Technology Platform Research Articles

Research on Intelligent Speech Interaction System Based on Residual Neural Network and Baidu Speech Platform

To address the dual needs of convenience and security in human-computer interaction under the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a system has been designed based on Raspberry Pi4B, which integrates voice recognition, speech synthesis, and speaker verification functions. Voice recognition and speech synthesis capabilities leverage Baidu's speech platform technology, while speaker verification employs a Residual Neural Network (ResNet34) model based on the PyTorch framework. With a focus on enhancing the user experience, the system incorporates the snowboy offline voice wake-up engine for voice interaction and utilizes Python's Tkinter library to implement a customized graphical user interface (GUI). After strict testing and verification, this system not only efficiently and friendly meets various voice interaction scenarios in the field of Internet of Things technology, but also utilizes voiceprint recognition technology to ensure the application security of the system. It also provides research value for the innovation of open-source hardware platforms in the field of artificial intelligence.

Evaluation of Doxorubicin-loaded Echogenic Macroemulsion for Targeted Drug Delivery.

The latest technology trend in targeted drug delivery highlights stimuliresponsive particles that can release an anticancer drug in a solid tumor by responding to external stimuli. This study aims to design, fabricate, and evaluate an ultrasound-responsive drug delivery vehicle for an ultrasound-mediated drug delivery system. The drug-containing echogenic macroemulsion (eME) was fabricated by an emulsification method using the three phases (aqueous lipid solution as a shell, doxorubicin (DOX) contained oil, and perfluorohexane (PFH) as an ultrasound-responsive agent). The morphological structure of eMEs was investigated using fluorescence microscopy, and the size distribution was analyzed by using DLS. The echogenicity of eME was measured using a contrast-enhanced ultrasound device. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using a breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) via an in vitro cell experiment. The obtained eME showed an ideal morphological structure that contained both DOX and PFH in a single particle and indicated a suitable size for enhancing ultrasound response and avoiding complications in the blood vessel. The echogenicity of eME was demonstrated via an in vitro experiment, with results showcasing the potential for targeted drug delivery. Compared to free DOX, enhanced cytotoxicity and improved drug delivery efficiency in a cancer cell were proven by using DOX-loaded eMEs and ultrasound. This study established a platform technology to fabricate the ultrasound-responsive vehicle. The designed drug-loaded eME could be a promising platform with ultrasound technology for targeted drug delivery.

Development of Novel Carousel Milking Platform Technology Scheme Based on Magnetic Levitation Principles

Development of Novel Carousel Milking Platform Technology Scheme Based on Magnetic Levitation Principles

The Value of Flexible Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity: Value Drivers, Estimation Methods, and Approaches to Value Recognition in Health Technology Assessment.

Expanding flexible vaccine manufacturing capacity (FVMC) for routine vaccines could facilitate more timely access to novel vaccines during future pandemics. Vaccine manufacturing capacity is 'flexible' if it is built on a technology platform that allows rapid adaption to new infectious agents. The added value of routine vaccines produced using a flexible platform for pandemic preparedness is not currently recognised in conventional health technology assessment (HTA) methods. We start by examining the current state of play of incentives for FVMC and exploring the relation between flexible and spare capacity. We then establish the key factors for estimating FVMC and draw from established frameworks to identify relevant value drivers. The role of FVMC as a countermeasure against pandemic risks is deemed an additional value attribute that should be recognised. Next, we address the gap in the vaccine-valuation literature between the conceptual understanding of the value of additional FVMC and the availability of accurate and reliable tools for its estimation to facilitate integration into HTA. Three practical approaches for estimating the value of additional FVMC are discussed: stated and revealed preference studies, macroeconomic modelling, and benefit-cost analysis. Lastly, we review how value recognition of additional FVMC can be realised within the HTA process for routine vaccines manufactured on flexible platforms. We argue that, while the value of additional FVMC is uncertain and further research is needed to help to better estimate it, the value of increased pandemic preparedness is likely to be too large to be ignored.

A Privacy Focused Chat Application Build Using Flutter

Abstract: In contemporary virtual age, privateness issues have grow to be more and more frequent, mainly in communique platforms where touchy statistics is exchanged. This research paper presents the development of a privacy-focused chat application built using Flutter and Firebase. The utility prioritizes person privateness by means of implementing give up-to-give up encryption, making sure that handiest the supposed recipients can get entry to the messages exchanged. Additionally, the platform consists of robust authentication mechanisms to protect consumer debts and prevent unauthorized access. Through the usage of Firebase as the backend infrastructure, the chat software guarantees scalability, reliability, and actual-time synchronization of data across gadgets. The paper discusses the technical implementation details, such as the encryption algorithms employed, authentication techniques utilized, and the mixing of Firebase offerings. Furthermore, it evaluates the effectiveness of the privacy measures carried out and explores capability regions for similarly enhancement. This studies contributes to the developing body of understanding surrounding privacy-centric software development and gives insights into growing stable verbal exchange platforms in the virtual technology.

