bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exporting Simulation Technology to the Philippines: A Comparative Study of Traditional Versus Simulation Methods for Teaching Intravenous Cannulation
Authors: Sotto Juan Alejandro R.  , Ayuste Eduardo C.  , Bowyer Mark W.  , Almonte Josefina R.  , Dofitas Rodney B  , Lapitan Marie C. M.  , Pimentel Elisabeth A.  , Ritter E. Matthew  , Wherry David C.
Published: February 2025

This study examines effectiveness of a donated Laerdal Virtual I.V.™ simulator when compared with traditional methods of teaching intravenous (IV) cannulation to third year medical students in the Philippines. Forty novice Filipino medical students viewed an instructional video on how to start intravenous lines and were then randomly divided into two groups of twenty. The “Traditional” group observed an IV insertion on an actual patient performed by an experienced practitioner, and then subsequently performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The “Simulation” group practiced the Virtual I.V.™ simulator until they successfully completed level three using the “doctor” setting. These students then performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The videotapes for both groups were reviewed by two pre-trained (Inter-rater reliability of ≥0.84) observers who were blinded to the group using a previously validated checklist for IV insertion. Students trained on the Virtual I.V.™ showed significantly greater success in successfully starting an IV on an actual patient (40% VS. 15%, p<0.05), decreased constrictive band time (p<.05), increased raw score on the check list (p<.03), and decreased overall time to start an IV (p<.05). The technology was well received but wider application in the non western world is limited by lack of in country company support and the relative expense.
Towards Medical Terahertz Sensing of Skin Hydration
Authors: Suen Jonathan Y.  , Tewari Priyamvada  , Taylor Zachary D.  , Grundfest Warren S.  , Lee Hua  , Brown Elliott R.  , Culjat Martin O.  , Singh Rahul S.
Published: February 2025

Terahertz imaging has shown promise as a tool for noninvasive in-vivo detection of skin abnormalities, including skin cancer, burns, scars, and wounds due to its low non-ionizing photon energy and ability to penetrate clothing and gauze. This study examines whether low-level bulk differences in the water content between hyperhydrated and dehydrated skin can be detected using a scanning, reflective THz imaging system. Our results show an 8.7x difference in the THz reflectivity between hyperhydrated and dehydrated specimens of chicken skin. The results provide further evidence that water concentration is the primary contrast mechanism in reflective THz biomedical imaging.
Event Extraction for Italian Using a Cascade of Finite-State Grammars
Authors: Zavarella Vanni  , Tanev Hristo  , Piskorski Jakub
Published: February 2025

This paper reports on our experience of adapting a real-world live event extraction system based on a cascade of finite-state extraction grammars to the processing of a new language, namely Italian. The real-time event extraction processing chain and the pattern specification language are briefly presented. The major part of the paper focuses on the creation of event extraction grammars and related resources for English and their adaptation for extracting events in Italian news articles. Some interesting phenomena which complicate the event extraction task for Italian are pinpointed and the results of the evaluation are presented. In particular, we compared two versions of the system for Italian, one based on surface-level patterns and a hybrid one, which integrates slightly more linguistically sophisticated patterns for covering a rich variety of morphological and syntactic constructions in Italian.
Availability and usage of ICT applications among European primary care physicians
Authors: Meyer Ingo  , Hüsing Tobias  , Dobrev Alexander  , Korte Werner  , Artmann Jörg  , Stroetmann Karl
Published: February 2025

While differences in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in European general practices are decreasing more and more, actual use rates – in particular, for more advanced applications – are about as different as the languages spoken by GPs throughout the European Union. This is one finding of a representative survey among GPs in Europe carried out by empirica on behalf of the European Commission. The resulting patchwork pattern of eHealth use shows that there is still some distance to go before all the potential benefits of eHealth in general practice can be reaped by all the EU member states.
IT for Advanced Life Support in Hospitals
Authors: Pedersen Birgitte Seierøe  , Jeberg Kirsten Ann  , Koerner Christian  , Balslev Claus  , Andersen Peter Oluf  , Jensen Michael Kammer  , Lyng Karen Marie
Published: February 2025

In this study we analyzed how IT support can be established for the treatment and documentation of advanced life support (ALS) in a hospital. In close collaboration with clinical researchers, a running prototype of an IT solution to support the clinical decisions in ALS was developed and tried out in a full scale simulation environment. We have named this IT solution the CardioData Prototype.
Improving the Efficiency and Accuracy of a Tablet PC Interface for Computerized Provider Order Entry Through Usability Evaluation and Provision of Data Entry Strategies
Authors: Dawson John  , Kushniruk Andre
Published: February 2025

