bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Designs by SAT Solvers
Authors: Zhang Hantao
Published: February 2025

The theory of combinatorial designs has always been a rich source of structured, parametrized families of SAT instances. On one hand, design theory provides interesting problems for testing various SAT solvers; on the other hand, high-performance SAT solvers provide an alternative tool for attacking open problems in design theory, simply by encoding problems as propositional formulas, and then searching for their models using off-the-shelf general purpose SAT solvers. This chapter presents several case studies of using SAT solvers to solve hard design theory problems, including quasigroup problems, Ramsey numbers, Van der Waerden numbers, covering arrays, Steiner systems, and Mendelsohn designs. It is shown that over a hundred of previously-open design theory problems were solved by SAT solvers, thus demonstrating the significant power of modern SAT solvers. Moreover, the chapter provides a list of 30 open design theory problems for the developers of SAT solvers to test their new ideas and weapons.
CNF Encodings
Authors: Prestwich Steven
Published: February 2025

Before a combinatorial problem can be solved by current SAT methods, it must usually be encoded in conjunctive normal form, which facilitates algorithm implementation and allows a common file format for problems. Unfortunately there are several ways of encoding most problems and few guidelines on how to choose among them, yet the choice of encoding can be as important as the choice of search algorithm. This chapter reviews theoretical and empirical work on encoding methods, including the use of Tseitin encodings, the encoding of extensional and intensional constraints, the interaction between encodings and search algorithms, and some common sources of error. Case studies are used for illustration.
Further Results on Multiobjective Evolutionary Search for One-Dimensional, Density Classifier, Cellular Automata, and Strategy Analysis of the Rules
Authors: Oliveira Gina M.B.  , Bortot José C.  , de Oliveira Pedro P.B.
Published: February 2025

A strong motivation for studying cellular automata (CA) is their ability to perform computations. However, the understanding of how these computations are carried out is still extremely vague, which makes the inverse problem of automatically designing CA rules with a predefined computational ability a fledgeling engineering endeavour. Various studies have been undertaken on methods to make CA design possible, one of them being the use of evolutionary computational techniques for searching the space of possible CA rules. A widely studied CA task is the Density Classification Task (DCT). For this and other tasks, it has recently been shown that the use of a heuristic guided by parameters that estimate the dynamic behaviour of CA can improve a standard evolutionary design. Considering the successful application of evolutionary multiobjective optimisation to several kinds of inverse problems, here one such technique known as Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm is combined with the parameter-based heuristic, in the design of DCT rules. This is carried out in various alternative ways, yielding evolutionary searches with various numbers of objectives, of distinct qualities. With this exploration, it is shown that the resulting design scheme can effectively improve the search efficacy and obtain rules that solve the DCT with sophisticated strategies.
Spiking Neural Networks to Detect Temporal Patterns
Authors: Zuters Janis
Published: February 2025

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are more powerful than their non-spiking predecessors as they can encode temporal information in their signals, but they also need different and biologically more plausible rules for synaptic plasticity. In this paper, an unsupervised learning algorithm is introduced for a spiking neural network. The algorithm is based on the Hebbian rule, with the addition of the principle of adapting a layer activation level so as to guarantee frequent firings of neurons for each layer. The proposed algorithm has been illustrated with experimental results related to the detection of temporal patterns in an input stream.
Accurate XML Summarization – A Comparison of Differing Approaches
Authors: Moraes Filho José de Aguiar  , Härder Theo
Published: February 2025

We explore existing methods to summarize XML data based on document levels, document paths, and element distribution. Using empirical data, we cross-compare them according to size and time needed for summary representation and estimate computation and, most important, the estimation accuracy achieved.
Flexible Database Platform for Biomedical Research with Multiple User Interfaces and a Universal Query Engine
Authors: Jäger Margus  , Kamm Liina  , Krushevskaja Darja  , Talvik Harry-Anton  , Veldemann Janno  , Vilgota Andres  , Vilo Jaak
Published: February 2025

Biomedical research on human subjects often requires a large amount of data to be collected by personal interviews, Internet based questionnaires, lab measurements or by extracting data from paper or electronic health records. This data needs to be stored, analyzed and interpreted in a comprehensive manner. There is a great need for user-friendly software systems that allow to design and launch such data collection initiatives quickly, securely and reliably. We have designed a flexible software system that enables creating such data collection and management projects. Qure Data Management platform described in this paper contains tools for dynamic designing of data models and electronic questionnaires, multiple user interfaces for data entry and a universal query engine for filtered output. The platform enables to make database and questionnaire changes on the fly without any manual database table change. The data repository is based on the entity-attribute-value with classes and relationships (EAV/CR) approach which allows flexible storage and analysis of data from multiple studies. Although aimed at biomedical research, the software architecture is flexible and can be used for various different data collection and management projects.
Center Fragments for Upscaling and Verification in Database Semantics
Authors: Hausser Roland
Published: February 2025

