Basic Usage Research Articles

SCoT: a Python toolbox for EEG source connectivity.

Analysis of brain connectivity has become an important research tool in neuroscience. Connectivity can be estimated between cortical sources reconstructed from the electroencephalogram (EEG). Such analysis often relies on trial averaging to obtain reliable results. However, some applications such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) require single-trial estimation methods. In this paper, we present SCoT—a source connectivity toolbox for Python. This toolbox implements routines for blind source decomposition and connectivity estimation with the MVARICA approach. Additionally, a novel extension called CSPVARICA is available for labeled data. SCoT estimates connectivity from various spectral measures relying on vector autoregressive (VAR) models. Optionally, these VAR models can be regularized to facilitate ill posed applications such as single-trial fitting. We demonstrate basic usage of SCoT on motor imagery (MI) data. Furthermore, we show simulation results of utilizing SCoT for feature extraction in a BCI application. These results indicate that CSPVARICA and correct regularization can significantly improve MI classification. While SCoT was mainly designed for application in BCIs, it contains useful tools for other areas of neuroscience. SCoT is a software package that (1) brings combined source decomposition and connectivtiy estimation to the open Python platform, and (2) offers tools for single-trial connectivity estimation. The source code is released under the MIT license and is available online at github.com/SCoT-dev/SCoT.

Adaptive Electricity Scheduling in Microgrids

Microgrid (MG) is a promising component for future smart grid (SG) deployment. The balance of supply and demand of electric energy is one of the most important requirements of MG management. In this paper, we present a novel framework for smart energy management based on the concept of quality-of-service in electricity (QoSE). Specifically, the resident electricity demand is classified into basic usage and quality usage. The basic usage is always guaranteed by the MG, while the quality usage is controlled based on the MG state. The microgrid control center (MGCC) aims to minimize the MG operation cost and maintain the outage probability of quality usage, i.e., QoSE, below a target value, by scheduling electricity among renewable energy resources, energy storage systems, and macrogrid. The problem is formulated as a constrained stochastic programming problem. The Lyapunov optimization technique is then applied to derive an adaptive electricity scheduling algorithm by introducing the QoSE virtual queues and energy storage virtual queues. The proposed algorithm is an online algorithm. We derive several “hard” performance bounds for the proposed algorithm, and evaluate its performance with trace-driven simulations. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed electricity scheduling algorithm.

POTLIB2Math: A Mathematica interface to the potential energy surface library for chemical systems

The theoretical description of molecular dynamics proceeds from the specification of an appropriate Born–Oppenheimer potential energy surface (PES) or surfaces. For many chemical systems, such surfaces are incorporated within a repository of standardized FORTRAN codes known as POTLIB. The present work describes a Mathematica package that uses a MathLink interface to interactively call POTLIB subroutines from within a Mathematica session. This allows for rapid prototyping and deployment of new algorithms and is useful for both pedagogical and research applications in chemical physics. We present basic usage of the package functions and several simple applications for illustration. Program summaryProgram title: POTLIB2MathCatalogue identifier: AEQJ_v1_0Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEQJ_v1_0.htmlProgram obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. IrelandLicensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.htmlNo. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 63859No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 1481706Distribution format: tar.gzProgramming language: C, FORTRAN, and Mathematica.Computer: Developed and tested on GNU/Linux PC, Macintosh, and Windows PC platforms running Mathematica version 8 or higher.Operating system: Tested on MacOSX, SUSE Linux, and WindowsXP/7/8.RAM: Varies depending on user-defined applications.Classification: 16.8.External routines: GNU make, gcc, gfortran, Mathematica, and MathLink DeveloperKitSubprograms used:Cat IdTitleReferenceADPJ_v1_0POTLIB 2001CPC 144(2002)169Nature of problem:POTLIB [1, 2] is a collection of FORTRAN subprograms that calculate potential energy surfaces and gradients for various chemical systems as a function of molecular geometry. The objective of this work is to develop an interface that allows users to interactively execute POTLIB subprograms from within a Mathematica session.Solution method:POTLIB2Math is a fully-documented Mathematica package that uses a MathLink interface for passing data between Mathematica and POTLIB subprograms. GNU make and C/FORTRAN compilers are used to automate building the executables on various platforms.Running time:The examples included in the distribution file take just a few minutes to run.

