Laboratory Manual Research Articles

Development and Validation of Laboratory Manual in Life Science for Grade 11 Senior High School: An Input to Instructional Material Development

The primary purpose of this study was to develop and validate a laboratory manual in Life Science intended for Grade 11 Senior High School using the first three stages of the ADDIE Model. A descriptive evaluative method of research was utilized in gathering and analyzing data. Fifty (50) Science experts of the institution and experts from National High School in the Second and Third District of Laguna were selected as respondents using purposive sampling. A questionnaire checklist using Likert Scale was adopted to determine the mean acceptability level of the teacher-respondents in terms of the manual’s content, organization and presentation, language and style, accuracy, up-to-datedness, and usefulness. Findings revealed that experts strongly agreed that the developed laboratory manual has sufficient content and technical qualities, making it an acceptable supplementary material in teaching life science. Meanwhile, the average weighted means for each category range from 4.27 to 4.46, which is interpreted as highly acceptable. These results suggest that the laboratory manual is well-designed, organized, and written effectively and accurately. The findings suggest that the manual is useful and provides a valuable resource for teaching Life Science.

Sperm concentrations do not correlate with semen parameters and hormone profiles in males recovered from COVID-19.

Although the negative impact on fertility of men recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been suggested, there is insufficient evidence, and the data are limited and contradictory. The present prospective study aimed to evaluate the sex-related hormones, semen parameters, erectile dysfunction (ED), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of men who recovered from COVID-19 and age-matched control men. Semen samples were collected from twenty-two men recovered from COVID-19 with a median time of 91.5 days and thirty-six control males. The semen parameters were evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual to examine and process human semen. The blood samples were collected to assess the male hormone profile. ED and LUTS were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), respectively. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.819±1.515 IU/L), luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.023±1.792 IU/L), prolactin (PRL) [12.60 (10.72-15.20) ng/mL], and testosterone (T) [4.345 (3.565-5.525) ng/mL] levels were at normal range in all males enrolled in the study. Levels of semen volume (control: 2.5 mL vs. COVID-19: 1.9 mL; P<0.05) and sperm concentration (control: 59×106/mL vs. COVID-19: 41.5×106/mL; P<0.005) were significantly lower in males recovered from COVID-19, but still technically well within normal regardless of WHO edition. All variables were examined through logistic regression analysis, demonstrating that only sperm concentration was an independent variable associated with men recovered from COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR) =1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.999-1.098; P=0.016]. According to correlation analysis, there was no correlation between sperm concentration and other semen parameters and sex-related hormone profiles. Furthermore, an absence of ED and LUTS in men who recovered from COVID-19 was evidenced using the IIEF-5 and IPSS, respectively. Reproductive-age males recovered from COVID-19 have normal sperm concentration. Sperm concentration did not correlate with other semen parameters, sex-related hormones, IIEF-5, and IPSS. Further studies should be performed to evaluate whether the lower sperm concentration and semen volume that were still within the normal range are a transient or prolonged downregulation resulting from the COVID-19 attack.

Developing a virtual laboratory module for forensic science degree programmes

Laboratory work is essential in forensic science degree courses. They provide students with an opportunity to put theory into practice, as well as develop relevant professional laboratory skills through a case-based learning framework. Traditional laboratory instruction involves the use of a written laboratory script or manual that details the laboratory procedures and techniques for an experiment. Occasionally, instructors may provide a brief in-person demonstration of a critical aspect of the experimental procedure during the session. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the use of virtual laboratory (vLab) resources, such as video demonstrations, in teaching science practical skills has increased. These resources may be used alone or in combination with in-person laboratory sessions in a flipped learning model. Previous research has shown that vLab resources could enhance students’ knowledge, confidence, and experience inside the laboratory. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of forensic science students toward the use of a vLab module. Three videos were created in which procedures for carrying out presumptive tests, screening exhibits, and recording examinations were demonstrated. Seven undergraduate students enrolled at different stages of a forensic science degree programme were introduced to the vLab module and interviewed using a semi-structured interview approach. Through a thematic synthesis of the interview transcripts, we found that the implementation of an inclusive vLab module could enhance students’ knowledge, confidence, and independence in carrying out forensic science laboratory procedures.

