The following list includes acronyms and abbreviations used in the Description of Work (DoW) and the deliverable documents of the SGL for USaR project. The list will be kept updated during the entire project duration under the responsibility of the WP leaders.

List of acronyms and abbreviations

CCD: Charge Coupled Device

FFT: Fast Fourier Transform

GIS: Geographic Information System

GPR: Ground Penetration Radar

GWAs: Chemical Warfare Agents

ICT: Information and Communication Technology

IMS: Ion Mobility Spectrometer (WP3), Integrated Management System (WP5)

IR: Infra-Red

JSR: Java Specification Request

LAN: Local Area Network

NIR: Near Infrared

OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

PCA: Principal Component Analysis

PMT: Project Management Team

REDS: Remote Early Detection System

SGL: Second Generation Locator

TBD: To be defined; a decision will be taken during KoM

TBDP: To be decided in the project; a decision taken as part of the relevant task implementation.

TICs: Toxic Industrial Chemicals

UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

USaR: Urban Search and Rescue

UV-VIS: Ultraviolet - Visible

VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds

WP: Working Package

Terms arranged by workpackage

In the following list the terms used in the documentation of the “SGL for USaR” project are sorted by project’s workpackage. For the detailed definition of each term see the “Alphabetical list of terms” in the next section of this document.

WP1:

Chemical Environment simulator

Environmental test chamber

Prototype

Dynamic Simulator

Background

Validation

WP2:

Alarms module

Algorithms for FIRST

Background

Back-up system for FIRST

Chemical markers/chemical signature

Cross-checking

Data Fusion

Dead bodies

European Testing Protocol

Field Analytical Instruments

FIRST

First Responder Devices

First Responder Portable Device

Human signature

IMS

Integration in prototype FIRST

Pattern recognition

Portability

Prototype FIRST

Sensors/Instruments

S/W for FIRST

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Profiles

WP3:

Algorithms

Algorithms for REDS

Algorithms for the operational center (SGL platform)

Back-up system for REDS

Back-up system for the SGL platform

Chemometrics

Decision making for REDS

Decision making for the SGL platform

Integration in prototype REDs

Probe

Prototype REDS

REDS

Remote Early Detection System

Sensors integration in the probe

Risk analysis

Smart System

S/W Guidelines

S/W for REDS

SGL platform

S/W for the SGL platform/Smart System

T-shape probe

WP4:

Application note

Breath analysis

Model Emergency Plan

Medical theory of entrapment

Methods for entering the ruins (penetration)

Non-invasive methods

Protocol

Statics of the ruins

Types of buildings’ collapse

Type of constructions

Transmission of vital parameters

To test applications

Voids in the ruins

Vital Parameters

Early location

Entrapment

Entrapped people

Events

First Responder

WP5:

Command and control operational centre

Communication module

Communication Protocol

Crisis management modules

ICT network

Intelligent Mobile monitoring system

Integrated management system (SGL-IMS)

Integrated Platform

Logistics of operations

Performance indexes

Portal

Portlet

Prototype SGL platform

SGL Platform

System Performance

Technical validation

Telecommunications Platform

Unified Control Interface

Web-based platform

WP6:

Dissemination

Exploitation

Networking

Technology Forum

WP7:

Bioethics

Ethics

Privacy

Data Security

Alphabetical list of terms

A

Alarms module (WP2): a physical and software module capable of creating alarm signals based on the output of data processing. Alarms signals can be sound, light, vibration oriented, etc.

Algorithms: Algorithms are defined steps that are using mathematical or empirical approaches for data processing.

Algorithms for FIRST: Algorithms for data acquisition, conversion, encapsulation, communication, chemical data interpretation, image analysis, sound monitoring, optical data interpretation and data fusion//Practically these algorithms will result from the modification of the REDS algorithms.

Algorithms for REDS: Algorithms for data acquisition, conversion, encapsulation, communication, chemical data interpretation, image analysis, sound monitoring, optical data interpretation and data fusion.

Algorithms for the operational center (SGL platform): TBD

Application note: A protocol for testing the performance of a device or an instrument.

B

Background: The generic definition refers to a general scene or surface against which designs, patterns, or figures are represented or viewed.

(WP1): In WP1, as background is considered any gaseous or volatile compound not related to expired air, human excretions, such as blood and urine, or the decomposition of human bodies. In this WP, examples of “gaseous background” are diesel and automobile emissions, perfumes, emissions from paints, household waste, or wood. Furthermore, for WP1 as background is also considered any solid or liquid material inside the ruins such as dust, pulverized glass, cement, plaster etc.

