Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Weaker Language in Simultaneous Bilingualism: Why it is not like L2

It has been suggested (Schlyter 1993) that children growing up with two languages acquire the weaker language, usually the one that is not shared by the society at large, like a second language. This hypothesis is being investigated on the basis of empirical data from bilingual German‐English‐speaking children. The data suggest that the similarities of the children's German structures to those of second language learners of German are superficial. The children are not constructing their German on the basis of previously acquired English structures. Instead, the development proceeds in parallel and the English-like structures in the children's German can be explained as a result of cue competition between German and English during a stage when non-salient functional variation of word order and word morphology in middle-sentence position cannot yet be sufficiently processed. The similarities between the weaker language in simultaneous bilingualism and second language acquisition suggest similarities between first and second language acquisition rather than differences between monolingual and bilingual acquisition. IIntroduction We talk of simultaneous bilingualism when a young child acquires two languages instead of one during the period of primary language acquisition. MacLaughlin (1978) suggested that the cutoff point for considering a child to be learning two languages simultaneously as opposed to successively be set at 3 years of age. More recently De Houwer (1990) has argued that only continuous exposure to two languages from birth on can ensure that the child is not learning one language through the other. For the purpose of systematic research of similarities and
Channel Modeling and Threshold Signal Processing in Underwater Acoustics: An Analytical Overview

An overview of underwater acoustic channel modeling and threshold signal processing is presented, which emphasizes the inhomogeneous, random, and non-Ganssian nature of the generalized channel, combined with appropriate weak-signal detection and estimation. Principal attention is given to the formal structuring of the scattered and ambient acoustic noise fields, as well as that of the desired signal, including both fading and Doppler "smear" phenomena. The role of general receiving arrays is noted, as well as their impact on spatial and temporal signal processing and beam forming, as indicated by various performance measures in detection and estimation. The emphasis here is on limiting optimum threshold systems, with some attention to suboptimum cases. Specific first-order probability density functions (pdf's) for the non-Ganssian components of typical underwater acoustic noise environments are included along with their field covariances. Several examples incorporating these pdf's are given, to illustrate the applications and general methods involved. The fundamental role of the detector structure in determining the associated optimum estimators is noted: the estimators arc specific linear or nonlinear functionals of the original optimum detector algorithm, depending on the criterion (i.e., minimization of the chosen error or cost function) selected. Results for both coherent and incoherent modes of reception are presented, reflecting the fact that frequently signal epoch is not known initially at the receiver. To supplement the general discussion, a selected list of references is included, to provide direct access to specific detailed problems, techniques, and results, for which the present paper is only a guide.
Pyrolytic Behavior of Green Macro Algae and Evaluation of Its Activation Energy

 Abstract—In this research work, the pyrolytic and kinetic characteristics of a green macro algae, Codium Fragile (C. Fragile) as a model for marine biomass was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method in the range of 313 K to 973 K at atmospheric pressure. Proximate analysis of the freeze dried macro algae showed 6.5% water content, 58% degradable products, 10.5% char, and 25% ash content. The influences of particle size, initial weight of the sample, and heating rate on decomposition of the algae have been investigated. Both particle size and initial weight of the sample do not have a significant effect on the TG profile of the algae pyrolysis. In addition, the TGA and DTG (differential thermogravimetric) curves of algae differed significantly for variation in heating rates. The DTG results showed that there are three zones to the pyrolysis; and mainly second zone was significantly affected with heating rates. The non-isothermic integral isoconventional methods were used to obtain the kinetic parameters from data of the pyrolysis reactions of C. Fragile in the second zone. The corresponding activation energies of pyrolysis and decomposition stage of C. Fragile were calculated based on the weight loos data obtained from DTG data using the most popular methods (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Fredman, and Coast-Redfren methods).
Board composition, board size and financial performance of Johannesburg stock exchange companies

On the basis of agency theory and resource dependence theory, as well as other corporate governance literature, it is predicted that board composition measured as the ratio of non-executive to executive board members and the number of directors on a firm’s board can be positively related to firm performance. This study seeks to test the predictions of this body of theory and to investigate the form of the empirical relationships among these effects. In so doing, this study tests theory that relates these variables in the context of a developing country, using data from South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange, over a seven-year period, 2006–2012.
Neutron and proton EDM with $N_f=2+1$ domain-wall fermion