The notion of a fragment was coined by Montague 1974 to illustrate the formal handling of certain puzzles, such as de dicto/de re, in a truth-conditional semantics for natural language. The idea of a fragment is methodological: given the vastness of a natural language, one begins with a system which is of limited data coverage, but formally explicit and functionally complete relative to a certain goal or standard.
The Architecture of an Intelligent Agent in MAS
Authors: Ciprich Nikola  , Duží Marie  , Frydrych Tomáš  , Kohut Ondřej  , Košinár Michal
Published: February 2025

In the paper we propose a Brain Architecture which allows developers of a Multi-Agent System (MAS) to integrate various supporting tools. For the purpose of agents' communication and reasoning we make use of Transparent Intesional logic (TIL), or more exactly of its software variant the TIL-Script language. The proposed architecture makes it possible to utilise also the Prolog language as a reasoning tool. Rules and facts are stored in agent's internal knowledge base is designed in a way appropriate both for Prolog and TIL-Script languages. The architecture is an open one so that other tools of reasoning can be easily incorporated.
A Meta-Level Knowledge Base System for Discovering Personal Career Opportunities by Connecting and Analyzing Occupational and Educational Databases
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke  , Kiyoki Yasushi
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an implementation method of a meta-level knowledge base system for analyzing personal career opportunities by connecting occupational and educational databases. We have designed and implemented several functions to analyze information on personal career development, on the meta-level database system for connecting occupational and educational databases. This method is used to create dynamic relationships among heterogeneous databases on occupations, educational contents, social and educational issues and personal career information. In this method, several functions are defined for analyzing relationships among heterogeneous databases. (1) Educational contents represent, for instance, lectures in educational institutes, (2) occupations represent descriptions of concrete occupations, (3) social and educational issues represent academic industrial fields, and (4) personal career information represents histories, objectives and interests of an individual user's career. These databases are connected and analyzed in a dynamic way, according to users' contexts and situations. By using our method, individual career development becomes to be effectively supported when discovering personal career opportunities and designing personalized career development plans.
Knowledge, Accountability, and Relevance Systems – Objectivations of Social Reality through Shared Symbolic Devices
Authors: Hachour Hakim
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on modeling collective knowledge objectivations. It is based upon a transdisciplinary approach and a comprehensive methodology. The proposed model is about the social settings of relevant meaning systems and the semio-pragmatic factors of knowledge objectivations. It is shown that the essential resource of practical action is routine knowledge which is objectivated in an arranged system of indications, products and signs: a symbolic device bound to the pragmatic motive of the ongoing socially organized activity and conditioned by a typified sociocognitive relevance system.
Classification of Restrictive and Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Using Spirometry Data
Authors: Arabalibeik H.  , Khomami M.H.  , Agin K.  , Setayeshi S.
Published: February 2025

Spirometry provides useful information for diagnosis purposes in the pulmonary system. A decision support system could help in using this useful noninvasive test more reliably. Bayesian reasoning could aggregate the results of a group of neural network classifiers to improve the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases and discriminating between its restrictive and obstructive patterns.
NeuroVR 1.5 – A Free Virtual Reality Platform for the Assessment and Treatment in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience
Authors: Riva Giuseppe  , Carelli Laura  , Gaggioli Andrea  , Gorini Alessandra  , Vigna Cinzia  , Corsi Riccardo  , Faletti Gianluca  , Vezzadini Luca
Published: February 2025

At MMVR 2007 we presented NeuroVR (http://www.neurovr.org) a free virtual reality platform based on open-source software. The software allows non-expert users to adapt the content of 14 pre-designed virtual environments to the specific needs of the clinical or experimental setting. Following the feedbacks of the 700 users who downloaded the first version, we developed a new version – NeuroVR 1.5 – that improves the possibility for the therapist to enhance the patient's feeling of familiarity and intimacy with the virtual scene, by using external sounds, photos or videos. Specifically, the new version now includes full sound support and the ability of triggering external sounds and videos using the keyboard. The outcomes of different trials made using NeuroVR will be presented and discussed.
Recovery after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Computer-Based Medical Decision-Support Tool
Authors: Sherif Hisham M.F.  , Rahman Ehsanur  , Mustafa Nowwar  , Hosmane Vinay R.  , Reddy Vivek  , Disabatino Angela  , Weintraub William
Published: February 2025

