Desktop Applications Research Articles

Introducing GWAStic: A user-friendly, cross-platform solution for genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction

Abstract Motivation Advances in genomics have created an insistent need for accessible tools that simplify complex genetic data analysis, enabling researchers across fields to harness the power of genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction. GWAStic was developed to bridge this gap, providing an intuitive platform that combines artificial intelligence with traditional statistical methods, making sophisticated genomic analysis accessible without requiring deep expertise in statistical software. Results We present GWAStic, an intuitive, cross-platform desktop application designed to streamline genome-wide association studies and genomic prediction for biological and medical researchers. With a user-friendly graphical interface, GWAStic integrates machine learning and traditional statistical approaches to support genetic analysis. The application accepts inputs from standard text-based Variant Call Formats and PLINK binary files, generating clear graphical outputs, including Manhattan plots, quantile-quantile plots, and genomic prediction correlation plots, to enhance data visualization and analysis. Availability and implementation Project page: https://github.com/snowformatics/gwastic_desktop GWAStic documentation: https://snowformatics.gitbook.io/product-docs PyPI: https://pypi.org/project/gwastic-desktop/

Accuracy Assessment of an Image-Based Cloud-Based Indoor Mapping Platform as an Alternative for Desktop Applications

Abstract. The generation of 3D spatial datasets, especially in indoor space, has continually been a challenge in developing spatial applications that are aimed for the realistic representation of the real world. Despite their potential, the creation of 3D spatial data remains a challenge, particularly in terms of cost and complexity associated with traditional methods. While this method proves to be a reliable and accurate method of creating such data, this approach entails challenges in economic, computational, and human resource aspects. Alternatively, omnidirectional images have emerged as cost-effective alternatives for representing 3D spaces, offering a comprehensive field of view and facilitating the generation of structure and appearance representations through mesh-based 3D maps. This study evaluates the geometric accuracy of a cloud-based image-based mapping platform for generating 3D representations of indoor spaces, aiming to assess its suitability as an alternative to desktop-based platforms. We obtained 30 sample lines and compare respective measurements from each of the generated meshes to a ground truth value. Results show that while there are no significant differences in the mean errors, the mesh generated from a cloud-based platform produced minimal errors. This demonstrates the potential of this platform for generating 3D representations of indoor space, acceptable in both geometric accuracy and visualization capabilities.

Determining doses for backfill cohorts based on patient-reported outcome

BackgroundIncorporating backfill cohorts in phase I oncology trials is a recently developed strategy for dose optimization. However, the efficacy assessment window is long in general, causing a lag in identifying ineffective doses and more patients being backfilled to those doses. There is necessity to investigate how to use patient-reported outcomes (PRO) to determine doses for backfill cohorts.MethodsWe propose a unified Bayesian design framework, called ‘Backfill-QoL’, to utilize patient-reported quality of life (QoL) data into phase I oncology trials with backfill cohorts, including methods for trial monitoring, algorithm for dose-finding, and criteria for dose selection. Simulation studies and sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the proposed Backfill-QoL design.ResultsThe simulation studies demonstrate that the Backfill-QoL design is more efficient than traditional dose-expansion strategy, and fewer patients would be allocated to doses with unacceptable QoL profiles. A user-friendly Windows desktop application is developed and freely available for implementing the proposed design.ConclusionsThe Backfill-QoL design enables continuous monitoring of safety, efficacy and QoL outcomes, and the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) can be identified in a more patient-centered perspective.

Os noise mitigations for benchmarking web browser execution environment performance

Web browsers have almost since birth sought to host and run feature-rich, compute-intensive and complex applications, within their execution environments (EEs), thereby achieving performance akin to native desktop applications. Studies that have proposed performance improvements to these Web browser EEs together with their respective benchmarks have endeavoured to use proven methodologies with which they confirmed the scientific rigour of those benchmarks, but have often overlooked operating system (OS) noise and the negative impact that it has on benchmarks. This paper identifies the various types of OS noise that exist within a typical Intel-based computer system that utilises a Linux-based OS. While also reviewing what related studies have done to mitigate against them. A series of mitigations were then proposed for the Linux-based system that was then benchmarked using the PolyBench/C benchmarking suite. Whilst not all OS noise was mitigated against, our results confirm that the OS noise mitigations that were provided, significantly reduced OS noise. Further significance of this study is that a more controlled benchmarking environment is made available, due to focusing the CPU processing almost entirely on the benchmarks only, while also enhancing the precision and accuracy of the benchmarks. In this study, we lay down a foundation that will make future Web browser EE as well as any other type of computer software benchmarking more precise and accurate, thereby improving the scientific rigour of those benchmarks.

