Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CSOs seen through the optic of the European Commission: has the Commission’s perspective changed following the refugee crisis and the populist turn?

ABSTRACT This article examines the European Commission’s discourse to identify whether and how the Commission’s perception of the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) has evolved in the context of the refugee crisis and the rise of right-wing populism. To this end, we conduct thematic and frame analyses of a variegated data set consisting of announcements, speeches, press releases, and statements published by the Commission between 2013 and 2018. The article shows that the ‘refugee crisis’ and the populist turn have changed the European Commission’s view of CSOs, particularly concerning their democratic function within the European Union set-up as providers of input legitimacy. The lower profile given to civil society in the Commission’s discourse following the surge in populism and growing animosities towards non-governmental organisations signals a discursive turn in the Commission’s perception of CSOs as catalysers of participative and deliberative democracy as well as of policy-making informed by CSO expertise. However, the Commission has framed CSOs as important contributors to the output legitimacy of European Union policies, emphasising the role of civil society in the implementation of migration policies through socioeconomic reforms, providing services, and ‘debunking’ migration-related information.
Genome-Wide Analysis of HAESA/HAESA-Like Kinase Family in Rice

In leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like kinase XI subfamily, Arabidopsis HAESA (AtHAE) and two closely related HAESA-LIKE (AtHSL1 and AtHSL2) constitute a small branch. Several reports have described the function and the involved signaling pathway that AtHAE and AtHSLs are involved in. However, the family members and functions of HAE and HSL in rice have not been reported. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the HAE/HSL kinase family in rice. A total of 17 OsHSLs were identified in the genome. Of these, only Os11g11890 was annotated as HSL2; all the other members were annotated as HSL1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that OsHSLs diverged into three groups, with three Arabidopsis members constituting a subgroup of group I. Domain analysis revealed that all the homologues had 9-19 LRR repeats and a typical kinase domain at the C-terminus, except that four members lost or evolved their kinase domains. Expression analysis revealed that OsHSLs were co-expressed with genes involved in biotic and abiotic stresses. Microarray data revealed that most OsHSLs were highly expressed in the vegetative tissues and only two members were highly expressed in the reproductive tissues. Most OsHSLs changed their expression profiles when subjected to drought, and salt stress treatments. Our results provide an overview of OsHSL gene family in rice, and suggest that OsHSLs possibly function under biotic and abiotic stresses, thus would help for elucidating the function of OsHSLs gene family in vivo.
Children’s verbal explanations of their visual representation of the music

Recent findings in music research are increasingly confirming the embodied nature of music cognition. Assuming that a bodily engagement with music may affect the children’s musical meaning formation, we investigated how young children’s interaction with music, based on verbal description after listening versus body movement description while listening, may be reflected in the verbal explanation of their own visual representations of the music they listened to. In this study, 47 children (aged 9–10) without any formal music education participated in a verbal-based versus movement-based intervention. Before and after the interventions, children created a visual representation of the music and provided a verbal explanation of their drawing. Thematic analysis and statistical tests on the verbal data revealed a significant change in semantic themes, time dimension, and the number of music parameters gathered by children involved in body movement description of the music. Our results offer interesting insights on the role of body movement on children’s pattern perception and musical meaning formation.
Thermal Performance Analysis of Solar Dryer Integrated with Heat Energy Storage System and a Low-Cost Parabolic Solar Dish Concentrator for Food Preservation

Solar energy has become a viable alternative energy because it is a clean type of energy that converts solar radiation into heat energy for various applications such as heating water, power generation, cooking, and food drying. The solar dryer, integrated with the heat energy storage system, uses nitrate salt as a heat storage medium which was designed and tested by drying 1000 grams of red pepper at 19.6 to 62.4°C. The average ambient temperature ranged from 19.3 to 37.4°C, and the maximum temperature of the heat storage media ranged from 87.8 to 125°C. The solar drying process was compared to open sun drying system loaded with 1000 grams of red pepper. The findings showed that the solar dryer maintained color and flavor and lowered the original moisture content from 86% to 10% for 24 hours compared to 36 hours of drying in open air. In this study, nitrate salt is shown to be the perfect heat storage medium for drying food products; it preserved heat for about 4 hours when there is no active sunlight.
Improving Forecasts of Land Use with regionalized maps in the SLEUTH model

