User-oriented Interface Research Articles

GeMo: a web-based platform for the visualization and curation of genome ancestry mosaics

In silico chromosome painting is a technique by which contributions of distinct genetic groups are represented along chromosomes of hybrid individuals. This type of analysis is used to study the mechanisms by which these individuals were formed. Such techniques are well adapted to identify genetic groups contributing to these individuals as well as hybridization events. It can also be used to follow chromosomal recombinations that occurred naturally or were generated by selective breeding. Here, we present GeMo, a novel interactive web-based and user-oriented interface to visualize in a linear-based fashion results of in silico chromosome painting. To facilitate data input generation, a script to execute analytical commands is provided and an interactive data curation mode is supported to ensure consistency of the automated procedure. GeMo contains preloaded datasets from published studies on crop domestication but can be applied to other purposes, such as breeding programs Although only applied so far on plants, GeMo can handle data from animals as well. Database URL: https://gemo.southgreen.fr/

Design Knowledge for Deep-Learning-Enabled Image-Based Decision Support Systems

With the ever-increasing societal dependence on electricity, one of the critical tasks in power supply is maintaining the power line infrastructure. In the process of making informed, cost-effective, and timely decisions, maintenance engineers must rely on human-created, heterogeneous, structured, and also largely unstructured information. The maturing research on vision-based power line inspection driven by advancements in deep learning offers first possibilities to move towards more holistic, automated, and safe decision-making. However, (current) research focuses solely on the extraction of information rather than its implementation in decision-making processes. The paper addresses this shortcoming by designing, instantiating, and evaluating a holistic deep-learning-enabled image-based decision support system artifact for power line maintenance at a German distribution system operator in southern Germany. Following the design science research paradigm, two main components of the artifact are designed: A deep-learning-based model component responsible for automatic fault detection of power line parts as well as a user-oriented interface responsible for presenting the captured information in a way that enables more informed decisions. As a basis for both components, preliminary design requirements are derived from literature and the application field. Drawing on justificatory knowledge from deep learning as well as decision support systems, tentative design principles are derived. Based on these design principles, a prototype of the artifact is implemented that allows for rigorous evaluation of the design knowledge in multiple evaluation episodes, covering different angles. Through a technical experiment the technical novelty of the artifact’s capability to capture selected faults (regarding insulators and safety pins) in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-captured image data (model component) is validated. Subsequent interviews, surveys, and workshops in a natural environment confirm the usefulness of the model as well as the user interface component. The evaluation provides evidence that (1) the image processing approach manages to address the gap of power line component inspection and (2) that the proposed holistic design knowledge for image-based decision support systems enables more informed decision-making. The paper therefore contributes to research and practice in three ways. First, the technical feasibility to detect certain maintenance-intensive parts of power lines with the help of unique UAV image data is shown. Second, the distribution system operators’ specific problem is solved by supporting decisions in maintenance with the proposed image-based decision support system. Third, precise design knowledge for image-based decision support systems is formulated that can inform future system designs of a similar nature.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12599-022-00745-z.

The Friendly Health Issue Network to Support Computer-Assisted Education for Clinical Reasoning in Multimorbidity Patients

Clinical reasoning in multimorbidity conditions asks for the ability to anticipate the possible evolutions of the overall health state of a patient and to identify the interactions among the concurrent health issues and their treatments. The HIN (Health Issue Network) approach, as Petri Nets-based formal language, is introduced as capable of providing a novel perspective to facilitate the acquisition of such competencies, graphically representing the network among a set of health issues (HIs) that affect a person throughout their life, and describing how HIs evolve over time. The need to provide a more immediate user-oriented interface has led to the development of f-HIN (friendly HIN), a lighter version based on the same mathematical properties as HIN, from which stems in turn the f-HINe (friendly HIN extracted) model, used to represent networks related to either real patients’ clinical experiences extracted from electronic health records, or from teacher-designed realistic clinical histories. Such models have also been designed to be embedded in a software learning environment that allows drawing a f-HIN diagram, checking for its format correctness, as well as designing clinical exercises for the learners, including their computer-assisted assessment. The present paper aims at introducing and discussing the f-HIN/f-HINe models and their educational use. It also introduces the main features of the software learning environment it was built upon, pointing out its importance to: (i) help medical teachers in designing and representing the context of a learning outcome; and (ii) handle the complex history of a multimorbidity patient, to be conveyed in Case-Based Learning (CBL) exercises.

