Laboratory Activities Research Articles

A Multi-component Living Lab on Health Engagement for Advancing Self-care Agency among Migrant Workers in South Korea: A mixed methods study

Purpose: Migrant workers battle to access health services and adapt to a new culture. Self-care agency can be essential for health self-management. This study examines the effects of a health engagement program to improve self-care agency using a living lab approach among migrant workers living in South Korea.Methods: This study used a mixed-methods design, including a non-equivalent pre-post-test control group and three focus group interviews. Participants included 42 migrant workers from nine countries recruited via flyers, posters, and internet bulletins posted by a migrant community organization. During the 12 weeks, only the intervention group participants received four workshops addressing healthy physical activity, healthy dietary habits, effective cultural adaptation, stress management, and two outdoor cultural activities. They also participated in focus group interviews after the second, third, and fourth group activities and discussed the benefits of healthy behaviors and specific ways to implement them in real life.Results: Participants in the intervention group showed an increase in self-care agency, health literacy, and acculturation after the 12- week intervention. Themes were derived based on the lessons from living lab activities, barriers to health behavior practices, and methods to overcome these.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that multi-component intervention using a living lab effectively increased migrants’ participation in health promotion activities by strengthening health in their self-care agency. The qualitative and living lab approach effectively obtained comprehensive results on strategies to enhance healthy behavior engagement.

How can a local government boost prevention and inclusive primary care for its citizens?

Introduction: A retirement wave in healthcare professionals has put severe pressure on healthcare provision in the municipality of Vorselaar in Belgium and forced residents to look for alternatives in the wider region or postpone essential care. The local government wants to reinforce community healthcare in a future-oriented and innovative way and has set up a collaboration with LiCalab Living and Care lab to gain insight into the healthcare needs and expectations of their citizens to guide this process.
 Aims & methods: The municipality wants to create an accessible, interdisciplinary healthcare hub, putting the focus on health prevention rather than cure. Additionally, in collaboration with King Baudouin Foundation, they aim to investigate ways to promote health literacy in primary healthcare practice. Consequently, living lab activities were designed to provide insight into user needs for primary healthcare practice and preventative initiatives as well as the health literacy of the population. Firstly, a survey study aimed to include a large and representative local sample by lowering participation thresholds through e.g., sending personal invitations and providing support in completing the online or pen-and-paper questionnaire. In a second phase, co-creation sessions with citizens, (care) professionals, and individuals with low health literacy are currently being conducted to get more in-depth information about these topics and to solicit concrete actions to realize preventative health goals. 
 Key findings: A total of 1078 adult individuals from varying ages and social backgrounds participated in the survey (16,49% of the population). Physical and mental health were generally satisfactory. Health literacy skills varied in the population and lower literacy was associated with loneliness, increased age, lower education, and financial difficulties. Dentists, nurses, and psychologists were deemed important additional professions for primary care practice. Participants also had several practical recommendations for such a practice (e.g., regarding opening hours, online and telephone booking, and accessibility). In terms of health promotion, citizens believe that the local government has a role to play and find healthy eating habits, physical activity, mental health and sleep relevant factors of interest. The citizens are to some extent willing to use digital means for prevention although about half of participants of 80 years and above are very reluctant to use such technology. Finally, Vorselaar’s residents are motivated partners in the co-creation process to further shape the health landscape of their municipality.
 
 Conclusions: A collaboration between Vorselaar and LiCalab, with the endorsement of King Baudouin Foundation supporting projects committed to a better society, informed on local healthcare needs through selected living lab activities and the inclusion of a large representative sample. These citizens proved motivated partners in designing futureproof and inclusive primary healthcare.
 Implications: A population-based survey and co-creation sessions with multiple stakeholders can support data-driven actions towards promoting health literacy (which has important health benefits), designing primary care as a flexible and interdisciplinary endeavor, and investing in preventative activities (that are preferably not solely offered digitally). Potential future avenues to be explored consist of conducting implementation research into health promotion interventions, with special attention for the inclusion of vulnerable citizens.

