bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Better Together? Opportunities and Limitations for Technology-Facilitated Social Support in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Maitland Julie
Published: February 2025

Social support has long been positively correlated with cardiac outcomes. However, sources of tension surrounding peer-involvement in the period following acute cardiac events are well documented. Informed by a previous study of patient perspectives of peer-involvement in cardiac rehabilitation, this paper draws from the cardiac and computing literature to provide actionable insights into how technology could be designed to promote appropriate peer-involvement and the challenges that may be faced when designing technologies to support the unsupported.
Design and Testing of an Architecture for a National Primary Care Chronic Disease Surveillance Network in Canada
Authors: Keshavjee Karim  , Chevendra Vijaya  , Martin Ken  , Jackson David  , Aliarzadeh Babak  , Kinsella Lorne  , Turcotte Raymond  , Sabri Sarah  , Chen Tao
Published: February 2025

Chronic diseases are a growing concern around the globe. In Canada, chronic disease care is taking an increasing share of health care budgets, and with an aging population, is threatening to overwhelm Provincial budgets where most health care is paid for. A chronic disease surveillance network fills an important gap in current public health surveillance systems. This paper describes the design and feasibility testing of an information technology and privacy architecture to extract, transform and transfer data from 7 electronic medical record systems used by 100 primary care providers in 6 province to a central data repository at the High Performance Computing Virtual Laboratory at Queen's University in Canada.
The National Student Forum and the Emergence of Health Informatics Clubs
Authors: Fenton Shirley L.  , Covvey H. Dominic
Published: February 2025

Our greatest hope for the future of eHealth and the enabling of our health system is today's students. However, we face a challenge: few students are aware of careers in Health Informatics and other aspects of eHealth. This paper describes an initiative to engage our future workforce in HI. The National Student Forum for Health Informatics was established, in collaboration between the National Institutes of Health Informatics and COACH, to provide much needed opportunities for students to become involved in HI educational programs, research and student-student interaction. A key activity of NSF is the instantiation of Health Informatics Clubs at Canadian colleges and universities. We describe the rationale for NSF, its goals and objectives, its leadership and organization, and the development of the first HI Club at the University of Waterloo. Initiatives such as NSF are essential if we are to resolve the human resources crisis in HI.
A Methodology to Assess Experiences in Implementing e-Health Solutions in Croatian Family Medicine
Authors: Kralj Damir  , Končar Miroslav  , Tonković Stanko
Published: February 2025

The central information system of primary health care of the Republic of Croatia is in an early stage of implementation which for now covers integration of all family doctors' offices into a single comprehensive eHealth network connecting their software solutions with the national payer institute and public health authority. Measuring the quality and efficiency of information systems at an early stage of development is a very difficult task. The main goal of this work is establishing the foundation for a formal methodology to measure and quantify the experience of family doctors in the current use of this system. A questionnaire has been created to support the work which, on one side carefully follows our assumptions for quality criteria, and on the other collects valuable input from the users of the technology and solutions implemented. Our work is closely aligned with worldwide accepted standards and recommendations carefully analyzed and localized to reflect the current environment and health policy. This paper presents some preliminary results based on the survey conducted with family doctors on the field.
Extracting Clinical Information to Support Medical Decision Based on Standards
Authors: Gomoi Valentin  , Vida Mihaela  , Stoicu-Tivadar Lăcrămioara  , Stoicu-Tivadar Vasile
Published: February 2025

The paper presents a method connecting medical databases to a medical decision system, and describes a service created to extract the necessary information that is transferred based on standards. The medical decision can be improved based on many inputs from different medical locations. The developed solution is described for a concrete case concerning the management for chronic pelvic pain, based on the information retrieved from diverse healthcare databases.
Designing, Implementing and Evaluating e-Prescription: A Field Study and Comparison with PSIP Results
Authors: Riccioli Costanza  , Cacciabue P. Carlo  , Campanini Mauro  , Jung Martin
Published: February 2025

E-prescription is amongst the most widespread medical electronic support functions. However, several studies reported acceptance and utilisation rates not as high as expected. This paper performs firstly an analysis of the literature on e-prescription characteristics and functionalities especially with respect to their actual usage. Then a specific field study was conducted in an Internal Medicine ward, to investigate human factor issues associated to the introduction of an e-prescription system. Finally, the findings of the field study are framed within the actual implementation of various electronic support outputs resulting from the European Project “Patient safety through intelligent procedures in medication” (PSIP). The results show the importance of a systemic view when designing, implementing and evaluating medical support systems, as the pre-existing structures and tools largely influence the impact of those systems and their effects.
The Future of Electronic Prescribing
Authors: Aarts Jos
Published: February 2025

