Test Pilot Research Articles

Approach to Aircraft Handling Qualities Prediction

For the decades that followed the publication of the Cooper–Harper report that formalized a standard and universally recognized handling qualities pilot rating scale, researchers have sought to correlate pilot compensation—as well as physical and mental workload—with the assigned rating. A quantitative correlation remains elusive. In recent years, new physiological measurement devices have been developed that, together with software processing tools, can provide accurate measures of psychophysiological measures, including cognitive workload, distraction, and high/low engagement, based on electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram measures (i.e., brain waves and heart rate variability). The pilot compensation referred to in the Cooper–Harper scale is also a function of task performance measures that reflect aircraft characteristics and inceptor activity that reflects upon physical workload. Using a new piloted simulation test database generated in Manned Flight Simulator’s containerized rotary-wing simulator with 10 experienced test pilots, a machine-learning-based software algorithm that integrates a disparate mix of pilot–vehicle system, physiological, and task performance measures was used to further develop an approach to predict handling qualities levels and ratings.

Exploration of Traffic Accident-Based Pilot Zones for Autonomous Vehicle Safety Validation

Recently, the commercialization of autonomous vehicles has increased the importance of verifying vehicle safety through autonomous trials. Autonomous driving trials are conducted in limited areas within artificially constructed test roads and pilot districts and directly explore road sections and areas with similar environments to ensure the safety of AVs driving on real roads. Many previous studies have evaluated the complex response potential of AVs by deriving edge scenarios to ensure their safety. However, difficulties arise in exploring real roads with traffic accident factors and configurations similar to those in edge scenarios, making validation on real roads uncertain. This paper proposes a novel method for exploring pilot zones using traffic accident data to verify the safety of autonomous vehicles (AVs). The method employs a CNN + BiGRU model trained on DMV dataset data to classify traffic accidents as AV- or human-caused. The model’s classification accuracy was evaluated using recall, precision, F1 score, and accuracy, achieving 100.0%, 97.8%, 98.9, and 99.5%, respectively. The trained model was applied to the KNPA dataset, identifying 562 out of 798 cases as AV-like, indicating potential areas of high accident density due to AV operation. Outlier detection and DBSCAN clustering were utilized to identify compact pilot zones, effectively reducing the area size compared to raw data clusters. This approach significantly lowers the cost and time associated with selecting test roads and provides a viable alternative for countries lacking real AV accident data. The proposed method’s effectiveness in identifying pilot zones demonstrates its potential for advancing AV safety validation.

Design and Assessment of Fighter Pilot Assistance Systems for Air-to-Air Refuelling with Probe-and-Drogue-Equipment

Air-to-air refuelling (AAR) with a probe-and-drogue system is a highly demanding process for fighter pilots. In the frame of the project “Future Air-to-Air Refuelling” (F(AI)2R) the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is designing concepts for assistance systems to support fighter pilots during this manoeuvre. The AAR process was examined using a hierarchical task analysis (HTA) based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews with Eurofighter-, Tornado- and test pilots. “Situation Awareness Requirements” (SAR), which represent relevant parameters for the situation awareness of the fighter pilot were derived from the HTA and rated by pilots according to their relevance. The collected data was then used to design different concepts of pilot assistance systems using a morphological box and a decision matrix. The concepts were visualised as storyboards, assessed by test pilots of the “Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61” (WTD 61) and optimized based on their feedback. In this paper, the used methodology as well as the results of the HTA and SAR analysis are presented. Besides that, storyboards for pilot assistance systems displaying the overtake speed “German Patent No. 10.2022.110.505” and the “Contact Assistance, Status and Warning System” (CASWS) “German Patent No. 10.2022.123.653” are described. Additionally, the planned implementation using a HoloLens 2 is explained and the strategy for the subsequent simulator study on the DLR fighter aircraft simulator “Military AiR vehicle Simulator – Fast Integration Testbed” (MARS-FIT) is described.

