bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of slab-on-grades supported with soil reinforced by rigid inclusions
Authors: Racinais J.  , Plomteux C.
Published: February 2025

The design of industrial and logistic building's slab-on-grades is a complex exercise. The design needs to consider the different loading types and configurations (uniform or alternated loading, racks, live loadings…) together with the relative positions from the hinged constructions joints to the loads, whose position and intensity can vary during the life of the structure. The non-uniform stress reaction distribution in the soil reinforced with rigid inclusions creates an additional stress in the slab with a different pattern than the ones of the loads and of the joints. The optimization of the design of the slab becomes a complex problem with three different intertwined patterns (loading, joints, and rigid inclusions) that can move relative to one another with usually no typical symmetry conditions. Existing code of practice dedicated to slab-on-grades are only able to consider uniform soil conditions and the typical size of those structures forbid the modelling of the full extent of the slab. Through the decomposition of this complex problem into the sum of three unit variable-separated problems, this paper presents a simple and comprehensive method to take into account all the parameters of the equation. This method is a powerful solution which is easy to use while allowing for the precise optimization of the design of slab-on-grades. The approach has been validated and calibrated with an extensive number of finite element calculations and has been integrated in the French ASIRI national research program in France.
Centrifuge modelling to assess consolidation following keying of directly embedded plate anchors
Authors: Blake A.P.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a series of centrifuge tests carried out at 100 g on square plate anchors to assess the potential capacity increase due to reconsolidation following the keying process. Numerous post-keying consolidation periods were adopted before reloading the anchor and measuring the subsequent peak capacity. The tests with long-term reconsolidation periods gave an average bearing capacity factor, Nc= 13.5, which is in good agreement with experimental and numerical bearing capacity factors in the literature. The tests with the shortest reconsolidation periods yielded Ncvalues that were ~75% of the long-term values. The rate at which reconsolidation takes place, as assessed through the increase in Nc with time, is much slower for plate anchors than for piles, suction caissons and dynamically installed (torpedo) anchors. It is suggested that the maximum practical reconsolidation is 50% (t50=1.13 years) for which Nc= 11.8.
Advanced laboratory testing for the fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt
Authors: Kaufmann K.L.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents some of the considerations made in connection with the planning of the advanced laboratory tests conducted for the design of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link. Two design solutions have been proposed: a cable stayed bridge and an immersed tunnel. The soil below the Fehmarnbelt consists, among others, of Palaeogene formations of fissured, very high plasticity clays. The different loading situations for the two designs and the properties of the Palaeogene clays have formed the basis for selecting appropriate laboratory tests and testing programs. This is clearly seen in the planning of the oedometer tests with either loading or unloading after the consolidation phase, and in the determination of the undrained shear strength. The latter is determined by either triaxial compression, triaxial extension or direct simple shear tests since the results of these tests depend on the field conditions. Additionally, the swelling pressure and magnitude needs to be clarified by oedometer tests before any further testing is started. Otherwise, misleading results will come out of the tests.
GEO-Pot: Geothermal Energy Potential in Austria
Authors: Ostermann V.
Published: February 2025

Currently the keywords geothermal energy, renewable energy, passive house technology and energy efficiency are evident in connection with global warming and climatic change. They serve for an efficient and sustainable utilization of energy resources for heating and cooling of houses. In the context of renewable energy sources geothermal energy is often ignored as it is difficult to evaluate, although it contains by far an immense potential compared to other energy sources. A sustainable energy policy demands a comparable data base to form the basis for an impartial evaluation of energy sources.
Case study on a deep excavation in Baku: Flame Towers project earth retaining system
Authors: Afatoglu H.A.
Published: February 2025

Baku Flame Towers Project, consisting of three high-rise towers, a shopping mall and an underground car park is being constructed in Baku, Azerbaijan. The project site is located on the city center neighboring two major boulevards, and some important buildings such as National Assembly of Azerbaijan, General Staff Building and Central Clinic Hospital. The soil profile at the site generally consists of a fill layer and slope debris with varying thicknesses from the ground surface, and very stiff – hard clayey silt underlying the fill layer. Below the silt layer, a poorly cemented sedimentary rock layer with a poor rock quality is encountered. Due to the inclined topography of the project site, excavation slopes with depths varying between 2.0m and 29.0m have been foreseen in accordance with the architectural design. In order to carry out the foundation excavation safely an earth retaining structure consisting of bored piles tied-back by temporary ground anchors has been designed and constructed successfully. The retaining system constructed within Baku Flame Towers Project has the distinction to support the deepest foundation excavation ever made in Baku, Azerbaijan. Due to high structural loads, tower buildings have been designed to rest on raft foundations with large diameter piles. Bored piles with a diameter of D=1.20m and length of L=36.0m have been designed in accordance with the required load capacities, and anticipated pile capacities have been proved successfully with pile loading tests performed by using Osterberg Cells.
A Proposed Vision: The Transatlantic Observatory for Meeting Global Health Policy Challenges through Information and Communications Technology-Enabled Solutions (ARGOS)
Authors: Lorenzi Nancy  , De Moor Georges  , Bloomrosen Meryl  , Stroetmann Karl
Published: February 2025

