bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Software to Make Sales Force Performance More Dynamic
Authors: Maruta Rikio
Published: February 2025

In this paper, using an application software system called “sales funnel” is proposed to improve sales force performance measurement and training for B2B business. With this software, updating prospects' information weekly at the origin by sales representatives, allows real time sharing of information throughout a corporation and visualizing the entire sales process. This reduces data preparation time before corporate level strategic discussions. Enforcing weekly updates by this system results in time shortened PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Act) cycles, thereby enabling the acceleration of the sales activities. Moreover, repeated PDCA cycles with enforced logical thinking, gives essential on-the-job training to the sales representatives, nurturing them into becoming better performers.
Rapid Application Lifecycle Management: a new Approach with Tool Support
Authors: Jwo Jung-Sing  , Cheng Yu Chin  , Hsu Tien-Song  , Liu Chun Hsin
Published: February 2025

Software lifecycle is the process by which software is conceived, developed, maintained, and decommissioned. To the development team, initiating effective application lifecycle management (ALM) is challenging for three reasons. (1) ALM definition is hard since lifecycle activities are interdependent and complex in nature that involves product, project, people, process, tool and technology. (2) ALM activities require the support of correctly tailored tools. (3) Effective ALM activities execution requires discipline. To take on the three challenges of initiating ALM, we present a new approach called Rapid Application Lifecycle Management (RALM). RALM provides a reference model with a number of templates for ALM activity definition. Once customized, the templates are converted into platform-specific process definition files with tool support. Observations from a field application of RALM are presented and discussed.
Cheating Prevention in Virtual Worlds: Software, Economic, and Law Aspects
Authors: Gorlatch S.  , Meilaender D.  , Bartolomeus S.  , Fujita H.  , Theurl T.  , Hoeren T.  , Heghmanns M.  , Boers K.
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with networked applications in the emerging field of online virtual worlds. Example applications include, e.g., Massively Multiplayer Online Computer Games (MMOG), networked e-learning, training and simulations, etc. Highly interactive virtual worlds bring a new security challenge: the multiple participants of such applications do not always show cooperative and intended behavior, but rather may act in an illegal way (cheating) which is harmful for other participants, thus intentionally or accidentally procuring illicit advantages for themselves. The paper studies the new challenge of cheating in virtual-world applications in three areas: a) system and application programming, b) economics, and c) law. The main contributions of our work are as follows: 1) We present a systematic classification of cheating threats in virtual worlds, and describe software solutions that help prevent them in future Internet-based applications; 2) We enhance the classical economic analysis of crime and punishment for applying it to virtual worlds; 3) We describe our development approach for networked virtual worlds and its implementation as the Real-Time Framework (RTF) which has been designed at the University of Muenster; 4) Finally, we explore the law aspects of cheating in virtual applications in the context of the legal system in Germany. The consideration of informatics aspects together with the corresponding problems of economics and law allows us to tackle virtual-world security in a holistic, systematic manner.
Mining Medical Administrative Data – The PKB Suite
Authors: Ceglar Aaron  , Morrall Richard  , Roddick John F.
Published: February 2025

Hospitals are adept at capturing large volumes of highly multi-dimensional data about their activities including clinical, demographic, administrative, financial and, increasingly, outcome data (such as adverse events). Managing and understanding this data is difficult as hospitals typically do not have the staff and/or the expertise to assemble, query, analyse and report on the potential knowledge contained within such data. The Power Knowledge Builder (PKB) project investigated the adaption of data mining algorithms to the domain of patient costing, with the aim of helping practitioners better understand their data and therefore facilitate best practice.
Interactivity Closes the Gap
Authors: Blumenstock Axel  , Mueller Markus  , Lanquillon Carsten  , Kempe Steffen  , Hipp Jochen  , Wirth Ruediger
Published: February 2025

After nearly two decades of data mining research there are many commercial mining tools available, and a wide range of algorithms can be found in literature. One might think there is a solution to most of the problems practitioners face. In our application of descriptive induction on warranty data, however, we found a considerable gap between many standard solutions and our practical needs. Confronted with challenging data and requirements such as understandability and support of existing work flows, we tried many things that did not work, ending up in simple solutions that do. We feel that the problems we faced are not so uncommon, and would like to advocate that it is better to focus on simplicity—allowing domain experts to bring in their knowledge—rather than on complex algorithms. Interactivity and simplicity turn out to be key features to success.
Towards a Logical Model of Induction from Examples and Communication
Authors: Ontañón Santiago  , Dellunde Pilar  , Godo Lluís  , Plaza Enric
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on a logical model of induction, and specifically of the common machine learning task of inductive concept learning (ICL). We define an inductive derivation relation, which characterizes which hypothesis can be induced from sets of examples, and show its properties. Moreover, we will also consider the problem of communicating inductive inferences between two agents, which corresponds to the multi-agent ICL problem. Thanks to the introduced logical model of induction, we will show that this communication can be modeled using computational argumentation.
An Agent Architecture for Simultaneous Bilateral Negotiations
Authors: Fabregues Angela  , Sierra Carles
Published: February 2025

