bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Healthcare System for Health Checkups and Telemedicine in Post-Disaster Situations
Authors: Hu Min  , Sugimoto Megumi  , Rebeiro Hargrave Andrew  , Nohara Yasunobu  , Moriyama Michiko  , Ahmed Ashir  , Shimizu Shuji  , Nakashima Naoki
Published: February 2025

Portable Healthcare Clinic (PHC) is a mobile healthcare system comprising of medical sensors and health assessment criteria. It has been applied in Bangladesh for the last two years as a pilot program to identify non-communicable diseases. In this study, we adapted PHC to fit post-disaster conditions. The PHC health assessment criteria are redesigned to deal with emergency cases and healthcare worker insufficiency. A new algorithm makes an initial assessment of age, symptoms, and whether the person is seeing a doctor. These changes will make the turn-around time shorter and will enable reaching the most affected patients better. We tested the operability and turn-around time of the adapted system at the debris flow disaster shelters in Hiroshima, Japan. Changing the PHC health assessment criteria and other solutions such as a list of medicine preparation makes the PHC system switch into an emergency mode more smoothly following a natural disaster.
Harmonizing SNOMED CT with BioTopLite: An Exercise in Principled Ontology Alignment
Authors: Schulz Stefan  , Martínez-Costa Catalina
Published: February 2025

The integration of heterogeneous ontologies is often hampered by different upper level categories and relations. We report on an on-going effort to align clinical terminology/ontology SNOMED CT with the formal upper-level ontology BioTopLite. This alignment introduces several constraints at the OWL-DL level. The mapping was done manually by analysing formal and textual definitions. Descriptive logic classifiers interactively checked mapping steps, using small modules for increasing performance. We present an effective workflow, using modules of several scales. However, only part of the classes and relations could easily be mapped. The implications for future evolution of SNOMED CT are discussed. It seems generally feasible to use a highly constrained upper-level ontology as an upper level for the benefit of future SNOMED CT versions that are more interoperable with other biomedical ontologies.
Assessing the Potential Use of Eye-Tracking Triangulation for Evaluating the Usability of an Online Diabetes Exercise System
Authors: Schaarup Clara  , Hartvigsen Gunnar  , Larsen Lars Bo  , Tan Zheng-Hua  , Årsand Eirik  , Hejlesen Ole Kristian
Published: February 2025

The Online Diabetes Exercise System was developed to motivate people with Type 2 diabetes to do a 25 minutes low-volume high-intensity interval training program. In a previous multi-method evaluation of the system, several usability issues were identified and corrected. Despite the thorough testing, it was unclear whether all usability problems had been identified using the multi-method evaluation. Our hypothesis was that adding the eye-tracking triangulation to the multi-method evaluation would increase the accuracy and completeness when testing the usability of the system. The study design was an Eye-tracking Triangulation; conventional eye-tracking with predefined tasks followed by The Post-Experience Eye-Tracked Protocol (PEEP). Six Areas of Interests were the basis for the PEEP-session. The eye-tracking triangulation gave objective and subjective results, which are believed to be highly relevant for designing, implementing, evaluating and optimizing systems in the field of health informatics. Future work should include testing the method on a larger and more representative group of users and apply the method on different system types.
Characterization of Help Desk issues After the Implementation of an Emergency Department Electronic Health Record
Authors: Capurro Daniel  , Soto Mauricio  , Giacaman Patricio  , Catalán Silvia
Published: February 2025

Electronic health records (EHRs) can produce significant disruption when first implemented. Successful implementations depend on the availability of technical and clinical support. We present a description of the frequency and types of issues raised during the first 12 months after the implementation of an EHR at a teaching hospital in Santiago, Chile.
Implementation of a Teleconsultation Service in the Primary Health Care in Brazil
Authors: Andreão Rodrigo V.  , Schimidt Marcelo Q.  , Sarti Thiago D.  , Corradi Solange L.
Published: February 2025

The implementation of a Teleconsultation service in the primary health care is a great challenge. This work presents the effort made in the Espirito Santo Telehealth Project to consolidate the teleconsultation service. The impact of each strategy made was evaluated in terms of the number of teleconsultations produced. The combination of periodic visits and the promotion of local workshops were responsible for a sustainable use of the service for the last six months.
Introducing Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring for Children with Hypertension
Authors: Bedra McKenzie  , Finkelstein Joseph
Published: February 2025

The goal of this study was to introduce home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring in children with hypertension and to assess the feasibility of this approach. Acceptance of the system was assessed by attitudinal survey and semi-structured qualitative interview. Qualitative interview results showed consistently positive comments for content, interface and process components. BP measurements obtained by self-testing were as reliable as Dinamap measurements. The home telemonitoring system was positively accepted, easy to use and found to be helpful by participants. Home-based BP telemonitoring has significant potential to improve patient-centered delivery in children with hypertension.
Future Telehealth and Telecare Reference Design based on IoT Technologies: From Remote Monitoring to Smart Collaborative Services with Decision Support
Authors: Gerdes Martin  , Reichert Frank  , Pettersen Nytun Jan  , Fensli Rune
Published: February 2025

