bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back-analysis sheds light on the history of the Acropolis Wall: The interpretation of a permanent structural failure
Authors: Egglezos D.  , Moullou D.
Published: February 2025

This work describes a back-analysis for the interpretation of a serious structural failure observed in an area of the Acropolis North Circuit Wall. The failure occurred, according to the available historical and archaeological evidence, at the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century and it includes a) the collapse of the upper part of the Wall in the area examined (the crown of the Wall that had been constructed of architectural members of the entablature of the Old Temple of Athena), b) significant outward lean from the vertical (7 cm) of the remaining lower part (the part beneath the crown that collapsed), c) rotation of approximately 1o d) systematic cracking of the outward face of the wall. For the analysis, the principles of rock mechanics were applied for simulation of the dry-masonry construction. Since the damage was primarily attributed to a strong earthquake motion, for the problem description information is drawn from a wide range of scientific specialization. The analyses comprised: 2-D FE elastoplastic analysis, simplified (pseudostatic) spectral dynamic analysis and a rigorous 2-D time history analysis. The results are proven very satisfactory. ?he permanent displacement of the current crown of the wall, the rotation of the structure, the collapse of the entablature members (form ?) and the systematic net of fractures at the outward side of the wall are consistently predicted. Therefore, the assumption that the damage was caused by an earthquake was also verified, limiting the termini of the event between 1785 and 1805.
Effectiveness of microfine cement suspension grouting
Authors: Markou I.N.  , Droudakis A.I.
Published: February 2025

A laboratory investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the influence of parameters pertinent to suspension composition on the effectiveness of microfine cement suspension grouting. Four gradations each from three different types of cement (CEM I, CEM II/B-M and CEM IV/B, according to EN 197-1) were used having nominal maximum grain sizes of 100 μm, 40 μm, 20 μm and 10 μm. The effectiveness of cement suspensions with water to cement ratios of 1, 2 and 3 by weight was evaluated by conducting one-dimensional injections into four clean, uniform sands using a specially constructed device and was quantified by conducting unconfined compression and permeability tests on the resulting grouted sand specimens. Grouted sands obtained unconfined compression strength values of up to 15 MPa and permeability coefficients as low as 1.3*10−6cm/s or by up to 5 orders of magnitude lower than that of ungrouted sands. The water to cement ratio of cement suspensions is the most important of the investigated parameters since it affects drastically both strength and permeability of grouted sands. Cement type, cement fineness and curing times greater than 28 days, have lower or negligible influence on the effectiveness of grouting.
Statistical evaluation of geotechnical laboratory round robin tests in Hungary
Authors: Takács A.  , Mahler A.
Published: February 2025

In year 2005 sixty-six laboratories took part in the round robin test, almost all the laboratories working in the country. Laboratories has analysed the required parameters of artificially produced (or eventually natural) soil samples. The main goal is to get answers to this questions: what is the degree of homogeneity of the physical charactheristics of samples, and the possibly existing significant differences between laboratories participating in the round robin test. In the paper there is a summary of results of the most common geotechnical laboratory tests: grain size distribution, plastic limit, liquid limit, plasticity index and Proctor compaction tests. The evaluation of the measurements calculated by variance analysis, but used some approximative processes too.
Classification des sols et des roches à partir d'essais d'expansion cylindrique en haute pression
Authors: Baud J.P.  , Gambin M.
Published: February 2025

Les propriétés physiques et mécaniques utilisées pour caractériser les sols et les roches sont différentes selon les approches et les objectifs, ceux de la géotechnique, de la géologie de l'ingénieur ou de la mécanique des roches. Les auteurs suggèrent que les mesures faites lors de l'expansion de la cavité cylindrique d'un forage, et qui peuvent se ramener aux deux paramètres fondamentaux, un module pressiométrique et une pression limite, soient utilisés pour une classification passant sans discontinuité des sols aux roches, fondée sur le diagramme Pressiorama®mis au point pour les sols il y a quelques années.
Foundation of a gravity dam on layered soft rock. Shear strength of bedding planes in laboratory and large “in situ” tests
Authors: Alonso E.E.  , Pinyol N.M.  , Pineda J.A.
Published: February 2025

A 100 m high gravity dam (Castrovido dam, Burgos, Spain) is founded on a soft Weald red siltstone with interbedded sandstone strata. Dam stability is essentially controlled by the available shear strength of sedimentation planes. Block samples were recovered for the different types of contact identified. They were tested in high capacity shear box machine (30x30 cm) and in large scale shear tests. The roughness of the sheared plane was determined after each one of the tests. Additional information includes the results of residual strength tests performed on clay fillings on a ring shear apparatus.
Re-assessment of the shear strength of the oligocene clay from the Buda area based on the site investigation of the Metro line 4
Authors: Horváth Gy.  , Móczár B.
Published: February 2025

