Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some Generalised Fixed Point Theorems Applied to Quantum Operations

In this paper, we consider an order-preserving mapping T on a complete partial b-metric space satisfying some contractive condition. We were able to show the existence and uniqueness of the fixed point of T. In the application aspect, the fidelity of quantum states was used to establish the existence of a fixed quantum state associated to an order-preserving quantum operation. The method we presented is an alternative in showing the existence of a fixed quantum state associated to quantum operations. Our method does not capitalise on the commutativity of the quantum effects with the fixed quantum state(s) (Luders’s compatibility criteria). The Luders’s compatibility criteria in higher finite dimensional spaces is rather difficult to check for any prospective fixed quantum state. Some part of our results cover the famous contractive fixed point results of Banach, Kannan and Chatterjea.
Infestation and pod damage by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Uganda

Abstract Eight early and five medium maturing chickpea cultivars were evaluated for infestation and pod damage by the podborer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), at Kabanyolo, Uganda, during the short and long rainy seasons of 1990/91. Larvae were found feeding on leaves 2–3 weeks after crop emergence, and three distinct generations were recognized 2–5, 6–11 and 12–15 weeks after emergence. Infestation was higher during the long rainy seasons and on short duration cultivars; the highest number of larvae was on the cultivar Annigeri (1.34/plant) and the lowest on ICC 506 (0.22/plant). On average, the most susceptible cultivars were Annigeri, the Local Check, K 850 (Desai) and ICC 5264‐E10 (Kabuli), while ICC × 790197–25PLB‐12PLB‐3PLB‐BPLB, ICC × 780286–5PLB‐2PLB‐2EB, ICC × 790197–23PLB‐11PLB‐2EB and ICC 506 were the least infested. On most cultivars, fewer larvae were found but highest pod damage was recorded during the short rains. Pod damage ranged from 8.0% to 44.1 %, with Annigeri, ICC 4935‐E2793 and ICC .
Exploring Consumer Behaviour towards Online Retailing in Emerging Markets of India

This paper aims to identify the factors influencing online consumer buying behaviour of tierIII cities’ consumers in India. As various e-commerce companies have already covered major tier-I and tier-II cities of India, small but potential markets known as tier-III cities needs to be explored. This paper is an effort to identify how consumers from these cities are responding towards e-tailing and which factors influence them positively and which factors influence them negatively. To identify the factors, detailed literature review has been done and questionnaire has been designed, then to test the assessment instrument face validity test has been done with the help of structured expert interviews. Expert interviews have been analysed by QDA Miner Lite. After this data has been collected from selected 6 tierIII cities of Maharashtra. The survey was conducted over a period of almost three months and out of collected 131 responses 120 samples have been considered for further data analysis. Study concluded that consumers of tier-III cities do shop online and also show positive future intention for online shopping. Though logistic issues, high delivery charges, language barriers and family influence them negatively, they show overall positive attitude towards online shopping. Mobile phone and related accessories and apparels have been found most preferred categories for online shopping and mobile is the main instrument for doing online shopping. It has been also found that male consumers prefer online shopping over female consumers. For most of the tier-III cities’ consumers overall online frequency is less than once in a month only. Finding of this research can help marketers to design and develop impactful online marketing strategies in such a way that they can engage more and more tierIII cities’ customers in online shopping.
An Investigative Study on University Students’ Statistical Literacy in Pakistan

The main aim of universities is to conduct research studies on different aspects of human life for the purpose of development and prosperity. In this regard the importance of statistical literacy cannot be denied in every discipline of knowledge. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the statistical literacy of the university students at BS level. Quantitative survey research design was employed where sample of the study comprised of randomly selected 360 BS level students from 9 public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). The data were collected through self-developed instrument namely Instrument for Statistical Literacy (ISL). The study demonstrated that students had low statistical literacy at BS level; it was therefore, recommended that Higher Education Commission of Pakistan may include a significant portion of practical work in the approved curriculum at university level for the enhancement of statistical literacy.
The Making of the Modern Metropolis: Evidence from London*

Using newly constructed spatially disaggregated data for London from 1801 to 1921, we show that the invention of the steam railway led to the first large-scale separation of workplace and residence. We show that a class of quantitative urban models is remarkably successful in explaining this reorganization of economic activity. We structurally estimate one of the models in this class and find substantial agglomeration forces in both production and residence. In counterfactuals, we find that removing the whole railway network reduces the population and the value of land and buildings in London by up to 51.5% and 53.3% respectively, and decreases net commuting into the historical center of London by more than 300,000 workers.
Chromosome location of genes controlling aluminum tolerance in wheat, rye, and triticale

