Digital Management of Competencies in Web 3.0: The C-Box® Approach

Management of competencies is a crucial concern for both learners and workers as well as for training institutions and companies. For the former, it allows users to track and certify the acquired skills to apply for positions; for the latter, it enables better organisation of business processes. However, currently, most software systems for competency management adopted by the industry are either organisation-centric or centralised: that is, they either lock-in students and employees wishing to export their competencies elsewhere, or they require users’ trust and for users to give up privacy (to store their personal data) while being prone to faults. In this paper, we propose a user-centric, fully decentralised competency management system enabling verifiable, secure, and robust management of competencies digitalised as Open Badges via notarization on a public blockchain. This way, whoever acquires the competence or achievement retains full control over it and can disclose his/her own digital certifications only when needed and to the extent required, migrate them across storage platforms, and let anyone verify the integrity and validity of such certifications independently of any centralised organisation. The proposed solution is based on C-Box®, an existing application for the management of digital competencies that has been improved to fully support models, standards, and technologies of the so-called Web 3.0 vision—a global effort by major web organisations to “give the web back to the people”, pushing for maximum decentralisation of control and user-centric data ownership

Effects of somatic cell count on the gross composition, protein fractions and mineral content of individual ewe’s milk

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of two somatic cell content (SCC) levels (<265,000 and >265,000 cells/ml) on ewe milk composition, protein fractions and mineral content. Samples were collected during two years, from three different ewe herds. Each herd was surveyed four times per year, one per season. For each survey more than 10 individual milk samples were collected during morning milking and analysed for SCC. On the basis of the results, two individual milk samples were selected: one from a sheep with low milk SCC (up to 265.000 cells/mL; LCC) and one from a sheep with high milk SCC (over 265,000 and less than 1,000,000 cells/mL; HCC). In one herd, it was not possible to collect the milk samples in summer. So, a total of 44 ewe milk samples (22 comparative pairs) were collected. On each milk sample, crude protein, crude whey protein, casein, casein number, non protein nitrogen x 6.38, true protein, true whey protein, fat, lactose, dry matter, ash, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and chloride were determined. Average SCC in LCC was 170,000 and 466,000 cells/ml in HCC milk. HCC milk had lower lactose (4.05 vs. 4.60 g/100 g), casein (3.91 vs. 4.28 g/100 g), phosphorus (131.31 vs. 138.81 mg/100 g), calcium (157.28 vs. 170.48 mg/100 g) and magnesium (14.59 vs. 15.30 mg/100 g) contents than LCC milk. Additionally, HCC milk had lower casein number (76.53 vs. 79.03%) and higher contents of true whey protein (1.00 vs. 0.92 g/100 g), ash (0.90 vs. 0.87 g/100 g) and chloride (103.57 vs. 93.17 mg/100 g) than LCC milk. Somatic cell content significantly affected ewe milk quality. As a result of the higher lactose, casein, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents, LCC milk was more suitable for cheese making than HCC milk.Key words: Ewe milk, milk quality, chemical composition, somatic cell content

Look What I Am Doing: Does Observational Learning Take Place in Evocative Task-Sharing Situations?

Two experiments were conducted to investigate whether physical and observational practice in task-sharing entail comparable implicit motor learning. To this end, the social-transfer-of-learning (SToL) effect was assessed when both participants performed the joint practice task (Experiment 1 \u2013 complete task-sharing), or when one participant observed the other performing half of the practice task (Experiment 2 \u2013 evocative task-sharing). Since the inversion of the spatial relations between responding agent and stimulus position has been shown to prevent SToL, in the present study we assessed it in both complete and evocative task-sharing conditions either when spatial relations were kept constant or changed from the practice to the transfer session. The same pattern of results was found for both complete and evocative task-sharing, thus suggesting that implicit motor learning in evocative task-sharing is equivalent to that obtained in complete task-sharing. We conclude that this motor learning originates from the simulation of the complementary (rather than the imitative) action

Protein kinase B/AKT isoform 2 drives migration of human mesenchymal stem cells.

