bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Learning of Ball Passing by Four-legged Robots and Trial Reduction by Thinning-out and Surrogate Functions
Authors: Kobayashi Hayato  , Hatano Kohei  , Ishino Akira  , Shinohara Ayumi
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an autonomous learning method used with real robots in order to acquire ball passing skills in the RoboCup standard platform league. These skills involve precisely moving and stopping a ball to a certain objective area and are essential to realizing sophisticated cooperative strategy. Moreover, we propose a hybrid method using “thinning-out” and “surrogate functions” in order to reduce actual trials regarded as unnecessary or unpromising. We verify the performance of our method using the minimization problems of several test functions, and then we address the learning problem of ball passing skills on real robots, which is also the first application of thinning-out on real environments.
Learning by Observation of Furniture Manipulation in Daily Assistive Tasks for Humanoid Robots
Authors: Kojima Mitsuharu  , Okada Kei  , Inaba Masayuki
Published: February 2025

Discussion about the elements of learning of manipulation in humanoid robots, a method of learning of grasping points and some experiments are presented. In order to realize humanoid robots which assist human activities in daily life, it is an important ability to learn the manipulation of objects from humans or by themselves. It is thought that the manipulation of objects and the recognition of humans, objects and relation between them are necessary for the learning of manipulation. The manipulation and recognition of the objects must be based on the knowledge which could be learned by the robots. We have developed the object recognition and manipulation system whose knowledge could be learned by the robots and now have the interest on recognition of humans and the relation between humans and objects. We discuss the elements which are necessary to realize the learning ability and describe the recognition and manipulation system of objects whose knowledge could be learned, then as a first step present a method of learning of grasping points from humans and some experiments.
Scenario controller for daily assistive humanoid using visual verification, task planning and situation reasoning
Authors: Okada Kei  , Tokutsu Satoru  , Ogura Takashi  , Kojima Mitsuharu  , Mori Yuto  , Maki Toshiaki  , Inaba Masayuki
Published: February 2025

This paper describes scenario description and control method for a daily assistive humanoid robot. High level representation of a task scenario help user to develop various daily assistive tasks of a humanoid robot. Four key techniques are presented. 1) Three layered architecture integrating a vision based behavior control layer, a task planning layer, a situation based scenario generation layer. 2) Visual verification system for adapting symbol level description into real-world situation. 3) Task level planner providing high-level action primitives for scenario description, 4) Vision and auditory based situation interpretation for controlling the scenario. Finally, we demonstrated a kitchen assistive task by a humanoid robot.
Development of an Apparatus to Evaluate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis by Dynamic Surface Topography
Authors: Shannon T.M.L.
Published: February 2025

For cases of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), commonly the first indicator is a change in the surface shape of the back over time. A proportion of patients so diagnosed require surgical intervention to prevent further progression and to improve cosmesis. The results of a preliminary literature survey have revealed that significant work has already been published on the static acquisition and analysis of back surface shape. There is new interest in establishing correlations between breathing, posture, the underlying spinal deformity and changes in the surface topography of the back during clinical sessions together with an increased focus on the impact of the cosmetic defect on the patient and in the measurement of pre and post-operative dynamic capability.
Etiologic theories of idiopathic scoliosis: autonomic nervous system and the leptin-sympathetic nervous system concept for the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Burwell R.G.  , Dangerfield P.H.  , Moulton A.  , Anderson S.I.
Published: February 2025

The autonomic nervous system through its hypothalamic neuroendocrine control of puberty, skeletal growth and menarche contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Melatonin dysfunction detected in AIS subjects also involves the autonomic nervous system. The thoracospinal concept for the pathogenesis of right thoracic AIS in girls thought by some to result from dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), is supported by recent vascular and peripheral nerve studies. Lower body mass index (BMI).in girls with AIS is associated with decreased circulating leptin levels. Leptin, secreted by adipocytes, is a master hormone with many regulatory functions for growth and reproduction, including: 1) appetite repression, anorexigenic; 2) initiation of puberty in girls in a permissive action, and 3) in mice, longitudinal bone growth, chondrogenic and angiogenic, and in bone formation, antiosteogenic acting centrally through the SNS and possibly directly. In AIS girls, autonomic nervous system activity was reported to be higher than in controls. We suggest that in AIS susceptible girls, given adequate nutrition and energy stores, circulating leptin talks to the hypothalamus where dysfunction leads to an altered sensitivity to leptin resulting in increased SNS activity contributing with neuroendocrine mechanisms to: 1) earlier age at, and increased peak height velocity, 2) general skeletal overgrowth, 3) earlier skeletal maturation, 4) extra-spinal skeletal length asymmetries, including periapical ribs and ilia, 5) generalized osteopenia, and 6) lower BMI. The SNS-driven effects may also add adventitious changes to the spine including asymmetries complicating the neuroendocrine effects on adolescent spinal growth. In AIS pathogenesis, the leptin-SNS concept is complementary to our NOTOM escalator concept involving the somatic nervous system. Together these two concepts view AIS in girls as being initiated by a hypothalamic dysfunction of energy metabolism (bioenergetics) affecting skeletal growth in the trunk. Where, in susceptible girls, the postural mechanisms of the somatic nervous system fail to control the asymmetric spinal and/or rib growth changes in a rapidly enlarging adolescent spine; this failure becomes evident as mild back-shape shape asymmetry, or scoliosis. The environmentally-enhanced stature of normal subjects in the last 300 years, in girls susceptible to AIS, may have exaggerated any developmental dysharmony between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems being fought out in the spine and trunk of the girl – possibly making mild back-shape asymmetry, or scoliosis more prevalent today than hitherto.
Carrying a Rucksack on either Shoulder or the Back, Does it matter? Load Induced Functional Scoliosis in “normal” young subjects
Authors: Bettany-Saltikov J.  , Warren J.  , Stamp M.
Published: February 2025

