Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining Information Quality and Perceived Learning Performance in a Gamified Environment

Despite the significant research on motivation, engagement, and satisfaction in gamification, the quality of the information provided by instructors and designers to students on the gamified application has not received commensurate attention. One potential reason is that quality is an abstract notion that cannot be expressed by simple definition. This paper focus on the critical aspect of the gamified learning environment: using gamified information to enhance students learning behaviour by providing information systems such as Kahoot Mobile Learning application. Our study, based on the contextual and representational information quality, examined 139 users of a gamified information system and found the differential need for information quality when designing content for students. Additionally, the study revealed the four characteristics (website, user, social and task) of information quality as critical dimensions in determining learner’s satisfaction in the gamified application, which in turn influences perceived learning. Our findings provide educators and instructors with important guidelines which when considered on a contextual basis would motivate learners to obtain further information from gamified systems that may lead to perceived learning performance.
Wild Crop Relatives: Genomic and Breeding Resources. Millets and Grasses . Edited by C. Kole. Heidelberg: Springer (2011), pp. 342. €149.95. ISBN: 978-3-642-14254-3.

references is included. The author is based at Oklahoma and the book is generally written for a US readership, although most of the content has international relevance. In the final chapter the author illustrates the principles with a practical example: a back lawn. Perhaps some additional examples from different turfgrass situations might have added to the book’s scope, but it delivers on its aim of explaining physiological needs and the management techniques to supply those needs.
Food chain transfer and exposure effects of selenium in salmonid fish communities in two watersheds in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Selenium (Se) concentrations and fish biomass were examined in streams in two mined watersheds to determine if juvenile salmonids reflect local Se exposure concentrations downstream of surface coal mines and to investigate the relationship between Se exposure and toxicity effects at the fish community level. Se concentrations were measured in water, biofilm, macroinvertebrates, and muscle tissues from juvenile westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi), bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in mine-affected and reference streams. Significant positive Se transfer relationships were found at each measured level of the lotic food chain. Se accumulation from macroinvertebrates to juvenile fish muscle tissue was not significantly different among fish species, but indicated a significant positive relationship between juvenile fish muscle tissue and dietary Se at capture sites. Mean muscle Se concentrations in some stream re.
Genetic Variability and its Geographical Distribution in the Widely Disjunct Cavernularia Hultenii

Abstract The fruticose lichen Cavernularia hultenii exhibits a strongly disjunct distribution between north-western North America, Newfoundland and north-western Europe. An investigation of its population structure, based on nuclear ITS and IGS DNA sequences, shows that western North America has a higher number of haplotypes than the two other areas. Most of the haplotypes confined to this region are rare and occur outside the area that was affected by Pleistocene glaciations. Three haplotypes are common in all three areas. The high number of haplotypes in western North America might be due to a combination of events during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs, viz. increased lineage survival by repeated fragmentation of populations and reduced lineage extinction through rapid postglacial expansion and population growth.
Genetics and selection of mule ducks in France: a review

Duck breeding in France is directed mainly towards ‘foie gras’ (duck fatty liver) production. Nowadays the roasted duck, produced from the pure Muscovy, is economically a less important industry. About 95% of foie gras production comes from force-fed mule duck, the remaining 5% being from the Muscovy duck. After an overview of the French economical and technical context of this production, the paper will focus on the genetic aspects of the mule duck, at the level of theoretical knowledge and considering practical applications for selection. As the mule duck is an infertile hybrid between a female common duck (Anas Platyrhynchos) and a Muscovy drake (Cairina moschata), selection approaches are carried out on both parental strains. But to implement selection, genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlations) and cross-breeding parameters (direct and maternal additive genetic effects, heterosis effect) need to be known. Our review covers both the reproductive mule parental traits, either in pure strain or in cross-breeding, with main results on the dam side for laying, fertility and hatchability and also considers the mule productive traits, such as growth, feather colour, behaviour, feed efficiency, body composition, force-feeding ability and products quality. Genetic variability of mule duck traits can be established from estimates on either the dam's side, on the sire's side, or on both sides simultaneously. This review represents a comparison of fatty duck selection, which is operated by three major private French companies, with outlines of the breeding scheme specificity.
Nanomolar Affinity Small Molecule Correctors of Defective ΔF508-CFTR Chloride Channel Gating*