The demographic changes are producing aging societies across the world, resulting in greater demands on the health and care systems due to age-related disabilities and chronic diseases. Efficient telehealth and telecare services are needed to control the corresponding expenditures, by supporting increased collaboration between different professional and involving informal health care providers, and by empowering the patients to manage their health and well-being. Emerging trial systems for remote patient monitoring present preliminary solutions not exempt of certain limitations. We propose a future eHealth reference system architecture and core components, aiming at secure, smarter and more collaborative telehealth and telecare services. The implicit cooperation between the so-far separated domains of consumer well-being services and public telehealth and telecare services will be beneficial for all parties.
Enhancing tele-collaboration Networks by Patient Participation
Authors: Staemmler Martin  , Münch Heiko  , Engelmann Uwe  , Sturm Johannes
Published: February 2025

This paper decribes an approach for extending tele-collaboration to the patient and allowing the patient's participation by accessing and providing data and thereby keeping the responsibilty for maintaining a personal health record with the patient. The approach has been implemented and is in use with the nationwide tele-collaboration network TKmed.
Smart Glasses – A New Tool in Medicine
Authors: Klein Gunnar O.  , Singh Karandeep  , von Heideken Johan
Published: February 2025

Smart glasses, defined as a computerized communicator with a transparent screen and a video camera, wearable as a pair of glasses, have started to be tested for a variety of health related applications. This poster reviews some of the early experiences and gives a series of proposals for possible uses in medicine with a particular emphasis on medical education.
Using mobile devices to improve the safety of medication administration processes
Authors: Navas H.  , Graffi Moltrasio L.  , Ares F.  , Strumia G.  , Dourado E.  , Alvarez M.
Published: February 2025

Within preventable medical errors, those related to medications are frequent in every stage of the prescribing cycle. Nursing is responsible for maintaining each patients safety and care quality. Moreover, nurses are the last people who can detect an error in medication before its administration. Medication administration is one of the riskiest tasks in nursing. The use of information and communication technologies is related to a decrease in these errors. Including mobile devices related to 2D code reading of patients and medication will decrease the possibility of error when preparing and administering medication by nurses. A cross-platform software (iOS and Android) was developed to ensure the five Rights of the medication administration process (patient, medication, dose, route and schedule). Deployment in November showed 39% use.
Online Communication and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Koldkjær Sølling Ina  , Carøe Per  , Lindgren Kurt  , Mathiesen Kirsten Siggaard
Published: February 2025

This is an explorative and qualitative study that examines a municipal's rehabilitation program “Online Viva” (2014–2015). The questions are whether “Online Viva” improves the citizens' participatory health and whether it prevents exacerbation of COPD. “Online Viva” includes respiratory training and district nursing consultancy for elderly people with COPD. The district nurses' presence in the citizens' homes is replaced by online communication. The study involves 9 citizens and 5 health professionals. Preliminary results show that online consultations and training prevent anxiety, exacerbation, and support the citizens' management of COPD. The citizens find that the “Online Viva” reduces their need for hospitalization, and this is confirmed by the district nurses. Furthermore, the citizens find that their specific needs are fulfilled, making them comfortable in managing their COPD. It is emphasized by the citizens and the district nurses that they must have been in personal contact with each other before they meet online. Furthermore, it must be possible to visit the citizens in their private homes in addition to an online contact, if needed.
Development and practice of ISMS at a Radiotherapy Hospital by using IHE Integration profiles
Authors: Ando Yutaka  , Yoshida Yuki  , Mukai Masami  , Okuda Yasuo  , Kamada Tadashi  , Moriguchi Shuichi
Published: February 2025

Our hospital is specialized for radiation therapy and has many information devices. Various job categories are working. When we implemented an EMR, we aimed to enforce ISMS by using IHE profiles. To solve the already existed system-related problems, we selected and use some profiles (EUA, PSA, ATNA and PAM). After implementation, we audited and then some findings were pointed out. These findings are being settled by the PDCA cycle. We also found that appropriate IHE profiles were effective in the building of ISMS.
Towards Standardized Patient Data Exchange: Integrating a FHIR Based API for the Open Medical Record System
Authors: Kasthurirathne Suranga N.  , Mamlin Burke  , Grieve Grahame  , Biondich Paul
Published: February 2025