DEVELOPMENT OF A GUIDEBOOK FOR BASED CHEMISTRY PRACTICES GREEN CHEMISTRY IN REACTION RATE MATERIALS

Practical activities are an important part of chemistry education. The chemistry practicum faced a variety of issues, including a lack of school facilities for performing the practicum and improperly managed chemical waste. As a reason, the research aims to develop and validate the feasibility of a green chemistry-based laboratory manual, as well as to assess how students and teachers respond to the final product. Research and Development (R&amp;D) using the ADDIE model was employed as the research methodology. The reaction rate is the subject of this study. The laboratory manual developed is very feasible to implement in chemistry learning, according to the results of the analyzed data. Media expert lecturers provide an average score of 90 percent (very feasible) and material expert lecturers provide a score of 93,9 percent (very feasible). Students and teachers responded enthusiastically to the developed laboratory manual, with an average student reaction of 85 percent (very good) and a teacher response of 93,4 percent (very good).

Morphological process found in Fore language in Papua New Guinea

This study is aimed at finding out what morphological processes and morphological rules represented in Fore Language in Papua New Guinea. The data were morphophonemic and taken from “Laboratory Manual for Morphology and Syntax” Seventh Edition written by Merrified et.al., and published in 2003 about Fore Language of Papua New Guinea. The data consist of pronoun markers including first singular (1s), second singular (2s), third singular (3s), and first plural (1p). The Item-and-Process was used to analyze the morphophonemic data. The researcher found that to construct the person markers in Fore Language, the underlying form of the words should be substituted, inserted, or deleted after attached to the underlying form of the suffix. The rests of the findings will be discussed further.&#x0D; Keywords: morphological process; fore language; person marker; morphophonemic; item-and-process&#x0D;

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the risk of developing asthenozoospermia: a hospital-based case-control study in China.

Is dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) associated with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia in Chinese men? There is no statistically significant association between DTAC indices and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Both diet and oxidative stress may be related to sperm quality; however, few studies have investigated the association between DTAC and sperm quality. This case-control study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. Those diagnosed with asthenozoospermia were assigned to the case group, whereas those with normal sperm parameters were assigned to the control group. Data from a total of 553 cases and 586 controls were included in the final analysis. Men who had been referred to the infertility clinic of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was based on ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC), hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Asthenozoospermia was defined according to the criteria published in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. No significant association was observed between the DTAC indices and the odds of asthenozoospermia after multivariable adjustment (T3 vs T1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.33 for FRAP; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.77-1.42 for T-ORAC; OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.65-1.18 for H-ORAC; OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.71-1.34 for L-ORAC; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39 for TP; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87-1.59 for TRAP; and OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.85-1.55 for TEAC). Both additive and multiplicative interaction analyses suggested that smoking might modify the association of T-ORAC with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83, attributable proportion due to interaction = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for additive interaction; P = 0.033 for multiplicative interaction). Recall bias and protopathic bias were inevitable in this retrospective case-control study. The estimation accuracy of the DTAC indices may have also affected the findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate whether an association exists between DTAC and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Although no significant association was found, this study provides novel information pertaining to the fields of nutrition and human reproduction. This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400050), the Shengjing Hospital Clinical Research Project (M0071), and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (M1150). All authors have no competing interests to disclose. N/A.

Performance of Psychomotor Skill in Structural and Material Laboratory: A Comparison of Two Teaching Approach

Psychomotor skills are important for engineering students to have to become a professional engineer or technician. Psychomotor skills, often known as manual or physical abilities, are typically developed in a laboratory. This study's primary objective was to evaluate the performance comparison of the students’ psychomotor skills during open-distance and face-to-face learning for the structural and material laboratory. Instead of simply following the pre-established rules from a laboratory manual as usual during face-to-face class, students are given the freedom to design the simulation experiments during open distance learning (ODL). The psychomotor skills are evaluated based on the practical test and project-based. According to the findings of this study, the student's performance on practical tests and projects achieved the comparable score for semester F2F and ODL. Even though there is a little difference in percentage of attainment for the project between those two teaching approaches, it is still satisfactory as both approaches are able to pass the requirement grade.

Controversy and Consensus on Indications for Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing was recently added to the sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Many conditions and risk factors have been associated with elevated SDF; therefore, it is important to identify the population of infertile men who might benefit from this test. The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to indications for SDF testing, compare the relevant professional society guideline recommendations, and provide expert recommendations. Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to take part in a global online survey on SDF clinical practices. This was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist criteria. The responses were compared to professional society guideline recommendations related to SDF and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations on indications for SDF testing were then formulated, and the Delphi method was used to reach consensus. The survey was completed by 436 experts from 55 countries. Almost 75% of respondents test for SDF in all or some men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, 39% order it routinely in the work-up of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and 62.2% investigate SDF in smokers. While 47% of reproductive urologists test SDF to support the decision for varicocele repair surgery when conventional semen parameters are normal, significantly fewer general urologists (23%; p=0.008) do the same. Nearly 70% would assess SDF before assisted reproductive technologies (ART), either always or for certain conditions. Recurrent ART failure is a common indication for SDF testing. Very few society recommendations were found regarding SDF testing. This article presents the largest global survey on the indications for SDF testing in infertile men, and demonstrates diverse practices. Furthermore, it highlights the paucity of professional society guideline recommendations. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians.