Six nurses participated in usability testing sessions during which they entered 35 physician orders using a tablet PC. Their performance was recorded and then replayed to code the user and system behaviours associated with order entry. Results indicate that problematic user navigational and data entry behaviours occur more frequently than system related behaviours but that the latter are associated with much higher error rates. Field-specific data entry strategies introduced during user training were adopted 77.6% of the time and resulted in improved efficiency.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modeling Principles for Data Models
Authors: Torres-Urquidy Miguel Humberto  , Acharya Amit  , Hernandez-Cott Pedro  , Misner Jonathan  , Schleyer Titus
Published: February 2025

We evaluated the effectiveness of modeling principles intended to harmonize the information representation between terminology-ontology models and information models. Our study utilized dental clinical statements and sample dental record questions. We asked experts to define the equivalency (mapping) of these elements and measured their agreement. We modified the data elements and asked the experts to conduct subsequent mappings. We measured the agreement and compared the levels of agreement before and after changes, expecting that agreement would increase. The level of agreement (Kappa) before modeling was 0.3 to 0.4 and after was 0.5 (p<0.05). The difference was small but statistically significant. Our results suggest that the modeling principles improve information representation since agreement increased.
Classification of DNA microarray data with Random Projection Ensembles of Polynomial SVMs
Authors: Bertoni Alberto  , Folgieri Raffaella  , Valentini Giorgio
Published: February 2025

In this paper we propose and experimentally analyze ensemble methods based on random projections (as feature extraction method) and SVM with polynomial kernels (as learning algorithm). We show that, under suitable conditions, polynomial kernels are approximately preserved by random projections, with a degradation related to the square of the degree of the polynomial. Experimental results with Random Subspace and Random Projection ensembles of polynomial SVMs, support the hypothesis the low degree polynomial kernels, introducing with high probability lower distortions in the projected data, are better suited to the classification of high dimensional DNA microarray data.
Tracing soil pollution dynamics near mining dump site lakes, Mirkovo flotation plant
Authors: Nikolov H.  , Borisova D.
Published: February 2025

Mining plants are one of the factors having major negative impact on the area where they are situated. In the case of Mirkovo floatation plant, located in the outskirts of Stara Planina Mountain in the middle of Bulgaria, the pollution comes from two major sources – dust from milling shop and waste water from floatation shop. The investigations are carried out deal with determination of the impact on the soils and vegetation in the neighborhood areas using reflectance information from multispectral data and supporting hyperspectral in-situ measurements. During the research preliminary information about mineral content of the ore material coming from the mine and soil type is also considered.
Determination of flood risks in the yeniçiftlik stream basin by using remote sensing and GIS techniques
Authors: Akar İrfan  , Maktav D.  , Uysal C.
Published: February 2025

Floods are among the most devastating natural hazards in Turkey and worldwide, causing the largest amount of casualties and property damage. GIS and remote sensing methods are very attractive, fast, and reliable tools for various flood applications and management. In this study, we investigated floods which occurred and are likely to occur in a study area in Istanbul, Turkey, to determine the potential use of these tools with respect to these floods. Floods which caused loss of life and property in the Yeniçiftlik stream basin located within the boundaries of Beykoz, a suburb of Istanbul, attracted our attention due to their negative impact on human life and activities, and this was selected as the study area. Many geographical parameters such as vegetation, topographic and geologic features, precipitation, and land use features play a significant role in the occurrence of flood related disasters. Data used were topographic, soil, vegetation, and geological maps at scale 1:25000, IKONOS pan-sharpened imaging (02.03.2008), as well as aerial photographs taken in 2006. Using the Arcinfo 9.2 Spatial Analyst module, flood risk maps were created, assigning different weights to vegetation, geologic and land use features, and other morphometric features such as slope, aspect, and so on. Land use and vegetation features were determined by applying a supervised classification technique to IKONOS data. All data were processed using HEC-GeoRAS (in ArcGIS) and HEC-RAS software. The results indicate that the precision and diversity of the data used greatly affects the precision of these risk maps.
The effects of terrain illumination correction on automatic classification
Authors: Bernardini Annamaria  , Malinverni Eva S.  , Galli Andrea  , Marcheggiani Ernesto  , Zingaretti Primo
Published: February 2025

In Remote Sensing analysis it was pointed out that the reflectance of many land covers is influenced by solar illumination, that differs in dependence of the shape of the terrain. These terrain illumination effects can affect automatic classification methods, due to the fact that similar land covers produce different reflectance values. In the present study we compared some radiometric image correction methods applied to reduce differential illumination effects to an IKONOS image dataset. In literature Cosine Correction (1) based on the assumption of an isotropic (Lambertian) reflectance, is widely argued. However several authors showed that this method overcorrects the images (2, 3, 4) mainly in faintly illuminated areas. In our research we applied the C-correction method (1, 3) and a modified version of the Normalization method (5). Finally we performed an automatic classification to assess if the proposed DEM based altimetry effect correction improves the results.
Estimation of daily actual evapotranspiration in Algerian semiarid environment with satellite ASTER
Authors: Hamimed A.  , Khaldi A.  , Mederbal K.  , Seddini A.
Published: February 2025

