bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is Requirements Volatility and How Does it Impact on Software Development?
Authors: Zowghi Didar
Published: February 2025

Software development is a dynamic process where demands for change have been recognized to be inevitable. All forms of modifications to the user requirements cause software to change. The sources of changes could vary considerably and come from the users, business, technology, and organizations. Changes to requirements give rise to an intrinsic volatility, which is claimed to impact on many aspects of software development. Requirements Volatility (RV) is claimed to be a major source of risk to the management of software projects. Investigating the sources of, reasons for, and impacts of requirements changes is an important prerequisite for understanding the characteristics of requirements volatility. In this talk, I will discuss the nature of requirements changes and describe the results of our longitudinal study of requirements volatility. The results of this study have improved our understanding of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon and have provided valuable empirical evidence for the impacts of RV resulting in important insights for more effective management of requirements.
Component Composition Validation
Authors: Pulvermüller Elke  , Speck Andreas  , Feja Sven  , Witt Sören
Published: February 2025

Components have been introduced in order to support software reuse. Components are reusable building blocks for larger systems consisting of units (code pieces) and their construction plan. Technologies like COM+, .Net, CORBA JavaBeans and EJBs (or web services which may be considered as web-based components) have been developed to support the component concept. However, components still have the problem of both unavailable and unreliable documentation of their properties. Moreover, a lack of validation support concerning the components' or composed systems' behavior may be observed. In other words, there is a lot of knowledge about how to combine components technically but less experience to validate the interactions between the components.
Software Development for Real-Time Online Interactive Applications on Clouds
Authors: Meiländer D.  , Ploss A.  , Glinka F.  , Gorlatch S.
Published: February 2025

We consider a challenging class of emerging, highly interactive virtual environments which we call Real-Time Online Interactive Applications (ROIA). Popular examples include multi-player online computer games, e-learning and training applications based on real-time simulations, etc. ROIA combine tough demands on the level of scalability and highly intensive user interactivity with real-time QoS requirements on distributed performance. A major problem in this context is the efficient and economic utilization of server resources for distributed service provision, which is very difficult to achieve due to the variable numbers of users. In this paper, we propose a novel combination of two platforms that address this challenge by utilizing Cloud Computing for ROIA provision: we extend the Real-Time Framework (RTF) by the novel Cloud resource management system RTF-RMS. RTF is a high-level development platform that provides suitable management and scalability mechanisms for ROIA. RTF-RMS is a resource management system on top of RTF that implements workload analysis and distribution techniques. We illustrate how RTF-RMS interacts with RTF and describe how both platforms are used together to scale application servers up and down during runtime to conform to a changing number of users.
An Assistance Infrastructure for open MAS
Authors: Almajano Pablo  , López-Sánchez Maite  , Esteva Marc  , Rodríguez Inmaculada
Published: February 2025

Organisations are an effective mechanism to define the coordination model that structure agent interactions in Open MAS. Execution infrastructures mediate agents interactions while enforcing the rules imposed by the organisation. Although infrastructures usually provide open specifications to agents, understanding this specification and participating in the organisation could result a difficult task to agents, specially when the system is hybrid (i.e participants can be both human and software agents) and its specification becomes more and more complex. In this paper, we formalize an Assistance Infrastructure for Hybrid open MAS that helps agents to pursue their particular goals and, when they are aligned with global goals, lead to a better system's global performance. With this aim, we propose four advanced services (offered by the assistance infrastructure in a distributed way): (1) refined information, (2) justification, (3) advice and (4) estimation. We define two types of assistant agents. A Personal Assistant provides direct and sole support to one agent while a Group Assistant performs those complex processes which affect a group of participants with common services of interest.
An Evaluation Framework for Location Privacy
Authors: Martínez-Bea Sergi  , Torra Vicenç
Published: February 2025

With the evolution and expansion of location tracking technologies such as GPS, RFID, etc. and their integration with handheld devices, lots of different applications have appeared. They use the user's location to provide more information to the application in order to commit their specific task e.g. Google Maps use user's location in order to tell him the shortest path to the her destination. However all of this location data is sensible data that could seriously compromise the user's privacy. There are different protection methods in the literature that try to reduce the risk of disclosure while reducing the loss of information as much as possible. We contribute to the existing literature with a framework for the evaluation of the protection methods, in terms of the risk of disclosure and loss of information.
An inference model for analyzing termination conditions of Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Roche David  , Gil Debora  , Giraldo Jesus
Published: February 2025

In real-world problems, it is mandatory to design a termination condition for Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) ensuring stabilization close to the unknown optimum. Distribution-based quantities are good candidates as far as suitable parameters are used. A main limitation for application to real-world problems is that such parameters strongly depend on the topology of the objective function, as well as the EA paradigm used.
Negotiation Based Branch & Bound and the Negotiating Salesmen Problem
Authors: De Jonge Dave  , Sierra Carles
Published: February 2025

