Diverse Toolkit Research Articles

Development and applications of enzymatic peptide and protein ligation.

Chemical synthesis of complex peptides and proteins continues to play increasingly important roles in industry and academia, where strategies for covalent ligation of two or more peptide fragments to produce longer peptides and proteins in convergent manners have become critical. In recent decades, efficient and site-selective ligation strategies mediated by exploiting the biocatalytic capacity of nature's diverse toolkit (i.e., enzymes) have been widely recognized as a powerful extension of existing chemical strategies. In this review, we present a chronological overview of the development of proteases, transpeptidases, transglutaminases, and ubiquitin ligases. We survey the different properties between the ligation reactions of various enzymes, including the selectivity and efficiency of the reaction, the ligation "scar" left in the product, the type of amide bond formed (natural or isopeptide), the synthetic availability of the reactants, and whether the enzymes are orthogonal to another. This review also describes how the inherent specificity of these enzymes can be exploited for peptide and protein ligation.

A traceological and quantitative assessment of the function of the bone bi-pointed tools from the Late Neolithic of the Cueva del Toro (Antequera, Malaga)

This study presents a traceological analysis of bi-pointed bone tools from the Late Neolithic layers of Cueva del Toro (Málaga, Spain). The tools, previously hypothesized as arrowheads, were re-examined using traceological methods combined with confocal microscopy. The analysis refutes their classification as hunting implements. Polished surfaces on the tools, indicative of interaction with fibrous materials, suggest their use in weaving tasks involving wool or similar materials. This study highlights the early use of sheep wool for textiles at Cueva del Toro, dated between 4250 and 3950 cal BCE. This study also emphasizes the significance of craft activities in the Neolithic, with a diverse toolkit for processing fibers and animal materials. By applying quantitative methods to distinguish use-wear traces, the study contributes to the development of use-wear analysis techniques and opens the way for future research in ancient human-material interactions.

Automatic analysis of the continuous edges of stone tools reveals fundamental handaxe variability

The edges of stone tools have significant technological and functional implications. The nature of these edges–their sharpness, whether they are concave or convex, and their asymmetry–reflect how they were made and how they could be used. Similarly, blunt portions of a tool’s perimeter hint at how they could have been grasped or hafted and in which directions force could be applied. However, due to the difficulty in accurately measuring the complex 3D geometry of tool edges with traditional methods, their attributes are often overlooked. When they are analyzed, they have traditionally been assessed with visual qualitative categories or unreliable physical measurements. We introduce new computational 3D methods for automatically and repeatably measuring key attributes of stone tool edges. These methods allow us to automatically identify the 3D perimeter of tools, segment this perimeter according to changes in edge angles, and measure these discrete edge segments with a range of metrics. We test this new computational toolkit on a large sample of 3D models of handaxes from the later Acheulean of the southern Levant. Despite these handaxes being otherwise technologically and morphologically similar, we find marked differences in the amount of knapped outline, edge angle, and the concavity of their edges. We find many handaxes possess blunt portions of perimeter, suitable for grasping, and some handaxes even possess more than one discrete sharp edge. Among our sample, sites with longer occupations and more diverse toolkits possessed handaxes with more diverse edges. Above all, this paper offers new methods for computing the complex 3D geometry of stone tool edges that could be applied to any number of artifact types. These methods are fully automated, allowing the analysis and visualization of entire assemblages.

Development and Application of Bioorthogonal Reactions for Drug Imaging and Activation

Chemical transformations compatible with biological systems serve as invaluable tools for probing biomolecules, drug compounds, and biological processes in their native environments. The complex environment of living organisms requires these reactions to be highly selective and efficient, posing a formidable challenge to the field of organic chemistry. A number of chemical reactions have recently emerged to meet this challenge, providing a diverse toolkit for researchers. This manuscript presents a comprehensive survey of current bioorthogonal reactions, emphasizing their applications in bioimaging, diagnostics, and medicine.