Implementing electronic prescribing in health care has been a slow process. Health authorities are now requiring mandatory electronic prescribing because of patient safety concerns. Electronic prescribing is not yet a mature technology, and may therefore pose a risk if especially organizational conditions are not taken into account. The paper offers some thoughts on the future of electronic prescribing in practice. It is especially important to extend electronic prescribing to the continuum of care in order avoid that medication safety falls in the cracks of fragmented health care organizations.
Anomalous diffusion in dielectric relaxation of polyelectrolytes
Authors: Déjardin Jean-Louis
Published: February 2025

Anomalous diffusion is considered in the context of fractional dynamics applied to dielectric relaxation of polyelectrolyte solutions. The approach starts from a fractional Smoluchowski equation in configuration space of molecular orientations of macroions and displacements of couterions. By using a perturbation procedure, we derive analytic expressions for the buildup and reversing field processes of the electric polarization given by the expectation value of the product of the first Legendre polynomial by the first Hermite polynomial. The first harmonic component of the ac dielectric response is also calculated. All these results are illustrated by plots demonstrating the effect of both the coupling (rotation-translation) parameter a and the critical exponent α (subdiffusion).
Telepresence Experienced in Videoconference Varies According to Emotions Involved in Videoconference Sessions
Authors: Bouchard Stéphane  , Dumoulin Stéphanie  , Michaud Mélanie  , Gougeon Véronique
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have linked telepresence to the strength of the therapeutic relationship experienced during telepsychotherapy. This finding comes as a surprise for many people who have been involved in a teleconference meeting, where telepresence is often considered weak. The aim of this study is to (re)evaluate the impact of emotional engagement on telepresence. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: (a) emotionally charged verbal exchange first (followed by a more neutral verbal exchange), or (b) emotionally neutral verbal exchange first (followed by an emotionally charged verbal exchange). A distraction task was performed between the two verbal exchanges in videofoncerence. Results showed that verbal exchanges involving stronger emotions increase telepresence. These results may explain why telepresence is so high in telepsychotherapy.
Simulated Interviews 3.0: Virtual Humans to Train Abilities of Diagnosis – Usability Assessment
Authors: Peñaloza-Salazar Claudia  , Gutierrez-Maldonado Jose  , Ferrer-Garcia Marta  , Garcia-Palacios Azucena  , Andres-Pueyo Antonio  , Aguilar-Alonso Angel
Published: February 2025

Diagnostic interviews in Psychology require the mastery of several skills and abilities that are required and need to be trained. The purpose of this study was to develop a virtual environment that simulates a situation where trainees can interact with virtual patients. The usability of the application was assessed. Results suggested that simulated interviews are a friendly and motivating tool to train diagnostic abilities in psychology students.
Towards Immersive and Adaptive Augmented Reality Exposure Treatment
Authors: Dünser Andreas  , Grasset Raphaël  , Farrant Hamish
Published: February 2025

In this paper we introduce a novel augmented reality based exposure therapy system for phobia treatment. This allows patients to see virtual fear stimuli overlaid onto the real world and to fully interact with them in real time. Extending on previous work, we focus on creating a controllable and interactive system (through gesture recognition and physiological sensors) with a visually realistic context. Our goal is a very life-like system that allows full parameterization over stimulus intensity and other factors necessary for an effective exposure therapy system.
Isolating the Effect of Virtual Reality Based Exposure Therapy for Agoraphobia: a Comparative Trial
Authors: Malbos Eric  , Rapee Ronald M.  , Kavakli Manolya
Published: February 2025

The isolated effect of Virtual Reality Based Exposure Therapy (VRBET) for agoraphobia was analyzed through a comparative trial involving the first 10 agoraphobic participants. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: VREBT only and VREBT combined with cognitive therapy. All the required Virtual Environments (VE) were created with an inexpensive Game Level Editor (GLE). Outcome measures supported the immersive effect of the VEs. Questionnaires, behavioral tests and physiological measures indicated a positive effect of VRBET alone. The addition of cognitive therapy to VREBT did not appear to generate any significant differences. Consequences for future research and practice are discussed.
Efficacy and Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioral Treatment: A Decade of Interapy Research
Authors: Ruwaard Jeroen  , Lange Alfred  , Schrieken Bart  , Emmelkamp Paul
Published: February 2025

Since 1996, researchers of the Interapy research group of the University of Amsterdam have been examining the effects of online cognitive behavioral treatment (online CBT). Over the years, the group conducted nine controlled trials of online CBT for a variety of mental health disorders, among a total of 840 participants. These studies suggest that online CBT is a viable and effective alternative to face-to-face treatment. Treatment adherence was 82%, and reductions in psychopathology represented a large between-group effect size of SMD = 0.9 (95% CI: .7 to 1.1), which was maintained over long periods. The research culminated in the foundation of the Interapy clinic, which received Dutch health regulatory body approval in 2005. Since then, costs of online CBT are reimbursed through public health insurance. A large study of the treatment outcome of 1,500 patients of the Interapy clinic showed that effects in clinical practice are similar to those observed in the controlled trials, and comparable to selected benchmarks of naturalistic studies of face-to-face CBT. The accumulated evidence provides compelling support for the efficacy and effectiveness of online CBT.
Theoretical Evaluation of the Influence of Cohesion on Lateral Support Design
Authors: Breyl Jacobus  , Wardle Gavin  , Day Peter
Published: February 2025