We introduce a new multiagent negotiation algorithm that explores the space of joint plans of action: NB3. Each negotiator generates a search tree by considering both actions performed by itself and actions performed by others. In order to test the algorithm we present a new variant of the Traveling Salesman Problem, in which there is not one, but many salesmen. The salesmen need to negotiate with each other in order to minimize the distances they have to cover. Finally we present the results of some tests we did with a simple implementation of the algorithm for this problem.
Data Protection in Networks
Authors: Rihaczek Karl
Published: February 2025

Health Data are sensitive to loss, manipulation and breach of confidentiality. Systems handling health data must be especially secure. Anyone accessing health data - be they stored in data banks or in personalised chipcards - must be specifically authorised to do so and must be strongly authenticated before access is granted.
A Model for Coding and Multiaxial Classification Examplified
Authors: Olesen Henrik
Published: February 2025

A model of a coding and classification scheme is examplified in the domain of clinical laboratory sciences. It is for a multilingual thesaurus based on coded elementary concepts used to form coded composites or aggregates of preferred terms. These are for transmission over alphabet and language barriers.
Technical Possibilities for the Improvement of Orientation and Mobility for Disabled Persons
Authors: Zagler W.L.  , Mayer P.
Published: February 2025

Blind or visually impaired persons as well as persons suffering from severe motoric impairments face various problems when it comes to independent travelling. This paper will shortly review the state-of-the-art technical solutions and show what future improvements could be achieved by using up-to-date technology like GPS (Global Positioning System), optical 3D scene analysis or digitally stored maps. The paper is also a call for European R&D cooperation to make these new technologies available to disabled users as soon as possible.
Innovative Concept for Teaching Elderly CAD - The TECAD Project
Authors: Collet Michael
Published: February 2025

Technological change imposes special training needs on the elderly. We introduce a concept for flexible, self-directed learning in the workplace. Standard workstations without additional multimedia-hardware running CAD-software in a Unix-environment with the X-Window system are basis for our development. In this way the people with training needs can access the trainig-modules in their actual environment, out of real-world problem situations which they encounter. This will enhance their capabilities and provide guidance especially to those elderly workers in the construction-office without prior computer knowledge.
A Knowledge-Based Advisor Supporting to Deal with Rare Diseases
Authors: Kindler H.  , Densow D.  , Fliedner T.M.
Published: February 2025

Ad hoc decision support is required for rare diseases. The construction of full-scale expert systems would be effective, but, too expensive. Co-operative problem-solving of a physician and a knowledge-based advisor combines their strengths efficiently. The architecture of a knowledge-based advisor is presented. The medical application domain is the acute radiation syndrome.
Employment of Dr.Watson Type Systems (Dr.WTS) in medicine on the example of supporting decision making by a physician of the Regional Children Reanimation Consultative Centre
Authors: Goldberg S.I.  , Tsibulkin E.K.  , Makhanek A.O.  , Meshalkin L.D.
Published: February 2025

A new class of computer intellectual systems for assisting high-skilled specialists is offered. Its destructive feature is an increased attention to stimulation methods of a specialist's intellectual activity. Characteristics of the class are demonstrated on the example of DINAR-2.2 system supporting decision making by the physician- reanimatologist on duty of the Regional Children Reanimation Consultative Centre (RCC).
A decision support system for test request screening
Authors: de Wilde E.J.L.  , Pop P.  , Hasman A.
Published: February 2025

In this contribution a computerized feedback system is described that provides GP's feedback about the adequateness of their test requesting behaviour. This system is developed in the framework of the AIM-programme OPENLABS. The requests are stored in a database that is part of the laboratory decision support system. The other part of the decision support system, an expert system, retrieves the request data (including patient data) from the database, screens the requests for adequateness and provides feedback when necessary.
REYNELL-ZINKIN SCALES FOR YOUNG VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: TIMMER-VAN DE VOSSE H.  , HAMERS J.H.M.  , VAN MENS-WEISZ M.M.
Published: February 2025

In this contribution a retrospective study is presented with respect to the Reynell-Zinkin Scales [1] for visually handicapped children. The children of the Bartiméus Centre, assessed with this instrument, seemed to be overestimated by the reference-values of the scales. The main aim of this study was to find out if this could be proved. In order to examine this aim, the reference-values were evaluated. Futherniore, the internal reliabiltity of the scales was determined. It was concluded that the Reynell-Zinkin Scales need new norm-references for the sample involved in this study. These norms are now established and some preliminary results are discussed in this contribution.
Heart Rate Variability and Sudden Death: What’s the Connection?
Authors: SAUL J.P.
Published: February 2025

