Confidence: dependencies and their critical role in fostering user acceptance in pervasive applications

Pervasive computing offers new scenarios where users are surrounded by invisible and proactive technology making smart spaces. Although the utility and power of solutions developed using this computer paradigm are proved, there are unresolved problems that hinder their acceptance and inclusion in our private life. Users have problems understanding the operations of a pervasive computing solution, and therefore they should trust that the solution works properly and according to their expectations. Nevertheless, the concept of trust is already framed in a specific use within the ecosystem of applications that can populate a smart space. To take this concept of trust to the whole space, we propose to study and define the concept of confidence. In contrast to the concept of trust, confidence has deeper psychological implications.

Study of PM10 and PM2.5 levels in three European cities: Analysis of intra and inter urban variations

In the present paper, 1-year PM10 and PM 2.5 data from roadside and urban background monitoring stations in Athens (Greece), Madrid (Spain) and London (UK) are analysed in relation to other air pollutants (NO,NO2,NOx,CO,O3 and SO2)and several meteorological parameters (wind velocity, temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, solar radiation and atmospheric pressure), in order to investigate the sources and factors affecting particulate pollution in large European cities. Principal component and regression analyses are therefore used to quantify the contribution of both combustion and non-combustion sources to the PM10 and PM 2.5 levels observed. The analysis reveals that the EU legislated PM 10 and PM2.5 limit values are frequently breached, forming a potential public health hazard in the areas studied. The seasonal variability patterns of particulates varies among cities and sites, with Athens and Madrid presenting higher PM10 concentrations during the warm period and suggesting the larger relative contribution of secondary and natural particles during hot and dry days. It is estimated that the contribution of non-combustion sources varies substantially among cities, sites and seasons and ranges between 38-67% and 40-62% in London, 26-50% and 20-62% in Athens, and 31-58% and 33-68% in Madrid, for both PM10 and PM 2.5. Higher contributions from non-combustion sources are found at urban background sites in all three cities, whereas in the traffic sites the seasonal differences are smaller. In addition, the non-combustion fraction of both particle metrics is higher during the warm season at all sites. On the whole, the analysis provides evidence of the substantial impact of non-combustion sources on local air quality in all three cities. While vehicular exhaust emissions carry a large part of the risk posed on human health by particle exposure, it is most likely that mitigation measures designed for their reduction will have a major effect only at traffic sites and additional measures will be necessary for the control of background levels. However, efforts in mitigation strategies should always focus on optimal health effects.

LogIn Design City

LogIn Design City is a project for the revitalization of public city?s space through the involvement of individuals, collectivities and municipalities, managed by a specific team and structured upon an augmented platform. The management system permits the organization of self-managed events and actions, offering support and assistance for the implementation of these actions in the offered spots of the city. Actions can be of cultural, commercial, educational or leisure-oriented nature and depending on their purpose the spots can be offered free of charge or with fees, creating a possibility for remuneration and providing a tool for development in underprivileged zones of the city. An important aspect is the emphasis on the digital outlook of the city, which is structured as an interface that allows communication with the management system and information upon actual, past and upcoming events.

Carbon nanotubes as catalysts for wet peroxide oxidation: structure-reactivity relationships

Magnetic neat and N-doped carbon nanotubes with different properties have been synthesized by chemical vapour deposiüon and tested in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of 4-nitrophenol solutions (5 g L') at relatively mild operating conditions (atmospheric pressure, T = 50 °C, pH = 3)~using a catalyst load = 2.5 g L-' and [H202]o = 17.8 g L-1. The results demonstrate that the catalyst hydrophobicity/ hydrophilicity is a detenninant property in the CWPO reaction, since it affects the rate ofH202 decomposition. The controlled formation ofreactive radicais (HO* and HOO*) at hydrophobic surfaces avoids the formation of non-reactive species (02 and H20), increasing.

Amphora No. 804 with Prothesis

Dipylon Master; H: 5 ft. 1 1/32 in.; terracotta

Krater with Prothesis Scene, Charioteers and Horses

Hirschfeld Workshop, attributed to; 3 ft. 6 41/64 in.x 2 ft. 4 1/2 in.; terracotta

Krater with Prothesis Scene, Charioteers and Horses: detail

Hirschfeld Workshop, attributed to; terracotta

Krater, Side B

Hirschfeld Workshop, attributed to; 3 ft. 6 41/64 in.x 2 ft. 4 1/2 in.; terracotta

Krater, right side

Hirschfeld Workshop, attributed to; 3 ft. 6 41/64 in.x 2 ft. 4 1/2 in.; terracotta

Krater, left side

Hirschfeld Workshop, attributed to; 3 ft. 6 41/64 in.x 2 ft. 4 1/2 in.; terracotta

Deltion tēs Christianikēs Archaiologikēs Hetaireias.

Mode of access: Internet.

Étude sur l'Aréopage athénien ...

Thèse--Faculté des lettres de Paris.

Comptes rendus du Congrès international d'archéologie, 1re session, Athènes 1905.--

Mode of access: Internet.

Ephēmeris archaiologikē : ekdidomenē hypo tēs en Athēnais Archaiologikēs Hetairias.

Cover title.

Neos Hellēnomnēmōn.

Edited by S. P Lampros, 1904-1917.