Laboratory Implementation Research Articles

The implementation of virtual home laboratories to improve students psychomotor abilities

Psychomotor relates to learning outcomes that are achieved through skills as a result of knowledge competence. Learning that still uses the demonstration method and has not optimized learning activities in the laboratory. This study aims to determine how implementing a virtual home learning laboratory improves students' psychomotor abilities. This study uses a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design. The sample used in this study was 46 respondents from the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department at Senior High School 8 Purworejo, Indonesia. The research sample consisted of two classes: the control and experimental classes. The instruments used in this study were learning implementation sheets, psychomotor observation sheets, student response questionnaires, and students' psychomotor ability test instruments. The data analysis technique in this research is quantitative, and the t-test. The analysis of test data using the N-gain test obtained 0.75 for the experimental class with high category and 0.29 for the control class with low category results. The statistical analysis results of the independent sample t-test show that laboratory implementation affects the psychomotor abilities of students.

Direct Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Respiratory Samples of Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most important cause of lung infection and major cause of morbidity and mortality among Cystic Fibrosis patients. Early detection of P. aeruginosa from clinical samples is a key element in patient management. Appropriate antimicrobial treatment will postpone the transition to chronic lung infection.
 Methods: Sputum and deep pharyngeal swab samples (DPS) of CF patients were inoculated into conventional agar plates and identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. DNA was extracted with a column based QIAamp DNA mini kit from the samples. Molecular detection was done by using 23S rDNA specific primers with Taqman probe for quantitative PCR (qPCR) and exoA gene specific primers for in house PCR.
 Results: A total number of 67 sputum and 33 DPS samples were included to the study. Median age of the patients was 6 (2-14) for DPS and 15(7-33) for sputum samples. Detection limit was 103 cfu/ml for qPCR which displayed 94% sensitivity and 93% specificity for sputum; 44% sensitivity and 100% specificity for DPS. In house PCR displayed 94% sensitivity and 93% specificity for sputum; 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity for DPS. Time reqired for conventional method was 48 hours, 6 hours for in- house PCR and 4 hours for qPCR.
 Conclusion: Although culture is a reliable detection technique, a more rapid and sensitive way to detect P. aeruginosa from CF airway samples is essential. In our study which culture is accepted as a gold standard; PCR results is promising especially for sputum samples. Validation of molecular methods is necessary before implementation in routine laboratories. Clinical implications of discrepant results between culture and PCR detection should be carefully evaluated and combining both approaches considering antibiotic treatment could be reasonable.

IMPACT OF DISTANCE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

This article describes a new method for identifying the impact of distance learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the teaching and learning environment and for developing teachers’ technical skills and attitudes toward distance learning. It is based on a relevant questionnaire filled in by 453 teachers in the Jordanian capital of Amman during the second semester of 2019/2020. Using the two parts of the questionnaire, one of 22 items on the effectiveness of distance learning and one of 15 items on the teachers’ attitudes toward distance learning, the authors have found that distance learning was moderately effective and that the teachers’ attitudes toward distance learning were positive. More particularly, statistically significant differences at a level of α ≤ 0.05 existed between the teachers’ mean scores on the distance learning scale in favor of humanities (t = 13.19). From our findings, we propose establishing a comprehensive assessment system for the distance learning program to monitor its implementation in computer labs; assisting teachers in using the program; implementing tutorials and training lessons for teachers to share their experiences; and providing tablets, computers, or smartphones to students from vulnerable social groups.

Design and Implementation of IoT-Based Smart Laboratory Using ESP32 and Thingsboard to Improve Security and Safety in POLNEP Informatics Engineering Laboratory

The purpose of this research is to design and build an Internet of Things (IoT) based system that can be used to provide early warning when smoke or fire is detected in the building. The system is also expected to be able to provide notifications via mobile devices to technicians and the head of the laboratory when detecting the height of the rainwater overflow that exceeds a certain limit. The urgency of this research is the need for a system by utilizing the latest technology as an effort to improve safety and security for someone who is in the building when there is a fire hazard or for the safety of equipment in the laboratory. The methodology used in this research is to use a product development approach consisting of software and hardware in a project. Broadly speaking, the stages carried out are: (1) Defining project goals; (2) Define project requirements based on project goals; (3) Designing the system architecture; (4) Define User Experience (UX) flow; (5) Identify the parts/stages of development; (6) Assembling hardware and creating program code for each part/stage; (7) Integrating each part/stage; and (8) testing and troubleshooting. The hardware that will be used is the ESP32 microprocessor which is integrated with the IoT Thingsboard platform. The ESP32 microcontroller has been successfully used as an IoT node that is connected to several sensors including environmental sensors (temperature, humidity) DHT22, light intensity sensors (LDR), motion sensors (motion PIR sensors), magnetic switch reed sensors, MQ2 smoke detector sensors, and sensors. water level. On the server side, the Thingsboard platform has been successfully used as an MQTT broker, presenting data in the form of an interactive dashboard, and triggering alarms.