The main aim of this study is the use of the satellite ASTER data for assessing the daily actual evapotranspiration by solving the energy balance equation at the surface. The energy balance model used is SEBAL (surface energy balance algorithm for land). It is a one-source model that calculates the net radiation, soil heat flux and sensible heat flux at each remote sensing pixel and estimates the latent heat flux as the residual term in the energy balance. It involves in input the NDVI, surface temperature and albedo. The study area encompassed by ASTER image contains extremes in surface albedo, vegetation cover and surface temperature values. It corresponds to Ksar Chellala plains in Algeria.
Assessment of different topographic corrections in MODIS data for mapping effective snow covered areas in mountainous terrain
Authors: Akyürek Z.  , Şorman A.Ü.
Published: February 2025

Topography and its derivatives (altitude, slope and aspect) have an effect on satellite-measured radiances. For mountainous areas the sun zenith and azimuth angles, as well as direction of observation relative to these are more limiting factors. In this paper four topographic normalization methods were used to correct the reflectance values of medium spatial resolution satellite data, namely MODIS. The performance of the topographic normalization methods is examined for snow covered areas of the study area located in the eastern part of Turkey. Modeling of snow-covered area in the mountainous regions of Eastern Turkey has significant importance in order to forecast snowmelt discharge especially for optimum use of water in energy production, flood control, irrigation and reservoir operation optimization. MOD09GKM data, which have the land surface reflectance having atmospheric correction, digital elevation model (DEM) and the geo-location files (MOD03) were used. It is obtained that statistical empirical correction method worked better compared to the other methods in removing the terrain effects for snow covered areas. The importance of topographic normalization in mapping the effective snow covered area in snowmelt modeling is also discussed and the early findings of Satellite Application Facilities on Hydrology (H-SAF) project, which is financially supported by EUMETSAT, is presented. Turkey is a part of the H-SAF project, both in product generation (e.g. snow recognition, fractional snow cover and snow water equivalent) for mountainous regions for whole Europe, cal/val of satellite-derived snow products with ground observations (synoptic, automated weather stations and snow courses) and impact studies with hydrological modeling in the mountainous terrain of Europe.
Investigation of the potential of multiscopic VHR satellite imagery for the production of 3D models of complex urban areas
Authors: Tack F.  , Goossens R.  , Buyuksalih G.
Published: February 2025

In this treatise the discussion of a methodology and results of semi-automatic city DSM extraction from an Ikonos triplet, is introduced. Built-up areas are known as being complex for photogrammetric purposes, partly because of the steep changes in elevation caused by buildings and urban features. To make DSM extraction more robust and to cope with the specific problems of height displacement, concealed areas and shadow, a multi-image based approach is followed. For the VHR tri-stereoscopic study an area extending from the centre of Istanbul to the urban fringe is chosen. Research will concentrate, in first phase on the development of methods to optimize the extraction of photogrammetric products from the bundled Ikonos triplet. Optimal methods need to be found to improve the radiometry and geometry of the imagery, to improve the semi-automatically derivation of DSM's and to improve the postprocessing of the products. Secondly we will also investigate the possibilities of creating stereo models out of images from the same sensor taken on a different date, e.g. one image of the stereo pair combined with the third image. Finally the photogrammetric products derived from the Ikonos stereo pair as well as the products created out of the triplet and the constructed stereo models will be investigated by comparison with a 3D reference. This evaluation should show the increase of accuracy when multi-imagery is used instead of stereo pairs.
Towards an Architecture for a Real World Internet
Authors: Gluhak Alexander  , Bauer Martin  , Montagut Frederic  , Stirbu Vlad  , Johansson Mattias  , Bernat Vercher Jesus  , Presser Mirko
Published: February 2025

Sensor and actuator networks (SAN) will play a key role in delivering information about and enable interactions with the physical world for next generations of highly autonomous and adaptive Internet services and applications. Current SAN deployments are still low in numbers and represent heterogeneous, vertically closed solutions. True world awareness can only be achieved if existing and future SANs can be integrated into a scalable real world information and interaction fabric, connecting the current Internet with the physical world. In this paper we present architectural challenges, goals and concepts on the way towards such a real world enabled Internet.
Transcranial Doppler: a Non-Invasive Tool for Monitoring Brain Activity in Virtual Reality Therapy
Authors: Rey Beatriz  , Parkhutik Vera  , Alcañiz Mario  , Tembl Jose  , Naranjo Valery
Published: February 2025

