Intelligent Management and Efficient Operation of Big Data

This chapter details how Big Data can be used and implemented in networking and computing infrastructures. Specifically, it addresses three main aspects: the timely extraction of relevant knowledge from heterogeneous, and very often unstructured large data sources, the enhancement on the performance of processing and networking (cloud) infrastructures that are the most important foundational pillars of Big Data applications or services, and novel ways to efficiently manage network infrastructures with high-level composed policies for supporting the transmission of large amounts of data with distinct requisites (video vs. non-video). A case study involving an intelligent management solution to route data traffic with diverse requirements in a wide area Internet Exchange Point is presented, discussed in the context of Big Data, and evaluated.Comment: In book Handbook of Research on Trends and Future Directions in Big Data and Web Intelligence, IGI Global, 201

Structure and tectonics of the crust and Moho discontinuity of the Gloria Fault and Terceira Rift (S. Miguel) along the Nubia-Eurasia plate boundary

The crustal structure of two ~150 km long segments across two main tectonic plate boundaries in the North Atlantic, the Gloria Fault and the Terceira Rift are presented. The Gloria Fault stands as a seismogenic fracture zone that generates high magnitude earthquakes, such as the M8.4 event in 1941. Vp and Vs waves were recorded during an active seismic refraction experiment using 18 Ocean Bottom Stations. The velocity model allows discrimination of five layers (L1 to L5), L1 for sediments, L2 for upper crust, L3 for lower crust, L4 for a layer of unknown origin and L5 for mantle. Poisson coefficient from Vp/Vs ratio allowed estimation of layers’ densities. We speculate on L4 origin and nature from velocities and densities. Two possible models, L4 corresponds to a mixture of gabbro and peridotite or to hydrated mantle (serpentinized mantle). The Terceira Rift seismic refraction line comprehends data from the S. Miguel Island. Velocities of S waves were not recorded. The model is based in Vp only. A five layer model is proposed, L1 for volcano-sedimentary layer, L2 for upper crust, L3 for lower crust and L5 for the mantle. L4 between L3 and L5 has a lensoid shape and its velocities suggest either a cumulate gabbro underplated layer or hydrated mantle. A south dipping extensional shear zone aligned with the Monaco Graben was identified from the brittle upper crust and across the lower crust, L4 and mantle. This shear zone coincides with a cluster of seismicity located to the south of S. Miguel Island. To the north of S. Miguel seismicity is barely inexistent and a 20 km long recent landslide with a toe thrust is clearly imaged, suggesting northward tilting of the island caused by the extensional shear zone, the south flank of the Terceira Rift.German Research Foundation, DFG, grant Hu698/19-

La atención de los estudiantes durante la clase de educación física basada en el rendimiento académico

