bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEM simulation of the shear strength and shear band development of well-graded granular materials
Authors: Ueda Takao  , Matsushima Takashi  , Yamada Yasuo
Published: February 2025

A series of simple shear simulations of disk assemblies with a variety of particle size distribution was conducted using a two-dimensional Discrete Element Method. The mechanical properties of disk assemblies were classified into two groups with respect to the standard deviation of particle size σ: The assemblies with smaller σ-values easily formed the regular array of hexagonal closest packing, and their mechanical behavior did not show any clear tendency and varied case by case. On the other hand, those with greater σ-values showed consistent behavior. The observation on the shear band development and the size distribution in the shear band suggest that the shear band develops avoiding considerably large particles in the well-graded mixture, that is, the large particles does not contribute to the shear behavior directly, which may cause the consistency on the mechanical behavior of the mixtures with various-sized particles.
On Knowledge Management System for Assisting User's Desision in Office Work
Authors: Sugawara Kohei  , Fujita Hamido
Published: February 2025

Knowledge management system (KMS) should handle efficiently a large information that is in most cases is related to user experiences and related situation that can affecting the performance of these KMS. User usually is keen to looking for the knowledge that fits best in his situation and domain work that instantaneously is changing due to handling situation. This outline presented in this paper facilitates the necessary detection of knowledge discovery that fit in the current problem solving, by estimating the user situation model along with user profile as a coherent model that reflects on the knowledge base in transparent manner. This would participate in determination of the best fitness of work flow that represents a semantic alignment between user profile and knowledge as pair-wise representation for optimized workflow that can participate to reflect a better performance in relation to semantic integration of user model and related knowledge. It is status report paper.
IRHIS: Intelligent, adaptive information Retrieval system as Hospital Information System front end
Authors: de Zegher Isabelle  , Venot Alain  , Moustakis Vassilis  , Talmon Jan  , Tange Huibert  , Lane Vic  , Pierre Dominique  , Loucopoulos Peri  , Boisvieux Jean-Francois
Published: February 2025

The goal of the IRHIS project was to explore a solution to the problem of information overload in an effort to improve health-care delivery. This was performed by implementing a prototype demonstrator that assists the user to easily access on-line medical records. The system is based on predefined user requirements and uses techniques such as graphics, hypertext and artificial intelligence. We cannot claim that we solved the problem of information overload. From the evaluation phase of the project however, it appears that the implemented prototype would allow the user to save time and get better insight into complex medical problems.
MMOMS: Multimodal Organ Modelling System
Authors: Meairs Stephen  , Liddell Heather  , Hutzler Peter
Published: February 2025

A multimodal organ modelling system (MMOMS) is an interactive medical visualisation workstation which uses image data from one or more imaging modalities plus additional medical knowledge, e.g. from a digital atlas to produce and interpret 2D, 3D and time sequence images. The MMOMS may give ‘added-value’ to diagnosis and planning of therapy either through features which can only be derived from more than one image modality or by those which can be better visualized or made more directly quantifiable than through the interpretation of a single modality.
TELEMEDICINE: Requirements, Standards and Applicability to Remote Care Scenarios in Europe
Authors: Dripps J.H.  , Boddy K.  , Venters G.
Published: February 2025

A functional definition of telemedicine is given and its potential is outlined together with the main factors limiting progress in its widespread introduction in Europe. Descriptions and results are given from five demonstrators in antenatal care, blood pressure monitoring, EEG transmission and remote diagnosis, radiological image transmission and remote renal dialysis control.
BIOLAB: Biomedical Laboratory
Authors: Hatzopoulos M.
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present a synopsis of the results of BIOLAB. The project aims at the elaboration of an integrated biomedical laboratory. This integration is considered around the softaware and hardware specification of a powerfull workstation. The project has studied the hardware and software specificatons of a biomedical laboratory workstation. Through this workastation various heterogeneous madical information systems can be accessed. In the project the harware specification of the workstation has been completed as well as the specification of a language for accessing the various heterogeneous medical information componenets. Such components studied in the project are a medical image processing module a neural network classifier and a neural network diagnostic system.
The CHIC Project
Authors: Cooper Paul
Published: February 2025

This short report presents a summary of the results of the Community Health Information Classification and Coding (CHIC) project. The project, which covered the period from June 1989 to June 1990, had the objectives of identifying the Minimum Basic Data Set for ambulatory care in Europe, producing an extensible structure for the MBDS, conducting a survey of the acceptability of the MBDS, and developing specifications for supporting software. This report also outlines the results of the additional additional achievement of producing a coherent data set that summarises the patient's medical history.
ANALYSIS OF SHORT-TERM BLOOD PRESSURE FLUCTUATIONS RECORDED NON-INVASIVELY
Authors: Antivalle Marco  , Salvaggio Antonino  , Lattuada Salvatore  , Libretti Arnaldo
Published: February 2025