Interoperability is essential to address limitations caused by the ad hoc implementation of clinical information systems and the distributed nature of modern medical care. The HL7 V2 and V3 standards have played a significant role in ensuring interoperability for healthcare. FHIR is a next generation standard created to address fundamental limitations in HL7 V2 and V3. FHIR is particularly relevant to OpenMRS, an Open Source Medical Record System widely used across emerging economies. FHIR has the potential to allow OpenMRS to move away from a bespoke, application specific API to a standards based API. We describe efforts to design and implement a FHIR based API for the OpenMRS platform. Lessons learned from this effort were used to define long term plans to transition from the legacy OpenMRS API to a FHIR based API that greatly reduces the learning curve for developers and helps enhance adhernce to standards.
Reconfigurable Embedded System for Electrocardiogram Acquisition
Authors: Kay Marcel Seiji  , Iaione Fábio
Published: February 2025

Smartphones include features that offers the chance to develop mobile systems in medical field, resulting in an area called mobile-health. One of the most common medical examinations is the electrocardiogram (ECG), which allows the diagnosis of various heart diseases, leading to preventative measures and preventing more serious problems. The objective of this study was to develop a wireless reconfigurable embedded system using a FPAA (Field Programmable Analog Array), for the acquisition of ECG signals, and an application showing and storing these signals on Android smartphones. The application also performs the partial FPAA reconfiguration in real time (adjustable gain). Previous studies using FPAA usually use the development boards provided by the manufacturer (high cost), do not allow the reconfiguration in real time, use no smartphone and communicate via cables. The parameters tested in the acquisition circuit and the quality of ECGs registered in an individual were satisfactory.
Factors Influencing Consent for Electronic Data Linkage in Urban Latinos
Authors: Bakken Suzanne  , Yoon Sunmoo  , Suero-Tejeda Niurka
Published: February 2025

Within the context of patient participation in a Learning Health System, this study examined consent rates and factors associated with consent for linking survey data with electronic clinical data in a sample of 2,271 Latinos. Consent rate was 96.3%. Government insurance status and health literacy significantly influenced the odds of consent.
A Methodology for Adapting Psychoeducational Content to Mobile Platforms
Authors: Tucker Stephanie  , Iyengar Sriram  , Franklin Amy
Published: February 2025

Studies show that current modes of psychoeducation (PE) cannot be availed of by a substantial population of those in need. Mobile health technologies have great potential to serve such populations. However converting PE to mobile platforms is challenging. We present a methodology for this purpose based on existing learning styles theory, and developed PE apps successfully, using it. Conclusion: Useful PE apps can be developed easily using the proposed method.
Experiences of using powered wheelchair or powered scooter and accessibility in housings
Authors: Pettersson Cecilia  , Iwarsson Susanne  , Månsson Lexell Eva
Published: February 2025

Objective: To describe powered wheelchair (PW) and powered scooter (PS) users' experiences of accessibility and housing adaptions in their homes.
The Cooperate Assistive Teamwork Environment for Software Description Languages
Authors: Groenda Henning  , Seifermann Stephan  , Müller Karin  , Jaworek Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Versatile description languages such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML) are commonly used in software engineering across different application domains in theory and practice. They often use graphical notations and leverage visual memory for expressing complex relations. Those notations are hard to access for people with visual impairment and impede their smooth inclusion in an engineering team. Existing approaches provide textual notations but require manual synchronization between the notations. This paper presents requirements for an accessible and language-aware team work environment as well as our plan for the assistive implementation of Cooperate. An industrial software engineering team consisting of people with and without visual impairment will evaluate the implementation.
Open Ambient Intelligence Environments
Authors: Burzagli Laura  , Emiliani Pier Luigi
Published: February 2025

The present impact of ambient intelligence concepts in eInclusion is first briefly reviewed. Suggestions and examples of how ambient intelligent environments should be specified, designed and used to favour independent living of people with activity limitations are presented.
ICT Learning Technologies for Disabled People: Recommendations for Good Practice
Authors: Hersh Marion
Published: February 2025

The use of ICT in education is becoming increasingly important and has potential advantages to disabled learners if the technologies are appropriately designed, including for accessibility and usability, and used. This paper presents the first sets of recommendations for learning technologies for disabled people aimed at disabled learners, teachers, developers and educational institutions respectively. They were developed as part of the work of the Enable Network for ICT Learning for Disabled People and involved input from both experts and end-users. The concise format facilitates production in a variety of formats and languages for accessibility and wide distribution. The paper discusses the recommendations and their relationship to existing guidelines.
Applying guidelines for evaluating digital technologies for people living with dementia: A case study
Authors: Joddrell Phil  , Cudd Peter
Published: February 2025