This manuscript attempts to link the physiological uses of measuring short term heart rate variations with the finding that quantification of long term heart rate variability is predictive of sudden death after myocardial infarction. The mechanisms which underlie short term variations of heart rate and the data which have provided the association between long term variations of heart rate and sudden death are reviewed. An argument is then made to support the hypothesis that changes in long term heart rate variability may be driven more by activity level and the heart’s response to that activity than by abnormalities of sympathetic and parasympathetic heart rate control.
Back Surface Analysis by Laser Beam Scanning and Stereo-Photogrammetry
Authors: ALIVERTI Andrea  , FERRIGNO Giancarlo  , ROTELLI Fabio  , SANTAMBROGIO Giorgio C.
Published: February 2025

Quantitative 3-D reconstruction of body surface represents a useful tool in many medical fields, such as prosthetics, plastic surgery, orthopaedics. Particularly in this last area, the analysis of back surface may give an essential improvement to the evaluation of spinal deformities and to the follow up of their progressive features. The aim of this paper is to present a new method that is able to measure with great accuracy the 3-D co-ordinates of a whatever number of sample points on the back surface, to compute and render the reconstructed surface, and to analyse quantitatively its shape. Such a method utilises an automatic image analyser (the ELITE System) joined with a suitable device scanning the surface by means of a laser beam. Starting from at least two different views of the subject, the image analyser computes in real time the 3-D co-ordinates of each sample point on the surface. A dedicated software for data processing and graphic representation completes the reconstruction of the back surface.
A Tactile Sensing and Display System for Surgical Applications
Authors: Peine William J.  , Kontarinis Dimitrios A.  , Howe Robert D.
Published: February 2025

Certain medical techniques, such as endoscopic surgery, deprive surgeons of the ability to palpate tissue within the body. We describe a system that can remotely measure small scale shape information and recreate it on the fingertips of the surgeon. A tactile array sensor measures the pressure distribution at its contact area. This is processed to determine the shape of the object it is contacting. This information is then displayed to the surgeon through the shape display. Artery and tumor localization experiments were performed with the system. By placing the shape display on the tip of a two axis manipulator, haptic exploration of a virtual environment was tested. A computer generated model allowed a virtual tumor localization experiment to be performed. Initial results indicate that the system is able to successfully convey shape information.
Intervention Informatics
Authors: Warner Dave  , Sale Jeff
Published: February 2025

The convergence of communication and computational technologies has created informatic systems which may be applied to social and cultural problems. When used appropriately, informatic systems have demonstrated the capacity to enhance the quality of life and to facilitate wellness of being through their applications in areas such as health care and education. The interaction between informatic systems and the social systems which they influence can be qualitatively and quantitatively modeled by generalized theories of complex adaptive dynamical systems. Interventional Informatics is the intentional proactive utilization of informatic systems as complex adaptive systems to alter the course or outcome of a particular behavior. By using the languaging tools and methods of these theoretically and empirically founded analytical tools, we hope to derive a set of methodologies which will facilitate the further development and implementation of interventional informatics.
Excerpts of the EC-WHO Workshop on Telematics in Malaria and Other Major Tropical Diseases: Needs Analysis for Countries of the Americas
Authors: Spencer Harrison
Published: February 2025

This paper will focus on malaria control and also on telematics. Lets start by reminding some key concepts from the World Declaration on Malaria Control. This is where we are heading from the Ministerial Conference in Amsterdam in October 1992: strengthen local national capabilities, adapt to specific country circumstances, support to the four technical elements discussed by Dr. de Raadt, de-centralise programme management, recognise the crucial role of specialists, realise the malaria problem is going to continue, review current efforts, assume Malaria control as an essential component of health development (the critical link between health and development and malaria control is actually a driving force), involve communities as partners and implement malaria control in the context of primary health care. This are the broad strokes of the World Declaration on Malaria Control.
ESPIS: EEG Signal Processing and Interpretation during Sleep
Authors: Toussaint M.  , Schaltenbrand N.  , Paiva T.  , Pollmacher T.  , Pflieger C.  , Macher J.P.
Published: February 2025

The project's aim was to develop a dedicated workstation in order to process multiple channels of electrophysiological signals in real-time during sleep. In ESPIS we were aiming to define both an architecture and an environment for EEG signal interpretation in medicine based on computer science gold standards (Unix, XWindow, Motif). The design takes advantage of the development environment, processing and graphics resources, and networking capabilities of high-performance UNIX workstations. Signal processing and pattern recognition analysis are provided by parallel processing on a specific developed acquisition architecture (DSP) based on transputers. The main result is a high performance prototype demonstrating signal interpretation during sleep which has already been tested in a medical environment (3 clinical centres and 1 research centre). The overall specifications allow this biomedical device to be extended to other types of medical signals.
Training in Medical Informatics: A Graduate Curriculum in France
Authors: DEGOULET P.  , FIESCHI M.  , GRÉMY F.
Published: February 2025