In order to verify whether finger photoplethysmographic beat-to-beat recording of blood pressure (BP) can be used to study short-term BP variability, we analyzed by spectral analysis 512-beats SBP stationary sequencies recorded on 36 patients during supine bed rest, active standing, and controlled respiration (CR) at 20 breaths/min. A space state model of the mean was adopted to account for very low frequencies. Spectral analysis of low-(LF, ≈ 0.10 Hz) and high-frequency (HF, ≈ 0.25 Hz) peaks was performed by an autoregressive (AR) method. LF peak spectral power increased during orthostatism (51.35± 10.10 vs 28.70± 25.10, percent power in normalized units), and HF peak increased during CR (77.10± 28.99 vs 58.80± 27.70). A mixed model analysis of variance, performed on sequencies recorded at rest and during active standing, showed that within- and between- subject variabilities were significantly lower than the variability due to the experimental protocol. These results show that noninvasive BP recording from the finger can be reliably used to study short-term BP variability by spectral analysis. This approach will presumably prove most useful in the comparison of groups of patients and in the study of BP response to selected stimuli.
DYNAMIC EVALUATION OF THE BAROREFLEX IN AMBULANT SUBJECTS
Authors: Omboni Stefano  , Frattola Alessandra  , Rienzo Marco Di  , Zanchetti Alberto  , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Computer analysis of blood pressure and heart rate variability has been recently proposed as a new method to obtain quantitative information on neural control of circulation and, specifically, on the sensitivity of the baroreceptor-heart rate reflex. This approach is particularly appealing because it allows a dynamic assessment of baroreflex gain in daily life conditions, thus overcoming several drawbacks of traditional laboratory procedures. In this chapter techniques developed to this aim both in the time and in the frequency domain will be briefly described, discussing their advantages and limitations. Examples of the results obtained by using them to analyse 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate recordings in normal subjects and in hypertensive patients of different ages will also be shown. Finally, perspectives for further technical improvement of these methods will be mentioned.
CIRCULATORY MODEL OF BARO- AND CARDIO-PULMONARY REFLEXES
Authors: Wesseling K.H.  , Settels J.J.
Published: February 2025

We modelled the nonpulsatile circulation with baroreflex and cardiopulmonary reflexes. Special care was taken to model as accurate as possible the various delays and time constants to obtain reliable dynamic responses in the model. In experimenting with the model circulation we found that blood pressure was stable under a wide range of adverse conditions and could only be made to vary as observed in human beings by modulating the sensitivity of the baroreflex. Pseudo-static modulation caused blood pressure in the model to vary over a three-to-one range, more than is necessary to mimic circadian blood pressure variability. Dynamic baroreflex modulation with 1/ f random noise allowed the computation of blood pressure variability spectra in all practical aspects identical to those observable in human beings.
RESTORATION OF FUNCTIONAL GRASP-RELEASE IN TETRAPLEGIA WITH IMPLANTABLE NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION AND TENDON TRANSFER
Authors: Hunter Peckham P.  , Keith Michael W.  , Stroh Kathryn C.  , Kilgore Kevin L.  , Hart Ronald L.
Published: February 2025

An implantable system has been developed to restore functional grasp and release in the C5 and C6 tetraplegic patient through neuromuscular stimulation of the paralyzed extremities. The system provides control of both lateral and palmar prehension and release by electrical activation of the paralyzed forearm and hand muscles. The neuroprosthetic system uses a surgically implanted multichannel stimulator for activation of the muscles. The patient proportionately controls the position of the digits and grasp force by voluntary movement of either the shoulder or the wrist. The implanted stimulator is both controlled and powered using radio signals generated by an external portable controller. Tendon transfers are used to augment function by moving the insertion of muscles which are electrically excitable to provide enhanced functionality.
METHODS FOR ANALYZING ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN HUMAN GAIT
Authors: Shiavi Richard
Published: February 2025

Electromyography (EMG) is an essential component of the evaluative process for normal and pathological human gait. Because of this several quantitative methodologies have been developed for analysis utilizing the linear envelope (LE) as the mode of representing the EMG. These methodologies perform two different procedures. One allows the comparison of populations of LE and determines if any significant differences occur between the populations. The other methodology subdivides a pooled population of LE into groups of different patterns.
Recommendations for an Object Oriented Healthcare Information Model
Authors: Harrington Jack
Published: February 2025

