bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Local and Global KNN With Cotraining
Authors: Laguna Víctor  , de Andrade Lopes Alneu
Published: February 2025

Semi-supervised learning is a machine learning paradigm in which the induced hypothesis is improved by taking advantage of unlabeled data. It is particularly useful when labeled data is scarce. Cotraining is a widely adopted semi-supervised approach that assumes availability of two views of the training data a restrictive assumption for most real world tasks. In this paper, we propose a one-view Cotraining approach that combines two different k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) strategies referred to as global and local k-NN. In global KNN, the nearest neighbors selected to classify a new instance are given by the training examples which include this instance as one of their own k-nearest neighbors. In local KNN, on the other hand, the neighborhood considered when classifying a new instance is computed with the traditional KNN approach. We carried out experiments showing that a combination of these strategies significantly improves the classification accuracy in Cotraining, particularly when one single view of training data is available. We also introduce an optimized algorithm to cope with time complexity of computing the global KNN, which enables tackling real classification problems.
A Rapid Anytime Path Planner with Incorporated Range Sensing to Improve Control on Solution Quality
Authors: Antich Javier  , Ortiz Alberto
Published: February 2025

Along the last decade, anytime algorithms have shown to be a good solution for solving a path-planning task in domains with severe restrictions regarding the time for deliberation. In this line, this paper puts forward a novel anytime approach called vABUG that, on the basis of a member of the popular family of algorithms known as Bug, is able to perform much more efficiently than the competing strategies. A theoretical analysis of vABUG is presented as well as a comparative study including two of the most referenced anytime path planners. Finally, some experimentation with a simulated robot arm is also carried out.
3D Sensing System for Tracked Vehicle Robot using Movable Laser Range Finder
Authors: Fujita Toyomi  , Kondo Yuya
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a 3D sensing system by a tracked vehicle robot using a laser range finder (LRF) with an arm-type movable unit. The unit is mounted on the robot and the LRF is installed at the end of the unit. This sensing system enables the sensor to change position and to face at a right angle corresponding to a variety of configuration. Because the occlusion can be avoided by this mechanism even for complex terrain, the robot can measure a 3D configuration such as valley, gap, upward or downward stairs more accurately than conventional 3D sensing system with the LRF, which have generally used a rotating mechanism. In this study, we have designed and developed a prototype system of the movable LRF unit and mounted it on a tracked vehicle robot with two crawlers that we have been developing. Experimental results for basic 3D sensing showed that proposed system is useful for sensing and mapping more complex terrain.
Detection of tunnel water leakage based on image processing
Authors: Hu ChuanPeng  , Zhu HeHua  , Li XiaoJun
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a novel method of tunnel water leakage detection and recognition method is proposed. It combines the analysis of leakage intensity feature and the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) algorithm. Firstly, the original color image is transformed into a gray value image. Then, the canny filter is used to extract the ragged edge. After that, the non-maximum-suppression method is adopted to remove the noise and hysteresis threshold is utilized to obtain the accurate edge. An experiment was conducted to test the accuracy and stability of the proposed method.
Deep Foundation Pit Construction Monitoring Information System Based on GIS
Authors: Wang Yuan  , Liu Songyu  , Liu Jianyong  , Zeng Jing  , Gao Lei
Published: February 2025

At present, the file management model of the deep and large foundation pit construction monitoring data has been unable to meet a large number of monitoring data storage and fast real-time analysis requirements. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology has been applied in the management of deep and large foundation pit construction monitoring information. The functions of information management system of construction monitoring to large foundation pit construction based on GIS was designed as followed: monitoring data entry, graphics, pit construction monitoring information query, charts automatically generated curves and deformation simulation, information analysis, monitoring, forecasting and so on. At the same time, based on the three major components, background management, graphical interface and the work of engineering, the basic architecture of the system is designed. This paper has set out a number of key technologies of the system and gives application examples.
Development and Study of the Information Management System of Levee Project based on WebGIS in China
Authors: Zhang Bin  , Bi Mingyu  , Liu Jia  , Shen Xizhong  , Dong Haiting
Published: February 2025