In 2010 the ARGOS project was funded by the EC (DG RELEX) to contribute to the establishement of a “Transatlantic Observatory for meeting Global Health Policy Challenges through Information and Communication Technology-enabled solutions” to develop and promote common methods for responding to global eHealth challenges in the EU and the US. The European Institute for Health Records (EuroRec) was coordinating the project. The vision is that the Transatlantic Observatory will act as an international platform for dialogue and collaboration on health policy issues and will 1. build international consensus about how to improve the access, efficiency and quality of health services through ICT, 2. promote the importance of interoperability in eHealth, 3. help to define approaches to ensure that health data are easily available where it is needed, 4. identify optimal development paths.
Soil Classification Using Piezocone Soundings
Authors: Agung P.M.A  , Chai J.C  , Hino T
Published: February 2025

Four existing soil classification methods using piezocone test (uCPT) results have been applied to classify soil strata in Saga, Japan. By comparing with the borehole records, it has been found that Robertson's methods are applicable for clayey soils in Saga. It has been further noticed that the method using normalized sleeve friction (Fr) versus normalized tip resistance (Qt) is suitable for soil layers above water table, and the method using normalized pore water pressure (Bq) versus Qtis suitable for identifying clay – sand alternative layers. However, Robertson's methods failed to identify the clayey soil layers with high sensitivity, and a modification has been proposed.
Load Bearing Capacity Assessments of Lattice Girder for NATM Tunnels
Authors: Jang Yeon-Soo  , Choi Young-Nam  , Kim Dong-Gyou  , Bae Gyu-Jin
Published: February 2025

As the cross-section of tunnels increases, the girder which has better load bearing capacity than the existing girder is needed. In this study, a new lattice girder which optimized the spider shape of lattice girder used as steel rib in NATM tunnel is suggested. Also practical indoor loading test which can model the difficult construction work section was conducted. By simulating the real tunnel and the load bearing capacity, the characteristics of the behavior of the tunnel lattice girder were analyzed. The developed girder has been found to have better load bearing capacity than the existing lattice girder from the results of indoor test using the straight specimen. The load bearing capacity was smaller in the straight specimens than the curved ones in the real scale test.
Numerical Analysis of Bi-Directional Pile Load Tests for Drilled Shafts in Rocks
Authors: Choi Yongkyu  , Nam Moon S.
Published: February 2025

A bi-directional pile load tests are an effective method for load testing drilled shafts, and have widely used. However, the bi-directional pile load test is fundamentally different to a conventional head-down pile load test. In this study, a total of two bi-directional pile load tests were conducted on large diameter drilled shafts on high raised buildings in Busan, Korea, and their test results were calibrated and extrapolated with a finite element analysis. Also, the FE computations enabled a comparison between the equivalent head-down test from the bi-directional pile load test and a conventional head-down pile load test and determined ultimate capacities.
Aging Effects on Fabric-induced, Small-Strain, Stiffness Anisotropy in Sand
Authors: Yan Gao  , Yu-Hsing Wang
Published: February 2025

Aging effects on the fabric-induced stiffness anisotropy is examined in this paper. The true triaxial apparatus, equipped with a bender-element system, is used to monitor the variations of the three small-strain shear moduli of soil samples during aging. i.e., changes in Ghh, Ghv, and Gvhwhere the first subscript stands for the wave propagation direction and the second subscript indicates the associated polarization direction in the bender element test. The inherent fabric anisotropy in Toyoura sand produces the results, Ghh> Ghv≈ Gvh, and a greater aging rate (in terms of stiffness increases) in Ghhthan in Ghv(or Gvh). The results from numerical simulations by the discrete element method (DEM) indicate that the distribution of contact normal forces is more inhomogeneous in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. More large forces appear in the horizontal conditions, which results in more contact creep to occur in the same direction and therefore a greater aging rate in Ghhthan in Ghv(or Gvh). The addition of fines into the sand sample is expected to help homogenize the force distribution among particles. Hence, the aging rate in Ghhand in Ghv(or Gvh) gradually becomes similar as fines contents increases and almost the same as the fines content is about 30% as the experimental results shown. The process that the contact forces among soil particles become more homogenized during aging can be observed from a specially designed experiment. In this experiment, the stress distribution of the soil sample, measured by nine FlexiForce sensors arranged in different positions, gradually becomes even and approaches the same value that is equal to the applied vertical stress during aging.
Modelling the stress versus displacement behavior of shallow foundations in unsaturated coarse-grained soils
Authors: Oh Won Taek  , Vanapalli Sai
Published: February 2025

