FUNNet:a novel biologically-inspired routing algorithm based on fungi

Future data communication networks show three emerging trends: increasing size of networks, increasing traffic volumes and dynamic network topologies. Efficient network management solutions are required that are scalable, can cope with large, and increasing, traffic volumes and provide decentralised and adaptive routing strategies that cope with the dynamics of the network topology. Routing strategies are an important aspect of network management as they have a significant influence on the overall network performance. This paper introduces the preliminary studies for FUNNet, a new routing algorithm inspired by the kingdom of Fungi. Fungi form robust, resilient and responsive networks and these networks change topology as a consequence of changes in local conditions. Fungi are capable of expanding in size as they self-regulate and optimise the balance between exploration and exploitation which is dependent on the transport of the internal resource, i.e. ‘traffic’, within the network. FUNNet exploits the biological processes that are responsible for simulating fungal networks in a bio-inspired routing protocol. The initial results are positive and suggest that fungal metaphors can improve network management, although further evaluation of more complex scenarios is required

Exploring social influences on the joint Simon task: empathy and friendship

Tasks for which people must act together to achieve a goal are a feature of daily life. The present study explored social influences on joint action using a Simon procedure for which participants (n=44) were confronted with a series of images of hands and asked to respond via button press whenever the index finger wore a ring of a certain color (red or green) regardless of pointing direction (left or right). In an initial joint condition they performed the task while sitting next to another person (friend or stranger) who responded to the other color. In a subsequent individual condition they repeated the task on their own; additionally, they completed self-report tests of empathy. Consistent with past research, participants reacted more quickly when the finger pointed toward them rather than their co-actor(the Simon Effect or SE). The effect remained robust when the co-actor was no longer present and was unaffected by degree of acquaintance; however,its magnitude was correlated positively with empathy only among friends. For friends, the SE was predicted by cognitive perspective taking when the co-actor was present and by propensity for fantasizing when the co-actor was absent. We discuss these findings in relation to social accounts (e.g., task co-representation) and non-social accounts (e.g.,referential coding) of joint action

Optimisation of Fe3O4 thin films and nanostructures for atom trapping applications

Thin films and nanostructures of Fe3O4 have been investigated and analysed with the aim of being used for an exciting application where the stray magnetic field from domain walls in nanowires are used to trap ultra-cold atoms. In this thesis, polycrystalline Fe3O4 thin films have been successfully grown on Si using reactive dc magnetron sputtering from a Fe target. It has been shown that by using different growth temperatures produces different iron oxide phases. Fe3O4 was grown at substrate temperatures of 200 – 500 ºC with a mixed iron oxide phase of Fe3O4 & α-Fe2O3 produced at RT & 100 ºC. In contrast to the polycrystalline, granular films on Si, Fe3O4 thin films grown on MgO (100) have been shown to be textured with a smooth surface. However, multiple different surface morphologies have been found for the Fe3O4/MgO films. The coercivity of the Fe3O4 films has a negative trend with the film thickness for both substrates, whereas the grain size (Fe3O4/Si) has a positive trend with both film thickness and growth temperature. Following an annealing treatment of Fe3O4 thin films at 250 ºC the composition of the film was altered to become a mixed iron oxide of Fe3O4 & γ-Fe2O3. Dramatic changes in coercivity have been observed, with a large increase seen for the films on Si and negligible change seen for the films on MgO. However, a significant decrease in coercivity has been seen for a smooth film on MgO and the increase in coercivity on Si is dependent on the presence of Fe3O4 regions amongst the mixed iron oxide. Nanostructures of Fe3O4 were created from thin films on Si & MgO, with the nanorings remaining in a saturated state after an in-plane magnetic field is removed. Applying a small negative field to the nanorings on MgO produces a magnetic structure similar to that seen in nanostructures with a 4-fold magnetocrystalline anisotropy

The comparison in the rate of learning of colorful and abstract words in grade two

