bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMPOWER the Future: How Senior Academics Can Shape Better Support for Early-to-Mid-Career Researchers After Their PhDs
Authors: Phipps Daniel John , Varol Tugce , Raghoebar Sanne , Gültzow Thomas
Published: February 2025

The challenges faced by early-to-mid-career researchers in academia are well-documented, with many experiencing high workloads, financial stress, and career uncertainty. While systemic changes are necessary, these reforms take time and may not fully address the immediate needs of early-to-mid-career researchers. Therefore, in this paper, we provide practical recommendations for those overseeing early-to-mid-career researchers, focusing on strategies to offer immediate support and guidance.
Temporal Window of Integration XOR Temporal Window of Synchrony
Authors: Jertberg Robert , Soto-Faraco Salvador , van Wassenhove Virginie , Van der Burg Erik
Published: February 2025

One of the most extensively studied constructs in multisensory research is the temporal window of integration. It has been varyingly estimated by measuring the temporal boundaries within which stimuli in different sensory modalities are perceived as simultaneous or elicit multisensory integration effects. However, there is ample evidence that these approaches produce distinct psychometric outcomes, as the widths of the windows they yield differ even when estimated with equivalent designs and stimuli. In fact, these two estimates can sometimes even be negatively correlated. What is more, the perception of synchrony has been found to be neither necessary nor sufficient for the occurrence of multisensory illusions. This indicates that subjective simultaneity and integration phenomena are dissociable, undermining the conclusions of studies that use them interchangeably. Failing to disentangle the temporal windows in which they occur has led to contradictory findings and considerable confusion in fundamental research that has started extending to other domains. In clinical studies, this confusion has affected work ranging from neuropsychological conditions (such as schizophrenia, mild cognitive impairment, dyslexia, and autism) to more general health factors (such as obesity and inflammation); in industrial applications, it is seen in studies using virtual reality, human-computer interfaces, and warning systems in vehicles. In this brief review, we discuss the importance of distinguishing these two constructs. We propose that, while the temporal boundaries of integration phenomena are aptly described as the temporal window of integration (TWI), the temporal boundaries of simultaneity judgments should be referred to as the temporal window of synchrony (TWS).
A Systems Framework of Bilingual Language Acquisition: How Development, Experience, and Contexts Interact to Shape Outcomes
Authors: Byers-Heinlein Krista , Kircher Ruth , Lew-Williams Casey
Published: February 2025

Millions of children grow up learning multiple languages, yet their outcomes vary dramatically: some have high proficiency across languages while others have more limited abilities in some languages. This review presents a systems framework for understanding diverse trajectories in bilingual language acquisition. Drawing on systems theories, we examine how multiple levels of influence interact, from individual factors such as maturational processes that lay the foundation, to immediate language experiences with family and educational contexts that provide learning opportunities. These experiences unfold both dynamically over time, and within broader societal contexts that determine language status and community support. The framework reveals how successful bilingual development depends on alignment across system levels: children, equipped with powerful learning abilities, must meet rich and sustained language experiences, as well as supportive social conditions. This approach illuminates systematic patterns in bilingual development, and emphasizes coordinated, multi-level approaches for supporting bilingual development.
The Effects of Intensive Mindfulness Meditation Training on Mental Health: Evidence of Effectiveness and Safety from a Matched-Controlled Retreat Intervention Study
Authors: Hadash Yuval , Dar Omer , Oren-Schwartz Romi , Bernstein Amit
Published: February 2025

Objective: Despite growing popularity and scientific interest in meditation retreats, their effects on mental health and their safety remain poorly understood. Accordingly, we aimed to study their salutary and adverse effects on mental health. Method: We conducted a preregistered prospective intervention study among 89 adults who registered for 6-day insight mindfulness meditation retreats and 46 matched controls (Mage(SDage) = 33.75(9.50), 56.3% female). Controls were selected from a pool of 543 people recruited from the same community of meditators as retreat participants and matched to retreat participants on age and lifetime meditation experience. Participants completed measures of well-being (WHO-5), affect (I-PANAS-SF), emotion regulation (DERS-16), repetitive negative thinking (PTQ), brooding rumination (RRS-B), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (OASIS) at baseline and at 2-week follow-up. Results: Retreat participants demonstrated significant improvements in well-being, negative affect, perseverative thinking, brooding rumination, and depression symptoms at follow-up compared to matched controls (η² range = .04–.08, ps < .05). Importantly, the % of participants exhibiting statistically reliable deterioration in mental health outcomes were equal or lower among retreat participants than among matched controls in the entire sample, as well as in a sub-sample with clinically elevated depression and/or anxiety (ORs < 1). Conclusions: A 6-day mindfulness meditation retreat can produce mental health benefits on par with effect sizes of longer 8-week mindfulness-based programs. Findings challenge concerns about adverse effects of intensive high-dose meditation training and suggest that it may be a safe and effective intervention modality, even for clinically vulnerable adults struggling with depression and anxiety.
Bayes factors cannot provide evidence for the null hypothesis
Authors: Fields Eric C
Published: February 2025