In this paper we introduce an agent architecture for joint action negotiation among several agents in complex environments and with negotiation time bounds. The architecture is based on a graded BDI model and on an information-based negotiation model. This work does not yet include experimental results but it is currently being tested using DipGame (http://www.dipgame.org).
cOncienS: Organizational Awareness in Real-Time Strategy Games
Authors: Alvarez-Napagao Sergio  , Gómez-Sebastià Ignasi  , Vázquez-Salceda Javier  , Koch Fernando
Published: February 2025

The implementation of AI in commercial games is usually based on low level designs that makes the control predictable, unadaptive, and non reusable. Recent algorithms such as HTN or GOAP prove that higher levels of abstraction can be applied for better performance. We propose that approaches based on Organizational Theory can help providing a sound alternative for these implementations. In this paper we present cOncienS, an integration of the ALIVE organizational framework into commercial games. We introduce a proof-of-concept implementation based on the integration to Warcraft III.
Norms Evaluation through Reputation Mechanisms for BDI Agents
Authors: Pinyol Isaac  , Centeno Roberto  , Hermoso Ramon  , Torres da Silva Viviane  , Sabater-Mir Jordi
Published: February 2025

Open multiagent systems are systems populated with autonomous agents whose intentions are unknown. Due to this uncertainty, reputation mechanisms arise as a key technology when designing such systems. These mechanisms endow agents with the capability to reason about the behaviour of their potential partners regarding certain criteria, for instance, a particular norm. Although normative systems have been deeply studied, few attention has been paid on how agents use the norms to reason about the behaviour of their partners. In this paper, we face this problem by extending a BDI architecture that incorporates a reputation model (BDI+Repage) with a normative layer. Using the reputation mechanism together with this normative layer allow the agents to evaluate the behaviour of their partners according to both organisational and individual norms and use such information to reason about their future interactions.
Implementing First-Order Variables in a Graphical Cognitive Architecture
Authors: Rosenbloom Paul
Published: February 2025

Graphical cognitive architectures implement their functionality through localized message passing among computationally limited nodes. First-order variables – particularly universally quantified ones – while critical for some potential architectural mechanisms, can be quite difficult to implement in such architectures. A new implementation strategy based on message decomposition in graphical models is presented that yields tractability while preserving key symmetries in the graphs concerning how quantified variables are represented and how symbols, probabilities and signals are processed.
Attention Focusing Model for Nexting Based on Learning and Reasoning
Authors: Vashist Akshay  , Loeb Shoshana
Published: February 2025

Intelligence can be argued to result from a complex interplay of learning, reasoning, memory, and other higher level functions, however, the survivability of biological systems ultimately depends on timely actions which are a manifestation of these higher level processes. For cognitive systems to succeed anticipating what would come next (i.e., being “one step ahead”) and deriving when to act and how to prioritize actions is as critical, and mostly likely, integrated with, the higher level sense-making processes. In this paper, we propose a biologically motivated model of execution control, called Nexting, which is founded in current understanding of such processes in biological systems.
An Evolutionary Approach to Building Artificial Minds
Authors: Eilbert James L.
Published: February 2025

The evolutionary thread leading to increasingly more sophisticated types of movement is examined. The entire thread is seen in humans and includes: collision avoidance, landmark navigation, moving to attain good expectations or avoid bad expectations, and moving to actualize an imagined world state. These behaviors compete for the same sensory and motor resources; each requiring greater perceptual discrimination, more complex internal models of the world, and a longer time frame than the previous behavior. By finding the brain structures supporting these complex movement tasks and how tasks compete for resources, researchers will facilitate both our understanding of the brain and our ability to create artificial minds that we understand intuitively.
An Experimental Cognitive Robot
Authors: Haikonen Pentti O. A.
Published: February 2025