Oh and Vanapalli (2010) proposed a simple methodology to simulate the stress versus displacement (SVD) behavior of model footings in unsaturated sands extending finite element analysis (FEA) using elastic-perfectly plastic model. The analyses were performed assuming soil as a single layer with average matric suction value (i.e. constant total cohesion and elastic modulus with respect to depth). In the present study, the proposed methodology has been extended successfully to simulate the SVD behaviors of in-situ footing (B × L = 1m × 1m) load tests in unsaturated sand. In addition, details of how to estimate the variation of total cohesion and elastic modulus with respect to matric suction, which are two key factors that influence the SVD behavior of plate load tests in unsaturated sands, are discussed.
HELIOS : Hospital Environment Language within an Information Object System
Authors: Jean François-Christophe  , Jaulent Marie-Christine  , Degoulet Patrice  , Coignard Jérôme  , Lucas Laurence  , Engelmann Uwe  , Springub Ansgar  , Meinzer Hans-Peter  , Baud Robert  , Donnat Michel  , Scherrer Jean-Raoul
Published: February 2025

The objective of the HELIOS project was to create a Software Engineering Environment to facilitate the development of medical applications. HELIOS comprises a set of Software Components, communicating through an abstract channel called Software Bus, providing services to the application designer, and finally to the application end-user. The kernel comprises three main Software Components, the Information System, the Documentation Facilities, and a component that provides a convenient user interface, the Interface Manager. The Services consist of a collection of toolkits providing the necessary services to medical applications. Up to now, they are represented by an Image Processing Toolbox.
MASQUES: Medical Application Software Quality Enhancements by Standards
Authors: Trodd Eric  , Preedy Philip  , Hemsley James
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the AIM MASQUES project and its results. Following a brief introduction, it is structured into eight further sections. The major results include a review of existing and proposed standards in relevant associated areas, the key views of the healthcare community and its suppliers, a draft “process” healthcare software quality assurance standard and a needs study for a “product” healthcare software quality assurance standard. The paper concludes with two recommended actions on the immediate way forward.
McACE: Measurement, characterisation and control of Ambulatory Care in Europe
Authors: van der Velden Koos  , Hutchinson Allen  , Carillo Esteban  , Winkeler Bart  , van Wee Chris  , Fisher Phil  , Parkin David  , Boerma Wienke  , Bolibar Bonaventura  , van den Heuvel Richard
Published: February 2025

In designing minimum (basic) data sets for ambulatory care in Europe it is essential to start with the groundwork for the development of harmonised mechanisms, methods and standards. The McACE consortium dealt with these issues by producing a set of concepts and models as a framework for developing a common understanding of the problems and possibilities, to initiate and support the necessary longer term consensus building process. The hospital based concept of MBDS was reviewed and altered in planning and implementing MDSs by algorithm. An understanding of requirements and constraints for MDS was obtained, with specific attention to resource use MDS. For this purpose the concept of the ambulatory care unit ACU was explored. Also the ambulatory visit group AVG methodology, exemplifying for case-mix measures in ambulatory care, was considered for the European situation. An evaluation of the work performed was integral part of the project. It showed that the AVG is not directly applicable in Europe. Finally the way forward was set out: priority-areas were identified and the path for further development was described.
SPONTANEOUS VARIABLITY OF REGIONAL HAEMODYNAMICS IN CONSCIOUS NORMOTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Ferrari Alberto U.  , Daffonchio Anna  , Gerosa Silvia  , Paleari Paolo  , Ventura Calogero  , Zanchetti Alberto
Published: February 2025

Miniaturized Doppler flow probes were chronically implanted around the abdominal aorta, left renal and superior mesenteric arteries of 20 normotensive WKY rats to allow regional blood flow velocities to be monitored for prolonged periods in the unanesthetized unrestrained condition. Arterial blood pressure (BP) was simultaneously recorded via a chronic femoral arterial catheter. The four signals were stored on a magnetic tape for subsequent beat-to-beat computer analysis. Computer outputs included: 1) mean values of arterial blood pressure and of hindquarter, renal and splanchnic blood flow velocity (BFV); 2) mean values of the index of vascular resistance in each regional bed calculated over all consecutive periods of 0.8 sec as the ratio of mean BP to BFV, and 3) variability, as the percent variation coefficient, calculated for each of the above parameters by averaging the signal every 0.8 sec, this coefficient thus largely reflecting short-term variability. The results indicate that regional hemodynamics (either flow or resistance) varied to a largely similar extent in all three beds and that each of the regional hemodynamic parameters was much more variable than systemic blood pressure, suggesting the frequent occurrence of simultaneous and opposite vasomotor changes in different regional beds. This may minimize the variability of total peripheral resistance and might represent a previously unrecognized BP-stabilizing mechanism. Preliminary evidence suggests that the hemodynamic changes simultaneously occurring in the hindquarter and splanchnic territories may indeed be linked by a divergent trend.
LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATIONS IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM DUE TO RESPIRATION: BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY IN SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME
Authors: Karemaker John M.
Published: February 2025