In this work, we propose the use of Transcranial Doppler Monitoring (TCD) as a tool to measure brain activity during the exposure to Virtual Environments (VE) used in clinical therapy sessions. The technique is non-invasive, and can be easily integrated with Virtual Reality (VR) settings. Moreover, it provides a high temporal resolution, which grants the possibility to analyze changes in brain activity during the evolution of a clinical session and to correlate them with specific events that may occur in the VE. We have performed two studies combining TCD with VR. Results of these studies show that it is feasible to use this technique in combination with VR settings designed for virtual therapy. It was observed that immersion and navigation modifications in the VE generated changes in brain activity that can be detected using TCD.
Psychophysiological Arousal and Craving in Smokers, Deprived Smokers, Former Smokers, and Non-Smokers
Authors: Jerome Leigh W.  , Jordan Patricia J.  , Rodericks Rebekah  , Fedenczuk Leon
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the biometric signature associated with tobacco craving and stress elicitation using principles of cue reactivity. Seventy-five non-smokers and smokers (half of whom were tobacco-deprived for 6 hours) took part in a standardized laboratory session during which they were presented with a series of film clips designed to arouse fear, amusement, or craving. Participants self-reported their emotional response to each film clip and wore non-invasive biosensors to collect physiologic data. Findings indicate different patterns of physiologic arousal for smokers than non-smokers; and that among smokers, deprived smokers had significantly different arousal patterns than non-deprived smokers. This article describes how the elicitation of stress and craving can contribute to the prediction of arousal patterns associated with tobacco craving and how this can create new opportunities for smoking cessation intervention. A comparison of each group's patterns of arousal and physiologic activity is presented, with particular focus on the differences between smokers and deprived smokers.
Interpersonal Relationships, Coping Strategies and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescence: An Italian Study
Authors: Milani Luca  , Osualdella Dania  , Di Blasio Paola
Published: February 2025

In a few years the Internet has become one of the most relevant means of socialization and entertainment for Italian adolescents. Studies have established a correlation between poor interpersonal relationship, poor cognitive coping strategies and Problematic Internet Use. The aim of the research was to study the characteristics and correlates of Problematic Internet Use in an Italian sample of adolescents. 98 Italian adolescents aged 14-19 were administered checklists assessing Problematic Internet Use, quality of interpersonal relationships, and cognitive-driven coping strategies. Of the participants, 36.7% are characterized by Problematic Internet Use. This subsample showed poorer interpersonal relationships and cognitive coping strategies compared to the non-problematic subsample. Overall quality of interpersonal relationships and cognitive coping strategies were found to be predictors of the level of Internet Problematic Use.
Socially Assistive Robotics for Stroke and Mild TBI Rehabilitation
Authors: Matarić Maja  , Tapus Adriana  , Winstein Carolee  , Eriksson Jon
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an interdisciplinary research project aimed at developing and evaluating effective and user-friendly non-contact robot-assisted therapy, aimed at in-home use. The approach stems from the emerging field of social cognitive neuroscience that seeks to understand phenomena in terms of interactions between the social, cognitive, and neural levels of analysis. This technology-assisted therapy is designed to be safe and affordable, and relies on novel human-robot interaction methods for accelerated recovery of upper-extremity function after lesion-induced hemiparesis. The work is based on the combined expertise in the science and technology of non-contact socially assistive robotics and the clinical science of neurorehabilitation and motor learning, brought together to study how to best enhance recovery after stroke and mild traumatic brain injury. Our approach is original and promising in that it combines several ingredients that individually have been shown to be important for learning and long-term efficacy in motor neurorehabilitation: (1) intensity of task specific training and (2) engagement and self-management of goal-directed actions. These principles motivate and guide the strategies used to develop novel user activity sensing and provide the rationale for development of socially assistive robotics therapy for monitoring and coaching users toward personalized and optimal rehabilitation programs.
HeartCareII: Patients' Use of a Home Care Web Resource
Authors: Casper Gail R.  , Brennan Patricia Flatley  , Burke Laura J.  , Nicolalde Daniel
Published: February 2025

In a six-month randomized field experiment our team evaluated the impact of a technology-enhanced practice (TEP) model compared to the usual care delivered by home care nurses. Research staff provided computers and technical assistance; home care visit nurses trained patients in the use of the components of the HeartCareII websjte most relevant to their care needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore participant exposure to the web-based HeartCareII resources, the technical core of the TEP. To assess exposure to the HeartCareII resources we counted logins, the number of accesses to the system, over each participant's study period. We determined that more logins occurred during the first four weeks of the participants' time in the study, with 50 percent continuing to logon after 4 weeks. The number of participants accessing the system declined during the ensuing weeks to approximately one-third at eight weeks; almost 15 percent consistently logged in throughout their 24-week course in the experiment. This pattern of exposure to such web-based resources is consistent with findings of prior studies; it may support an episodic need for health resources in the home based on changing health demands.
A Method to Improve a Job Process at a Hospital Using the “Unit Process Flow Chart”
Authors: Shimono Ryoko  , Tsuru Satoko  , Iizuka Yoshinori  , Kato Shogo  , Munechika Masahiko  , Kaneko Masaaki
Published: February 2025

