Transfer Platform Research Articles

Assessing Awareness and Competence of Best Practices in Synchronous Online Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Clemson Cooperative Extension Professionals

Traditional delivery of Extension programming changed overnight in March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak forced switching traditional methods to virtual delivery. Extension professionals across South Carolina quickly adapted to online delivery. Concerns over instructor preparedness to use online tools, including functions to assure accessibility, did arise. Findings from this non-experimental, descriptive research study suggested Extension professionals used online tools (primarily Zoom). The majority were not comfortable using many of the features that would enhance instruction, including polling, file transfer, and live-streaming media platforms. Additionally, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills to assure accessibility for clientele were lacking.

Optimizing total passenger waiting time in an urban rail network: A passenger flow guidance strategy based on a multi-agent simulation approach

With the sharp increase of passenger travel demands in an urban rail transit (URT) network, more and more stations suffer an over-saturated and congested situation during peak hours, which often leads to colossal passenger accumulation in platforms, especially in transfer platforms. Under this state, the passenger flow guidance is a useful method to release the passengers’ pressure and balance the passenger accumulation imbalance. In order to calculate the passenger flow traveling data and the passenger flow guidance (PFG) time, a multi-agent simulation model is firstly established. And then, a two-phase integrated passenger flow assignment based on the backtracking algorithm (BA) is proposed for generating guidance information to minimize total passenger waiting time and release passenger congestion. Besides, a passenger compliance degree to the guidance information is defined to stimulate the passengers’ response to the guidance information in the real world. Finally, a real-world example of the Chongqing subway network with five metro lines and 95 stations is implemented to verify the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method. The total passenger waiting time is decreased by 5.62% under the passenger flow guidance approach.

Hospital sink traps as a potential source of the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Cupriavidus pauculus: characterization and draft genome sequence of strain MF1.

Introduction. Cupriavidus pauculus is historically found in soil and water but has more recently been reported to cause human infection and death. Hospital sink traps can serve as a niche for bacterial persistence and a platform for horizontal gene transfer, with evidence of dissemination of pathogens in hospital plumbing systems driving nosocomial infection. Gap Statement. This paper presents the first C. pauculus strain isolated from a hospital sink trap. There are only six genome assemblies available on NCBI for C. pauculus ; two of these are PacBio/Illumina hybrids. This paper presents the first ONT/Illumina hybrid assembly, with five contigs. The other assemblies available consist of 37, 38, 111 and 227 contigs. This paper also presents data on biofilm formation and lethal dose in Galleria mellonella; there is little published information describing these aspects of virulence. Aim. The aims were to identify the isolate found in a hospital sink trap, characterize its genome, and assess whether it could pose a risk to human health. Methodology. The genome was sequenced, and a hybrid assembly of short and long reads produced. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Virulence was assessed by measuring in vitro biofilm formation compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in vivo lethality in Galleria mellonella larvae. Results. The isolate was confirmed to be a strain of C. pauculus , with a 6.8 Mb genome consisting of 6468 coding sequences and an overall G+C content of 63.9 mol%. The genome was found to contain 12 antibiotic resistance genes, 8 virulence factor genes and 33 metal resistance genes. The isolate can be categorized as resistant to meropenem, amoxicillin, amikacin, gentamicin and colistin, but susceptible to cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem and ciprofloxacin. Clear biofilm formation was seen in all conditions over 72 h and exceeded that of P. aeruginosa when measured at 37 °C in R2A broth. Lethality in G. mellonella larvae over 48 h was relatively low. Conclusion. The appearance of a multidrug-resistant strain of C. pauculus in a known pathogen reservoir within a clinical setting should be considered concerning. Further work should be completed to compare biofilm formation and in vivo virulence between clinical and environmental strains, to determine how easily environmental strains may establish human infection. Infection control teams and clinicians should be aware of the emerging nature of this pathogen and further work is needed to minimize the impact of contaminated hospital plumbing systems on patient outcomes.

Real-World Surveillance of FDA-Cleared Artificial Intelligence Models: Rationale and Logistics.

Real-World Surveillance of FDA-Cleared Artificial Intelligence Models: Rationale and Logistics.