The expansion of cities has significant impacts on economy, ecology, and quality of life, among other sectors. This process affects a large fraction of the world’s population and draws attention of administrators, investors, and scientists. Simulation is an important tool to understand and administer the growth process; however, cities are complex systems, and computer models capture only a fraction of their dynamics. Precision is compromised by simplifications as data averages, and the difficulty to represent human aspects decisive in the evolution of cities. This study tries to mitigate these issues by integrating qualitative information in forecasts computed with the model SLEUTH. Simulations were regionalised using a socioeconomic and historical perspective, which can be explored with other tools. The method was compared to the traditional approach, and the results confirmed a better match between the simulation and the city characteristics.
Energy Price and Energy Efficiency in China: A Linear and Nonlinear Empirical Investigation

The empirical conclusions regarding the relationship between energy price and energy efficiency are relatively mixed. This paper systematically examines the influence of energy price on energy efficiency in China based on data from 30 provinces between 2003 and 2017, using linear and nonlinear effect analysis. We found that the impact of energy price on energy efficiency in China was positive in general. However, there existed heterogeneous effects of energy price on energy efficiency in various regions, and the effect differed with differences in energy efficiency levels based on the panel quantile regression analysis. Finally, the nonlinear effect analysis based on the panel threshold model indicated that the effect of energy price on energy efficiency increased with the rise of the environmental regulation level and economic growth rate, while it decreased with the ascent of the degree of energy price distortion and economic development level. In particular, when the value of a region’s economic development level and economic growth rate was within a certain range, the impact was not statistically significant. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding regarding the effect of energy price on energy efficiency in China.
LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR GRANGER CASUALITY BETWEEN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM INDIA

The present study tries to understand the association among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic growth in India. This paper applies the causality test of Granger (1969) based on the VECM and non-linear causality test of Dike and Panchenko over the period 1993-2016. This study gives a proof about the continuation of a long-run equilibrium association between FDI and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Economic Growth for the period being investigated. Unidirectional causality runs from FDI to GDP in the long run. The apparent non-linear causality running from FDI to GDP means that FDI is a policy instrument in stimulating Indian economic growth and provides support for the bi-directional non-linear causal connection between FDI and economic growth with 1, 2 and 4 lags. There has been no definitive investigation as of recently to find “linear and non-linear” Granger causality between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in India” and this study goes a stage advancing and present exact models that can be used to find the association among Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth.
Evaluation of Yield, Fruit Quality and Molecular Diversity for Three Grape Cultivars under New Valley Conditions

The current investigation was performed to evaluate the performance and DNA molecular analysis of three grape cultivars under the New Valley governorate, Egypt conditions. Most of the evaluated traits significantly varied among the cultivars. Superior cultivar had the best performance in cluster trait (weight, length and width), berries trait (number per cluster and 100 berries weight) and the total yield per vine. On the other hand, Flame cultivar overtopped in some quality traits (Total Soluble Solids, reducing and total reducing sugars). Molecular analysis was performed by using start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The detected polymorphism was 68.38% and 41.84%, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) for SCoT and ISSR markers was 0.29 and 0.19, respectively. Thus, SCoT marker was more informative. In contrast, the obtained dendrogram by ISSR showed a better clustering pattern than the SCoT marker.
Antioxidant Variability of Propolis Collected from Different Zones in Hives

Propolis is biologically highly active honey bee product. The popularity of propolis is increasingly growing because of its contribution to human health. Propolis composition is highly variable depending on its sources. Different honey bees subspecies can collect propolis having different anti-bacterial effect. Honey bees, collect propolis for a couple of different purposes such as narrowing the entrance of their own hives and airflow isolation. In this study, propolis collected from entrances (EC) and top of deep supper (FC) of six different hives, and the antioxidant properties of these propolis samples were compared. Average values of total phenolic content were 68.5 and 62.6 mg GAE/g propolis extract, IC50 value of DPPH were 0.14 and 0.16 mg/mL, and FRAP value were 43.5 and 38.4 mg TE/g propolis extract samples collected from EC and FC, respectively. Statistically significant differences have not been found in terms of antioxidant activity analysis between EC and FC collected propolis (P>0.05).
Development and implementation of an Yb+ ion trap experiment towards coherent manipulation and entanglement