The amount of support required for vertical or near-vertical excavations in partially cemented or moist fine grained soils is significantly influenced by the “apparent” cohesion of the soil. This is a parameter that is often difficult to determine and its value is influenced by a number of factors.
Characterizing bulk modulus of fine-grained subgrade soils under large capacity construction equipment
Authors: Anochie-Boateng Joseph
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on characterizing the volumetric stiffness behavior of fine-grained subgrade soil at three different moisture states using a newly proposed hydrostatic compression test procedure. The deformation properties obtained from a laboratory testing program were used to determine bulk modulus at varying hydrostatic stress states, and moisture states chosen at optimum moisture content, 3% below and 3% above the optimum. The test results are analyzed, and used to develop regression correlation models for the soil sample tested. These models can be used for evaluating the impact of moisture on bulk modulus of fine-grained soils with similar characteristics for their sustainable use in foundation applications under off-road construction and compaction equipment.
Moisture retention characteristics of some mine tailings
Authors: Gawu S.K.Y.  , Yendaw J.
Published: February 2025

Tailings, like natural clayey soils, are prone to unsaturated behavioural changes as a result of changes in water content and suction. The equilibrium relationship between the moisture content and suction for soil, also known as soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), is commonly obtained in the laboratory using pressure plate equipment. This paper presents results of the laboratory determination of SWCC of four mine tailings and applies the van Genuchten curve fitting equation to estimate their air-entry values. High air-entry values were obtained for two tailings types and low values of the other two. The curves also show that the residual water contents of these tailings correspond to a value of suction of approximately 1000 kPa.
Observing Effectiveness of Pathology Ordering Controls in Emergency Departments
Authors: Wagholikar Amol  , O'Dwyer John  , Hansen David  , Chu Kevin
Published: February 2025

Objective: To demonstrate application of data integration technology for observing the effectiveness of interventions to control pathology orders in Emergency Departments.
Development of an Automated Physical Activity Classification Application for Mobile Phones
Authors: Xia Ying  , Cheung Vivian  , Garcia Elsa  , Ding Hang  , Karunaithi Mohan
Published: February 2025

Background. Physical activity classification is an objective approach to assess levels of physical activity, and indicates an individual's degree of functional ability. It is significant for a number of the disciplines, such as behavioural sciences, physiotherapy, etc. Accelerometry is found to be a practical and low cost method for activity classification that could provide an objective and efficient measurement of people's daily activities.
BioGrid Australia and GRHANITE™: Privacy-Protecing Subject Matching
Authors: Boyle Douglas Iain Ross  , Rafael Naomi
Published: February 2025

BioGrid Australia provide infrastructure for research currently spanning 16 hospital-based clinical institutions and 50 databases across Victoria, Australia. To-date BioGrid have utilised a probabilistic record linkage engine (Sun Oracle Java CAPS eIndex) that utilises patient identifiers (albeit in a secure manner) during record linkage. BioGrid are now incorporating privacy-protecting record linkage technology from the University of Melbourne Rural Health Academic Centre (GRHANITE™). For the first time in Australia, the GRHANITE™technology is allowing primary care data linkage projects to happen on a large scale (70 sites, 200 planned to date). By utilising GRHANITE™privacy-protecting record linkage technologies, BioGrid are now able to overcome the privacy issues inherent in linking data across national jurisdictional boundaries. By utilising GRHANITE™privacy-protecting record linkage technologies all inter-jurisdictional public health and hospital clinical data collected by BioGrid can be systematically linked to primary care data for research for the first time. This paper describes the architecture of the combined BioGrid and GRHANITE™systems, provides evidence of the efficacy of the linkage technologies and heralds the start of a new era in privacy-protected, record linked research in Australia.
Health Informatics Competencies – Underpinning E-Health
Authors: Grain Heather  , Hovenga Evelyn
Published: February 2025

There is a widespread consensus that we have an urgent need to improve our workforce capacity in all aspects associated with the skills and knowledge required for successful e-health and health informatics developments, associated change management and systems implementation strategies. Such activities aim to support various health reform policy initiatives. This paper considers the work being undertaken by many researchers around the globe to define the range of skills and knowledge requirements to suit this purpose. A number of requirements and areas of specialisation are detailed. This is followed by descriptions for competencies in general and more specifically descriptions of a set of high level agreed Health Informatics competencies. Collectively these competencies provide a suitable framework useful for the formal recognition of Health Informatics, including e-health, as a nationally recognised study discipline. Nationally agreed competencies for this discipline enables all education and training efforts to be consistently implemented and to fit with the Australian Qualifications Framework covering both the Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education sectors.
On Selecting a Clinical Trial Management System for Large Scale, Multi-Centre, Multi-Modal Clinical Research Study
Authors: Leroux Hugo  , McBride Simon  , Gibson Simon
Published: February 2025

