Spreadsheet-based Tool Research Articles

A new practical tool for deriving a functional signature for herbaceous vegetation

Hypothesis: For any one time and place a ‘functional signature’ can be derived for a sample of herbaceous vegetation in a way that concisely represents the balance between the different clusters of functional attributes that are present among component species. Methods: We developed a spreadsheet-based tool for calculating functional signatures within the context of the C-S-R system of plant functional types. We used the tool to calculate and compare signatures for specimen British vegetation samples which differed in management regime and location in time. Conclusion: The integrative power of the ‘C-S-R signature’ is useful in comparative studies involving widely differing samples. Movements in the signature can be used to indicate degree of resistance, resilience, eutrophication and dereliction. Systems of plant functional types other than C-S-R might also be approached in this way. Availability: The tool can be downloaded free of charge from the first author's web pages or from the journal's electronic archive.

Typing single-nucleotide polymorphisms using a gel-based sequencer: a new data analysis tool and suggestions for improved efficiency.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are increasingly used as genetic markers. Although a high number of SNP-genotyping techniques have been described, most techniques still have low throughput or require major investments. For laboratories that have access to an automated sequencer, a single-base extension (SBE) assay can be implemented using the ABI SNaPshot trade mark kit. Here we present a modified protocol comprising multiplex template generation, multiplex SBE reaction, and multiplex sample analysis on a gel-based sequencer such as the ABI 377. These sequencers run on a Macintosh platform, but on this platform the software available for analysis of data from the ABI 377 has limitations. First, analysis of the size standard included with the kit is not facilitated. Therefore a new size standard was designed. Second, using Genotyper (ABI), the analysis of the data is very tedious and time consuming. To enable automated batch analysis of 96 samples, with 10 SNPs each, we developed SNPtyper. This is a spreadsheet-based tool that uses the data from Genotyper and offers the user a convenient interface to set parameters required for correct allele calling. In conclusion, the method described will enable any lab having access to an ABI sequencer to genotype up to 1000 SNPs per day for a single experimenter, without investing in new equipment.

An analytical approach, a software tool (DFRA) and application examples for assessing process-related failure risk

Our process-related failure risk analysis method belongs to the family of failure mode and effect analysis methods. It represents a systematic, rule-based, quantitative and open-source computational method, developed by Ranky for disassembly and for other processes, to identify and minimize potential failure risks, and/or failures of processes in general, including disassembled sub-assemblies, objects and components, and their effects on the customer. One of the tools developed based on the generic methodology, DFRA (Disassembly Failure Risk Analysis), is a Team Oriented Problem Solving (TOPS) method, aimed at minimizing dissatisfaction, and financial loss for disassembly process related risks. DFRA is applied during the planning stages of a disassembly process, and then updated on a regular basis to document changes. It addresses negative quality and is primarily concerned with potential events, which can make the disassembly process, or the harvested components fail. Our approach is component-oriented, meaning that as we disassemble the product, the DFRA team focuses on each subassembly and then each component. This paper describes the methodology, offers an insight into the rule-base, and gives some application examples for assessing process-related failure risk using our DFRA spreadsheet-based software tool; a crucial piece of the eTransition jigsaw puzzle.

MarC-V: a spreadsheet-based tool for analysis, normalization, and visualization of single cDNA microarray experiments.

The comprehensive analysis and visualization of data extracted from cDNA microarrays can be a time-consuming and error-prone process that becomes increasingly tedious with increased number of gene elements on a particular microarray. With the increasingly large number of gene elements on today's microarrays, analysis tools must be developed to meet this challenge. Here, we present MarC-V, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet tool with Visual Basic macros to automate much of the visualization and calculation involved in the analysis process while providing the familiarity and flexibility of Excel. Automated features of this tool include (i) lower-bound thresholding, (ii) data normalization, (iii) generation of ratio frequency distribution plots, (iv) generation of scatter plots color-coded by expression level, (v) ratio scoring based on intensity measurements, (vi) filtering of data based on expression level or specific gene interests, and (vii) exporting data for subsequent multi-array analysis. MarC-V also has an importing function included for GenePix results (GPR) raw data files.

Development of Time-of-Day–Based Transit Accessibility Analysis Tool

The measurement of transit accessibility and availability is important both for forecasting transit ridership and for planning and evaluating transit service. When measuring transit accessibility, both spatial and temporal dimensions of demand and supply are important considerations. Between these two dimensions, the temporal dimension has lagged behind the spatial dimension with respect to its explicit recognition and incorporation in transit accessibility measurement. A transit accessibility measurement tool has been developed that explicitly considers two facets of the time dimension. Considered first is the supply side of the time dimension by incorporating the span and headway of service and the willingness to wait to determine the actual time duration when service is truly available to potential riders. Next considered is the demand side of the time dimension by incorporating the time-of-day distribution of travel demand to determine the relative value of the transit service provided in each time period of the day. The tool measures transit availability with regard to the daily trips per capita in each zone that is exposed to transit service. The flexible spreadsheet-based tool can be easily and quickly applied at the local level in support of service planning and service delivery analysis. The application of the tool is demonstrated with a simple numerical illustration.

A Fuzzy Expert System for Evaluation of Demand-Side Management Alternatives

It is believed that the onset of true competition in the electric power industry may result in the demise of demand-side management (DSM) as it is known today, which is primarily a means of optimizing a utility's load curve. If DSM is to survive, utilities will need to evaluate the large number of possible options more efficiently and effectively than ever before. To reach this goal, the subjective portion of the evaluation process has been formulated into a fuzzy expert system, yielding faster, more efficient, and consistent results. This paper outlines the development of FEDSM, a Fuzzy Expert system designed to evaluate D emand-Side Management alternatives. FEDSM is a user-friendly, visual basic, and spreadsheet-based evaluation tool which allows the user to develop a flexible expert system. FEDSM is tested and evaluated on actual DSM data collected by a public utility in Nebraska, generating promising results.

Design tool optimizes overhead line profiles

The authors describe a spreadsheet-based tool which enables overhead power line engineers to alter the pole locations of transmission lines on an incremental basis, view the line profile drawings and make optimal design decisions.

Model formulation with the Waterloo Energy Modelling System (WATEMS)

The Waterloo Energy Modelling System (WATEMS) is a spreadsheet-based tool for the creation and maintenance of mathematical programming models of energy supplies and demands. Unlike the approach of general purpose matrix generators, WATEMS restricts the modeller to network constraints and just a few classes of auxiliary constraints which encourages a visually-oriented, intuitive style of model formulation. We present the forms of constraints, costs and demand functions, and discuss the formulation of energy models within WATEMS.