A Gas Cylinder Delivery Service in Oman

Gas is one of the basic requirements that must be available in every home, purchased from gas stations and street vendors. However, issues may arise in reaching gas stations or finding sellers in certain areas when gas is needed urgently. Our project aims to create a desktop application for a gas cylinder delivery service, enhancing the community's experience by facilitating the timely delivery of suitable gas cylinders. The application lists gas cylinder owners in Omani society, providing customer data like name, phone number, city, and governorate. Customers can pay using cash and choose cylinder size and price. The app also determines delivery time based on location. It facilitates communication between buyers and sellers in Arabic and English. The gas cylinder delivery service application requires login information like username, phone number, and city, then opens a location service home page. The home page features an "Order Now" button, allowing users to choose from a list of gas cylinder sellers, specifying size and price. After confirmation, customers can choose payment method, delivery location, and expected delivery time. Then the seller receives an order containing the buyer's data and a gas cylinder, and the application confirms the delivery to the customer after completion. Oman's technological advancements have made society accustomed to mobile phones, software, and applications, making the location of the gas cylinder delivery service to people easier than the traditional method of finding sellers.

ALHK: Integrating 3D Holograms and Gesture Interaction for Elementary Education

The integration of technology in elementary education offers innovative ways to enhance learning. One such advancement is the use of three-dimensional holograms (3DH), which provide immersive displays that merge seamlessly with the learner’s environment, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Educators have found that 3D visual tools significantly improve student comprehension, with 94.4% agreeing in a preliminary study. However, using interactive 3D holography alone has limitations, such as the inability for students to physically touch or manipulate holographic objects. To address this, Active Learning with Holo-Kid (ALHK) is introduced as a desktop application for elementary school students (grades 1 to 6). ALHK combines Leap Motion technology’s precision with interactive 3D holography to overcome these limitations. The combination allows students to interact with virtual objects in a more immersive and realistic manner. Holograms provide visual representation, while Leap Motion enables precise gesture recognition and hand tracking, resulting in a seamless and intuitive user experience. Initial evaluations demonstrate improved student engagement and comprehension. Future iterations aim to enhance scalability by incorporating features like custom object upload, multi-user interaction, and broader age applicability. ALHK shows promise as a tool for creating an immersive and intuitive learning environment using 3D holograms and interactive technology in elementary education.

Flotation separation of lithium–ion battery electrodes predicted by a long short-term memory network using data from physicochemical kinetic simulations and experiments

Anode and cathode active materials from spent lithium–ion batteries may be recovered and potentially used in new batteries to promote recycling and resource circulation. Froth flotation was applied to pristine active materials and the black mass obtained from pretreated spent batteries. Flotation kinetics was simulated with the use of computational fluid dynamics and surface chemistry. Bubble surface coverage and entrainment in the flotation kinetics model were selected and optimized by systematic fitting to experimental data. Entrainment influences the recovery and grade of the active materials. The optimized flotation kinetics model was used for generating additional data that, along with the fitted data, were used to train a deep learning neural network. The trained network was validated using anode–cathode and black mass flotation experiments, and its predictions showed a maximum residual error of 0.18 ± 0.11 recovery. The simulation framework was developed into a desktop application that predicts the flotation behavior of active materials. It provides information for estimating results following operational and physicochemical changes and for optimizing flotation processes. Finally, recovered anode active materials from black mass were selected for coin cell tests. The coulombic efficiency of these coin cells was initially lower (86.8 %) than that of cells made with pristine graphite particles (98.4 %).

La tecnología a nuestro servicio: 4 aplicaciones móviles para optimizar la gestión de necesidades cotidianas

Nowadays, mobile devices have undoubtedly become the most immediate means of accessing information. Their portability and increasingly large processing and storage capacities have been key to the expansion of mobile applications running on these devices.This article reviews the utility of these mobile applications, based on the experience gained from developing and implementing mobile applications for four real cases. In these cases, second-semester students of the Software Development program at the 'Quito Metropolitano' Higher Technological Institute, as part of their training, developed fully functional mobile applications to make them available to society. Their work was showcased at the '5 Minutes Pitch' and 'Quito Metro Tech' events organized by the institution in March 2024.The development process utilized tools included in the institution's curricular planning, such as Java programming language and frameworks like TypeScript and React Native. Additionally, databases like MySQL were used for desktop applications, and Firebase was used for cloud persistence.