Clinical research studies offer many challenges for their supporting information systems. AIBL assembled 1112 participants who volunteered crucial information for a comprehensive study on neurodegenerative diseases. This paper discusses the shortcomings of the clinical trial management system chosen to record the results of the study. A set of guidelines was devised and a critique of five systems ensued. OpenClinica was selected as the most appropriate option. The main contribution of this paper is: (i) proposing a set of guidelines to determine the appropriateness of Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS) solution; (ii) providing a brief critique of existing commercial and open-sourced CTMS; and (iii) alluding to some data migration issues and providing cues on how to address them. We conclude that open-source CTMS are viable alternatives to the more expensive commercial systems to conduct, record and manage clinical studies.
Use of face extrusion measurements in assessing ground properties during tunnel construction
Authors: Kavvadas M.  , Spyropoulos I.
Published: February 2025

The paper proposes an analytical method to estimate essential mechanical properties of the rock mass (e.g. deformation modulus E, Geological Strength Index GSI) ahead of the excavation face of deep tunnels and determine face reinforcement requirements, using measurements of face extrusion by a sliding micrometer. The method is based on a correlation between the results of 3-D parametric numerical analyses of tunnel excavation and measurements of tunnel face axial displacement (extrusion) during construction. The proposed method is applied in 4 tunnels (2 instrumented) excavated in weak rocks. The analytical predictions and actual data (measurements of face extrusion or instability) exhibit very good correlation and prove the reliability of the method.
The Environmental Aspects of Utilizing Phosphogypsum in Embankment
Authors: Dapena E.  , Pujol L.  , Pardo de Santayana F.  , Cuéllar V.  , Rodríguez R.
Published: February 2025

Phosphogypsum is a waste product of processing phosphorous oxide into fertilizer. It is made up primarily of calcium sulfate hydrate and its possible use as a compressible material to form the core of fill is analyzed in Dapena et al. [1]. However, there are two aspects of phosphogypsum which may have an impact on environmental quality when it is used as fill. One, its solubility means that it could contaminate local water with soluble salts, particularly calcium sulfates. Two, it radioactivity may reach levels not permitted in the environment for phosphogypsum fill. This paper discusses studies made of the solubility of phosphogypsum and elements which appear in leachates and those carried out to determine any possible existing radioactive elements and their level of radioactivity. The pH of this phosphogypsum is acid, pH = 3.69. This results in an increase in calcium sulfate dihydrate solubility, which reaches 4 gr/l. In addition, phosphogypsum leachates (L/S =10) exceed the allowed limits to be accepted as landfill for the following elements: As, Cd, Cr, Se, F and SO3. Furthermore, as a result of radon-222 and the radon daughters Po-218, Pb-214, Bi-214 and Po-214, the radioactivity of the phosphogypsum studied is 68.1 pCi/gr, which is ten times the radioactivity of granite and five times that of miga sand, materials commonly used as road fill.
Technical condition of Ukrainian historical monument “The Lastochkino Gnezdo” castle
Authors: Kryvosheiev P.  , Nemchynov Iu.  , Khavkin A.  , Chervinskiy Ia.  , Bambura A.  , Kaliukh Yu.  , Marienkov N.  , Zolotariov I.  , Kukunaev V.  , Popov B.  , Rizhiy M.
Published: February 2025

Castle “Swallow's Nest” (“Lastochkino Gnezdo”) - a monument of architecture and history of the second half of the XIX century, situated on a steep 40-meter cliff of Cape Ai-Todor in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine). In 1927 “Swallow's Nest” was damaged in a powerful earthquake - the support part of the rock has fallen into the sea and the bservation deck hanged over the precipice. Only forty years after the earthquake (in 1968) restoring the castle was begun, which was completed in 1981. After the restoration the castle was officially recognized architectural monument of national significance. The report presents the results of a preliminary survey and plan of measures to implement the detailed studies of the castle and the rocks in order to ensure their safe operation.
Triaxial, DSS, CRS tests and numerical simulations of soft soils at river dike
Authors: Lengkeek H.J.  , Bouw R.
Published: February 2025