Aeroelastic effects in PIO occurrences: A dual approach on flight simulator tests

This article presents the PIO identification for a conceptual aircraft subjected to aeroelastic effects. The flight data was obtained in an extensive flight simulator campaign, using the DLR AVES full-motion simulator, performed by four test pilots, as part of Embraer's/DLR's DinAFlex project. The aircraft model inserted in the simulator considered three cases, varying in structural flexibility and model fidelity (quasi-static corrections or the presence of aeroelastic modes). The first stage of the analysis presented the PIO identification from the pilots' perspective, considering their PIOR assessment. The subjective nature inherent to the PIOR scale was explored by comparing the flight configurations' assessment, using a proposed metric called pilot-to-pilot discrepancy, along with possible causes of its existence. The second stage presented the ROVER analysis, a quantitative approach that identified PIO events in the data and correlated them with the PIOR results, using another proposed metric called ROVER-to-pilot discrepancy. The discrepancy metrics provided a deep understanding of how the pilots deal with aeroelastic effects and evidenced that the PIOR assessment was impaired as these effects increased, presenting an issue to flight testing and certification of new, more flexible, aircraft, where pilot's assessment is of great importance.

NFTs for certified products: a heritage to protect on the “table” of the metaverse

ABSTRACT Certified products in agri-food are characterized by high quality and a strong territorial connection. This work explores the possible creation of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) for certified products in agri-food, due to the uniqueness and the artwork dimension attached to the product they identify. Questionnaires were submitted to explore the knowledge of NFTs and the propensity to purchase NFTs for certified agri-food products. We employ a proper Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and verify the predictive accuracy with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach. The adequate receptivity of these technologies to the public is demonstrated and it is emphasized how Agriculture 4.0 can adapt NFT for certified products to enhance local development and increase the knowledge and blockchain system behind certified products. Direct implications include the potential for reinvestment in the activities of agri-food companies and consortia by positioning in the virtual space. Future research could focus on testing pilot projects and verifying the results of this preliminary study.

Study on Construction Status and Development Suggestions of Intelligent Connected Vehicle Test Area in China

Intelligent connected vehicle is the key to the competition in the second half of the automotive industry reform As a key link before technical iteration and commercial application, the test, evaluation, and demonstration application of intelligent connected vehicles have been highly valued by the state and local governments This paper focuses on summarizing the construction of the intelligent connected vehicle test area zone in China, analyzing the construction progress and advanced achievements of the main test zone and pilot zone, and then summarizing the advanced achievements, studying and judging the problems existing in the development of the test area zone, and pushing forward target measures and suggestions to help The high quality development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry in China.

135 A Year Later: A multi-institutional QI project to enhance leadership conversations about retention

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Optimize an Individual Retention Conversation (IRC) toolkit aimed at enhancing trust amongst CRPs and leadership via a 2-phase project wherein 9 academic medical centers (AMCs) with significant CRP workforces developed and assessed a 16 question IRC guide and accompanying manager/leader instructional guide. #_msoanchor_1 METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Significant interest in adapting the Stay Interview concept for the CRP workforce led to a 2-phase pilot to optimize the re-envisioned IRC toolkit. Representatives from nine AMCs and research sites volunteered to navigate their respective institutional IRB processes to initiate the assessment. Additional sites, such as Frontiers Clinical and Translational Institute (Frontiers) launched variations of the IRCs outside of the structured QI project to meet the needs of their institutional environments and reported feedback to the larger group. Feedback on both the standardized IRC, as well as Frontiers’ tailored version, will be presented. This will serve as an entryway into Phase 2, a multi-institutional mixed methods evaluation project open to all AMC members of ACTS and the CRPT SIG. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: To date, 7 institutions have initiated IRCs with test groups at their institutions. Each institution had unique requirements, but all IRBs deemed Phase 1 to be exempt/not human research. Preliminary data suggest not only that the IRC process is valuable to both employee and their manager/unit leadership, but also that the simple act of conducting IRCs was found to be unique and meaningful to employees. For example, in their tailored IRC process, Frontiers found that the 90% of their team found the process to be beneficial (n=9). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: By acknowledging issues, understanding motivations, and increasing engagement, IRCs foster positive change, allowing team leaders to take immediate action on important issues. By doing so, retention and engagement of team members, and the CRP workforce as a whole, is likely to grow and strengthen, as supported by results from our initial test pilots.