Directions of the laboratory diagnostics improving of the socially significant hemocontact viral infections in the military medical organizations

In this study we have shown the relevance of the nucleic acid testing for the diagnosis of the human immunodeficiency virus infection and hemocontact viral hepatitis in the military medical organizations as well as the experience of majority of the foreign countries that actively apply modern molecular methodologies for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The possibility of using the rapid tests, molecular biology techniques and an alternative carrier of the biological material the dry drop method, the potential of this method of biological material preparation in infectious diseases diagnostics in case of laboratory remoteness and for follow-up observation of patients with socially significant hemocontact viral infections is shown.
 New algorithm of human immunodeficiency virus infection laboratory testing using polymerase chain reaction as an expert test followed by methods of determination of recency of acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus antibodies especially in questionable laboratory result cases are proposed.
 Promising molecular genetic methods for implementation in laboratories in military medical organizations such as nester-polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, digital polymerase chain reaction, mass spectrometry of polymerase chain reaction amplicons, Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence are observed. We have defined the main approaches to improve laboratory diagnostics of social significant hemocontact viral infections in military medical organizations: optimization of logistics of pre-analytical step with expansion of validated biomaterial samples storage and delivery methods (including dry drop); reduction in the duration of analytical phase through increase in the clinical use of polymerase chain reaction testing (including isothermic variant); improving the sensitivity and accuracy of serological and molecular diagnostics; development of validation methodology and laboratory tests results interpretation While ensuring military medical expertise. The necessity of specialists training in new diagnostics techniques and result interpretation, improving regulatory framework on examination and registration of human immunodeficiency virus positive military officers, determination of the legal status of cases with unfinished human immunodeficiency virus diagnostic process in order to ensure timely preventive and treatment care events and to objectify statistical recording of this category.

Battles for Better or Prepare for Worse

This article discusses the pandemic's detrimental effect on research work in Chemistry department hence the effectiveness of more restricted safety implementation in the research laboratory as well as the teaching laboratory. Also, herein I share my experience having a head dive into laboratory demonstrating after being overwhelmed by my own research work, hoping to sail away from fear of failure and adjusting to the value of “unlearn to learn”.

Web-based digital twin online laboratories: Methodologies and implementation

Background: Online laboratories that provide online experimentation are crucial for education and research in all fields of engineering. As a transformative technology, the digital twin can be potentially applied into online laboratories to enable physical-digital twin interactions and enhance user experience. Methods: In this article, web-based digital twin online laboratories are discussed, the methodologies and implementation of which are presented in detail. The digital twin architecture, three-dimensional twin model, web-based digital twin control algorithm design, and real-time physical-twin control are explored to provide a full picture for the design and implementation of digital twin online laboratory systems. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies, a use case with the Networked Control System Laboratory (a previously developed control and automation laboratory) is provided, which details the design and implementation. Results: A four-tier web architecture has been implemented. With the provided web interface, control algorithms can be designed and employed for real-time digital twin experimentation. The experimental results demonstrated that the physical-digital twin fan speed control system can achieve good control and tracking performance with human-in-the-loop interactions. Conclusions: This article presents the methodologies and implementation of digital twin web-based online laboratories. The use case verified the proposed web architecture, digital twin implementation, control architecture, and human-in-the-loop interactions for a digital twin experimentation system, which can potentially be used for the design and implementation of other digital-twin applications in different fields.

ESHRE certification of ART centres for good laboratory and clinical practice.

ESHRE certification of ART centres for good laboratory and clinical practice.

