Department Of Science Research Articles

Student- Centered Learning, Teaching and Assessment – Student Opinion

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine Technical' subjective perceptions of the extent to which learning, teaching and assessment at the university are student-centered. Theoretical Framework: The study draws on Part 1.3 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) - Student-centered learning, teaching and assessment and the results of an empirical study regarding students' subjective perceptions of the implementation of this standard. Method: The methodology adopted for this study comprises a review of research related to the indicators that students use when assessing the degree to which learning is oriented to them and A Tool for Measuring Students' Opinions about the Degree in Which Learning and Teaching are Oriented to Student, created in 2021 at the Department of Social and Legal Sciences of the Technical University of Varna to assess the implementation of Part 1.3 of the Quality Standards for Higher Education. Research Implications: The research conducted shows that the newly developed tool can help in understanding the extent to which learning, teaching and assessment have been student centered. The application of the questionnaire can provide valuable insights into students' subjective perceptions as well as the areas where the implementation of ESG guidelines needs to be improved. Originality/Value: We believe that the main contribution of this study is in providing evidence for the use of a questionnaire directly aimed at assessing and self-assessing the extent to which ESG standards and guidelines relating to learning and teaching are being met.

Waste Analysis and Characterization Study in a Philippine Science and Technology Research and Development Institution

This paper presents the conduct of Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) in the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ITDI) in Taguig City, Philippines. The study was produced following the introduction of 2020 guidelines developed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the Philippines to determine waste generation and generation rate per source, as well as waste composition, per capita generation, and bulk densities of the generated wastes. This then provided fundamental data in the formulation of initial plans and programs for the proper management of solid wastes in the institution. From the gathered results, DOST-ITDI generates 91.56 kg/day of solid waste during the dry season, and 77.54 kg/day during the wet season. The generated waste is composed of residuals for disposal (35.93% and 37.75%, dry and wet season), biodegradables (27.80% and 21.46%), and recyclables (22.54% and 28.95%). Per capita generation rates of 0.21 kg/capita/day (dry season) and 0.18 kg/capita/day (wet season) were also recorded. The research and development cluster of divisions was determined as a major contributor of waste at 42.37 to 57.62 kg/day. Bulk density values varied between waste fractions, with the main residuals for disposal components being the bulkiest at 29.27 to 32.90 kg/m3. The data collected from the study provided significant information useful in efforts to initiate programs for diversion of biodegradables, recyclables, and residuals-with further potential for recycling wastes, reducing residuals for disposal through proper segregation and recovery, and determining gaps and opportunities in plans, policies, and programs to improve solid waste management of the institution.

Bridging The Gap: Promoting Faculty Diversity to Align With Student Demographics

In many kinesiology and health care science departments in the United States, there is a mismatch between the demographic composition of the student population and the faculty cohort. That is, although student populations are more diverse, the faculty cohort does not reflect this same diversity. The purpose of this paper is threefold: (a) Provide background information on the faculty–student mismatch, (b) discuss reactive strategies to increase diversity among a faculty cohort, and (c) discuss proactive strategies to increase diversity among a faculty cohort. Our approach is pragmatic and concise, which will give the reader various strategies they can incorporate to increase diversity in their faculty cohort.

Hispanic Faculty Trends in U.S. Medical Schools: A 50-Year Perspective

The U.S. Hispanic population has grown substantially over the past 50 years, and simultaneously, the number of U.S. medical schools and medical school faculty has increased. This study examines the trends for Hispanic faculty in clinical and basic science departments at U.S. medical schools. Method This retrospective, cross-sectional observational study analyzed data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster for faculty at all LCME-accredited medical schools from 1973 to 2022. Proportions of faculty were compared according to department, sex, rank, and Hispanic status using a 2-independent-sample t-test and simple linear regressions. Results The percentage of Hispanic medical school faculty increased from 1.7% in 1973 to 5.4% in 2022, with similar rates of increase in basic science and clinical departments. In 2022, departments with the highest representation of Hispanic faculty included family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. The departments with the lowest representation of Hispanic faculty were orthopedic surgery and otolaryngology. In 2022, only 1.5% and 3.1% of all full professors were Hispanic females and males, respectively. Conclusion There was a minimal increase in the percentage of Hispanic faculty in medical schools over the last 50 years, and the rank was disproportionally higher at the Assistant Professor level, particularly for females. The combination of a rapid increase in the U.S. Hispanic population and a slow increase in Hispanic faculty has resulted in Hispanic medical school faculty being more underrepresented in academic medicine in 2022 than in 1973.

A framework for training graduate students and campus communities in inclusive teaching.

While graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) contribute significantly to university education, many graduate programs across diverse disciplines offer limited formal pedagogical training. In turn, many researchers informally develop teaching and mentoring skills as they advance to faculty positions or related careers. This can perpetuate a lag in the implementation of inclusive educational environments despite the clear benefits demonstrated by recent pedagogical research. For instance, the integration of inclusive teaching strategies like universal design for learning, growth mindset feedback, and the use of relatable role models in curricula may help increase the persistence, success, and self-efficacy of traditionally underrepresented groups in the sciences. Additionally, research indicates that training graduate TAs in evidence-based practices may have benefits beyond teaching efficacy, such as greater confidence in research preparedness and science communication-skills applicable to any scientific field or career path. Here, we developed and implemented an inclusive teaching series for a marine science department that included: (i) campus-wide pedagogical journal article discussions and knowledge-sharing, (ii) expert-led interactive workshops on evidence-based teaching strategies, and (iii) a graduate TA professional development module on inclusive lesson planning with opportunities to teach and receive feedback. Based on our experiences, we share a framework and resources to facilitate a broader adoption of formalized TA training in inclusive teaching practices within graduate programs across a variety of fields.

Methodology Matters: Emplotting Interpretivism in Contemporary Political Science and International Studies

Abstract The visibility and adoption of interpretive research approaches in the post-Perestroika period have increased in the United States, yet common knowledge within political science (PS) and international studies (IS) departments still signals their marginality. This paper stems from the observation that interpretive scholars often share autobiographical narratives or “journey stories” describing how they came to embrace interpretive research despite socio-institutional obstacles. Based on semi-structured interviews and participant observation, it asks: What do the journey stories of both new and established scholars engaged in interpretivism reveal about the sociology of PS and IS academies? Our findings reveal a widespread perception that interpretivism is gaining a foothold in the United States while intimating the spread of neopositivist hegemony, to some degree, to academies abroad. We show how scholars make use of the label “interpretivism” and identify key diffusion pathways responsible for interpretivism’s wider recognition today. In addition, we find that despite shared assumptions of neopositivist hegemony, our interlocutors pursue interpretive research because it provides them with epistemological and experiential congruence. Their journey stories, we argue, point toward an evolving methodological landscape in PS and IS, which in turn shapes what forms of knowledge production are considered legitimate and valuable.

Implementation of the Partnering of the Faculty of Economics, UIN Malang with Madrasah Aliyah (MA) At-Taufiq Bogem Jombang in Increasing the Interest of Santri/Wati in Entrepreneurship

The aim of community service carried out by the Faculty of Economics at UIN Malang with the At-Taufiq Islamic Boarding School is; 1) to find out the results of the implementation of the Faculty of Economics UIN Malang partnership with the At-Taufiq Islamic Boarding School on the interest of santri and female students in entrepreneurship; 2) To find out what factors become obstacles in entrepreneurship. The community service activities the Faculty of Economics at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang carry out are seminars, interactive dialogues, and face-to-face group discussions. The number of participants who attended were 40 female students from the second and third grades of the Social Sciences Department Madrasah Aliyah. The results of this community service are; 1) To increase students' interest in entrepreneurship, this can be done by increasing the knowledge of students and female students related to the world of entrepreneurship; 2) To increase the motivation of santri and female students, provide material with displays in the form of pictures of someone successful in entrepreneurship as well as support from ustazd and ustazdah to the students.

The production study of Auger emitters in platinum group metal for radiotherapy

Targeted radioisotope therapy (TRT) is a type of internal radiotherapy that combines radiation therapy and targeted therapy to eliminate cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. Radionuclides attached to targeting molecules travel to cancer cells and emit radiation in the form of beta-ray emitting nuclides and alpha nuclides. A third type of nuclide called Auger emitter can be used in a treatment called Auger therapy. Dr Tomoyuki Ohya, Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute for Quantum Medical Sciences (iQMS), National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Japan, is interested in Auger therapy as a radiotherapy that only affects the tissues that require treatment. Challenges associated with this treatment are the short range of Auger electrons, meaning that they must be precisely targeted in order to be effective. With a view to overcoming this, Ohya is focusing on Pd-103 and Rh-103m as optimal nuclides for Auger therapy. He is working to develop a technology to facilitate high-quality, large-scale manufacturing that can be applied to the clinical use of Auger therapy, enhancing its efficiency and rendering its use on a wide scale possible. In one project, Ohya investigated the potential of developing an efficient and reliable method for producing Rh-103m. Due to its short half-life it needs to be produced by a generator for clinical use. As the anion-exchange resins used in previously developed generators are no longer commercially available, Ohya and the team prepared and tested generators using commercially available anion-exchange resins.

