Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de infra-estrutura de software sensível ao contexto para a computação ubíqua (ubicomp) denominada Continuum. A área de ubicomp, também chamada de computação pervasiva, pressupõe uma forte integração com o mundo real, com foco no usuário e na manutenção de alta transparência. Para o desenvolvimento de aplicativos nesse cenário, é necessária uma infra-estrutura de software adequada. A infra-estrutura projetada é baseada no padrão da arquitetura orientada a serviços (service-oriented architecture ou SOA), fazendo uso de framework e middleware, e empregando uma redefinição da semântica siga-me. Nessa visão redefinida, os usuários podem ir para qualquer lugar carregando os dados e os aplicativos que desejam, os quais podem ser usados de forma imperceptível e integrada com o mundo real (seamless integration). O foco particular desse trabalho é sensibilidade ao contexto: a percepção de características relacionadas aos usuários e ao entorno. No trabalho são considerados os recursos disponíveis no ambiente e é mantida a história dos dados de contexto. Além disso, é proposta a representação do contexto para promover raciocínio e compartilhamento de conhecimento, empregando uma ontologia. Dessa forma, contexto é representado de uma maneira formal e bastante expressiva, diferente de muitas soluções existentes hoje em dia que ainda usam modelos de representação ad hoc. Esta tese está então na interseção destas três áreas principais: infra-estrutura de software para ubicomp, sensibilidade ao contexto e ontologias. No desenvolvimento desta tese, também examina-se o campo da computação ubíqua, e sugere-se um modelo de arquitetura geral que enfrente esses desafios fundamentais. Baseado nos requisitos estabelecidos para esse modelo, propõe-se um conjunto de serviços para o Continuum. Os serviços são projetados considerando o trabalho previamente desenvolvido pelo nosso grupo de pesquisa, mais especificamente o projeto ISAM, e particularmente o middleware EXEHDA. A proposta estende esses projetos, adicionando aspectos que não haviam sido considerados no momento do seu desenvolvimento. Particularmente, o suporte a sensibilidade de contexto é melhorado com a proposta de uma ontologia para a formalização da informação de contexto. Algumas análises, usando a metodologia de estudo de caso, foram conduzidas para apreciar as principais proposições da tese. Baseado nessas avaliações, foram apresentadas algumas lições aprendidas e traçada a conclusão do trabalho. Como resultado, Continuum é uma infra-estrutura de software que endereça muitos aspectos da computação ubíqua, integrando imperceptivelmente diferentes desafios. / The present work is a proposal of a context-aware software infrastructure for ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) named Continuum. The ubicomp area, also called pervasive computing, presupposes a strong integration with the real world, with focus on the user and on keeping high transparency. For the development of applications in this scenario, we need an adequate software infrastructure. The infrastructure designed in this work is based on service-oriented architecture (SOA), making use of framework and middleware, and employing a redefinition of follow-me semantics. In this redefined vision, users can go anywhere carrying the data and application they want, which they can use in a seamlessly integrated fashion with the real world. The specific focus of our work is context awareness: the perception of characteristics related to users and surroundings. We consider the resources available in the environment and keep a history of context data. Furthermore, we propose the representation of context to promote reasoning and knowledge sharing, using ontology. In this way, context is represented in a considerably expressive, formal approach, different from many solutions that exist today, which still use ad hoc representations models. Our work is then at the intersection of these three main areas: software infrastructures for ubicomp, context awareness, and ontologies. In the development of this thesis, we also survey the field of ubiquitous computing, suggesting a general architectural model to deal with its fundamental challenges. Based on the established requirements for this model, we propose a set of services for Continuum. The services are designed considering the previous works developed by our research group, namely ISAM (Infra-estrutura de Suporte às Aplicações Móveis – Mobile Applications Support Infrastructure), and particularly the middleware EXEHDA (Execution Environment for Highly Distributed Applications). We further extend these projects, by adding aspects to them that had not been considered at the time of their development. Particularly, we improve context awareness support, proposing an ontology for the formalization of context information. We have conducted some analysis, using case study methodology, to evaluate the main propositions of our work. Based on these assessments, we present lessons learned and draw the conclusion of our work. As a result, Continuum is a software infrastructure that addresses many aspects of ubiquitous computing, seamlessly integrating many different challenges.

