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Gender inequality is strongly linked with poor performance in science and mathematics for female students in secondary schools owing to socio-economic and cultural issues as well as learning strategies. According to the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination results of 2021 in Tanzania, the failure rate for female students was higher than that for male students, and such failure in chemistry was associated with inadequate knowledge about the tested concepts, failure to identify the requirements of the respective questions and lack of adequate mathematical skills. Real practical sessions are integral parts of chemistry to enhance the learning environments for both female and male students. However, the real laboratory practices especially for chemistry are challenged with the costs of the construction of physical laboratory infrastructure and reagents, and the time-consuming and physical demands on personnel during real practical sessions. Thus, this study explores gender-based effects of the chemistry virtual laboratory against a paper-based approach towards a real chemistry practical in Tanzanian secondary schools. The results indicate that the combined exposures of virtual laboratory and paper-based practicals improve real practical performance for both female and male students. Moreover, the performance of real practical practices progressively improved for female students when they were first exposed to the virtual laboratory and then the paper-based practical. Such improvements can be associated with the virtual laboratory providing interactive learning environments which support female students to connect and engage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent objects are encountered frequently in our daily lives, yet recognizing them poses challenges for conventional vision sensors due to their unique material properties, not being well perceived from RGB or depth cameras. Overcoming this limitation, thermal infrared cameras have emerged as a solution, offering improved visibility and shape information for transparent objects. In this paper, we present TRansPose, the first large-scale multispectral dataset that combines stereo RGB-D, thermal infrared (TIR) images, and object poses to promote transparent object research. The dataset includes 99 transparent objects, encompassing 43 household items, 27 recyclable trashes, 29 chemical laboratory equivalents, and 12 non-transparent objects. It comprises a vast collection of 333,819 images and 4,000,056 annotations, providing instance-level segmentation masks, ground-truth poses, and completed depth information. The data was acquired using an FLIR A65 thermal infrared camera, two Intel RealSense L515 RGB-D cameras, and a Franka Emika Panda robot manipulator. Spanning 87 sequences, TRansPose covers various challenging real-life scenarios, including objects filled with water, diverse lighting conditions, heavy clutter, non-transparent or translucent containers, objects in plastic bags, and multi-stacked objects. Supplementary material can be accessed from the following link: https://sites.google.com/view/transpose-dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a low-cost, simple, and rapid fabrication of paper-based analytical devices (PADs) using a wax screen-printing method is reported here. The acid-base reaction is implemented in the simple PADs to demonstrate to students the chemistry concept of a limiting reagent. When a fixed concentration of base reacts with a gradually increasing concentration of acid, a dramatic demonstration allows students to discover the limiting reagent by naked eyes observing the color change from phenolphthalein as an indicator. This demonstration is not only a new approach to enhancing students' learning of the chemistry concept of the limiting reagent, but also presents potential applications of PADs into all levels of chemistry from middle school through college classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Chemistry and Sustainability are the two widely used concepts in the present-day Higher Education Chemistry curriculum. This paper issues a call for action for chemistry instructors to build stronger connections in the chemistry curriculum to sustainability. An acid-base titration is a commonly used experiment in undergraduate laboratories where synthetic indicators are generally used to locate the endpoint by observing the color change. In this paper, the ability of aqueous extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa (locally known as Azar) as a natural indicator was investigated by using it instead of commonly used synthetic acid-base or neutralization indicators like Phenolphthalein, Methyl Orange, etc. The natural acid-base indicators are non-toxic, easily available, cost-effective, and environmentally benign. This inquiry-based investigation project can raise the standard of chemistry education while preserving local resources that can be used to address today's sustainability challenges. Thus, by considering several interconnected challenges to identify sustainable solutions that can be adopted in both higher secondary school and undergraduate chemistry education, such studies will enrich students' understanding of chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, chemical engineering students get well acquainted with the batch synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients, however, only tiny focus is provided to undergraduates on the topic of flow chemistry. In this paper, we report that students participating in the chemical engineering BSc course at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics were encouraged to perform the flow synthesis of paracetamol, a common pain painkiller. Two different synthetic routes for the continuous production of paracetamol were investigated and compared the batch and flow methods. Thus, these experiments allowed the students to discover flow chemistry for themselves under supervision: how to set up a flow system, how to carry out a reaction continuously, and to experience the advantages of flow chemistry over batch synthesis. In addition, students also got familiar with in-line Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as one of the reactions was monitored in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly introduces the inorganic and analytical chemistry laboratory project, the synthesis of the complex [Ni(Me3en)(acac)]BPh4 and the solvato/thermochromic behavior, designed by Nanjing University for "The 10th National Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Tournament". This paper mainly deals with the experiment implementation process, results and related issues of the solvato/thermochromic behavior in the experiment. In the paper, the detailed and intuitive experimental phenomena inspire students to explore and understand the mechanism. The law of solvato/thermochromic behavior is summarized, which allows students to intuitively understand that the structure of complexes determines their properties. In the process, students can develop the ability of analysis, judgment, induction, summarizing and critical thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plenty of information and communication technologies are frequently employed in educational activities to improve the opportunities for students to gain knowledge and experience, including the virtual laboratory. The virtual laboratory is quite often implemented into educational process in many science, technology, and engineering courses at the university level of education. However, the use of virtual laboratory in the field of electronic commerce education is rather rare. In our educational practice, a virtual laboratory of electronic commerce was designed and implemented within the course of electronic entrepreneurship. This paper