Deletion of Phe-508 (ΔF508) is the most common mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) causing cystic fibrosis. ΔF508-CFTR has defects in both channel gating and endoplasmic reticulum-to-plasma membrane processing. We identified six novel classes of high affinity potentiators of defective ΔF508-CFTR Cl– channel gating by screening 100,000 diverse small molecules. Compounds were added 15 min prior to assay of iodide uptake in epithelial cells co-expressing ΔF508-CFTR and a high sensitivity halide indicator (YFP-H148Q/I152L) in which ΔF508-CFTR was targeted to the plasma membrane by culture at 27 °C for 24 h. Thirty-two compounds with submicromolar activating potency were identified; most had tetrahydrobenzothiophene, benzofuran, pyramidinetrione, dihydropyridine, and anthraquinone core structures (360–480 daltons). Further screening of >1000 structural analogs revealed tetrahydrobenzothiophenes that activated ΔF508-CFTR Cl– conductance reversibly with Kd < 100 nm. Single-cell voltage clamp analysis showed characteristic CFTR currents after ΔF508-CFTR activation. Activation required low concentrations of a cAMP agonist, thus mimicking the normal physiological response. A Bayesian computational model was developed using tetrahydrobenzothiophene structure-activity data, yielding insight into the physical character and structural features of active and inactive potentiators and successfully predicting the activity of structural analogs. Efficient potentiation of defective ΔF508-CFTR gating was also demonstrated in human bronchial epithelial cells from a ΔF508 cystic fibrosis subject after 27 °C temperature rescue. In conjunction with correctors of defective ΔF508-CFTR processing, small molecule potentiators of defective ΔF508-CFTR gating may be useful for therapy of cystic fibrosis caused by the ΔF508 mutation.
A novel electrothermal compliance microgripper

In this paper, a novel microgripper based on two perpendicular arrangements of beams and a chevron actuator is shown. In each perpendicular arrangement, the constrained displacement of the double clamped beams, joined at their endpoint, produces a buckling in each beam, which favors the displacement of each arm of the microgripper, normally open. These arrangements constitute the highly flexible structures of the microgripper. Their buckling is produced by the force applied by chevron arrow, producing a reaction force in the range of 174.44 $\mu$ N in the microgripper jaws. Chevron actuator is fed by a thermal source. Temperature in microgripper tips is of 34.42°C and the operation frequency is 33.966 kHz, at maximum load thermal applied of 200°C. The mechanical, thermal and modal analyses of this integrated structure was supported by SIMSOLIDTM, based on Finite Element Analysis. The simulation was developed with Polysilicon as structural material.
Evaporative cooling in fowls

