Transfer Approach Research Articles

How integrated knowledge translation worked to reduce federal policy barriers to the implementation of medication abortion in Canada: a realist evaluation

BackgroundInitial Canadian federal regulations for the abortion pill, mifepristone, had the potential to impede safe and equitable access to this medication. To catalyze evidence-based regulatory change, we engaged health policy, health system, and health services decision makers, and health professional organizations in integrated knowledge translation (iKT), a research approach that engages the users of research as equal partners.MethodsWe conducted a realist evaluation of what iKT strategies worked, for whom, and in what context to impact federal mifepristone regulations. We constructed initial program theories (if–then statements about how iKT worked). We tested the initial program theories using interviews with researchers and knowledge partners and triangulated with analysis of research programme documents. We configured the evidence in relation to the initial program theories, and refined program theories into causal explanatory configurations.ResultsWe analyzed 38 interviews with researchers, health professional leaders, advocacy group leaders, and administrative government policy makers, as well as 49 program documents. Our results indicated that researcher partnerships with stakeholders had a meaningful impact on the removal of restrictions. We found key components of the causal explanatory configurations included: researcher motivation to move evidence into action, trusted reputations as credible sources of evidence, strategic partnerships, understanding of health policy processes, and researcher roles as a trusted convenor between key groups and decision makers.ConclusionsOur study identifies several practical and transferable approaches to impactful iKT. The findings may be of relevance to researchers focused on public health topics subject to stigma.

Soft X-ray tomography reveals variations in B. subtilis biofilm structure upon tasA deletion

Bacterial biofilms are complex cell communities within a self-produced extracellular matrix, crucial in various fields but challenging to analyze in 3D. We developed a “biofilm-in-capillary” growth method compatible with full-rotation soft X-ray tomography, enabling high-resolution 3D imaging of bacterial cells and their matrix during biofilm formation. This approach offers 50 nm isotropic spatial resolution, rapid imaging, and quantitative native analysis of biofilm structure. Using Bacillus subtilis biofilms, we detected coherent alignment and chaining of wild-type cells towards the oxygen-rich capillary tip. In contrast, the ΔtasA genetic knock-out showed a loss of cellular orientation and changes in the extracellular matrix. Adding TasA protein to the ΔtasA strain restored matrix density and led to cell assembly compaction, but without the chaining observed in wild-type biofilms. This scalable and transferable approach opens new avenues for examining biofilm structure and function across various species, including mixed biofilms, and response to genetic and environmental factors.

Multi-spatial urban function modeling: A multi-modal deep network approach for transfer and multi-task learning

Multi-spatial urban function modeling: A multi-modal deep network approach for transfer and multi-task learning

Pattern-Based Sinkhole Detection in Arid Zones Using Open Satellite Imagery: A Case Study Within Kazakhstan in 2023

Sinkholes are significant geohazards in karst regions that pose risks to landscapes and infrastructure by disrupting geological stability. Usually, sinkholes are mapped by field surveys, which is very cost-intensive with regard to vast coverages. One possible solution to derive sinkholes without entering the area is the use of high-resolution digital terrain models, which are also expensive with respect to remote areas. Therefore, this study focusses on the mapping of sinkholes in arid regions from open-access remote sensing data. The case study involves data from the Sentinel missions over the Mangystau region in Kazakhstan provided by the European Space Agency free of cost. The core of the technique is a multi-scale curvature filter bank that highlights sinkholes (and takyrs) by their very special illumination pattern in Sentinel-2 images. Marginal confusions with vegetation shadows are excluded by consulting the newly developed Combined Vegetation Doline Index based on Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2. The geospatial analysis reveals distinct spatial correlations among sinkholes, takyrs, vegetation, and possible surface discharge. The generic and, therefore, transferable approach reached an accuracy of 92%. However, extensive reference data or comparable methods are not currently available.