presents the design of the virtual laboratory of electronic commerce and provides an outline of its integration into the university course's teaching process. The study examines the learning progress claimed by the students who participated in the most current edition of the course delivered utilizing this virtual laboratory. The findings revealed improvement of course participants' experience and abilities in the field of electronic entrepreneurship in e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety and access to systematic approaches for ensuring detection of food hazards is an important issue in most developing countries. With the arrival of paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) as a promising, rapid, easy-to-use, and low-cost analytical tool, we demonstrated a simple microfluidic-based titration study for the analysis of packaged fruit juices. Similar, to the titration experiments using traditional glassware in chemistry laboratories, in this study the titration experiments were developed using paper microfluidics for the analysis of several analytes such as pH, vitamin C, sugars, and preservatives present in the packaged fruit juices. The allergen found commonly in dairy based mixtures and the non-pathogenic biochemical component responsible for food spoilage in cider based fruit juices were also determined. The results obtained using paper microfluidics were compared with those obtained using a conventional spectrophotometric technique. Finally, a paper microfluidics based multiplexed sensor was developed for the analysis of common nutritional ingredients, an allergen, and a non-pathogenic byproduct present in packaged fruit juices on a single platform. Overall, the results presented in this study reveal that the proposed paper microfluidic assisted colorimetric multiplexed sensor offers a quick and reliable tool for on-spot routine analysis for food safety applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase of exploratory projects of comprehensive chemistry laboratory in universities, the types and quantity of hazardous chemicals are increasing. Due to the frequent occurrence of safety accidents in university laboratories, the safety management of hazardous chemicals has become an important concern of chemistry laboratories in recent years. According to the present situation for management and existing problems, this paper proposes a series of countermeasures, including three-level linkage responsibility and safety inspection system, strengthening the construction of laboratory management echelon, refining the process of purchase, store and use of hazardous chemicals, and strengthening the information construction of management platform. It effectively improves the safety responsibility consciousness of the teachers and students, and gradually reduces the hidden danger of laboratory safety, which provides a reference for the safety management mode of hazardous chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) we present a review of recent developments in the discipline of laboratory hematology as these are reflected by papers published in CCLM in the period 2012–2022. Since data on CCLM publications from 1963 to 2012 are also available, we were able to make a comparison between the two periods. This interestingly revealed that the share of laboratory hematology papers has steadily increased and reached now 16% of all papers published in CCLM. It also became evident that blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, erythrocytes, platelets and instrument and method evaluation constituted the 'hottest' topics with regard to number of publications. Some traditional, characteristic CCLM categories like reference intervals, standardization and harmonization, were more stable and probably will remain so in the future. With the advent of important newer topics, like new coagulation assays and drugs and cell population data generated by hematology analyzers, laboratory hematology is anticipated to remain a significant discipline in CCLM publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality in laboratory medicine is defined as "an unfinished journey", as the more essential the laboratory information provided, the more assured its quality should be. In the past decades, the Journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine has provided a valuable forum for garnering new insights into the analytical and extra-analytical phases of the testing cycle, and for debating crucial aspects of quality in clinical laboratories. The impressive number of papers published in the Journal is testimony to the efforts made by laboratory professionals, national and international scientific societies and federations in the quest to continuously improve upon the pre-, intra- and post-analytical steps of the testing cycle, thus enhancing the quality of laboratory information. The paper appearing in this special issue summarizes the most important and interesting contributions published in the Journal, thus updating our knowledge on quality in laboratory medicine and offering further stimuli to identify the most valuable measures of quality in clinical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon footprints (CFs) are the measure of extent of green house gases (GHGs) emitted from any organization or activity. Reporting of extent of CFs in terms of CO 2 e from educational campus may be considered as a first step towards sustainable educational practices. The present study employs a bottom up approach where CFs due to consumption of resources from each academic department is evaluated separately and net is obtained by adding contributions from individual departments. This method has the advantage of avoiding the potential overlaps in the calculation. Hence this approach to calculate carbon footprints can lead to their precise CF evaluation. In order to justify above hypothesis, CF evaluation was carried out at Shikshana Prasarak Mandali's Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune for three consecutive years starting from 2015 to 2016. The average carbon footprints over the study period were 3630.57 ± 296.79 tones CO 2 e per year with per capita emission of 0.81 ± 0.06 tones CO 2 e. The emission density determined from the average value was found to be 0.0361 ± 0.0029 tCO 2 e m−2 of the campus. It was observed that emission sources classified as scope-1, scope-2 and scope-3 contribute 28%, 48% and 25% respectively to total emission. Out of all the emission sources identified, apart from human contribution through respiration, electricity (35%), biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, stationary paper, 7%, use of chemicals in the laboratories (5%), paper for official purpose (12%), LPG (3%) and transport (27%) were main contributors. As this is a multi faculty college, science faculty contributes almost 62%, commerce 9% and arts 11% of the total emission. • Present paper highlights carbon footprints from an Indian HEI using bottom up approach. • A questionnaire based survey was used to arrive at departmental and net footprints. • Carbon footprints of HEI in India are much less as compared to developed countries. • The carbon footprints of Indian HEIs are expected to grow at 5–6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the popularity of anhydrous and oxygen-free glove boxes in chemical laboratories has been increasing. Glove boxes are widely used in organic synthesis, lithium battery manufacturing and research, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) encapsulation, and storage and packaging of reagents sensitive to water and oxygen. During the use and maintenance of glove boxes, many hazards are involved, such as strong reducing metal reagents, gas cylinders, and flammable waste. There are potential safety hazards that easily lead to accidents. This paper introduces safe operation methods