Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyberbullying and hate speech in the debate around the ratification of the Istanbul convention in Bulgaria: a semiotic analysis of the communication dynamics

ABSTRACT In 2018 the Bulgarian Constitutional Court declared the Istanbul Convention (IC) unconstitutional. This decision was taken after several months of fierce public debate in Bulgaria over the implications of IC adoption. The debate was overwhelmed by the populist position rejecting this convention. From this debate the word “gender,” literally transcribed in Cyrillic letters (джендър) and having no direct translation in Bulgarian, not only became a neologism with strongly offensive connotations towards LGBT community, but also a general insult. The populist position in this debate, which won the majority population support, was supported by an impressive variety of rhetorical means, most of which were pure examples of cyberbullying. Then I propose a diachronic mirror model showing alphabet evolution to reach the domesticated mind phase, as well as the reverse process just after the Internet advent, with creative undomestication of mind from a simplified online writing through emoticons and emojis, to GIFs and Internet memes. I will demonstrate that although cyber offenders act alone before their computers, their behavior is determined by crowd psychology factors (e-crowd), making them less responsible for their behavior. Some characteristics of the so-called post-truth era are seen as a consequence of this mechanism.
Breeding Eggplant for Higher Productivity and Bacterial Wilt Tolerance

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) has the potential for improvement through heterosis breeding, which can be further utilized for development of desirable recombinants. A Line × Tester mating design was used to determine heterosis over better parent, combining ability, and gene action for 11 characters in eggplant. Crosses showing high specific combining ability (sca) and yield involved parents showing high general combining ability (gca) for fruit weight, fruit diameter, or fruit length. Two hybrids, ‘VNR-218’ × ‘BCB-11’ and ‘Arka Nidhi’ × ‘KS-331’ were selected on the basis of their per se (mean) performance: heterosis and the sca effects. These hybrids could be used commercially due to high yield and low percentage disease index (PDI) values for bacterial wilt disease. The preponderance of nonadditive gene action was evident for control of all characters studied. Parental lines and hybrids were categorized according to disease reaction. Average large vessel area of stems and roots of the hybrids was negatively correlated with PDI. Larger vessel area in the vascular bundle needs to be considered in the selection of hybrids for resistance to bacterial wilt disease.
Antioxidant properties of tidal pool microalgae, Halochlorococcum porphyrae and Oltamannsiellopsis unicellularis from Jeju Island, Korea

In this study, we assessed the antioxidant properties of tidal pool microalgae, Halochlorococcum porphyrae and Oltamannsiellopsis unicellularis, from Jeju Island, Korea. Specifically, the antioxidant activity of fractions isolated from 80% methanol extract, and digests produced from five proteases and carbohydrases, were investigated. Almost all the fractions and the 80% methanol extract exhibited higher effects on 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest superoxide anion scavenging activity, while both n-hexane and chloroform fractions exhibited higher H2O2 scavenging activity. Among the enzymatic digests from H. porphyrae and O. unicellularis, all the digests exhibited remarkable DPPH scavenging activities. In nitric oxide inhibition, all the digests recorded significantly higher effects than those of the commercial antioxidants (p < 0.05). Flavozyme and Neutrase digests from H. porphyrae, and Termamyl and Alcalase digests from O. unicellularis, showed significant effects in metal chelating. Lipid peroxidation was significantly inhibited in the ethyl acetate fraction, in the Celluclast and Protamex digests from H. porphyrae, and in the chloroform fraction from O. unicellularis. These findings suggest that the two tidal pool microalgae tested in this study are rich in potential antioxidative compounds, the specific properties of which can be considered for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Density Distribution in Wood of European Birch (Betula pendula Roth.)

The aim of the presented research is to perform a comprehensive analysis of wood density variability on the longitudinal and transverse cross-section of log trees at the age of 70 to 72 years of Betula pendula Roth. and the creation of density distribution maps. Furthermore, the determination proportion of juvenile and mature wood was done. Wood density was determined with a non-destructive method using an isotopic densimeter. It was found that the wood location, both in cross-section and longitudinal section of the trunk, had a statistically significant effect on the average density of birch wood. The average density of whole logs was significantly higher than the average density at the breast height. On the cross-section, the distribution of average densities determined at the breast height, as well as on ¼ of the log height, properly depicted the distribution of average densities on the cross-section determined for the whole logs. The geographical direction (north–south) did not have a statistically significant effect on the distribution of average densities on the cross-section of the tested birch logs.
Adoption of Sustainable Technology in the Malaysian SMEs Sector: Does the Role of Government Matter?