This study was designed to investigate the migratory behavior of adult human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and the underlying mechanism. Cell migration was assessed by transwell, wound healing and time-lapse in vivo motility assays. Pharmacological inhibitors were used to determine the potential mechanism responsible for cell migration and invasion. The tests that were implemented revealed that MSC were fairly migratory. Protein kinase B (AKT) was strongly activated at the basal level. Through our analyses we demonstrated that pharmacological inactivation of AKT2 but not AKT1 significantly decreased cell migration and invasion. Although preliminary, collectively our results indicate that AKT2 activation plays a critical role in enabling MSC migration

Sala de recursos multifuncional: espaço educacional colaborativo para o ensino de língua portuguesa escrita

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma prática exitosa desenvolvida na Sala de Recursos Multifuncional para a aquisição da língua portuguesa de alunos com impedimento auditivo da rede regular de ensino. Ele visa caracterizar os caminhos traçados deste processo, bem como o desenvolvimento da escrita do aluno com impedimento auditivo, além de apresentar possibilidades para que o ensino seja alcançado de forma significativa. A metodologia utilizada foi uma pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa, descritiva e explicativa, a fim de exemplificar as possibilidades de estratégias de ensino sob a ótica metodológica bilíngue. Como resultado apresentamos práticas diferenciadas desenvolvidas em espaços formais e não formais, como visitas guiadas e o projeto “Sinal Verde para Todos”. Concluímos que as atividades aqui relatadas contribuíram para um ensino de qualidade e realizado de forma eficaz, principalmente porque respeitamos as conquistas linguísticas dos alunos. A inclusão dos discentes no ensino regular é um processo de extrema valia, pois é na diferença e na diversidade de corpos que todos tiveram a oportunidade de atingir o sentido de cidadania

PRNP P39L variant is a rare cause of frontotemporal dementia in Iialian population

The missense P39L variant in the prion protein gene (PRNP) has recently been associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we analyzed the presence of the P39L variant in 761 patients with FTD and 719 controls and found a single carrier among patients. The patient was a 67-year-old male, with a positive family history for dementia, who developed apathy, short term memory deficit, and postural instability at 66. Clinical and instrumental workup excluded prion disease. At MRI, bilateral frontal lobe atrophy was present. A diagnosis of FTD was made, with a mainly apathetic phenotype. The PRNP P39L mutation may be an extremely rare cause of FTD (0.13%)

Ryegrass biotypes resistant to iodosulfuron methyl-sodium herbicide and herbicides alternatives to the control

Sementes de biótipos suspeitos de resistência ao iodosulfurom foram coletadas em lavouras do Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brasil) objetivando identificar o nível de resistência, metabolismo, atividade da enzima ALS e herbicidas alternativos para o controle. O nível de resistência para os biótipos resistentes (Joi e Col) e suscetível foi avaliado com 13 doses do herbicida iodosulfurom (0 à 384 g i.a ha-1), aplicadas no estádio vegetativo de 3-4 folhas. A metabolização foi avaliada pela aplicação de malathion, inibidor das izoenzimas P450. Em laboratório foi avaliada a sensibilidade da ALS dos biótipos a diferentes concentrações do iodosulfurom (0 à 500 μM). Herbicidas alternativos para controle do azevém resistente foram avaliados em dois experimentos (herbicidas pré-emergentes ou pós-emergentes). De acordo com os resultados para controle equivalente dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses de iodosulfurom superior a 10 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes à quela necessária para o biótipo suscetível. Para a redução de 50% da MMSPA dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses 6 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes maiores do que as necessárias para o biótipo suscetível. A metabolização por inibição das P450 não é o mecanismo responsável pela resistência dos biótipos avaliados. A concentração de herbicida que reduz 50% da atividade da ALS do biótipo Col é semelhante ao Susc, no entanto, o biótipo Joi apresenta baixa inibição. Os herbicidas glifosato e cletodim apresentam-se como herbicidas alternativos para controle do biótipo resistente Col, resistente ao iodosulfurom, e o herbicida cletodim para o biótipo Joi. Na pré-emergência os herbicidas imazapir + imazapique, pendimentalina, clomazona, metribuzim, atrazina e S-metolacloro controlaram eficientemente os biótipos avaliados.Seeds biotypes suspected of resistance to iodosulfuron were collected in crops at Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brazil) state aiming to identify the resistance level, metabolism, ALS enzyme activity and alternative herbicides to control. Was evaluated resistance level of resistant (Joi and Col) and susceptible biotypes with thirteen increasing rate of the herbicide iodosulfuron (0 to 384 g ai ha-1), sprayed in the vegetative stage of 3-4 leaves. Was assessed the metabolizing by the application of malathion, an inhibitor of P450 izoenzimas. Was evaluated the sensitivity of the ALS enzyme from different biotypes to iodosulfuron concentrations (0 to 500 mM) in laboratory. Were evaluated alternative herbicides to control of resistant ryegrass, belonging to different mechanisms of action in two trials (pre-emergence and post-emergent herbicides). According to results to equivalent control to the resistant biotypes are necessary iodosulfuron rates 10 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher that required to the susceptible biotype. To reduction of the MMSPA in 50% of resistant biotypes are required 6 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher rates than rate required for the susceptible biotype. The metabolism by inhibition of the P450 is not the mechanism responsible to the resistance in Col and Joi biotypes. The herbicide concentration that reduces 50% of ALS enzyme activity to Col biotype is similar to Susc, however, has little Joi biotype inhibition. The glyphosate and clethodim herbicides are shown as alternative to control the Col resistant biotype to iodosulfuron herbicide, and the clethodim herbicide to biotype Joi. Were efficiently controlled all biotypes evaluated with the herbicides imazapyr + imazapic, pendimethalin, clomazone, metribuzin, atrazine and S-metolachlor in pre-emergency.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Ryegrass biotypes resistant to iodosulfuron methyl-sodium herbicide and herbicides alternatives to the control