The need for a healthcare information model as a component in a framework of standards for healthcare data interchange is identified. Key requirements for a method to support development of a healthcare information model are defined and recommendations for development of an Object Oriented Healthcare Information Model are presented.
Models for Representation of Terminologies and Coding Systems in Medicine
Authors: Rossi Mori Angelo  , Bernauer Jochen  , Pakarinen Vesa  , Rector Alan L.  , De Vries-Robbé Pieter  , Ceusters Werner  , Hurlen Petter  , Ogonowski Antoine  , Olesen Henrik
Published: February 2025

Unification of medical coding systems is a perceived need involving a long-term task. Standards will support convergence of present coding systems towards a coherent set of tools. The Project Team “Model for Representation of Semantics” (CENITC251/PT003-MOSE) modeled existing tools to obtain a vocabulary apt to describe coding systems and terminologies. Requirements on faithfulness and safety, usefulness and purposiveness, coherence and integration were worked out, and the MOSE's 10 key principles for Standards in Medical Semantics were established.
AUTOMATION OF CYTOGENETICS
Authors: Lundsteen Claes  , Piper Jim
Published: February 2025

During the Concerted Action on Automated Cytogenetics the collaborating network has: (1) improved the performance and specifications of automatic metaphase finders, (2) developed new and more efficient techniques for segmenting metaphases into isolated chromosomes, (3) developed new and more efficient procedures for features extraction and chromosome classification, (4) developed alternative hardware and software for automated cytogenetic analysis, (5) developed prototype instrumentation for automated molecular cytogenetic analysis, (6) tested European systems for cytogenetic analysis that are commercially available, and (7) made these innovations available to European industry, which is currently leading the world market in systems for automated cytogenetics.
MONITORING OF FRACTURE HEALING
Authors: van der Perre G.
Published: February 2025

In the period 1985-1990, the Commission of European Communities (Medical Health Research - COMAC-BME) supported a concerted action on “Monitoring of Fracture Healing”, involving 12 centers in 9 countries. The project group concentrated mainly on mechanical vibration analysis. The nature of tibial vibrations and the correlation between resonant frequencies and mechanical stiffness are now well documented. The sensitivity of resonant frequencies to fracture healing was assessed by analytical and experimental modelling as well as animal experiments. Influences of soft tissues on the in vivo vibration behaviour were evaluated. Low cost instrumentation was developed, and the reproducibility of in vivo measurements was examined. Finally clinical fracture healing monitoring by vibration analysis has been proven to be feasible under well defined conditions.
A Soft Assistant Arm for Tetraplegics
Authors: Casals Alícia  , Villà Ricard  , Casals Daniel
Published: February 2025

Tou is a robotic arm conceived to provide tetraplegic people with some autonomy in their daily life. The main characteristic of Tou is to be intrinsically safe due to its soft structure. This, together with the fact that the user's orders are imprecise, implies the need to develop special control algorithms. Tou is not aimed to substitute an human assistant but to avoid the need of continuous dependance on others of the severely disabled in tasks such as picking up light objects, scratching or to turn the pages of a book.
Multi-modality Aids for People with Impaired Communication (MAPIC)
Authors: Cudd P A  , Hawley M S  , Dalsgaard P  , Azevedo L  , Aguilera S  , Granstrom B
Published: February 2025

The paper gives an overview of a research project submitted to the CEC Human Capital & Mobility programme. The aim of the project is to initiate research to improve communication for the communication impaired using a single hardware and software platform. The project will build on current state-of-the-art techniques in multi-lingual “normal” speech recognition, processing and synthesis but will use clinical assessment and analysis to fundamentally re-appraise speech processing parameters. Novel techniques will be brought to the graphical interfacing for visual communication, which will start from the use of symbolic language systems. If successful, the speech recognition and speech synthesis work will have benefits for general applications as well as for speakers with disability.
Speech Analytic Hearing Aids for the Profoundly Deaf: STRIDE
Authors: Fourcin A.
Published: February 2025

This project is concerned with the structured development of a new approach to the design and prescription of hearing aids within the European Community. These new instruments for hearing are based on the use of speech pattern-seeking algorithms which extract specially important speech components from the complete speech signal and which can operate in normal conditions of noise and reverberation. Field trials using wearable aids produced for the project are in progress in the Dutch, English, French and Swedish languages. Deafness is perhaps the most widespread single disability in Europe; it affects about 5% of the population. For the majority of these handicapped people, conventional amplifying hearing aids are of great value and are adequate to ensure integration within normal family and working life. However, some 160,000 adults within the Community as a whole are so profoundly hearing impaired that they are not able to make adequate use of amplifying aids. Here, the use of lip-reading presents the only real basis for interaction with the normally communicating world. The use of a structured approach to the implementation of the new speech pattern element aids makes it feasible to address the needs of these people by the clear auditory provision of those components of speech which are most needed to complement the visual information available from lip-reading. In our work, each patient is provided with a wearable speech pattern processing hearing aid which gives an output matched to the individual's hearing characteristics. Controlled assessments of the value of the approach compared with the use of conventional aids are based on the use of carefully designed, common standard, fitting, training and evaluation procedures in each of the four present language environments. This concerted activity can be briefly summarised:
The Market for R. T. in Europe: a Demographic Study of Need
Authors: Carruthers Stuart  , Humphreys Anne  , Sandhu Jim
Published: February 2025