Approximately 40 million students in the United States and a similar number in Europe carry school rucksacks. The average student carries a rucksack weighing almost one fourth of his or her body weight. This has led to more than 7,000 A&E referrals each year related to carrying school bags in the US. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carrying a rucksack (on each shoulder or on both), on 3D spinal curvature in healthy young students. A convenience sample of 30 healthy young adults participated in this study. A Microscribe 3DX digitiser recorded the three dimensional coordinates of thirteen key anatomical landmarks along the spine in four different loading conditions; no rucksack (reference) carrying a rucksack (17% body weight) simultaneously on both shoulders and solely on the right or the left shoulder. The data obtained was analyzed using standard statistical methods. Carrying the load on both shoulders resulted in no difference in the frontal plane angle but significantly decreased the thoracic kyphosis in the sagittal plane. However, carrying the load on the right shoulder significantly increased the thoracic lateral curvature in the frontal plane and decreased the thoracic kyphosis in the sagittal plane. This study confirms that even carrying a 17% load causes significant changes in spinal alignment. It is essential that Health and Safety professionals promote the awareness and effects of diverse rucksack carriage modes and excessive rucksack weight to avoid the early onset of low back pain.
Do imbalance situations stimulate a spinal straightening reflex in patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Authors: Romano M.  , Ziliani V.  , Atanasio S.  , Zaina F.  , Negrini S.
Published: February 2025

Correlation between balance and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is still unclear. To identify the most useful type of physical exercises to be proposed for conservative treatment, is interesting to explore better this field. Our aim was to evaluate the changes of scoliosis curves in a group AIS patients while submitted to an unbalancing situation. We considered in a pre-post trial 14 AIS patients (46 curves), 12 to 15 years old, with 19.3±9.9° Cobb curves. Assessment has been made using GOALS (Global Optoelectronic Approach for Locomotion and Spine), a non-ionising instrument that allow a 3D reconstruction of the spine. We evaluated the patients twice in a standardised standing position: on the floor, and on a sway bench. On the sway bench there was a statistically (but not clinically) significant reduction of the curves. This was confirmed considering the average of the curves of each patient, but not when considering the worst curve. Looking at the curves, 13% worsened and 33% improved, versus 14% and 43% respectively looking at the patients. We did not find similar reactions in all patients, but in general a spinal straightening reflex while on a sway bench appears. In any case these variations are of low degree.
Congenital scoliosis – presentation of three severe cases treated conservatively
Authors: Weiss H.-R.
Published: February 2025

In view of the very limited data about conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) available, early surgery is suggested already in mild cases with formation failures in the first three years of life. It is common sense that patients with failures of segmentation will not benefit from conservative treatment at all and the same applies to failures of formation with curves of >50 degrees in infancy.
Promoter polymorphism of matrilin-1 gene (MATN1) is associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a casecontrol study
Authors: Qiu Y.  , Chen Z.  , Tang N.L.-S.  , Cheng J.C.-Y.
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have shown genetic factor is important in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Matrilin-1 is a non-collagenous protein, which function in the organization of the extracellular matrix. Matrillin-1 mutant mice showed similar phenotypes to scoliosis. A recent study showed that MATN1 gene is a susceptibility region for AIS. Considering all above, Matn1 gene could be considered as a good candidate gene for AIS. For initial screening, 7 htSNPs were genotyped in 197 cases and 172 controls. Next, we confirmed the significant associations of the four SNPs in additional 223 cases and 288 controls. A single-marker and haplotype analysis were employed. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP method. We found four SNPs in MATN1 promoter region were significantly associated with AIS. By logistic regression analysis, we could conclude that 3 SNPs represented the same association signal as a single SNP, and that the significance was merely due to LD with the SNP. Promoter polymorphism of matrilin-1 (MATN1) gene is associated with AIS in a Han Chinese population. The results suggested that MATN1 was an AIS predisposition gene.
Collagen I Alpha 2 Gene Polymorphism Association Study in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Yeung H.Y.  , Tang N.L.  , Hung V.W.Y.  , Kwok R.  , Lee K.M.  , Qin L.  , Ng B.K.W.  , Cheng J.C.-Y.
Published: February 2025

