Laboratory Implementation Research Articles

A Computer Laboratory for the Calculation of the Heat Capacity of a Peptide Unfolding Transition

ABSTRACT We present the implementation of a computer simulation laboratory for the calculation of the heat capacity of the folding-unfolding pseudo phase transition of a polyalanine Ala30 α-helix, using molecular dynamics simulations. Unlike conventional calorimetry experiments, which provide a macroscopic interpretation of the heat capacity, the computer laboratory additionally offers a molecular perspective of the energy exchange processes that lead to the peak of the heat capacity at the phase transition, as well as the statistical mechanical interpretation of the phase transition. The exercise is targeted toward 1st- or 2nd-year students of biophysics in the context of an undergraduate physical chemistry course. We use a graphical web interface to overcome the steep learning barriers associated with command line interactions in commonly used molecular dynamics protocols. The web interface (VIKING) also handles communication with computing hardware in the background, so that students with limited or no programming experience can launch and analyze the simulations easily. A collaboration between the VIKING support team and responsible teachers is required to set up VIKING. We also present a solution in which simulations can be launched on students’ own computers, if some command line knowledge can be expected. The laboratory can also be repurposed for students of various backgrounds (physics, chemistry, biology, or engineering) and scholastic levels (undergraduate or graduate).

Eksplorasi Implementasi Laboratorium Fisika Berbasis Inquiry Di SMAN 1 Kejayan

This study aims to identify and analyze the impact of the implementation of inquiry-based Physics Laboratory on the quality of learning and student learning outcomes in SMAN 1 Kejayan. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to understand how inquiry-based approach affects the understanding of physics concepts, students ' learning motivation, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise in the process of its implementation. This article explores the implementation of inquiry-based Physics Laboratory in SMAN 1 Kejayan which was previously dominated by qualitative methods that focused on memorization and limited application of physics concepts. The implementation of this method offers the potential to improve the quality of physics learning and students ' learning outcomes by engaging them in hands-on exploration of physics concepts, which increases understanding and motivation for learning. The school supports teachers with the necessary training and laboratory facilities. Research uses a qualitative approach and demonstrates the positive impacts of this approach, such as improved student understanding and learning motivation, although challenges remain, including time management adjustments, teacher training, and resource provision. The implementation of inquiry-based Physics Laboratory in SMAN 1 Kejayan showed a positive impact on the understanding of physics concepts and student learning motivation. Despite challenges in terms of teacher training and resource provision, ongoing support from schools through training and investment in laboratory facilities has proven effective in strengthening these methods. The results indicate that inquiry-based approach can improve the quality of physics learning and student learning outcomes, as well as encourage active participation and involvement of students in the learning process. The study's conclusion states that despite the challenges, this approach supports better learning quality and improved student learning outcomes, with schools continuing to invest in teacher training and laboratory resources to strengthen the application of these methods.

Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and multivariate calibration for reliable quality control of maize and sorghum grain chemical composition

Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate calibration was used to determine the chemical composition of maize and sorghum grains of different genotypes cultivated in Brazil. Partial least squares (PLS) models were built, and the maize models exhibited R2 > 0.90 for all constituents except starch. For sorghum, the R2 was > 0.8 for all componentes. The Residual Prediction to Deviation (RPD) values and the Range Error Ratio (RER) values for all maize and sorghum calibration models exceeded 2.5 and 10, respectively, indicating the models’ reliability for routine laboratory implementation. No significant differences were found between the results obtained by the PLS models and the reference methods for any analyzed constituents in the maize and sorghum grains. These results demonstrate that the MicroNIR instrument is a viable tool for quality control of chemical composition in maize and sorghum grain samples. It offers the advantages of speed, non-destructiveness, and being a green alternative to standard methods.

Construction of a virtual usability laboratory for conducting user tests during remote attendance

One of the educational challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic was the adaptation of theoretical-practical or practical courses to virtual formats. In this context, the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) course in the Systems Engineering Program at the University of Cartagena faced the challenge of developing user testing, involving conducting tests with end-users in a controlled environment or usability laboratory. This article contributes by presenting the design and implementation of a virtual academic usability laboratory for conducting user tests. The proposed laboratory was built and evaluated based on practices undertaken by students in the aforementioned HCI course. This laboratory aims to serve as a reference for conducting usability tests in both academic and business settings.

