Spacelab Research Articles

Bioinspired cooperation in a heterogeneous robot swarm using ferrofluid artificial pheromones for uncontrolled environments

This article presents a novel bioinspired technology for the cooperation and coordination of heterogeneous robot swarms in uncontrolled environments, utilizing an artificial pheromone composed of magnetized ferrofluids. Communication between different types of robots is achieved indirectly through stigmergy, where messages are inherently associated with specific locations. This approach is advantageous for swarm experimentation outside controlled laboratory spaces, where localization is typically managed through centralized camera systems (e.g. infrared, RGB). Applying pheromone principles has also proven beneficial for various swarm behaviors. We introduce a detection methodology for the artificial ferrofluid pheromone using low-cost magnetic sensors, along with signal processing and parameter characterization. Experiments involved a heterogeneous swarm consisting of two types of robots: one equipped with camera and image processing capabilities and the other with basic sensor technologies. Validation in multiple uncontrolled environments (with varying floor surfaces, wind, and light conditions) demonstrated successful cooperation among robots with differing technological complexities using the proposed technology.

Evaluating the Teaching of Physical Science Practical Work at a Selected Resource-Constrained Secondary School in Rundu Circuit, Kavango East Region

This study evaluated the teaching of Physical Science practical work at a resource-constrained secondary school in the Rundu Circuit, Kavango East region in Namibia. The research objectives were to assess the impact of practical work on learners’ academic performance in a resource-constrained community, identify the challenges faced by both teachers and learners in conducting practical activities, and propose strategies to address these challenges and improve the overall quality of science education. A qualitative research design was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews involving four Physical Science teachers. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, with themes aligned to the research objectives. The findings revealed that the state of science practical work was poor due to a lack of sufficient laboratory equipment and resources. Other significant challenges identified included limited laboratory space, inadequate time allocation, overcrowded classrooms, a lack of motivation among learners, and insufficient background knowledge on practical work for learners. These challenges collectively impeded effective teaching and learning of science practical work. To overcome these issues, the study recommended providing adequate laboratory materials and constructing an additional laboratory to alleviate overcrowding. The study also further recommended the employment of laboratory technicians to assist teachers in organizing, planning and conducting practical activities more efficiently. Furthermore, the study suggested forming partnerships between schools to share laboratory facilities, as per Key Area 7 of the National Standard and Performance Indicators for Schools in Namibia, which emphasizes the importance of collaborative linkages within educational communities. By implementing these strategies, it was concluded that the quality of Physical Science practical work in resource-constrained schools could be significantly enhanced, leading to improved learner outcomes.

A success story in a low-resource setting: Advancing cancer diagnostics in underserved region

Abstract Introduction/Objective Shefaa Al Orman Hospital (SOH) is the first oncology hospital in Luxor. Since its inception in 2016, the hospital has served approximately 45,000 patients from Luxor and other governorates. The hospital’s lab provides excellent routine laboratory services. However, there is a pressing demand for molecular genetics and cytogenetics, that is necessary for diagnosis of hematological malignancies. This strategic expansion faced several challenges: lack of expertise and the need for special expensive equipment and reagents. Methods/Case Report The project started with collaboration with oncologists to convene on a simplified panel with the aim of prioritizing clinically relevant tests. At first, these investigations were referred to a specialized oncology hospital in Cairo. This entailed 2 problems: transport of samples led to deterioration of the quality of some samples and delay in results reporting. In the second phase, experienced consultants from Cairo were enlisted to provide training and mentorship to local staff. Infrastructure setup included the allocation of dedicated laboratory space and the procurement of specialized equipment. Test method selection was used to achieve successful transition. In cytogenetics, we started with FISH technique which, while more expensive, gave rapid and reliable results. After gaining experience, the technique of conventional karyotyping was established. On the other hand, in molecular genetics, we resorted to custom made reagent mix preparation, instead of commercial kits. This approach, while more laborious, is less expensive. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) With the gradual successful in-house setup of these tests, there has been a notable reduction of out-sourced samples to 5%. This has led to shorter result turnaround times. Cytogenetics and FISH improved from 4 to 1 week, while molecular genetics decreased from 4 to 2 weeks. Moreover, the local processing of samples has minimized the risk of sample damage during transportation, ensuring the integrity of test results. Conclusion The establishment of the Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics Laboratory at SOH represents a significant milestone. The hospital has successfully overcome logistical challenges and enhanced diagnostic capabilities for hematological malignancies, contributing to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. Moving forward, the continued investment in infrastructure, personnel training, and quality assurance measures will further strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality cancer care to the community.

