Chromatic and High-frequency cVEP-based BCI Paradigm

We present results of an approach to a code-modulated visual evoked potential (cVEP) based brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm using four high-frequency flashing stimuli. To generate higher frequency stimulation compared to the state-of-the-art cVEP-based BCIs, we propose to use the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) driven from a small micro-controller board hardware generator designed by our team. The high-frequency and green-blue chromatic flashing stimuli are used in the study in order to minimize a danger of a photosensitive epilepsy (PSE). We compare the the green-blue chromatic cVEP-based BCI accuracies with the conventional white-black flicker based interface.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for EMBC 2015, IEEE copyrigh

Head-related Impulse Response Cues for Spatial Auditory Brain-computer Interface

This study provides a comprehensive test of a head-related impulse response (HRIR) cues for a spatial auditory brain-computer interface (saBCI) speller paradigm. We present a comparison with the conventional virtual sound headphone-based spatial auditory modality. We propose and optimize the three types of sound spatialization settings using a variable elevation in order to evaluate the HRIR efficacy for the saBCI. Three experienced and seven naive BCI users participated in the three experimental setups based on ten presented Japanese syllables. The obtained EEG auditory evoked potentials (AEP) resulted with encouragingly good and stable P300 responses in online BCI experiments. Our case study indicated that users could perceive elevation in the saBCI experiments generated using the HRIR measured from a general head model. The saBCI accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR) scores have been improved comparing to the classical horizontal plane-based virtual spatial sound reproduction modality, as far as the healthy users in the current pilot study are concerned.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for EMBC 2015, IEEE copyrigh

Inter-stimulus Interval Study for the Tactile Point-pressure Brain-computer Interface

The paper presents a study of an inter-stimulus interval (ISI) influence on a tactile point-pressure stimulus-based brain-computer interface's (tpBCI) classification accuracy. A novel tactile pressure generating tpBCI stimulator is also discussed, which is based on a three-by-three pins' matrix prototype. The six pin-linear patterns are presented to the user's palm during the online tpBCI experiments in an oddball style paradigm allowing for "the aha-responses" elucidation, within the event related potential (ERP). A subsequent classification accuracies' comparison is discussed based on two ISI settings in an online tpBCI application. A research hypothesis of classification accuracies' non-significant differences with various ISIs is confirmed based on the two settings of 120 ms and 300 ms, as well as with various numbers of ERP response averaging scenarios.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, accepted for EMBC 2015, IEEE copyrigh

On the Gauge Invariance of the Decay Rate of False Vacuum

We study the gauge invariance of the decay rate of the false vacuum for the model in which the scalar field responsible for the false vacuum decay has gauge quantum number. In order to calculate the decay rate, one should integrate out the field fluctuations around the classical path connecting the false and true vacua (i.e., so-called bounce). Concentrating on the case where the gauge symmetry is broken in the false vacuum, we show a systematic way to perform such an integration and present a manifestly gauge-invariant formula of the decay rate of the false vacuum.Comment: 17 pages, published versio

Renormalization-Scale Uncertainty in the Decay Rate of False Vacuum

We study radiative corrections to the decay rate of false vacua, paying particular attention to the renormalization-scale dependence of the decay rate. The decay rate exponentially depends on the bounce action. The bounce action itself is renormalization scale dependent. To make the decay rate scale-independent, radiative corrections, which are due to the field fluctuations around the bounce, have to be included. We show quantitatively that the inclusion of the fluctuations suppresses the scale dependence, and hence is important for the precise calculation of the decay rate. We also apply our analysis to a supersymmetric model and show that the radiative corrections are important for the Higgs-stau system with charge breaking minima.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figures; added reference

Game Based Learning for Safety and Security Education

Safety and security education are important part of technology related education, because of recent number of increase in safety and security related incidents. Game based learning is an emerging and rapidly advancing forms of computer-assisted instruction. Game based learning for safety and security education enables students to learn concepts and skills without the risk of physical injury and security breach. In this paper, a pedestal grinder safety game and physical security game have been developed using industrial standard modeling and game development software. The average score of the knowledge test of grinder safety game was 82%, which is higher than traditional lecture only instruction method. In addition, the survey of physical security game shows 84% average satisfaction ratio from high school students who played the game during the summer camp. The results of these studies indicated that game based learning method can enhance students' learning without potential harm to the students