It is becoming increasingly common in the psychology and neuroscience literature to use Bayes factors to provide evidence in favor of the null hypothesis. The most common approach reports a Bayes factor that compares the null hypothesis to a “default” alternative. This approach can show that the data is more likely to have been generated under the null hypothesis than under the specific alternative tested, but it cannot provide evidence for the absence of an effect. In fact, analyses using default alternatives can return evidence in favor of the null hypothesis when the data is consistent with medium to large effects. I show that common interpretations of these Bayes factor analyses are misleading, and I provide examples and simulations that help to understand what a Bayes factor in favor of the null does and does not tell us. I argue that Bayes factors have no special ability to help us understand null effects when compared to frequentist methods such as equivalence testing and confidence intervals.
Auditing multimodal large language models for context-aware content moderation
Authors: Davidson Thomas
Published: February 2025

The development of multimodal large language models (MLLMs) offers new possibilities for context-aware content moderation by integrating text, images, and other data. This study uses a series of conjoint experiments to systematically audit GPT-4o, a state-of-the-art MLLM, to understand how it uses demographics and other contextual information when assessing hate speech. We show that GPT-4o's moderation decisions align with human judgments, particularly in recognizing norms regarding the use of reclaimed slurs by marginalized groups, and additional prompting can further enhance sensitivity to context. We further demonstrate that multimodal identity cues---combining visual and textual information---facilitate more nuanced content evaluation than unimodal approaches. This research underscores the potential and limitations of MLLMs for automated moderation and introduces conjoint analysis as a tool for auditing AI use in complex, context-sensitive applications.
A computational approach for characterizing social and ecological values in public comments
Authors: Chase Sarah K. , Sachdeva Sonya , Wood Spencer A , Lawler Joshua J
Published: February 2025

1.Addressing social and ecological values is a central aim of democratic environmental management and policymaking, especially during deliberative and participatory processes. Agencies responsible for managing public lands would benefit from a deepened understanding of how various publics’ value those lands.2.Federal land management agencies receive millions of written comments from the public on proposed management actions annually, providing a unique source of insights into how the public assigns value to public lands. To date, little attention has been directed towards methods for analyzing the public’s comments to understand their expressed values, in part because the volume of comments often makes manual analysis unworkable.3.This study introduces and applies a novel computational approach to inferring values in written text by using natural language processing and a method that combines a lexicon with semantic embedding models. We developed embedding models for four types of values that are expressed in public comments. We then fit models to 409,241 public comments on actions proposed by the United States Forest Service from 2011 to 2020 and regulated by the Natural Environmental Policy Act.4.The embedding model generally outperformed the lexicon word-count, particularly for value types with shorter lexicons, and, like human evaluators, the embedding models performed better for more evident values and were less reliable for more abstract or latent values.5.By applying the resulting model, we furthered our understanding of how the public values National Forest lands in the United States. We observed that aesthetic and moral values were expressed more often in comments for projects that received more public interest, as gauged by the number of comments a project received and in comments for projects addressing recreational management.
Guide pratique pour l'évaluation éthique de projets de recherche collégiaux impliquant l'intelligence artificielle et l'utilisation de données numériques personnelles
Authors: Bruneault Frédérick , Laflamme Andréane Sabourin , Boivin Jacob , Ringuette Louise
Published: February 2025

Ce guide pratique vise à soutenir les comités d'éthique de la recherche (CER) dans l'évaluation éthique de projets de recherche qui impliquent des systèmes d'intelligence artificielle et l'utilisation de données numériques personnelles.
Inka numbers, khipu, and yupana: A reanalysis
Authors: Florio Cinzia , Overmann Karenleigh A.
Published: February 2025

We review the evidence and history of decipherment on the technologies used for representing and manipulating numbers by the Inkas—khipus and yupanas. We offer a novel interpretation of the portable “checkerboard” yupana drawn in 1615 by Guamán Poma, revealing a numerical algorithm. This analysis sheds new light on the Inka number system, questioning its inclusion of a concept of zero and its interpretation as a positional number system. We conclude that Inka numbers and computational methods were likely a non-positional system akin to Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman numbers. We show the Inka multiplication method in Guamán Poma's diagram as similar to—but more efficient than—the Egyptian method in the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. This analysis shows the Inka number system to have ranked among the great mathematical traditions of the ancient world.
Trends and Destinations of Foreign Labour Migration in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Chandra Prakash
Published: February 2025