On the Buda side of Budapest the Metro line 4 is constructed in a length of several kilometres in the Oligocene clay formation known as Kiscell clay. For the line and the stations a great number of boreholes with continuous sampling was carried out. Using core samples taken from depths of 10 to 40 metres triaxial compression tests were carried out on large diameter (10 cm) specimens. The original objective of the tests was to obtain geotechnical parameters required for the design of the tunnel and the station structure. The processing and evaluation of the results of the great number of tests made it possible to re-assess on the basis of available former investigations the shear strength, deformations and existing state of the highly overconsolidated stratum which is as firm as soft rocks, which however experienced expansion to a degree decreasing with depth.
Mechanical properties of semi-rocks soils and methods of their determination
Authors: Kornienko N.V.  , Novskiy A.V.  , Novskiy V.A.  , Tkalich A.P.  , Tugaenko Y.F.
Published: February 2025

In the south-western part of Ukraine Black Sea plateau as a base foundation soils used semi-rock soils presented pontian limestone. In the state standards are no methods for determining their mechanical characteristics needed for the design of foundations and piles. The article presents the methodology and results of laboratory and field studies of these characteristics.
Mechanisms of hydraulic fracturing in clay, sand and rock
Authors: Bezuijen A.  , van Tol A.F.
Published: February 2025

Hydraulic fracturing is studied, mainly in the context of compensation grouting. It appeared that different from hydraulic fracturing in rock and clay, the flow from the fracture to the surrounding subsoil cannot be neglected. Due to this flow there is a minimum thickness over length ratio of a fracture in sand, which is a function of the drainage of fracture fluid and the percentage of solid material in the fracture fluid. A description will be given as well as experimental results confirming the theory developed. The necessary injection pressure and the shape of the fracture, depends on the properties of the injection fluid, the permeability of the surrounding soil material and the discharge rate during injection. A consequence is that the grout bodies made in compensation grouting differ from what is usually assumed.
On the model requirements to predict the behaviour of fissured clays
Authors: Cotecchia F.  , Vitone C.
Published: February 2025

The paper reports the key features of the behaviour of different fissured clays whose fissuring features have been first related to specific classes within a characterization chart proposed by the Authors. For each of the clays under study, a Fissuring IDentity (F-ID) Chart has been created by selecting the most relevant fissuring features within the general chart. The approach used in the interpretation of the mechanical behaviour of the fissured clays has been that of continuum mechanics, through the development of element testing in the laboratory, analysis of the results in the framework of traditional Critical State Soil Mechanics and modelling following traditional elastic-plastic theory. Throughout the paper the mechanical effects of the different fissuring features of the clays have been evaluated accounting for their F-ID charts. The paper reports also the further requirements which elastic-plastic models of structured clays have to accomplish with in order to represent the behaviour of fissured clays.
Analysis of the behavior of massive plate foundations on viscoelastic base
Authors: Kirichek Y.
Published: February 2025

New constructions of foundations for rotating and reciprocal machines are offered. These constructions are called the combined massive plate foundations. They consist of deepened massive rigid blocks or a rigid frame with attached thin horizontal plates at various levels. The finite element dynamic analysis is conducted using the SAP4 package. Experimental investigation of the foundations is provided to verify the obtained solution. New calculation methods for combined massive plate foundations are developed.
Geophysical site characterization of a volcanic massif with combined surface and borehole seismic methods
Authors: Rocha R.  , Cruz N.  , Rodrigues C.  , Almeida F.
Published: February 2025

Seismic surface methods are widely recognised has being the most cost effective way of evaluating seismic velocity in large areas, especially in sedimentary deposits were the soil profile is usually characterized by a seismic velocity increase with depth. In the case of volcanic massifs, it's common to have volcanic rock layers enclosed in volcanic sedimentary deposits, and in this case the isolated use of seismic surface methods can provide multiple models for the same field data. In this paper is going to be described a case study, of the combined use of various surface and borehole seismic techniques, in the determining of the site P and S wave seismic velocity profile. The results obtained from this tests, allowed the comparing of results and discussing of the advantages and limitations in its use.
Laboratory tests and field measurements investigating the stress strain behaviour of foundations on hard soil and weak rock
Authors: Hornig E.-D.  , Klapperich H.
Published: February 2025

Measured settlements of buildings on hard soil / weak rock appeared to be much smaller than calculated settlements, which were based on modules of stiffness from standard oedometer tests. Therefore both special triaxial K0-tests and oedometer tests were carried out for an accurate determination of stiffness modules. Modules obtained in the triaxial K0-tests were at least two to three times the values obtained in the oedometer tests. To verify observations from the laboratory tests, the loads and the settlements of two single footings on hard soil / weak rock have been measured during construction of a building during one year. Also a large scale footing load test with measurements of deformations was conducted on hard soil / weak rock. The measured settlements of the two single footings and the tested foundation were compared with the settlements based on conventional calculations with modules from oedometer tests and triaxial K0-tests. Up to a foundation pressure of σv=500 kN/m2the calculated settlement with ES-modules from triaxial K0-tests was found to correspond well to the measured deformation. For foundation pressure beyond 500 kN/m2, the foundation response was highly non-linear and it could not be described any more with the linear-elastic model. Therefore the footing load test was also simulated non-linearly by FEM analyses.
Étude expérimentale et numérique du comportement d'un pieu isolé sous chargement cyclique axial
Authors: Benzaria O.  , Le Kouby A.  , Puech A.
Published: February 2025

