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MicroRNA399-mediated regulation of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBC24/PHOSPHATE2 (PHO2) is crucial for Pi acquisition and translocation in plants. Because of a potential role for PHO2 in protein degradation and its association with membranes, an iTRAQ (for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation)- based quantitative membrane proteomic method was employed to search for components downstream of PHO2. A total of 7491 proteins were identified from Arabidopsis thaliana roots by mass spectrometry, 35.2% of which were predicted to contain at least one transmembrane helix. Among the quantifiable proteins, five were significantly differentially expressed between the wild type and pho2 mutant under two growth conditions. Using immunoblot analysis, we validated the upregulation of several members in PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1 (PHT1) family and PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER TRAFFIC FACILITATOR1 (PHF1) in pho2 and demonstrated that PHO2 mediates the degradation of PHT1 proteins. Genetic evidence that loss of PHF1 or PHT1;1 alleviated Pi toxicity in pho2 further suggests that they play roles as downstream components of PHO2. Moreover, we showed that PHO2 interacts with PHT1s in the postendoplasmic reticulum compartments and mediates the ubiquitination of endomembrane-localized PHT1;1. This study not only uncovers a mechanism by which PHO2 modulates Pi acquisition by regulating the abundance of PHT1s in the secretory pathway destined for plasma membranes, but also provides a database of the membrane proteome that will be widely applicable in root biology research.

This paper aims at developing a conceptual model for homeschooling education at a high-school level by using cloud computing technologies. Specifically, a data flow model was developed to show how cloud computing can be adopted in home-schooling education. Then, a set of usability solution items were derived based on breaking down each flow in the data flow model. The findings from this paper will be helpful to system developers and education system decision makers when making decisions on homeschooling systems development.

Expression of the 70-kDa polypeptide of human Ku autoantigen in rat cells is shown to suppress specifically the induction of hsp70 upon heat shock. Thermal induction of other heat shock proteins is not significantly affected, nor is the state of phosphorylation or the DNA-binding ability of the heat shock transcription factor HSF1. These findings support a model in which hsp70 gene expression is controlled by a second regulatory factor in addition to the positive activator HSF1. The Ku autoantigen, or a protein closely related to it, is likely to be involved in the regulation of hsp70 expression.

The purpose of this paper is to develop electronic business solutions for electronic fast food restaurants. Specifically, an electronic customer chain model is presented first show how information systems can be integrated into business processes in the fast food restaurant industry. Then, a set of tactical electronic business solutions are derived based on the developed model by using a top-down approach. Pattern analysis is conducted to investigate the implementation status of these developed solutions in the 20 dominant fast food restaurants. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

En-trip mode switch decisions under the smartphone-delivered multi-modal information SMMI seem to have been rarely explored. This study investigated the impact on commute drivers' en-trip mode switch behaviour of SMMI. This was based on a stated preference SP survey in Shanghai which collected over 2000 observations of the choice between 'auto' and 'park-and-ride' P+R under SMMI. SMMI provides travel time for auto and P+R, delay for auto, cause of delay, P+R cost and comfort level of rail transit. A generalised estimating equations GEEs-based analysis was conducted to address the potential correlations between repeated observations from the same individual. Among the tested candidate GEEs models, the model with the 'unstructured' working correlation structure leads to the best fit for our SP data. Results showed that SMMI can significantly influence mode switch. Statistically significant explanatory variables in the model are gender, education level, usual commute mode, the number of sources of dynamic information of a driver access, frequency of driving, P+R use experience, seat availability in subway car, real time road condition, auto delay and P+R cost.

Mobile health (m–health) comprises the concept of utilising mobile devices to carry out the task of viewing electronic medical records, reserving medical appointments with a patient's medical provider and electronically refilling prescriptions. This paper aims at developing a m–health system to improve usability from a user's perspective. Specifically, it first developed a m–health model by logically linking characteristics of the m–health system together based on information flows. Then, the system requirements were collected by using a developed questionnaire. These requirements were structured and further in–depth analysis was conducted by using an object–oriented approach based on unified modelling language, such as use–case, sequence and analysis class diagrams. This research will be beneficial to decision makers and developers in the mobile healthcare industry.