Most medical schools in France have a chair position in Biostatistics and Medical Informatics to coordinate the teaching of these two disciplines both within the regular curriculum of medical studies and as a specialized teaching. This paper describes the current medical informatics specialized program offered in France in several Medical schools. The program comprises since 1968 a Master of Science and a Ph.D degree. Despite several reforms and in-depth program revisions the curriculum remains organized at the Master Level as a set of modules of 100 hours teaching with a large freedom for the medical faculties to define the content of the courses and for the students to organize their studies and combine medical informatics, biomathematics and biostatistics training. Since 1990, an intensive one year full-time course called “Advanced Study Diploma in Medical Informatics” is offered with a strong research orientation. This program seems a good strategy to form medical informatics specialists who have initially received a broader education in informatics and statistics.
CARDLINK - An European Project for the Implementation of an Interoperable Emergency Dataset on a Smart Card
Authors: Cirre P.  , Gallagher M.
Published: February 2025

CARDLINK is a user driven project, supported by the European Commission, involving major commercial suppliers, which aims at providing a practical test bed for the EUROCARDS Concerted Action by implementing an emergency portable record stored in a chipcard. This European emergency dataset has to be interoperable between the five pilot sites associated in the Consortium. The CARDLINK first phase of a one year duration will provide a demonstrator allowing a first level assessment of the health card efficiency, and a technical basis for a European harmonisation. The second phase of CARDLINK will be developped under the umbrella of the 4th European Framework Program ‘Health Telematics’.
Security Of The Electronic Health Care Record -Professional And Ethical Implications
Authors: Gaunt Nick  , Roger-France Francis
Published: February 2025

Many challenges face developers of secure computerised clinical systems but the technical problems are overshadowed by procedural, professional and ethical issues. The development and use of computerised systems must be controlled through compliance with standards and procedures for information security, enforced through national legislation and professional codes of conduct, if serious abuse of the data is to be avoided. Health care professionals cannot be expected to acquire working knowledge of how information systems are made secure since this is a technical and highly complex subject. However, it is essential that health care professionals understand why it is important to maintain a secure environment for the records they keep about patients and their care and how this can be organised. This is best achieved through a well structured educational programme involving all trainee and qualified health care staff, a task which should be coordinated by the national professional bodies. A management structure is needed within health care facilities that recognises the responsibility of health care professionals to keep the health care data relating to their patients secure. An arrangement is proposed that gives the most senior clinician in a health care facility the ultimate responsibility for security of health care data held in the organisation. Where appropriate, this would be delegated to a senior clinician with training and experience in information systems and their security. This ‘information doctor’ would, with the assistance of computer experts and health care managers, implement and monitor the organisation's information security strategy. Contracts should be developed between health care facilities and their patients, defining the limits to the use and disclosure of personal health data. Similar contracts with external agencies should also stipulate the minimum level of security to be applied to health records shared between the organisations.
Requirements Specification for a Harmonized Medical Device Vigilance Information Exchange System
Authors: Vassilacopoulos George
Published: February 2025

Effective and efficient medical device vigilance information exchange requires addressing several organizational and technical issues in a harmonized way. This paper describes a conceptual data model that has been derived within the scope of the EUROMEDIES project and accepted by project participants as a meaningful representation of data requirements on medical device vigilance. A possible scenario of a distributed implementation of the model is also discussed.
Vestibular Telemedicine and Rehabilitation
Authors: Viirre Erik
Published: February 2025

This paper will discuss the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in the rehabilitation of patients with vestibular disorders and in the provision of remote medical consultations for those patients. Patients with a vestibular problem are very common (vertigo is the second most common neurological complaint after headache) and yet there are very few vestibular neurotologists: specialists in their diagnosis and treatment. New treatments for various disorders causing vertigo now exist. This means that appropriate diagnosis can significantly improve patients’ well-being. Remote medical diagnosis and treatment facilities could make the few vestibular disorder specialists much more available to patients. An analysis of the technological and economic factors influencing the provision of this service is necessary. The main long term effect of many vestibular disorders is damage to the sensing apparatus of the inner.ear. The damage can lead to inappropriate interaction between visually driven orientation sensing and sensing of orientation by the inner ear. The consequence for the patient is vertigo (a sensation of turning), motion sickness and imbalance. Current rehabilitation efforts are intended to drive the nervous system to adapt to the disordered vestibular input. Adaptation appears to occur slowly in many subjects, even those within rehabilitation programs. An appropriately designed VR experience could greatly increase the rate of adaptation in these patients.
Complex Task Performance in Cyberspace
Authors: Bowersox Jon C.  , LaPorta Anthony J.  , Cordts Paul R.  , Bhoyrul Sunil  , Shah Ajit
Published: February 2025