Conclusion: The results suggest that ASD children have deficits in attentional and inhibitory control. Frontal dysfunction and weak ACC engagement in ASD were supported as the underlying neuronal inefficiency. / Methods: 20 children with high-functioning ASD [Mean Age (SD): 10.75 years old (2.07 years); Mean IQ (SD): 101.4 (16.8)] and age- and IQ-matched normal children (NC) [Mean Age (SD): 9.80 years old (1.88 years); Mean IQ (SD): 110.7(17.8)] were investigated electrophysiologically during performance of a visual Go/NoGo task. An electrophysiological source localization method was employed to further analyze the data. Several different neurospsychological tests were also performed to provide behavioral measures on attention and inhibition. / Objectives: To investigate neurophysiologic abnormalities in frontal and anterior cingulate cortex underlying attentional and inhibitory control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). / Results: ASD children showed a significantly task-related lower frontal theta activity. This effect was associated with a significantly reduced activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Both groups also differ significantly regarding the behavioral aspects of attention and inhibition. / Leung, Shuk Yin Connie. / "November 2009." / Adviser: Chan Sue-Yin Agnes. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-01, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-85). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Este trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, que teve como objetivos descrever os parâmetros que norteiam práticas em psicologia escolar frente às demandas relacionadas ao aluno com Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento. Apresenta a demanda, a compreensão desses transtornos dos pontos de vista médico e social, algumas possibilidades de atuação em psicologia e subsídios para a formação profissional. À luz de uma psicologia que se propõe crítica, discute-se a atuação de profissionais no trabalho junto a esses alunos, a escolas e equipes multidisciplinares. Ao final, discute um fazer do psicólogo, que espelha a diversidade, tanto da ciência psicológica, enquanto teorias e práticas, quanto da sociedade. Concluímos ser indispensável o trabalho do psicólogo nas escolas, porém nota-se a emergente necessidade de repensar as intervenções de modo que as mesmas possam contribuir coletivamente e efetivamente para a democratização do ensino e para a transformação social. / This work is the result of a qualitative research, which aimed to describe the parameters that guide the practice of school psychology to meet the demands related to the student with a Pervasive Developmental Disorder-PDD. Displays the demand, the understanding of disorders of the views medical and social, some possibilities of action in psychology, and subsidies for vocational training. In the light of a critical psychology that proposes, discuss the role of professionals in working with the student, school and multidisciplinary teams. At the end, making a show psychologist that reflects the diversity of both the psychological science as theories and practices, and the society. We concluded that the work of psychologists in schools is essential, but we can see the emerging need to rethink the interventions so that they can collectively and effectively contribute to the democratization of education and to social transformation

The widespread use of mobile devices and the rise of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have allowed mobile tracking applications to become very popular and valuable in outdoor environments. However, tracking pedestrians in indoor environments with Global Positioning System (GPS)-based schemes is still very challenging given the lack of enough signals to locate the user. Along with indoor tracking, the ability to recognize pedestrian behavior and activities can lead to considerable growth in location-based applications including pervasive healthcare, leisure and guide services (such as, museum, airports, stores, etc.), and emergency services, among the most important ones. This thesis presents a system for pedestrian tracking and activity recognition in indoor environments using exclusively common off-the-shelf sensors embedded in smartphones (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and barometer). The proposed system combines the knowledge found in biomechanical patterns of the human body while accomplishing basic activities, such as walking or climbing stairs up and down, along with identifiable signatures that certain indoor locations (such as turns or elevators) introduce on sensing data. The system was implemented and tested on Android-based mobile phones with a fixed phone position. The system provides accurate step detection and count with an error of 3% in flat floor motion traces and 3.33% in stairs. The detection of user changes of direction and altitude are performed with 98.88% and 96.66% accuracy, respectively. In addition, the activity recognition module has an accuracy of 95%. The combination of modules leads to a total tracking error of 90.81% in common human motion indoor displacements.

Even among the most high-functioning individuals with autism, there is a wide range of variation in outcome. This study examined within-child factors, such as temperament, that contribute to variation in social outcomes, the most salient area of deficit among individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA). Approach/withdrawal tendencies and effortful control were used to predict variation in symptoms and social skills. A unique multi-method approach employing self- and parent-report measures, physiological assessment, and social observation was used to determine whether temperament could be used to predict variation in social skills and symptom presentation. Results indicated that compared with an age- and gender-matched control group, the HFA group self-reported higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of surgency and were observed to exhibit higher levels of approach tendencies and lower levels of social skills. Across all participants, higher levels of effortful control were predictive of more adaptive social skills and higher levels of observed approach behavior were predictive of higher levels of anxiety. These results are discussed in relation to the variability in outcomes seen among individuals with autism and the implications for the development of interventions to enhance adaptive outcomes.

