Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of chloride and sulfate salinity on nutrient uptake in Iranian rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

Most of the studies on crops exposed to salinity stress under controlled in vitro conditions have used single salts only, usually NaCl. Studies involving the usage of natural salts mixtures of NaCl and Na 2SO 4 have been very few. Therefore a greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of both NaCl and Na 2SO 4 on mineral nutrient status of rice. Rice seedlings were hydroponically exposed to different salt concentrations and compositions for 21 days. The results revealed that only the root length was decreased by increasing salt level. The amounts of Na + , K + and Mg 2+ of shoot and root tissues increased at high salt levels. However Ca 2+ content of root decreased with increasing salinity level. The Na + /K + ratio was maintained in both shoot and root under salinity condition. An antagonistic effect between SO 4 2- and Ca 2+ uptake was observed. A careful consideration of cation concentrations in shoots indicated that there is a gradual increase in Na + while K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ remained almost constant with salinity levels up to 5 dS/m. It is assumed that the composition of sodium salts plays a functional role in cationic balance within the Fajr genotype. As a conclusion the response of plant to salinity depends upon salt compositions.
Towards a Process Calculus for Rest: Current State of the Art

Abstract SOA is a popular paradigm for building distributed systems that has gained a great recognition over past years. There are two main approaches to implementing SOA: SOAP-based and RESTful Web services. In order to address problems of modeling and verification of Web services, several process calculi have been proposed for SOAP-based Web services but none for the RESTful Web services based systems. This article is a comparative survey on existing process calculi for SOA systems, also the existing attempts to formalize REST systems are discussed. The aim of the article is to see how process calculi for SOAP-based systems deal with different aspects of their modeling domain, and whether their approaches can be used to model RESTful and ROA systems. Finally, basing on the survey, requirements for a new process calculus specific for REST are defined.
The mass-loss rates of red supergiants at low metallicity: detection of rotational CO emission from two red supergiants in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Using the PACS and SPIRE spectrometers on-board the Herschel Space Observatory, we obtained spectra of two red supergiants (RSGs) in the Large MagellanicCloud (LMC). Multiple rotational CO emission lines (J = 6-5 to 15-14) and 15 H2O lines were detected from IRAS 05280-6910, and one CO line was detected from WOH G64. This is the first time that CO rotational lines have been detected from evolved stars in the LMC. Their CO line intensities are as strong as those of the Galactic RSG, VY CMa. Modelling the CO lines and the spectral energy distribution results in an estimated mass-loss rate for IRAS 05280-6910 of 3 x 10(-4) M-circle dot yr(-1). The model assumes a gas-to-dust ratio and a CO-to-H-2 abundance ratio is estimated from the Galactic values scaled by the LMC metallicity ([Fe/H] similar to -0.3), i.e. that the CO-to-dust ratio is constant for Galactic and LMC metallicities within the uncertainties of the model. The key factor determining the CO line intensities and the mass-loss rate found to be the stellar luminosity.
Denseness of intermediate $\beta $-shifts of finite-type

We determine the structure of the set of intermediate β-shifts of finite type. Specifically, we show that this set is dense in the parameter space ∆ = {(β,α) ∈ R2 : β ∈ (1,2) and 0 ≤ α ≤ 2−β}. This generalises the classical result of Parry from 1960 for greedy and (normalised) lazy β-shifts.
ACLFLOW: An NFV/SDN Security Framework for Provisioning and Managing Access Control Lists

Router Access Control Lists (ACLs) are a traditional way to filter traffic on cloud computing selectively. However, a large number of rules may be required, whereas the storage capacity of router Ternary Content Addressable Memories (TCAMs) is scarce and expensive. This paper proposes a Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)/Software-Defined Networking (SDN) security framework, named ACLFLOW. ACLFLOW (i) translates regular ACLs (source/destination IP, source/destination port, and protocol) into OpenFlow filtering rules; (ii) creates and manages large OpenFlow ACLs on distributed software switches, which act as security virtual network functions (named OpenFlow VNF-ACLs), to address the TCAM storage capacity problem; (iii) implements a proposed algorithm to dynamically prioritize the most popular rule to accelerate switching operations; and (iv) orchestrates and accelerates the deployment of NFV/SDN environments into production clouds. We have implemented a framework prototype into the Open Platform for NFV (OPNFV) and evaluated its performance using different tools and scenarios. Results show that OpenFlow VNF-ACL improves maximum throughput by up to 90%, its HTTP request rates are up to 50% better, and it reduces Round Trip Time (RTT) by 70% when its performance is compared with a stateless Iptables running in virtual machines. Moreover, the proposed algorithm dynamically improves HTTP request rate of flows with the highest traffic volume by 15% and reduces RTT by 25% when compared with ACLFLOW without prioritization.
The Molecular Profiling of a Teleostan Counterpart of Follistatin, Identified from Rock Bream Oplegnathus fasciatus which Reveals its Transcriptional Responses against Pathogenic Stress