To assess the capabilities of our fully functional, prototype telepresence surgery system, experienced surgeons performed complete operative procedures on live, anesthetized pigs. Cholecystectomy, the prototypical procedure for evaluating the integration of surgical skills, was successfully performed in six animals. There were no aborted attempts or complications. Other procedures completed included gastrotomy and enterotomy closures, anastomosis of the small intestine, and nephrectomy. No specific training was required for using the telepresence surgery system, and the “feel” of the system was described as intuitive. Operative times were longer than required in conventional, open surgery, most likely the result of the four degrees of freedom available in the manipulators of the current-generation system. Force feedback and hig-hresolution, stereoscopic video input facilitated performance. Surgeons operating through a first-generation telepresence system can achieve technical results equivalent to those obtained in conventional surgery.
A Ray-Traced Texture Mapping for Enhanced Virtuality in Image-Guided Neurosurgery
Authors: Jannin P.  , Bouliou A.  , Journet E.  , Scarabin J.M.
Published: February 2025

3D imaging systems and algorithms give virtual representations of the real world. New emergent hardware systems can combine virtual information and the real world. Virtual and real information must be also visually confronted in order to facilitate our comprehension of the data. We propose a solution which entails the superimposition of a real image of the anatomical areas visualised in a surgical operation with 3D digital data sets. Unlike other solutions which display virtual images in the real world, our method involves ray traced texture mapping which displays real images in a computed world.
Force Feedback for Virtual Reality Based Minimally Invasive Surgery Simulator
Authors: Baumann Roger  , Glauser Dominique  , Tappy Damien  , Baur Charles  , Clavel Reymond
Published: February 2025

This paper presents ongoing research towards an endoscopic surgery simulation system. Our specific application of interest is laparoscopic surgery. The goal is to conceive an endoscopic surgical training tool which allows to realistically simulate the interactions between one or several surgical instruments and the gastrointestinal organs in a virtual reality based environment. An artificial patient is being developed into which endoscopic surgical instruments can be inserted to operate upon virtual organs displayed on a video monitor. In order to achieve a faithful and precise simulation, not only a realistic graphical representation of the organic tissue and its behavior is needed, but also the forces and moments on the surgical instruments encountered during an operation are required to be simulated. The laparoscopic surgery simulator must therefore provide force feedback through the endoscopic instruments manipulated by the surgeon. This paper details the mechanical design of the force feedback mechanisms and addresses some of the technical challenges of this project.
Healthcare Message Standards -Who Benefits?
Authors: Benson Tim
Published: February 2025

This paper considers the potential benefits of healthcare message standards of the sort developed by CEN/TC 251 WG3. Message standards are needed to cope with the complexity of healthcare information flows between clinical services, patient administration, diagnostic and therapeutic services, financial and other services, purchasing agencies and GPs. Timely computerreadable messages may improve the quality and efficiency of care. Standards reduce the number and costs of interfaces and enable forward compatibility of systems, while stimulating competition. An important side benefit is the quality of systems analysis now in the public domain.
Development of a standard for the organisation of medical device nomenclatures
Authors: Rystrøm Leif
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the considerations, results and process of organising medical device nomenclatures. The variety of medical devices is mentioned, and the description of medical devices at different levels of abstraction is explained and illustrated, leading to the definition of medical device groups. The problems of organising medical device groups and the solution found - a categorial structure - is explained. The advantages of the categorial structure are described, and so is the process leading to the structure. It is concluded that the described structure has a number of advantages, but that it may be time consuming, if not guided by one or more experts having experience with such a process.
Design of a Patient Management Database System For Diabetes Centres
Authors: Jaffri K  , Richards B
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a database system designed specifically for dealing with all types of diabetic patient and complying with the DIABCARE dataset. Because it is a large database, of several thousand entries, it provides a useful tool for research as well as fulfilling its service role in a paperless Diabetes Centre. What is new is the multi-media aspect namely photographs of abnormalities.
EPIDO: a surveillance information system to automatically detect notifiable diseases
Authors: Carbó JM  , Bayas JM  , Pi-Sunyer MT  , Sanz F  , Vilella A  , Sancho JJ  , Martin M  , Nebot X  , Navarro G  , Planas I  , Prat A  , Salleras LI
Published: February 2025

Objective: Design and implementation of a surveillance information system to automate notifiable diseases episode reporting in a hospital context.
Emergency Care Episode Methodology
Authors: Stein Catherine R.  , Optenberg Scott A.  , Jacobs Philip
Published: February 2025

