User-friendly Computer Interface Research Articles

Explanation-Driven HCI Model to Examine the Mini-Mental State for Alzheimer’s Disease

Directing research on Alzheimer’s disease toward only early prediction and accuracy cannot be considered a feasible approach toward tackling a ubiquitous degenerative disease today. Applying deep learning (DL), Explainable artificial intelligence, and advancing toward the human-computer interface (HCI) model can be a leap forward in medical research. This research aims to propose a robust explainable HCI model using SHAPley additive explanation, local interpretable model-agnostic explanations, and DL algorithms. The use of DL algorithms—logistic regression (80.87%), support vector machine (85.8%), k -nearest neighbor (87.24%), multilayer perceptron (91.94%), and decision tree (100%)—and explainability can help in exploring untapped avenues for research in medical sciences that can mold the future of HCI models. The presented model’s results show improved prediction accuracy by incorporating a user-friendly computer interface into decision-making, implying a high significance level in the context of biomedical and clinical research.

Evaluating the Splintex model for estimating the soil water retention curve for a wide range of soils

The soil water retention curve (SWRC) describes how much water can be retained and is available for plants in soil under different matric potentials. SWRC plays an essential role in the modeling of soil hydraulic processes and can be estimated with pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Splintex 2.0 is a PTF model developed with a user-friendly computer interface that can estimate soil hydraulic functions' parameters. As opposed to common PTFs that need to be calibrated using empirical data, Splintex 2.0 was based on a semi mechanistic model that translates particle-size distribution data into solid mass fractions and pore-size distribution. The objective in this work was to widely test the performance of Splintex 2.0 against the performance of its previous version (Splintex 1.0) using a database of 1355 samples from various countries. This large number of samples allowed a detailed quantification of the univariate and bivariate probability distributions of the estimated parameters in different hydrogeology, climate, and soil types. The accuracy of Splintex 2.0 was examined by means of linear correlation analysis (r) for random errors and of mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) for systematic errors. The Splintex 2.0 model overcame the estimation’s discrepancy of SWRCs from its previous version and performed similarly with two other published PTF models. In particular, Splintex 2.0 performed as well as these published PTFs in estimating water content at field capacity over a wide range of soil types. In summary, because of its mechanistic nature, Splintex 2.0 can be an alternative model for estimating SWRC and field capacity in new areas where there is a lack of calibration data.

P.205Daily life digital biomarkers for longitudinal monitoring of Duchenne muscular dystrophy with wearable sensors

Clinical endpoints in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rely on motivation-dependant assessments performed in the clinic, which may not reflect disease and therapy impact on every-day life functionality, which in turn is a more accurate reflection of impact on quality of life. In the KineDMD study, we pursue a patient-centric approach to obtain a complete data-driven picture of full-body behavioural capacity in real-life over a 12 month period. Our Ethomics approach (Ethology & Omics) has 2 sides: "At home" & "In clinic". In the "At home" side, we monitor patients behaviour on a 24/7 basis using four sensors Etho4 on the four extremities to obtain a dense, continuous understanding of their motor activities and capabilities. DMD boys and age-matched healthy boys (HC) consented to wear a Etho-4s set consisting of 4 smart sensors ('watches') tracking each wrist and ankle in 6 Degrees of Freedom (accelerometer and gyroscope readings each along the three axes). In addition to wearing the sensors in the clinic during physiotherapy assessment, they are also worn in and outside of the home all day long, occasionally also at night. Movement data are collected continuously and in high temporal resolution, and sent daily to our servers through a user-friendly computer interface. In this on-going pilot study, we observed high compliance of the boys. The DMD boys wore the sensors approximately 62% of days since recruitment, for an average of 10 hours/day. On initial inspection of the data, we observed that real-life limb acceleration variability in DMD is significantly restricted across all 4 limbs. Furthermore, initial analysis confirmed that the degree of movement correlation during a day of a DMD boy compared to HC shows clear signatures of DMD kinematics. Using simple machine learning classifier operating on movement variability, it was possible to clearly distinguish DMD disease state from HC with >80% accuracy using the Etho-4s alone. These preliminary results support that real-life kinematics captured by our Etho-4s are collectable with high patient compliance across real-life activities. Furthermore, real-life activity yields clear disease signatures in DMD. While sensors are a stepping stone, key efforts are focused on appropriate behaviour analytics technology to develop potential novel clinical endpoints based on real-life patients' activities.