A Mini Review on Technologies and Storage Platforms in Supporting Learning Analytics

A Mini Review on Technologies and Storage Platforms in Supporting Learning Analytics

Smart platforming in automotive manufacturing for NetZero: Intelligentization, green technology, and innovation dynamics

Green technology innovation is integral to fostering sustainable economic development and environmental conservation. The application of smart product platform has emerged as a transformative force in shaping the trajectory of green technology innovation. Drawing on the foundation of knowledge theory and utilizing a sample of 1240 valid cases from listed Chinese automotive manufacturing enterprises between 2013 and 2022, this paper employs a mixed regression method to explore the relationship between smart product platform usage and green technology innovation. Additionally, it analyzes the mediating role of corporate innovation input in this relationship and the moderating effect of intelligentization level on the association between smart product platform usage and green technology innovation. The research reveals the following key findings: (1) Corporate smart product platform usage and innovation input significantly and positively drive green technology innovation. (2) Innovation input acts as a complete mediator in the relationship between smart product platform usage and green technology innovation. (3) Corporate intelligentization level positively moderates the relationship between smart product platform usage and innovation input. (4) Considering regional and ownership attribute disparities, the impact of smart product platform usage on green technology innovation is asymmetric. This study, as one of the few empirical examinations of the effects of smart product platform, enriches research in the areas of smart product platform and green technology innovation. The study, contributing to the empirical understanding of smart product platforms, offers valuable insights for automotive manufacturing enterprises to strategically leverage these platforms for advanced and flexible operations, aligning with the imperative of achieving global environmental goals such as NetZero. As indicated in COP28, the findings underscore the urgency of integrating smart technologies into the automotive industry to advance these crucial environmental objectives.

Designing an Information Technology Platform for Imparting Entrepreneurship Values in Social-Emotional Learning for Kindergarten Children Using EFA and CFA

Kindergarten is crucial for today's education. Kindergarten helps kids develop in all areas. Students work in groups on a simple project task in this study. The work includes topic-related activities. Kids should learn early on that being an entrepreneur will shape their identity & future. This condition makes someone realize that their long-term desire to be an entrepreneur comes from their academic success. This study investigated how the 35 questions are assembled & what improves them. 195 kindergarten teachers participated in the study. The sample was analyzed using EFA & CFA. Exploratory factor analysis revealed twelve unknown variables. The above variables explained 80% of the variation. Various factors explained the remaining 20%. All Cronbach's alpha values exceed requirements. CR >.7 & AVE >.5, indicating credible & tested constructs. The EFA showed that 195 research samples were sufficient because the KMO was above 0.50. This allowed more research. Six-factor solutions explained over 80.71% of the variation, so the EFA liked them. These factors kept the results consistent with those of previous studies. These traits facilitate legislator-educator dialogue rather than kindergarten teacher business observation. Researchers can use these properties for cluster analysis or multivariate linear regression. This subject requires more research because students develop a structured approach. Furthermore, experts should examine the research on what is making kindergarten entrepreneurship instruction popular.

Impact of Knowledge Management Strategies on Innovation Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of knowledge management strategies on innovation performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicate that effective knowledge management practices within SMEs positively influence innovation performance, leading to enhanced competitiveness and sustainable growth. Implementing knowledge management strategies such as knowledge sharing, creation, and utilization facilitates idea generation, problem-solving, and product/service development. Furthermore, fostering a knowledge-sharing culture among employees promotes collaboration, learning, and creativity, thus fueling innovation within SMEs. Additionally, leveraging technology platforms and tools for knowledge management facilitates seamless information exchange, retrieval, and utilization, further enhancing innovation capabilities. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view, social capital theory and dynamic capabilities theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of knowledge management strategies on innovation performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda. SMEs should prioritize investments in knowledge management initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the organization. Policymakers should develop supportive frameworks and incentives to encourage SMEs to invest in knowledge management initiatives.

Transfer of 2D Films: From Imperfection to Perfection.