Within the framework of the Dutch SBW project “Strength and Loads on Dikes” extensive soil investigations, analysis, numerical simulation and stability calculations have been performed. The aim of the project is to investigate the design method for a dike slope failure in a high water situation. Various locations in The Netherlands have been selected where the stability is critical. The authors are involved in a project concerning the Northern dike of the river Lek, east of Rotterdam.
A multilaminate soil model for highly overconsolidated clays
Authors: Schädlich B.  , Schweiger H.F.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a novel approach to model the shear strength of highly overconsolidated, stiff clays in numerical analysis. The multilaminate framework of the model is explained, and details of the yield surfaces, plastic potential functions and hardening rules are given. Comparison of undrained stress paths predicted by the model and laboratory test results shows that the model is well suited to predict peak strength and dilatant behavior typical for overconsolidated soils.
A contribution to improve the understanding of softening in stiff overconsolidated clays and marls
Authors: Maček M.  , Pulko B.  , Petkovšek A.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes a case history from of 500 m long and up to 40 m deep cut in stiff clays from Miocene era from Slovenia, where softening of bedrock influenced the stability of retaining wall during construction and additional supporting measures were necessary to ensure safety. Bedrock properties, determined during the geotechnical investigation for the main design are compared with the properties, determined soon after the first unpredicted deformation occurred as well as with the properties, determined after construction. The results show that during construction a significant reduction in strength appeared. An attempt is made to describe the softening process using the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and the deformation behaviour of the wall is described with numerical modelling.
Execution of Micropiles in an underground metro station against buoyancy
Authors: Thurner R.  , Kimpritis T.  , Koutavas N.
Published: February 2025

The layout of the Thessaloniki Metro (Basic Line) involves the construction of a crossover station. The whole area for this is approximately 19x102m. Due to the given geometry and high water table in the adjacent ground, permanent uplift piles were required to ensure a sufficient safety against buoyancy. These uplift piles had to be installed on a level of approximately -31m from the surface. In that depth the soil conditions are described as stiff, sandy Clay with gravel.
Chargement cyclique de pieux-tests instrumentés: le programme SOLCYP
Authors: Puech A.  , Po S.  , Benzaria O.  , Rocher-Lacoste F.  , Le Kouby A.
Published: February 2025

Le projet national SOLCYP a pour objet d'approfondir les connaissances sur le comportement des pieux soumis à des sollicitations cycliques et de développer des procédures de dimensionnement permettant de prendre en compte les phénomènes d'accumulation des déplacements et de dégradation des frottements.
Limitations in Physicians' Knowledge when Assessing Dementia Diseases – an Evaluation Study of a Decision-Support System
Authors: Lindgren Helena
Published: February 2025

There is a need to provide tools for the medical professional at the point of care in the assessment of a suspected dementia disease. Early diagnosis is important in order to provide appropriate care so that the disease does not cause unnecessary suffering for the patient and relatives. DMSS (Dementia Management and Support System) is a clinical decision-support system that provides support in the diagnosis of a dementia disease, which is in use in controlled clinical evaluation settings in four countries. This paper reports the results of evaluations done in use environments in these places during a period of two years. Data in 218 patient cases were collected by 21 physicians during their use of the system in clinical practice. In 50 of the cases the use of the system were also observed and the physicians were interviewed in 88 cases. The collected data and inferences made by the system were analyzed. To summarize the results, DMSS gave appropriate support considering the patient case, available information and the user's skills and knowledge in the domain. However, the results also illuminated the need for extended and personalized support for the less skilled physician in the assessment of basic information about patients.
An OCL-compliant GELLO Engine
Authors: Mei Jing  , Liu Haifeng  , Xie Guotong  , Liu Shengping  , Zhou Baoyao
Published: February 2025

GELLO, an expression language for clinical decision support, has been approved as an HL7/ANSI normative standard for years. Unfortunately, there are few GELLO engines available in use, and the limited tooling seems to hamper a widespread adoption of GELLO. The objective of this paper is to validate the availability of implementing an OCL-compliant GELLO engine. Experimental results show that our GELLO engine runs successfully in a clinical guideline-based decision support system for chronic disease management.
Implementation and Experimentation of TEDIS: An Information System Dedicated to Patients with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Authors: Ben Said Mohamed  , Robel Laurence  , Vion Erwan  , El Ghazali Antoine  , Golse Bernard  , Jais Jean Philippe  , Landais Paul
Published: February 2025

This article aims at describing the implementation and experimentation of TEDIS, an information system dedicated to patients with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The experiment included 30 prospective patient records aged from 3.2 to 7.5 with an average of 6.3. Preliminary patient data analysis highlighted the need of improving the data collection process, by making relevant data systematically and accurately documented. Despite a small study ample size, data analysis also showed the interest of such information system in making evident improvements in patient care and resources allocation after medical and clinical expert assessment.
Interaction Between COPD Patients and Healthcare Professionals in a Cross-Sector Tele-Rehabilitation Programme
Authors: Dinesen Birthe  , Andersen Stig Kjaer  , Hejlesen Ole  , Toft Egon
Published: February 2025

