Research IS & Computing website maintenance was performed on Thursday, December 13 from 7 - 7:15a.m. During this window, the site may have been offline for a few minutes while bug fixes and feature enhancements are implemented.
Please contact rcwebmaster@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) upgrades to v8.5.19 scheduled for Monday December 10th, 7:00AM EDT are complete. REDCap was offline from 7:00-8:05AM EDT.
This upgrade includes a number of new features and bug fixes. These include:
New feature: Smart Variables: Smart Variables are dynamic variables that can be used in calculated fields, conditional/branching logic, and piping. Similar to using project variable names inside square brackets - e.g., [heart_rate], Smart Variables are also represented inside brackets - e.g., [user-name], [survey-link], [previous-event-name][weight], or [heart_rate][previous-instance]. But instead of pointing to data fields, Smart Variables are context-aware and thus adapt to the current situation. Some can be used with field variables or other Smart Variables, and some are meant to be used as stand-alone. There are many possibilities.
35 Smart Variables are available. They can reference things with regard to users, records, forms, surveys, events/arms, or repeating instances. Documentation and examples for using Smart Variables are included on the Project Setup page, Online Designer, and other places throughout REDCap in a popup and alternatively as a standalone page.
Improvement: Added new "Record ID" column in the Survey Invitation Log table to allow users to find specific invitations more efficiently. Note: If the record name should not be displayed in order to preserve the anonymity of a response (e.g., participant identifier is not used, designated email field is not used), it will instead display an icon indicating that the record name cannot be displayed.
Improvement: The Survey Invitation Log now contains an extra column on the right-hand side to allow users to delete many scheduled invitations at once (rather than having to delete them one at a time).
New feature: Survey-specific email invitation fields: This is a new option on the Survey Settings page that can be enabled for any given survey, in which a user may designate an email field for sending survey invitations for that survey only.
This feature is similar to the project-level email invitation field except that it is employed only for the survey where it has been enabled. This allows users to have data entry workflows that require multiple surveys where the participant is different for each survey. Using this feature, multiple people can be emailed a survey invitation, after which all the survey data they enter goes into the same record in the project.
Improvement/change: New method for composing survey invitation text using Smart Variables for survey link: When composing a survey invitation, the standard text and survey link are no longer automatically appended to the survey invitation text at the time the email is sent. Instead, users must now specify all the entirety of the text of the email (including the stock text and survey link that used to be appended automatically, if they wish) and therefore must supply [survey-url] and/or [survey-link] in the text if they wish to provide the participant with a link to the survey.
Release notes highlighting new features, improvements, and major bug fixes are available here.
Full release notes available here.
If you have any concerns about REDCap being offline at this time or any questions about these new features, please email edcsupport@partners.org
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) was offline intermittently from approximately 11:50-1:00 PM EDT. REDCap is currently back online.
Please review your projects if surveys were scheduled to send during this time. Manage Survey Participants > Survey Invitation Log. You can filter on "Invitations that failed to send" and resend as needed.
Survey data may not have been collected at this time and participants received a web-browser error message when attempting to click on a survey link.
If you have any concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org
Applies to: All databases and systems connecting to the MySQL hosted database system mysql3.research.partners.org
The ERIS Infrastructure team has resolved the operational issue on mysql3.research.partners.org and has canceled the shutdown and restart identified for this evening.
This is a precautionary communication.
There is a possibility that we may need to shut down and restart mysql3.research.partners.org tonight (11/14/2018) between the hours of 7:00 pm and9:00 pm. We have an operational issue that is impacting normal maintenance. If the issue is not resolved by early evening, then we will need to shut down and restart mysql3.research.partners.org.
If the issue is resolved and we do not need to restart, we will share a communication with you. If we need to shut down and restart mysql3.research.partners.org tonight, we will send a communication before the shutdown and again when mysql3.research.partners.org is back online.
Impact
All databases hosted on mysql3.research.partners.org will be offline while we shut down and restart mysql3.research.partners.org.
Action Required
If you are the owner of a database on mysql3.research.partners.org, we encourage you to take your applications offline before the maintenance window and reconnect once the work is complete.
Please let us know if you have any questions by forwarding your questions to rcc@partners.org.
Research IS & Computing website maintenance was performed on Thursday, November 1 starting at 7a.m. The site was offline for approximately 3 minutes while bug fixes and feature enhancements are implemented.
Please contact rcwebmaster@partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.
On Saturday morning November 3, 2018 from 7:00am - 9:00am the ERIS Infrastructure team will perform maintenance on mysql3.research.partners.org and on https://rc.partners.org. There will be a short interruption of service for both mysql3.research.partners.org and for https://rc.partners.org during the maintenance window.