The Experimental Cognitive Robot version 1 (XCR-1) is a simple three-wheel platform for implementation experiments with the “Haikonen cognitive architecture”. This platform is non-digital and non-programmable; it is not based on any microprocessor. It is not based on pre-programmed algorithms or any kind of programs. Instead, it is based on associative neuron groups in a widely cross-connected architecture where information is carried by spatial and temporal patterns of neural signals. No common code for these signal patterns is used or is necessary. The Haikonen cognitive architecture is a multi-modal perceptive system that utilizes so called perception/response feedback loops for each sensory modality. These modalities are associatively cross-connected. Therefore any experiment with the architecture would have to include multiple sensory modalities so that the cross-connection effects could be demonstrated. Accordingly the robot XCR-1 has sensory modalities for vision, sound, touch, shock (“pain”) and “pleasure”. The robot is able to move with two wheel motors and it also has a gripper mechanism, which can grab suitable-sized objects. In addition to the motor responses the robot has audible “self-talk”, a verbal report, which reflects the robot's “mental perception” of the on-going situation. Presently no associative neuron chips are available. Therefore, in order to minimize the required hardware, the modalities are realized in the most minimal way. However, the realizations are sufficient for the demonstration of many essential issues.
Modelling Human Memory in Robotic Companions for Personalisation and Long-term Adaptation in HRI
Authors: Ho Wan Ching  , Dautenhahn Kerstin  , Lim Mei Yii  , Du Casse Kyron
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates issues of robot's personalization and long-term adaptation in human-robot interaction (HRI). It demonstrates the design and first technical implementation of a HRI showcase in the Robot House at University of Hertfordshire, UK. Here the central idea facilitating the long-term HRI is the creation of robotic companion, which provides various types of service to the user and can be personalised based upon individual needs. The personalisation can also be further enhanced through repeated interactions. The key component in the “mind” of the companion, which is highlighted in this paper, is the model of human semantic and episodic memory. The memory not only allows the companion to remember user's preferences for practical daily tasks, it also changes companion's behaviour in a longer time scale based on robot's perception of actual user input. Finally, implications of such a memory model in HRI are discussed.
Maintaining Arc Consistency in Non-Binary Dynamic CSPs using Simple Tabular Reduction
Authors: Quéva Matthieu  , Probst Christian W.  , Ricci Laurent
Published: February 2025

Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) are well known models used in Artificial Intelligence. In order to represent real world systems, CSPs have been extended to Dynamic CSPs (DCSPs), which support adding and removing constraints at runtime. Some approaches to the NP-complete problem of solving CSPs use filtering techniques such as arc consistency, which also have been adapted to handle DCSPs with binary constraints. However, there exists only one algorithm targeting non-binary DCSPs (DnGAC4). In this paper we present a new algorithm DnSTR for maintaining arc consistency in DCSPs with non-binary constraints. Our algorithm is based on Simple Tabular Reduction for Table Constraints, a technique that dynamically maintains the tables of supports within the constraints. Initial results show that our algorithm outperforms DnGAC4 both for addition and removal of constraints.
Ontology-Based Document and Query Representation May Improve the Effectiveness of Information Retrieval
Authors: Dragoni Mauro  , Pereira Célia da Costa  , Tettamanzi Andrea G.B.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a vector space model approach to representing documents and queries, which considers concepts instead of terms and uses WordNet as a light ontology. This representation reduces information redundancy with respect to conventional semantic expansion techniques. Experiments carried out on the MuchMore benchmark and on the TREC-7 and TREC-8 Ad-hoc collections demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Representations of Time within Normative MAS
Authors: Smith Clara  , Rotolo Antonino  , Sartor Giovanni
Published: February 2025

We address some forms of temporal reasoning within normative MAS, focusing on the combination of temporal logics with multi-modal multi-agent logics. We suggest perspectives on how these combinations can be used for modelling aspects of time within lawful provisions, obligations, and legal principles. The main contributions are the new variant of deontic tense logic using hybrid logic, and the combination of time and obligations.
Semantic Analysis of Paragraphs Consisting of Multiple Sentences
Authors: Takano Kenji  , Nakamura Makoto  , Oyama Yoshiko  , Shimazu Akira
Published: February 2025

A logical formulation system functions to verify consistency of legal documents, and to eliminate inconsistent parts from a set of articles. We are studying legal document analysis methods, and in this paper we focus on how to deal with multiple sentences which constitute a paragraph of an article in a law. They need to be processed together because they are semantically dependent on each other. We analyzed National Pension Law of Japan and found that relations between sentences and their logical structures can be classified into four main types. We implemented a logical formulation system, which showed reasonable accuracy in dealing properly with paragraphs consisting of multiple sentences.
Model Checking Legal Documents
Authors: Gorín Daniel  , Mera Sergio  , Schapachnik Fernando
Published: February 2025

This article presents the FormaLex toolset, an approach to legislative drafting that, based on the similarities between software specifications and some types of regulations, uses off-the-shelf LTL model checkers to perform automatic analysis on normative systems.
Sharing Knowledge by Conceptual Mapping: the case of EU Thesaural Interoperability
Authors: Bartoloni Giacomo  , Francesconi Enrico
Published: February 2025

The availability of public administration semantic Web services is strictly linked to the availability of knowledge resources. In particular their interoperability allows knowledge sharing and reuse, so to provide integrated services in a distributed environment. In this paper a machine learning technique for guaranteeing thesaural interoperability by conceptual mapping within an information retrieval framework is presented. In particular the case of thesaural interopearbility for cross-collection legal information retrieval services at EU level is shown.
Grammatical Aspects: Coping with Duplication and Tangling in Language Specifications
Authors: Breslav Andrey
Published: February 2025