From Pacing to Rapport

This research is part of a series of studies under the broad theme of "Smart-Pusdiklat'' within the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN). The research question addressed is how instructors use the Pacing Phase to Rapport to build communication in the learning process in the Smart City Laboratory. The study revealed that training participants, predominantly from Generation Z, faced challenges such as boredom, loss of focus, and difficulty making choices. Meanwhile, instructors involved were from Generation X and Y. The research highlights key considerations for instructors to ensure effective communication in the classroom. What aspects should instructors pay attention to in order to ensure effective and flawless communication in the classroom? This study employs an exploratory research method with a qualitative approach, aimed at exploring a new phenomenon that has not been previously researched. This is a novelty in the context of the Smart City Laboratory implementation. There are 4 (four) important aspects of the Pacing Phase that must be done to achieve Rapport: Active listening and engagement, Pacing Body Language and Breathing, Technology Integration, Connecting Learning Objectives to Real Life, and Short and Engaging Content, which aligns with the preferences and learning styles of generation Z.

Implementing Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment at Pediatric Trauma Centers: A Step Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

BackgroundPediatric trauma centers have had challenges meeting the American College of Surgeons criteria for screening and intervening for alcohol with adolescent trauma patients. The study objective was to conduct an implementation trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Science to Service Laboratory (SSL) implementation strategy in improving alcohol and other drugs (AOD) screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) delivery at pediatric trauma centers. MethodsUsing a stepped wedge cross-over cluster randomized design, 10 US pediatric trauma centers received the SSL implementation strategy to deliver SBIRT with admitted adolescent (12–17 years old) trauma patients. The strategy adapted three core SSL elements: didactic training, performance feedback, and facilitation. The main outcome measured was SBIRT reach. Data were collected from each center's electronic health record (EHR) during pre- and post-implementation wedges (2018–2022). ResultsEHR data from 8461 adolescent patients were extracted. Aggregated across all sites, the reach of screening with a validated AOD screening tool increased significantly from 25.2% (95% CI: 23.9, 26.5%) of adolescents during pre-implementation to 47.7% (95% CI: 46.3%, 49.2%) post-implementation. There was variability of change across centers. Brief interventions continued to be delivered at high levels to identified adolescents. Referral to primary care providers for further AOD discussion or referral to specialty service for adolescents with high risk use did not improve post-implementation and remained low. ConclusionsThe SSL implementation strategy can be successfully utilized by pediatric trauma centers to improve AOD screening, but challenges exist in connecting adolescents for continuation of AOD discussions after discharge. Level of EvidenceLevel II, Therapeutic.

Behind the Scenes of Teaching Green: An Iterative Approach to Curriculum Design and Implementation in the General Chemistry Laboratory

Behind the Scenes of Teaching Green: An Iterative Approach to Curriculum Design and Implementation in the General Chemistry Laboratory

Design and implementation of a Web-Based Remote laboratory for Embedded Systems Course Experiments

Design and implementation of a Web-Based Remote laboratory for Embedded Systems Course Experiments

Integration of artificial intelligence in clinical laboratory medicine: Advancements and challenges

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI)‐driven analysis of comprehensive clinical parameters is bringing about a significant transformation in traditional routine clinical laboratory testing. This transformation impacts the prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and prognosis of human diseases. AI possesses the capability to efficiently analyze and process vast and intricate datasets, thereby facilitating the development of diverse and efficient diagnostic or predictive models. This advancement is fueling significant improvements in laboratory quality, automation, and the accuracy of diagnoses. In this context, we conducted a thorough review and discussion on the progression of AI applications in clinical laboratory medicine, encompassing advancements, implementation, and challenges. Our conclusion underscores that integrating AI into clinical laboratory testing will notably propel personalized precision medicine forward and enhance diagnostic accuracy, especially benefiting patients for whom accurate diagnoses are elusive through traditional laboratory testing systems.

An immuno-DOT diagnostic assay for autoimmune nodopathy.