How to realize the visualization and intelligence of the information management in levee projects is an important prerequisite for disaster prevention and mitigation, especially in China, in which exists ten thousands of kilometers levees with various types in seven major river basins. With the rapid development of Internet Technology, Geographic Information System(GIS) technology has been integrated with WebServices, which has significantly changed the operation mode of traditional GIS. And the so called WebGIS technology is playing a more and more important role in levee projects. In this paper, based on VS.NET and ArcGIS Server technology and combined with the database theory and key technologies of WebGIS, a novel WebGIS model following the MVC pattern was designed and a system called ‘China Levee Project Information Management System(CLPIMS)’ was developed. Specifically, the building of the WebGIS framework on the basis of the ArcGIS Server platform and the realization of its function were expounded; the application of distributed database and ASP.NET technology in GIS development was studied; the real-time data processing technique and the optimization methods to realize the seamless connection between GIS data in VS.NET and the remote database were investigated. Under B\S environment, the functions on real-time enquiry, display, statistics and management of spatial data can be easily realized using this particular system. Moreover, additional applications such as real-time monitoring, safety assessment, early warning and forecasting, and specialized analysis can be further explored through reserved interfaces. The proposed CLPIMS can serve not only as a scientific, systematic, visualized tool for analysis and decision management in levee projects in China, but also as a technical platform for flood control.
“Meshfree” Numerical Modeling of Slope Instabilities, Landslides and Mudflows
Authors: Zimmermann Thomas  , Preisig Matthias  , Truty Andrzej
Published: February 2025

Slope instabilities and mudflows caused by extreme weather conditions occur frequently nowadays. It is therefore useful to develop simulation tools allowing to better predict consequences of such events. In this paper we propose a simple and robust model, based on the equations governing the flow of incompressible viscous fluids, mixture theory, a Lagrangian description of the motion and a space-time approximation using finite elements or “meshfree” methods in space and finite differences in time. The model is first validated on two simple examples, then it is applied to a more complex hypothetical situation, representing a realistic scenario.
Study on the Impact of Asymmetric Deep Pit Excavation on the Surrounding Environment
Authors: Wu Chunqiu  , Yang Bin  , Li Detang  , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2025

The numerical analysis on the impact of surrounding environment caused by the pit excavation of one subway transfer hall is conducted. Both the excavation cross-section and the surroundings are asymmetric. It has been found that the Finite Element Method has more advantages for this and similar projects compared with the Elastic Foundation Beam Method; the Hardening Soil model can be more suitable than Mohr-Coulomb model for numerical analysis of pit excavation.
Cutoff Effect on Groundwater Seepage of Underground Structure in Aquifers
Authors: Xu Y.S.  , Shen S.L.  , Chai J.C.
Published: February 2025

The Quaternary deposit in Shanghai is composed of an alternated multi-aquifer-aquitard system (MAAS) with aquitard over aquifer one another. In the MAAS groundwater system, any drawdown of groundwater head of lower aquifer will cause the consolidation of overburden aquitard. If the underground infrastructure is built in the aquifers, the balanced ground water seepage route will alternate and drawdown will occur in the greater depth of flow, which will cause additional subsidence and unbalancing load on the structures. In order to investigate this impact, a series of numerical analyses are conducted. The analytical results show that the underground structures will cut off the flow of groundwater and change the flow velocity and direction, which will obstruct the replenishment of the groundwater in the urban center. Therefore, even though the total amount of the groundwater pumped does not changed, the groundwater level and the rate of subsidence in the greater depth will decrease. The results of numerical analyses indicate that the extent of impact depends on the depth and width of the underground structures installed in the MAAS layers.
Application of Data Mining Techniques to Estimate ElasticYoung Modulus Over Time of Jet Grouting Laboratory Formulations
Authors: Tinoco Joaqui  , Gomes Correia Antonio  , Cortez Paulo
Published: February 2025

Jet Grouting (JG) technology is currently applied in many geotechnical works for improving mechanics properties of soil, mainly soft-soils. In many geotechnical structures advance design incorporates the serviceability design criteria. For this purpose, deformability properties of the improved soils are needed. In this paper, three data mining models, i.e. Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Functional Network (FN), were used to predict the Elastic Young Modulus (E0) of JG laboratory formulations of cases studies using JG technology for soils improvement. Furthermore, the results obtained were compared with the Eurocode 2 predictive formula, as well as with the CEB-FIP Model Code 1990 approach. The proposed predictive approaches of E0can give a valuable contribution in terms of improving the construction control process of JG columns and reducing the costs of laboratory formulations.
Enriching Estonian WordNet with Derivations and Semantic Relations
Authors: Kahusk Neeme  , Kerner Kadri  , Vider Kadri
Published: February 2025

In this paper we describe the work on extending Estonian WordNet with synsets that are automatically generated using derivational suffixes. Almost all of the action nouns and agent nouns derived from verbs are missing from Estonian Wordnet. While annotating texts with word senses in Estonian Wordnet it became clear that words with these suffixes are quite frequent in texts and should be included into the Estonian Wordnet. Also, it is possible to automatically adapt some semantic relations between verbs.
Reverse Engineering the Vision System
Authors: Albus James
Published: February 2025