For the purposes of tool development, computer languages are usually described using context-free grammars with annotations such as semantic actions or pretty-printing instructions. These specifications are processed by generators which automatically build software, e.g., parsers, pretty-printers and editing support.
R-Web: A Role Accessibility Definition Based Web Application Generation
Authors: Nishimura Yusuke  , Maebara Kosuke  , Noro Tomoya  , Tokuda Takehiro
Published: February 2025

We present a role accessibility definition based Web application generation. A role accessibility definition specifies what kind of data access can be done by which type of roles of users. From a given role accessibility definition, we can automatically derive data model, business logic and user interface to generate simple Web applications. With additional definitions of page transition and general computation using existing Web service functions, then we can generate more general type of Web applications. We can use fine grained Web service functions for handling tables or external Web service functions on the Web. Our approach will help us (esp. non-programmers) create a variety of Web applications such as questionnaire systems, student assignment evaluation systems, and so on.
Partial Updates in Complex-Value Databases
Authors: Schewe Klaus-Dieter  , Wang Qing
Published: February 2025

Partial updates arise when a location bound to a complex value is updated in parallel. Compatibility of such partial updates to disjoint locations can be assured by applying applicative algebras. However, due to the arbitrary nesting of type constructors, locations of complex-value database are often defined at multiple abstraction levels and thereby non-disjoint. Thus, applicative algebras is not as smooth as its simple definition suggests. In this paper, we investigate this problem in the context of complex-value databases, where partial updates arise naturally in database transformations. We show that a more efficient solution can be obtained when generalising the notion of location and thus permitting dependencies between locations. On these grounds we develop a systematic approach to consistency checking for update sets that involve partial updates.
Modelling a Query Space Using Associations
Authors: Timonen Mika  , Silvonen Paula  , Kasari Melissa
Published: February 2025

We all use our associative memory constantly. Words and concepts form paths that we can follow to find new related concepts; for example, when we think about a car we may associate it with driving, roads or Japan, a country that produces cars. In this paper we present an approach for information modelling that is derived from human associative memory. The idea is to create a network of concepts where the links model the strength of the association between the concepts instead of, for example, semantics. The network, called association network, can be learned with an unsupervised network learning algorithm using concept co-occurrences, frequencies and concept distances. The possibility to create the network with unsupervised learning brings a great benefit when compared to semantic networks, where the ontology development usually requires a lot of manual labour. We present a case where the associations bring benefits over semantics due to easier implementation and the overall concept. The case focuses on a business intelligence search engine where we modelled its query space using association modelling. We utilised the model in information retrieval and system development.
A Group Selection Evolutionary Extreme Learning Machine approach for Time-Variant Neural Networks
Authors: Ye Yibin  , Squartini Stefano  , Piazza Francesco
Published: February 2025

Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is an approach recently proposed in the literature for Neural Network (NN) training. It has been shown to be much faster than the traditional gradient-based learning algorithms, with many variants, extensions and applications also investigated in the last few years. Among them, the ELM paradigm has been applied to train Time-Variant Neural Networks (TV-NN), through which the training time can be greatly reduced w.r.t. common Back-Propagation (BP). However, this approach may require more hidden nodes and the right type of basis function (through which time-dependence is introduced in TV-NN weight parameters) to attain good generalization. In this paper, we propose a hybrid learning algorithm, which applies differential evolutionary (to determine related input weights) and group selection method (to determine the type of basis function). Experimental results show that the proposed method allows achieving more compact networks yet with better generalization performance at the cost of larger training time; moreover the algorithm behavior is anyway significantly more performing than the BP one.
Multichannel Cepstral Domain Feature Warping for Robust Speech Recognition
Authors: Squartini Stefano  , Fagiani Marco  , Principi Emanuele  , Piazza Francesco
Published: February 2025

Speech interfaced Human-Machine interfaces have been gaining an increasing interest among the scientific community and technology market. One of the key task to be faced within this architectures is speech recognition, for which a certain degree of understanding has been already reached in the literature. Several efforts have been oriented on purpose to take the presence of acoustic non-idealities, i.e. noise and acoustic reverberation, into account. Feature warping in cepstral domain is one of the most performing approaches: different techniques have been proposed so far and some of them are based on the histogram-equalization concept, which has shown to be effective. It employs a suitable transformation to the acoustically degraded cepstral coefficients in order to re-establish the clean speech statistical properties. The Quantile-based implementation has been taken here as reference. The main objective of this work is exploiting the availability of multichannel acoustic information, coming from a microphone array acquisition, in order to enhance the statistics modeling capabilities of the algorithm and therefore improve its speech enhancement effect. Some computer simulations based on the AURORA 2 database have been carried out and obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the idea.
Demonstration based Policy Learning in a Reduced Driving Environment
Authors: Roure Josep  , Rodríguez Daniel
Published: February 2025