Transferable machine learning approach for predicting electronic structures of charged defects

The study of electronic properties of charged defects plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of how defects influence conductivity, magnetism, and optical behavior in various materials. However, despite its significance, research on large-scale defective systems has been hindered by the high computational cost associated with density functional theory (DFT). In this study, we propose HamGNN-Q, an E(3) equivariant graph neural network framework capable of accurately predicting DFT Hamiltonian matrices for diverse point defects with varying charges, utilizing a unified set of network weights. By incorporating background charge features into the element representation, HamGNN-Q facilitates a direct mapping from structural characteristics and background charges to the electronic Hamiltonian matrix of charged defect systems, obviating the need for DFT calculations. We showcase the model's high precision and transferability by evaluating its performance on GaAs systems encompassing diverse charged defect configurations. Furthermore, we predicted the wave function distribution of polarons induced by defects. We analyzed the node features through principal component analysis, providing physical insights for the interpretability of the HamGNN-Q model. Our approach provides a practical solution for accelerating electronic structure calculations of neutral and charged defects and advancing the design of materials with tailored electronic properties.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Performance and Injury Prevention in Youth Team Sports: Development of an Evidence-Based Educational Program

Introduction Team sports have become increasingly fast-paced and athletic, particularly at the elite international level. Over the past 15 years, a widening performance gap in explosiveness and speed has been observed between Swiss youth and elite athletes in team sports. Promising talents with deficits in these areas face growing difficulties in establishing themselves at the elite level. Concurrently, there has been a rapid increase in scientific publications demonstrating the positive effects of neuromuscular training on explosiveness, speed, and in addition on injury prevention. Objective: To develop an evidence-based educational program for coaches to optimize neuromuscular training in youth team sports, addressing the challenges of complex knowledge transfer, diverse stakeholders, and heterogeneous training approaches. Methods The "Power to Win" project was initiated by the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen in collaboration with Swiss national sports federations and Swiss Olympic. A multi-step approach was employed: Formation of a project group comprising scientists, practitioners, and stakeholders Development of an impact model focusing on optimizing athlete training through improved coach knowledge, awareness, and motivation. Analysis of training content, coach knowledge, and educational courses. Creation of a roadmap based on scientific evidence and expert knowledge. Definition of key concepts and models (e.g., performance model, long-term athlete development model). Structuring of knowledge according to educational levels (Jugend+Sport, national federations, coach education) and along the talent pathway (FTEM model, F1 to T4). Stage-specific adaptation of knowledge transfer considering available time for education and existing knowledge. Results The project resulted in the development of five digital learning courses for self-study and for integration into existing training programs. These courses are freely accessible online and designed to facilitate blended learning approaches, allowing for increased practical training time during in-person courses. The online content covers Bloom's taxonomy levels 1-3, while levels 4-6 are addressed in face-to-face training sessions. Discussion/Conclusion Translating scientific evidence into practical applications presents significant challenges due to various external influences. This project demonstrates a systematic approach to developing an evidence-based educational program for neuromuscular training in youth team sports. By addressing the complexities of knowledge transfer and considering the needs of diverse stakeholders, this program aims to bridge the gap between research and practice in enhancing performance and preventing injuries among young athletes in team sports. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this educational program in improving coach knowledge and behavior, as well as its impact on athlete performance and injury rates in youth team sports.

Advancements in End-to-End Audio Style Transformation: A Differentiable Approach for Voice Conversion and Musical Style Transfer

Advancements in End-to-End Audio Style Transformation: A Differentiable Approach for Voice Conversion and Musical Style Transfer

Diversified image style transfer—approaches, new methods and directed variability control

Diversified image style transfer—approaches, new methods and directed variability control

A continental approach to estimate the area required for proposed wind-power parks and their overlap with protected areas in Africa

Abstract Wind energy is one of the key renewable energy technologies required to transform the energy sector to reduce climate change. In the global expansion of wind energy, one main concern is that wind-power parks (WPPs) take up large areas of land, causing conflicts with other uses such as nature conservation. Existing impact analyses for WPPs are mostly restricted to case studies, and it lacks studies that investigate potential impacts at a larger scale because no scientific consensus on the area associated to a WPP exists. This study proposes a continental, GIS-based approach to estimate the area required for proposed onshore WPPs and to estimate their potential overlap with protected areas on the African continent. The results of the spatial analysis show that, in total, the currently proposed 149 WPPs would require 852 km2 of land on the African continent, thereof 11 would overlap with protected areas. The overlaps sum up to an area of 42 km2, which corresponds to an affected nominal power of 834 MW (5% of the total projected wind power capacity). These findings reveal the need for further purposefully local in-depth analyses to investigate if the WPP can be operated in accordance with the conservation of the protected area. This work provides new data and a transferable methodological approach on the expansion of wind energy and its potential space requirement and contributes to the investigation of potential land-use conflicts of proposed onshore WPPs on a broader scale.