The Arabidopsis thaliana pho2 mutant, which is defective in a ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme, displays inorganic phosphate (Pi) toxicity as a result of enhanced uptake and root-to-shoot translocation of Pi. To elucidate downstream components of the PHO2-dependent regulatory pathway, we identified two pho2 suppressors as carrying missense mutations in PHO1, which has been implicated in Pi loading to the xylem. In support of the genetic interaction between PHO1 and PHO2, we found that the protein level of PHO1 is increased in pho2, whereas such accumulation is ameliorated in both pho2 suppressors. Results from cycloheximide and endosomal Cys protease inhibitor E-64d treatments further suggest that PHO1 degradation is PHO2 dependent and involves multivesicular body–mediated vacuolar proteolysis. Using the transient expression system of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves, we demonstrated that PHO1 and PHO2 are partially colocalized and physically interact in the endomembranes, where the ubiquitin conjugase activity of PHO2 is required for PHO1 degradation. In addition, reduced PHO1 expression caused by PHO1 mutations impede Pi uptake, indicating a functional association between xylem loading and acquisition of Pi. Together, our findings uncover a pivotal molecular mechanism by which PHO2 modulates the degradation of PHO1 in the endomembranes to maintain Pi homeostasis in plants.

This paper aims at developing electronic business solutions to increase value for the home medical equipment industry. First, an electronic strategic value chain model was developed for the home medical equipment industry. Second, electronic business solutions were mapped from this model. Third, the top 20 dominant companies in the home medical equipment industry were investigated to see the current adoption patterns of these electronic business solutions. The solutions will be beneficial to decision-makers in the information technology adoptions in the home medical equipment industry to increase the business values.

Objectives: To investigate associations between occupational exposure to cooking oil fumes (COFs) and potential oxidative and genotoxic effects in kitchen workers. Methods: Sixty-seven male kitchen workers and 43 male controls from Chinese restaurants in Guangzhou were recruited. For all the participants, the levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in urine, binucleated micronucleus (BNMN) frequency, comet tail length and tail DNA% in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were measured. The inhalable particulates (PM10) in their workplaces were also monitored. Results: Our results showed that the exposed group had a significantly higher median level of urinary 1-OHP than that of the control group (p

This paper investigates the factors that influencing the adoption of ubiquitous commerce (u-commerce) focusing on users' trust in privacy and security. Specifically, a framework is developed to show the interrelationships among users' trust, privacy and security on the adoption of u-commerce. The precedent factors that affecting privacy and security are also analyzed, including technology familiarity, social presence, and legislation and policy. A survey method is developed in order to quantitatively measure these factors. A pilot study shows that the majority of these measurements are important to the adoption of ubiquitous commerce. The results will be beneficial to managers and ubiquitous commerce developers when make decisions on the development of the system; and thereby, accelerate the adoption of ubiquitous commerce.

This paper develops e-cosmetic business-to-business solutions based on strategic value chain management analysis. Specifically, it first investigates the e-business adoption in the major activities involved in the cosmetic business based on strategic value chain analysis. Then, it decomposes these activities into a set of implementable business-to-business solutions. Finally, the implementation patterns of these solutions for the top ten companies are analyzed. The results will be helpful in accelerating e-business adoption in the cosmetic business.

This paper aims at developing implementable e-business solutions for the cable TV industry to accelerate the information technology and information system adoptions; and thereby, increase value for the operations in the industry. Specifically, an electronic value chain is developed to show how to improve value by using information technology and information system. Then, a set of implementable solution items are developed based on this electronic value chain model. Finally, recommendations are provided on how to implement these solution items.

The amorphous silicon thin film transistors (TFTs) with four-photolithography process have been developed and studied. And a two-step-exposure (TSE) technology has been developed in application for process reduction. The result shows that a-Si TFT with four-photolithography process has great potential in mass production.