The development of methods to improve the quality of services provided at hospitals has been essential owing to the inadequacy of arrangements for standard procedures and the inadequacy of work instructions based on such procedures. In this paper, we propose a method that involves the following steps: description of the job process, analysis of the causes of incidents, and the planning of improvements for the relevant job process. This method describes a healthcare process using a set of unit process flow charts (UPFCs), which are structured and standardized modules represented in the form of flow charts that elucidate the elements of jobs. Describing a job in this manner allows for an appropriate and in-depth analysis of the causes of incidents that occur during a job process, owing to the fact that the structure and description of the characteristics of relevant unit processes are properly designed. In this paper, we provide a detailed explanation of how this method was developed. Lastly, we apply the method to actual cases at a hospital to illustrate its effectiveness in comparison with the systems that are currently in place.
Integration of Self-management Tools in Personal and Provider e-Health Records
Authors: Jenkins Melinda  , Levy Joslyn  , Cohen Ellen  , Yoon Sunmoo  , Singer Jesse  , Mostashari Farzad
Published: February 2025

Development and evaluation of research-quality informatics tools for self-management support in personal and provider electronic health records (PHRs and EHRs) may improve patient outcomes by facilitating patient and provider education and communication around goal-setting, prompting consistent evidence-based treatment, and providing reminders and feedback. Nurses on primary care teams are well-positioned to advocate for self-management and monitor the use of these informatics tools. This paper presents a design for integrating goal-setting tools into PHRs and EHRs. Keeping in mind the potential of enhanced self-management support, challenges in basic issues such as user characteristics, practice traditions of data ownership and workflow, and financing are discussed.
Preparing Nurses to Use Standardized Nursing Language in the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Müller-Staub Maria
Published: February 2025

Research demonstrated nurses' education needs to be able to document nursing diagnoses, interventions and patient outcomes in the EHR. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Guided Clinical Reasoning, a learning method to foster nurses' abilities in using standardized language. In a cluster randomized experimental study, nurses from 3 wards received Guided Clinical Reasoning (GCR), a learning method to foster nurses in stating nursing diagnoses, related interventions and outcomes. Three wards, receiving Classic Case Discussions, functioned as control group. The learning effect was measured by assessing the quality of 225 nursing documentations by applying 18 Likert-type items with a 0-4 scale of the measurement instrument “Quality of Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes” (Q-DIO). T-tests were applied to analyze pre-post intervention scores. GCR led to significantly higher quality of nursing diagnosis documentation; to etiology-specific nursing interventions and to enhanced nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. Before GCR, the pre-intervention mean in quality of nursing documentation was = 2.69 (post-intervention = 3.70; p<.0001). Similar results were found for nursing interventions and outcomes. In the control group, the quality remained unchanged. GCR supported nurses' abilities to state accurate nursing diagnoses, to select effective nursing interventions and to reach enhanced patient outcomes. Nursing diagnoses (NANDA-I) with related interventions and patient outcomes provide a knowledgebase for nurses to use standardized language in the EHR.
The Linkage of Nursing Assessment and Nursing Workload
Authors: Baumberger Dieter  , Hunstein Dirk
Published: February 2025

The automated linkage of nursing assessment, nursing interventions, nursing workload measurement, and outcomes supports the user in practice and increases the explanatory power of nursing data, e.g. in DRG systems. Practice relevant data should therefore be available for the different needs for information by policy, management, research and training. To this end, two projects have gradually linked the outcome-oriented nursing assessment instrument AcuteCare (ePA-AC) and the nursing intervention and workload measurement system LEP®Nursing 3 with each other.
Investigation of the Load on the Lumbar Region in Nursing Technique's Movements – Relation between Twist and Surface Electromyogram
Authors: Maekawa Yasuko  , Shiozaki Akira  , Majima Yukie
Published: February 2025

This study measured the twist angle of the lumbar region and the surface electromyogram (EMG) and examined their mutual relation to elucidate the degree and influence of factors of “twist” in nursing techniques as a cause of lower back pain. Using a goniometer (two-way angle and twist sensors) and an EMG(SX230; DKH Co., Ltd.), we conducted measurements by affixing the goniometer on the lumbar vertebral column and EMG sensor at four points of right and left sides of L2 and L4 (of the erector muscle of the spine). The measured nursing techniques were three common methods of “transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair,” which is said to impart a heavy load on the lumbar region. Results show that the correlation value between the twist angle rate and mean energy is likely to be greater, suggesting that the magnitude of the load on the lumbar region should be related to the twist speed rather than to the twist angle of the movement itself.
Classification of Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Stausberg Jürgen  , Kiefer Emanuel
Published: February 2025

