Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping:
Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) constitute a graphical representation of a particular (central) issue or theme, along with various factors or elements that are perceived to be connected to it. The maps are built to describe the structure of a given system, which concepts are involved, and what the causal relationships are between the central issue and its determining factors. Fuzzy mapping is unique in that it allows for a quantitative description of knowledge that is otherwise based on qualitative information, such as Indigenous knowledge (also called “Traditional knowledge” by some).
The FCM toolbox available within the ScienTissiME framework was developed to allow the easy recording, display and analysis of complex cognitive maps, with the option to run several different algorithms for further interpretation. The software has a user-friendly interface that enables the generation of easy-to-read FCMs, and allows for an interactive exploration and manipulation of the maps. It only requires a basic understanding of fuzzy mapping concepts; a science or mathematics background is NOT needed. The software further features a thesaurus tool (to identify related concepts) and allows for the use of syllabics (e.g. to display Indigenous languages such as Inuktitut).
Gamma Spectroscopy:
The GAMMA toolbox was developed for the analysis and processing of spectra acquired using commercial gamma spectrometers. The toolbox provides all features typically available with gamma spectrum analysis software (such as GammaVision by Ortec), which includes manual, interactive and fully automated gamma peak extraction methods, peak scanning and fitting algorithms, tools for detector efficiency calibration, and customizable, Excel-compatible isotope activity report sheet. Additionally, the GAMMA toolbox works in seamless transition with the CHRONO toolbox for the dating of sediment cores.
Sediment Dating:
The CHRONO toolbox is primarily intended as an extension to the GAMMA toolbox to determine the chronology of sediment cores, but can also be used as a stand-alone toolbox if the gamma spectra were already analyzed by other means. With both toolboxes, however, a complete analysis sequence can be built and executed in one go, starting from a set of raw gamma spectra and ending with a comprehensive sediment chronology report. The integral approach features: Excel templates for core- and sample-specific data and parameters, algorithms for calculating derived quantities such as cumulative dry-mass, visualization tools for evaluating down-core profiles, simultaneous evaluation of up to four different dating models (CFCS, CRC, CIC, Cs-Peak) in graphs and tables, user-selectable options for fine-tuning dating models, and customizable, Excel-compatible output tables.
Semiconductor device modeling:
The DEVICE toolbox was designed as a seamless interface to the Synopsys Sentaurus core engines, namely snmesh and sdevice. The aim was to virtually eliminate the need for the end user to write, edit, and maintain command files and scripts. This is highly advantageous to new and occasional user of these modeling tools, as they do not have to learn or maintain a working knowledge of the underlying scripting languages. It also makes the day-to-day handling of modeling tools and projects simpler, more intuitive and less error-prone, thereby significantly reducing turnaround time from the conception of a design variation to the evaluation of the corresponding modeling results. The DEVICE toolbox is further equipped with tools that are not available within the Sentaurus tool suite. This includes enabling spreadsheet or template-based definition of epitaxial structures, fabrication processes, and material physics and parameters. All command and parameter files are scripted automatically.