Prediction of outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest often presents difficult clinical decision making. Using the observed results from our institution's data, we introduce a customized, computer-based decision support tool to assist in evaluating and predicting outcomes in such situations. We conclude that this tool can be beneficial to clinicians in decision making or triage of this condition.
The Clockwise Rotation of Myocardial Fiber Orientation from Epicardial to Endocardial Surface in Left Ventricular Free Wall in a Post-mortem Human Heart
Authors: Theofilogiannakos Efstratios K.  , Theofilogiannakos George K.  , Anogeianaki Antonia  , Danias Peter G.  , Zaraboukas Thomas  , Njau Samuel N.  , Anogianakis George
Published: February 2025

Following fixation and MRI imaging a post-mortem human heart was sliced at the sagittal plane. Each anatomical section was then cut into smaller segments and each one was objected to classical histology process. The resulting microscopy slides were digitalized with a scanner. The histological section reconstruction was achieved using Adobe Photoshop CS2®. Using specific software, called FiberCad, the user can define and draw (with the assistance of optical microscope) those fibers that are parallel and those fibers that are vertical to the slides plane. To better align the histological 3D reconstruction, the software is equipped with an option that allows the user to make best possible fit between histological and MRI slices. We present the consequent sagittal sections of LV free wall (from epicardial to endocardial surface), whereby the clockwise rotation of the mean orientation of the fibers that are on the plane of sectioning is clearly evident. We present a post mortem analysis of the complete LV free wall of a human heart.
A Machine Learning-Based Scalable Approach For Real-Time Surgery Simulation
Authors: Deo Dhanannjay  , De Suvranu
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present a novel approach for the simulation of linear and nonlinear tissue response during real time surgical simulation. In this technique, physics-based computations using finite elements are used to generate a massive database to train neural networks during an offline pre-computation step. These neural networks are used during real time computations, resulting in massive computational efficiency. The significance of the method is that, for the first time, linear and nonlinear simulations may be performed with almost the same operational complexity. Additionally, the quality of the real time computations may be easily controlled by scaling the number of neurons used in the computations. This system provides a unique platform to leverage the computational speed and scalability of soft computation methods for real time interactive simulations.
A Compression Method for Natural Language Automata
Authors: Tounsi Lamia  , Bouchou Béatrice  , Maurel Denis
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with Finite State Automata used in Natural Language Processing to represent very large dictionaries. We present a method for an important operation applied to these automata, the compression with quick access. Our proposal is to factorize subautomata other than those representing common prefixes or suffixes. Our algorithm uses a DAWG of subautomata to iteratively choose the best substructure to factorize. The linear time accepting complexity is kept in the resulting compact automaton. Experiments performed on ten automata are reported.
An Embarrassment of Data: How e-Assessments Are Supporting Front Line Clinical Decisions and Quality Management Across Canada and around the World
Authors: White Nancy  , Poss Jeff
Published: February 2025

A unique collaboration between the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and interRAI, an international research network, is supporting jurisdictions across Canada in collecting client-level clinical and administrative data for both primary and secondary uses. Standardized interRAI assessments, captured electronically and sent to CIHI, provide real-time decision support for clinicians as well as a rich longitudinal source of aggregate data for system planning, quality improvement and accountability. With over a million assessments in three CIHI-RAI data holdings, important benefits have already been realized at individual and organizational levels across eight Canadian jurisdictions. The evolution of a pan-Canadian interoperable EHR presents an exciting opportunity to optimize the value of these investments for the future.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Clinical Decision Support in a Rural Community Health Network Serving Lower Income Individuals: Study Design and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Eisenstein Eric L.  , Lobach David F.  , Kawamoto Kensaku  , Edwards Rex  , Willis Janese M.  , Silvey Garry M.  , Anstrom Kevin J.
Published: February 2025

Lower income individuals in the US frequently experience difficulties in obtaining access to needed health care services. We describe a randomized clinical trial that seeks to improve the quality of, and access to healthcare services for medically underserved populations in five rural counties of North Carolina. We propose to achieve these improvements by implementing system-to-system integration via a telehealth network with an asynchronous clinical decision support system for health care providers.
Exploring the Relationship Between Training and Usability: A Study of the Impact of Usability Testing On Improving Training and System Deployment
Authors: Kushniruk Andre W.  , Myers Kristin  , Borycki Elizabeth M.  , Kannry Joseph
Published: February 2025

The relationship between usability and training remains to be explored in health informatics. We examine the training given during the implementation of an institutional electronic medical record system, as well as the usability of the system from the perspective of new users who have been recently trained. We examine in which ways video-based usability testing with new users, who received classroom training one month earlier, can be used to a) indicate needed changes in the training program, and b) provide feedback to improve system customization and deployment. Usability testing methods were found to be an important adjunct to system deployment: they can improve the system implementation as well as suggest strategies for user education.
Toward Automatic Detection and Prevention of Adverse Drug Events
Authors: Leroy Nicolas  , Chazard Emmanuel  , Beuscart Régis  , Beuscart-Zephir Marie Catherine  , the PSIP Consortium
Published: February 2025

