bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Opening on the Shear Strength in Direct Shear Box Test
Authors: Kim Byeong-Su  , Kato Shoji  , Shibuya Satoru  , Park Seong-Wan
Published: February 2025

This paper examined the effects of opening between the shear boxes on the shear behavior in the direct shear box test (DST) using seven kinds of granular material. In particular, the results using Toyoura sand were discussed according to the existence of application of Teflon sheet. This study could be classified into two parts. Firstly, the effects of opening size on the shear behavior were studied without the application of Teflon sheet. It was found from these results that if the opening size between the shear boxes exceeds some allowable value, the angle of internal friction is decreased abruptly due to the loss of sample through the opening. Secondly, the threshold point (T.P) was defined in the relationship between opening size and angle of internal friction. The relationships between the mean particle size (d50) and the threshold point were distributed around a unique line (TL: Threshold Line) regardless of the kinds of sample. This line will offer a guideline for the opening size in DST of type C.
Characterization of stress-strain response of thermally cured lime stabilized expansive clay
Authors: Nasrizar Amir Asad  , Muttharam M.  , Ilamparuthi K.
Published: February 2025

A high plastic clay (CH) soil was treated with lime contents of 3%, 5% and 7%. The soil-lime mix was compacted to required unit weight at room temperature and cured at temperatures of 5°C, 30°C and 50°C for 7, 14 and 28 days. Unconfined compression tests were performed on the cured samples. The purpose of the test was to obtain stress-strain response of the stabilized specimens and also to examine the nature of failure of specimen.
Interpretation of Micromechanical Behavior of Reconstituted Kaolin Soils under 1-D Consolidation
Authors: Yigit Ibrahim  , Cinicioglu S. Feyza
Published: February 2025

Analysis of microstructural behavior of soils is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of macro behavior. This is because the soil constitutive behavior that is observed at the macro scale is controlled by microstructural changes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in soil fabric during the consolidation process. For this purpose, one-dimensional consolidation tests were conducted during which micrographs were taken at different consolidation stages and load increments. In order to reveal the influence of time and strain-rate on one dimensional consolidation behavior of clays, attention is mainly given to the change of fabric with time at a specific loading increment. The results imply the presence of a continuous interaction mechanism both among the solids and also between the solids and pore water, while soil fabric arranges itself to absorb the energy induced by applied loads.
Displacement and Rotation Measurements of Particles in Shear Zone
Authors: Haruyuki Yamamoto  , Hirokazu Kunizawa
Published: February 2025

In this study, direct shear tests were performed by using the layered product of aluminum rods that a granular material is simplified to investigate the displacement and rotation of particles in shear zone. Then, the displacements each aluminum rods during the shear were observed by the technique of image measurement, and the local displacements and rotations are compared and examined with each particle size tests. From the observed results, it was found out that the tendencies of the shear stress- shear displacement relation and vertical displacement-shear displacement relation were similar to the behavior in the direct shearing of the actual sand material well in the deformed aluminum rods aggregate during the shear. A clear boundary plane can be seen in the distribution charts of the horizontal and vertical displacements of the tracking points in the adjacent area of the shear plane, and the formation of the shear band could be confirmed caused by the progress of the shear failure. The rotation of particles were active in the inside area of the boundary plane as compared with the un-dynamic particles in the outside area. Then, the width of the shear band was about 10-15 times of the average particle diameter. This result was consistent with the results measured in the direct shear tests of Toyoura sand (the average particle diameter is 0.19 mm) in the previous study.
Cyclic Behaviour of Soft Soil Subgrade Improved by Prefabricated Vertical Drains
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima  , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat  , Jing Ni
Published: February 2025

The behaviour of saturated soft clays subjected to cyclic loading is of considerable importance in the design of railway subgrades. Soft clays can be extensively found in many coastal regions of Australia up to significant depths, including the coastal belt and the central part of NSW. These soft clay deposits are characterised by very low bearing capacity and excessive settlement. The increase in generated excess pore pressures due to heavy freight trains significantly reduces the bearing capacity and causes serious damage to the rail infrastructure such as clay pumping underneath railway tracks and excessive subsidence. The use of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) is one of the popular methods for soft ground improvement. In this paper, the behaviour of soft clay subjected to cyclic loads is investigated using large-scale triaxial tests. Cyclic triaxial tests on remoulded soft clay samples with and without vertical drains have been carried out using a large-scale triaxial apparatus designed and built at the University of Wollongong. It was found that the PVD under cyclic loading allows the generated cyclic excess pore pressures to dissipate during and after the cyclic load application. The extent of smear zone was approximately three times the equivalent diameter of the mandrel used during installation and is comparable to the generally accepted relationship between mandrel and smear produced under static loading. The case history at Sandgate Rail Grade Separation Project is also presented with a Class A numerical prediction. Design methodology and finite element analysis are discussed through associated settlement and lateral displacement.
Mechanical Characteristics of Waste Tire Powder–added Lightweight Soil as a Flowable Backfill Material
Authors: Kim Yun-Tae  , Kang Hyo-Sep
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the mechanical characteristics of waste tire powder–added lightweight soil (WTLS) in which dredged soils, waste tire powder and bottom ash were reused for recycling. In this study, several soil samples were prepared with varying contents of waste tire powder ranged from 0% to 100% at 25% intervals by the dredged soil weight. The mixed soil samples were subjected to unconfined compression test, 1-D compression test, and elastic wave test to investigate their unconfined compressive strengths, compression characteristics and small strain properties. Test results showed that the unconfined compressive strength and unit weight decreased as the waste tire powder content increased. Also stress–strain relationship of WTLS showed a ductile behavior rather than a brittle behavior. The result of elastic wave tests indicated that the higher waste tire powder content, the lower elastic wave velocity and the lower shear modulus.
Yield surface of an artificially cemented silty sand
Authors: Rios Sara  , Viana da Fonseca António  , Baudet Beatrice  , Sammonds Peter
Published: February 2025

