Multi-platform Software Research Articles

Implementation of a Graphic Interface Development Tool for Prolog


 
 
 The work examines the current problems of the spread of use of logical programming in the development of commercial multi-platform software applications, tools for convenient development of a modern graphical interface to the logical programs. Libraries with similar concepts of use have been analyzed and described. The purpose of the proposed concept, which is implemented as an open source library, is described, and the advantages of the proposed tools over similar existing tools are indicated. The main feature and advantage of the proposed concept is the implementation of Prolog business logic and interface by means of JavaScript usage of child processes. The proposed concept of interface to Prolog takes full advantage of the possibilities provided by async await. A framework library has been created for the use of Logic Programming in graphical interface development without losses in the application performance. The paper describes the proposed concept and the developed framework (library). The ways to further improve the possibilities for expanding the purpose of the implemented library were identified. The directions of further simplification for programmers of integration of the graphic interface to logical programs have been defined. A significant advantage of the proposed tool is the easy-to-use functions to wrap and control the correctness of requests to the Prolog. The main goal of the library is to create an environment for the Prolog developers where they can create any type of software, which is meant to be user friendly, fast, and cross platform using modern and flexible. This concept also tries to solve disadvantages and architectural problems that were found in other libraries. The safety of library functionality has been analyzed. The concept of potential horizontal application scalability is described. Conclusions and future of libraries were introduced, in which the usage of TypeScript for type-safety and avoidance of run-time errors is mentioned. Overall, the library extends the use of Prolog beyond logical programming and takes a leap forward in its progress.
 
 

Three-dimensional semi-automated volumetric assessment of the pulp space of teeth following regenerative dental procedures

The volumetric change that occurs in the pulp space over time represents a critical measure when it comes to determining the secondary outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). However, to date, only a few studies have investigated the accuracy of the available domain-specialized medical imaging tools with regard to three-dimensional (3D) volumetric assessment. This study sought to compare the accuracy of two different artificial intelligence-based medical imaging programs namely OsiriX MD (v 9.0, Pixmeo SARL, Bernex Switzerland, https://www.osirix-viewer.com) and 3D Slicer (http://www.slicer.org), in terms of estimating the volume of the pulp space following a REP. An Invitro assessment was performed to check the reliability and sensitivity of the two medical imaging programs in use. For the subsequent clinical application, pre- and post-procedure cone beam computed tomography scans of 35 immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and periradicular pathosis that had been treated with a cell-homing concept-based REP were processed using the two biomedical DICOM software programs (OsiriX MD and 3D Slicer). The volumetric changes in the teeth’s pulp spaces were assessed using semi-automated techniques in both programs. The data were statistically analyzed using t-tests and paired t-tests (P = 0.05). The pulp space volumes measured using both programs revealed a statistically significant decrease in the pulp space volume following the REP (P < 0.05), with no significant difference being found between the two programs (P > 0.05). The mean decreases in the pulp space volumes measured using OsiriX MD and 3D Slicer were 25.06% ± 19.45% and 26.10% ± 18.90%, respectively. The open-source software (3D Slicer) was found to be as accurate as the commercially available software with regard to the volumetric assessment of the post-REP pulp space. This study was the first to demonstrate the step-by-step application of 3D Slicer, a user-friendly and easily accessible open-source multiplatform software program for the segmentation and volume estimation of the pulp spaces of teeth treated with REPs.

Neural Forecasting System of Regional Cooperative Systems Innovative Activity Results

The analysis of changes in the external and internal environment of organisations, requirements for ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness in modern conditions suggests the need to develop instrumental support for decision-making support processes in the implementation of innovative projects of cooperative formations. Significant expenditures of financial and time resources allow to determine the priority problem – the insufficient development of systems for reducing uncertainty in interaction with the processes of scientific and industrial cooperation, which determine the disproportions of the resulting economic indicators of the functioning of innovative activity in the region. The proposed solution is an implemented multiplatform software for neuro-cluster analysis of multiformat data, which is based on fuzzy data prediction algorithms based on a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model. An important feature of the implemented software is an algorithm for optimising the processing of predicted data, based on distributed processing of big data using Microsoft Server operating system.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING OF CUSTOM SEMIFLEXIBLE AORTIC ROOT MODELS FOR OPERATIVE PLANNING AND SURGICAL PROCTORING OF PERCEVAL VALVE IMPLANTATION