COUNSELLING AS A TOOL FOR OVERCOMING BARRIERS IN STEM EDUCATION AMONG UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS

This research explores the pivotal role of counselling in overcoming barriers faced by underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges, we delve into the historical context, prevalent barriers, and existing gaps in the literature, emphasizing the importance of addressing academic, socioemotional, and systemic factors. A comprehensive review of counselling models and approaches reveals a diverse toolkit that provides tailored support for individuals navigating STEM education. The benefits of counselling extend beyond academic achievement to encompass emotional well-being, career development, and the creation of inclusive STEM communities. By examining policy implications, including institutional commitments, curricular integration, and cultural competence, we propose actionable steps to foster a supportive environment within STEM education. We envision integrating technology, data-driven strategies, and holistic wellness programs as promising directions toward the future. Community engagement, advocacy for policy changes, and a commitment to lifelong learning underscore the collaborative efforts required to shape a more equitable and empowering STEM education landscape. In conclusion, counselling in STEM education emerges as a transformative tool, offering a pathway toward inclusivity, resilience, and success. Through ongoing research, innovation, and a commitment to cultural competence, we strive to create a future where counselling becomes an integral part of the educational journey, unlocking the full potential of every aspiring STEM professional, irrespective of their background or identity.
 Keywords: STEM Education, Underrepresented Groups, Counselling Models, Inclusivity, Academic Barriers

A comparative evaluation of the strengths and potential caveats of the microglial inducible CreER mouse models

The recent proliferation of new Cre and CreER recombinase lines provides researchers with a diverse toolkit to study microglial gene function. To determine how best to apply these lines in studies of microglial gene function, a thorough and detailed comparison of their properties is needed. Here, we examined four different microglial CreER lines (Cx3cr1YFP-CreER(Litt), Cx3cr1CreER(Jung), P2ry12CreER, and Tmem119CreER), focusing on (1) recombination specificity, (2) leakiness (the degree of tamoxifen-independent recombination in microglia and other cells), (3) the efficiency of tamoxifen-induced recombination, (4) extraneural recombination (the degree of recombination in cells outside of the CNS, particularly myelo/monocyte lineages), and (5) off-target effects in the context of neonatal brain development. We identify important caveats and strengths for these lines, which will provide broad significance for researchers interested in performing conditional gene deletion in microglia. We also provide data emphasizing the potential of these lines for injury models that result in the recruitment of splenic immune cells.

What acoustic telemetry can and can't tell us about fish biology.

Acoustic telemetry (AT) has become ubiquitous in aquatic monitoring and fish biology, conservation and management. Since the early use of active ultrasonic tracking that required researchers to follow at a distance their species of interest, the field has diversified considerably with exciting advances in both hydrophone and transmitter technology. Once a highly specialised methodology however, AT is fast becoming a generalist tool for those wishing to study or conserve fishes, leading to diversifying application by non-specialists. With this transition in mind, we evaluate exactly what AT has become useful for, discussing how the technological and analytical advances around AT can address important questions within fish biology. In doing so, we highlight the key ecological and applied research areas where AT continues to reveal crucial new insights, and in particular, when combined with complimentary research approaches. We provide a comprehensive breakdown of the state of the art for applications of AT, discussing the ongoing challenges, where its strengths lie, and how future developments may revolutionise fisheries management, behavioural ecology and species protection. Through selected papers we illustrate specific applications across the broad spectrum of fish biology. By bringing together the recent and future developments in this field under categories designed to broadly capture many aspects of fish biology, we hope to offer a useful guide for the non-specialist practitioner as they attempt to navigate the dizzying array of considerations and ongoing developments within this diverse toolkit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Inclusive education: co-creating a reading list diversity toolkit with student input

Inclusive education: co-creating a reading list diversity toolkit with student input

Strategi Koping Guru dalam Penanganan Siswa di Kelas Rendah Sekolah Luar Biasa

Teaching children with special needs in lower grades presents unique challenges that often lead to stress among educators. These children's behaviors frequently deviate from typical classroom conduct, and teachers may perceive them as inappropriate or disruptive. For instance, some students may shout for attention, which can be demanding for teachers already juggling the needs of multiple students. Special education teachers shoulder heavier responsibilities compared to their counterparts in regular schools. Notably, not all teachers possess the self-control required to manage negative behaviors during the teaching process. To navigate these stressful situations, educators employ coping strategies that depend on their individual coping resources. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies employed by lower-grade teachers in Special Schools, using qualitative methods. Nine teachers from Special Schools served as informants, and data were collected through interviews and observations, validated through triangulation, and analyzed following Miles and Huberman's interactive data analysis model. The research findings identified various stressors for Special School teachers in Surakarta, including challenging student behavior, difficulty understanding children with special needs, non-verbal and non-reading students, those not yet toilet-trained, parental demands, suboptimal classrooms, and inconsistent treatment. Teachers' coping strategies varied, encompassing positive thinking to address stress stemming from students' behavior and special needs comprehension, self-control for managing challenging behavior and parental demands, taking responsibility for addressing these stressors, planned problem-solving for behavioral and parental challenges, concrete problem-solving for specific issues, and seeking social support from family and colleagues to cope with overall stressors. In conclusion, teaching children with special needs in lower grades is a demanding task that can lead to stress for educators. However, this research sheds light on the coping strategies employed by these teachers, emphasizing the importance of a diverse toolkit to effectively manage the multifaceted challenges they face in Special Schools.