Application of Fusioncharts in Web System

This This paper mainly introduces Flash report components Fusioncharts of functions and basic usage, emphatically describes how Java Web development system provided by the use of dynamic data-driven Fusioncharts icon-based, and through examples to achieve Fusioncharts Web system. Foreword Internet has been deeply in people's lives-more and more enterprises, organizations and institutions have formed or are setting up their own internal networks (intranet), and database application development from the traditional C / S (Client / Server) architecture to the Internet / Intranet-based B / S (Browser / Server) architecture changes. Statements, as an effective means of information organization and analysis, and important present form, are an important part of enterprise management information system. How to conveniently, fast and accurately, generate a variety of statistical reports is a subject worth studying. With Flash technology-based dynamic charts component of FusionCharts, you can create a simple, interactive and compelling dynamic charts. This article first briefly describes the features and the use of Fusioncharts. Then a staff Task statistical system as an example complies the application of the Web system.

Generation and Rendering of Interactive Ground Vegetation for Real-Time Testing and Validation of Computer Vision Algorithms

In recent years, the realistic rendering of natural outdoor sceneries has become more and more important in many application areas. Regarding the development process of new algorithms for computer vision applications, testing and evaluation in real outdoor environments is time-consuming or hardly applicable in many cases. As a result,artificial testing environments are used, which differ from real-world environments, especially regarding realistically reacting ground vegetation. Thus, developers try to simulate natural environments in real-time virtual reality applications, which are commonly known as Virtual Testbeds. Since the first basic usage of Virtual Testbeds several years ago, the image quality of recent virtual environments has almost reached a level close to photorealism even in real-time due to new rendering approaches and increasing processing power of current graphics hardware. Thus, Virtual Testbeds can recently be applied in application areas like computer vision, that strongly rely on realistic scene representations. In this article, we introduce a novel ground vegetation rendering approach that is capable of generating large sceneries with realistic appearance and excellent performance. Our approach features wind animation, as well as object-to-grass interaction and delivers realistically appearing grass and shrubs at all distances and from all viewing angles. This greatly improves immersion, as well as acceptance, especially in virtual training applications. Nevertheless, the rendered results also fulfill important requirements for the computer vision aspect, like plausible geometry representation of the vegetation as well as its consistence during the entire simulation. Feature detection and matching algorithms are applied to our approach in localization scenarios of mobile robots in natural outdoor environments. We will show how the quality of feature matching results is influenced by violating the static scene constraint in the Virtual Testbed, as observed in highly unstructured, real-world outdoor scenes with wind and object-to-vegetation interaction.

ENHANCING MESH ADAPTATION CAPABILITIES OF GetFEM++ “FEM ENGINE” WITH MAdLib LIBRARY

This paper describes enhancing mesh adaptation capabilities of GetFEM++ library. GetFEM++ is a versetile software package in C++ for implementing FEM based solvers for partial differential equations. Although GetFEM++ offers a wide range of mathematic tools for model descripion and discretization, it does only provide basic mesh refinement facilities. To enhance GetFEM++ capabilities, a mesh adaptation package MAdLib is used. The paper discusses basic requirements for mesh adaptation packages and presents MAdLib basic usage. The paper discusses implementation issues related to integration of both libraries. Examples illustrate capabilities of mesh adapation package and FEM framework extended by mesh adaptation facilities.

1A2-P03 ヒューマノイドロボットの杖を利用した移動能力向上手法(脚移動ロボット(2))

This paper shows effects of cane usage for humanoid robots. Older people and patients with stroke use a cane in order to stabilize walking and reduce weight bearing and so on. We aim that a robot obtains these effects of cane usage. At first, we propose basic usage of a cane, preventive usage. In preventive usage, we further propose active usage which realize stabilization by the reaction force of a cane. Effects of each usage proposed are verified by simulation.

Peac – A set of tools to quickly enable Proof on a cluster

With advent of the analysis phase of Lhcdata-processing, interest in Proof technology has considerably increased. While setting up a simple Proof cluster for basic usage is reasonably straightforward, exploiting the several new functionalities added in recent times may be complicated. Peac, standing for Proof Enabled Analysis Cluster, is a set of tools aiming to facilitate the setup and management of a Proof cluster. Peac is based on the experience made by setting up Proof for the Alice analysis facilities. It allows to easily build and configure Root and the additional software needed on the cluster, and may serve as distributor of binaries via Xrootd. Peac uses Proof-On-Demand (PoD) for resource management (start, stop or daemons). Finally, Peac sets-up and configures dataset management (using the Afdsmgrd daemon), as well as cluster monitoring (machine status and Proof query summaries) using MonAlisa. In this respect, a MonAlisa page has been dedicated to Peac users, so that a cluster managed by Peac can be automatically monitored. In this paper we present and describe the status and main components of Peac and show details about its usage.

SERUM LEVELS OF VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ANGIOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHIC NO-REFLOW AFTER PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION FOR ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

ObjectivesPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is an important therapy for patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the restoration of epicardial coronary patency after coronary occlusion does not...