Escape from an Optoelectronic Tweezer Trap: experimental results and simulations.

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) are a microsystem actuation technology capable of moving microparticles at mm s-1 velocities with nN forces. In this work, we analyze the behavior of particles manipulated by negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces in an OET trap. A user-friendly computer interface was developed to generate a circular rotating light pattern to control the movement of the particles, allowing their force profiles to be conveniently measured. Three-dimensional simulations were carried out to clarify the experimental results, and the DEP forces acting on the particles were simulated by integrating the Maxwell stress tensor. The simulations matched the experimental results and enabled the determination of a new "hopping" mechanism for particle-escape from the trap. As indicated by the simulations, there exists a vertical DEP force at the edge of the light pattern that pushes up particles to a region with a smaller horizontal DEP force. We propose that this phenomenon will be important to consider for the design of OET micromanipulation experiments for a wide range of applications.

Data mining applied for national road maintenance decision support system

National roads are one of the main networks of a country’s transportation system. To maintain the performance level of national roads requires a well-structured pavement management system (PMS). The decision support system (DSS) is inseparable in the modern PMS, which required the development of a new approach for the DSS in support of national road network maintenance. The proposed model integrates data mining (DM) and geographical information system (GIS) to construct a simple DSS. DM is used to developed road maintenance optimization models, and then integrated with DSS with the help of GIS as an interface application. Historical data on the national road network in West Java, Indonesia is used as a case study. Examples show that the proposed model can determine a decision support solution efficiently. In addition, a userfriendly computer interface is developed so that PMS stakeholders can plan pavement maintenance simply and effectively.

Utilization of a digital-versatile-disc pickup head for benchtop laser microfabrication

Laser microfabrication is now offering interesting solutions to rapidly produce high-resolution photomasks or microstructures. However, most works require expensive commercial lasers and computer numerical control platforms, limiting its use by a large public. In this paper, we report the construction of a simple, custom-made, easily reproducible, automated laser system, based on a DVD optical pickup head. A user-friendly computer interface specifically designed to operate a motorized three-axis platform with micrometric precision controls focus distance and in-plane displacements. Writing performance characterization for both direct ablation and sintering of commercial black toner demonstrated flexibility in tridimensional microfabrication resolution and speed thanks to precise management of laser power and exposure time, with a minimal resolution of 3.1 μm.

Data Capture of Transdermal Glucose Monitoring through Computerized Appliance-Based Virtual Remote Sensing and Alert Systems

Monitoring of blood glucose levels is important to persons with diabetes or pre-diabetic, abnormal glucose indications. Such individuals must determine when insulin is needed to reduce glucose levels in their bodies, or when additional glucose must be administered to raise levels. A conventional technique used by many diabetics to personally monitor their glucose level includes the periodic drawing of blood, the application of blood to a test strip, and determination of blood glucose level using calorimetric, electrochemical, or photometric detection. This technique does not permit continuous or automatic monitoring of levels in the body, but typically must be performed manually, and on a periodic basis. Unfortunately, checking consistency varies widely among individuals, where wide variation of high or low levels of glucose or other analytes may have detrimental effects. The ongoing capture of data through continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring of analyte levels, and its inclusion with a user-friendly computer interface, is now possible using a subcutaneous implanted sensor. Such devices are small and comfortable when used, allowing a wide range of life activities. In this technology review we propose one promising model using a combination of emerging, systems-based technologies in non-invasive analyte monitoring, as integrated within household-based health monitoring using home appliances.

A Windows‐based interface for teaching image processing

AbstractThe use of image processing in research represents a challenge to the scientific community interested in its various applications but is not familiar with this area of expertise. In academia as well as in industry, fundamental concepts such as image transformations, filtering, noise removal, morphology, convolution/deconvolution among others require extra efforts to be understood. Additionally, algorithms for image reading and visualization in computers are not always easy to develop by inexperienced researchers. This type of environment has lead to an adverse situation where most students and researchers develop their own image processing code for operations which are already standards in image processing, a redundant process which only exacerbates the situation. The research proposed in this article, with the aim to resolve this dilemma, is to propose a user‐friendly computer interface that has a dual objective which is to free students and researchers from the learning time needed for understanding/applying diverse imaging techniques but to also provide them with the option to enhance or reprogram such algorithms with direct access to the software code. The interface was thus developed with the intention to assist in understanding and performing common image processing operations through simple commands that can be performed mostly by mouse clicks. The visualization of pseudo code after each command execution makes the interface attractive, while saving time and facilitating to users the learning of such practical concepts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 213–224, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20171

