Fuzzy rule interpolation (FRI) is well known for reducing the complexity of fuzzy models and making inference possible in sparse rule-based systems. However, in practical fuzzy applications with inter-connected rule bases, situations may arise when a crucial antecedent of observation is absent, either due to human error or difficulty in obtaining data, while the associated conclusion may be der...

Epistatic gene interactions are believed to be a major factor in the genetic architecture of evolutionary diversification. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the FRI and FLC genes mechanistically interact to control flowering time, and here we show that this epistatic interaction also contributes to a latitudinal cline in this life history trait within the species. Two major FLC haplogroups (FLC(A) and F...

FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a strong floral repressor, is one of the central regulators of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of FLC is increased by FRIGIDA (FRI) but decreased by vernalization, a long period of cold exposure that accelerates flowering. Although many aspects of FLC regulation have been reported, it is not known how FLC is transcriptionally activated by FRI at the mo...

Purpose To develop and validate the Functional Reading Independence (FRI) Index, a new patient-reported outcome measure assessing reading activities in individuals with geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration. Methods The Index was developed through expert consultation and qualitative patient interviews. Reliability, validity, and responsiveness were tested with data f...

Large amounts of air pollutants are emitted during prescribed forest fires. Such emissions and corresponding air quality impacts can be modulated by different forest management practices. The impacts of changing burning seasons and frequencies and of controlling emissions during smoldering on regional air quality in Georgia are quantified using source-oriented air quality modeling, with modifie...

National efforts to transform undergraduate biology education call for research experiences to be an integral component of learning for all students. Course-based undergraduate research experiences, or CUREs, have been championed for engaging students in research at a scale that is not possible through apprenticeships in faculty research laboratories. Yet there are few if any studies that exami...

The modern food system has evolved into one with highly inefficient activities, producing waste at each step of the food pathway from growing to consumption and disposal. The present challenge is to improve recyclability in the food system as a fundamental need for food and health security. This paper develops a methodological approach for a Food Recycling Index (FRI) as a tool to assess recycl...