'Chinese Spring' wheat nullisomic–tetrasomic and ditelosomic lines were used for the identification of Aluminum-tolerance genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.). Rye additions and substitutions in different wheat varieties were used for the identification of aluminum-tolerance genes in rye (Secale cereale L.). The point where concentrations of aluminum caused irreversible damage to the root apical meristems on exposure for 24 h at 25 °C was the measure of aluminum tolerance. Genes for aluminum tolerance in the medium-tolerant wheat variety 'Chinese Spring' were found to be localized in chromosome arms 6AL, 7AS, 2DL, 3DL, 4DL, and 4BL, and on chromosome 7D. Major genes for tolerance in rye seem to be located on 3R and 6RS, with other genes on 4R. The expression of aluminum-tolerance genes located on rye chromosomes incorporated into sensitive wheat was often suppressed by the action of unknown genes in the wheat background.Key words: Triticum, Secale, aluminum tolerance, additive effects, polygenes.
A comparison of the non‐starch carbohydrates in cereal grains

The carbohydrates soluble in 80% ethanol and in water at 100°C were extracted from two varieties of wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice and malt. The highest concentrations of sugars soluble in 80% ethanol were found in malt and rye with the lowest in rice. Barley contained the most raffinose and rye contained the most fructan. Rye had the highest levels of water-soluble and total pentosans and barley the highest levels of water-soluble and total (1→3), (1→4)-β-glucans. The total arabinose:xylose ratio varied from 1.2 in wheat and triticale to 0.3 in oats. All were very low in uronic acids.
Mask-absorber optimization: the next phase

Abstract. We continue our work on the physics of mask-topography-induced phase effects in imaging using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, and specifically how these effects can be mitigated by alternative mask absorbers. We present a semianalytical model to calculate the mask-topography-induced phase offset and study its trend throughout the entire material space at 13.5-nm wavelength. We demonstrate that the model is in good agreement with 3D rigorous simulations. Using the model, we explain why the previously demonstrated phase shift close to 1. 2π works optimally for EUV imaging. We show a low refractive index mask absorber (n < 0.91) is crucial for good mask 3D mitigation. We demonstrate the importance of mask bias and incident angle for imaging with an optimized attenuated phase-shift mask (PSM), which makes good source-mask optimization indispensable. We present the lithographic performance of alternative mask absorbers including a high-k mask, and a low- and high-transmission attenuated PSM for a few basic use cases, confirming the lithographic gain that can be obtained by mask-absorber optimization.
Changes in the structure of a shallow sandy-beach community in Peru during an El Nino event

Many infaunal sandy-bottom communities in shallow waters of the Peruvian upwelling system are inhabited by large coexisting populations of the surf clams Mesodesma donacium and Donax peruvianus as well as by the anomuran mole crab Emerita analoga. Under normal conditions, equilibrium states are possible with any one of these species dominating. A Mesodesma community south of Lima in Peru was investigated over 2,5 years, covering periods prior to, during and after the El Nino (EN) of 1982–83. It was revisited several times later. Growth, recruitment and mortality and, therefore, production of Mesodesma and Donax varied to some extent before EN. However, during the event Mesodesma became locally extinct and had not recolonized the area by July 1986, three years after the return of normal temperatures. Donax, which took over immediately after EN, never reached the densities of the former dominant Mesodesma. Emerita remained a rare species as well, whereas spionid polychaetes increased in importance. The medi.
Isolation of bioactive antibiotic peptides from Bacillus brevis and Bacillus polymyxa against Botrytis grey mould in strawberry

