Independent Studies Research Articles

Advance persistent threat prediction using knowledge graph

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are a major threat to cybersecurity, and they are typically attributed to nation-state actors or well-organized groups with sophisticated capabilities. This knowledge graph is intended to help you understand and attribute APT organizations by providing a framework for understanding their characteristics, attributing challenges, attributing clues, attributing methodologies, and attributing limitations. By understanding APT organizations and attributing challenges, clues, methodologies, and attribution limitations, you can gain valuable insights and methods for unraveling the mystery surrounding APT organizations. The graph highlights the difficulties and intricacies associated with attribution, such as false flags, use of proxies, cooperation between APTs and the evolving tactics employed by threat actors. State- sponsored attribution is based on government statements or intelligence agency reports; private sector attribution is based on cybersecurity firms’ reports or threat intelligence sharing; and academia and independent research is based on academic and non-academic sources. The graph serves as a resource for cybersecurity professionals, analysts and researchers looking for a systematic framework to improve their understanding and ability to attribute cyberattacks to attack actors. It offers in-depth analysis and practical advice to navigate the complex landscape of APP attribution in today’s rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape.

Establishment and development of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The Bulgarian research landscape, presented mainly by the research institutes that are part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Agricultural Academy, needs diversification to match the research and innovation potential of the other European Union (EU) countries. This article describes the establishment of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), a new innovative type of independent research organization that is changing the research landscape in Bulgaria. Supported by the EU Commission, Bulgarian Government, and Plovdiv Municipality, CPSBB has quickly become the leading plant science institute in Bulgaria, creating knowledge in diverse fields such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics and genomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. We outline the organizational structure of CPSBB, the development of its infrastructure, and its scientific productivity. Finally, we compare CPSBB with other similar research establishments in Europe and we conclude that such new types of institutes have a bright future in Bulgaria due to their operational flexibility, productivity, and connections with academia and industry.

Transparent wood-based materials: A new step toward sustainability and circularity

Wood is a natural composite material mainly consisting of three components, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It exhibits a complex hierarchical structure characterized by open channels, aligned in the growth direction, having specific porosity at micro-, meso-, and macro-scale, and an extended opacity, due to adsorption phenomena because of the presence of lignin and scattering, as different refractive indexes characterize its components. Even if during the historical ages some of its applications have been replaced by other materials, wood still covers a large part of common uses, which range from biomass for energy recovery to material for the building sector, or from artifacts to household/furniture manufacturing. Despite its real invention dating to 1992, only about ten years ago two independent research groups, one from the University of Maryland (USA) and the other from the Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) rediscovered and started to thoroughly investigate the so-called transparent wood (TW). TW can be derived from almost any wood biomass through specific chemical treatments focused on lignin. These aim to completely remove this component from wood or to eliminate the chromophore groups present in the pristine material, hence obtaining, after direct densification or after infiltration with a suitable polymer resin, a new material with very high transparency, toughness, and lightness. These characteristics can further be combined with other specific features (such as environmental protection, flame retardancy, photoluminescence, and energy storage ability, among others), which open the way toward the development of new, up-to-date, advanced, and sustainable materials for both structural and functional purposes, fulfilling the current concepts of circular economy and sustainability. The present review is aimed at providing the reader with an overview of the characteristics of transparent wood, describing the latest applications and, finally, discussing some challenging issues and perspectives for possible developments in the forthcoming years.

#2701 Prevalence of chronic kidney disease associated pruritus among hemodialysis patients in Switzerland

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP) is a frequent symptom in patients with end-stage renal disease. The reported prevalence differs between countries and is estimated between 20-40%; data on the prevalence of CKD-aP in Switzerland are lacking. This ongoing study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of CKD-aP among patients on hemodialysis in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and to investigate its association with demographic and clinical factors. Method Patients aged ≥18 years, on hemodialysis for ≥6 months, and free of cognitive impairment were recruited. Clinical, laboratory and dialysis prescription characteristics were collected by an independent research nurse, who also performed CKD-aP assessment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, numeric score 0-10) and the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS, 0 = no itch - 4 = extremely severe itch). Multiple linear regression analysis was carried-out to investigate associations of CKD-aP with demographic and clinical factors. Results Preliminary data from 401 participants (mean age 69.4 years, SD 13.6; 65% men) showed a CKD-aP prevalence of 24%. Most participants with CKD-aP (69%) reported generalized itching and 35% waking-up at night because of the itching. Mean VAS in participants with CKD-aP was 4.78 (SD 2.02) during the last 24 hours and 6.65 (SD 2.2) for the worst intensity itching during the last 24 hours. According to the VRS, most participants with CKD-aP suffered from moderate (60%) to severe itching (23%), and 72% experienced at least one severe to extremely severe episode of itching during the last 24 hours. Conclusion Despite high dialysis standards and easy access to medications, CKD-aP affected around 24% of patients on hemodialysis in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, and its intensity was moderate to severe. Results may help to increase clinicians’ awareness of CKD-aP, improve its regular screening, severity reporting and treatment.