In normally breathing subjects, periodicities in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) often occur in three main frequency bands: high-frequency (0.20-0.45 Hz), mid-frequency (0.08-0.12 Hz), and low-frequency regions (0.02-0.06 Hz). While the high-frequency oscillations occur in synchrony with respiratory movements and mid-frequency oscillations are probably due to sympathetic baroreflex-feedback, the sources of low-frequency oscillations are less well known. A possible explanation for low-frequency oscillations in the circulation ensues from periodicities in the breathing pattern, of which sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is an extreme example. We applied spectral analysis to the pronounced low-frequency BP- and HR-variations that occur during sleep in this syndrome. The obtained power and cross spectra could be explained by a simple model that assumes peripheral chemoreceptor reflexes to be the main link between low-frequency variations in the respiratory and circulatory systems in SAS.
SPECTRAL TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS FOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE SIGNALS
Authors: Cerutti S.  , Baselli G.  , Bianchi A.  , Signorini M.G.
Published: February 2025

The basic methodological implications of spectral analysis of beat-to-beat discrete values of systolic or diastolic arterial blood pressure and RR intervals on ECG tracings are briefly summarized. Different applications are involved in the short, medium and long-term spectral estimation, in both the parameter extraction phase and in the modelling of complex pathophysiological relationships among the cardiovascular variability signals. Autospectral, crossspectral and coherence parameters find many applicative examples for a quantitative determination of stationary conditions in the functioning of neural, mechanical, vascular, humoral mechanisms of control and others. A few examples are also reported for the detection of transients in the sympatho-vagal balance which have a considerable importance even from the clinical standpoint. That is done by means of the employment of time-varient techniques of spectral estimation.
SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE INTERVAL VARIABILITY FROM FINGER AND INTRA-ARTERIAL RECORDINGS
Authors: Omboni Stefano  , Frattola Alessandra  , Castiglioni Paolo  , Parati Gianfranco
Published: February 2025

As already reported, the FINAPRES device is able to monitor blood pressure (BP) variations in a beat-to-beat fashion both in resting conditions and during different laboratory manoevres, providing BP values close to those simultaneously recorded by an intra-arterial line. Whether this applies not only to the assessment of BP mean values but also to the evaluation of specific components of BP variability, as determined by spectral analysis, is not known however. We have addressed this issue by assessing the spectral characteristics of BP and heart rate (pulse interval, PI) of continuous finger and intra-arterial BP recordings simultaneously obtained in 14 untreated essential hypertensive patients. Spectral powers were computed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) over three frequency bands defined as Low Frequency (LF, 0.025-0.07 Hz), Mid Frequency (MF, 0.07-0.14 Hz) and High Frequency (HF, 0.14-0.35 Hz) band. All powers of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic (D) BP estimated from analysis of finger BP tracings were superimposable to those obtained by analysing intra-arterial recordings. This was the case also for HF powers of systolic (S) BP, while LF and MF powers of intra-arterial SBP were over-estimated by the analysis of finger BP tracings (+ 13.7± 4.4 mmHg22
ESTIMATION OF THE NUMBER OF MOTOR UNITS IN A MUSCLE BY MEANS OF SURFACE EMG RECORDINGS
Authors: Hermens H.J.  , Baten C.T.M.  , Koudijs A.  , Zilvold G.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate a new way to estimate the total number of motor units in a muscle, using the variance of the EMG signal. This parameter can be estimated during voluntary contraction (Vv) and during electrical stimulation of the muscle (Vs).
Standard Interchange for Computerized Electrocardiography
Authors: Willems Jos L.  , Rubel Paul  , Zywietz Christoph
Published: February 2025

In the SCP-ECG project (AIM # 1015) of the pilot AIM Programme a standard communications protocol was developed for computerized electrocardiography, consisting of standards for the interchange, encoding and storage of digital ECG data. Part of this work is continued under the main AIM Programme (January 1992- December 1994) as AIM Project # 2026, entitled “Open European Data Interchange and Processing for Computerized Electrocardiography (OEDIPE)” and was taken up by the CEN/TC 251 Committee as a priority item for implementation into an official European Standard in Health Care Informatics. The objectives and implementation of this Standard are described in the present paper.
5.3 Communication Technology
Authors: STEFFENS Joachim
Published: February 2025

The successful realization of integrated medical applications and their extensive utilization in the context of distributed, cooperative health care, of medical research, training and education has to rely not only on advanced concepts in information technology and on modern platforms for distributed systems. A state-of-the-art communication technology, capable of meeting the application requirements from a conceptual point of view as well as in terms of its technical performance, is urgently needed, and a migration path towards this communication technology has to be established.
RAID Robotic end-effector developments
Authors: Bolmsjö Gunnar  , Eftring Håkan
Published: February 2025