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> The Perceval Valve (LivaNova, London, United Kingdom) is a rapid-deployment aortic bioprosthesis with a stentless self-expanding design conducive to minimally-invasive approaches. Uptake of this valve may be limited by sizing-related nuances and its unique implantation technique. Three-dimensional modeling and printing of custom patient-specific models can be used for surgical teaching and preoperative planning. Herein, we describe our method for 3D-printing aortic roots using a semi-flexible material and demonstrate their utility for sizing and surgical planning before Perceval Valve Implantation. <h3>METHODS AND RESULTS</h3> Semiflexible models of aortic roots were virtually modelled and 3D-printed from DICOM files containing contrast-enhanced ECG-gated CTA images of the thoracic aorta obtained in patients awaiting surgical aortic valve replacement via right anterior minithoracotomy. Segmentation of the aortic root, annulus and the left ventricular outflow tract was performed using a free, open source, multi-platform software package (http://slicer.org). In Slicer, a three-dimensional shell was generated around the luminogram model and then hollowed out, replicating the interior of the aortic root. After converting the aortic surfaces to standard tessellation language (STL), the models were printed using Thermoplastic Polyurethane (NinjaFlex, NinjaTek, PA,USA) in a direct drive extruder desktop 3D printer (Printrbot Simple Metal, Printrbot, USA). Preliminary model validation was performed in a prospective and blinded manner. Surgeons sized two de-identified aortic roots prior to the patient's operation. Implantation was then performed in the operating room without knowledge of the model sizing. The same size selected in the model corresponded to the size implanted in the operating room. The root models correctly predicted the size of the implanted valve. They also demonstrated the consequences of incorrect sizing (Image). Undersizing resulted in poor leaflet coaptation. Oversizing resulted in pinwheeling or buckling of the Perceval valve, both oversizing-related complications. A prototype holder was developed for simulation of the implantation procedure, including guiding suture placement, traction-countertraction of the sutures and balloon expansion. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Custom 3D-printed semiflexible aortic roots allowed for simulation of intraoperative sizing and can reproduce surgically relevant signs of inappropriate sizing, including oversizing (pinwheeling and buckling) and undersizing (suboptimal coaptation). This model will be of use for preoperative planning, sizing and surgical proctoring for the Perceval valve. Custom modeling may accelerate the learning curve associated with this valve and improve uptake for use in minimally invasive aortic valve surgery, combined cases, and patients with small roots.

The Open-Source Framework for 3D Synthetic Aperture Radar Simulation

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) simulation is widely used for system design, processing techniques development, and mission planning. However, there is no readily available and free framework for SAR raw signal simulation, and many teams and organizations struggle with developing their own simulator from scratch, repeating work that others have done earlier. This work’s purpose is to create a simple, open-source SAR simulation framework that can be used for many purposes and is available for free to everyone. It is a ready tool for SAR processing techniques verification, and thanks to its open-source nature, it fosters collaboration between scientists, both on the simulation and the tool development. Moreover, as the simulation’s underlying mathematics is described in detail in this article, it may serve as a handbook for the radar’s simulation. The simulator was prepared as a stand-alone, multiplatform software working in the Matlab/Octave environment. It is available in an online software repository that allows others to contribute to the original code or to create forks of it. The simulator supports monostatic, bistatic, and multistatic configurations with shadowing. The surface model includes roughness using the modified Phong model, transparency, and complex reflectivity. The antenna pattern is defined with a general two-dimensional model. The article is concluded with the simulator’s demonstrations, including antenna pattern, Doppler shift, and various surface parameters. It is expected that this simulator will be widely adopted and improved by many collaborators.