The follistatin (FST) gene encodes a monomeric glycoprotein that plays a role in binding and inhibiting the functions of members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily. Thus, FST facilitates a wide variety of functions, ranging from muscle growth, to inflammation and immunity. In this study, we sought to characterize an FST counterpart, RbFST, which was identified from rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus. The RbFST cDNA sequence (2,419 bp) contains a 933-bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a putative amino acid sequence for RbFST (35 kDa). The putative amino acid sequence contains a Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor domain (51-98 residues) and an EF-hand, calcium-binding domain (191-226 residues). Additionally, this sequence shares a high identity (98.7%) with the Siniperca chuatsi FST sequence, with which it also has the closest evolutionary relationship according to a phylogenetic study. Omnipresent distribution of RbFST transcripts were detected in the gill, liver, spleen, head kidney, kidney, skin, muscle, heart, brain, and intestine of healthy animals, with significantly higher expression levels in the heart, followed by the liver tissue. Under pathogenic stress caused by two bacterial pathogens, Streptococcus iniae and Edwardsiella tarda, RbFST transcription was found to be significantly up-regulated. Altogether, our findings suggest the putative role of RbFST in immune related responses against pathogenic infections, further prefig uring its significance in rock bream physiology.
First‐principles modeling of molecular crystals: structures and stabilities, temperature and pressure

The understanding of the structure, stability, and response properties of molecular crystals at finite temperature and pressure is crucial for the field of crystal engineering and their application. For a long time, the field of crystal‐structure prediction and modeling of molecular crystals has been dominated by classical mechanistic force‐field methods. However, due to increasing computational power and the development of more sophisticated quantum‐mechanical approximations, first‐principles approaches based on density functional theory can now be applied to practically relevant molecular crystals. The broad transferability of first‐principles methods is especially imperative for polymorphic molecular crystals. This review highlights the current status of modeling molecular crystals from first principles. We give an overview of current state‐of‐the‐art approaches and discuss in detail the main challenges and necessary approximations. So far, the main focus in this field has been on calculating stabilities and structures without considering thermal contributions. We discuss techniques that allow one to include thermal effects at a first‐principles level in the harmonic or quasi‐harmonic approximation, and that are already applicable to realistic systems, or will be in the near future. Furthermore, this review also discusses how to calculate vibrational and elastic properties. Finally, we present a perspective on future uses of first‐principles calculations for modeling molecular crystals and summarize the many remaining challenges in this field. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1294. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1294
I Like Therefore I Learn! Engineering Student Motivation to Learn in Their Least and Most Favorite Courses

Although motivation for learning has been studied widely, there has been a lack of research examining student motivation for learning and course favoritism. Our conversations with students led us to wonder how much engineering students’ perceptions of courses as their favorite or least favorite determined their motivation to learn. Further, we investigated if students shifted goal orientation from performance to mastery between their least and most favorite courses. The implications are substantial for student learning, success, and career persistence if motivation to learn shifts with how much students like or dislike a course, particularly if courses are degree requirements. We examined how motivation to learn shifted with students’ course favoritism, why students perceived courses as their most or least favorite, student course achievement, and if these were engineering courses, required courses, and/or STEM courses. We used a cross-sectional exploratory study, and a mixed methods approach gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. We selected items from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire developed a standard demographics survey and free response items associated with course favoritism. The email was sent to over 500 students, and 82 fully completed our survey. Because our research was exploratory, we determined the sample was sufficient to answer our research questions. Our analysis revealed that students displayed significantly greater mastery motivation for their most favorite course compared to their least favorite (t(83) = 9.65, p<. 01). We found that the least favorite course was required for 91.46% of students, while 71.60% of students indicated their most favorite course was required. Significantly, a greater number of least favorite courses were required courses for an engineering degree ((1) = 10.70, p<. 01). Our findings indicate course content and instructor are primary factors associated with why students listed a course as most or least favorite. The intensity of the survey response statements indicated a high level of emotion associated with explaining why a class was most or least favorite. Our research revealed that the students are more likely to be mastery oriented in their favorite courses and more performance motivated in their least favorite courses (p < .01). Significant positive correlations (p < .05) occurred among perceived levels of learning, course performance (grade), and mastery learning in the most favorite course. Through our research and analysis several significant positive correlations emerged between level of learning and performance orientation for learning in the least favorite course. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Language Identification of Assamese, Bengali and English Speech

