Learning is enhanced by tailoring instruction to individual genetic differences.

It is widely argued that personalized instruction based on individual differences in learning styles or genetic predispositions could improve learning outcomes. However, this proposition has resisted clear demonstration in human studies, where it is difficult to control experience and quantify outcomes. Here, we take advantage of the tractable nature of vocal learning in songbirds (Lonchura striata domestica) to test the idea that matching instruction to individual genetic predispositions can enhance learning. We use both cross-fostering and computerized instruction with synthetic songs to demonstrate that matching the tutor song to individual predispositions can improve learning across genetic backgrounds. Moreover, we find that optimizing instruction in this fashion can equalize learning differences across individuals that might otherwise be construed as genetically determined. Our results demonstrate potent, synergistic interactions between experience and genetics in shaping song, and indicate the likely importance of such interactions for other complex learned behaviors

Python game design for children: Games and programming resources

This project is focused on helping middle and high school students learn how to program and think computationally. We are creating a set of resources that will be used by the students to understand programming, Python, and PyGames concepts. These resources will be used for teaching the two one-week summer camps through Clemson University\u27s Pre-Collegiate programs in June and July 2014. This camp has been offered at Georgia Tech and Clemson University for two summers using a drag and drop visual programming language to help students create games. The instructors have found that the camp attendees do not find the visual programming language to be challenging enough. Thus, we are designing curricula to teach introductory computing concepts with the Python and PyGames programming languages in a fun and creative way and to give students the opportunity to learn to design and program their own games. We are also designing and creating our own games as a way to learn the language and have examples for the kids in the camp to build upon. This project was initiated this semester and we will pilot resources this summer during the two weeks of camp. We will showcase the initial games and resources created for this project

Books

Technology in blood transfusion Clinical Haemotology. Vol. 3 No. 2. Blood Transfusion: The Impact of New Technologies. Ed. by Marcela Contreras. pp. x + 482. illustrated. R22,SO. Kent: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1990.Oncology International Classification of Diseases for Oncology. 2nd ed. Ed. By C. Percy, V. van Holten and C. Muir. pp. xiv + 144. Geneva: WHO. 1990.Chronic fatigue syndrome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Stnlggle for Health. Ed. by Jay A. Goldstein. pp. xiv + 177. illustrated. Beverley Hills: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Institute. 1990. Respiratory medicineRespiratory Medicine. Ed. by R. A. L. Brewis, G. J. Gibson and D. M. Geddes. pp. xxi + 1559. illustrated. R85. London: Bailliere, Tindall. 1990.Cardiac hypertrophy and failure Research in Cardiac Hypertrophy and Failure. Ed. by B. Swynghedauw. pp. xvi + 696. illustrated. £65. London: John Libbey. 1990.Reconstructive surgery in gynaecology Reconstructive Surgery in Gynaecology. Red. deur P. G. Knapstein, V. Friedberg and B-U. Sevin. pp. xii + 281. illustrated. DM 298. Smttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag. 1990.Menslike anatomie Basiese Menslike Anatomie. Red. deur Linda de Jager. pp. 204, illustrated. Wetton: Juta. 1990. GIFT: from basics to clinics GIFr: From Basics to Clinics. Red. deur G. L. Capitanio, R. H. Asch, L. de Cecco and S. Croce. New York: Serono Symposia Publications from Raven Press.Environmental health Environmental Health Criteria. No. 88: Polychlorinated Dibenzopara-dioxins and Dibenzofurans. pp. 409. illustrated. Geneva: WHO. 1989.Genetic engineering Reshaping Life: Key Issues in Genetic Engineering. 2nd ed. Ed. by G. J. V. Nossal and Ross L. Coppel. pp. xii + 179. Australia: Cambridge University Press. 1989.Doctor-patient communication Talking With Patients: A Basic Clinical skin. Ed. by Philip R. Myerscough. pp. I + 148. illustrated. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1989.

A vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement improves measures of bone health in sarcopenic non-malnourished older adults: The PROVIDE study

Alterations in musculoskeletal health with advanced age contribute to sarcopenia and decline in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength. This decline may be modifiable via dietary supplementation. To test the hypothesis that a specific oral nutritional supplement can result in improvements in measures of bone health. Participants (n 380) were participants of the PROVIDE study, a 13-week, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, 2 parallel-group study among non-malnourished older participants (≥ 65 years) with sarcopenia [determined by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0-12) scores between 4 and 9, and a low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; skeletal muscle mass/BW × 100) ≤ 37% in men and ≤ 28% in women using bioelectric impedance analysis] Supplementation of a vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein drink that comprises a full range of micronutrients (active; 2/day) was compared with an iso-caloric control. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin; OC, procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide; P1NP) and resorption (carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks; CTX), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and total-body BMD were analysed pre- and post-intervention. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 51.1 ± 22.9 nmol/L (mean ± SD) to 78.9 ± 21.1 nmol/L in the active group (p < 0.001 vs. control). Serum PTH showed a significant treatment difference (p < 0.001) with a decline in the active group, and increase in the control group. Serum IGF-1 increased in the active group (p < 0.001 vs. control). Serum CTX showed a greater decline in the active group (p = 0.001 vs. control). There were no significant differences in serum OC or P1NP between groups during the intervention. Total body BMD showed a small (0.02 g/cm2; ~ 2%) but significant increase in the active group after supplementation (p = 0.033 vs. control). Consuming a vitamin D, calcium and leucine-enriched whey protein supplement for 13 weeks improved 25(OH)D, suppressed PTH and had small but positive effects on BMD, indicative of improved bone health, in sarcopenic non-malnourished older adults