This paper presents recent developments in end-effector design for a robotised workstation for disabled people. The workstation is intended for use at computerised office work places and the robot tasks will primarily be within the area of paper and book handling including page turning. Additional tasks, such as loading diskettes and serving refreshments are included as well. During initial tests the end-effcetors have shown excellent results with respect to expected functionality and reliability. Future developments will be concentrated on integrating more sensors to the end-effectors and the robot controller in order to produce more autonomous and flexible robot tasks in a less structured environment.
A New Communication Device for Handicapped Persons: The Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert  , Kalcher Joachim  , Flotzinger Doris
Published: February 2025

For patients who are unable to perform normal movements or normally communicate with others it is important to search for a new communication device, which allows the patient to perform simple movements either by functional stimulation or by a robotic device, or to give answers to simple questions without a verbal response. The prerequisites for such a communication is mental activity (thoughts), represented in a specific spatio-temporal EEG pattern, that can be classified on-line.
Market Penetration Economic Support a Necessity for the Viability of R&D-results
Authors: Lindström Jan-Ingvar
Published: February 2025

Market penetration in the field of rehabilitation technology depends upon financial support in several steps in the process from innovation to marketing. There are several reasons for this. One is the limited financial capacity of the customers. Another the small scale production. Consequently, viability of R&D results depends upon political decisions in terms of regulation and legislation. Examples of such methods are given.
The Role of Evaluation in the Development of Rehabilitation Technology Products
Authors: Sandhu Jim  , McKee Ian  , Carruthers Stuart
Published: February 2025

This paper emphasises that not all disabled people need rehabilitation technology but they all need good design. Product evaluation is critical to evolving good design, and to obtaining user feedback for further product enhancement. For manufacturers it is the most effective means of enlarging their markets. A user-based strategy is described centring on two familiar products.
Rehabilitation Technology: Exploitation of R & D and Current Technologies
Authors: Milner Morris
Published: February 2025

This paper summarizes the contributions made by all of the authors in Session (1) of the 1st TIDE Congress and highlights the potentialities for exploitation of research and developments in areas of technology relevant to aspects of interfaces relating to visual perception, facilitation of human communication, prosthetics and orthotics, robotics and signal processing. Means by which promising technological developments can be expedited for more widespread availability are discussed together with aspects of consumer involvement and teamwork through consortia of relevant expertise.
Videotelephony: Support for Elderly People
Authors: Erkert T.  , Robinson S.
Published: February 2025

The contribution describes the opportunities for providing support to elderly persons in their homes using videotelephony. Such services were tested in Frankfurt am Main as part of the Project, “Application Pilot for People with Special Needs (APPSN)” in the CEC RACE Programme.
PHARMNEPH: COMPUTER-SYSTEM FOR DRUG DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT IN RENAL FAILURE
Authors: Keller Frieder  , Erdmann Klaus  , Giehl Michael  , Czock David
Published: February 2025

Drug dosage must be adjusted to kidney function to avoid toxic overdosage in patients with impaired renal function. These clinical demands must be attained within a hospital information system. The PHARMNEPH system is part of such a project. It is based on published pharmacokinetic knowledge standardized by nonparametric meta-analysis. A bayesian parameter estimate from population derived kinetics and sparce individual data will be implemented. Algorithms for a dosage calculation will be provided combining individual bayesian parameters with pharmacodynamic characteristics of each drug.
A knowledge-based system to classify and diagnose HIV-pneumonias
Authors: Fiore M.  , Sicurello F.  , Viganò M.  , Pizzi R.  , Bandini S.
Published: February 2025

The paper describes an intelligent system for the automated diagnosis of HIV-pneumonias. The particular object-oriented approach adopted to set out the knowledge base allows to make use of the features of reusability and inheritance of objects, ensuring an easy and dynamical development of the knowledge base.
KAVAS-2: Knowledge Acquisition, Visualisation and Assessment System
Authors: Brender J.  , Talmon J.  , Nykänen P.  , D'Moore R.  , Drosos P.  , McNair P.
Published: February 2025

The KAVAS-2 (A2019) AIM project develops a toolbox, named KAVIAR, with which the domain expert can formulate (capture) his/her own knowledge and/or derive domain models (socalled “learning”) on the basis of example cases on the clinical problem under focus. Key issues for the global learning process within KAVIAR are 1) quality assessment of the derived domain models, 2) controlling the domain model generation in a desired direction, and 3) coupling of machine learning techniques with knowledge elicitation techniques. Other main issues addressed in KAVAS-2 are the cognitive aspects in the display of information and knowledge, the refinement of an evaluation methodology for KBS, and elucidation of problems inherent in the transfer of medical data, information and knowledge and hence, of dissemination of medical KBS.
Implementation of a learning procedure for multiple observations in a Diabetes Advisory System based on causal probabilistic networks
Authors: Hejlesen O. K.  , Andreassen S.  , Andersen S. K.
Published: February 2025

