scholarly journals Using a multiple-delivery-mode training approach to develop local capacity and infrastructure for advanced bioinformatics in Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. e1008640
Author(s):  
Verena Ras ◽  
Gerrit Botha ◽  
Shaun Aron ◽  
Katie Lennard ◽  
Imane Allali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Data ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Training Approach ◽  
Local Capacity ◽  
Key Topics ◽  
Increasing Demand

With more microbiome studies being conducted by African-based research groups, there is an increasing demand for knowledge and skills in the design and analysis of microbiome studies and data. However, high-quality bioinformatics courses are often impeded by differences in computational environments, complicated software stacks, numerous dependencies, and versions of bioinformatics tools along with a lack of local computational infrastructure and expertise. To address this, H3ABioNet developed a 16S rRNA Microbiome Intermediate Bioinformatics Training course, extending its remote classroom model. The course was developed alongside experienced microbiome researchers, bioinformaticians, and systems administrators, who identified key topics to address. Development of containerised workflows has previously been undertaken by H3ABioNet, and Singularity containers were used here to enable the deployment of a standard replicable software stack across different hosting sites. The pilot ran successfully in 2019 across 23 sites registered in 11 African countries, with more than 200 participants formally enrolled and 106 volunteer staff for onsite support. The pulling, running, and testing of the containers, software, and analyses on various clusters were performed prior to the start of the course by hosting classrooms. The containers allowed the replication of analyses and results across all participating classrooms running a cluster and remained available posttraining ensuring analyses could be repeated on real data. Participants thus received the opportunity to analyse their own data, while local staff were trained and supported by experienced experts, increasing local capacity for ongoing research support. This provides a model for delivering topic-specific bioinformatics courses across Africa and other remote/low-resourced regions which overcomes barriers such as inadequate infrastructures, geographical distance, and access to expertise and educational materials.

scholarly journals Genetic Algorithm for Exam Timetabling Problem - A Specific Case for Japanese University Final Presentation Timetabling

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei LI ◽  
Tad Gonsalves
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Initial Population ◽  
Exam Timetabling ◽  
Timetabling Problem ◽  
Training Approach ◽  
Chromosome Representation ◽  
Genetic Algorithm Approach ◽  
Hard And Soft Constraints ◽  
Microsoft Office

This paper presents a Genetic Algorithm approach to solve a specific examination timetabling problem which is common in Japanese Universities. The model is programmed in Excel VBA programming language, which can be run on the Microsoft Office Excel worksheets directly. The model uses direct chromosome representation. To satisfy hard and soft constraints, constraint-based initialization operation, constraint-based crossover operation and penalty points system are implemented. To further improve the result quality of the algorithm, this paper designed an improvement called initial population pre-training. The proposed model was tested by the real data from Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan. The model shows acceptable results, and the comparison of results proves that the initial population pre-training approach can improve the result quality.

Does the Beach-Spawning Grunion Eat Its Own Eggs? Eighth Graders Use Inquiry-Based Investigation to Collect Real Data in a University Laboratory

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. William Cavanagh ◽  
Kimberly M. Martinez ◽  
Benjamin A. Higgins ◽  
Michael H. Horn
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Junior High School ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Eighth Graders ◽  
Scientific Investigation ◽  
Honors Students ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
College Setting ◽  
University Laboratory

A collaborative effort between a junior high school and a nearby university allowed 40 eighth-grade honors students to engage in a scientific investigation within a university laboratory. These students, with their science teachers and university researchers, gathered data on egg cannibalism in a beach-spawning fish and thereby contributed to an ongoing research project. Our objectives were to provide a scientific learning experience for the students and introduce them to a college setting. A survey, given 2.5 years after the investigation, found that most of the students had increased their interest in studying science in college.

Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation for WRF: Formulation and Preliminary Results

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 299-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Yu Huang ◽  
Qingnong Xiao ◽  
Dale M. Barker ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
John Michalakes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Variational Data Assimilation ◽  
Background Error ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Increasing Demand

Abstract The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model–based variational data assimilation system (WRF-Var) has been extended from three- to four-dimensional variational data assimilation (WRF 4D-Var) to meet the increasing demand for improving initial model states in multiscale numerical simulations and forecasts. The initial goals of this development include operational applications and support to the research community. The formulation of WRF 4D-Var is described in this paper. WRF 4D-Var uses the WRF model as a constraint to impose a dynamic balance on the assimilation. It is shown to implicitly evolve the background error covariance and to produce the flow-dependent nature of the analysis increments. Preliminary results from real-data 4D-Var experiments in a quasi-operational setting are presented and the potential of WRF 4D-Var in research and operational applications are demonstrated. A wider distribution of the system to the research community will further develop its capabilities and to encourage testing under different weather conditions and model configurations.