This paper looks at the role of government as a novel dimension in the adoption of sustainable technology by small and medium enterprises (SME) in Malaysia. This determinant stems from the fact that, in many transitional economies, private sector organizations encounter resource constraints as a barrier to innovation adoption. This is especially the case with sustainable technology incorporated into business operations. Therefore, third party intervention into the adoption process becomes inevitable and it is considered to make the adoption process more effective. A government has both the power and resources to play a pivotal role in the adoption of sustainable technology. Given this state of affairs, this study examines the government’s role as a critical factor in achieving smooth and efficient adoption. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) serves as the theoretical underpinning of this study. The data were collected from a sample of 263 SMEs in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. It was found that government policies and subsidies are critical in encouraging the adoption of sustainable technology in Malaysia. This paper discusses the implications for government-driven adoption of sustainable technology, identifies the limitations of the analysis, and avenues of future research in this very relevant and expanding field.
Unraveling the habitat preferences of two closely related bumble bee species in Eastern Europe

Abstract Co‐occurrence of closely related species is often explained through resource partitioning, where key morphological or life‐history traits evolve under strong divergent selection. In bumble bees (genus Bombus), differences in tongue lengths, nest sites, and several life‐history traits are the principal factors in resource partitioning. However, the buff‐tailed and white‐tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris and B. lucorum respectively) are very similar in morphology and life history, but their ranges nevertheless partly overlap, raising the question how they are ecologically divergent. What little is known about the environmental factors determining their distributions stems from studies in Central and Western Europe, but even less information is available about their distributions in Eastern Europe, where different subspecies occur. Here, we aimed to disentangle the broad habitat requirements and associated distributions of these species in Romania and Bulgaria. First, we genetically identified sampled individuals from many sites across the study area. We then not only computed species distributions based on presence‐only data, but also expanded on these models using relative abundance data. We found that B. terrestris is a more generalist species than previously thought, but that B. lucorum is restricted to forested areas with colder and wetter climates, which in our study area are primarily found at higher elevations. Both vegetation parameters such as annual mean Leaf Area Index and canopy height, as well as climatic conditions, were important in explaining their distributions. Although our models based on presence‐only data suggest a large overlap in their respective distributions, results on their relative abundance suggest that the two species replace one another across an environmental gradient correlated to elevation. The inclusion of abundance enhances our understanding of the distribution of these species, supporting the emerging recognition of the importance of abundance data in species distribution modeling.
On the Solvability of Fourth-Order Two-Point Boundary Value Problems

In this paper, we study the solvability of various two-point boundary value problems for x ( 4 ) = f ( t , x , x ′ , x ″ , x ‴ ) , t ∈ ( 0 , 1 ) , where f may be defined and continuous on a suitable bounded subset of its domain. Imposing barrier strips type conditions, we give results guaranteeing not only positive solutions, but also monotonic ones and such with suitable curvature.
Effectiveness of Animal Images in Advertising

The effectiveness of showing animal images compared to displaying human models in advertisements and the effectiveness of using animals for further marketing instruments such as brand names, mascots, logos, product packaging designs, slogans, and product shapes has rarely been investigated in the academic research. Moreover, the characteristics of the animals used (e.g., species, pose, age, and beauty) for creating effective advertising have been ignored to date. This lack of research is surprising because many companies use animal images for promoting their brands and products. Our findings indicate that advertising practice can benefit from showing animals instead of human models. In particular, we recommend using animals in advertising as follows. Both pets and undomesticated animals are found to be superior to human models in eliciting positive emotions such as pleasant surprise and happiness/joy. Furthermore, they are advantageous in evoking pleasant feelings of entertainment. If advertisers aim to induce such positive affective states in consumers, they should consider using animal images. Famous examples of this strategy are the commercials entitled “Buster, the Boxer” promoting John Lewis and “Lost Puppy” promoting Budweiser beer. The animals’ cuteness additionally positively influences feelings of entertainment. If the advertiser aims to enhance message credibility, we recommend using images of pets instead of depictions of undomesticated animals. Although we recommend using animals in advertising and in particular cute animals (infantile animals or cute species) and pets, we advise practitioners to be careful when showing animals as role models. People easily link and compare themselves to images of role models and might feel insulted. Therefore, we recommend against using animals such as the retailer Netto did in its “Netto Cats” commercial.
OVEREXPRESSION OF MUCIN GENES INDUCED BY INTERLEUKIN1-1β, TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-α, LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE, AND NEUTROPHIL ELASTASE IS INHIBITED BY A RETINOIC ACID RECEPTOR α ANTAGONIST

