bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smiling is Fun: A Coping with Stress and Emotion Regulation Program
Authors: Botella Cristina  , Mira Adriana  , Garcia-Palacios Azucena  , Quero Soledad  , Navarro Ma. Vicenta  , Riera López Del Amo Antonio  , Molinari Guadalupe  , Castilla Diana  , Moragrega Inés  , Soler Carla  , Alcañiz Mariano  , Baños Rosa Maria
Published: February 2025

Emotional disorders (Anxiety disorders and Mood disorders) are one of the most common health problems worldwide, and their economic costs are very high. People suffering from emotional disorders often use maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and have low coping behaviour that contributes to the presence of clinical symptoms. For this reason, it is important to develop strategies to monitor coping and promote emotion regulation in people exposed to high levels of stress. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can help us in this task. Recent systematic reviews of literature on evidence-based CBT treatments delivered via the Internet show that these approaches are effective. We have developed an intervention program ICT based: Coping with Stress and Emotion Regulation Program (Smiling is Fun), a self-applied program via the Internet. Smiling is Fun follows a transdiagnostic perspective, and it is based on CBT techniques. However, it also includes other psychological strategies to improve positive mood. The aim of the present work is to describe Smiling is Fun and the study designed to test its efficacy.
Electro-Physiological Data Fusion for Stress Detection
Authors: Riera Alejandro  , Soria-Frisch Aureli  , Albajes-Eizagirre Anton  , Cipresso Pietro  , Grau Carles  , Dunne Stephen  , Ruffini Giulio
Published: February 2025

In this work we describe the performance evaluation of a system for stress detection. The analysed data is acquired by following an experimental protocol designed to induce cognitive stress to the subjects. The experimental set-up included the recording of electroencephalography (EEG) and facial (corrugator and zygomatic) electromyography (EMG). In a preliminary analysis we are able to correlate EEG features (alpha asymmetry and alpha/beta ratio using only 3 channels) with the stress level of the subjects statistically (by using averages over subjects) but also on a subject-to-subject basis by using computational intelligence techniques reaching classification rates up to 79% when classifying 3 minutes takes. On a second step, we apply fusion techniques to the overall multi-modal feature set fusing the formerly mentioned EEG features with EMG energy. We show that the results improve significantly providing a more robust stress index every second. Given the achieved performance the system described in this work can be successfully applied for stress therapy when combined with virtual reality.
User Validation of an Empathic Virtual Buddy against Cyberbullying
Authors: van der Zwaan Janneke M.  , Geraerts Elke  , Dignum Virginia  , Jonker Catholijn M.
Published: February 2025

People are able to comfort others by talking about their problems. In our research, we are exploring whether computers can provide social support in a similar manner. Recently, we proposed a design for an empathic virtual buddy that supports victims of cyberbullying. To validate our approach in providing social support and to gather feedback from potential users, we performed an experiment (N = 30) to compare interaction with the buddy to reading a text. Both the buddy and the text received high scores; scores for the buddy were consistently higher. The difference was significant for the extent to which feelings were taken into account. These results indicate that participants liked to interact with the buddy and that they recognized the emotional cues emitted by the buddy, thus validating our approach in comforting users.
Virtual Representations of the Self: Engaging Teenagers in Emotional Regulation Strategies Learning
Authors: Wrzesien Maja  , Rey Beatriz  , Alcañiz Mariano  , Baños Rosa  , Martínez Mario Gómez  , Pérez-López David  , Rodríguez Ortega Alejandro  , Rasal Paloma  , Vargas Elena Parra  , Provinciale Jaime Guixeres
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to present digital representations of humans (i.e., avatars) that look like the self, applied to the Mental Health (MH) field. Virtual Representations of the Self (VRS) are in our opinion a tool with a great potential for engaging teenagers in emotional regulation strategies learning and an excellent example of new technology application to the basic concept in psychology field such as Bandura's modeling [1]. VRSs have already demonstrated their potential on human behavior modification (e.g. modification of physical activity; eating habits) in general population [2]. Thus, the same technology can bring in our opinion a lot to the Mental Health field, especially in emotional regulation learning. This paper presents a theoretical background and describes the methodology that we plan to apply in order to validate the efficacy of VRSs in clinical settings. Also, the implications of such technology and future research lines are discussed.
The Use of VR Distraction to Decrease Pain After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Case Study
Authors: Hoyus Kattia Cabas  , Cardenas-López Georgina  , Maldonado Jose Gutierrez  , Ruiz-Esquivel Ma. Fernanda  , Torres-Villalobos Gonzalo
Published: February 2025