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than their peers. Study showed that polymorphisms of type I collagen alpha 2 (COL1A2) gene was related to the spine BMD of adolescent female. It is hypothesize that COL1A2 gene may be associated with AIS and its related phenotypes. The polymorphism of COL1A2 gene in AIS girls was compared with control population and its association with the anthropometry and BMD of AIS patients was tested. Girls with AIS (n=522) and control (n=250) at age 12–16 were included with anthropometric data. The PvuII polymorphism of COL1A2 was characterized by PCR-RFLP. The spinal and femoral neck BMD were measured. The association of the gene polymorphism to the occurrence of AIS was tested by Chi-square. Standardized anthropometric parameters and BMD of AIS patients were compared between different genotypes. The genotype frequency of PP, Pp, and pp in AIS patients were 6.1%, 40.2%, and 53.6%, respectively. The distribution was significantly different from that of the control subjects (p=0.033). The BMC of the spine in AIS girls with pp was significantly lower than patients with P allele (PP and Pp) (p=0.008). The BMI of the AIS girls with pp genotypes had significantly lower BMI than others as well (p=0.035). AIS girls with pp genotype were shown to associate with the occurrence of AIS while this genotype also had significantly lower BMI, bone mineral status. It is suggested that COL1A2 gene might play an important role in the development of scoliosis and its related phenotypes.
Is corticospinal tract organization different in idiopathic scoliosis?
Authors: Mihaila D.  , Calancie B.
Published: February 2025

Our observations through intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord function during spine surgery guided us to test the potential role of cortico-spinal tract (CST) anomalies in the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). CST function was assessed in awake IS and non-scoliotic (control) subjects by neurophysiological (single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of motor cortex) and functional (Complete Minnesota and Purdue Pegboard dexterity tests) approaches. The threshold intensity at which muscles are recruited by TMS can serve as an indirect measure of the density of innervation between CST axons and motoneurons of a given pool. TMS-evoked motor responses were recorded bilaterally (via surface electrodes) for several cervically (extensor carpi radialis, abductor pollicis brevis, and abductor digiti minimi) or subcervically (rectus abdominis, quadriceps femoris, and abductor hallucis) innervated muscles. In all subjects participating in our study, left-right (L-R) differencies in motor threshold (MT) were observed. In our 13 control subjects, large (>15%) asymmetries in MT were never seen, but occurred in 3 of our 11 (27%) IS subjects. The largest L-R asymmetries were revealed in subjects with Cobb angles higher than 40°. In addition, finger and hand dexterity was lower in IS subjects relative to controls. These findings suggest a different CST functional organization in IS, further underscoring the importance of neural factors in the etiopathogenesis of IS.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow Dynamics at the Craniocervical Junction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Morphological and Functional Study with Phase contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chu W.C.W.  , Man G.C.W.  , Lam W.W.M.  , Yeung H.Y.  , Ng B.K.W.  , Lam T.P.  , Lee K.M.  , Cheng J.C.-Y.
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have documented obstructed CSF flow in patients with Chiari I malformation. Low-lying cerebellar tonsils and syringomyelia are also observed in AIS patients. We sought to investigate whether disturbed CSF flow is also evident in AIS subjects at the foramen magnum level and its relationship with level of cerebellar tonsils and dimensions of foramen magnum. Phase-contrast and conventional MR were performed in 105 adolescent girls, which include 69 AIS subjects (Cobbs angle 20–80, 40 had thoracic curve, 27 lumbar curve, 2 thoracolumbar curve) and 36 age-matched controls. Measurements of peak velocity of CSF flow in both the anterior and posterior subarachnoid space through foramen magnum, cerebellar tonsillar level related to the basion-opsithion (BO) line, anteroposterior (AP), transverse (TS) diameter and area of foramen magnum were obtained. Correlations were made among different parameters and SSEP findings. Peak CSF velocities through foramen magnum showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between AIS and normal subjects though 42% subjects in AIS group had the cerebellar tonsillar tip positioned 1 mm below the BO line. The cerebellar tonsillar level in AIS subjects was significantly lower than the median tonsillar level in normal controls (p<0.01) while the AP diameter and area of foramen magnum were significantly larger in AIS subjects when compared with normal controls (p<0.05). Peak CSF velocities through foramen magnum were not significantly different in AIS subjects despite the presence of low-lying cerebellar tonsils. This might be explained by the compensatory effect of larger foramen magnum in AIS subjects.
Reducing radiation exposure for scoliosis
Authors: Parent S.  , Deschênes S.  , Charron G.  , Beaudoin G.  , Miron M.-C.  , Dubois J.  , Labelle H.
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of two digital x-ray systems was evaluated: the new EOSTMand the Fuji FCR 7501S. Postero-anterior and lateral images were acquired with both systems for 50 consecutive adolescent patients with scoliosis. Images were taken sequentially with the Fuji System while the EOS acquires the two views simultaneously using vertical scanning of the patient with collimated fan beams coupled with linear gazeous detectors. Optically Stimulated Luminescent dosimeters (OSL) from Landauer were strategically placed on the patient to measure skin dose during the whole CR examination. Then, the set of OSL was replaced for the EOS exam. The same kVp was used for both acquisitions and mAs were chosen to produce images with similar SNR. Image quality assessment was obtained using a questionnaire targeting anatomic landmarks based on the European Guidelines for Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images in Paediatrics, and was performed by two radiologists and two orthopaedic surgeons.
Modern Glass Walls on the Way to Sustainability
Authors: Pottgiesser Uta
Published: February 2025