What Factors Do Customers Consider Before Deciding To Open A Bank Account?

The purpose of this study is to determine how bank personnel' communication and understanding, as well as the telemarketing strategies used by banks, can affect consumers' decisions to open accounts. The study's participants were patrons of both commercial and state-owned banks (X and Y). 205 participants made up the sample that was gathered through incidental sampling. Questionnaires were distributed between November and December of 2023. The SmartPLS data analysis approach was applied. The findings demonstrate that the three independent research variables—communication, knowledge, and telemarketing—have an impact on consumers' decisions to open bank accounts. By concentrating on this, the company will be able to increase sales and long-term business growth, especially in the area of acquiring new customers.

The Development of China's Digital Economy: Challenges and Countermeasures

With the rapid development of digital technology, China's digital economy is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges for growth. This paper explores the challenges in four key areas of data security, digital divide, market monopoly and innovation, technology dependence and talent gap in China, and puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. In terms of data security and privacy protection, the importance of improving the legal system, enhancing technological protection capabilities, enhancing public awareness and corporate responsibility was emphasized. To address the digital divide, a comprehensive solution was proposed to strengthen infrastructure construction, provide customized education and training, and encourage public-private cooperation. In response to the challenges of market monopoly and innovation, it is suggested to strengthen market supervision, support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and establish an innovation incentive mechanism. In terms of technology independent research and development and personnel training, it puts forward strategies to increase investment in key technologies, improve the education system, attract international talents and promote industry-university-research cooperation. The paper concludes that by implementing these countermeasures, China can not only solve the current problems it faces, but also occupy a more important position in the global digital economic landscape. These analyses and recommendations provide valuable insights for policymakers and have important practical significance for promoting the healthy development of China's digital economy.

An ecological inquiry into the identity formation of a novice TESOL research mentor: Critical autoethnographic narratives in focus

This study reports on the identity formation of the author as a novice research mentor of an independent research course for TESOL teachers over six months (from the course design to the first research submission). The data is collected from four critical autoethnographic narratives written by the author before, during, and after this period. The narratives were analysed thematically with an eye on the theoretical underpinning of the study, i.e. ecological perspective, in three ecological layers namely micro-, meso-, and macrosystem. The results revealed that the author’s identity construction was influenced by different factors such as ‘autonomy in mentoring’, ‘mediating mentorship’, or ‘academic recognition’ in three levels of educational ecology. The results of this study can motivate research mentors and teacher educators, specifically novice ones, to find some similarities with the ideas discussed in this research and to record their lived experiences as a tool for reflection.