Dans le cadre du projet national français de recherche SOLCYP (SOLlicitations CYcliques sur les Pieux), une modélisation numérique à l'aide du logiciel SCARP a été effectuée afin de simuler le comportement d'un pieu isolé instrumenté soumis à des chargements cycliques axiaux. Le pieu est battu dans une argile normalement consolidée. Cette communication présente une comparaison entre les résultats de calcul et les résultats expérimentaux en termes d'accumulation des déplacements en tête et d'évolution du frottement latéral le long du pieu. Elle montre aussi l'influence de l'amplitude cyclique et du nombre de cycles sur les résultats.
Architecture of a Decision Support System to Improve Clinicians' Interpretation of Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Authors: Chevrier Raphaël  , Jaques David  , Lovis Christian
Published: February 2025

The objective of this work was to create a self-working computerized clinical decision support system (CDSS) able to analyze liver function tests (LFTs) in order to provide diagnostic suggestions and helpful care support to clinicians. We developed an expert system that processes exclusively para-clinical information to provide diagnostic propositions. Drugs are a major issue in dealing with abnormal LFTs, therefore we created a drug-disease causality assessment tool to include drugs in the differential diagnosis. Along with the results, the CDSS will guide clinicians in the care process offering them case-specific support in the form of guidelines, order sets and references to recent articles. The CDSS will be implemented in Geneva University Hospitals clinical information system (CIS) during year 2011. For the time being, preliminary tests have been conducted on case reports chosen randomly on Pubmed. Considered as medical challenges, case reports were nevertheless processed correctly by the program to the extent that 18 cases out of 20 were diagnosed accurately.
How do Nursing Students Perceive the Notion of EHR? an Empirical Investigation
Authors: Gallos Parisis  , Daskalakis Stelios  , Katharaki Maria  , Liaskos Joseph  , Mantas John
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an empirical study aiming to assess nursing students' perceptions on Electronic Health Record (EHR) concepts and their potential future attitude towards use. Based on the theoretical ground of Rogers' Innovation Diffusion Theory and other research works, a formulated model was empirically validated among ninety nursing undergraduates. Data analysis was based on partial least squares path modeling. Results highlighted the very strong significant effect of relative advantage and observability as well as the significant effect of perceived ease of use to attitude towards using EHR systems. The study findings are discussed along with limitations and future work in the current field.
Recording and Podcasting of Lectures for Students of Medical School
Authors: Brunet Pierre  , Cuggia Marc  , Le Beux Pierre
Published: February 2025

Information and communication technology (ICT) becomes an important way for the knowledge transmission, especially in the field of medicine. Podcasting (mobile broadcast content) has recently emerged as an efficient tool for distributing information towards professionals, especially for e-learning contents.The goal of this work is to implement software and hardware tools for collecting medical lectures at its source by direct recording (halls and classrooms) and provide the automatic delivery of these resources for students on different type of devices (computer, smartphone or videogames console). We describe the overall architecture and the methods used by medical students to master this technology in their daily activities. We highlight the benefits and the limits of the Podcast technologies for medical education.
Information and Communication Needs of Healthcare Workers in the Perioperative Domain
Authors: Lillebo Børge  , Seim Andreas  , Faxvaag Arild
Published: February 2025

Perioperative work requires the collaborative efforts of a multitude of actors. Coordinating such collaboration is challenging, and coordination breakdowns may be very expensive and jeopardize patient safety. We studied the needs for status information and projection of future status and events for key actors in the perioperative environment. We found that information and projection needs differed significantly between actors. While just-in-time notifications sufficed for some, others were dependent on projections to provide high quality and efficient care. Finally, information on current status and support in projecting the future unfolding of events could improve actors situated coordination capabilities.
Providing Trust and Interoperability to Federate Distributed Biobanks
Authors: Lablans Martin  , Bartholomäus Sebastian  , Ückert Frank
Published: February 2025