Proinflammatory cytokines, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and neutrophil elastase (NE) have been implicated in the induction of hypersecretion of respiratory mucus. In this study, we demonstrated that interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) increased MUC2 and MUC5AC mRNA levels 2- to 3-fold in a time- and dose-dependent manner in NCI-H292 cells. In contrast, MUC5B mRNA was not significantly changed. A transcription inhibitor blocked the stimulation of MUC2 and MUC5AC gene expression by IL-1 β. A translation inhibitor did not interfere with the induction of MUC2 mRNA expression, whereas stimulation of MUC5AC mRNA was blocked, suggesting de novo protein synthesis is required for the stimulation of MUC5AC mRNA. We previously reported that induction of MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B gene expressions by retinoic acid is mediated by the retinoic acid receptor (RAR α) , and inhibited by the specific RAR α antagonist Ro 41-5253. Here, we demonstrate that the RAR α antagonist can effectively inhibit IL-1 β -induced MUC2 and MUC5AC gene expression and reduce intracellular MUC5AC protein. Further investigation showed that the RAR α antagonist also inhibited the stimulation of MUC2 and MUC5AC mRNA expression by tumor necrosis factor- α, LPS, and NE.
Succession and Phylogenetic Profile of Eubacterial Communities in Rice Straw Incorporated into a Rice Field: Estimation by PCR-DGGE Analysis

PCR-DGGE analysis followed by sequencing was conducted to estimate the succession and the phylogenetic profile of the eubacterial communities responsible for the decomposition of rice straw (RS) that was incorporated into a rice field. Leaf sheath and leaf blade parts were separately put in nylon mesh bags, and were placed in the rice field soil under drained conditions during the off-cropping season and under flooded conditions after transplantation of rice. In addition, RS samples that had been placed under drained conditions in the off-cropping season were placed again in flooded rice field soil after transplantation of rice. DGGE patterns of the bacterial communities in the RS samples were classified into two groups, namely leaf sheaths and leaf blades. Principal component analysis of the DGGE patterns revealed the succession along with the duration of placement. These results indicated that the RS part (sheath or blade) mainly determined the structure of the bacterial communities responsible for the RS decomposition, followed by the duration of placement. Sequence analysis of the characteristic DGGE bands indicated that most of the closest relatives associated with the bands belonged to α-, β-, γ-, and δ-Proteobacteria, CFB group, and Spirochaetes. Some bands were closely related to Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. CFB members and α-Proteobacteria predominated commonly in both RS parts, while γ- and δ-Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes and β-Proteobacteria specifically colonized sheath and blade parts, respectively. In addition, Proteobacteria and CFB members characterized the differences in the bacterial communities under flooded or drained conditions. These results suggest that Proteobacteria, CFB group, and Spirochaetes were responsible for RS decomposition in rice field soil under both flooded and drained conditions.
Dispersal in a Gradient of Habitats: Activity by Juvenile North American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in Varying-Age Forest Stands

Abstract: Understanding the subtleties of the dispersal process, such as how dispersers investigate or avoid different habitat types, is critical to gaining insight into colonization rates and other population processes that occur across landscapes. In central British Columbia, Canada, I examined red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) dispersal activity in second-growth pine (Pinus conforta) stands of varying ages. The main objective of the study was to determine whether i) the dispersing animals directed more attention towards relatively older serai forest stands that more closely approximated their natal habitat (mature forest stands) or ii) they did not discriminate against younger forest stands, at least during the exploratory foray phase of dispersal. To counter the difficulty in monitoring dispersers over a large number of sites placed across the landscape, track counts were used to index dispersal activity. Dispersal activity became noticeably greater in pine stands once they reached 14–18 y of age, whereas younger stands showed relatively little activity. Average tree height and cone production in the second-growth forests increased with age, so both of these characteristics along with others (such as conspecific sign) constitute attributes of the stands that the animals potentially were keying into. To elucidate the relative importance of these potential cues will require further study. Nomenclature: Nagorsen, 2005.
N‐Tester Use in Soft Winter Wheat: Evaluation of Nitrogen Status and Grain Yield Prediction

