Abstract

Abstract
In this paper we describe a visualization system for an emergency simulation. We start by presenting a flooding emergency case scenario and all the elements that are involved in it. Then we describe the design decisions that were made in order to create a credible representation of the scene. This includes using a game engine to render the scenario using a three-dimensional terrain, with objects and information retrieved from geographic information systems. Additionally we describe experiments with new touch and tangible devices that Support a war table like interaction with the simulation. We further describe Our ideas for the emergency interface and conclude describing the directions for future work.

Abstract
The aim of the SOCRATES EIE-Surveyor project is to be a reference point for Electrical and Information Engineering in Europe, bringing together representatives from 27 out of 31 eligible countries. One of the tasks of the project is the evaluation of the accreditation processes in the participating countries. A questionnaire about the accreditation process was developed and sent to project partners in each participating country. The main areas investigated the nature of the accreditation body, the criteria, which are evaluated, the structure of the visit and the decision formulation. The results of the questionnaire, will be analyzed using clustering analysis and more precisely hierarchical, in order to compare the answers in 17 European countries and to find similarities among them. As distance measures the Euclidian metric and the City block distance will be used. Average linkage, and Ward clustering algorithms will be utilized. © 2008 IEEE.

Abstract

Abstract
Marsyas is a software framework for building efficient complex audio processing systems and applications. Although originally designed for Music Information Retrieval (MIR) tasks in the past few years it has been expanded to include any type of audio analysis or synthesis. Complex Audio processing systems are defined hierarchically through composition using implicit patching. Both the specification of the processing network and the control of it while data is flowing through can be performed at runtime without requiring recompilation. Compilation is required only when new processing objects need to be defined. Therefore the Marsyas runtime provides considerable functionality and flexibility. In this paper we demonstrate how the Marsyas runtime can be accessed using a variety of different ways allowing non-trivial interactions with common software frameworks and environments.

Abstract
The interest in the development of climbing robots is growing rapidly. Motivations are typically to increase the operation efficiency by obviating the costly assembly of scaffolding or to protect human health and safety in hazardous tasks. Climbing robots are starting to be developed for applications ranging from cleaning to inspection of difficult to reach constructions. These robots should be capable of travelling on different types of surfaces, with varying inclinations, such as floors, walls, ceilings, and to walk between such surfaces. Furthermore, these machines should be capable of adapting and reconfiguring for various environment conditions and to be self-contained. Regarding the adhesion to the surface, they should be able to produce a secure gripping force using a light-weight mechanism. This paper presents a survey of different applications and technologies proposed for the implementation of climbing robots. Copyright © 2008 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.