Static: Low Frequency Energy Harvesting and Power Transfer for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is composed of wireless embedded devices which sense, analyze and communicate the state of the physical world. To achieve truly wireless operation, today’s IoT devices largely depend on batteries for power. However, this leads to high maintenance costs due to battery replacement, or the environmentally damaging concept of disposable devices. Energy harvesting has emerged as a promising approach to delivering long-life, environmentally friendly IoT device operation. However, with the exception of solar harvesting, it remains difficult to ensure sustainable system operation using environmental power alone. This paper tackles this problem by contributing Static, a Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvesting and wireless power transfer platform. Our approach comprises autonomous energy management techniques, adaptive power transfer algorithms and an open-source hardware reference platform to enable further research. We evaluate Static in laboratory conditions and show that 1) ambient RF energy harvesting can deliver sustainable operation using common industrial sources, while 2) wireless power transfer provides a simple means to power motes at a range of up to 3 m through a variety of media.

Cationic conjugated polymer-based FRET aptasensor for label-free and ultrasensitive ractopamine detection.

A label-free fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform based on cationic conjugated polymers and aptamers for ultrasensitive and specific ractopamine detection was constructed. This method exhibited a wide linear range from 0.05 to 500 μM and a low limit of detection of 47 nM, which make it an attractive assay platform for foodborne doping.

IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PROCESSES TO ADDRESS SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS BETWEEN SENIOR AND JUNIOR STAFF IN ENGINEERING PROJECTS

Skills and knowledge gaps between senior and junior staff is prevalent in engineering projects. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect knowledge transfer and methods to retain transferred knowledge between senior and junior staff in the South African engineering environment. Although several studies have examined the factors that influence knowledge transfer, very few have studied the factors affecting knowledge transfer between senior and junior staff in engineering projects. This study found that knowledge transfer is not made a priority in projects, and that there is a lack of knowledge transfer platforms and structures in projects. Incentivising knowledge transfer by making it a work outcome would improve knowledge transfer in projects. Keywords Knowledge Transfer; Engineering Projects

A Control and Data Transfer Platform for FPGA Applications

A Control and Data Transfer Platform for FPGA Applications

Paper-based open microfluidic platform for protein electrophoresis and immunoprobing.

Protein electrophoresis and immunoblotting are indispensable analytical tools for the characterization of proteins and posttranslational modifications in complex sample matrices. Owing to the lack of automation, commonly employed slab-gel systems suffer from high time demand, significant sample/antibody consumption, and limited reproducibility. To overcome these limitations, we developed a paper-based open microfluidic platform for electrophoretic protein separation and subsequent transfer to protein-binding membranes for immunoprobing. Electrophoresis microstructures were digitally printed into cellulose acetate membranes that provide mechanical stability while maintaining full accessibility of the microstructures for consecutive immunological analysis. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate separation of fluorescently labeled marker proteins in a wide molecular weight range (15-120kDa) within only 15min, reducing the time demand for the entire workflow (from sample preparation to immunoassay) to approximately one hour. Sample consumption was reduced 10- to 150-fold compared to slab-gel systems, owing to system miniaturization. Moreover, we successfully applied the paper-based approach to complex samples such as crude bacterial cell extracts. We envisage that this platform will find its use in protein analysis workflows for scarce and precious samples, providing a unique opportunity to extract profound immunological information from limited sample amounts in a fast fashion with minimal hands-on time.

Aggregation induced intermolecular charge transfer in simple nonconjugated donor–acceptor system

The exploration of exciplex for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been fleetly developed. However, many of them confront with the problems like phase separation and poor solubility, hampering their utilization in solution process. Hence, a series of soluble exciplex luminophores with the simple architecture of D-spacer-A (mCP-6C-TRZ, phCz-6C-TRZ and 2phCz-6C-TRZ) are synthesized and characterized, in which, the alkyl chain as ample spacer breaks the molecular backbone conjugation, induces intermolecular charge transfer process instead of intramolecular charge transfer in solid state. These materials are endowed with narrowed singlet−triplet splitting energy (ΔE ST ), efficient reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process, and distinct thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) characteristics. In view of their high triplet energy level (E T ) and bipolar carrier transport ability, where efficient exciplexes are applied as the host, the solution-processed phosphorescence devices realize a low efficiency roll-off of 7.0% at 1000 cd m −2 , high luminance, current efficiency (CE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 25,990 cd m −2 , 20.0 cd A −1 and 6.7%, respectively. These results offer a promising tactic to the establishment of exciplex with TADF feature as host for fabricating efficient solution processed OLEDs. Three exciplex materials with D-spacer-A configuration, were synthesized and characterized, where the long alkyl chain as spacer provided a platform for intermolecular charge transfer instead of intramolecular charge transfer, induced TADF characteristic, as well as the better EL performance of doped solution processed OLEDs obtained based on mCP-6C-TRZ as bipolar host. • Simple exciplex hosts with spacer linker, were synthesized and characterized. • The alkyl chain as spacer deters intra-CT, induces inter-CT and distinct TADF trait. • The solution-processed OLED based on mCP-6C-TRZ realized a low roll-off. • A luminance of 25,990 cd m −2 , CE and EQE of 20.0 cd A −1 and 6.7%, were also realized.