An extension of a causal probabilistic network, modelling the humane glucose metabolism, making it possible to estimate patient specific parameters from data from multiple days, is presented. The importance of preserving information on both the patient specific means and standard deviations of the parameters is described. The approach is illustrated by examples of the role of the patient specific insulin sensitivity.
Adaptation of the Bayley scales of infant development for visually impaired children
Authors: SMRKOVSKÝ M.  , WIEGMAN R.D.  , LOOIJESTIJN P.  , DIK M.
Published: February 2025

This research report concerns the adaptation of the dutch version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development for use with the low vision child. Testing conditions, materials and instructions of this instrument are adapted for children with low vision. Furthermore an observation scale for visual abilities is developed and added to the instrument. Testresults of a group children with low vision will be surveyed. Results suggest that the adapted Bayley Developmental Scales will be a welcome addition to early guidance teams.
Occupational Therapy and the Guidance in the Use of Low Vision Aids
Authors: van Dijck E.H.J.
Published: February 2025

The Visual Advice Centre Eindhoven (VAC-E) is specialised in the rehabilitation of visually impaired persons with visual aids and illumination. Low vision aids are loaned to the patients to try them at home before a final prescription is given. During home visits the occupational therapist gives instruction in using these aids. In this paper examples are given taken from daily practice. They illustrate the role of occupational therapy in the assistance of the VAC-E.
Low vision functioning in a restricted and restricting environment
Authors: YALO AYIEKO J.
Published: February 2025

Exposing low vision learners to visual stimuli can enhance scanning, tracking and fixation skills. It can also enhance visual motility, but learners who develop in restricted and restricting environments are likely to miss the opportunities to develop these important skills.
The practognostic organization of objects in the immediate environment. Applications with young visually and multihandicapped visually impaired children
Authors: DEWERCHIN Lieve
Published: February 2025

This paper emphasizes three successive developmental levels, concerning the organization of the immediate environment (“the field of action”). They are an interesting basis from which visual perception training can proceed. After a general introduction to the practognostic approach, the structure levels, typical of children aged two to five, are discussed : objectocentricity - corposcentricity - presymmetry (Illustration by video).
Stimulation of the visual possibilities in the Dark Room by means of black light and other lightsources
Authors: MEEUS Lieve
Published: February 2025

The Dark Room gives the chance to low vision children who have no knowledge about their visual possibilities, to experience with light. The sensomotor development is activated by suitable materials and instructions on the child’s level. This results in a spontaneous visual involvement in all circumstances.
Playtherapy for partially sighted children
Authors: VAN GENDT - VAN EVERT C.J.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a playtherapy for visually handicapped children. after a brief history information is give regarding the moment to start the therapy and the character of the intervantion. Conditions and indications to use the therapy are presented. Finally criteria to finish the therapy are given.
Residual vision and integration: The implications for India in the management of its blind population
Authors: DESAI Sanjiv
Published: February 2025

Vision assessment was performed in a school for the blind and it was found that 50% of the children studied had residual vision and 15.3% of them were potential candidates for low vision therapy because they belonged to categories 1 to 3 of visual impairment. The improvements resulting from the use of LVA suggest that prior to admission and rehabilitation mist be exercised in all cases. Only those in whom visual function does not improve or improves but does not provide adequate mobility and positive benefits in visual ability, should be institutionalised.
The FUNCTIONAL VISION SCORE
Authors: Colenbrander August
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a coordinated scoring system for all aspects of vision loss: impairment (of the organ), disability (of the person) and handicap (social and economic consequences). The system is based on a general classification of disability, which can be applied to different impairments, whether visual or non-visual. The system is consistent with existing classifications such as in ICD9-CM and can replace systems such as AMA / Snell-Sterling / Esterman. A prototype automated version has been implemented on the Humphrey Field Analyzer.
From Prototype to Product - Conditions for a Successful Transition
Authors: Andreassen Steen
Published: February 2025

This paper identifies three requirements for a successful commercialization of a medical decision support system. The system should be convenient, i.e. time-saving and integrated into existing procedures of data acquisition. It should be safe to use for the medical staff, i.e. the advice provided by the system should be within the range allowed by “medical judgement”. Finally, clinical testing of the system should document that usage of the system improves patient outcomes.
Knowledge Processing for Decision Support in the Health Sector
Authors: Barahona Pedro  , Durinck John  , Florin Claude  , Hernandez Carlos  , Hucklenbroich Peter  , Rickards Anthony  , Stefanelli Mario
Published: February 2025

The complexity of medical knowledge has been steadily increasing, the cost of Healthcare services has surged over the years, and growing demands exists for assessing and improving the quality of the Healthcare services. Knowledge based decision support might provide considerable help in solving many of these problems. This report addresses the perspectives of knowledge based decision support applications within the health sector in the next five to ten years, from the complementary perspectives of users, industry and researchers.
Knowledge Based Systems and their Potential Impact on Clinical Practice
Authors: Spitzer Klaus  , Bürsner Simone
Published: February 2025