A Positive Psychology Intervention for Caregivers of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors (PATH-C): Initial Testing and Single-Arm Pilot Trial

Caregivers of patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones through physical, emotional, and practical challenges. This role has been associated with high levels of psychological distress and low levels of positive psychological well-being (PPWB). Positive psychology interventions for caregivers in other disease groups (eg, breast cancer) have been associated with improved outcomes. However, positive psychology interventions that specifically address HSCT caregivers' psychological needs are currently lacking. The goal of this single-arm open-pilot trial was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Positive Affect in the Transplantation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (PATH) intervention for HSCT Caregivers to identify caregiver preferences to tailor PATH for HSCT caregivers. Adult caregivers of HSCT recipients were eligible for PATH during the HSCT recipient's first 100 d post-transplant. We defined, a priori, feasibility as >60% of participants who start the intervention completing ≥6/9 intervention sessions and acceptability as weekly ratings of ease and utility of the PP exercises ≥7/10 on a 10-point Likert Scale (0 = very difficult/not helpful; 10 = very easy/very helpful). We conducted semistructured qualitative exit interviews (n = 15) to explore HSCT caregivers' perception of PATH's content, benefits of PATH, as well as facilitators and barriers to engaging with the intervention. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using framework-guided rapid analysis by 2 coders. The intervention was feasible with 83% (15/18) of caregivers who started the intervention completing ≥6/9 intervention sessions. Among caregivers who completed ≥6/9 intervention sessions, ratings of ease (mean = 8.1; 95% CI: 7.4, 8.7) and utility (mean = 8.3; 95% CI: 7.8, 8.9) also exceeded our a priori threshold of ≥7/10. Caregivers identified benefits of PATH, including identifying and responding to emotions, dedicating time to self-care, and cultivating important relationships. Sociodemographic factors (eg, being retired) and the manualized structure of PATH were cited as facilitators to intervention engagement. Barriers to PATH engagement included lack of time and competing caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers preferred remote intervention delivery within the first 100 d post HSCT. This is the first study to show a 9-wk, phone-delivered positive psychology intervention is feasible in caregivers of allogeneic HSCT recipients. Our findings also underscore the specific preferences of this population for positive psychology interventions. Larger studies are warranted to establish the efficacy of these interventions in addressing persistent unmet psychological needs for HSCT caregivers.

Nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude of parents of children with autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Unhealthy maternal diet leads to heavy metal exposures from the consumption of ultra-processed foods that may impact gene behavior across generations, creating conditions for the neurodevelopmental disorders known as autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with these disorders have difficulty metabolizing and excreting heavy metals from their bloodstream, and the severity of their symptoms correlates with the heavy metal levels measured in their blood. Psychiatrists may play a key role in helping parents reduce their ultra-processed food and dietary heavy metal intake by providing access to effective nutritional epigenetics education. To test the efficacy of nutritional epigenetics instruction in reducing parental ultra-processed food intake. The study utilized a semi-randomized test and control group pretest-posttest pilot study design with participants recruited from parents having a learning-disabled child with autism or ADHD. Twenty-two parents who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected to serve in the test (n = 11) or control (n = 11) group. The test group participated in the six-week online nutritional epigenetics tutorial, while the control group did not. The efficacy of the nutritional epigenetics instruction was determined by measuring changes in parent diet and attitude using data derived from an online diet survey administered to the participants during the pre and post intervention periods. Diet intake scores were derived for both ultra-processed and whole/organic foods. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine any differences in mean diet scores within each group. There was a significant difference in the diet scores of the test group between the pre- and post-intervention periods. The parents in the test group significantly reduced their intake of ultra-processed foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 70 (mean = 5.385, SD = 2.534) and a post-intervention diet score of 113 (mean = 8.692, SD = 1.750) and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P < 0.001. The test group also significantly increased their consumption of whole and/or organic foods with a pre-intervention diet score of 100 (mean = 5.882, SD = 2.472) and post-intervention diet score of 121 (mean = 7.118, SD = 2.390) and the paired t-test analysis showing a significance of P < 0.05. Here we show nutritional epigenetics education can be used to reduce ultra-processed food intake and improve attitude among parents having learning-disabled children with autism or ADHD.