Exploring dental faculty perceptions of current strategies and barriers to retention.

The aims of the study were to identify perceived strategies for and barriers to faculty retention and examine differences regarding age, gender, and race. Cross-sectional data was captured from the eight author-affiliated dental schools. A Qualtrics survey was emailed to all faculty members at these institutions (1467 possible participants) between November 2021 and February 2022. The survey was formulated from best practices listed in the American Dental Education Association Faculty Diversity Toolkit. It consisted of 18 questions, including demographic information and faculty perceptions of their respective workplaces. These responses were then evaluated with descriptive statistics, Chi-squared analysis, Pearson Correlation, and Fleiss' kappa. The survey's response rate was 19.2%. There was no significant difference in perceived retention strategies across race, age, gender, practice tenure, practice type, or clinical versus tenure track. The top four barriers identified were inadequate financial compensation, workload, poor work environment, and burnout. There was a significant difference between racial groups and their perceived barrier of support for promotion (p=0.048). This was more prevalent among clinical faculty (47.7%) than tenure track faculty (16.2%). The work environment was listed as a leading factor for both promoting retention and encouraging the exodus of faculty members. Strategies aimed at improving financial compensation, career recognition, and transparency of the promotion process, along with those aimed at improving the work environment were shown to be vital to retaining faculty. Though the low response rate is a study limitation, these findings provide valuable information and a framework for future studies regarding dental faculty recruitment and retention.

Re-examining single-moment-in-time high-stakes examinations in specialist training: A critical narrative review

In this critical narrative review, we challenge the belief that single-moment-in-time high-stakes examinations (SMITHSEx) are an essential component of contemporary specialist training. We explore the arguments both for and against SMITHSEx, examine potential alternatives, and discuss the barriers to change. SMITHSEx are viewed as the “gold standard” assessment of competence but focus excessively on knowledge assessment rather than capturing essential competencies required for safe and competent workplace performance. Contrary to popular belief, regulatory bodies do not mandate SMITHSEx in specialist training. Though acting as significant drivers of learning and professional identity formation, these attributes are not exclusive to SMITHSEx. Skills such as crisis management, procedural skills, professionalism, communication, collaboration, lifelong learning, reflection on practice, and judgement are often overlooked by SMITHSEx. Their inherent design raises questions about the validity and objectivity of SMITHSEx as a measure of workplace competence. They have a detrimental impact on trainee well-being, contributing to burnout and differential attainment. Alternatives to SMITHSEx include continuous low-stakes assessments throughout training, ongoing evaluation of competence in the workplace, and competency-based medical education (CBME) concepts. These aim to provide a more comprehensive and context-specific assessment of trainees’ competence while also improving trainee welfare. Specialist training colleges should evolve from exam providers to holistic education sources. Assessments should emphasise essential practical knowledge over trivia, align with clinical practice, aid learning, and be part of a diverse toolkit. Eliminating SMITHSEx from specialist training will foster a competency-based approach, benefiting future medical professionals’ well-being and success.

Striving for Diversity of Leadership: Governance in UK Higher Education Institutions