Analyzing Passive Design Retrofits using Pareto Front Optimization to Reduce Operational Carbon in Commercial Laboratory Spaces

Buildings are one of the leading sources of carbon emissions in the world. Most of the carbon emissions are released during the operation phase of the building. It is essential for buildings to provide thermal and visual comfort for the users. In the case of existing buildings, it is necessary to offer retrofit solutions so that the operational carbon emissions can be reduced without compromising on the other essential factors. In this study a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) of passive design strategies was conducted for a commercial laboratory in India situated in a moderate climate zone. The design variables considered for the study are wall and roof insulation, glazing material, window-wall ratio (WWR), depth of shading device and the number of shading devices used. The objective functions are: 1. reduced energy use intensity and operational carbon emissions, 2. increased thermal comfort hours and 3. increased daylight autonomy. Rhinoceros and grasshopper software along with Ladybug and Honeybee plug-ins were used for the study which resulted in 1296 iterations. MOO technique namely Pareto front optimization was used to optimize the objective functions. Out of 1296 solutions (excluding base case), 72 solutions were non-dominated. Two methods are described in the study to identify the recommendations for retrofit. The first method describes a Heuristic method of selection using Design Explorer recommending 5 good solutions. In the second method a factor is evolved to identify the 5 best solutions in sequential order. The overall study recommends the use of EPS insulation for the RCC roof, WWR of 20% on all sides, 3 horizontal shading devices of depth 0.75 m for all window openings. When compared with the base case scenario, this solution minimizes the EUI by 3.7%, maximizes average TCH by 106.6% and maximizes average DA by 66.9%. The overall operational carbon emissions are reduced by 7095.6 kgCO2.

A-095 A New CO2 Assay with Concentrated Reagent Having Superior Onboard Stability on Mindray BS-2800M Analyzer

Abstract Background Measurement of total content of CO2 in serum or plasma can be used to assist in the diagnosis of various acid-base disorders. There are small amounts (about 0.04%) CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere, or more in an enclosed clinical laboratory space. The environmental CO2 could be dissolved into the CO2 reagent continuously, in particular at lowered temperature when it is opened and stored on the system, which leads an impact on CO2 assay performance. Presently, competitors mainly use additional inserts or with small opening of the reagent container to reduce the contact with air from reagent, to improve its onboard stability. Here, we designed a new CO2 assay by optimizing the reagent formulation with a new protection mechanism to reduce the amount of CO2 absorption to the reagent and improved its onboard stability. This study evaluated performances of the new CO2 assay on Mindray BS-2800M analyzer. Methods Mindray CO2 assay with concentrated reagent is based on PEPC (Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase) enzymatic method. It is designed with an innovative mechanism of reagent formulations with a protective layer of chemical(s) on top of the reagent that prevents CO2 from entering the reagent and reduced its impact to its on-board stability. The onboard stability was conducted with a constant reagent consumption mode to simulate as it in clinical lab use. The onboard study used two levels of Quality Control materials and serum pools. According to CLSI protocols, the following assay performances were evaluated: onboard stability, precision, method comparison, linearity, and interference. Results On Mindray BS-2800M analyzer, Mindray CO2 assay demonstrated an excellent onboard stability. With uncapped reagent on the system, the stability is for 21 days without recalibration, with less than ± 5% deviation from day zero. In parallel onboard stability studies, with Roche CO2 reagent on Cobas c701 system, the relative deviation from day zero was found to be within ±10%; and other three manufacturers` results with deviation exceeded ±10% vs. day zero in 7 days. The linearity of Mindray CO2 assay was determined as from 2.0 to 50.0 mmol/L. Our CO2 assay correlated well with Roche CO2 on Cobas c701 (Mindray = 1.0032 * Roche - 0.0186, r≥0.99). The repeatability and with-lab CVs were ranged from 0.64% to 3.41%, respectively. There was no significant interference (<±10%), at CO2 concentration of 15 mmol/L with bilirubin up to 60 mg/dL,hemolysate up to 800 mg/dL, Intralipid up to 1000 mg/dL, triglycerides up to 1000 mg/dL. Conclusions On Mindray BS-2800M analyzer, the new CO2 assay demonstrated a good ability against environmental CO2 inference in 21 days of onboard time. The new CO2 assay also shown good performances in precision, correlation (accuracy) and anti-interference from endogenous substances. Therefore, we conclude that the new Mindray CO2 assay is suitable for routine clinical laboratory use.