Machine identification of the language of input speech is of practical interest in regions where people are either bilingual or multi-lingual. Here, we present the development of automatic language identification system that identifies the language of input speech as one of Assamese or Bengali or English spoken by them. The speech databases comprise of sentences read by multiple speakers using their mobile phones. Kaldi toolkit was used to train acoustic models based on hidden Markov model in conjunction with Gaussian mixture models and deep neural networks. The accuracy of the implemented language identification system for test data is 99.3%.
Effective Practice Based Therapeutic Techniques with Children Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder: From the Perspective of Mental Health Professionals

Children diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) have experienced pathological care and disruption of early attachment experiences, resulting in disorganized attachment with caregivers, as well as a myriad of complex symptoms and behaviors. Little research exists regarding effective treatment for children diagnosed with RAD, leaving both mental health professionals and caregivers wanting. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore effective treatment for children diagnosed with RAD through the lens of mental health professionals. Seven experienced mental health professionals were interviewed regarding their perceptions on effective therapeutic treatment that contributes to increased attachment bonds with caregivers and decreased RAD symptoms. Analysis of the data revealed key themes, which were organized into a theory representative of an effective therapeutic process. Findings demonstrated an overarching conceptual framework of Attachment Theory emphasizing the core themes of theory and research, professional competency, assessment and evaluation, an attuned therapeutic dyad, and community collaboration. These key themes may contribute to increased attachment bonds between children and their caregivers, as well as resolve of symptoms. Future research that addresses and refines these critical components is necessary for prevention, effective treatment, increased professional competency and decreased societal stigmas towards children diagnosed with RAD and their caregivers.
Transcription analysis of Pinus sylvestris during ectomycorrhizal development

Ectomycorrhizal associations of fungi with forest trees play an important role in the nutrition, growth and health of temperate and boreal forests. The ecology and physiology of ectomycorrhizal associations with Pinus spp are well documented but little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind these mutualistic interactions with gymnosperms compared to angiosperms. Through a complex and finely tuned molecular cross-talk between the two organisms, new lateral roots are initiated and new structures formed. The outcome is a symbiotic organ capable of exchanging nutrients essential for the survival of both partners. The main aim of this thesis was to identify the genes involved in the early stages of ectomycorrhizal development using Pinus sylvestris as a gymnosperm and Laccaria bicolor as the ectomycorrhizal fungus. Micro-array transcript profiling was used to ascertain the specificity in the response of conifer tissues to ectomycorrhizal fungi, using pathogenic (Heterobasidion annosum) and saprotrophic (Trichoderma aureoviride) fungi as non-mututalistic models. The profiles revealed differential responses of P. sylvestris roots to pathogenic, saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungi within 24 h. We identified 236 differentially expressed genes potentially important for the initiation and regulation of biochemical, physiological and morphological changes during ectomycorrhizal establishment. The molecular regulation of ectomycorrhizal development appears largely comparable to that in angiosperm hosts, but differences exist in the timing and spatial scale of gene regulation. Of particular interest is the regulatory pattern of genes encoding stress related and also cell wall modification proteins whose down-regulation presumably enabled the development of the fungus within root tissues. Additionally, the expression and regulatory pattern of a subset of four symbiosis associated genes identified in the micro-array study was characterised in seedling roots; after exposure to exogenous auxin (indole-3-butyric acid) alone, L. bicolor alone, or L. bicolor in combination with the auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid. Knowledge of the genes regulated by auxin and involved in initiation of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis is scarce. The results identified a homolog to the receptor-like kinase Clavata1-like gene, two genes homologous to nodulin-21 and a gene of unknown function named Auxin-Induced1. This study is the first attempt to characterize the plant transcriptome in the Pinus sylvestris - Laccaria bicolor model system.
Pasture-Based Dairy Systems: Who Are the Producers and Are Their Operations More Profitable than Conventional Dairies?