Biomedical research requires large numbers of well annotated, quality-assessed samples which often cannot be provided by a single biobank. Connecting biobanks, researchers and service providers raises numerous challenges including trust among partners and towards the infrastructure as well as interoperability problems. Therefore we develop a holistic, open-source and easy-to-use IT infrastructure. Our federated approach allows partners to reflect their organizational structures and protect their data sovereignty. The search service and the contact arrangement processes increase data sovereignty without stigmatizing for rejecting a specific cooperation. The infrastructure supports daily processes with an integrated basic sample manager and user-definable electronic case report forms. Interfaces for existing IT systems avoid re-entering of data. Moreover, resource virtualization is supported to make underutilized resources of some partners accessible to those with insufficient equipment for mutual benefit. The functionality of the resulting infrastructure is outlined in a use-case to demonstrate collaboration within a translational research network. Compared to other existing or upcoming infrastructures, our approach has ultimately the same goals, but relies on gentle incentives rather than top-down imposed progress.
Improving the Transparency of Health Information Found on the Internet Through the Honcode: a Comparative Study
Authors: Laversin Sabine  , Baujard Vincent  , Gaudinat Arnaud  , Simonet Maria-Ana  , Boyer Célia
Published: February 2025

This study aims to show that health websites not asking for HONcode certification (Control sample websites A) do not respect elementary ethical standards such as the HONcode. The HONcode quality and ethical standards and the certification process have been developed by the Health on the Net Foundation to improve the transparency of the health and medical information found on the Internet. We compared the compliance with the 8 HONcode principles, and respectively the respect of principles 1 (authority), 4 (assignment), 5 (justification) and 8 (honesty in advertising and editorial policy) by certified websites (A) and by health websites which have not requested the certification (B). The assessment of the HONcode compliance was performed by HON evaluators by the same standards for all type of sites. Results shows that 0.6% of health websites not asking for HONcode certification does respect the eight HONcode ethical standards vs. 89% of certified websites. Regarding the principles 1, 4, 5 and 8, 1.2% of B respect these principles vs. 92% for A. The certification process led health websites to respect the ethical and quality standards such as the HONcode, and disclosing the production process of the health website.
Ontology-based Framework for Electronic Health Records Interoperability
Authors: González Carolina  , Blobel Bernd G.M.E.  , López Diego M.
Published: February 2025

The use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) is wide spread in healthcare. One of the most challenging tasks for EHR systems is to achieve computable semantic interoperability. To address EHR interoperability, a number of standardization efforts are progressing, however these standards are either incomplete in terms of functionality or lacking specification of precise meaning of underlying data. This paper describes an interoperable EHR framework that uses an ontology-based approach to facilitate exchange of information and knowledge among EHR. Based on the proposed framework, an interoperability scenario between a Personal Health Record System, an EHR and a Laboratory System is described.
Grouping pharmacovigilance terms with semantic distance
Authors: Dupuch Marie  , Lerch Magnus  , Jamet Anne  , Jaulent Marie-Christine  , Fescharek Reinhard  , Grabar Natalia
Published: February 2025

Pharmacovigilance is the activity related to the collection, analysis and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by drugs or biologics. Besides other methods, statistical algorithms are used to detect previously unknown ADRs, and it was noted that groupings of ADR terms can further improve safety signal detection. Standardised MedDRA Queries are developed to assist retrieval and evaluation of MedDRA-coded ADR reports. Dependent on the context of their application, different SMQs show varying degrees of specificity and sensitivity; some appear to be over-inclusive, some might miss relevant terms. Moreover, several important safety topics are not yet fully covered by SMQs. The objective of this work is to propose an automatic method for the creation of groupings of terms. This method is based on the application of the semantic distance between MedDRA terms. Several experiments are performed, showing a promising precision and an acceptable recall.
Design of a Mobile, Safety-Critical in-Patient Glucose Management System
Authors: Höll Bernhard  , Spat Stephan  , Plank Johannes  , Schaupp Lukas  , Neubauer Katharina  , Beck Peter  , Chiarugi Franco  , Kontogiannis Vasilis  , Pieber Thomas R.  , Holzinger Andreas
Published: February 2025

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. People with diabetes usually have long stays in hospitals and need specific treatment. In order to support in-patient care, we designed a prototypical mobile in-patient glucose management system with decision support for insulin dosing. In this paper we discuss the engineering process and the lessons learned from the iterative design and development phases of the prototype. We followed a user-centered development process, including real-life usability testing from the outset. Paper mock-ups in particular proved to be very valuable in gaining insight into the workflows and processes, with the result that user interfaces could be designed exactly to the specific needs of the hospital personnel in their daily routine.
The advantages of multicriteria analysis for diagnosis of internal erosion phenomena
Authors: Garandet A.
Published: February 2025

Over the last ten years the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, part of the energy branch France of Groupe GDF/SUEZ, in partnership with EDG (Européenne de Géophysique), has developed novel techniques to facilitate understanding of the behaviour of soils and flows. This communication presents the case of a dike under load, subject to internal erosion. Its behaviour was determined by a multicriteria analysis based on different in situ investigation methods and a novel method, geophysical tracing.
Developing of an innovative large-scale shearing machine and conclusions of first measurements
Authors: Kántor T.  , Kovács B.
Published: February 2025