One of the advantages of laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the reduced level of postoperative pain. In some cases, however, the pain level may be high. This is a challenge for specialists. This case study explores the use of VR distraction in an 18 year-old patient who had undergone laparoscopic bariatric surgery and who reported pain during the postoperative period. The study was conducted in a Level III Private Hospital in Mexico City where the patient was hospitalized. The patient was administered standard analgesic during VR distraction, which lasted a total of 40 minutes divided into two sessions. The scores of three visual analogue scales and catastrophism were the dependent variables of this study. The scales were administered before and after the VR distraction intervention. The patient reported lower pain levels after VR distraction and reductions in some components of catastrophism. This study proves that VR distraction can be effective not only in reducing the physical component of pain (a notion that is already well established) but also the cognitive/affective component. More controlled studies of the issue are required.
Real-time Monitoring of Behavioural Parameters Related to Psychological Stress
Authors: Giakoumis Dimitris  , Drosou Anastasios  , Cipresso Pietro  , Tzovaras Dimitrios  , Hassapis George  , Gaggioli Andrea  , Riva Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

We have developed a system, allowing real-time monitoring of human gestures, which can be used for the automatic recognition of behavioural correlates of psychological stress. The system is based on a low-cost camera (Microsoft Kinect), which provides video recordings capturing the subject's upper body activity. Motion History Images (MHIs) are calculated in real-time from these recordings. Appropriate algorithms are thereafter applied over the MHIs, enabling the real-time calculation of activity-related behavioural parameters. The system's efficiency in real-time calculation of behavioural parameters has been tested in a pilot trial, involving monitoring of behavioural parameters during the induction of mental stress. Results showed that our prototype is capable to effectively calculate simultaneously eight different behavioural parameters in real-time. Statistical analysis indicated significant correlations between five of these parameters and self-reported stress. The preliminary findings suggest that our approach could potentially prove useful within systems targeting automatic stress detection, through unobtrusive monitoring of subjects.
EARTH of Wellbeing: A Place to Live Positive Emotions
Authors: Baños Rosa  , Botella Cristina  , Etchemendy Ernestina  , Farfallini Luis
Published: February 2025

EARTH of Wellbeing is a technological application to induce and train positive emotions and enhance different psychological strengths. The system contains 3 modules of activities: Park of Wellbeing, Wellbeing in the Nature and Book of Life. The objective of this paper is to describe the system and to offer data about its efficacy to induce positive affect in a sample of 30 participants who use EARTH three times a week along one month. This is a work in progress.
Influence of Parental Attitudes Towards Internet Use on the Employment of Online Safety Measures at Home
Authors: Floros Georgios  , Siomos Konstantinos  , Dafouli Evaggelia  , Fisoun Virginia  , Geroukalis Dimitrios
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present the results of a cross-sectional study of the entire adolescent student population aged 12–18 of the island of Kos and their parents, on Internet safety-related practices and attitudes towards the Internet. Total sample was 2017 students and 1214 parent responders. Research material included extended demographics and an Internet security questionnaire, the Internet Attitudes Scale (IAS) for parents and the Adolescent Computer Addiction Test (ACAT) for children and both parents. Both parents thus provided their views on their children's computer use and an estimate for their degree of computer addiction which was tested against their child's self-report. Results indicated that fathers and mothers who had negative views of the Internet, tended to encourage less their children to engage in online activities and worried more for the possibility that their child is addicted to computer use; their worries weren't correlated with their children's results. Parental views on the Internet had no effect on the level of security precautions they employed at home. Those parents who reported a low level of security knowledge and were unsure as to what their children were doing online, tended to consider their children more likely to be addicted to computer use; those views were confirmed by their children' self-reported results.
Outcomes from a Pilot Study using Computer-Based Rehabilitative Tools in a Military Population
Authors: Sullivan Katherine W.  , Quinn Julia E.  , Pramuka Michael  , Sharkey Laura A.  , French Louis M.
Published: February 2025

Novel therapeutic approaches and outcome data are needed for cognitive rehabilitation for patients with a traumatic brain injury; computer-based programs may play a critical role in filling existing knowledge gaps. Brain-fitness computer programs can complement existing therapies, maximize neuroplasticity, provide treatment beyond the clinic, and deliver objective efficacy data. However, these approaches have not been extensively studied in the military and traumatic brain injury population. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center established its Brain Fitness Center (BFC) in 2008 as an adjunct to traditional cognitive therapies for wounded warriors. The BFC offers commercially available “brain-training” products for military Service Members to use in a supportive, structured environment. Over 250 Service Members have utilized this therapeutic intervention. Each patient receives subjective assessments pre and post BFC participation including the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4), the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NBSI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A review of the first 29 BFC participants, who finished initial and repeat measures, was completed to determine the effectiveness of the BFC program. Two of the three questionnaires of self-reported symptom change completed before and after participation in the BFC revealed a statistically significant reduction in symptom severity based on MPAI and NBSI total scores (p < .05). There were no significant differences in the SWLS score. Despite the typical limitations of a retrospective chart review, such as variation in treatment procedures, preliminary results reveal a trend towards improved self-reported cognitive and functional symptoms.
Units of Measure Analysis and Its Implementation for AIDA
Authors: Watanobe Yutaka  , Shiota Tetsuya  , Mirenkov Nikolay
Published: February 2025