DeconvolutionLab2: An open-source software for deconvolution microscopy

Images in fluorescence microscopy are inherently blurred due to the limit of diffraction of light. The purpose of deconvolution microscopy is to compensate numerically for this degradation. Deconvolution is widely used to restore fine details of 3D biological samples. Unfortunately, dealing with deconvolution tools is not straightforward. Among others, end users have to select the appropriate algorithm, calibration and parametrization, while potentially facing demanding computational tasks. To make deconvolution more accessible, we have developed a practical platform for deconvolution microscopy called DeconvolutionLab. Freely distributed, DeconvolutionLab hosts standard algorithms for 3D microscopy deconvolution and drives them through a user-oriented interface. In this paper, we take advantage of the release of DeconvolutionLab2 to provide a complete description of the software package and its built-in deconvolution algorithms. We examine several standard algorithms used in deconvolution microscopy, notably: Regularized inverse filter, Tikhonov regularization, Landweber, Tikhonov-Miller, Richardson-Lucy, and fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding. We evaluate these methods over large 3D microscopy images using simulated datasets and real experimental images. We distinguish the algorithms in terms of image quality, performance, usability and computational requirements. Our presentation is completed with a discussion of recent trends in deconvolution, inspired by the results of the Grand Challenge on deconvolution microscopy that was recently organized.

Predictive Decision Support System for Licensure Examination Performance through Integration of Multiple Regression and PART Classification Models of Data Mining

Data mining is the process of discovering knowledge which in turn can be used to predict future trends. On the other hand, decision support system is an information system that enables one to analyze data and compile information that will aid in decision making process. This paper presents the integration of data mining and decision support system in an educational context. thus, a predictive decision support system for licensure examination performance (PDSS-LEP) is designed that highlights the repeated generation of multiple regression model and the integration of another classification model which was derived using PART classification technique. The PDSS-LEP was found beneficial as it provides a good platform for generation of MR model that can be adapted by other institutions because of its model selection procedures and user-oriented interface. It is however suggested that data integration should be enhanced by considering multiple sources of data.

Implementation of Interactive Web 3D Based Virtual Educational System using O3D-WebGL

This paper proposes an interactive Web 3D based virtual educational system using O3DWebGL. The proposed system is capable of providing flexible services without being confined to a specific platform. A virtual educational content was implemented with an educational goal of saving the earth from global warming. The developed virtual educational content of global warming consists of two subjects: Amazon and Arctic. The effectiveness of the proposed virtual education system was verified based on implementation of user interaction. A storytelling approach was employed to maximize the interactive experience, and the 3D environment was implemented using O3D of WebGL to provide a user-oriented interface, as well as low-capacity, high-quality data services.

User-Oriented Interface Design Approach for Management Information System

User-Oriented Interface Design Approach for Management Information System

GIS tools application for risk assessment of toxic waste buried in seafloor sediments

The paper describes the development of a Geographical Information System (GIS) and related processing tools for handling the data and information acquired in the field to assess the risk of sea-bed dump sites where most of the containers are buried within the sediment. The GIS has been developed as part of the European Project SITAR (‘Seafloor Imaging and Toxicity: Assessment of Risk caused by buried waste’). The main innovative aspects of the SITAR GIS system are: a user-oriented graphical interface, allowing end-users to access field data starting from general thematic maps down to finer data details, and integrating environmental, acoustic and biotoxicity data; and the presence of a Decision Support System (DSS) for evaluation of buried containers (shape, dimensions, …), and based on the development of appropriate 3-D segmentation and classification image processing algorithms. The final version of the system has been evaluated by an independent panel of experts; the procedure and results of the experts evaluation are also reported, showing a clear and satisfactory appreciation for the system and its tools.

Redesigning the OPAC: Moving Outside the ILMS

ABSTRACTThe need to develop new OPACs that meet the needs of users better is becoming well acknowledged. How libraries can transform their OPACs to modern web friendly formats is not yet clear. This paper describes the State Library of Tasmania's experience in developing a new OPAC by exporting bibliographic data to a software package outside the ILMS. Issues involved with the provision of a user-oriented, browsable, or facet-driven interface are described, the two most important ones for libraries being how to change cataloguing processes so as to deliver the required data and search functionality, and how to share evaluative and usage data about our resources.