Development of solar cell experiment for junior high school: investigating the effect of wavelength on current and voltage

Laboratory activities have the potential to enhance engagement through observation, experimentation, and active involvement. This study focuses on developing a solar cell experiment for junior high school students. The procedures involve measuring the dominant wavelength across various visible light spectrum and exploring the relationship between wavelength and the voltage and current output from a solar cell. The results indicate a negative correlation between wavelength and voltage/current. The highest recorded voltage and current, 1.75 V and 13.9 μA, respectively, were obtained at a wavelength of 400 nm. In contrast, the light with the highest wavelength, 650 nm, yielded the lowest recorded voltage and current, which were 1.43 V and 8.7 μA. Such laboratory activities can serve as valuable tools for teachers to impart the concept of wavelength and its real-world applications to students without the need for expensive or advance tools.

Enhancing Scientific Communication Skills of Pre-Service Science Teacher Through Guided Inquiry Learning on Basic Physics Laboratory Activities

This study aims to describe the enhancement of students' science communication skills through the application of guided inquiry learning models in laboratory activities. The method used to describe science communication skills is to use pre-experiment research. The samples used in this study were 60 physics education students in the odd semester 2023/2024 who took basic physics practicum courses. The implementation of the guided inquiry learning model in the four meetings. The results of improving science communication skills were based on three indicators that researchers have limited. The result analysis used non-test instruments like observation sheets. The sub-scientific communication skills are: 1) searching information, 2) scientific writing, and 3) representing information. Based on the observation results, it was found that the application of the guided inquiry learning model can train students' science communication skills in sub-skills of seeking information with a percentage increase of 74%, sub-skills of scientific writing with a rise of 67% and sub-skills of representing information at an increase in percentage of 76%. Each average score on the third and fourth meetings shows that science communication skills are in the very skilled category

Extraction and purification of biosurfactant by locally isolated Enterococcus faecium bacteria and study of its antimicrobial activity

In this research, the biosurfactant production by Enterococcus faecium isolated from Raw cow's milk was studied when growing in the MRS medium containing Lactose as a carbon source without Tween-80. E.faecium supernatant exhibited emulsion action of 60% towards kerosene oil as oil in water, while the surface activity was 34 mm. Biosurfactants with surface tension activity properties were extracted and partially purified from E. faecium by cold acetone 3:1, The chemistry structure of the biosurfactant was analyzed, which indicated that it is a glycol-lipo-peptide. Biosurfactant that purified from E. faecium showed antibacterial activity by reducing growth of several pathogenic G-ve and G+ve bacteria, including aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Acinetobacter sp. and Serratia sp. The inhibitory activity of biosurfactant against pathogenic bacteria was studied by using agar diffusion method, where the biosurfactant had higher inhibitor activity against E. coli, where highest diameter of inhibition zone was (23mm). At all concentrations examined, a biosurfactant derived from E. faecium considerably decreased bacterial adhesion, albeit to a lower amount. Keyword: Enterococcus faecium, LAB, Biosurfactant, Antibacterial and Antiadhesive activity.

Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã : a project to inspire, stimulate scientific thinking, and introduce scientific methodology for young students.

The Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã project is an immersive science training program developed by the Program of Post-Graduation in Health Sciences at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. This program was conducted in partnership with Volunteering and Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Professor Paulo Freire in Paraisópolis, São Paulo, Brazil. The Scientists of Tomorrow Program comprised a short training period conducted in May 2022 involving 37 students, and a long training period from August to December 2022, which included 15 students. It aimed to popularize science through practical activities; transfer knowledge to young students; sensitize and guide them to pursue academic-scientific careers; reduce stereotypes about scientific work and scientists; and help students understand the social, political, and ethical roles of science within society. All activities were led by postgraduate students and professors from our postgraduate program, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, biomedicals, and veterinarians from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, as well as medical students from Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein . Activities in the short training included lectures on cinema and science, strategies to combat fake news, non-violent communication, innovation, design-thinking framework, and developing a scientific project. During the long training period, discussions were focused on nanotechnology, animal research, big data, bioinformatics, meditation, blood and bone marrow donation, telemedicine, sex and sexually-transmitted infections, rehabilitation, career opportunities, and scientific integrity. In addition, practical activities were further expanded using optical and confocal microscopy, cytometry, and basic concepts regarding the structure and function of living cells. The program also included the launching of the open-air outreach Education E-natureza activity, which turned students into ambassadors of nature. In conclusion, the Scientists of Tomorrow Program was innovative and enabled young students to learn that science is a collective activity that can enhance public health. In Brief Rangel et al. enumerated the Scientists of Tomorrow/Cientistas do Amanhã program, an immersive science initiative conducted in collaboration with a public school. The program, which involved 15 students, aimed to promote science, share knowledge, inspire academic paths, and underscore societal impacts. Led by postgraduates, professors, and healthcare experts, the program included diverse lectures and practical laboratory activities. Highlights Every research endeavor commences with a fundamental question. Sharing of findings by researchers and students contributes toward the expansion of knowledge. Teaching scientific methodology is a pivotal step in nurturing critical thinking skills. Science permeates our daily lives and plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues.