Affordable solutions are needed to offer the growing population of people diagnosed with dementia support to maintain independence. Assistive technology has the potential to address this issue but devices should be tailored to the needs of this population. Previous work has focused on the design of such technologies and in new work evaluation (trial) guidelines are proposed to offer consistency amongst researchers looking to test completed products with intended users. The guidelines are implemented as trial protocol guidance and are applied to an existing protocol as a case example of how the guidelines could be used. Differences between the protocol and the guidelines are highlighted and provide evidence as to the potential usefulness of the document in informing an evaluation. The need for further development of the guidelines is also discussed and the authors state their intention to collaborate internationally in order to evolve the framework to the stage where it can be published as an accessible resource.
DigiPlace4all: an online peer support community for digital skills
Authors: Magennis Mark  , Murphy Esther  , Lazarov Andrean  , Van Isacker Karel  , Dumnicka Kinga  , Polak Malgorzata  , Meagher Bernadette  , Penny Philip
Published: February 2025

The DigiPlace4all online peer support community supports people with disabilities in developing digital literacy skills needed to transition from Vocational and Educational Training (VET) to mainstream education & employment. It facilitates the development of informal one-to-one peer support relationships between members who can post and respond to requests and offers of peer support and share information on a range of associated topics. It is active in Ireland, Belgium, Poland and Bulgaria and is being spread internationally.
A Comparative Study on Java Technologies for Focus and Cursor Handling in Accessible Dynamic Interactions
Authors: Jitngernmadan Prajaks  , Miesenberger Klaus
Published: February 2025

For an interactive application, supporting and guiding the user in fulfilling tasks is most important. The behavior of the application that will guide users through the procedures until they finish the task has to be designed intuitively and well guiding, especially if the users has only restricted or no access to the visual and spatial arrangement on the screen. Therefore, the focus/cursor management plays an important role for orientation and navigating through the interaction. In the frame of ongoing research on a software tool supporting blind people in more efficiently doing mathematical calculations, we researched how Java technologies support implementing an accessible Graphical User Interface (GUI) with an additional focus on usable accessibility in terms of guiding blind users through the process of solving mathematical calculations. We used Java Swing [1] and Eclipse SWT [2] APIs for creating a series of prototypes. We tested a) accessibility and usability of the prototypes for blind people when using screen reader software and refreshable Braille display and b) the implementation support to developers provided by both technologies. It turned out that Eclipse SWT API delivered best results under Windows operating system.
SIMON: Integration of mobility and parking solutions for people with disabilities
Authors: Ferreras Alberto  , Barberà Ricard  , Durá-Gil Juan Vicente  , Solaz José  , Muñoz Eva María  , Serrano Manuel  , Marqués Antonio
Published: February 2025

Mobility and parking in urban areas are often difficult for people with disabilities. Obstacles include lack of accessible information on routes, transport alternatives and parking availability, as well as fraud in the use of the specific services intended for these citizens. The SIMON project aims to improve this situation through the integration of different ICT solutions. SIMON is enhancing the European Parking Card for disable people with contactless technologies and integrates mobile solutions to support user unique identification in existing parking areas whilst preserving privacy. SIMON will also promote better mobility solutions for mobility including information, navigation and access to restricted areas.
Using a Pressure Mapping System to Evaluate Contact Pressure on Hands During Use of Axillary Crutches
Authors: Silva Danilo C.  , Medola Fausto O.  , Bonfim Gabriel H.C.  , Paschoarelli Luis C.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate different handles used in axillary crutches with a Pressure Mapping System. The Grip Versatek system from Tekscan Inc. was used to measure the levels and the distribution of contact pressure in the hands during a simulated activity of ambulation with crutches. The sample included ten able-bodied subjects: five men and five women. The results show that the different models of handles appear to have influenced the pressure levels measured during the activity. Therefore, the measurement equipment provides parameters that allow the comparison among different designs and assess their contribution to the comprehension of the demands of ergonomic handles.
How to Accomplish the Assistive Technology Service Delivery Process for Adults in Order to Obtain the Best Outcomes – A Literature Review
Authors: Brandt Åse  , Christensen Anne  , Grünberger Pernille
Published: February 2025

In order to gain knowledge about which methods in the assistive technology service delivery process or parts hereof that result in positive outcomes, a literature review was accomplished. 20 publications were included. Some evidence was found that user involvement in the service delivery process and training in assistive device use had a positive impact on outcomes. Also professionals' higher assistive device expertise seems to result in better outcomes. More research within the field is needed, especially studies that compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of specific methods applying controlled study designs.
Assessing Service Delivery Systems for Assitive Technology in Brazil using HEART Study quality indicators
Authors: Maximo Tulio  , Clift Laurence
Published: February 2025

Background: recently in Brazil, there have been investments and improvements in the service delivery system for assistive technology provision. However, there is little documentation of this process, or evidence that users are being involved appropriately.
Implementing UNCRPD - Barrier Free Access to Buildings in NRW – Database and Signet “NRW Inklusiv”
Authors: Bühler Christian  , Borosch Roland  , Servos Gertrud
Published: February 2025