Attention is an important variable that can dictate the success and failure of an activity or task. This variable is characterized by the ability to direct cognitive resources to a given situation. The purpose of this research was to find patterns in the students’ attention profiles, according to their academic achievement, during the physical education class and in different sports. We used the ATEST-EF questionnaire (Petrica, 2010) in which students had to answer the question «What were you thinking the moment you heard the signal?» The study involved 156 students from the 3th cycle of basic education, aged between 12 and 16 years old ( = 14,7 ± 1,3) evaluated in four different sports taught in the discipline of physical education (athletics, gymnastics, basketball and football), and in four moments of the class. Considering our variables, we used Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. The results show that task attendance holdsthehighestpercentagevalues throughouttheclassinrelationtotheremainingcategories,regardlessoftheiracademicperformance and sport, but we observed that students with satisfactory and good academic performance have more stable values of attention regarding the students with less academic performance. We found statistical significance at the end of the class between students with good academic performance and affective attention, and among students with lower academic performance and attention to other things. Subsequently, we used the same classification to compare the profiles of attention among the four mentioned sports. We observed some patterns between team and individual sports, but did not find statistically differences, however the results suggest a positive relationship between attention and academic performance.La atención es una variable importante que puede dictar el éxito y el fracaso de una actividad o tarea. Esta variable se caracteriza por la capacidad de dirigir recursos cognitivos a una situación dada. El propósito de esta investigación fue encontrar patrones en los perfiles de atención de los estudiantes, de acuerdo con sus logros académicos, durante la clase de educación física y en diferentes deportes. Utilizamos el cuestionario ATEST-EF (Petrica, 2010) en el que los estudiantes tenían que responder la pregunta «Qué estaba pensando en el momento en que escuchó la señal?» En el estudio participaron 156 estudiantes del tercer ciclo de educación básica, con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 16 años (= 14,7 ± 1,3) evaluados en cuatro deportes diferentes que se imparten en la disciplina de educación física (atletismo, gimnasia, baloncesto y fútbol), y en cuatro momentos de la clase. Considerando nuestras variables, utilizamos las pruebas estadísticas Chi-Square y Kruskal-Wallis. Los resultados muestran que la asistencia a las tareas tiene los valores porcentuales más altos en toda la clase en relación con las categorías restantes, independientemente de su rendimiento académico y deporte, pero observamos que los estudiantes con un rendimiento académico satisfactorio y bueno tienen valores de atención más estables con respecto a los estudiantes con Menos rendimiento académico. Encontramos significación estadística al final de la clase entre estudiantes con buen rendimiento académico y atención afectiva, y entre estudiantes con bajo rendimiento académico y atención a otras cosas. Posteriormente, utilizamos la misma clasificación para comparar los perfiles de atención entre los cuatro deportes mencionados. Observamos algunos patrones entre el equipo y los deportes individuales, pero no encontramos diferencias estadísticas, sin embargo, los resultados sugieren una relación positiva entre la atención y el rendimiento académico.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Análise fatorial confirmatória da versão portuguesa da escala multidimensional de perfecionismo de Frost

This study aimed to analyse the psychometric properties and dimensionality of the Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Frost Perfectionism (FMPS) using the confirmatory factor analysis. The sample consisted of 832 high school and college students (65.0% female) with a mean age of 19.5. The adjustment indexes of confirmatory factor analysis permitted to consider the multidimensional model of six factors the best representation of the data, replicating the original solution. The results showed good reliability and appropriate validity. The internal consistency of the scale presented satisfactory coefficients (Cronbach's alpha=.853). The test-retest method suggested a good temporal stability of the scale (r=.779). Globally the FMPS is a reliable and validated instrument for the study of perfectionism in Portugal.Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as propriedades psicométricas e a dimensionalidade da versão portuguesa da Escala Multidimensional de Perfecionismo de Frost (FMPS) recorrendo à análise fatorial confirmatória. A amostra foi constituída por 832 estudantes do ensino secundário e universitário (65.0% do sexo feminino), com uma média de idades de 19.5 anos. Os índices de ajustamento da análise fatorial confirmatória permitiram considerar o modelo multidimensional de seis fatores a melhor representação dos dados, replicando a solução original. Os resultados mostraram boas propriedades psicométricas. A consistência interna da escala apresentou coeficientes bastante satisfatórios (alfa de Cronbach=.853). O método teste-reteste sugeriu uma boa estabilidade temporal da escala (r=.779). Globalmente a FMPS é um instrumento fiável e validado para o estudo do perfecionismo em Portugal