Test data from triaxial tests carried out on cemented sand at low to high pressures are presented. The specimens were prepared at different cement contents while keeping the ratio of the porosity to the volumetric cement content constant. This ratio, also called porosity/cement index, appears to have more influence on aspects of behaviour of the cemented soil such as the stress path, stress-strain response and yield surface than the cement content.
Strain-dependent Dynamic Characteristics of Cement-treated Clay
Authors: Kim Ah-Ram  , Chang Ilhan  , Cho Gye-Chun  , Kang Yeoun-Ike
Published: February 2025

Deep cement mixing (DCM) is one of the most widely used methods for soft ground improvement. The DCM method injects cementitious material into soft ground and mixes the resultant mixture to effectively improve strength, stiffness and other geotechnical properties of the ground. However, seismic hazards caused by sea waves, tides, tsunamis, and earthquakes are not considered in the design stage of the DCM method. Unexpected seismic problems may cause small to large deformation of the cement-treated soil. Therefore, a resonant column (RC) test was performed to measure the strain-dependent dynamic properties of cement-treated Ulsan clay. The results show an increase in shear stiffness with time during hardening of cement-treated clay. Different trends of strain-dependent G/Gmax and damping are observed with curing time. Estimated dynamic properties of cement-treated clay provide meaningful information for seismic analyses.
Effect of Suction on Shear Strength of Unsaturated Compacted Silty Sands under Low Confining Pressure
Authors: Kwon Hong-Gi  , Park Seong-Wan  , Kim Byeong-Su  , Kato Shoji
Published: February 2025

In order to evaluate the mechanical behavior of compacted soil under the low confining pressure, a series of the unconfined compression test under the constant water content in unsaturated state were performed on silty sand. The specimen used was made by the static compaction method. The shear strength, the negative pore water pressure and the volume change during the shear process were measured under the undrained condition. The shear strength and deformation behaviors under various densities were compared based on initial suctions of soils. As a result, UC test shows a possibility to apply the suction stress as a stress component to the peak and the post peak strength states under unsaturated conditions comparing with the failure lines of saturated state.
A Major Depression Patient Evolution Model Based on Qualitative Reasoning
Authors: Mugica Francisco  , Bagherpour Solmaz  , Nebot Àngela  , Serrano-Blanco Antoni  , Baladón Luisa
Published: February 2025

Providing monitoring and support to patients suffering from Major Depression plays a significant role in preventing reoccurrence and relapse of this disease which are very common characteristic of it. In this work the conceptual design of a Major Depression Remote Intelligent Monitor, called MADRIM is presented. The main goal of MADRIM is to follow the evolution of the patient during his/her recovery in order to understand its behavior and to support preventing the reoccurrence of depression. In this paper one of MADRIM's main modules, i.e. the Patient Evolution Model (PEM), is described in detail. The PEM, based on qualitative reasoning, studies the tendency in the depression level change of each patient. MADRIM is based on different input sources such are clinical data, life events and patient's mood as well as physiological data collected from sensors. As output the system provides three different levels of patient's enhancement information, i.e. progress information, alerts and alarms, to the different actors involved in the treatment, i.e. patients, primary care physicians, psychiatrists and virtual assistants.
Medical Network Security and Viruses
Authors: Fernandez Del Val Carlos
Published: February 2025

Medical network as connecting Hospital Information Systems are needed in order to exchange, compare and make accessible data. The use of OSI standard communication protocols (open-network environment) will allow to interconnect multiple vendor systems and to accommodate a wide range of underlaying of communication technologies.
ASSIST: Assessment of Information Systems and Technologies in Health Care
Authors: Hutton John  , Fagnani Francis  , Joergensen Torben  , Persson Jan  , Saranummi Niilo
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the development of evaluation techniques to be used in the assessment of information technology applied in the health care sector. The potential benefits and costs of such technology are identified and methods of measuring them explored. An approach to evaluation is presented drawing on experience from projects in the AIM Programme.
SCP-ECG : A Standard Communications Protocol for Computerized Electrocardiography
Authors: Willems J.L.  , Zywietz Chr.  , Rubel P.  , Degani R.  , Macfarlane P.W.  , van Bemmel J.H.
Published: February 2025