UNCRD [1] has reemphasized the relevance of barrier free accessibility to infrastructures. Article 9 deals with accessibility of the manmade environment including buildings. Although accessibility has been required by people with disabilities for decades the existing built infrastructure often lacks adequate accessibility. If at all, it addresses requirements for users of wheelchairs but not for users with sensory or cognitive challenges. In this paper the development of a survey and publication of data from buildings is reported. The methodology is based on user participation and inclusion and follows a civil society approach, embedded in the overall strategy for inclusion in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). The internet portal presenting the information to the public is a first step to improve accessibility. An award on this data basis is proposed as incentive.
2D Presentation Techniques of Mind-maps for Blind Meeting Participants
Authors: Pölzer Stephan  , Miesenberger Klaus
Published: February 2025

Mind-maps, used as ideation technique in co-located meetings (e.g. in brainstorming sessions), which meet with increased importance in business and education, show considerably accessibility challenges for blind meeting participants. Besides an overview of general aspects of accessibility issues in co-located meetings, this paper focuses on the design and development of alternative non-visual presentation techniques for mind-maps. The different aspects of serialized presentation techniques (e.g. treeview) for Braille and audio rendering and two dimensional presentation techniques (e.g. tactile two dimensional array matrix and edge-projection method [1]) are discussed based on the user feedback gathered in intermediate tests following a user centered design approach.
ICT based technology to support play for children with severe physical disabilities
Authors: van den Heuvel Renée  , Lexis Monique  , de Witte Luc
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Play is important for a child's development. Children with severe physical disabilities experience difficulties engaging in play. With the progress of technology the possibilities to support play are increasing. The purpose of this review was to gain insight into the possibilities and availability of ICT based technology to support play in children with severe physical disabilities.
Applicability of standard eye-tracking technique in people with intellectual disability: methodological conclusions from a series of studies
Authors: Csákvári Judit  , Gyori Miklos
Published: February 2025

Although considerable amount of evidence suggest that info-communication technologies have important potential to promote higher level of adaptive functioning and more efficient learning in people with intellectual disability (ID), very little is known about how people with ID scan visually the visual user interfaces of digital tools. Eye-tracking technique is widely used to study visual scanning processes and is used more and more extensively in assistive and educational technologies, too. Therefore, it is important to explore and understand the limitations and potentials of applying eye-tracking technique in people with ID. The present paper aims this by analyzing data from 4 studies (n=38/38 and n=15/30), via contrasting data from people with ID with data from neurotypical (NT) control subjects along 3 variables, indicative of the applicability of eye-tracking technique. Results strongly suggest that there are specific difficulties in using eye-tracking in people with ID, showing considerable individual variability but depending also on the nature of the actual task. Consequentially, using eye-tracking in this group expectedly requires special considerations and specific solutions.
Mainstream ICT Can Support Children and Adolescents with ADHD and/or Autism in Their Everyday Activities
Authors: Dale Oystein  , Grut Lisbet
Published: February 2025

This exploratory case study investigated how ICT can support children with ADHD and/or autism and their families in their daily activities. We focus in particular on the suitability of mainstream technology for such support. Two cases are presented, and implications for practice are discussed. The findings indicate that mainstream ICT can be of assistance, but that its implementation can be challenging in particular in regards to elaborate technological setup routines, vulnerability to malfunction, and time needed for assessment, training and follow-up. The work continues in the ongoing R&D-project Is it possible?.
Assistive Technology: Creating and Engaging Collaborative Communities
Authors: Bangar Surinder  , Mountain Gail  , Cudd Peter
Published: February 2025

This paper outlines the remit of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council KT-EQUAL (Knowledge Transfer for Extending Quality of Life for older and disabled people) programme.
The Importance of Technical Devices in the Self-care of Upper Limbs Amputees
Authors: Mészáros Gabriella  , Vén Ildikó
Published: February 2025

The National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation (NIMR) is engaged in the rehabilitation of posttraumatic patients, including also attending traumatic cases with amputated upper limbs. The lack of upper limbs is a great obstacle in essential functioning for the injured, and that is why we give high priority to planning, constructing and individually adopting appliances for aiding everyday life. Special literature gives distinguished attention to operative techniques and the possibilities of prosthetic devices, but no professional articles present any special devices needed for discharging everyday vital functions. The purpose of this lecture is to present the results of our follow-up examination aimed at upper limbs amputees reeducated since 1994 at the NIMR (9 patients). Case studies conclude that the prosthetic care plays a surprisingly small part in the self-sufficiency of the injured. Claims to individual appliances are already more considerable but these cannot be obtained in normal commerce because of unprofitable production in view of users so few in number.
Conceptualizing Everyday Mobility of Older People as Basis for the Development of a Pedestrian Assistance System
Authors: Breitinger Florian  , Protzak Janna  , Wiczorek Rebecca
Published: February 2025

