Towards smart user models in open environments

Our work is concerned with user modelling in open environments. Our proposal then is the line of contributions to the advances on user modelling in open environments thanks so the Agent Technology, in what has been called Smart User Model. Our research contains a holistic study of User Modelling in several research areas related to users. We have developed a conceptualization of User Modelling by means of examples from a broad range of research areas with the aim of improving our understanding of user modelling and its role in the next generation of open and distributed service environments. This report is organized as follow: In chapter 1 we introduce our motivation and objectives. Then in chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 we provide the state-of-the-art on user modelling. In chapter 2, we give the main definitions of elements described in the report. In chapter 3, we present an historical perspective on user models. In chapter 4 we provide a review of user models from the perspective of different research areas, with special emphasis on the give-and-take relationship between Agent Technology and user modelling. In chapter 5, we describe the main challenges that, from our point of view, need to be tackled by researchers wanting to contribute to advances in user modelling. From the study of the state-of-the-art follows an exploratory work in chapter 6. We define a SUM and a methodology to deal with it. We also present some cases study in order to illustrate the methodology. Finally, we present the thesis proposal to continue the work, together with its corresponding work scheduling and temporalisation

Usabilidad en dispositivos smart TV

Este trabajo pretende estudiar los aspectos referentes a la usabilidad de los smart TV realizando un análisis de sus funciones más comunes y concluyendo con propuestas para la mejora de la usabilidad de estos dispositivos.

Smart News, Issue 5, Spring 2001

Newsletter for Economic Development

Smart News, Issues 6, Summer 2001

Newsletter for Economic Development

Smart News, Issue 7, Fall, 2001

Newsletter for Economic Development

Smart News, Issue 8, Spring 2002

Newsletter for Economic Development

Smart News, Issue 9, 2003

Newsletter for Economic Development.

SMART News, Summer 2006

News from the Iowa Careers Consortium

Assinatura Digital Foco Smart Card

A assinatura digital é um processo de assinatura electrónica baseado no sistema criptográfico assimétrico composto por um algoritmo ou série de algoritmos, mediante o qual é gerado um par de chaves assimétricas exclusivas e complementares. Tal como a assinatura manuscrita, a assinatura digital não pode ser falsificada, pelo que se adiciona uma função hash ao valor da chave gerada, para garantir a segurança do sistema. A assinatura digital permite, ao mesmo tempo, a identificação positiva do autor de uma mensagem (ou do signatário de um documento) e a verificação da integridade da mesma. Refira-se, porém, que a assinatura digital pode ser anexa a qualquer mensagem, seja esta decifrada ou não, apenas para que o receptor tenha a certeza da identidade do emissor e de que a mensagem chegou intacta ao destino. Baseia-se na criptografia da chave pública, que usa um algoritmo de duas chaves, a privada e a pública, diferentes mas matematicamente associadas: a primeira cria a assinatura digital e decifra os dados; a segunda verifica a assinatura e devolve-a ao formato original. O autor da mensagem mantém secreta a sua chave privada e divulga a chave pública, e vice-versa. A identidade do dono da chave pública é atestada pelo certificado digital emitido por uma entidade certificadora (uma espécie de notário). Independentemente da forma que assume, a assinatura electrónica, e a digital em particular, deve cumprir três funções: a autenticação (tal como acontece com o habitual gatafunho a que chamamos assinatura, apenas o indivíduo deve ser capaz de a reproduzir); não repudiação (quando o indivíduo assina não pode voltar atrás); e integridade (é necessário assegurar que os documentos assinados não são alterados sem o consentimento dos signatários).

Una Red de Sensores para las Smart Cities

El objetivo del trabajo fin de Master consiste en el estudio de redes de sensores inalámbricos para las Smart Cities. En particular, se implementa una red inalámbrica (tecnología ZIGBEE como protocolo de comunicación inalámbrica con micrófonos como sensores, para recolectar niveles de ruido. Hemos elegido el Arduino como plataforma de cálculo para controlar cada nodo, y XBee como módulos de comunicación inalámbrico. La red sensorial cuenta con tres nodos sensores que capturan el ruido y lo envían a un nodo receptor, que hace de estación central encargado de monitorizar los niveles de ruido. Dicho coordinador está conectado mediante USB a un PC, donde podemos comprobar las medidas recibidas por el XBee. Finalmente estos datos se muestran en una interfaz gráfica en el computador conectado al coordinador. De esta forma, puede monitorizarse el nivel de ruido de tres lugares diferentes en tiempo real.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter based on smart materials

Objective: There are only a few established artificial urinary sphincters for treatment of incontinence. We have developed a new device composed by three parts: the actuator, three contractile rings and a control unit. The actuator is made of Nitinol fibers, driven by microprocessor. The fibers are linked to the rings placed around the urethra. They function with alternance in their open and closed position. This concept is called piano concept. With this set-up, the constant compression on the urethra is strongly reduced. Methods: Six male sheep have been used for this study. The sphincter was open each hour for a period of 10 min., to guaranty urination. The bladder was filled with water while one cuff was closed and bladder pressure was monitored. The animals were sacrificed. Two biopsies around two cuffs of each explant and all three cuffs from each explant including urethra were analyzed. Urethra not surrounded by a cuff was taken as control. Results: The pressure exerted by the sphincter around the urethra provided continence. Simulated incontinence occurred at a pressure of 1bar measured on the bladder wall using a pressure probe. The closing force of the cuff was approx. 0·7N. No difference in tissue structure and organization of the urethra with and without artificial sphincter was observed. Conclusions: This device has several advantages compared to other urinary sphincters. It is easy to implant, has no hydraulic nature and reduces ischemic injury of the urethra by the alternance of urethral part compressed. Proof of concept in vivo has been demonstrated. Other studies are planned to determine long-term outcome.

Application of a floating well concept to a latch-up-free, low-cost, smart power high-side switch technology

The aim of this brief is to present an original design methodology that permits implementing latch-up-free smart power circuits on a very simple, cost-effective technology. The basic concept used for this purpose is letting float the wells of the MOS transistors most susceptible to initiate latch-up.

Smart Planning in Iowa - A Guide to Principles, Strategies and Policy Tools

This guide was created to aid communities in the process of smart planning and is organized around the 10 Smart Planning Principles signed into Iowa law in 2010. A general description of the concept, strategies for encouraging use, policy tools for implementation, and a current Iowa example are presented for each Principle. In addition, a brief list of resources is provided to help local governments, community organizations and citizen planners find information and ideas on community involvement and incorporation of smart planning concepts in every day decisions.