We report the lattice QCD calculation of nuetron (and proton) electric dipole moment (EDM) with Nf = 2+1 domain-wall fermion. We show the preliminary results of EDM form factor using allmode-averaging technique, and obtain the finte EDM after extrapolation into zero momentum. We also check the excited state contamination by comparison with two different time-separations between source and sink nucleon operator. Finally we discuss the other systematic uncertainties and quark mass dependence for neutron and proton EDM.
Meditation Experience Associated with Structural Neuroplasticity

Variations in the arterial pattern of the upper limb are very common as observed in many cadaveric and angiographic studies. Knowledge of variations in the origin and course of the radial artery is important because they are used for many diagnostic procedures as well as vascular and reconstructive surgeries like coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass surgery. During routine dissection in our institute, we observed a case of high origin of the radial artery in a 33 year old male cadaver. It was found to be unilateral; on left side, radial artery was taking origin from 3 part of the axillary artery at the lower border of pectoralis minor before the origin of subscapular artery and anterior circumflex humeral artery. It had a superficial course in the arm crossing the median nerve from medial to lateral side. The further course of this superficial radial artery in the forearm was normal and it terminated by forming a deep Palmar arch in hand. These variations may be of great clinical implications for vascular and plastic surgeons and radiologists. Superficial course of radial artery makes it vulnerable to accidental injuries and elevates the risk of bleeding.
Geographic variation in Varroa jacobsoni (Acari, Varroidae): application of multivariate morphometric techniques

mdash; Varroa jacobsoni is an ectoparasitic mite which attacks the honey bees Apis mellifera and Apis cerana. A morphological and taxonomic study was conducted using 462 female mites collected from A. mellifera and A. cerana trom 17 countries (induding two recent introduction sites in the United States). Thirteen morphological characteristics were measured. While un ivariate analyses indicated a statistically significant difference in mean body length of V. jacobsoni collected from A. mellifera and A. cerana, the distributions overlapped broadly with a weak bimodality (by host). There was a weak correlation, on average, between the size of V. jacobsoni and the size of the host. However, there was sufficient size variance and plasticity that shifts in mite body size could accomodate interspecific host shifts. Principal component analysis, discriminant function analysis and clustering (UPGMA) of Mahalanobis distances were used to determine phenetic similarity among populations. Results indicated that populations of V. jacobsoni show remarkable stability in character variance across their geographic range. There is no reason to suspect the occurrence of more than one cosmopolitan species. Since the US samples were more similar ot V. jacobsoni collected from Brazil, than to European or Asian populations, it was concluded that the origin of the introduction into the United States was South America. The origin of the US introduction is discussed in terms of evolutionary implications and potential virulence of biotypes.
Detection of CH+, SH+, and their 13C- and 34S- isotopologues toward PKS1830-211

The z=0.89 molecular absorber toward PKS1830-211 provides us with the opportunity to probe the chemical and physical properties of the interstellar medium in the disk of a galaxy at a look-back time of half the present age of the Universe. Recent ALMA observations of hydrides have unveiled the multi-phase composition of this source's interstellar medium along two absorbing sightlines. Here, we report ALMA observations of CH+ and SH+, and of their 13C- and 34S- isotopologues, as potential tracers of energetic processes in the interstellar medium. CH+ and 13CH+ are detected toward both images of PKS1830-211, CH+ showing the deepest and broadest absorption among all species observed so far. The [CH+]/[13CH+] abundance ratio is ~100 in the south-west line of sight. [. ] Toward the north-east image, we find an even larger value of [CH+]/[13CH+], 146 +/- 43, although with a large uncertainty. This sightline intercepts the absorber at a larger galactocentric radius than the southwestern one, where material might be less processed in stellar nucleosynthesis. In contrast to CH+ and its 13C isotopologue, SH+ and 34SH+ are only detected on the south-west sightline. These are the first detections of extragalactic SH+ and interstellar 34SH+. The spectroscopic parameters of SH+ are reevaluated and improved rest frequencies of 34SH+ are obtained. The [CH+]/[SH+] column density ratios show a large difference between the two lines of sight: ~25 and >600 toward the SW and NE image, respectively. We are not able to shed light on the formation process of CH+ and SH+ with these data, but the differences in the two sightlines toward PKS1830-211 suggest that their absorptions arise from gas with molecular fraction gtrsim 10%, with SH+ tracing significantly higher molecular fractions than CH+.
Spherical Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)—Polycarbonate (PC) Blend Particles by Mechanical Alloying and Thermal Rounding