'AIDA is a programming/modeling language where pictures and moving pictures are used as super-characters to define computational models and algorithms. In this language, pictures related to units-of-measure can be assigned to each variable as declarations of their dimension units and as annotations which enhance user's perception of application computation and can also be used for checking consistency of formulas involved. In this paper, a set of the super-characters for these declarations/annotations, as well as an algorithm for units-of-measure analysis and its implementation within 'AIDA language are presented. The approach is based on dimensional analysis (of variables and formulas) which employs checking not only dimensions but also units of them. Some practical details of the algorithm and its implementation are presented. Special attention is paid to parsing processes of C++ expressions, which are behind the picture-based expressions, and to automatic checking the units-of-measure consistency.
Using Wikis as Software Development Environments
Authors: Gruhn Volker  , Hannebauer Christoph
Published: February 2025

Joining existing software development teams usually comes with a difficult and time-consuming setup of the technical development environment. Before new software developers can contribute their first line of code to the project, they must install the complete technical development environment on their computers. To support software developers becoming productive as fast as possible, we apply the wiki concept to software development projects. This paper introduces the concept of a Wiki Development Environment (WikiDE): A wiki system with which software developers can edit, compile, and debug applications using a standard web browser. We analyze the technological requirements for the realization of a WikiDE as well as the conceptual differences between a WikiDE and other wikis.
A Simulation Study for Supporting Maritime Coal Supply Chain Design
Authors: Arata Giacomo  , Frascheri Silvana  , Revetria Roberto  , Testa Alessandro
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is undertake a review of the seaborne coal supply chains for two important Power Stations in the Mediterranean Sea. We are considered four different scenarios. An important aspect of this study has been the consultation with the coal supply chain participants, involving interviews, site visits and workshops, to share present information, medium term plans, objectives and expectations. The design of experiment (DOE) approach has been employed. DOE is important as a formal way of maximizing information gained by available resources. It has more to offer than “one change at a time” experimental methods because it allows a judgment on the significance to the output of input variables acting alone, as well as input variables acting in combination with one another. Using the results of the simulations, a regression analysis has been performed, providing multi-dimensional response surfaces expressing the dependency of throughput and demurrage days on the independent variables considered. The results of simulations are described at paragraph at the end of paper.
Towards the Automatic Extraction of Term-defining Contexts in Lithuanian
Authors: Bielinskienė Agnė  , Boizou Loïc  , Kovalevskaitė Jolanta  , Utka Andrius
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the ongoing-research to apply a pattern-based approach for Lithuanian which can help to automatically extract term-defining contexts from a specialized corpus of education and science. The stages of research include analysis of constituting elements in definitional patterns; formalization of definitional patterns; automatic extraction of term-defining contexts. The first evaluation shows that despite the relatively low frequency of term-defining contexts, their quality can be high enough to serve as a starting point for definitions.
Exploring Genetic Algorithms and Simulated Annealing for Immobile Location-Allocation Problem
Authors: Torrent Ferran  , Muñoz Víctor  , López Beatriz
Published: February 2025

In this paper we introduce a new kind of immobile Location-Allocation problem that consists in determining the service each facility has to offer in order to maximize the covered demand given the positions of the customers and their service requirements and the positions of the immobile facilities. First, we provide a formalization of the problem and then we tackle the problem using two heuristic methods, genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, comparing the performance of both algorithms.
Formal Analysis of Problem Domain Workflows
Authors: Donins Uldis
Published: February 2025

The formal foundation of Topological Functioning Model (TFM) makes it as a powerful tool to analyze the functioning of a problem domain and to formally relate problem domain artifacts with the artifacts that should exist in solution domain. TFM captures system functioning specification in the form of topological space consisting of functional features and cause-and-effect relations among them and is represented in a form of directed graph. The functional features together with topological relationships contain the necessary information to formally analyze problem domain workflows. To specify the behavior of system execution a new element is added to the TFM – the logical relations. The presence of logical relations within TFM denotes forking, joining, decision making, and merging during the functioning of the problem and solution domains. Thus it is needed to identify and carefully analyze logical relations within TFM in order to have all the necessary information to perform formal analysis of problem domain workflows. The problem domain workflows within this paper is represented by means of Activity diagrams.
Towards Human-Executable Business Process Modeling
Authors: Barzdins Janis  , Rencis Edgars  , Sostaks Agris
Published: February 2025

