Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Ca2+ Sensor SCaBP3/CBL7 Modulates Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase Activity and Promotes Alkali Tolerance in Arabidopsis

The Ca2+ sensor SCaBP3 promotes the self-inhibition of plasma membrane H+-ATPase and is involved in the response to alkaline stress in Arabidopsis. Saline-alkali soil is a major environmental constraint impairing plant growth and crop productivity. In this study, we identified a Ca2+ sensor/kinase/plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase module as a central component conferring alkali tolerance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We report that the SCaBP3 (SOS3-LIKE CALCIUM BINDING PROTEIN3)/CBL7 (CALCINEURIN B-LIKE7) loss-of-function plants exhibit enhanced stress tolerance associated with increased PM H+-ATPase activity and provide fundamental mechanistic insights into the regulation of PM H+-ATPase activity. Consistent with the genetic evidence, interaction analyses, in vivo reconstitution experiments, and determination of H+-ATPase activity indicate that interaction of the Ca2+ sensor SCaBP3 with the C-terminal Region I domain of the PM H+-ATPase AHA2 (Arabidopsis thaliana PLASMA MEMBRANE PROTON ATPASE2) facilitates the intramolecular interaction of the AHA2 C terminus with the Central loop region of the PM H+-ATPase to promote autoinhibition of H+-ATPase activity. Concurrently, direct interaction of SCaPB3 with the kinase PKS5 (PROTEIN KINASE SOS2-LIKE5) stabilizes the kinase-ATPase interaction and thereby fosters the inhibitory phosphorylation of AHA2 by PKS5. Consistently, yeast reconstitution experiments and genetic analysis indicate that SCaBP3 provides a bifurcated pathway for coordinating intramolecular and intermolecular inhibition of PM H+-ATPase. We propose that alkaline stress-triggered Ca2+ signals induce SCaBP3 dissociation from AHA2 to enhance PM H+-ATPase activity. This work illustrates a versatile signaling module that enables the stress-responsive adjustment of plasma membrane proton fluxes.
From Bush Pump to Blackboard: The Fluid Workings of a Virtual Environment

Impact is possibly the most frequently evaluated construct associated with any kind of technological diffusion or adoption within educational settings. Seemingly endless research projects are funded to measure it and to validate the educational value we have become adept at inscribing into practically all novel technologies brought to our attention through official documents or government initiatives. This article revisits the virtual learning environment known as Blackboard. It addresses the notion of impact surrounding the e-learning initiative in the UK context, with particular reference to the case of one university. It seeks to move towards a ‘softer’ conceptualisation of how we may study the workings of a virtual environment. To this end it draws on the work of de Laet and Mol concerning the mechanics of the bush pump to argue that there is no Blackboard (or other technology) in itself that is completely finished in its design or make-up. How a given technology works is not just a matter of concern for software developers located and employed at Blackboard, Inc. or similar organisations. Its effective use is not just about putting it to work on some requirement or content. Rather, as it becomes installed, distributed and accessed across time and space within specific localities, it enacts multiple ways of working: it works with. The workings of the virtual environment are not merely applied but, rather, they are coordinated in specific forms locally. Having this ‘softer’ understanding would allow us to explore how technology works not only in terms of how, but also in terms of where, and would show that for it to work properly it has to be located with.
A Reliable Routing Algorithm in MANET Using Fuzzy

In mobile ad hoc networks, each node acts as both host and router and performs all the routing and state maintenance. Due to the unpredictable movement of mobile nodes, the network topology of a mobile ad hoc network changes frequently. It will directly cause the routes to be broken and greatly degrade the network performance. In this paper, we propose a novel Reliable Routing Algorithm (RRA) in mobile ad hoc networks using fuzzy Petri net and its reasoning mechanism. The algorithm allows structured representation of network topology, which has a fuzzy reasoning mechanism for finding the sprouting tree from source node to destination node. Finally, by comparing the degree of reliability the most reliable route can be computed. This algorithm can be applied to most existing routing protocols, and the simulation shows that the percentage of improvement of routing reliability is more than 80% when applying our algorithm to the AODV routing protocol.
Can Visual Cues and Correctness Feedback Influence Students' Reasoning?