Autoimmune nodopathy (AN) is a life-threatening peripheral neuropathy mediated by four autoantibodies targeting axoglial cell adhesion molecules at the nodes ofRanvier: Neurofascin-155 (Nfasc155), PanNeurofascin (PanNfasc), Contactin-1 (CNTN1), and Contactin-associated protein 1 (CASPR1). Antibody detection is a strong biomarker for AN diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The aim of this study was to develop an immuno-dot assay (immuno-DOT) compatible with routine implementation in medical laboratories. This new approach was compared to standard techniques: indirect immunofluorescence assay, cell-based assay, and ELISA. Sensitivities (Se) and specificities (Sp) were calculated on a cohort composed of 58 patients diagnosed with AN, 50 seronegative patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, 20 healthy controls, 30 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, 20 with monoclonal gammopathy and 20 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The patients were diagnosed with AN based on compatible electro-clinical arguments and at least two positive standard techniques. Immuno-DOT sensitivities and specificities were Se=91 %, Sp=97 % for anti-Nfasc155; Se=80 %, Sp=94 % for anti-PanNfasc; Se=93 %, Sp=98 % for anti-CNTN1; and Se=87 %, Sp=94 % for anti-CASPR1. Immuno-DOT allowed the diagnosis within 3 h and the accurate follow-up of the immune reactivity and isotype, and dot intensity correlated with antibody titers following treatments. A longitudinal study indicated that immuno-DOT yielded reliable results even after six months of storage at-20 °C. The diagnostic performance of immuno-DOT was satisfactory and compatible with routine implementation in medical laboratories.

Non-Targeted RNA Sequencing: Towards the Development of Universal Clinical Diagnosis Methods for Human and Veterinary Infectious Diseases.

Metagenomics offers the potential to replace and simplify classical methods used in the clinical diagnosis of human and veterinary infectious diseases. Metagenomics boasts a high pathogen discovery rate and high specificity, advantages absent in most classical approaches. However, its widespread adoption in clinical settings is still pending, with a slow transition from research to routine use. While longer turnaround times and higher costs were once concerns, these issues are currently being addressed by automation, better chemistries, improved sequencing platforms, better databases, and automated bioinformatics analysis. However, many technical options and steps, each producing highly variable outcomes, have reduced the technology's operational value, discouraging its implementation in diagnostic labs. We present a case for utilizing non-targeted RNA sequencing (NT-RNA-seq) as an ideal metagenomics method for the detection of infectious disease-causing agents in humans and animals. Additionally, to create operational value, we propose to identify best practices for the "core" of steps that are invariably shared among many human and veterinary protocols. Reference materials, sequencing procedures, and bioinformatics standards should accelerate the validation processes necessary for the widespread adoption of this technology. Best practices could be determined through "implementation research" by a consortium of interested institutions working on common samples.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ МЕТОДІВ ВІРТУАЛЬНОЇ РЕАЛЬНОСТІ ДЛЯ ОТРИМАННЯ ПРАКТИЧНИХ НАВИКІВ З ВИПРОБУВАНЬ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

Introduction. Current developments that are being implemented by modern organizations must include not only initial methodological complexes of disciplines (modules), but also security programs aimed at mastering professional competencies. The optimal way to develop competencies is through virtual laboratories, which are modeled in an electronic lighting environment on real-world objects. Problem Statement. The problem of this article is the need to promote current technologies of virtual modeling, which is considered as a tool for increasing the brightness of engineering lighting. Purpose. development and implementation of virtual 3D laboratories to obtain practical skills from testing real-life materials. Materials and methods. 3D graphics editor, software Unity 2022.3.4. Results. We also have an analysis of programs for 3D modeling, which can be used not only for the purpose of displaying on printed products or on the computer screen, but also for the development of entire elements. In addition to software products, the authors propose an approach to creating a virtual technological laboratory, which allows industry professionals to learn practical skills from testing real-life materials.