scholarly journals Education as a key to promoting insects as food

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 949-953
Author(s):  
B.A. Rumpold ◽  
A. van Huis
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Insects As Food ◽  
Production Industry

Children in tropical countries have always eaten insects but are now often discouraged from doing so. Recently, the idea of the consumption of insects has been re-introduced as an answer to malnutrition since edible insects are a potential alternative and sustainable protein and food source. However, in countries where the consumption of insects is not traditional, there is a lack of acceptance as well as skills when it comes to preparing a meal with insects. Examples of experiments from different parts of the world are given, where children in schools are educated about the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating insects. In general, after the experience, children are more positive about the idea of eating insects. It is stipulated that insects as food could be a very good entry point for the discussion about our future food supply. Furthermore, with the increasing commercial production of edible insects, there is an increasing demand for skilled workers in the insect production industry. Essential to the promotion of insect consumption are the development of curricula and educational materials for vocational education, training of insect farmers, and general education in primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary education.

scholarly journals Generación de energía eléctrica en la edificación mediante tecnología de disco Stirling =Electrical energy generation in building by means of Stirling dish technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Carlos Morón ◽  
Daniel Ferrández ◽  
Jorge Pablo Díaz ◽  
Pablo Saiz
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Stirling Engine ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Expected Performance ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
High Level

ResumenLa creciente demanda de energía acompañada de los elevados niveles de emisión de gases contaminantes a la atmosfera hace patente la necesidad de encontrar nuevos sistemas de producción de energía. Una de las posibles alternativas se encuentra en la energía solar de concentración, y más concretamente en la tecnología termosolar con motor Stirling que alcanza unos niveles de rendimiento muy superiores a la energía solar fotovoltaica en cuanto a producción de energía eléctrica. En este trabajo se muestra el diseño y la caracterización de un prototipo de captador paraboloidal con motor Stirling, que permite obtener datos reales del funcionamiento de este tipo de sistemas. Esto permitirá modelizar de manera real el comportamiento esperado de equipos comerciales reales antes de abordar su implantación en edificios y viviendas unifamiliares.AbstractThe increasing demand for energy accompanied by high level of emission of the contaminating gases into the atmosphere underscores the need to find new energy production systems. One of the possible alternatives is concentrating solar power and, more specifically, solar thermal technology with a Stirling engine that reaches higher performance levels than photovoltaic solar energy in terms of electricity generation. This paper shows the design and characterization of a prototype paraboloidal collector with a Stirling engine that allows obtaining real data of this type of systems functioning. This will allow modelling in a real way of expected performance of real commercial devices before approaching their introduction in buildings and single-family houses.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the State-Wide Implementation of an Allied Health Workforce Redesign System: Utilisation of the Calderdale Framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. i20
Author(s):  
Tilley Pain ◽  
Sarah Patterson ◽  
Pim Kuipers ◽  
Petrea Cornwell
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
The State ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Work Units ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Multi Phase ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Increasing demand for allied health services is driving workforce redesign towards greater productivity within budgetary constraints. To date, there has been limited research into workforce redesign tools at an organisational level. The aim of this article was to evaluate an implementation of The Calderdale Framework for state-wide service delivery workforce redesign within allied health settings across Queensland. Method: A multi-phase methodology with mixed methods of data collection was used. This included analysis of documents, staff surveys, and semi-structured, in-depth interviews with staff from work units utilising the Framework across the state. Findings: The primary mechanisms for implementation were staff training and provision of centralised resources. Across the state, all health services engaged in training and most completed associated workforce redesign projects. However, the number and type of projects varied across the state as did the successful projects. Feedback from staff indicated the structured nature of the framework was viewed positively, but was time intensive to perform. Local contextual factors heavily influenced workforce redesign success. Conclusion: Key factors pertaining to state-wide workforce redesign include: providing coordinated and centralised systems to support staff, ensuring adequate training, prioritising the development of key local staff, and proactively managing local contextual factors.

Evaluation of Downstream Merge Behaviors Resulting from Driver Lane Choice: A Driving Simulator Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (37) ◽  
pp. 123-131
Author(s):  
Francis Tainter ◽  
Alyssa Ryan ◽  
Cole Fitzpatrick ◽  
Eleni Christofa ◽  
Michael Knodler
Keyword(s):  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Initial Experiment ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Potential Capacity ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Auxiliary Through Lanes ◽  
Merging Behavior ◽  
Lane Utilization

