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Evaluation of the MCFLIRT Correction Algorithm in Head Motion from Resting State fMRI Data

Year: 2018 Volume: 12 Issue: 3 58 - 61 Pages

• Authors:
• V. Sacca
• A. Sarica
• F. Novellino
• S. Barone
• T. Tallarico
• E. Filippelli
• A. Granata
• P. Valentino
• A. Quattrone

Abstract: In the last few years, resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) was widely used to investigate the architecture of brain networks by investigating the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent response. This technique represented an interesting, robust and reliable approach to compare pathologic and healthy subjects in order to investigate neurodegenerative diseases evolution. On the other hand, the elaboration of rs-fMRI data resulted to be very prone to noise due to confounding factors especially the head motion. Head motion has long been known to be a source of artefacts in task-based functional MRI studies, but it has become a particularly challenging problem in recent studies using rs-fMRI. The aim of this work was to evaluate in MS patients a well-known motion correction algorithm from the FMRIB's Software Library - MCFLIRT - that could be applied to minimize the head motion distortions, allowing to correctly interpret rs-fMRI results.

• Keywords:
• Head motion correction
• MCFLIRT algorithm
• multiple sclerosis
• resting state fMRI.

A Unique Solution for Designing Low-Cost, Heterogeneous Sensor Networks Using a Middleware Integration Platform

Year: 2014 Volume: 8 Issue: 4 562 - 571 Pages

• Authors:
• Jarrod Trevathan
• Trina Myers

Abstract: Proprietary sensor network systems are typically expensive, rigid and difficult to incorporate technologies from other vendors. When using competing and incompatible technologies, a non-proprietary system is complex to create because it requires significant technical expertise and effort, which can be more expensive than a proprietary product. This paper presents the Sensor Abstraction Layer (SAL) that provides middleware architectures with a consistent and uniform view of heterogeneous sensor networks, regardless of the technologies involved. SAL abstracts and hides the hardware disparities and specificities related to accessing, controlling, probing and piloting heterogeneous sensors. SAL is a single software library containing a stable hardware-independent interface with consistent access and control functions to remotely manage the network. The end-user has near-real-time access to the collected data via the network, which results in a cost-effective, flexible and simplified system suitable for novice users. SAL has been used for successfully implementing several low-cost sensor network systems.

• Keywords:
• Sensor networks
• hardware abstraction
• middleware integration platform
• sensor web enablement.

An Example of Open Robot Controller Architecture - For Power Distribution Line Maintenance Robot System -

Year: 2008 Volume: 2 Issue: 3 261 - 266 Pages

• Authors:
• Yingxin He
• Kyouichi Tatsuno

Abstract: In this paper, we propose an architecture for easily constructing a robot controller. The architecture is a multi-agent system which has eight agents: the Man-machine interface, Task planner, Task teaching editor, Motion planner, Arm controller, Vehicle controller, Vision system and CG display. The controller has three databases: the Task knowledge database, the Robot database and the Environment database. Based on this controller architecture, we are constructing an experimental power distribution line maintenance robot system and are doing the experiment for the maintenance tasks, for example, “Bolt insertion task".

• Keywords:
• Robot controller
• Software library
• Maintenance robot
• Robot language
• Agent system.