User interfaces and help systems: from helplessness to intelligent assistance

Despite a large body of multidisciplinary research on helpful and user-oriented interface design, help facilities found in most commercial software are so ill-conceived that they are often 'unhelpful'. From a wide spectrum of disciplines and software tools, we present an extensive review of related work, identifying their limitations as well as their most promising aspects. Using this material, we attempt to recapitulate the necessary requirements for useful help systems.

Implementing a model-based generic user interface for computer integrated manufacturing systems

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems are complex in terms of performing a variety of activities, maintaining a range of information and involving various classes of users with differing levels of knowledge and skills, and different levels and time spans of decision making. Much investment and effort has been made to formalize and automate the performance of the CIM elements in a manufacturing system. However, each CIM subsystem will typically have its own terminology, procedures and presentation formats. This places a heavy and unnecessary burden on users, resulting in frustration and reduced effectiveness. Research has been carried out by the Manufacturing Systems Integration Research Institute at Lough-borough University towards the generation of a user-oriented interface for CIM systems. This research has resulted in a conceptual approach, which incorporates a generic user—task model, which enables the generation of flexible and reusable software components to form a semigeneric user interface for CIM users. The CIM user interface provides presentation tools to monitor and control the performance of the CIM elements. Advanced modelling and integration technologies have been deployed to enable the system to cover a wide area of manufacturing domains. These technologies include modern manufacturing modelling architectures such as CIMOSA and GERAM, and advanced communication techniques such as those used by Web-based software applications in manufacturing environments. The implementation issues of the generic user interface concept, together with its application within an industrial case study are discussed in this paper.

WESES: A Wheat-Environment Simulation Experiment System

This paper introduces an integrated simulation model of wheat-environment system (WESES). The system was developed by integrating crop simulation model with rule-based knowledge base. It consists of submodels for growth and development of wheat, balance of soil water and nitrogen, management of wheat, a module for determination of crop parameters, and user-oriented interface. The present system can be used to estimate the potential productivity of wheat, analyse the effects of soil water and nitrogen on wheat and optimize crop management practices. The required input data are merely those readily available.

Coherent user interfaces for language-based editing systems

Many kinds of complex documents, including programs, are based on underlying formal languages. Language-based editing systems exploit knowledge of these languages to provide services beyond the scope of traditional text editors. To be effective, these services must use the power of language-based information to broaden the options available to the user, but without revealing complex linguistic and implementation models. Users understand complex documents in terms of many overlapping structures, only some of which are related to linguistic structure. Communications with the user concerning document structures must be based on models of document structure that are natural, convenient and coherent to the user. Pan is a language-based editing and browsing system designed to support development and maintenance of complex software documents. Pan's implementation combines several approaches: unrestricted text editing, language-based browsing and editing, description-driven language definition for incremental analysis and support for multiple languages per session. Pan uses a variety of mechanisms to help users understand and manipulate complex documents effectively, in terms of underlying language when necessary, but always in the framework of a coherent, user-oriented interface. This paper describes that interface, the mechanisms needed to support it, and the complex relationships between interface design and implementation techniques demanded by the goals of the system.

Microcomputer Human Operator Simulator (HOS-IV)

This paper describes the 4th-generation model of the Human Operator Simulator (HOS-IV) as implemented on an IBM PC AT microcomputer. HOS is a general purpose simulation tool for modeling the cognitive, perceptual, and motor activities of an operator who is performing a set of tasks during the course of a mission. HOS provides the capability to model the hardware system and the external environment which impact operator workload and system performance. Discussed are the new features of HOS-IV including the user-oriented interface, knowledge representation scheme, and enhanced modeling capabilities.

