bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YU YU HAKUSHO FIRST EPISODE: A semiotic narrative analysis
Authors: Tenório João
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to analyze the meanings and feelings represented by semiotic elements available in the first episode of the anime Yu Yu Hakusho. The theoretical approach adopted is the Semiotic Cultural Psychology (SCP) in which considers human beings as meaning makers in the world through the mediation of signs. In this paper we consider signs from the Peirce perspective as the representation of objects in the real world and divided into symbols, indexes and icons. From SCP we considered how these signs can represent mediation by pleromatization and schematization in order to understand meanings and feelings represented by field-like signs and point-like signs. In the excerpt from this article, we selected the first episode of the anime Yu Yu Hakusho to understand how meanings and feelings are regulated through existing complexes of signs during the narrative. To achieve this, we cataloged the main semiotic elements of the episode, classifying them as point-like signs or field-like signs. Subsequently, we analyzed which of these signs were part of a semiotic hybrid complex (pleromatization/field-like signs/hyper-generalization) regulating feelings related to the narrative and which expressed constructed and shared meanings (schematization/point-like signs/generalization). In the results, we found that semiotic elements can be considered as narrative devices to involve the viewer in the story based on the intentionality of the author. In the Yu Yu Hakusho first episode, the intentionality is based in the presentation of the character Yusuke and the creation of feelings related to him. In this sense, in order to present who Yusuke is, point-like signs were identified representing some characteristic about him. In the second part of the episode, there was a predominance of field-like signs in order to create some feelings about Yusuke based on the empathy constructed in the first part of the narrative. Then, as related in the literature, mediations by schematization and pleromatization acted all the time in order to relate cognitive elements (meanings constructed about Yusuke) and effective elements (feelings to be felt for Yusuke).
Social patterns of miscarriage reporting and risk: Insights from survey data in France
Authors: Compans Marie-Caroline , Väisänen Heini
Published: February 2025

According to clinical studies, miscarriages, that is spontaneous pregnancy losses before 22–24 weeks of gestation, affect approximately 13 to 18 % of recognized pregnancies. However, clinical studies are rarely representative of the population. Surveys tend to be, but they are subject to misreporting of miscarriages, as suggested by existing work in the US. Thus, existing evidence of social inequalities in miscarriage risk is inconsistent. This study first applies a model to estimate the extent of miscarriage misreporting in the French FECOND survey (2010-11). Estimated 92% of miscarriages were reported and underreporting was slightly more pronounced among women with lower education. Nevertheless, the estimated prevalence of miscarriages (14% of all pregnancies) remained largely unaffected and only with small educational differences. These findings indicate that estimating miscarriage risk factors can be done without correcting for reporting bias in this survey. Second, we used multilevel multinomial logistic regressions to estimate socio-demographic characteristics and epidemiological factors associated with miscarriage. As in previous work, advanced reproductive ages were associated with a higher miscarriage risk. Our models reveal that the association between miscarriage risk and prior reproductive history is explained by unobserved time-consistent individual characteristics, such as potentially. Conversely, education and self-assessed financial conditions were not associated with miscarriage risk. Younger cohorts exhibit a higher miscarriage risk, suggesting either an age effect on recall, a cohort effect regarding pregnancy recognition, or reduced stigma resulting in more reliable reporting of miscarriage in surveys.
A Mobile App for Informal Care: Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Complex Tasks and Networks
Authors: Schütz Johanna , Hudelmayer Annika
Published: February 2025

Informal caregivers play a vital role in long-term care, often facing significant challenges inplanning, organising, and coordinating tasks across complex care networks. While digital technologiesoffer substantial potential to support these activities, their adoption remains limited. This study exploresthe usability and acceptance of a market-ready mobile app designed to support informal caregivers inreal-life settings. Eighteen caregivers used the app without formal training over several months,followed by semi-structured qualitative interviews analysed using content analysis by Kuckartz. Resultsrevealed that while the app's features, such as shared calendars and professional support forums, wereperceived as useful, they were underutilised due to established offline routines, data privacy concerns,and limited interoperability with care services. Participants valued the app for its potential to streamlinecommunication and coordination, particularly for geographically dispersed caregivers. However,structural barriers, including the complexity of care systems and digital mistrust, hindered broaderimplementation. This study highlights the need for user-centred app design and improved digitalinfrastructure to unlock the full potential of mobile technologies in informal care. Findings providevaluable insights into how digital solutions can bridge gaps in care networks and support the integrationof informal and professional care.
Impact of Cooperative Learning Approach on Students' Achievement in Mathematics
Authors: Roka Jasbir , Khatri Tilak Bahadur
Published: February 2025

Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA), focusing on the collaborative, active engagement and group working to each other in mathematics learning, makes significant impact on the students' achievement in their academic career. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of CLA on academic achievement in mathematics at grade nine students of Rukum (West), District, Nepal.
A quantitative method and a quasi-experimental research design were employed in this study to examine how CLA made an impact on students in two community-based schools. The two schools were purposely selected from two strata such as one experimental stratum (N=15) and another control stratum (N=15) assigned by result of pre-test result through random selection. Mathematical Achievement Test (MAT) and participants' observation dairy notes were used as tools for data collection. The research process based on Input, Process, and Output (IPO) model whereas experimental group was taught by using CLA and control group was taught by Conventional Teaching Approach (CTA) with twenty-six days on the topic of mensuration of compulsory mathematics. At the end of intervention, post-test was administered on both groups, while the daily reflective notes prepared during intervention period among two groups related with students' learning behavior and activities regularly.
The result is analyzed by using t-test to compare mean score of posttest for both groups. The result indicated significant association between mean achievements of experimental group and control group, p<0.05 that implies cooperative learning group performed better in mathematics achievement. Findings is that CLA was significantly motivated, engaged, shared, cooperative, and accountable approach than conventional approach in terms of learning concepts and skills in mathematics. The cooperative learning approach is more beneficial in mathematics teaching to enhance students' academic achievement, and therefore mathematics teachers would incorporate this approach in their teaching learning process.
Role of Mathematical Communication for Learning Mathematics
Authors: Khadka Jaya Bahadur
Published: February 2025

Mathematical communication is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of effective mathematics learning. This research paper examines the role of mathematical communication in enhancing students' understanding and proficiency in mathematics. The objectives of the study are to explore how communication supports learning in mathematics, identify strategies that teachers can employ to improve students' mathematical communication skills, and assess the impact of these skills on overall student achievement. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, classroom observations, and interviews with mathematics teachers and students. A sample of 50 secondary school students and 2 mathematics teachers were selected from various schools. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys assessing students' communication skills and mathematics achievement, while qualitative data were obtained through observations of classroom interactions and interviews with teachers regarding their instructional practices. The findings reveal that students with stronger mathematical communication skills demonstrated a higher level of understanding and problem-solving ability. Teachers who actively promoted mathematical communication through structured tasks, classroom discussions, and opportunities for students to explain their reasoning reported improved student engagement and learning outcomes. Furthermore, the study found that mathematical communication not only facilitated individual learning but also encouraged collaborative problem-solving and peer learning. In conclusion, the study highlights the significant role of mathematical communication in fostering deeper understanding and improving mathematical proficiency. Effective communication allows students to articulate their thinking, engage with mathematical concepts more critically, and collaborate with others. The study recommends that teachers incorporate mathematical communication as a central element of their instructional practices to enhance student learning and success in mathematics.
बालविकास कक्षामा भाषा सिकाइका सन्दर्भमा शैक्षिक सामग्रीको उपयोग
Authors: राना Rana नानीमाया Nanimaya
Published: February 2025

प्रस्तुत लेख भाषा सिकाइका क्रममा बालविकास कक्षामा प्रयोग गरिने शैक्षिक सामग्री प्रयोगको अध्ययनमा केन्द्रित छ । यो सुर्खेत जिल्ला वीरेन्द्रनगर नगरपालिकाभित्रका निजी र सामुदायिक गरी छओटा विद्यालयमा सञ्चालित बालविकास कक्षामा प्रयोग गरिएका शैक्षिक सामग्रीको प्रयोग र यसमा भइरहेका समस्या र समाधानका उपायहरू प्रस्तुत गर्ने उद्देश्यमा आधारित छ । यसका लागि वीरेन्द्रनगर नगरपालिकाभित्रका छओटा विद्यालयहरू छनोट गरी उक्त विद्यालयका बालविकास कक्षामा अध्यापनरत छ जना शिक्षक र छ जना प्रधानाध्यापकसँग अन्तर्वार्ता र छलफल गरिएको छ । यस किसिमले प्राप्त तथ्याङ्कको विश्लेषणबाट बालबिकास कक्षामा श्रव्यदृश्य सामग्री, पोष्टर, कागतका शब्दपत्ती, अङ्कपत्ती लगायतका सामग्री प्रयोगमा ल्याइएको छ । शैक्षिक सामग्रीको उपलब्धता पर्याप्त मात्रामा भए तापनि प्रयोगको मात्रा कमजोर देखिन्छ । यसमा विद्यार्थी सङ्ख्या र प्रयोग दक्षताको अभावका कारण शैक्षिक सामग्रीको प्रयोग गर्न झन्झट मानेका छन् । शिक्षकहरू कक्षाकोठामा भाषा कक्षामा शैक्षिक सामग्री उपयोगको सैद्धान्तिक ज्ञान र व्यावहारिक सीपको प्रयोग पूर्ण रूपमा सफल देखिँदैनन् । बालविकास कक्षामा शैक्षिक सामग्रीको सङ्कलन, निर्माण र प्रयोग सम्बन्धमा उनीहरूलाई प्रोत्साहित गर्नुपर्ने देखिन्छ ।
The Triple Assessment Method”: Unveiling the Secrets of Breast Carcinoma Diagnosis
Authors: Gami Vismit
Published: February 2025

Triple assessment is an approach used in the diagnosis and management of breast cancer. It involves three components that help us comprehensively evaluate breast abnormalities like lumps, mass, etc. The three components of triple assessment include clinical assessment, radiological imaging, and Histo-pathological analysis.

