A fat-tissue sensor couples growth to oxygen availability by remotely controlling insulin secretion

The mechanisms by which organisms adapt their growth according to the availability of oxygen are incompletely understood. Here the authors identify the D rosophila fat body as a tissue regulating growth in response to oxygen sensing via a mechanism involving Hph inhibition, HIF1-a activation and insulin secretion

A systematic review of the effects of exercise interventions on body composition in HIV+ adults

Over the years, physical activity and exercise have been used to positively impact the health and quality of life of persons infected with HIV and, more recently, has been associated with a spectrum of body composition changes. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of various exercise interventions on body composition in HIV positive adults, using a search strategy of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic review was performed by five independent reviewers using a predetermined protocol adapted from previous research for assessing the articles for inclusion, the extracted data, and methodological quality. Eight RCTs involving 430 (26% female) HIV positive adults performing exercise a minimum of thrice weekly for at least six weeks were finally selected: Four were progressive resistance training (PRT) studies, three were aerobic training (AT) studies, and one involved yoga. In the PRT studies, there were significant increases in three anthropometric measures, namely, body mass, sum of skinfolds and sum of limb girths. In the AT studies, significant decreases were found in seven anthropometric measures, namely, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body mass, triceps skinfold, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds. With yoga, the changes were nonsignificant. Exercise contributes to improved body composition and, when applied safely, appears to be beneficial for adults living with HIV/AIDS. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the relatively few RCTs published to date. Future studies would benefit from increased attention to sample size, female participants, participant follow-up, complete statistical analysis and intention-to-treat analysis.Scopu

E-portfolio: a practical tool for self-directed, reflective, and collaborative professional learning

This chapter discusses the role of an e-portfolio in professional learning and development. We begin by providing a better understanding of the concept of a portfolio by discussing its meaning, purpose and uses in different contexts as well as the role of technological innovations, which paves the way for new practices in developing portfolios. This is followed by a comprehensive discussion about the use of electronic portfolios in light of recent research in order to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using e-portfolios. Current research suggests that e-portfolios are practical tools for supporting self-directed and reflective learning. In addition, e-portfolios have the potential to support collaborative learning among learners who are interested in sharing their works and in gaining feedback. At the end of the chapter, we discuss an approach to designing professional learning and development plans, which serves as a guide fo

Digital storytelling for tertiary education in the era of digitization : construction and evaluation of two experiences

Globalization is everywhere. Demographic changes are visible and take more importance and pose new challenges. Technological developments are seen as a source for solutions as it is sometimes considered source of problems. The combination of these changes along with environmental changes is impacting all what man intends to do, it influences the societal environment, creates new demands and needs. Economic success and continuous growth are not the only key words. Sustainability, innovation and more specifically social innovation are the new key words. In order to get them it is required also to have what is today called the social entrepreneurship. Facing all these challenges requires a good preparation. Education and innovation in education are corner stones to redeem the skills’ gaps. The intention of the study is to present the changing environment as motivation and drive for change in the society and more specifically in the education, its methods and approaches. Once the drives clear the study describes two major trends as answers and opportunities, namely the smart cities and industry 4.0. In order to have a sustainable and efficient societal chapter the demand for social entrepreneurship and social innovation became a necessity. Further the issue of lack of skills required by the new technological and entrepreneurship advances is discussed showing the impact on the new conditions for education, mainly the tertiary and vocational. The combination of all the changes and the innovation leads to new demands in education forms as well as pedagogical approaches. The study will explain some of them before concentrating on one approach known as digital storytelling (DST). The explanation of DST will lead to the development of a framework. The framework was applied in two different ways in classes and then analyzed based on the free and anonymous feedback of the students. It showed the interest of the students for such teaching methods as part of a curriculum, whether for the simple case or for the more complex. The students were motivated to search more and interact with the presented topics. The positive evaluation of the students and some thoughts of the author after this practical experience open the door for some recommendations and improvements