There are many organizations, whose everyday life involves lots of tasks performed, or let us say executed, by lots of different people. Since nowadays processes have become much more complex, a big challenge for humans is to even understand what, when and how have to be done in order to reach their goals. Business process models are frequently used in organizations to make the process understandable to performers and to alleviate their work by connecting the process to organization's information system thus making processes human-executable. However, while developing a solution, there are usually only two extremes to choose from – either we use an all-in-one solution for describing process steps or we develop a domain-specific process modeling language from scratch. In this paper we propose the golden mean – a good base for domain-specific process modeling languages and appropriate tooling to be used in a big portion of related organizations and relatively easily integrated into their information systems. We define, what is meant to be “good” by binding the process language base with the natural language generator. We also demonstrate the approach on a case study of a process modeling language for the University of Latvia.
A Model for Personalized Selection of a Learning Scenario Depending on Learning Styles
Authors: Zilinskiene Inga  , Preidys Saulius
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with one of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) problems - the personalized selection of a learning scenario. Personalization is treated here as appropriateness of a learning scenario to preferences of a particular student, mainly, his/her learning style. This paper proposes an extended approach to modeling learning scenario selection based on preferences of a student's learning style. An ant colony optimization algorithm is modified and applied. In order to give a theoretical background the main conceptions of personalization, learning scenario and learning style are briefly presented. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, data mining technique to obtain a student's learning style is presented; second, a model for personalized selection of a learning scenario is proposed.
Compiling Regular Expressions to Extract Legal Modifications
Authors: Robaldo Livio  , Lesmo Leonardo  , Radicioni Daniele P.
Published: February 2025

In this paper we present a prototype for automatically identifying and classifying types of modifications in Italian legal text. The prototype is part of the Eunomos system, a legal knowledge management service that integrates and makes available legislation from various sources, while finding definitions and explanations of legal concepts in a given context. The design of the prototype is grounded on the error analysis of a previous prototype. The latter made use of dependency relations provided by the TUP parser, a multi-purpose parser for Italian. Since those syntactic relations were responsible of the majority of errors, we decided in the present tool to ignore them, and to rewrite an ad-hoc shallow parsing, based on the morphological analysis of the legal text (still provided by the TUP parser). We obtained performances much greater than those of the initial prototype. In particular, the level of precision of the classification in output is now close to 100%.
Supporting Transnational Judicial Procedures between European Member States: the e-Codex Project
Authors: Francesconi Enrico
Published: February 2025

The e-CODEX project is meant to implement building blocks for a system able to support transnational procedures between European Member States so to increase cross-border relations in a pan-European e-Justice area. In this paper an overview of the e-Delivery platform architecture, as well as the semantic solution conceived to transmit business documents within a scenario characterized by different languages and different legal systems, are described.
Narrowing Legal Concepts
Authors: Governatori Guido  , Olivieri Francesco  , Rotolo Antonino  , Scannapieco Simone
Published: February 2025

We propose a framework for reconstructing the arguments supporting the restrictive interpretations of legal provisions. The idea is that the interpretation of legal concepts may require to change the counts-as rules defining them. Some connections with revision theory techniques are considered.
The stability of lodgement till slopes in Ireland
Authors: Orr T.L.L.
Published: February 2025

Many of the soils in Ireland are glacial. A common one, which underlies much of Dublin, is lodgement till. This soil, referred to as Dublin Boulder Clay, has a high undrained shear strength, a high stiffness and a stiff low permeability. It also has some sand lenses. Dublin Boulder Clay was encountered during excavations for the Dublin Port Tunnel. A full scale trial excavation and finite element analyses were carried out to determine the stability of the excavations, their stand-up time and the surface settlements behind the excavations. The field tests showed that the failure mechanism consisted of a narrow failure wedge, the length of the stand-up time was shorter than expected and depended on maintaining negative pore water pressures in the slope, and there was very little settlement behind the excavations. The finite element analyses confirmed the results of the field tests. As a result of the information obtained from the field tests and the finite element analyses, it was possible to use an observational approach, observing the presence of permeable layers and monitoring the ground movements, so as to reduce the required number of rows of ground anchors and achieve more economical design.
Moving Mobile: Using an Open-Sourced Framework to Enable a Web-Based Health Application on Touch Devices
Authors: Lindsay Joseph  , McLean J. Allen  , Bains Amrita  , Ying Tom  , Kuo M.H.
Published: February 2025