U.S. dairy operations are sorted via a multinomial logit model into three production systems: pasture-based, semi-pasture-based, and conventional. Region, farm size, financial situation, and production intensity measures impact system choice. Analysis follows to determine the impact of production system on enterprise profitability. Region, farm size, and demographic variables impact profitability, as does system choice: semi-pasture-based operations were less profitable than conventional operations on an enterprise, per hundredweight of milk produced basis. Significant differences were not found in the profitability of pasture-based operations versus those using other systems.
Indirect Series of Falling Film Distillation Column to Process Synthetic Naphtha

The separation of multicomponent mixture by distillation is commonly accomplished by means of a sequence of columns and/or lateral withdrawals on a column. Desirable specifications for the product stream imply high energy consumption and operational costs due to the low thermodynamic efficiency associated with conventional distillation columns. For these reasons, unconventional technologies are proposed to promote separation, coupled with lower energy consumption. Within the context, the falling film distillation unit assisted by a biphasic thermosyphon provides such improvements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the separation of a multicomponent mixture (synthetic naphtha) in an indirect series of falling films columns. Tests were carried out at atmospheric condition considering the influence of feed flow, feed temperature and vapor chamber temperature. Experimental conditions were previously established from simulations in the Hysys® software, where the mixture was separated into a conventional steady state distillation unit. Results demonstrated that for the first, second and third columns of the series, enriched fractions of hexane obtained in the top stream were of 0.58, 0.72 and 0.82, on a mass basis, respectively. However, heavier compounds were identified in the top stream of the second column, nevertheless, these compounds correspond to less than 0.05 of the mass fraction. Even with a no complete separation, the energetic analysis of the global process shown there was a 12 % reduction in energy consumption of the falling film column compared to the simulated conventional column under the same conditions.
Economic Reforms and Agriculture in Bangladesh: Assessment of Impacts using Economy-wide Simulation Models

Agriculture is a major economic activity in Bangladesh. It currently employs around 50 percent of country’s labor force and contributes around 20 percent of country’s GDP. Growth in agricultural sector has important linkages with the overall economy through various channels. It is important to note that, at the WTO, Bangladesh, as an LDC, is not bound to undertake any liberalisation in its domestic agricultural sector in terms of tariff cut or subsidy withdrawal. However, there are concerns that actions taken by the developed and developing countries in terms of reduction in agricultural domestic support measures might have important negative implications for the net food importing countries like Bangladesh. It is also important to note that under bilateral trading arrangements, such as India-Bangladesh bilateral FTA, there are scopes for increased trade in agricultural products between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh’s market access for its agricultural exports in India is likely to increase whereas there will be increased imports of agricultural products from India. Therefore, liberalisation in the trade in agriculture has important implications for the agricultural commodities which are either exported or imported. Increased market access of agricultural exports from Bangladesh under such trade agreement will lead to rise in production and employment in those export-oriented sectors; whereas, domestic liberalisation in the agricultural sectors may dampen output and employment in the import-competing agricultural sectors. It thus appears that the growth in the domestic agricultural sector doesn’t only rely on the domestic policies and programs, rather global and regional trade policies have important implications for this sector. Moreover, the various economic policies and programs, such as domestic fiscal policies, import policies and programs for growth in agricultural productivity also affect the development of the agricultural sector in an economy. This study explores the links between major economic policy reforms and growth the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. This study examines how economic policy reforms affect the agricultural sector in Bangladesh in terms of output, import, export and employment. Under a general equilibrium framework, this study explores three trade liberalization scenarios (a global agricultural trade liberalization scenario under WTO-Doha agreement, Bangladesh – India bilateral FTA, and domestic agricultural trade liberalization), one fiscal policy scenario (rise in agricultural subsidy) and one technological change scenario (rise in agricultural productivity).
Interspeech 2018 Low Resource Automatic Speech Recognition Challenge for Indian Languages

India has more than 1500 languages, with 30 of them spoken by more than one million native speakers. Most of them are low-resource and could greatly beneﬁt from speech and language technologies. Building speech recognition support for these low-resource languages requires innovation in handling constraints on data size, while also exploiting the unique properties and similarities among Indian languages. With this goal, we organized a low-resource Automatic Speech Recognition challenge for Indian languages as part of Interspeech 2018. We released 50 hours of speech data with transcriptions for Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati, amounting to a total of 150 hours. Participants were required to only use the data we released for the challenge to preserve the low-resource setting, however, they were not restricted to work on any particular aspect of the speech recognizer. We received 109 submissions from 18 research groups and evaluated the systems in terms of Word Error Rate on a blind test set. In this paper we summarize the data, approaches and results of the challenge.