Atomically thin 2D films and their van der Waals heterostructures have demonstrated immense potential for breakthroughs and innovations in science and technology. Integrating 2D films into electronics and optoelectronics devices and their applications in electronics and optoelectronics can lead to improve device efficiencies and tunability. Consequently, there has been steady progress in large-area 2D films for both front- and back-end technologies, with a keen interest in optimizing different growth and synthetic techniques. Parallelly, a significant amount of attention has been directed toward efficient transfer techniques of 2D films on different substrates. Current methods for synthesizing 2D films often involve high-temperature synthesis, precursors, and growth stimulants with highly chemical reactivity. This limitation hinders the widespread applications of 2D films. As a result, reports concerning transfer strategies of 2D films from bare substrates to target substrates have proliferated, showcasing varying degrees of cleanliness, surface damage, and material uniformity. This review aims to evaluate, discuss, and provide an overview of the most advanced transfer methods to date, encompassing wet, dry, and quasi-dry transfer methods. The processes, mechanisms, and pros and cons of each transfer method are critically summarized. Furthermore, we discuss the feasibility of these 2D film transfer methods, concerning their applications in devices and various technology platforms.

Enhanced Bioavailability and Reduced Variability of Dasatinib and Sorafenib with a Novel Amorphous Solid Dispersion Technology Platform.

Despite clinical advances with protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), oral administration of many PKIs is associated with highly variable plasma exposure and a narrow therapeutic window. We developed a novel hybrid nanoparticle-amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technology platform consisting of an amorphous PKI embedded in a polymer matrix. The technology was used to manufacture immediate-release formulations of 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), dasatinib and sorafenib. Our primary objective was to improve the absorption properties and reduce the pharmacokinetic (PK) variability of each TKI. The PKs of XS004 (dasatinib-ASD, 100mg tablet) and XS005 (sorafenib-ASD, 2×50mg capsules) were compared with their crystalline formulated reference drugs (140mg of dasatinib-reference and 200mg of sorafenib-reference). The in vitro biopharmaceutics of dasatinib-ASD and XS005-granulate showed sustained increased solubility in the pH range 1.2-8.0 compared to their crystalline references. In vivo, XS004 was bioequivalent at a 30% lower dose and showed increased absorption and bioavailability, with 2.1-4.8 times lower intra- and intersubject variability compared to the reference. XS005 had an increased absorption and bioavailability of 45% and 2.2-2.8 times lower variability, respectively, but it was not bioequivalent at the investigated dose level. Taken together, the formulation platform is suited to generate improved PKI formulations with consistent bioavailability and a reduced pH-dependent absorption process.

Long-Term Evaluation of Inserted Nanocomposite Hydrogel-Based Phosphorescent Oxygen Biosensors: Evolution of Local Tissue Oxygen Levels and Foreign Body Response.

Phosphorescence-based oxygen-sensing hydrogels are a promising platform technology for an upcoming generation of insertable biosensors that are smaller, softer, and potentially more biocompatible than earlier designs. However, much remains unknown about their long-term performance and biocompatibility in vivo. In this paper, we design and evaluate a range of hydrogel sensors that contain oxygen-sensitive phosphors stabilized by micro- and nanocarrier systems. These devices demonstrated consistently good performance and biocompatibility in young adult rats for over three months. This study thoroughly establishes the biocompatibility and long-term suitability of phosphorescence lifetime sensors in vivo, providing the groundwork for expansion of this platform technology into a family of small, unobtrusive biosensors for a range of clinically relevant metabolites.

Payload-delivering engineered γδ T cells display enhanced cytotoxicity, persistence, and efficacy in preclinical models of osteosarcoma.

T cell-based cancer immunotherapy has typically relied on membrane-bound cytotoxicity enhancers such as chimeric antigen receptors expressed in autologous αβ T cells. These approaches are limited by tonic signaling of synthetic constructs and costs associated with manufacturing. γδ T cells are an emerging alternative for cellular therapy, having innate antitumor activity, potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and minimal alloreactivity. We present an immunotherapeutic platform technology built around the innate properties of the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell, harnessing specific characteristics of this cell type and offering an allocompatible cellular therapy that recruits bystander immunity. We engineered γδ T cells to secrete synthetic tumor-targeting opsonins in the form of an scFv-Fc fusion protein and a mitogenic IL-15Rα-IL-15 fusion protein (stIL15). Using GD2 as a model antigen, we show that GD2-specific opsonin-secreting Vγ9Vδ2 T cells (stIL15-OPS-γδ T cells) have enhanced cytotoxicity and promote bystander activity of other lymphoid and myeloid cells. Secretion of stIL-15 abrogated the need for exogenous cytokine supplementation and further mediated activation of bystander natural killer cells. Compared with unmodified γδ T cells, stIL15-OPS-γδ T cells exhibited superior in vivo control of subcutaneous tumors and persistence in the blood. Moreover, stIL15-OPS-γδ T cells were efficacious against patient-derived osteosarcomas in animal models and in vitro, where efficacy could be boosted with the addition of zoledronic acid. Together, the data identify stIL15-OPS-γδ T cells as a candidate allogeneic cell therapy platform combining direct cytolysis with bystander activation to promote tumor control.