Migration plays a crucial role in the interplay between population dynamics and development, particularly in the context of Nepal. This study aims to identify the trends and destinations of foreign labor migration from Nepal, highlighting its significance to the nation's economy. While recent data indicates a continuous increase in foreign employment patterns, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the sustainability of these trends and their future levels. The study concluded that Nepal’s rising emigration, particularly to Gulf States and Malaysia, has significantly reshaped its economy, transitioning from agriculture to remittance dependency, with remittances now contributing the third-largest share of GDP globally. Despite this, slow implementation of the 2012 Foreign Employment Policy has prompted the Ministry of Labour and Employment to devise a five-year strategic action plan focusing on decentralizing migration management, improving remittance systems through innovative technologies, and ensuring social security for vulnerable groups. Additionally, addressing labor shortages post the 2015 earthquake and offering competitive wages to reduce labor outflow are critical. The study highlights the overlooked links between migration and development, emphasizing the need to optimize remittance utilization, human capital, and social capital to drive Nepal’s economic and social progress.
Medios Digitales y Derechos Humanos: Retos y Oportunidades en la Sociedad Conectada
Authors: Trujillo-Liñán Laura , Meneses-Trujillo Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Introducción: La naturaleza humana otorga derechos inalienables a los individuos, esenciales para desempeñar su función en el mundo y conocer sus obligaciones hacia sí mismos y hacia los demás. Estos derechos deben ser respetados por individuos y sociedades para mantener un equilibrio en las interacciones sociales. Objetivos: Mostrar cómo el uso actual de las redes sociales va en contra de los Derechos Humanos debido a que, a través de los algoritmos, se manipula para la toma de decisiones en diferentes ámbitos. Metodología: Este estudio utiliza un enfoque cualitativo, basado en la revisión de literatura y análisis de estudios previos sobre el impacto de la tecnología y los medios digitales en los Derechos Humanos. Se analizaron fuentes académicas, informes sobre el uso de algoritmos y el efecto de las redes sociales en la comunicación interpersonal. Resultados y Discusión: Los hallazgos sugieren que la proliferación de tecnologías y plataformas digitales ha disminuido la comunicación verbal y debilitado las relaciones personales. Además, el uso de algoritmos para personalizar el contenido compromete la libertad de los usuarios, quienes no son conscientes de cómo se manipulan sus interacciones en línea. Conclusiones: Los medios digitales tienen un impacto significativo en los Derechos Humanos, particularmente en la libertad individual y la calidad de las relaciones personales. Este trabajo subraya la importancia de que la tecnología fomente un ambiente seguro y favorable para los seres humanos, alineado con los principios de los Derechos Humanos.
Temporal dynamics of ICP, CPP, PRx, and CPPopt in relation to outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Kevci Rozerin , Hånell Anders , Howells Timothy , Fahlström Andreas , Lewén Anders , Enblad Per , Svedung Wettervik Teodor
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of studies on the optimal thresholds for neurointensive care (NIC) targets such as intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). There is also a need to clarify the role of cerebral pressure autoregulatory disturbances (pressure reactivity index [PRx]) and to determine if the autoregulatory CPP target (optimal CPP [CPPopt]) is superior to traditional fixed CPP targets in sICH. In this study, the authors aimed to explore the role of ICP, PRx, CPP, and CPPopt insults in sICH patients treated in the NIC unit.

METHODS

In this observational study, 184 adults with sICH with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume above 10 ml who received > 12 hours of ICP monitoring during the first 7 days at the authors’ NIC unit, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, between 2010 and 2019 (10 years) were included. Demographic characteristics, admission status, radiological examination, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Favorable outcome was defined as conscious at discharge, while unfavorable outcome as unconscious or deceased. ICP, CPP, PRx, and CPPopt during the first 7 days were analyzed in relation to outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 138 (75%) patients recovered favorably at discharge. Lower percentage of good monitoring time with ICP above 25 mm Hg was independently associated with favorable outcome. CPP above 80 mm Hg was frequent and independently associated with favorable outcome. Median PRx did not differ between the outcome groups, but there was a trend toward worse outcome when PRx exceeded +0.5. Furthermore, when PRx was analyzed together with the concurrent ICP and CPP values, higher values increased the ICP and CPP interval associated with unfavorable outcome. Lastly, there was no independent correlation between CPP deviation from CPPopt and outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Avoiding ICP elevations above 20 to 25 mm Hg and maintaining CPP above 80 mm Hg may be beneficial in sICH patients with large bleeding volume who require NIC. PRx was not independently associated with outcome, but higher values appeared to narrow the safe zones of ICP and CPP.
Carbon fiber–reinforced PEEK implants in oncologic spine surgery: a multicenter experience on implications for postoperative patient management
Authors: Hubertus Vanessa , Wagner Arthur , Albrecht Carolin , Kalasauskas Darius , Jankovic Dragan , Turgut Merih , Lener Sara , Gmeiner Raphael , Miller Hannah , Brüsseler Melanie M. T. , Acker Güliz , Hecht Nils , Onken Julia S. , Combs Stephanie E. , Thomé Claudius , Ringel Florian , Vajkoczy Peter , Meyer Bernhard
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

Carbon fiber–reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP) implants have been used safely in treating spinal oncological disease and promise improved imaging follow-up and radiotherapy planning. However, data on the implant’s routine use in the clinical setting with implications for postoperative management are scarce. The aim of this observational study was to provide real-world insight into the current use of CFRP instrumentations in spinal oncological disease and to define their actual relevance for postoperative imaging follow-up and adjuvant treatment planning.