The vision system is perhaps the most well understood part of the neocortex. The input from the eyes consists of a set of images made up of pixels that are densely packed in the fovea and less so in the periphery. Each pixel is represented by a vector of attributes such as color, brightness, spatial and temporal derivatives. Pixels from each eye are registered in the lateral geniculate nucleus and projected to the cortex where they are processed by a hierarchy of array processors that detect features and patterns and compute their attributes, state, and relationships. These array processors consist of Cortical Computational Units (CCUs) made up of cortical hypercolumns and their underlying thalamic and other subcortical nuclei. Each CCU is capable of performing complex computational functions and communicating with other CCUs at the same and higher and lower levels. The entire visual processing hierarchy generates a rich, colorful, dynamic internal representation that is consciously perceived to be external reality. It is suggested that it may be possible to reverse engineer the human vision system in the near future [1].
Bringing Domain Knowledge to Pattern Matching
Authors: Sostaks Agris
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the pattern matching problem for model transformation languages. Despite being an NP-complete problem, the pattern matching can be solved efficiently in typical areas of application. Prediction of actual cardinalities of model elements is the key to sufficient efficiency. The existing approaches aquire the actual cardinalities using complex run-time model analysis or using analysis of metamodel where the required information is poorly supplied. In the paper we show how the deeper understanding of domain which is targeted by model transformation language can dramatically reduce the complexity of pattern matching implementation. We propose a simple pattern matching algorithm for model transformation MOLA which is efficient for tasks related to the model driven software development. Additionaly a metamodel annotation mechanism is proposed. It refines the existing means of metamodelling by adding new classes of cardinalites. They make more efficient the pattern matching algorithms which do not use the complex run-time analysis.
Modeling of Cell-to-Cell Communication Processes with Petri Nets Using the Example of Quorum Sensing
Authors: Janowski Sebastian  , Kormeier Benjamin  , Töpel Thoralf  , Hippe Klaus  , Hofestädt Ralf  , Willassen Nils  , Friesen Rafael  , Rubert Sebastian  , Borck Daniela  , Haugen Peik  , Chen Ming
Published: February 2025

The understanding of the molecular mechanism of cell-to-cell communication is fundamental for system biology. Up to now, the main objectives of bioinformatics have been reconstruction, modeling and analysis of metabolic, regulatory and signaling processes, based on data generated from high-throughput technologies. Cell-to-cell communication or quorum sensing (QS), the use of small molecule signals to coordinate complex patterns of behavior in bacteria, has been the focus of many reports over the past decade. Based on the quorum sensing process of the organism Aliivibrio salmonicida, we aim at developing a functional Petri net, which will allow modeling and simulating cell-to-cell communication processes. Using a new editor-controlled information system called VANESA (http://vanesa.sf.net), we present how to combine different fields of studies such as life-science, database consulting, modeling, visualization and simulation for a semi-automatic reconstruction of the complex signaling quorum sensing network. We show how cell-to-cell communication processes and information-flow within a cell and across cell colonies can be modeled using VANESA and how those models can be simulated with Petri net network structures in a sophisticated way.
Quantitative Petri Net Model of Gene Regulated Metabolic Networks in the Cell
Authors: Chen Ming  , Hofestädt Ralf
Published: February 2025

A method to exploit hybrid Petri nets (HPN) for quantitatively modeling and simulating gene regulated metabolic networks is demonstrated. A global kinetic modeling strategy and Petri net modeling algorithm are applied to perform the bioprocess functioning and model analysis. With the model, the interrelations between pathway analysis and metabolic control mechanism are outlined. Diagrammatical results of the dynamics of metabolites are simulated and observed by implementing a HPN tool, Visual Object Net ++. An explanation of the observed behavior of the urea cycle is proposed to indicate possibilities for metabolic engineering and medical care. Finally, the perspective of Petri nets on modeling and simulation of metabolic networks is discussed.
Constructing Biological Pathway Models with Hybrid Functional Petri Nets
Authors: Doi Atsushi  , Fujita Sachie  , Matsuno Hiroshi  , Nagasaki Masao  , Miyano Satoru
Published: February 2025

In many research projects on modeling and analyzing biological pathways, the Petri net has been recognized as a promising method for representing biological pathways. From the pioneering works by Reddy et al., 1993, and Hofestädt, 1994, that model metabolic pathways by traditional Petri net, several enhanced Petri nets such as colored Petri net, stochastic Petri net, and hybrid Petri net have been used for modeling biological phenomena. Recently, Matsuno et al., 2003b, introduced the hybrid functional Petri net (HFPN) in order to give a more intuitive and natural modeling method for biological pathways than these existing Petri nets. Although the paper demonstrates the effectiveness of HFPN with two examples of gene regulation mechanism for circadian rhythms and apoptosis signaling pathway, there has been no detailed explanation about the method of HFPN construction for these examples. The purpose of this paper is to describe method to construct biological pathways with the HFPN step-by-step. The method is demonstrated by the well-known glycolytic pathway controlled by the lac operon gene regulatory mechanism.
A Virtual Surgical Environment for Rehearsal of Tympanomastoidectomy
Authors: Chan Sonny  , Li Peter  , Lee Dong Hoon  , Salisbury J. Kenneth  , Blevins Nikolas H.
Published: February 2025