This paper explores how technology affects the interaction between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and healthcare professionals in a cross-sector tele-rehabilitation programme. The qualitative analysis has shown that a community of rehabilitation can be created despite the presence of long-distance technology. In the tele-rehabilitation programme, the interaction between the COPD patients at home and the healthcare professionals at the clinic has evolved with dialogue as the basis for mutual learning processes and new relationships. Managed properly, rehabilitation at a distance can be both effective and satisfying.
The Shift in Workarounds Upon Implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry
Authors: Van Der Sijs Heleen  , Rootjes Irene  , Aarts Jos
Published: February 2025

Workarounds are working processes deviating from formal rules or intended work methods to smooth workflow and circumvent problems without eliminating them. Former research focused on workarounds in the medication use process after implementation of computerized physician order entry (CPOE). This study on 2 wards of a general hospital shows that workarounds exist in both paper-based and electronic prescribing systems. After CPOE implementation workarounds present in the paper-based system had disappeared or remained existent, and new ones had emerged.
Task Analysis and Interoperable Application Services for Service Event Management
Authors: Mykkänen Juha  , Virkanen Hannu  , Kortekangas Pirkko  , Savolainen Saara  , Itälä Timo
Published: February 2025

In addition to the information specifications for electronic health records, functional and behavioral capabilities need to be agreed to achieve interoperability. In this paper, we present results from task analysis and specification of software services to support the management of service events. The work has been performed to support the management of the nationally shared EPR in Finland. The results support the specification of information sharing and composition in relation to healthcare workflows and activities. The specification of a functional reference model and software services for the management of service events and encounters promotes the integration of shared EHR and systems adaptability for migration towards interoperable electronic health records in healthcare networks.
A Unified Approach for Social-Medical Discovery
Authors: Roitman Haggai  , Mesika Yossi  , Tsimerman Yevgenia  , Yogev Sivan
Published: February 2025

In this paper we describe a novel social-medical discovery solution, based on an idea of social and medical data unification. Built on foundations of exploratory search technologies, the proposed discovery solution is better tailored for the social-medical discovery task. We then describe its implementation within the IBM Medics system and discuss a sample usecase which demonstrates several new social-medical discovery opportunities.
Characteristics of German Hospitals Adopting Health IT Systems – Results from an Empirical Study
Authors: Liebe Jan-David  , Egbert Nicole  , Frey Andreas  , Hübner Ursula
Published: February 2025

Hospital characteristics that facilitate IT adoption have been described by the literature extensively, however with controversial results. The aim of this study therefore is to draw a set of the most important variables from previous studies and include them in a combined analysis for testing their contribution as single factors and their interactions. Total number of IT systems installed and number of clinical IT systems in the hospital were used as criterion variables. Data from a national survey of German hospitals served as basis. Based on a stepwise multiple regression analysis four variables were identified to significantly explain the degree of IT adoption (60% explained variance): 1) hospital size, 2) IT department, 3) reference customer and 4) ownership (private vs. public). Our results replicate previous findings with regard to hospital size and ownership. In addition our study emphasizes the importance of a reliable internal structure for IT projects (existence of an IT department) and the culture of testing and installing most recent IT products (being a reference customer). None of the interactions between factors was significant.
Optimal Asymmetrical SVM Using Pattern Search. A Health Care Application
Authors: Cohen Gilles  , Meyer Rodolphe
Published: February 2025

: This paper considers the model selection problem for Support Vector Machines. A well-known derivative Pattern Search method, which aims to tune hyperparameter values using an empirical error estimate as a steering criterion, is proposed. This approach is experimentally evaluated on a health care problem which involves discriminating nosocomially infected patients from non-infected patients. The Hooke and Jeeves Pattern Search (HJPS) method is shown to improve the results achieved by Grid Search (GS) in terms of solution quality and computational efficiency. Unlike most other parameter tuning techniques, our approach does not require supplementary effort such as computation of derivatives, making them well suited for practical purposes. This method produces encouraging results: it exhibits good performance and convergence properties.
Architectural Approach for Providing Relations in Biomedical Terminologies and Ontologies
Authors: Brochhausen Mathias  , Blobel Bernd
Published: February 2025

The representation of multiple relations is one of the main criteria of ontologies. In formalizing both ontologies and terminologies in biomedicine relations are used to code axioms for the classes of the ontology. However, a huge number of relations represented in medical ontologies and terminologies are derived from language and formal definition is omitted. We present a strategy based on an architectural approach to facility formal analysis of relations for use in ontology systems in biomedicine and in general.
Mapping Medical Records of Gastrectomy Patients to SNOMED CT
Authors: So Eun-Young  , Park Hyeoun-Ae
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to explore the ability of SNOMED CT to represent narrative statements of medical records. Narrative medical records of 281 hospitalization days of 36 patients with Gastrectomy were decomposed into single-meaning statements, and these single-meaning statements were combined into unique statements by removing semantically redundant statements. Concepts from the statements describing patients' problems and treatments were mapped to SNOMED CT concepts. A total 4717 single-meaning statements were collected and these single-meaning statements were combined into 858 unique statements. Out of 677 unique statements describing patients' problems and treatments, about 85.5% statements were fully mapped to SNOMED CT. The rest of the statements were partially mapped. This mapping result implies that physicians' narrative medical records can be structured and used for an electronic medical record system.
Terminology for the Description of the Diagnostic Studies in the Field of EBM
Authors: Grabar Natalia  , Trinquart Ludovic  , Colombet Isabelle
Published: February 2025