METHODS

Datasets of patients treated between 2015 and 2022 with CFRP instrumentations due to spinal oncological disease were collected in a multicentric registry at four participating tertiary spine centers in Germany and Austria. Data on each patient’s epidemiology, clinical status, surgery, adjuvant therapy, and outcome was collected retrospectively. Data management was performed using a multicentric REDCap database, and data were reviewed and analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

A total of 457 patients were enrolled. Most patients received decompression and instrumentation (n = 308 [67%]), with additional cage implantation in 33% (n = 149). In most cases, image-guided navigated screw implantation was performed (n = 321 [70%]). The postoperative complication rate was 13% (n = 61), mostly due to surgical site infections (n = 32 [7%]). Postoperative MRI was performed in 19% (n = 87), with MRI findings prompting revision surgery in 3% (n = 15). In total, 61% of all patients (n = 278) received adjuvant radiotherapy. In those patients, MRI was performed in 6% (18 cases) for procedure planning, while this was mostly based on preinterventional CT (n = 205 [74%]). Of all patients, 27% (n = 124) received routine MRI during follow-up, where relevant local tumor recurrence was detected in 35% (n = 44) at a median follow-up of 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Low overall complication and low surgical revision rates were reported. Because of the possibility of higher quality MRI follow-up due to CFRP implants, complications or relevant tumor recurrence during follow-up were detected safely and at a high rate in cases where MRI was performed. However, consequent MRI follow-up was not homogeneously performed, and adjuvant radiotherapy was handled rather heterogeneously. These findings lead to the conclusion that until homogeneous adjuvant follow-up and treatment standards are established, the potential benefits available through the use of CFRP implants are not exhausted, and the decision for the use of CFRP implants in comparison to standard titanium implants remains case-to-case based.
A novel minimally invasive surgical technique for posttraumatic syringomyelia: subarachnoid−subarachnoid bypass
Authors: Yuan Chenghua , Zhang Can , Wang Jiachen , Wu Hao , Chen Zan , Jian Fengzeng , Guan Jian
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

Current treatment options for posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) lack clear standardization and often result in common complications. This study aims to introduce a novel minimally invasive technique for a modified subarachnoid−subarachnoid (S−S) bypass procedure for PTS.

METHODS

The study included 20 consecutive patients with symptomatic PTS who underwent the modified S−S bypass. The surgical technique of modified S−S bypass involved two-laminae fenestration based on preoperative MRI and myelography results showing normal subarachnoid space above and below the injury site. A passer was used to create a subcutaneous tunnel, and two medical-grade silicone tubes were inserted into the normal subarachnoid space at the cranial and caudal ends. Bypass tubes were placed in the subcutaneous tunnel, and dural closure was achieved using 6-0 nonabsorbable sutures. The mean follow-up period was 14.9 (range 12−18) months, with neurological function assessed using a standard grading system and MRI used to evaluate the change in syrinx size.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients demonstrated clinical improvement, while 3 remained stable. The mean preoperative syrinx length on MRI was 16.9 spinal levels, with a mean Syringomyelia Tension Index (STI) of 58.1%. The postoperative mean STI was 28.4%, significantly lower than preoperative values (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Modified S−S bypass, which can be performed without myelotomy and without the bypass tubes interfering with the adhesion, was not only a safe and effective surgical technique, but may also be a physiologically better way of treating PTS.
Optimal timing of endoscopic sagittal suturectomy
Authors: O’Brien Patrick F. , Teti Saige A. , Dewar Callum , Stabingas Kristen , Rana Md Sohel , Magge Suresh N. , Donoho Daniel A. , Syed Hasan R. , Oluigbo Chima , Myseros John S. , Rogers Gary F. , Keating Robert F.
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic sagittal suturectomy (ESS) is commonly offered for sagittal craniosynostosis in infants, but the optimal timing of surgery remains controversial, with many clinicians only offering ESS surgery before 3 months of age. This study investigated whether patient age predicts craniometric correction and, more specifically, whether patients > 3 months of age at surgery manifest less correction. The effects of age on blood transfusion were also investigated.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review identifying patients with sagittal craniosynostosis who underwent ESS between 2009 and 2023 at Children’s National Medical Center was performed. The authors stratified patients by age groups to compare outcomes and transfusion rates. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed to identify optimal age cutoffs.