Abstract Grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea is a devastating disease that results in extensive yield losses to strawberry. Bacillus brevis (Brevibacillus brevis) and Bacillus polymyxa (Paenibacillus polymyxa), which showed strong antifungal activity against B. cinerea, were isolated from the phyllosphere of strawberry plants. The advantage of using these bacteria is that the biochemistry and physiology of production of antibiotic peptides antimicrobial substances is well documented. A study was conducted to assess the activity of both Bacilli and their antibiotic peptides produced against B. cinerea in strawberry plants in vitro and in vivo. In vitro bioassay, both Bacilli have strongly inhibited pathogen germination, growth and extra-cellular enzyme production. Bacillus brevis was generally the most effective in reducing Botrytis growth. Gramicidin S and polymyxin B peptide antibiotics were extracted from culture filtrate of B. brevis and B. polymyxa, respectively, purified by silica thin chromatography and identified by high performance liquid chromatography. Germination, growth rate and production of extra-cellular enzymes were more sensitive to both antibiotics. Gramicidin S was the most active against B. cinerea with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 15 μmol/l. Polymyxin B also showed activity against B. cinerea at 25 μmol/l. Under controlled conditions (18 – 22°C, 90% relative humidity and 12 h photoperiod), strawberry plants were sprayed with pathogens (105 spores/ml), antagonists (from 105 to 108 cells/ml) and antibiotic peptides (0 – 30 μmol/l) for reducing grey mould. Disease incidence was decreased in the presence of B. brevis. Both antibiotic peptides inhibited Botrytis growth that was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The plant leaves adsorbed significant amounts of antibiotics which reached from 46.1 to 67.5% of the original solution. Under natural field conditions, these biocontrol and antibiotic peptides at different concentrations were evaluated in 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 seasons against Botrytis grey mould. Treating plants with B. brevis exhibited a significant high activity against the development of Botrytis disease on strawberry. Gramicidin S showed a strong potential in reducing disease incidence, followed by polymyxin B, and acted as a fungicide to the pathogen growth. Inhibition of B. cinerea by both Bacilli was similar to equivalent levels of their antibiotics produced. In addition, these treatments significantly reduced the development of Botrytis and increased fruit yield. It can be suggested that B. brevis and B. polymyxa may be considered as potential biocontrol agents against Botrytis grey mould on strawberry based on the production of antifungal peptides. Therefore, gramicidin S and polymyxin B products are considered as biocontrol agents and may play a significant role in the future for practical applications in strawberry management systems.
Is digital inclusion fighting disability stigma? Opportunities, barriers, and recommendations

Abstract This paper presents a focus group study of the role of digital inclusion in overcoming disability stigma. It reviews stigma literature and contrasting disability models, ultimately arguing in favor of the value of the biopsychosocial approach to the role of digital inclusion in disability stigma. The paper qualitatively explores the stigma experienced by people with disabilities and the ways in which digital inclusion might affect such experiences. It asserts that the benefits of digital inclusion depend, simultaneously, on bio-medical, social, and personal/psychological levels. In addition, prominent barriers to digital inclusion, such as low accessibility and usability and ineffective technology design, are determined by complex biopsychosocial factors, rather than purely bio-technical or social parameters. Thus, the paper recommends the adoption of the biopsychosocial model of disability, in order digital inclusion research to generate longitudinal insights into the actual and potential role of digital inclusion in people with disabilities’ social inclusion and welfare. Points of interest This is a study of what people with different or similar disabilities think of the role of digital technologies in their experiences of disability stigma. The people with disabilities who participated in the study argued about the positive role that digital technologies play in alleviating: a) medical aspects of their stigma by helping them cope with everyday life tasks; b) social aspects of their stigma by helping them socialise and participate in the society; and c) psychological aspects of their stigma by helping them express freely and be more confident. At the same time, the participants criticised the design of digital technologies and argued that digital design often worsens their experiences of stigma, as it reinforces medical, social and psychological aspects of such stigma. The study recommends that future research on the role of digital technologies in disability stigma should shed light on medical, social and psychological aspects and forces of disability stigma.
Water relations, cuticular transpiration, and bud characteristics of air-slit containerized Picea glauca seedlings in response to controlled irrigation regimes

White spruce seedlings (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) were grown in air-slit containers (IPL 25-350A) in a tun- nel under four different irrigation regimes (IR-15%, IR-30%, IR-45%, and IR-60%, v/v; (cm H2O) 3 ·(cm substrate) -3 ). At the end of the first growing season the water-relation variables of the shoots were determined. Seedling morphology, the rates of cuticular transpiration and terminal bud development, as well as the number of needle primordia were also measured. Irrigation regime had no significant effect on any of the water-relation variables. Seedlings grown under the IR-15% were smaller and completed bud development more quickly than seedlings grown under IR-30%, IR-45%, and IR-60%. The formation of needle primordia was enhanced under IR-30%. Both the irrigation regime and the amount of time the detached shoots were left to transpire had a significant effect on the rate of cuticular transpiration. A compari - son of the water-relation variables at the end of the first (1998) and second (1999) growing seasons showed that the younger seedlings had more negative osmotic potential at tissue saturation and greater maximum modulus of elasticity values. None of the other water-relation variables were significantly affected by seedling age, but the absolute values of all the variables were greater in the younger (1+0) seedlings. Resume : Des semis d'epinette blanche (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) (1+0), produits dans des recipients a parois ajou- rees ont ete cultives dans un tunnel sous quatre regies d'irrigation differentes (RI-15%, RI-30%, RI-45% et RI-60%,
Changing Shapes of Care: Expressions of Filial Piety among Second-generation Chinese in the Netherlands