Technical Aspects and Clinical Limitations of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing in Male Infertility: A Global Survey, Current Guidelines, and Expert Recommendations.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial.

KIT DESIGNING FOR ASSESSING ROS AND SCD IN SEMEN: REPLICATION OF METHODOLOGY WHO LABORATORY MANUAL (2021) IN TO RUSSIAN LABORATORY PRACTICE

According to WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, sixth edition (2021) [1], there are a number of techniques available to measure ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and DFI levels in semen and each of them has its inherent limitations. According to WHO (2021), two methods for measuring ROS and DFI seems to be attractive due to reliability and simplifying of performance not only in laboratory conditions but also in point-of-care (POC) one. Russian technique utilizes Tetrazolium Nitroblue for measuring ROS which kit named ‘OxySperm (NBT-assay)’ and SCD-assay named ‘HaloSperm’ have been replicated and upgrade methods compared to WHO (2021) and another fundamental scientific papers. Both kits showed not only reproducible results compared with WHO (2021) but also have technological advantages over the previous described methods. This publication presents step-by-step operational procedures of novel Russian kits.

Designing Small-scale Chemistry for General Chemistry Practical Work Course

Hands-on chemistry activity or practical work is an important aspect of teaching at the high school and college level as part of the science education curriculum. This study aims to design Small-scale Chemistry (SSC) for general chemistry practical work. The product are laboratory work manual and practical kit. The development model used is ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). At the analysis stage, five experiment will be designed to become SSC. There are five experiments, namely determining the order of the reaction, observation the shift in chemical equilibrium, identification acid-base with indicators, determining the strength of the acid and water electrolysis. The feasibility of the manual and practical kit in content feasibility (0.84), language feasibility (0.90), presentation feasibility (0.84), graphic feasibility (0.90), and kit feasibility (0.94). All are categorized as valid based on the validity criteria of Aiken's V. The results of the implementation show that the SSC design can be implemented and the results can be observed for General Chemistry experiment learning activities. The chemicals used for the experiment are far less than the macro-scale practical work. This is in accordance with the SSC principle.

An Active Learning Laboratory Manual for Teaching a Contemporary Undergraduate Operating System Course

Perugini et al., (2022). An Active Learning Laboratory Manual for Teaching a Contemporary Undergraduate Operating System Course. Journal of Open Source Education, 5(58), 162, https://doi.org/10.21105/jose.00162

The association between healthy eating index score with semen parameters in infertile men: A cross-sectional study.

Infertility has been a major problem for young couples in recent years. One way to assay the diet quality is the healthy eating index (HEI), related to infertility. This study aims to assess the association between the HEI score with semen parameters in Iranian infertile men. Two hundred and sixty eligible men (18-55 yr), were referred to the major infertility clinic in the summer of 2018 and entered this cross-sectional study. Based on the 5 edition of the world health organization laboratory manual, semen parameters including sperm concentration, volume, motility, and morphology were analyzed, and to specify the dietary intake of individuals a 168-item questionnaire was used. Also, to calculate the total HEI score, all 13 components based on HEI-2015 components and scoring standards were summed up. Participants in the highest tertile, had no difference in mean sperm parameters with those in the lowest tertile in the crude model. No significant association was found between sperm parameters and HEI score tertiles in the crude model, even after adjustment for potential confounders, except for concentration (OR: 0.39 and CI: 0.15, 0.99, p = 0.04). Participants in the highest tertile had a lower risk of abnormal concentration and motility in the crude model. The risk of abnormal concentration decreased, and motility increased in the adjusted model. In this cross-sectional study, there was no significant relationship between HEI and sperm indexes, except for sperm concentration. Therefore, more studies need to be done in the future.