RESULTS

In total, 107 patients were included. Stratifying age group by 0–2 months, 2–3 months, and > 3 months revealed that the > 3-month age group was less likely to achieve the target cephalic index (CI) at the final follow-up (48.8% vs 61.5% vs 25.0%, p = 0.031) and had less mean percentage CI change at the 6-month follow-up (17% ± 8% vs 18% ± 8% vs 12% ± 6%, p = 0.011), helmet discontinuation (18% ± 9% vs 18% ± 8% vs 12% ± 6%, p = 0.008), 1-year follow-up (15% ± 9% vs 17% ± 7% vs 10% ± 7%, p = 0.005), and final follow-up (14% ± 9% vs 15% ± 7% vs 8% ± 7%, p = 0.004). There were no differences in outcomes between groups when stratified as 0–2 months versus > 2 months of age. The only difference in outcomes between groups when stratified as 0–3 months versus > 3 months of age was the mean percentage change in CI at helmet removal (18% ± 8% vs 15% ± 7%, p = 0.044). Patients requiring transfusion were likely to be younger (median age 2 vs 3 months, p = 0.028). ROC curve analysis identified an age cut-point of 3.75 months as optimal for achieving the target CI correction at the final follow-up (AUC 0.58) and 2.75 months for transfusion avoidance (AUC 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients > 3 months of age may benefit from ESS for sagittal craniosynostosis. Further investigation is warranted to identify the optimal age for surgery and to investigate other variables influencing outcomes.
Пропагандистська політика нацистів у Східній Європі напередодні Другої світової війни
Authors: Дробіна Лілія
Published: February 2025

У статті на прикладі агресивної політики нацистської Німеччини відображені аспекти пропагандистської політики «захисту своїх» та її роль у розпалюванні Другої світової війни, викладені на основі статей чернівецької газети «Час». Автор досліджує, як політика «життєвого простору» Гітлера, заснована на ідеї розширення німецьких територій, призвела до анексії Австрії, Судетської області та, зрештою, нападу на Польщу. Автор звертає увагу на складність розв’язання територіальних претензій з урахуванням історичного фактора. Відзначено, що проблеми міжнародних конфліктів залишаються актуальними і сьогодні, а глобалізація підкреслює взаємозалежність країн і необхідність співпраці для розв’язання спільних проблем. Звернено увагу на загрозу авторитарних режимів, адже ідеї, схожі на ті, що пропагували нацисти, час від часу з’являються в різних куточках світу. У висновках автор підкреслює важливість вивчення історії для запобігання повторенню помилок минулого.
Новий посібник з історії Раннього Нового часу
Authors: Безаров Олександр
Published: February 2025

Рецензія на книгу: Сич О.І. Всесвітня історія. Ранній Новий час (ХVI–ХVIII ст.): навч. посібник. Чернівці: Чернівецький нац. ун-т ім. Ю.Федьковича, 2024. 168 с.
Український національно-визвольний рух Модерної доби: інтелектуали та їх політичні ідеї
Authors: Яценюк Фадей
Published: February 2025

Рецензія на книгу: Гирич Ігор. Як Україна ставала українською. Громадсько-політичне життя на підросійській Україні ХІХ – поч. ХХ ст. Київ: ТОВ «Видавництво "Кліо"», 2024. 192 с.
PENILAIAN ESAI MATA KULIAH BAHASA INGGRIS BERBASIS MACHINE LEARNING MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA REGRESI LINIER
Authors: Cahyadi  , Purnomo Dwi , Dewi Sahara Nasution  , Fitri anggraini
Published: February 2025

Manual essay assessment is time-consuming and subjective. This study proposes an automated evaluation system using a linear regression algorithm to improve efficiency and objectivity. The model analyzes linguistic and structural features such as word count, sentence length, word complexity, and grammatical patterns. The dataset consists of student essay scored by tutors  as training references. Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques are applied to extract linguistic features and map reference scores using linear regression. The system helps instructors provide more consistent and efficient feedback while reducing subjectivity in grading. Additionally, this approach enhances assessment scalability, making it applicable to large numbers of essays. However, the model has limitations, particularly in understanding deep contextual meaning, creativity, and argument coherence. Future improvements may integrate advanced NLP models to enhance comprehension. Despite its limitations, this system presents a valuable step toward automated essay assessment in education
A Constraint-based Approach to Medical Guidelines and Protocols
Authors: Hommersom Arjen  , Groot Perry  , Lucas Peter  , Marcos Mar  , Martínez-Salvador Begoña
Published: February 2025

Medical guidelines and protocols are documents aimed at improving the quality of medical care by offering support in medical decision making in the form of management recommendations based on scientific evidence. Whereas medical guidelines are intended for nation-wide use, and thus omit medical management details that may differ among hospitals, medical protocols are aimed at local use, e.g., within hospitals, and, therefore, include more detailed information. Although a medical guideline and an associated protocol concerning the management of a particular disorder are related to each other, one question is to what extent they are different. Formal methods are applied to shed light on this issue. A Dutch medical guideline regarding the treatment of breast cancer, and a Dutch protocol based on it, are taken as an example.
Improving the Execution of Clinical Guidelines and Temporal Data Abstraction High-Frequency Domains
Authors: Seyfang Andreas  , Paesold Michael  , Votruba Peter  , Miksch Silvia
Published: February 2025

The execution of clinical guidelines and protocols (CGPs) is a challenging task in high-frequency domains such as Intensive Care Units. On the one hand, sophisticated temporal data abstraction is required to match the low-level information from monitoring devices and electronic patient records with the high-level concepts in the CGPs. On the other hand, the frequency of the data delivered by monitoring devices mandates a highly efficient implementation of the reasoning engine which handles both data abstraction and execution of the guideline.
The Temporal Aspects of Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Terenziani Paolo  , German Efrat  , Shahar Yuval
Published: February 2025