Sementes de biótipos suspeitos de resistência ao iodosulfurom foram coletadas em lavouras do Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brasil) objetivando identificar o nível de resistência, metabolismo, atividade da enzima ALS e herbicidas alternativos para o controle. O nível de resistência para os biótipos resistentes (Joi e Col) e suscetível foi avaliado com 13 doses do herbicida iodosulfurom (0 à 384 g i.a ha-1), aplicadas no estádio vegetativo de 3-4 folhas. A metabolização foi avaliada pela aplicação de malathion, inibidor das izoenzimas P450. Em laboratório foi avaliada a sensibilidade da ALS dos biótipos a diferentes concentrações do iodosulfurom (0 à 500 μM). Herbicidas alternativos para controle do azevém resistente foram avaliados em dois experimentos (herbicidas pré-emergentes ou pós-emergentes). De acordo com os resultados para controle equivalente dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses de iodosulfurom superior a 10 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes à quela necessária para o biótipo suscetível. Para a redução de 50% da MMSPA dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses 6 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes maiores do que as necessárias para o biótipo suscetível. A metabolização por inibição das P450 não é o mecanismo responsável pela resistência dos biótipos avaliados. A concentração de herbicida que reduz 50% da atividade da ALS do biótipo Col é semelhante ao Susc, no entanto, o biótipo Joi apresenta baixa inibição. Os herbicidas glifosato e cletodim apresentam-se como herbicidas alternativos para controle do biótipo resistente Col, resistente ao iodosulfurom, e o herbicida cletodim para o biótipo Joi. Na pré-emergência os herbicidas imazapir + imazapique, pendimentalina, clomazona, metribuzim, atrazina e S-metolacloro controlaram eficientemente os biótipos avaliados.Seeds biotypes suspected of resistance to iodosulfuron were collected in crops at Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brazil) state aiming to identify the resistance level, metabolism, ALS enzyme activity and alternative herbicides to control. Was evaluated resistance level of resistant (Joi and Col) and susceptible biotypes with thirteen increasing rate of the herbicide iodosulfuron (0 to 384 g ai ha-1), sprayed in the vegetative stage of 3-4 leaves. Was assessed the metabolizing by the application of malathion, an inhibitor of P450 izoenzimas. Was evaluated the sensitivity of the ALS enzyme from different biotypes to iodosulfuron concentrations (0 to 500 mM) in laboratory. Were evaluated alternative herbicides to control of resistant ryegrass, belonging to different mechanisms of action in two trials (pre-emergence and post-emergent herbicides). According to results to equivalent control to the resistant biotypes are necessary iodosulfuron rates 10 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher that required to the susceptible biotype. To reduction of the MMSPA in 50% of resistant biotypes are required 6 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher rates than rate required for the susceptible biotype. The metabolism by inhibition of the P450 is not the mechanism responsible to the resistance in Col and Joi biotypes. The herbicide concentration that reduces 50% of ALS enzyme activity to Col biotype is similar to Susc, however, has little Joi biotype inhibition. The glyphosate and clethodim herbicides are shown as alternative to control the Col resistant biotype to iodosulfuron herbicide, and the clethodim herbicide to biotype Joi. Were efficiently controlled all biotypes evaluated with the herbicides imazapyr + imazapic, pendimethalin, clomazone, metribuzin, atrazine and S-metolachlor in pre-emergency.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Ryegrass biotypes resistant to iodosulfuron methyl-sodium herbicide and herbicides alternatives to the control