Adverse Drug Events (ADE) due to medication errors and human factors are a major public health issue. They endanger patient safety and cause considerable extra healthcare costs. The European project PSIP (Patient Safety through Intelligent Procedures in medication) aims to identify and prevent ADE. Data mining of the structured hospital data bases will give a list of observed ADE with frequencies and probabilities, thereby giving a better understanding of potential risks. The main objective of the project is to develop innovative knowledge based on the mining results and to deliver to professionals and patients, in the form of alerts and decision support functions, a contextualized knowledge fitting the local risk parameters.
Designing Technology To Support End of Life Decision Making
Authors: Foong Pin Sym
Published: February 2025

Despite being in existence for more than 15 years, the effectiveness of advanced directives has yet to be established. One possible reason for this is an inadequate level of shared understanding among stakeholders – the dying patient, family members and medical practitioners – regarding values and their implications for future actions at the end-of-life. Americans find it difficult and stressful to discuss death. This research investigates whether the articulation and alignment of values and meanings for the end of life can be promoted by framing them as acts of negotiation. This research uses ethnomethodology to examine the needs of this population, followed by grounded theory analysis of the interview data. The author concludes with three design guidelines for designing technology to aid in the exploration of options at the end of life.
Telehealth-based Framework for Supporting the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kwiatkowska Mila  , Idzikowski Andrew  , Matthews Les
Published: February 2025

We describe an application of a computer-based system and telehealth approach for support of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A conceptual framework is introduced that has four major components: patients' education and communication, measurement of patients' adherence, CPAP unit test, and CPAP treatment evaluation. The measurement and evaluation processes are based on a fuzzy logic approach and they use a set of predefined fuzzy rules. The rules are utilized for the calculation of patient's adherence and treatment effectiveness using patients' records, self-reported adherence data, and automatically downloaded data from the CPAP machines. Further, we discuss the need for a telehealth support system for OSA patients in the rural communities and small cities of British Columbia.
Automatic classification of defects in an industrial environment
Authors: Borghese N. Alberto
Published: February 2025

We describe here a system, based on boosting, for the classification of defects on material running on a production line. It is constituted of a two-stages architecture: in the first stage a set of features are extracted from the images surveyed by a linear camera located above the material. The second stage is devoted to the classification of the defects from the features. The novelty of the system resides in the ability to rank the defects with respect to a set of classes, achieving a rate of identification of dangerous defects very close to 100%.
Distributed information system in support of aerospace research
Authors: Nikolov H.  , Kancheva R.  , Petkov D.  , Georgiev G.  , Kibardina I.  , Savorskiy V.P.  , Tishchenko Yu.G.  , Smirnov M.T.
Published: February 2025

Modern remote sensing technologies for Land Use/Land Cover applications rely on the integration of a big variety of data from both airborne and ground-based instruments. The final product highly depends on the proper and successful exploitation of as much data as possible. This is the reason why a unified data integration and management system should be at the disposal of researchers from different science fields. One possible approach is to develop an information system (IS) based on an open source technology providing an easy data access. Also a standard way of seamless addition of new data should be considered. The approach adopted in this research study is based on a distributed database management system with simple web interface to the data and models. A single cluster contains the following components: a subsystem for data archiving and exchange; a subsystem for specific data preprocessing and calibration; a subsystem for metadata management and integration; a subsystem for the whole catalogue management; a subsystem in support of external users.
Comparison of pixel based and feature based fusion of high resolution optical and SAR imagery
Authors: Atay G.  , Wegner J.D.  , Lohmann P.  , Hofmann P.  , Sörgel U.
Published: February 2025

The number of high resolution imaging remote sensing systems is increasing rapidly. But, because of technologic limitations, not every system can produce images with both very good quality and all desired features. Images obtained with different sensors may have complementary information. Fusion of these data with a fine image fusion approach can provide better information about the observed scene. Two common complementary information sources are optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. These two products have some advantages and disadvantages separately because of their sensor characteristics. Combining advantages of the two images may decrease disadvantages of them; moreover the process will provide extra information. The study includes two parts. First, it consists of pixel based image fusion of SAR and optical images while the second part is fusion of the same data with a feature based method. Registration strategies of both pixel based and the feature based methods were determined and they were implemented for our optical and SAR images. The results of these methods were compared. According to the results it was clear that the feature based method worked better than pixel based method.
Design for Future Internet Service Infrastructures
Authors: Rochwerger B.  , Galis A.  , Breitgand D.  , Levy E.  , Cáceres J.A.  , Llorente I.M.  , Wolfsthal Y.  , Wusthoff M.  , Clayman S.  , Chapman C.  , Emmerich W.  , Elmroth E.  , Montero R.S.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents current research in the design and integration of advance systems, service and management technologies into a new generation of Service Infrastructure for Future Internet of Services, which includes Service Clouds Computing. These developments are part of the FP7 RESERVOIR project and represent a creative mixture of service and network virtualisation, service computing, network and service management techniques.
Bioprofiling over Grid for Personalised eHealthcare for AD
Authors: Ifeachor Emmanuel  , Hu Pin  , Sun Lingfen  , Hudson Nigel  , Zervakis Michalise
Published: February 2025