Part I 1. Reasons are given for expressing the evaporative loss of the resting fowl in the following way: where C is a constant, f(tr) is a function of rectal temperature, ps is the vapour pressure of a saturated atmosphere at the temperature of the evaporative surfaces, and pa is the vapour pressure of the ambient air. 2. It was found that for practical physiological purposes the rectal temperature may be taken as that of evaporation, from which ps, is deduced. The real temperature of evaporation is probably a few degrees below this, as would be expected. 3. It is concluded from this, that atmospheric humidity hinders the evaporative cooling of fowls less than that of men. Therefore, a farmer cannot estimate the comfort of his fowls in hot weather from his own subjective impressions. The experiments also explain theoretically, why evaporative coolers for poultry houses are successful in practice. PART II 1. The evaporative loss over a wide range of rectal temperature is plotted in Fig. 1. By applying formula (ii) it was possible to prepare curves for 28 and 5 mm. Hg atmospheric vapour pressure. These vapour pressures are near the extremes of absolute humidity, which fowls naturally encounter in hot climates. Brown Leghorns were used, and it is pointed out that the results with other breeds might not be quite the same. 2. It was calculated that part of the increase in evaporative cooling in hyperthermia is due to the rise in temperature of evaporation. At high rectal temperatures its importance is comparable with that of increased pulmonary ventilation. 3. There was no significant sex difference in the relation between evaporative loss and rectal temperature (Fig. 2). 4. The maximum possible evaporative cooling of fowls in equilibrium with their environment was 41 Kg.cal. /sq.m. /hr. at a humidity of 28 mm. Hg atmospheric vapour pressure and 64 Kg.cal. /sq.m. /hr. at 5 mm. This is much less than the maximum attained by man and somewhat less than that of the dog. Although evaporation per unit surface area was less than in the cow, it was much the same in relation to metabolic requirements. 5. Next, certain discrepancies are considered in the relation between rectal temperature and evaporative loss (Tables 3–5). At rectal temperatures near the panting threshold evaporation was found to be greater at high air temperatures and during the night. For the night tests fragmentary data only were available. These findings are tentatively attributed to a lower normal body temperature, which lowered the panting threshold.
Analysis of the RPL Version Number Attack with Multiple Attackers

In this study, we aim to understand the effect of multiple Version Number Attackers (VNA) in RPL (IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks) -based Internet of Things (IoT) networks. VNA is one of the most detrimental Denial of Service (DoS) attack that targets the availability of IoT networks. Almost all of the studies targeting the VNA considered a single attacker. However, once an attacker has chance to compromise a node in the network, it may easily compromise more devices, thus 1) affect the performance of the network more and misuse the resources quicker, 2) circumvent the existing security mechanisms and 3) perform other attacks which require more than one malicious node (e.g., wormhole, etc.). Therefore, we have to take multiple attackers into account when designing security systems. In this work, we analyze the effect of multiple attackers from various points of view. Based on extensive simulations and analysis, we conclude that increasing the number of attackers affects only the packet delivery ratio and does not affect average network delay and average power consumption. Our results also show that attacking positions closer to the root cause longer delays and higher power consumption results while central attacking positions are more effective on the packet delivery ratio. Lastly, we evaluate the performance of a recently proposed mitigation technique against multiple attackers.
Natural revegetation of two block-cut mined peatlands in eastern Canada

Limited areas of post-mined peatlands are recolonized by Sphagnum-dominated communities. This study aims to recognize the spontaneous Sphagnum re-establishment process and to verify if Sphagnum directly colonizes the residual peat. Conditions favoring Sphagnum revegetation are suggested. Analyses of vegetation macrofossils of the newly formed peat allow the identification of colonizing species and vegetation succession profile. Botanical components of the pioneer horizon suggest that Sphagnum species can directly colonize the residual peat. When Polytrichum strictum (Kaulf.) Presl and Eriophorum spissum Fernald are present as early colonists, they are rapidly overgrown by Sphagnum species in the succession profile. Vegetation succession resulted mainly in the formation of hummocks and lawns dominated by Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. , Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. , and Sphagnum magellanicumBrid. , with a more or less dense ericaceous shrub cover. Floristic, hydrological, and chemical features indicate that a fibric peat accumulation ecosystem is progressively or partially restored. Resume : Les communautes vegetales dominees par les sphaignes couvrent une faible superficie des tourbieres anciennement exploitees. Cette etude a pour objectifs de reconnaitre le dynamisme de retablissement spontane des sphaignes et de verifier si les sphaignes s'etablissent directement sur la tourbe residuelle. Les conditions ayant favorise le retablissement des sphaignes sont suggerees. Les analyses de macrorestes vegetaux de la tourbe neoformee ont permis d'identifier les especes colonisatrices et le profil de la succession vegetale. La composition botanique de l'horizon pionnier suggere une colonisation directe de la tourbe residuelle par les sphaignes. Des colonies initiales de Polytrichum strictum (Kaulf.) Presl et d'Eriophorum spissum Fernald sont rapidement recouvertes par les sphaignes en cours de succession. La succession converge vers la formation de buttes et de platieres dominees par Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. , Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. et Sphagnum magellanicumBrid. sous couvert plus ou moins dense d'ericacees. Les conditions floristiques, hydriques et chimiques actuelles indiquent la restauration progressive ou partielle d'un ecosysteme accumulateur de tourbe fibrique. Mots cles : tourbiere residuelle, restauration, Sphagnum, macrofossiles vegetaux, acrotelme.
Influence of genotype, seed size, and seedling density on the winter herbage production of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) lines and cultivars