Personal Health Records (PHR) allow patients to carry their own health records in some format for their own review purposes as well as across doctors and other care providers. This study aimed at determining the usability and user acceptance issues involving a Web-based personal health record system. The study indicated that such a Web-based system was found useful by the patients and they would be willing to enter and retrieve information regarding their own health from the system. A usable interface allows mobility and ease of information sharing using the system.

The review's objective is to assess the evolution of the social funds portfolio, with a specific focus on the fiscal years 2000 to 2007, and the portfolio's role in the implementation of the Social Protection Sector Strategy (SPSS). Lending trends, the evolution of the social funds model, and future implications of the review's major findings are also discussed. During the FY2000-07 period, there was a diversification of social fund goals. The most common trend has been to increase the role of social funds in governments'decentralization processes, by shifting more responsibility for managing local level investments and providing more direct training and capacity building for overseeing these investments to local governments. In some instances, the community management of resources deepened, with community contracting leading to grassroots-level participatory planning and a search for social capital outcomes (e.g. Romania, Senegal and Argentina). In some cases, divergent and even conflicting goals developed.

Radio frequency identification RFID has been widely used in not only industries but also public services. As a typical application of RFID, the electronic toll collection ETC has great contributes to public transportation services, especially in the developing countries. This study developed a research model based on innovation diffusion theory to identify critical factors impacting the RFID adoption intention in public services. Specifically, it investigated the correlations of perceived characteristics of innovation PCI, communication channels and government polices with adoption intentions. In total, 180 valid survey datasets of ETC users in China were obtained. The partial least squares structural equation modelling SEM was used to analyse the model. The results indicated that the PCI were significant in impacting RFID adoptions. Communication channels had a strong influence on people's perceived relative advantages. A moderate effect of government policies was also found. The theoretical and practical implications were presented later.

This paper presents the components of a module of approximately two hours duration that is designed to expose students to the basic functioning of a private/public key encryption system and how it is employed in the web environment. The intended audience is students with basic computer literacy skills. The focus of the paper is the uses of encryption without focusing on the underlying mathematics of encryption. Since the Internet is an unsecured and relatively unregulated medium, the user must be able to identify the level of confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility that the different uses of encryption will provide. The module provides an efficient way of presenting the techniques, issues, and nomenclature of current encryption systems to a relatively unsophisticated audience in a limited period of time.

We study the resource allocation problem and call admission problem for multicast applications in ATM networks. Two approaches are proposed for dividing the end-to-end QoS requirement into the local QoS constraint on each link of the multicast tree. The first approach is to apply the greedy method to divide the end-to-end QoS based on the residual capacity on the links. In the second approach we show how to use a genetic algorithm to solve the QoS allocation problem. The effective bandwidth concept is used for estimating the amount of bandwidth required to guarantee a certain level of QoS on each link. If the end-to-end QoS cannot be guaranteed due to insufficient network resources, the multicast request is rejected (as a result of call admission). A new performance metric, fractional reward loss, is adopted for evaluating the solutions generated by the proposed two approaches. Our experiment results show that our approaches yield lower fractional reward loss and utilize the network resources more efficiently.

This paper describes a comparative study investigating the effectiveness and influence of college students on mobile learning behaviour between USA and China. The result of this study reveals that among the three aspects of mobile learning, cognitive load, satisfaction and achievement, there exists a statistically significant difference between China and US college students, and the related influencing factors have demonstrated a meaningful and significant impact. Based on the results of this study, managerial insights and practical implications for marketing strategies in the mobile learning market are discussed and recommended along with the future research direction.

This paper developed an assessment model for smart cities. Specifically, it first developed a smart city strategic model by combining the smart activities together aiming at improving the value of people's living quality in a city. Second, the smart activities in the developed model were decomposed into a set of smart tactical elements. Third, a relative-weighted assessment method was proposed to assess the smart city level. The results of this research will provide strategies on how to transform cities into smart cities by accelerating the adoption of smart technologies and smart systems. The paper will also assist city administrators and top-level managers when they make tactical decisions on building a smart city and to improve people's living quality in a city.