Effect of noninertial acceleration on heat transfer by Rayleigh–Bénard magnetoconvection: Exploring nonlinear dynamics

AbstractBuoyancy‐driven Rayleigh–Bénard convection in the presence of a magnetic field, rotation, and temperature‐dependent viscosity has applications in the field of crystal growth, space laboratory experiments, and atmospheric convection. It also has potential applications in heat transfer and magnetohydrodynamics, which can occur in planetary and stellar interiors. The present work aims to study the combined effect of magnetic fields and rotation on the onset of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in temperature‐dependent viscosity Newtonian liquids with internal heat sources/sinks. Both linear and weak nonlinear stability analyses of convection are performed in the problem. The minimal representation of the Fourier series for the stream function and the magnetic potential allows us to derive the analytical expression for the thermal Rayleigh number () and the generalized Lorenz model. In linear theory, the critical Rayleigh number and the wave number are tabulated for different values of the Chandrasekhar number (), the Taylor number (), and the thermorheological parameter (), and the onset of stability is analyzed. It is found that the instability manifests at when for stress‐free and isothermal boundaries. In nonlinear theory, the generalized Lorenz model obtained is not amenable to analytical treatment; therefore, the classical fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method is applied to solve the Lorenz model. It is found that the internal Rayleigh number, the thermorheological parameter, and the Taylor number influence the onset of convection and heat transfer coefficient. It is also demonstrated that the joint increase in rotational force and magnetic field strength stabilizes the system strongly, thereby reducing heat transfer. However, increasing the heat source and the variable viscosity parameter have antagonistic influences.

Seafloor Topography Recovery Using the Observation Data of Tiangong-2 Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter

Tens of years of altimetry sea surface height (SSH) data has continuously contributed to the development of global seafloor topography models because it can be used to precisely retrieve the gravity variation caused by seafloor topography. The development and application of altimeter has come to a new era from conventional nadir-looking altimeters to interferometric wide-swath altimeters as the successful launch of the Interferometric Imaging Radar Altimeter on board Chinese Tiangong 2 space laboratory (TG2 InIRA). Compared with conventional altimeters, the observation efficiency of TG2 InIRA has been greatly improved. This paper presents for the first time the results of seafloor topography derived from TG2 InIRA data in west Pacific Ocean and South China Sea regions. The root mean squared errors (RMSE) of the recovered topographies by gravity-geologic method (GGM) referring to the shipborne measurements in these two regions are 69.882 and 50.110 m, respectively. The recovered topographies are also evaluated by comparing with five well-known topography models. Furthermore, two subareas in west Pacific Ocean region are selected to conduct a supplemental experiment showing that more revisits can help achieve better recovery. The RMSE of the more revisited subarea is 66.808 m, while the RMSE of the less revisited subarea is 79.273 m.