Introduction; Case Studies; Haus Hardenberg; Revitalisation of Haus Hardenberg; Europa-Center – Office Tower; Revitalisation OF Europa-Center; Strategies OF Facade Revitalisation; Impacts on the Renovation of Banco Mineiro and Conjunto JK; Concluding Remarks; Notes; References
Similarity as a Quality Indicator in Ontology Engineering
Authors: Janowicz Krzysztof  , Maué Patrick  , Wilkes Marc  , Schade Sven  , Scherer Franca  , Braun Matthias  , Dupke Sören  , Kuhn Werner
Published: February 2025

In the last years, several methodologies for ontology engineering have been proposed. Most of these methodologies guide the engineer from a first paper draft to an implemented – mostly description logics-based – ontology. A quality assessment of how accurately the resulting ontology fits the initial conceptualization and intended application has not been proposed so far. In this paper, we investigate the role of semantic similarity as a quality indicator. Based on similarity rankings, our approach allows for a qualitative estimation whether the domain experts' initial conceptualization is reflected by the developed ontology and whether it fits the users' application area. Our approach does not propose yet another ontology engineering methodology but can be integrated into existing ones. A plug-in to the Protégé ontology editor implementing our approach is introduced and applied to a scenario from hydrology. The benefits and restrictions of similarity as a quality indicator are pointed out.
A Scalable Visualization Environment for the Correlation of Radiological and Histopathological Data at Multiple Levels of Resolution
Authors: Annese Jacopo  , Weber Philip
Published: February 2025

Until the introduction of non-invasiveimaging techniques, the representation of anatomy and pathology relied solely on gross dissection and histological staining. Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) protocols allow for the clinical evaluation of anatomical images derived from complementary modalities, thereby increasing reliability of the diagnosis and the prognosis of disease. Despite the significant improvements in image contrast and resolution of MRI, autopsy and classical histopathological analysis are still indispensable for the correct diagnosis of specific disease. It is therefore important to be able to correlate multiple images from different modalities, in vivo and postmortem, in order to validate non-invasive imaging markers of disease. To that effect, we have developeda methodologicalpipeline and a visualization environment that allow for the concurrentobservation of both macroscopic and microscopic image data relative to the same patient. We describe these applications and sample data relative to the study of the anatomy and disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The brain is approached as an organ with a complex 3-dimensional (3-D) architecture that can only be effectively studied combining observation and analysis at the system level as well as at the cellular level. Our computational and visualization environment allows seamless navigation through multiple layers of neurological data that are accessible quickly and simultaneously.
Development of a Virtual Reality Haptic Veress Needle Insertion Simulator for Surgical Skills Training
Authors: Okrainec A.  , Farcas M.  , Henao O.  , Choy I.  , Green J.  , Fotoohi M.  , Leslie R.  , Wight D.  , Karam P.  , Gonzalez N.  , Apkarian J.
Published: February 2025

The Veress needle is the most commonly used technique for creating the pneumoperitoneum at the start of a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Inserting the Veress needle correctly is crucial since errors can cause significant harm to patients. Unfortunately, this technique can be difficult to teach since surgeons rely heavily on tactile feedback while advancing the needle through the various layers of the abdominal wall. This critical step in laparoscopy, therefore, can be challenging for novice trainees to learn without adequate opportunities to practice in a safe environment with no risk of injury to patients. To address this issue, we have successfully developed a prototype of a virtual reality haptic needle insertion simulator using the tactile feedback of 22 surgeons to set realistic haptic parameters. A survey of these surgeons concluded that our device appeared and felt realistic, and could potentially be a useful tool for teaching the proper technique of Veress needle insertion.
Face Validation of the Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Ganesh  , Arikatla Sreekanth  , Lin Henry  , Jones Daniel  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

The Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST™) is a virtual-reality alternative for the Foundations of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) trainer system. In this work we present the results from our face validation expriments for the VBLaST. We have shown that the VBLaST simulator has excellent face validity in portraying the FLS tasks as well as interface and movements of the tool.
Hybrid Network Architecture for Interactive Multi-User Surgical Simulator with Scalable Deformable Models
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Ganesh  , Deo Dhanannjay  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present for the first time, the results from a global-scale interactive surgical collaboration experiment using hybrid network architecture with scalable deformable model capable of simulating non-liner tissue behavior at haptic rates. The results show that two users were able to collaborate interactively at haptic rate for a time-varying one-way delay of 183 ms between the users.
BiopSym: A Simulator for Enhanced Learning of Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Sclaverano Stefano  , Chevreau Grégoire  , Vadcard Lucile  , Mozer Pierre  , Troccaz Jocelyne
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a simulator of ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies for cancer diagnosis. When performing biopsy series, the clinician has to move the ultrasound probe and to mentally integrate the real-time bi-dimensional images into a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the anatomical environment. Such a 3D representation is necessary to sample regularly the prostate in order to maximize the probability of detecting a cancer if any. To make the training of young physicians easier and faster we developed a simulator that combines images computed from three-dimensional ultrasound recorded data to haptic feedback. The paper presents the first version of this simulator.
Remote Videolaryngoscopy Skills Training for Pre-hospital Personnel
Authors: Berg Benjamin W.  , Beamis Eileen K.  , Murray W. Bosseau  , Boedeker Ben H.
Published: February 2025

Videolaryngoscopy (VL) is a novel technology that can facilitate rapid acquisition of intubation skills with simultaneous teacher and learner visualization of laryngeal structures. Videolaryngoscopy improves laryngeal visualization, and improves intubation success in difficult airway management compared to standard direct laryngoscopy. First responders need enhanced airway management tools to improve intubation success rates in civilian pre-hospital and military battlefield settings. We evaluated feasibility and efficacy of a remote first responder videolaryngoscopy skills training paradigm using distance learning by VTC (256kb ISDN) with synchronous transmission of laryngoscopy images to a remotely located trainer. Airway visualization, intubation success rates, and intubation times documented feasibility and comparability of remote and face-to-face introductory familiarization and intubation training with the Storz-Berci videolaryngoscopy system. User acceptance was good. Remote training paradigms for advanced technology solutions such as videolaryngoscopy can accelerate the diffusion of life-saving new technologies, especially when there is limited access to specialized training. Videolaryngoscopy visualization and difficult airway intubation success rates were better than direct laryngoscopy.
Virtual Reality-based Regional Anaesthesia Simulator for Axillary Nerve Blocks
Authors: Ullrich Sebastian  , Frommen Thorsten  , Rossaint Rolf  , Kuhlen Torsten
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we present a simulator for regional anaesthesia for nerve blocks in the axillary plexus region. We use a novel approach based on electric distance to simulate electronic impulse transmission through soft tissue. The traversal of electrons emitted from the needle tip is calculated by modified pathfinding algorithms. Kinematic algorithms visualize the motor response of the forearm by skeletal animation.
The Use of Virtual Reality Simulation of Head Trauma in a Surgical Boot Camp
Authors: Vergara Victor M.  , Panaiotis  , Kingsley Darra  , Alverson Dale C.  , Godsmith Timothy  , Xia Shan  , Caudell Thomas P.
Published: February 2025

Surgical “boot camps” provide excellent opportunities to enhance orientation, learning, and preparation of new surgery interns as they enter the clinical arena. This paper describes the utilization of an interactive virtual reality (VR) simulation and associated virtual patient (VP) as an additional tool for surgical boot camps. Complementing other forms of simulation, virtual patients (VPs) require less specialized equipment and can also provide a wide variety of medical scenarios. In this paper we discuss a study that measured the learning effectiveness of a real-world VP simulation used by a class of new surgery interns who operated it with a standard computer interface. The usability of the simulator as a learning tool has been demonstrated and measured. This study brings the use of VR simulation with VPs closer to wider application and integration into a training curriculum, such as a surgery intern boot camp.
Dental Haptic Simulator to Train Hand Skill of Student – Calibration Method to Realize Visual Haptic Environment
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi  , Kazumichi Wakabayashi  , Yoshida Yoshinori  , Nagashima Tadashi  , Takeshige Fumio  , Kawamoto Yusuke  , Noborio Hiroshi  , Sohmura Taiji
Published: February 2025

In prior work, we have developed dental training simulator to train hand skill of student (HHDTS). In the present study, we performed calibration between haptic device coordinate system and half-mirror coordinate system for our system to realize real clinical situation. As a result, the user can overlay the CG (turbine) onto the stylus of haptic device and intract to the CG (tooth) directly.
Including Parameterization of the Discrete Ablation Process into a Planning and Simulation Environment for Robot-Assisted Laser Osteotomy
Authors: Burgner Jessica  , Kahrs Lüder Alexander  , Raczkowsky Jörg  , Wörn Heinz
Published: February 2025

