychology and computer Science designed to empirically investigate the development of distributed forms of identity. Methodologically, it collects a large database of “identity maps” – computerized graphical representations of how active someone is online and how their identity is expressed and distributed across 7 core digital domains: email, blogs/personal websites, social networks, online forums, online dating sites, character based digital games, and virtual worlds. The current paper reports on gender and age differences in online identity based on an initial database of distributed identity profiles.
Using A Facebook Group As An Adjunct To A Pilot mHealth Physical Activity Intervention: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Pumper Megan A.  , Mendoza Jason A.  , Arseniev-Koehler Alina  , Holm Matthew  , Waite Alan  , Moreno Megan A.
Published: February 2025

In the United States, most adolescents do not obtain the recommended amounts of physical activity for optimal health. Around 80% of adolescents own a mobile device, and social media is frequently used by adolescents on mobile devices. Few studies have examined the use of social media as part of an intervention to promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a Facebook group as part of a mHealth physical activity intervention trial. Adolescents, ages 14-18 years, were recruited for a four week physical activity intervention using the FitBit Flex. Participants were also given the option to join a private Facebook group where they could interact and were given badges for fitness accomplishments. The research assistant moderator posted on the Facebook group an average of 25.3 times (SD=7.2). Post-intervention, participants completed a phone interview about their experience. Of 30 intervention participants (avg age 16.0 (SD=1.1), 60.0% female), 17 opted to join the Facebook group (avg age 16.3 (SD=1.2), 47.0% female) of which 10 completed a qualitative interview. Participants averaged 4.9 interactions (SD=8.7) on the Facebook group wall throughout the intervention. From the interview responses, major themes included enjoying the badge feature of the Facebook group and wanting more content and interaction. In conclusion, participants used and enjoyed having the Facebook group, particularly the badge feature of the group, as an adjunct to the physical activity intervention.
Interaction between a crusher, a MSE Wall and stockpile at mine in Peru
Authors: Lino Erick  , Ledesma Osvaldo  , Sfriso Alejo
Published: February 2025

This paper describes two numerical models that were performed to study the dynamic interaction between a crusher, a mechanically stabilized earth wall and a stockpile for the primary crusher at important mining project in Peru. The models were implemented in the finite element program Plaxis 2D AE and were aimed to evaluate the interaction between crusher and earth fill, the effect of the of the position of stockpile on the behavior of the structure, and the safety factor for different positions of the stockpile with respect to the crusher station. This article presents the details and results of these models.
The occurrence of residual stresses in helical piles
Authors: Schiavon José A.  , dos Santos Filho João M.S.M.  , de H.C. Tsuha Cristina  , Thorel Luc
Published: February 2025

Residual stresses generated during the pile installation are usually observed and considered in the interpretation of conventional pile load tests. However, in the case of helical piles, residual stresses can be generated by previous loadings. At the end of the unloading stage in tension tests, the shaft resistance is reversed, and the helices are maintained forced against the soil. The occurrence of residual stresses measured at the lower portion of the shaft, close to the helices, was observed in four tension tests performed on instrumented helical piles in Brazil. This paper discusses the outcomes of these tests on helical piles installed in two different sites of tropical residual soil. The results illustrate that the amount of residual stresses is greater for piles with less contribution of shaft resistance in the pile uplift capacity.
Mejora de Explanadas Mediante la Compactación Dinámica Profunda. Materiales de Uso y Capacidad de Carga
Authors: Tissera Bracamonte Luis
Published: February 2025

La compactación dinámica profunda CDP, es un método apropiado según condiciones de la explanación en obras lineales, para la mejora de la calidad del cimiento del terraplén, con así también la compactación del relleno de explanadas, en espesores métricos de tongadas de puesta en obra
Influence of Pile Shape on Resistance to Lateral Loading
Authors: Rollins Kyle  , Bustamante Guillermo
Published: February 2025

The lateral resistance of pile foundations has typically been based on the resistance of circular piles and most instrumented lateral load tests and cases history have involved circular piles. Some researchers have theorized that the lateral resistance of square piles will be higher than that of circular pile for various reasons, but there is no comparative test data to support these claims. To provide basic comparative performance data, lateral load tests were performed on piles with circular, square and H sections with similar width/diameter under the same granular fill conditions. Although the square and circular pile sections had nearly the same moment of inertia, the square pile provided greater lateral resistance. The lateral resistance of the H pile was smaller than the other two pile shapes but higher than what would be expected based on the moment of inertia. Increasing the effective width to account for the shape effect was insufficient to account for the increased resistance. To provide agreement with the measured response, p-multipliers of 1.2 and 1.35 were required using the program LPILE for the square pile and H piles, respectively. Using the back-calculated p-multipliers provided very good agreement between the measured and computed load-deflection curves.
An Alternative Solution for the Effect of Embankment Submersion on Settlement Prediction in Soft Clays
Authors: Carneiro Raphael F.  , Gerscovich Denise M.S.  , Danziger Bernadete R.
Published: February 2025

Soil settlement depends directly on effective stress increase. If the increase in total stress is known, the long term effective stress can be easily estimated. On the other hand, sedimentary clay deposits are usually completely saturated and as settlement occurs the embankment progressively submerges, affecting the actual variation of the effective stress. Such effect is known as submersion effect. The present paper suggests a simple method to consider the submersion effect in primary settlement estimation and also in its development with time. The method is mathematically reliable and aimed at reproducing the actual phenomenon.
Behavior of collapsible loess saturated with NAPL in confined compresion tests
Authors: Francisca Franco M.  , Montoro Marcos A.  , Redolfi Emilio R.  , Pesca Pinto Gustavo  , Capdevila Lisandro
Published: February 2025