This paper describes potential consumer demand for Rehabilitation Technology goods and services in the years 1995, 2000, 2010 and 2020 for both the European Community and it's member states. The implications of projected changes in age structure over this period for European RT manufacturers is discussed. It is shown that the Community has the largest potential market for RT products and services in the developed world.
Information for People Planning Technical Research for Visually Disabled Persons
Authors: Gill J M
Published: February 2025

The TIDE CORE project is studying the information needs of the different groups within the rehabiliation technology field. However there is already some experience at Royal National Institute for the Blind with information provision for research workers in the field of visual disability. The most common types of information asked for, by research workers, are:
Knowledge Based Systems and Techniques for the Health Sector
Authors: Barahona Pedro
Published: February 2025

This paper reports on the EPISTOL project, set up to to provide a perspective on how are knowledge based systems systems going to be used in the health sector 5 to 10 years from now, and how should this expected use influence the planning of research and development work up to that period. The results of the project are aimed to aid the planning of future programmes concerned with research and development in health telematics, namely the fourth Framework Programme of the Comission of the European Communities.
A tool for pathophysiological knowledge acquisition
Authors: Ironi L.  , Cattaneo A.  , Stefanelli M.
Published: February 2025

The explanation power of a medical knowledge based system (MKBS) can be highly enhanced by the availability of deep pathophysiological knowledge. This kind of knowledge is well represented through mathematical models whose formulation, either quantitative or qualitative, requires both domain specific and domain independent knowledge. This paper describes QCMF, a tool which makes easier the acquisition, through an interactive graphical interface, of the domain knowledge and embeds the needed methodological knowledge to formulate a qualitative pathophysiological model. Such a model is directly coded in QSIM and is simulated in order to predict the system behavior under the effects of a variety of pathogenetic mechanisms and therapeutical treatments. Moreover, different models of a given pathophysiological system are stored in a library so that they can be efficiently retrieved and exploited within a MKBS.
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF A GENERAL METHOD FOR DECISION - SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Authors: Leaning Mark  , Samuel Peter  , Austin Tony  , Hassan Taher  , Modell Michael  , Patterson David  , Rubens Robert
Published: February 2025

The GAMES method for medical knowledge based decision support system construction is based on a select-and-test model of a medical decision making task. This paper reports the approach to clinical validation of the model which has been undertaken by applying it to a range of diagnostic and treatment planning tasks in asthma, cancer and intensive care. The potential applicability of the select-and-test model to patient monitoring is also discussed.
Interfacing Conceptual Graphs (CG) and the Galen Master Notation (MN) for medical knowledge representation and modelling
Authors: Alpay L  , Baud R  , Rassinoux A-M  , Wagner J  , Lovis C  , Scherrer J-R
Published: February 2025

At the Hospital of Geneva, conceptual graphs (CG) have been applied successfully to extract and represent semantic information from medical texts. In the context of the European AIM project Galen, the Galen Master Notation (MN) based on a semantic network representation is being developed, and the need to interface the two knowledge representations - the Galen MN and CG - has emerged. This paper reports on a first experiment which shows that the mapping between these two representations is feasible, and on the development of an interface conversion module which enables an automatic translation from one representation to the other. The process of relating these two representation methods brings relevant issues for modelling and representing medical terminology which are also discussed in this paper.
KAVAS's Framework for quality assessment of medical knowledge
Authors: Brender J.  , Talmon J.  , Egmont-Petersen M.  , Schiøler T.  , McNair P.
Published: February 2025

The KAVAS framework for assessment of semantic aspects of knowledge is outlined. It is composed of a set of orthogonal perspectives (each containing several concepts), of which a subset will be presented. Although it was designed for the assessment of Knowledge-Based Systems in medicine it is generally applicable. It has a close relation with the work item 2.10 of CEN/TC251/WG2, named “Certification of KBS development and evaluation”.
A Prototype Decision Support System for Diagnosing Polyneuropathies
Authors: Lipsanen Mikko  , Andreassen Steen  , Falck Björn  , Halonen Päivi
Published: February 2025