of anhydrous and oxygen-free glove boxes and new management methods of glove boxes explored by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Nanjing University. This college has pioneered the production of a video on the safe use of glove boxes and its application to safety training. It has also developed and implemented a method for the record of glove-box use and refreshed purification column materials. This method has achieved good operational results and can provide a reference for safety management of glove boxes in similar chemical laboratories both at home and abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Clinical laboratories perform a variety of tests for which biomedical waste is a byproduct. Of these, the complete metabolic panel (CMP) produces a significant portion of this waste. We investigated specific waste subsequent to performing CMPs over the course of a year and analyzed what percentage of the waste produced could have been recycled. Methods Patient testing volumes were collected retrospectively from July 14, 2021, to July 14, 2022, for individual assays within the CMP performed on Abbott Alinity c instruments (n = 6). The average weights for components of the reagent kits, which includes wedges, boxes, and package inserts, were calculated. These weights, in conjunction with total patient testing volumes, were used to determine the amount of waste produced. Results A total of 1089.2 kg of reagent kit waste was estimated to be produced by performing CMPs throughout a year. Of this waste, most (855.5 kg) was not recyclable, but a subset (233.6 kg) was. Overall, 21.4% of the total specific waste weight was found to be recyclable. Conclusions The CMP contributes a substantial amount of waste when performed on chemistry analyzer platforms in the clinical laboratory. Paper inserts and cardboard packaging, however, presented opportunities for recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's big data context, the composition of virtual networks is becoming increasingly complex, so it is neither easy nor difficult to strengthen the control of network security issues. This paper studies the important content of network big data mining-assisted laboratory management. On the basis of discussing the connotation of laboratory safety, combined with management practice, this paper puts forward some suggestions on laboratory safety management. This paper puts forward some views and thoughts on some problems existing in the management and experimental teaching of chemistry laboratory. By judging the stability of instruments and equipment, we know whether the calibration status of instruments and equipment has changed during this period, so as to ensure the sustainable use of instruments and equipment and the accuracy and traceability of laboratory test results. The use of laboratory management system can greatly improve the utilization rate of laboratory equipment, promote students' autonomous learning, and promote the standardization of laboratory construction. Improve the network monitoring method of big data mining technology and the application mechanism of big data network monitoring, in one type of laboratory. Teachers and students in the laboratory can reasonably arrange their own time according to their own interests to guide and operate experiments. Through continuous operation and practice, students' practical ability and experimental knowledge level should be improved as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Risk management model for unsafe behavior in university laboratories is developed. • Risk factors for unsafe behavior are identified using the adapted HFACS-UL model. • A fuzzy BN model is proposed for the risk assessment of unsafe behavior. • Risk control strategies are presented from key agents' responsibility perspective. • Results from the chemistry laboratories demonstrate the credibility of the model. Introduction: Risk assessment for unsafe behavior is an important task in the management of university laboratories. Yet related research activities are still in the early stages. This paper attempts to deepen the insight and provide a basis for further research. Method: As traditional methods are inadequate in terms of quantitative assessment and uncertainty handling, this paper proposes a method to assess the risk of unsafe behavior in university laboratories using the human factor analysis and classification system for university laboratories (HFACS-UL)-fuzzy Bayesian network (BN) approach. A BN structure was established using the HFACS-UL model for the identification of factors influencing unsafe behavior. Using a fuzzy BN approach, parameters are learned based on prior knowledge and expert experience. The model is then applied for inference analysis to identify the main risk factors. The key agents were also analyzed along with meta-networks to determine further preventive and control measures. Results: Taking chemistry laboratories of a university as an example, the results show that the probability of unacceptable unsafe behavior in chemical laboratories is 86%, indicating that commitment and cooperation from different agents are required. Of the 24 risk factors, poor organizational climate, with a sensitivity value of 24.1%, has the greatest impact on unsafe behavior. The most fundamental factor contributing to the occurrence of unsafe behavior is inadequate legislation, which in turn results in unacceptable external factors and inadequate supervision, thus forming the most likely causal chain. The functional department, lab center director, and secondary faculty leadership team are the most critical agents. Conclusions: Results from the chemistry laboratories demonstrate the credibility of the model. Practical applications: This study may help provide technical support for risk management in university laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen significantly increased awareness of the need to improve the management of health and safety in academic chemical laboratories and, in particular, to reduce the potential for incidents posing a significant risk of fatality or serious injury. Studies have reported up to 30% of scientists working in academic chemical laboratories as having witnessed an injury at work severe enough to warrant attention from a medical professional. This paper is concerned with approaches to understanding and learning about why the individuals involved in incidents in chemical laboratories may have acted as they did. Drawing on two significant incidents as example and for context, the paper discusses seven themes that are typically of concern to those professionally engaged in the study and investigation of the Human Factors contributions to incidents: the difference between intentional and unintentional human failures; the concept of local rationality; four "hard truths" of human performance; the difference between "work-as-done" and "work-as-imagined"; different forms of complacency; consideration of how people might have benefited by acting the way they did; and the awareness and perception of risk and the difference between direct and indirect risk awareness. The paper includes recommendations for how different stakeholders, including academic institutions investing in new or modified chemical laboratories; administrators; environment, safety, and health (ESH) professionals; manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals and lab equipment; principal investigators; and graduate students could benefit from reflection on the seven themes. The paper includes suggestions for applied research to support long-term improvements in safety in academic chemical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly introduces the experiment implementation process, results and extension issues in the synthesis and composition determination part of the inorganic and analytical chemistry