A Remote Moment of Inertia Lab Using the iOLab Device

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the spring of 2020 many physics programs were forced to quickly transition all of their classes and laboratories to a completely online learning environment. The need for simple and engaging remote physics laboratories became apparent. One relatively low-cost remote lab system is Macmillan’s iOLab device. This wireless device comes with free software and a lab manual with many mechanics and electricity and magnetism experiments appropriate for lower-division physics labs. Extensive reviews of the iOLab device, including descriptions of all its sensors and capabilities as well as comparisons with other remote learning devices, can be found in recent publications. In addition, findings from these publications indicate improvements in attitudes toward physics labs and significant conceptual learning gains for students in remote lab courses that use the iOLab device. Here, we present a novel moment-of-inertia lab using the iOLab device and a few household items. In this lab, students will be able to measure the moment of inertia of the iOLab device about an axis parallel to the longer side of the iOLab device (the y-axis in Fig. 1) and through its geometrical center.

A Course-Specific Video-Based Laboratory Manual for Training Doctor of Physical Therapy Students in Orthopedic Clinical Examination and Intervention Skills: Perceptions and Preliminary Results.

Optimizing laboratory experiences for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students developing orthopedic clinical examination and intervention skills poses a challenge in medical education. This retrospective study evaluated student perceptions following implementation of a course-specific video-based laboratory manual (Lab Manual) produced by their instructor. One hundred percent of respondents considered the Lab Manual "Very helpful, would continue using." Student performance evaluated across consecutive semesters revealed significant improvements in laboratory course percentages in all groups analyzed. Implementation of the Lab Manual was perceived as very helpful and was associated with improved performance of orthopedic physical therapy skills among entry-level DPT students.

Unexpectedly High Prevalence of iAMP21 in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico: A Report from the "Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude” (MAS) Collaborative Group

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, intra-amplification of chromosome 21, genetic characterization. Mexico in Alliance with St. Jude (MAS) has carried out a multi-center collaboration for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Mexico since 2019. The "Bridge Project” has granted access to diagnostic tests that allow genetic characterization of children with ALL in participating centers. The Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Hospital Infantil Teleton de Oncologia (HITO) serves as the referral laboratory. 253 newly diagnosed ALL patients from 5 hospitals in Mexico have utilized a comprehensive diagnostic panel that includes cytogenetic and molecular tests to identify relevant abnormalities. iAMP21 is recognized by the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues as a characteristic genetic alteration of B-lineage Leukemia/Lymphoma, with a reported incidence of up to 2-5%. It involves amplification of the RUNX1 gene and/or duplication of chromosome 21 dup(21q), and defines a relatively new cytogenetic subgroup in B-lineage ALL with poor prognosis, derived from the genetic instability of chromosome 21.The heterogeneity of iAMP21 contributes to the difficulty in its detection with the sole use of conventional cytogenetic techniques, rendering Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) as a better strategy for the distinction between iAMP21 (amplification in tandem) and the sporadic gain of copies of the RUNX1 gene. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive diagnostic panel for 253 patients with ALL; the FISH B-cell lymphoid panel included (KMT2A, ETV6 (TEL)/RUNX1 (AML1), BCR/ ABL, E2A/(TCF3)/(PBX1) and the T-cell lymphoid panel included (MLL, BCR / ABL, E2A / (TCF3) / (PBX1), TLX1, TLX3, CDKN2A and TRA / D). Diagnosis of iAMP21 was made using the interphase FISH technique with the LSI ETV6/RUNX1 (Vysis®) double color double fusion probe (Abbott Molecular®, Ill), and Cytocell probe (OGT Company®, NY). A finding of ≥ 5 RUNX1 gene signals in interphase FISH and/or more than 3 signals within chromosome 21 was considered positive for the identification of iAMP21. Samples were processed according to the specifications to the AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual. FISH analysis was performed by analyzing 200 interphase cells. When ETV6/ RUNX1 probes are used, samples of patients carrying iAMP21 usually show two normal copies of the ETV6 signal and multiple RUNX1 signals (three or more additional signals) and are negative for the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene. RESULTS: Among 253 patients with ALL, 233 cases were of lineage B (92%) and 20 (8%) were of lineage T. FISH was reported negative in 57 (23%) and positive in 185 (73%) cases, 11 results were not available (4.3%). We detected iAMP21 in 28 (11%); these cases were classified as high risk. We also report t(12;21) in 41 (16%), MLL gene disruption t(4;11) in 10 (4%), t(1;19) in 14 (6%), and t(9;22) in 7 (3%); 75 (30%) patients had nonspecific genetic gains. The T lineage showed CDKN2A del(9)(p21) in 6 (2.5%) and TRA/D(14)(q11.2) rearrangement in 4 (1.7%) cases. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows that FISH analysis with the ETV6/RUNX1 probe is useful for identifying iAMP21, a chromosomal abnormality with prognostic significance. Genetic risk factors in the Hispanic population that adversely impact survival in Latin America are not yet fully identified. The Molecular genetic analysis and the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique are the basic methods used to detect the presence of the most common genetic abnormalities, the presence or absence of which has an impact on the patient's classification into the appropriate risk group. Our findings from this cohort point to an increased prevalence of iAMP21 in ALL patients in Mexico. We will soon incorporate gene sequencing to the diagnostic panel and improve the characterization of these patients. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