Computer devices using touch-enabled technology are becoming more prevalent today. The application of a touch screen high definition surgical monitor could allow not only high definition video from an endoscopic camera to be displayed, but also the display and interaction with relevant patient and health related data. However, this technology has not been quickly embraced by all health care organizations. Although traditional keyboard or mouse-based software programs may function flawlessly on a touch-based device, many are not practical due to the usage of small buttons, fonts and very complex menu systems. This paper describes an approach taken to overcome these problems. A real case study was used to demonstrate the novelty and efficiency of the proposed method.
Developing a Strategy for Studying Critical Thinking in a Nurse Telehealth Setting: A Participatory Approach
Authors: Tuden Danica  , Gidora Hanne  , Quick Peter D.  , Ebdon Nikki  , Glover Karen  , Harmer Sherrill  , Miller Wendy  , Taylor Mary  , Borycki Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2025

Telehealth nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice that has grown in response to the emergence of new technologies and consumer demand for health care services in the community. HealthLinkBC Nursing Services provides symptom triage and health education to residents of British Columbia and Yukon over the phone. Unlike traditional nursing care, telenurses are limited in terms of information they receive from callers. Therefore, there is a need for critical thinking skills to be developed. The purpose of this paper is to describe a participatory approach towards identifying: (1) the factors that affect telehealth nursing practice including critical thinking, and (2) developing a research strategy aimed at identifying the ways in which critical thinking can be supported in a telehealth nursing environment. A HealthLinkBC working group has begun work in developing a definition of critical thinking specific to nursing, identifying future research opportunities and methodologies.
Virtual Exploration and Comparison of Linear Mastoid Drilling Trajectories with True-Color Volume Rendering and the Visible Ear Dataset
Authors: Kahrs Lueder A.  , Labadie Robert F.
Published: February 2025

This paper provides instructions for a virtual exploration and self-study of surgical approaches within the temporal bone. Linear drilling trajectories in the sense of “keyhole” accesses are compared with true-color rendering techniques using freeware to introduce and evaluate new otologic approaches. On the basis of public-domain cyro-histology image data from a temporal bone six different drill trajectories are presented. This virtual method has the potential to be a first step in investigation of new surgical approaches before moving to cadaver testing.
Tool-Tissue Force Estimation in Laparoscopic Surgery Using Geometric Features
Authors: Kohani Mehdi  , Behzadipour Saeed  , Farahmand Farzam
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces three geometric features, from deformed shape of a soft tissue, which demonstrate good correlation with probing force and maximum local stress. Using FEM simulation, 2D and 3D model of an in vivo porcine liver was built for different probing tasks. Maximum deformation angle, maximum deformation depth and width of displacement constraint of the reconstructed shape of the deformed body were calculated. Two neural networks were trained from these features and the calculated interaction forces. The features are shown to have high potential to provide force estimation either for haptic devices or to assess the damage to the tissue in large deformations of up to 40%.
Rupture Progression Model of Stress Integration for Virtual Reality Ablation
Authors: Kume Naoto  , Eguchi Kana  , Kuroda Tomohiro  , Yoshimura Koji  , Okubo Kazutoshi  , Okamoto Kazuya  , Takemura Tadamasa  , Yoshihara Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality (VR) simulation is expected to be advantageous to surgical training for invasive operations such as incision and dissection that are unrepeatable in the real world. This study focuses on ablation in order to provide a simulation model for soft tissue rupture progression. To simulate soft tissue handling by two or more manipulators, the model must calculate the stress accumulation at the tip of a rupture. This stress accumulation is affected by the stress condition caused by the manipulators. Herein, the authors propose a method to integrate multiple stresses with two different hypotheses. The proposed model was evaluated through the simulation of primitive board ablation.
Towards the Development of a Haptic Simulator of Surgical Gestures in Orthopaedic Spine Surgery
Authors: Leung Regina  , Zeller Reinhard  , Walker Kevin  , Krauel Kevin  , Mihailidis Alex  , Agur Anne  , Carnahan Heather  , Wang David  , Zabjek Karl
Published: February 2025

The objective of the present work is to develop a haptic system that will permit the demonstration of a proof of concept for the simulation of haptic effects typical of pediatric spine surgery. The first phase of this project focused on the development of a custom haptic system, and was followed by evaluation with experienced orthopedic surgeons. Initial findings demonstrate promise of this approach for further development into an advanced haptic system.
An Interactive Program to Conceptualize the Anatomy of the Internal Brainstem in 3D
Authors: Pedersen Kelly  , Wilson Timothy D.  , De Ribaupierre Sandrine
Published: February 2025