The objectives of this study were to develop a new “episode of care” definition for the emergency care product and to show that charges by episode are valuable in understanding the economic characteristics of emergency care. The emergency care episode (ECE) was defined as the emergency department encounter and all subsequent, related care provided within 48 hours. Data consisting of 1.6 million episodes, generated from a national claims database, were analyzed by ICD-9-CM Major Diagnostic Category (MDC) and level of service. Related adjunct services were a major determinant of episode charges, and, for several MDCs, hospitalization was important. Results support the concept that episodic data are beneficial to the economic analysis and reimbursement of emergency care.
Foot Pressure Measurements in Children with Adolescent Scoliosis
Authors: Dangerfield P.H.  , Lake M.  , Farrant J.  , Dorgan J.C.
Published: February 2025

The movement of the pelvis and lower limbs and the forces generated through the feet during locomotion exerts an major influence of the vertebral column. Gait abnormalities may be an important factor in the aetiology of scoliosis with differences in gait patterns between scoliotic and non-scoliotic individuals being identified. The magnitude and timing of localised loads under the feet has been measured using an E-Med pressure mat system. Pressure recordings for the whole foot and for the key loading areas of the foot demonstrated the presence of bilateral asymmetries in scoliosis cases similar to those found in the normal subjects. However, small left-right differences were present in the scoliosis subjects (1 to 8% difference). The lack of the ability of the pressure mat to measure shear loads is considered to explain these findings. This paper examines the results and their implications for spinal deformities.
Parameters of Intervertebral Disc Deformation Derived from Measured 2D Vertebral Motion in Sagittal Plane under Flexion-Extension
Authors: Tamaki T.  , Takahashi K.  , Yamagata M.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to derive parameters of the motion which have the mechanical background and also clinical efficacy for evaluating the deformity. Three parameters, elongation, shear and rotational displacement, are introduced for the expression of two dimensional (2D9 disc deformation. Sequential sagittal images of lumbar vertebrae composed of about 20 frames by continuous cineradiography taken at the time interval of 1/3 dec. under flexion-extension were used. And ten subjects (normal one - 8 and ones with some spinal deformity -2) were measured. In conclusion the introduced three parameters and one parameter as the representative value of these three, for the expression of intervertebra disc deformation, were suggested to be useful for checking the spinal deformity.
Modelling of the Trunk Muscles: A 3D Parameterized Geometrical Modelling and a 3D Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Maurel N.  , de Guise J.  , Dansereau J.  , Yahia L'H.  , Skali W.  , Lavaste F.
Published: February 2025

Our aim is to introduce muscles in a 3D personnalized finite element model. For this, two problems must be resolved. The first one is to define a personnalised geometry of muscles. The second one is to take into account, in a 3D finite element model, the strategy used by the nervous system to remove redundancy problems. That is the reason why, this study presents two preliminary approaches: first a geometrical approach which consists in parameterizing the contour of muscles in order to begin the personalisation of muscles; secondly we use a global 3D finite element model of the lumbar spine in which we introduce muscle forces whose value is obtained by a simultaneous optimisation calculation.
The Scoring of Trunk Distortion in Scoliosis
Authors: Hill D.L.  , Mahood J.K.  , Moreau M.J.  , Raso V.J.  , Durdle N.G
Published: February 2025

Many people with scoliosis seek treatment because they are unhappy with the appearance of their trunk. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable means to describe the trunk deformity due to scoliosis. A weighted average of scapula asymmetry, shoulder angle asymmetry and waist asymmetry was used to provide a trunk distortion score between 0 (perfect symmetry) and 10 (maximum distortion). This measure was applied to 61 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 16 years and with idiopathic scoliosis ranging from 10°-20° (mild), 21°-40° (moderate) and greater than 55° (severe group). For subjects with mild, moderate and severe curves the trunk distortion score averaged 2.0, 2.3 and 4.5 respectively. The distortion score is not affected by growth because the parameters are either angles or a ratio of lengths. This measure of trunk distortion is used for the clinical assessment of scoliosis and to evaluate objectively the effect of spinal instrumentation on trunk deformity.
Photogrammetric Measurement. Considerations for the Medical Person
Authors: Mitchell H.L.
Published: February 2025

Photogrammetry is an optical measurement technique which is becoming more accessible to non-photogrammetrists through easy-to-use digital software and hardware. A small number of fundamental considerations are outlined to assist users who may be unfamiliar with photogrammetry to plan photogrammetric measurement, and attention is drawn to a few basic aspects of photogrammetric system design which are crucial to obtaining the desired accuracy and output while ensuring that the technique meets cost and other constraints. Those contemplating the use of photogrammetry for medical purposes with easy-to-use products currently on offer should be aware of the breadth of options available for its implementation. A range of accuracies is available, usually with commensurate costs, but accuracy can in part be controlled by the user. The prospective user should also be aware of options for automated processing, which depend largely on the characteristics of the surfaces being measured. Photogrammetry almost always provides quantitative output, typically appearing as a simple list of numbers, and the conversion of this to useable information is not always simple.
Simulation of Soft-Tissue Tumor Excisions: A Multimodal Interactive Approach
Authors: DiSomma Carmine  , Raposio Edoardo  , Fato Marco  , Schenone Andrea  , Andreucci Luciano  , Beltrame Francesco  , Santi PierLuigi
Published: February 2025