The Great Companion Omar (Ja'il) Bin Suraqa Al-Dhamri and Its Modern Effects

Praise be to God, we praise Him, thank Him, seek His help, and seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in God from the evils of ourselves and from the bad deeds of our deeds. Whoever God guides, none can mislead him, and whoever He misleads, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but God alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. As for what follows: The Companions, may God bless him and grant him peace, were a people chosen by God, may God bless him and grant him peace, and chose them to accompany His Prophet and carry His religion. They took what God gave them with strength, sincerity, and honesty, and they showed love for God and His Messenger with sincerity and sincerity, and they gave money and lives cheaply in order to raise the word of God until God, may God bless him And grant him peace, tested for their merit in verses. Many, and that they were true to God in what they covenanted upon, and they did not alter or change, whether among them were those who died during the reign of the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, or those who died after him. How could they not, when they abandoned their families and homelands, separated from women and children, and went out to fight in the path of God, seeking His pleasure, may God bless him and grant him peace, and seeking the reward and reward that He has; Therefore, God, Blessed and Most High, believed them, and blessed their efforts, which bore fruit in a few years. They established the Islamic state, raised the banner of faith, subjugated the great powers, kings, and tyrants, and people entered the religion of God in droves. Among these honorable companions was the honorable companion, Ja'il Ibn Suraqa al-Dhamri, peace be upon him, whose life I chose to study and compile. His hadiths are some of them, and I will summarize them as much as possible so as not to prolong the article. As for the reason I chose this topic, the desire to highlight the role of the Companions, may God bless him and grant him peace, and to commemorate those who lived through the era of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, is because studying the conditions of these men, mentioning their conditions and virtues, and collecting their hadiths in independent research makes the researcher care and care about them. In conclusion, I ask: May God Almighty make this effort sincerely for His noble face, and that I have succeeded in the humble research that is in your hands. Suffice it to me that I am a human being who made mistakes and was right. If I am right, it is from the grace of God. As for the other, the truth I wanted and the right thing I intended, and I seek forgiveness from God, and praise be to God, Lord of the worlds. May God's blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad and his family. His family and companions, peace and blessings be upon him.

Promoting critical reading instruction in higher education: a three-step training scheme facilitated by using corpus technology

Abstract This study examines the development of students’ cognitive skills through hands-on concordancing, also known as the inductive Data-driven learning (DDL) method (Cobb, T. 1997. Is there any measurable learning from hands-on concordancing? System 25(3). 301–315). This method involves learners directly using concordance software to identify language rules by observing and working with concordance results. While previous research has explored DDL’s role in language acquisition, its impact on cognitive growth has received less attention. Building on a corpus-based language pedagogy (CBLP) (Ma, Q., J. Tang & S. Lin. 2022a. The development of corpus-based language pedagogy for TESOL teachers: A two-step training approach facilitated by online collaboration. Computer Assisted Language Learning 35(9). 2731–2760, Ma, Q., R. Yuan, L. M. E. Cheung & J. Yang. 2022b. Teacher paths for developing corpus-based language pedagogy: A case study. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 1–32), we designed a three-step training scheme that included an online task, a computer lab lesson, and a student independent corpus exploration task. The study involved 45 second-year English majors. The data were collected through surveys, interviews, and written reports, focusing on student learning of cognitive skills such as speculating, noticing, inferring, and verifying, as synthesized by Chun (2011. Learners as corpus researchers: Developing cognitive skills through hands-on concordancing. Foreign Languages Education 18(3). 73–103). The results indicate a positive response to the CBLP, with students’ independent exploration task contributing to improved critical reading and thinking skills. This highlights the effectiveness of our three-step CBLP scheme in developing cognitive skills and enhancing independent research. Overall, the study emphasizes the potential of hands-on concordancing and CBLP in fostering critical reading skills.

Repeat it without me: Crowdsourcing the T1 mapping common ground via the ISMRM reproducibility challenge.

T1 mapping is a widely used quantitative MRI technique, but its tissue-specific values remain inconsistent across protocols, sites, and vendors. The ISMRM Reproducible Research and Quantitative MR study groups jointly launched a challenge to assess the reproducibility of a well-established inversion-recovery T1 mapping technique, using acquisition details from a seminal T1 mapping paper on a standardized phantom and in human brains. The challenge used the acquisition protocol from Barral et al. (2010). Researchers collected T1 mapping data on the ISMRM/NIST phantom and/or in human brains. Data submission, pipeline development, and analysis were conducted using open-source platforms. Intersubmission and intrasubmission comparisons were performed. Eighteen submissions (39 phantom and 56 human datasets) on scanners by three MRI vendors were collected at 3 T (except one, at 0.35 T). The mean coefficient of variation was 6.1% for intersubmission phantom measurements, and 2.9% for intrasubmission measurements. For humans, the intersubmission/intrasubmission coefficient of variation was 5.9/3.2% in the genu and 16/6.9% in the cortex. An interactive dashboard for data visualization was also developed: https://rrsg2020.dashboards.neurolibre.org. The T1 intersubmission variability was twice as high as the intrasubmission variability in both phantoms and human brains, indicating that the acquisition details in the original paper were insufficient to reproduce a quantitative MRI protocol. This study reports the inherent uncertainty in T1 measures across independent research groups, bringing us one step closer to a practical clinical baseline of T1 variations in vivo.