The two-step-exposure (TSE) technology has been developed in application for combination the active layer with metal II layer. And this TSE technology has been applied in our Reduced-Mask process (five-mask) for cost reduction. The result shows that this amorphous-silicon thin-film transistor with four-photolithography process has great potential in mass production.

The objective of this paper was to compare usability features that were crucial in mobile learning between US and Chinese online education. Specifically, a mobile learning value increasing model with five modules was developed. Then, a mobile learning questionnaire was mapped from this model focusing on the usability features. Data were collected from 266 subjects in the USA and China. Results showed that both groups agree that six M-learning modules are all important to assist M-learning. Mobile learning service is the most important while M-learning outbound logistics the least for both groups. Further, mobile learning operation only indirectly affects M-learning service, and mobile learning service is directly affected by M-learning marketing in both groups. The results will assist mobile learning system (re)design to improve M-learning performance.

The purpose of this paper is to develop electronic service solution standards in the pharmacies and drug stores strategically and tactically. Specifically, it first developed a strategic value chain model to present the adoptions of information and communication technologies in the pharmacies and drug stores for business value increases. Second, a set of tactical electronic business standards were in the pharmacies and drug stores. Third, the implementation patterns of the top 20 dominant companies in the pharmacies and drug stores were analysed. The results of this research will help to accelerate the adoption of information and communications technologies in the pharmacies and drug stores to achieve value increase in business. The managerial and practical implications were also presented.

This study applied a stated preference survey method to investigate the impact of graphical route information panels GRIPs on taxi drivers' diversion decisions. A cross-sectional ordered logit model and a panel data ordered logit model were developed. Main findings are: taxi drivers and mid-age drivers with high urban freeway use frequency are more likely to divert; drivers are more likely to divert if the original ramp is jammed and an accident occurs; employer-provided car drivers are less sensitive to accident and less likely to divert. On the modelling aspect, the panel data model does not provide substantially different model coefficients but more robust statistical inferences; the cross-sectional model tends to seriously overestimate t-test values for explanatory variables changing across drivers and tends to slightly underestimate t-test values for explanatory variables changing across trip scenarios and interaction terms. The findings have implications for GRIP assessment and for future response behaviour modelling effort.

This paper proposes a generic macroscopic traffic simulation model-based evaluation tool for freeway networks equipped with In-Vehicle Navigation Systems (IVNS). The tool includes three modules: 1) a freeway network traffic simulation module, 2) a route recommendation generation module executing feedback Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) to calculate splitting rate for in-vehicle navigation-related bifurcation nodes, 3) a control benefits evaluation module providing useful output including link-level traffic states, splitting rates, route travel times, animated network condition map and network performance indexes. A simulation study of a test network showed the tool is effective and useful for better understanding the complex dynamic behaviour of networks equipped with IVNS and for testing and optimising routing strategies.

This paper aims at studying information attacks and related financial losses by assessing risks from these attacks. Firstly, a computational model on risk assessment is developed. A comparison study of information attacks in the USA and the UK is then conducted based on this model. Secondly, risk assessment is performed on attacks on the information systems and resulting financial losses in the USA based on growth indices and growth rates of risk assessments. Finally, correlation analysis is conducted to analyse relationships between attacks and financial losses in the USA. The study will help people to understand better how severe the current threat on computer information system is and which attack types cause more financial losses. The developed computational model can be used to assess risks for different attack types, and gauge relative risks introduced by each attack.

This paper aims at developing e-business standards for the cosmetics industry. Specifically, it first investigates value chain activities to analyse how the information technology (IT) can be adopted in the cosmetics industry at a strategic level for increasing value. Then, based on these activities, a set of e-business standards were developed in terms of business-to-business, business-to-consumer, business-to-internal and business-to-government. Finally, the implementation pattern of these e-business standards in the top ten dominant companies in the cosmetics industry was analysed. The results will be helpful in the value increase in the cosmetic business via IT. The implication on the cosmetic business industry is also discussed.