Abstract An important factor often limiting stocking rates in cool-temperate environments is winter growth. Field trials were carried out to test the hypothesis that if the effect of seedling density and seed size is accounted for, then significant differences in winter production between cultivars and lines of subterranean clover can be detected. Winter production of second-year swards was measured on 11 lines of Trifolium subterraneum variety subterraneum and four crossbreds variety yanninicum from the National Subterranean Clover Improvement Programme (NSCIP), together with 15 commercial cultivars. Three sites were sown in autumn 1987 at Cressy (Midlands), Bridport (North East Coast), and Swansea (East Coast) in Tasmania. On average, the most productive line in winter was CPI 89820D, with a clover dry matter (DM) production of 964 kg/ha. The commercial cultivars Karridale and Enfield averaged 876 and 818 kg DM/ ha. Seedling density accounted for 45, 69, and 73% of the variation in winter production at .
New species of the genera Megischus Brullé and Stephanus Jurine from China (Hymenoptera: Stephanoidea: Stephanidae), with a key to world species of the genus Stephanus

Three new species of the genera Megischus Brulle and Stephanus Jurine from China (Hymenoptera: Stephanoidea: Stephanidae) are described, illustrated and keyed. Megischus ptosimae Chao, 1964, from Fujian is redescribed and the specimen from India described as M. ptosimae Chao by van Achterberg (2002) is renamed as M. alveolifer spec. nov. and the Malaysian specimen of M. ducalis Westwood listed by van Achterberg (2002) is described as M. ducaloides spec. nov. M. ducalis Westwood, 1851, is reported for the first time from Cambodia, which is the first report after its description. A key to world species of the genus Stephanus is provided.
The educational potential of mobile technologies for young high school graduates: a situated approach

This article aims to identify strategies and creative improvisations in the use of mobile technologies. We adopt a qualitative research approach and the postmodern paradigm of Anthropological Design. We used the techniques of reenacting and narrative interviews with young Brazilians, who finished high school and did not enter higher education. The results showed that, in addition to entertainment and communication, mobile technological devices are used to access information and solve everyday problems, constituting skills and competencies that connect to elements surrounding the subject.
Key-Escrow Free Attribute-Based Multi-Keyword Search with Dynamic Policy Update in Cloud Computing

Attribute-based searchable encryption (ABSE) schemes provide searchability and fine-grained access control over encrypted data in the cloud. Although prior ABSE schemes are designed to provide data protection and retrieval efficiency, they are suffering from the following issues. 1) A key-escrow problem, which may lead to the misuse of the user’s secret key. 2) A single keyword search, which may produce irrelevant search results and also vulnerable in real-world applications. 3) A static policy update mechanism, which incurs high computation and communication overheads. In this paper, we propose a novel ABSE scheme called a key-escrow free attribute-based multi-keyword search with dynamic policy updates in cloud computing (KAMS-PU) to addresses all the above-stated issues. The security analysis proves that KAMS-PU is secure against malicious authority attacks and chosen keyword attack (CKA) in the random oracle model. Furthermore, performance analysis proves that KAMS-PU is efficient and practical in real-world applications.
OXYGEN CONSUMPTION ASSOCIATED WITH FERRIC REDUCTASE ACTIVITY AND IRON UPTAKE BY IRON‐LIMITED CELLS OF CHLORELLA KESSLERI (CHLOROPHYCEAE)