This paper is concerned with the exploitation of new information and communications technologies (computational intelligence algorithms and tools for biodata analysis, grid computing and web services, clinical user interfaces) to create a knowledge infrastructure to support personalised care for Alzheimer's disease (AD) - prevention, early detection, diagnosis, monitoring of progression and response to treatment. This revolves around the use of bioprofiles which is a personal ‘fingerprint’ that fuses together a person's current and past bio records and lifestyle. Analysis of an individual's bioprofile makes it possible to personalise care for AD. The paper is based on the work undertaken within the EU-funded project, BIOPATTERN. It provides highlights and insights into the requirements and challenges of personalised care for AD, the characteristic features and requirements of bioprofiles within the context of AD, techniques for the acquisition of useful parameters for inclusion in the bioprofile for AD, and a grid-based prototype system to demonstrate the concepts of bioprofiling for AD within the EU setting.
Goals and Conflicts in Telephony
Authors: Turner Kenneth J.  , Campbell Gavin A.
Published: February 2025

Goals are abstract, user-oriented objectives for how a system should behave. To be made operational, they are refined into lower-level policies that are executed dynamically. It is explained how previous work on policy-based management has been enhanced with a separate goal system that allows goals to be specified, analysed, refined, and achieved. It is shown how conflicts can arise at several levels among goals, and how these conflicts are detected and handled. Although the approach is general, it is illustrated through an application to Internet telephony.
‘I’ and ‘Other’ in Online Interactions: Intersubjectivity as a Social Bridge
Authors: Galimberti Carlo  , Cilento Ibarra Francesca
Published: February 2025

The aim of this work is to propose Intersubjectivity as a key concept in a social interpretation of online dynamics while studying CyberPsychology and its applications. Dialogue is the inner soul of the Self, considered as “a dynamic multiplicity of voiced positions.” The link between the Self and the Others must be considered too. Through dialogue, interlocutors negotiate both ideas and their self-images. Starting from ‘single’ intentions (a representation of what each participant wants to present outside), interactions support a co-construction of shared and linked images of interlocutors, called Subjectivities. These two or more Subjectivities are the basis of the Intersubjective dimension of an interaction.
Second Life, Bio-Sensors, and Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Lisetti Christine  , Pozzo Emmanuel  , Lucas Marie  , Hernandez Frank  , Silverman Wendy  , Kurtines Bill  , Pasztor Ana
Published: February 2025

We give an overview of the Second Life (SL) virtual world, explaining what objects can be manipulated to implement user-defined scenari in SL, and give an example of a work-in-progress scenario of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, coupled with automatic processing of bio-sensed emotional signals. Both e-Health and emotion recognition researchers can benefit from such experiments.
Behaviour of Motor Disabilities and Appearance of Visual Hallucinations in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Albani Giovanni  , Riva Giuseppe  , Bulla Daniel  , Menegoni Francesco  , Pignatti Riccardo  , Trotti Claudio  , Molinari Enrico  , Mauro Alessandro
Published: February 2025

We studied 23 Parkinson's disease (PD) non-demented patients and 15 controls in Virtual Reality (VR) environments reproducing usual daily living situations. In VR sessions, PD patients performed their actions worse than controls, in terms of time of execution in exploration and pointing, precision as objects avoiding, and in semantic incidental memory task. We observed clear differences of performances between on and off status medication, with a global worsening during off phase. Moreover, all six patients with motor fluctuations described visual hallucinations during off state, with occurrence of images not included in the virtual environment.
Reactive Ocular and Balance Control in Immersive Visual Flows: 2D vs. 3D Virtual Stimuli
Authors: Martin Olivier  , Gascuel Jean-Dominique
Published: February 2025

The control of gaze and balance strongly depend on the processing of visual cues. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of the dynamic 2D and 3D visual inputs on the oculomotor and balance reactive control. Thirteen subjects were immersed in a virtual environment using 10 different 2D/3D visual flow conditions. Analysis of eye movement and postural adjustments shows that 2D and 3D flows induce specific measurable behavioral responses.
NeuroVR 1.5 in Practice: Actual Clinical Applications of the Open Source VR System
Authors: Riva Giuseppe  , Carelli Laura  , Gaggioli Andrea  , Gorini Alessandra  , Vigna Cinzia  , Algeri Davide  , Repetto Claudia  , Raspelli Simona  , Corsi Riccardo  , Faletti Gianluca  , Vezzadini Luca
Published: February 2025