Elementos del modelo educativo de la Universidad Tecnológica Fidel Velázquez utilizados en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje

The objective of this work is to present the research that was carried out with the students of the Higher University Technician (TSU) careers in Digital Network Infrastructure and Multiplatform Software Development, where the elements of the educational model of the Fidel Velázquez Technological University were identified (UTFV) that are being used in the virtual learning teaching process as a learning strategy in the COVID-19 pandemic. The research that was applied was quantitative, a questionnaire on Google with closed-ended questions was used as an information gathering instrument, and the sample that was taken was on students enrolled from first to fourth semester. Where it was identified that 100% of the students consider that the virtual learning strategy in UTFV is adequate and allows the feedback sessions to be carried out by meet, in addition to the fact that the teacher uses electronic presentations and vodcast as a teaching method in the classroom platform and classes are carried out in 2 synchronous and asynchronous modes. The result obtained is to propose the generation of a platform where Vodcasts are uploaded as a didactic resource that strengthens the learning and competencies of the TSU.

Program Package for the Calculation of Origin-Independent Electron Current Density and Derived Magnetic Properties in Molecular Systems.

We present SYSMOIC, a program package for the calculation of the origin-independent current density induced at first order by an external magnetic field in planar and nonplanar molecular systems. Origin independence is obtained adopting the continuous transformation of the origin of the current density method, implemented at both density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree-Fock (HF) levels. Expansion coefficients for perturbed and unperturbed molecular orbitals, over basis sets containing up to m-type Gaussian functions, can be calculated by the package itself or obtained from a Gaussian calculation. A number of different functionalities presented so far in the literature that are connected to the induced current, such as current density maps for any orientation of the inducing magnetic field, net bond current strengths, stagnation graphs, magnetic shielding densities, vorticities, and anisotropies, are now made available all together in a single multiplatform package installation.

Moving analytical ultracentrifugation software to a good manufacturing practices (GMP) environment

Recent advances in instrumentation have moved analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) closer to a possible validation in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment. In order for AUC to be validated for a GMP environment, stringent requirements need to be satisfied; analysis procedures must be evaluated for consistency and reproducibility, and GMP capable data acquisition software needs to be developed and validated. These requirements extend to multiple regulatory aspects, covering documentation of instrument hardware functionality, data handling and software for data acquisition and data analysis, process control, audit trails and automation. Here we review the requirements for GMP validation of data acquisition software and illustrate software solutions based on UltraScan that address these requirements as far as they relate to the operation and data handling in conjunction with the latest analytical ultracentrifuge, the Optima AUC by Beckman Coulter. The software targets the needs of regulatory agencies, where AUC plays a critical role in the solution-based characterization of biopolymers and macromolecular assemblies. Biopharmaceutical and regulatory agencies rely heavily on this technique for characterizations of pharmaceutical formulations, biosimilars, injectables, nanoparticles, and other soluble therapeutics. Because of its resolving power, AUC is a favorite application, despite the current lack of GMP validation. We believe that recent advances in standards, hardware, and software presented in this work manage to bridge this gap and allow AUC to be routinely used in a GMP environment. AUC has great potential to provide more detailed information, at higher resolution, and with greater confidence than other analytical techniques, and our software satisfies an urgent need for AUC operation in the GMP environment. The software, including documentation, are publicly available for free download from Github. The multi-platform software is licensed by the LGPL v.3 open source license and supports Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. Installation instructions and a mailing list are available from ultrascan.aucsolutions.com.

A Free Tool for Breast Aesthetic Scale Computation.

Our work describes the concept of Breast Aesthetic Scale (BAS) as a score for quick and simple objective assessment of results in cosmetic breast surgery. It is obtained by running a software program that we created, based on the previous concept of Objective Breast Cosmesis Scale (OBCS). This was previously described to be used in the context of conservative breast cancer treatment to objectively assess the degree of asymmetry. We describe the implementation of BAS algorithm and study its reproducibility in a set of images. A new multiplatform software was developed by us and named Breast Aesthetic Scale Calculator (BAS-Calc), which can be executed on Windows Mac, and Linux. A set of 25 photographs were studied with this software twice by 2 different surgeons. Intrarater and interrater variability were studied, as well as concordance with categorization by another symmetry assessment software available called Breast Analyzing Tool®. Concordance among raters was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.953; Lin concordance and correlation coefficient = 0.950), as well as intrarater (0.952 and 0.965). Categorization of both systems (Breast Analyzing Tool and BAS-Calc) showed almost perfect concordance (Cohen κ = 0.920). Objective estimation of symmetry after breast surgery can be assessed with BAS-Calc. The "symmetric" and "asymmetric" categories are accurately discriminated by this free software, and it can be used by surgeons as a simple method for objective assessment of results in cosmetic breast surgery.