laboratory project, the synthesis of the complex [Ni(Me3en)(acac)]BPh4 and its solvato/thermochromic behavior research experiment, designed by Nanjing University for the 10th National Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Tournament. Based on the detailed and intuitive synthetic experimental process shown, we focus on the two major goals of synthesis, the "quality" and the "quantity", i.e., guided by how to obtain both "good" and "more" [Ni(Me3en)(acac)]BPh4 complex. By asking questions and discussing, we instruct students to understand the experimental process. Through the above process, the students are guided to understand the significance of the control of experimental conditions, the analysis of experimental phenomena and the separation, analysis and identification of intermediate products and impurities in the process of synthesis. As a result, students can develop the ability of analysis, judgment, induction, summarizing and critical thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic chemistry laboratory is the first laboratory course for freshmen majoring in chemistry. The first year in college is the critical period for students to form and establish values, thus, it is of great significance in ideological and political education. This paper mainly introduces the exploration and practice of Ideological and political education in the laboratory teaching of "preparation of N2 and Mg3N2". The aim is to enrich the content of ideological and political education and innovate the form of Ideological and political education in laboratory teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of carbon capture and storage techniques has become essential to reduce and mitigating CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. CarbFix1 and CarbFix2 projects carried out in Iceland demonstrated that the emissions of waste CO2 gas from geothermal power plants can be captured and mixed with the effluent geofluid and subsequently injected back into the geothermal reservoir. This experience gained in the CarbFix projects expanded into other geothermal fields around Europe, and one of the demonstration sites is the geothermal field in Turkey, Kızıldere. This paper focuses on the results of an updated study on early field evaluations with reactive transport simulations. In the new three-dimensional numerical model, the geological formations and fault zones were updated according to the well-logs data. Based on the tracer tests performed in the field, the anisotropic permeabilities between the wells were evaluated and imposed into the model. Geofluid chemistry, mineral components, and the volume fractions used as input in the simulations are modified depending on the performed laboratory experiments on the metamorphic schists taken from the geothermal site (i.e. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning-electron microscope (SEM), and batch reactor tests). Different thermodynamic databases such as Lawrance Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Thermoddem databases were tested using PHREEQC and TOUGHREACT programs for consistency with experiments. The thermodynamic conditions and the geofluid-rock-CO2 interactions prevent the mineralization of CO2 in the reservoir. This outcome differs from CarbFix projects in terms of the carbonization process, but the CO2 injection is still reliable with solubility-trapping in a geothermal reservoir to partially mitigate the emission. Roughly, 200 kt of CO2 in 10 years can be safely injected into the geothermal reservoir. According to the new analysis, the ratio of magnesium, sodium, and potassium varies in solid solution series of feldspars and clay minerals as albite end-member and montmorillonite/illite end-members, respectively. The evaluations of solid solution reactions are relatively limited in the law of mass action approach used by PHREEQC and TOUGHREACT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a suitable substitute for weighing paper used by students in chemical laboratories. It reports that a suitable substitute may be found in patty paper sheets, the slips of paper used to separate hamburger patties. The use of these sheets can cut the cost of weighing paper by about seventy-five percent. Students can obtain patty paper through their school's dining services. Furthermore, the article provides some useful website addresses for students where the can obtain patty papers.

The focus of this investigation was to see how simulated chemistry practicals affected the performance of male and female students at secondary level. The simulations of ten (10) chemistry practicals were developed. The researcher gave an orientation of three (03) days to the students and teachers about the use of simulation to conduct the chemistry practicals. After orientation, students performed chemistry practicals in the laboratory supplemented with simulations according to the time table in ten (10) weeks. The nature of the research was experimental. The quantitative data was collected and examined. Fifty eight (28 males and 30 female) students were selected as a sample. One(1) male and one female(1) secondary school was chosen to observe the effect of simulation on the performance of male and female students in three aspects i.e. written paper, oral viva and practical manual related to chemistry practicals. At the end practical examination i.e. post-test was taken on the pattern of Peshawar Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (PBISE). An Independent sample t- test was applied for the comparison of two groups. From the result of an independent t-test it was found that simulations and gender have no relationship. Therefore, null hypothesis was accepted on the basis of the result of an independent sample t- test. It is concluded that both male and female are equally benefited from simulated software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical quality of the clinical laboratory results has shown a significant improvement over the past decades, thanks to the joint efforts of different stakeholders, while the comparability among the results produced by different laboratories and methods still presents some critical issues. During these years, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) published several papers on the harmonization issue over all steps in the Total Testing Process, training an important number of laboratory professionals in evaluating and monitoring all the criticisms inherent to the pre-analytical, as well as analytical and post analytical phases: from the consensus statement on the most informative testing in emergency setting, to the prevention and detection of hemolysis or to patients identification and tube labeling procedures, as far as to different approaches to harmonize hormones measurements or to describe new reference methods or to harmonize the laboratory report. During these years the commitment of the journal, devoted to the harmonization processes has allowed to improve the awareness on the topic and to provide specific instruments to monitor the rate of errors and to improve patients safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its discovery in the late 1960s, HbA1c has proven to be a major biomarker of diabetes mellitus survey and diagnosis. Other biomarkers have also been described using classical laboratory methods or more innovative, non-invasive ones. All biomarkers of diabetes, including the historical glucose assay, have well-controlled strengths and limitations, determining their indications in clinical use. They all request high quality preanalytical and analytical methodologies, necessitating a strict evaluation of their performances by external quality control assessment trials. Specific requirements are needed for point-of-care testing technologies. This general overview, which describes how old and new tools of diabetes mellitus biological