Sementes de biótipos suspeitos de resistência ao iodosulfurom foram coletadas em lavouras do Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brasil) objetivando identificar o nível de resistência, metabolismo, atividade da enzima ALS e herbicidas alternativos para o controle. O nível de resistência para os biótipos resistentes (Joi e Col) e suscetível foi avaliado com 13 doses do herbicida iodosulfurom (0 à 384 g i.a ha-1), aplicadas no estádio vegetativo de 3-4 folhas. A metabolização foi avaliada pela aplicação de malathion, inibidor das izoenzimas P450. Em laboratório foi avaliada a sensibilidade da ALS dos biótipos a diferentes concentrações do iodosulfurom (0 à 500 μM). Herbicidas alternativos para controle do azevém resistente foram avaliados em dois experimentos (herbicidas pré-emergentes ou pós-emergentes). De acordo com os resultados para controle equivalente dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses de iodosulfurom superior a 10 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes à quela necessária para o biótipo suscetível. Para a redução de 50% da MMSPA dos biótipos resistentes são necessárias doses 6 (Col) e 8 (Joi) vezes maiores do que as necessárias para o biótipo suscetível. A metabolização por inibição das P450 não é o mecanismo responsável pela resistência dos biótipos avaliados. A concentração de herbicida que reduz 50% da atividade da ALS do biótipo Col é semelhante ao Susc, no entanto, o biótipo Joi apresenta baixa inibição. Os herbicidas glifosato e cletodim apresentam-se como herbicidas alternativos para controle do biótipo resistente Col, resistente ao iodosulfurom, e o herbicida cletodim para o biótipo Joi. Na pré-emergência os herbicidas imazapir + imazapique, pendimentalina, clomazona, metribuzim, atrazina e S-metolacloro controlaram eficientemente os biótipos avaliados.Seeds biotypes suspected of resistance to iodosulfuron were collected in crops at Rio Grande do Sul (RS/Brazil) state aiming to identify the resistance level, metabolism, ALS enzyme activity and alternative herbicides to control. Was evaluated resistance level of resistant (Joi and Col) and susceptible biotypes with thirteen increasing rate of the herbicide iodosulfuron (0 to 384 g ai ha-1), sprayed in the vegetative stage of 3-4 leaves. Was assessed the metabolizing by the application of malathion, an inhibitor of P450 izoenzimas. Was evaluated the sensitivity of the ALS enzyme from different biotypes to iodosulfuron concentrations (0 to 500 mM) in laboratory. Were evaluated alternative herbicides to control of resistant ryegrass, belonging to different mechanisms of action in two trials (pre-emergence and post-emergent herbicides). According to results to equivalent control to the resistant biotypes are necessary iodosulfuron rates 10 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher that required to the susceptible biotype. To reduction of the MMSPA in 50% of resistant biotypes are required 6 (Col) and 8 (Joi) times higher rates than rate required for the susceptible biotype. The metabolism by inhibition of the P450 is not the mechanism responsible to the resistance in Col and Joi biotypes. The herbicide concentration that reduces 50% of ALS enzyme activity to Col biotype is similar to Susc, however, has little Joi biotype inhibition. The glyphosate and clethodim herbicides are shown as alternative to control the Col resistant biotype to iodosulfuron herbicide, and the clethodim herbicide to biotype Joi. Were efficiently controlled all biotypes evaluated with the herbicides imazapyr + imazapic, pendimethalin, clomazone, metribuzin, atrazine and S-metolachlor in pre-emergency.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

Geologic reconnaissance of the island of Velika Palagruža (central Adriatic, Croatia)

Velika Palagruža (Pelagosa) is the largest island of the Palagruža archipelago (central Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Despite its minute size the island bears a certain geological interest being the only exposed piece of land in the central part (Mid-Adriatic ridge) of the common Adriatic foreland of the Apenninic and the Dinaridic orogenic domains. The litho-, bio-, and chemostratigraphic (strontium and sulphur isotopes) characteristics of the sedimentary units, along with tectono-structural and geomorphic characteristics of the island, are described in this paper. The oldest Žalo unit is composed of highly deformed siliciclastics containing gypsum, and carbonates of Middle Triassic (Ladinian) age. This unit represents a transitional fl uvial-to-shallow marine, occasionally evaporitic environment, typical of the Middle Triassic rifting phase of the Adriatic microplate. Soft and strongly deformed Žalo unit deposits are found along a probably still active, WNW&ndash;ESE striking, subvertical, oblique-slip fault that crosses the entire length of the island. The Žalo unit is probably in diapiric contact with the Lanterna unit, poorly defi ned as Late Triassic, and characterized by dolomite with chert and dolomite breccia, presumably deposited in a transitional platform-to-basin environment of an evolving Adriatic basin. The Lanterna unit deposits are capped by Miocene biocalcarenites of the Salamandrija unit over an almost perpendicular discordance, possibly representing an unconformity, suggesting that an early deformational phase preceded a Miocene marine transgression. Talus, landslide deposits, and humic soil make up the cover of the bedrock sedimentary succession, and they represent the ultimate phase of emersion of the island, which probably occurred during Pliocene(?) to Quaternary times. An active neotectonic regime of the central Adriatic is evidenced by present-day seismicity, while recent uplifting of the island is shown by the presence of remnants of pebbly palaeobeach deposits, marine (erosional) straths, and cyanobacterial supratidal encrustations (pelagosite) currently observed at various elevations above mean sea level. </span