Sequencing accuracy and systematic errors of nanopore direct RNA sequencing

BackgroundDirect RNA sequencing (dRNA-seq) on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms can produce reads covering up to full-length gene transcripts, while containing decipherable information about RNA base modifications and poly-A tail lengths. Although many published studies have been expanding the potential of dRNA-seq, its sequencing accuracy and error patterns remain understudied.ResultsWe present the first comprehensive evaluation of sequencing accuracy and characterisation of systematic errors in dRNA-seq data from diverse organisms and synthetic in vitro transcribed RNAs. We found that for sequencing kits SQK-RNA001 and SQK-RNA002, the median read accuracy ranged from 87% to 92% across species, and deletions significantly outnumbered mismatches and insertions. Due to their high abundance in the transcriptome, heteropolymers and short homopolymers were the major contributors to the overall sequencing errors. We also observed systematic biases across all species at the levels of single nucleotides and motifs. In general, cytosine/uracil-rich regions were more likely to be erroneous than guanines and adenines. By examining raw signal data, we identified the underlying signal-level features potentially associated with the error patterns and their dependency on sequence contexts. While read quality scores can be used to approximate error rates at base and read levels, failure to detect DNA adapters may be a source of errors and data loss. By comparing distinct basecallers, we reason that some sequencing errors are attributable to signal insufficiency rather than algorithmic (basecalling) artefacts. Lastly, we generated dRNA-seq data using the latest SQK-RNA004 sequencing kit released at the end of 2023 and found that although the overall read accuracy increased, the systematic errors remain largely identical compared to the previous kits.ConclusionsAs the first systematic investigation of dRNA-seq errors, this study offers a comprehensive overview of reproducible error patterns across diverse datasets, identifies potential signal-level insufficiency, and lays the foundation for error correction methods.

The COVID Emergency as Autoimmune Disease

This article analyzes the United States biosecurity state’s orchestration of the COVID-19 phenomenon into a public health emergency, tracing the legal platforms that made this mobilization possible. Leaning on the longstanding reverberations between political and biological discourses around immunology, I argue that the polis entered into a state of autoimmune disease where its public/private biosecurity organisms attacked its own body politic. COVID-19 constitutes the culmination of a development that had been in the making for several decades. Besides parsing the central legislative inventions that form the basis of this operation, the article analyzes the most central medical countermeasure deployed as the ostensible remedy to the public health emergency. A novel technological platform (mRNA transfection) is introduced as the solution to the threat of infection (falsely promising immunity). This platform is equally built on autoimmune logic, not traditional immunity. Unlike previous vaccine technologies, synthetic mRNA transfections coerce the body’s cells to produce the antigen against which the immune reaction is mounted. The immune system will then attack those cells that express the antigen, the most publicly acknowledged example being myocarditis. The feedback loop between biological and political discourses on autoimmune disease has begun to restructure societies globally.

Should brain chip implants for memory and cognitive enhancement be banned in competitive national examinations?

In a recent medical breakthrough, Elon Musk's startup company Neuralink implanted the first brain chip in a human patient, purportedly for aiding paralysis. While certainly representing a significant medical milestone for many patients afflicted with debilitating brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, it must be noted that this very same technology can also be manipulated for human memory or cognitive enhancement. What happens if a brain chip were to be developed that can significantly improve either IQ (intelligence quotient) or memory, and these were then implanted in people to enhance their performance in highly competitive national examinations for college entrance or gaining employment in civil service positions? This article therefore discusses the ethical implications of this nascent technology platform, and whether its use in competitive national examinations should be banned.