Temporal aspects play a major role within clinical guidelines. Temporal issues arise when considering both guidelines per se, and the application of guidelines to specific patients. As a matter of fact, guidelines per se specify different diagnostic and\or therapeutic patterns, and temporal constraints on the intended times of execution of the actions they contain are an intrinsic part of guidelines themselves. Moreover, guidelines must be executed on the basis of patients' data, which are intrinsically temporal data (consider, e.g., the time when symptoms hold). Devising suitable representation formalisms to properly model such pieces of temporal information is a challenging task, for which several solutions have been proposed in the last years. Besides representation formalisms, temporal reasoning methodologies are also needed. Temporal abstraction is needed in order to infer abstract temporal data (as described in guideline action conditions) from “raw” timestamped patient data. Moreover, temporal constraint propagationis also needed, both at acquisition and at execution time. During acquisition, temporal constraint propagation is used to detect whether the temporal constraints in the guideline are consistent. At execution time, it is needed in order to check whether the actual time of execution of actions has respected the temporal constraints in the guideline, and to detect which are the next candidate actions to be executed, on the basis of the temporal constraints in the guideline. This chapter sketches some of the most important recent results about the above issues.
Resolving Inconsistencies in Shared Context Models using Multiagent Systems
Authors: Käppeler Uwe-Philipp  , Benkmann Ruben  , Zweigle Oliver  , Lafrenz Reinhard  , Levi Paul
Published: February 2025

Agents acting in physical space use perception in combination with their own world models and shared context models.The shared context models have to be adapted permanently to the conditions of the real world. If a measurement of an agent's sensor does not fit to the corresponding data in the shared context model the system contains an inconsistency. In this case it is necessary to decide whether the reason for the discrepancy is a change in the real world or a measurement error. A solution has to be based on only a limited number of measurements from different agents and a reduction of noise in the sensor data.
Robust Vision-Based Semi-Autonomous Underwater Manipulation
Authors: Hildebrandt Marc  , Kerdels Jochen  , Albiez Jan  , Kirchner Frank
Published: February 2025

The increasing demand for deep sea resources induces an increased amount of robotic technology to work in this harsh environment. In this paper we present a visual servoing approach to release the strain on operators controlling the currently used remotely operated vehicles, by giving them the possibility to hand some of the tasks over to a semi-autonomous control system. The paper deals with the basic control of a commercially available 7 degrees of freedom hydraulic manipulator, the 3D camera system used and the object recognition and visual servoing control. The presented approach focuses heavily on robustness to augment the acceptance with the offshore industry.
A survey on mobile robots for industrial inspections
Authors: Kroll Andreas
Published: February 2025

Mobile service robots for carrying out inspections of industrial infrastructure gain importance e.g. due to aging infrastructure and demographics. This paper describes inspection tasks, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and provides for a survey of autonomous mobile industrial service robot activities.
Ergonomically designed kneeling chairs are they worth it? : Comparison of sagittal lumbar curvature in two different seating postures
Authors: Bettany-Saltikov J.  , Warren J.  , Jobson M.
Published: February 2025

General agreement among researchers suggests that poor seating posture may predispose individuals to developing low back pain. A variety of methods such as ergonomically designed chairs have been developed to assist people to maintain good posture and preserve the ‘natural’ lumbar curve. The aim of this study was to compare lumbar curvature on an ergonomically designed kneeling chair (EKC) with that on a standard computer chair (SCC), with reference to the standing lumbar curvature. The study used a repeated measures, within-subjects design. A convenience sample of twenty participants was recruited aged 18–35 (9 male and 11 female). Lumbar curvature was measured using the ‘Middlesbrough Integrated Assessment System’ (MIDAS) postural assessment tool in three different postures; sitting on a SCC, sitting on an EKC set at +20° inclination and standing as the reference measurement. Results were analysed by a repeated measures oneway ANOVA (1 factor) with 3 levels followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test. The results showed a statistically significant difference between standing lumbar curvature and lumbar curvature produced by both of the chairs (p<0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference between the two seated positions (p<0.05). This study suggests that ergonomically designed kneeling chairs set at +20° inclination do maintain standing lumbar curvature to a greater extent than sitting on a standard computer chair with an overall mean difference of 7.633°. Further research with a greater number of subjects and on different chair designs is warranted.
Biomechanical Modelling of a Direct Vertebral Translation Instrumentation System: Preliminary Results
Authors: Wang X.  , Aubin C.-É.  , Labelle H.  , Crandall D.
Published: February 2025