At CT 2007, we presented NeuroVR (http://www.neurovr.org), a free virtual reality platform based on open-source software. The software allows non-expert users to adapt the content of 14 pre-designed virtual environments to the specific needs of the clinical or experimental setting. Following the feedbacks of the 700 users who downloaded the first version, we developed a new version – NeuroVR 1.5 – that improves the possibility for the therapist to enhance the patient's feeling of familiarity and intimacy with the virtual scene, by using external sounds, photos or videos. The key characteristics that make NeuroVR suitable for most clinical applications are the high level of control of the interaction with the tool, and the enriched experience provided to the patient. Actually, NeuroVR is used in the assessment and treatment of Obesity, Alcohol Abuse, Anxiety Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorders, and Cognitive Rehabilitation.
Walking in an Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Menegoni Francesco  , Albani Giovanni  , Bigoni Matteo  , Priano Lorenzo  , Trotti Claudio  , Galli Manuela  , Mauro Alessandro
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on gait induced by a completely immersive Virtual Reality (VR) with and without perturbation. Ten healthy subjects were analyzed during over-ground walking in different conditions: standard gait, VR gait and perturbed VR gait. Results showed that subjects immersed in the virtual environment walked slowly, with decreased cadence (-13%) and stride length (-28%) as well as increased base of support in terms of step width (+20%). The perturbation of the VR caused an interesting effect: many computed parameters, still away from the standard gait condition, improved if compared to the unperturbed VR condition. In conclusion, walking in VR leads to gait instability, which is less pronounced in presence of perturbation, probably due to the reweight of sensory inputs. This study could represent the first step for the application of the proposed VR environment to pathological subjects.
Moving Beyond Single User, Local Virtual Environments for Rehabilitation
Authors: Weiss Patrice L. (Tamar)  , Klinger Evelyne
Published: February 2025

The rapid development of Virtual Reality-based technologies over the past decade is both an asset and a challenge for neuro-rehabilitation. The availability of novel technologies that provide interactive, functional simulations with multimodal feedback enable clinicians to achieve traditional therapeutic goals that would be difficult, if not impossible, to attain via conventional therapy. They also lead to the creation of completely new clinical paradigms which would have been hard to achieve in the past. In applications of rehabilitation for both motor and cognitive deficits the main focus of much of the early exploratory research has been to investigate the use of virtual reality as an assessment tool. To date such environments are primarily: (a) single user (i.e., designed for and used by one clinical client at a time) and (b) used locally within a clinical or educational setting. More recently, researchers have begun the development of new and more complex VR-based approaches according to two dimensions: the number of users and the distance between the users. Driven by a push-pull phenomenon, the original approach has now expanded to three additional avenues: multiple users in co-located settings; single users in remote locations; and multiple users in remote locations. After a presentation of examples that illustrate theses various approaches, we will conclude in addressing questions and ethical considerations raised by this evolution in the use of virtual environments in rehabilitation.
Using Computers for Planning and Evaluating Nursing in the Health Care Services
Authors: Emužienė Vilma
Published: February 2025

This paper describes that the nurses attitudes, using and motivation towards the computer usage significantly influenced by area of nursing/health care service. Today most of the nurses traditionally document patient information in a medical record using pen and paper. Most nursing administrators not currently involved with computer applications in their settings are interested in exploring whether technology could help them with the day-to-day and long – range tasks of planning and evaluating nursing services. The results of this investigation showed that respondents (nurses), as specialists and nursing informatics, make their activity well: they had “positive” attitude towards computers and “good” or “average” computer skills. The nurses overall computer attitude did influence by the age of the nurses, by sex, by professional qualification. Younger nurses acquire informatics skills while in nursing school and are more accepting of computer advancements. The knowledge about computer among nurses who don't have any training in computers' significantly differs, who have training and using the computer once a week or everyday. In the health care services often are using the computers and the automated data systems, data for the statistical information (visit information, patient information) and billing information. In nursing field often automated data systems are using for statistical information, billing information, information about the vaccination, patient assessment and patient classification.
A Pilot Study Exploring the Clinical Benefits when Using a Mobile Clinical Assistant, the Motion C5 in Medical Wards
Authors: Baker Val  , Copping Marina
Published: February 2025