FORMATION OF WORLDVIEW AND PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATIONS OF AIRCRAFT DESIGNER O. ANTONOV

The article provides a thorough comparative and historical analysis of the process of formation of worldview and professional guidelines in the activities of Oleg Antonov, a prominent master of the national aircraft construction and design industry. In particular, the author, based on numerous biographical materials, highlights certain issues of shaping the worldview of the future founder of the aviation industry in his early youth, outlines the range of interests and hobbies related to Oleg Antonov's own beliefs and the influence of his immediate environment.The author highlights the initial steps of Oleg Antonov's amateur activities towards the creation of the first aircraft, in particular, his participation in the «club of aviation amateurs» organized by him in Saratov in his youth. The first experience of the future aircraft designer's participation in the second All-Union glider rally in the Crimea and his confirmation in choosing his future profession are highlighted.The author emphasizes the importance of Oleg Antonov's fateful meetings in his youth with future prominent spacecraft and aircraft designers S. Korolev, S. Ilyushin, and test pilots S. Anokhin and K. Arceulov.The author points out that despite the failure in Koktebel due to the fact that the Golub glider did not take off due to certain design flaws, O. Antonov used this experience as a springboard to the big world of aircraft construction, taking into account all his mistakes and embarking on the path of improving and modernizing the models he had already created. This event can be classified as the starting point of the national gliding industry and Oleg Antonov's professional growth.The author emphasizes that all subsequent aircraft designs by O. Antonov's design bureau were distinguished by their high-tech component and innovative design approaches. The author emphasizes the fact that in his professional activities, O. Antonov solved all the tasks he set with due regard to the laws of aerodynamics, design, strength testing, manufacturability, etc. Such a credo of professionalism was laid down at the initial stage of O. Antonov's formation as an aircraft designer and head of a leading design bureau.

1229. Outpatient Penicillin and Sulfonamide Antibiotic Allergy E-Consult Service in Prospective Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) are at increased risk for infections post-transplantation. A penicillin allergy incidence of 12% and sulfonamide antibiotic allergy incidence of 9% has been reported in transplant recipients. Documented penicillin and sulfonamide allergies lead to the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or suboptimal therapy leading to further adverse consequences. The purpose of this study is to improve the rates of antibiotic allergy delabeling in SOTr prior to transplantation through the implementation of an allergy testing pilot program. Methods From December 15, 2022 to April 28, 2023, prospective SOTr with a penicillin and/or sulfonamide allergy that was tested and delabeled at OHSU were included in this study. This process involves a clinical pharmacist contacting the patient and collecting a detailed allergy history via an e-consult. The e-consult is then routed to one of our allergists to determine patient testing eligibility. If the patient qualifies for testing, they are scheduled for a nurse visit at the clinic. After testing is completed, patients are notified of their results and the allergy is removed from their electronic health record with accompanying documentation. Results A total of 86 patients were evaluated for allergy testing (61% penicillin allergies and 39% sulfonamide allergies). Fourteen patients were successfully delabeled through the pilot program with one of the patients having both a penicillin and sulfonamide allergy delabeled. The primary reason for patients being excluded from this study was due to insurance not covering allergy testing done at OHSU as shown in Table 1. Although not included in the pilot program, 7 patients were successfully delabeled by obtaining a detailed allergy history and did not require allergy testing. Twenty-two patients have a future allergy testing appointment scheduled.Table 1:Patient Inclusion and Exclusion Conclusion The preliminary results of our study show the implementation of an e-consult service for antibiotic allergy testing in prospective SOTr prior to transplantation is an effective method for allergy delabeling. Allergy testing in this patient population has the potential to significantly improve the selection of antibiotics available for treatment as well as prophylaxis. Disclosures Shyam Joshi, MD, Cogent: Honoraria|Leo Pharma: Honoraria|Nectar Allergy: Advisor/Consultant|Nectar Allergy: Stocks/Bonds|Sanofi/Regeneron: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi/Regeneron: Honoraria|Takeda: Honoraria

Lessons learned from the Alberta Border Testing Pilot Program

Lessons learned from the Alberta Border Testing Pilot Program

A Data-driven Model for Sustainable Deployment of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices Among Smallholder Farmers in Kakamega

Kenya’s agriculture is dominated by millions of smallholder farmers who produce over 75 percent of the national agricultural production. The smallholder farmers, however, are the most vulnerable to climate change because various socioeconomics, demography, and policy trends limit their capacity to adapt to change. To mitigate against the negative effects of climate change on smallholder farmers’ numerous interventions, in the form of Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies have been developed and promoted by development partners and government departments. Not all the targeted smallholder farmers, however, participate in and adopt the technologies at the ideal rates and intensity leading to their dis-adoption and abandonment. This study, therefore, sought to develop a data-driven model for the sustainable deployment and adoption of CSA practices among smallholder farmers in Kakamega County. The study employed a mixed methods research design. Through a quantitative survey of 428 smallholder Climate Smart Agriculture Technology adopters and dis-adopters, this study reviewed and investigated the major socio-economic and biophysical characteristics of the different smallholder farmer categories. Supervised Machine Learning using the Scikit-Learn library of Python Programming language to build, pilot, and review Decision Tree and Random Forest Classifier models for the sustainable deployment and adaptation of CSA practices among Kakamega County's smallholder farmers. 19 key variables were identified for developing a predictive model for CSA Technology adoption. A predictive tool was developed and piloted among 15 smallholder CSA farmers. The classifier model produced a Mean Squared Error of 0.16. The proposed model predicted smallholder farmer adoption at an accuracy of 89.53 percent and 90.0 percent with test data and pilot data, respectively. This study, therefore, proposes a new model for the optimal selection of Climate Smart Agriculture intervention beneficiaries.