Hierarchical Energy Management System for Home-Energy-Hubs Considering Plug-In Electric Vehicles

The escalating demand on electric vehicles (EVs) has enhanced the necessity of adequate charging infrastructure, especially in residential areas. This article proposes a smart charging approach for off-board EVs chargers in home-energy-hub (HEH) applications along with dc sources such as photovoltaic and battery storage (BS). The proposed method facilitates smart charging and discharging of EVs to obtain both vehicle-to-x and x-to-vehicle operations focusing on the domestic applications integrated with renewable and storage elements. Furthermore, the optimal state-of-charge (SOC) profiles for BS and EV in the HEHs system is defined by the extended Bellman-Ford-Moor algorithm (BFMA). This modified BFMA utilizes the forecasted data such as solar irradiation, electricity tariff, and power consumption to gain economic benefits in HEHs with respect to the user and EV requirements. Moreover, the plugging time, duration, and initial/final SOC are fluctuating at each connection due to the stochastic nature of EV conditions and user settings. This study presents a laboratory implementation of two-level hierarchical energy management system for HEHs with plug-in electric vehicles. In fact, the primary level includes power converters controller, while the proposed algorithm is implemented in the secondary level. Finally, the simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed analysis regarding the interaction of HEHs and power grid with EVs behavior.

Pathologists Overseas: A volunteer-based model for building sustainable, high-quality pathology and laboratory medicine services in low- and middle-income countries.

For thirty years Pathologists Overseas (PO) has worked in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to provide affordable, sustainable, and high-quality pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) services through strategic partnerships and the efforts of our large volunteer network. We address low quality diagnostic services by targeting the 3 pillars of PALM quality: human resources, systems, and quality and accreditation. To improve human resource capacity, PO and our partnering organizations provide virtual continuing education to pathologists and laboratory professionals in these countries. To improve systems, we provide laboratory information system installation and implementation support. Lastly, to improve quality and help laboratories progress toward accreditation, we support an external quality assurance program for laboratories in LMICs. As a relatively small organization, PO demonstrates that a network of dedicated volunteers, in partnership with corporations and professional organizations, can initiate sustainable change in the quality of PALM services in LMICs by focusing efforts on the core components of laboratory quality.

A DNA Metabarcoding Workflow to Identify Species in Spices and Herbs.

Spices and herbs are food categories regularly cited as highly susceptible to be adulterated. To detect potential adulteration with undeclared species, DNA-based methods are considered the most suitable tools. In this study, the performance of the ready-to-use Thermo Scientific™ NGS Food Authenticity Workflow (Thermo Fisher Scientific)-a commercial DNA metabarcoding approach-is described. The tool was further applied to analyze 272 commercial samples of spices and herbs. Pure samples of spices and herbs were analyzed with the Thermo Scientific NGS Food Authenticity Workflow to assess its specificity, and spikings down to 1% (w/w) allowed evaluation of its sensitivity. Commercial samples, 62 and 210, were collected in Asian and European markets, respectively. All tested species were correctly identified often down to the species level, while spikings at 1% (w/w) confirmed a limit of detection at this level, including in complex mixtures composed of five different spices and/or herbs. The analysis of 272 commercial samples showed that 78% were compliant with the declared content, whereas the rest were shown to contain undeclared species that were in a few cases allergenic or potentially toxic. The Thermo Scientific NGS Food Authenticity Workflow was found to be suitable to identify food plant species in herbs and spices, not only when tested on pure samples, but also in mixtures down to 1% (w/w). The overall workflow is user-friendly and straightforward, which makes it simple to use and facilitates data interpretation. The Thermo Scientific NGS Food Authenticity Workflow was found to be suitable for species identification in herbs and spices, and it allowed the detection of undeclared species in commercial samples. Its ease of use facilitates its implementation in testing laboratories.

Learning to SuRRF: Sustained Engagement and Increased Academic Productivity Over Two Years of a Resident-Led Virtual Laboratory