Strategies for digital entrepreneurship success: the role of digital implementation and dynamic capabilities

PurposeTo augment sales revenue, B2B digital start-ups aim to create and sustain commercial relationships with industry incumbents. However, since these incumbents have traditionally struggled with implementing disruptive digital artifacts, most studies have almost exclusively concentrated on their challenges, leaving the digital start-ups' side underexplored. Therefore, this study seeks to understand how digital start-ups navigate digital implementation (DI) hardships to ultimately achieve digital entrepreneurship success.Design/methodology/approachAn abductive explanatory multi-case study of four industries that pose a variety of implementation challenges for B2B digital start-ups (agriculture, insurance, real estate and construction, and healthcare) was conducted using data collected from 40 interviews with Israeli experts and relevant digital data observations.FindingsThis study articulates two main observations. (1) Throughout their journeys, digital start-ups have utilized newly created and/or refined dynamic capabilities (DC) to successfully implement their digital artifacts. Simultaneously, successful DI has enabled digital start-ups to create new DC or sustain and evolve current DC. (2) We provide empirical evidence outlining how digital start-ups using continuous learning have combined causation and effectuation logic throughout their DI journeys.Originality/valueThis study answers a call to explore more explicit digital-related drivers (i.e. DI) for digital entrepreneurship success by studying a highly-ranked country on the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) to achieve this. Moreover, it illustrates how digital start-ups evolve throughout their commercial relationships with industry incumbents, thereby enabling an effective approach for successful DI. Such an approach can be considered very valuable for both practitioners and policymakers. Consequently, it advances digital entrepreneurship as an independent research topic.

Hemodynamic effects of treatment with the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate in cardiogenic shock - a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded porcine trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk Foundation Independent Research Fund DK. Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening disease with limited evidence-based treatment options. Treatment with the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) induces favorable hemodynamic effects in patients with heart failure and CS. It increases cardiac output (CO) and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) while reducing cardiac filling pressures. Yet, whether treatment with 3-OHB demonstrates beneficial hemodynamic effects during acute ischemic LV stunning in CS must be fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the acute hemodynamic effects and underlying cardiovascular mechanisms of 3-OHB infusion in the acute phase of LV stunning in a porcine model of ischemic CS. Methods Sixteen 60-kg-pigs were included in a randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded crossover study. CS was achieved by repeated, slow injections of microspheres into the left main coronary artery. CS was defined as ≥30% reduction in CO and/or mixed venous saturation (SVO2). Upon the onset of CS, following a one-hour no-touch period, the pigs received an infusion with 3-OHB and isoosmolar, isovolumic saline (control) for two hours each in random order. Infusion periods were separated by a one-hour washout period. CO (primary endpoint), SVO2, and pulmonary pressures were measured by right heart catheterization. A pressure-volume admittance catheter was placed in the LV to measure LVEF, contractility (the slope of end systolic pressure-volume relationship, denoded as Ees), afterload (arterial elastance, Ea, and end-systolic pressure, ESP), preload (end-diastolic volume, EDV), and work-related parameters. Results CS was successfully achieved in all randomized animals. CO decreased by 36% from 4.5±1.0 L/min to 2.9±0.5 L/min (p<0.001) and SVO2 decreased by 31% from 55.0±8.1% to 37.7±5.8% (p<0.001). During 3-OHB infusion, CO increased by 0.9 L/min (95% CI: 0.4 to 1.3 L/min) compared with the control infusion. In parallel, Ees increased by 0.22 mmHg/mL (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.37 mmHg/mL), LVEF improved by 7 percentage points (95%CI: 1 to 13 percentage points) and cardiac efficiency increased by 6 percentage points (95%CI: 1 to 11 percentage points). Systemic vascular resistance was decreased by 479 dyn*cm5 (95% CI: 736 to 221 dyn*cm5); Ea and ESP remained similar. Heart rate was increased during 3-OHB infusion by 21 bpm (95% CI: 11 to 32 bpm) while no significant change was observed in stroke volume (p=0.6). Conclusion Treatment with 3-OHB improved CO, LVEF, and cardiac efficiency in CS. The increase was mediated through increased ventricular contractility and decreased peripheral resistance accompanied by increased heart rate.CO, Ees and cardiac efficiencyEndpoint parameters during 3-OHB

The role of interactive learning in mathematics education: fostering student engagement and interest

