ABSTRACT
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused large scale of people in danger of infection and death during early outbreak period. Precise screening of the new coronal virus through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing on the nasal or oral sample becomes very critical for epidemic control. This study proposes the idea of using a robotic remote manipulation platform for oral and nasal specimen collection operated by medical staffs. The oral cavity image was captured by a compact camera and then displayed on the human machine interface for the medical staffs to confirm the target region for sample collection. The wiping action of the robot was accomplished with a force control with force sensing the contact force between the cotton swab and soft tissue. A prototype of the swabbing robot has been implemented to verify the feasibility and safety of the remote robot-assisted specimen collection. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
We explore how an AR simulation created by a multidisciplinary team evolved into a more interactive, student-centered learning game. The CovidCampus experience was designed to help college students understand how their decisions can affect their probability of infection throughout a day on campus. There were eight decision points throughout the day. Within group comparisons of immediate learning gains and self-reported behavioral changes were analyzed. Results revealed a significant increase in confidence in asking safety-related questions. Post-play, a significant majority of players listed new actions they would take to increase their safety;players were more agentic in their choices. This game allowed players to go back and replay with different choices, but only 7% chose to replay. Short, interactive desktop games may be an effective method for disseminating information about how to stay safer during a pandemic. The game appeared to positively change most players' health behaviors related to mitigation of an infectious disease. Designers of interactive health games should strive to create multi-disciplinary teams, include constructs that allow players to agentically make decisions, and to compare outcomes over time.
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR with pooled specimens has been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as a cost- and manpower-saving strategy for large-scale testing. However, there is a paucity of data on the efficiency of different nucleic acid extraction platforms on pooled specimens. This study compared a novel automated high-throughput liquid-based RNA extraction (LRE) platform (PHASIFY TM) with a widely used magnetic bead-based total nucleic acid extraction (MBTE) platform (NucliSENS<sup> R</sup> easyMAG<sup> R</sup>). A total of 60 pools of nasopharyngeal swab and 60 pools of posterior oropharyngeal saliva specimens, each consisting of 1 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 9 SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens, were included for the comparison. Real-time RT-PCR targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Hel gene was performed, and GAPDH RT-PCR was used to detect RT-PCR inhibitors. No significant differences were observed in the Ct values and overall RT-PCR positive rates between LRE and MBTE platforms (92.5% (111/120] vs. 90% (108/120]), but there was a slightly higher positive rate for LRE (88.3% (53/60]) than MBTE (81.7% (49/60]) among pooled saliva. The automated LRE method is comparable to a standard MBTE method for the detection of SAR-CoV-2 in pooled specimens, providing a suitable alternative automated extraction platform. Furthermore, LRE may be better suited for pooled saliva specimens due to more efficient removal of RT-PCR inhibitors.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents lessons learned to date during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from the viewpoint of Saskatchewan power system operations. A load estimation approach is developed to identify how the closures affecting businesses, schools, and other non-critical businesses due to COVID-19 changed the electricity consumption. Furthermore, the impacts of COVID-19 containment measures and re-opening phases on load uncertainty are examined. Changes in CO2 emissions resulting from an increased proportion of renewable energy generation and the change in load pattern are discussed. In addition, the influence of COVID-19 on the balancing authority's power control performance is investigated. Analyses conducted here are based on data from SaskPower Corporation, which is the principal electric utility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Some recommendations for future power system operation and planning are developed.