Handgrip performance in relation to self-perceived fatigue, physical functioning and circulating IL-6 in elderly persons without inflammation

BACKGROUND: Low grip strength is recognized as one of the characteristics of frailty, as are systemic inflammation and the sensation of fatigue. Contrary to maximal grip strength, the physical resistance of the muscles to fatigue is not often included in the clinical evaluation of elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate if the grip strength and the resistance of the handgrip muscles to fatigue are related to self-perceived fatigue, physical functioning and circulating IL-6 in independently living elderly persons. METHODS: Forty elderly subjects (15 female and 25 male, mean age 75 ± 5 years) were assessed for maximal grip strength, as well as for fatigue resistance and grip work (respectively time and work delivered until grip strength drops to 50% of its maximum during sustained contraction), self perceived fatigue (VAS-Fatigue, Mob-Tiredness scale and the energy & fatigue items of the WHOQOL-100), self rated physical functioning (domain of physical functioning on the MOS short-form) and circulating IL-6. Relationships between handgrip performance and the other outcome measures were assessed. RESULTS: In the male participants, fatigue resistance was negatively related to actual sensation of fatigue (VAS-F, p < .05) and positively to circulating IL-6 (p < .05). When corrected for body weight, the relations of fatigue resistance with self-perceived fatigue became stronger and also apparent in the female. Grip strength and grip work were significantly related with several items of self-perceived fatigue and with physical functioning. These relations became more visible by means of higher correlation coefficients when grip strength and grip work were corrected for body weight. CONCLUSION: Well functioning elderly subjects presenting less handmuscle fatigue resistance and weaker grip strength are more fatigued, experience more tiredness during daily activities and are more bothered by fatigue sensations. Body weight seems to play an important role in the relation of muscle performance to fatigue perception. Elderly patients complaining from fatigue should be physically assessed, both evaluating maximal grip strength and fatigue resistance, allowing the calculation of grip work, which integrates both parameters. Grip work might best reflect the functional capacity resulting from the development of a certain strength level in relation to the time it can be maintained

Lessons learnt from case studies : TOOLBOX OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCES AND GOOD PRACTICES. Outcome of the TRACKs project

The project Transition Children and Kindergarten (TRACKs) is funded by the Erasmus+ European program and it is carried out in partnership with different institutions in three partner countries: Poland, Italy and Belgium. The University institutions are the Jagiellonian University of Krakow in Poland, the University of Bologna in Italy, and the University of Ghent in Belgium. Other local educational organizations collaborating are Artevelde University College in Belgium, the Komensky Institute in Poland, and the Cooperativa Assistenza Disabili Infermi Anziani Infanzia (CADIAI) in Italy. The purpose of our project is to focus on the voices of practitioners \u2013 such as Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals currently working with children aged 1 to 6 years old \u2013 and future ECEC professionals, such as early years educators and pre-school teachers still in training. The project\u2019s foundation rests on the dynamic exchange of knowledge and practice between the two target groups in the three countries involved in the project. This transnational exchange between the ECEC professionals across the three European Member States is intended to improve quality of learning, assuming that the international contexts can feed into each other, exchange solutions and practices and respond to shared challenges. A further essential purpose of the project is providing high quality learning opportunities and nurturing environments for all children, especially those coming from multiply marginalized backgrounds, and those that are experiencing social inequalities, poverty and racism. Drawing on the method of video-coaching and video-analysis, the project encourages high-quality interaction of ECEC professionals with children (Fukkink &amp; Lont, 2007; Fukkink &amp; Tavecchio, 2010; Fukkink, Trienekens &amp; Kramer, 2010). The research teams and professionals from the different countries observe the video recordings collectively, or in one-to-one sessions, and reflect on the interactions between professionals and children and among children. This report will shed light on the contextual conditions where such tools and methods were implemented and how. The purpose is to show how the video-coaching methodology can be implemented in different ways in relation to diverse contexts (\u2018no one model fits all\u2019). This will also facilitate reflection by trainers/pedagogical leaders/coordinators who might want to use this methodology in their services/with their teams on how to develop context-appropriate procedures and tools that make it relevant to the settings/professionals within which/with whom they are working

Assessing and augmenting SCADA cyber security: a survey of techniques

SCADA systems monitor and control critical infrastructures of national importance such as power generation and distribution, water supply, transportation networks, and manufacturing facilities. The pervasiveness, miniaturisations and declining costs of internet connectivity have transformed these systems from strictly isolated to highly interconnected networks. The connectivity provides immense benefits such as reliability, scalability and remote connectivity, but at the same time exposes an otherwise isolated and secure system, to global cyber security threats. This inevitable transformation to highly connected systems thus necessitates effective security safeguards to be in place as any compromise or downtime of SCADA systems can have severe economic, safety and security ramifications. One way to ensure vital asset protection is to adopt a viewpoint similar to an attacker to determine weaknesses and loopholes in defences. Such mind sets help to identify and fix potential breaches before their exploitation. This paper surveys tools and techniques to uncover SCADA system vulnerabilities. A comprehensive review of the selected approaches is provided along with their applicability