To determine if implementation of a resident-led virtual laboratory can sustain increased engagement and academic productivity in residents and faculty. We developed and introduced a multimodal virtual Surgery Resident Research Forum (SuRRF) in July 2019. SuRRF utilizes monthly virtual lab meetings, weekly newsletters, a centralized database of projects, project tracking tools, and a shared calendar of deadlines to facilitate research among surgical residents. Data on number of participating residents, faculty, and projects across SuRRF meetings at 1-year (7/2020) and 2-years post-implementation (9/2021) were collected to evaluate engagement. Institutional ACGME Resident Scholarly Activity and Faculty Scholarly Activity reports were evaluated for the pre-SuRRF implementation (2018-2019) and post-implementation (2020-2021) academic years to assess productivity pre- and post-implementation. Three tertiary academic hospitals of a single health system in New York. All residents in our general surgery program during the study period, including research residents, were eligible to participate in our study. At 1-year, there were 2 attendings, 13 residents, and 23 projects, compared to 12 attendings, 25 residents, and 42 projects at 2-years post-implementation. Post-SuRRF implementation, residents had significantly more publications (0.56 ± 0.15 vs. 1.10 ± 0.15, p = 0.005), textbook chapters (0.00 vs. 0.010 ± 0.044, p = 0.014), research participation (p < 0.01), and scholarly activity (p = 0.02). Post-SuRRF, faculty had significantly more publications (0.74 ± 0.15 vs. 2.20 ± 0.33, p < 0.001) and scholarly activity (p = 0.006). SuRRF promotes exposure to projects and resources and increases collaboration and peer-to-peer mentorship. Our experience with SuRRF suggests that resident-led virtual laboratories may increase peer-reviewed publications and improve resident and faculty engagement in scholarly activity, thus supporting academic growth.

Construction of Marine Professional Virtual Simulation Experiment Platform Based on Internet-of-Things Technology

In order to meet the needs of high-intensity underwater information confrontation training under complex battlefield conditions, military academies must integrate scientific issues related to environmental operations into classroom teaching through research-based teaching of marine environmental effects. By analyzing the research-oriented teaching requirements of marine environmental effects, the design and implementation of a virtual simulation laboratory based on a high-performance computing platform for signal-level marine environmental effects are discussed. Multilevel, research-based teaching provides effective technical support, which is of great significance to helping submarine professional students experience, recognize, and master the scientific laws behind combat problems, improve their practical training capabilities, and promote practical teaching. By the time the number of operations reaches 5, most students have an accurate grasp of the liquid chromatography procedures. After more than five times, the improvement of students is not obvious. Compared with liquid chromatography, the improvement of Bernoulli experiment is divided into two stages: 1 to 5 times belong to the process improvement stage, and students can master it quickly; 6 to 12 times belong to the detail improvement stage, and the improvement times are relatively slow; fully mastered the time required is much higher than the liquid chromatography virtual simulation experiment. Finally, combined with the actual teaching application, the research-based teaching group training mode and relevant implementation suggestions are summarized.

Wind imaging using simultaneous fringe sampling with field-widened Michelson interferometers.

The first, to our knowledge, successful laboratory implementation of an approach to image winds using simultaneous (as opposed to sequential) fringe imaging of suitable isolated spectral emission lines is described. Achieving this in practice has been a long-standing goal for wind imaging using airglow. It avoids the aliasing effects of source irradiance variations that are possible with sequential fringe sampling techniques. Simultaneous fringe imaging is accomplished using a field-widened Michelson interferometer by depositing phase steps on four quadrants of one of the mirrors and designing an optical system so that four images of the scene of interest, each at a different phase, are simultaneously produced. In this paper, the instrument characteristics, its characterization, and the analysis algorithms necessary for use of the technique for this type of interferometer are described for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The large throughput associated with field-widened Michelson interferometers is sufficient for the spatial resolutions and temporal cadences necessary for ground based imaging of gravity waves in wind and irradiance to be achieved. The practical demonstration of this technique also validates its use for proposed monolithic satellite instruments for wind measurements using airglow on the Earth and Mars.

Accessibility of drug databases and resources with assistive technology

IntroductionPharmacy programs are responsible for providing appropriate academic accommodations to student learners in the classroom including individuals with disabilities according to Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards. CommentaryIn the literature, faculty have published methods on teaching strategies and assistive technologies to increase accessibility in a laboratory setting and implementation of resources for learners with visual or hearing impairment. An area that has not been highlighted in the literature is the accessibility of drug databases and resources often utilized in pharmacy practice and is an integral part of pharmacy curricula. This commentary provides information about the accessibility of the content and features within drug databases and resources using assistive technology for individuals with visual impairment. ImplicationsPharmacy programs must conduct testing of software and drug resources commonly used to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for learners with disabilities. In addition, external stakeholders who develop drug information resources may need to consider accessibility of content for student learners with visual impairment and other forms of disability.

The Revolution of Lateral Flow Assay in the Field of AMR Detection.