Different classifications of pressure ulcer are in use making national and international studies on epidemiological issues as well as on effects of prophylactical and therapeutical interventions difficult. A systematic literature search identified 31 pressure ulcer classifications. Thirteen could be retrieved and were further analyzed. Six variants of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) differ totally in number of classes, hierarchical structure, characteristics included, and level of detail. They share only the fact of a “pressure ulcer”. Recommendations of expert organizations and clinical classifications differ as well. The currently introduced grade “suspected deep tissue injury” in the classification proposed by the US-National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) is neither present in the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) one, nor in the ICD variants. Being aware of the reliability issue in pressure ulcer diagnosis and grading, the situation is appalling. Furthermore, stage adjusted quality assessment, prophylaxis and therapy ends with the borders of a classification. We call the WHO to initiate a harmonization of the ICD variants of pressure ulcer classification and to cooperate with experts' organizations in this field, particularly with regard to the development of ICD-11. Reports on pressure ulcer should always mention the classification used.
Psychometric Properties of the Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale
Authors: Yoon Sunmoo  , Yen Po-Yin  , Bakken Suzanne
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and responsiveness of the Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale (SANICS). Combined BS/MS nursing students (N=336) completed the 93-item scale, which was based upon published and locally-developed nursing informatics competency statements. Exploratory principal component analysis with oblique promax rotation extracted five factors comprising 30 items that explained 63.7% of the variance: clinical informatics role (α=.91), basic computer knowledge and skills (α=.94), applied computer skills: clinical informatics (α=.89), nursing informatics attitudes (α=.94), and wireless device skills (α=.90). Scale responsiveness was supported by significantly higher factor scores following an informatics course. This study provided preliminary evidence for the factor structure, internal consistency reliability and responsiveness of the 30-item SANICS. Further testing other samples is recommended.
Australian Nursing Informatics Competency Project
Authors: Foster Joanne  , Bryce Julianne
Published: February 2025

A study of Australian nurses on their use of information technology in the workplace was undertaken by the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) in 2007. This study of over 4000 nurses highlighted that nurses recognise benefits to adopting more information technology in the workplace although there are significant barriers to their use. It also identified gross deficits in the capacity of the nursing workforce to engage in the digital processing of information. Following the release of the study last year, the ANF commenced work on a number of key recommendations from the report in order to overcome identified barriers and provide opportunities for nurses to better utilise information technology and information management systems. One of these recommendations was to seek research funding to develop national information technology and information management competency standards for nurses. This project has now received Federal Government funding to undertake this development. This project is being developed in collaboration with the ANF and the Queensland University of Technology. This paper will discuss the methodology, development and publication of the Australian Nursing Informatics Competency Standards Project which is currently underway and due for completion in May 2009. The Australian Nursing Informatics Competencies will be presented at the conference.
Improving the Academic Programming Process in a School of Nursing Using Computational Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Clancy Thomas R.  , White-Delaney Connie  , Mako Margo
Published: February 2025

In recent years, academic institutions have been challenged to search for new methods to provide high quality education and research at an affordable cost. This study used a unique methodology, computational modeling and simulation, to investigate faculty productivity at a school of nursing from 2004 till 2007. A model of the academic programming process was built in Arena, a discrete event simulation software package. The model predicted significant improvements in baseline faculty percent effort (PE) after reducing variation in class distribution throughout the week, combining classes with enrollment of 10 or less, adding additional faculty and standardizing PE policies. Performance metrics for faculty productivity showed significant improvement post implementation of recommendations in 2007.
Applying RFID Systems to Improve the Correctness of Newborn Identity Reconfirmation
Authors: Ou Yang Ming-Hui  , Huang Hui Ling  , Huang Shan
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is mainly lies in using the RFID technology with function such identifying, tracking and the repetition read-write characteristic, applies in the newborn newborn's identity identification, from the delivery room birth until to discharged from hospital. Through this system to establish, Improve the accuracy of drug delivery, guarantees the newborn identity identification effectively the safety control.
Transforming the Fall-Injury Risk Assessment Tool from Paper to Electronic
Authors: Hyrkas Kristiina  , Bergeron Daniel  , Chapman Joanne  , Bachand Deborah  , Currie Leanne
Published: February 2025

In order to ensure the highest possible safety for our patients, we identified a need to introduce a falls risk assessment tool with high sensitivity, specificity and reliability within our institution. A comparative research study was conducted which evaluated several instruments against actual patient falls. Based on the findings a new instrument was selected and converted to an electronic format compatible with existing nursing informatics systems. We are now testing the use of this version of the instrument for its ability to guide appropriate interventions that prevent falls.
Caregivers' Knowledge and Skills: which Reality?
Authors: Teixeira Manuela  , Pinto Joana
Published: February 2025