Facilitating participation in an online dance class for people living with dementia

Background: Care workers practice different approaches to facilitating social participation and managing (non-)responsiveness in activities for people living with dementia. Utilizing an on-screen dance activity in a foreign language, carers in this study draw on multimodal resources and shift their footings in participation frameworks to demonstrate and reformulate expectations in pursuit of responses. Method: Data were collected as part of a test pilot for a dance program designed for people with cognitive and physical challenges. The program was remotely delivered from Canada to a private, assisted living facility in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video recordings of five consecutive weekly dance classes were transcribed and analyzed using an ethnomethodology and conversation analysis (EMCA) approach to multimodal interaction, looking at directive-response sequences. Results: Our preliminary results explore how co-present facilitators encouraged participation of a non-responsive participant through embodied directives in three ways: through demonstrations and reformulations in co-participation; through repetition and emphasis in response to non-compliance; and through a subsequent proposal of a change in the interactional frame. Discussion/conclusion: There are various recipient-designed ways in which care workers facilitate participation in on-screen arts-based programs, including how they address non-compliance.

Lessons from the health system resilience testing pilot in Finland

Abstract Finland is a Nordic welfare state with universal access to health care. The health system has recently undergone a major reform and health care and social and rescue services are organized by 21 well-being service counties, the city of Helsinki and Helsinki-Uusimaa Hospital district which all get funding from the state. Publicly funded health services are mainly provided by public health centers and hospitals. The resilience testing tool developed by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the OECD was piloted in Finland in the early April 2023. The participants (n = 17) represented e.g. the key ministries, the Prime Minister's Office, Ombudsman for children, well-being service counties, municipalities, and the university hospitals. The tool was piloted by using a pandemic scenario in which those most seriously affected are small children with substantially increased hospitalizations and mortality. The adults are mainly asymptomatic. At population level the spreading of the disease is rapid and overwhelms the service system in waves. The scenario was chosen because it is difficult to predict the onset and cause of the next pandemic, or its effects on the health system. The Covid-19 pandemic placed health systems around the world to a test, but it is important that preparedness to the next pandemic is not developed solely based on the experiences from Covid-19. In this presentation we describe the main lessons learned from the Finnish resilience testing pilot. These include both lessons related to the tool itself and its further development as well as lessons from the discussions based on the pandemic scenario. The discussions by the multi-stakeholder group reflected well the health system subfunctions presented in the resilience testing tool framework. However, the discussions also captured themes that are not currently visible in the framework such as ethical considerations, values, and political determinants of health system response.

Anti-racism in my pocket: mobilizing women, technology and privilege to support systemic equity

Social implications The “Anti-Racism in my Pocket” case illustrates how collaborative entrepreneurial leadership can build on personal experiences, expertise and a desire to change the status quo to support racial equity. The case will support students’ critical thinking skills and further heighten their understanding of the contributions of women in leadership, anti-racism and the role of technology. Moreover, the case is motivating for students with aspirations of using business skills and knowledge to contribute to social equity. Learning outcomes After completing this case, students should be able to identify the role of marketing in the development, implementation and evaluation of a behavior change initiative, the Anti-Racism Action Nuggets anti-racism training program; analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of the Anti-Racism Action Nuggets Pilot using a logic model; identify marketing opportunities, challenges and strategies to scale the Anti-Racism Action Nuggets series for a broader impact; and discuss the relationship of gender in strategic positioning and marketing leadership to the development of the Anti-Racism Action Nuggets (Optional). Case overview/synopsis This case charts the development of an anti-racism training series by two friends, Allison Plyer (she/her) and Valerie (Val) Uccellani (she/her), called Anti-Racism Action Nuggets. The two protagonists aimed to change individual behaviors to reduce structural racism through lessons that were delivered in text messages to participants. Once the course is completed, they conduct a test pilot with members of NOW, LOVE, a women’s organization in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the end of the case, students are provided with the qualitative and quantitative pilot data for their analysis to recommend next steps and important marketing considerations for the Anti-Racism Action Nuggets series. Complexity academic level Undergraduate, graduate and executive education Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 8: Marketing

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding human immunodeficiency virus index testing in 2021, Burkina Faso.