In this work we present a driving agent based on simple classifiers that is able to learn the driving style from the demonstration of an expert. The driving is performed on a simulated scenario. We will show that these simple and easy to compute classifiers perform as well as other more complex ones and using much less training instances.
A Combinatoric biclustering algorithm
Authors: Nosova Ekaterina  , Raiconi Giancarlo  , Tagliaferri Roberto
Published: February 2025

The unsupervised analysis of gene expression data plays a very important role in Genetics experiments. That is why a lot of clustering and biclustering techniques have been proposed. Our choice of biclustering methods is motivated by the accuracy in the obtained results and the possibility to find not only rows or columns that provide a partition of the dataset but also rows and columns together. Unfortunately, the experimental data yet contains many inaccuracy and errors, therefore the main task of mathematicians is to find algorithms that permit to analyze this data with maximal precision. In this work, a new biclustering algorithm that permits to find biclusters with an error less than a predefined threshold is presented. The comparison with other known biclustering algorithms is shown.
Biopathways Representation and Simulation on Hybrid Functional Petri Net
Authors: Matsuno Hiroshi  , Tanaka Yukiko  , Aoshima Hitoshi  , Doi Atsushi  , Matsui Mika  , Miyano Satoru
Published: February 2025

The following two matters should be resolved in order for biosimulation tools to be accepted by users in biology/medicine: (1) remove issues which are irrelevant to biological importance, and (2) allow users to represent biopathways intuitively and understand/manage easily the details of representation and simulation mechanism. From these criteria, we firstly define a novel notion of Petri net called Hybrid Functional Petri Net (HFPN). Then, we introduce a software tool, Genomic Object Net, for representing and simulating biopathways, which we have developed by employing the architecture of HFPN.
SML: SoFMIS Meta Language for Surgical Simulation
Authors: Halic Tansel  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

Developing a surgical simulation is a very complex task, requiring various components and usually the involvement of multiple people. As the complexity of the simulator increases, the functionality and the functional semantics of the components become very challenging to manage. In order to mitigate these issues, in this work we introduce a novel language that facilitates the development of surgical simulations and also supports semantic embedding in the surgical simulation development without extra programming effort.
Piezoelectric Driven Non-toxic Injector for Automated Cell Manipulation
Authors: Huang H.B.  , Su Hao  , Chen H.Y.  , Mills J.K.
Published: February 2025

Stimulated by state-of-the-art robotic and computer technology, Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) automation aims to scale and seamlessly transfer the human hand movements into more precise and fast movements of the micro manipulator. Piezo-drill cell injection, a novel technique using piezo-driven pipettes with a very small mercury column, has significantly improves the survival rates of ICSI process. It is found that complications are due, in large part, to toxicity of mercury and the damage to the cell membrane because of the lateral tip oscillations of injector pipette. In this paper, a new design of piezo-driven cell injector is proposed for automated suspended cell injection. This new piezo-driven cell injector design centralizes the piezo oscillation power on the injector pipette which eliminates the vibration effect on other parts of the micromanipulator. Detrimental lateral tip oscillations of the injector pipette are attenuated to a desirable level even without the help of mercury column. This mercury-free injector can sublime the piezoelectric driven injection technique to completely non-toxic level with great research and commercial application in gene injection, in-vitro fertilization, ICSI and drug development.
Guidewire and Catheter Behavioural Simulation
Authors: Luboz Vincent  , Zhai Jianhua  , Odetoyinbo Tolu  , Littler Peter  , Gould Derek  , How Thien  , Bello Fernando
Published: February 2025

Guidewire and catheter manipulation is a core skill in endovascular interventional radiology. It is usually acquired in an apprenticeship on patients, but this training is expensive and risky. Simulation offers an efficient alternative for core skills training, though the instrument complex behaviour requires accurate replication. This paper reviews the mass-spring model used to simulate seven guidewires and three catheters, and the matching with their real world counterparts by tuning our model's bending coefficient, which allows replication of the instrument flexibility. This coefficient was matched through computed tomography imaging of a vascular phantom in which each instrument was inserted and manipulated. With an average distance of 2.27mm (standard deviation: 1.54) between real and virtual instruments, our representation showed realistic behaviour.
Patient Specific Surgical Simulator for the Evaluation of the Movability of Bimanual Robotic Arms
Authors: Moglia Andrea  , Turini Giuseppe  , Ferrari Vincenzo  , Ferrari Mauro  , Mosca Franco
Published: February 2025