In the SCP-ECG project a standard communications protocol was developed for computerized electrocardiography, consisting of standards for the interchange, encoding and storage of digital ECG data. The work was performed in three distinct, but closely related workpackages in close collaboration with representatives from academia and industry from all over the world. The objectives and results of SCP-ECG are briefly described in the paper.
VALIDATA : A Comprehensive Computerized System to Deliver Validated Information to Prescribers
Authors: Boissel Jean-Pierre  , Cogan-Collet Jennifer  , Blondeel Luc  , Kaufman Jean-Marc  , Bogaert Marc  , Überla Karl  , Dickson Dorothy  , Girard Patrice  , Tognoni Gianni  , Lubsen Jacobus
Published: February 2025

Several studies have shown that there is a gap between the pertinent information on medical technologies which are available to physicians and the use that is made of this information. This type of gap results in a waste of resources and less than optimum health care. The aim of VALIDATA is to use modern information technology to close the gap, essentially by supplying the European prescriber with validated information in the form of user-friendly messages. Definitions, basic concepts, information fluxes and procedures for handling the information were set up. Prototypes of both procedures and tools were also built and tested. Acceptability of the final product by G.P.s seems good.
MULTIPLE MOTOR REPRESENTATIONS IN THE AGRANULAR FRONTAL CORTEX OF PRIMATES
Authors: Rizzolatti G.
Published: February 2025

Classically, the agranular frontal cortex of the monkey and man has been considered to be formed by two motor areas: the primary motor area and the supplementary motor area. Evidence is presented that this subdivision is inadequate and that the agranular frontal cortex is constituted of at least seven different cortical areas. One of them (Fl) corresponds to the primary motor cortex. Two areas are located on the mesial cortical surface (F3 or “SMA-proper” and F6 or “pre-SMA”), two form the superior sector of area 6 (F2 and F7), and two form the area 6 inferior sector (F4 and F5). It is suggested that these various areas play a different role in motor control and that some of them (e.g. F4 and F5) are mostly involved in transforming visual object properties into motor acts, some (e.g. F2) are involved in proprioceptive control and proprioceptive representation of arm movements and finally some (F6) in decisions about movement initiation.
Investigation of Syntaxes for Existing Interchange Formats to be used in Healthcare
Authors: From Sigurd  , Brox Ellen  , Athwall Punna  , Ottes Leo  , Segers Dirk  , Florin Claude  , Miton François  , Benson Tim
Published: February 2025

This paper gives a summary of the work done by CEN TC 251 PT 004. The project team objective has been to investigate syntaxes of existing interchange formats (IFs) to be used in healthcare. A set of evaluation criteria have been developed based on functional requirements from two healthcare domains. 5 IFs; ASN.l, ASTM E1238, EDIFACT, Euclides and ODA have been evaluated. ASN.l scores highest in the evaluation. However mapping from General Message Models (GMDs) to IF dependent message models (IFMDs) shows that all the IFs can be used. The project team recommends a strategy for development of GMDs, IFs and IFMDs.
Data Interchange for Clinical Neurophysiology
Authors: Jacobs Ernest C.  , Lagerlund Terrence D.  , Collura Thomas F.  , Burgess Richard C.
Published: February 2025

Clinical Neurophysiology is rapidly moving towards complete dependence on digital instrumentation and computer-based systems. ASTM E 1467-92 “Standard Specification for Transferring Digital Neurophysiological Data Between Independent Computer Systems” was developed to allow exchange of multichannel electrophysiological waveforms, embedded textual annotations, results of mathematical processing, and clinical interpretive reports between various instruments and systems. This will pennit integration of the neurophysiology laboratory interaction with hospital and clinic Informations systems, and sharing of data between institutions for clinical or research purposes.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Healthcare Informatics Standards Planning Panel
Authors: Amatayakul Margret
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to describe the US efforts to identify and consolidate all standards activities relating to computer-based patient records.
A Proposed Standard for Registration of Coding Schemes
Authors: Markwell David  , Walker Ray  , Schilders Louis  , Lennartsson Soren  , Bergounioux Jean  , Benson Tim
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a proposed European standard for the Registration of Coding Schemes used in electronic healthcare information exchange. The requirements for such a standard are outlined together with the manner in which the work to meet these requirements has been carried out. The paper includes a summary of the main points contained in the proposed standard and in the supporting documents delivered by the project team. The paper concludes with a report on the progress of this proposal towards acceptance as a standard and a brief comment on how it may influence other work in medical informatics standardisation.
ASSESSMENT OF THE DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE OF ECG COMPUTER PROGRAMS
Authors: Willems Jos L.
Published: February 2025