Trapped ions are currently one of the most promising architectures for realising the quantum information processor. The long lived internal states are ideal for representing qubit states and, through controlled interactions with electromagnetic radiation, ions can be manipulated to execute coherent logic operations. In this thesis an experiment capable of trapping Yb+ ions, including 171Yb+, is presented. Since ion energy can limit the coherence of qubit manipulations, characterisation of an ion trap heating rate is vital. Using a trapped 174Yb+ ion a heating rate consistent with previous measurements of other ion species in similar ion traps is obtained. This result shows abnormal heating of Yb+ does not occur, further solidifying the suitability of this species for quantum information processing. Efficient creation, and cooling of trapped ions requires exact wavelengths for the ionising, cooling and repump transitions. A simple technique to measure the 1S0 ↔ 1P1 transition wavelengths, required for isotope selective photoionisation of neutral Yb, is developed. Using the technique new wavelengths, accurate to 60 MHz, are obtained and differ from previously published results by 660 MHz. Through a simple modification the technique can also predict Doppler shifted transition frequencies, which may be required in non-perpendicular atom-laser interactions. Using trapped ions, the 2S1=2 ↔ 2P1/2 Doppler cooling and 2D3/2 ↔ 2D[3/2]1/2 repump transitions are also measured to a greater accuracy than previously reported. Many experiments require wavelengths which can only be obtained using complex expensive laser systems. To remedy this a simple cost effective laser is developed to enable laser diodes to be operated at sub zero temperatures, extending the range of obtainable wavelengths. Additional diode modulation capabilities allow for the manipulation of atoms and ions with hyperfine structures. The laser is shown to be suitable for manipulating Yb+ ions by cooling a diode from 372 nm to 369 nm and simultaneously generating 2.1 GHz frequency sidebands. Coherent manipulation such as arbitrary qubit rotations, motional coupling and ground state cooling, are required for trapped ion quantum computing. Two photon stimulated Raman transitions are identified as a suitable technique to implement all of these requirements and an investigation into implementing this technique with 171Yb+ is conducted. The possibility of exciting a Raman transition via either a dipole or quadrupole transitions in 171Yb+ is analysed, with dipole transitions preferred because quadrupole transitions are found to be too demanding experimentally. An inexpensive setup, utilising a dipole transition, is designed and tested. Although currently limited the setup shows potential to be an inexpensive, high fidelity method of exciting a Raman transition.
Storage studies of dried carnation flowers

The present experiment entitled “Effect of desiccants on drying of carnation flower was carried out during the academic years 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Department of Horticulture, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola to find out suitable desiccant for drying for carnation flower. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications. The treatments comprised of six different drying methods viz. Air drying under shade (control), drying after embedding in borax, clean fine sand, silica gel, 1:1 glycerol: water and 1:3, 1:1 glycerol: water. Embedded drying in silica gel scored maximum scores for extent of colour fading at 60, 150 and 180 days after drying during storage, whereas minimum scores were recorded in treatment of air drying under shade. With respect to incidence of pest and diseases scores of flowers during storage at 60, 150 and 180 days after drying, treatment silica gel embedded drying scored maximum points whereas minimum scores and maximum damage by pests and diseases were recorded in treatment in air drying under shade treatment.
Hot pepper response to interactive effects of salinity and boron

An excess of salinity and boron (B) can limit production of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), but little is known about the physiological responses, including antioxidant activities, in response to these excesses. We investigated the physiological responses and defense mechanisms of hot pepper grown under salinity (NaCl) stress at 3 and 6 dS/mand B stress at 15 and 30 mg/kg. Dry weight and the total chlorophyll content decreased with increasing salinity and B levels. The toxic effect of B was greater under saline conditions. Higher levels of salinity and B resulted in increased B concentrations in leaves. The stomatal resistance values increased as the combined levels of salinity and B increased. Furthermore, increasing salinity, B or both increased activities of H 2 O 2 , SOD, POX, APX and GR, which increased oxidative stress, compared to the control plants. Increases in combined salinity and B levels disrupted plant nutrient balance and water use, and induced production of secondary toxic substances leading to an increased plant tissue concentration of H 2 O 2 , and suppression of growth in hot pepper.
An asymptotic model based on matching far and near field expansions for thin gratings problems

In this paper, we devise an asymptotic model for calculating electromagnetic diffraction and absorption in planar multilayered structures with a shallow surface-relief grating. Far from the grating, we assume that the solution can be written as a power series in terms of the grating thickness δ, the coefficients of this expansion being smooth up to the grating. However, the expansion approximates the solution only sufficiently far from the grating (far field approximation). Near the grating, we assume that there exists another expansion in powers of δ (near field approximation). Moreover, there is an overlapping zone where both expansion are valid. The proposed model is based on matching the two expansions on this overlapping domain. Then, by truncating terms of order δ2 or higher, we obtain explicitly the equations satisfied by the lowest order terms in the power series. Under appropriate assumptions, we prove second order convergence of the error with respect to δ. Finally, an alternative form, more convenient for implementation, is derived and discretized with finite elements to perform some numerical tests.
Direct observation in practice: co-developing an evidence-informed practice tool to assess social work communication