Bidirectional Telemetry Controller for Neuroprosthetic Devices

We present versatile multifunctional programmable controller with bidirectional data telemetry, implemented using existing commercial microchips and standard Bluetooth protocol, which adds convenience, reliability, and ease-of-use to neuroprosthetic devices. Controller, weighing 190 g, is placed on animal's back and provides bidirectional sustained telemetry rate of 500 kb/s , allowing real-time control of stimulation parameters and viewing of acquired data. In continuously-active state, controller consumes approximately 420 mW and operates without recharge for 8 h . It features independent 16-channel current-controlled stimulation, allowing current steering; customizable stimulus current waveforms; recording of stimulus voltage waveforms and evoked neuronal responses with stimulus artifact blanking circuitry. Flexibility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and a user-friendly computer interface of this device allow use in animal testing for variety of neuroprosthetic applications. Initial testing of the controller has been done in a feline model of brainstem auditory prosthesis. In this model, the electrical stimulation is applied to the array of microelectrodes implanted in the ventral cochlear nucleus, while the evoked neuronal activity was recorded with the electrode implanted in the contralateral inferior colliculus. Stimulus voltage waveforms to monitor the access impedance of the electrodes were acquired at the rate of 312 kilosamples/s. Evoked neuronal activity in the inferior colliculus was recorded after the blanking (transient silencing) of the recording amplifier during the stimulus pulse, allowing the detection of neuronal responses within 100 mus after the end of the stimulus pulse applied in the cochlear nucleus.

The design and implementation of a computer interface for a Raman spectrometer using the LabVIEW software package

A user-friendly computer interface was created for the SPEX 1403 Raman spectrometer using the LabVIEW computer package. The interface allows the user to align the spectrometer easily, produce a graph of the Raman spectra, and save the file to a format readable by a spreadsheet program. The program has three screens: the first allows the user to set initial settings, the second allows the user to read from a particular wavelength for proper alignment, and the third allows the user to set scan settings and perform the scan. The interface was successful in reading Raman spectra easily and efficiently.

Virtual Pyeloscopy Using Volumetric Depth Peeling

The aim of the study is to test a new volume-rendering method, volumetric depth peeling (VDP), for use in virtual pyeloscopy. VDP was applied to axial contrast-enhanced source computed tomographic (CT) images and coronal reformatted maximum intensity projections of three contrast-filled gloves containing objects of varying density. Similar renderings were performed on CT urograms performed to evaluate hematuria (n = 20). Renderings were assessed for anatomic appearance of ureters and specific calyces in comparison with source images. Objects of soft-tissue and calcific density ranging in size from 4 to 20 mm were identified by using VDP within the glove phantoms. Normal and deformed renal calyces were well visualized by using VDP; however, two stones were not identified. The minimal ureteral width that could be visualized was 3 mm. VDP may be a useful technique for virtual pyeloscopy providing that a robust and user-friendly computer interface can be developed.

Implantable device for long-term electrical stimulation of denervated muscles in rabbits

Although denervating injuries produce severe atrophic changes in mammalian skeletal muscle, a degree of functional restoration can be achieved through an intensive regime of electrical stimulation. An implantable stimulator was developed so that the long-term effects of different stimulation protocols could be compared in rabbits. The device, which is powered by two lithium thionyl chloride batteries, is small enough to be implanted in the peritoneal cavity. All stimulation parameters can be specified over a wide range, with a high degree of resolution; in addition, up to 16 periods of training (10-180 min) and rest (1-42 h) can be set in advance. The microcontroller-based device is programmed through a bidirectional radiofrequency link. Settings are entered via a user-friendly computer interface and annotated to create an individual study protocol for each animal. The stimulator has been reliable and stable in use. Proven technology and rigorous quality control has enabled 55 units to be implanted to date, for periods of up to 36 weeks, with only two device failures (at 15 and 29 weeks). Changes in the excitability of denervated skeletal muscles could be followed within individual animals. Chronaxie increased from 3.24 +/- 0.54 ms to 15.57 +/- 0.85 ms (n = 55, p < 0.0001) per phase in the 2 weeks following denervation.