Syftet med denna studie är att belysa situationen för asylsökande barn med uppgivenhetssymptom utifrån behandlarens perspektiv. Syftet är vidare att undersöka behandlarens upplevelser och erfarenheter av att vårda och stödja dessa barn. Frågeställningarna som är i fokus berör den vård och stöd som behandlarna erbjuder till barnen och deras familjer, effekter av behandlingen samt specifika behandlingar som är särskilt verksamma i förhållande till de aktuella barnens tillstånd och behov. Studien är av en kvalitativ design och den vetenskapliga positionen av konstruktivistisk karaktär. Det empiriska materialet består av intervjuer med nio behandlare som varit i direkt kontakt med barnen och deras föräldrar. Kommande tre teman har varit grundläggande i intervjuerna; symtombilden, vägen ut ur tillståndet och slutligen behandlarens reflektioner kring problemet/fenomenet. Studiens teoretiska perspektiv som valdes i syfte att nå en ökad kunskap och förståelse kring fenomenet är; pervasive refusal syndrome, depressiv devitalisering, kvävande moderskap, hopplöshet hos barn, simulering samt munchenhausen by Proxy. Studiens resultat och analys kom att visa att fenomenet apatiska flyktingbarn är mycket komplext i sig. Alla behandlare anser att en del barn är verkligt sjuka men att majoriteten av barnen avsiktligt framkallar detta tillstånd. Behandlare har kunnat bevittna flera tillfällen då barnet eller barnen kunde sitta utan hjälp samt gå och äta själva. Alla behandlare upplevde att det var svårt att samarbeta med en del av föräldrarna samt att det fanns ett starkt motstånd till behandlingsarbetet från föräldrarnas sida.

Pervasive computing implies the invisibility of the technology involved in providing ubiquity, such that technology is integrated into the environment and non-intrusive. In such a manner, computing and networking resources become diffused into physical environments, enabling users to exploit their provided functionalities such that functionality is distributed, enabling it to be controlled, monitored, managed, and extended beyond what it was initially designed to do. Moreover, computer awareness moves towards user-centricity, whereby systems seamlessly adapt to the characteristics, preferences, and current situations of users and their respective surrounding environments. Users exploit such functionalities in the form of a virtual device, whereby a collection of heterogeneous devices in the vicinity of the user are behaving as one single homogeneous device for the benefit of the user in solving some given task. This dissertation investigates the problem of dynamic composition and management of virtual devices for ad hoc multimedia service delivery and proposes an autonomous policy driven framework for virtual device management. The framework consists of a hierarchical structure of distributed elements, including autonomic elements, all working towards the self-management of virtual devices. The research presented in this dissertation addresses the functionalities of these components. More specifically, contributions are made towards the autonomous management of virtual devices, moving away from infrastructure based schemes with heavy user involvement to decentralized and zero touch (i.e., no user involvement) solutions. In doing so, the components and methodology behind a policy-driven autonomous framework for the dynamic discovery, selection, and composition of multimodal multi-device services are presented. The framework operates in an ad hoc network setting and introduces a Service Overlay Network (SON) based definition of a virtual device. Furthermore, device and service discovery, composition, integration, and adaptation schemes are designed for Mobile Ad hoc Network Environments (MANETs) enabling users to generate, on-the-fly, complex strong specific systems, embedding in a distributed manner, QoS models providing compositions that form the best possible virtual device at the time of need. Experimental studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed schemes.

Pervasive computing is an intuitive evolution of computing paradigms driven by the wide adoption of mobile devices and wireless networks. It introduces a novel way to support users in their everyday life based on open and dynamic environments populated with unobtrusive services able to perform user tasks on the fly. Nevertheless, supporting user tasks from a functional point of view is not enough to gain the user's satisfaction. Users instead require that their tasks meet a certain Quality of Service (QoS) level. QoS is indeed an inherent and primary requisite of users going along with their required tasks. In the context of pervasive environments, fulfilling user tasks while delivering satisfactory QoS brings about several challenges that are mainly due to the openness, dynamics, and limited underlying resources of these environments. These challenges are mainly about (i) the lack of common QoS understanding among users and service providers, (ii) determining and integra- ting, on the fly, the services available in the environment and able to fulfill the functional and QoS requirements of users, and (iii) adapting the provided services at run-time to cope with QoS fluctuations and ensure meeting user requirements. To cope with the aforementioned issues, we opt for a middleware-based solution. Middle- ware represents indeed the appropriate software system to deal with common concerns of user applications such as QoS. In particular, we opt for a specific kind of middleware, viz., Ser- vice Oriented Middleware (SOM). SOM can leverage middleware technologies and the Service Oriented Computing (SOC) paradigm to enable pervasive environments as dynamic service en- vironments. Particularly, SOM can provide middleware services that allow for supporting QoS of user applications offered by pervasive environments. This thesis presents a QoS-aware service-oriented middleware for pervasive environments. The main contributions of this middleware are : (1) a semantic end-to-end QoS model that enables shared understanding of QoS in pervasive environments, (2) an efficient QoS-aware service composition approach allowing to build service compositions able to fulfill the user functional and QoS requirements, and (3) a QoS-driven adaptation approach to cope with QoS fluctuations during the execution of service compositions. The proposed contributions are implemented within a middleware platform called QASOM and their efficiency is validated based on experimental results.