Material processing using laser became a widely used method especially in the scope of industrial automation. The systems are mostly based on a precise model of the laser process and the according parameterization. Beside the industrial use the laser as an instrument to treat human tissue has become an integral part in medicine as well. Human tissue as an inhomogeneous material to process, poses the question of how to determine a model, which reflects the interaction processes with a specific laser.
A Discrete Mechanics Framework for Real Time Virtual Surgical Simulations with Application to Virtual Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Authors: Zhou Xiangmin  , Zhang Nan  , Sha Desong  , Shen Yunhe  , Tamma Kumar K.  , Sweet Robert
Published: February 2025

The inability to render realistic soft-tissue behavior in real time has remained a barrier to face and content aspects of validity for many virtual reality surgical training systems. Biophysically based models are not only suitable for training purposes but also for patient-specific clinical applications, physiological modeling and surgical planning. When considering the existing approaches for modeling soft tissue for virtual reality surgical simulation, the computer graphics-based approach lacks predictive capability; the mass-spring model (MSM) based approach lacks biophysically realistic soft-tissue dynamic behavior; and the finite element method (FEM) approaches fail to meet the real-time requirement. The present development stems from physics fundamental thermodynamic first law; for a space discrete dynamic system directly formulates the space discrete but time continuous governing equation with embedded material constitutive relation and results in a discrete mechanics framework which possesses a unique balance between the computational efforts and the physically realistic soft-tissue dynamic behavior. We describe the development of the discrete mechanics framework with focused attention towards a virtual laparoscopic nephrectomy application.
Retention of Knowledge after Repeated Virtual World CPR Training in High School Students
Authors: Creutzfeldt J.  , Hedman L.  , Medin C.  , Stengård K.  , Felländer-Tsai L.
Published: February 2025

We investigated the retention of knowledge and skills after repeated Virtual World MOS (VWMOS) team training of CPR in high school students. An experimental group of 9 students were compared to a control group of 7 students. Both groups initially received traditional CPR training and the experimental group also received 2 VWMOS sessions six months apart. Although we found no significant differences in general basic life support knowledge, the changes that occurred in the CPR guidelines were retained 18 months after the last Virtual World training session in the experimental group. Moreover fewer deviations from the CPR guidelines occurred.
How Can We Know Whether Short Term Trends in a Hospital's HSMR are Significant?
Authors: Frisch Larry  , Anscombe Leah  , Bamford Michelle
Published: February 2025

The Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) has been chosen by CIHI as its primary mortality measure. The indirect standardization used in the calculation of HSMR does not allow for valid comparison between hospitals but it does invite the assessment of quarterly trends in hospital mortality. However, statistical methods for assessing HSMR trends are not well-developed. In 2007 one large hospital in our health authority had four consecutive quarters of apparently increasing HSMR. As a result, we needed to assess the significance of this trend which, if it were to continue into the next quarter, would lead to an HSMR that significantly exceeded 100. We explored four methods to assess statistical significance of time trends in HSMR data: the WINPEPI “Describe” module, the CUSUM representation of Observed-Expected differences, the Variable Life Adjusted Display (VLAD) plots with CUSUM overlays, and the Change Point Analysis using Monte Carlo simulation.
Process Data: a Means to Measure Operational Performance and Implement Advanced Analytical Models
Authors: Santibañez Pablo  , Chow Vincent S.  , French John  , Puterman Martin L.  , Tyldesley Scott
Published: February 2025

We present the case of an ambulatory clinic in which an operational review was conducted to identify opportunities for efficiency in appointment scheduling and capacity allocation. We required process data to compare that which was planned to that which actually happened and to develop advanced analytical models. Similar to other health care studies, these data proved to be limited or non-existent. Consequently we had to conduct a time-consuming collection of operational metrics. We make recommendations for the perpetual collection of process data for modeling and simulation.
Practical Considerations for the Implementation of Health Outcome Measures
Authors: Carriere Robin S.
Published: February 2025

The collection of health outcomes information is important for effective management of the health care system. The Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care (HOBIC) program is implementing a set of nurse-sensitive health outcome measures across the province of Ontario. This paper examines some of the opportunities and challenges of implementing measures across multiple organizations and multiple sectors of the health care system.
Potential Return on Investment (RoI) on web-based Diabetes Education in UK
Authors: Shabestari Omid  , Roudsari Abdul
Published: February 2025