p53 mediates failure of human definitive hematopoiesis in dyskeratosis congenita

Summary: Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a bone marrow failure syndrome associated with telomere dysfunction. The progression and molecular determinants of hematopoietic failure in DC remain poorly understood. Here, we use the directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells harboring clinically relevant mutations in telomerase to understand the consequences of DC-associated mutations on the primitive and definitive hematopoietic programs. Interestingly, telomere shortening does not broadly impair hematopoiesis, as primitive hematopoiesis is not impaired in DC cells. In contrast, while phenotypic definitive hemogenic endothelium is specified, the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition is impaired in cells with shortened telomeres. This failure is caused by DNA damage accrual and is mediated by p53 stabilization. These observations indicate that detrimental effects of telomere shortening in the hematopoietic system are specific to the definitive hematopoietic lineages. This work illustrates how telomere dysfunction impairs hematopoietic development and creates a robust platform for therapeutic discovery for treatment of DC patients. : By directly assessing primitive or definitive hematopoiesis derived from telomerase-mutant hESCs, Batista and colleagues show that telomere shortening specifically impairs definitive hematopoietic potential, while primitive hematopoiesis is instead enhanced. This system offers the unprecedented capability to study hematopoietic failure and suggests that bone marrow failure in DC patients is reversible. Keywords: embryonic stem cells, hematopoiesis, bone marrow failure, telomerase, dyskeratosis congenita, disease modeling, telomeres, telomere damag

Large Geographical Area Aerial Surveillance Systems Data Network Infrastructure Managed by Artificial Intelligence and Certified Over Blockchain: a Review

This paper proposes an aerial data network infrastructure for large geographical area surveillance systems. The work presents a review of previous works from the authors, existing technologies in the market and other scientific work, with the goal of creating a data network supported by Autonomous Tethered Aerostat Airships used for sensor fixing, drones deployment base and meshed data network nodes installation. The proposed approach for data network infrastructure supports several independent and heterogeneous services from independent, private and public companies. The presented solution employs Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for autonomous infrastructure management. The Edge AI used in the presented solution enables the AI management solution to work without the need of a permanent connection to cloud services and is constantly feed by the locally generated sensor data. These systems interact with other network AI services to accomplish coordinated tasks. Blockchain technology services are deployed to ensure secure and auditable decisions and operations, validated by the different involved ledgers

Telomere Uncapping, Chromosomes, and Carcinomas

SummaryData from mouse models and from human cancers have supported the idea that telomere shortening leads to chromosomal instability and epithelial carcinogenesis. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Else et al. demonstrate that telomere uncapping—altering a protein that protects chromosome ends without shortening telomeres—also results in epithelial cancers

Production of a new gluten-free bread and comparison with a regular wheat bread

O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliação das caraterísticas físico-químicas e sensoriais de um novo pão sem glutén (GFB), comparando-o com o pão de trigo usualmente consumido (RWB). O pão sem glutén foi produzido a partir de uma farinha de mistura de uma fábrica nacional. Foram avaliadas a atividade da água (aw), o teor de humidade e de glutén, a textura, cor, densidade e as caraterísticas alvéolares, bem como as caraterísticas sensoriais. Existiram algumas diferenças entre o GFB e o RWB, principalmente na densidade, na elasticidade, na mastigabilidade, e também nas características alvéolares. No entanto, as coordenadas da cor, a humidade e a aw apresentam resultados semelhantes para ambos os pães avaliados. Os resultados da análise sensorial mostraram algumas diferenças, principalmente na textura e no flavour. A avaliação global foi a mesma para os dois pães, 5.6 pontos, sendo um resultado promissor. Foi também avaliada a estabilidade das caraterísticas dos pães entre diferentes lotes, tendo sido avaliados 4 lotes independentes de GFB. De um modo geral, e considerando só as propriedades avaliadas, pode dizer-se que o GFB apresentou bons resultados e promissores. Deste modo, a farinha usada pela empresa Portuguesa é adequada para a produção de GFB, originando um pão com qualidade, com benefícios para a saúde.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The impact of the Programa Bolsa Família on grade repetition: Results from the single registry, attendance project and school census

This text attempts to estimate the impacts of the Programa Bolsa Família on grade repetition, using matched data from the Single Registry (Cadastro Único, or CadÚnico), the Attendance Project and annual School Census. The authors use three approaches: i) comparing the results for poor children in the CadÚnico with and without the benefit; ii) estimating the treatment effect; and iii) estimating the impact of the percentage of beneficiary children in a given school on the average repetition level within the school. The results are far from impressive but do show a drop in the probability of grade repetition