In this study, the feasibility of co-grinding and the subsequent thermal rounding to produce spherical polymer blend particles for selective laser sintering (SLS) is demonstrated for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC). The polymers are jointly comminuted in a planetary ball mill, and the obtained product particles are rounded in a heated downer reactor. The size distribution of PBT–PC composite particles is characterized with laser diffraction particle sizing, while the shape and morphology are investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A thorough investigation and characterization of the polymer intermixing in single particles is achieved via staining techniques and Raman microscopy. Furthermore, polarized light microscopy on thin film cuts enables the visualization of polymer mixing inside the particles. Trans-esterification between PBT and PC during the process steps is investigated via vibrational spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In this way, a new process route for the production of novel polymer blend particle systems for SLS is developed and carefully analyzed.
Imaging the source region of Cascadia tremor and intermediate-depth earthquakes

The subduction of hydrated oceanic crust releases volatiles that weaken the plate boundary interface, trigger earthquakes, and regulate transient phenomena such as episodic tremor and slip (ETS). It is not clear how dehydration can separately induce earthquakes within the subducting plate and ETS, partly because few data exist on their relationship to subduction zone structures. We present results of a seismic experiment in the Washington Cascades, United States, that images a region producing both earthquake types. Migration of scattered teleseis-mic waves provides images of low-velocity subducting crust at depths <40–45 km with sharp boundaries above and below it. The sharp upper boundary indicates a layer of weak sediment or an overpressured fault zone that terminates abruptly downdip at 40–45 km depth. Regular earthquakes are at the top of the mantle within the downgoing plate everywhere the plate is <95 km deep, but ETS only exists where the sharp upper boundary occurs. The ETS location supports models of slow slip that require near-lithostatic fluid pressure, whereas regular earthquakes nucleate closer to the origin of metamorphic dehydration. Very low shear stresses on the plate boundary may limit seismicity to ETS and similar phenomena.
Analytical notes on the Balassa-Samuelson effect

The oft invoked Balassa-Samuelson effect, whereby the movements of prices for non-tradable goods relative to those for tradable goods reflect the movements of relative labour productivities, is customarily derived from a standard neo-classical model with highly restrictive features. Minor modifications to the assumptions underlying the model negate the effect. In general, the effect does not necessarily obtain if technical change alters the elasticity parameters of the production functions. Moreover, theeffect does not generally obtain (or cannot even be derived uniquely) in more general models that allow for non-constant returns to scale or intermediate inputs.
The effectiveness of protected areas in the conservation of species with changing geographical ranges

A cornerstone of conservation is the designation and management of protected areas (PAs): locations often under conservation management containing species of conservation concern, where some development and other detrimental influences are prevented or mitigated. However, the value of PAs for conserving biodiversity in the long term has been questioned given that species are changing their distributions in response to climatic change. There is a concern that PAs may become climatically unsuitable for those species that they were designated to protect, and may not be located appropriately to receive newly-colonizing species for which the climate is improving. In the present study, we analyze fine-scale distribution data from detailed resurveys of seven butterfly and 11 bird species in Great Britain aiming to examine any effect of PA designation in preventing extinctions and promoting colonizations. We found a positive effect of PA designation on species' persistence at trailing-edge warm range margins, although with a decreased magnitude at higher latitudes and altitudes. In addition, colonizations by range expanding species were more likely to occur on PAs even after altitude and latitude were taken into account. PAs will therefore remain an important strategy for conservation. The potential for PA management to mitigate the effects of climatic change for retracting species deserves further investigation.
Regional Trade Integration by Environmental Goods jei

With the emphasis on the effects of regional trade integration and production fragmentation, this paper investigates the determinants of trade networks focusing on environmental goods, according to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation classification by each of the commodity groups of HS84, HS85, and HS90, which include important commodities having the purpose of protecting the environments. The gravity analysis with consideration of trade in parts and components, for which newly industrialized Asian economies have advantage, and regional dummies verifies not only that trade in environmental goods is expanding more rapidly but also production fragmentation depending on trade in parts and components is a key factor to expand the overall trade in environmental goods among the APEC countries and members of the Japan-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreements. These results suggest that the commitment by Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation to liberalize trade of environmental goods is crucial for regional economic integration through promoting international Regional Trade Integration by Environmental Goods jei Journal of Economic Integration
RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTS OF TEMPORARY HORN REMOVAL ON BLACK RHINOS IN NAMIBIA