The clinical information environment is of a heterogeneous nature. A hypermedia information system is a means for integrating different types of data and knowledge a clinician needs for making his clinical decisions. An integrated multimedia system with various kinds of knowledge processing and decision support components as well as clinical registries is supposed to be the “intelligent” clinical assistant system of the future. Various knowledge based systems have to communicate with other (not necessarily knowledge based) components of a clinical information and communication system in a hypermedia network. A decisive step towards a realization of this vision is the progress in structuring and modelling medical knowledge. The success of introducing knowledge based products in everyday clinical practice depends on their degree of flexibility in use and integration in a clinicians work.
Contribution of the Renin-Angiotensin System to Blood Pressure Variability Mechanisms: A Spectral Study
Authors: ELGHOZI J.-L.  , GRICHOIS M.-L.  , PONCHON P.
Published: February 2025

Thus, an increase in the LF component of BP variability was observed when sympathetic activity was reduced with autonomic blockade and in a model of renin-dependent hypertension. The dependence of these 20 sec period oscillations upon the renin-angiotensin system activity was demonstrated with pharmacological blockade with enalapril or losartan.
Power Spectra of Blood Pressure in Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Relationship with Sympathetic Cardiovascular Control
Authors: DAFFONCHIO A.  , FRANZELLI C.  , Di RIENZO M.  , CASTIGLIONI P.  , FERRARI A.U.  , MANCIA G.
Published: February 2025

The relationship between sympathetic activity and specific spectral components of blood pressure (BP) variability has been investigated in conscious Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the latter being characterized by sympathetic overactivity.
The Wide Band Spectral Analysis: A New Insight Into Modulation of Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Baroreflex Sensitivity
Authors: DI RIENZO M.  , PARATI G.  , CASTIGLIONI P.  , MANCIA G.  , PEDOTTI A.
Published: February 2025

In the present paper the use of wide-band spectral analysis to simultaneously investigate fast and slow components of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability is addressed from both a methodological and a practical point of view. After a short review of the technical problems involved in this kind of analysis, the results obtained by the wide-band spectral approach in evaluating the effects of sino-aortic baroreceptor denervation (cats) and aging (humans) on the different components of BP and HR variability are presented. An important finding from use of wide-band spectral analysis is that the power of the BP spectral components tends to be inversely related to the frequency (1/f trend), namely, the slower the BP fluctuation the higher its contribution to the overall BP variance. The occurrence of slow BP fluctuations of pronounced magnitude, however, may appear in apparent contrast with the anti-oscillatory action of the arterial baroreflex. A possible explanation for this paradoxical phenomenon is that also the sensitivity of the baroreflex is modulated in a 1/f fashion. Experimental data supporting this hypothesis are shown.
Quality in Obstetrics using a Telematic System
Authors: Sarmento P.  , Justiça A.  , Sousa P.  , Trigueiros P.  , Areias M.  , Flora C.  , Silva C.  , Batista J.
Published: February 2025

A telematic based system for antenatal care has been developed to be used in service integration between primary and secondary health care units. The system is based on low cost platforms and has a user friendly human computer interface. This system will provide better integration and coordination between the health care providers involved, improving the quality of the services. This experiment is being funded in the framework of the EC.Project - A 2007 - EPIC..Quality indicators, agreed in the “European concensus conference of quality indicators for perinatal care”, organized in conjunction with OBSQID project (AIM.2125) were integrated in the system. Data collection has started and the outcome will be used to validate the indicators on a transeuropean basis under the framework of the OBSQID Project.
Elimination of Numerical Torsion Instability on Smoothed Scoliotic Spinal Curve
Authors: PONCET P.  , DANSEREAU J.  , LABELLE H.
Published: February 2025

The three-dimensional (3-D) modelling of the spinal shape by least square Fourier series to evaluate local measurement of geometric torsion for scoliotic spine shows limitations. In fact, this method does not allow the definition of a “true” 3-D inflexion point in double major scoliotic curves. Torsion values computed in 3-D inflexion regions are consequently non-representative since they result in numerically instable “large torsion spike”. Simulation were performed to analyzed the torsion “spike” problem and revealed that numerical instabilities occur because the second derivative of parametric functions x(t), y(t) and z(t) does not equal zero for the same t value. The development of a “torsion spike” elimination technique, by the imposition of a “true” 3-D inflexion point, results in numerical stability, without significantly modifying the general shape of the scoliotic curve. Applying Frenet’s formulas to this resulting corrected curve allow the analysis of the geometric torsion phenomenon associated with many types of scoliotic shapes.
Modelling of Facet Joints in a Global Finite Element Model of the Spine: Geometrical Aspects
Authors: AUBIN Carl-Éric  , DESCRIMES Jean-Luc  , DANSEREAU Jean  , SKALLI W.  , LABELLE Hubert  , LAVASTE François
Published: February 2025