This work presents a simulator based on patient specific data for bimanual surgical robots. Given a bimanual robot with a particular geometry and kinematics, and a patient specific virtual anatomy, the aim of this simulator was to evaluate if a dexterous movability was obtainable to avoid collisions with the surrounding virtual anatomy in order to prevent potential damages to the tissues during the real surgical procedure. In addition, it could help surgeons to find the optimal positioning of the robot before entering the operative room. This application was tested using a haptic device to reproduce the interactions of the robot with deformable organs. The results showed good performances in terms of frame rate for the graphic, haptic, and dynamic processes.
CyberMedVPS: Visual Programming for Development of Simulators
Authors: Morais Aline M.  , Machado Liliane S.
Published: February 2025

Computer applications based on Virtual Reality (VR) has been outstanding in training and teaching in the medical filed due to their ability to simulate realistic in which users can practice skills and decision making in different situations. But was realized in these frameworks a hard interaction of non-programmers users. Based on this problematic will be shown the CyberMedVPS, a graphical module which implement Visual Programming concepts to solve an interaction trouble. Frameworks to develop such simulators are available but their use demands knowledge of programming. Based on this problematic will be shown the CyberMedVPS, a graphical module for the CyberMed framework, which implements Visual Programming concepts to allow the development of simulators by non-programmers professionals of the medical field.
Engaging Media for Mental Health Applications: the EMMA Project
Authors: Baños R.  , Botella C.  , Quero S.  , García-Palacios A.  , Alcañiz M.
Published: February 2025

EMMA project has been focused on how the sense of presence in virtual environments mediates or generates emotional responses, and how to use presence and emotional responses in virtual environments effectively in clinical and non clinical settings. EMMA project has developed two different virtual environments. The first one acts as a ‘mood device’ and is aimed to induce and enhance several moods on clinical and non clinical subjects. The second one is a virtual environment that acts as an adaptive display to treat emotional disorders (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder and Pathological Grief). This virtual world varies the contents that are presented depending on the emotions of the patient at each moment. The goal of this paper is to outline the main goals achieved by this project.
The Validation of an Instrumented Simulator for the Assessment of Performance and Outcome of Knot Tying Skill: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rojas David  , Cristancho Sayra  , Rueda Claudia  , Grierson Lawrence  , Monclou Alex  , Dubrowski Adam
Published: February 2025

The construct validity of a surgical bench-top simulator with built-in computer acquired assessments was examined. It features two parallel elastic tubes instrumented with flexion sensors that simulate the walls of a wound. Participants from three groups (9 novices, 7 intermediates, 9 experts) performed 10 two-handed, double square knots. The peak tensions at the initiation of the first knot, the completion of the first knot and the completion of the second knot, as well as measures of movement economy indicated technical performance. Product quality was indicated by knot stability defined as the amount of slippage of the knot under the tension. There were significant differences between experts and novices for peak tension on first knot (p=.03), movement economy (p=.02), and knot stability (p=.002). The results support the construct validity of these objective measures.
Modeling of Interaction between a Three-Fingered Surgical Grasper and Human Spleen
Authors: Tirehdast Mojdeh  , Mirbagheri Alireza  , Asghari Mohsen  , Farahmand Farzam
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to develop a more sophisticated model of the spleen tissue and investigate its interactions with a three-fingered laparoscopic grasper. The spleen tissue, modeled as a hyper viscoelastic material, was subjected to external loadings, imposed by rigid grasping jaws. The tissue deformation as well as the sliding occurrence between tissue and jaws was investigated using nonlinear finite element method. Results indicated that a grasping configuration which aimed a sufficiently large piece of spleen with small radius of curvature was more successful for effective grasping. The trends and magnitudes of the tool-tissue interaction forces obtained during effective and ineffective grasping were quite different. A force with progressively increasing trend toward a high magnitude was found to be indicative of effective and safe grasping. This finding might be used to predict the effectiveness of different grasping configurations and sliding thresholds during spleen and other soft organs surgery.
The Use of Virtual Training to Support Insertion of Advanced Technology at Remote Military Locations
Authors: Walker Madison I.  , Walker Robert B.  , Morgan Jeffrey S.  , Bernhagen Mary  , Markin Nicholas  , Boedeker Ben H.
Published: February 2025

Effective training in advanced medical technologies is essential for military healthcare providers to support the far forward battlefield. The use of modern video communication technologies and novel medical devices can be utilized for meeting this challenge. This study demonstrates the combined use of video conferencing equipment and videolaryngoscopy in the virtual training of a novice in videolaryngoscopy, nasal intubation and airway foreign body removal.
Three Dimensional Projection Environment for Molecular Design and Surgical Simulation
Authors: Wickstrom Eric  , Chen Chang-Po  , Devadhas Devakumar  , Wampole Matthew  , Jin Yuan-Yuan  , Sanders Jeffrey M.  , Kairys John C.  , Ankeny Martha L.  , Hu Rui  , Barner Kenneth E.  , Steiner Karl V.  , Thakur Mathew L.
Published: February 2025

