A Lens-Calibrated Active Marker Metrology System

This paper presents a prototypical marker tracking system, MT, which is capable of recording multiple mobile robot trajectories in parallel for offline analysis. The system is also capable of providing trajectory data in realtime to agents (such as robots in an arena) and implements several multi-agent operators to simplify agent-based perception. The latter characteristic provides an ability to minimise the normally expensive process of implementing agent-centric perceptual mechanisms and provides a means for multiagent "global knowledge" (Parker 1993)

Components of Identity Expression in Problem and Non-Problem Gamblers.

Few studies have examined whether specific aspects of group identification predict problematic and non-problematic addictive behaviours and none have focused on gambling. Applying Leach et al.’s (2008) hierarchical model of in-group identification, we tested the associations between components of self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality) and components of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) on distinguishing between problem and non-problem gambling (n = 10,157) and on the severity of problematic gambling behaviour (n = 2,568). Results showed that (i) in-group-based identities are important in predicting problematic vs. non-problematic gambling behaviours; (ii) in-group-based identities are important in predicting the severity of problematic gambling; (iii) how self-invested an individual is with their in-group and aspects associated with self-definition processes are both important predictors; (iv) perceptions related to how chronically salient one’s group membership is for the self (centrality) are essential features of the self-investment mechanism; and (v) self-stereotypical beliefs about one’s essential similarities to the prototypical gambling group member norm are fundamental for the defining oneself as a gambler

Turning teaching development into research outcomes

All research has common features, but research in different fields also has fundamental differences. Significant differences are in the ranges of research methodologies appropriate to be used, and in the nature of appropriate knowledge claims each field seeks to establish. Both of these differences essentially derive from the nature of the questions it is appropriate for the field to seek to answer. The focus of this paper is on, firstly, the nature of research in education and the ways in which it is similar to and different from research in the scientific disciplines, and, secondly, issues important in conducting educational research in ones’ own classroom. An appropriate subtitle would be ‘Conducting research of value in the teaching contexts in which you work’

Selective effects of fatty acids upon cell growth and metabolic regulation

Positional isomers ofcis‐methyleneoctadecanoic acid differed greatly in their efficiency for growth of an unsaturated fatty acid auxotroph ofEscherichia coli upon glucose as a carbon source. The 8, 9, and 11 isomers were more efficient in producing cells (60–70 cells/fmole) than the others (0–7 cells/fmole), although all isomers were found esterified to a similar extent into cellular lipid. WithSaccharomyces cerevisiae mutants, all isomers between 6 and 12 supported some growth of the eukaryotic cells, and the 7 and 9 isomers were slightly more efficient than the 8‐isomer. WhenE. coli were grown with glycerol, all isomers from 5 to 14 supported growth, and those with the substituent near the center of the acyl chain had the greatest efficiency (70 cells/fmole). With the glycerol medium, the pattern of efficiencies for the variouscis‐methylene acyl chains resembled the broad selectivity reported earlier for thecis‐ethylenic isomers in glucose medium, which agreed closely with predictions based upon the physical property of their phospholipid derivatives. Thus, metabolism of glycerol appeared to allow the cyclopropane acyl chains to support cell functions to the limits expected for bulk phase chain‐chain fluidity considerations. This broad specificity was also obtained when cells were grown on glucose with cyclic AMP added to the culture. Therefore, the selective inadequacies of the 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13 isomers in supporting cell growth on glucose may occur through an interaction modified by cAMP and dependent upon reduced cellular levels of cyclic AMP. The highly selective pattern of efficiency of thecis‐methylene acids forE. coli growth on glucose resembles that with the acetylenic acids, but was shifted one carbon atom toward the methyl terminus. This observed selectivity pattern seems due to interactions of the individual acyl chains with cellular protein(s) rather than to chain‐chain interactions in a bulk phase. The ability of certain positional isomers to support cell function equally well in both nutrient conditions suggests that the role of those acyl chain isomers may be independent of metabolite flux or cyclic nucleotide contents of the cell, whereas the actions of other isomeric fatty acids seem closely related to the metabolic status of the cell. A highly selective role for different fatty acids in modulating cellular function seems possible on the basis of the current evidence.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/141577/1/lipd0878.pd