MultiRapid ATB NP test for detecting concomitant susceptibility and resistance of last-resort novel antibiotics available to treat multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales infections

BackgroundRecently developed therapeutics against Gram-negative bacteria include the β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA), meropenem–vaborbactam (MEV), and imipenem–relebatam (IPR), and the siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol (FDC). The aim of this study was to develop a test for rapid identification of susceptibility/resistance to CZA, MEV, IPR, and FDC for Enterobacterales in a single test for rapid clinical decision making. MethodsThe MultiRapid ATB NP test is based on the detection of glucose metabolism occurring after bacterial growth in the presence of defined concentrations of CZA, MEV, IPR, and FDC, followed by visual detection of colour change of the pH indicator red phenol (red to yellow) generated by the acidification of the medium upon bacterial growth. This test is performed in 96-well microplates. The MultiRapid ATB NP test was evaluated using 78 Enterobacterales isolates and compared to the reference method broth microdilution. ResultsThe MultiRapid ATB NP test displayed 97.0% (confidence interval [CI] 92.6–98.8) sensitivity, 97.7% (CI 94.3–99.1) specificity, and 97.4% (CI 95.0–98.7) accuracy. The results were obtained after 3 h of incubation at 35 °C ± 2 °C, representing at least a 15-h gain-of-time compared with currently used antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods. ConclusionThe MultiRapid ATB NP test provided accurate results for the concomitant detection of susceptibility/resistance to CZA, MEV, IPR, and FDC in Enterobacterales, independent of the resistance mechanism. This test may be suitable for implementation in any microbiology routine laboratory.

An Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter With Passivity-Based Control for DC-DC Converter in DC Microgrids Supplying Constant Power Loads

This paper proposes an adaptive nonlinear control strategy to eliminate the instability problem of buck converters in DC microgrids (DCMG) considering constant power load (CPL). The strategy includes an Adaptive Passivity-Based Controller (PBC) and an Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF). The proposed AEKF performs faster and more accurately than the conventional EKF and adjusts the covariance matrices adaptively. Furthermore, this AEKF directly estimates the unknown CPL power supplied by the converter and prevents the number of measurement sensors from increasing. Hence, PBC ensures system stability alongside AEKF. The controller guarantees Lyapunov stability and fast dynamic response in the presence of uncertainties and perturbations compared to other nonlinear methods. MATLAB simulations and laboratory implementation are provided to confirm the performance and robustness of the proposed control strategy and validate the analysis.

Science Laboratory: A Student's Perception of Practicum Implementation at Junior High School

The importance of practical implementation, especially in science subjects, is challenging for educators, students, and schools. Many findings are related to various obstacles and problems regarding implementing practicum in the laboratory, so the implementation is considered ineffective. This research aims to determine students' perceptions of implementing practicum in the science laboratory. This study used a survey method with a quantitative approach involving 96 respondents, consisting of 48 students in 8th grade at Junior High School 1 Kuantan Hilir and 48 students in 8th grade at Islamic Junior High School 1 Sentajo Raya. The instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of 26 statement items. The data collection technique was done by distributing questionnaires directly and then conducting descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that students' perceptions of the practical implementation in the science laboratory are in a good category (72.50%). In general, the practical implementation in the science laboratory for grade 8 students at Junior High School 1 Kuantan Hilir and Islamic Junior High School 1 Sentajo Raya has been carried out well. It can be concluded that students have a good perception of the implementation of practicum in the science laboratory.

New solutions to old problems: A practical approach to identify samples with intravenous fluid contamination in clinical laboratories

ObjectivesContamination with intravenous (IV) fluids is a common cause of specimen rejection or erroneous results in hospitalized patients. Identification of contaminated samples can be difficult. Common measures such as failed delta checks may not be adequately sensitive nor specific. This study aimed to determine detection criteria using commonly ordered tests to identify IV fluid contamination and validate the use of these criteria. MethodsConfirmed contaminated and non-contaminated samples were used to identify patterns in laboratory results to develop criteria to detect IV fluid contamination. The proposed criteria were implemented at a tertiary care hospital laboratory to assess performance prospectively for 6 months, and applied to retrospective chemistry results from 3 hospitals and 1 community lab to determine feasibility and flagging rates. The algorithm was also tested at an external institution for transferability. ResultsThe proposed algorithm had a positive predictive value of 92 %, negative predictive value of 91 % and overall agreement of 92 % when two or more criteria are met (n = 214). The flagging rates were 0.03 % to 0.07 % for hospital and 0.003 % for community laboratories. ConclusionsThe proposed algorithm identified true contamination with low false flagging rates in tertiary care urban hospital laboratories. Retrospective and prospective analysis suggest the algorithm is suitable for implementation in clinical laboratories to identify samples with possible IV fluid contamination for further investigation.