We are developing a decision support system for the diagnosis of polyneuropathies. The system is based on a causal probabilistic network (CPN) which models the polyneuropathies, pathophysiological changes and symptoms. An evaluation of the system shows that the system is able to correctly diagnose a polyneuropathy and find its cause.
Educational Training in the Use of Aids and Residual Vision Is Essential in Rehabilitation of Patients with Severe Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: NILSSON Sven Erik G.  , NILSSON Ulla L.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the principles and methods for visual rehabilitation of patients with severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD) regularly used at our Low Vision Clinic as well as in the prospective study reported on here and in the paper immediately following this one. Optical aids for distance vision (mainly telescopes 3-8x), near vision (mainly hyperoculars 6-12x), intermediate vision (addition 4-10 dioptres) and for spot use (hand magnifiers) are given to the patients free of charge. With the aids, distance and near acuity generally improves substantially, which, however, does not guarantee improvement of visual performance in real life, e.g. because of a short reading distance and a need for eccentric viewing (in absolute central scotoma). In our experience, and as shown in the following paper, formal educational training by a Low Vision Therapist in the use of aids and residual vision is essential for successful results. Determination of the precise extension of a central retinal lesion/visual field scotoma, selection of the ideal area (above or below the lesion) for eccentric viewing and teaching this latter technique effectively to the patient are important and demanding elements in such work. In follow-up and evaluation, acuity tests alone are insufficient. Performance in real life is what reflects the result. Therefore, tests of reading speed and of the ability to read TV subtitles ought to be mandatory. The paper immediately following this one demonstrates that extremely successful results are obtained in AMD patients with proper aids and with an average of 4-5 one-hour training sessions.
Visual observation and training in practice
Authors: Roorda Nienke  , Elskamp Marrie
Published: February 2025

Abstract at Visio visual assessment and visual training has been done since 1991. The framework that is used, is the international classification of impairment disabilities and handicaps of the World Health Organisation. The awareness to the visual impairment and (dis)abilities is a great issue for the client. By carrying out visual assessment the client and the therapist will obtain a clear insight into the client’s awareness of his or her disabilities. When this step to awareness has been made, supplementary assessment will be done. The goal of the assessment and the training is proving a condition which enables the client to develop and train skills. We will give an explanation about observation and training by discussing one case: a child. In this lecture an explanation will be given about perception and especially about observation and training of visual skills.
A Simulator for studying the lighting needs of the visually impaired people
Authors: van der Wildt G.J.  , Kooijman A.C.  , van Roode F.W.J.  , Cornelissen F.W.
Published: February 2025

For visually impaired people the relation between the results of visual assessment (such as contrast sensitivity, visual field or visual acuity) and lighting needs can be completely different from that of normally sighted. Up to now it has been very difficult to predict the optimal lighting conditions for a partially sighted individual. Therefore a room is developed, in which several lighting levels and spatial distributions of light sources can be realized. This enables us to study the performance of the visually impaired person under different illumination conditions, to find the best configuration for that client and for several tasks.
READING SKILLS, READING TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED-PROSPECTS FOR THE 1990 es
Authors: Bäckman Örjan
Published: February 2025

During the last decades an array of reading aids have been developed for visually handicapped individuals (talking books, optical and electronic-optical aids, computer based aids). A characteristic feature in rehabilitation of visually handicapped in Sweden has been the rapid development of low vision rehabilitation, low vision clinics and especially low vision training methodology. No national assessment of the impact of aids and training programmes has been undertaken so far.
The EBU’s new Questionnaire
Authors: Buser Fritz
Published: February 2025

The Low Vision Committee of the EBU is of the opinion that definition must cover a larger number of parameters to better define visual problems: As a first step to better assessment of visual abilities a list of parameters has been worked out which should be taken into account in assessing partial sight. In order to help low vision professionals to get better information from ophthalmologists the low vision committee has designed a new questionnaire wich will be sent out to the national organisations of the EBU for discussion. The need of magnification and the visual acuity are recorded on a thermometer like scale based on logarithmic steps. Most other questions are multiple choice
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RESTRICTED FUNCTIONAL NEAR VISUAL FIELD OF PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN AND READING PROBLEMS
Authors: Crisp Ronald K
Published: February 2025

Aim of Study: To investigate whether a restricted functional near visual field was a reason why some partially sighted children fail to become competent readers.
Insight into visual impairment
Authors: LOOIJESTIJN Paul L.
Published: February 2025

The increase of insight in and knowledge of visual impairments is sometimes a first step in the process of rehabilitation. Insight into visual impairment is the name of a rehabilitation programme which I have given from 1989 onwards. The aims of this programme are to gain insight in (your own) visual profile, to learn to explain the visual profile to other people, to discover that people in the same situation have equal feelings about visual handicap by exchanging these feelings and to discover to be visually handicapped by imitating as good as possible the visual profile of your son/daughter/pupil etc. This programme is offered to 2 groups of visually impaired adolescents, 4 groups of parents, a few families and grandparents. Parts of it are used by instruction-programmes for teachers etc. On behalf of this programme are developed: slides to explain/imitate low vision, an observationlist for parents etc.
Social, political and organisational conditions for the efficacy of research activities for the partially sighted
Authors: WALRAVEN Theo
Published: February 2025