For older persons, everyday mobility is an important aspect of living an independent and self-determined life. Especially with increasing age most of the everyday ways in urban areas are covered by foot. The more severe is the fact that older pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. This is the starting point of the research group FANS aiming for developing a pedestrian assistance system for older road users. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the difficulties older pedestrians encounter. In order to do so, everyday mobility of this group will be conceptualized using the Constraints Approach by Hägerstrand and the Theory of Structuration by Giddens. Currently, two focus groups have been carried out that have been analyzed according to Hägerstand's and Gidden's considerations. Hereinafter, the category system that has been derived from the theoretical considerations will be presented and an outlook will be given.
Virtual Reality in Assessing the Supportive Environment that Promotes Navigability of Persons with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Che Me Rosalam  , Gramegna Silvia Maria  , Biamonti Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Spatial cognition and representation in persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is usually impaired, alongside with cognitive impairment. It is important to provide the supportive environments that support their ability of wayfinding to maintain the daily activities and autonomy. The aim of this paper is to emphasize how Virtual Reality (VR) system is used to assess the improved environmental design that promotes spatial navigability in persons with AD. The importance of supportive environments and significant studies that used VR in the wayfinding interventions is presented. The paper proposed a strategy to use Virtual Environment (VE), replacing the traditional assessment in the design development phase of supportive environment. Results from the preliminary valuation using interview show positive feedback by the medical experts, since immersive VE allows the experience being in actual environment. Also, the proposed strategy may reduce the costly and time-consuming design process. An evidence-based validation involving persons with AD will be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of this assessment strategy by comparing the individuals' navigational performances in both real and VE.
Urban Groundwater Management as Risk Reduction Tool for Groundwater Extractions
Authors: van der Hout Ella  , de Doelder Bert
Published: February 2025

In the urban area of Rotterdam many different groundwater extractions take place, which affect the groundwater system. Urban groundwater management is a tool to prevent the risk of non-intended effects of these extractions and unsustainable use of groundwater. The main goal is to exchange information and knowledge for a better understanding of the groundwater system and an integrated approach when regarding and authorizing the different functions of groundwater.
Probabilistic Characterization of a Soft Scandinavian Clay Supporting a Light Quay Structure
Authors: Lundberg Anders Beijer  , Li Yajun
Published: February 2025

A full geotechnical risk analysis includes site investigation, model simplification and analysis. The site characterization forms the basis for the choice of the soil parameters used in the subsequent analysis, but the soil data is normally analyzed with crude methods that do not include the effect of the soil variability. A case study is here presented of soil characterization for later analysis of the stability of a light quay structure constructed on very soft Scandinavian clay. The field data consists of undrained shear strength measurements from field vane tests (FVT) and cone penetration tests (CPT), carried out at different locations along the structure. The measurements show a relatively large variation of the undrained shear strength, making a statistical characterization of the soil properties helpful for a later analysis of the reliability of the structure. In the current paper, the field measurement data (i.e. the tip resistance from CPT tests) are analyzed to obtain the correlation distance of the soil strength. The two types of measurements are combined to get an average of the undrained shear strength, while the spatial statistics are obtained from CPT measurements.
Reliability Analysis of Shaft Resistance of Axially Loaded Bored Piles
Authors: Park Jae Hyun  , Park Chul Soo  , Chung Moonkyung
Published: February 2025

As part of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) implementation effort in Korea, reliability levels for side resistance of bored piles socketed in weak rock were evaluated by using bi-directional pile load test results. Bi-directional pile load tests are widely used to predict the load–settlement behavior of large-diameter bored piles. A database of 24 bidirectional load test data sets and soil property tests was compiled from case studies collected from Korea. The resistance bias factors for the three static design equations [O'Neill and Reese (1999), Horvath and Kenney (1979), and Williams et al. (1980)] were calculated by comparing the representative measured bearing capacities defined by Davisson's criterion with the predicted values. Reliability analysis was conducted following the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) using the statistics of bias factors. The reliability levels of the three shaft resistance equations evaluated from FORM method for safety factors in the range of 2.0–5.0 were in the ranges of 1.15–2.79 for O'Neill and Reese equation, 0.97–2.62 for Horvath and Kenney equation, and 1.73–3.38 for Williams et al. equation, respectively.
Diagnosis of Earth-Fill Dams by Several Sounding Tests
Authors: Nishimura Shin-ichi  , Shibata Toshifumi  , Shuku Takayuki
Published: February 2025