This paper aims at developing implementable e-business solutions to accelerate the adoption of information systems in the m-advertising industry. First, an e-business integrated customer chain model was developed for the m-advertising industry. A list of implementable e-business solutions was developed based on decomposition of this model. Then, the top 25 advertising companies were studied in terms of their implementation pattern of e-business solutions. Implementation on these solution items ranged from 16% to 66% for the top 25 companies. The findings on pattern analyses in the current research are beneficial to decision makers and managers in m-advertising companies. The study concludes that the implementable e-business solutions developed in this paper are crucial to accelerate the adoption of information technology for the m-advertising industry in the near future.

This paper attempts to develop e-business solutions for the aerospace and defence enterprises. Specifically, firstly, an e-customer model for the aerospace and defence industry is developed to incorporate with e-business in terms of business-to-business, business-to-customer, business-to-internal and business-to-government solutions. Secondly, 39 implementable e-business solutions are derived based on the developed model. Finally, the implementation patterns of these solutions in the top 20 aerospace and defence companies are investigated based on data collected. The results showed that 14 out of the derived 39 e-business solution items are not fully implemented by these top 20 companies. This paper's findings will help decision-makers including managers and executives in the aerospace and defence industry to adopt and implement e-business solutions; and thereby, improve business value.

This paper aims to develop electronic business (e-business) solutions in order to illustrate how to utilise information technology (IT) to increase business value in movie enterprises. To achieve this objective, specifically, an e-value chain model was developed for movie industry. E-business solutions were developed based on the develop value chain model. Data from 20 dominant movie enterprises were collected to investigate the e-business implementation pattern. The results of this research explain the new challenges of the movie industry relative to technology and offered insight on how a movie enterprise can develop competitive advantage using IT solutions as a powerful asset in the future.

Development of mobile taxing (m-taxing) environments that have user-friendly features is important to the accelerated adoption of m-taxing in filing taxes with the government. The current research studies usability features that are crucial to the success of an m-taxing system. There are two phases involved. In the first phase, the current research develops a Mobile Taxing (MT) model to study usability features necessary to perform m-taxing. Thirty features are mapped and identified based on the MT model. In the second phase, an m-taxing system prototype is developed to illustrate how to integrate these usability features into development. This research is beneficial to future m-taxing companies, mobile device developers, m-taxing system developers, and the government. This study concludes that the MT model based system with usability emphasis is crucial to develop efficient m-taxing; and thereby, accelerating the adoption of an m-taxing system for the purpose of filling taxes with the Internal Revenue Service will be beneficial for the near future.

As the international hospitality and tourism industry moves towards higher utilisation on e-business, a major problem arises with the lack of standards. This paper aims at developing e-business standards for the international hospitality and tourism industry. Specifically, an electronic value chain analysis was first developed. Second, a set of standards was derived from the model. Third, the top 20 dominant companies were examined to find the current implementation pattern of these derived standards. The results from this research help the international hospitality and tourism business to set up e-business standards and accelerate e-business adoption to improve global competitiveness.

Mobile government is playing a more and more important role in the government information and service delivery to businesses and citizens. However, there are still many problems in the development of mobile government such as security and privacy, low cost-effective, redundant construction and low utilisation. This paper aims at providing a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-model-based approach to solve some major problems in mobile government; and thereby, integration of SaaS with mobile government will proceed more smoothly. Directions for further research are presented, and academic and practical implications stemming from this study are also discussed.

As some new potential cyber attacks come from global and transnational sources, it is necessary to integrate global partnership and global proactive participation to the company-wide cyber security. This research aims to develop a knowledge management conceptual framework for cyber security learning to improve a variety of users' cyber security knowledge bases. Specifically, this framework has cyber security knowledge repository with three layers combined (company-wide, global partnership and global proactive participation) for five levels of users (beginner, novice, master, advanced, master and professionals). This developed framework provides a platform for training a variety of workforces and users to improve their cyber security knowledge bases.