Research has demonstrated that attentional cues overlaid on diagrams and animations can help students attend to the relevant areas and facilitate problem solving. In this study we investigate the influence of visual cues and correctness feedback on students’ reasoning as they solve conceptual physics problems containing a diagram. The participants (N=90) were enrolled in an algebra-based physics course and were individually interviewed. During each interview students solved four problem sets each containing an initial problem, six isomorphic training problems, and a transfer problem. The cued conditions saw visual cues on the training problems, and the feedback conditions were told if their responses (answer and explanation) were correct or incorrect. We found that visual cues and correctness feedback significantly improves students’ abilities to solve the training and transfer problems.
IMU integration for ATRIAS

approved: Jonathan Hurst An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is an important part of a freestanding bipedal robot’s state estimation system. IMUs return translational accelerations and rota­ tional velocities, which must be numerically integrated to obtain a robot’s orientation. This thesis documents the implementation of the IMU alignment and integration sys­ tems for the ATRIAS robot. As a result of this work, ATRIAS has responsive and reliable orientation estimation, which allowed it to achieve freestanding walking.
Inverse problems for blood ∞ow simulation

A 1D model for the simulation of blood flow in arteries is studied here. Derived from the general 3D equations, it computes the section area of the artery and the volumic flux of the flow for each longitudinal position and time. The present article deals with the identification of the main parameter of this model linked to the artery compliance. Even in the case of an artery experiencing a loss of compliance in some portion, the inverse problem is successfully solved by using a reduced number of experimental or numerical measurements.
ROUTING ARCHITECTURE AND LAYOUT SYNTHESIS FOR MULTI-FPGA SYSTEMS

Multi-FPGA systems (MFSs) are used as custom computing machines, logic emula-tors and rapid prototyping vehicles. A key aspect of these systems is their programmable routing architecture, which is the manner in which wires, FPGAs and Field-Programmable Interconnect Devices (FPIDs) are connected. This dissertation provides new insight into the strengths and the weaknesses of two popular existing routing architectures: the Partial Crossbar and the Mesh. New hybrid architectures, that use a mixture of hardwired and programmable connections, are proposed. The new architectures are the Hybrid Torus Partial-Crossbar (HTP), the Hybrid Complete-Graph Partial-Crossbar (HCGP) and the Hardwired Clusters Partial Crossbar (HWCP). We evaluate and compare several MFS routing architectures by using a rigorous experimental approach that employs real benchmark circuits. The circuits are mapped into the architectures using a customized set of partitioning, placement and inter-chip routing tools. The architectures are compared on the basis of cost (the total number of pins required in the system) and speed (determined by the post-inter-chip routing critical path delay). The key parameters associated with the partial crossbar and the hybrid architectures are explored. For the partial crossbar, the effect of varying the number of pins per subset (P t), on the routability, speed, and cost is minor. For the hybrid architectures, a key parameter , the percentage of programmable connections (P p), is explored and we experimentally determined that P p = 60% gives good routability across all the benchmark circuits. iii We show that the Partial Crossbar is superior to the 8-way Mesh architecture. We show that one of the newly proposed hybrid architectures, HCGP, is superior to the Partial Crossbar. The HTP architecture is shown to be inferior to the HCGP and only marginally better than the Partial Crossbar. The HWCP architecture is evaluated compared to the HCGP architecture and gives encouraging routability and speed results.
Development of the Computer Interface Literacy Measure

Over the last fifteen years, computers have increasingly become a central component of our lives. During this period, educational research has focused on the effectiveness of computers as both tools for teaching and as a replacement for more traditional instruction. This research has indicated that computer literacy can have a significant impact on a student's ability to learn in a computer-mediated environment. However, there is currently no widely accepted definition of computer literacy nor recent scale-to measure it. The definitions and scales that do exist are specific to the prevailing technology at the time of their development. Because of the rapidly changing face of technology, the current usefulness of these scales is limited with respect to graphical user interfaces. This study represents an effort to redefine computer literacy to include competencies for using graphical user interfaces for operating systems, hypermedia applications, and the Internet. The Computer Interface Literacy Measure (CILM) was developed and validated on 498 undergraduate students. The CILM is composed of both self-report (CILM-SR) and knowledge application (CILM-KA) sub-scales. The CILM-SR consists of twenty-six items, while the CILM-KA contains forty-two items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the CILM-SR and CILM-KA were α = 0.8978 and α = 0.8455, respectively. The overall CILM had a reliability estimate of α = 0.9102, and was found to significantly correlate with Need for Cognition, a measure of computer instrumentality, and computer experience. It is believed that the CILM will provide researchers with a valuable tool for describing the computer literacy level of participants in educational research.
Copyright Protection and Distance Librarianship: provisions and constraints observed in copy right law of Sri Lanka

The article discuses the existing copyright act and its provisions and barriers that are connected with distance librarianship. The key role of the distance librarianship is facilitating equality of access to information and resources to remote learners in this digital environment. Librarians have to take measures to fulfill different user needs in an environment where there is a balance between the rights of the creators and the needs of users. Further, article discusses about how distance librarianship is affected by copyright law. The act has neglected the distance librarianship in the area of reproduction. Service providers have to support distance learners equally while respecting the ownership. Finally, the paper presents the solutions for the copyright problems and steps that should be taken to get rid of those legal problems by the service providers. Key words: Copyright protection; copyright history; Distance librarianship; Library services doi: 10.4038/jula.v14i1. 2690 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka . Vol.14 (Issue 1). 2010 89-105
Di‐(2‐Ethylhexyl) Phthalate as a Chemical Indicator for Phthalic Acid Esters: An Investigation into Phthalic Acid Esters in Cultivated Fields and E‐Waste Dismantling Sites