Thus, by combining the information obtained from clinical assessment, radiological imaging, and Histo-pathological analysis, healthcare professionals can determine the type of breast cancer and plan appropriate management modalities. This approach helps improve diagnostic accuracy, and this combination's Positive predictive value (PPV) should exceed 99 per cent[1].
The Medical Intuitive
Authors: Hague Andrew
Published: February 2025

CellSonic Limited has put biophysics on the market so that chronic disease including cancer can be treated as easily as biochemistry and surgery treats acute disease. This development has created a need for an additional type of therapist who we now call a Medical Intuitive.
Analysis Of The Urgency Of Proving Predicate Crime In Money Laundering Cases(Predicate Crime: Human Trafficking Crime)
Authors: Ardhelia Putri Kirana , Bambang Waluyo
Published: February 2025

Not all crimes use the same evidentiary system, one of which is Money Laundering which uses a reverse evidentiary system and does not require proof of the predicate crime. Proving the predicate crime of Human Trafficking contradicts Article 69, as well as how the evidentiary mechanism in court creates legal uncertainty. The method used is the normative legal research method, with the technique or method of data collection used being library research. The results of this study are that there must be changes regarding the mechanism of proving TPPU, especially in establishing its predicate crime. In the trial process, of course, there is no need to wait until the proof of the predicate crime is completed and decided. The trial process for TPPU cases can still be carried out but does not set aside the tracing and proving of the predicate crime. Proving the predicate crime can also analyze various other financial flows, which cannot be proven or are missed in the proof of the TPPU case. Without proof, it will lead to misuse of Article 69 of Law Number 8 of 2010. The government should be able to change or revoke Article 69 of Law Number 8 of 2010 because it is often misinterpreted by law enforcement officers and used as a loophole by suspects.
Commitment of the Regional Government of East Seram Regency to Prepare the Draft of Regional Regulation Concerning CSR
Authors: Lakburlawal Mahrita Aprilya , Haliwela Nancy Silvana , Pesulima Theresia Louize
Published: February 2025

This research analyzes the commitment of the East Seram Regency Government  preparing the Draft Regional Regulation (Ranperda) on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This study is crucial considering the presence of companies in the region that have obligations to implement corporate social responsibility. Government supervision, through local government, will provide optimal impact for efforts to realize the improvement of community welfare, so it will not trigger disputes between communities and oil and gas mining companies in the region, due to neglected fulfillment of surrounding community rights resulting from oil and gas mining management. The research method used a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through interviews, observation, and documentation study. The results showed that the readiness of the East Seram Regency Government to prepare regional regulations for supervising oil and gas mining management activities in the region is marked by initiating meetings with various companies located in East Seram Regency and establishing the formulation of East Seram Regency Regional Regulation on CSR as a priority agenda to be proposed in the draft regional regulation this December with prioritized enactment in 2025.
In Television Broadcast Content, Violations Of Privacy Rights Are Reviewed Based On Law Number 32 Of 2002 Concerning Broadcasting And Law Number 27 Of 2022 Concerning Personal Data Protection
Authors: Israwan Annisa Rami Rivani , Danrivanto Budhijanto  , Prita Amalia
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analyze the legal protection of personal data subject rights in television broadcast content against violations of privacy right based on Law Number 32 of 2002 concerning Broadcasting (Broadcasting Law) and Law Number 27 of 2022 concerning Personal Data Protection (PDP Law). The approach method used in this research is normative juridical. The data used is primary and secondary data. The collected data is then analyzed using a qualitative juridical method. The result of this research shows that broadcast programs that exploit private life by broadcasting personal information of objects in their content without first providing clear information about the purpose and use of the personal data can be defined as an indicator of privacy violation in television broadcast content when linked to the rights of personal data subjects based on the PDP Law. In addition, legal protection of personal data subject rights in television broadcast content against violation of privacy right is designed to provide legal certainty to personal data subject in television broadcast content. Victims of privacy violation in television broadcast content who are data subject now have their right strengthened, including the right to sue and receive compensation.
Юрій Федькович на позвах із Московією
Authors: Ковалець Лідія
Published: February 2025

