The method on measuring utilization index of agricultural technology

Utilization of technology as a research result is the foremost indicator towards the success of R&D as well as the measure of the multiplier effect concerning the usage of R&D budgets. However, to define the indicators and measurement of technology benefits is less considered. This study was aimed to determine the scope, indicators, and comprehensive measurement methods on the utilization of technology in the form of an index to standardize the value. Through literature studies, benchmarking of previous models and Focus Group Discussions, the measurement indicators of technology utilization index include: the availability of technology at the user’s location, the distribution of technology adoption, technology benefits, technology accessibility and user acceptance. Every variable for each indicator was based on the type of technology. The method for measuring the level of technology utilization using a composite index of four variables and calculation was carried out by weighting the importance of each variables based on the eigein value of Analytical Hierarchy Process. Three utilization categories were not utilized (index <1); underutilized (index 1 to 3); and high utilized (index> 3). As an example, the utilization index of a new superior varieties (VUB) of rice was high (3.75) with relatively good indicators on technology benefits and availability of VUB rice seed at the user’s location. Furthermore, the result implies that the method on measuring the utilization index is adequate to be widely applied for other types of technology.

Enhancing Design for Additive Manufacturing Workflow: Optimization, Design and Simulation Tools

In the last few decades, complex light-weight designs have been successfully produced via additive manufacturing (AM), launching a new era in the thinking–design process. In addition, current software platforms provide design tools combined with multi-scale simulations to exploit all the technology benefits. However, the literature highlights that several stages must be considered in the design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) process, and therefore, performing holistic guided-design frameworks become crucial to efficiently manage the process. In this frame, this paper aims at providing the main optimization, design, and simulation tools to minimize the number of design evaluations generated through the different workflow assessments. Furthermore, DfAM phases are described focusing on the implementation of design optimization strategies as topology optimization, lattice infill optimization, and generative design in earlier phases to maximize AM capabilities. In conclusion, the current challenges for the implementation of the workflow are hence described.

High national acceptance for COVID-19 contact tracing technologies in Taiwan

Taiwan has been a world leader in controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the Taiwan Government launched its COVID-19 tracing App the `Taiwan Social Distancing App', however the effectiveness of this tracing App depends on its acceptance and uptake among the general population. We measured acceptance for three hypothetical tracing technologies (telecommunication network tracing, a government App, and the Apple and Google Bluetooth exposure notification system) in four nationally representative Taiwanese samples. Using Bayesian methods, we find high acceptance for all three tracking technologies, with acceptance increasing with the inclusion of additional privacy measures. Modelling revealed acceptance increased with the perceived technology benefits, trust in the providers' intent, data security and privacy measures, the level of ongoing control, and one's level of education. Acceptance decreased with data sensitivity perceptions, and perceived low policy compliance by others in the general public. We consider the policy implications of these results for Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.

Towards comprehensive plasma proteomics by orthogonal protease digestion

Rapid and consistent protein identification across large clinical cohorts is an important goal for clinical proteomics. With the development of data-independent technologies (DIA/SWATH-MS), it is now possible to analyze hundreds of samples with great reproducibility and quantitative accuracy. However, this technology benefits from empirically derived spectral libraries that define the detectable set of peptides and proteins. Here we apply a simple and accessible tip-based workflow for the generation of spectral libraries to provide a comprehensive overview on the plasma proteome in individuals with and without active tuberculosis (TB). To boost protein coverage, we utilized non-conventional proteases such as GluC and AspN together with the gold standard trypsin, identifying more than 30,000 peptides mapping to 3,309 proteins. Application of this library to quantify plasma proteome differences in TB infection recovered more than 400 proteins in 50 minutes of MS-acquisition, including diagnostic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) proteins that have previously been detectable primarily by antibody-based assays and intracellular proteins not previously described to be in plasma.

Social Consumption and Production Technologies in the Context of the Landscape of the Hillside Surface in the Municipality of Mucambo-Ce

The present research aims to study social technology in Mucambo, Pedra de Fogo, and Pajeú, based on an approach to the elements that make up the Coreaú Watershed. The Brazilian Northeast has been a region punished by the lack of water due to irregular rainfall. Such a problem, which has been part of the reality in that region, is, among other factors, accompanied by a population that shows resistance to the difficulties related to water conditions. The manuscript discusses social technology in the Mucambo outback, which stores water during the rainy season to be used by humans and in agriculture in the drought period. This aspect is significant because of the water shortage in the dry season in the location. This way, social technology grant water assistance to the population, providing security for this resource. The results highlight the social technology benefits, being the most significant water source for families living in rural areas. Given the research results, the cisterns are relevant for consumption and production in rural areas since people reported that they store water in good quality.