scholarly journals The Access Technology Program of the Indiana Clinical Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI): A model to facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies across a state

Author(s):  
Christie M. Orschell ◽  
Todd C. Skaar ◽  
Melanie E. DeFord ◽  
Joel Ybe ◽  
Julie Driscol ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Access to cutting-edge technologies is essential for investigators to advance translational research. The Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) spans three major and preeminent universities, four large academic campuses across the state of Indiana, and is mandate to provide best practices to a whole state. Methods: To address the need to facilitate the availability of innovative technologies to its investigators, the Indiana CTSI implemented the Access Technology Program (ATP). The activities of the ATP, or any program of the Indiana CTSI, are challenged to connect technologies and investigators on the multiple Indiana CTSI campuses by the geographical distances between campuses (1–4 hr driving time). Results: Herein, we describe the initiatives developed by the ATP to increase the availability of state-of-the-art technologies to its investigators on all Indiana CTSI campuses, and the methods developed by the ATP to bridge the distance between campuses, technologies, and investigators for the advancement of clinical translational research. Conclusions: The methods and practices described in this publication may inform other approaches to enhance translational research, dissemination, and usage of innovative technologies by translational investigators, especially when distance or multi-campus cultural differences are factors to efficient application.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron C. Ericsson ◽  
Craig L. Franklin

AbstractJust as the gut microbiota (GM) is now recognized as an integral mediator of environmental influences on human physiology, susceptibility to disease, and response to pharmacological intervention, so too does the GM of laboratory mice affect the phenotype of research using mouse models. Multiple experimental factors have been shown to affect the composition of the GM in research mice, as well as the model phenotype, suggesting that the GM represents a major component in experimental reproducibility. Moreover, several recent studies suggest that manipulation of the GM of laboratory mice can substantially improve the predictive power or translatability of data generated in mouse models to the human conditions under investigation. This review provides readers with information related to these various factors and practices, and recommendations regarding methods by which issues with poor reproducibility or translatability can be transformed into discoveries.


Author(s):  
Giuliana Lee ◽  
Andrew D. Choi ◽  
Erin D. Michos

Aims: To review the use of Social Media as a Means to Disseminate and Advocate Cardiovascular Research: Why, How, and Best Practices. Background: The use of Twitter or other social media platforms for research can transcend current limitations in dissemination of research and present new opportunities for research networking by connecting researchers, clinicians, policymakers, the public, and other stakeholders on a global scale. Objective: As social media influence continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important for cardiovascular researchers to employ social media strategies to increase the impact of their research work, for the ultimate goal of improved outcomes for patients living with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Method: Altmetrics are novel metrics that track the attention that scholarly outputs are receiving in non-traditional sources such as in news, blogs, and social media posts. These alternative metrics record research dissemination beyond traditional journal citation indices but also can predict and even promote future citations. Result: This review outlines various methods of how social media can be used to disseminate research, guidance on how to develop a social media portfolio for consideration of academic promotion, and some best practices for promoting one’s research work. Conclusion: Social media offers the advantages of rapid dissemination of research work, potential increases in novel and traditional impact metrics for publications, and may also facilitate academic promotion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Laamanen ◽  
Veera Norros ◽  
Sanna Suikkanen ◽  
Mikko Tolkkinen ◽  
Kristiina Vuorio ◽  
...  

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and other molecular based approaches are revolutionizing the field of biomonitoring. These approaches undergo rapid modifications, and it is crucial to develop the best practices by sharing the newest information and knowledge. In our ongoing project we: assess the state-of-the-art of eDNA methods at Finnish Environment Institute SYKE; identify concrete next steps towards the long-term aim of implementing eDNA methods into environmental and biomonitoring; promote information exchange on eDNA methods and advance future research efforts both within SYKE and with our national and international partners. assess the state-of-the-art of eDNA methods at Finnish Environment Institute SYKE; identify concrete next steps towards the long-term aim of implementing eDNA methods into environmental and biomonitoring; promote information exchange on eDNA methods and advance future research efforts both within SYKE and with our national and international partners. Scientific background Well-functioning and intact natural ecosystems are essential for human well-being, provide a variety of ecosystem services and contain a high diversity of organisms. However, human activities such as eutrophication, pollution, land-use or invasive species, are threatening the state and functioning of ecosystems from local to global scale (e.g. Benateau et al. 2019; Reid et al. 2018; Vörösmarty et al. 2010). New molecular techniques in the field and in the laboratory have enabled sampling and identification of much of terrestrial, marine and freshwater biodiversity. These include environmental DNA (eDNA, e.g. Valentini et al. 2016) and bulk-sample DNA metabarcoding approaches (e.g. Elbrecht et al. 2017) and targeted RNA-based methods (e.g. Mäki and Tiirola 2018). The eDNA technique uses DNA that is released from organisms into their environment, from which a signal of organisms’ presence in the system can be obtained. For example, in aquatic ecosystems, eDNA is typically extracted from sediment or filtered water samples (e.g. Deiner et al. 2016), and this approach is distinguished from bulk DNA metabarcoding, where organisms are directly identified from e.g. complete biological monitoring samples (e.g. Elbrecht et al. 2017). Despite the demonstrated potential of environmental and bulk-sample DNA metabarcoding approaches in recent years, there are still significant bottlenecks to their routine use that need to be addressed (e.g. Pawlowski et al. 2020). Methods and implementati on The project is divided into three work packages: WP1 Gathering existing knowledge, identifying knowledge gaps and proposing best practices, WP2 Roadmap to implementation and WP3 eDNA monitoring pilot. Please see more details in the Fig. 1