Active learning approach through integrative case studies and experimental activities applied in a postgrad course on structural dynamics

Structural dynamics is an essential aspect of mechanical engineering and a key module in the master's program in automotive engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Since this discipline requires a strong theoretical foundation coupled with significant practical application, it is essential to provide students with the necessary tools and content to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject through engaging and applied case studies. This article presents the teaching methodology of a structural dynamics course, incorporating practical real-world cases that cover the most crucial components of the syllabus. Simulation tools and numerical analysis are applied through the course as support. Additionally, experimental activities are designed to complement the theoretical knowledge, ranging from simple student-conducted experiments to more complex laboratory activities involving specialized equipment and real-life field measurements. The discussion highlights how this approach is more engaging and practical for students, aiding their comprehension and application of theoretical concepts.

Pengembangan Phantom Bantuan Hidup Dasar Sederhana sebagai Alat Bantu Praktikum Resusitasi Jantung Paru

Typically, practical laboratory activities employ teaching media such as phantoms or props. Due to the increased demand for borrowing and utilization of laboratory equipment, as well as the presence of nursing laboratory standards, the Educational Laboratory Staff (PLP) is compelled to devise innovative solutions to address the shortage of instruments. One such solution is the Basic Life Support (BHD) phantom. The study aimed to create a straightforward Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) model for Basic Life Support (BHD) training, utilizing manikin displays and indicator lights. The tool fabrication process began with rudimentary materials yet yielded comparable advantages to commercially available tools, enhancing the efficacy of practical tasks in laboratory experiments, research endeavors, and community outreach initiatives. The research employed the Research and Development Study approach and was conducted in the D3 Nursing Study Program laboratory at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjungpinang. The research process consisted of three distinct stages: tool design and assembly, trial phase, and tool acceptance or feasibility testing. The findings of this study demonstrated that the straightforward BHD phantom was deemed practical and suitable as an instructional tool in BHD training, specifically for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Future researchers must advance the development of this straightforward BHD phantom learning media to enhance the current prototype.

VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) ASSISTED GEOMATICS LAB DEVELOPMENT

Abstract. Virtual Reality (VR) lab components provide the opportunity to explore the efficacy of this technology on Geomatics education and lay the groundwork for the VR as an emerging education paradigm. Geomatics education at UF has been innovatively optimized towards a hybrid education system, with most of the curriculum taught using distance communication. Nevertheless, Geomatics teaching still involves intensive indoor and outdoor lab components. VR labs enable learning and practicing lab techniques as an alternative or supplement to live lab activities. These technically and physically demanding activities require intensive training on expensive lab equipment. The labs often go beyond allocated lab time and are susceptible to bad weather conditions. Using VR technology provides an integrated learning experience that mixes instructions with simulated physical activities, eliminating many limitations associated with lab instruction. In this study, we demonstrate the development of the total station device centring and levelling lab activity using the Meta Quest 2 Headset on the Unity Software Development Platform, as well as Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit. Development challenges related to different setup components (e.g., bubble-level setup, effective gravity for editing tripod placement, component intractability) are presented. Among multiple challenges of using Unity for the development of an educational VR application, adjusting the functions of the XR Toolkit in order to get the desired outcomes stands as one of the largest difficulties. Unity’s physics is not intuitive for the intended purposes of this project, so multiple technical workarounds were required including the use of Unity’s UI (User Interface) features.