The spatial distribution of the strength inside the earth-fill is identified by the sounding tests. In this research, the Swedish Weight Sounding (SWS) is employed, and the spatially high-density test is performed to identify the spatial correlation structure. The correlation structure of an earth-fill could be identified accurately based on the sounding results, and the high resolution of the spatial distribution could be visualized by using the indicator simulation. Consequently, it has been verified the practical use of the spatial distribution of the probability that the N-value is lower than the threshold value, is possible for the maintenance of the earth-fill.
Parameter Identification of Consolidation Settlement Based on Multi-objective Optimization
Authors: Zheng Ya Fei  , Zhang Lu Lu  , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2025

Due to the complexity of natural ground condition, consolidation settlement is usually difficult to predict. In this study, a Pareto multi-objective optimization based back analysis method for consolidation settlement is presented in this study. The model is a coupled flow and deformation model for unsaturated soil foundation which is implemented in the interactive multiphysics software environment COMSOL. A multi-objective optimization algorithm AMALGAM is adopted to identify soil parameters based on multiple types of measurements. A case history of a highway trial embankment is used to demonstrate the proposed back analysis method. The observed displacement and pore-water pressures are utilized simultaneously to estimate the mechanical and hydraulic parameters of the soil. The results show that the bi-objective Pareto front exhibits a sharp rectangular pattern. When only displacement is used in back analysis, the numerical model with optimized soil parameters cannot simulate pore-water pressure very well, and vice versa. However, the back analyzed soil parameters of the compromise solution from the bi-objective back analysis can reasonably simulate both the displacement and pore-water pressure and predict the settlement well.
Continuous River Levee Safety Assessment Based on a Reliability Analysis
Authors: Otake Yu  , Honjo Yusuke  , Hiramatsu Yuuichi  , Lee Keita  , Kodaka Takeshi
Published: February 2025

A design scheme is proposed to evaluate the safety of continuous linear structure i.e. river levee. The scheme is developed to establish a procedure to continuously evaluate the stability failure of embankment during flood runoff by seepage, and to identify locations for reinforcement of river levee. A 20km stretch of a fairly large river running through one of the major cities in Japan is chosen for a case study. First all the information available for this river levee for the both side of river have been collected and complied. The data include river levee configurations for every 200m, all the soil investigation results done in the past and the results of levee safety inspection by MLIT. The strength parameters of the embankment and the foundation are obtained from about 50 triaxial test results (CUbar). The permeability coefficient is estimated from about 300 grain size distribution and 15 permeability test results. The configurations of the levee sections are analyzed, and the ranges of various dimensions, such as slope inclinations, crown width, height of retaining wall at edge of slope etc., are obtained. Based on these information, detailed seepage and stability analyses for the possible dimensions of levee sections and material properties are carried out to get the response function (RS) for the safety assessment. Based on this information, the response surface (RS) for the river levee is developed. In developing RS, the experimental design technique is applied for efficiency. MCS is applied to evaluate the failure probability of the levee based on the parameters obtained from the all the analyses explained above for every 200m interval along the levee because all the configuration dimensions of the levee is available at these sections. Results of MCS are presented along the levee, which immediately shows less safe sections.
Reliability-Based Design of Spatially Variable Undrained Slopes
Authors: Faour Ghina  , Najjar Shadi
Published: February 2025

Spatial variability and model uncertainty are considered the major sources of geotechnical uncertainty. The primary objective of this paper is to provide slope stability investigators with a robust reliability framework that takes into consideration the combined uncertainty of spatial variability and model uncertainty. To achieve this objective, a quantification of the model uncertainty of common slope stability models is conducted by assembling and analyzing a database of historical failures of slopes. The database is also used to investigate the possibility of a lower-bound factor of safety and its impact on the reliability of slopes. It is concluded that both spatial variability and model uncertainty in the undrained shear strength of clays have a direct effect on the mean of the factor of safety and its coefficient of variation. Moreover, it is found that the lower-bound factor of safety can cause a significant increase in the calculated reliability for an undrained slope
Integral Risk Management for DBFM Tenders and Contracts in the Netherlands
Authors: Wong Jordi  , Berkelaar Robert  , Pekelharing Han
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an overview of an integral risk management approach with emphasis on the relationships with the costing and scheduling processes. Forms of uncertainty related to project planning are classified and implemented in the probabilistic costing and scheduling processes. Furthermore, the importance of the integral probabilistic analysis is explained for (large-scale) Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) contracts. Finally, the paper concludes with recent developments on how to improve the integrated probabilistic approach.
Real-Time Insight in Geotechnical Risks; Monitoring during the Observational Method
Authors: Galenkamp H.F.  , Bosma C.F.
Published: February 2025