We are developing agents for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of cancer gene mRNA expression and software to fuse mRNA PET images with anatomical computerized tomography (CT) images to enable volumetric (3D) haptic (touch-and-feel) simulation of pancreatic cancer and surrounding organs prior to surgery in a particular patient. We have identified a novel ligand specific for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to direct PET agent uptake specifically into cancer cells, and created a volumetric haptic surgical simulation of human pancreatic cancer reconstructed from patient CT data. Young's modulus and the Poisson ratio for each tissue will be adjusted to fit the experience of participating surgeons.
Needle Insertion Simulation by Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Method
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi  , Satake Koji  , Morikawa Shigehiro  , Shirai Yoshiaki  , Tanaka Hiromi T.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we performed needle insertion simulation considering needle tip shape by Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) method. ALE method is suitable for the large deformation and a fracture. To evaluate developed model, we compared the needle deflection between experimental results and simulation results. As a result, errors in each needle between both results were less than 3 mm.
A Novel Virtual Reality Environment for Preoperative Planning and Simulation of Image Guided Intracardiac Surgeries with Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Yeniaras Erol  , Deng Zhigang  , Syed Mushabbar A.  , Davies Mark G.  , Tsekos Nikolaos V.
Published: February 2025

The evolution of image-guided and robot-assisted procedures can be beneficial to intracardiac interventions. This paper proposes a novel approach and a virtual reality system for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance of cardiac procedures, and for investigating the kinematics and control of a virtual robotic manipulator, based on MRI CINE images. The system incorporates dedicated software modules for processing MR images, generating dynamic trajectories in the continuously changing environment of a beating heart, controlling a specific generic virtual manipulator along those trajectories, and a virtual reality interface that fuses all those information. The proposed system is applied for the simulation of accessing the aortic valve annulus via a small incision on the apex by maneuvering a robotic manipulator through an access corridor that safely transverses the left ventricle (LV) of the beating heart.
Battlefield Tracheal Intubation Training Using Virtual Simulation: A Multi Center Operational Assessment of Video Laryngoscope Technology
Authors: Boedeker Ben H.  , Boedeker Kirsten A.  , Bernhagen Mary A.  , Miller David J.  , Lacy Timothy
Published: February 2025

Airway management is an essential skill in providing care in trauma situations. The video laryngoscope is a tool which offers improvement in teaching airway management skills and in managing airways of trauma patients on the far forward battlefield. An Operational Assessment (OA) of videolaryngoscope technology for medical training and airway management was conducted by the Center for Advanced Technology and Telemedicine (at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE) for the US Air Force Modernization Command to validate this technology in the provision of Out of OR airway management and airway management training in military simulation centers. The value for both the training and performance of intubations was highly rated and the majority of respondents indicated interest in having a video laryngoscope in their facility.
Beyond Individual Patient Care: Enhanced Use of EMR Data in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tolar Marianne  , Balka Ellen
Published: February 2025

With the introduction of electronic medical record (EMR) systems into the primary care sector the collected data become available for purposes beyond individual patient care, i.e. chronic disease management, prevention and clinical performance evaluation. However EMR systems are primarily designed to support clinical tasks, and physicians focus on the treatment of individual patients. In this paper we follow the path of a community health centre (CHC), tracking the changes that came about with the secondary usage of EMR data, and presenting some of the lessons learned.
Making Eco-Friendly Transportation Safer: Developing Computer-based Simulations to Assess of the Impacts of Bicycle Accident Prevention Interventions on Healthcare Utilization
Authors: Juhra Christian  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kushniruk Andre W.  , Anderson Jim  , Anderson Marilyn
Published: February 2025

Computer-based modeling and simulations are becoming increasingly used for applications in health and safety. In this paper we describe a multi-phase project aimed at modeling bicycle accidents in Munster, Germany. The work involved a first phase of collecting empirical data on accident rates and severity. In the second phase a computer-based simulation model of bicycle accidents was created, using data from phase one to identify relevant parameters in the model. Finally, initial results from running the model are described that will be used to inform decision making regarding safety initiatives.
Model Human Behavior: Don't Constrain It!
Authors: Covvey H. Dominic  , Cowan Donald D.  , Alencar Paulo  , Malyk William  , So Joel  , Henriques D.  , Fenton Shirley
Published: February 2025

Healthcare processes are complex and highly variable from day to day. Healthcare process execution can be affected by any participant in a process, including clinicians, the patient, and the patient's family, as well as environmental factors such as clinician, staff, facility and equipment availability, and patient clinical status. However, only a few solutions exist that enable computer support for a process to address the full complexity and variability of healthcare processes. We have re-conceptualized workflow and developed an innovative process representation and execution framework based on concepts from software engineering, machine learning, complexity, and database management. This new framework frees processes to track human behavior, thereby releasing us from the constraints of past methods. Our approach is also serving as a new architecture for software systems.
Waiting Time in Emergency Department by Simulation
Authors: Ajami Sima  , Ketabi Saeedeh  , Yarmohammadian Mohammad H.  , Bagherian Hosain
Published: February 2025

