AI is a viable alternative to high throughput screening: a 318-target study

: High throughput screening (HTS) is routinely used to identify bioactive small molecules. This requires physical compounds, which limits coverage of accessible chemical space. Computational approaches combined with vast on-demand chemical libraries can access far greater chemical space, provided that the predictive accuracy is sufficient to identify useful molecules. Through the largest and most diverse virtual HTS campaign reported to date, comprising 318 individual projects, we demonstrate that our AtomNet® convolutional neural network successfully finds novel hits across every major therapeutic area and protein class. We address historical limitations of computational screening by demonstrating success for target proteins without known binders, high-quality X-ray crystal structures, or manual cherry-picking of compounds. We show that the molecules selected by the AtomNet® model are novel drug-like scaffolds rather than minor modifications to known bioactive compounds. Our empirical results suggest that computational methods can substantially replace HTS as the first step of small-molecule drug discovery

Public Libraries as National Libraries – The Caribbean Experience

While it is essential that national library functions and services are carried out, within the English-speaking Caribbean these functions can be provided by extending the role of the country's main public library. A questionnaire was administered in 1994 to 14 public libraries and one national library in the region to ascertain if public libraries performed any national library functions and if so to assess how effectively, with a view to formulating proposals as to how best this dual role could be achieved. The survey, in which 13 libraries participated, revealed that a majority of the libraries did in fact act as de facto national libraries, performing many of the functions of traditional national libraries, though there were major deficiencies (e.g. only seven had legal deposit, and only four produced national bibliographies). A structure for a dual-function Public/National Library is proposed, with three functional divisions (Public Library Services, Technical Services, and National Heritage) and a powerful National Library Services Board. </jats:p

The National Library and Information System (NALIS) of Trinidad and Tobago: A Public Library System Performing National Library Functions

In an environment where the continued survival of national libraries is being questioned, this article looks at an example of a public library system providing national library functions. The recent creation of the National Library and Information System (NALIS) in Trinidad and Tobago is evidence that Caribbean public libraries through a process of integration and centralization of existing library services can provide a nationwide national library service while maintaining essential national library functions. The organizational structure of NALIS is presented along with an outline of the functions of the various library divisions. A brief review of the literature on the current status of national libraries precedes the discussion on NALIS. </jats:p

Technologies in Two Academic Libraries During the Covid-19 Pandemic The Case of the Alma Jordan Library and the Open Campus Libraries and Information Services, The University of the West Indies

The global COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new environment described as the ‘new normal,’ changing the way people live, learn, work, and communicate. Academic libraries have followed the lead of other sectors – business, government, health, and education – in adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to re-engineer operations and re-imagine services which are supportive of teaching, learning, and research. This chapter presents case studies that highlight existing and potential applications of 4IR technologies at two academic libraries in the Caribbean, the Alma Jordan Library (AJL) and Open Campus Libraries and Information Services (OCLIS) at The University of the West Indies (UWI). The chapter discusses the short-term implementation of an artificial intelligence-driven digital assistant responsive to first-line reference and research queries at the AJL and explores the future potential deployment of 4IR technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, robotics, the internet of things, and 3D printing in academic libraries to enhance experiential teaching and learning experiences. The chapter concludes by showing how academic libraries’ adoption of a best practice model can enable the seamless integration of 4IR technologies into programmes, products, and services.</jats:p

Taking Cues From Africa Cooperative Engagement for Partnership Capacity: Africa as a Model for Whole of Government [video]

Taking Cues From Africa, Cooperative Engagement for Partnership Capacity: Africa as a Model for Whole of Government. U.S. Partnership for Peace Training & Education Center, Naval Postgraduate School. Cultural and Organizational Awareness Foru