Multiscale shape-memory effects in a dynamic polymer network for synchronous changes in color and shape

Chameleons and octopuses can escape predators because of their rapid movements, but, in addition, they can change their skin color in response to external stimuli or threats. To date, various smart materials to achieve shape or color changes have been prepared, and the realization of a single responsive behavior in one material is facile, but the development of multi-responsive materials without inter-response interference is challenging. Herein, we report a facile strategy to prepare materials having both shape and color memory by exploiting the shape-memory effect (SME) of a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based dynamic network programmed in specific shapes at both the macroscale and microscale. In detail, we used low-cost commercial recordable compact disks as the initial model of a photonic grating nanostructure and imprinted this on the PCL-based network via nanoimprinting and plastic reconfiguration, enabling both temporary and permanent shaping. Controlled by a single molecular stimulus (that is, the switch), the macroscale and microscale shapes recovered synchronously, and the microscale features are manifested as color changes, which we denote “color memory.” Thus, by utilizing the SME of our PCL-based material, bionic models capable of synchronous changes in color and shape on heating were prepared. In addition, using the surface-patterning technique, shape-memory materials having potential for information encryption and transfer platforms were also prepared. The results of this work will expand the use of shape-memory materials to the field of functional memory materials.

Effect of Different Reinforced Load Transfer Platforms on Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankment: Centrifuge Model Test

Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankment has been widely utilized in the railways and highways subgrade of soft clay area. The load transfer platform (LTP), consisting of sand layers and one or more layers of geosynthetic, is constantly used at the base of embankment to increase the load transfer to piles and reduce the differential settlement of embankment surface. However, the effect of different reinforced LTPs on the performances of GRPS embankment has not been fully understood. Eight centrifuge model tests were conducted to investigate the effect of five influence factors on deformation and load transfer of embankment, and tensile force of geogrid: placing geogrid or not, the number of geogrid layers, geogrid reinforced position, geogrid stiffness, wrapped-back geogrid setting in LTP. The results showed that the wrapped-back geogrid setting in the LTP was equivalent to anchoring the geogrid at the slope toe of embankment, which strengthened the reinforcement-soil interaction and restricted the pull-out displacement of geogrid to enhance the stiffness for LTP. The LTP reinforced with stiffer geogrid or multi-layer geogrid contributed to increase the stability and load transfer of embankment due to the increase of the integrity stiffness for LTP. When the geogrid was set at the middle of LTP, the performances of the GRPS embankment was enhanced due to the more interfaces between the geogrid and soil to improve the integrity stiffness of the LTP. The two-layer geogrid reinforced in the LTP could be the best choice to enhance the performance of the GRPS embankment under the comprehensive consideration of the performance and economy. The five setting ways of the reinforcement in LTP increased the integrity stiffness of LTP, which provided more methods to enhance the performances of the GRPS embankment.

The Grimsel Test Site – more than 35 years of underground research

Abstract. Nagra and its international partners have been conducting underground research projects at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, https://www.grimsel.com, last access: 8 November 2021) for more than 35 years. The results have been incorporated directly into modelling, safety and engineering feasibility studies necessary for the siting and construction of deep geological repositories. Various types of experiments are carried out at the GTS, each involving field testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, thus integrating all scientific aspects. Projects are typically planned over a 5 year period with the option to extend depending on the latest findings from the experiment. In the current 5 year programme (2019–2023) new phases of running in situ experiments using radionuclides were started and include the Long-Term Diffusion experiment (LTD) and the Colloid Formation and Migration project (CFM). A completely new experiment studying the migration of C-14 and I-129 in aged cement (CIM) was also initiated. Other experiments focusing mostly on engineered barrier materials were continued such as the Material Corrosion Test (MaCoTe), which is studying anaerobic corrosion of candidate canister materials in bentonite (Fig. 1). Also, a 1:1 scale experiment studying the high-temperature (>175∘C) effects on bentonite materials (HotBENT project) was started last year. In this paper we provide an overview of the CIM, LTD and MaCoTe projects, including key findings so far. In addition to research, the GTS, as part of the Grimsel Training Centre (GTC), is also used as an education platform for knowledge transfer to the next generation of scientists and engineers in the area of radioactive waste disposal and geosciences.

