Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed Longevity—The Evolution of Knowledge and a Conceptual Framework

The lifespan or longevity of a seed is the time period over which it can remain viable. Seed longevity is a complex trait and varies greatly between species and even seed lots of the same species. Our scientific understanding of seed longevity has advanced from anecdotal ‘Thumb Rules,’ to empirically based models, biophysical explanations for why those models sometimes work or fail, and to the profound realisation that seeds are the model of the underexplored realm of biology when water is so limited that the cytoplasm solidifies. The environmental variables of moisture and temperature are essential factors that define survival or death, as well as the timescale to measure lifespan. There is an increasing understanding of how these factors induce cytoplasmic solidification and affect glassy properties. Cytoplasmic solidification slows down, but does not stop, the chemical reactions involved in ageing. Continued degradation of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids damage cell constituents and reduce the seed’s metabolic capacity, eventually impairing the ability to germinate. This review captures the evolution of knowledge on seed longevity over the past five decades in relation to seed ageing mechanisms, technology development, including tools to predict seed storage behaviour and non-invasive techniques for seed longevity assessment. It is concluded that seed storage biology is a complex science covering seed physiology, biophysics, biochemistry and multi-omic technologies, and simultaneous knowledge advancement in these areas is necessary to improve seed storage efficacy for crops and wild species biodiversity conservation.
Using the Frith-Happé animations to compare attributions of mental qualities in nonhuman agents

ABSTRACT To understand perceptions of technology, researchers can compare them to perceptions of other nonhumans. In this study, a Theory of Mind assessment (the Frith-Happé animations) was used to assess perceptions of videos of moving triangles. Participants rated the triangles’ lifelikeness, intelligence, intention, emotion, and cognition. The triangles were labelled as humans, robots, dogs, or shapes. Results replicated patterns commonly found when using these animations and showed differences between agent labels. Triangles with a “humans” label had higher attributions of mental qualities than those with a “shapes” label. The “humans” label also had higher attributions of lifelikeness and emotion than the “robots” and “dogs” but were not significantly different from these labels for intention and cognition. These results promote the reliability and validity of the Frith-Happé animations but emphasise the importance of considering how the task is described and labelled to participants. Additional implications for the human-technology relationship are discussed.
Radiofrequency plasma stabilization of a low-Reynolds-number channel flow

Abstract The effects of plasma heating and thermal non-equilibrium on the statistical properties of a low-Reynolds-number ( $Re_{\tau } = 49$ ) turbulent channel flow were experimentally quantified using particle image velocimetry, two-line planar laser-induced fluorescence, coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy and emission spectroscopy. Tests were conducted at two radiofrequency plasma settings. The nitrogen, in air, was vibrationally excited to $T_{vib} \sim 1240\ \mathrm{K}$ and 1550 K for 150 W and 300 W plasma settings, respectively, while the vibrational temperature of the oxygen and the rotational/translational temperatures of all species remained near room temperature. The peak axial turbulence intensities in the shear layers were reduced by 15 and 30 % in moving across the plasma for the 150 and 300 W cases, respectively. The plasma did not alter the transverse intensities. The Reynolds shear stresses were reduced by 30 and 50 % for the 150 and 300 W cases. The corresponding Reynolds shear stress correlation coefficient was also reduced, which indicates that the large-scale structures were diminished. Finally, the plasma enhanced the turbulence decay in the zero-shear regions, where the power law decay $t^{-1/n}$ exponential factor $n$ decreased from 1.0 to 0.8.
Ageing and Keeping Pace with Technology: A Grounded Theory Study on Blind Adults’ Experiences of Adapting to New Technologies

This study investigated blind adults’ experiences of adapting to digital technologies. The authors’ focus was on how they have been experiencing changes implied by digital transformation, which provided the starting point for assessing their prospects and/or limitations for self-development through new technologies in the future. The second point concerned designing technologies for blind adults by adding questions about their specific needs and expectations for digital device designers. To develop these main issues, we planned a qualitative grounded theory study in which 16 blind adults were individually interviewed. It aimed to provide rich descriptions of a selected phenomenon. The research analysis was conducted by using the sociological and philosophical methods, which provided insights into the social assessment of digital development for ageing by blind adults. The data analysis revealed five distinct categories that captured these experiences and expectations: (1) wishing to learn—“Digital technology gives me privacy and independence”; (2) having to learn—“If you do not have new digital devices or do not know how to use them, you end up on the margins of society”; (3) being socially excluded—“Designers of new technologies do not think about blind adults”; (4) fearing to stop understanding—“Technological development is too rapid, it is difficult to be on time while ageing”; and (5) waiting for the changes—“I hope my situation will change in the future”. Together, these five categories form the basis of the core category “Ageing and keeping pace with technology”, which encapsulates the initial adaptation experiences of the interviewees to the technological development. The findings indicate that the blind adults experienced digital devices as tools for improving their well-being, but they also saw them as posing the threat of being socially excluded because of new technology designs and accessibility barriers.
Validation of a three-dimensional numerical model for water-pump intakes