This paper is about a very new methodological process concerning a large scale shearing machine. One of the most important geotechnical soil properties in geotechnical practice is shearing resistance of soils, which are used at all kinds of construction or destruction works. The literature is very rich concerning this issue thanks to the wide range of using it. The theoretical background of the measurement is also well known as Mohr-Coulomb theory till more than hundred years. In this study we represent an innovative solution to the direct shearing tests. The paper focus on two main parts: The first is the development of a new large-scale shearing machine with a flexible control system and the second one is the creation a special measurement protocol to determine accurately the shearing resistance. First tests were made on agricultural soils that are selected by their clay content. Three type of soil with three different moisture contents were investigated. The most important results are presented as well.
Use of geothermal energy with thermo-active seal panels
Authors: Kürten S.
Published: February 2025

The geothermal use of earth coupled ground structures is a common technique in Western Europe to gain energy for heating. The heat exchanging pipes are attached to the reinforcement of the concrete structure. Based on this technique the chair of Geotechnical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University developed new thermo-active seal panels in the scope of a research project. Due to the existing anchors of the used seal panel the laying of the heat exchanging pipes is very flexible and the pipes are secured very well during concreting. Furthermore, due to the almost direct contact to the ground the heat-transmission resistance is small and the heat transfer capacity is high compared to thermo-active ground structures. The efficiency of the thermo-active seal panels was analyzed in several practical and numerical investigations. For this purpose a special laboratory test station was developed to measure the heat transfer capacity as well as the heat-transmission resistance for different boundary conditions and system configurations. In addition, the decisive parameters on the heat output of thermo-active seal panels were determined in a systematic numerical parameter study. In summary the flow rate in the heat exchanging systems, the undisturbed ground temperature and the heat transmission surface were identified as the most important parameters for the design and operation of thermo-active seal panels.
eHealth Information Management and Informatics Workforce Challenges for Europe
Authors: Scichilone Rita A.
Published: February 2025

In addition to technology services required to leverage information technology, qualified knowledge workers familiar with information management acquisition, storage and use and destruction are required to transform the healthcare industry to “next generation” status and capabilities. Sound information management principles for health information content enables less costly, yet more effective results.
A Multi-Event Trajectory Optimization Methodology for the Design of Community Noise Optimized RNAV Approach Routes
Authors: Braakenburg M.L.  , Hartjes S.  , Visser H.G.  , Hebly S.J.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results of a research effort aimed at the development of a novel tool for synthesizing RNAV approach trajectories that minimize a cumulative noise criterion, taking into account the total noise effect of all flight movements aggregated over a period of one year. This new multi-event trajectory optimization framework is an extension of a tool called NOISHHH developed previously for the design of single-event noise abatement trajectories. Application of the adapted optimization framework to the design of noise abatement RNAV approach routes at Rotterdam The Hague airport in the Netherlands reveals a significant improvement in terms of the number of people highly annoyed due to annual noise exposure in comparison to the existing situation.
Safer by Design: Towards a Conceptual Assessment of Safety
Authors: de Zanna Chiara  , van Tooren Michel  , Schut Joost  , Stoop John  , Curran Richard
Published: February 2025

The expected number of airplanes flying is increasing every year. By 2025, U.S. commercial air carriers are projected to fly 2.1 trillion available seats per mile and transport 1.3 billion passengers for a total of 1.7 trillion passenger miles. Furthermore regional carriers are growing faster than mainline carriers (3.8 vs. 2.8 percent a year). This means that if aviation safety does not keep improving, the accident rate will probably increase.
Shear strength of deep sand evaluated by laboratory and in situ tests in the Nakdong River deltaic area, Korea
Authors: Singh V.K.  , Chung S.G.  , Kim S.R.
Published: February 2025

Very thick deposit, predominantly consisting of soft clay and sandy soils, widely covers the Nakdong River delta which lies west of Busan city, Korea. It sometimes reaches the depth of more than 100 m. In the area, long friction piles installed in sandy soils are nowadays taken into consideration for the foundations of residential buildings. However, since the geotechnical characterization of the deep sandy soils has been rarely evaluated to date, a difficulty is faced with the design of piled foundations. In this study, a comprehensive investigation was attempted by laboratory and field tests on the deep sandy soils. For the laboratory tests, a number of disturbed sand samples were collected at the depths from 33 m to 43 m using the conventional standard penetration test (SPT) sampler at two boreholes. The specimens taken were reconstituted directly in the triaxial cell using a slurry-based method. Then, a series of drained triaxial tests were performed in order to evaluate the shear strength of sands. Meanwhile, CPT was conducted up to gravelly soils (60 m) using a high capacity CPT machine. The CPT data was also used to evaluate the shear strength of sandy soils using various empirical methods. Accordingly, the strengths obtained from the laboratory and in situ tests were compared and then correlated between the results. It showed that the shear strengths of the sand obtained from the laboratory test are very close to those of CPT and drained triaxial test conducted by Durgunoglu and Mitchell (1975). However, the strengths obtained from the CPT-based methods appeared to largely overestimate those of the laboratory test on the sand.
Experimental study for stress analysis on different Carrara marble underground quarries
Authors: Gullì D.  , Pellegri M.  , Cortopassi A.
Published: February 2025