Socioeconomic Repercussions of Biohazard on Geoscientific Activities with Regression Analysis for Oil Demand: Impact of Pandemic Covid-19

The epidemic of coronavirus has a long term impact on the interests of geosciences, and has important consequences for the socio-economic front. This paper aims to discuss the alterations in academic and industry operations of geoscience because of this pandemic spread and its ramifications on global oil demand and its socio-economic consequences. The coronavirus outbreak could be the most defining event for the socio-economic incident of this decade. It has profound implications on industry, community, corporations, environment, and governments. Coronavirus is a type of biohazard that has adversely affected all the fields of science including geosciences. The teaching, research, training, and lab activities are suspended or replaced with online methodologies. International geoscience conferences, seminars, student education weeks, and geological fieldwork are delayed or postponed. In the oil, mining, and geotechnical industries, more than 90% of field operations are delayed to remain safe from a pandemic disease. Oil price slash to more than 20% in a single day, the lowest in three decades. Low demand for some mining and mineral goods also reduces their market prices to about 10% or more. Geotechnical projects related to the establishment of emergency health units were done at a rapid pace while other infrastructure projects were put on a halt to decrease the human impact and mitigate the extension of the epidemic. The socio-economic implications are discussed with the oil market, traveling and aviation, and services and industry sector. Oil market contracts owing to less industry production that hindered the business and economy. In comparison, the p-value of the oil market is below 0.05, and this analysis shows a negative regression coefficient. Owing to lower economic operation and reduced demand, manufacturing and services have also been affected. All these sectors consequently resulted in the huge number of employee layoffs, work at home trend, delaying in construction and infrastructure projects, and reduced social interaction. However, this pandemic encourages us to pursue more creative approaches of virtual and online platforms for academic and industry activities by inculcating the artificial intelligence and advanced technological solutions.

Chemical Resistant Yarn with Hierarchical Core–Shell Structure for Safety Monitoring and Tunable Thermal Management in High-Risk Environments

Chemical resistant textiles are vital for safeguarding humans against chemical hazards in various settings, such as industrial production, chemical accidents, laboratory activities, and road transportation. However, the ideal integration of chemical resistance, thermal and moisture management, and wearer condition monitoring in conventional chemically protective textiles remains challenging. Herein, the design, manufacturing, and use of stretchable hierarchical core–shell yarns (HCSYs) for integrated chemical resistance, moisture regulation, and smart sensing textiles are demonstrated. These yarns contain helically elastic spandex, wrapped silver-plated nylon, and surface-structured polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) yarns and are designed and manufactured based on a scalable fabrication process. In addition to their ideal chemical resistance performance, HCSYs can function as multifunctional stretchable electronics for real-time human motion monitoring and as the basic element of intelligent textiles. Furthermore, a desirable dynamic thermoregulation function is achieved by exploiting the fabric structure with stretching modulation. Our HCSYs may provide prospective opportunities for the future development of smart protective textiles with high durability, flexibility, and scalability.

Chemical residues that originate from a higher education institution in Brazil

In 2018, a research study was conducted at a Public University in Brazil to investigate the quantity of chemical residues produced during laboratory activities in undergraduate engineering courses. Data was collected from control documents maintained by the institution responsible for recording waste quantities. The results showed that 383.2 liters of solutions were generated with varying compositions. Inorganic solutions without heavy metals produced the highest volume of waste, while halogenated organic solutions produced the smallest. The study highlights the need for better waste segregation and disposal methods to reduce laboratory waste. To minimize the environmental impact of laboratory activities, implementing measures such as proper waste storage, waste exchange, recycling, reverse logistics, and life cycle assessment is essential. Educational institutions need to develop better waste management practices to reduce the amount of waste in landfills.

Assessing Laboratory Safety Protocols: Enhancing Practices for a Safer Environment

This study explores the evaluation and enhancement of laboratory safety protocols to promote a safer working environment. The research focuses on assessing current practices, identifying potential gaps, and proposing improvements to mitigate risks associated with laboratory activities. A comprehensive analysis of safety measures, including equipment usage, chemical handling, and emergency response procedures, is conducted. The study aims to provide valuable insights into refining existing safety protocols, fostering a culture of safety awareness, and ultimately creating a more secure laboratory environment. Keywords: Laboratory Safety, Safety Protocols, Risk Assessment, Chemical Handling, Emergency Response, Safety Awareness, Laboratory Environment, Hazard Mitigation.

The Colors of Kernels

This article presents a modified version of a “cookbook” laboratory activity that uses colored corn kernels to address the fundamental ideas in classical genetics. The purposeful sequencing of concrete experiences with corn plant structures along with teacher questioning promotes mental engagement and scaffolds students to a deeper and more robust understanding of inheritance, zygosity, genotype and phenotype, and calculating probabilities of inherited alleles using the Punnett Square.

