ABSTRACT
Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis contribute to acute and chronic neurological disorders throughout the world and have a greater than 5% fatality rate in the United States. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, no causative organism is isolated using conventional molecular and immunologic assays. This is in part due to assays that require prior knowledge of specific virus(es), need for large sample volumes, and significant time to obtain results which precludes usage in the clinical setting. To address these limitations to effectively detect virus in CSF samples, we aimed to use a novel technology called VIRRION (virus capture with rapid Raman spectroscopy detection and identification). VIRRION is a combined microfluidic device and carbon nanotube array for enrichment and capture of virus particles in body fluids that uses Raman spectroscopy for rapid detection of virus in which machine learning algorithms are applied to spectra to develop virus 'signatures'. While VIRRION has been successfully used for respiratory isolates, including SARS-COV-2, here we propose to extend this system for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neurologic disease in which viruses are suspected. In preliminary results with samples containing viruses in culture media, we have demonstrated Raman spectral peaks specific to each cultured virus where machine learning analysis showed a sensitivity of 99%. VIRRION offers the capability to capture virus particles while allowing the background fluids to flow through, thus controlling for variation in the background fluid signatures in clinical samples. These early results show that VIRRION is a promising technology for the rapid detection of virus in the CSF.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the use of community visioning in Montgomery, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee, as each municipality seeks to become a globally competitive 21st century smart city while also fostering participatory and inclusive planning processes. Design/methodology/approach: This research is qualitative, drawing upon discourse analysis of relevant mass media and public documents to map the consultation process and identify the key themes and challenges arising in the two visioning projects. Findings: Montgomery and Chattanooga are committed to using participatory visioning to generate inclusive pathways to smart city status by 2040. Each used the local utility company as the key platform to enable a smart city because of each company’s inclusive demographic reach and historical status. The two cities are at different stages of the smart city trajectory and each faces ongoing challenges in ensuring that the benefits of smart city development reach beyond elites to include communities across racial and economic lines. To date, the planning process in each city is more accurately classified as a responsive community visioning rather than participatory. Research limitations/implications: This is a pilot assessment of community visioning in Montgomery and Chattanooga. Implementation of each vision is ongoing and further research is needed to illuminate how each city meets ongoing challenges and opportunities, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its flow-on economic and social shocks. Originality/value: The value of this work lies in the comparison of community visioning across two mid-sized and diverse American cities in the Southern region that must compete with larger and more established technology-hubs in both the USA and globally for investment, amenities and human capital. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.