Methods : A large international study was undertaken to compare 9 ECG and 6 vectorcardiographic (VCG) computer programs using 1220 clinically validated cases. The same ECGs were also read by 9 cardiologists, 8 of whom analysed the ECG and 5 the VCG. The following diagnostic groups were included : normals (N=382) ; left (N=183), right (N=55) and biventricular (N=53) hypertrophy ; anterior (N=170), inferior (N=273) and combined (N=73) myocardial infarction ; combined infarction and hypertrophy (N=31).
CHEMICAL SENSORS FOR IN VIVO MONITORING
Authors: Turner A.P.F.
Published: February 2025

The Concerted Action analysed the clinical problems, identified suitable analytes, and considered sites for continuous in vivo monitoring. As a result its activity focused onto subcutaneous glucose monitoring for diabetes, and intravascular oxygen and ion monitoring for critical care. Common standards for the evaluation and use of continuous invasive glucose sensors were agree. Device strategies were formulated, defining the necessary characteristics and matching them with available technologies. The need for new technology was identified and the development of these systems was promoted, with particular attention to packaging. Recent developments in non-invasive methods were critically evaluated. Clinical testing of sensors was organised and the need for new physiological information identified. An international centre and core of excellence in Europe was established. The practical achievements of the Concerted Action were widely published and summaries appear in the proceedings of the final workshop (Danielsson & Hakansson, Abstracts of Workshop at Snogeholm, Sweden, Oct 1-4. 92 pp.1991) and the book “In vivo chemical sensors: recent developments” (ed. A P F Turner & S J Alcock, Cranfield Press, Bedford 1992). The overall conclusions (summarised in the present report) are published in full in the book “Chemical sensors for in vivo monitoring”, (ed. A P F Turner, JAI press Ltd. 1993). Information was disseminated throughout Europe and internationally. An internationally accessible database was set up.
2.9 Knowledge Based Support for Medical Diagnoses
Authors: OGRODOWCZYK Heidi  , MENDE Detlef  , PAPARODITIS Demetrios  , OSWALD Helmut
Published: February 2025

Until now many applications of knowledge based systems in medicine are technologydriven: some new computational or representational techniques are applied to a particular medical domain. But to get a usable system for the daily clinical routine there is an urgent need for an integrating methodology for medical knowledge based systems construction processes. Such a methodology must consider the organization of the clinical environment where it should run and the tasks in this organization which can profit from the knowledge based systems. The other important part is the interaction with other agents, various types of users (physicians, nurses, other healthcare professionals) and other software systems [17].
3.2 Evaluation of the Realized System Obstacles to Further Integration
Authors: OHLY Martin J.
Published: February 2025

The experiences resulting from the development and extensive trials in BERMED of the open distributed management platform and the integrated medical application have shown the limits of existing approaches to integration, and have shown which obstacles must be overcome before real progress can be made. Most of these obstacles would, at first sight, appear to be trivial. The required technology often exists. The barriers are not only on a technical level. Commercial interests have in the past ensured that proprietary subsystems (particularly imaging modalities) remain closed. In addition, many barriers that affect the introduction and success of computer support can be on a sociological or organizational level. Although these issues must be addressed, they remain outside the scope of this chapter. The experiences in BERMED and the identification of the certain obstacles has led to the definition of a project to provide an infrastructure for the future medical workstation. Certain of these barriers can only be overcome through a concerted industry wide collaboration. The scope of the planned project is detailed in a later chapter (“A Support Platform for Medical Workstations”).
START OF CREATING AN OVERVIEW OF THE RT MARKET
Authors: Soede M.  , Röben P.A.M.E.  , Knops H.T.P.
Published: February 2025

Studies in the area of the market of Rehabilitation Technology (RT) reveal that it is a market with special problems. At this moment there is no comprehensive overview of this market which explains the difficulties, describes the possibilities and relates the different parameters in a structured way. The availability of models which describe the relationships and the influences of various factors is an obvious need; and this is actually the rationale for the CORE project.
Product Duplication
Authors: Carruthers Stuart  , Humphreys Anne  , Sandhu Jim
Published: February 2025

This paper critically examines the prototype products being developed by the European Commission's TIDE initiative. It is suggested that lack of knowledge about the availability of R.T. products originating from member states, America and Japan is arresting the commercial development of products in Europe which have strong commercial potential. It is also suggested that TIDE's remit gives it a responsibility to ensure that all technological research. and development work funded by the Commission, and which might be made directly available to disabled and elderly people, takes their needs fully into account.
Expert Systems and Mathematical Simulation
Authors: Müller L.M.  , Hasman A.  , Blom J.A.
Published: February 2025

