Ambient Displays and Game Design Patterns

Kelle, S., Börner, D., Kalz, M., & Specht, M. (2010). Ambient Displays and Game Design Patterns. In M. Wolpers, P. A. Kirschner, M. Scheffel, S. Lindstädt, & V. Dimitrova (Eds.), Sustaining TEL: From Innovation to Learning and Practice, Proceedings of EC-TEL 2010 (pp. 512-517). LNCS 6383. Berlin, Heidelberg, & New York: Springer.In this paper we describe a social learning game we implemented to evaluate various means of ubiquitous learning support. Making use of game design patterns it was possible to implement information channels in such a way that we could simulate ubiquitous learning support in an authentic situation. The result is a prototype game in which one person is chosen randomly to become “Mister X”, and the other players have to find clues and strategies to find out who is the wanted person. In our scenario we used 3 different information channels to provide clues and compared them with respect to user appreciation and effectiveness.ICOPER, STELLA

Ambient Displays and Game Design Patterns for Social Learning

In this paper, we describe a social game we implemented to evaluate various means of learning support. Making use of game design patterns it was possible to implement respective information channels in such a way that we could simulate ubiquitous learning support in an authentic situation. The result is a prototype game in which the participants have to identify a wanted person. respective information channels in such a way that we could simulate ubiquitous learning support in an authentic situation. Th

Haplotyping, linkage mapping and expression analysis of barley genes regulated by terminal drought stress influencing seed quality

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The increasingly narrow genetic background characteristic of modern crop germplasm presents a challenge for the breeding of cultivars that require adaptation to the anticipated change in climate. Thus, high priority research aims at the identification of relevant allelic variation present both in the crop itself as well as in its progenitors. This study is based on the characterization of genetic variation in barley, with a view to enhancing its response to terminal drought stress.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The expression patterns of drought regulated genes were monitored during plant ontogeny, mapped and the location of these genes was incorporated into a comprehensive barley SNP linkage map. Haplotypes within a set of 17 starch biosynthesis/degradation genes were defined, and a particularly high level of haplotype variation was uncovered in the genes encoding sucrose synthase (types I and II) and starch synthase. The ability of a panel of 50 barley accessions to maintain grain starch content under terminal drought conditions was explored.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The linkage/expression map is an informative resource in the context of characterizing the response of barley to drought stress. The high level of haplotype variation among starch biosynthesis/degradation genes in the progenitors of cultivated barley shows that domestication and breeding have greatly eroded their allelic diversity in current elite cultivars. Prospective association analysis based on core drought-regulated genes may simplify the process of identifying favourable alleles, and help to understand the genetic basis of the response to terminal drought.</p

Lipid-DNAs as Solubilizers of mTHPC

Hydrophobic drug candidates require innovative formulation agents. We designed and synthesized lipidDNA polymers containing varying numbers of hydrophobic alkyl chains. The hydrophobicity of these amphiphiles is easily tunable by introducing a defined number of alkyl chain-modified nucleotides during standard solid-phase synthesis of DNA using an automated DNA synthesizer. We observed that the resulting self-assembled micelles solubilize the poorly water-soluble drug, meta-tetra-hydroxyphenyl-chlorin (mTHPC) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with high loading concentrations and loading capacities. A cell viability study showed that mTHPCloaded micelles exhibit good biocompatibility without irradiation, and high PDT efficacy upon irradiation. LipidDNAs provide a novel class of drug-delivery vehicle, and hybridization of DNA offers a potentially facile route for further functionalization of the drug-delivery system with, for instance, targeting or imaging moieties

Liquid Upper Stage Demonstrator Engine (LUMEN): Component Test Results and Project Progress

With the LUMEN (Liquid upper stage demonstrator engine) project, DLR is aiming to develop, build and operate a breadboard engine based on an expander bleed cycle scheme. The propellants for LUMEN will be liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid natural gas (LNG). LUMEN will be a modular breadboard engine to be used on DLR test benches such as the P8.3 test facility. The modular approach will make it easy to take the engine of the test bench, exchange components and go testing again. This way the demonstrator will provide a test bed for future component development. The cycle will feature two turbopumps in order to simplify the turbopump design, while on the same time allowing more freedom for an exchange of components. By this approach the DLR will create a test bed for component research on engine level, open to any industrial or institutional partner. There have been several test campaigns before final assembly can take place. The combustor tests included a calorimetric combustor to obtain the heat load distribution by the combustion of LOX and LNG which determines the cooling channel design of the thrust chamber assembly (TCA). After this campaign the newly manufactured regeneratively cooled TCA tests will take place which will determine the turbines drive power. This is a crucial step, since LUMEN is an expander bleed cycle engine and hence it relies solely on the heat pickup in the TCA cooling channels. In parallel to the combustor tests a turbopump test campaign with the OTP was performed with water on the pump side and pressurized nitrogen on the turbine side. The campaign has been completed successfully and the operational envelope of the OTP has been confirmed. After that a cryogenic test campaign took place at the DLR test bench P8.3. The OTP was installed in the same configuration as in the engine tests of LUMEN and it was run for the first time in cryogenic fluids. The test campaign was successful proving the operation of the OTP in LOX. Especially the unconventional oil lubrication system of the LUMEN OTP worked without an issue and as expected. The thermal design of the turbopump was verified and the operation procedures in cryogenic environment were tested and refined. The next and final step in turbopump development will be cryogenic tests of the FTP. When the combustor and turbopump tests are completed, final assembly of LUMEN will start with first tests on engine level expected to take place in 202