IOS-based mobile application for network performance analysis

In today's world, when technology is developing faster and faster, many people face network malfunctions and threats. Ensuring the security and performance of your own network is a critical task for many IT professionals and ordinary users. There are many tools and ways to monitor, analyse and secure your network, but a mobile app is an extremely convenient option. A mobile application that combines several network functions at once saves time and is always at hand. Networking tools in a smartphone can replace many different desktop applications and websites (web APIs), provide command line tools, etc. The iOS operating system has high security standards and its ecosystem is quite closed. This protects users from a lot of malware and makes the device extremely resistant to hacking. However, it also imposes some restrictions on the network and system for the average user. That's why iOS apps that include a variety of networking tools are a really useful tool for users. To keep the network in an efficient and secure state, iOS has specific ways to monitor and detect network problems: Wi-Fi analysers, checking network routes and interfaces, checking Internet speed, ping, traceroute, etc. The use of these technologies in the application under consideration will enable efficient analysis of network productivity.

Development of an image binarization software tool for net occlusion estimations

Marine biofouling poses a set of challenges to the salmon aquaculture industry, where an accumulation of biota on pens can lead to significant net mesh occlusion. This can reduce flow rates, risking oxygen depletion. The industry currently manages this challenge through regular cleaning of nets, with sporadic manual visual estimations of net occlusion an important but time-consuming task. This study developed a simple automated desktop application to more regularly and more robustly quantify pen net occlusion caused by biofouling. This software application pre-processes and binarizes images collected from cameras currently used by the industry into water and non-water pixels. The percentage of net occlusion is then calculated from the binary image. Accurate binarization of representative images was achieved by training a deep learning network on images collected in situ. The resulting network attained a validation accuracy of 96.4 % and a mean test accuracy of 93.5 %. From the test images, 98.3 % of pixels annotated as non-water and 88.8 % of pixels annotated as water were correctly classified by the network. This automated tool has the capacity to better inform industry and create a more efficient cleaning framework based on the needs of individual pens, based on data that can be more readily obtained as compared to manual net inspections.

A Tool to Visualise and Interact with Probability Density Functions - Development and Case Study

This article is an overview of the design, implementation and testing of a tool to visualise and interact with probability density functions. The tool is a desktop application implemented entirely in Python using the tkinter library for the graphical user interface. The project was undertaken as part of a collaboration between Mathematics and Computer Science. The goal of the application is to provide a simple user interface for teaching staff and students to visualise and interact with probability density functions. The application should help improve students’ understanding of the concepts involved and its simple design should reduce the complexity barrier that often faces users when using technology in the classroom. Following initial testing, a variety of teaching staff were involved with trialling the tool, together with student volunteers from a first-year and second-year statistics module at Swansea University. Feedback was obtained and evaluated from all participants. For the teaching staff group, we found that all four participants strongly agreed that the application is easy to use and that the user interface was not distracting. Furthermore, all teaching staff stated that they would consider using the application in their own teaching and all would recommend using the application to a colleague/friend. For the student volunteer group, all twelve participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the statements that the application is easy to use, useful and not distracting. Similar to the teaching staff group, all the student participants stated that they would consider using the application in their own learning and all would recommend the application to a friend. A full analysis of the survey results is provided in the Feedback section.

Application of Machine Learning in a Rodent Malaria Model for Rapid, Accurate, and Consistent Parasite Counts.

Rodent malaria models serve as important preclinical antimalarial and vaccine testing tools. Evaluating treatment outcomes in these models often requires manually counting parasite-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), a time-consuming process, which can be inconsistent between individuals and laboratories. We have developed an easy-to-use machine learning (ML)-based software, Malaria Screener R, to expedite and standardize such studies by automating the counting of Plasmodium iRBCs in rodents. This software can process Giemsa-stained blood smear images captured by any camera-equipped microscope. It features an intuitive graphical user interface that facilitates image processing and visualization of the results. The software has been developed as a desktop application that processes images on standard Windows and MacOS computers. A previous ML model created by the authors designed to count Plasmodium falciparum-infected human RBCs did not perform well counting Plasmodium-infected mouse RBCs. We leveraged that model by loading the pretrained weights and training the algorithm with newly collected data to target Plasmodium yoelii- and Plasmodium berghei-infected mouse RBCs. This new model reliably measured both P. yoelii and P. berghei parasitemia (R2 = 0.9916). Additional rounds of training data to incorporate variances due to length of Giemsa staining and type of microscopes, etc., have produced a generalizable model, meeting WHO competency level 1 for the subcategory of parasite counting using independent microscopes. Reliable, automated analyses of blood-stage parasitemia will facilitate rapid and consistent evaluation of novel vaccines and antimalarials across laboratories in an easily accessible invivo malaria model.