Real time expert systems can be helpful to the anesthetist, being in charge of monitoring signals coming from the patient during an operation. The large stream of data can be organized, validated and interpreted by such an intelligent system. A physical model of the patient which is able to simulate the signals that are measured at an actual patient, combined with actual anesthesia equipment, can provide the signals, originating from known faults, from which the knowledge which forms the core of the expert system can be derived. Instead of physical patient models and actual equipment, mathematical models can be used for this task. Mathematical models are more flexible and cheaper than physical models. Our approach, in which we combine knowledge based methods with mathematical simulation models is described in this paper. The medical problem domain will be artificial ventilation of a patient during anesthesia.
GAZE: An Attentional Mechanism for the Extraction of Prominent Facial Features
Authors: Herpers R.  , Kattner H.  , Sommer G.
Published: February 2025

In this paper a technical realization of an attentional mechanism extracting salient regions in face images is presented. Using the knowledge of the eye movement strategies of the human visual system the attentional mechanism localizes prominent regions in natural images. Elementary visual features are derived from high-resolution digitized images and represented in a so called topographical attention map. A top-down algorithm analyzes this map implemented as a multi-scale representation by searching the most salient features in each represented scale. The scale information is propagated from coarse scales to the next higher resolutions while the extent of the fixated region is adapted. After the extraction the selected and now locally limited regions are analyzed and interpreted. The proposed attentional mechanism is part of an image processing system identifying faces with dysmorphic signs. To improve the classification of a local analysis module, it is intended to examine these characteristic areas with specialized algorithms. This knowledge based approach shows that an artificial attention control system is capable of localizing the prominent facial areas (eyes, mouth, nose, etc.) in face images only based on elementary image features. The proposed algorithm can also be used to detect other attentive regions in any images based on appropriate features.
ILE-VT: An Intelligent Learning Environment in Ventilator Therapy
Authors: Lillehaug Svein-Ivar
Published: February 2025

Mechanical ventilation of the lungs is considered to be a complex field which takes several years of practice to achieve mastery. New practitioners in ventilator therapy are plunged from theory and didactic instruction directly into clinical work where training continues on real patients. This often results in sub-optimal therapy which might be dangerous for both the health and life of the patient. With the ventilator therapy patient recognised as one of the most expensive and resource demanding, a sub-optimal therapy also influences the health care economy. One way to improve the quality of ventilator therapy is by improving the ICU personnel's knowledge about, and skills in giving this kind of treatment.
Applying Qualitative Reasoning to Commonsense Physiology
Authors: Arana Inés  , Hunter Jim
Published: February 2025

This paper describes ongoing basic research in the context of reasoning about naive physiology. A qualitative representation of commonsense physiology at various levels of abstraction and detail and high levels of interrelationships is described. This representation is then used to derive the behaviour of a physiological process from the behaviour of its subprocesses and the relationships between them. The model is then perturbed (possibly representing pathophysiology) and a method to derive the effect of such a perturbation by propagating it throughout the model is presented.
Transformation of Compartmental Models into Sequences of Causal Probabilistic Networks
Authors: Oppel Ulrich G.  , Hierle Alexander  , Janke Lydia  , Moser Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

Some metabolic processes are described by compartmental models. They are characterized by a cyclic graph and a system. of differential equations. We introduce a general method to transform such a system into a sequence of acyclic causal probabilistic networks (CPN). This method is based on the solution of the system of differential equations and a stochastification procedure. The result of this transformation is a realistic model of the metabolic process which may be simulated and adapted to new evidence very easily using the shell HUGIN. In contrary to that, the adaption of the deterministic process of the compartmental model to new evidence in general is not possible. Furthermore, such a stochastified description of a metabolic process easily may be modified by adding additional nodes for additional effects to the CPN. We apply this method of transforming a compartmental model into a sequence of CPNs to a simple glucose - insulin model.
RATE AND COMPREHENSION READING SKILLS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: WATSON Gale R.  , WHITTAKER Stephen G.
Published: February 2025

For normally sighted individuals, slow reading is associated with poor comprehension. Experimental research on the relationship between reading and vision have found that degrading the visual properties of text, or low vision, slows reading rate. Low vision professionals earlier assumed that comprehension was lowered by slow rates, however, recent studies have proven this untrue. When readers with macular loss (who presumably had good comprehension prior to loss) completed a rehabilitation program, and attained a high level of visual skills using low vision devices, measured reading comprehension was not related to measured reading rate. The effects of macular loss on reading rate is similar to intentionally slowing the presentation of materials, a procedure that also does not effect comprehension. Given the opportunity, people adjust scrolled reading rate to maintain a constant level of comprehension. Based on the evidence, one cannot assume that among adults, a visual impairment that slows reading will also impede comprehension. In adults with macular loss, who have good visual skills and cognitive abilities, the visual requirements for good comprehension would be met by the visual requirements for even a very slow reading rate. Low vision appears to create an information “bottleneck” that slows the transmission of information from the printed page to the language centers of the brain. Once past the bottleneck, the information may be processed normally.
Visual stimulation of developing humans
Authors: DE VRIES M.J.  , DIK M.
Published: February 2025