Hand held computers and point of care devices have been identified as tools that can support more efficient safe care delivery. This paper describes a pilot which evaluates this technology for usage by the nursing and the wider clinical team . The pilot aims to explore the clinical benefits of using the newest Mobile Point of Care device, the Motion C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA), launched in late Oct 2007. The pilot involved 9 clinicians, sharing 6 devices across 7 wirelessed medical ward areas. The findings were reviewed qualitatively, and thematically analysed. The pilot highlighted significant benefits, the support of the delivery safer more effective care to patients in NHS Lothian.
Patient Portals: Survey of Nursing Informaticists
Authors: Sorensen Lena  , Shaw Ryan  , Casey Erin
Published: February 2025

As the US moves toward a more patient centered health care system, an integrated Electronic Health Record with a Patient Portal is one way that providers and patients can more actively collaborate in the health care process. A patient portal is an Internet-based interactive website for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider and with varied functions that gives them access to portions of their medical record and other services [1,2,3,4]. Many hospitals and health centers in the USA have developed patient portals while others are still in the planning stage. From a review of the literature it is evident that there is no standard of the scope of functions that are essential in the Patient Portals and to date most are only accessible in English. If we are truly moving towards a patient centered focus in health care in a diverse society, we need to design patient portals that tailor these resources to the needs of this diverse population. This paper reports on the results of an online survey that was distributed between August and October 2007 to nursing informaticists who subscribe to the CARING e-mail list and nursing informaticists working in the Greater New York City area. The goal of the survey was to see how many of the institutions where nursing informaticists work had patient portals, what functions were embedded in these portals, what research was being conduct., and what plans each institution had for future directions.
Experiences with the Electronic Nursing Discharge Summary
Authors: Kuusisto Anne  , Asikainen Paula  , Lukka Heli  , Tanttu Kaarina
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to describe nursing staff's experiences with the Electronic Nursing Discharge Summary (ENDS) [Hoitotyön yhteenveto, HOIY]. This study is a part of the Salpa project of the Satakunta Hospital District (SHD). The goal of the project was to implement the Regional Information System (Fiale System) for social and health care in Satakunta, Finland. During the project (2004–2007), 3600 social and health care professionals were trained to use the Fiale System. The ENDS is used in the patient transfer phase. It complies with the national definition work of core information and can be opened through the Fiale System. The ENDS includes basic information on the care period in question for purposes of further care. 22 nurses, both those processing and those receiving the ENDS were interviewed by phone in 2006 about their experiences and satisfaction with the ENDS. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Experiences with this system are mainly positive. When done carefully, the ENDS enables real time communication, fast enough and safely, though the new structure needs consideration and documentation takes time. On the basis of this and other studies it can be concluded that acceptance of the nursing documentation process is more important than IT skills [1]. The ENDS has a guiding role as a tool for supporting nurses in their day-to-day documentation.
Implementation of a Structured Nursing Documentation in a Special Care Unit
Authors: Kaakinen Pirjo  , Torppa Kaarina
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this article is to describe the piloting of nursing documentation in accordance with the national model in the Oulu Univesity Hospital. The nursing documentation in Finland is based on the nursing process model and Nursing Minimum Data Set (NMDS). NMDS includes information on nursing diagnoses/needs; interventions, outcomes, patient care intensity and discharge summary. Nursing staff received education for documenting content which is consistent with the nursing process in the The Finnish Care Classification (FinCC). The new documentation model required time for all professional groups in the beginning. New documentation models is challenging, adequate time needs to be reserved for the staff in order to establish new documentation procedures. Successful implementation of the pilot necessitated the commitment of the nursing officers.
Impact of BCMA on Medication Errors and Patient Safety: A Summary
Authors: Marini Sana Daya  , Hasman Arie
Published: February 2025

Purpose: To summarize key recommendations and supporting evidence from the most recent studies evaluating the impact of bar coded medication administration (BCMA) systems, and the complementary technologies: Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) and automated dispensing carts (ADC) in preventing medication errors and enhancing patent safety. Summary: The IOM report in 2000 incited many healthcare institutions to implement e-prescribing and automated administration and dispensing of medications to prevent adverse drug events. Moreover, in 2004, the FDA call for bar codes on drugs and blood products has laid the groundwork for the widespread use of BCMA and the complementary technologies to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. However, the implementation of this technology is a challenge because it introduces changes in the workflow and is costly as well. For a healthcare institution to think about adopting BCMA requires evidence supporting the recommendation to implement such technology. Challenges can be overcome by learning from others' experience with BCMA use. The evidence supporting the recommendation to properly use BCMA includes results on BCMA implementation in various healthcare facilities, and examination of the workarounds by nurses. Conclusion: The significant drop in medication errors rate achieved with the use of BCMA in various facilities presents a blueprint for its positive impact on patient safety. The observation measure to evaluate BCMAs use showed an increased rate of error detection because of the system ability to capture and record intercepted administration errors. However various workarounds by BCMAs users were detected. These workarounds were created to compensate for the flaws and inconvenient aspects of the barcode technology.
Between Personal Health Record Website and Portable Medical Health Record: An Online Data Transformation Interface
Authors: Wu Yi-Hua  , Li Yian-Zhi  , Li Yu-Chuan
Published: February 2025