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

APECS’ Online Conference, Virtual Posters and Webinars to the World

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is a multidisciplinary, international organization dedicated to maintaining a network of early career researchers (ECRs) and professionals (ECPs) to share ideas, develop collaborative research directions, provide opportunities for career development, and promote education and outreach as an integral component of Polar research. Science outreach is one of APECS’ key objectives and we have found that online media is a powerful tool for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) knowledge transfer. We introduce the use of online presentations as a platform for communication, education, and networking. APECS’ Online Conference, virtual posters, and webinar series provide case studies to examine how online technology bridges geographic and disciplinary boundaries. APECS’ Online Conference allows ECRs and ECPs to present their research to an interactive, online room of viewers. The third iteration of this annual event (March 2017) appealed to science communicators with the theme: “Outside the Box: encouraging alternative solutions for undertaking and communicating polar research”. Virtual poster sessions have allowed members to share work on an array of topics, from whaling and tourism to showcasing studies affiliated with specific national research programs. Webinars have covered a variety of skills-based and scientific topics, with invited speakers addressing everything from writing grant proposals to eco-cultural communication. Each presentation is recorded and saved on APECS’ website as a free resource. ECRs, ECPs, and APECS mentors from around the world attend our events, promoting diversity in networking and helping steer the Arctic community in positive directions. We will provide examples of connections fostered by and benefits of online events, including easier dissemination of ideas across geographically distant regions and minimal cost. While this presentation focuses on APECS’ experiences, we will highlight how innovative communication promotes international cooperation and offer suggestions on how to incorporate similar elements into other outreach programs

APECS as an Arctic Stakeholder: Training Future Leadership of the Polar Research Community

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is an international, interdisciplinary NGO for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early career professionals, educators, and others interested in polar regions and the wider cryosphere. The existence of APECS as a stakeholder is fundamental towards developing diverse future leadership in the Arctic community. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017, APECS has grown from a small group established during the 2007/08 International Polar Year (IPY) to a global community of more than 2,300 actively-engaged early career researchers (ECRs) and professionals (ECPs) interested in the polar regions, from over 60 countries; within the last decade, more than 7,500 individuals joined our network during the early stages of their careers. APECS creates opportunities for innovative collaborations and information exchange amongst ECRs and established professionals, thereby helping to recruit, retain, increase cooperation amongst, and promote future polar experts. APECS works with polar organizations to enable skilled early career representatives to contribute to their goals and projects, including the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and the Arctic Council Working Groups ‘Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme’ (AMAP) and ‘Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna’ (CAFF). In these capacities, APECS members contribute to the scientific activities of the working groups, synthesizing research to identify and address areas of concern to Arctic ecosystems, communities, and Arctic residents. This presentation discusses how APECS contributes to training future leadership in the Arctic community and how members influence polar science and policy. We highlight how APECS updates activities to reflect scientific, policy, and environmental challenges in order to provide the most relevant resources to our members. Early engagement of ECRs and ECPs develops a workforce more adept to bridging the divide between scientific research and sustainable development in the Arctic and, therefore, is an investment in the future of the Arctic

ADAM‐10 is overexpressed in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue and mediates angiogenesis

Objective To examine the expression of ADAM‐10 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue (ST) and the role it plays in angiogenesis. Methods ADAM‐10 expression was determined using immunohistology, Western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In order to examine the role of ADAM‐10 in angiogenesis, we performed in vitro Matrigel tube formation and chemotaxis assays using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) transfected with control or ADAM‐10 small interfering RNA (siRNA). To determine whether ADAM‐10 plays a role in angiogenesis in the context of RA, we performed Matrigel assays using a coculture system of HMVECs and RA synovial fibroblasts. Results Endothelial cells and lining cells within RA ST expressed high levels of ADAM‐10 compared with cells within osteoarthritis ST and normal ST. ADAM‐10 expression was significantly elevated at the protein and messenger RNA levels in HMVECs and RA synovial fibroblasts stimulated with proinflammatory mediators compared with unstimulated cells. ADAM‐10 siRNA–treated HMVECs had decreased endothelial cell tube formation and migration compared with control siRNA–treated HMVECs. In addition, ADAM‐10 siRNA–treated HMVECs from the RA synovial fibroblast coculture system had decreased endothelial cell tube formation compared with control siRNA–treated HMVECs. Conclusion These data show that ADAM‐10 is overexpressed in RA and suggest that ADAM‐10 may play a role in RA angiogenesis. ADAM‐10 may be a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory angiogenic diseases such as RA.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/94711/1/37755_ftp.pd