International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility

Mentors: Student: Asier Erramuzpe

<p>The brain search feature is a useful tool for researchers since it allows them to find studies from other researchers showing similar results. However, the current implementation is based on pairwise comparisons of brain maps which scale quadratically with the size of the database. This project will be centered in optimizing and refactoring the search method for other maps exhibiting similar patterns.</p>

Mentors: Student: Dabyly

<p>In the last decade simulation models have become more prevalent in a variety of application areas. Each of these models define a set of input parameters which determine the features of the output. With enough of these outputs we can begin to perform what is known as reconstructing the black box in the field of parameter space analysis (Konyha et al.). One method to do this is through trial and error, where a researcher sets the input parameters to specific values based upon their experience, and collects the outputs as sample points to investigate later on (Sedlmair et al.). This is a computationally expensive method for exploring parameter space which limits the effectiveness of the program overall.</p> <p>This project represents an effort to update the Parameter Space Exploration (PSE) tool so that it can be used effectively for exploring the parameter space associated with each included large-scale brain model. This achieved would effectively reconstruct the black box of the model which is vital for our understanding of its validity, and supports ongoing work to better understand the original basis for our model, the human brain.</p>

Mentors: Student: Alex Chrabrow

<p>OpenBCI (<a href="https://github.com/BrainTech/openbci" target="_blank">https://github.com/BrainTech/openbci</a>) is GPL-licensed framework for building brain-computer interfaces. It automates common tasks such as: data acquisition of EGG (with support for multiple EEG amplifier vendors), eyetrackers, Kinect cameras and more. OpenBCI can be used to control large variety of devices ranging from SSVEP appliances to robots and drones. OpenBCI is tightly integrated with Svarog signal analysis software. Finally experimental setups can span across few computers connected to the same LAN. My proposal consists of rewriting core of the OpenBCI project to use ZeroMQ framework instead of unmaintained and aging Azouk-Multiplexer library. Such change is required as it is getting more and more difficult to keep OpenBCI library alive. The switch to a new solution will be beneficial in the long run.</p>

Mentors: Student: bj

<p>The project is about replacing technology used by the PISAK program to the Qt5 framework, what will improve its overall quality and allow for easier integration with other assistive technology software.</p>

Mentors: Student: dokato

<p>Brian simulator becomes more and more popular in neuroscience community. At the same time Python is now some kind of state-of-the-art in the field, so it is crucial to have big set of tools helping scientists to work in that environment. Functionality of Brian grows up every year and as a recent user of that module who found it very useful I would like to contribute and just help developing the tool.</p>