The efficacy of research activities which aim at the development of products and provisions for the partially sighted highly depends on social, political and organisational conditions: opportunities for research institutes to co-operate with service institutes for the partially sighted and interest groups of the partially sighted; public awareness of the problems of partially sighted people and political attention for them; social rights that make provisions for the partially sighted available to all who need them; awareness of provisions and readiness to use them in partially sighted people themselves. These conditions are discussed together with some strategies for their improvement.
Visually impaired studying at the University of Karlsruhe (Germany)
Authors: LEHNERER Ute
Published: February 2025

This paper informs about the “Study Centre for Visually Impaired” at the University of Karlsruhe. It started in June 1987 as a pilot project and was institutionalized in April 1993 as a study centre after having been successful in supporting visually impaired students.
ONE BOWLS PLAYER’S VISION PROBLEMS SOLVED
Authors: OBSTFELD Henri
Published: February 2025

A 65 years old retired social worker suffering from diabetes, is a keen bowls player.He is essentially uniocular, and his visual handicap is such that he could see the ‘jack’ only with a telescope.A short medical history is provided together with his visual problems and the sport’s requirements. The solution took the form of a selectively absorbing distance correction with a stenopaic slit and sun shields incorporated in a spectacle frame with a flip-up front.
Future Prospects in ECG Signal Interpretation
Authors: Rubel Paul  , Fayn Jocelyne  , Willems Jos L.
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to highlight the strategies developed in the field of computerized electrocardiography and to present the future trends of on-going research in this area, with emphasis on the work performed within the framework of european programs of medical research.
Rhythmic Vasomotion in Intact Human Muscular Arteries
Authors: HAYOZ D.  , WAEBER B.  , BRUNNER H.R.  , DELACRETAZ E.  , TARDY Y.  , STERGIOPOULOS N.  , MEISTER J.-J.
Published: February 2025

The cardiovascular system oscillates around several frequencies that are specific for a given domain or territory. From membrane potential oscillations generating action potentials in the myocardium to the blood pressure and the heart rate variability, different mechanisms create rhythmic patterns whose significance is presently extensively investigated.
Capturing Data From Distant Hospital Databases For Cancer Registration
Authors: Pheby D F H
Published: February 2025

The particular logistical problems of collecting cancer registration data in the South-Western region of England are discussed. The Regional Cancer Registry has endeavoured to overcome these through developing electronic links to hospital-based patient-information systems. Some of these involve data transfer on magnetic media, but there are also interrogation facilities which operate on a real-time, interactive basis, and complement these other facilities. A PC-based program (SNODEV5), which can accept data from histopathology computer systems, translate SNOMED codes to ICD-9, and produce files suitable for processing by the registry's Batch Data Entry system is described. Its contribution to the achievement and monitoring of equity in health care provision is discussed.
The OBSQID Project
Authors: Stæhr Johansen Kirsten
Published: February 2025

OBSQID is a one-year project with the ultimate objective of identifying and validating European quality development indicators in perinatal care which will make it possible to exchange data at regional, national and transnational levels through the use of telematic and computerized information systems. This will make it possible to monitor, evaluate and identify “best practices” in order to use this experience to improve the quality and outcome of perinatal care in the European region. The project is a collaboration between WHO/EURO, counterparts in perinatal and obstetrical care in the Member States, and the Advanced Informatics in Medicine programme of the Commission of the European Communities.
Lessons from Sharing Hospital MBDS in the CAMISE Project: Need for Further Standardization
Authors: Casas Mercè
Published: February 2025

Hospital MBDS is a powerful tool for improving the knowledge on hospital performance. Within CAMISE, a BIOMED research, a databank of about 4,000,000 discharges from 420 hospitals in 12 countries has been collected, and a lot of effort has been devoted to make them comparable and therefore useful for research purposes. Results from CAMISE shows important opportunities from cooperation of European level. It points out the need for making them available to researchers under the suitable conditions of confidentiality, security and control.
A 3-D Analysis of Vertebral Changes Secondary to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: VALASSINA Antonio  , SNIDER Francesco  , AULISA Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Low back pain is frequently observed in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and is not rare in not leaking aneurysms. For a better comprehension of this particular type of low back pain is essential to verify if there are typical vertebral changes secondary to anatomical relationship between AAA and spine. We reviewed 250 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms operated on. We studied standard x-ray of spine, CT scan and angiography to define the geometry of vascular axis, the morphology and structure of the AAA, particulary of the posterior wall of the sac. We also sought for vertebral erosion or spur in relationship to AAA. We found typical vertebral lesions either at the neck and at the sac of aneurysm: hypertrophic connective bands, dome shaped ossifications and erosions. We found a new radiological sign on standard x-ray of the spine in lateral view, pathognomonic of the presence of an AAA. This paper gives the first comprehensive 3-D classification of vertebral changes secondary to an AAA.
3D Kinematics of the Spondylitic Spine: a Preliminary Report
Authors: AMBANELLI Umberto  , GABARDI Cristina  , NEGRINI Alberto  , NERVETTI Anselmo  , ROTELLI Fabio  , SANTAMBROGIO Giorgio C.
Published: February 2025

