The Effect of Blended Learning Instruction using Simplified Science Module on Students’ Academic Performance

In the new normal set-up, one of the ideal modes of teaching and learning used in the K-12 curriculum that is engaging and motivating is blended learning instruction. This study focused on the effect of blended learning instruction using simplified science module on the academic performance of Grade 11 students of Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trades (TTSAT) and Tawi-Tawi School of Fisheries (TTSF). This study made use of quasi-experimental design and had two sets of research instruments: the simplified science module used in blended learning instruction and the Pre-test and Post-test Questionnaire. The result revealed that there was an increase in the level of academic performance of students in both schools with blended learning instruction using simplified science module. It also revealed that blended learning instruction using simplified science module exhibits large effect in content standards such as Stellar Formation and Origin of Elements, Atomic Concept, and Chemical Reaction while medium effect on Properties of matter and Its Chemical Structure. There is a significant difference on the level of performance from pre-test to post-test of the said students in both schools. There is no significant difference on the extent of effect of blended learning instruction using simplified science module on the academic performance of the concerned students in both schools along the four content standards. Consequently, blended learning instruction using simplified science module is an effective way of engaging and motivating students to learn in both schools. Thus, schools should encourage teachers to engage students in blended learning instruction to achieve effective and meaningful learning

Rapid verification of terminators using the pGR-blue plasmid and golden gate assembly

The goal of this protocol is to allow for the rapid verification of bioinformatically identified terminators. Further, the plasmid (pGR-Blue) is designed specifically for this protocol and allows for the quantification of terminator efficiency. As a proof of concept, six terminators were bioinformatically identified in the mycobacteriophage Bernal13. Once identified, terminators were then made as oligonucleotides with the appropriate sticky ends and annealed together. Using Golden Gate Assembly (GGA), terminators were then cloned into pGR-Blue. Under visible light, false positive colonies appear blue and positively transformed colonies are white/yellow. After induction of an arabinose inducible promoter (pBad) with arabinose, colony strength can be determined by measuring the ratio of green fluorescent protein (GFP) produced to red fluorescent protein (RFP) produced. With pGR-Blue, the protocol can be completed in as little as three days and is ideal in an educational setting. Additionally, results show that this protocol is useful as a means for understanding in silico predictions of terminator efficiency related to the regulation of transcription

The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity edition 2023

Research est la quête par le biais de connaissances qui ont recours à l’étude, la réflexion, l’observation et l’expérimentation. Les différentes disciplines peuvent de développer la motivation pour accroître notre compréhension de nous-mêmes et du monde dans lequel nous vivons. Par conséquent, « The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity » s’applique à la recherche dans tous les domaines scientifiques et scolaires

Sodium Malonate Inhibits the AcrAB-TolC Multidrug Efflux Pump of Escherichia coli and Increases Antibiotic Efficacy

There is an urgent need to find novel treatments for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria. Multidrug efflux pumps that expel antibiotics out of cells are major contributors to this problem. Therefore, using efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) is a promising strategy to increase antibiotic efficacy. However, there are no EPIs currently approved for clinical use especially because of their toxicity. This study investigates sodium malonate, a natural, non-hazardous, small molecule, for its use as a novel EPI of AcrAB-TolC, the main multidrug efflux pump of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Using ethidium bromide accumulation experiments, we found that 25 mM sodium malonate inhibited efflux by the AcrAB-TolC and other MDR pumps of Escherichia coli to a similar degree than 50 μΜ phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide, a well-known EPI. Using minimum inhibitory concentration assays and molecular docking to study AcrB-ligand interactions, we found that sodium malonate increased the efficacy of ethidium bromide and the antibiotics minocycline, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin, possibly via binding to multiple AcrB locations, including the AcrB proximal binding pocket. In conclusion, sodium malonate is a newly discovered EPI that increases antibiotic efficacy. Our findings support the development of malonic acid/sodium malonate and its derivatives as promising EPIs for augmenting antibiotic efficacy when treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections

Teaching Undergraduate Students to Visualize and Communicate Public Health Data with Infographics

The purpose of this study was to explore the degree to which an infographic assignment facilitated student learning around health science issues, as well as the ways in which the assignment was an effective teaching tool. The objectives of the assignment were to (1) understand the purposes of and potential uses for infographics, (2) cultivate creative visual communication skills, and (3) disseminate a complex health topic to diverse audiences. The infographic assignment was developed at Montana State University and piloted at Portland State University. Students were assigned to small groups of three or four to create an infographic focused on a health science issue. The assignment was divided into four steps: brainstorming, developing, designing, and finalizing. Focus groups were conducted to assess how learning occurred throughout the assignment and identify any opportunities for modification of the assignment. This study was conducted with freshman students enrolled at Portland State University, a public university located in downtown Portland, OR, USA. Thirty four students completed the assignment and 31 students participated in one of three focus groups. Four themes emerged from focus groups: (1) Communicating Science-Related Topics to Non-experts, (2) Developing Professional Skills, (3) Understanding Health Issues, and (4) Overall Experience. This article outlines the assignment, discusses focus group results, and presents assignment modifications. It is clear that the infographic assignment facilitated learning about accessing and translating data. This assignment is ideally suited for use with diverse college-age audiences in health education and health promotion fields