A multilayered operating system for microcomputers

Traditionally, programs on microcomputers have been accessing the hardware through a simple monitor. Recent years, however, have seen the evolution of general operating systems for microcomputers. With these, microcomputer systems follow the history of the mainframes. General operating systems have several advantages. They enhance the possibilities of the hardware and define standard interfaces for application programs. However, the price one has to pay for these benefits is high. The operating system itself will take a large part of the available resources and, for many systems, it will hinder a user-oriented interface of the application programs. These disadvantages, which are serious enough for mainframes, can make the traditional general operating system unacceptable for microcomputer systems. As an alternative, we will propose a multi-level operating system, based on ideas from the ISO Open System Interconnection Basic Reference Model [1]. This system combines the advantages of having only a thin layer of software between application programs and the hardware, with the functionality offered by general operating systems.

State Space Analysis of Dynamic Closed Loop Environmental Systems

SYNOPSIS Structured, generalised, digital modelling and simulation software tools that enable engineers to more easily produce formalised, documented and transferable software for prediction of thermal performance and energy use in buildings are described. The basis for these tools is modern state-space analysis techniques that cast modelling equations into a vector-matrix form ideally suited for digital computation. An automated building modelling capability generates detailed and simplified models directly from building plans through use of a library of construction element models (walls, floors, etc.). A user-oriented program interface enables interconnection of the building model with other component models selected from a library of HVAC equipment. controls, internal load schedules, and weather data to construct a closed-loop system simulation. Theoretical considerations for the modelling methodologies implemented in these tools are discussed, along with techniques to systematically reduce the modell...

The user interface of the data analysis package: some lines of development

The general purpose data analysis package is characterized by its user-oriented interface. This paper discusses the nature of the social research package user, and examines features of the conversational package SCSS to point out the important lines of package development. A discussion of these developments covers the areas of data structure flexibility, facilities for model manipulation and testing, self-documentation, adaptability to both expert and novice package users, as well as the facilities of table, graphics and statistics generation systems. Not all of these developments are equally feasible, because they put possibly conflicting pressures on the form of the user interface. The continuing number of users of data analysis packages will continue to make this an interesting area of user-interface development.

A user-oriented computer interface for health professionals.

One of the characteristics of medical information systems, which have been most successful in being integrated into the patient care process, is a cordial type of human interface that embodies a form of input/output generator software coupled with a terminal device that facilitates the selection of input data elements from lists or “menus.” This paper reviews the nature of this involvement in patient care and describes this interface in greater detail, illustrating its intrinsic value as an appropriate human-computer interface for use by medical professionals. As with any successful management information system, a medical information system's use will ultimately be a function of the ease with which it can be incorporated into the decision-maker's (manager's) daily activity. Watson has shown that physicians, after a long orientation period, are willing to use a CRT device that presents information in a convenient manner and allows the input of new data by means of selections from tree-structured lists instead of typing. A technique more natural than the use of a light pen is to simply touch a selection with one's finger. For this reason, our hardware terminal device consists of a 15-inch diagonal CRT with 24 80-character lines activated by the touch of a finger, which passes a direct digital signal to the controlling software for appropriate action. The accompanying software described is best characterized as a nonprocedural “higher level language,” or a “meta language”, designed specifically to process frames of CRT information in such a way as to eliminate much of the inevitable programming modification process. Such a capability takes on the characteristics of a “tool” by which the non-computer-oriented professional actually creates application programs that best serve his own needs. The user is able to concentrate on thewhat of using the computer rather than thehow. The software automatically determines thehow. Its use is not limited to just the presentation of the frames but also involves a method of allowing the user to link these with each other, and with parameter tables in a user-logical fashion. In addition, the frames can be readily modified. The selected parameter becomes data that the application program processes.

The user — cordial interface

A great deal of effort has been expended on the topic of user‐oriented interface (UOI) to online retrieval systems. This paper discusses the contradictory nature of the phrase UOI as commonly applied to retrieval systems today and describes a different approach to the problem made feasible through improvements in the technnology.

Design considerations for continuous system simulation languages

Currently available continuous system simulation languages (CSSLs) are reasonably effective in providing a more user-oriented interface to the computer. However, the fact that CSSLs represent a tool and not a panacea has not always been kept in perspective. Operational problems have hindered the use and consequent improvement of the languages. Designers and implementers must be willing to stay in the loop and smooth out the operational interface for the users. The future for CSSL is very bright. The increasing use and importance of remote, interactive terminals is based on the same user-problem approach that is the foundation of CSSL. It is in this area that CSSL will probably be most effective and will experience broad acceptance by new users.