Collaborative Learning Based on Sophisticated Thinking Laboratory (STB-LAB) and Gather Town as Gamification Tool for Blended Laboratory on Science Undergraduate Student's

Innovation in learning design certainly continues to evolve over time, and so do the needs. Including blended laboratory, which is almost like blended learning, but blended laboratory has characteristics where activities fully use laboratory test results to study theory along with observational. However, blended laboratories must be accompanied by use of the right technology. The presence of the Sophisticated Thinking Laboratory (STB-LAB) in effort to fulfill the implementation of blended laboratory syntactically feels right to be done building collaborative learning and forming collaborative skills of students, and Gather Town as a tool to accommodate blended laboratory is felt very appropriate as a gamification tool. This study aims to find out the implementation of the blended laboratory using STB-LAB assisted by Gather Town as a gamification tool using the Assessment Based on Teaching and Learning Trajectory (AABTLT) with Student Activity Sheet (SAS), and find out the improvement of students' collaborative skills. The results obtained from this study are that all STB-LAB syntax in blended laboratory activities is carried out well, while the increasing collaborative skills results show an increase with very large effect of the Cohen's D Effect Size obtained 2.1 for physics education major and 1.7 for biology education major.

Design and implementation of an interactive virtual laboratory in distance education in Argentine universities

<p>The adoption of distance education (DE) in Argentine universities has long been in practice and was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of online learning (OL) in such situations has contributed a lot, but it has limitations, especially in delivering practical laboratory-based education. Interactive virtual laboratories (IVLs) are being designed within the framework of this attempt in order to address these types of issues. The purpose of these virtual laboratories is to provide learners who have recently graduated from DE courses in science and engineering with the potential to get hands-on training. The layout and creation of an IVL application that attempts to recreate face-to-face laboratory experiences within an online environment is the subject of examination among the researchers of the current research. This method of HE focuses on integrating college-level teaching with real-world use to provide learners with a complete education subject to their physiological limitations. The program’s goal is to address immediate challenges and provide an architecture for Argentina’s higher education (AHE) system’s constant evolution.</p>

On Mechanical and Chaotic Problem Modeling and Numerical Simulation Using Electric Networks

After reviewing the use of electrical circuit elements to model dynamic processes or the operation of devices or equipment, both in real laboratory implementations and through ideal circuits implemented in simulation software, a network model design protocol is proposed. This approach, following the basic rules of circuit theory, makes use of controlled generators to implement any type of nonlinearity contained in the governing equations. Such a protocol constitutes an interesting educational tool that makes it possible for nonexpert students in mathematics to design and numerically simulate complex physical processes. Three applications to mechanical and chaotic problems are presented to illustrate the versatility of the proposed protocol.

White analytical insight for sensitive fluorescent determination of semaglutide and tirzepatide in pharmaceuticals and biological matrices

The present study is focused on the sensitive determination of newly FDA-approved glucagon-like-peptide agonists semaglutide (SEM) and tirzepatide (TIR). Direct, selective and label-free spectrofluorometric method was proposed and validated (according to ICH guidelines) for determination SEM and TIR in their pure form, newly approved pharmaceuticals and spiked human plasma. The developed method was based on measuring the native fluorescence of SEM and TIR in ethanol at 294.8 and 303 nm after being excited at 216 and 225 nm for SEM and TIR in order. The method sensibility allowed the quantification of both drugs in nano-scale up to 10 ng/mL. Several experimental variables including solvent type, surfactant, and pH were optimized after several attempts to get the best sensitivity for both drugs. The mean recovery percentage of SEM was compared and found in agreement with the reported method using student’s t-test and the variance ratio F-test. Additionally, the greenness and whiteness profiles for this approach were evaluated using the GAPI, AGREE, and RGB algorithm; the positive results supported its use as great candidates for successful implementation in quality control labs and the pharmaceutical analysis companies.