(WP2): In WP2, as background is considered any image, sound, electromagnetic emissions and chemicals other than those related to the human signature.

Breath analysis: Determination of chemical components present in expired air. There are two broad categories of chemical components: those of gases (e.g. CO₂, NO) and those of VOCs (acetone, isoprene etc.). In WP4, breath analysis is tested as a non-invasive method for monitoring the medical condition of entrapped victims, by correlating chemical compounds with medical conditions.

Back-up: Generally a system that supports or reinforces another.

Back-up system for FIRST: Transmission of data to a center for securing them.

Back-up system for REDS: It is practically guidelines for the development of the back-up system for the SGL platform.

Back-up system for the SGL platform: Transmission of data to a center for securing them.

Bioethics: TBD

C

Chemical environment simulator: Generic title of WP1.

Chemical markers/chemical signature: Chemical markers are characteristic chemical compounds; their ratios are not taken into consideration. When their signal ratios (patterns) are taken into consideration they become a chemical signature.

Chemometrics: Chemometrics is a scientific field of statistics that uses multi-variated data analysis for processing chemical data. Multi-variated data analysis is a brunch of statistics for processing voluminous and complicated data (e.g. images, optical data, sound) that are multi-variate by nature.

Command and control operational centre: TBD

Communication module: TBD

Crisis management modules: Crisis management modules in the SGL system are software components that provide information to the crisis managers regarding the resources available for deployment, as well as information regarding the operations that take place at the crisis scene. These modules provide a graphical representation of all available information, while in the same time they incorporate the necessary interfaces for the interconnection of the corresponding HW/SW elements, databases etc.

Cross-checking: Evaluation of data obtained by different sensors on the same sample.

Communication Protocol: In the field of telecommunications, a communications protocol is the set of standard rules for data representation, signaling, authentication and error detection required to send information over a communications channel.

D

Data security: Protection of data from unauthorized (accidental or intentional) modification, destruction, or disclosure. This is important in the SGL project as data security can be seen in two different dimensions:

a. Prevention of the disclosure of personal data (data of entrapped people, patients, victims)

b. Prevention of malicious access to the data exchange channels when performing first response work and crisis management, as a disclosure of vital operation information to unauthorized people could lead to undesirable effects (terrorism etc.)

Dead bodies: In SGL project only the early stage of human decomposition is considered (few hours after death, up to 10 days).

Decision making: The cognitive process of reaching a decision.

Decision making for REDS: Algorithms

Decision making for the SGL platform: Algorithms

Dynamic Simulator: A physical device (not a software as it is usually meant by the term simulator) that prepares physical mixtures that simulate odors of interest for the project// It can practically be a box or a cart unit with different layers or other set-up. TBDP

Data fusion: TBD

Dissemination: TBD

E

Early location: The search procedure with the aim of locating entrapped people or dead bodies, during the first days of entrapment.

Environmental test chamber: A physical construction (confined space) that simulates environmental conditions relevant to the project. It is also equipped with appropriate devices for getting and handling biological human samples of interest for the project// It can practically be a room, with an individual toilet, capable of hosting a number of people.

Ethics: TBD

Events: Events in the ruins are phenomena or processes that take place during entrapment (e.g. smoldering fires, gas releases, cracking of structural material).

Entrapment: TBD

Entrapped people: TBD

European testing protocol: TBD

Exploitation: TBD

F

FIRST: The short-name of the prototype device that will be delivered in WP2.

First Responder: A generic name for operational people that work in the front line of events related to disasters and accidents. In this project, a first responder can be an individual that serves in fire fighting services, in civil protection, as paramedic or as physician or as a specially trained army person. However, different Member States have different names for first responders and occasionally other services (e.g. police) can be involved. Non-governmental organizations (NGO) are also providing with volunteers as first responders, but it is up to the member state status to determine their engagement and involvement.

First Responder Devices: Generic title of WP2.

First Responder Portable Device: A stand alone device carried by the first responder with the aim of searching for entrapped people// It can practically be a telescopic probe or a pick-a-back device, or a riffle-like shaped tool, or a tube, or a luggage etc. It may also be used by a robotic or an unmanned platform; however this is not in the objectives of this project.

Field Analytical Instruments: TBD

H

Human signature: Images, sounds, chemicals and electromagnetic signals that are characteristic of human presence (e.g. laying position, heart-beat, breath sound, voice, cloth fluorescence). TBDP

I

ICT: Information and Communication Technology is a broad subject that includes all technologies related to the processing and communication of information.