Total 3-D reconstruction of the tumor size, shape, and relations with surrounding structures using CT, MRI, sonography, and angiography images can make simulated radical resection of soft-tissue sarcomas possible, thus sparing normal tissues. With our approach, starting from three MR images for a given patient, a new single image representation of all three parameters is generated by using two different techniques on a workstation in a standard UNIX and X-11 environment. The first one is a transformation linking together the MR parameters and the RGB (red, green, blue) color components. The second one is an unsupervised segmentation method based on a number of neural and fuzzy models. We can dinamically render and update a stereo display using field sequential presentation of left and right eye views on the monitor, with Cristal Eyes LCD shutter eyewear (StereoGraphics Inc., San Rafael, CA) to view it. As 3D locating tool, a 3D locating control system based on low-frequency magnetic fields (Polhemus Fastrak) has been chosen. Simulations of soft-tissues excisions may be performaed in this interactive environment with augmented-reality modalities. All this, in our experience, has greatly facilitated the simulation of soft -tissue sarcoma excisions.
The Tradeoffs of Successful Simulation
Authors: Meller Gary  , Tepper Ron  , Bergman Mark  , Anderhub Beth
Published: February 2025

This presentation will discuss the decision process we followed to develop an ultrasound simulator. The development of an advanced technology medical device always requires tradeoffs and compromises between what is desired, and what can be realistically achieved. The medical applications of computer based education are increasingly important to the process of medical education. Product developers will be required to address these concerns. Some tradeoffs result from technical, scientific, and engineering factors; while others are the result of marketing, financial, or competitive constraints. All of these factors will influence the design and production of simulation tools. A manager, scientist, or engineer who is involved in development of this kind of innovative product may be helped by considering the impact of some of these decisions earlier in the process. Forewarned is fore-armed.
From Natural Language to Formal Language: when MultiTALE meets GALEN
Authors: Ceusters W  , Spyns P  , De Moor G
Published: February 2025

In the GALEN project, the syntactic-semantic tagger MultiTALE is upgraded to extract knowledge from natural language surgical procedure expressions. In this paper, we describe the methodology applied and show that out of a randomly selected sample of such expressions, 81% could be analysed correctly. The problems encountered are summarised and areas of further investigation identified.
Clinical Applications of an ATM/Ethernet Network in Departments of Neuroradiology and Radiotherapy
Authors: Cimino C.  , Pizzi R  , Fusca M.  , Bruzzone M.G.  , Casolino D.  , Sicurello F.
Published: February 2025

An integrated system for the multimedia management of images and clinical information has been developed at the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta in Milan. The Institute physicians have the daily need of consulting images coming from various modalities . The high volume of archived material and the need of retrieving and displaying new and past images and clinical information has motivated the development of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for the automatic management of images and clinical data , related not only to the Radiology Department, but also to the Radiotherapy Department for 3D virtual simulation, to remote teleconsulting, and in the following to all the wards, ambulatories and labs.
ILLM - Inductive Learning Algorithm as a Method for Prediction of Life Expectancy Achieving
Authors: Kern Josipa  , Gamberger Dragan  , Sonicki Zdenko  , Vuletić Silvije
Published: February 2025

The aim of the paper was to use inductive learning algorithm ILLM in the field of epidemiology, for prediction the life expectancy achieving. Data base comprised results of epidemiological investigation in some regions of Croatia. Overall accuracies for different samples and corresponding rules produced by ILLM algorithm, showed some interesting results. Algorithm can be seen as having the capacity to forecast ‘achieving the life expectancy’. In the same time algorithm was not able to make a good forecast for ‘not achieving the life expectancy’.
A Decision Support Software Package for medical treatment of I.C.U. patients
Authors: Sphiris N.  , Nanas S.  , Paraskevopoulou H.  , Lymberis A.  , Kyprianou T.  , Liakopoulou E.  , Roussos Ch.
Published: February 2025