The PEAS team is pleased to inform you that we now recommend an upgrade to macOS Mojave 10.14 in the Enterprise. All issues with Enterprise Services such as email, VPN or Citrix have been resolved. If you choose to upgrade, please verify the compatibility of any non-enterprise software you use prior to upgrading.
Keep in mind that Apple, and therefore Partners, only supports the current OS and two versions prior. With the release of macOS Mojave 10.14, the only other supported macOSs will be macOS High Sierra 10.13 and macOS Sierra 10.12. If you are running an out of date macOS, please view our webpage on how to Update Your Mac, or contact the Service Desk if you need assistance with an upgrade. Older Mac operating systems introduce risk to your data and the enterprise as they are not patched for security vulnerabilities, nor do they comply with Partners policies.
The proxy server is back online. The /var directory filled and HTTP went down when it could not write to its log file. We cleaned up var and restarted HTTP which resolved the problem.
The proxy server went down at 10:25 and was back online at 11:05.
Please reach out to rcc@partners.org with any questions.
We are making an update to the log in process for Secure File Transfer at https://transfer.partners.org. Starting Thursday, November 1st at 10:30 p.m., employees will need to access this system for your individual accounts using your primary work email address and Partners password. This change is only for individual employee accounts. External collaborators and group/departmental accounts can continue to login the same way.
With the Secure File Transfer Service, you can exchange large files with collaborators both inside and outside of Partners via a web browser. Visit https://rc.partners.org/SFTP for more information about this service.
Today, October 11th from 5:00 to 5:30 pm, Freezerworks will temporarily be offline to complete unplanned maintenance work. During this timeframe, we ask users to log out of the system so we can complete this necessary maintenance work. We do apologize for any inconvenience this interruption may cause.
Please contact rcc.partners.org if you have any questions or concerns.
The LimeSurvey (https://limesurvey.partners.org/limesurvey) decommission scheduled for today October 3rd, 2018 11 AM EDT is complete. LimeSurvey has been taken offline and migrated to an internal only accessible server for data archiving.
After today, if you require access to data, please submit a request to edcuspport@partners.org. We will be able to grant short term access (~6 hrs) for you to access and export data.
If you have any questions, please email edcsupport@partners.org
We sincerely thank all of our LimeSurvey users for their use and support of the system over the years.
Thanks,
EDC Support
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) required server maintenance which was performed on Saturday, September 29th, 2018 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM EDT. There was a short interruption of service during the maintenance window.
If you have any concerns about this scheduled maintenance, please email edcsupport@partners.org
This is a reminder the both mysql2.dipr.partners.org and mysql3.research.partners.org will be restarted on Saturday morning September 29, 2018, between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am.
This maintenance has been completed.
REDCap (https://redcap.partners.org/redcap) experienced an unexpected outage on Wednesday September 26th from approximately 2:00-8:30AM EDT.
Please review your projects if surveys were scheduled to send during this time. Manage Survey Participants > Survey Invitation Log. You can filter on "Invitations that failed to send" and resend as needed.
Survey data may not have been collected at this time and participants received a web-browser error message when attempting to click on a survey link.
If you have any concerns, please email edcsupport@partners.org
Please see the latest update regarding macOS Mojave. The PEAS team is pleased to inform you that we now recommend an upgrade to macOS Mojave 10.14 in the Enterprise.
Apple has released their next Operating System (OS) for Mac laptops & desktops, macOS Mojave. At this time, we recommend you do not upgrade your Mac as this may impact your ability to use enterprise services.
After Mojave is released, vendors like Cisco and Microsoft will also release software updates for their products to integrate with Mojave. Like prior Apple OS releases, the expectation is the first minor version of Mojave (version 10.14.1) will be stable for the Enterprise. Further information on compatibility with Partners services will be broadcast in the coming weeks.
Please keep in mind that Apple, and therefore Partners, only supports the current OS and two versions prior. With the release of macOS Mojave 10.14, the only other supported macOSs will be macOS High Sierra 10.13 and macOS Sierra 10.12. If you are running an out of date macOS, please view our webpage on how to Update Your Mac, or contact the Service Desk if you need assistance with an upgrade. Older Mac operating systems introduce risk to your data and the enterprise as they are not patched for security vulnerabilities, nor do they comply with Partners policies.
The RFANFS service issue has been resolved and all mount points have been restored. Please forward any questions or concerns to rcc@partners.org.
Apple released iOS 12 on Sept. 17th, 2018.
We have fully tested iOS 12 against the following applications;
*Tunnel 3.0 is required. Tunnel 3.0 was released to all users enrolled in MI on Thursday, September 6th. If you do not have Tunnel installed, please contact the IS Service Desk.
Tunnel is a component of MobileIron and enables your iOS mobile device to access Partners network resources. Apps such as Epic Haiku and Citrix Receiver depend upon its functionality.