Non lithostatic stresses are often encoutered in the rock masses: this has been verified in most cases during exploitation of Carrara marble. Intensity and orientation of rock stress are influenced by several factors such as tectonic origin, geostructural conditions, sudden topographic changes, excavation geometry, rock relaxations and displacements induced by excavation. Observation and forecast of overall response of the rock mass to the combined effect of these variables are needed to asses the underground stability. This paper present an applied approach for the analysis of previously mentioned combining factors, in order to enhance stability evaluations and safety controls of underground marble quarries. The fundamental importance of in situ measurements and observations for rock mass behavior characterization and for calibration of numerical models is underlained. The experimental data have been analysed and correlated to the evidences shown by the geostructural analysis, in order to investigate the possible correlations between the dominant geological features and the mechanical behavior of rock masses.
Measurement of hydraulic properties of bentonite cake deposited on base soil medium
Authors: Nguyen The Bao  , Lee Chulho  , Han Eunseon  , Choi Hangseok
Published: February 2025

The bentonite cake on the sidewall surface of the trench for constructing slurry trench walls results from the filtration of slurry into the adjacent soil formation. The hydraulic performance of the slurry trench walls is deemed to benefit from the low hydraulic conductivity of the bentonite cake. This paper provides measurements of hydraulic conductivities of bentonite cakes formed on the Korean standard sand under various pressure levels. Two kinds of bentonite (Tixoton and Bentonil GTC4) were used to create the slurries with three different concentrations (4, 6, and 8% by weight). An estimation of the hydraulic conductivity of the bentonite cake based on the filtration theory was carried out. The range of hydraulic conductivities of the bentonite cakes was from 2.1×10−11m/s to 5.7×10−10m/s. The hydraulic conductivity of the bentonite cakes deposited on the Korean standard sand were compared with that of the cake deposited on the filter paper to show the effect of the filter medium. The slurry concentration of 6% seems to be a value that most stimulates the effect of the filter medium on the permeability of the Bentonil GTC4 bentonite cakes.
Several factors affecting the viscous property of sand
Authors: Kawabe Shohei  , Sutoh Masato  , Tatsuoka Fumio
Published: February 2025

Among many factors affecting the viscous property of granular materials that are not well understood, effects of the degree of saturation, effective confining stress, over-consolidation ratio and particle crushability on the viscous property of a natural sand (Inagi sand) were evaluated. This sand, well-graded having a large amount of fines and crushable particles, is often used under unsaturated conditions in construction projects. The viscous property was evaluated by non-standard drained triaxial compression tests. Single-particle crush tests were performed to evaluate particle crushability of Inagi sand and other less crushable sands. As the degree of saturation increases, the peak shear strength increases while the rate-sensitivity coefficient β decreases. The viscous property type of Inagi sand changes from Isotach-like type at small strain toward TESRA type with strain whether the sand is saturated or unsaturated at different degrees. As the particles become more crushable, the β value increases.
The Influence of Suction Change on the Stiffness of Railway Formations
Authors: Otter L.  , Priest J.A.  , Clayton C.R.I.
Published: February 2025

Routine geotechnical earthworks design is almost entirely based on laboratory test data obtained on soil specimens that are saturated, with little regard to the state of saturation that the soil is subjected to in the ground. Due to the influence of suction, soil stiffness and strength can be heavily influenced by the degree of saturation, especially for fine grained soils. There are many situations where the soil may be unsaturated for long periods of time, and given the current prediction for climate change (increasing hot dry summers) this may increase in the future. Therefore a detailed understanding of unsaturated soil behavior is desirable.
Effect of geogrid-geomembrane geocomposites and geogrids on the failure mechanism of foundation over liquefied sand
Authors: Bahadori Hadi  , Motamedi Hooman
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the results of a series of 1g shaking table tests modeling a 4 story building foundation in different mitigation circumstances from the failure mechanism standpoint. Scale factor of the model is 1:25 and Firouzkooh sand was used as soil material which is bad-graded synthetic angular sand. Wet tamping method was adopted in model preparation and textile-like materials were used as geosynthetics. Failure mechanisms, foundation settlement and pore pressure build-up trends were the indicators of geosynthetics' performance. The failure mechanism is observed through a digital camera and analyzed based on a mesh of colored sand. Results show that the effectiveness of textile-like elements is related to their amount and location. Failure mechanism is different in various conditions. Reinforcing sand with geogrid-geomembrane geocomposites can reduce the settlement and change the pattern of soil movement due to liquefaction. Heavily reinforcing soil with geocomposites reduces settlement in deeper depths considerably but it can't increase bearing capacity of surface soil, therefore it can't decrease settlement of foundation because of its sinking into the soil.
URDAD as a Quality-Driven Analysis and Design Process
Authors: Solms Fritz  , Gruner Stefan  , Edwards Cuen
Published: February 2025