In order to study the biomechanical behavior of the whole human spine and thorax, a model is proposed which includes a refined representation of the posterior part of the spine, while respecting computational capabilities. A geometric model is firstly built using an hybrid method which combines stereoradiographic 3-D reconstructions of the spine and rib cage to CT scan reconstructions of human vertebrae using geometrical transformations. In the posterior part, articular facets are modelled and parametrized as elementary surface shapes such as plane, cylinder or sphere. For the articular facet geometry of a given human subject, results revealed that the zygapophyseal articulations are better represented by planes for T1to T11and by cylinders for T12to L5. The costo-transverse facets were found to be better represented by spherical surfaces. These results are in concordance with those found in the literature. These personalized geometric informations can now be used to built the finite element model presented by the joined paper of Descrimes et al.. Further analyses are in progress to completely validate the model.
Relational Data Base for Quantitative and Statistical Analysis of Static and Dynamic Biomechanical Spinal Measurements
Authors: D’AMICO Moreno  , DI FABBRIZIO Giuseppe  , RONCOLETTA Piero
Published: February 2025

Computerised multifactorial analysis can be considered today a new concrete possibility of investigation in clinical applications and in particular for pathologies of the spine. In fact the detection of human biomechanical variables is today well supported from a technological point of view, and a number of very sophisticated analysers are able to provide a complete set of data for three dimensional representation of the vertebral column. Conversely the problem to face is how to manage the enormous quantity of data available for each subject, and how to perform a statistical analysis that could involve for each variable a comparison between different groups of data. The aim of this paper is to describe a special developed integrated software package including a relational data base manager and a signal processing algorithm for the management of quantitative and detailed statistical comparison among different kinematic and dynamic patterns.
Correlation Between Trunk Gibbosity and the Spinal Torsion Measured by the AUSCAN System
Authors: NEGRINI Stefano  , NEGRINI Alberto  , RAINERO Giovanni  , SIBILLA Paolo  , SANTAMBROGIO Giorgio C.
Published: February 2025

The basic assumption in this work is that a scoliotic patient presents a rotation between the shoulders and the pelvis strictly connected with the torsion associated with the scoliotic deformity. In a scoliotic thoracic curve, the spinous processes rotate towards the curve concavity; in patients with a single right convex thoracic curve, the ribs and the whole chest should rotate in a clockwise direction while patients with a single left convex thoracic curve should present a counterclockwise rotation. The obtained results confirm such a basic assumption and allow to point out the various relationships between the trunk rotation and other, commonly used, spinal parameters.
Three-Dimensional Brace Treatment for Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: VALAVANIS J  , BOUNTIS A  , ZACHARIOU C  , KOKKONIS D  , ANAGNOSTOU D  , GIAHOS D  , DASKALAKIS E
Published: February 2025

Bracing for idiopathic scoliosis is performed mainly by ThoracoLumbar Spinal Orthoses (TLSO) acting by the application of lateral correcting forces. Most of the braces used for the conservative treatment of spinal deformaties have but a minimal effect upon the ratational deformaties of the body since their main objective is the correction of spinal curves. Derotating braces are custom made underarm spinal orthoses equiped with specially designed derotating blades that produce a derotating effect upon the thorax and the trunk of the patients. Comparisson of three groups of 100 patients each, treated with three different kinds of underarm braces (Boston brace, Dynamic Derotating brace and Thoracic Derotating brace) proved that the derotating blades, applied at the derotating braces, have a springlike effect that increases and maintains the correcting forces applied by the brace(s) throughout the hole period of treatment.
Changes in Shape of the Spine with Idiopathic Scoliosis after Harrington or C-D Instrumentation: The Plan View
Authors: STOKES Ian A.F.  , LABELLE Hubert  , ARONSSON David D
Published: February 2025

The ability of C-D instrumentation (CDI - 23 patients) was compared with that of Harrington distraction instrumentation (HDI - 6 patients) to change the orientation of the best-fit plane of the instrumented part of the spine of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Each patient was radiographed pre- and post-operatively using stereo-xray methods to obtain the three-dimensional position and orientation of each lumbar and thoracic vertebra. A plane image was then created in which the vertebrae were projected on to a plane perpendicular to the regional axis defined by the lower-most instrumented vertebra (origin) and the upper-most instrumented vertebra (z axis direction). The lateral (y) axis lay in the global frontal plane. The vertebrae in the instrumented part of the spine were found to lie approximately on a straight line in this projection. Therefore, linear regression was used to obtain a measure of the rotation of the best-fit plane of this part of the spine from the regional frontal plane. Differences were found in the post-operative changes in spinal shape between these two groups of patients. It was found that both operations produced a straighter (less curved) spine in the best-fit plane. The major difference was that CDI achieved much greater derotation of the best-fit plane of the instrumented region of the spine. The regional plan view (based on the instrumented region of the spine) was particularly useful for demonstrating changes in spinal shape in individual patients, and in demonstrating differences between the two groups of patients.