Frontiers in Neuroinformatics (Aug 2009)

CamBAfx: workflow design, implementation and application for neuroimaging

  • Cinly Ooi,
  • Cinly Ooi,
  • Edward T Bullmore,
  • Edward T Bullmore,
  • Alle-Meije Wink,
  • Levent Sendur,
  • Levent Sendur,
  • Anna Barnes,
  • Anna Barnes,
  • Sophie Achard,
  • Sophie Achard,
  • John Aspden,
  • Sanja Abbott,
  • Shigang Yue,
  • Manfred Kitzbichler,
  • David Meunier,
  • David Meunier,
  • Voichita Maxim,
  • Voichita Maxim,
  • Raymond Salvador,
  • Julian Henty,
  • Julian Henty,
  • Roger Tait,
  • Roger Tait,
  • Naresh Subramaniam,
  • John Suckling,
  • John Suckling

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/neuro.11.027.2009
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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CamBAfx is a workflow application designed for both researchers who use workflows to process data (consumers) and those who design them (designers). It provides a front-end (user interface) optimized for data processing designed in a way familiar to consumers. The back-end uses a pipeline model to represent workflows since this is a common and useful metaphor used by designers and is easy to manipulate compared to other representations like programming scripts. As an Eclipse Rich Client Platform application, CamBAfx's pipelines and functions can be bundled with the software or downloaded post-installation. The user interface contains all the workflow facilities expected by consumers. Using the Eclipse Extension Mechanism designers are encouraged to customize CamBAfx for their own pipelines. CamBAfx wraps a workflow facility around neuroinformatics software without modification. CamBAfx's design, licensing and Eclipse Branding Mechanism allow it to be used as the user interface for other software, facilitating exchange of innovative computational tools between originating labs.

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