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is growing in the UK. As most diabetes care is performed by the patients themselves, structured education is one way to encourage their responsible participation in delivering effective care. Continuous e-learning by Internet has proven to be a useful method of diabetes education. “Return on Investment” (RoI) can be used as an indicator of the cost-benefit of web-based education. RoI is the ratio of money gained or lost on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. This report uses system dynamics modeling to predict the flow of patients in the educational system and the cost of their care. The analysis compared traditional and web-based education. Separate models were developed for each educational method and simulated until 2020 in one year intervals. The population of diabetic patients was adjusted at each cycle according to anticipated incidence and mortality rates. The population of educated diabetic patients was based on the educational capacity and literacy limits of each method. A report by the National Health Service (NHS) was used to calculate the cost of care by considering the cost difference between uneducated and educated patients. By 2020 with an annual rate of inflation of 3%, the annual cost of care is projected to increase to £3.67 billion for the traditional model as compared to £3.39 billion for the web-based model. RoI is estimated to be a ratio of 32.33. Investment in web-based diabetes education is not only a health benefit but also a reduction in care cost.
Security Evaluation and Assurance of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Weber-Jahnke Jens H.
Published: February 2025

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) maintain information of sensitive nature. Security requirements in this context are typically multilateral, encompassing the viewpoints of multiple stakeholders. Two main research questions arise from a security assurance point of view, namely how to demonstrate the internal correctness of EHRs and how to demonstrate their conformance in relation to multilateral security regulations. The above notions of correctness and conformance directly relate to the general concept of system verification, which asks the question “are we building the system right?” This should not be confused with the concept of system validation, which asks the question “are we building the right system?” Much of the research in the medical informatics community has been concerned with the latter aspect (validation). However, trustworthy security requires assurances that standards are followed and specifications are met. The objective of this paper is to contribute to filling this gap. We give an introduction to fundamentals of security assurance, summarize current assurance standards, and report on experiences with using security assurance methodology applied to the EHR domain, specifically focusing on case studies in the Canadian context.
Using Heuristic Evaluations To Assess the Safety of Health Information Systems
Authors: Carvalho Christopher J.  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kushniruk Andre W.
Published: February 2025

Health information systems (HISs) are typically seen as a mechanism for reducing medical errors. There is, however, evidence to prove that technology may actually be the cause of errors. As a result, it is crucial to fully test any system prior to its implementation. At present, evidence-based evaluation heuristics do not exist for assessing aspects of interface design that lead to medical errors. A three phase study was conducted to develop evidence-based heuristics for evaluating interfaces. Phase 1 consisted of a systematic review of the literature. In Phase 2 a comprehensive list of 33 evaluation heuristics was developed based on the review that could be used to test for potential technology induced errors. Phase 3 involved applying these healthcare specific heuristics to evaluate a HIS.
Effective Solutions in Introducing Server-Based Computing into a Hospital Information System
Authors: Kuwata Shigeki  , Teramoto Kei  , Matsumura Yasushi  , Kushniruk Andre W.  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kondoh Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Server-Based Computing (SBC) is a technology for terminal administration that achieves higher security at lower expense. Use of SBC in large hospitals, however, is not widespread because methods to effectively implement the technology have not been fully established. We present a system design that uses SBC in a large-scale hospital and then discuss the implementation problems and their solutions. With the exception of network traffic estimates, the server size estimates were validated. Three results from an evaluation of an SBC implementation were: 1) security was re-enforced by applying multiple-policy adaptation to a single client terminal, 2) cost reduction was realized by having fewer PC failures and a lower power consumption, and 3) user-roaming was found to be effective in reducing the number of iterative operations performed by users.
Applying Natural Language Processing Toolkits to Electronic Health Records – An Experience Report
Authors: Barrett Neil  , Weber-Jahnke Jens H.
Published: February 2025

A natural language challenge devised by Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) was to analyze free-text health data to construct a multi-class, multi-label classification system focused on obesity and its co-morbidities. This report presents a case study in which a natural language processing (NLP) toolkit, called NLTK, was used in the challenge. This report provides a brief review of NLP in the context of EHR applications, briefly surveys and contrasts some existing NLP toolkits, and reports on our experiences with the i2b2 case study. Our efforts uncovered issues including the lack of human annotated physician notes for use as NLP training data, differences between conventional free-text and medical notes, and potential hardware and software limitations affecting future projects.
The Engineering 4 Health Challenge – An Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Initiative to Foster Student Engagement in B.C. and Improve Health Care for Children in Under-serviced Communities
Authors: Price Morgan  , Weber-Jahnke Jens H.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the Engineering 4 Health (E4H) Challenge, an interdisciplinary and intercultural initiative that, on the one hand, seeks to improve health education of children in under-serviced communities and, on the other, seeks to attract students in British Columbia to professions in engineering and health. The E4H Challenge engages high school and university students in BC to cooperatively design and develop health information and communication technology (ICT) to educate children living in under-serviced communities. The E4H Challenge works with the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program to integrate applications for health awareness into the school programs of communities in developing countries. Although applications developed by the E4H Challenge use the low-cost, innovative XO laptop (the “$100 laptop” developed by the OLPC foundation) the software can also be used with other inexpensive hardware.
Spatial information sciences for transportation decisions
Authors: Toraman Dogukan  , Demirel Hande  , Musaoglu Nebiye
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for determining the interaction between transport, land-use and environmental impacts, where the developed concepts were tested using a case study. As the study area, two bridges connecting Europe and Asia and the planned third bridge was selected, where the constructed transportation infrastructures had drastically changed the land-use profile and still have negative impacts on environment. After exploring the interaction systematically and identifying the land cover/use pattern specific for the Istanbul Metropolitan Area, possible alternatives routes for the new bridge were by means of multi-criteria decision making approach and potential prediction of impacts were performed. The former land-use, transport infrastructure data were integrated with Landsat TM satellite images retrieved in 1987, 1997 and 2005. In order to identify the pattern of interaction, the land use analyses of the Asian side of the Istanbul Metropolitan area were compared within a selected box buffering the current and planned highways. For the planned third bridge alternative scenarios were selected, where alternatives were environmental friendly, cost-efficient and compatible with the current infrastructure. The results show that, easy accessibility caused by the development in transportation infrastructures created an attraction in this region and urban areas expanded rapidly. By means of the shortly described methodology and achieved results, the proposed framework aids authorities and decision-makers to better facilitate sustainable transportation.
Real time snow recognition from msg satellite for mountainous areas
Authors: Sürer S.  , Gökdemir O.  , Beşer Ö.  , Akyürek Z.  , Şorman A.Ü.  , Ertürk A.G.
Published: February 2025