A description of the visual stimulation room and the different visual stimuli used to asses the visual capacities and development of visual impaired infants and children is given in this article.
Do Persons with Low Vision Have Special Rights?: A Challenge for Service Providers and An Opportunity for Consumers
Authors: Corn Anne L.
Published: February 2025

Out of a legacy of services to persons who are blind, have come many of the services for those who have low vision. Today, service providers must remain vigilant that the needs which are unique to the experience of having low vision are addressed in a manner which demonstrates respect for the individual’s visual abilities and his or her choices regarding the use of vision. This presentation will propose a “Bill of Rights” from which models of service delivery may emerge. To have integrated services the rights of the individual with low vision will need to be assured; to assure their rights, integrated services will need to be provided.
Teaching Social Skills through a Social Use of Language Programme
Authors: STOCKLEY Jennifer
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a small study in which a group of visually impaired students aged 16 to 20 years were taught social skills. The programme used, emphasised the Social Use of Language. The students were interviewed at the beginning and end of the programme. Analysis of the interview questionnaires indicated positive trends in increased confidence. Results suggest that there were fewer reported difficulties within a range of social interactions. Using a systematic approach to teaching social skills appears to have been moderately successful.
A Study on Vision rehabilitation effectiveness
Authors: WALCZAK Grazyna
Published: February 2025

The reported research study on low vision children sample of 300 on the [primary school level conducted in 1991-1992 was aimed at identifying additional factors which determine the effectiveness of vision training with The Program to Develop Visual Efficiency, by N.C. Barraga and J.E. Morris. A model procedure is presented which would assist low vision instructors in achieving undertaking supportive activities.
Low Vision Care: Is Ongoing Assessment Really Necessary?
Authors: ROBBINS Helen G
Published: February 2025

From 1972 to 1986, the Kooyong Low Vision Clinic identified patients likely to need regular reviews and sent letters, approximately 18 months after initial and subsequent assessments, suggesting a review visit. With increasing demand and funding limitations, these reminders ceased in 1987 and after each assessment patients were advised to contact the clinic if they needed further assistance. This study was carried out to examine how quality of patient care had been affected by the new review system and to develop ways to ensure the best balance between costs and quality of care.
The Visual Advice Centre Eindhoven, An Experiment in Dutch Low Vision Care
Authors: Neve J.J.  , Jorritsma F.F.  , Kinds G.F.
Published: February 2025

The Visual Advice Centre Eindhoven (VAC-E) provides the partially sighted with advice and prescriptions for low vision aids and illumination on the basis of an examination of their individual needs and their residual visual abilities.
VISUAL ACUITY MEASUREMENT for LOW VISION
Authors: Colenbrander August
Published: February 2025

Visual acuity measurement to determine the need for magnification is part of any low vision evaluation, but traditional methods used for normal vision may fail in the Low Vision range. This paper describes a simple and effective system using a one meter intermediate test distance and a near acuity notation that can be used for any reading distance. This systematic approach can provide a more accurate acuity rating and expedite the selection and prescription of aids.
A method to evaluate and rehabilitate the functional vision of visually impaired people
Authors: de la PORTE des VAUX Christine  , HOLZSCHUCH Chantal  , MENU Jean-Pierre  , CORBE Christian
Published: February 2025

An interdisciplinary team developed a method from recent data in the fields of Neurosciences and Cognitive Sciences. Intended for the functional evaluation of visually impaired patients and also for setting up and following a project of adaptated rehabilitation.
The Graduate of Poland’s First Program in Vision Rehabilitation - a Follow-Up Survey
Authors: ADAMOWICZ-HUMMEL Antonina
Published: February 2025

The results of the follow-up survey study of 23 graduates of the Program’s first two classes (1989 and 1990) are presented. The survey questionnaire consisted of 23 questions on graduate’s experience, worksite, caseload, working conditions, and major problems and successes in his/her work as low vision specialist. Conclusions are drawn regarding the need for low vision services for the youngest and the oldest, the improvement of Program curriculum and organization, as well as the upgrading of working conditions and status of vision rehabilitation instructors.
Light and Objects; Perceiving “The Real Thing”
Authors: CORNELISSEN Frans W.  , KOOIJMAN Aart C.  , BOOTSMA Annetje  , van der WILDT Ger-Jan
Published: February 2025