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) represent an ongoing pollution problem and have attracted extensive attention due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. We investigated the distribution of 6 PAEs (benzyl butyl phthalate [BBP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP], di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], diethyl phthalate [DEP], dimethyl phthalate [DMP], and di‐n‐octyl phthalate [DnOP]) in cultivated soils, including vegetable fields and paddy fields, as well as the soils of E‐waste dismantling sites. We also explored the relationship between the particle size of soils and the distribution of PAEs, put forward a novel method to forecast the occurrence and fate of PAEs in soils with DEHP used as a chemical indicator, and made a preliminary assessment of the potential ecological risks of the 6 target compounds in soils. The results showed that the detection rate of target PAEs was 100%, and that the concentrations of ∑6PAEs ranged from 1.2 to 7.3 mg/kg in vegetable fields, 1.2 to 1.5 mg/kg in paddy fields, and 11.8 to 17.9 mg/kg in E‐waste dismantling sites. In addition, DEHP exhibited the maximum concentrations (0.480–15.34 mg/kg) in all soil samples. The results also showed that in the wake of decreasing particle size, increasing soil organic carbon would enhance the sorption of PAEs in soils. Moreover, the correlation formula of DEHP successfully predicted the concentrations of other PAEs and ∑ 6PAEs in soils, suggesting that DEHP could be a dependable chemical indicator for forecasting the environmental occurrence of PAEs in soils. Based on the residual levels in the trial sites and limited toxicity data, high risks to soil organisms are expected for DBP, DEP, and DEHP, and low–medium risks for BBP, DnOP, and DMP. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–11. © 2019 SETAC
The assessment of teaching materials science subjects using e-learning method

Purpose: The main aim of this article is to present the advantages and disadvantages of the use of blended learning in teaching Fundamentals of Materials Science and Metal Materials. The purpose of carried research is to analyse the effectiveness of e-learning as means of teaching in blended learning model. Design/methodology/approach: This article includes a description of blended learning; comparison of students’ results in materials science between the traditional method and remote teaching using the Internet; dependencies between the effects of teaching and results of students’ tests written using the platform. Findings: This article includes a description of blended learning; comparison of students’ results in materials science between the traditional method and remote teaching using the Internet; dependencies between the effects of teaching and results of students’ tests written using the platform. Research limitations/implications: Larger population of students should be tested so as to give measurable results, which would imply what needs to be worked on and what changes to introduce in order to improve the e-learning process. Originality/value: The document’s research material confirms that e-learning makes it possible to use a new form of education which can connect the advantages of traditional learning and remote education in the field of materials science.
A Development Model of Semantic Web Application

Semantic Web application is the application of semantic Web technology, of which the data containing semantic, thus is able to support the knowledge understanding and the knowledge processing. It can share information and refine information dynamically through the Internet access, which makes more full use of the existing Web resource on the Internet. In this paper, the definitions of semantic Web application as well as the structure and properties are formulated. A semantic Web development model is constructed with reference to the Web application development model.
Design and Implementation of Programmable Multi-Mode Digital Modulator for SDR Using FPGA

The design of programmable multi -mode digital modulator for software defined radio (SDR) technology using FPGA is developed and investigated in this paper. The system generator from Xilinx and MATLAB tools are used for FPGA design as well as the implementation of the modulator over a Virtex-4 FPGA board. The HDL language on Xilinx ISE is used to generate the bit stream of the modulator algorithms into ADC/DAC device and FPGA board. The modulated signal obtained from MATLAB simulation is evaluated with the tested signal to verify the system functionality. Lastly, the optimally synthesized netlist of the integrated design is downloaded into Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA MB development board. The verification of DAC output signal via oscilloscope demonstrate the empirical real-time signals similar to the simulated waveforms. Results shows the successfully implementation steps as timing constraint of FPGA is accepted without error. The proposed design is promising to enhance the current and next generation of communication systems with less power consumption compared with conventional design in term of FPGA Slices and Look Up Tables (LUTs) during the implementation process. The improvement in Slices and LUTs produce by ISE project utilization summary is 65% and 79% respectively.
Feasibility and Safety of Split‐Liver Transplantation in a Nascent Framework of Deceased Donation