Additional information can be found in KB0027534. If you have questions, please contact the IS Service Desk.
Due to the Insight 4.0 release scheduled for 9/14-9/16, the RPDR Query Tool- Detailed Data Request Wizards was unavailable from 5pm on Friday, September 14th to 9 am on Monday September 17th.
The RPDR Query Took query functionality was still available during this time. Users will still be able to build and run queries to obtain aggregate numbers of patients.
The RPDR functionality was back up, running and available on Monday, September 17th at 9am.
Please make sure to complete all detailed data requests before 5pm on Friday,September 14th.
If you have any questions, please contact us at RPDRHelp@partners.org.
Insight Downtime
The roll out for the Insight 4.0 IRB (Humans) Module was scheduled for Friday, September 14th. System downtime will begin on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 6 pm ET and extend through Monday, September 17, 2018 at 6 am ET.
Insight 4.0 is already being used for Agreements and so may look familiar to you when you log in on Monday, September 17th. We will send a follow-up communication on Friday, September 14thwith information on specific changes to forms and workflow. Below are answers to questions you might have about the transition to Insight 4.0 as well as recommendations that will help with the transition.
What will happen to submissions in my Activity List?
Activities in your Activity List will be migrated to your Insight 4.0 Action Required list. We recommend that you sign off on activities in your Activity List early next week so that we can review and process as many pending submissions as possible.
What will happen to submissions in Work in Progress?
Draft submissions created within the past 90 days will be migrated to Insight 4.0. All draft submissions created over 90 days ago will notbe migrated. The Human Research Office will have access to Insight 3.6 and, upon request, can send you a copy of draft submissions that were not migrated to 4.0.
What will happen to submissions in Pending Applications?
All pending applications will be migrated to Insight 4.0. We will try to review and process as many pending applications as possible before the roll out.
Should I create and submit new protocol submissions or amendments in Insight 3.6 next week?
We recommend that you hold off submitting anything new next week unless the submission is time sensitive.
What training will be available after Insight 4.0 is rolled out?
Insight 4.0 User Guides are being prepared for navigating and preparing, submitting and signing off on IRB submissions. Insight 4.0 User Guides and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be available in Research Navigator on September 17th. Training sessions will also be offered. You can register for training in Research Navigator - Insight 4.0 Training
Who do I contact for questions or assistance with submissions post Insight 4.0 roll out?
We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. Contact us if you have any questions or you experience any problems after the roll out with migrated or new submissions. Key contacts are provided below:
PHS IRB Help Line: 857-282-1900
PHS IRB Mailbox: irb@partners.org
Protocol Administrator
PHS Insight Help Line: 857-282-1959
PHS Insight Help Desk: Insighthelpdesk@partners.org
Rosalyn Gray: 857-282-1903; rgray1@partners.org
Partners HealthCare FreezerWorks: Expected Downtime and Upgrade
On Friday September 7th, 2018 from 4 pm to September 10th, 2018 at 10 AM, the Freezerworks application will be taken offline for upgrades from version 9.0 to version 10.0. We apologize for any inconvenience during this interruption.
Please note, there will be a new method to open the Freezerworks application if you do not have Windows 10 installed.
1) With your Partners ID & password, navigate to https://workspace.partners.org/Citrix/UniversalWeb/
2) Select the Freezerworks icon to open the application
Full release notes can be downloaded here.
If you have any questions or concerns about email: edcsupport@partners.org
MobileIron will be upgrading the NA1 Cluster used by Partners tonight from 9pm through 6am. Note that this is not related to the iOS Tunnel update previously communicated to iOS users.
The following will be affected during tonight’s MobileIron NA1 Upgrade:
Other functions such as Email, Haiku, Cortext, Receiver, Dropbox, PowerMic, etc are not affected and will continue to work normally
Applies to: Users who have MobileIron installed on an iOS Device
On September 6th, 2018, an update to MobileIron will be pushed to your mobile device. If prompted to install MobileIron Tunnel, please select Install (see image below).
Is there anything else that I need to do?
The older version of the app, Tunnel Legacy should automatically be removed from your device. If it is not, remove the app manually by pressing on the Tunnel Legacy icon and tap ‘X’.
How does Tunnel work?
Tunnel is a component of MobileIron and enables your iOS mobile device to access Partners network resources. Apps such as Epic Haiku and Citrix Receiver depend upon its functionality.
Additional information can be found in KB0027534. If you have questions, please contact the IS Service Desk.
The ERIS Infrastructure team will perform maintenance on mysql.dipr.partners.org, mysql2.dipr.partners.org and mysql3.research.partners.org on Saturday, August 25, 2018, from 9:00 am - Noon. There will be a short interruption of service for each server during the maintenance window. Please forward any questions to rcc@partners.org.