Ggroups: an R package for pedigree and genetic groups data

BackgroundR is a multi-platform statistical software and an object oriented programming language. The package archive network for R provides CRAN repository that features over 15,000 free open source packages, at the time of writing this article (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages, accessed in October 2019). The package ggroups is introduced in this article. The purpose of this package is providing functions for checking and processing the pedigree, calculation of the additive genetic relationship matrix and its inverse, which are used to study the population structure and predicting the genetic merit of animals. Calculation of the dominance relationship matrix and its inverse are also covered. A concept in animal breeding is genetic groups, which is about the inequality of the average genetic merits for groups of unknown parents. The package provides functions for the calculation of the matrix of genetic group contributions (Q). Calculating Q is computationally demanding, and depending on the size of the pedigree and the number of genetic groups, it might not be feasible using personal computers. Therefore, a computationally optimised function and its parallel processing alternative are provided in the package.ResultsUsing sample data, outputs from different functions of the package were presented to illustrate a real experience of working with the package.ConclusionsThe presented R package is a free and open source tool mainly for quantitative geneticists and ecologists, who deal with pedigree data. It provides numerous functions for handling pedigree data, and calculating various pedigree-based matrices. Some of the functions are computationally optimised for large-scale data.

A logical model of the distributed corporate network of an insurance company

In the context of hardware heterogeneity and the use of multi-platform software in insurance companies, it is necessary to develop specific schemes for the implementation of a distributed corporate network. This article proposes a logical model of an information and communications network built in the form of subnetworks of two types: a head office and branches of an insurance company. The proposed recommendations include the application of special adaptive traffic routing and service technologies, overload control through constructing virtual channels and introduction of packet queues optimization policies.

Embedded Bio-Mimetic System for Functional Electrical Stimulation Controlled by Event-Driven sEMG.

The analysis of the surface ElectroMyoGraphic (sEMG) signal for controlling the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) therapy is being widely accepted as an active rehabilitation technique for the restoration of neuro-muscular disorders. Portability and real-time functionalities are major concerns, and, among others, two correlated challenges are the development of an embedded system and the implementation of lightweight signal processing approaches. In this respect, the event-driven nature of the Average Threshold Crossing (ATC) technique, considering its high correlation with the muscle force and the sparsity of its representation, could be an optimal solution. In this paper we present an embedded ATC-FES control system equipped with a multi-platform software featuring an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI). The system has been first characterized and validated by analyzing CPU and memory usage in different operating conditions, as well as measuring the system latency (fulfilling the real-time requirements with a 140 ms FES definition process). We also confirmed system effectiveness, testing it on 11 healthy subjects: The similarity between the voluntary movement and the stimulate one has been evaluated, computing the cross-correlation coefficient between the angular signals acquired during the limbs motion. We obtained high correlation values of 0.87 ± 0.07 and 0.93 ± 0.02 for the elbow flexion and knee extension exercises, respectively, proving good stimulation application in real therapy-scenarios.

BornAgain: software for simulating and fitting grazing-incidence small-angle scattering.

BornAgain is a free and open-source multi-platform software framework for simulating and fitting X-ray and neutron reflectometry, off-specular scattering, and grazing-incidence small-angle scattering (GISAS). This paper concentrates on GISAS. Support for reflectometry and off-specular scattering has been added more recently, is still under intense development and will be described in a later publication. BornAgain supports neutron polarization and magnetic scattering. Users can define sample and instrument models through Python scripting. A large subset of the functionality is also available through a graphical user interface. This paper describes the software in terms of the realized non-functional and functional requirements. The web site https://www.bornagainproject.org/ provides further documentation.

Combining Augmented Reality and 3D Printing to Display Patient Models on a Smartphone.

