Abstract
An interactive software tool for epileptiform spike detection and focus localization is presented. The method for focus localization uses a multistrategy approach based on different and independent computerized methods. Spike detection is performed using an algorithm based on a set of parameters that characterize the waveforms in the time domain. A number of independent techniques is integrated in a Microsoft Windows based environment to select artifact-free electroencephalogram segments. With this software, the clinician may adjust and validate the automatic spike detector as well as combine and integrate a set of independent techniques to reinforce each other in order to achieve a reliable focal indication.

Abstract
The relevance of scalp EEG recording on the selection of patients for epilepsy surgery usually is based on the concordance between the location of the epileptogenic focus and the presumed ictal origin of clinical seizures visually identified or video recorded. Bilateralisation and/or spreading of the epileptiform events are among the causes of the relative lack of agreement between scalp topography and origin of EEG potentials. Computer methods mainly if they are adaptive and use multistrategic approaches improve the accuracy on the detection of the epileptogenic focus, extracting relevant information on the location and spreading of epileptiform events.

Abstract

Abstract
The usefulness of computer analysis of EEG is exemplified here by using it as an instrument for fine measurement of the EEG epileptiform events. By using a PC-AT compatible microcomputer and a software package developed to record, analyse and display EEG signals, topograms and brain maps of epileptiform events are drawn. The characterisation of events in the scalp near potential epileptic focus and on the neighbouring areas is done. Studies of the origin and spreading of these epileptiform events over the location (EEG foci changing) can be correlated, with the clinical characteristics and evolution of focal epilepsy.

Abstract
The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to train professionals has increased over the years due to its advantages over traditional training. This paper presents a study comparing the effectiveness of a Virtual Environment (VE) and a Real Environment (RE) designed to train firefighters. To measure the effectiveness of the environments, a new method based on participants' Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was used. This method was complemented with self-reports, in the form of questionnaires, of fatigue, stress, sense of presence, and cybersickness. An additional questionnaire was used to measure and compare knowledge transfer enabled by the environments. The results from HRV analysis indicated that participants were under physiological stress in both environments, albeit with less intensity on the VE. Regarding reported fatigue and stress, the results showed that none of the environments increased such variables. The results of knowledge transfer showed that the VE obtained a significant increase while the RE obtained a positive but non-significant increase (median values, VE: before - 4 after - 7, p = .003; RE: before - 4 after - 5, p = .375). Lastly, the results of presence and cybersickness suggested that participants experienced high overall presence and no cybersickness. Considering all results, the authors conclude that the VE provided effective training but that its effectiveness was lower than that of the RE.

Abstract
How we perceive and experience the world around us is inherently multisensory. Most of the Virtual Reality (VR) literature is based on the senses of sight and hearing. However, there is a lot of potential for integrating additional stimuli into Virtual Environments (VEs), especially in a training context. Identifying the relevant stimuli for obtaining a virtual experience that is perceptually equivalent to a real experience will lead users to behave the same across environments, which adds substantial value for several training areas, such as firefighters. In this article, we present an experiment aiming to assess the impact of different sensory stimuli on stress, fatigue, cybersickness, Presence and knowledge transfer of users during a firefighter training VE. The results suggested that the stimulus that significantly impacted the user's response was wearing a firefighter's uniform and combining all sensory stimuli under study: heat, weight, uniform, and mask. The results also showed that the VE did not induce cybersickness and that it was successful in the task of transferring knowledge.