Adsorption of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm associated compounds on silica probed with molecular dynamics simulations.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a potentially pathogenic bacterium that commonly colonizes surfaces through the formation of biofilms. Silica glass is a common material in the built environment, especially in laboratory and medical spaces. The chemical and physical mechanisms by which S. aureus initially adheres to surfaces are unclear. In this study, the adsorption of several S. aureus biofilm associated compounds on silica is probed using molecular dynamics simulations. Model compounds containing a phosphorylated backbone, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), or D-alanine (D-Ala) were simulated across a range of pH. GlcNAc adsorption is unfavorable and insensitive to pH. D-Ala adsorption is unfavorable across the range of tested pH. Phosphorylated backbone adsorption is unfavorable at low pH but favorable at high pH. Adsorbate titration and solution salt concentration were probed to establish effects of molecular charge and charge screening. Hydrogen bonding between compounds and the silica surface is a key factor for stronger adsorption. The findings of this study are important for the rational design of improved silica surfaces through chemical functionalization or through the application of optimal chemical disinfectants that discourage the initial stages of biofilm growth.

Temperature stabilization of a lab space at 10 mK-level over a day.

Temperature fluctuations over long time scales (≳ 1h) are an insidious problem for precision measurements. In optical laboratories, the primary effect of temperature fluctuations is drifts in optical circuits over spatial scales of a few meters and temporal scales extending beyond a few minutes. We present a lab-scale environment temperature control system approaching 10mK-level temperature instability across a lab for integration times above an hour and extending to a day. This is achieved by passive isolation of the laboratory space from the building walls using a circulating air gap and an active control system feeding back to heating coils at the outlet of the laboratory's Heating-Ventilation-Air-Conditioning (HVAC) unit. These techniques together result in 20 dB suppression of the temperature power spectrum across the lab at 10-4Hz-approaching the limit set by statistical coherence of the temperature field-and 10mK Allan deviation around 15 °C after an hour of averaging, which is an order of magnitude better than any previous report for a full laboratory.

Challenges for pathologists in implementing clinical microbiome diagnostic testing.

Recent research has established that the microbiome plays potential roles in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases, including carcinomas. This discovery has led to significant interest in clinical microbiome testing among physicians, translational investigators, and the lay public. As novel, inexpensive methodologies to interrogate the microbiota become available, research labs and commercial vendors have offered microbial assays. However, these tests still have not infiltrated the clinical laboratory space. Here, we provide an overview of the challenges of implementing microbiome testing in clinical pathology. We discuss challenges associated with preanalytical and analytic sample handling and collection that can influence results, choosing the appropriate testing methodology for the clinical context, establishing reference ranges, interpreting the data generated by testing and its value in making patient care decisions, regulation, and cost considerations of testing. Additionally, we suggest potential solutions for these problems to expedite the establishment of microbiome testing in the clinical laboratory.

Mycology laboratory diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal diseases in public hospitals in Vietnam.

This was a cross-sectional study on the availability of laboratory infrastructure and capacity for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases in 24 public hospitals in Vietnam in 2023. Among the hospitals surveyed, 66.7% (14/21) had specialised personnel assigned for mycology testing, and 95.8% (23/24) had a separate microbiology laboratory space. Microscopy and culture methods are available in nearly all laboratories for isolate identification. Antifungal susceptibility testing is only performed for yeasts in 16/24 (66.7%) laboratories. Non-culture methods are hardly used in laboratories. Strengthening local laboratory capacities is essential to meeting health needs in these endemic regions.

Effects of General Anesthesia on Noninvasively Measured Central and Peripheral Blood Pressure: A Prospective, Observational-based Cross-over Study