Twitter as a tool for conservation education and outreach: what scientific conferences can do to promote live-tweeting

If more conservation-minded citizens were aware of certain environmental threats and how to resolve them, these issues could be resolved more effectively. Scientific conferences focusing on conservation bring together countless experts on environmental problems and solutions, but are not an effective means of reaching the interested public on a large scale. This paper discusses the use of twitter to share important conservation information from scientific conferences with the interested public. The basic usage of twitter is explained, and strategies to promote live-tweeting of scientific conferences are introduced. A case study (the 2011 International Congress for Conservation Biology) is discussed. If used properly, twitter and other social media technology can be a powerful tool for conservation education and outreach from scientific conferences.

Mobile psychiatry: towards improving the care for bipolar disorder

BackgroundMental health has long been a neglected problem in global healthcare. The social and economic impacts of conditions affecting the mind are still underestimated. However, in recent years it is becoming more apparent that mental disorders are a growing global concern and there is a necessity of developing novel services and researching effective means of providing interventions to sufferers. Such novel services could include technology-based solutions already used in other healthcare applications but are yet to make their way into standard psychiatric practice.MethodsThis manuscript proposes a system where sensors are utilised to devise an “early warning” system for patients with bipolar disorder. The system, containing wearable and environmental sensors, would collect behavioural data independent from the patient’s self-report. To test the feasibility of the concept, a prototype system was devised, which was followed by trials including four healthy volunteers as well as a bipolar patient.ResultsThe sensors utilised in the study yielded behavioural data which may be of significant use in detecting early effects of a bipolar episode. Basic processing performed on particular data inputs provided information about activity patterns in areas, which are usually strongly influenced by the course of Bipolar Disorder.ConclusionsThe manuscript discusses the basic usage issues and other barriers which are to be tackled before technology-based approaches to mental care can be successfully rolled out and their true value appraised.

Use of a health information exchange system in the emergency care of children.

BackgroundChildren may benefit greatly in terms of safety and care coordination from the information sharing promised by health information exchange (HIE). While information exchange capability is a required feature of the certified electronic health record, we known little regarding how this technology is used in general and for pediatric patients specifically.MethodsUsing data from an operational HIE effort in central Texas, we examined the factors associated with actual system usage. The clinical and demographic characteristics of pediatric ED encounters (n = 179,445) were linked to the HIE system user logs. Based on the patterns of HIE system screens accessed by users, we classified each encounter as: no system usage, basic system usage, or novel system usage. Using crossed random effects logistic regression, we modeled the factors associated with basic and novel system usage.ResultsUsers accessed the system for 8.7% of encounters. Increasing patient comorbidity was associated with a 5% higher odds of basic usage and 15% higher odds for novel usage. The odds of basic system usage were lower in the face of time constraints and for patients who had not been to that location in the previous 12 months.ConclusionsHIE systems may be a source to fulfill users' information needs about complex patients. However, time constraints may be a barrier to usage. In addition, results suggest HIE is more likely to be useful to pediatric patients visiting ED repeatedly. This study helps fill an existing gap in the study of technological applications in the care of children and improves knowledge about how HIE systems are utilized.

인터넷 주활동 분석을 통한 사용자의 인터넷 중독진단에 관한 연구

Due to people`s internet use growth and proliferation of ubiquitous technology, the internet addiction is becoming a social issue. However, the current adults` self-diagnosis measure about internet addiction, the K-scale, is a normal diagnostic method, which it does not consider user characteristics. In this research, we will propose a new internet addiction diagnostic method based on users` non-duty internet activities by using some questionnaire items to collect users` basic internet patterns used on duty related or non-duty related web sites. Since we simply ask for the basic internet usage pattern to each user who does not like to check frankly questionnaire items in the K-scale, the proposed method can find some hidden internet addicts compared to the K-scale with the SPSS statistical analysis tool.

Factors motivating and affecting health information exchange usage.

Health information exchange (HIE) is the process of electronically sharing patient-level information between providers. However, where implemented, reports indicate HIE system usage is low. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with different types of HIE usage. Cross-sectional analysis of clinical data from emergency room encounters included in an operational HIE effort linked to system user logs using crossed random-intercept logistic regression. Independent variables included factors indicative of information needs. System usage was measured as none, basic usage, or a novel pattern of usage. The system was accessed for 2.3% of all encounters (6142 out of 271,305). Novel usage patterns were more likely for more complex patients. The odds of HIE usage were lower in the face of time constraints. In contrast to expectations, system usage was lower when the patient was unfamiliar to the facility. Because of differences between HIE efforts and the fact that not all types of HIE usage (ie, public health) could be included in the analysis, results are limited in terms of generalizablity. This study of actual HIE system usage identifies patients and circumstances in which HIE is more likely to be used and factors that are likely to discourage usage. The paper explores the implications of the findings for system redesign, information integration across exchange partners, and for meaningful usage criteria emerging from provisions of the Health Information Technology for Economic & Clinical Health Act.