Purpose This paper presents findings from a project that aimed to support social work managers to observe, evaluate and give feedback on social work practice skills. Approach An embedded team of researchers observed over 300 meetings between parents and social workers, and gave feedback based on an established research instrument that facilitated quantitative coding of individual skills such as empathy and purposefulness. Then managers took on this task in order to sustain ongoing feedback on practice skills beyond the timescale of the project. Findings A practice tool was successfully developed to take the place of the research instrument and aid managers in these observations, and it was implemented across a range of social work settings. The tool was used in a variety of ways by different managers which highlighted a range of views on what constitutes good practice. This raises questions about how far authorities can (or should) expect to achieve a consensus about the type of practice they want to deliver. Research limitations/implications The value of this project is primarily pragmatic, in that it shows the potential for using research to develop practice tools collaboratively. However, in doing so it brings into focus key questions around the nature of good practice. Practical implications The paper presents a practice tool, based on an established research instrument that was co-developed with senior managers. It is an aid for observation that practitioners and managers can use to support practice development. Originality/value Few research studies have worked so closely with practice managers to develop a tool that can be used to support practice. The project also highlights the crucial and neglected role of observation in practice development.
Investigating Vibration Acceleration of a Segmented Piezoelectric Ciliary-Like Body Beam for a Tactile Feedback Device

A piezoelectric Ciliary-like body beam of a tactile feedback device can realize a touchpoint of different tactile sensations under simple control when the finger movement changes to the opposite direction. In a previous published study, the friction of touch sensation was shown to depend on the acceleration of forced vibration of the ciliary-like body beam. For investigating the system parameters’ effect on vibration accelerations, the dynamic model of forced vibration of the touch beam is established, and the steady-state response of the touch beam excited by piezoelectric sheets is deduced. The influence of instantaneous acceleration and average acceleration of the touch beam on skin was analyzed, and an experiment was conducted to prove the theoretical analysis. The study results show that larger excitation voltage, larger piezoelectric constants, smaller elasticity modulus, and smaller damping ratio would enhance the displacement and acceleration of the forced response of the touch beam. Through the experimental results, the working mode and frequency of the touch beam was obtained, and the correctness of the theoretical analysis was verified.
Unplugged Teaching Activities to Promote Computational Thinking Skills in Primary and Adults From a Gender Perspective

Several investigations state the low participation of women in the world of STEM. This fact implies a lack of feminine perspective in the solution to different problems. The school must provide teaching / learning strategies for the integration, empowerment, and active participation from early ages to work performance in STEM. This paper exposes two unplugged activities taken from a series of activities implemented with elementary students and families in Madrid, Spain. The general objectives are: To introduce and motivate interest from an early age in computer programming and the development of gender dynamics that educate about gender equity to strengthen female empowerment in this context.
Usefulness of an Inexpensive, Battery-Powered, Handheld Microscope in Low-Resource Dermatologic Practices

Point‐of‐care microscopy is an inexpensive, rapid method to assist in correctly diagnosing dermatologic pathologies using either potassium hydroxide (KOH) or mineral oil preparations. [1,2] As part of a quality of life (QOL) study in Ghana exploring the impact of skin disease, we needed to provide an accurate dermatologic diagnosis to match with each QOL survey, but bench‐top microscopes were not available in the rural outpatient setting.
Far ultraviolet excitation processes in comets.

Recent observations of atomic oxygen and carbon in the far ultraviolet spectrum of comet Kohoutek have demonstrated the existence of these atomic species in the cometary coma. However, in order to identify the source of their origin, it is necessary to relate the observed ultraviolet flux to the atomic production rate. Analyses of observed OI wavelength 1304 and CI wavelength 1657 A multiplets have been carried out using high resolution solar spectra. Also examined is the possibility of observing ultraviolet fluorescence from molecules such as CO and H2, as well as resonance scattering either from atomic ions for which there are strong corresponding solar lines (CII) or from atoms for which there is an accidental wavelength coincidence (SI).
Leaf spots of calibrachoa caused by Nigrospora oryzae

Calibrachoa hybrida (calibrachoa, million bells) is a flowering ornamental with increasing importance due to the existence of many successful cultivars for growing indoors in containers and planting in the garden and landscape. The outstanding characteristic is a profuse flowering and intense colour. In October 2019, a fungal isolate was obtained from basal calibrachoa leaves with irregular brown leaf spots, in plants cultivated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The aim of the present study was to identify the cause of the disease in this ornamental genus, to expand knowledge about prevalent pathologies. The isolate was identified using morphological and molecular markers, and the pathogenicity tests were fulfilled. This paper reports that Nigrospora oryzae is pathogenic to calibrachoa, which seems to be the first record of this leaf spot disease in the world.