Abstract Background: Blood pressure (BP) monitoring is the basic hemodynamic parameter necessary to monitor the hemodynamic changes occurring under general anesthesia (GA) to maintain adequate perfusion to major organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Physicians heavily rely upon peripheral hemodynamic measurements despite availability of devices suitable for measurement of central blood pressure through non-invasive manner paving a gap in the literature concerning the effects of GA on central pressure. Aims and Objective: In this comparative cross-over study, authors have aimed to find out the degree of changes in central and peripheral BP after the introduction of GA among adult patients of different age groups scheduled for routine surgical procedures with an objective to maintain vital functions more precisely – considering the fact that vital organ perfusions (heart, brain etc.,) depend more on the required values of CBP than that of PBP. Material & Methods: Following approval from IEC, sixty adult patients with ASA physical status 1 or 2 undergoing routine surgical procedures under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective cross-over study where each patient was case as well control for measurement and comparison of his/her central and peripheral blood pressure. Patients, being divided into three groups as per age range - 20-40 years (Group A), 40-60 years (Group B), and 60-80 years (Group C) had their normal Riva Rocci BP cuff (Space Lab Inc. USA) placed in one arm for peripheral BP measurement and special Riva Rocci (Uscom Ltd., Australia).) BP cuff for on another arm for Central BP measurement. After patient’s arrival into operation theatre, baseline hemodynamic parameters were taken followed by sequential measurements of CBP and PBP with an interval of 2 minutes till 30-40 mins of operation. There were alternative measurements of these pressures with recording of data from either of the devices as mentioned for further comparison and analysis. Results: From baseline values, it was found that all the three groups were comparable in respect of age, height, weight, PBP and CBP. When measured pressure of all groups combined, that there was a fall in both Central and Peripheral SBP as well as DBP after giving intravenous induction agent (propofol) and rise in both central and peripheral SBP and DBP after laryngoscopy and intubation. Degree of systolic blood pressure change in both peripheral & central that is fall of BP in 3rd reading & rise of BP in 5th reading was greatest in group C, followed by group B, then group A [p - 0.005]. While comparing three subgroups, the baseline Augmentation Index (AI) was highest in group C and lowest in group A. Following the administration of general anesthesia (GA), the change in Augmentation Index (ΔAI), was most pronounced in the third reading corresponding to the time after the administration of the induction agent. Conclusion: Measurement of CBP through peripheral placement of cuff is a unique feasible method to detect real changes of circulation with actual pressure in vital organs. Thus, the study suggests that central blood pressure measurements can provide a more accurate reflection of hemodynamic changes during general anesthesia, especially in older individuals or those with different cardiovascular conditions allowing better vital management of body circulation.

The Effect of The ROPES Learning Model with the Assistance of Crocodile Physics on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Mechanical Waves Material

Based on the results of a preliminary study at SMA Negeri 2 Garut it is known that students' activeness is still lacking and students' critical thinking skills are classified as low. In addition, limited laboratory space makes learning less than optimal because it rarely does practicum. One effort that can be done to overcome this problem is to apply the ROPES learning model. Laboratory space limitations can be overcome by practicing crocodile physics. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the ROPES learning model assisted by crocodile physics on students' critical thinking skills in mechanical wave material in class XI MIPA SMA Negeri 2 Garut in the 2022/2023 academic year. This study used a quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group research design. Instrument of students' critical thinking skills is carried out by giving tests in the form of essays with each question consisting of one indicator of critical thinking. The results of t-test at the significance level (α=0,05) show that tcountttable which means H0 is rejected, so it can be concluded that the ROPES learning model assisted by crocodile physics has a significant effect on critical thinking skills in mechanical wave material.

Complex shock structure in multi-species dusty plasma with nonextensive electrons and two-temperature nonthermal ions

A theoretical investigation has been made to explore the behavior of nonplanar (cylindrical and spherical) electrostatic shock waves in a dusty plasma system that consists of arbitarily charged dust particles, negatively charged heavy ions following Cairn’s distribution, positively charged ions with two different temperatures, and nonextensive electrons. The reductive perturbation technique is used to derive a modified Burgers equation analytically. Analytical analysis shows that the characteristics of the nonplanar shock waves, including their polarity, amplitude, width, and phase speed, undergo significant alterations due to factors such as the charges on dust particles, the number density of particles, the temperatures of heavy and light ions, nonextensive electron behavior, and dust kinematic viscosity. Furthermore, this study found shock structures with either a positive or negative potential, depending on the critical value of the proportion of ions to the density of dust particles. The findings maybe useful in understanding the characteristics of shock waves both in space plasma environments and laboratory plasmas.