ICT network: The infrastructure, which will enable the data flow of the information through relevant communication channels.

IMS: Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS) is an analytical instrument capable of monitoring on-line volatile compounds of interest in very low concentration levels (ppb). It is light-weight, portable and does not need a vacuum pump to operate; miniaturized versions are also available.

Integration: The progressive linking and testing of system components to merge their functional and technical characteristics into a comprehensive, interoperable system.

Integration in prototype FIRST: The prototype will consist of different parts such as sensors, control unit, power supply compartment, chassis and communication unit. Integration in prototype FIRST is the physical (mechanical parts), electronics and control integration of sensors, as well as, the integration of sensors with all the other parts.

Integration in prototype REDS: TBD

Integrated management system (SGL-IMS): An integrated management system (IMS) integrates all relevant components of a business into one coherent system, so as to enable the optimal achievement of its business objectives. The integrated approach requires combining all the internal business management practices into one system. In the case of SGL, the relevant IMS will be seen as the top-level entity that will oversee the operations and interactions of the underlying discreet system elements that put together the SGL Integrated Platform. The SGL-IMS will provide a concrete overview of all the undergoing processes when the SGL system is in operation.

Integrated platform: An integrated platform is a hardware architecture, which integrates all relevant components of a system and allows software to run. The integrated platform provides the software framework that is used to implement the standard structure of an application for the platform. WP 5 focuses on the integration of the prototypes developed, including SW, HW, Remote Early Detection System, information and communications.

Intelligent Mobile monitoring system: is a portable module that will enable the monitoring of all the crucial information transmitted through the communication channels from the field terrain.

L

Logistics of operations: In USaR operations logistics usually involve the management of the available resources, the integration of material-handling, the information flow, the transportation, the inventory, the warehousing, and packaging of field equipment.

M

Medical theory of entrapment: It is a theory that describes the physical, metabolic and neuroendocrine responses of humans during entrapment// Practically modifies “Ebb” theory (or other theories) in timeframes and situations of entrapment.

Methods for entering the ruins (penetration): TBD

Model Emergency Plan: It is a generic operational scenario based on a virtual case of USaR operations in collapsed buildings.

N

Non-invasive methods: Medical diagnosis based on methods other than blood and urine analysis.

Networking: TBD

P

Pattern recognition: Identify similarities, differences, motives and distances among groups of data.

Performance indexes: Performance indexes (also referred to as KPIs: Key Performance Indicators) are metrics used to define the operational capacity of the SGL system. These indexes will include among others the following:

1.  

   1. Number of first responders that can be monitored in real time

   2. Number of false alarms

   3. Accuracy of measurements

Portability: Capability of an instrument or a device to be safely transferred and operate in the field. Weight, power supply and calibration are important parameters of portability. Typical set-ups of portable instruments are: pick-a-back, heads-up display, probe, palm-top.

Privacy: TBD

Probe: Probe in WP3 is the physical unit on which the different sensors are integrated. It also has wireless communication capabilities. The size, the shape and the type of prototype (proof of principle, proof of concept, laboratory, or industrial) are TBDP.

Protocol: A standard procedure consisting of steps for running operations, measurements or experiments. Examples are: a protocol for chemical location of entrapped people, protocol for optical location, protocol for acoustic location, etc.

Prototype: The original or model on which SGL outputs will be based or formed

Prototype (WP1): The prototype is a physical device or construction. It can belong to one of the following categories: proof of principle, proof of concept, laboratory, or industrial. TBDP

Prototype FIRST: It is a physical device. It can belong to one of the following categories: proof of principle, proof of concept, laboratory, or industrial. Based on the level of sensors integration and set up it can be an initial, an upgraded or a size scale down prototype. The type of prototype FIRST is TBDP.

Prototype REDS: It practically consists of two prototype probes (to demonstrate the network function) and one prototype remote system (control center applications and software). The remote system is a box with communication capabilities and software for receiving and processing the data. The exact type of prototype REDS is TBDP.

Prototype SGL platform: TBD

Portal: a framework to provide a single point of access to a variety of information and tools.

Portlet: a pluggable user interface software component that is managed and displayed in a web portal.

R

REDS: Generic title of WP3 and also short-name of the prototype that will be delivered. It originates from the initials of the expression Remote Early Detection System. Note: The correct title of WP3 is Remote Early Detection System instead of Systems.