Diversity of membership on boards and governance bodies in a range of sectors have been shown to be a key element in successful boards and effectively lead, monitor and advise their executive. Much progress has been made on improving gender balance on boards, including in universities and higher education institutions (HEI). However, the (scant) literature on HEI boards highlights that higher education or university boards in the UK need to do more to tackle all the other forms of under-representation where limited progress has been made on diversity, other than gender. This paper thus has two main aims, the first to locate the work on developing the diversity of UK university boards within the wider (corporate) theory and literature in this field. This is because the literature in the corporate sector is better established and therefore there is something to learn from practice in this area. The second aim is to develop a practical toolkit to expedite board diversity in higher education to bring it in line with other sectors to enable them to reflect what the OECD believe should be the role of universities: which is to be at the cutting edge of leading societal change.
 This paper reports on quantitative and qualitative data collected and analysed in order to develop a practical Board Diversity Toolkit - the first national scheme of its kind. Data were collected from 44 HEIs, representing a third of the UK’s HEIs and 104 governors to inform the development of the Toolkit. The paper discusses the issues raised in the data that might be a key barrier to achieving diversity and addressing chronic under-representation in UK Boards. This centred around deep-seated attitudes on how diversity may compromise the skills needed on Boards and importantly how to unseat these ingrained (often unconscious) attitudes if we are to achieve genuine change at Board levels. The Board Diversity Toolkit, designed as an output of work, could play a key role in changing such attitudes and develop the UK HEI sector in terms of conducting board business better, as well as meeting the need to be representative of staff and student bodies.

Precise genome editing with base editors.

Single-nucleotide variants account for about half of known pathogenic genetic variants in human. Genome editing strategies by reversing pathogenic point mutations with minimum side effects have great therapeutic potential and are now being actively pursued. The emerge of precise and efficient genome editing strategies such as base editing and prime editing provide powerful tools for nucleotide conversion without inducing double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), which have shown great potential for curing genetic disorders. A diverse toolkit of base editors has been developed to improve the editing efficiency and accuracy in different context of application. Here, we summarized the evolving of base editors (BEs), their limitations and future perspective of base editing-based therapeutic strategies.

Encoding Memory through Multimodality in Modern-Day Memorial Museums

The article is devoted to the use of technology in memorial museums, particularly in those related to genocide.
 The authors use a multidisciplinary theoretical framework using a diverse toolkit from Semiotics, Communication Studies, and Philosophy to explain the benefits and dangers of implementing technology in a memorial museum. The framework makes particular use of Peirce’s idea of unlimited semiosis, Eco’s considerations about the multiplicity of meanings and the “open text”, the existence of not one but two narratives in museums—especially in memorial museums—and Heidegger’s writings on technology especially enframing and revealing which are invoked in order to explain the interplay between technology and memory. 
 Being based in Yerevan, Armenia, the authors formulate their ideas with the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute (AGMI) in mind. This results in practical recommendations of how technology could be implemented in modern-day memorial museums, and identifies the benefits and dangers that must be kept in mind when doing so.
 The specific subject matter of the AGMI plays a part in how this discourse evolves and the framework is assembled through an exploration of the term genocide, the historical events and artifacts that are presented in the museum and the current setup of the museum.

Processing Large Outliers in Arrays of Observations

The interest in large or extreme outliers in arrays of empirical information is caused by the wishes of users (with whom the author worked): specialists in medical and zoo geography, mining, the application of meteorology in fishing tasks, etc. The following motives are important for these specialists: the substantial significance of large emissions, the fear of errors in the study of large emissions by standard and previously used methods, the speed of information processing and the ease of interpretation of the results obtained. To meet these requirements, interval pattern recognition algorithms and the accompanying auxiliary computational procedures have been developed. These algorithms were designed for specific samples provided by the users (short samples, the presence of rare events in them or difficulties in the construction of interpretation scenarios). They have the common property that the original optimization procedures are built for them or well-known optimization procedures are used. This paper presents a series of results on processing observations by allocating large outliers as in a time series in planar and spatial observations. The algorithms presented in this paper differ in speed and sufficient validity in terms of the specially selected indicators. The proposed algorithms were previously tested on specific measurements and were accompanied by meaningful interpretations. According to the author, this paper is more applied than theoretical. However, to work with the proposed material, it is required to use a more diverse mathematical tool kit than the one that is traditionally used in the listed applications.

Introduction to this special issue.

Introduction to this special issue.

Optical imaging and spectroscopy for the study of the human brain: status report.

.This report is the second part of a comprehensive two-part series aimed at reviewing an extensive and diverse toolkit of novel methods to explore brain health and function. While the first report focused on neurophotonic tools mostly applicable to animal studies, here, we highlight optical spectroscopy and imaging methods relevant to noninvasive human brain studies. We outline current state-of-the-art technologies and software advances, explore the most recent impact of these technologies on neuroscience and clinical applications, identify the areas where innovation is needed, and provide an outlook for the future directions.