survey have evolved over the last decade, has been built through the prism of papers published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, quality in laboratory medicine has evolved in concert with the transformation and the changes (technological, scientific and organizational) in this sector. Laboratory professionals have faced great challenges, at times being overwhelmed, yet also involved in this progress. Worldwide, laboratory professionals and scientific societies involved in laboratory medicine have raised awareness concerning the need to identify new quality assurance tools that are effective in reducing the error rate and enhancing patient safety, in addition to Internal Quality Control (IQC) procedures and the participation in the External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS). The use of Quality Indicators (QIs), specifically designed for laboratory medicine are effective in assessing and monitoring all critical events occurring in the different phases of Total Testing Process (TTP), in particular, in the extra-analytical phases. The Model of Quality Indicators (MQI), proposed by the Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety" (WG-LEPS) of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and validated by experts in consensus conferences, is an important window of opportunity for the medical laboratory to demonstrate the use of an effective quality assurance tool fit for this purpose. Aim of this paper is to provide an update of the state-of-the-art concerning the most used QIs data collected in 2021 and the Quality Specifications (QSs) proposed for their evaluation. Moreover, a strategy for the future is proposed in order to improve the MQI and encourage its use in medical laboratories throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown in the past 10 years. Despite the crucial role of laboratory diagnostics in clinical decision-making, we found that the majority of AI studies focus on surgery, radiology, and oncology, and there is little attention given to AI integration into laboratory medicine. We dedicated a session at the 3rd annual European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) strategic conference in 2022 to the topic of AI in the laboratory of the future. The speakers collaborated on generating a concise summary of the content that is presented in this paper. The five key messages are (1) Laboratory specialists and technicians will continue to improve the analytical portfolio, diagnostic quality and laboratory turnaround times; (2) The modularized nature of laboratory processes is amenable to AI solutions; (3) Laboratory sub-specialization continues and from test selection to interpretation, tasks increase in complexity; (4) Expertise in AI implementation and partnerships with industry will emerge as a professional competency and require novel educational strategies for broad implementation; and (5) regulatory frameworks and guidances have to be adopted to new computational paradigms. In summary, the speakers opine that the ability to convert the value-proposition of AI in the laboratory will rely heavily on hands-on expertise and well designed quality improvement initiative from within laboratory for improved patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the construction and the implementation of the curriculum system, changing from teaching-oriented to learning-oriented, are discussed for cultivating innovative talents, focusing on problems encountered by freshmen in inorganic & analytical chemical chemistry laboratory. By optimizing the curriculum system, improving the teaching content, expanding the training mode and strengthening the platform construction, students are guided to actively explore and independently think, gradually master the methods of innovative scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: CLSI EP26; lot-to-lot variation; measurement procedures; reagent-lot EN CLSI EP26 lot-to-lot variation measurement procedures reagent-lot e215 e217 3 10/03/23 20231001 NES 231001 To the Editor, In the May 2022 issue of I CCLM i , a European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) paper was published on behalf of the Working Group Accreditation, ISO/CEN standards (WG-A/ISO) [[1]]. (2) EP26 and the EFLM approach recommend the use of commutable materials for reagent lot verification studies. [Extracted from the article]

Virtual chemistry laboratories (VCLs) are the alternative solutions of the physical laboratories, where students can virtually conduct their experiments with a lower cost, and in an efficient and safer way. Considering the importance of technology-enhanced learning and that of the experimental study, several VCLs have been proposed. However, the existing VCLs are static and only provide the simulation of pre-defined experiments, procedures, or safety procedures and cannot be adapted according to the students' level or new experimental tasks. In this paper, we proposed a dynamic virtual chemistry lab (DVCL) where instructors or experts are allowed to add a new chemical experiment by adding its apparatus, chemicals, glassware, and mechanism or add something new to its properties. We conducted a subjective study with field experts to investigate the effect of proposed DVCL in secondary school chemistry education. During evaluation, twenty-seven field experts were participated and evaluated the proposed DVCL with system usability scale (SUS)-questionnaire and by a simple questionnaire. The results showed that the proposed DVCL is very helpful for students' performance and mental modeling and also for effortlessly uplifting their knowledge for hands-on experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1864, cities have played an increasingly important role in creating the norms and rules that governed human life, from economic activity to leisure. These rules had a very important role in the modernization process, contributing substantially to changing behaviours and practices, creating professional bodies, and adopting Western models. However, in Romanian historiography, this phenomenon is far from receiving the attention it deserves. Our paper aims to analyse the regulations, ordinances, and decisions issued by the Bucharest City Hall, regarding trade carried out in market halls, markets, in various places on the city streets, or by peddlers. Markets and market halls were, in the City Hall's conception, not just places intended for the trade of food and various other goods. They were supposed to be fundamental tools through which the municipality ensured that the citizens of Bucharest had access to safe food – from a hygienic and sanitary point of view – and that the numerous diseases transmitted through food had as few consequences as possible on the health of the capital's inhabitants. To attain this aim, the mayor, the Municipal Council, and the Hygiene Council elaborated and enacted numerous rules, which, under the combined pressure of the city's development, advances in the medical, chemical, and biological sciences, not least the professionalization of the municipal administration, experienced a rapid evolution during the chronologic span discussed. At the same time, the City Hall invested in the creation of an infrastructure that would allow the application of these measures (market halls and market, abattoir, laboratory for chemical and bacteriological analysis, etc.), and a body of officials that would ensure their compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a chemical analysis laboratory, sample detection via most analytical devices obtains raw data and processes it to validate data reports, including raw data filtering, editing, effectiveness evaluation, error correction, etc. This process is usually carried out manually by analysts. When the sample detection volume is large, the data processing involved becomes time-consuming