Steering Wheel AGV Path Tracking Control Based on Improved Pure Pursuit Model

Aiming at the path tracking problem of the AGV transfer platform of an Optical module installing and calibrating system, this paper designs a pure pursuit control strategy in which the preview distance changes adaptively according to the current speed of AGV and the curvature of the reference path. Firstly, AGV kinematics model and pure pursuit model are established according to the geometric relationship. Then fitness function is established with tracking deviation and steering stability, and Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the preview distance of pure pursuit model of AGV under various working conditions. During the tracking process, AGV selects the optimal preview distance according to the curvature of the reference path and the current speed. The simulation experiment results show that the improved pure pursuit control strategy containing curvature information of reference path can improve the adaptability of AGV when it is tracking complex path, guaranteeing tracking accuracy and steering stability.

A case study of a dcm column-supported embankment over soft clay

ABSTRACT This paper investigates a case study of a highway embankment in Thailand constructed over Deep Cement Mixed (DCM) column improved ground. The case study was simulated using a 2D plane-strain model adopting the equivalent area approach for columns. Field measurements for deformations and excess pore pressures are compared with the finite element results to verify the numerical model, and to understand the load transfer mechanism. The most likely failure mode of the embankment was investigated by computing the Factors of Safety (FOS) against the bearing failure and bending failure of individual DCM columns, and the overall stability of the embankment. Results show that the most likely failure mode for this embankment is the bending failure of attached columns underneath side slopes. In the case study, attached columns are used to control the lateral deformations. In the paper, three other approaches used in practice for lateral deformation control are investigated: (i) Load transfer platform (LTP) with a geosynthetic layer above DCM columns with single columns near the side slopes (ii) T-shaped single columns near the side slopes and (iii) Reinforced single columns near the side slopes. Results show that in this particular case, due to the presence of a relatively deep fill layer above the soft clay deposit, lateral deformation control measures applied closer to the column heads such as LTP or T-shaped columns are not effective. However, the use of double columns with increased bending stiffness throughout the soft clay layer or increasing the length of columns underneath the embankment is the most effective solution in reducing lateral deformations.

Functionalized Iron–Nitrogen–Carbon Electrocatalyst Provides a Reversible Electron Transfer Platform for Efficient Uranium Extraction from Seawater

Uranium extraction from seawater provides an opportunity for sustainable fuel supply to nuclear power plants. Herein, an adsorption-electrocatalysis strategy is demonstrated for efficient uranium extraction from seawater using a functionalized iron-nitrogen-carbon (Fe-Nx -C-R) catalyst, comprising N-doped carbon capsules supporting FeNx single-atom sites and surface chelating amidoxime groups (R). The amidoxime groups bring hydrophilicity to the adsorbent and offer surface-specific binding sites for UO2 2+ capture. The site-isolated FeNx centres reduce adsorbed UO2 2+ to UO2 + . Subsequently, through electrochemical reduction of the FeNx sites, unstable U(V) ions are reoxidized to U(VI) in the presence of Na+ resulting in the generation of solid Na2 O(UO3 ·H2 O)x , which can easily be collected. Fe-Nx -C-R reduced the uranium concentration in seawater from ≈3.5 ppb to below 0.5 ppb with a calculated capacity of ≈1.2 mg g-1 within 24 h. To the best of the knowledge, the developed system is the first to use the adsorption of uranyl ions and electrodeposition of solid Na2 O(UO3 .H2 O)x for the extraction of uranium from seawater. The important discoveries guide technology development for the efficient extraction of uranium from seawater.

A metabolic labeling way to in situ fabricate bacterial FRET Platform for innate immune defence molecule

A simple and unique bacterial fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform is developed through metabolic biosynthetic pathways for the sensitive and ratiometric detection of innate immune defence molecule. Using this bacterial FRET platform, immune molecule lysozyme could be sensitively monitored in buffer, in serum, and even in the secretion of infected immune cells. As an important defensive molecule of the innate immune system, lysozyme not only plays a significant role in mediating protection against microbial invasion, but also acts as a significant biomarker of leukemia, tuberculosis, meningitis and renal diseases. Considering the importance of perceiving lysozyme activity, this work sheds a light on the access of host’s immune response of bacterial infection, as well as provides valuable guidance for the treatment of bacterial infection related diseases.