У статті проаналізовано антимосковський вектор життєво-творчих змагань Юрія Федьковича. Задля цього розглянуто рецепцію питання офіційною радянською критикою і сформульовано чинники, які зумовили вироблення в письменника різкого ставлення до галицько-буковинського москвофільства й московського режиму загалом. Основну увагу приділено характеристиці конкретних виявів такого ставлення Ю. Федьковича в його поезії, драматургії та публіцистиці. Опозиційна налаштованість автора трагедії «Хмельницький», статті «Щоб не було запізно!» та інших відповідних творів передбачала іноді крайній радикалізм, однак більше тяжіла до найсуворішого морального зганьблення. За широтою, інтенсивністю та оригінальністю таких своїх почуттів Ю. Федькович не мав собі рівних на всій тодішній підавстрійській Україні. Вказано також на перспективи досліджуваної теми та її гостру актуальність для нашого часу.
Chernivtsi Central Hospital During the Interwar Period
Authors: Rusnak Oleksandr , Horodynska Liliia
Published: February 2025

During the First World War, the medical sector of Bukovyna suffered serious damage. The premises were damaged, the level of qualification of medical personnel decreased, there was a catastrophic shortage of medicines, a number of organizational problems appeared, etc.The situation that developed in Chernivtsi Central Hospital (now Chernivtsi Regional Clinical Hospital) is no exception. But despite everything, the Romanian authorities began comprehensive work to improve the medical and sanitary condition of the region. To a large extent, it also affected the main hospital of the region, which had certain positive consequences.Therefore, the article is devoted to the study of the history of Chernivtsi Central Hospital precisely during the period when the region became part of Royal Romania. Its management, changes in the structure, and material and technical condition are characterized. The work of individual departments is highlighted and achievements and problems in the work of doctors are shown.Thanks to the efforts of the staff and funding from the government, it was possible to restore the work of all departments and create new structural units within the hospital. Along with this, there was a shortage of highly qualified doctors. The high cost of medical services was one more important problem.
MANAGING CLASS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Authors: Aribah Nila Husnul , Ridwan Ridwan , Hayati Hanin Faroh
Published: February 2025

English learning management is an important thing to pay attention to because it's an important part of the English literacy process. This study aims to determine the learning management used in student English learning in Sunan Ampel Junior High School. Researcher use Qualitative Methodology. Data were collected using observation and interview techniques. The results showed that teacher prepare learning tools such as syllabi, monthly programs, semester programs, and lesson implementation plans. In the implementation of learning, the methods used by teacher are lectures, discussions, questions and answers and assignments. The managing class of the teacher in the english language teaching in Sunan Ampel Junior High School, Teacher  first of all as a facilitator. Second, as an organizer. Third, as an evaluator. Fourth, as a facilitator. Fifth, as a participant. The sixth, as resource person. The seventh as tutor. The eighth, as an observer. From this explaining is still 70% that has been applied to the Sunan Ampel Junior High School.
Contributions to the Theory of Weakly Distributive Complete Boolean Algebras
Authors: Balcar Bohuslav  , Jech Thomas
Published: February 2025

We investigate complete Boolean algebras that carry a continuous submeasure.
Self-Organizing Stock Assignment for Large-scale Logistic Center
Authors: Furukawa Masashi  , Kajiura Yoshinobu  , Mizoe Akihiro  , Watanabe Michiko  , Suzuki Ikuo  , Yamamoto Masahito
Published: February 2025

This Study focuses on efficient management for a large-scale logistic center and proposes a new method how to assign stocked products to racks in a warehouse so as to minimize a round-up time (the maximum make-span time) to fetch ordered products. Self-organizing map (SOM), one of artificial neural networks, is employed to determine stocked products' allocation to the racks. In applying SOM, a number of order forms for rounding up the products are treated as a set of input signals and rack positions are regarded as SOM topology. Numerical simulation proves that the proposed method allow us to determine an efficient assignment of the stocked products to the racks.
Finite element modeling of vertebral body stapling applied for the correction of idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary results
Authors: Lalonde N.M.  , Aubin C.-É.  , Pannetier R.  , Villemure I.
Published: February 2025

Endoscopic vertebral body stapling is an innovative technique intended to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but the optimal instrumentation design is not yet established. The objective was to simulate the immediate correction obtained from two stapling configurations. A parametric finite element model of a typical right thoracic scoliotic spine (Cobb 21°) was developed using geometrical and mechanical data from the literature. Staple insertion and closing were modeled. The intra-operative lateral decubitus and standing positions were taken into account. Two implant configurations, varying the number of staples per vertebra, were simulated. The major correction (9°) came by simulating the intra-operative posture. The immediate Cobb angle correction due to the staples alone was less then 1° for both configurations. However, the staples helped maintain the correction obtained by the intra-operative posture when the post-operative standing position was simulated. Next steps are to validate the model using surgical cases, implement growth modulation modeling, improve lateral decubitus modeling, and analyze different vertebral stapling strategies for different scoliotic curves.
A Novel Solution for Registration of Stereo Digital Torso Images of Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Kumar A.  , Durdle N.  , Raso J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a procedure for registration of a pair of stereo digital images giving an improvement in accuracy and speed over existing methods.It does so by a novel approach combining color based image segmentation and differential geometry. It involves three stages: image segmentation, adaptive local pixel matching, and deferential geometry in a tree weighted belief propagation procedure. The registration was compared to 2 existing registration procedures, segment-based adaptive belief propagation (adaptive BP) and color-weighted hierarchical belief propagation (hierarchical BP). A 3D scan of a mannequin was obtained and errors in reconstruction were measured for each of the 360 cross sections of the mannequin.The proposed procedure outperforms existing methods, particularly for high curvature regions and significantly large cross sections. Its accuracy of reconstruction ranged from 85–100% compared to 75–100% for other existing methods. It was 35% to 40% faster. This work provides a solution to the registration problem and is an important step in developing a cost effective technique for measuring torso shape and symmetry of scoliosis patients using stereo digital cameras.
Thoracoplasty in the Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Greggi T.  , Bakaloudis G.  , Lolli F.  , Di Silvestre M.  , Cioni A.  , Giacomini S.  , Barbanti Brodano G.  , Vommaro F.  , Martikos K.  , Parisini P.
Published: February 2025