and laborious, and manual errors may be introduced. In addition, analytical laboratories typically use a variety of analytical devices with different measurement principles, leading to the use of various heterogeneous control software systems from different vendors with different export data formats. Different formats introduce difficulties to laboratory automation. This paper proposes a modular data evaluation system that uses a global unified management and maintenance mode that can automatically filter data, evaluate quality, generate valid reports, and distribute reports. This modular software design concept allows the proposed system to be applied to different analytical devices; its integration into existing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) could maximise automation and improve the analysis and testing quality and efficiency in a chemical analysis laboratory, while meeting the analysis and testing requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concentrates on Bayesian state estimation approach in the presence of slow-rate integrated measurements. In chemical process, some quality variables, in the sense of measuring, often have an important characteristic resulting from the time taken for samples collection. These kinds of measurements are obtained based on sample of materials that are collected in a period of time. So, the measurement indicates the average property of the measurand in the period of samples collection, which is called Slow-Rate inTegrated Measurement (SRTM). In this paper, our goal is to estimate the fast-rate instantaneous states using available SRTM. Bayesian estimation approach is reformulated to acquire this goal. First, new Bayesian formulation is provided which ends to some complex integral formula. Then, with using the idea of Monte Carlo sampling method a numerical solution is presented for this problem. The advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it can deal with integrated measurement problem in a broader range of models with nonlinearity and non-Gaussian noise. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is verified and demonstrated through simulation and empirical experiment on a level-flow laboratory-scale plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of optimal aHocation of non-paper resource in chemical laboratories, a mathematical model is set up. We abstract the problem to find an optimal solution in a six-dimensional space. A constraint rule and an optimization rule are presnted, cost distance and equilibration value are given, wait time is defined based on open queuing network too. A fitness function is defined, optimal aHocation algorithm based on particle swarm algorithm is established. Simulation experiment on this algorithm shows that it is fast and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant challenge physics faculty face teaching introductory labs is engaging students in authentic science practices. Another has been highlighted given the current global pandemic—how to engage students in our laboratory courses while maintaining appropriate social distancing and hygiene standards. We have chosen to answer these challenges by transforming our labs...twice. We discuss the rationale behind the first transformation to a practice-focused curriculum. In March 2020 we needed to transform our labs again, this time to accommodate online learning. This paper discusses two chief questions: "What are we doing to engage students in science practices?" and "How did we make all of this work online?" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the concept of technology-enhanced learning is a design already applied in developed countries and incorporated as an active part of their educational models and curricular development. This is even more relevant in the case of eLearning, where these technologies correspond to remote/virtual laboratories. They are very useful in the fields of Science and Engineering. According to this, the current work shows the incorporation of this type of technology to traditional curricular schemes, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of learning. Another objective is to build reusable infrastructures among Universities, supported with public and private government resources. Specifically, this paper shows the development, implementation, and integration of remote renewable energy laboratories in Jordan, and how they have been used within the director plan of the Jordanian government for the promotion of renewable energies in that country. This plan includes not only the design of remote laboratories but also their integration into a curricular model. This integration is done at the level of online learning courses and pilot experiences in the development of these types of learning technologies. In a distance methodology environment, the instructors must design the course structure keeping in mind that students are online, but not face-to-face in the classroom. Additionally, they have to propose adapted resources (remote laboratories, guidelines, etc.) and content. The paper focuses on the incorporation of remote/virtual laboratories, showing how these labs were developed/integrated into online courses. To validate the incorporation of this type of resources in an environment usually not online, a set of surveys was designed to support a technology evaluation methodology (TAM, Technology Acceptance Model). This evaluation allows knowing the degree of satisfaction of the technology (remote and virtual laboratories as resources) using a structured experimental method (SEM, Structural Equation Models). As a result of the application of this experimental method, the calculated statistical data indicate that the use of remote and virtual laboratories improves the perception and use of virtual environments at a distance. Also, it can be indicated that these laboratories are presented as an essential resource to improve the quality of online teaching in engineering courses. • Implementation of remote laboratories for renewable energies in Jordan. • Use of laboratories by Jordanian government for the promotion of renewable energies. • Integration of remote laboratories into a curricular model at an online level. • Evaluation and validation of students' satisfaction with a set of hypotheses by SEMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reflects the opinion of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group Accreditation and ISO/CEN standards (WG-A/ISO). It aims to provide guidance for drawing up local/national documents about validation and verification of laboratory methods. We demonstrate how risk evaluation can be used to optimize laboratory policies to meet intended use requirements as well as requirements of standards. This is translated in a number of recommendations on how to introduce risk evaluation in various stages of the implementation of new methods ultimately covering the whole process cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel prototype laboratory is presented for engineering education, in which experiments are based on the fractional calculus. The prototypes of analog and digital fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are built in the laboratory. These fractional-order PID controllers are applied to linear and nonlinear plants to demonstrate the effectiveness of fractional-order calculus in real time. These experiments are designed, developed, and implemented on the analog and digital platforms. These controllers are integrated to control the DC motor, brushless DC motor, and magnetic levitation modules through hardware-in-loop as well as stand-alone systems. The analog type of fractional-order PID implementation is carried out by using passive components (i.e. resistances and capacitances) with an operational amplifier. However, real-time digital implementation is carried out