The study is taking place in the Orthopaedic ward in Matosinhos Local Health Care Unit and its aim is to assess informal caregivers' knowledge and skills in the case of patients dependent in self-care. The information is being gathered through an interview with closed questions to sixty caregivers at the time of discharge concerning existing knowledge and skills; a second interview is then carried out later during the first nursing appointment in the hospital, only this time concerning information sources that the caregivers used to address deficits in knowledge and skills shown at the time of discharge.
Running Medical Image Analysis on GridFactory Desktop Grid
Authors: Orellana Frederik  , Niinimaki Marko  , Zhou Xin  , Rosendahl Peter  , Müller Henning  , Waananen Anders
Published: February 2025

At the Geneva University Hospitals work is in progress to establish a computing facility for medical image analysis, potentially using several hundreds of desktop computers. Typically, hospitals do not have a computer infrastructure dedicated to research, nor can the data leave the hospital network for the reasons of privacy. For this purpose, a novel batch system called GridFactory has been tested along-side with the well-known batch system Condor. GridFactory's main benefits, compared to other batch systems, lie in its virtualization support and firewall friendliness.
Ontology-Based Privacy Compliance on European Healthgrid Domains
Authors: Rahmouni Hanene Boussi  , Solomonides Tony  , Mont Marco Casassa  , Shiu Simon
Published: February 2025

The harmonization of data protection law in Europe has been theoretically achieved by means of the EU directive on data protection [1]. In practice the harmonization is not absolute and conflicts continue to exist on the ways member states are implementing the directive. The integration of different European medical systems by means of grid technologies will continue to be challenging if technology does not intervene to enhance interoperability between national regulatory frameworks on data protection. In this paper we present an approach to automate privacy requirements for the sharing of patient data across Europe on a healthgrid [2] domain and ensure its enforcement internally and within external domains where the data might travel. This approach is based on the semantic modelling of privacy obligations that are of legal, ethical or cultural nature. These requirements are for the sharing of personal data between different European member states. Our model reflects both similarities and conflicts, if any, between the different member states. This will allow us to reason on the safeguards a data controller should ask from an organization belonging to another member state before disclosing medical data to them. The system will also generate the relevant set of policies to be enforced at the process level of the grid to ensure privacy compliance before allowing access to the data.
Crossing HealthGrid Borders: Early Results in Medical Imaging
Authors: Olabarriaga Sílvia  , Glatard Tristan  , Hoheisel Andreas  , Nederveen Aart J.  , Krefting Dagmar
Published: February 2025

Image analysis has been strongly present in several healthgrid initiatives from the start, and today we find many imaging projects with successful grid implementations and developments. An example is the analysis of functional MRI data on grids, which has been successfully realized by several projects and that could be of interest for others. However, crossing the borders of existing grids is not trivial because the infrastructures being created for these projects differ, each adopting a (slightly) different software stack. This paper describes our early attempts to cross the borders between the German and Dutch grid infrastructures for medical imaging, motivated by a true wish to share expertise about fMRI analysis on grids between these two communities. We describe how we used off-the-shelf, production-level, grid technology to implement supporting mechanisms for cooperation in fMRI at several levels (users, data, software, workflows and computing resources). This simple exercise provided us valuable insights into the problems of crossing the borders of real grids from a user's perspective. Besides technical aspects, we observed that security and usability are very important for the success of inter-operation of Healthgrid.
A Phoneme-Based Student Model for Adaptive Spelling Training
Authors: Baschera Gian-Marco  , Gross Markus
Published: February 2025

We present a novel phoneme-based student model for spelling training. Our model is data driven, adapts to the user and provides information for, e.g., optimal word selection. We describe spelling errors using a set of features accounting for phonemic, capitalization, typo, and other error categories. We compute the influence of individual features on the error expectation values based on previous input data using Poisson regression. This enables us to predict error expectation values and to classify errors probabilistically. Our model is generic and can be utilized within any intelligent language learning environment.
Effective Tutoring with Affective Embodied Conversational Agents
Authors: Moyo Sharon  , Piwek Paul
Published: February 2025

This PhD project aims to investigate the impact of affective embodied conversational agents (ECAs) on the learning of pupils. Based on the idea that there is a link between emotions and learning, we are developing an affective tutoring system in two domains: Information Technology and Business Studies. We will evaluate the system in a classroom setting over several weeks, with each student being assigned to one of the following two conditions: ECA with cognitive strategy only versus ECA with combined affective and cognitive strategy.
High load tests on VM-piles for the quay wall Euromax
Authors: van Paassen B.P.H.  , van Dalen J.H.
Published: February 2025