A consecutive series of 40 adolescents surgically treated between 1998–2001, by posterior spinal fusion and thoracoplasty were compared with a similar group of 40 adolescents treated in the same period by posterior only segmental fusion. Clinical and radiographic analysis was performed, including the SRS-30 questionnaire and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT). Minimum five years follow-up was requested. No statistical differences were found between the two groups in PFT's both pre-operatively and at latest follow up. Our findings suggest that thoracoplasty did not adversely affected long-term PFT's in AIS patients treated by posterior spinal fusion alone.
Physical exercises and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a comprehensive systematic review of the literature
Authors: Romano M.  , Fusco C.  , Minozzi S.  , Atanasio S.  , Zaina F.  , Negrini S.
Published: February 2025

A previously published systematic review (2003) documented evidence on the efficacy of specific physical exercises to reduce progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A bibliographic search with strict inclusion criteria has been performed on the main electronic databases and through extensive hand search. We retrieved 19 studies: 1 randomised (RCT) and 8 controlled studies. A methodological and clinical evaluation has been performed. The 19 papers considered included 1654 treated patients and 688 controls. The highest quality study (RCT) compared 2 groups of 40 patients, showing an improvement of the curve in all treated patients after 6 months. We found 3 papers on Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (Schroth), 5 on passive autocorrection-based methods (Schroth, side-shift), 4 on active autocorrection-based approaches (Lyon and SEAS) and 5 with no autocorrection. Apart from one, all studies confirmed the efficacy of exercises in reducing the progression rate and/or improving the Cobb angles. Exercises efficacy is proven by an RCT and several controlled studies. In 5 years 8 more papers have been published in indexed literature coming from all over the world and proving that interest on exercises do not come only from West Europe.
A historical and observational study to expose some etiopathogenetic factors that may be relevant to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in some patients
Authors: McMaster M.E.
Published: February 2025

In 433 consecutive scoliosis patients referred to a Spine Centre 76 were removed after the surgeon made a diagnosis of infantile/juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, congenital kyphosis/Scheuermann's disease, neurofibromatosis, muscular dystrophy, Marfan's or Marfanoid syndrome, or spondylolisthesis. Next, 209 were eliminated for several reasons including older patients who did not attend with their parents, AIS patients whose mother or father had left the family home, straight spine, low IQ, tip toe walkers, other medical problems, back pain and a family history of scoliosis. The remaining 148 AIS patients were deemed ‘healthy’ by six criteria (McMaster et al 2006) and classified as:
Expression of melatonin receptor in chondrocyte of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Sun Guangquan  , Wang Weijun  , Huang Aibing  , Cheng Jack Chun-Yiu  , Qiu Yong
Published: February 2025

Increasing evidence showed that AIS might be related to dysfunction of melatonin signaling pathway. Melatonin is a focus of studies of the mechanism underlying the development of scoliosis, and there is no research on the expression of melatonin receptors in the chondrocyte of patients with AIS. Thirty cases were divided into two groups, AIS group consisted of 22 patients (2 males and 20 females) with an average of 13.5±1.4 years old, ranging from 10 to 15 years old; and average Cobb angle of 50.9°±10.1° (range, 40°~72°). Control group consisted of 8 patients without scoliosis (3 males and 5 females), with an average of 13.4±1.1 years old, and ranging from 10 to 15 years old. The mRNA expression of melatonin subtypes melatonin recepter 1A (MT1) and melatonin receptor 1B (MT2) in chondrocyte detected by RT-PCR method. The MT1 and MT2 mRNA expression of chondrocyte in AIS patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There is decreasing expression of MT1 and MT2 mRNA in chondrocytes of AIS patients, and this abnormal expression may be related to the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of AIS.
Suspension is better than side-bending to assess spinal flexibility in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Lamarre M.-E.  , Parent S.  , Labelle H.  , Aubin C.-E.  , Joncas J.  , Petit Y.
Published: February 2025