Augmented reality (AR) has great potential in education, training, and surgical guidance in the medical field. Its combination with three-dimensional (3D) printing (3DP) opens new possibilities in clinical applications. Although these technologies have grown exponentially in recent years, their adoption by physicians is still limited, since they require extensive knowledge of engineering and software development. Therefore, the purpose of this protocol is to describe a step-by-step methodology enabling inexperienced users to create a smartphone app, which combines AR and 3DP for the visualization of anatomical 3D models of patients with a 3D-printed reference marker. The protocol describes how to create 3D virtual models of a patient's anatomy derived from 3D medical images. It then explains how to perform positioning of the 3D models with respect to marker references. Also provided are instructions for how to 3D print the required tools and models. Finally, steps to deploy the app are provided. The protocol is based on free and multi-platform software and can be applied to any medical imaging modality or patient. An alternative approach is described to provide automatic registration between a 3D-printed model created from a patient's anatomy and the projected holograms. As an example, a clinical case of a patient suffering from distal leg sarcoma is provided to illustrate the methodology. It is expected that this protocol will accelerate the adoption of AR and 3DP technologies by medical professionals.

Incorporating heterogeneous sampling probabilities in continuous phylogeographic inference - Application to H5N1 spread in the Mekong region.

The potentially low precision associated with the geographic origin of sampled sequences represents an important limitation for spatially explicit (i.e. continuous) phylogeographic inference of fast-evolving pathogens such as RNA viruses. A substantial proportion of publicly available sequences is geo-referenced at broad spatial scale such as the administrative unit of origin, rather than more precise locations (e.g. geographic coordinates). Most frequently, such sequences are either discarded prior to continuous phylogeographic inference or arbitrarily assigned to the geographic coordinates of the centroid of their administrative area of origin for lack of a better alternative. We here implement and describe a new approach that allows to incorporate heterogeneous prior sampling probabilities over a geographic area. External data, such as outbreak locations, are used to specify these prior sampling probabilities over a collection of sub-polygons. We apply this new method to the analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade data in the Mekong region. Our method allows to properly include, in continuous phylogeographic analyses, H5N1 sequences that are only associated with large administrative areas of origin and assign them with more accurate locations. Finally, we use continuous phylogeographic reconstructions to analyse the dispersal dynamics of different H5N1 clades and investigate the impact of environmental factors on lineage dispersal velocities. Our new method allowing heterogeneous sampling priors for continuous phylogeographic inference is implemented in the open-source multi-platform software package BEAST 1.10. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PSP‐UFU: An open‐source, graphical, and multiplatform software for power system studies

PSP‐UFU: An open‐source, graphical, and multiplatform software for power system studies

FLEXOR: A support tool for efficient and seamless experiment data processing to evaluate musculo-articular stiffness

Background and objectiveThe evaluation of musculo-articular stiffness (MAS) is an increasingly demanded procedure with applications in different fields, such as sports performance and lower limbs injury prevention. However, this task is non-automated, time-consuming and error-prone due to manual handling of data streams and files across several software applications. Despite the fact that process automation of validated procedures helps to prevent errors, there is still a lack of easy-to-use tools for analysis, management and visualization of MAS trials. MethodsIn the present work a tool called FLEXOR has been developed which applies mathematical methods and novel algorithms to automatically adjust curves of data streams for MAS analysis decreasing substantially time employed and errors. This tool permits to define different adjustment parameters, detect curve peaks and valleys, and display the results on the fly. FLEXOR has been implemented through a component-based software development (CBSD) process. All physiological fundamentals for the biomechanical measurement have been included in the tool developed. To describe the integration of all required components a 4 + 1 view model architecture has been used. The installation guide, the FLEXOR software and some data samples can be found on its GitHub repository (https://github.com/FlexorSoftware/flexor). ResultsA multiplatform software tool to simplify traditional complex and manual procedures for MAS analysis is obtained. The tool turns them into a simple all-in-one procedure, reducing processing times from hours to a few minutes. The methodology was tested on multiple datasets generated by previous tools in former procedures as well as on real-time trials in the laboratory, showing identical results. ConclusionThe results show that the developed tool can accomplish an unfilled essential task in the analysis, management and visualization of MAS measurement. The presented software tool empowers analysts to handle the different studies, investigate different parameters related to each experiment and even test with different output parameters in each experiment, enabling real-time trials and shared studies between different analysts.