Loess from the central area of Argentina are unstable soils with mechanical properties highly dependent on moisture content. These soils have a macro skeleton that collapses when either loads increase and/or water enter into the soil pores. This collapse mechanism affects deformation modulus and strain-stress behavior of this soil. This research analyzes experimental results obtained in triple-oedometer tests performed in silty loess. Three identical samples of different silty loess families were tested in confined compression tests at natural moisture content, fully saturated with water and fully saturated with a Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL). The obtained results allow determining the relative importance of suction, salt dissolution, and particle-fluid interaction mechanisms on the mechanical behavior of the collapsible loessical silts from the center of Argentina.
Study of suction-water content calibrations for the Whatman No. 42 filter paper
Authors: Bicalho Kátia V.  , Chrystello Anita C.  , Cupertino Kamila F.  , Fleureau Jean-Marie  , Correia Antonio G.
Published: February 2025

The filter paper method (FPM) is probably the simplest of the methods available for estimating the soil suction (s). The FPM can be used over a wide suction range (30 kPa < s < 30000 kPa). The FPM calculates soil suction indirectly by measuring the gravimetric water content (w) of the filter paper at equilibrium that is related to soil suction through a predetermined s-w calibration curve. A number of s-w calibration functions for the Whatman No. 42 filter paper have been published in the literature. This paper presents and discusses graphical and statistical comparisons of several calibrations (bilinear and single equations) proposed at the literature for the Whatman No. 42 filter paper for different levels of suction. The results show that the variations observed in the evaluated calibrations are smaller than the expected variability observed in the established techniques for measuring or controlling soil suction for 30 kPa < s < 10000 kPa.
Soil-water characteristic curve of a dual porosity waste rock from coal mine
Authors: Barbosa M.C.  , Borghetti Soares A.  , Triane B.P.
Published: February 2025

Soil water characteristic curve for coarse granular materials are not usually important for mechanical and hydraulic geotechnical analyses, so there is a scarce literature data, but dual-porosity granular materials can develop unexpected significant suction values related to the micro pores response on drying. A laboratory and pilot scale field research on dry cover alternatives for acid mine drainage control in a coal mine in South Brazil required soil water characteristic curve data of the waste rock to be covered for water balance modeling. The soil water characteristic curve of the waste rock obtained in the numerical models by pedofunctions of the material grain size distribution data did not result in good prediction of the observed field behavior. The soil water characteristic curve of waste rock was then determined in the laboratory for waste rock samples collected from the mine waste pile and from one of the experimental cells of the pilot test installation. The soil water characteristic curve of the waste rock was determined in the laboratory by the suction plate method with drying procedure for reconstituted samples, and with a T5 Delta-T mini tensiometer in undisturbed waste rock samples previously saturated for 24 hours and air dried along different time intervals. The experimental curves are compared to the predicted curves based on the material grain size data, and the adjustment by theoretical model using RETC program clearly shows a dual porosity behavior in the soil water characteristic curve of the waste rock.
Numerical analysis and Modeling of the Symbola Dam preliminary design study, Komotini, Northern Greece, and the study of instrumentation and Structural Health Monitoring application for damage prediction
Authors: Voulgaridis Georgios
Published: February 2025

Symvola village is located in Komotini, Capital of Rhodope Prefecture, Northern Greece. During 1988-1989, Municipality of komotini signed a contract for a preliminary design study of a Storage Dam for the Symvola village's water supply. The preliminary study was completed but no construction was made. Almost twenty years later, in 2010, the Municipality of Komotini signed again a contract for a second preliminary design study in the context of the Municipality's Board decision for the Dam's final study and its actual construction but again no plant was set up. The Geotechnical research for the construction of the body of the Dam included the opening of five research pits in the area of the Dam's construction, Geological Mapping of the foundation area of the Dam, the Dam's body slope stability analysis, both immediately after its construction under undrained conditions as well as under rapid drawdown conditions, and the Dam's instrumentation placement. In this paper, the analysis of the Geological-Geotechnical data of the five research pits and of the Geological Mapping is presented. In addition, based on the stability analysis of the Dam's body, an instrumentation placement as well as a Structural Health monitoring technique are proposed for monitoring the Dam's performance and damage prediction and prevention.
Aplicación de dos modelos de cálculo para el diseño de pantallas continuas en el Metro de Madrid y análisis de sus desplazamientos
Authors: Sanhueza Plaza Carola  , Oteo Mazo Carlos
Published: February 2025

Este artículo presenta los principales resultados de la aplicación de dos modelos de cálculo al diseño de muros pantalla en el metro de Madrid, los cuales corresponden a: Método de reacción del terreno basado en el espacio de Winkler, en el cual se efectúan los cálculos por medio del programa RIDO; y, el Método de elementos finitos, a través del programa PLAXIS. Posteriormente, se analizan los movimientos de la pantalla obtenidos de ambos programas de cálculo y se comparan con los resultados de la instrumentación geotécnica implementada en los muros pantalla de la red de Metronorte, la cual pertenece al Plan de Ampliación y Construcción del Metro de Madrid llevada a cabo durante los años 2003 y 2007. Con los resultados obtenidos se validan los parámetros geotécnicos de los suelos de Madrid propuestos por R. Ortiz y C. Oteo en el año 2003.