Going beyond Citations: SERUM — a new Tool Provided by a Network of Libraries

Citation metrics are a well-established means to assess the impact of scholarly output. With the growing availability of e-journals, usage metrics have become an interesting alternative to citation metrics; they allow for viewing scholarly communication from the user's perspective. Usage metrics offer several advantages that have the potential of enhancing existing evaluation criteria for scholarly journals. This paper suggests an approach to providing global usage metrics which is supported by libraries. The goal is to provide an analytical tool called Standardized Electronic Resource Usage Metrics (SERUM) which is comparable to the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), but which makes use of download data instead of citation data. Global download data would be obtained from the publishers, assuming they are willing to contribute in order to benefit from newly established evaluation criteria for periodicals beyond the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and consequential strengthening of their products. An international network of libraries with a sound disciplinary coverage will be established in order to obtain, manage and check the authenticity of the data delivered by the publishers. The network will act as a clearing centre operated by independent information specialists to guarantee data integrity as well as data curation according to a standardised format. Furthermore, the network's internationally distributed members should also track and manage local usage data, reflect local trends, and relate these to the global publishers' data. In addition, a regularly updated version with specific basic usage metrics and journal rankings will be offered.

How to become a sophisticated user: a two-dimensional approach to e-literacy

The internet media require the development of new user skills not required by the traditional media. Current European initiatives focus on providing access to a PC with internet and ensuring basic usage skills to address the digital divide, while media competence is of less importance. Although access rates in European countries are quite high, this study finds persistent rates of non-users, because access and basic skills alone do not guarantee usage. The article presents a representative survey carried out in Austria in 2007 ( N = 529) which illustrates the full spectrum of internet usage and its determinants, employing a typology developed by the authors. In addition to the continuing influence of sociodemographics on usage behaviour, location of access is shown to be an important influence on skills development. Furthermore, deficits in digital literacy can often be compensated by social support, given either in the form of emotional support during learning, or in the form of technical support. The authors conclude that to become a sophisticated user, however, requires guidance beyond merely attending computer classes or the assistance of relatives, colleagues, or friends, but is also a societal issue, if the goal of universal participation and integration is to be achieved.

Basic usage of PubMed and literature search based on Evidence(<Special feature>Advanced PubMed)

Basic usage of PubMed and literature search based on Evidence(<Special feature>Advanced PubMed)

Constructing a blog corpus for Japanese learners of English

Researchers have directed increased attention to the building and analysing of written learner corpora – databases of written language produced by language learners – to address issues such as the words that non-native learners of English use in their writing, and how their word use differs from that of native speakers. This paper offers an initial look at a new written learner corpus, currently under construction, which is composed of lower/intermediate-level learner blogs. Preliminary data from the corpus regarding high-frequency vocabulary use is compared to frequency lists from the British National Corpus in order to illustrate basic usage differences.

Basic Psychological Skills Usage and Competitive Anxiety Responses

This study examined the relationship between basic psychological skills usage (i.e., goal-setting, imagery, self-talk, and relaxation) and the intensity and directional dimensions of competitive anxiety. Semistructured interviews were used on a sample of 15 elite athletes (M age = 24.3 years, SD = 4.2) from a variety of team and individual sports. Findings revealed that the participants maintained the intensity of their anxiety response prior to competition and could deploy goal-setting, imagery, or self-talk to enable facilitative interpretations of anxiety-related symptoms to performance. Higher levels of self-confidence and an optimistic outlook toward forthcoming competition were also expressed. The underlying mechanisms perceived to be responsible for these effects included effort and motivation, attentional focus, and perceived control over the anxiety response.

From a spatial to a subjective framework

The current study examines pre-modern and modern Japanese texts from the seventh ~ twentieth century, and documents the semantic and pragmatic change of ni-marked NPs, which include “dative subjects” and NPs which appear to refer to human referents. The data demonstrates that what are called “dative subjects” in modern Japanese are diachronically and synchronically related to the most prototypical meaning/usage of ni-marked NPs as a spatial framework. The original function underwent changes from more propositional to more subjective usages — from its most basic usage, indicating stative locations, to its metonymic usage, marking locations where individuals worthy of respect reside so as to avoid their explicit mention, and finally to its extended usage, indicating human referents. This extended usage further developed into a subjective framework for propositions in contemporary Japanese novels written in the first person perspective. This shift from propositional to expressive/subjective usages is not binary, but rather continual, and the transition from one usage to another involves each new usage coexisting with the prior ones.