Crystal Structures, Molecular Docking and In Vitro Investigations of Two 4-Substituted 2-(5,5-dimethyl-3-styrylcyclohex-2-enylidene)malononitrile Derivatives as Potential Topoisomerase II Inhibitors

Type II topoisomerases (TOP2s) play a key role in altering the DNA topology by transiently cleaving both strands of a DNA duplex. Therefore, increased TOP2 activity is associated with many cancers. Herein, we present the synthesis, structural characterization, virtual screening, and structural exploration, as well as evaluation of the antiproliferative effects of two new 4-substituted 2-(5,5-dimethyl-3-styrylcyclohex-2-enylidene)malononitrile derivatives with potential application in the drug design of isoform-specific TOP2 inhibitors. Both compounds 1 and 2 were verified by ESI-TOF-MS, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Furthermore, we applied our recently proposed SCXRD/HYdrogen DEsolvation (HYDE) technology platform in order to perform molecular modeling, virtual screening, and structural exploration with 1 and 2. For this purpose, we used the crystal structure of human TOP2β complexed to DNA and the anticancer drug etoposide. Moreover, we further evaluated the antiproliferative activity of 1 and 2 on human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells and compared the observed effects with those of the reference hTOP2β inhibitor etoposide. Based on the obtained results, compounds 1 and 2 showed a virtually higher binding affinity (Ki HYDE values) over etoposide towards hTOP2β but lower antiproliferative activity compared to those of etoposide.

Proximie in the operating theatre: evaluation of a virtual operating platform for medical student education.

Medical students often hesitate to enter the operating theatre because of poor visibility of the surgical field and anxiety about the theatre environment. In addition, ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery is underrepresented in many medical curricula. Virtual systems like Proximie offer flexible viewing of surgeries with surgeon commentary, potentially addressing these issues. This descriptive survey study aimed to evaluate the use of Proximie as a surgical education tool for delivering ENT teaching to medical students. Live ENT procedures were recorded at the ENT Department of the John Radcliffe Hospital and shared with interested clinical medical students through Proximie accounts. Students were added to a private group chat to ask questions and provided feedback through structured forms, assessing procedural effectiveness and the platform's technology. Live-streaming and recording of procedures were facilitated by ENT surgeons providing commentary. Conducted over four virtual theatre days, the study gathered 52 responses: 96% of students rated Proximie's educational value as 4 of 5 or higher; 57% preferred the virtual experience over physical attendance because of its convenience and the improved view of the surgical field. Students valued the live commentary and showed interest in using Proximie for a broader range of surgeries. Suggested improvements included fixing technical issues, better communication of theatre lists, and expanding surgical specialty coverage. Proximie has been highly rated by medical students for its effective and engaging approach in the instruction of surgical skills, underscoring its value as an educational tool. Future research is needed to formally assess knowledge acquisition and retention across multiple surgical subspecialties. This work is the first step towards evaluating the utility of virtual operating theatre platforms for medical student education.

Individual Intervention and Assessment of Students' Physical Fitness Based on the "Three Precision" Applet and Mixed Strategy Optimised CNN Networks

With the development of network technology and intelligent application platforms, the "Three Precision" applet as a method of individual intervention for students' physical fitness can not only enable students to obtain the improvement of physical fitness and lifelong sports habits, but also establish a new bridge of cooperation between home and school. The analysis method of student physical fitness individual intervention assessment is affected by a variety of factors such as the framework design of the WeChat applet platform and the subjectivity of the intervention, which leads to the inefficiency of the student physical fitness individual intervention assessment method. To address this problem, we analyse the mode and content of students' physical fitness individual intervention based on the "Three Precision" applet, extract the feature vectors of students' physical fitness individual intervention, construct a system of students' physical fitness individual intervention assessment indexes, and establish a method of students' physical fitness individual intervention assessment based on big data technology and WeChat applet by combining the mushroom propagation optimization algorithm and convolutional neural network. Individual intervention assessment method based on big data technology and WeChat applet. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified by using the data recorded in the "Three Precision" applet as the input data of the model. The results show that the proposed method meets the real-time requirements and improves the prediction accuracy of the individual intervention assessment method, which significantly improves the efficiency of the individual intervention assessment of students' physical fitness.

Empathetic and Emotive Design: A Scoping Review.

With the advent of the digital health era, there has emerged a new emphasis on collecting health information from patients and their families using technology platforms that are both empathetic and emotive in their design to meet the needs and situations of individuals, who are experiencing a health event or crisis. Digital empathy has emerged as an aspect of interactions between individuals and healthcare organizations especially in times of crises as more empathetic and emotive digital health platforms hold greater capacity to engage the user while collecting valuable health information that could be used to respond to the individuals' needs. In this paper we report on the results of a scoping review used to derive an initial set of evidence-based empathetic or emotive design heuristics.