This article examines the role of active learning in mathematics and its impact on stimulating students' interest in the subject. It analyses contemporary methods of active learning, such as group projects, discussions, and problem-based tasks, and considers their applicability in teaching mathematics. The article discusses different methods of stimulating students' interest in mathematics, including the use of practical examples, interactive teaching methods, and support for independent research. Based on the analysis conducted, recommendations are provided for creating a learning environment that fosters the maximum development of students' interest in mathematics and enhances the effectiveness of their learning. The article highlights the significance of contemporary teaching methods in mathematics. These methods concentrate on fundamental mathematical concepts and foster critical thinking, communication skills, and independent research skills. The article discusses the importance of studying formal geometry in mathematical education and proposes original methods for solving classical and authorial problems based on new dependencies that were previously unknown. In conclusion, the article highlights that active learning is a crucial component of successful mathematics education. It promotes not only the assimilation of material but also the development of skills necessary for successful adaptation and application of knowledge in various life spheres and careers.

The impact of short-term training in qualitative research methods delivered to emerging researchers in disability education in India

This paper reports the findings from a pre- and post- survey of participants and interviews with a small number of course members. A three-day course of training in qualitative research methods was delivered to a cohort of inexperienced researchers, all of whom were working in the field of special educational needs and disability, in Kolkata, India. The study examines the effectiveness of the training, taking into account the teaching methods used and the structure of the workshop. The findings suggest that emerging researchers prefer a hands-on workshop approach to more traditional lecture delivery of research training. The levels of support provided by tutors and the interaction with practical activities using bespoke resources found favour with participants. Following the training workshop, members expressed greater confidence in their ability to use qualitative research methods and understood the relation of this approach to quantitative studies. Some who completed the course have begun to conduct independent research investigations using the methods taught.

Implementing smart technologies for teaching Ukrainian language across secondary and higher education: case studies and practical recommendations

The article is dedicated to exploring SMART technologies in the process of teaching the Ukrainian language to students in general secondary and higher education institutions. Specifically, methodical recommendations are formulated to enhance the effectiveness of utilizing these technologies in the modern educational process. The significance of SMART technologies is substantially increasing in the innovative paradigm of the educational process under the influence of integration, globalization, and the transition to an information society. The article employs a comparative and content analysis of distance and electronic learning of the Ukrainian language. It delves into the theoretical foundations of computer-assisted language teaching as a distinct methodological approach based on “smart” technologies. The authors emphasize the effectiveness of using interactive whiteboards and multimedia presentations to implement the principle of visualizing language elements and structures, facilitating students' acquisition of lexical-grammatical material. It is identified that creating mental maps is an effective SMART teaching technology for the Ukrainian language. To this end, computer services such as MindMeister, Mindomo, Cliffy, Spinscape, Bubbl.us, MAPMYself, SpiderScribe, and others are recommended. The research concludes that the use of SMART technologies by students in general secondary and higher education institutions contributes to increased motivation for language learning, improved literacy levels, facilitates independent research efforts aimed at enhancing professional-communicative competence, and streamlines the process of knowledge assessment by educators.

Hubungan Social Capital dengan Pengembangan Usaha Tani Hortikultura Anggota Kelompok Petani Muda di Desa Berjo, Ngargoyoso, Karanganyar

<p><em>The development of farming business is inseparable from the existence of effective and efficient farm business management. Farm business management is the ability of farmers to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and supervise the factors of production that are controlled or owned so that they can provide production as expected. The success of farming in the agricultural sector is undeniably largely determined by social capital. This study aims to determine the characteristics of social capital among members of the young farmer group, knowing the development of horticultural businesses contained in members of the young farmer group and analyzing the relationship between social capital and the business development of members of the young farmer group. This research uses quantitative methods. This research was supervised and funded by Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM)/Independent Learning-Independent Campus Research, which is located in Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso, Karanganyar. The regional election was carried out deliberately based on information obtained by research supporting data that showed that there were 2 groups of young farmers who had been active in business development in the agricultural sector since 2019. The sampling technique used was a saturated sampling of 27 young farmers. The results showed that cooperation and participation have a significant relationship with business development. Meanwhile, trust and networks have no significant relationship with the development of farming businesses</em><em>.</em></p>

Exploring Pedagogical Adaptation Challenges Faced by Novice EFL Teachers in Higher Education: A Study from Hubei Province, China

Exploring Pedagogical Adaptation Challenges Faced by Novice EFL Teachers in Higher Education: A Study from Hubei Province, China

