Computer-based Analysis Tool Research Articles

Validation of a computer-based analysis tool for real-time dietary assessment within a Ghanaian region

The availability of and accessibility to adequate diets that meet individual nutritional needs and personal food preferences are key elements to guarantee food security. However, suitable solutions for quick assessments of dietary energy and nutrient intakes, in particular at the individual level, are still not available. Therefore, this study illustrates the validation and application of the recently developed calculator of inadequate micronutrient intake (CIMI) approach within a Ghanaian region. The basic structure of CIMI is formed by food frequency questionnaire findings and food composition tables that are used to identify region-specific food groups. CIMI validation includes the correlation and plotting of results obtained from the analysis of 24 h-Recalls with CIMI and a standard nutrition software (NutriSurvey®). Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots indicate method comparability and thus, the validity of CIMI. In comparison with recommended nutrient intakes developed by the World Health Organization, CIMI shows that dietary needs are largely met in the study region in adult men, women and children under-five. However, inadequate dietary intakes were identified for calcium, riboflavin and folic acid and in some subgroups for iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D and niacin. Due to the user-friendly data entry system and the real-time survey analysis, CIMI will assure fast and valid dietary assessments and represents a first step towards the collection of large-scale datasets on individual dietary intakes. This approach will fill data gaps and serve as a profound basis for stakeholders to recommend appropriate policy to sustainably address nutrient deficiencies through coordinated agriculture for diversified food supplies.

Characterization of mitochondrial populations during stem cell differentiation.

Mitochondrial dynamics play an important role in numerous physiological and pathophysiological phenomena in the developing and adult human heart. Alterations in structural aspects of cellular mitochondrial composition as a function of changes in physiology can easily be visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Commonly, mitochondrial location, number, and morphology are reported qualitatively due to the lack of automated and user-friendly computer-based analysis tools. Mitochondrial Quantification using MATLAB (MQM) is a computer-based tool to quantitatively assess these parameters by analyzing fluorescently labeled mitochondria within the cell; in particular, MQM provides numerical information on the number, area, and location of mitochondria within a cell in a time-efficient, automated, and unbiased way. This chapter describes the use of MQM's capabilities to quantify mitochondrial changes during human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation into spontaneously contracting cardiomyocytes (SC-CMs), which follows physiological pathways of human heart development.

Community-based Linking of Biological Network Resources: Databases, Formats and Tools

Summary The analysis of biological networks is increasingly important in the life sciences and in particular in systems biology. Computer-based analysis tools are exploited for the investigation of these networks. However, to find relevant data sources can be a time-consuming task, access to information changes, frequently it is not obvious to a user which tools can be used in combination with specific data sources, and network data is often not available in a format directly usable by analysis tools.To assist in collecting information about biological network data sources, and to help in investigating possible combinations of data sources and analysis software, we created BiNCo-wiki. BiNCo-wiki is a wiki system that stores information related to biological networks and allows all users to add or modify this information in an easy way. The collaborative character of a wiki system supports easy sharing of information and allows the community-based extension of the information already stored in BiNCo-wiki. We describe the general structure and functionality of the system and its initial content. BiNCo-wiki is accessible, free of charge, at http://pgrc.ipk-gatersleben.de/BiNCO-wiki.

Community-based Linking of Biological Network Resources: Databases, Formats and Tools

Summary The analysis of biological networks is increasingly important in the life sciences and in particular in systems biology. Computer-based analysis tools are exploited for the investigation of these networks. However, to find relevant data sources can be a time-consuming task, access to information changes, frequently it is not obvious to a user which tools can be used in combination with specific data sources, and network data is often not available in a format directly usable by analysis tools. To assist in collecting information about biological network data sources, and to help in investigating possible combinations of data sources and analysis software, we created BiNCo-wiki. BiNCo-wiki is a wiki system that stores information related to biological networks and allows all users to add or modify this information in an easy way. The collaborative character of a wiki system supports easy sharing of information and allows the community-based extension of the information already stored in BiNCo-wiki. We describe the general structure and functionality of the system and its initial content. BiNCo-wiki is accessible, free of charge, athttp://pgrc.ipkgatersleben.de/ BiNCO-wiki.

Tools for forensic analysis of concrete structures

Computer-based analysis tools for forensic assessment of reinforced concrete structures are presented. The analysis tools, mostly in the form of nonlinear finite element procedures, are based on the concepts and formulations of the Modified Compression Field Theory. Relevant details regarding their formulation are provided. Development of realistic constitutive models and corroboration of the analysis procedures, through comprehensive experimental programs, are discussed. Also presented are graphics- based pre- and post-processors, which are of significant aid in structural modeling, input of data, and interpretation of analysis results. The details and results of a case study, illustrating the application and value of such analytical tools, are also discussed. Computer-aided nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete structures has undergone tremendous advancement since initial applications about four decades ago. Much research activity has occurred in the realm of constitutive modeling of reinforced con crete and in the development of sophisticated analysis algorithms. These advancements are well documented in various state-of-the-art reports (for example, ASCE (1982)), and are still the subject of many specialty symposia and workshops. One particularly powerful and popular approach to advanced modeling involves the use of nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) techniques. The development of such procedures has progressed to the point where they are becoming practical tools for design office engineers. Advanced analytical procedures are finding application as useful forensic analysis tools in relation to damaged or ageing structures. NLFEA procedures can be used to obtain an assessment of the safety and integrity of damaged or deteriorated structures, or structures built to superceded codes, standards, or practices deemed to be deficient today. They can be of value in assessing the behavior expected from retrofitted structures or in investigating and rationally selecting among various repair alternatives. In cases of structural failure or collapse, NLFEA procedures can be invaluable in determining the contributing factors and in suggesting remedial measures for future designs. There remain some concerns with the use of these advanced methods, however. Accurate modeling of the complex behavior of reinforced concrete remains elusive, with many conflicting

Tools for forensic analysis of concrete structures

Computer-based analysis tools for forensic assessment of reinforced concrete structures are presented. The analysis tools, mostly in the form of nonlinear finite element procedures, are based on the concepts and formulations of the Modified Compression Field Theory. Relevant details regarding their formulation are provided. Development of realistic constitutive models and corroboration of the analysis procedures, through comprehensive experimental programs, are discussed. Also presented are graphics-based pre- and post-processors, which are of significant aid in structural modeling, input of data, and interpretation of analysis results. The details and results of a case study, illustrating the application and value of such analytical tools, are also discussed.