Abstract A non-hydrostatic three-dimensional (3D) numerical model with capability to use arbitrarily shaped cells has recently been developed and validated. This model solves the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the two-equation turbulence models. A unique feature of the model is the use of unstructured grid with flexible mesh cell shapes. The robustness and validation of the model have been demonstrated for an open channel flow and an internal flow. This paper reports further extension and validation of the model for simulating flows in water-pump intakes. This flow combines aspects of open channel and internal flows and the resultant flow is quite complex with various types of vortices and interaction among them. The flow in a relatively simple laboratory intake model, with a straight vertical pump column, is simulated in the study, and the results compared with experimental data to validate the numerical model. It is shown that the model may be used to address flow problems in practical water-pump intakes.
Continuous Scatterplot Operators for Bivariate Analysis and Study of Electronic Transitions

Electronic transitions in molecules due to the absorption or emission of light is a complex quantum mechanical process. Their study plays an important role in the design of novel materials. A common yet challenging task in the study is to determine the nature of electronic transitions, namely which subgroups of the molecule are involved in the transition by donating or accepting electrons, followed by an investigation of the variation in the donor-acceptor behavior for different transitions or conformations of the molecules. In this paper, we present a novel approach for the analysis of a bivariate field and show its applicability to the study of electronic transitions. This approach is based on two novel operators, the continuous scatterplot (CSP) lens operator and the CSP peel operator, that enable effective visual analysis of bivariate fields. Both operators can be applied independently or together to facilitate analysis. The operators motivate the design of control polygon inputs to extract fiber surfaces of interest in the spatial domain. The CSPs are annotated with a quantitative measure to further support the visual analysis. We study different molecular systems and demonstrate how the CSP peel and CSP lens operators help identify and study donor and acceptor characteristics in molecular systems.
An analytic solution for linear gravity waves in a channel as a test for numerical models using the non‐hydrostatic, compressible Euler equations

A slightly modified version of the idealized test set‐up used by Skamarock and Klemp is proposed: the quasi linear two‐dimensional expansion of sound and gravity waves in a flat channel induced by a weak warm bubble. For this test case an exact analytic solution of the linearized compressible, non‐hydrostatic Euler equations for a shallow atmosphere has been derived. This solution can be used as a benchmark to assess compressible, non‐hydrostatic dynamical cores which are the basis for many of today's, and probably most of the future, atmospheric models. Comparisons and convergence studies of two quite differently designed numerical limited‐area simulation models, COSMO and DUNE, against this analytic solution are performed.
Mixing and segregation of granular matter: multi-lobe formation in time-periodic flows

We study size segregation in two classes of granular systems in time-periodically forced quasi-two-dimensional tumblers. In dry granular systems (DGS), particles are immersed in air, whereas in liquid granular systems (LGS) or slurries, particles are wholly immersed in a less dense liquid. Experimental results show lobe formation and classical radial segregation, depending on the frequency of the forcing and fill fraction of the system. Both DGS and LGS exhibit similar multi-lobe patterns when subjected to the same forcing. A simple model captures the experimental results and suggests that the symmetry of the forcing plays a crucial role in the emergence of the patterns. Lobes form via a reinforcement mechanism that depends on the period of the regular islands in the Poincaré map. The mechanism can be controlled by changing the forcing period and/or fill fraction.
Magnetic flux ropes and convection

Three-dimensional cellular convection concentrates magnetic flux into ropes when the magnetic Reynolds number is large. Amplification of the magnetic field is limited by the Lorentz force and the maximum field in a flux rope can be estimated. Boundary-layer analysis yields a completely self-consistent solution for a model of convection driven by imposed horizontal temperature gradients, and the transition from a kinematic to a dynamic regime can be followed in detail. The maximum value of the amplified field is proportional to the square root of the ratio of the viscous to the magnetic diffusivity.
Low Reynolds number flow past a porous spherical shell

Abstract This paper is concerned with the flow of viscous fluids around and through porous bodies. Previous boundary conditions that have been used are discussed and a generalization of a boundary condition adopted by Beavers and Joseph, for plane boundaries, is proposed for curved surfaces. Using this condition the problem of slow viscous flow past a spherical shell is solved and several special limiting cases are considered.
Corporate Philanthropy and CEO Outside Directorships Under Authoritarian Capitalism