With the ever-increasing demand to add roadway capacity in a safe and efficient manner, the application of auxiliary through lanes (ATLs) at intersections has increased in recent years. Despite the potential capacity-related benefits, ATLs also introduce the potential for unique driver operation tactics, leading to challenging merge scenarios downstream of signalized intersections. Furthermore, the benefits of increasing capacity are only realized when drivers are making decisions that balance the utilization of the ATL and the adjacent continuous through lane. Moreover, balancing lane utilization upstream of an ATL signalized intersection may introduce an improvement in safety and operations in merging conflicts downstream. Previous research investigated the effectiveness of ATLs through microsimulation and field studies. This research employed two full-immersion driving simulation studies. The initial experiment was conducted using simulation technology to evaluate aspects of driver behavior associated with lane utilization at ATLs. Lane utilization of the ATL significantly increased when the driver was informed of the fundamental design concept, ultimately improving capacity. The second experiment was based upon the results of the initial experiment, coupled with ongoing research evaluating alternative merge signage. Specifically, the second experiment aimed to evaluate downstream merge signage that could mitigate some of the behaviors resulting from the less than optimal lane utilization for ATLs. With an emphasis on improving intersection performance, the results from this paper suggest that the implementation of alternative merging signage may lead to improved merging behavior.

The Potential Role of AI in Anticipating Futures from a Design Process Perspective: From the Reflexive Description of “Design” to a Discussion of Influences by the Inclusion of AI in the Futures Research Process

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-218
Author(s):  
Marco Bevolo ◽  
Filiberto Amati
Keyword(s):  
Research Process ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Futures Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Professional Field ◽  
Key Topics ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
Desk Research

The key question behind this article is, How is AI impacting futures research, with particular focus on foresight and design futures? To address such question, this article reports on selected epistemological and methodological traits of design futures research, on the nature of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the potential impact of AI on the design futures domain, offering a conceptual model as theoretical junction between the domains of foresight and design. Key topics and themes addressed were selectively focused on foresight, design, design futures, weak signals, and their role in relationship with visioning and the image, AI, and a multidisciplinary discussion of how these fields relate to each other. This article is based on desk research and dialogue among the two authors, both profiled professional experts in their respective fields of design futures and AI, with a track of experience both in academic and applied research. Therefore, sources include a rich texture of bibliographic information, combined with selected input from ongoing research activities on AI and related trends, as performed in the professional field.

Traffic Sign Recognition Using a Synthetic Data Training Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (05) ◽  
pp. 2050013
Author(s):  
Oualid Araar ◽  
Abdenour Amamra ◽  
Asma Abdeldaim ◽  
Ivan Vitanov
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Traffic Sign Recognition ◽  
Driver Assistance ◽  
Traffic Sign ◽  
Sign Recognition ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Training Approach

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) is a crucial component in many automotive applications, such as driver assistance, sign maintenance, and vehicle autonomy. In this paper, we present an efficient approach to training a machine learning-based TSR solution. In our choice of recognition method, we have opted for convolutional neural networks, which have demonstrated best-in-class performance in previous works on TSR. One of the challenges related to training deep neural networks is the requirement for a large amount of training data. To circumvent the tedious process of acquiring and manually labelling real data, we investigate the use of synthetically generated images. Our networks, trained on only synthetic data, are capable of recognising traffic signs in challenging real-world footage. The classification results achieved on the GTSRB benchmark are seen to outperform existing state-of-the-art solutions.

Evaluation and application of potential schistosome-associated morbidity markers within large-scale mass chemotherapy programmes

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (13) ◽  
pp. 1789-1799 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. WEBSTER ◽  
A. KOUKOUNARI ◽  
P. H. L. LAMBERTON ◽  
J. R. STOTHARD ◽  
A. FENWICK
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Current Control ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Intensity Measures ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Tools And Techniques

SUMMARYA primary objective of schistosomiasis control programmes is to achieve, and hence also demonstrate, a quantifiable reduction in schistosome-associated morbidity as a consequence of chemotherapeutic intervention. Inherent within such an objective, it is necessary to define and validate direct and indirect indicators of schistosome-related morbidity. However, to define and thereby document such morbidity, and its reduction following treatment, may not be straightforward, particularly for intestinal schistosomiasis-induced morbidity, which is often not apparent in all but the most severe or chronic cases. Within all ‘Schistosomiasis Control Initiative’ activities, across selected sub-Saharan African countries since 2002, a range of standard and novel potential morbidity markers have been monitored and evaluated. Parasitological intensity measures, combined with haemoglobin/anaemia counts and ultrasonography, proved valuable schistosomiasis-related morbidity indicators, being both logistically practical and informative. Additional measures tested, such as albumin excretion profiles, were promising, and are subject to ongoing research, whilst some measures, such as distended stomach/umbilical circumference, anthropometrics and health questionnaires proved less reliable. These results serve to both illustrate the success of current control activities in reducing schistosome-induced morbidity, and to highlight key tools and techniques for continued application within ongoing and future mass drug administration programmes.

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