Diagnostic systematic reviews is a relatively new area within the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). Their indexing in Pubmed is not precise, which complicates their detection when a systematic review is to be realized. In order to provide an assistance in the selection of relevant studies, we propose to develop a terminology describing this area and the organization of its terms. The terminology is built with a bottom-up approach. It contains 255 terms organized into five hierarchical levels. Only a small proportion of these terms (13%) are already registered in MeSH. This terminology will be exploited in a dedicated web service as a main tool for the detection of relevant diagnostic studies.
Technological Choices for Mobile Clinical Applications
Authors: Ehrler Frederic  , Issom David  , Lovis Christian
Published: February 2025

The rise of cheaper and more powerful mobile devices make them a new and attractive platform for clinical applications. The interaction paradigm and portability of the device facilitates bedside human-machine interactions. The better accessibility to information and decision-support anywhere in the hospital improves the efficiency and the safety of care processes. In this study, we attempt to find out what are the most appropriate Operating System (OS) and Software Development Kit (SDK) to support the development of clinical applications on mobile devices. The Android platform is a Linux-based, open source platform that has many advantages. Two main SDKs are available on this platform: the native Android and the Adobe Flex SDK. Both of them have interesting features, but the latter has been preferred due its portability at comparable performance and ease of development.
Metadata - an International Standard for Clinical Knowledge Resources
Authors: Klein Gunnar O.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a new European and International standard, ISO 13119 Health informatics – Clinical knowledge resources - Metadata that is intended for both health professionals and patients/citizens. This standard aims to facilitate two issues: 1) How to find relevant documents that are appropriate for the reader and situation and 2) How to ensure that the found knowledge documents have a sufficient or at least declared quality management? Example of use is provided from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reporting Qualitative Research in Health Informatics: REQ–HI Recommendations
Authors: Niazkhani Zahra  , Pirnejad Habibollah  , Aarts Jos  , Adams Samantha  , Bal Roland
Published: February 2025

To develop a set of recommendations for authors of qualitative studies in the field of health informatics, we conducted an extensive literature search and also manually checked major journals in the field of biomedical informatics and qualitative research looking for papers, checklists, and guidelines pertaining to assessing and reporting of qualitative studies. We synthesized the found criteria to develop an initial set of reporting recommendations that are particularly relevant to qualitative studies of health information technology systems. This paper presents a preliminary version of these recommendations. We are planning to refine and revise this version using comments and suggestions of experts in evaluation of health informatics applications and publish a detailed set of recommendations.
Combining Usability Testing with Eye-Tracking Technology: Evaluation of a Visualization Support for Antibiotic Use in Intensive Care
Authors: Eghdam Aboozar  , Forsman Johanna  , Falkenhav Magnus  , Lind Mats  , Koch Sabine
Published: February 2025

This research work is an explorative study to measure efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction of a prototype called Infobiotika aiming to support antibiotic use in intensive care. The evaluation was performed by combining traditional usability testing with eye-tracking technology. The test was conducted with eight intensive care physicians whereof four specialists and four residents. During three test phases participants were asked to perform three types of tasks, namely navigational, clinical and tasks to measure the learning effect after 3-5 minutes free exploring time. A post-test questionnaire was used to explore user satisfaction. Based on the results and overall observations, Infobiotika seems to be effective and efficient in terms of supporting navigation and also a learnable product for intensive care physicians fulfilling their need to get an accurate overview of a patient status quickly. Applying eye-tracking technology during usability testing has shown to be a valuable complement to traditional methods that revealed many unexpected issues in terms of navigation and contributed a supplementary understanding about design problems and user performance.
Reference Architecture of Application Services for Personal Wellbeing Information Management
Authors: Tuomainen Mika  , Mykkänen Juha
Published: February 2025

Personal information management has been proposed as an important enabler for individual empowerment concerning citizens' wellbeing and health information. In the MyWellbeing project in Finland, a strictly citizen-driven concept of “Coper” and related architectural and functional guidelines have been specified. We present a reference architecture and a set of identified application services to support personal wellbeing information management. In addition, the related standards and developments are discussed.
Green terraces for the regional express network in Brussels
Authors: Verstraelen J.  , De Clercq E.
Published: February 2025