URDAD, the Use-Case, Responsibility Driven Analysis and Design is a service-oriented methodology used by requirements engineers to produce the Computation Independent Models (CIMs) of the Model Driven Architecture (MDA) with sufficient detail and precision that they can be used directly as Platform Independent Models (PIMs). The analysis and design process is supported by a metamodel specifying the modeling semantics and a concrete grammar used to capture URDAD models. In this paper we identify quality criteria for the resultant requirements specification and for the process itself. For each quality criterion we identify a set of quality drivers and show how quality drivers are embedded within the URDAD methodology.
A Feature Modelling Framework for Ubiquitous Embodied Learning Games
Authors: Zualkernan Imran A.
Published: February 2025

Embodied Ubiquitous Learning Games (UELG) represent a new genre of technology-enhanced education in which learners interact with augmented physical environment to learn. The embodiment in such games comes from instrumented clothes based on e-Textiles incorporating sensors, actuators and low-power wireless modules. Designing and building such ubiquitous systems requires a complex interplay of conventional and embedded hardware and software co-design that includes novel elements like e-Textiles. In order to reduce the cost and shorten the development life-cycle this paper proposes the use of Software Product Lines (SPL). Towards this end, this paper borrows ideas from Architecture to present and apply a framework for constructing feature models for a Software Product Line for ULEG. The framework explicitly uses different types of features related to pedagogy, technology and domain of learning. A family of UELG based on a combination of problem posing and problem solving is used as an example to explain various components of the framework.
Architecture of Extensible Tools for Development of Intelligent Decision Support Systems
Authors: Zagorulko Yury  , Zagorulko Galina
Published: February 2025

The paper presents an approach to building of tools for development of an intelligent decision support system (IDSS). These tools are intended for application to ill-structured time-dependent subject domains. The architecture of the tools here discussed provides adjustment of IDSS under development to the subject domain and extension of its functionality by means of inclusion of new solvers and decision support methods. The role of ontology in IDSS development and operation is emphasized.
Extending the Grounded Semantics by Logic Programming Semantics
Authors: Nieves Juan Carlos  , Osorio Mauricio  , Cortés Ulises
Published: February 2025

We introduce a formal argumentation method based on normal programs and rewriting systems which is able to define extensions of the grounded semantics based on specific rewriting rules which perform particular kind of reasoning as in reasoning by cases. These new argumentation semantics are intermediate argumentation semantics between the grounded and the preferred semantics.
ICSIC : an Integrated Communication System for Intensive Care
Authors: Demeester M.
Published: February 2025

Intensive Care Units (ICU) are information and personnel intensive high technology clinical departments. In the U.S.A. they represent 10 % of hospital beds but 25 % of costs. Together with laboratories and radiology departments, ICUs are the medico - technical pre-requisite for high quality hospital medical / surgical practices.
MEDICA: A Multimedial Medical Diagnostic Assistant
Authors: Smith David  , Hilton Julian
Published: February 2025

This paper describes some early stages in the design, specification, development and partial implementation of MEDICA: The Multimedial Medical Diagnostic Assistant. This cognitive support tool will assist workers in the field of psychiatric healthcare with diagnostic and administrative tasks by means of a variety of computer-based tools within a single environment, giving access to medical records and case notes in a variety of media, including text and still and moving images.
OAR: Open Architecture for Reasoning applied to Connecting Patient Records to Medical Literature
Authors: Rada Roy  , Barlow Judith  , Bijstra Djujan  , Potharst Jan  , de Vries Robbe Pieter  , Zanstra Pieter
Published: February 2025

The OAR prototype computer system helps the doctor to alternate betwee the patient record and the medical literature. The interface has been built with the ROIS expert systern shell, and connected to the Excerpta Medica literature retrieval system. Spreading activation retrieval on the database indexing language guarantees some relevant recall. The prototype can be embedded in an interactive patient record system. Ways of mapping one indexing language to another have been demonstrated, and through this mapping the doctor can go easily from the patient record to Excerpta Medica and also to other databases.
CACOHIS Computer Aided Community Oral Health Information System
Authors: McLoughlin Ambrose
Published: February 2025

A Computer Aided Community Oral Health Information System (CACOHIS) was developed under AIM Exploratory Action. The important features of this system are that the oral health requirements of oral health physicians are defined. A mechanism for collecting critical, relevant and meaningful information is described. This information is collected by direct data entry into computers in the field. These elements then provide readily available and useful information for the planning and evaluation of oral health services by health service personnel at various levels. CACOHIS can be used both in the developed and third worlds, particularly for screening for early oral manifestations of viral diseases. The important features of CACOHIS are that it facilitates a normative planning process and can be successfully utilised in under-developed health systems.
ROLE OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM IN BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN RATS: A SPECTRAL ANALYSIS APPROACH
Authors: Cerutti Catherine  , Paultre Christian Z.  , Lo Ming  , Julien Claude  , Vincent Madeleine  , Sassard Jean
Published: February 2025