Spine flexibility is a decisive parameter for the planning of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) surgery. Side-bending is the gold standard test. However, it suffers from a poor reproducibility and it measures curve reducibility rather than flexibility since the forces involved are not known. A flexibility test consisting in a complete suspension of the subject by a harness was proposed. The aim of this study was to verify if suspension is a better method than side-bending to estimate spine flexibility. Five postero-anterior radiographs of 18 AIS subjects who underwent surgical instrumentation were analyzed: preoperative standing, right and left bending, complete suspension and postoperative standing. Cobb angles and axial rotation of apical vertebrae were measured to assess the preoperative reduction with both tests compared to the surgical correction. In addition, 2 flexibility indices per curve (in the coronal and transverse planes) were calculated from the suspension data. There was no statistical difference in preoperative curve reduction between the suspension and side-bending tests (39% vs 38%). The two tests underestimated the surgical correction (73%). Suspension produced larger preoperative axial derotation (29%) than side-bending (11%). The suspension test allowed calculating flexibility indices in the coronal (1.7±0.6°/Nm) and transverse (0.5±0.4°/Nm) planes. There was no correlation between reducibility and flexibility in the frontal plane (R2=0.06) and a small correlation in the transverse plane (R2=0.6). The suspension test is comparable to the side-bending to measure curve reducibility. In addition, suspension also allows measuring true flexibility of the scoliotic spine. This could help improving the planning of surgical instrumentation by a better knowledge of the torques required to correct the deformities.
Is There any Regional Difference of Brain Tissue Densities Between Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients and Normal Controls: a Morphometric Study with High Resolution MR Brain Imaging
Authors: Chu W.C.W.  , Shi L.  , Wang D.  , Paus T.  , Pitiot A.  , Burwell R.G.  , Man G.C.W.  , Cheng A.  , Yeung H.Y.  , Lee K.M.  , Heng P.A.  , Freeman B.  , Cheng J.C.Y.
Published: February 2025

Observation of sub-clinical neurological abnormalities has led to proposal of neuro-developmental etiologic model for AIS. Longer latency in somatosensory–evoked potential (SSEP) and impaired balance control have been demonstrated in AIS subjects. In this study, we investigated whether regional brain tissue densities in AIS patients differ from matched control subjects. Nine left thoracic AIS girls (mean Cobbs angle 19°) and 11 matched controls; 20 right thoracic AIS girls (mean Cobbs 33.8°) and 17 matched controls underwent MR imaging of the brain. Fully automatic morphometric analysis was used to analyse the MR images; it included linear registration to a template brain and brain-tissue classification into grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Tissue densities were compared between AIS subjects and controls. There was no significant difference between AIS subjects and normal controls when comparing absolute and relative (i.e. brain-size adjusted) volumes of grey and white matter. Using voxel-based morphometry, significant group differences (Controls > left AIS) were found in density of WM, in genu of corpus callosum, left internal capsule (anterior arm) and WM underlying orbitofrontal cortex of the left hemisphere. The above difference was not observed in right AIS group. Corpus callosum, major commissural fiber responsible for controlling the balance of right and left side of the body, was different in atypical left scoliosis while significant regional brain changes have not yet found in those with typical right thoracic scoliosis. Further investigation is warranted to see whether the above discrepancy is related to laterality of the scoliotic curve.
Is Full Torso Imaging for the Assessment of Torso Deformity in Scoliosis Worth its Cost?
Authors: Ajemba P.O.  , Durdle N.G.  , Raso V.J.
Published: February 2025

The widespread use of torso images for scoliosis management (post radiography) was primarily inspired by a need to reduce the radiation burden associated with regular follow-up of scoliosis patients. Early systems acquired only images of the back. Some reasons for this were: 1) back imaging posed a lesser technical challenge given the complexity of acquiring and combining images of various parts of the torso to create a full torso scan; 2) back torso images were easier to obtain from self-conscious adolescent girls (who are the majority of scoliosis patients); 3) much of the torso deformity associated with scoliosis is focused on the back of the torso. Technological improvements have since enabled the development of reliable full torso imaging systems. However, as expected, these systems are more expensive and complex than their corresponding back torso imaging counterparts. Full torso imaging also often involves other trade-offs like allowing female patients to wear ‘modesty garments’ that distort the natural torso shape. In this paper, we determined the relative information gain obtained from full torso images vis-à-vis back torso images from images acquired from 43 scoliosis patients. This was achieved by computing the entropy, or information content, of lossless shape models of the front and back of the torso. Our results show that an investment in a full torso imaging system would generally lead to a 25% increase in the available amount of information. This increase could justify the higher cost and complexity associated with full torso imaging if full torso indices are used in the clinical management of the deformity.
Importance of the immediate correction for the effectiveness of brace treatment in AIS
Authors: Clin J.  , Aubin C.-É.  , Parent S.  , Labelle H.
Published: February 2025