Exploring the Psychological Advantages of Early Computer Education in Early phases of Development

The present work aims to explore the significance that teachers attribute to psychological approaches in the process of teaching and learning computer science in early formative years in a Public Educational Institution located in Bawana, Delhi. The research methodology employed is descriptive, using a field design. The study sample consisted of fifteen early formative years teachers. Data collection was conducted through interviews and a Likert scale questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistics. Results reveal that 40% of teachers always consider the basics of computers, while 60% consistently base their planning on the programming relevance in the teaching-learning process. Furthermore, 80% of teachers always prioritize lab activities to promote logical or operational thinking in students, while 20% always utilize recreational activities as a strategy for teaching and learning computer science in their classrooms. However, no respondents indicated consistent use of psychological approaches to enhance the teaching and learning of computer science in a world marked by constant transformation. To summarize, this study highlights the importance of shaping a positive outlook on computer science from an early age to develop students' abstract thinking, logic, and critical reasoning abilities. It emphasizes the need for incorporating psychological approaches to effectively teach and learn computer science among early formative years. By fostering a supportive environment, students can better navigate the challenges of Computer science and embrace its potential as they progress through their educational journey.

VERIFICATION OF THE SCREENING METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF STREPTOMYCINS RESIDUES IN HONEY SAMPLES

The main field of activity of the National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues Control is the expert evaluation of honey safety based on the parameter of antimicrobial drug residues in honey bathes exported from Ukraine to European and American countries. The content of streptomycin and its derivative dihydrostreptomycin is one of the safety parameters for honey, which is investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Since 2002, we have developed and proposed the clear scheme to control export honey batches on the content of residual amounts of these aminoglycoside antibiotics by means of Ridascreen® Streptomycin R3104 test kit from R-Biopharm (Germany).
 The test kit has been validated at 2.0 and 5.0 µg/kg taking into account the minimum required performance limit (MRPL) or the set reference point for action (RPA) according to European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and 2021/808/EC. The fitness-for-purpose of the methods was confirmed based on the establishing of main validation parameters for screening methods (technical threshold and cut-off factor) using control (blank) honey samples and spiked with streptomycin standard solutions at the level of ½ MRPL by means of “added – found” approach. The preparation of samples is based on the preliminary purification by the method of solid-phase extraction using C18 columns, which facilitates the purification the sample extract from the influence of matrix components as well as the additional concentration of the analyte.
 The article also presents the results of the verification and validation of the Streptomycin NA01904H test kit from Kwinbon Biotechnology (China). The results of the assay of control (blank) honey samples and spiked with streptomycin standard solutions at the level of 2.0 and 5.0 μg/kg are given. Since the advantage of the approved method is the simplicity and rapidity of its performance, so we suggest using it in the laboratory practice of manufacturing and exporting companies.

Integration of Virtual Laboratories in eLearning: Enhancing Science Education amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

It is evident that education must continue despite the health crisis that the success of virtual laboratories during the new normal education presents a significant challenge for both instructors and students. The study determined the experiences of eight Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science students of the Bukidnon State University, College of Education, in virtual laboratory activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic during the academic year 2020-2021. Since the focus of this qualitative action research is on learners' experiences in science-related activities, Husserl's descriptive phenomenological research approach was employed. The open-ended questions were taken from Reece's (2015) study and adjusted accordingly. Interviews were conducted using an online platform to gather data. To draw conclusions about the learning experiences that the students had while participating in the virtual laboratory, the researchers used qualitative descriptions that made use of themes and frames to examine the students' responses. Six overarching themes emerged from the data, including learner autonomy, the need for preparation for lab activities, evidence of student learning, presentation, teamwork, and a desire to learn science. Furthermore, a virtual laboratory saves money and time for both teachers and students while also being safe and offering an alternate place. It gives students a ton of opportunities to explore online simulations. To bridge the learning gaps left by the pandemic and create a suitable learning environment for students, virtual laboratory integration is a calculated approach. As a result, it provides a positive and adaptable learning environment that helped students understand the significance of science and technology and how crucial it is to create a safer community.