Neurophotonic tools for microscopic measurements and manipulation: status report.

.Neurophotonics was launched in 2014 coinciding with the launch of the BRAIN Initiative focused on development of technologies for advancement of neuroscience. For the last seven years, Neurophotonics’ agenda has been well aligned with this focus on neurotechnologies featuring new optical methods and tools applicable to brain studies. While the BRAIN Initiative 2.0 is pivoting towards applications of these novel tools in the quest to understand the brain, this status report reviews an extensive and diverse toolkit of novel methods to explore brain function that have emerged from the BRAIN Initiative and related large-scale efforts for measurement and manipulation of brain structure and function. Here, we focus on neurophotonic tools mostly applicable to animal studies. A companion report, scheduled to appear later this year, will cover diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies. For each domain, we outline the current state-of-the-art of the respective technologies, identify the areas where innovation is needed, and provide an outlook for the future directions.

Anti-racism structures in academic dentistry: Supporting underrepresented racially/ethnically diverse faculty.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to describe the racialized barriers to recruiting and retaining historically underrepresented racially/ethnically diverse (HURE) faculty at U.S. dental schools and the linkages of these barriers to structural racism to assist dental schools in eliminating these hurdles through an antiracism framework.MethodsData is used to describe the trends in the racial/ethnic composition of dental school faculty and the parity gaps by race/ethnicity between dentists and the U.S. population. Literature on the recruitment and retention of faculty of color at higher education institutions is reviewed to identify challenges and best practices. Barriers to the full participation of HURE faculty, outlined in the American Dental Education Association's Faculty Diversity Toolkit, are also identified. Research on antiracism frameworks is also investigated to denote their uses and key components.ResultsThere is a critical shortage of HURE faculty at dental schools and active HURE dentists in the U.S. A history of racism and its legacy reinforce biases, stereotypes, and power structures that harm HURE faculty at U.S. dental schools. An anti‐racism framework is needed to holistically eliminate inequities and racialized policies and practices that persists as barriers for HURE faculty.ConclusionsIncreasing the representation of HURE dentists in the workforce and dental school faculty requires a major disruption to culture and institutional practices that mask centuries of structural racism embedded within complex academic systems. Dental schools must use antiracism models to create strategic initiatives that support a humanistic, equitable, and antiracism environment where HURE faculty can thrive.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ РОЗВИТКУ ВИЩОЇ РАДИ ПРАВОСУДДЯ: ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ АСПЕКТ

Like any institution, the High Council of Justice (HCJ) develops in accordance with the conditions of social and state life. Its functions, structure, conditions of interaction with other subjects, etc. are developing. Therefore, the question of the perspective of its development always attracts attention. The purpose of the article is a systematic analysis of the functional aspect of the HCJ status regarding the assessment of the prospects for its improvement. First of all, emphasis is placed on the fact that a specific model of the judicial council has historically been formed in Ukraine. It is personified by two bodies – the High Court of Ukraine and the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine (HQCJ). This determines the relevant features of both the functional development of the HCJ and the structure of the judicial authorities, which are responsible for ensuring its activities in the state. The most urgent issue today is the assignment of such areas as the selection and evaluation of judges to the functions of the HCJ. This forms the basis of the activity of the HQCJ and puts the question of its existence on the agenda. The author pays special attention to the functional development of HCJ in the context of its interaction with the National School of Judges of Ukraine (NSJ) and the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine (SJA). In particular, it is stated that the norms of the current legislation do not provide an opportunity to talk about the existence of a legislative basis for the cooperation of the HCJ and NSJ in the field of judicial training. And this means that these two authorities are only minimally interacting and interconnected as elements of a single judicial power (system) in the state. As for the SJA, it is emphasized the need to correlate and balance its powers with the powers of the HCJ. The prerequisites and possible consequences of the implementation of the idea of granting the HCJ the right of legislative initiative was also analyzed. In the opinion of the author, the HCJ today has a sufficiently diverse toolkit for indirect participation in the law-making process and influence on legislative initiatives, their formation and development in matters that are important for the development and functioning of the judiciary in the state. Therefore, there are currently no sufficient grounds to support such an idea. Finally, it was concluded that the functional development of the HCJ depends on various conditions, first of all, political and economic. They determine the vectors of the development of the judiciary in the state, as well as social development, society’s demand for an independent court, a professional and honest judicial body.