Building a treatment strategy for depression using antioxidant particles that improves the intestinal environment

Depressive disorder, or depression, is the most common mental disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Yet, there remains much to be discovered about depression. There are existing treatment options but, in treatment-resistant depression, symptoms persist. There is a strong relationship between the gut and the brain and it is possible the gut holds answers for treatment-resistant depression. Dr Yutaka Ikeda, Department of Materials Science at the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences at the University of Tsukuba, is interested in the effect of the intestinal environment on various diseases. He is working closely with Professor Yukio Nagasaki from the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, and Professor Ryo Inoe at Setsunan University, to investigate drug delivery systems and drug development, with a particular focus on polymer-based drugs. In one project, the researchers explored the involvement of intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the progress of depression via the gut-brain axis. This is an interesting aspect to investigate as in chronic stress ROS is overproduced and excessive levels disturb the intestinal environment. The researchers designed a novel polymer-based antioxidant called siSMAPoTN with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell. The team found that continuous administration of siSMAPoTN reduced oxidative stress in the colon and protected the mucosal layer and intestinal barrier function. This means that by removing excess ROS, it is possible to alleviate the damage caused by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in the intestine.

Aconitine in Synergistic, Additive and Antagonistic Approaches

Aconitine is a highly poisonous C19-diterpenoid alkaloid identified and isolated from the species of the genus Aconitum. Aconitine is indicated in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and, due to its neurotoxic effects, is a very effective drug in pain release. A total of 101 relevant scientific papers were manually searched on the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed and Dovepress databases and in the books available in the library of the Department of Natural Sciences, the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Pitesti University Centre, Romania. In combination treatments, aconitine shows antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory activity, a synergistic antiproliferative effect and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, an improved biodistribution and bioavailability. Additionally, the entrapment of aconitine in engineered nanoparticles represents a promising method for reducing the toxicity of this alkaloid. This review provides, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of the knowledge and research on the synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects of aconitine in combination treatments applied in vivo or in vitro. The summarized studies represent important clues in addressing the multitude of knowledge, which can find their utility in practical and clinical applications.

Undergraduate Research Science Capital: Measuring capacity to engage in research.

Undergraduate research has been identified as a high-impact educational practice. However, despite the body of evidence on the outcomes of undergraduate research, few studies have focused on the influences students face regarding participation. Developed using Science Capital and Social Cognitive Career Theory, a survey comprised of potential influences to undergraduate science research participation was disseminated to science majors at four R1 institutions in the Southeastern United States. Participation rates across several demographic factors and effect of participation influences were analysed. Results reveal a significantly greater proportion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) and disability communities indicating participating in research than their peers. Additionally, fourteen participation influences were identified as having a significant difference in their level of influence to the ability to participate in research between researchers and non-researchers. These include professor influence, interest in research, interest in science, coursework in the major, and major all being rated as opportunities with a significant difference of effect between researchers and those who have not yet participated in research. The results of this study will be beneficial for science departments and their respective institutions to improve the equity of access to their undergraduate research experiences.

A Culturally Sensitive Mobile App (DiaFriend) to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Development Study.

Mobile apps designed with cultural sensitivity have demonstrated higher user acceptability and greater effectiveness in enhancing self-care skills. However, a significant gap exists in developing such apps for specific populations, such as Portuguese Americans living in southern Massachusetts, home to the second-largest Portuguese community in the United States. This group possesses unique cultural traditions, particularly in dietary practices, including a tendency toward high carbohydrate intake. Tailoring diabetes self-care apps to address these specific cultural requirements could substantially improve diabetes management within this population. The aim of this app development project was to develop a prototype diabetes management app for Portuguese Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus using the design thinking methodology, incorporating user-centered design principles and cultural sensitivity. This paper describes the phase-2 results, focusing on app design and development. Phase 2 of this app development project adhered to the design thinking methodology delineated by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, focusing on 2 critical steps: ideation and prototyping. This phase started in March 2022 and continued until April 2024. The project was driven by a multidisciplinary team consisting of 2 nurse educators; an app development specialist; and 2 graduate research assistants from the university's Computer and Information Sciences Department, both well-versed in mobile app development. Data collected during phase 1, which will be published separately, informed the app design and development process. The prototype of the DiaFriend app (version 1) was designed and developed. The app comprises five features: (1) blood glucose monitoring, (2) weight tracking, (3) carbohydrate tracking, (4) exercise log, and (5) medication reminder. The carbohydrate tracking feature was explicitly tailored to correspond to Portuguese food culture. This paper presents the front-end interface flowchart, demonstrating how the user navigates through each screen. It also discusses the challenges faced during the backend development, such as data not being able to be stored and retrieved. The DiaFriend app (version 1) distinguishes itself from conventional diabetes self-care apps through its emphasis on cultural sensitivity. The development of this app underscores the importance of cultural considerations in health informatics. It establishes a foundation for future research in developing and evaluating culturally sensitive mobile health apps. The adaptation of such technologies has the potential to enhance self-care practices among Portuguese Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with improved glycated hemoglobin levels as a potential outcome. The last step of the design thinking methodology, testing the app, will be conducted in phase 3 and the results will be published elsewhere.