In this study we investigated the relation between the level of illumination and the perception of objects in a realistic visual environment by visually impaired subjects. Not fully surprising, we found that object perception improved when we increased light levels. It should be noticed that substantial improvements could often be observed at light levels that were considerably higher than normal. Furthermore, we found that integrated contrast sensitivity is a suitable summary measure for the contrast sensitivity function. It correlates very well with the number of objects that were detected and recognized at different light levels. It also proved to be a much better predictor of visual performance than visual acuity. We infer from this that when we try to create the best possible illumination for orientation and day-to-day purposes we should optimize a person’s contrast sensitivity. In order to predict perceptual abilities in real life, it is of paramount importance to have a clear description of someone’s contrast sensitivity.
Testing Color Vision of Visually Impaired Person
Authors: MENU Jean-Pierre  , de la PORTE des VAUX Christine  , CORBE Christian
Published: February 2025

Color testing procedures are not well adapted to visually impaired person. A new testing method has been developped on a color Cathode Ray Tube. This special software program can easily evaluate the “functional” color vision of a patient whatever the deficiency is. The first results are described.
Computer-based Decision Support: The Unfulfilled Promise
Authors: van der Lei Johan
Published: February 2025

The actual use of computer-based decision-support systems in routine practice has been disappointingly low. Although underlying reasons need to be studied, actual use is often a trailing indicator for success. One of the characteristics of our technological age seems to be that developments may take decades to mature followed by a rapid dissemination. In the area of computer-based patient records, for example, decades of research had little impact. In recent years, however, the Dutch general practitioners are rapidly introducing computer-based patient records in their practices. Although actual use may be a trailing indicator, paradigms underlying research in the area of computer-based decision support are changing. Two distinct lines of research seem to be emerging. First, those who develop systems for actual use increasingly focus on the environment and setting in which medical decisions are made. That is, the emphasis will shift from casting medical knowledge in some formalism to enabling physicians and other health-care professionals to deliver care, to communicate and to interact. In a second line of research, the notion of casting an individual's expertise in some formalism has been replaced by a focus on the nature of medical knowledge, and how to model that knowledge.
Power Spectrum Analysis of Heart Rate in Diabetic. Patients: A Marker of Autonomic Dysfunction
Authors: WEISE F.  , HEYDENREICH F.
Published: February 2025

Computerized spectral analysis of heart rate variability has been proposed as a sensitive tool to obtain quantitative information on neural control of the heart. Aim of this paper is to address the value of heart rate spectral components in assessing autonomic nervous system damage in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Computer Assisted Clinical Data Analysis
Authors: Mullin Robert L.  , Lippens Marc  , Vertrees James  , Mitchell Keith C.
Published: February 2025

The Diagnosis Related Groups patient classification scheme coupled with desk top PC technology permits sophisticated analysis of patient medical data. Individuals with no programming knowledge can produce sophisticated analysis. The functionality and structure of the 3M Analytical Workstation are described and example analysis reports are presented.
The ORATEL Project
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik  , Bøge Christensen Lisa  , Stæhr Johansen Kirsten
Published: February 2025

ORATEL is a 3-year project of which WHO/EURO is prime partner and which is partially supported financially by the Advanced Informatics in Medicine programme of the Commission of the Europe Communities. ORATEL has the ultimate objective of improving oral health through use of appropriate telematic information tools for quality assurance and development. These tools have the potential to promote quality assurance in oral health care by using common quality indicator standards which allow for comparison of outcome and resource utilization. The project has completed its first phase. The main challenge of this Phase I was to develop and reach European consensus on indicators for quality in oral health care. Based on the Phase I activities, a manual on the basic minimum set of indicators for quality in oral health care was prepared. Phase II covered development of the three telematic information tools and the preparation of a technical manual. Phase III is testing and evaluation of the tools started in February 1994 and is taking place during.
Description of Scoliotic Deformity by Modulated Sinusoidal Functions
Authors: DRERUP B.  , HIERHOLZER E.
Published: February 2025

Sinusoidal functions provide a suitable mathematical representation of the frontal projection of the scoliotic spine. This is due to their obvious similarity with the spinal curve. Three parameters (amplitude, wavelength and phase) are sufficient for a complete description of the curve. Unfortunately the sinusoidal approach fails in asymmetric curves, e.g. double curves with distinctly different curvatures. In this paper a new approach is presented, which is based on modulated sine curves, leaving 4 parameters to be adjusted. The fit of these functions to radiographic curves (478 cases) is described. The relevance of this approach in reconstructing the spine from back surface measurements is pointed out.
Breathing Excursions in Scoliosis Patients
Authors: WEISS H.R  , LEHNERT-SCHROTH C.
Published: February 2025