A continental approach to estimate the area required for proposed wind-power parks and their overlap with protected areas in Africa

Abstract Wind energy is one of the key renewable energy technologies required to transform the energy sector to reduce climate change. In the global expansion of wind energy, one main concern is that wind-power parks (WPPs) take up large areas of land, causing conflicts with other uses such as nature conservation. Existing impact analyses for WPPs are mostly restricted to case studies, and it lacks studies that investigate potential impacts at a larger scale because no scientific consensus on the area associated to a WPP exists. This study proposes a continental, GIS-based approach to estimate the area required for proposed onshore WPPs and to estimate their potential overlap with protected areas on the African continent. The results of the spatial analysis show that, in total, the currently proposed 149 WPPs would require 852 km2 of land on the African continent, thereof 11 would overlap with protected areas. The overlaps sum up to an area of 42 km2, which corresponds to an affected nominal power of 834 MW (5% of the total projected wind power capacity). These findings reveal the need for further purposefully local in-depth analyses to investigate if the WPP can be operated in accordance with the conservation of the protected area. This work provides new data and a transferable methodological approach on the expansion of wind energy and its potential space requirement and contributes to the investigation of potential land-use conflicts of proposed onshore WPPs on a broader scale.

Settlement Prediction for Cast-in-Place Tubular Piles with Large Diameters Based on the Load Transfer Approach

Settlement Prediction for Cast-in-Place Tubular Piles with Large Diameters Based on the Load Transfer Approach

Retrieval of Vegetation Indices and Vegetation Fraction in Highly Compact Urban Areas: A 3D Radiative Transfer Approach

Vegetation indices, especially the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), are widely used in urban vegetation assessments. However, estimating the vegetation abundance in urban scenes using the NDVI has constraints due to the complex spectral signature related to the urban structure, materials and other factors compared to natural ground surfaces. This paper employs the 3D discrete anisotropic radiative transfer (DART) model to simulate the spectro-directional reflectance of synthetic urban scenes with various urban geometries and building materials using a flux-tracking method under shaded and sunlit conditions. The NDVI is calculated using the spectral radiance in the red (0.6545 μm) and near-infrared bands (0.865 μm). The effects of the urban material heterogeneity and 3D structure on the NDVI, and the performance of three NDVI-based fractional vegetation cover (FVC) inversion algorithms, are evaluated. The results show that the effects of the building material heterogeneity on the NDVI are negligible under sunlit conditions but not negligible under shaded conditions. The NDVI value of building components within synthetic scenes is approximately zero. The shaded road exhibits a higher NDVI value in comparison to the illuminated road because of scattering from adjacent pixels. In order to correct the effects of scattering caused by building geometry, the reflectance of the Landsat 8/OLI image is corrected using the sky view factor (SVF) and then used to calculate the FVC. Jilin-1 satellite images with high spatial resolution (0.5 m) are used to extract the vegetation cover and then aggregated to 30 m spatial resolution to calculate the FVC for validation. The results show that the RMSE is up to 0.050 after correction, while the RMSE is 0.169 before correction. This study makes a contribution to the understanding of the effects of the urban 3D structure and material reflectance on the NDVI and provides insights into the retrieval of the FVC in different urban scenes.

Innovation and Collaboration Model Based on Ecological Fiscal Transfer Approach: Case Study on Green Siak Regency Policy Development

In 2018, the Siak Regency Government initiated the Siak Green policy innovation based on Siak Regent Regulation Number 22 of 2018 concerning Siak Green Regency, which aims to overcome the impact of environmental damage and the implementation of sustainable development goals, where the regulation is used as a guideline for all parties in collaborating to implement sustainable natural resource management for the welfare of the Siak community. This study aims to analyse existing conditions and design an innovation and collaboration model based on an ecological fiscal transfer approach in developing the Siak Green Regency policy. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, where primary and secondary data sources related to the Siak Green Regency policy are analysed using NVivo12 Plus software to be able to answer research questions systematically. Based on the results of the analysis, this study found that the existing conditions of the Siak Green policy are still sectoral and have yet to be integrated into the work plans of regional apparatuses and related stakeholders. Substantively, the ecological fiscal transfer approach is an innovative and crucial policy instrument that needs to be adopted to maintain the sustainability of forest areas in Siak Regency while continuing to encourage increased stakeholder collaboration through fiscal transfers and intergovernmental revenue sharing schemes based on ecological indicators as awards given based on the quality-of-life index in sustainable conservation efforts in Siak Regency.

Advances in Vaccines, Checkpoint Blockade, and Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Based Cancer Immunotherapeutics.