Although the initial symptoms of spondylitis can arise at different spinal levels, specific axial and lateral rigidity always feature the motor functions of the spine. This work is a preliminary attempt to integrate clinical data with a quantitative analysis of the spinal motor performance in order to monitor and quantify the progressive strategies of the disease. To such a purpose, 15 spondylitic patients of various age and different seriousness of the disease have been examined by means of the AUSCAN System while performing simple motor tasks (orthostasis, lateral single-side bending and double-side bending of the trunk). The obtained results concerning the inter-segmental rigidity of the spine point out the presence of two typical motor strategies which are strictly related with the upward or downward features of evolution of this pathology.
Three Dimensional Evaluation of Scoliosis Progression During Pregnancy: a Non Ionising Study
Authors: SIBILLA Paolo  , ATANASIO Salvatore  , FRONTE Francesca  , SANTAMBROGIO Giorgio C.
Published: February 2025

During pregnancy, the increasing of body mass and its different distribution with respect to the normal state cause an altered loading on the spine and, in general, evident changes in the spinal morphology particularly in thé sagittal plane. In scoliotic patients, such changes may become much more critical, specially when lasting after the childbirth, because they are in addition to the primitive deformity. This paper proposes a preliminary approach to non-ionising analysis of the effects induced by pregnancy on the spinal deformity.
Algorithm for Estimation, Classification and Graphical Representation of Clinical Parameters in the Measurement of Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities by Means of Non-Ionising Device
Authors: D’AMICO Moreno  , D’AMICO Gabriele  , RONCOLETTA Piero
Published: February 2025

In order to evaluate spinal deformities in scoliosis, a new non-ionising technique has been adopted. This technique allows to measure the 3D spatial positions of small unobtrusive hemispheric passive markers placed on anatomical repere points. After having acquired the raw data, a very sophisticated signal processing algorithm, that will be described herein after, has been developed in order to obtain from the measurements of the spine landmarks, the extraction of clinical parameters related to those usually calculated on the radiographic image. The implemented procedure is completely automatic, insensible to edge effects, applicable to short data sets, reliable in filtering and derivative assessment and fast. Various examples of the results obtained of various analysed subjects showing the algorithm reliability and clinical efficacy are presented.
Adolescence and Orthopaedic Braces: Psychological Conflicts?
Authors: CIMINO F.  , SABBADINI R.  , SPELTINI G.  , NOZZI A.  , BACCARINI I.
Published: February 2025

The Writers have done a research on a sample of children (173) from the age of 11 to 18 years. Of these there were 140 females and 33 males. The research was done at the S.M.I.E.E. - U.S.L. of Modena with patients undergoing orthopaedic braces treatment. The prime object of the study was to see the relationship between the scoliotic patient and their pathology and above all the latter and his/her orthopaedic braces. The research confirmed the importance in the preparation of the scoliotic patient to accept the orthopaedic braces.
New Procedure for Computation and Automatic Classification of Spinal Clinical Parameters by Image Processing of Digitised Radiography
Authors: D’AMICO Moreno  , DELL’ERA Stefano  , RONCOLETTA Piero
Published: February 2025

The aim of the paper is to present a new processing procedure based on a computer vision methodology in order to reduce the uncertainty and the variability of the measure of the various angles of interest. In fact, for instance, for Scoliosis and spinal deformities analysis widely used parameters are the Cobb as well as Lordosis and Kyphosis angles. The measure of these parameters is usually manually obtained by the orthopaedic surgeon. This leads to a series of problems and to a great variability of the measurements obtained due to the quality of the x-ray measurements, the experience of the surgeon, the media used for the computation and so on. Gradient polygon method and image processing has been applied for extracting clinical features from x-ray images collected for Scoliosis analysis. To this aim a dedicated software has been developed in order to help clinicians to analyse, to interpret and to quantify spinal deformities in a more objective way, avoiding the manual computation of numerical parameters.
Investigation of the Diurnal Variation in the Water Content of the Intervertebral Disc Using MRI and Its Implications for Scoliosis
Authors: DANGERFIELD P H  , ROBERTS N  , WALKER J  , BETAL D  , EDWARDS R H T
Published: February 2025

