Danijela Milosevic

A FPGA system for QRS complex detection based on Integer Wavelet Transform

A FPGA system for QRS complex detection based on Integer Wavelet Transform Due to complexity of their mathematical computation, many QRS detectors are implemented in software and cannot operate in real time. The paper presents a real-time hardware based solution for this task. To filter ECG signal and to extract QRS complex it employs the Integer Wavelet Transform. The system includes several components and is incorporated in a single FPGA chip what makes it suitable for direct embedding in medical instruments or wearable health care devices. It has sufficient accuracy (about 95%), showing remarkable noise immunity and low cost. Additionally, each system component is composed of several identical blocks/cells what makes the design highly generic. The capacity of today existing FPGAs allows even dozens of detectors to be placed in a single chip. After the theoretical introduction of wavelets and the review of their application in QRS detection, it will be shown how some basic wavelets can be optimized for easy hardware implementation. For this purpose the migration to the integer arithmetic and additional simplifications in calculations has to be done. Further, the system architecture will be presented with the demonstrations in both, software simulation and real testing. At the end, the working performances and preliminary results will be outlined and discussed. The same principle can be applied with other signals where the hardware implementation of wavelet transform can be of benefit.

ScolioMedIS: Web-oriented information system for idiopathic scoliosis visualization and monitoring

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of abnormal curvature observed in spine and it progresses rapidly during the puberty period. The most followed clinical way of assessing the spinal deformity is subjective by measuring the characteristic angles of spinal curve from a set of radiographic images. This paper presents a web-based information system (called ScolioMedIS) based on parameterized 3D anatomical models of the spine to quantitatively assess the deformity and to minimize the amount of radiation exposure by reducing the number of radiographs required. The main components of the system are 3D parametric solid model of spine, back surfaces, relevant clinical information and scoliosis ontology. The patient-specific spine model is regenerated from the parametric model and surface data using anatomical information extracted from radiographic images. The system is designed to take inherent advantage of Web for facilitating multi-center data collection and collaborative clinical decisions. The preliminary analysis of patient data showed promising results, which involve improved documentation standard, clinical decision knowledge base record, facilitated exchange and retrieval of medical data between institutions in multi-center clinical studies, 3D visualization of spinal deformity, and permanent monitoring of treatments.

A Comparison of Comprehension Processes in Sign Language Interpreter Videos with or without Captions.

One important theme in captioning is whether the implementation of captions in individual sign language interpreter videos can positively affect viewers’ comprehension when compared with sign language interpreter videos without captions. In our study, an experiment was conducted using four video clips with information about everyday events. Fifty-one deaf and hard of hearing sign language users alternately watched the sign language interpreter videos with, and without, captions. Afterwards, they answered ten questions. The results showed that the presence of captions positively affected their rates of comprehension, which increased by 24% among deaf viewers and 42% among hard of hearing viewers. The most obvious differences in comprehension between watching sign language interpreter videos with and without captions were found for the subjects of hiking and culture, where comprehension was higher when captions were used. The results led to suggestions for the consistent use of captions in sign language interpreter videos in various media.

The remote DSP experiment integrated with Moodle online learning environment

In this paper we presented an educational usage of remote experiment, carried out within master course in DSP on Faculty of Technical Sciences in Cacak. The experiment is based on the National Instruments CompactRIO platform and it is integrated with LabVIEW software for visualization. Students are able to access the laboratory experiment remotely through Moodle block called Remote Lab View (RLV), which is created to do experiment time scheduling and to enable communication between teachers and students during the experiments. This approach enriches blended learning mode and is highly beneficiary for master students who live and work away from University.