Chlorophyll meters can be an alternative to traditional tissue analysis as plant N nutritional diagnostic tools. In the present study, the relationships among chlorophyll meter N-Tester measurements, plant N concentration, N uptake at different growth stages (GS-32, GS-37), and grain yield were studied to evaluate the N-Tester as a tool to diagnose the N status of soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Soissons) and predict yield. Ten experiments were conducted in the years 2001, 2002, and 2003 where 0, 100, 140, 180, and 220 kg N ha(-1) were applied. N-Tester values ranged between average values of 382 and 608 at GS-32 for 0 and 220 kg N ha(-1), respectively, and between 408 and 649 at GS-37 for 0 and 220 kg N ha(-1) correspondingly. The normalization of N-Tester values in relation to a non-N-limited plot (i.e., greater than or equal to 220 kg N ha(-1)) enabled the prediction of plant N concentration (R2 = 0.64) of Soissons soft red winter wheat at GS-32 and N uptake at both at GS-32 and GS-37 (R2 > 0.6) in contrast to absolute N-Tester values (R2 < 0.4). However, when excluding the N-Tester values corresponding to control treatments (0 kg N ha(-1)), the robust correlations diminished as to invalidate comparison of normalized N-Tester readings for N concentration and N uptake across different sites and years for rates in the 100 to 220 kg N ha(-1) range. Normalized N-Tester values could discriminate between grain yields from non-N-fertilized and fertilized plots but could not distinguish grain yields among plots fertilized in the 100 to 220 kg N ha(-1) range.
A Framework for Classifying Causal Factors of Tourism Demand Seasonality: An Interseason and Intraseason Approach

This study proposes a framework for classifying the causal effects of tourism demand seasonality, linking between season effects (interseason) with within season effects (intraseason). The literature has typically investigated the causes of tourism demand seasonality as isolated static factors, mostly ignoring the possibility of interseason and intraseason impacts. This study contributes to the literature by providing a system of categorizing the drivers of tourism demand seasonality, by introducing additional causal factors, and by using an alternative seasonal smoothing technique. The methodology includes data decomposition, panel unit root tests, and instrumental variable regression, distinguishing between peak and shoulder seasons. The findings, based on a case study, identify vigorous–irregular and moderate–irregular factors being the most prominent drivers of U.S. tourism demand seasonality, which could assist in specific policy recommendations for more sustainable management of tourism demand seasonality.
An evaluation of ultrasonic arrays for the static and dynamic measurement of wheel–rail contact pressure and area

The interfacial contact conditions between a railway vehicle wheel and the rail are paramount to the lifespan, safety and smooth operation of any rail network. The wheel–rail interface contact pressure and area conditions have been estimated, calculated and simulated by industry and academia for many years, but a method of accurately measuring dynamic contact conditions has yet to be realised. Methods using pressure-sensitive films and controlled air flow have been employed, but both are limited. Ultrasonic reflectometry is the term given to active ultrasonics in which an ultrasonic transducer is mounted on the outer surface of a component and a sound wave is generated. This ultrasonic wave packet propagates through the host medium and reflects off the contacting interface of interest. The reflected waveform is then detected and contact area and interfacial stiffness information can be extracted from the signal using the quasi-static spring model. Stiffness can be related to contact pressure by performing a simple calibration procedure. Previous contact pressure measurement work has relied on using a focusing transducer and a two-dimensional scanning arrangement which results in a high-resolution image of the wheel–rail contact, but is limited to static loading of a specimen cut from a wheel and rail. The work described in this paper has assessed the feasibility of measuring a dynamic wheel–rail contact patch using an array of 64 ultrasonic elements mounted in the rail. Each element is individually pulsed in sequence to build up a linear cross-sectional pressure profile measurement of the interface. These cross-sectional, line measurements are then processed and collated resulting in a two-dimensional contact pressure profile. Measurements have been taken at different speeds and loads.
Exchange Rate Return and Volatility Spillover across Major Trading Partners of India

ABSTRACT We examine the connectedness among the series of four exchange rates with respect to the Indian Rupee. The results of Diebold and Yilmaz method which measures time-domain connectedness, show that the overall connectedness of the system is 30.15%. The results of Baruník and Křehlík approach which measures frequency-domain connectedness, exhibit that in the total connectedness the maximum contribution is from highest frequency (14.27%) and the lowest contribution is made by the second-lowest frequency (2.03%). Finally, the dynamic connectedness is also examined with rolling window methods. These results are very critical in understanding the connectedness among various exchange rate markets.
OBSERVATIONS ON ANTLER SHEDDING BY FEMALE BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU

A study of antler shedding among female barren-ground caribou in northwest Alaska revealed that, in 1961, most, but not all, barren cows shed their antlers before the start of the calving season. In contrast, almost all pregnant cows possessed antlers at the start of the calving season and retained their antlers for up to 1 week post partum. Determination of the proportion of cows with antlers at the start of the calving period provides a means of estimating the calf crop but tends to underestimate the actual natality.It is suggested that the retention of antlers by pregnant cows may be explained by the high level of estrogen production in these individuals, and that the shedding of antlers following parturition may be triggered by a rapid decrease in the output of estrogens. Similar interactions between anterior pituitary and gonadal sex hormones could account for the timing of antler shedding in both male and female caribou.