Building a Special Pathogen Response Center from the Ground Up

Background: In September 2022, UNC Hospitals was awarded a Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center (RESPTC) grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to care for up to two patients with viral hemorrhagic fever, or similar pathogen, and up to ten patients with novel respiratory pathogens. Intensive infection prevention efforts and timely multidisciplinary commitment was required to develop the Space, Strategy, Staff, and Stuff needed to care for patients with a special pathogen. Methods: Multiple space needs assessments were undertaken to acquire spaces for the care of patients, simulation training, and a dedicated laboratory. Strategies for developing the response plan required collaboration with hospital executives, nursing leadership, public health leaders, and regional partners. Staff were recruited across various disciplines to join the response team and were provided hands-on skills training which was assessed by post-training surveys. Specialized ‘stuff’ (i.e., PPE, training equipment, and waste management devices) were researched and procured for use by the team. Results: Patient care and dedicated laboratory space was identified within existing infrastructure, and renovation plans were developed to adapt the space for these specialized activities. A waste management plan that benefits the hospital for routine waste and allows for Category A waste management was approved. Fifty-three staff members were recruited from 3 main disciplines (RNs, MDs, Paramedics), and across numerous settings (Medicine Acute Care & ICU, Pediatric ICU & Stepdown, Air Care/Transport, Burn ICU, Surgery Stepdown, Emergency Medicine, Infection Prevention, Infectious Disease) were trained during five 4-hour training sessions, culminating in an exercise involving transporting a rule–out Ebola patient to the hospital’s special pathogens unit. Post-training evaluations demonstrated a very high level of confidence (‘strongly agree’) in staffs’ knowledge about the RESPTC site (92.3%), special pathogens (80.8%), collaboration needed for managing patient care (80.8%), and in their comfort with special PPE donning and doffing (73.1%). Conclusions: Using a systematic approach to develop Space, Strategy, Staff, and Stuff, a large academic hospital readied itself to become a new RESPTC site. Key lessons learned include the importance of a multidisciplinary response team; local, state, and regional coordination for care planning and delivery; and early community partnership development. Logistical infrastructure and waste management challenges continue to require partnership with hospital leadership to optimize workflows and patient care. Holistic decision-making around infrastructure has led to changes that benefit all hospital patients and offer efficiencies toDisclosure: William Fischer: Consultant - Roche, Merck, Inhalon Biopharma; Speaker for ACGME - IMG. David J Weber: Consultant on vaccines: Pfizer; DSMB chair: GSK; Consultant on disinfection: BD, GAMA, PDI, Germitec

Gender Differences in Faculty Experience with Start-up Packages: A Case Study from a Public University in the Southeastern U.S.

Start-up packages are a tool for successful transition to an academic career. This institutional case study examined the faculty experience with start-up packages at one public university in the Southeastern United States including gender differences, content, negotiation, and perceived outcomes. A mixed method research design was utilized to answer the study research questions. Data were gathered through an online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions. Data from 121 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐squared test, and thematic analysis. Most start-up package agreements included moving expenses, personal computer and software, and start-up funds. On the other hand, child daycare, guaranteed junior sabbatical, and salary advancement were the most missing benefits in the agreements. Male faculty were able to obtain, significantly more often than female faculty, a specific number of years for secure funding, laboratory space, and student or postdoc funding in their agreements. Faculty were not well prepared for the negotiation process, and they were not aware what exactly they needed to establish a successful research program. Universities should focus more on the influence of start-up packages on faculty careers because perceived unfair treatment during the negotiation process or during administration can influence faculty performance and their turnover intentions.