This article presents a virtual surgical environment whose purpose is to assist the surgeon in preparation for individual cases. The system constructs interactive anatomical models from patient-specific, multi-modal preoperative image data, and incorporates new methods for visually and haptically rendering the volumetric data. Evaluation of the system's ability to replicate temporal bone dissections for tympanomastoidectomy, using intraoperative video of the same patients as guides, showed strong correlations between virtual and intraoperative anatomy. The result is a portable and cost-effective tool that may prove highly beneficial for the purposes of surgical planning and rehearsal.
Mixed Virtual Reality Simulation – Taking Endoscopic Simulation One Step Further
Authors: Courteille O.  , Felländer-Tsai L.  , Hedman L.  , Kjellin A.  , Enochsson L.  , Lindgren G.  , Fors U.
Published: February 2025

This pilot study aimed to assess medical students' appraisals of a “mixed” virtual reality simulation for endoscopic surgery (with a virtual patient case in addition to a virtual colonoscopy) as well as the impact of this simulation set-up on students' performance. Findings indicate that virtual patients can enhance contextualization of simulated endoscopy and thus facilitate an authentic learning environment, which is important in order to increase motivation.
Medical Education through Virtual Worlds: The HLTHSIM Project
Authors: Eagleson Roy  , de Ribaupierre Sandrine  , King Sharla  , Stroulia Eleni
Published: February 2025

Training tools using virtual reality (VR) are becoming more popular and cost-effective to develop and are increasingly adopted; yet there is no systematic means for evaluating their usability and pedagogical effectiveness. There are a wide range of training scenarios that can be scripted, from high level simulations of emergency response systems where participants using their avatars have to make complex decisions and communicate with each other, to low-level sensor-motor skills-based trainers where surgeons can practice suturing and cutting. We propose a classification framework for simulator-based training, associating each type of simulation with a specification of the types of skills it is designed to exercise and a corresponding evaluation plan. In this framework, objective measures involving task time and error rates can be formalized at the lower levels, and related subjective and objective measures can be identified at the top. Our framework is being implemented under the auspices of a recently funded New Media project in Canada (GRAND NCE) that spans two health training and simulation facilities (CSTAR and HSERC).
Ubiquitous Health in Practice: The Interreality Paradigm
Authors: Gaggioli Andrea  , Raspelli Simona  , Grassi Alessandra  , Pallavicini Federica  , Cipresso Pietro  , Wiederhold Brenda K.  , Riva Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

In this paper we introduce a new ubiquitous computing paradigm for behavioral health care: “Interreality”. Interreality integrates assessment and treatment within a hybrid environment, that creates a bridge between the physical and virtual worlds. Our claim is that bridging virtual experiences (fully controlled by the therapist, used to learn coping skills and emotional regulation) with real experiences (allowing both the identification of any critical stressors and the assessment of what has been learned) using advanced technologies (virtual worlds, advanced sensors and PDA/mobile phones) may improve existing psychological treatment. To illustrate the proposed concept, a clinical scenario is also presented and discussed: Daniela, a 40 years old teacher, with a mother affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Open Surgery Simulation of Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Hald Niels  , Sarker Sudip K.  , Ziprin Paul  , Villard Pierre-Frederic  , Bello Fernando
Published: February 2025

Inguinal hernia repair procedures are often one of the first surgical procedures faced by junior surgeons. The biggest challenge in this procedure for novice trainees is understanding the 3D spatial relations of the complex anatomy of the inguinal region, which is crucial for the effective and careful handling of the present anatomical structures in order to perform a successful and lasting repair. Such relationships are difficult to illustrate and comprehend through standard learning material. This paper presents our work in progress to develop a simulation-based teaching tool allowing junior surgeons to train the Lichtenstein tension-free open inguinal hernia repair technique for direct and indirect hernias, as well as to enforce their understanding of the spatial relations of the involved anatomy.
Comparison of Reaching Kinematics During Mirror and Parallel Robot Assisted Movements
Authors: Kadivar Zahra  , Sung Cynthia  , Thompson Zachary  , O'Malley Marcia  , Liebschner Michael  , Deng Zhigang
Published: February 2025

The use of robotic devices in rehabilitation allows therapists to administer the desired movement with the preferred level of assistance while expending minimum effort. Robotic devices have been used in recent years to enhance sensori-motor recovery of the impaired arm in persons with stroke. Despite recent recommendations for bimanual practice, robot-assisted bimanual activities are rarely explored and are limited to mirror image movements. We developed a novel parallel movement mode for the Mirror Image Movement Enabler robotic system and investigated trajectory error (TE) exhibited by healthy adults during parallel and mirror image motions to various target locations. TE values differed for parallel and mirror image motions and for certain target locations, suggesting the importance of considering these factors when developing robot-assisted bimanual activities.
Influence of Metal Artifacts on the Creation of Individual 3D Cranio-mandibular Models
Authors: Kasama Shintaro  , Ogawa Takumi  , Ikawa Tomoko  , Shigeta Yuko  , Hirai Shinya  , Fukushima Shunji  , Hattori Asaki  , Suzuki Naoki
Published: February 2025