Evaluating student perceptions of a multi-platform classroom response system in undergraduate nursing

BackgroundClassroom response systems (CRSs) support interactive learning in undergraduate nursing education. Simple “clicker” hardware has evolved into more sophisticated multi-platform software allowing multiple operating systems and devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops to enhance in-class, proximate student engagement. However, student perspectives of multi-platform mobile CRSs have not been assessed among undergraduate nursing students. ObjectivesTo evaluate undergraduate nursing student perceptions of usability, engagement, and learning associated with Top Hat™ CRS software. MethodsThis descriptive study utilized a cross sectional survey of undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) students enrolled in a four-year (n = 160) and a two-year (n = 75) accelerated program. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate learner perceptions of usability, engagement, and learning, measured using the Classroom Response System Perceptions (CRiSP) questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to examine data from open-ended questions designed to capture qualitative feedback related to the perceived benefits, limitations and the technology's impact on learning. ResultsStudents perceived the use of the CRS, TopHat™, as a positive influence on classroom learning. The mean CRiSP scores for all subscales [usability 16.51 (SD 2.7), engagement 40.97 (SD 7.2), learning 43.96 (SD 6.8)] correlated with “agree” or “strongly agree”. There was no statistical difference among CRiSP scores between the two programs. Students reported that CRS in the classroom improved learning, enhanced formative assessment and increased participation. Perceived limitations include practical drawbacks such as redundant features, technical difficulties, limited access and cost. Moreover, some students felt that it did not add value to teaching as it was disruptive to classroom time. ConclusionsThis study addresses a gap in the nursing education literature and contributes to the growing body of scientific knowledge related to using technology in proximal classroom teaching. One multi-platform CRS, TopHat™, did enhance learning but important recommendations and limitations should be considered before implementing this technology.

Enhanced biDimensional pIc: an electrostatic/magnetostatic particle-in-cell code for plasma based systems

EDI (enhanced biDimensional pIc) is a two-dimensional (2-D) electrostatic/magnetostatic particle-in-cell (PIC) code designed to optimize plasma based systems. The code is built on an unstructured mesh of triangles, allowing for arbitrary geometries. The PIC core is comprised of a Boris leapfrog scheme that can manage multiple species. Particle tracking locates particles in the mesh, using a fast and simple priority-sorting algorithm. A magnetic field with an arbitrary topology can be imposed to study the magnetized particle dynamics. The electrostatic fields are then computed by solving Poisson’s equation with a a finite element method solver. The latter is an external solver that has been properly modified in order to be integrated into EDI. The major advantage of using an external solver directly incorporated into the EDI structure is its strong flexibility, in fact it is possible to couple together different physical problems (electrostatic, magnetostatic, etc.). EDI is written in C, which allows the rapid development of new modules. A big effort in the development of the code has been made in optimization of the linking efficiency, in order to minimize computational time. Finally, EDI is a multiplatform (Linux, Mac OS X) software.

Intelligent Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm robot with object recognition in a multi-agent manufacturing system

Nowadays, industry tends to adopt the smart factory concept in their production. Technology intelligence is applied to use all the resources efficiently. Robots and vision system are masters in this kind of industry. However, information transfer between the robot controller and the vision system poses a great challenge. Data exchange between these two systems shall be secure, and the transfer must be with a very high level of accuracy. In this article, a multi-platform software application using a vision system is performed to control a Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm robot. The software solution includes the detection of defaults in a product by calculating a compliance rate using an efficient algorithm. An analysis of four different algorithms related to histogram-based similarity functions is set. Then, the most efficient algorithm is integrated into the application that provides a secure communication between three different operating systems. Experiments in a multi-agent manufacturing center validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Tests demonstrate the efficiency of the data transfer between the vision system and the multi-platform software application and the Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm robot. This data transfer can be controlled in a high accuracy manner without any additional manual parameters tuning.