HUBUNGAN INISIASI MENYUSUI DINI (IMD) DENGAN KEJADIAN PERDARAHAN POST PARTUM DI PUSKESMAS ONAN HASANG TAHUN 2023

The Ministry of Health (2008) states that IMD involves pressing the newborn up against the mother's chest or stomach, let him to wiggle about in search of the nipple, and then nursing him until he is full. At least the first hour following the baby's birth is dedicated to this procedure. This kind of study uses a cross-sectional design and is descriptive correlative in nature. It measures both the independent and dependent research variables concurrently throughout the course of one time period. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage at the Onan Hasang Community Health Center in 2023 and the Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD). There were 26 persons (81.3%) postpartum. Respondents who did not initiate early breastfeeding (IMD) represented the minority with postpartum hemorrhage, i.e. 3 (9.4%). Based on the study results obtained, there is a relationship between early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD) and the incidence of postpartum bleeding at Onan Hasang Community Health Center in 2023, which from the main trial Fisher's exact test, the obtained p value is 0.008, which is less than 0.05. This means that the earlier you start breastfeeding (IMD), the less postpartum bleeding you will have. We note that the majority of respondents who completed Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD) did not experience postpartum bleeding, i.e. 26 (81.3%). The majority of respondents who did not initiate early breastfeeding (IMD) had postpartum hemorrhage, i.e. 3 (9.4%). Fisher's exact test results showed a p-value of 0.008 < 0.05. This means that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) of this study is accepted, i.e. there is an association between early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD) and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage at community health centers. Onan Hasang coin in 2023.

A Process for Scaling an Independent Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Lessons Learned From Expansion of the Tigriopus CURE to Diverse Institutions

A Process for Scaling an Independent Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience: Lessons Learned From Expansion of the <i>Tigriopus</i> CURE to Diverse Institutions

Introductory course-based research experience for university sophomores: Using testicular-feminized mice to identify genes underlying brain sexual differentiation

Like many educators, we are striving to incorporate more active learning and inquiry-driven exercises into our STEM curricula. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have become more common in undergraduate laboratory courses in many STEM fields. Here we detail a new CURE developed in a sophomore-level undergraduate molecular neuroendocrinology course at California State University Long Beach. The course centered on the mouse model carrying testicular feminization mutation ( Tfm). This mutation, resulting from a single base deletion, produces a nonfunctional androgen receptor (AR) protein. Thus, Tfm mice are insensitive to androgen through ARs, providing an excellent model to probe the physiological role of ARs in the development of the brain and behavior. Since AR is the main mediator of androgen activity by acting as a hormonal transcription regulator, gene expression profiling has been measured in the brains of Tfm mice and normal controls to identify the potential AR-regulated genes as downstream molecular effectors. Our CURE took a similar approach, aiming to determine (1) if the selected genes were expressed differentially between the sexes and (2) if their expression could be altered by loss of AR in specific brain regions. Three broad goals of having students think, communicate, and perform like scientists were organized in the learning objectives for the CURE. All participating students (n=21) were pursuing a biology or related major, and none had any experience conducting independent laboratory research. Here students first used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping to screen the mice carrying the Tfm mutation and their sexes. They next conducted a literature search and review, through which they learned how to select databases and how to combine key words to create a productive search string for identifying the potential AR-regulated genes. Last, students performed RT-qPCR in the wild-type and Tfm mouse hypothalamus and measured sex- and AR-dependent gene expression. These modules cover not only key concepts in genetics, molecular biology, and neuroendocrinology, but also the development of methods and techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, electrophoresis, and RT-PCR/qPCR. We designed the CURE for a semester timeline with a single three-hour laboratory section meeting once a week for 15 weeks. All modules were taught and conducted in a research laboratory containing all materials and equipment necessary for research. At the end, students constructed and presented posters on their results. To assess how well students achieved the learning goals, we administered pre- and post-course surveys. Students reported striking gains related to the learning goals, with a high degree of satisfaction. Students also perceived the improved understanding of the scientific backgrounds and methods in the CURE. This CURE course illustrates that authentic research experiences, which use complex molecular techniques, can be offered to sophomore students. The course can serve as a template to ignite students’ intellectual curiosity and improve their understanding of the scientific process by engaging them in novel research. This work was supported by the Keck Undergraduate Research Experiences (KURE) Incubator funding. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.