Development of Single-Channel Hybrid BCI System Using Motor Imagery and SSVEP.

Numerous EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) systems that are being developed focus on novel feature extraction algorithms, classification methods and combining existing approaches to create hybrid BCIs. Several recent studies demonstrated various advantages of hybrid BCI systems in terms of an improved accuracy or number of commands available for the user. But still, BCI systems are far from realization for daily use. Having high performance with less number of channels is one of the challenging issues that persists, especially with hybrid BCI systems, where multiple channels are necessary to record information from two or more EEG signal components. Therefore, this work proposes a single-channel (C3 or C4) hybrid BCI system that combines motor imagery (MI) and steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) approaches. This study demonstrates that besides MI features, SSVEP features can also be captured from C3 or C4 channel. The results show that due to rich feature information (MI and SSVEP) at these channels, the proposed hybrid BCI system outperforms both MI- and SSVEP-based systems having an average classification accuracy of 85.6 ± 7.7% in a two-class task.

Implementation and impact of a post-exposure prophylaxis helpline.

BACKGROUND: Despite a 2007 national and regional training programme, there was poor implementation of a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme to prevent occupational transmission of HIV in health care workers (HCWs) in Delhi. A new initiative was therefore launched by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society in 2010 to improve uptake of PEP in HCWs. AIMS: To assess the implementation and efficacy of the PEP programme in Delhi. METHODS: The initiative included a PEP poster and a telephone helpline together with a workshop for senior doctors of 46 public hospitals nominated as PEP supervisors. Data concerning use of the PEP help line and number of HCWs enrolling for PEP between January 2011 and May 2014 were analysed. RESULTS: Until September 2010, only 61% (28) of Delhi hospitals had PEP drugs and medical supervisors to manage the programme and reports concerning the programme were not sent. After roll-out of the PEP helpline, 4057 HCWs accessed the helpline, all public hospitals started implementing the programme and sent monthly reports. During the same period, 1450 HCWs suffered from occupational exposures, 15% were started on PEP drugs of who 98% completed the full course of prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The PEP helpline is probably the first in a developing country and has been helpful for the effective implementation of the national PEP programme in Delhi.