Web-based Personal health record recently brought out the whole world attention by two famous vendors involved in this battle field. The convenience and ubiquity of user-end data management influence the user's will greatly [1]. This study is based on the idea of easy data transfer from the portal device to the web-based personal health record, and further more this can promote the use of personal health record and assist more people manage their own health.
Health Care Information Systems – the Outcomes of the Integrated Use of Health Information
Authors: Mäenpää Tiina  , Asikainen Paula  , Rostila Ilmari  , Suominen Tarja
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to formulate a clearer picture of how a regional healthcare information system affects the completeness of patient health care and health care delivery. The purpose is to study how the implementation of regional health information systems has influenced outcomes in health care delivery in one hospital area in Finland. The essential concepts in this study are health care information systems and outcomes. The research consists of four different phases. Research material will be processed through qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical tests.
An Evaluation Study on the Nurse Shifting Information System
Authors: Chen Bi-Lian  , Lu Shaio-Jyue  , Wang Man-Ti
Published: February 2025

Nurse shifting has long been a headache for nurse management. The traditional paper-and pencil shifting is time consuming and inefficient due to the huge work shift data and other considerable factors, such as overlap shifting, overtime shifting or even overleap shifting. In order to focus on the well-being of the patients and improve the quality and efficiency of nursing care, a computerized nurse shifting information system is essential.
Comprehensiveness of EPR Documentation by Home Care Nurses
Authors: Roth Gjevjon Edith  , Hellesø Ragnhild
Published: February 2025

Nursing documentation of home health care was audited in a sample of 91 electronic patient records. The audit showed that documentation by home care nurses was unstructured and incomplete in terms of the nursing process. This supports similar findings from earlier research, and prompts questions about the feasibility of the nursing process as a framework for nursing documentation in practice.
The Development of the Nursing Observation Master File
Authors: Watanabe Chitose  , Tsuru Satoko  , Uchiyma Makiko  , Okamine Eiko  , Takada Aya  , Inoue Kikumi  , Asada Miwa  , Dannoue Hideo
Published: February 2025

An observation by the nursing, symptom views by the doctor and result of examinations can be said to be terms expressing a patient status. We collected names of nursing observation items and result notation terms in bottom up from real practice. We performed Structuring and standardization of “an observation item name” and “the result notation” with 8 step method. This master transcribes an observation result in 1 to 1 for an observation name. On this account we put it as another item when result notation is different to the same observation name. Collected terms are 1,653 cases with a set of an observation item name and the result notation.
The Development of the Nursing Action Master File
Authors: Nakanishi Mutsuko  , Tsuru Satoko  , Watanabe Chitose  , Inoue Manami  , Uchiyama Makiko  , Kawamura Sawako  , Takami Miki  , Ishigaki Kyoko  , Uto Yumiko
Published: February 2025

The nursing action master was developed through collecting terms used by the nurses. The nursing aciton terms were classified in 2 of the basics and specialty. The nursing action master consists of four hierarchical structures. Serial numbers and ID are set in every hierarchy. It started from 2006 to supply the master and it is revised every year. The number of the publication records is 1,053 basic nursing practice standard terms.
Congruence Between Nursing Problems in Nursing Care Plans and NANDA Nursing Diagnoses
Authors: Varsi Cecilie  , Ruland Cornelia M.
Published: February 2025

This study abstracted nursing problems documented in cancer patients' nursing care plans to analyze (1) which nursing problems were documented and (2) the degree of congruence between the abstracted problems and NANDA nursing diagnoses. 236 unique nursing problems were identified and could be mapped to 32 NANDA nursing diagnoses. However, only 4.3% had a precise match with NANDA, Thirty-eight percent were classified as similar and the rest were broader, narrower or no match. Thus NANDA only partially covered problems written by nurses in the care plans for this group of patients.
The Adoption of a Controlled Nursing Vocabulary in Finnish Scientific Journals
Authors: Junttila Kristiina  , Pekkala Eila  , Saranto Kaija  , Ensio Anneli  , Tallberg Marianne
Published: February 2025

“Hoidokki” is a Finnish controlled nursing vocabulary for indexing and information retrieval purposes. Its second edition includes nearly 1000 terms. In this study, the congruence between the key words of three Finnish scientific nursing journals and the vocabulary was explored. Also, the content of the vocabulary was validated. The data included key words (N=208) used in 49 articles of three scientific journals in 2006. Two experts used content analysis to judge each key word and inter-rater reliability was calculated. Delphi-method was used to evaluate the potential new terms.