Distomolars – Exploring the Rare Clinical Entity in a Northern Nigerian Population

Background: Distomolars are supernumerary teeth erupting distal to the maxillary or mandibular third molars. This present study explored the clinical significance of distomolars in a Nigerian population. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence, clinical significance, and pathologies associated with distomolars in a population of Northern Nigerian adults using dental pantomograms. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria, and it included the extraction of images from the central computer attached to the Planmeca Promax machine. The sampling frame included patients who had dental pantomograms during the two-year period under review. The images were viewed on Planmeca Romexis 4.3.0 R software to identify relevant study variables. Results: Of 4,932 pantomograms reviewed, 107 distomolars were identified. The prevalence of distomolars was 2.17%. The mean age of subjects with a distomolars was 36.25 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.6. Majority of the distomolars were identified in the maxilla (60.75%) and had typical forms (67.3%) and 72.9% of them were seen unerupted. Conclusion: Distomolars occurred more frequently in females in the Nigerian population, commoner in the maxilla, and were predominantly unerupted and smaller in size than the normal adjacent teeth.

Radiographic Study of the Prevalence and Pattern of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in a Northern Nigerian Population.

Background: The incidence of impacted mandibular and maxillary third molars has become a global public health concern. This study reports a radiographic prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars among a Nigerian population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in a Northern Nigeria population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oral Diagnostic Sciences Department of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. Digital diagnostic images of patients of record on Planmeca Promax® within the sampling frame and acquired during the two years under review, were included in the study. The images were analyzed on Planmeca Romexis 4.3.0 R software to identify relevant study variables. Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS for windows software version 23.0 (IBM, Chicago IL., USA). Also, Pearson’s Chi‑square (χ2) statistical test was applied while confidence interval and P-value were set at 95% and ≤0.05, respectively. Results: A total of 4,932 pantomographs were reviewed and 576 were selected for the study. There were 824 impacted mandibular third molars within the age range of 18-65 years (mean age±SD = 32.67±9.69). 297 (51.6%) were males, and 279 (48.4%) were females. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molar was 16.71%. Impacted mandibular third molar occurred more frequently in the 26-35 years age range. The most frequent angle of impaction was horizontal, followed by mesioangular, and the least frequent angulation was distoangular. Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of impacted third molars among Northern Nigeria population are almost similar to other racial populations with minor variations, and the prevalence decreases with increasing age. A proper radiographic evaluation of the patterns of third molars impaction is, therefore, essential to assist dental surgeons in making decisions with regard to surgical planning and treatment. Key Words: Impacted teeth, panoramic radiograph, third molar.

Effect of Biostimulants and Glyphosate on Morphophysiological Parameters of Zea mays (L.) Seedlings Under Controlled Conditions

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major produced crop in South Africa, but numerous abiotic/biotic stressors threaten its production. Herbicides are mainly in the agricultural sector to minimise crop yield losses caused by weed competition. However, with most weeds becoming resistant to glyphosate, South African farmers have used higher herbicide concentrations than typically recommended. This study was conducted to determine the effect of two biostimulants (brassinosteroids and KELPAK) and glyphosate on the morphophysiological parameters of maize seedlings. Experiments were carried out in the glasshouses of the Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein for eight weeks over two seasons, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. The treatments did not significantly affect all maize morphological parameters except the plant dry mass. Compared to the control, plant dry mass was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 15.72 g when glyphosate was applied in combination with brassinosteroids during the 2019 growing season. The application of glyphosate, brassinosteroids, and KELPAK differed significantly (p < 0.05) between weeks across the physiological parameters in the two seasons: an irrefutable significant increase was recorded in the rates of transpiration between the weeks. Although significant differences were recorded in the chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, these parameters were similar to the control, especially in the last week of data collection. During the early developmental stage of maize, farmers can administer biostimulants—brassinosteroid (5 g ai ha−1) and KELPAK (5% ai ha−1)—alone and in combination in glyphosate-resistant maize cultivars treated with glyphosate to aid maize seedlings.