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (0) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Ryan A. Whitney

This research explores the role of trendy urbanists in best practice uptake within an innovation laboratory in Latin America. Trendy urbanists are the privileged professionals who aspire to be on the cutting edge of urban planning, frequently referencing best practice policies and programmes that they see as supporting ‘livable’ and ‘sustainable’ city building. Taking the case of the Laboratory for the City in Mexico City, I illustrate that the preferred best practices of trendy urbanists are reflective of their own privilege. I conclude that, by relying on best practices and trendy urbanists, innovation laboratories are susceptible to fostering inequitable planning outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Nahed Alrabeh ◽  
Zulkiflie Bin Samsudine ◽  
Salvador Alejandro Ruvalcaba Velarde ◽  
Faisal Mohammed Alhajri

Abstract The objective of this paper is to present the findings obtained from a detailed engineering evaluation resulting from trial testing two state-of-the-art surface horizontal pumping systems (HPS's) in two water supply wells. The two horizontal pumping systems were deployed as an alternative to downhole electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) to provide the benefits of eliminating ESP workover costs, modularity regarding wellsite deployments, and enhanced maintenance operations. For this trial test evaluation method, two HPS's were deployed to boost water production to the water injection plant (WIP). To ensure a thorough evaluation, the trial test well candidates were designed to accommodate both a subsurface ESP as well as a surface HPS to provide an accurate comparison, and representation, between the different artificial lift methods. The trial test and comparison method described in this paper focused primarily on the following items; maintenance and well intervention requirements, evaluation of operational availability, including potential for cavitation and effects of interference, maximum production rates, as well as root cause engineering evaluations for mechanical seals and cooling unit auxiliary motors. Various best practices and mitigation measures were identified and are presented in this paper. With regard to the results, it was observed that each artificial lift method comprised a set of advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which type of technology to use can be dependent on several factors. Overall, the HPS's demonstrated the ability to supply water production to the WIP. The HPS did experience operational challenges in providing higher production requirements. Additional challenges were also observed in the sealing mechanism as well as the auxiliary cooling unit. Precautionary pump tripping automated protocols were taken to prevent pump cavitation due to sub-optimal intake pressure resulting from possible interference. The HPS, unlike the ESPs, did not require any workover as it is located at the wellsite and therefore resulted in substantial cost savings and was easy to maintain due to its surface application. In summary, this paper adds a new and very beneficial evaluation of HPS's, and highlights best practices and lessons learned to the existing body of literature. The new information discussed in this paper is highly beneficial to engineering selections of artificial lift methods and to the successful implementation of HPS's in the industry.


2009 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 111-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteve Juanola-Feliu

Abstract This paper analyses the state of the art for nanotechnology in Barcelona, focussing on the scientific and economic challenges arising from nanotechnologies and the creative and innovative framework in Barcelona that could be used to meet them. Nanotechnology is an endless source of innovation and creativity at the intersection of medicine, biotechnology, engineering, physical sciences and information technology, and it is opening up new directions in R + D, knowledge management and technology transfer. Given the huge economic investment and cutting-edge research in the field of nanotechnology, a creatively managed and cooperation-based university industry is more in demand than ever before.


Author(s):  
Saqib Saeed ◽  
Ashi Iram ◽  
Kiran Nazeer ◽  
Tayyaba Ayub

Requirement engineering is a main task in software process. In Software Engineering literature, many best practices and guidelines are present to construct quality software. However, adoption of such uniform guidelines is not in practice across the globe. In this chapter, the authors discuss requirement engineering practices followed in Pakistani small- and medium-scale enterprises. In order to understand work practices the authors conducted a survey and analyzed the responses. They found that cost and budgeting is one of the major issues of Pakistani industry: higher management is not willing to invest to adopt state-of-the-art standardized practices. This situation can be improved by enhancing public private partnerships to get desired quality software in the local IT industry.


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