Improving and re-developing the Clerical Resolution Online Widget (CROW): open-source software for clerical review

ObjectivesClerical review is an integral part of linkage and is fundamental to quality assurance. CROW is a low dependency, adaptable, clerical matching tool that has been deployed across 40 linkage projects. Due to limitations of the interface, with the initial version (including the limited ability to view large clusters); this project sought to re-develop the tool as a flask application. ApproachOur approach was to transform the existing CROW desktop application into a Flask (web based) application. Flask was chosen because it is a flexible web framework that enabled the development of a more dynamic interface, as well as better integration with the infrastructure of secure environments. We also engaged with accessibility experts to ensure the inclusivity of our product. Once the development was completed, testing was carried out by a range of users and stakeholders, to identify further issues and bugs for resolution. ResultsThe successful redevelopment of CROW into a Flask application improved functionality, usability, parametrisation, and accessibility of the tool. Feedback from users indicates that because of using CROW, the clerical matching experience has improved vastly. Users reported that CROW increased accessibility, reducing eye strain and fatigue. CROW also increases efficiency and leads to better decision making. ConclusionThe successful redevelopment of CROW is a significant improvement to the clerical review process for data linkage projects. ImplicationsCROW is open-source and low dependency so could be adapted to work in most environments. Therefore, it could be adapted and used by the wider data linkage community.

Delta GUI change detection using inferred models

Recent software development methodologies emphasize iterative and incremental evolution to align with stakeholders’ needs. This perpetual and rapid software evolution demands ongoing research into verification practices and technologies that ensure swift responsiveness and effective management of software delta increments. Strategies such as code review have been widely adopted for development and verification, ensuring readability and consistency in the delta increments of software projects. However, the integration of techniques to detect and visually report delta changes within the Graphical User Interface (GUI) software applications remains an underutilized process. In this paper, we set out to achieve two objectives. First, we aim to conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies concerning GUI change detection in desktop, web, and mobile applications to recognize common practices. Second, we introduce a novel change detection tool capable of highlighting delta GUI changes for this diverse range of applications. To accomplish our first objective, we performed a systematic mapping of the literature using the Scopus database. To address the second objective, we designed and developed a GUI change detection tool. This tool simultaneously transits and compares state models inferred by a scriptless testing tool, enabling the detection and highlighting of GUI changes to detect the widgets or functionalities that have been added, removed, or modified. Our study reveals the existence of a multitude of techniques for change detection in specific GUI systems with different objectives. However, there is no widely adopted technique suitable for the diverse range of existing desktop, web, and mobile applications. Our tool and findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using inferred state models to highlight between 8 and 20 GUI changes in software delta increments containing a large number of changes over months and between 4 and 6 GUI changes in delta increments of small iterations performed over multiple weeks. Moreover, some of these changes were recognized by the software developers as GUI failures that required a fix. Finally, we expose the motivation for using this technique to help developers and testers analyze GUI changes to validate delta increments and detect potential GUI failures, thereby fostering knowledge dissemination and paving the way to standard practices.

Nepali Virtual AI Assistant

With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), much of our regular redundant work that does not require critical thinking is replaced by machines. The scope of the Internet of Things (IoT) is also increasing due to AI. IoT acts as a suitable platform for the application of AI in real life. In this paper, we present a Virtual AI Assistant that combines AI with IoT. Our system uses an ESP8266 (Node MCU) chip as the core microcontroller for the home automation application. It is an IoT-compatible microcontroller with a cloud connectivity feature that is accomplished with the help of WiFi (Wireless fidelity). This allows home appliances such as lights, fans, rice cookers, etc. to be controlled by desktop or mobile applications from any part of the world. Our system uses speech recognition as its primary source for controlling the application. The speech recognition feature can detect and distinguish people’s voices which is a handy feature in terms of security and privacy. Other than IoT, software features such as note-making, application initiators, web navigation, and automatic typing through speech recognition are also implemented in this system. Our work also makes use of the Nepali language for IoT applications for switching home appliances on and off. The AI model was trained from scratch manually for the Nepali language as proper audio datasets for the Nepali language are not available. Our work in the development of Nepali Virtual AI Assistant is to integrate hardware and software with AI to create user-friendly automation and ease in people’s daily lives.