This study explored perceptions of filial care among second-generation Chinese immigrants in the Netherlands. The provision of filial help or care can be regarded as a cultural phenomenon known as filial piety and it can be considered within the broad scope of caregiving as “family care”. Fifteen interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis was applied. The findings showed that care was given in the form of language brokering, information inquiry, home visits, and facilitative and social support. Care was perceived as a moral duty among the participants and was grounded in their perceived sense of responsibility. The participants’ perspectives on current and future care included practical and normative considerations for meeting parental needs, and included opinions based on filial piety norms. In conclusion, this study showed that filial piety, specifically filial care, is still relevant to the younger immigrant Chinese community in the Netherlands.
The vasorelaxant effect of H2S as a novel endogenous gaseous KATP channel opener

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been traditionally viewed as a toxic gas. It is also, however, endogenously generated from cysteine metabolism. We attempted to assess the physiological role of H2S in the regulation of vascular contractility, the modulation of H2S production in vascular tissues, and the underlying mechanisms. Intravenous bolus injection of H2S transiently decreased blood pressure of rats by 12–30 mmHg, which was antagonized by prior blockade of KATP channels. H2S relaxed rat aortic tissues in vitro in a KATP channel‐dependent manner. In isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), H2S directly increased KATP channel currents and hyperpolarized membrane. The expression of H2S‐generating enzyme was identified in vascular SMCs, but not in endothelium. The endogenous production of H2S from different vascular tissues was also directly measured with the abundant level in the order of tail artery, aorta and mesenteric artery. Most importantly, H2S production from vascular tissues was enhanced by nitric oxide. Our results demonstrate that H2S is an important endogenous vasoactive factor and the first identified gaseous opener of KATP channels in vascular SMCs.
The implementation of BIM in construction projects

Building Information Modeling Implementation (BIM) is a management task that has undergone major changes. Therefore, identifying the critical success factors in BIM implementation and identifying its implementation challenges in the construction industry is a prerequisite for this change process. The purpose of this research is to understand the construction industry in order to provide a clear understanding of the application of BIM and to provide a suitable way of the mobility of people to implement more comprehensive BIM, which in turn, implements modeling. Building information provides strategies and recommendations for the construction industry. This research, based on a review of previous study, BIM implementation methods and critical success factors in the field of implementation have been discussed, which opens the way for quantitative and qualitative method analysis. Also provides a solid foundation for organizations to make informed decisions in implementing BIM in the body of the organization structure. The main purpose of this research is to identify the factors that are important for the success of BIM implementation. Such factors include BIM potentials and the impact of these potentials on improving the performance of the companies that implement BIM. The research based on a literature review, and presents survey results and significant factors identified on the impacts of BIM implementation and organizational performance improvement.
Media Coverage of Campaign Promises Throughout the Electoral Cycle

ABSTRACT Previous studies conclude that governments fulfill a large share of their campaign pledges. However, only a minority of voters believe that politicians try to keep their promises, and many voters struggle to recall the fulfillment or breaking of salient campaign pledges accurately. I argue that this disparity between the public perception and empirical evidence is influenced by the information voters receive throughout the electoral cycle. I expect that the media extensively inform readers about political promises. In addition, I posit that news outlets focus more on broken than on fulfilled promises and that the focus on broken promises has increased over time. I find strong support for these expectations based on a new text corpus of over 430,000 statements on political commitments published between 1979 and 2017 in 22 newspapers during 33 electoral cycles in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Newspapers inform voters regularly about announced, broken, and fulfilled promises. Yet, across the four countries, newspapers report at least twice as much on broken than on fulfilled promises. Moreover, this negativity bias in reports on political promises has increased substantively. The results have implications for studying campaign promises, negative information in mass media, and the linkages between voters and parties.
Insights into the dubbing process: a genetic analysis of the Spanish dubbed version of Ocean’s Eleven

ABSTRACT This paper sets out to investigate the traces left by the agents involved in the dubbing process in an attempt to shed light onto its dynamics. The aim is to foreground the role of the different dubbing professionals in the forging of the final dubbed text that reaches audiences, with an emphasis on the translator and the dialogue writer. This will be done reflecting on the concept of genetic analysis in dubbing and undertaking such an analysis on the Spanish dubbed version of Ocean’s Eleven Scene 12. Three different versions (the translation, the adapted version and the final recorded version) will be analysed and compared to describe their characteristics, identify the types of changes introduced by different agents, and investigate the reasons that might have motivated such shifts. In line with existing studies drawing on genetic analysis, the results indicate that the changes introduced during the different dubbing phases tend towards text reduction and condensation, and are mainly motivated by synchronisation. The analysis has also underscored the collaborative nature of dubbing, which goes beyond collective agency, suggesting that the document provided by translators is indeed preliminary, but not as ‘rough’ as we might be led to believe.