The Average Data Scientist is an Outlier Achiever in an Information Science Department

The aim of this study was to test whether data science and information science have similar or different publication and citation standards. In order to test this, we applied serpAPI to compare one hundred random Google Scholar data science profiles to their equivalents – one hundred information science profiles. The results indicate that: (a) The yearly average number of data scientist publications (15.70) was over three times higher than for information scientist (4.26). (b) The average citation per paper for data scientists (23.06) was over 4 times higher than the average for information scientists (5.70). (c) The total number of citations of papers published in 2021 for data scientists (334.54) was over 14 times higher than for information scientists (23.38). These results clearly indicate that when making academic career decisions, data scientists should be evaluated according to data science standards which are very different from information science standards.

Effects of Silicon on Development and Controlling of Powdery Scab in Irish Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Effects of different silicon levels on plant height, stem diameter, disease incidence and severity and its activity on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes on powdery scab caused by Spongospora subterranean on Irish potatoes (BP1) was assessed. This was a greenhouse study at the University of Zimbabwe Crop Science department. A mixture of 50% sterilised vermiculite and 50% sterilised sand was used as growing media. 0, 250, 500 and 750ppm silicon concentrations were used. Irrigation water, other fertilizers and insecticides applied were made uniform across all treatments. Variations among treatments were monitored from three weeks after planting then on weekly basis for the coming eighty weeks. Silicon concentrations showed significance difference (p<0.001) on plant height and stem diameter of Irish potatoes. It proved to play a significant role in the growth of the potato plants. Silicon levels showed no significant difference on powdery scab incidence with all plants getting diseased. Silicon reduced the infestation severity at high concentrations. It also increased the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes in potatoes at different response rates. Results from the study indicates great potential of silicon based fertilizers in controlling powdery scab as well as growth rate of Irish potatoes.

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Department of Seed, Crop, and Horticultural Sciences; School of Agriculture and Biotechnology; University of Eldoret, Kenya, on common bean seed samples collected in major growing areas’ markets of the Southern Province of Rwanda, where informal seeds are predominant and with a varied physical and physiological seed quality. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the physical and physiological quality of seeds in Rwanda's informal system through laboratory tests. The GenStat computer package was used to run data. The markets of Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Nyanza are sources of market common bean informal seed in the southern province of Rwanda. The physiological qualities were more in the sample M1E from Muhanga market, locally known as Shyushya, because this local variety proved to be the best to have better seeds that develop into normal plants (96.5%) and vigorous plants through first count and speed of germination with 95.5% and 26.11, respectively. This was also observed on the sample M2C from Nyanza that shares the same local name. Nyanza market had more physiological qualities than the others; its seeds grew more into normal plants (72.2%) and vigorous plants via first count and speed of germination with 63.3% and 21.68, respectively, than the others. Muhanga market had more good physical characteristics of seeds, with the highest mean of thousand seed weight (340.9 grams) and seed length (1.31 cm). The sample M2B, locally known as Mutiki, is a variety with the highest mean of thousand seed weights (446.1 grams), and this is common with other samples (M2B and M3A) locally known as Mutiki from other markets. This study revealed that the inform variety known as Shyushya is to be considered for agronomical purposes, while the formal variety locally known as Mutiki could be considered for market purposes. Nyanza market to be considered as the source of seeds for the agronomical aspects, while Muhanga market could be the source of seed for the grains of market

Exploring Learning Dynamics: A Comparative Study of IDEs and Command-Line Interfaces for Learning Java Programming language in the Department of Computer Science, Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies Ringim

This study explored the learning dynamics associated with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Command-Line Interfaces (CLIs) for teaching and learning java programming language in the Department of Computer Science at the College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim. The study evaluates the effectiveness of different programming tools (IDEs and CLIs) in enhancing the learning experience of Java programming students. It seeks to understand how these tools impact learners' confidence, skill development, and overall programming proficiency. The results revealed distinct advantages and challenges associated with each environment, underscoring the importance of context and learner preferences in selecting the appropriate tool for Java programming education. The study provides valuable recommendations for educators on optimizing programming instruction to better meet the needs of diverse learners.

Rice Blast Disease

The purpose of this document is to increase awareness of rice blast disease by describing its lifestyle, symptoms, and current disease mitigation practices. Given that the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) plays a vital role in rice cultivation, this publication is also intended for Florida rice growers to be used as a diagnostic field guide in the identification and management of rice blast disease. Written by Nalleli Garcia, Rachel Kalicharan, and Jessie Fernandez Garcia, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, September 2024.