Comparison among Different Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Farming Systems: Activity of Intestinal and Hepatic Enzymes and 13C-NMR Analysis of Lipids

In order to evaluate differences in general health and nutritional values of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), the effects of semi-intensive, land-based tanks and sea-cages intensive rearing systems were investigated, and results compared with captured wild fish. The physiological state was determined by measuring the activity of three different intestinal digestive enzymes: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and maltase; and the activity of the hepatic ALP. Also, the hepatic content in protein, cholesterol, and lipid were assessed. 13C-NMR analysis for qualitative and quantitative characterization of the lipid fraction extracted from fish muscles for semi-intensive and land based tanks intensive systems was performed. The lipid fraction composition showed small but significant differences in the monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio, with the semi-intensive characterized by higher monounsaturated and lower saturated fatty acid content with respect to land based tanks intensive rearing system

Long-term physical activity: an exogenous risk factor for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Objectives: To conduct a geographically defined, UK-based case-control study, to examine any association between physical activity (PA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: A novel historical PA questionnaire was designed, validated, and subsequently administered in individual face-to-face interviews of 175 newly diagnosed sporadic ALS cases and 317 age- and sex-matched community controls. Historical PA energy expenditure and time spent in vigorous-intensity PA were derived from questionnaire data and compared between cases and controls. Results: Participation in an extra 10kJ/kg/day of PA (equivalent to approximately 45minutes brisk walking) was consistently associated with an increased risk of ALS, with the strongest association observed for adulthood exercise-related PA (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10-1.97). An extra 10mins/day of vigorous PA was also associated with the odds of ALS (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1·01-1·05). Results were slightly attenuated following adjustment for smoking and educational attainment. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate a positive association between ALS and PA participation using a specifically designed and validated historical PA questionnaire. Despite the well-established health benefits of PA, a high activity lifestyle may also be associated with elevated risk of ALS. Large-scale prospective studies in the future may help to confirm this association.This study was funded by a Medical Research Council/Motor Neurone Disease Association Lady Edith Wolfson Fellowship.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Taylor and Francis via https://doi.org/10.3109/21678421.2016.115457

The Milk Thistle Seed Cakes and Hempseed Cakes are Potential Feed for Poultry

The aims of this work were to summarize the nutritional value of the milk thistle seed cakes and hempseed cakes and describe the influence on selected performance parameters, metabolism and animal health from inclusion of these non-traditional feeds into diets. It seems more appropriate to apply the extract of the bioactive substances complex to the livestock diets than addition of expellers or other forms of plants processing. The seed expellers, etc. mostly worsened the chickens' performance parameters with higher doses in diets, while most of the work using the extract yields had positive results on animal performance.O

Learning in laboratory – research on student and staff perceptions

The undergraduate science laboratory environment allows individual attention to each student, development and enhancement of diverse practical, planning and communication skills and support of lecture material. Laboratory offers rich learning opportunities to students; hence it is appropriate to investigate staff and students’ expectations of and reflections on that experience. An investigation of how students learn in laboratory sessions will follow a cohort of Physics students through their first, second and third year studies. A preliminary investigation involved extended interviews with academic staff and postgraduate student demonstrators and identified a range of intended outcomes of laboratory programs. Staff holding strong views have of course influenced the objectives and the implementation of our laboratory programs. A survey of 200 first year Physics students demonstrated a range of views of the purpose of their school laboratory work and expectations for their tertiary studies. Weekly surveys of 80 of that cohort are charting their experiences in our laboratory, their perceptions of the intention and value to them of each activity. Such information allows us to measure the success of our activities and to discover flaws and benefits from the students’ perspective. In-depth interviews and observations of laboratory classes will follow, with the outcomes of this research expected to identify some of the factors of value to students, recognising their different goals and learning styles. Science laboratory work needs a solid research basis to provide effective learning