Changes in the length of the spine which occur when body position changes between being upright and recumbent may have significance in the aetiology of scoliosis. Such changes affecting the lumbar spine have been investigated using quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by taking scans of two subjects over a 24 hour period. T2 results show that high osmotic potential within the nucleus pulposus attracts water into the disc from the blood supply of the corresponding vertebral body when in the recumbent position. This causes the disc to swell, so increasing its height and therefore the overall length of the spine. When the subject was upright, stronger compressive forces caused this water to be displaced from the disc into the adjacent vertebral body. As a consequence, the spine lost overall height. The water content of the vertebral body was also found to increase during recumbency (attributed to a greater blood flow into the body). This larger concentration of water during recumbency was probably caused by the increased demand for water from the intervertebral disc at that time. The vertebral body was also subjected to height changes. These occurred in the upright posture during which time the compressive force caused the vertebral body to lose height. This height loss was probably regained when the compressive force was removed during recumbency. These observations of spinal length changes with respect to upright and recumbent position are considered to have important clinical significance in the context of 3D scoliosis aetiology as the spine may be affected in different ways depending on the position adopted by the body.
Guideline Based Care: The Challenge for Knowledge Based Decision Support
Authors: Barahona Pedro
Published: February 2025

The EPISTOL action was included in the accompanying measures of AIM ′91 - ′94 as a strategic study, aimed at clarifying the impact in the near future of knowledge based systems and techniques for the health sector, and provide recommendations with respect to the research and development work required within this period. In all the EPISTOL events, namely the Munich and Brussels workshops, the topic of clinical guidelines and protocol and based care raised considerable interest. This paper summarises these discussions, focussing on the KBS support for clinical guidelines.
Technology Assessment in Medical and Health Care Informatics: A Clarification of the Concept
Authors: Berleur Jacques  , Nguyen Nam Tien  , Delhaye Renaud
Published: February 2025

In our opinion there are many ambiguities when using the term “evaluation” or “assessment in different perspectives. Many projects of informatics in medicine or health care are on the supply or management side, while TA projects are mainly public needs oriented or on the users side. On the one side, the evaluation is predominantly thought in terms of technological feasibility or cost-benefit analysis. On the other, the assessment is done from the social and societal point of view. That definition of TA is relatively new, as until the end of the seventies, evaluation of technologies, when it took place, was conducted through impacts studies. The emergence of Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA), wherein the influence of the actors and the social processes on technology itself is recognised, resulted from the questions about the “scientist” model of TA and the necessity to unlock conflictual situations. Technologies are not considered as given and rigid objects any more: they become, as society was, subject to mutations.
The Conception of a Medical Computer System
Authors: O'Moore Rory
Published: February 2025

Possible reasons for the relatively disappointing uptake of certain medical computer systems such as Decision Support Systems or Electronic Medical Record Systems are discussed.
Verification and Validation
Authors: Engelbrecht R.  , Rector A.  , Moser W.
Published: February 2025

During the developement of all medical information systems evaluation should be considered both an essential and integral task.
Analysis of Costs of Information Systems
Authors: Enning John  , Bakker Ab
Published: February 2025

The introduction of new Information Technology in health care is – as in other fields – a complex process. Expected benefits have to be identified, and balanced against additional costs of such a system, in an investment analysis.
Telemedicine in Rural North Carolina
Authors: Balch David C.
Published: February 2025

East Carolina University is performing telemedicine consultations to the largest prison in North Carolina and two rural hospitals. Originally established to provide only emergency consultations for trauma cases, this network's usage has expanded to include 31 School of Medicine physicians from 15 medical disciplines. Physicians see and talk to the patients via the telemedicine link and then diagnose and prescribe medications, when necessary. Practitioners also have access to a digital stethoscope, a graphics camera and a miniature, handheld dermatology camera to aid in patient examinations. The working model developed for the prison system is now being expanded to six rural hospitals and a large naval hospital. A unique aspect of the ECU program is the hybrid communications network and hardware which have been integrated. With the addition of an ATM network, this will be the only telemedicine program in the world operating integrated T1 lines, microwave, and ATM links.
Factors Affecting Presence an Performance in Virtual Environments
Authors: Barfield Woodrow  , Hendrix Claudia
Published: February 2025

This paper reports the results of three studies, each of which investigated the sense of presence within virtual environments as a function of visual display parameters. These included the presence or absence of head tracking and the presence or absence of stereoscopic cues in the design of the visual display. In each study, subjects were required to navigate a virtual environment and to complete a questionnaire designed to ascertain the level of presence experienced by the participant within the virtual world. The results of the studies indicated that the reported level of presence was significantly higher when head tracking and stereoscopic cues were provided but that the addition of binocular disparity did not increase the realism in appearance of the virtual environment.