Health-care information technologies for dispersed knowledge management

PurposeThe health-care industry has multiple stakeholders, with knowledge dispersed among clinicians, experts and patients and their families. As the adoption of health-care information technologies (HITs) depends on multiple factors, this study aims to uncover the motivators for adopting them.Design/methodology/approachThe study considers 391 respondents, representing the health-care sector, to evaluate the motivators for adopting HITs for better-dispersed knowledge management. The authors analyze the responses using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the actual structure of the factors, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).FindingsEFA categorized the factors into four classes: quality management; information sharing; strategic governance; and available technological infrastructure. CFA revealed that the strategic governance factor is most predictive of successfully adopting HITs that model the normative pressure of Institutional theory in health-care organizations. These results indicate that, along with considerations of finances, care quality and infrastructure, effective government involvement and policy-making are important for successful HIT adoption.Practical implicationsResults reveal that stakeholders’ motivating factors for HIT adoption in a developed economy like the United Arab Emirates are based on considering HITs as a knowledge management mechanism. These factors may help other nations in HIT implementation and drive valuable innovations in the health-care sector. This research presents the implications for health-care professionals and stakeholders in relation to adopting HITs and their role in knowledge flow for efficient care.Originality/valueHITs offer an affordable and convenient platform for collaboration among diverse teams in the health-care sector. Apart from this, it helps in facilitating an interactive platform for knowledge creation and transfer for the benefit of users and providers.

Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Assays for Measurement of Endogenous Phosphorylated STAT Proteins in Human Cells.

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in mediating cellular responses to cytokines and growth factors. STAT proteins are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation mediated mainly by JAKs. The abnormal activation of STAT signaling pathways is implicated in many human diseases, especially cancer and immune-related conditions. Therefore, the ability to monitor STAT protein phosphorylation within the native cell signaling environment is important for both academic and drug discovery research. The traditional assay formats available to quantify phosphorylated STAT proteins include western blotting and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These heterogeneous methods are labor-intensive, low-throughput, and often not reliable (specific) in the case of western blotting. Homogeneous (no-wash) methods are available but remain expensive. Here, detailed protocols are provided for the sensitive, robust, and cost-effective measurement in a 384-well format of endogenous levels of phosphorylated STAT1 (Y701), STAT3 (Y705), STAT4 (Y693), STAT5 (Y694/Y699), and STAT6 (Y641) in cell lysates from adherent or suspension cells using the novel THUNDER time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) platform. The workflow for the cellular assay is simple, fast, and designed for high-throughput screening (HTS). The assay protocol is flexible, uses a low-volume sample (15 µL), requires only one reagent addition step, and can be adapted to low-throughput and high-throughput applications. Each phospho-STAT sandwich immunoassay is validated under optimized conditions with known agonists and inhibitors and generates the expected pharmacology and Z'-factor values. As TR-FRET assays are ratiometric and require no washing steps, they provide much better reproducibility than traditional approaches. Together, this suite of assays provides new cost-effective tools for a more comprehensive analysis of specific phosphorylated STAT proteins following cell treatment and the screening and characterization of specific and selective modulators of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

The Use of Satellite Data to Determine the Changes of Hydrodynamic Parameters in the Gulf of Gdańsk via EcoFish Model

Using mathematical models alone to describe the changes in the parameters characterizing the analyzed reservoir may be insufficient due to the complexity of ocean circulation. One of the ways to improve the accuracy of models is to use data assimilation based on remote sensing methods. In this study, we tested the EcoFish numerical model that was developed for the Gulf of Gdańsk area, under the FindFish Knowledge Transfer Platform. In order to improve the model results and map local phenomena occurring in the studied water, which would be difficult to simulate using only mathematical equations, EcoFish was extended with a satellite data assimilation module that assimilates the sea surface temperature data from a medium-resolution imaging spectroradiometer and an advanced ultrahigh-resolution radiometer. EcoFish was then statistically validated, which resulted in high correlations for water temperature and salinity as well as low errors in comparison with in situ experimental data.