In our clinic, the four-dimensional analysis of mandibular movement has mainly been used to diagnose jaw function disorders. In present, we are considering its application for patients with occlusal issues. Consequently, an improvement in system accuracy is required. However, metal artifacts cause distortions in the 3D-cranio-mandibular model construction process, which leads to accuracy concerns. The purpose of this present study was to grasp the accuracy differences caused by the oral metal restorations in reconstructed 3D-cranio-mandibular models from CT data, and scanned dentition models. The accuracy of the reconstruction was confirmed from comparing the occlusal contacts in VR space and real space. The VR contact areas in the dry skulls without and moderate restoration showed a close similarity to real occlusal contacts. However, the VR contact areas in the dry skull with numerous restorations was not similar to the real contacts. From these results, it is considered that metal artifacts decrease the accuracy of model reconstruction.
Cost-Efficient Suturing Simulation with Pre-Computed Models
Authors: Arikatla Venkata Sreekanth  , Sankaranarayanan Ganesh  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

Suturing is currently one of the most common procedures in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We present a suturing simulation paradigm with pre-computed finite element models which include detailed needle-tissue and thread-tissue interaction. The interaction forces are derived through a reanalysis technique for haptic feedback. Besides providing deformation updates and high fidelity forces, our simulation is computationally less costly.
Anesthesia Residents' Preference for Learning Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block (ISBPB): Traditional Winnie's Technique vs. Ultrasound-Guided Technique
Authors: Awad Imad T.  , Sinclair Colin  , Chen Ewen W.  , McCartney Colin J.L.  , Cheung Jeffrey J.H.  , Dubrowski Adam
Published: February 2025

There is a recent shift from traditional nerve stimulation (NS) to ultrasound-guided (UG) techniques in regional anesthesia (RA). This shift prompted educators to readdress the best way to teach these two modalities. Development of a more structured curriculum requires an understanding of student preferences and perceptions. To help in structuring the teaching curriculum of RA, we examined residents' preferences to the methods of instruction (NS Vs. UG techniques). Novice residents (n=12) were enrolled in this parallel crossover trial. Two groups of 6 residents received a didactic lecture on NS or UG techniques. The groups then crossed over to view the other lecture. After they observed a demo of ISBPB on two patients using NS and US. The residents completed a questionnaire regarding their impression of each technique and the learning experience. UG technique was perceived to be safer and to have more educational value than NS. However, residents felt both techniques should be mandatory in the teaching curriculum.
A Portable Palpation Training Platform with Virtual Human Patient
Authors: Niles Tyler  , Lind D. Scott  , Johnsen Kyle
Published: February 2025

Palpation (the application of touch to the surface of the body) is an essential clinical skill. Correct palpation is part of a complete physical examination and it assists a clinician in making an accurate diagnosis, while poor palpatory skills can lead to diagnostic errors. As with any clinical skill, palpation is best learned through repetitive practice with constructive feedback. Unfortunately, changes in healthcare provide fewer opportunities for hands-on learning of this essential skill. Unlike other clinical skills, palpation has no immediate feedback to the learner regarding their performance. For example, when students are learning how to insert an intravenous catheter, failure to perform the technique correctly results in no blood return in the catheter. However, students do not know if they are palpating an abnormality if they have never felt it before. This inherent difficulty makes expert feedback even more vital to learning correct palpation. Existing research tools have addressed some of these challenges through simulation techniques that do not require experts, and can provide feedback on palpation pressures and palpation patterns. We describe a novel computer-based palpation training system, leveraging existing approaches, with an emphasis on sensing accuracy, directed-feedback, portability, and user experience.
Virtual Reality Applications for Addressing the Needs of those Aging with Disability
Authors: Rizzo Albert  , Requejo Phil  , Winstein Carolee J.  , Lange Belinda  , Ragusa Gisele  , Merians Alma  , Patton James  , Banerjee Pat  , Aisen Mindy
Published: February 2025

