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An infrastructure based on multiple heterogeneous access networks is one of the leading enablers for the emerging paradigm of pervasive computing. The optimal management of diverse networking resources is a challenging problem. This paper aims to present a context‐aware policy mechanism with related end‐to‐end (E2E) evaluation algorithm for adaptive connectivity management in multi‐access wireless networks.

A policy is used to express the criteria for adaptive selection of the best local and remote network interfaces. The best connection can then be used for the establishment of a channel as well as for the maintenance of on‐going data transmission. Rich context information is considered in the policy representation with respect to user profile and preference, application characteristics, device capability, and network quality of service conditions. The decision of the best access networks to be used is made on the basis of an E2E evaluation process. The decision can be made in both master–slave and peer‐to‐peer modes, according to the decision matrixes generated in both ends. The paper focuses on the policy representation and connection evaluation algorithm. A case study is presented to show the usability of the proposed policy mechanism and decision‐making algorithm in the adaptiv management of heterogeneous networking resources.

The proposed policy mechanism is for the adaptive decision of connection selection in channel establishment and vertical handoff between heterogeneous access networks. A policy is represented as a four‐tuple, including the direction and the class of traffic, requirement expression, and concrete evaluation items. Three steps are involved in the evaluation process, namely policy traverse, decision matrix calculation, and decision‐making.

The policy mechanism can be easily extended to include adaptive selection of multiple user devices in addition to multiple connections.

Context‐awareness is an essential property of any pervasive system perceiving its environment. Such a system captures and processes context, i.e. the features describing the relevant aspects of environment state and user behaviour. However, development of these systems still requires solving a number of research and engineering challenges. The purpose of this paper is to propose perception framework, a RESTful middleware which simplifies and accelerates the development of pervasive systems. Perception framework allows constructing services' application logic using rules and context. Moreover, it collects sensor data and produces the context information that is required for the rules. The authors present the architecture, design, complete implementation, and prototype‐based verification of perception framework.

Development of context‐aware services is achieved with a novel architecture supporting building of the logic of web services using rules which directly manipulate the available elementary context represented with the Web Ontology Language (OWL) ontology. These rules are described using the Rule Interchange Format (RIF) with support for different rule languages. The implementation of this framework is aligned with RESTful principles, providing a lightweight and flexible solution for large‐scale context‐aware systems.

The fully implemented prototype verifies the feasibility of constructing the logic of context‐aware web services with the rules supported by perception framework.

The contributions of this paper include: the requirement specification for a generic context‐aware pervasive middleware; and the design and implementation of the framework (i.e. perception framework) supporting the development of context‐aware web services. The perception framework includes a generic rule‐based reasoner allowing developers to use several RIF‐compliant rule description languages.

Gender competence as part of engineering education can better prepare men and women to work on sustainable solutions that benefit entire societies. This chapter describes the framework and lessons learned of a community of practice (CoP) for gender equality facilitated by the Mediterranean Engineering Schools Network. Faculty and students from Mediterranean European, North African and Middle Eastern countries came together in this CoP, which was supported by the TARGET project, to develop a practical plan using a reflexive approach. The transfer of knowledge between generations is achieved by using participatory learning processes, facilitating mindful awareness, widening experiences, deepening understandings and building a gender-sensitive mindset. Students embarked on the journey to become change agents. The process led to the consolidation of gender equality knowledge, competence building and the development of change agents for gender equality. This CoP can inspire other institutions to undertake a participatory path towards gender equality – at local, regional, or global level.