using field-programmable gate array and digital signal processor. This paper describes how the experiments on fractional calculus can be tailored for graduate, undergraduate students' education and extended for research in this emerging area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Take-home engineering laboratories bring benefits for both students and the university such as flexible access times and reduced load on laboratories. Traditional control engineering laboratories are not suitable for take-home activities as they tend to be expensive or dangerous. This paper proposes a low budget take-home control laboratory based on a simple thermal system which also shows the effects of hardware limitations including saturation, quantisation and sampling jitter. A thermal hardware kit has been designed which is low-cost, safe and portable. A full laboratory guide and tutorial for the usage of the kit with MATLAB/Simulink has been written and is publicly available. The efficacy of the proposed take-home laboratory was evaluated by exam results and feedback of students who undertook a control course at RMIT University. The student evaluation and exam results were very positive and the laboratory will be extended next year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of laboratory medicine, the main focus was to provide high quality analytics. Over time the importance of the extra-analytical phases and their contribution to the overall quality became evident. However, as the initial preanalytical processes take place outside of the laboratory and mostly without its supervision, all professions participating in these process steps, from test selection to sample collection and transport, need to engage accordingly. Focusing solely on intra-laboratory processes will not be sufficient to achieve the best possible preanalytical quality. The Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has provided several recommendations, opinion papers and scientific evidence over the past years, aiming to standardize the preanalytical phase across Europe. One of its strategies to reach this goal are educational efforts. As such, the WG-PRE has organized five conferences in the past decade with the sole focus on preanalytical quality. This year's conference mainly aims to depict the views of different professions on preanalytical processes in order to acquire common ground as basis for further improvements. This article summarizes the content of this 6th preanalytical conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a wider reform to scaffold quantitative and research skills throughout the biology major, we introduced course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) in sections of a large-enrollment introductory biology laboratory course in a mid-level, public, minority-serving institution. This initiative was undertaken as part of the in the National Science Foundation / Council for Undergraduate Research Transformations Project. Student teams performed two or three experiments, depending on semester. They designed, implemented, analyzed, revised and iterated, wrote scientific paper-style reports, and gave oral presentations. We tested the impact of CURE on student proficiency in experimental design and statistical reasoning, and student research confidence and attitudes over two semesters. We found that students in the CURE sections met the reformed learning objectives for experimental design and statistical reasoning. CURE students also showed higher levels of experimental design proficiency, research self-efficacy, and more expert-like scientific mindsets compared to students in a matched cohort with the traditional design. While students in both groups described labs as a positive experience in end-of-semester reflections, the CURE group showed a high level of engagement with the research process. Students in CURE sections identified components of the research process that were difficult, while also reporting enjoying and valuing research. This study demonstrates improved learning, confidence, and attitudes toward research in a challenging CURE laboratory course where students had significant autonomy combined with appropriate support at a diverse public university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a honey bee product containing chiefly beeswax and resins originated from plant buds or exudates. Propolis resin exerts a diversity of biological activities, such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and defense of the hive against pathogens. Chemical standardization and identification of botanical sources is crucial for characterization of propolis. Types of Brazilian propolis are characteristic of geographical regions and respective biomes, such as savannas (Cerrado), mangroves, dry forest (Caatinga), rain forests (Amazon, Atlantic, and Interior forests), altitudinal fields ("Campos Rupestres"), Pantanal, and Araucaria forests. Despite the wide diversity of Brazilian biomes and flora, relatively few types of Brazilian propolis and corresponding resin plant sources have been reported. Factors accounting for the restricted number of known types of Brazilian propolis and plant sources are tentatively pointed out. Among them, the paper discusses constraints that honey bees must overcome to collect plant exudates, including the characteristics of the lapping-chewing mouthpart of honey bee, which limit their possibilities to cut and chew plant tissues, as well as chemical requirements that plant resins must fulfil, involving antimicrobial activity of its constituents and innocuity to the insects. Although much still needs to be done toward a more comprehensive picture of Brazilian propolis types and corresponding plant origins, the prospects indicate that the actual diversity of plant sources of honey bee propolis will remain relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digester, invented by Denis Papin in the 1680s, was a rudimentary pressure cooker used to soften hard bodies by boiling them at high pressure. In this paper, I propose a reassessment of Papin's work on the digester, arguing that his research was located at the intersection of the chemical laboratory and cooking practice. I then examine cases from the eighteenth-century European circulation of the instrument in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands in order to showcase the different practices in which the digester was embedded, including chemical research, philanthropic projects to feed the destitute, and proposals for the improvement of home cooking. The digester's history represents a key episode for demonstrating the intertwined nature of natural-philosophical research and the practice of economy or 'thrift'. All users of the digester engaged in a rationalization of its functions through quantification, not only to fulfil a concern for precision but also to display the device's potential to reform practical daily life. The digester could save time and fuel, reduce material waste, make cooking easier and foster collective meal preparation for the needy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration with universities may assist secondary schools faced with challenges of promoting state‐of‐the‐art chemistry and biosciences education. This paper outlines university‐based programs in Israel (Belmonte) and Italy (CusMiBio) that enhance learning experiences by allowing classes of pupils to interact with academics and perform hands‐on experiments in advanced scientific laboratories. These programs facilitate a symbiotic relationship between secondary schools and the university. This paper outlines a conceptual model for university‐based science interventions. We describe the programs at Belmonte and CusMiBio, and explain how each program implements group activities for hybrid science laboratories that aim to enhance learning. Teacher training is also