Identification of Laboratory Management Systems at Senior High Schools In Mataram City

The Laboratory for Biology serves an effective educational facility for learning of biology, where biology subject often requires lab activity. Proper management of the laboratory is a crucial aspect for the smooth execution of practical activites by both teachers and students. The objective of this research was to determine the biology laboratory management system at SMA Negeri 3 Mataram. This research is descriptive research using observation and interview methods. The data collected in two types, the primary data is observation questionnaire and the result of interview to the biology teachers of SMAN 3 Mataram. The development of the observation questionnaire for the standardization of biology laboratory refers to the National Education Minister’s Regulation No. 24 of 2007, and the laboratory management standards refer to The Minister of Education and Culture’s Regulation No.8 of 2018. There are ten aspects considered in the observation of the biology laboratory, including the evaluation of the laboratory space, the completeness of laboratory equipment and materials, and the cleanliness of the laboratory. Based on the research found that eight aspects were categorized as very good, and two aspect were categorized as as good. The completeness of laboratory tools and materials, as well as laboratory safety, need to be improved.

Digital Twins-Based Cognitive Apprenticeship Model in Smart Agriculture

Applying digital technologies in education has been proven to have several positive impacts on teaching and learning. Digital twins have the potential to revolutionize education by offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. They can simulate virtual environments, enabling students to conduct experiments, practice techniques, and observe outcomes in a safe and cost-effective setting, particularly when access to physical laboratories is limited or expensive. This work proposes a learning management model that applies cognitive apprenticeship learning theory as a framework for learning digital twins to enhance the programming of a smart agriculture system and computational thinking skills. The model consists of three parts: input, learning process, and output with feedback. The input phase includes setting learning objectives, analyzing learners, determining learning content, planning learning activities, and utilizing a digital twin virtual laboratory space for experimenting in the development of a smart agriculture system. The learning process involves engaging students in programming and problem-solving tasks by offering expert guidance and support in computationally solving problems. The achievement of learning outcomes and practices is included in the output and feedback sections. After evaluation, five experts in this subject agreed that the learning management model was at the most appropriate level.

Competence of Junior high Schools' Science Teachers in Implementing Laboratory Teaching: A Case Study on Palu, Centre Celebes

This research investigates the competence of junior high school science teachers in Palu City, Indonesia, regarding laboratory teaching. The study aims to assess teachers' abilities in planning, implementing, and evaluating laboratory-based learning. Data were collected through observations, document reviews, and interviews with science teachers across six public junior high schools. The findings reveal that all schools engage in laboratory learning to some extent, with varying degrees of success. Teachers often create their own worksheets or use existing guides from science kits. Challenges identified include insufficient laboratory space, incomplete equipment, and a lack of dedicated laboratory assistants. Despite these obstacles, science teachers collaborate to ensure effective laboratory learning, highlighting the need for improved resources and support to enhance the overall quality of science education. The study concludes that while teachers demonstrate competency in laboratory teaching, further development is needed in creating practicum guides, conducting experiments, and assessing student skills. Future research should explore the impact of teacher competence on student learning outcomes in laboratory settings.

Spacecraft attitude testbed

Spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) stand as a pivotal factor for ensuring the success of missions. As satellite sizes continue to decrease, the need for more intelligent and efficient control algorithms becomes increasingly pronounced. In response to this imperative, we propose the development of a scaled-down testbed specifically designed for evaluating satellites (ACDS). This testbed will demonstrate effective control of a CubeSat through the use of Helmholtz coils, magnetic torquer solenoids, reaction wheels and inexpensive student-made components and available components off the shelf (COTS) in the San Diego State University SPACE Lab. Referred to as the Spacecraft Attitude Testbed (SAT), this custom-designed 3-DoF experimental attitude platform replicates the conditions experienced by a weightless satellite in space. The objective of this research paper is to improve the understanding of how to manufacture a testbed and components like those within this paper, expose some of the issues encountered and improve the outcomes for future academic testbeds. Within this study, the testbed employs torque application to magnetic torquers and reaction wheels to regulate attitude. In summary, this research endeavors to establish a comprehensive and cost-effective testbed platform dedicated to the assessment of spacecraft attitude control and determination systems. It not only seeks to enhance our understanding of advanced control algorithms but also aims to contribute valuable insights into fault detection and adaptive control strategies, ultimately bolstering the efficiency and robustness of satellite operations.