An Operation Reduction Using Fast Computation of an Iteration-Based Simulation Method with Microsimulation-Semi-Symbolic Analysis

This paper presents a method for shortening the computation time and reducing the number of math operations required in complex calculations for the analysis, simulation, and design of processes and systems. The method is suitable for education and engineering applications. The efficacy of the method is illustrated with a case study of a complex wireless communication system. The computer algebra system (CAS) was applied to formulate hypotheses and define the joint probability density function of a certain modulation technique. This innovative method was used to prepare microsimulation-semi-symbolic analyses to fully specify the wireless system. The development of an iteration-based simulation method that provides closed form solutions is presented. Previously, expressions were solved using time-consuming numerical methods. Students can apply this method for performance analysis and to understand data transfer processes. Engineers and researchers may use the method to gain insight into the impact of the parameters necessary to properly transmit and detect information, unlike traditional numerical methods. This research contributes to this field by improving the ability to obtain closed form solutions of the probability density function, outage probability, and considerably improves time efficiency with shortened computation time and reducing the number of calculation operations.

Matching learning styles to different type of DSP laboratory experiments

Development of the blended learning environment integrating online and hands-on laboratory practices together with learning of theoretical concepts within engineering course in DSP is described in this paper. The student surveys concerning to Kolbs inventory of learning styles and preferred type of lab exercises are carried out. Survey results were discussed from the point of matching different learning styles with preferred type of DSP lab exercises.

SCos for adaptive E-learning

In this paper we present an adaptation scenario for an e-learning system to individual learner needs and preferences. Learning resources are organized through shareable content objects (SCOs) - small digital chunks of knowledge, independent and self described pieces of instructional material delivered via a learning management system (LMS). The paper focuses on students particular learning style as an important student learning preference that influences the success of e-learning. Adaptation is made through discovering those SCOs whose educational category metadata implies that the SCO is to be delivered for the learning style of a user

OntoCIP - An Ontology of Comprehensive Integrative Puzzle Assessment Method Suitable for Automatic Question Generation

Application of the Comprehensive Integrative Puzzle (CIP) assessment method is novel in medical education. Because of its high discriminatory quality, its application in medical education increases. However, creating a CIP question can be very labor intensive and time consuming while a team of experts is needed. On the other hand, Semantic web and ontologies have proven their usefulness in fine-grain knowledge management and reasoning. This paper describes a concrete development of ontology for Comprehensive Integrative Puzzle assessment method, called OntoCIP. This ontology supports automatic question generation that will reduce workload for teachers as well as engage domain experts while keeping feasibility, reliability, and validity of CIP assessment method. Conducted evaluation of OntoCIP shows that it is suitable for the purpose.

An Operation – Reduced Calculation Method for Solving Complex Communication Systems

Calculation and design of complex communication systems are usually based on expert knowledge in telecommunications and through the usage of numeric software tools. According to various requests and initial conditions, the software procedure can be time consuming due to a large number of operations. This paper incorporates a new approach focused on a novel concept of calculation in optimisation procedures of complex communication systems, which reduces the number of operations. The key point is defining an auxiliary function and modelling a new optimised function suitable for further manipulation and calculation. We evaluate the hypothesis that a fast yet accurate approximation of an error probability is possible using a parametric function. It is used for calculation and analysis of error probability using an optimised function. The method is verified and validated on PC and Raspberry pi.

Developing Adaptive Business Intelligence Systems for Agile Supply Chain Analytics

Agile supply chain analytics is about ability to adapt business intelligence (BI) systems to meet the changing needs of the supply network and its environment. Agile BI incorporates both technical and process-oriented approach to development, management, and delivery of BI solutions. To achieve agile BI, supply chains must provide and establish the necessary infrastructure, architecture, tools and processes in a way that enables them to deliver BI systems capable of quickly and effectively adapting to the rapidly changing business needs and environment factors. However, most supply chains still lack methods, processes and tools to successfully design and implement these systems. The paper first provides an analysis of current situation and a concise background research, followed by the introduction of the integrated and adaptive supply chain business intelligence model. This model enables design of pervasive analytical systems for collaborative decision-making, monitoring and management of the supply network. The main components of the model are described, as well as the architecture and features of the specialized supply chain intelligence web portal which demonstrates usefulness and applicability of the proposed model. This system allows creation of a new breed of flexible and agile BI systems which ultimately results in more efficient, responsive and adaptive supply chains.