described, along with activities essential for establishing a round‐trip experience‐ whereby learning activities continue to have an impact after completion of these special trips to the university laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical key laboratory is a special chemical laboratory, it is characterized by complex personnel, big personnel mobility and more expensive large instruments, so the safety management is much difficult. This paper focuses on the safety management of chemical key laboratory, including the safety of chemicals, the safety of instruments and the safety of water and electricity. Combining with the situation of key laboratory where the authors work, the paper proposes specific measurements of safety management from four aspects: safety consciousness, security system, hardware construction and software management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the utilization of waste from the argentometric determination of chloride in a chemistry teaching laboratory as a source of silver for the synthesis of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). All white and red‐brick precipitates in the waste were first separated from the liquid and converted to silver chloride precipitate by washing the precipitates using hydrochloride acid 0.1 M. The silver chloride precipitate was then converted to diammineargentate complex ion by dissolving it into an ammonia solution. The conversion was successfully conducted by using 50 moles of ammonia for every mole of silver chloride. The formation of AgNPs was optimum by applying diammineargentate complex ion and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid solutions at a molar ratio of 1 : 10. The formed AgNPs showed a yellow color and absorption peak at around 420 nm with an average particle size of 26.4 nm. The as‐synthesized AgNPs were stable at least 16 weeks of storage, indicating that p‐hydroxybenzoic acid did not only act as a reducing agent but also play a role as a capping agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, several subsynchronous control interaction (SSCI) incidents have been reported in various large-scale grid-interfaced doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind farms. The subsynchronous oscillation caused by the SSCI endangers the safe and reliable operation of wind power systems. The DFIG's converter controls play a crucial role in such interactions; therefore, several SSCI mitigation schemes have been reported, which modify the DFIG's converter controls to stabilize the subsynchronous oscillation caused by the SSCI. However, the effectiveness of such converter control modifications has not been verified through laboratory or field experiments. This paper considers a practical rotor-side subsynchronous damping controller (RSDC) and fills the gap by first validating the RSDC's performance through controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) simulations, and then implementing it in a real-world DFIG connected to a series compensated line. The RSDC fundamentally reshapes the effective impedance of the DFIG to stabilize the subsynchronous oscillation. The CHIL simulations, as well as the field tests, successfully validated the RSDC's ability to suppress the SSCI. The results enhanced the practical confidence of the SSCI mitigation strategy based on RSC's converter control modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing statistical training into undergraduate or postgraduate chemistry courses can provide high-impact learning experiences for students. However, the opportunity to reinforce this training with a combined laboratory practical can significantly enhance learning outcomes by providing a practical bolstering of the concepts. This paper outlines a flow chemistry laboratory practical for integrating design of experiments optimisation techniques into an organic chemistry laboratory session in which students construct a simple flow reactor and perform a structured series of experiments followed by computational processing and analysis of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous flow chemistry is undergoing rapid growth and adoption within the pharmaceutical industry due to its ability to rapidly translate chemical discoveries from medicinal chemistry laboratories into process laboratories. Its growing significance means that it is imperative that flow chemistry is taught and experienced by both undergraduate and postgraduate synthetic chemists. However, whilst flow chemistry has been incorporated by industry, there remains a distinct lack of practical training and knowledge at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A key challenge associated with its implementation is the high cost (>$25,000) of the system's themselves, which is far beyond the financial reach of most universities and research groups, meaning that this key technology remains open to only a few groups and that its associated training remains a theoretical rather than a practical subject. In order to increase access to flow chemistry, we sought to design and develop a small-footprint, low-cost and portable continuous flow system that could be used to teach flow chemistry, but that could also be used by research groups looking to transition to continuous flow chemistry. A key element of its utility focusses on its 3D printed nature, as low-cost reactors could be readily incorporated and modified to suit differing needs and educational requirements. In this paper, we demonstrate the system's flexibility using reactors and mixing chips designed and 3D printed by an undergraduate project student (N.T.) and show how the flexibility of the system allows the investigation of differing flow paths on the same continuous flow system in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New chemistry, the chemistry of the 20th century, developed through four revolutions (instrumental, theoretical, biological, and informational). This development was also evident in Croatia, especially after WWII, when many young Croatian chemists had been educated at British, American, but also Russian universities. This led to the clash of old, traditional (K. Balenović), and young, modern chemists (M. Randić, N. Trinajstić), who introduced theoretical (computational), quantum, and mathematical chemistry in Croatia. There were two aspects of the clash. The first was fundamental; traditional chemists were unable to comprehend chemical research without a chemical laboratory. The second, pragmatic aspect of the clash, materialized in scientometrics, i.e. discussions about the value of chemical research in terms of the number of published papers. Theoretical chemists, namely, published much more than their colleagues engaged in laboratory practice, mostly because of scarce resources and bad organization of scientific research in communist Yugoslavia (1945–1991). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the chemistry laboratory in the digital culture era as an active methodology in the learning process. The human development phases according to Piaget and Vygotsky are described in association with the age-related knowledge on reagents and equipment required for high schoolers' use of the school laboratory. The bibliographical methodology of exploratory nature used in this study will enable its continuation using 1990's Brazilian High School guidelines for chemistry laboratory and active methodologies, a popular issue in education. The results show that the mobilization of concepts and the collective discussions during a laboratory experiment enable students as active subjects not only on the matters of chemistry but as well as in ethics and social responsibility issues. So, the chemistry laboratory must be considered as an active learning methodology for raising ethical citizens committed to the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]