The mechanisms underlying systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and heart rate (HR) beat-to-beat variability were investigated using spectral analysis in conscious genetically normotensive (LN) adult rats from the Lyon strain. Basal SBP, DBP and HR spectra exhibited peaks in low- (LF : 0.38 to 0.45 Hz) and high- (HF : 1.04 to 1.13 Hz) frequencies. The LF peak of SBP, and even more of DBP, could be attributed to the sympathetic nervous system influence as it disappeared after destruction of the sympathetic nerves or a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockade whereas it was higher after blockade of the parasympathetic system. The HF peak of HR, linked to the respiratory rate, was abolished by the parasympathetic system blockade whereas those of SBP and DBP were enhanced. We conclude that the LF peak of DBP and the HF peak of HR are likely to represent useful estimates respectively of the sympathetic vascular control and of the parasympathetic cardiac control.
SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF RR INTERVAL AND SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL PRESSURE VARIABILITIES AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: Sandrone Giulia  , Lombardi Federico  , Torzillo Daniela  , Castelfranco Marta  , Cerutti Sergio  , Malliani Alberto
Published: February 2025

To assess whether the alterations in sympatho-vagal balance observed in patients after myocardial infarction might determine an impaired response to stimuli known to increase sympathetic or vagal activity, we analyzed the changes in the low (LF, ∼ 0.1Hz) and high (HF, ∼ 0.25Hz) frequency components of RR and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variabilities induced by 90°. head up tilt (T) and controlled respiration (CR). The study was carried out in 15 patients 2 weeks after the first and uncomplicated myocardial infarction. At rest, signs of sympathetic activation were reflected by a predominant LF and a small HF (respectively 81±3 normalized units, nu, and 12±2nu) of RR variability. The enhancement of vagal activity induced by CR was associated with a significant increase in HF (25±3nu) and a decrease in LF (57 ± 5nu). No change in spectral indices of RR variability were induced by T. Viceversa, the increase in sympathetic activity induced by T was reflected by a significant increase in LF of SAP variability (from 4.7 ± 1 to 14±2 mmHg2). These data indicate that, 2 weeks after myocardial infarction, spectral indices of RR and SAP variabilities are differently affected by stimuli which increase sympathetic or vagal activity: while T is capable of enhancing sympathetic modulation affecting arterial pressure waves, it leaves unaffected sympathetic cardiac modulation already increased in basal conditions. Viceversa, CR is capable of reducing cardiac sympathetic overactivity.
CLOSED-LOOP IDENTIFICATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY MECHANISMS
Authors: Appel Marvin L.  , Berger Ronald D.  , Cohen Richard J.
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular regulation involves the interplay of many physiologic variables which interact through multiple feedback and control loops. This work examines the coupling between heart rate (HR), instantaneous lung volume (ILV) and arterial blood pressure (BP) through the use of closed loop system identification techniques in order to assess the underlying physiology without disrupting normal regulatory function.
Development of Standard Healthcare EDI Messages
Authors: Benson Tim
Published: February 2025

The development of standard healthcare messages requires a full understanding of user needs, an appropriate organisation structure for developing consensus and a suitable methodology. This paper presents the current state of development in the European Standardisation Organisation's Working Group on Healthcare Messages and Communications (CEN TC251 WG3).
A Method to Analyse the Strain of Memory of Elderly Persons Working with Information Technologies
Authors: Gourmelon Andreas
Published: February 2025

The demands on human memory are a major barrier for elderly persons in the interaction with information technologies. Moreover, these demands are increasing, while memory capabilities are decreasing. With the help of ANI - Analysis of Identifiers - the strain of memory which occurs if two or more programs are used can be measured. ANI promises to be a reliable, economic and valid method.
VIE–VENT: Knowledge-Based Monitoring and Therapy Planning of the Artificial Ventilation of Newborn Infants
Authors: Miksch Silvia  , Horn Werner  , Popow Christian  , Paky Franz
Published: February 2025

We developed a knowledge–based system, VIE–VENT, for monitoring and therapy planning of artificially ventilated newborn infants. One of our aims was to implement clinical and textbook knowledge in VIE–VENT's knowledge base. Therapy planning is based on a combination of transcutaneous and invasively determined blood gas measurements and clinical observations. After the selection and validation of appropriate parameters, these data are transformed into qualitative values. These are used in our model of neonatal respiration for recommending therapeutic actions according to heuristic clinical rules of artificial ventilation. For the weaning process we implemented three possible strategies, which allow adapting different dynamics of weaning (conservative, normal, aggressive).