Neuroanatomy is a complex sub-discipline of anatomy requiring abstract visualization and strong spatial reasoning. Traditional methods of learning neuroanatomy include investigation using dissection, light microscopy and histology. Often, this pedagogical approach requires students to formulate three-dimensional (3D) mental images from sequential two-dimensional (2D) cross-sections, which can be difficult for many students to conceptualize. The goal of this study is to develop an interactive 3D learning tool of the internal brainstem anatomy and assess its efficacy on student learning against the classical methods of learning neuroanatomy. Results reveal that students the amount of learning was equal between both experimental groups. Qualitative results show that students enjoyed interactive learning and warmly welcomed the 3D program. Future neuroanatomy laboratories may include a 3D component to aid in student conceptualization of internal brainstem anatomy.
Visualization of Three-Dimensional Ultra-High Resolution OCT in Virtual Reality
Authors: Schulze Jürgen P.  , Schulze-Döbold Claudia  , Erginay Ali  , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: February 2025

Three-dimensional reconstruction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is a modern technique that helps interpret the images and understand the underlying disease. However, the 3D reconstruction displayed on commercial devices is of limited quality: images are shown on 2D screens and it is difficult or impossible to adjust the view point and capture the data set from a meaningful perspective. We did a preliminary study to evaluate the applicability of a novel, 3D TV-based virtual reality system with interactive volume rendering software to clinical diagnostics and present a workflow, which can incorporate virtual reality technology at various levels of immersion into the daily medical practice, from interactive VR systems to printed media.
Using the Intubating Laryngeal Tube in a Manikin – User Evaluation of a New Airway Device
Authors: Boedeker Ben H.  , Wadman Michael C.  , Barak-Bernhagen Mary A.  , Magruder V Thomas  , Nicholas IV Thomas A.
Published: February 2025

This work describes the use of a new intubation device, the intubating laryngeal tube (iLTA) as developed by Boedeker. Emergency Department residents and staff from the University of Nebraska Medical Center performed intubations using the Laerdal Difficult Airway Trainer ManikinTM. The participants' perceived value of the intubating laryngeal tube as well as its efficacy in intubation performance were measured and found to be highly favorable.
Simultaneously Authoring and Modeling Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Case Study in the Therapeutic Management of Type 2 Diabetes in France
Authors: Bouaud Jacques  , Falcoff Hector  , Séroussi Brigitte
Published: February 2025

By providing patient-specific advice, clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are expected to promote the implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to improve the quality of care. However, produced as texts, often incomplete and ambiguous, CPGs are difficult to translate into the formal knowledge bases (KBs) of CDSSs. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) decided to update CPGs on the management of type 2 diabetes. This work illustrates the simultaneous development of the text and its formal counterpart in a CDSS named RecosDiab. CPGs were elaborated by a working group according to the guideline development methodology. Textual recommendations were graded, either as evidence-based when evidence existed or as consensus-based when acknowledge by the working group. Knowledge modeling was performed following the steps of de-abstraction, disambiguation, and verification of completeness. This last step generated clinical situations not explicitly mentioned in the text and were graded as expert-based. The resulting KB provides therapeutic advice for 805 clinical situations, among which 2 are graded as evidence-based, 37 are consensus-based, and 766 are expert-based. However, because of the amount of expert-based propositions, the HAS did not endorse the system.
Interoperability Evaluation Case Study: An Obstetrics-Gynecology Department and Related Information Systems
Authors: Vida Mihaela  , Stoicu-Tivadar Lăcrămioara  , Blobel Bernd  , Bernad Elena
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the steps and metrics for evaluating the interoperability of an Obstetrics-Gynecology Department Information System applied on Bega Clinic Timisoara regarding its readiness for interoperability in relation with similar systems. The developed OGD IS was modeled starting from the Generic Component Model and sends information to other medical units using the HL7 Clinical Document Architecture and Continuity of Care Document standards. The data for evaluation are real, collected between 2009 and 2010 from Bega Clinic Timisoara. The results were relatively good for the investigated data and structure.
Entropy-Driven Decision Tree Building for Decision Support in Gastroenterology
Authors: Bertolini Simona  , Maoli Andrea  , Rauch Giuseppe  , Giacomini Mauro
Published: February 2025

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a serious clinical problem, which can significantly impair health-related quality of life, thus having global implications for patients. The first step for a doctor is the clinical classification of the patients, divided into classes after being subjected to endoscopic examinations to control if there are lesions of the esophageal mucosa, and if present, the severity of these lesions. 269 patients were taken into consideration (4 healthy patients, 219 with non erosive reflux disease, 21 with erosive reflux disease, 15 with complicated erosive reflux disease, 10 with Barrett's disease). A set of values taken from gastroscopy, ph-metry and manometry tests were considered and a decision tree was made to classify every patient. Entropy and information gain were calculated for each node to create the most possible simple tree. The resulting tree presents some paths including a significant number of persons; the values that build these paths can be considered characteristic of each class of patient. This method can be a basis to develop a diagnostic decision support for a training doctor starting from a set of characteristics, specific to a class of patient.
An innovative system for vessels monitoring, diagnosis and prognosis, and the challenges to be faced
Authors: Katsikas S. (Serafeim)
Published: February 2025