Split‐liver transplantation (SLT) is a valuable option for optimizing the use of good‐quality deceased donor grafts. It is not routinely reported outside the West because of limited deceased donor numbers, technical and organizational constraints, lack of experience, and a predominant living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) practice. At our center, 20% of the liver transplantations (LTs) are from deceased donors. We report our experience of SLT and compare outcomes with pediatric and adult LDLT recipients. A prospectively maintained database of all LT recipients between September 2009 and March 2017 was analyzed. Each pediatric SLT recipient was matched to 2 pediatric LDLT recipients for age, weight, urgency, and year of transplant. Each adult SLT recipient was similarly matched to 2 adult LDLT recipients for age, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, and year of transplant. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters, including recovery time, morbidity (biliary and vascular complications, Clavien grade >IIIA complications), and mortality were compared. In total, 40 SLTs were performed after splitting 20 deceased donor livers (in situ, n = 11; hybrid split, n = 3; and ex vivo, n = 6). Recipients included 22 children and 18 adults. There were 18 livers that were split conventionally (extended right lobe and left lateral segment [LLS]), and 2 were right lobe–left lobe SLTs. Also, 3 LLS grafts were used as auxiliary grafts for metabolic liver disease. Perioperative mortality in SLT recipients occurred in 3 patients (2 children and 1 adult). Incidence of vascular, biliary, and Clavien grade >IIIA complications were similar between matched adult and pediatric SLT and LDLT groups. In conclusion, SLT is an effective technique with outcomes comparable to living donor grafts for adult and pediatric recipients. Using SLT techniques at centers with limited deceased donors optimizes the use of good‐quality whole grafts and reduces the gap between organ demand and availability.
Multilayer perceptrons networks for an Intelligent Adaptive intrusion detection system

Abstrac Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) provide an important layer of security for computer systems and networks, and are becoming more and more necessary as reliance on Internet services increases and systems with sensitive data are more commonly open to Internet access. An IDS’s responsibility is to detect suspicious or unacceptable system and network activity and to alert a systems administrator to this activity. We need to use the classification algorithms to discriminate between normal and different types of attacks. The performance of nine artificial neural networks (ANNs) based classifiers was evaluated, based on a selected set of features. The results showed that; the Multilayer perceptrons (MLPS) based classifier provides the best results; about 99.63% true positive attacks are detected using this classifier.
Object-based land cover change detection for cross-sensor images

Accurate and timely land cover change detection at regional and global scales is necessary for both natural resource management and global environmental change studies. Satellite remote sensing has been widely used in land cover change detection over the past three decades. The variety of satellites which have been launched for Earth Observation (EO) and the large volume of remotely sensed data archives acquired by different sensors provide a unique opportunity for land cover change detection. This article introduces an object-based land cover change detection approach for cross-sensor images. First, two images acquired by different sensors were stacked together and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the stacked data. Second, based on the Eigen values of the PCA transformation, six principal bands were selected for further image segmentation. Finally, a land cover change detection classification scheme was designed based on the land cover change patterns in the study area. An image–object classification was implemented to generate a land cover change map. The experiment was carried out using images acquired by Landsat 5 TM and IRS-P6 LISS3 over Daqing, China. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of the change map were 83.42% and 0.82, respectively. The results indicate that this is a promising approach to produce land cover change maps using cross-sensor images.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and the Gut Microbiome: More Clues, More Questions

When we diagnose children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA's middle name serves as a reminder of our ignorance of its origins. Even the largest, most comprehensive genomic studies on JIA performed to date have explained only a minority of disease heritability. Families rightfully ask why their children have developed this condition, and many of us perform our own version of the "genetics and environment" hand-waving show, often (at least for this clinician) to an unsatisfied audience. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An Agenda for Case-Based Research

Let us face it. As individuals, only a few issues influence our research agendas. We tend to focus on one or two research streams in which we have had previous publishing success, we explore new topics based on what is “hot,” and perhaps we respond to calls from co-authors or other acquaintances. In addition, for case-based research, opportunity trumps all other factors. Since it is never easy to gain full access to processes or people in an organization, a perceptive researcher jumps at the chance to take advantage of conducting a case study at an organization to explore in depth into a research domain of interest. While this approach makes sense for individuals, it behooves us as a research community to set priorities that are not wholly opportunistic or personal. But how should such a community set its research priorities? One way is to express and perhaps debate them in outlets such as the Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research (JITCAR) where case-based information technology (IT) researchers are likely to read. If one accepts the proposition that large-sample and case study data provide complementary insights about any specific research question, there is a need to balance the relative volume of research conducted by these two methods. Although not every research question is amenable to both case and large-sample analysis, most are. On grouping research questions into broad topics and further into subdisciplines of the information systems (IS) discipline, the possibility of providing the requisite balance becomes greater and the need to do so more compelling. This