Many new spine instrumentation concepts were introduced in recent years, like the incremental direct vertebral translation. The objective was to develop a biomechanical model in order to analyze the biomechanics of this instrumentation system. The patient-specific spine model was built using the 3D reconstruction based on bi-planar radiographs of a scoliotic patient (thoraco-lumbar Cobb: 49°). The mechanical properties were derived from literature, experiments on cadaver spines and patient's side bending radiographs. Each screw construct was modelled by four rigid bodies connected each other by kinematic joints. The screw-vertebra flexible joint was represented by 3 experimentally derived non-linear springs, and the rods by non-linear flexible elements. The correction manoeuvres were simulated by lowering the rod, tightening the crimps (incremental segmental translation) and applying secondary correction manoeuvres (direct vertebra derotation, compression, distraction and construct tightening). The simulations showed that the system allows a good force distribution among implants. The long post pushing and pulling contributed, to a great extent, to a global correction in the coronal plane, while the crimp tightening had more important effect in the sagittal plane. The preliminary results illustrated the effectiveness of local correction by a direct vertebra translation technique. Our next step is to validate the model and compare the performance of this strategy with other spinal instrumentation systems.
A Machine Learning Approach to Assess Changes in Scoliosis
Authors: Ramirez L.  , Durdle N.G.  , Raso V.J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a machine learning approach that can be used to evaluate the validity of the results obtained with an automated system to measure changes in scoliotic curves. The automated system was used to measure the inclinations of 141 vertebral endplates in spine radiographs of patients with scoliosis. The resulting dataset was divided into training and test set. The training set was used to configure three classifiers: a support vector classifier (SVC), a decision tree classifier (DT) and a logistic regression classifier (LR). Their performance was evaluated on the test set. The SVC had an accuracy of 86% discriminating Good Results (those in which the error was less than 3°) from Bad Results. This accuracy was better than that of the LR (76%) and DT (68%). The differentiation between Good and Bad Results using the proposed machine learning approach was achieved successfully.
Sagittal Spino-Pelvic Alignment in Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc  , Wang Zhi  , de Guise Jacques A.  , Labelle Hubert
Published: February 2025

In normal subjects, sagittal spino-pelvic alignment is such that the shape and orientation of each successive anatomical segment are closely related and influence the adjacent segments. However, the sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in developmental spondylolisthesis is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sagittal spino-pelvic alignment in spondylolisthesis and to compare it with normal subjects. Radiographs of 120 normal subjects and 131 subjects with developmental spondylolisthesis (91 low-grade, 40 high-grade) were reviewed. Subjects with high-grade spondylolisthesis were divided according to their sacro-pelvic balance: balanced vs. unbalanced sacro-pelvis. Parameters of the sacro-pelvis, lumbosacral region, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, and global balance were assessed. Parameters were compared between all groups and a correlation study was performed between all parameters. Significant differences in all parameters are found between the different groups, except for global spino-pelvic balance. The pattern and strength of correlations is similar between normal and low-grade subjects, showing interdependence between adjacent anatomical segments. The pattern of relationships was altered in high-grade spondylolisthesis, especially for subjects with unbalanced sacro-pelvis. A relatively normal spino-pelvic alignment is maintained in low-grade spondylolisthesis and in high-grade spondylolisthesis with balanced sacro-pelvis. Spino-pelvic alignment is abnormal in high-grade spondylolisthesis associated with unbalanced sacro-pelvis. The results of this study suggest that surgical reduction of the local lumbosacral deformity might be attempted to restore a normal spino-pelvic alignment in high-grade spondylolisthesis associated with unbalanced sacro-pelvis.
The Evolution of Intervention Criteria in Modern Movement Restoration: Essential Problems and Circumstantial Problems
Authors: Capeluto Martín  , Turull María
Published: February 2025

The Repression of the GATCPAC Architects and Architecture; The Vindication of the GATCPAC as an Act of Resistance Against the Franco Regime; GATCPAC's Vindication Through Reconstruction and Preservation of Its Work upon Reinstatement of the Generalitat; Interventions Carried out on GATCPAC Projects as a Reflection of the Essential Problems and Circumstantial Problems of Restoring the Modern Movement; Understanding Conservation as an Ongoing Process; References
Endotracheal Intubation Comparing a Prototype Storz CMAC and a GlideScope Videolaryngoscope in a Medical Transport Helicopter – A Pilot Study
Authors: Boedeker Ben H.  , Berg Benjamin W.  , Bernhagen Mary A.  , Murray W. Bosseau
Published: February 2025

In this pilot study, experienced medical helicopter personnel evaluated and compared the prototype Storz CMAC and GlideScope (GS) videolaryngoscopes in intubating a Laerdal Difficult Airway Manikin in a helicopter. No significant differences were found between the devices in the standard airway mode with 100% success rates for the intubations. In the difficult airway mode, there was a significant difference (p = 0.03) between the Cormack Lehane scores observed with Direct View (DV) (3.75 ± 0.46 – average ± standard deviation) compared to the view with the prototype CMAC (2.25 ± 0.71). The view was 3.00 ± 0.76 with GS In the difficult airway, there were significantly more participants who obtained a Grade 1 or 2 view when using the CMAC compared to when using the Mac 3 blade (DV) (p = 0.025; Fisher Exact Probability Test). The success rate for intubating the difficult airway was 0% with DV; compared to 63% with the CMAC and 50% with the GS (p = 0.03). The participants answered a post study questionnaire regarding the characteristics of the devices and indicated preference for the CMAC over the GS in intubation of the difficult airway.
Developing An Immersive Ultrasound Guided Needle Puncture Simulator
Authors: Vidal Franck P.  , Villard Pierre-Frédéric  , Holbrey Richard  , John Nigel W.  , Bello Fernando  , Bulpitt Andrew  , Gould Derek A.
Published: February 2025