Scholars have long suggested that CEOs can benefit from corporate philanthropy. However, little is known about this relationship in contexts of authoritarian capitalism such as China, where the state not only uses its control of economic entities to pursue social goals but also plays a key role in CEOs’ careers. We theorize how corporate philanthropy among state-controlled firms increases the CEO’s likelihood of receiving career benefits from the state in the form of outside directorships. Outside directorships represent an important form of social capital in the Chinese context, and corporate philanthropy is an important mechanism through which social capital can be acquired. In addition, we theorize how two factors—the degree of state ownership and the number of independent directors on the CEO’s board—moderate this relationship. Analyzing a 12-year panel of state-controlled, publicly-listed firms in China comprising 6,594 firm-year observations, we find general support for our ideas. In so doing, we contribute to scholarship on the business–society relationship and corporate governance in the context of authoritarian capitalism.
ON (σ, τ)-n-DERIVATIONS IN NEAR-RINGS

In the present paper, we introduce the notion of (σ, τ)-n-derivation in near-ring N and investigate some properties involving (σ, τ)-n-derivations of a prime near-ring N which force N to be a commutative ring. Additive commutativity of near-ring N satisfying certain identities involving (σ, τ)-n-derivations of a prime near-ring N has also been obtained. Related examples to justify the hypotheses in various theorems have also been provided.
Statistical theory of finite Fermi systems with chaotic excited eigenstates

Abstract A theory of strongly interacting Fermi systems of a few particles is developed. At high excitation energies (a few times the single-particle level spacing) these systems are characterized by an extreme degree of complexity due to strong mixing of the shell-model-based many-particle basis states by the residual two-body interaction. This regime can be described as many-body quantum chaos. Practically, it occurs when the excitation energy of the system is greater than a few single-particle level spacings near the Fermi energy. Physical examples of such systems are compound nuclei, heavy open shell atoms (e.g. rare earths) and multicharged ions, molecules, clusters and quantum dots in solids. The main quantity of the theory is the strength function which describes spreading of the eigenstates over many-particle basis states (determinants) constructed using the shell-model orbital basis. A nonlinear equation for the strength function is derived, which enables one to describe the eigenstates without diagonalization of the Hamiltonian matrix. We show how to use this approach to calculate mean orbital occupation numbers and matrix elements between chaotic eigenstates and introduce typically statistical variables such as temperature in an isolated microscopic Fermi system of a few particles.
PROPRIÉTÉ (T) RENFORCÉE BANACHIQUE ET TRANSFORMATION DE FOURIER RAPIDE

Let F be a non archimedean local field and let G be an algebraic connected almost F-simple group over F, whose Lie algebra contains sl3(F). We prove that G(F) has strong Banach property (T) in a stronger sense than in the article "Un renforcement de la propriete (T)", published in Duke Math. J. As a consequence, families of expanders built from a lattice in G(F) do not embed uniformly in Banach spaces of type > 1. Also any affine isometric action of G(F) on a Banach space of type > 1 has a fixed point.
Analysis of a large-orbit gyrotron in a coaxial waveguide under assistant background fields

The dispersion relation of a large-orbit gyrotron in a coaxial waveguide excited in the transverse-electric mode was developed starting from the beam-present wave equation. The relativistic Vlasov's equation was solved under tenuous beam approximations for the perturbed electron distribution function, hence the required current density to be used in the wave equation was found. The analysis was generalized, with respect to background fields, by considering a dc radial electric field and a dc azimuthal magnetic field, over and above conventional dc axial magnetic field. The dispersion relation was solved for the complex frequency for a given propagation constant and the imaginary part interpreted for the growth rate as well as the saturated efficiency of the device. Similarly, for a given frequency the dispersion relation was solved for the complex propagation constant and the imaginary part interpreted for the gain of the device, if configured as an amplifier. Two peaks were obtained in the gain-frequency response corresponding to two points of intersection between the beam-mode dispersion line and the waveguide-mode dispersion curve. The improvement in the growth rate, gain and saturated efficiency was predicted by the application of the additional background fields. A redistribution of beam kinetic energy between the axial and transverse electron velocities led to a remarkable enhanced saturated efficiency at the second peak. A detailed study of the variation of device performance with respect to the gain and saturated efficiency was presented, for a wide range of the dc background field and electron kinetic energy distribution parameters.
VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF POTATO IN TOKHA MUNICIPALITY OF KATHMANDU DISTRICT, NEPAL

