ZENER TRANSITIONS IN DISSIPATIVE DRIVEN SYSTEMS

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A binary search approach to whole-genome data analysis

A sequence analysis-oriented binary search-like algorithm was transformed to a sensitive and accurate analysis tool for processing whole-genome data. The advantage of the algorithm over previous methods is its ability to detect the margins of both short and long genome fragments, enriched by up-regulated signals, at equal accuracy. The score of an enriched genome fragment reflects the difference between the actual concentration of up-regulated signals in the fragment and the chromosome signal baseline. The “divide-and-conquer”-type algorithm detects a series of nonintersecting fragments of various lengths with locally optimal scores. The procedure is applied to detected fragments in a nested manner by recalculating the lower-than-baseline signals in the chromosome. The algorithm was applied to simulated whole-genome data, and its sensitivity/specificity were compared with those of several alternative algorithms. The algorithm was also tested with four biological tiling array datasets comprising Arabidopsis (i) expression and (ii) histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation CHIP-on-chip datasets; Saccharomyces cerevisiae (iii) spliced intron data and (iv) chromatin remodeling factor binding sites. The analyses’ results demonstrate the power of the algorithm in identifying both the short up-regulated fragments (such as exons and transcription factor binding sites) and the long—even moderately up-regulated zones—at their precise genome margins. The algorithm generates an accurate whole-genome landscape that could be used for cross-comparison of signals across the same genome in evolutionary and general genomic studies

Distance learning for training business game tutors

This work is the result of research that proposes the incorporation of Distance Learning into a Business Game as a strategy to enhance tutor training, considering entrepreneurship difficulties faced by public school teachers. Part of the problem could be attributed to subject type, because, in general, it is not common to find entrepreneurship on school curricula. The Distance Learning (DL) activities were developed using the Moodle platform and structured by topic to increase educational flexibility and achieve a better balance between individual reflection and online discussion. It was developed in four steps: course content development; course evaluation by computer technicians; restructuring the course based on course evaluation done by computer technicians and course evaluation by teachers from the public school system. A preliminary test was performed with informatics technicians to technically evaluate the learning environment. Based on this, the course was restructured, applying corrections and adjustments to improve environment usability. After corrections, a final test was conducted with public school system teachers to analyze user perception, which gave a positive result. Virtual learning environment evaluation is complex and multidisciplinary, requiring the technical knowledge of internet programming and a conceptual knowledge of education, especially in the field of learning. When the evaluation done by teachers was examined, it was found that deficiencies pointed out by computer technicians had been resolved, giving a positive rating. This current research concludes that DL can improve the use of games, because it is possible to structure the content related to the learning gaps of specific groups of students. In this respect the use of games results can guide the development of content.Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho

The imitation game - a computational chemical approach to recognizing life

The definition of 'life' has invoked innumerable vigorous discussions, ranging from the religious to the scientific, philosophical and metaphysical, and still today no universally acceptable definition is available. This controversy is inescapable because of the absence of a theory of the nature of living systems. There is, however, an urgent practical need for a universally acceptable way of recognizing life or the potential for life. The absence of any agreed- upon guiding definitions of what it is to be alive, and more generally of what is life, makes it difficult for researchers in a variety of communities to objectively recognize success. For example, it remains far from trivial within the exobiology and astrobiology communities to objectively assess whether a new form of extraterrestrial life has been discovered; for researchers studying the origins of life, it is difficult to demonstrate whether life's beginnings have been successfully explained; and in the synthetic biology and artificial chemistry communities, demonstrating the creation of a wholly synthetic life form is a daunting process