The aim of research was to reduce waiting time at ED. Population includes the patients who received services in ED. The arrival and service times in different stations were collected for 663 patients. For data analysis, SPSS and simulation technique were used. Results shows that add one intern to the Ear Nose Throat (ENT) service makes the most reduction on the waiting time from 112.19 to 99.24 minutes. Health care managers, in the ED are usually physicians who are not familiar with principals of management.
Grounded Theory Evolution and Its Application in Health Informatics
Authors: Cummings Elizabeth  , Borycki Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2025

The value of utilising qualitative research approaches to identify, describe and evaluate the impact of health information systems upon healthcare processes is becoming increasingly clear. The use of grounded theory has increased over the past decade within the health informatics discipline. However, for researchers new to the approach, the theory and conduct of grounded theory can be both confusing and daunting. This paper begins to dispel some misconceptions about the use of grounded theory and aims to assist researchers starting out using grounded theory in health informatics research. It also discusses the past and potential future application of grounded theory in health informatics.
Functional Safety in Telecare: A Proposal for Implementation and Joint Validation
Authors: Adriano Juan  , Torres-Echeverria Alejandro  , Roudsari Abdul
Published: February 2025

The introduction of telecare systems represents an inherent risk which can potentially result in patient harm. Given the importance of patient safety, in this paper, we address safety from the functional safety point of view.
Development of a Graduate Level Course in e-Health and Emerging Technology in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Househ Mowafa Said  , Saddik Basema  , Al-Dosari Bakheet
Published: February 2025

This paper provides an overview of a newly developed course in E-health and Emerging Technology for King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Masters of Health Informatics program. The paper provides an overview of the program, description on the course development process, instructional methods, and course evaluation. The paper also describes the faculty's experience in the development of the course. Future evaluation will focus on students' learning experience and content used in the course.
Two-photon-excitation fluorescence depolarization in solutions and nano-scale-organized (macro)molecular media: Application of the wide-angular detection-aperture technique
Authors: Fisz Jacek J.  , Buczkowski Marcin  , Rożnowska Anna  , Miszta Przemysław
Published: February 2025

We here discuss a problem of time-resolved fluorescence polarization spectroscopy at two-photon excitations of macroscopically isotropic molecular media, that can be organized locally on a nano-scale. The simplifying assumptions on the hydrodynamical shape of fluorophores and on the form of the two-photon absorption tensor, are considered and displayed on the corresponding examples of the emission anisotropy synthetic decays. These assumptions reduce the number of the model parameters making the theoretical description of the discussed spectroscopic technique applicable in the experimental practice. Because the two-photon excitations of fluorescence require the application of the exciting light of appropriately high intensity, and that may have a negative influence on the quality of the experimental data collected, we discuss the application of the wide-angular detection-aperture technique in such experiments. Furthermore, we consider the application of the symmetry adapted callibration (SAC) method enabling one to accurately analyze the experimental data even if the collecting optics employed is not ideal and is affected by several unexpected technical imperfections that are hard to be accounted for analytically.
Nonlinear optical properties of solvated molecules
Authors: Mikkelsen Kurt V.
Published: February 2025

Homogeneous dielectric media models are considered when calculating nonlinaer optical molecular porperties using correlated electronic structure response methods.
Incremental Stream Clustering for Anomaly Detection and Classification
Authors: Holst Anders  , Ekman Jan
Published: February 2025

We have designed a framework for Bayesian Statistical Anomaly Detection, called ISC, or Incremental Stream Clustering. It learns the normal situation incrementally, and can on the fly detect anomalous cases. When this happens, a new cluster can be created, so similar cases can be detected in the future. In this way, the framework performs incremental clustering, while at the same time either classifying a new case as belonging to one of the known clusters or indicating that it is from a previously unseen situation.
Respiratory motion prediction: A fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Kakar Manish
Published: February 2025

In this study, lung tumour motion modelling and prediction was done using a fuzzy logic approach. The surrogate signal for breathing motion was obtained from 10 different instances of a lung patient by using signals from Realtime Respiratory Motion Management (RPM) system. A regularity criterion (RC criterion) was used to select appropriate inputs for the model for each trace. A first order Sugeno type model was devised by using a subtractive clustering approach. On an average, the prediction error was seen to be 0.21 mm for training and 0.23 mm for testing. The two main advantages of using a fuzzy logic approach are reduction in the input data to enable faster model building and linguistic interpretability for easier clinical use.