QR-based Canteen Management System

In recent years, the digitization of administrative and operational processes has transformed various sectors in the world, including food service management. This research presents the development and implementation of a QR-based canteen management system, designed to enhance the efficiency of canteen operations by leveraging contemporary technological advancements. The system employs a desktop application built with C# and the .NET framework, enabling users to order and pay for food items using a QR code-based login and cashless payment system. This solution addresses the inefficiencies of traditional pen-and-paper-based canteen management by automating order processing, payment, and sales record maintenance. The primary objective is to streamline canteen operations, reduce service time, and improve customer satisfaction through a user-friendly and reliable system.

Evaluating the role of cloud integration in mobile and desktop operating systems

The integration of cloud computing has fundamentally transformed the landscape of mobile and desktop operating systems, enabling new levels of functionality, efficiency, and user experience. This review examines the role of cloud integration in these operating systems and its implications for both users and developers. Cloud integration enhances mobile and desktop operating systems by offering scalable storage solutions, seamless data synchronization, and enhanced computing power. For mobile systems, cloud services provide users with the ability to access their data and applications from any device, promoting a consistent user experience across different platforms. This synchronization feature not only streamlines personal data management but also enables developers to create more dynamic and responsive applications that leverage cloud resources for realtime updates and performance improvements. In desktop environments, cloud integration facilitates the storage of large volumes of data and the execution of resourceintensive applications without burdening local hardware. Cloudbased virtual machines and application delivery platforms offer users the flexibility to run highperformance software on less powerful devices, thus broadening the accessibility and usability of advanced desktop applications. Furthermore, cloud integration supports collaborative tools and shared workspaces, enhancing productivity and fostering realtime collaboration among users. The evaluation of cloud integration also involves assessing its impact on security, data privacy, and system performance. Cloudbased solutions introduce new security considerations, such as the need for robust encryption and secure authentication protocols to protect sensitive data. Additionally, the reliance on internet connectivity for accessing cloud services can pose challenges for users in areas with limited or unreliable network access. In conclusion, cloud integration plays a crucial role in modernizing both mobile and desktop operating systems, driving improvements in data accessibility, application performance, and user experience. As cloud technologies continue to evolve, their influence on operating systems will likely expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and addressing emerging challenges in security and connectivity. This ongoing integration represents a significant shift towards more flexible, efficient, and interconnected computing environments.

Personal Finance Management Application

The paper presents a personal finance management mobile application developed for the Android operating system. The application is in the process of trials and test deployment among selected customers. It provides opportunities for managing a personal budget, retrieval of a financial status report for a certain period, working with expenses and income, report generation and visualization through charts, and barcode scanning. The methodology for designing and implementing the developed prototype includes pre-testing and preliminary interviews with potential customers who need convenient and easy access to manage their personal finances. Extensive research has been done on the availability of similar desktop and mobile applications. Appropriate technologies have been selected for the implementation of the program logic, software part and user interface. As a result, a mobile application has been developed that provides full integration with the web-based personal finance management system, previously created by the authors. The app is open to future improvements.

On the Quality of the Experience With Virtual Reality-Based Instructional Tools for Science Lab Activities

Today, immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) are regarded as disruptive tools in many domains, including education. While the body of literature in the field is growing, studies that present contrasting findings are not uncommon. In fact, although there is evidence of the benefits brought by VR in the educational processes, in some cases the effects of a possible trade-off between learning effectiveness and quality of the learning experience (or QoLE) may be observed. The two dimensions are difficult to disentangle, as besides learning effectiveness, other factors like motivation, technology acceptability, workload, presence, immersion, engagement, and usability come to play. This paper digs into the above scenario by focusing on the QoLE of immersive VR-based learning and comparing it with that of two conventional approaches (a physical prop-based one and a 3D desktop application). Separation of the two dimensions is pursued by imposing equality of the learning performance achieved with the three approaches, aiming at getting rid of possible confounding factors. From the results of the user study performed in the context of a STEM-related laboratory activity, the VR-based approach appeared to be generally superior to the prop-based approach and showed several advantages over the 3D desktop application.

Backend Infrastructure and Specifications Design Using OpenAPI and API-First on CV Elang Java Mandiri

Digital transformation brings changes to the business world by increasing efficiency, convenience, security, certainty and operational speed. CV Elang Java Mandiri experienced the positive impact of this by creating software to increase operational efficiency. However, the use of direct communication between the desktop application and the database causes vulnerabilities. The lack of a bridge between the desktop application and the database also indicates a lack of flexibility when adding other applications. Ransomware attacks on desktop applications cause losses and limitations in development. This research focuses on backend updates that use API as an integrator with the API-First method. OpenAPI standards and OWASP security principles are used to increase resilience against security threats. These steps were tested with OWASP ZAP and http test. The goal is to provide solutions to company problems, meet the need for more secure applications, and make application development easier.