At the Port of Rotterdam, BAM Civiel has recently built a 1900 m long quay wall which now serves at the new deep-water container terminal ‘Euromax’. Anchorage of this quay wall, which is designed for 12.500 TEU ships, is provided by 56 m long VM-piles: slender H-shaped beams that are grouted during pile driving. As a result of the functional requirements of the quay wall and the center to center distance of 5.5 m, these MV piles are designed to resist a design load of 7200 kN/pile.
Some remarks on the effect of soil-nail interface stress state on the determination of pullout resistance of driven nails
Authors: Di Fonzo G.  , Flora A.  , Nicotera M.V.  , Manfredi G.  , Prota A.
Published: February 2025

At the University of Napoli Federico II a comprehensive research programme was started to study soil nailed structures in the soft pyroclastic silty sands (pozzolana) widely spread in the subsoil of Napoli. The program includes tests on nails instrumented with strain gauges in a large pullout apparatus and 3D numerical analyses. In the paper, the preliminary results obtained with the latter will be presented and compared with some of the experimental pullout test results. Installation of driven nails induces a stress disturbance at the soil nail interface, which is essentially a reduction of normal stresses and a tendency of the stress state to become isotropic. It is argued that numerical testing can be usefully adopted to understand the true soil nail interface failure mechanism and to highlight the link between it and the overall pullout strength, instead of being used just to fit the experimental pullout curves.
Comportement d'un pieu isolé soumis à un chargement cyclique horizontal
Authors: Rakotonindriana J.  , Le Kouby A.  , Mestat Ph.  , Thorel L.
Published: February 2025

Un modèle réduit de pieu isolé instrumenté, installé dans du sable de Fontainebleau sec, est soumis à un chargement cyclique horizontal à grand nombre de cycles (25000) dans la centrifugeuse du LCPC Nantes. L'évolution des déplacements en tête, des moments le long du pieu et des courbes p-y avec le nombre de cycles est présentée dans le cas d'un sable moyennement dense. Le déplacement en tête et le moment maximal dans le pieu augmentent avec le nombre de cycles. Après le chargement cyclique, un chargement monotone fait apparaître que le comportement (déplacements, moments résiduels) est influencé par le nombre de cycles appliqués. Pour les courbes p-y, on observe une diminution de la résistance p.
Numerical modeling of pile installation
Authors: Henke S.  , Grabe J.
Published: February 2025

Pile installation leads to significant changes in the main state variables of the surrounding soil. Furthermore, the installation process may have an influence on adjacent or intersecting structures. In this paper, three-dimensional numerical analyses are presented to investigate the effect on the surrounding soil and on adjacent structures due to driving piles with open and closed cross-section into the subsoil. Two different installation methods are used: quasi-static pile jacking and vibratory pile driving. The numerical models are validated using measurement data of in-situ field tests during the construction of the quay wall CT4 in Bremerhaven.
Back analysis of a deep excavation-pile interaction using 3-D finite element analysis
Authors: Soe M.S.  , Leung C.F.  , Shen R.F.  , Liew Y.K.  , Kho C.M.
Published: February 2025

In the course of underground Mass Rapid Transit construction in Singapore, there was a cut and cover excavation that ran parallel to an existing expressway viaduct supported by piles. Engineers are concerned on the effects of excavation-induced soil movement on the adjacent existing pile foundations supporting the viaduct structure and had set stringent deflection limit for the pile caps during and after construction. This paper focuses on the bending moment and deflection responses of the 4-pile groups supporting the viaduct adjacent to the deep excavation. Back analysis was conducted using 3-dimensional finite element analysis and the calculated results were compared against the instrument observations. The results of the comparison reveal that the finite element analysis can predict the pile deflection reasonably well.
Geotechnical properties of Brazilian marine clays
Authors: Barros J.M.C.  , Silveira R.M.S.  , Amaral C.S.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the main results obtained from an extensive laboratory investigation on Brazilian marine clays. Samples were collected from different depths in eight petroleum fields (Marlim, Marlim Leste, Marlim Sul, Espadarte, Jabuti, Jubarte, Cachalote and Roncador) located in Campos basin and one petroleum field (Piranema) located in Sergipe - Alagoas basin, offshore Brazil. Grain size analyses, Atterberg limits, oedometer tests, isotropically consolidated undrained compression (CIUC) and K0-consolidated undrained compression (CK0UC) triaxial tests, direct simple shear (DSS) and resonant column tests were carried out in samples from 56 cores. Moreover, in some of CIUC triaxial tests, maximum shear moduli (Gmax) were determined by using bender elements inserted into the specimens. The SHANSEP technique was used in the investigation to study the undrained behavior of the marine clays. A summary of the main characteristics of compressibility, deformability and undrained strength (su) of the soils investigated is presented. Finally, a correlation between Gmaxvalues obtained with bender elements and sufrom CIUC tests is shown in the paper.