As persons with disabilities age, progressive declines in health and medical status can challenge the adaptive resources required to maintain functional independence and quality of life [1]. These challenges are further compounded by economic factors, medication side effects, loss of a spouse or caregiver, and psychosocial disorders [1–2]. With the gradual loss of functional independence and increased reliance on others for transportation, access to general medical and rehabilitation care can be jeopardized [2]. The combination of these factors when seen in the context of the average increase in lifespan in industrialized societies has lead to a growing crisis that is truly global in proportion. While research indicates that functional motor capacity can be improved, maintained, or recovered via consistent participation in a motor exercise and rehabilitation regimen [3], independent adherence to such preventative and/or rehabilitative programming outside the clinic setting is notoriously low [1]. This state of affairs has produced a compelling and ethical motivation to address the needs of individuals who are aging with disabilities by promoting home-based access to low-cost, interactive virtual reality (VR) systems designed to engage and motivate individuals to participate with “game”-driven physical activities and rehabilitation programming. The creation of such systems could serve to enhance, maintain and rehabilitate the sensorimotor processes that are needed to maximize independence and quality of life. This is the theme of the research to be presented at this MMVR workshop.
Toward a Simulation and Assessment Method for the Practice of Camera-Guided Rigid Bronchoscopy
Authors: Salud Lawrence H.  , Peniche Alec R.  , Salud Jonathan C.  , de Hoyos Alberto L.  , Pugh Carla M.
Published: February 2025

We have developed a way to measure performance during a camera-guided rigid bronchoscopy using manikin-based simulation. In an effort to measure contact pressures within the airway during a rigid bronchoscopy, we instrumented pressure sensors in a commercially available bronchoscopy task trainer. Participants were divided into two groups based on self-reported levels of expertise: novice (none to minimal experience in rigid bronchoscopy) and experts (moderate to extensive experience). There was no significant difference between experts and novices in the time taken to complete the rigid bronchoscopy. However, novices touched a greater number of areas than experts, showing that novices induce a higher number of unnecessary soft-tissue contact compared to experts. Moreover, our results show that experts exert significantly less soft tissue pressure compared to novices.
Dissecting in Silico: Towards a Taxonomy for Medical Simulators
Authors: Ullrich Sebastian  , Knott Thomas  , Kuhlen Torsten
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigated several approaches in literature that classify different aspects of medical simulators. We have merged these definitions to form a structured taxonomy. This new taxonomy should facilitate the design of new medical simulators and allow to analyze and classify existing simulators, algorithms, toolkits and hardware.
Phenomenological Model of Laser-Tissue Interaction with Application to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Simulation
Authors: Zhou Xiangmin  , Zhang Nan  , Shen Yunhe  , Burke Dan  , Konchada Vamsi  , Sweet Robert
Published: February 2025

Laser-tissue interaction is a multi-physics phenomenon not yet mathematically describable and computationally predictable. It is a challenge to model the laser-tissue interaction for real time laser Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) simulation which requires the laser-tissue interaction model to be computationally efficient and accurate. Under the consideration and enforcement of the thermodynamic first law and treating the laser-tissue interaction as a gray-box, utilizing the sensitivity analysis of some key parameters that will affect the laser intensity on the tissue surface with respect to the tissue vaporization rate, a phenomenological model of laser-tissue interaction is developed. The developed laser-tissue interaction model has been implemented for a laser BPH simulator and achieves real time performance (more than 30 frames per second). The model agrees well with the available experimental data.
Web-Accessible Interactive Software of 3D Anatomy Representing Pathophysiological Conditions to Enhance the Patient-Consent Process for Procedures
Authors: Burke D.  , Zhou X.  , Rotty V.  , Konchada V.  , Shen Y.  , Konety B.  , Sweet R.
Published: February 2025

Conveying to a patient the exact physical nature of a disease or procedure can be difficult. By establishing an access website, and using existing 3D viewer software along with our expanding set of anatomical models, we can provide an interface to manipulate realistic, 3D models of common anatomical ailments, chosen from a database frequently updated at the request of the medical community. Physicians will be able to show patients exactly what their condition looks like internally, and explain in better detail how a procedure will be performed.
Informed Use of Patients' Records on Trusted Health Care Services
Authors: Sahama Tony  , Miller Evonne
Published: February 2025

Health care is an information-intensive business. Sharing information in health care processes is a smart use of data enabling informed decision-making whilst ensuring. the privacy and security of patient information. To achieve this, we propose data encryption techniques embedded Information Accountability Framework (IAF) that establishes transitions of the technological concept, thus enabling understanding of shared responsibility, accessibility, and efficient cost effective informed decisions between health care professionals and patients. The IAF results reveal possibilities of efficient informed medical decision making and minimisation of medical errors. Of achieving this will require significant cultural changes and research synergies to ensure the sustainability, acceptability and durability of the IAF.
Monitoring of Congenital Anomalies in Developing Countries: A Pilot Model in Iran
Authors: Dastgiri Saeed  , Sheikhzadeh Yaghoub  , Dastgiri Ali
Published: February 2025