Within the framework of the regional express network around Brussels, an existing railway line will be extended from 2 to 4 tracks. The extension needs to be realized as much as possible within the existing properties and possess a green character. The chosen solution consists of a stepped embankment at a 45° angle, departing close to the existing embankment toe and with a flat terrace every 1.8 m. For the design of these green terraces, the concept of reinforced earth was adopted. A classic small cantilever wall will be adapted by anchoring a geogrid in the base slab. The cantilever wall acts as a facing element for the reinforced earth fill. In places where the geogrid cannot be sufficiently anchored, the geogrids will be attached to soil nails. Due to the specific geometry, the required high stiffness and the high pH resulting from the concrete curing, a geogrid based on PVA with a high strength of 800kN/m will be used. This system of reinforced earth leads to a lower concentration of loads on the foundation, so a foundation made up from stone columns will be sufficient. The complete system and the interaction between the different structural elements were extensively studied through numerical analysis in FLAC. The embankments are currently under construction. Preliminary testing on the stone columns, soil nails and geogrid anchorage has been carried out.
Pseudo-natural SSI frequency of coupled soil-pile-structure systems
Authors: Rovithis E.N.  , Pitilakis K.D.  , Mylonakis G.E.
Published: February 2025

Within the identification of the prevailing frequencies in a coupled soil-pile-structure system, a pseudo-natural SSI frequency is defined as the frequency where pile-head motion is minimized with respect to both free-field and structural motion. This frequency is determined analytically and the proposed solution is compared to numerical results from finite-element analyses for a single-degree-of-freedom structure supported on a single end-bearing pile. The role of foundation vibration modes on pseudo natural-to-effective natural SSI frequency ratio and effective damping of the coupled system is explored, as affected by salient model parameters such as relative stiffness and inertia between structure and soil, foundation flexibility and pile slenderness. It is observed that for stiff massive structures founded on a stiff and/or short pile, pseudo-natural frequency may deviate substantially from the conventional effective natural frequency, providing a possible design frequency associated with lower levels of pile radiation damping. Conversely, when a flexible tall structure is supported on a flexible pile for which foundation rocking prevails, pseudo-natural frequency and conventional effective natural frequency nearly coincide regardless of the superstructure mass, allowing prediction of the actual flexible-base vibrational characteristics of a SSI system even in the absence of free-field recordings.
Numerical analysis of displacements with different constitutive models
Authors: Nitzsche K.  , Herle I.
Published: February 2025

Observations and measurements in the laboratory and in-situ reveal that soil deformations also occur at static equilibrium for an unchanged external loading state. Time-dependent behaviour can be noticed well e.g. in deep excavations where displacements of slopes can be observed even though the excavation process has ended. Those displacements may arise due to consolidation processes, creep effects, progressive failure, induced vibrations in the underground caused by ongoing construction activities nearby or due to a combination of the listed events, respectively. Thus a presently stable slope can reach a state approaching failure without any application of external forces. For the assessment of long-term slope stability, the time-dependent deformations need to be judged which is not feasible with conventional stability analysis. Within this study deformation analyses for an excavated homogenous slope is presented. First, it was investigated if certain physical mechanisms produce particular displacement patterns and whether different constitutive models can display those displacement characteristics in a corresponding way. In a second step changing deformation patterns for various case studies were analysed. The numerical calculations were performed with three different constitutive models and for varying boundary conditions. All numerical simulations were conducted with the FE program Tochnog.
Policy Brief on the Current Status of Certification of Electronic Health Records in the US and Europe
Authors: De Moor Georges  , O'Brien John  , Fridsma Doug  , Bean Carol  , Devlies Jos  , Cusack Caitlin M.  , Bloomrosen Meryl  , Lorenzi Nancy  , Coorevits Pascal
Published: February 2025

If Electronic Health Record systems are to provide an effective contribution to healthcare, a set of benchmarks need to be set to ensure quality control and interoperability of systems. This paper outlines the prevailing status of EHR certification in the US and the EU, compares and contrasts established schemes and poses opportunities for convergence of activity in the domain designed to advance certification endeavours generally.
Laboratory correlation of shear wave velocity and liquefaction resistance of sandy soils
Authors: Papadopoulou Anthi  , Tika Theodora  , Vranna Antigoni
Published: February 2025

Undrained cyclic triaxial and bender element tests were performed on sand and sand-silt mixtures for the investigation of the effect of nonplastic fines on the relationship between liquefaction resistance and shear wave velocity. The results show that this relationship depends on factors, such as fines content, density and confining effective stress. Based on the above results, field liquefaction resistance and overburden stress corrected shear wave velocity curves for sands containing nonplastic fines are derived and compared to other previously proposed curves and in particular the recommended in the semi-empirical procedure by Andrus and Stokoe. The results indicate that the limiting upper value of the overburden stress-corrected shear wave velocity may be higher for sands and considerably lower for sands containing nonplastic fines than the corresponding values, suggested in the semi-empirical procedure.