Restrictive ventilatory disorder and impairment of cardiopulmonary capacity are the result of severe thoracic scolioses. The lack of rib mobility as well as pulmonary compression in the deformed thorax are supposed to be the reason for this. Some authors think that breathing excursion is predominant on the thoracic convex side. Breathing mechanics of 223 scoliosis patients with an average curvature angle of 38.6 degrees (SD=22.1) was assessed using the Bunnell’s scoliometer and a special designed fixation apparatus. Measurements were taken in horizontal position in a standardized manner while shoulder and pelvic girdle were fixed. Measurements were taken from the apex vertebra of the thoracic and lumbar curve. The scoliometer value was measured in maximal expiration and in maximal inspiration and the difference between those values were computed. The influence of a tactile stimulus on breathing mechanics as well as the influence of an inpatient rehabilitation program on breathing mechanics were assessed. In unstimulated inspiration, the scoliometer value decreased at an average of 0.7 degrees in the thoracic region and of 0.6 degrees in the lumbar region. The decrease of the scoliometer values after tactile stimulation of the breathing mechanics was 1.75 scoliometer degrees in the thoracic region and 1.22 scoliometer degrees in the lumbar region. After an in-patient rehabilitation program, a further decrease of the scoliometer values was possible (−2.38 degrees thoracic and −1.89 degrees lumbar). Additionally, there was after the in-patient treatment a decrease of the scoliometer baseline value which also was statistically high significant. The following conclusion can be drawn: 1. There is no predominance of breathing excursion on the thoracic convex side. 2. Tactile stimuli may be of high value in the rehabilitation of breathing mechanics. 3. An in-patient exercise program according to Schroth leads to an improvement of breathing mechanics as well as to a reduction of thoracic trunk deformity. 4. Scans for surface-topography measurements should be done in maximum expiration to describe spinal deformity because in this position the scoliometer value is higher than in inspiration.
Topographical, Kinesiological and Psychological Factors in the Surgical Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: BETTANY Josette  , PARTRIDGE Cecily  , EDGAR Michael
Published: February 2025

Scoliosis is a three dimensional spinal deformity which is serious enough to warrant assessment and treatment in two per hundred of the population in the United Kingdom. It presents as a lateral-rotatory deformity of the spine with a resulting rib hump. Symptoms include a gross deformity in the shape of the back, decreased spinal mobility, back pain, as well as a number of psychological problems. Patients with severe scoliosis are usually referred to surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the topographical, kinesiological and psychological factors and interactions in the surgical management of a group of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. One hundred and thirty patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were included in the study. All patients had their back shape assessed by an optical computer system. Spinal mobility was measured by an electronic inclinometer and subjects were also given a questionnaire which included five sections relating to their pain, activities of daily living, body-image, self-esteem and anxiety. The patients then underwent one of five different operative procedures depending on their age, and the site and severity of their scoliosis curvature. All patients were re-assessed six months after surgery. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in the lateral curvature and rib hump of the back. Spinal balance was only improved in two-fifths of the groups following surgery and the sagittal profiles and volume difference between the two sides of the back were unchanged or worse after the operation. Thoracic and lumbar spinal mobility were significantly decreased both in the frontal and sagittal planes, except for thoracic extension and side-flexion to the convexity of the curve which were unchanged following surgery. Rod instrumentation on one side of the spine was found to limit lumbar side-flexion to that side and costoplasty on one side of the back permitted greater lumbar side flexion to the contralateral side of the spine for the patients in this study. Increasing spinal curvature and rib hump corresponded with an overall decrease in spinal mobility except for spinal extension where an overall increase in mobility was found. Most surgical techniques did not relieve the pain or the problems with activities of daily living associated with adolescent scoliosis. Patients worries were only significantly decreased in three-fifth’s of the groups while self-esteem was unchanged in four-fifth’s of the groups after surgery. In conclusion therefore although surgery significantly improved some aspects of the surface shape of the back it did not correct all three dimensions of the deformity. Further the mobility of the spine was severely restricted following surgery and while some psychological variables improved others were unchanged or worse.
Computer Animation of the Scoliotic Deformation Process
Authors: SULTAN D.  , DE GUISE J. A.  , DANSEREAU J.  , LABELLE H.
Published: February 2025

In order to illustrate orthotic and surgical scoliosis correction mechanisms, an interpolation method has been developed using a spherical joint to represent the vertebral articulation. The interpolation, computed from two 3D reconstructions of the scoliotic spine (before and after correction) obtained from a stereoradiographic technique, is based on the hypothesis that there are no intervertebral translations. A model of the spine is constructed based on a series of spherical joints with rigid interconnections and L5 anchored at the reference base. Intermediate geometries are then generated by interpolating the orientation in a quaternion space in which the vertebrae are placed in the global 3D space using their relative positions. Visualization is done via a computer graphic software providing an animation of the correction process.
Fourier Transform Profilometry for Measurement of the Three Dimensional Shape of the Human Back in Scoliosis
Authors: PEARSON Jeremy D.  , DANGERFIELD Peter H.  , BURTON David R.  , HOBSON C. Allan  , DORGAN John C.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes preliminary work in the application of Fourier Transform Profilometry (FTP) to the measurement of human back shape. Optical fringe patterns are generated on the surface of the back and the FTP method, which is phase sensitive, is used to reconstruct the surface shape of the back. The method is relatively resilient to changes in the reflective properties of the skin and overcomes the problem of low sampling density which is inherent in edge or peak extracting methods.