Critically ill patients admitted in I.C.U. often have multiple complicated problems which necessitate the use of a large number of drugs. The multiple potential interactions between substances and underlying pathologies as well as between substances themselves, obviate the need for a decision support system. We therefore developed a software package for medical treatment support in I.C.U. environment which is based on Microsoft Visual Basic 3.0 and it is organised around the commercially available RDBMS Access 2.0. The database consist of: a) all available substances, b) all generic names of medications available in Greece for each substance, c) incompatibilities (2,300 cases), d) interactions (50,000 cases) and e) cost information for each drug. This system assures the safety of the administered treatment, helps to adjust the dose according to the situation of each patient (anthropometric data, laboratory results, prognostic/severity score e.t.c.) and screens for possible interactions and incompatibilities between the administered drugs. It could also be used for education, treatment algorithms application and it will serve cost-reduction policy. It is a useful and powerful tool for ICU staff which does not impose additional work to the daily practice routine and it is currently under evaluation in clinical settings.
Virtual Reality Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury: Design Considerations for a Haptic-Visual Interface
Authors: Steffin Morris
Published: February 2025

Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury patients can benefit by interaction with a haptic-visual system to increase the accuracy of movements in cases of spasticity, cerebellar tremor, and weakness. The device would apply a counterforce to constrain the upper extremity to a force corridor, a region of force/velocity space, designed to increase movement accuracy. Execution of movements with counterforce assistance under certain conditions improves accuracy and should enable patients to develop enhanced strategies for dealing with the movement disorders resulting from their neurologic deficits. Generation of appropriate force feedback requires dynamic adjustment of feedback plant characteristics and integration of visuospatial information in a virtual reality environment. Sensory augmentation, including compensation for visual and proprioceptive loss, can theoretically also be achieved with this approach. The underlying principles in the development of such a system are presented.
Facilitating Higher Order Thinking Skills in Nurse Education: A Prototype Database for Teaching Wound Assessment and Management Skills
Authors: Ribbons R.M.  , McKenna L.G.
Published: February 2025

The introduction of university based nurse education in Australia has resulted in nursing students spending more time in the classroom and less time in clinical settings. This decrease in clinical exposure may result in reduced opportunities for students to develop pertinent patient assessment and management skills. This is particularly true of skills required for effective wound assessment and management. Computerised databases offer an innovative method of teaching or refining these skills in a cost and time-effective manner without risk to patients or students. Such technology can also provide important grounding in data identification, hypothesis testing, problem solving and clinical decision making skills.
Modelling Age Differences in the Interaction with New Technology
Authors: Freudenthal Daniel
Published: February 2025

A descriptive framework was developed to describe the problem-solving behaviour of young and old subjects when they learn to use a new interactive device. The model distinguishes three levels of problem-solving that are thought to differ with respect to the cognitive load they pose to the user. Given a higher number of inputs by young subjects, protocol analysis shows elderly subjects to perform more actions on the level of low cognitive load, and less on the level of high cognitive load. Across age groups experience serves mostly to decrease the less purposeful behaviour.
Smartcards for Trusted Data Transfer in Renal Replacement Therapy in Germany
Authors: Schober-Halstenberg H.J.
Published: February 2025

German legislation prescribes quality assurance in renal replacement therapy (RRT). QuaSi-Niere, as a model project of the German Federal Ministry of Health, has the goal to ensure nation-wide adequate RRT as well as transplantation follow-up for all patients. By quarterly collection and interpretation of characteristic patient data as well as data of all participating institutions in RRT, quality assurance can be realized. The central evaluation for the comparison of treatment modalities will follow the benchmarking guidelines in quality management. The following preconditions have to be met in order to guarantee a secure and reliable data exchange: Storage and processing of patient data conform with the severe German data protection legislation. To ensure confidentiality, a lawyer acts as trustee within the communication process. Each of the nearly 55,000 patients in RRT will receive a QuaSi-Niere smartcard for identification. This chipcard authorizes the physician to transmit patient data to the trustee. Each of the more than 3,000 physicians and 5,000 nurses involved in RRT in Germany will receive special cryptoprocessor smartcards (a so called Health Professional Card, HPC) with graduated rights. The cards were developed according to the recommendations of the EU/G7 interoperability data structures. RRT in Germany has, because of an estimated turnover of about 3 billion DM, a very high economical relevance. Patients, nurses, physicians and health insurances work together within the nation-wide project.
World Review
Authors: Schaefer O.P.
Published: February 2025

Ever since we started in 1991 in Barcelona with Health Cards Conferences in Europe, the dissemination of a variety of card systems in health administration as well as in Health Care has progressed rapidly. The decisive impulse for this development was doubtless the delivery of 75 Million administrative Health Insurance Cards in Germany from 1993 until 1995. The political reforms in Eastern European Countries and the ongoing reorganization of their Health Care Systems was the reason for their engagement in Health Cards. Various trials and pilot projects have been performed as well in the USA, Canada and the Asian rim states. Another impulse was the decision of the G7 countries to motivate their citizens to recognise and adopt the advantages of an information society. Nevertheless, the international breakthrough of patient data cards is yet to come. The need for international agreements on standards in the design of card systems, interfaces and security infrastructures is pointed out. A concerted action of all major international projects under one umbrella would significantly increase their impact on modern medicine.