Designing challenges engineers to develop both economically attractive and safe designs. This might seem a paradox, but with the application of the observational method, wherein safety is checked by real-time monitoring, economic design and safety are united. The observational method is recently successfully applied in the Netherlands during the excavation works of the double layered tunnel across densely populated central Maastricht. The uncertainties in the limestone conditions and possible karst holes, combined with a length 2.5 km of tunnel, made the observational method very applicable. This paper outlines the application of state of the art real-time monitoring techniques as vital part of the observational methods' success. The individual components of the monitoring network will be discussed with an emphasis on reliability and availability of data. Actual data is presented and attention is paid to the essential relation of the monitoring team with the geotechnical engineers and excavation crew.
Movement-Based VR Gameplay Therapy For A Child With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Stansfield Sharon  , Dennis Carole  , Larin Hélène  , Gallagher Courtney
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a single-subject feasibility study of a motion-based VR game designed to provide benefits similar to constraint-induced movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy, while providing a more enjoyable experience. The game was designed to encourage the child to perform the desired therapeutic movements by allowing him to interact with the game using only his more-affected arm. The study used an AB design: Performance across baseline and intervention phases was assessed to determine whether the intervention resulted in changes to repeated measures. Results of the study showed that compared with baseline measurements done prior to his game experience, the participant's post-intervention performance showed improvement in speed of reach, dissociated movement, and bilateral integration of upper extremities in functional tasks. The child's mother, as well as one of his therapists, reported better performance outside of the study environment as well.
Modeling Aggression and Bullying: A Complex Systems Approach
Authors: Mudrak George  , Kumar Semwal Sudhanshu
Published: February 2025

Almost daily, we read about the devastation and lasting consequences of bullying, and feel a greater impact when we hear of another child taking their life or the lives of others. What makes bullying behaviors so insidious is they cut across people, age, cultures and nations. These behaviors remain difficult to study and direct experimentation remains ethically and morally prohibitive. Therefore, we turn to computational models and simulate the natural complex social systems using the human element. If approached well, these models may yield emergent behaviors providing insight into the interactions around bullying. This paper discusses our complex systems model, and evaluates the viability of modeling bullying. Results of our implementation are described and future opportunities are identified.
The New Dawn of Virtual Reality in Health Care: Medical Simulation and Experiential Interface
Authors: Riva Giuseppe  , Wiederhold Brenda K.
Published: February 2025

The 90s and 00s saw great hopes that virtual reality was poised to sweep health care and change everything. But it didn't. Though researchers could immerse themselves in more complex virtual environments, the chasm between that digital experience and the complexity of real life – using a VR system in an hospital without a dedicated technician was a real challenge – just was too great. Now the situation is changing quickly. The rise of Oculus Rift and the shift of virtual reality from PC to mobile phones thanks to both the Oculus designed Gear VR headsets for Samsung phones and the Google Cardboard project are going to transform health care tools and experiences.
An Evolving Memory Surface for Modelling the Cyclic Behaviour of Granular Soils
Authors: Corti Riccardo  , Diambra Andrea  , Nash David  , Muir Wood David
Published: February 2025

This paper explores a new constitutive modelling strategy to predict the mechanical response of granular soils under drained cyclic loading conditions. Starting from a baseline kinematic–hardening bounding-surface soil model, an additional memory surface is introduced to retain memory of previous stress history and define a region of increased stiffness. The memory surface undergoes three uncoupled hardening mechanisms linked to both virgin and cyclic shearing. The model is presented in the triaxial stress space. Parametric analysis and challenging with available experimental data is provided
Site Response Analysis (SRA): A Practical Comparison Among Different Dimensional Approaches
Authors: Flores Lopez Francisco Alonso  , Ayes Zamudio Juan Carlos  , Vargas Moreno Carlos Omar  , Vázquez Vázquez Alejandro
Published: February 2025

Actually, one dimensional approaches are the most used site response analysis (SRA) in the Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Practice, mainly due to the possibility of considering in a relative easy way, the nonlinear soil response. Nevertheless, these analyses are done in the frequency domain, so an unknown number of iterations are required according to the lineal equivalent method which does not account for any structural system or perform dynamic soil-structure interaction. Finite and different element methods are specifically suitable to generate analysis with the advantage of incorporating nonlinear subsoil behavior using ad hoc constitutive relations. Additionally, these methods enable the input of any structural system (e.g. tunnels, bridges, buildings, etc.) resulting in a coupled dynamic soil-structure interaction. In this paper, a comparison between the SRA results between different dimensional approaches (1D, 2D and 3D) is made using some of the most popular geotechnical software packages in FEM/DEM analyses, their results are calibrated and compared (in the free field case) with the 1D SRA results using synthetic seismograms. Finally, some recommendations and suggested practices include: boundary conditions (rigid and complaint in the base and absorbent in the lateral boundary) and input seismic accelerogram (in terms of accelerations or velocities, base line correction, etc.).