The Association between Non- Enzymatic Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Phytochemical Index with Semen Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study in Isfahan Infertile Men

Background: Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25–30% of cases of infertility. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. This study aims to access the relationship between non-enzymatic dietary antioxidant capacity and male infertility.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 270 infertile men aged 18-55 years were selected from Isfahan province in 2018. Semen assessment was performed according to the fifth edition of the WHO laboratory manual and a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) questionnaire was used to determine the amount of dietary intakes of participants. P-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: There were no significant association between sperm parameters and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) tertiles in the crude model and after adjustment for potential confounders. The participants in the highest tertile of DTAC had a higher risk of abnormal density and motility in crude model (OR=1.30; 95% CI: 0.65, 2.59; P = 0.46 and OR=1.69; 95% CI: 0.83, 3.44; P = 0.99) and risk of abnormal density decreased in the adjusted model (OR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.39, 2.50; P = 0.99) and (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.51, 4.01; P = 0.5).&#x0D; Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study there was no significant relationship between semen parameters and DTAC tertiles in the crude and adjusted model. Therefore, it is required to conduct more research studies to determine the clear benefits and risks of antioxidant therapy for infertility.

A Case Study Exploring the Development of a Quality Open Education Clinical Microbiology Lab Manual and Online Experiential Lab Course

The benefits of online instruction favor the flexibility of teaching and learning anywhere, anytime. However, online education poses a specific challenge for courses within the hard sciences, such as microbiology, due to the specificity of laboratory equipment utilized and laboratory safety guidelines followed in traditional (in-person) lab courses. As such, traditional experiments may not readily transition to an “at home” environment nor are virtual lab instruction platforms considered “equal” by many hard science departments. Research suggests that effective online learning results from careful planning and instructional design strategies through a systematic model for design and development (Hodges et al., 2020).The University of North Alabama (UNA) is primarily a teaching institution focused on student success, academic access, and affordability. It had been working on expanding its online programming in the three years prior to the pandemic through committed funding to support robust online experiences, including funding for Quality Matters (QM) course reviews and stipends for faculty to investigate and adopt Open Education Resources (OER). UNA not only successfully transitioned to the online environment during the pandemic but also experienced record growth in overall enrollment due in part to the support systems available for professors interested in transitioning online prior to the pandemic. This paper explores how the combined efforts of a microbiology professor, OER librarian, and instructional designer created a high-quality, practical, and experiential laboratory learning opportunity for students using an open, online environment in microbiology.&amp;nbsp;

Development of Numerical Protection Laboratory through Industry Institute Interaction

Abstract—The development of a numerical protection laboratory is implemented through industry-institute interaction under an MOU. This paper documents the contribution of the major project of final year students on using a digital over-current and earth-fault relay. The latest numerical protection relay has been provided as a replacement for an older version by ABB India Ltd. as a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The laboratory experimental panel has been developed through the major project of the final year student group. There was the active participation of ABB India Ltd. by way of providing dedicated training to the student group and faculty members involved in the installation, commissioning, and design of the experimental panel. The results obtained from various case studies are reported in this paper. The facilities created are used for regular laboratory practicals for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The laboratory manuals are prepared to facilitate the implementation of the experiments. The laboratory curriculum has been updated for the UG course "Power System Protection" and the PG course "Advanced Power System Protection and Switchgear". It has resulted in improvement in the placement of UG and PG students. The training of industry and state power utility engineers can also be performed on the experimental panel developed. The outcome of this academic innovation related to industry-institute interaction is that the industry readiness of students has increased. Keywords : Industry Institute Interaction; Power system protection; laboratory development; Test setup; Over-current protection.

Standards in semen examination: publishing reproducible and reliable data based on high-quality methodology.

Biomedical science is rapidly developing in terms of more transparency, openness and reproducibility of scientific publications. This is even more important for all studies that are based on results from basic semen examination. Recently two concordant documents have been published: the 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, and the International Standard ISO 23162:2021. With these tools, we propose that authors should be instructed to follow these laboratory methods in order to publish studies in peer-reviewed journals, preferable by using a checklist as suggested in an Appendix to this article.