Clot-Based Assay for Factor XI (FXI) Activity Is Highly Sensitive to Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) and Heparin with Potential Misdiagnosis of FXI Deficiency: The Importance of Recognizing Non-Parallelism

Introduction: Clot-based assays are employed to estimate coagulation factor activity in clinical pathology laboratories. These assays are PT- or aPTT-based and utilize dilutions of the patient's plasma in factor-deficient plasma. The curves of activity for each dilution follow a parallelism or non-parallelism pattern and the latter is typically seen in the presence of Lupus Anticoagulant (LA). Identification of this pattern is critical to avoid misdiagnosis of factor deficiency in patients who actually have an inhibitor. Materials and Methods: We observed low Factor XI (FXI) levels in patients with LA, while other factors were not affected. In order to determine the reason(s) why FXI levels are sensitive to LA, we collected 34 plasma samples from patients with dRVVT confirm ratio > 1.2, and estimated FVIII and FXI levels. FXI activity was also estimated with Dade ® Actin ® FS, a reagent that is not sensitive to the LA. The coefficient of variance (CV) for both FXI and FVIII levels were compared. To estimate the effects of heparin, plasma was spiked (0.1-1.0 IU/ML) and tested in the PTT, FXI, and FVIII assays. We tested with Dade ® Actin ® FS 4 known normal patients, 3 known FXI deficient patients, 20 known plasma positive for LA, and 10 with heparin. All assays were performed on a Siemens CS-5100 analyzer. Results: The results show that FXI is highly sensitive to LA, with non-parallelism and high CV, not observed with FVIII activity. As expected, FXI levels were not affected when LA-insensitive Dade ® Actin ® FS was used. Heparin (0.3-0.7 IU/ML) also showed non-parallelism in FXI activity, but not for FVIII. Only the highest dose of heparin (1.0 IU/ML) affected FVIII levels. Notably, the sensitivity of FXI activity to LA and heparin was explained by a few dilutions of the patient's plasma (5X) in the FXI assay, compared to other coagulation factors (20X). Of note, less diluted plasma is required for FXI activity because relatively higher levels of FXI is required to sustain and produce clot in the FXI-deficient plasma. Conclusion: This simple, yet not recognized explanation based on a literature search, is helpful to increase awareness of this analytical variable. It is also important to avoid misdiagnosis of FXI deficiency in patients with LA.

A deep learning model to predict Ki-67 positivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Anatomical pathology is undergoing its third revolution, transitioning from analogical to digital pathology and incorporating new artificial intelligence technologies into clinical practice. Aside from classification, detection, and segmentation models, predictive models are gaining traction since they can impact diagnostic processes and laboratory activity, lowering consumable usage and turnaround time. Our research aimed to create a deep-learning model to generate synthetic Ki-67 immunohistochemistry from Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained images. We used 175 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from the University Federico II’s Pathology Unit’s archives to train our model to generate 4 Tissue Micro Arrays (TMAs). We sectioned one slide from each TMA, first stained with H&E and then re-stained with anti-Ki-67 immunohistochemistry (IHC). In digitised slides, cores were disarrayed, and the matching cores of the 2 stained were aligned to construct a dataset to train a Pix2Pix algorithm to convert H&E images to IHC. Pathologists could recognise the synthetic images in only half of the cases in a specially designed likelihood test. Hence, our model produced realistic synthetic images. We next used QuPath to quantify IHC positivity, achieving remarkable levels of agreement between genuine and synthetic IHC.Furthermore, a categorical analysis employing 3 Ki-67 positivity cut-offs (5%, 10%, and 15%) revealed high positive-predictive values. Our model is a promising tool for collecting Ki-67 positivity information directly on H&E slides, reducing laboratory demand and improving patient management. It is also a valuable option for smaller laboratories to easily and quickly screen bioptic samples and prioritise them in a digital pathology workflow.

Perceived Skill Gaps among Students Due to Reduced Onsite Laboratory Activity

This study investigates skill gaps in the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management due to reduced onsite laboratory classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant correlations reveal interventions needed in specific courses, while students in Tourism Management report positive responses to virtual learning opportunities. Data from 65 respondents were gathered using a researcher-made survey. Descriptive methods and statistical analyses, including weighted mean and Pearson correlation, were employed to examine the research objectives. The study emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiential learning in Tourism and Hospitality programs and proposes guidelines to address skill gaps effectively. Further research is recommended to support identified gaps, expand to other programs, enhance guidelines, and explore technology for remote laboratory activities. Key Words: COVID-19, Online classes, Distance Learning, Laboratory, Instruction, perceptions of online learning, education during COVID-19, blended learning, Hospitality Education