The importance of the immediate in-brace correction has been emphasized but was never biomechanically quantified and explained. The study purpose was to evaluate the relationship between immediate in-brace correction and the resulting torque applied at the apex of the curve. 1024 different brace designs were simulated on patient-specific biomechanical models of three scoliotic adolescents. Each spine was modeled either as flexible or stiff. Fourteen brace design parameters were analyzed. The immediate correction of the scoliotic deformities and the resulting corrective bending moment applied at the apical level were evaluated. The efficiency of the 1024 braces was very variable. The most important design parameters were the strap tension, the trochanter extension position and the sagittal profile of the brace. The immediate correction of the scoliotic curves and the bending moment were highly correlated (mean R2: 0.88). The correction required to counterbalance the gravitational bending moments depended on the curve flexibility and ranged between 20% and 60%. This study confirms the importance of immediate in-brace correction because of its capacity to cancel the gravitational bending moments and hence to counterbalance the growth deformation process. A stiff spine needs less immediate correction than a flexible spine to have a resulting counterbalanced torque. The model could help designing a more efficient brace and predict the required initial correction.
Applications of Data Mining in E-Business Finance: Introduction
Authors: Soares Carlos  , Peng Yonghong  , Meng Jun  , Washio Takashi  , Zhou Zhi-Hua
Published: February 2025

This chapter introduces the volume on Applications of Data Mining in E-Business and Finance. It discusses how application-specific issues can affect the development of a data mining project. An overview of the chapters in the book is then given to guide the reader.
Automatic Page Turning for Musicians via Real-Time Machine Listening
Authors: Arzt Andreas  , Widmer Gerhard  , Dixon Simon
Published: February 2025

We present a system that automatically turns the pages of the music score for musicians during a performance. It is based on a new algorithm for following an incoming audio stream in real time and aligning it to a music score (in the form of a synthesised audio file). Precision and robustness of the algorithm are quantified in systematic experiments, and a demonstration using an actual page turning machine built by an Austrian company is described.
As Safe As It Gets: Near-Optimal Learning in Multi-Stage Games with Imperfect Monitoring
Authors: Kuminov Danny  , Tennenholtz Moshe
Published: February 2025

We introduce the first near-optimal polynomial algorithm for obtaining the mixed safety level value of an initially unknown multi-stage game, played in a hostile environment, under imperfect monitoring. In an imperfect monitoring setting all that an agent can observe is the current state and its own actions and payoffs, but it can not observe other agents' actions. Our result holds for any multi-stage generic game with a “reset” action.
Combining binary constraint networks in qualitative reasoning
Authors: Li Jason Jingshi  , Kowalski Tomasz  , Renz Jochen  , Li Sanjiang
Published: February 2025

Constraint networks in qualitative spatial and temporal reasoning are always complete graphs. When one adds an extra element to a given network, previously unknown constraints are derived by intersections and compositions of other constraints, and this may introduce inconsistency to the overall network. Likewise, when combining two consistent networks that share a common part, the combined network may become inconsistent.
Pattern Classification Techniques for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Blatt Rossella  , Bonarini Andrea  , Calabró Elisa  , Matteucci Matteo  , Della Torre Matteo  , Pastorino Ugo
Published: February 2025

We present a method to diagnose lung cancer by the analysis of breath using an electronic nose. This device can react to a gas substance by providing signals that can be analyzed to classify the input. It is composed of a sensor array (6 MOS sensors, in our case) and a pattern classification process based on machine learning techniques. During the first phase of our research, we have evaluated the possibility and accuracy of lung cancer diagnosis by classifying the olfactory signal associated to exhalations of subjects. The second part of the research, still in progress, is aimed at assessing the possibility of discriminating also the different types and stages of the disease. At the end of the first phase, results have been very satisfactory and promising: we achieved an average accuracy of 92.6%, sensitivity of 95.3% and specificity of 90.5%. In particular we analyzed the breath of 101 individuals, of which 58 control subjects, and 43 suffer from different types of lung cancer (primary and not) at different stages. In order to find the components able to discriminate between the two classes ‘healthy’ and ‘sick’ at best, and to reduce the dimensionality of the problem, we have extracted the most significant features and projected them into a lower dimensional space using Non Parametric Linear Discriminant Analysis. Finally, we have used these features as input to several supervised pattern classification algorithms, based on different k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) approaches (classic, modified and Fuzzy k-NN), linear and quadratic discriminant classifiers and on a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN). The observed results have all been validated using cross-validation. These results pushed us to begin the second phase of the project to investigate the possibility of early lung cancer diagnosis: we are involving a larger number of subjects, partioned in different classes according to the type and stage of the disease. The research demonstrates that the electronic nose is a promising alternative to current lung cancer diagnostic techniques: the obtained predictive errors are lower than those achieved by present diagnostic methods, and the cost of the analysis, both in money, time and resources, is lower. The introduction of this technology will lead to very important social and business effects: its low price and small dimensions allow a large scale distribution, giving the opportunity to perform non invasive, cheap, quick, and massive early diagnosis and screening.
Semantic relatedness in semantic networks
Authors: Mazuel Laurent  , Sabouret Nicolas
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a new semantic relatedness measure on semantic networks (SN) that uses both hierarchical and non-hierarchical relations. Our approach relies on two assumptions. Firstly, in a given SN, only a few numbers of paths can be considered as “semantically correct” and these paths obey to a given set of rules. Secondly, following a given edge in a path has a cost (which depends on its type, is-a, part-of, etc.) and its position in the path. We propose an evaluation of our measure on WordNet with two different benchmarks, using the part-of relation. We show that, in this context, our measure does better than the classical semantic measures.
Incremental Diagnosis of DES by Satisfiability
Authors: Grastien Alban  , Anbulagan
Published: February 2025