L'informatique pervasive (ou ubiquitaire) est un support pour des environnements contenant de nombreux objets (ou dispositifs) disséminés, équipés d'électronique et interconnectés. Ces dispositifs fournissent un accès distant à une multitude de fonctionnalités qui nous aident dans notre vie quotidienne. Les Architectures Orientées Services sont adaptées à la conception de logiciels pervasifs. En e ffet, chaque dispositif fournit son propre ensemble de fonctionnalités sous la forme de services. Ainsi, en l'absence de mécanisme complémentaire, les utilisateurs se trouvent limités à utiliser les services isolément alors que leurs besoins correspondent à des scénarios qui impliquent une composition de multiples services o erts par plusieurs appareils. Dans cette thèse, nous défendons qu'un système pervasif doit : d'une part, permettre aux utilisateurs d'exprimer facilement leurs besoins en créant des scénarios et d'autre part, proposer à ses utilisateurs une représentation et des moyens de gestion de leur contexte afin qu'ils puissent tirer le meilleur parti de leur environnement et de ses changements. De plus, la présence de plusieurs utilisateurs implique la nécessité de collaborer. Par ailleurs, l'exécution de scénarios doit être résiliente aux changements environnementaux et aux actions des utilisateurs. Elle doit ainsi s'adapter dynamiquement et, si possible, tirer profit du contexte et des changements de l'environnement. Notre contribution, nommée SaS (Scenarios as Services), répond à ces objectifs. Elle propose une approche interopérable capable de s'adapter à l'environnement. Elle fournit une représentation persistante et personnalisable du contexte et inclut un langage de description de scénarios destiné aux utilisateurs. Ces scénarios sont facilement contrôlables, personnalisables et réutilisables. Elle planifie l'exécution pas à pas des scénarios, afin de s'adapter aux changements de l'environnement et de bénéficier des avantages de la mobilité des utilisateurs (exécution d'un scénario, dans la durée, sur plusieurs lieux). Enfin, elle inclut le partage de scénarios qui permet aux utilisateurs de collaborer. Un prototype de SaS, basé sur des normes industrielles (telle qu'OSGi), prouve la faisabilité de notre contribution et nous permet de l'évaluer sur un cas d'étude simple.

Pervasive computing implies the invisibility of the technology involved in providing ubiquity, such that technology is integrated into the environment and non-intrusive. In such a manner, computing and networking resources become diffused into physical environments, enabling users to exploit their provided functionalities such that functionality is distributed, enabling it to be controlled, monitored, managed, and extended beyond what it was initially designed to do. Moreover, computer awareness moves towards user-centricity, whereby systems seamlessly adapt to the characteristics, preferences, and current situations of users and their respective surrounding environments. Users exploit such functionalities in the form of a virtual device, whereby a collection of heterogeneous devices in the vicinity of the user are behaving as one single homogeneous device for the benefit of the user in solving some given task. This dissertation investigates the problem of dynamic composition and management of virtual devices for ad hoc multimedia service delivery and proposes an autonomous policy driven framework for virtual device management. The framework consists of a hierarchical structure of distributed elements, including autonomic elements, all working towards the self-management of virtual devices. The research presented in this dissertation addresses the functionalities of these components. More specifically, contributions are made towards the autonomous management of virtual devices, moving away from infrastructure based schemes with heavy user involvement to decentralized and zero touch (i.e., no user involvement) solutions. In doing so, the components and methodology behind a policy-driven autonomous framework for the dynamic discovery, selection, and composition of multimodal multi-device services are presented. The framework operates in an ad hoc network setting and introduces a Service Overlay Network (SON) based definition of a virtual device. Furthermore, device and service discovery, composition, integration, and adaptation schemes are designed for Mobile Ad hoc Network Environments (MANETs) enabling users to generate, on-the-fly, complex strong specific systems, embedding in a distributed manner, QoS models providing compositions that form the best possible virtual device at the time of need. Experimental studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed schemes.