The global spread of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria represents a considerable public health concern, yet their detection and identification of their resistance mechanisms remain challenging. Optimal diagnostic tests should provide rapid results at low cost to enable implementation in any microbiology laboratory. Lateral flow assays (LFA) meet these requirements and have become essential tools to combat AMR. This review presents the versatility of LFA developed for the AMR detection field, with particular attention to those directly triggering β-lactamases, their performances, and specific limitations. It considers how LFA can be modified by detecting not only the enzyme, but also its β-lactamase activity for a broader clinical sensitivity. Moreover, although LFA allow a short time-to-result, they are generally only implemented after fastidious and time-consuming techniques. We present a sample processing device that shortens and simplifies the handling of clinical samples before the use of LFA. Finally, the capacity of LFA to detect amplified genetic determinants of AMR by isothermal PCR will be discussed. LFA are inexpensive, rapid, and efficient tools that are easy to implement in the routine workflow of laboratories as new first-line tests against AMR with bacterial colonies, and in the near future directly with biological media.

Are extracellular vesicles ready for the clinical laboratory?

Abstract The diagnostic potential of exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for liquid biopsies was first demonstrated over a decade ago, but despite a lot of progress in the scientific field there are still very few applications of EVs that are ready for implementation in clinical laboratories for routine diagnostic use. Despite good options for routine isolation of EVs and a wide analyte target space for assay development (incl. RNA, DNA, proteins and intact EVs) assessable by standard detection technologies, the attrition rate in translating biomarker reports in the academic literature to clinical assays is very high. While there are examples of successful development, the largest obstacle to increased clinical utilization is the lack of good biomarkers that can withstand rigid clinical validation, and which make use of the EVs’ unique capabilities as a biomarker platform.

Verification and validation of the anti-PD-L1 antibody, Clone 22C3 on a laboratory-developed test

AimsThe first aim of this study is to compare and validate the performance of the programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay kit processed via Dako Omnis...

Surveillance testing using salivary RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in managed quarantine facilities in Australia: A laboratory validation and implementation study

SummaryBackgroundRegular repeat surveillance testing is a strategy to identify asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infections in high-risk work settings to prevent onward community transmission. Saliva sampling is less invasive compared to nasal/oropharyngeal sampling, thus making it suitable for regular testing. In this multi-centre evaluation, we aimed to validate RT-PCR using salivary swab testing of SARS-CoV-2 for large-scale surveillance testing and assess implementation amongst staff working in the hotel quarantine system in Victoria, Australia.MethodsA multi-centre laboratory evaluation study was conducted to systematically validate the in vitro and clinical performance of salivary swab RT-PCR for implementation of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing. Analytical sensitivity for multiple RT-PCR platforms was assessed using a dilution series of known SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, and assay specificity was examined using a panel of viral pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we tested capacity for large-scale saliva testing using a four-sample pooling approach, where positive pools were subsequently decoupled and retested. Regular, frequent self-collected saliva swab RT-PCR testing was implemented for staff across fourteen quarantine hotels. Samples were tested at three diagnostic laboratories validated in this study, and results were provided back to staff in real-time.FindingsThe agreement of self-collected saliva swabs for RT-PCR was 84.5% (95% CI 68.6 to 93.8) compared to RT-PCR using nasal/oropharyngeal swab samples collected by a healthcare practitioner, when saliva samples were collected within seven days of symptom onset. Between 7th December 2020 and 17th December 2021, almost 500,000 RT-PCR tests were performed on saliva swabs self-collected by 102 staff working in quarantine hotels in Melbourne. Of these, 20 positive saliva swabs were produced by 13 staff (0.004%). The majority of staff that tested positive occurred during periods of community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.InterpretationSalivary RT-PCR had an acceptable level of agreement compared to standard nasal/oropharyngeal swab RT-PCR within early symptom onset. The scalability, tolerability and ease of self-collection highlights utility for frequent or repeated testing in high-risk settings, such as quarantine or healthcare environments where regular monitoring of staff is critical for public health, and protection of vulnerable populations.FundingThis work was funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

Ion Chromatography: Principles and instrumentation

Ion chromatography (IC) is one of the most used analytical methods for the determination of inorganic cations and anions, as well as organic ions. It is considered a method of separation with simple steps, low cost and with good efficiency in chromatographic separation. In addition, it has good validation metrics such as sensitivity, selectivity, precision, robustness, low detection limit and quantification. IC easily replaces conventional wet chemistry methods, which tend to have more analysis steps. The easy extraction of samples, in most cases, does not require organic solvents, facilitating the disposal of waste. Since its creation, IC has accumulated advantages and good acceptance in the food, pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring industries, in addition to increasing implementation in academic research laboratories.