This chapter presents a part of the experience during the effort in Prisma Electronics to design and develop an innovative system for vessel monitoring, diagnosis and prognosis. The process of product development is shown to be driven from the market and the technological background of the company, and the important role of clear vision and effective communication is illustrated.
Novel Curve Signatures and Combination Method for Thai Online Character Recognition
Authors: Chaowicharat Ekawat  , Cercone Nick  , Naruedomkul Kanlaya
Published: February 2025

There is no commercial software that supports Thai handwriting. Thai handwritten character recognition is needed to convert handwritten text written on mobile and tablet devices into computer encoded text. We propose a novel method that joins three curve signatures. The first signature is the normalized tangent angle function (TAF), which provides rough classification. The other two novel curve signatures are the relative position matrix (RPM), used to compare global curve features, and the straightened tangent angle function (STAF), used to compare the tangent angle along the cumulative unsigned curvature domain. In the recognition process, an input curve is extracted for these three signatures and the similarity against each character in the handwriting templates is measured. Then, the similarity scores are weighted and summed for ranking. Our experiment is done on 48 handwriting samples (44 Thai consonants appear in each set, and there are 4 sets per handwriting). Our methods yield an accuracy of 93.89% for personal handwriting, and 91.33% for general handwriting.
Advanced Messaging System for On-Line Educational Environments
Authors: Mocanu Mihai  , Popescu Paul-Ştefan  , Burdescu Dumitru Dan  , Mihăescu Marian Cristian
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a method of using a classification procedure for retrieval of the messages that may be interesting to students. Students and professors are communicating using an online educational environment, which will provide the necessary amount of data needed to create the student model. We aim at creating a tool that will allow students to receive a set of recommended messages that may be interesting to them. The system makes the recommendations to students based on their activity performed on the platform. The tool analyses the student's features, classifies him and according with obtained class the retrieved set of messages is obtained. The tool also acts as a message indexing system by storing messages in correspondence with student labels that are obtained by employing a decision tree classifier. The data used to train the classifier is gathered from the on-line educational environment and contains all the necessary information regarding the students' performed activities on the platform.
A Novel Multi-Stage Blind Signal Detector Suitable for Ad Hoc Network Nodes
Authors: Kamiya Yukihiro
Published: February 2025

We propose a multi-stage blind signal detector for spread spectrum signals suitable for wireless ad hoc network nodes. The proposed method separately detects all signals from surrounding nodes after RAKE combining using neither training sequences nor signal timing information. We verify the performance of the proposed method through computer simulations.
Design and Development of Central Knowledge Repository for Innovation Platforms
Authors: Ziarati Martin  , Singh Lakhvir  , Ziarati Reza
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an innovation platform and focuses on a novel approach aiming to develop a robust and flexible Central Knowledge Repository (CKR) for collecting and managing innovation knowledge, from all the members of extended enterprise for new and existing product and process developments, within the platform. The proposed repository with help of external innovation tools and services will support the further development of the captured ideas and knowledge, and foster the industrial innovation. The main objective of the CKR is to stimulate the generation of innovative ideas for new and existing product/process improvement, solving company's problems by re-using the past experiences, and sow the spirit of learning organization in their DNA. In the paper an overview of the Central Knowledge Repository (CKR) is presented. It will, in addition, discuss the research methods used in gathering requirements for CKR. The paper has applied a mixed research methodology and presents the research issues and CRK requirements from the seven manufacturing SMEs. References are made to the Ideal Repository which serves to promote good ideas in the SMEs using the CKR. The overall view of the innovation platform is presented.
Approach for decision support for energy savings and emissions trading based on industrial requirements
Authors: Marques Maria  , Neves-Silva Rui
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a decision support approach for energy savings and emissions trading based on the requirements collected through a set of industrial users. These requirements served as guideline for identification of needs that should be addressed with respect to the decision support approach, constituting a fundamental step for future platform development. The decision support approach proposes two different perspectives: (i) support for immediate reaction: based on the paradigm of intelligent decision support implemented through the use of Case-based Reasoning together with probabilistic analysis; and (ii) support for process reconfiguration and Emission Trading System (ETS) is implemented through the use of multi-criteria decision analysis using MACBETH. The paper proposes categorization of approaches and main criteria involved in the process.
Examination of changes in pathology tests ordered by Diagnosis-Related Group (DRGs) following CPOE introduction
Authors: Vecellio Elia  , Georgiou Andrew  , Toouli George  , Eigenstetter Alex  , Li Ling  , Wilson Roger  , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: February 2025