Plasma membrane ferric reductase activity was enhanced 5‐fold under iron limitation in the unicellular green alga Chlorella kessleri Fott et Nováková. Furthermore, ferric reductase activity in iron‐limited cells was approximately 50% higher in the light than in the dark. In contrast, iron uptake rates of iron‐limited cells were unaffected by light versus dark treatments. Rates of iron uptake were much lower than rates of ferric reduction, averaging approximately 2% of the dark ferric reduction rate. Ferric reduction was associated with an increased rate of O2 consumption in both light and dark, the increase in the light being approximately 1.5 times as large as in the dark. The increased rate of O2 consumption could be decreased by half by the addition of catalase, indicating that H2O2 is the product of the O2 consumption and that the increased O2 consumption is nonrespiratory. The stimulation of O2 consumption was almost completely abolished by the addition of bathophenanthroline disulfonate, a strong chelator of Fe2+. Anaerobic conditions or the presence of exogenous superoxide dismutase affected neither ferric reduction nor iron uptake. We suggest that the O2 consumption associated with ferric reductase activity resulted from superoxide formation from the aerobic oxidation of Fe2+, which is the product of ferric reductase activity. At saturating concentrations of Fe3+ chelates, ferric reductase activity is much greater than the iron uptake rate, leading to rapid oxidation of Fe2+ and superoxide generation. Therefore, O2 consumption is not an integral part of the iron assimilation process.
Standardization of laboratory bioassays with Balanus amphitrite larvae for preliminary oil dispersants toxicological characterization

The Italian National regulations on oil-dispersants use (D.D. 23 December 2002) require for these products to pass several laboratory screenings before they can be applied in oil-spill clean-up. Although legislation recommend the use of the American mysid shrimp Americamysis bahia, for laboratory toxicity testing, there is growing interest in employing local marine crustacean species more representative than A. bahia, in quantifying the risk of significant harm to Mediterranean ecosystems. The aim of this study (in the framework of the National Project ‘Taxa Project’, supported by the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Territory) is to improve new specific bioassays for assessing acute or sublethal responses to oil dispersants using the larval stages of the sessile crustacean Balanus amphitrite. The bioassays were standardized using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as toxic reference compound. Results of acute toxicity (48 h LC50, 7.49 mg l−1) and behavioural tests (7 d EC50, 7.79 mg l−1) with barnacle larvae showed that their susceptibility to SDS could be comparable with that of A. bahia (96 h LC50; 6.6 mg l−1). Therefore, a B. amphitrite bioassay could be proposed to replace the A. bahia bioassay in a standardized toxicological screening of new products for oil-pollution remediation technologies in the Mediterranean Sea.
Recovery of the Vulnerable Pemba flying fox Pteropus voeltzkowi: population and conservation status

Abstract Flying foxes of the genus Pteropus are predominantly island taxa, with high levels of endemism, and face high risks of extinction. Their ecological and economic importance in island ecosystems has been widely recognized. Here we investigate the population size and conservation status of the Vulnerable Pteropus voeltzkowi, endemic to the western Indian Ocean island of Pemba, Tanzania. Direct counts and patch counts were used to determine abundance of flying foxes at roost sites, supplemented with evening dispersal counts, which were conducted to test accuracy of counting techniques under varying conditions of visibility. We estimate that the population size is now a minimum of 18,200–22,100, thus validating reports of annual increases by in-country monitoring teams since the last documented population survey of 4,600–5,500 bats in 1995. Taking into account differences in the counting methodologies for roosting bats we estimate that the population size could be as high as 35,600 individuals. We identified 44 occupied roosting sites, with just four of these supporting up to 87% of the population. Roost disturbance represents a continuing threat to this species and was found to influence roost occupancy and colony size. The implications of the population increase for the local human community are discussed and recommendations provided for continued monitoring and future management of this species on Pemba Island.