A chronology and summary of the circumstances surrounding the three rhino deaths assumed to have occurred by Berger & Cunningham (1993, 1994a) are presented (see Table), based on Berger & Cunningham (1993), Berger et al. (1993), Berger & Cunningham (1994a), and the unpublished data of MET Kunene Region staff and B. Loutit of the locally-based “Save the Rhino Trust” (SRT). The essence of the argument that temporary horn removal increases the risk of spotted hyaena (Crocuta cmcuta) predation on calves is given in Berger & Cunningham (1994a). Several points of dispute are highlighted below.
EVIDENCE FROM SPANISH MAYORS *

We analyse the effects of local corruption on electoral outcomes with Spanish data. Based upon press reports published between 1996 and 2009, we are able to construct a novel database on corruption scandals and news related to bribe-taking in exchange for amendments to land use plans. Our data show that local corruption scandals first emerged during the 1999-2003 term, but that they peaked just before the 2007 elections. We estimate an equation for the incumbent’s vote share at this electoral contest and find the average vote loss after a corruption scandal to be around 4%, and the effect to be greater for cases receiving wide newspaper coverage (up to 9%). The effects found for the 2003 elections are much lower. When we consider cases in which the incumbent has been charged with corruption and press coverage has been extensive the vote loss can rise to 12%. However, press reports have a negative impact on the vote even when no judicial charges have been brought. JEL Codes: P16, D72
THE HETEROGENEITY OF AMAZONIAN TREEFALL GAPS AND BIRD COMMUNITY COMPOSITION

It is widely recognized that the physical disturbances created by treefall gaps influence animal communities in tropical forests. However, how the bird community is affected by the internal heterogeneity of gaps is still unstudied. Twenty- five treefall gaps were sampled for their understory and canopy bird assemblages in a mature Central Amazonian rain forest. Mist nets, binoculars, and tape recorders were used to sample the bird community. Environmental variables were chosen for their known influence on forest regeneration through variation in sunlight exposure (gap size, canopy openness, aspect, gap orientation, and elevation), and for representing gap dynamics (gap age and vegetation structure). The bird community attributes analyzed were species abundance, richness, and community composition. Species richness and relative abundance did not vary significantly according to gap characteristics. The gap variables that most influenced bird community composition were related to sunlight exposure, and frugivores and nectarivores were the most affected guilds. Insectivores were affected only by gap size while understory species were not affected at all. The results indicate that differences among treefall gaps in the Manaus region may have a stronger influence just on some species, as shown by changes in community composition only than on overall species abundance and richness. Among all groups, frugivorous and nectarivorous birds were shown to be the most affected guilds by gap environmental variables. As previously suggested, we bring more evidence showing that treefall gaps may indeed function as "keystone places" for birds for their role in sustaining frugivores and nectarivores in periods of fruit scarcity in the forest. Accepted 15 January 2008.
No 03 / 11 Electricity production in a hydro system with a reservoir constraint by

The purpose of this article is to analyze how market power may affect the allocation of production between seasons (summer and winter) in a hydro power system with reservoir constraints and inflow uncertainty. We find that even without market power the price in the summer season may be lower than the expected price in the winter season. Market power may in some situations lead to higher sales and lower price in summer than the competitive outcome and in other situations to the opposite result. Furthermore, market power may lead to a smaller price difference between summer and winter than in a competitive market. 1 This is a substantially revised version of an earlier draft with the title „Water with power: Market power and supply shortage in dry years‟. We are indebted to seminar participants at Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration for helpful comments, and to the Research Council of Norway for funding through the project „Improving competition policy‟ at SNF. This paper presents our personal views, and it is not necessarily shared by the Norwegian Competition Authority. SNF Working Paper No 03/2011
Climatically suitable habitats under current and future scenarios for a potentially threatened snake

Climate change may cause several biodiversity impacts in the near future, including shifts in the range of species, as well as local population declines. Distribution modeling tools have proven to be useful to predict areas with environmentally suitable conditions for numerous taxa, and predicting these changes in distribution are critically important for conservation. We assessed environmentally suitable areas for the snake Drymoluber brazili under current climate conditions and evaluated how future scenarios of climate change may affect habitat suitability for this species. Currently, there are suitable areas for the occurrence of this snake along the southeastern Cerrado and portions of the Atlantic Forest. Under future climate scenarios, predicted areas of occurrence tend to become more fragmented, but increase northeast and west from the areas of current distribution. Despite these predictions, the difficulties that D. brazili has to face in order to survive in human altered landscapes may cause a decrease in suitable areas as habitat destruction increases throughout this region. Our results suggest that D. brazili may be threatened in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, highlighting the urgency in reassessing the conservation status of this species. Keywords: Cerrado, climate change, habitat conservation, species distribution modeling, Squamata.