The study was carried out in Tokha Municipality of Kathmandu district from April, 2020 to June, 2020 to map the value chain of potatoes and assess the productivity and profitability within the existing value chain. Altogether 50 potato producers were selected along with 5 aggregators, 5 wholesalers, 5 retailers and 10 consumers using the random purposive sampling technique. The primary data were collected through field survey, focus group discussion and key informant interviews and secondary data were obtained from various published documents. The data obtained were analyzed in MS-Excel and SPSS. The average area under potato cultivation was 2.94 ropani with a productivity of 6.96 quintals per ropani, which is slightly lower than national-wise productivity (7.48 quintals per ropani). The cost of production per ropani was NRs. 13397 while cost incurred by traders per quintal (aggregators NRs. 3470, traders NRs. 4250 and wholesalers NRs. 3571). The average gross return was NRs. 28182.28 per ropani. The producers B:C ratio was 2.13 while aggregators (3.80), retailers (3.20) and wholesalers (1.99) with the net margin NRs. 7989.58 per ropani. The producer’s share on consumer’s price was 72.43% and the marketing margin for aggregators, retailers, and wholesalers was NRs.570. 91, NRs.800, and NRs.587. 44 respectively. The problems in quality assurance among traders and higher prices among the consumers were found. Thus, potato being an important cash crop, the decision¬-makers should take up initiatives for strengthening the potato value chain by establishing cold storage facilities in production belts and improving subsidized credit services to value chain actors.
Observed lightning morphology relative to modeled space charge and electric field distributions in a tornadic storm

Abstract This study uses a kinematic numerical cloud model that includes electrification and lightning discharge processes to investigate hypotheses concerning intracloud lightning flash rates in the Binger, Oklahoma, tornadic storm of 22 May 1981. MacGorman et al. have observed that intracloud (IC) flash rates in this storm's mesocyclone region peak when overall storm intensity is greatest and cloud-to-ground flash rates are low. They hypothesize that precipitation interactions involved in reflectivity growth at the 7–9-km level of the updraft are involved in precipitation charging and electrification. They also hypothesize that the intense convection in the mesocyclone region elevates the lower negative charge of the storm closer to upper positive charge, thereby enhancing IC flash rates. These hypotheses are tested by examining the charge and electric field distributions and charging rates produced by the kinematic model for the Binger storm. The model produces maximum electric field and net space char.
The Dominance of Dynamic Barlike Instabilities in the Evolution of a Massive Stellar Core Collapse That “Fizzles”

Core collapse in a massive rotating star may halt at subnuclear density if the core contains angular momentum J ≳ 1049 g cm2 s-1. An aborted collapse can lead to the formation of a rapidly rotating equilibrium object, which, because of its high electron fraction, Ye > 0.4, and high entropy per baryon, Sb/k ≈ 1-2, is secularly and dynamically stable. The further evolution of such a "fizzler" is driven by deleptonization and cooling of the hot, dense material. These processes cause the fizzler both to contract toward neutron star densities and to spin up, driving it toward instability points of the barlike modes. Using linear stability analyses to study the latter case, we find that the stability properties of fizzlers are similar to those of Maclaurin spheroids and polytropes despite the nonpolytropic nature and extreme compressibility of the fizzler equation of state. For fizzlers with the specific angular momentum distribution of the Maclaurin spheroids, secular and dynamic barlike instabilities set in at T/|W| ≈ 0.14 and 0.27, respectively, where T is the rotational kinetic energy and W is the gravitational energy of the fizzler, the same limits as found for Maclaurin spheroids. For fizzlers in which angular momentum is more concentrated toward the equator, the secular stability limits drop dramatically. For the most extreme angular momentum distribution we consider, the secular stability limit for the barlike modes falls to T/|W| ≈ 0.038, compared with T/|W| ≈ 0.09-0.10 for the most extreme polytropic cases known previously (Imamura et al.). For fixed equation-of-state parameters, the secular and dynamic stability limits occur at roughly constant mass over the range of typical fizzler central densities. Deleptonization and cooling decrease the limiting masses on timescales shorter than the growth time for secular instability. Consequently, unless an evolving fizzler reaches neutron star densities first, it will always encounter dynamic barlike instabilities before secular instabilities have time to grow. Quasi-linear analysis shows that the angular momentum loss during the early nonlinear evolution of the dynamic barlike instability is dominated by Newtonian self-interaction gravitational torques rather than by the emission of gravitational wave (GW) radiation. GW emission may dominate after the initial dynamic evolutionary phase ends. Nonlinear hydrodynamics simulations with a proper equation of state will be required to determine the ultimate outcome of such evolutions and to refine predictions of GW production by barlike instabilities.