Remote Early Detection System: It is a network of probes that communicate with a central hardware and software command and control system. Each probe has the same configuration of sensors.

Risk analysis: It entails estimation of possible risks regarding statics of ruins, first responders’ safety and also security of communications. The type and extent of risk analysis is TBDP.

S

Sensors/Instruments: Generally, as sensor in the project is considered any device that converts a physical parameter to an electric signal. In such generic framework, the term sensor defines cameras, microphones, chemical detectors and electromagnetic spectrum detectors. Especially, as chemical sensors are considered the single gas detectors (e.g. CO, H₂S, NH₃, etc) or the multi-gas detectors (e.g. combined detection of CH₄, H₂S, O₂). The term instruments in the project, refers to analytical instruments, such as Gas Chromatography (GC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) etc. Instruments can also exist as hyphenated methods (e.g. GC-GC, GC-MS, GC-IMS).

Sensors integration in the probe: It is physical (mechanical parts), electronics, control and communication integration in the probe of REDS.

SGL platform: It is a generic term used to describe the prototype integrated system, which consists of a field operational center with modules of information and communication, modules that make logistics of the operation and also the decision making of the operations. In addition, it consists of the REDS and the software for the information, the communication and the decision making of the SGL platform.

Statics of the ruins: It refers to the stability of the collapsed building (rubbles) in post collapse time.

S/W guidelines: Practically, it will be series of user interfaces or pseudo-code, covering aspects of search operations, FIRST and REDS data handling, field logistics and support, administrative issues and decision making.

S/W for FIRST: A modified version of the REDS software will be adapted to the FIRST. TBDP

S/W for REDS: This S/W will take care the information processing, the supervision and the decision making of the REDS.

S/W for the SGL platform/Smart System: This S/W will take care of the information processing, the supervision and the decision making of the research operations. It will also take care of administrative functions of the search and rescue operations (logistics, maintenance, medical support, mobilization). It may be software guidelines.

System Performance: System performance is an indicative measure of the overall system operational capacity expressed through performance indexes.

Smart system: TBD

T

Technical validation: In the computer architecture and hardware world, validation refers to the process of verifying that the operations of the piece of hardware or architecture meets the specifications. For the SGL project, the technical validation task will provide the necessary means of ensuring that the user and system requirements have been turned into operational system characteristics that fulfill the needs in performance and functionalities. Validation is performed on both discreet component and integrated system levels.

Technology Forum: A virtual open forum that will be launch from the web page of the project.

To test applications: In WP4, to test applications has the meaning of investigating the non-invasive method of breath analysis for monitoring victim’s medical conditions// Practically this can be achieved by employing available resources provided by project partners, or by lending/renting commercial devices and test them, and/or by developing such devices in the project. The type of the resources used is TBDP.

Transmission of vital parameters: Running tests for transmitting one or more victim’s vital parameters (e.g. blood pressure, body temperature) outside the ruins.

T-shape probe: It is a shape that resembles to the capital letter T. The T-shape probe has some advantages because it allows for mounting directly on the ruins. However, others shapes might TBDP.

Types of buildings’ collapse: There are different categories of buildings’ collapse that usually define the number, the shape and the size of voids generated in the ruins. Collapse of buildings can be even total (pancake collapse), where voids are rare and very narrow, or partial. Types of partial collision include lean-to collapse, V-shape collapse and cantilever collapse.

Type of constructions: These are categories that refer to the construction materials of the collapsed buildings (e.g. reinforced concrete).

Telecommunications Platform: is the set of the communication protocols that will facilitate the seamless communication of the various modules of the SGL platform.

U

Unified Control Interface: a web-based interface enabling the management of the different types of communication and services used within the SGL project.

V

Validation (WP1): The assessment of the performance of the dynamic simulator. This will be achieved by using olfactory evaluation.

Voids in the ruins: Gaps inside the rubbles, depending on the type of collapse and the construction materials of the buildings.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemical compounds with the following characteristics: 1-12 carbon atoms, vapour pressure > 0,1 Torr and boiling point <300 ⁰C. In WP2, volatiles of interest are those related to human entrapment and those from decaying human bodies.

Vital parameters: Vital signs that enabling the monitoring of medical status of entrapped people (i.e. pulse including pulse oxymetry, blood pressure, electrocardiogram or simple cardiac monitoring, respiration, body temperature).

Volatile profiles: TBD

W

Web-based platform: is a set of interface elements based on the web which will enable the monitoring of the data flow, as well as, the various processes undertaken in SGL project.