Although knowing one's HIV status is a necessary step in initiating antiretroviral treatment, more than a quarter of Burkinabe who are HIV-positive do not know their status. To reach the target of screening at least 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the country has opted for HIV index testing (screening of sexual partners, children and partners of intravenous drug users). This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers on HIV index testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers on index testing pilot sites in Burkina Faso. We constructed scores of health workers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV index testing. A total of 132 health workers were surveyed, 62.8% of whom were female. Regarding profiles, 44.7% of the participants were nurses and 5.3% were midwives; physicians and psychosocial counselors accounted for 16.7 and 33.3%, respectively. Most of the participants worked in public health centers (60.6%). Overall, the majority of the participants had poor or average knowledge (85.6%) of the index testing strategy and harmful or inadequate practices (87.1%). Less than half (40.9%) had favorable attitudes toward the strategy. Our study showed that the knowledge of health workers was generally average, their attitudes were not very favorable and their practices were mostly inadequate with regard to HIV index testing. In order to increase the chances of reaching the first 95% of UNAIDS, trainings on the topic must be designed for health workers.

COVID-19 Testing of United States-Bound Agricultural Workers in Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic presents global health, welfare, and economic concerns. The agricultural workforce has experienced adverse effects, placing the U.S. food supply at risk. Agricultural workers temporarily travel to the United States on H-2A visas to supplement the agricultural workforce. Approximately 300,000 agricultural workers enter the United States with H-2A visas each year; over 90.0% are from Mexico. During February–May 2021, a COVID-19 testing pilot was performed with Clínica Médica Internacional (CMI), a clinic that performs medical examinations for US-bound immigrants, to determine the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of H-2A agricultural workers in Mexico before entry to the US. The CerTest VIASURE Real Time PCR Detection Kit was used. Participants’ demographic information, test results, and testing turnaround times were collected. Workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 completed isolation before US entry. During the pilot, 1195 H-2A workers were tested; 15 (1.3%) tested positive. Average reporting time was 31 h after specimen collection. This pilot demonstrated there is interest from H-2A employers and agents in testing the H-2A community before US entry. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 can yield public health benefit, is feasible, and does not delay entry of temporary agricultural workers to the US.

Lessons from clinical implementation of a preemptive pharmacogenetic panel as part of a testing pilot program with an employer-sponsored medical plan.

Introduction: This manuscript reports on a pilot program focused on implementing pharmacogenetic testing within the framework of an employer-sponsored medical plan at University of Florida (UF) Health. The aim was to understand the challenges associated with program implementation and to gather insights into patient attitudes towards PGx testing. Methods: The pilot program adopted a partially preemptive approach, targeting patients on current prescriptions for medications with relevant gene-drug associations. Patients were contacted via phone or through the MyChart system and offered pharmacogenetic testing with no additional direct costs. Results: Of 244 eligible patients, 110 agreed to participate. However, only 61 returned the mailed DNA collection kits. Among these, 89% had at least one potentially actionable genotype-based phenotype. Post-test follow-up revealed that while the majority viewed the process positively, 71% preferred a consultation with a pharmacogenetic specialist for better understanding of their results. Barriers to implementation ranged from fatigue with the healthcare system to a lack of understanding of the pharmacogenetic testing and concerns about privacy and potential misuse of genetic data. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for clearer patient education on pharmacogenetic results and suggest the importance of the role of pharmacogenetic-trained pharmacists in delivering this education. They also highlight issues with relying on incomplete or inaccurate medication lists in patients' electronic health record. The implementation revealed less obvious challenges, the understanding of which could be beneficial for the success of future preemptive pharmacogenetic implementation programs. The insights from the pilot program served to bridge the information gap between patients, providers, and pharmacogenetic -specialists, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.

Cfd Simulations of Store Separation: An Indian Perspective

CFD analysis played a very major role in predicting the safe separation of many stores including missiles, guided bombs, drop tanks from various airborne platforms namely, fighter aircraft, helicopters etc. Number of indigenous CFD based stores separation suites are developed by coupling flow solvers, 6 Degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) trajectory programs and efficient pre and post processors. These packages were validated against reliable experimental results and were applied to many practical applications. These analyses gave very good confidence to the designers, test pilots and certifying agencies to clear the flight trials without much wind tunnel testing. This paper highlights the author’s experience of use of CFD techniques to predict external store separation from fighter aircraft pertaining to Indian system.