GEOSCOPE and GEOLIDAR: Integrated Instruments for Underground Archaeological Investigations

Modern subsurface prospecting makes use of advanced technologies: coring, geophysical methods, and remote sensing. In the framework of this exciting progress, we have developed two integrated instruments for archaeological investigations. GEOSCOPE consists of a coring machine and a probe: the coring machine bores the soil while recording drilling parameters, the probe performs visual inspections and data acquisitions in the hole. GEOLIDAR is a laser range-finder conceived for the volumetric characterization of buried cavities by means of a motor-driven three-dimensional scan. The data are recorded and displayed to the archaeologist by a user-friendly computer interface. This paper describes the two systems, outlines the rationale that guided their conception, discusses the measurement accuracies and reports the first results.

A weed risk assessment model for use as a biosecurity tool evaluating plant introductions

New plant taxa from around the world continue to be imported into Australia and New Zealand. Many of these taxa have the potential to become agricultural or environmental weeds and this risk needs to be assessed before allowing their entry. A weed risk assessment system is described that uses information on a taxon's current weed status in other parts of the world, climate and environmental preferences, and biological attributes. The system is designed to be operated by quarantine personnel via a user-friendly computer interface. The model was tested against experts' scores for weediness for 370 taxa present in Australia, representing both weeds and useful taxa from agriculture, the environment, and other sectors. The model was judged on its ability to correctly ‘reject’ weeds, ‘accept’ non-weeds, and generate a low proportion of taxa which could not be decisively categorised, termed ‘evaluate’. More than 70% of the taxa were rejected or accepted. All taxa classified as serious weeds, and most minor weeds, were rejected or required further evaluation, while only 7% of non-weeds were rejected. The model was modified to New Zealand conditions and evaluated against the opinions of several groups of experts and against economic measures. The model produced a weediness score very similar to the mean of the experts scores. The latter were highly variable: agriculturalists tended to accept known weeds, conservationists tended to reject most adventive taxa, and only botanists produced scores similar to the model. The model scores also tended to be independent of economic value as measured in this study. The model could be adapted for use as a screening tool in any region of the world.

Design of very small electromagnetic and electrostatic micro motors

The paper describes a general design tool that can be used for small and extra small electric and magnetic devices. Such devices generate micro motions. Due to their dimensions and specially due to the short axial length compared to the radial dimensions a three dimensional analysis of the field is required. Complex geometries recommend a well tuned engineering tool to guarantee reliable results. Here, a standard three dimensional finite element approach is chosen to compute the electric and magnetic field quantities respectively. In combination with a user-friendly computer interface, controlling the necessary finite element procedures, a powerful engineering tool with a general application range is obtained. For that reason it was possible to apply numerical optimization algorithms to realize a fully automated design tool. Various configurations are studied using the same software tools. The paper aims at the application of the finite element method (FEM).

A decision support system dedicated to discrete multiple criteria problems

In most real world contexts, decisions must be made in presence of multiple, conflicting, incommensurate criteria. This paper presents a computational tool aimed at providing decision aid in the evaluation of a finite and explicitly known set of alternatives over several criteria. The system has been designed as an experimentation framework for helping analysts in the practice of decision aid, and it can be customized to specific decision situations. This decision support system (DSS) consists of a problem editor, a problem compiler, a set of multiple criteria decision aid (MCDA) methods, a dialogue base and a data management module. The DSS intends to make the most of a user-friendly computer interface in order to minimize the cognitive effort required from decision makers (DMs). The set of methods includes some representative discrete alternative MCDA methods, underlying different philosophies and strategies for selecting, clustering or ranking the alternatives. Some features of this DSS will be illustrated by considering a case study of evaluation of alternative power generation expansion policies.

PC graphics: What to look for

The Apple Macintosh led the way in producing a user-friendly computer interface that was oriented towards graphics and drawing. However, colour tended to be expensive and it was not easy to integrate Macs with other computing platforms. But developments in the PC world have transformed the desktop environment and we now see low-cost 486 PCs with sufficient power, memory, disk, colour and screen resolution to satisfy most requirements and applications.