This paper developed a business value increasing model for electronic hospital (e-hospital) based on electronic value chain analysis. From this model, 58 hospital electronic business (e-business) solutions were developed. Additionally, this paper investigated the adoption patterns of these 58 e-business solutions within six US leading hospitals. The findings show that only 36 of 58 or 62% of the e-business solutions are fully or partially implemented within the six hospitals. Ultimately, the research results will be beneficial to managers and executives for accelerating e-business adoptions for e-hospital.

The purpose of this paper is to develop electronic business standards for engineering services. Specifically, it first developed an electronic customer chain management conceptual model for the engineering services by integrating Information Technology (IT) with the customer-focused business processes in engineering services firms. Second, electronic business standards were developed based on the conceptual model. Third, current IT adoption rates within the engineering services industry were analysed by reviewing e-business applications in six dominant engineering services firms. The results of this research will be beneficial for accelerating IT adoption in the engineering services.

This paper examines online stock price effects of cross-listings American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) in Taiwanese companies. Specifically, decision tree and rule base systems were used to analyse the stock price variances of ADRs in the USA and those in Taiwan market to see if the ADR listed in the US market reflects the real-time information that became available while the US market was open right after the Taiwan market was closed. The results showed that most of the companies had higher accuracy rates of ADRs prediction, and some companies even had more than 60% accuracy rates. This paper concludes that Taiwanese stock price plays the main role in affecting the stock prices in the USA.

While it is true that the internet has helped businesses reach customers who were previously not accessible, it has also opened up another opportunity for fraud. This study examines the occurrences of online fraud and where they were committed for the period 2002 through 2006. Several interesting trends were found to exist in the data set. First and as expected, the number of online fraud complaints was high in states and geographic regions with large populations. However, when the population was factored in, the trends were quite different. Second, 2006 was the first year that contained some evidences of a decline in the number of cases reported. Even among states and regions that had high incidences of complaints, the growth rates appear to be levelling off.

The paper studied the interactive features that are crucial to the success of mobile learning (m-learning). First, the paper developed an interactive m-learning model with six interactive modules to analyse interactive usability features among instructor, student, and content. These modules were further decomposed and 76 features were identified. Secondly, the Interactive M-Learning Questionnaire (IMLQ) was developed to quantitatively measure these interactive m-learning usability features. Thirdly, data were collected using IMLQ from 96 subjects. Factor analysis resulted in the identification of 15 interactive m-learning dimensions. A comparison between modules showed that people have no different preferences on different modules.

An electronic value chain model containing 32 e-business solution items was developed to show how Information Technology (IT) could be adopted by oil enterprises. An investigation into the current IT implementation patterns by the top ten oil enterprises shows that these e-business items can be categorised into basic and specific solutions. The findings show that the oil enterprises have high utilisation of IT in the refining and production processes, but relatively low information content in the product dimension. The research results will be beneficial to managers and executives on strengthening e-energy security by accelerating IT adoptions in oil enterprises.

In this research study, a value chain model containing 74 e-business solution items was developed to show how Information Technology (IT) could be adopted by internet retail businesses. An investigation into the current implementation patterns of IT adoptions by the top 20 internet retail companies show that these e-business items can be categorised into basic and specific solutions. The basic solutions represent those e-business items needed by every company in the internet retail industry. Specific solutions are e-business items that are found only in companies operating in specific market segments. Using versatility analysis and implementation mapping, it was found that all these top 20 companies have at least 50% of the e-business solution items.

This study aimed at determining the popularity level of the Short Messaging Service (SMS) in USA among college students and its potential as a content delivery platform in distance education. Results of a 20-question survey administered to 200 college students indicated that there was a common lack of trust among cell phone owners towards SMS. Students generally found SMS as an expensive alternative to voice communication using a cell phone. Given the results, SMS may potentially be used in small scales to deliver educational content, but user acceptance and pricing issues need to be addressed first.