Electronic test ordering, via the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), which incorporates computerised provider order entry (CPOE), is widely considered as a useful tool to support appropriate pathology test ordering. Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) are clinically meaningful categories that allow comparisons in pathology utilisation by patient groups by controlling for many potentially confounding variables. This study used DRG data linked to pathology test data to examine changes in rates of test ordering across four years coinciding with the introduction of an EMR in six hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. This method generated a list of high pathology utilisation DRGs. We investigated patients with a Chest pain DRG to examine whether tests rates changed for specific test groups by hospital emergency department (ED) pre- and post-EMR. There was little change in testing rates between EDs or between time periods pre- and post-EMR. This is a valuable method for monitoring the impact of EMR and clinical decision support on test order rates.
Hierarchical classifier approach to physical activity recognition via wearable smartphone tri-axial accelerometer
Authors: Yusuf Feridun  , Maeder Anthony  , Basilakis Jim
Published: February 2025

Physical activity recognition has emerged as an active area of research which has drawn increasing interest from researchers in a variety of fields. It can support many different applications such as safety surveillance, fraud detection, and clinical management. Accelerometers have emerged as the most useful and extensive tool to capture and assess human physical activities in a continuous, unobtrusive and reliable manner. The need for objective physical activity data arises strongly in health related research. With the shift to a sedentary lifestyle, where work and leisure tend to be less physically demanding, research on the health effects of low physical activity has become a necessity. The increased availability of small, inexpensive components has led to the development of mobile devices such as smartphones, providing platforms for new opportunities in healthcare applications. In this study 3 subjects performed directed activity routines wearing a smartphone with a built in tri-axial accelerometer, attached on a belt around the waist. The data was collected to classify 11 basic physical activities such as sitting, lying, standing, walking, and the transitions in between them. A hierarchical classifier approach was utilised with Artificial Neural Networks integrated in a rule-based system, to classify the activities. Based on our evaluation, recognition accuracy of over 89.6% between subjects and over 91.5% within subject was achieved. These results show that activities such as these can be recognised with a high accuracy rate; hence the approach is promising for use in future work.
Augmented Reality & Gesture-based Architecture in Games for the Elderly
Authors: McCallum Simon  , Boletsis Costas
Published: February 2025

Serious games for health and, more specifically, for elderly people have developed rapidly in recent years. The recent popularization of novel interaction methods of consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Kinect, has provided an opportunity for the elderly to engage in computer and video games. These interaction methods, however, still present various challenges for elderly users. To address these challenges, we propose an architecture consisted of Augmented Reality (as an output mechanism) combined with gestured-based devices (as an input method). The intention of this work is to provide a theoretical justification for using these technologies and to integrate them into an architecture, acting as a basis for potentially creating suitable interaction techniques for the elderly players.
EEG Sensor Based Classification for Assessing Psychological Stress
Authors: Begum Shahina  , Barua Shaibal
Published: February 2025

Electroencephalogram (EEG) reflects the brain activity and is widely used in biomedical research. However, analysis of this signal is still a challenging issue. This paper presents a hybrid approach for assessing stress using the EEG signal. It applies Multivariate Multi-scale Entropy Analysis (MMSE) for the data level fusion. Case-based reasoning is used for the classification tasks. Our preliminary result indicates that EEG sensor based classification could be an efficient technique for evaluation of the psychological state of individuals. Thus, the system can be used for personal health monitoring in order to improve users health.
3D gesture-based exploration and search in document collections
Authors: de Antonio Angélica  , Moral Cristian  , Klepel Daniel  , Abente Martín J.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes an approach towards the interaction with 3D representations of large document collections. The goal was to provide the user with a highly dynamic environment in which even the very mapping strategy to position documents in space can be adjusted by the user depending on the specific task at hand, on his preferences, or on the context. A modification to the FDP algorithm is proposed, as well as a new gesture-based interaction paradigm in which the user can explore and search information in the collection just by simple hand movements. An experimental user evaluation was carried on to investigate the impact of the proposed approach on the precision of the mental model built by users through exploration, on the effectiveness in information search tasks, and on the general user satisfaction and perception of utility.
A conceptual security framework for personal health records (PHRs)
Authors: Poulymenopoulou Mikaela  , Papakonstantinou Despina  , Malamateniou Flora  , Prentza Andriana  , Vassilacopoulos George
Published: February 2025

Electronic personal health record (PHR) is a citizen-centric information tool that allows citizens to control their personal information. However, an ideal PHR should also allow citizens to connect with their formal and informal caregivers (e.g. a family member, a caregiver) and together manage citizen health and social information. This introduces specific challenges in terms of security since multiple parties make entries and require access to PHR data. Since citizens are typically non-security and non-domain experts is considered impossible to control all this information. To this end, this paper presents a conceptual security framework for the employment of an attribute-based PHR access control policy that is continually updated according to providers' local security policies and individual professionals and citizen sharing preferences.