Aims: This is an ongoing project aiming to establish a monitoring system of congenital anomalies in the Northwest of Iran, and to implement control and preventive tasks in the region. Methods: Our program covers about 15 000 births (average per year) in a defined area with about 350 cases (average per year) of congenital anomalies born in the region. The definition of the congenital anomalies is based on the standard coding system of the International Classification of Diseases according to the primary diagnosis of anomaly. Results: The program examines the rates and patterns of various types of congenital anomalies and looks for possible local causes and influencing factors in the population. This monitoring program provides a pilot model into the epidemiology and potential for prevention and control of congenital anomalies in the community level. Evaluation procedures are essential part of our program to monitor the effects of preventive services for congenital anomalies in order to identify and correct shortcomings. Conclusion: Our program provides some essential data as an epidemiological tool for local investigators, information for health service planners, clinicians and for genetic counselors. It may also help to identify regional interventions that could help to prevent and control congenital anomalies in the study population and similar areas.
Adapting Usability Testing Techniques to Gather User Requirements: An Illustrative Proposal
Authors: Bellwood Paule  , Neuhaus Philipp  , Juhra Christian
Published: February 2025

Usability testing could greatly aid in gathering requirements for a system prior to its planning and design. An illustrative pilot usability study was carried out aiming to develop methodology for determining the functionality of the medical imaging software that is required to accurately assess medical images in emergency situations in a specific trauma department. Two individuals participated in the study. The proposed methodology for carrying out usability testing in a pre-planning and pre-development phase is illustrated in this proposal. The illustration showed that data collected in this manner may have a significant value. We, therefore, recommend a full pilot study to validate the findings.
Data that Makes a Difference in Quality Improvements in Primary Health Care: Approaches through a Pan-Canadian Voluntary Electronic Medical Record Source
Authors: Sullivan-Taylor Patricia  , Mukhi Shaheena  , Martin-Rhee Michelle  , Webster Greg
Published: February 2025

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the most common health care experienced by Canadians and is an important source of chronic disease prevention and management; however, PHC providers say they have little information about their patient populations, especially groups of patients with multiple conditions. The Canadian Institute for Health Information in collaboration with 50 PHC providers examined the ability to extract and use a subset of PHC EMR data from four disparate environments in an agreed and privacy sensitive manner. Findings describing the feasibility of clinician engagement, EMR data extraction, EMR content standards and data utility gaps, information system requirements, and systemic enablers and barriers are described in this paper. Ability to collect and use discrete and standardized clinical and administrative information is fundamental to improving practice efficiency, optimal use of information, and patient quality of care. Improving quality of EMR data captured at the point of service will considerably enable our ability to measure and understand PHC across Canada; promote dialogue to identify priority information needs; and support health system information uses for clinical program and health system management, research, and population surveillance.
Harmonizing the Competency Cacophony
Authors: Covvey H. Dominic  , Fenton Shirley L.  , Sabaratnam Sandra  , Chanda Noemi
Published: February 2025

Many have addressed the challenge of defining Health Informatics (HI) competencies, and eleven efforts have produced detailed lists of competencies. Although there are commonalities among these lists, several aspects of this work frustrate our using it to define a consensus view of HI competencies. This project has involved the documentation and comparison of the competencies produced by key authors and an effort to suggest competency terminology that derives from and harmonizes these efforts, but does not emphasize any one contribution. It is our hope that this will enable us to use what has gone before with a minimum of reinvention.
Assessment of Hospital Information Systems Implementation: a Case Study
Authors: Zikos Dimitrios  , Mitsios Athanasios  , Mantas John
Published: February 2025

The use of integrated Hospital Information Systems is related with many benefits for the healthcare system, increasing the effectiveness of the provided services and assuring quality of care. Aim of this study is to investigate the types of Information Systems, the level of integration and the problems identified during the implementation phase, in three public hospitals. The above are expected to contribute to the understanding of the organizational, human resource and technical factors related with the successful implementation of a hospital IS. In order to investigate those elements, an assessment questionnaire was developed and completed by nine hospitals IT employees of the three hospitals. In addition, open interviews were organized with the same employees to further formulate an overall aspect, while in one hospital case, observation and discussion with four different categories of involved staff was undertaken. It was found that the implementation problems are mainly related with the underfunding, inadequate use of standards, lack of skilled IT experts, insufficiently trained personnel and users' reserve. The problems may be tackled with a supportive hospital administration committed to the successful implementation. The external contracting company working on its own, without any participation of the hospital IT department seems to be a failure recipe. It is evident that an active management support and skillful hospital IT employees, are expected to result to success stories during the implementation of integrated hospital information systems.
How to Ensure Sustainable Interoperability in Heterogeneous Distributed Systems through Architectural Approach
Authors: Pape-Haugaard Louise  , Frank Lars
Published: February 2025