Increase in cancer cases and research driven by understanding its causes, facilitated development of novel targeted immunotherapeutic strategies to overcome nonspecific cytotoxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These target specific immunotherapeutic regimens have been evaluated for their efficacy, including: (1) vaccines harnessing tumor specific/associated antigens, (2) checkpoint blockade therapy using monoclonal antibodies against PD1, CTLA-4 and others, and (3) adoptive cell transfer approaches viz. chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-cell-based therapies. Here, we review recent advancements on these target specific translational immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer/s and concerned limitations.

Enhancing Crossdocking for a Green Supply Chain Based on IoT and AI

In the realm of supply chain management, the integration of sustainable practices alongside competitive efficiency is increasingly crucial. This study explores the convergence of cross-docking methodologies with advanced technologies such as IoT and AI to enhance the sustainability of supply chains. Cross-docking, known for its direct transfer approach, minimizes storage duration and operational costs, potentially reducing environmental footprints associated with traditional logistics. Concurrently, IoT enables real-time monitoring of goods and environmental parameters, while AI-driven analytics optimize logistics operations with precision. This integrated approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also underscores the pivotal role of technological innovation in fostering sustainable supply chain practices. Insights from this study contribute to advancing sustainable logistics strategies tailored to contemporary environmental imperatives and industrial competitiveness.

Local heat transfer approach to the start-up analysis of an ultra-thin loop heat pipe

Local heat transfer approach to the start-up analysis of an ultra-thin loop heat pipe

Sharing knowledge on implementing mental health and wellbeing projects for veterans and first responders.

The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge to action and knowledge transfer approaches used in an international mental health research funding program and its outcomes. A key goal of the evaluation was to maximise organisational learning and knowledge sharing to inform future implementation projects. A series of interactive knowledge sharing workshops focused on five key themes: peer support; psychoeducation; the involvement of family, friends, and significant others; retreat, residential, or group-based programs; and organisational change. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to code, summarise and describe themes. Key learnings that influenced the success of mental health initiatives include building relationships across all organisational levels, involving Veterans and First Responders with lived experience in the design and implementation process, and understanding the unique workplace culture and operations. Our findings highlight the need for collaborative, informed approaches tailored to the culture, organisation and mental health support needs of Veteran and First Responder. These insights enhance understanding of the factors that impact the successful implementation of mental health prevention and support programs for those exposed to work-related trauma.

Thermal management of adsorption systems for greenhouse gas capture: A heat and mass transfer approach

Thermal management of adsorption systems for greenhouse gas capture: A heat and mass transfer approach

Application of the Time-Domain Multichromophoric Fluorescence Resonant Energy Transfer Method in the NISE Programme.

We present the implementation of the time-domain multichromophoric fluorescence resonant energy transfer (TC-MCFRET) approach in the numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation (NISE) program. This method enables the efficient simulation of incoherent energy transfer between distinct segments within large and complex molecular systems, such as photosynthetic complexes. Our approach incorporates a segmentation protocol to divide these systems into manageable components and a modified thermal correction to ensure detailed balance. The implementation allows us to calculate the energy transfer rate in the NISE program systematically and easily. To validate our method, we applied it to a range of test cases, including parallel linear aggregates and biologically relevant systems like the B850 rings from LH2 and the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex. Our results show excellent agreement with previous studies, demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of our TD-MCFRET method. We anticipate that this approach will be widely applicable to the calculation of energy transfer rates in other large molecular systems and will pave the way for future simulations of multidimensional electronic spectra.

Studies on the Stereoselective Synthesis of Sacubitril via a Chiral Amine Transfer Approach.

We present a comprehensive account of our efforts directed towards the synthesis of sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor used in combination with valsartan and marketed as Entresto™. Our initial approach to the formal synthesis of sacubitril employed a chiral pool strategy, utilizing (S)-pyroglutamic acid as a key building block and Cu(I)-mediated Csp2-Csp3 cross-coupling as a key transformation. Further investigations led to the development of chiral amine transfer (CAT) reagents-based stereoselective synthesis. This involved the E-selective construction of γ-ylidene-butenolide from readily available biphenyl bromide and 4-pentynoic acid, the conversion of this butenolide to its ene-lactam using chiral amine, and substrate-controlled diastereoselective reduction of ene-lactam using Et3SiH or Pd/C, H2 (overall chiral amine transfer) as key transformations. Antipodal lactam intermediates were synthesized using corresponding chiral amines, and the stereochemical outcomes during the ene-lactam reduction with Et3SiH were rationalized by DFT studies.