We present an integrated system for training ultrasound guided needle puncture. Our aim is to provide a cost effective and validated training tool that uses actual patient data to enable interventional radiology trainees to learn how to carry out image-guided needle puncture. The input data required is a computed tomography scan of the patient that is used to create the patient specific models. Force measurements have been made on real tissue and the resulting data is incorporated into the simulator. Respiration and soft tissue deformations are also carried out to further improve the fidelity of the simulator.
Selecting Electronic Health Record Systems: Development of a Framework for Testing Candidate Systems
Authors: Kushniruk Andre W.  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Myers Kristin  , Kannry Joseph
Published: February 2025

The process of selecting electronic health record systems is one of the most critical decisions in the journey towards automating and improving healthcare using information technology. However, there are a wide variety of problems associated with system selection and procurement processes in healthcare. Indeed the literature contains numerous examples of systems that were purchased and customized that failed to meet user needs, were implemented well behind schedule, which cost much more than expected and which in some cases failed completely. In this paper we describe a framework which we have developed and have begun to apply in considering key processes in the selection of electronic health records – i.e. the testing of potential candidate systems to determine if they meet user and institutional needs. The objective of our work is to improve our understanding of and the effectiveness of this critical decision making aspect of health informatics. In our work we consider system selection in terms of strength of evidence obtained from testing candidate systems.
Telematics in Acute Trauma Care
Authors: Juhra C.  , Vordemvenne T.  , Hartensuer R.  , Ückert F.  , Raschke M.J.
Published: February 2025

Each year, 20,000 people in Germany die because of a traffic accident. Altogether, yearly productivity loss caused by these injuries is estimated to be around 5 billion Euros. International and national studies revealed the trauma center level of the primary hospital as the major predictor for trauma related mortality. In 2006 the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) called its members to form regionally based networks for the exchange of data among hospitals engaged in trauma care. In April 2008 the north-west region of Germany with 49 hospitals, three hospitals in the Netherlands, and local emergency services founded the “TraumaNetwork NorthWest (TNNW). The major goals of the TNNW are: 1) to shorten the time between accident and admission to the appropriate hospital, 2) to create effective means of communication, and 3) to implement common pre- and in-hospital standards for trauma care. Since the needed application software is not commercially available, a team of computer and medical specialists has been formed for its development. Once the software is in place, a pre- and post-analysis will be performed to study the consequences of the application on transportation time and injury-related mortality within the region. The project is recognized as a pilot project by the DGU and if it is successful is meant to be adapted across Germany.
Boundary Objects in the Multidisciplinary Care Management of Chronic Conditions: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Authors: Sampalli Tara  , Shepherd Michael  , Fox Roy
Published: February 2025

Chronic conditions such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) are a significant challenge to the health care system as they are poorly understood, poorly documented and lack accepted or standardized treatment strategies. Research has shown that the successful management of patients with such conditions requires a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and the comprehensive assessment of factors contributing to the ill health. Results from two studies that have shown reduction in health care costs and improvement in symptoms for patients with MCS are presented. We explore the use of a controlled clinical vocabulary as a boundary object in care documents to facilitate collaborative management of patients with MCS.
Using of Airborne LIDAR for research carrying out in the interest of fisheries oceanography information providing
Authors: Zabavnikov Vladimir  , Egorov Sergey
Published: February 2025

At present requirements on truthaccuracy initial data in the interests of fisheries oceanography information providing is increased. Also it is very important to get complex data from great sea area for short time. One way of that, in the first for above second part is using of airborne remote sensing data from different type remote sensing equipments, and next is using new type equipments. Therefore during last several years PINRO uses for fisheries oceanography information providing new remote sensing methods, which is base on using of LIDAR systems. Name of it's come from English words abbreviation – LIght Detection And Ranging.
Roadmap for Real World Internet applications – Socioeconomic scenarios and design recommendations
Authors: Forest Fabrice  , Lavoisy Olivier  , Eurich Markus  , Van Gurp Jilles  , Wilson Duncan
Published: February 2025

This paper emphasises the socioeconomic background required to design the Future Internet in order that its services will be accepted by its users and that the economic value latent in the technology is realised. It contains an innovative outlook on sensing aspects of the Future Internet and describes a scenario-based design approach that is feasible to roadmap the dynamic deployment of Real World Internet applications. A multi-faceted socioeconomic assessment leads to recommendations for the technology deployment and key features of the Future Internet that will globally integrate technologies like Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks and Networked Embedded Devices.