A major obstacle in ensuring ubiquitous information is the utilization of heterogeneous systems in eHealth. The objective in this paper is to illustrate how an architecture for distributed eHealth databases can be designed without lacking the characteristic features of traditional sustainable databases. The approach is firstly to explain traditional architecture in central and homogeneous distributed database computing, followed by a possible approach to use an architectural framework to obtain sustainability across disparate systems i.e. heterogeneous databases, concluded with a discussion. It is seen that through a method of using relaxed ACID properties on a service-oriented architecture it is possible to achieve data consistency which is essential when ensuring sustainable interoperability.
Assessment of Three Systems to Empower the Patient and Decrease the Risk of Adverse Drug Events
Authors: Lawton Kitta  , Skjoet Peter
Published: February 2025

One way to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) is to empower the patient to participate in the control of medication. This empowerment can be supported in different ways by making knowledge and information available to the patient. This study examines the usefulness and safety of two different systems on the background of a paper-based medication list presenting prescribed medicine presently used in hospitals in Copenhagen. Each of the systems examined aims to reduce ADEs but presents information in different levels of detail, and anticipates different level of prior knowledge from the patient: a Web-based prototype presenting medication, lab-results and alerts, and a cell phone-based prototype presenting alerts. Six patients were introduced to each of the systems by performing small tasks and subsequently interviewed. The patients found the paper-based medication list useful and comprehensive for control of own prescribed medication. The Web-based prototype also proved to be useful, but drug and lab values were hard to correlate, and the alerts were hard to understand. The cell phone-based prototype proved less useful as the patients were challenged to vision the applicability of the system. Furthermore, it is a safety issue that the information the alert is based upon, stems from the patient alone. We conclude that, in order for the Web-based system as well as the cell phone system to empower patient and increase patient safety, further development of the systems is necessary.
Nonlinear optical properties of functionalized DNA
Authors: Rau I.  , Krupka O.  , Grote J.G.  , Kajzar F.  , Sahraoui B.
Published: February 2025

Third-order nonlinear optical properties of functionalized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are studied by optical third harmonic generation at 1 0642 nm fundamental wavelength. The studies were performed on thin films of DNA-CTMA and DNA-CTMA doped with a charge transfer molecules DR1 and with a cobalt phthalocyanine. They show that DNA, similarly as synthetic polymers, can be used as matrix for highly active NLO chromophores.
A Lightweight Augmented Virtuality System for Providing a Faithful and Spatially Manipulable Visual Hand Representation
Authors: Pusch Andreas  , Martin Olivier  , Coquillart Sabine
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the technical foundations of a system designed to embed a lightweight, faithful and spatially manipulable representation of the user's hand into an otherwise virtual world – Augmented Virtuality (AV). A highly intuitive control during pointing-like near space interaction can be provided to the user, as well as a very flexible means to experimenters, in a variety of non-medical and medical contexts. Our approach essentially relies on stereoscopic video see-through Augmented Reality (AR) technology and a generic, extendible framework for managing 3-D visual hand displacements. Research from human-computer interaction, perception and motor control has contributed to the elaboration of our proposal which combines a) acting in co-location, b) avoiding occlusion violations by assuring a correct scene depth ordering and c) providing a convincing visual feedback of the user's hand. We further present two cases in which this system has already successfully been used and then outline some other applications that we think are promising, for instance, in the fields of neuromotor rehabilitation and experimental neuroscience.
The Similarity Between the Virtual and the Real Self – How the Virtual Self Can Help the Real Self
Authors: Georgieva Iva
Published: February 2025

In the exploration of a person's self-image in the Internet, it seems that there is one representing profile. But, is it coherent with the real self? Today we are able to perform counseling and therapeutic practices, and we can affect and change the human self and mindset in virtual spaces. Using the connection between neuroscience and philosophy, we show that there are different types of the self people adopt in cyberspace. By showing how their disposition changes many questions can be answered. What mind state provokes addictive impulses and enables therapy? How does the sense and concept of reality change? Can we transfer the experiences we gain in the virtual into real life? By investigating how the virtual affects us in a positive or negative way, support to successful treatment applications are possible. The goal of this study is to find answers for the virtual space usage as a treatment tool and to see what the future holds for such therapeutic tendencies.
Simple Expansion Model Applied to Soils from Three Sites
Authors: Dereck A.  , Sparks W.
Published: February 2025

Practical experiments by Pidgeon (1987) involved wetting similar samples which carry different vertical loadings. A formula by Sparks predicts the “free swell when carrying 1 kPa vertical loading”. A formula by Pidgeon is then used to predict the swell for other loadings.
How Accurate is the Electronic Health Record? – A Pilot Study Evaluating Information Accuracy in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tse J.  , You W.
Published: February 2025

Background: Electronic health records (EHR) are increasingly used for both administrative and clinical tasks with major implications for patient safety and quality of care. This study aims to determine a baseline EHR level of accuracy present on measurable information fields within an Australian general practice.