In Hydrology Satellite Application Facilities (HydroSAF) Project which is a financially supported project by EUMETSAT, the use of snow products retrieved from satellite images in hydrological applications and to observe the impact of the products are key issues. Turkey is a part of the HydroSAF project, both in developing satellite derived snow products (snow recognition, effective snow cover, and snow water equivalent) for mountainous areas, cal/val of satellite-derived snow products with ground observations and impact studies with hydrological modeling in the mountainous terrain of Europe. The snow recognition product for mountainous regions is evaluated in this paper. An algorithm has been developed for snow recognition over mountainous areas of Europe. The proposed algorithm uses Satellite Application Facility to support Nowcasting and Very Short Range Forecasting's (SAFNWC) cloud products. Two main validation processes have been applied for the snow cover product belonging to 19th January 2008 produced with SEVIRI data. First, the comparison of the SEVIRI snow cover product with the snow cover product produced from a single NOAA AVHRR data for the same date 19th January 2008 has been performed. Second, SEVIRI snow cover product was validated with 43 synoptic weather stations distributed over Europe.
S-Cube: Addressing Multidisciplinary Research Challenges for the Internet of Services
Authors: Di Nitto Elisabetta  , Karastoyanova Dimka  , Metzger Andreas  , Parkin Michael  , Pistore Marco  , Pohl Klaus  , Silvestri Fabrizio  , Van den Heuvel Willem-Jan
Published: February 2025

The Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is increasingly adopted by industry as a paradigm for building distributed software applications. Yet, the SOA has currently several serious limitations and many crucial service issues are not addressed, including, for example, how to establish, monitor and enforce quality in an end-to-end fashion, as well as how to build service-based applications that proactively adapt to dynamically changing requirements and context conditions. This paper provides an overview of the service research challenges identified in S-Cube, the European Network of Excellence on Software Services and Systems. S-Cube strives to address those challenges by bringing together researchers from leading research institutions across diverse disciplines. The S-Cube researchers are joining their competences to develop foundations and theories, as well as novel mechanisms, techniques and methods for service-based applications, thereby enabling the future Internet of Services.
The Trilogy Architecture for the Future Internet
Authors: Burness Louise  , Eardley Philip  , Hancock Robert
Published: February 2025

Socio-economic aspects are not intrinsic to the current Internet architecture and so they are handled extrinsically. This has led to increasing distortions and stresses; two examples are inter-domain scaling problems (a symptom of the way multihoming and traffic engineering are handled) and deep packet inspection (a symptom of the lack of resource accountability). The Trilogy architecture jointly integrates both the technical and socio-economic aspects into a single solution: it is thus designed for tussle. A Future Internet that follows the Trilogy vision should automatically be able to adapt to the changes in society's demands on the Internet as they occur without requiring permanent redesign.
Feature Interaction Problems in Web-based Service Composition
Authors: Zhao Qi  , Huang Jiyu  , Chen Xiangping  , Huang Gang
Published: February 2025

The web-based service (WBS) composition, e.g. mashup, is becoming a popular style to assemble web services. Numerous web-based services are developed by independent organizations and individuals due to the open nature of Web and SOA. As a result, when these components are assembled, the undesired interactions will take place and bring negative impacts. From the perspective of the feature interaction problem (FIP), we study such undesired interaction problems in WBS composition. We illustrate three WBS FIP cases and explain how on-the-fly characteristic, the significant feature of WBS composition, brings new challenges and opportunities to FIP detection and resolution.