We propose a SAT-based algorithm for incremental diagnosis of discrete-event systems. The monotonicity is ensured by a prediction window that uses the future observations to lead the current diagnosis. Experiments stress the impact of parameters tuning on the correctness and the efficiency of the approach.
Facing the Future: Five Residential Buildings in Santiago and the Challenge of Flexibility
Authors: Tellez Andres
Published: February 2025

What Was then; What Is Now and What's Left for the Future; Notes; References
A Negotiation Styles Recommenders Approach Based on Computational Ecology
Authors: de la Rosa Josep Lluis  , Lopardo Gabriel  , Hormazábal Nicolás  , Montaner Miquel
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a model of negotiation dynamics from the point of view of computational ecology. It inspires an ecosystem monitor, as well as a negotiation style recommender that is novel in state-of-the-art of recommender systems. The ecosystem monitor provides hints to the negotiation style recommender to achieve a higher stability of any instance of open negotiation environments in a digital business ecosystem.
Monocular object pose computation with the foveal-peripheral camera of the humanoid robot Armar-III
Authors: Alenyà Guillem  , Torras Carme
Published: February 2025

Active contour modelling is useful to fit non-textured objects, and algorithms have been developed to recover the motion of an object and its uncertainty. Here we show that these algorithms can be used also with point features matched in textured objects, and that active contours and point matches complement in a natural way. In the same manner we also show that depth-from-zoom algorithms, developed for zooming cameras, can be exploited also in the foveal-peripheral eye configuration present in the Armar-III humanoid robot.
Representations and Solution Techniques to Loss Reduction in Electric Energy Distribution Systems
Authors: Cavellucci Celso  , Lyra Christiano  , Vizcaino-González José F.  , Bueno Edilson A.
Published: February 2025

Loss reduction in electric energy distribution systems can be considered as a hidden source of energy. These systems operate with a radial configuration. The problem of obtaining a topology with minimum losses can be seen as a generalization of minimum spanning tree problem. The paper discusses representations for the problem of loss reduction through reconfiguration of the network. Models with fixed and variable demands are considered. Solution techniques to find good solutions in adequate computational time to the models proposed in the paper are discussed. A reduced model of a distribution network is used to show important aspects of the problem, under fixed and variable demand representations.
A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment for a Bone Marrow Harvest Simulator
Authors: Machado Liliane S.  , Moraes Ronei M.
Published: February 2025

Several approaches to perform assessment in training simulators based on virtual reality have been proposed. There are two kinds of assessment methods: offline and online. The main requirements related to online training assessment methodologies applied to virtual reality systems are the low computational complexity and the high accuracy. In the literature it can be found several approaches for general cases which can satisfy such requirements. An inconvenient about those approaches is related to an unsatisfactory solution for specific cases, as in some medical procedures, where there are quantitative and qualitative information available to perform the assessment. In this paper, we present an approach to online training assessment based on a Modified Naive Bayes which can manipulate qualitative and quantitative variables simultaneously. A special medical case was simulated in a bone marrow harvest simulator. The results obtained were satisfactory and evidenced the applicability of the method.
A Virtual Reality Training Program for Improvement of Robotic Surgical Skills
Authors: Mukherjee M.  , Siu K.-C.  , Suh I.H.  , Klutman A.  , Oleynikov D.  , Stergiou N.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to use a simulated virtual reality environment for training of surgical skills and then to identify if the learning that occurred was transferable to a real world surgical task. The virtual surgical tasks consisted of bimanual carrying, needle passing and mesh alignment. In this ongoing study, the experimental group (n = 5) was trained by performing four blocks of the virtual surgical tasks using the da Vinci surgical robot. Pre and post training, all subjects were tested by performing a suturing task on a “life-like” suture pad. The control group (n = 5) performed only the suturing task. Significantly larger pre and post differences were revealed in time to task completion (p < 0.05) and total distance travelled by the dominant side instrument tip (p < 0.01) in the experimental group as compared to the control group. These differences were specific to the suture running aspect of the surgical task. In conclusion, virtual reality surgical skills training may produce a significant learning effect that can transfer to actual robot-assisted laparoscopic procedures.