Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perception of /q/ in the Arabic /q/-/k/ contrast by native speakers of American English: A discrimination task

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Ousmane Sawadogo, for the Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, presented on May 4, 2015, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: PERCEPTION OF /q/ IN THE ARABIC /q/-/k/ CONTRAST BY NATIVE SPEAKERS OF AMERICAN ENGLISH: A DISCRIMINATION TASK MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Soo Jung Chang Studies on speech perception have suggested that non-native sound perception is influenced by the listener’s native language. Non-native sound contrast perception depends on a given sound’s similarity or dissimilarity to the listener’s equivalent native language sound. The Perceptual Assimilation Model (PAM) posits that it is difficult to distinguish non-native sounds when they are perceived as very similar to native sounds and are thus assimilated to a native sound category, but identification is easier when the non-native is sound is dissimilar to a native sound (Best, 1994a). The present study investigated whether native speakers of American English would display very good discrimination of /q/ in the Arabic /q/-/k/ contrast as predicted by the PAM. The Speech Learning Model (SLM) posits that non-native perception is position-sensitive and hypothesizes that the listener’s perception of non-native sounds would vary from one position to another (Flege, 1995). The current study also aimed to investigate whether the discrimination of the Arabic /q/-/k/ contrast would be position-sensitive. The current study also investigated the effect of the vocalic context on the discrimination of /q/. Participants consisted of 22 (6 male and 16 female) native speakers of American English who were students or faculty members at Southern Illinois University. Their ages ranged between 19 and over 50. The data were collected through an online AXB discrimination task survey. Target sounds were represented in 108 pseudowords so that the sounds could be contrasted in minimal pairs. The environments were word-initially followed by /i/, /u/, and /a/; word-medially, between two instances of /i/, two instances of /u/, and two instances of /a/; and word-finally, preceded by /i/, /u/, and /a/. Two pseudoword pairs were selected for each contrast. Four AXB combinations (AAB, ABB, BAA, and BBA) were generated for each of the nine contrasts, which resulted in a total of 36 stimuli. The participants were requested to click on a button to listen to the recordings of these word pairs and check the right answer. The findings were consistent with predictions made by PAM that native speakers of American English would have a very good discrimination of /q/ in the Arabic /q/-/k/ contrast. The results suggested that the uncategorized versus categorized (UC) type could also be of excellent discriminability. SLM was not totally supported because the differences were not statistically significant. However, the data indicated that some positions resulted in better discrimination scores than other positions and that certain vowels likewise resulted in better vocalic discrimination scores. Keywords: Discrimination task, non-native…
Identification of the QTLs for grain yield using RIL population under different nitrogen regimes in maize

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping can provide useful information for breeding programs, since it allows the estimation of genomic locations and genetic effects of chromosomal regions related to the expression of quantitative traits. To realize the genetic basis of grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.), a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and two nitrogen (N) regimes were used to detect the QTLs for grain yield in maize, as a result, a total of six QTLs associated with grain yield per year (GYPE) were identified on chromosomes 1 (one), 6 (one), 8 (two) and 9 (two), with 0 - 12.0 cm of mapping interval between QTLs and their nearest markers. The three QTLs identified under high N regime could explain 18.07% of phenotypic variance, and could increase GYPE from 3.91 - 5.40 g, due to positive additive effects. Whereas, the three QTLs located under low N regime could account for 20.96% of phenotypic variance, and due to negative additive effects, they could decrease GYPE from 3.40 to 6.68 g. These results were beneficial for realizing the genetic basis of GYPE and developing marker-assisted selection in maize breeding project. Key words: Maize (Zea mays L.), grain yield, quantitative trait locus, recombinant inbred line, nitrogen.
Exploring the Energy Implication of Urban Density in Residential Buildings

Abstract In the context of the Algerian energy policy, and through the review of the Algiers’ residential building stock, this paper explores the correlation between the energy consumption of gas and electricity with urban density. Based on a holistic approach of the 57 Algiers’ municipalities, the analysis is organized in two ways. Firstly, the spatial approach is conducted within a GIS implementation, carried out based on the 2013 aggregated annual energy consumption data. The cross analysis of Electricity and Gas consumption and density of population within a GIS spatial distribution approach shows effectively a strong correlation between urban density and energy consumption with a Pearson correlation of −56% and −65% of the Electricity and Gas consumption in the urban municipalities, respectively. Also, the household located in the suburban municipalities consume clearly more energy than the urban centered ones. Based on the electricity and gas consumption, density and carbon footprint we have clustered, within a PCA, the Algiers’ municipalities into three profiles: the “thrifty”, the “intermediate” and the “wasteful” profile.
Measuring the Effects of Voter Confidence on Political Participation: An Application to the 2006 Mexican Election

In this paper we study the causal effect of voter confidence on participation decisions in the 2006 Mexican Election. Previous research has shown that voter confidence was a relevant factor in explaining participation during the years of the PRI hegemony. An open question is whether this relationship is still significant after the democratic transition taking place in the years 1997-2000. Moreover, in the previous literature, this problem was studied in a regression framework. In this article we argue that, since voter confidence and participation decisions are affected by similar covariates, a regression approach may lead to results which are too model dependent, and do not account for the heterogeneity of effects across voters. To solve this problem, we use matching methods, and find that voter confidence has considerable effects on participation decisions, but substantially different in magnitude from those found using the usual regression approach.
The road half traveled: agricultural market reform in Sub-Saharan Africa

This article reviews the extensive evidence on agricultural market reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa and summarises the impact reforms have had on market performance, agricultural production, use of modern inputs, and poverty. It offers eight recommendations for completing the reform process and developing a new agenda for agricultural markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. The reform experience in Sub-Saharan Africa has varied widely across countries and crop subsectors. The available evidence shows clear progress in some areas and mixed results in others. Most reforms were only partially implemented and policy reversal was common. Once implemented, however, reforms have increased competition and reduced marketing margins, benefiting both producers and consumers. Reforms have also boosted export crop production. On the other hand, food crop production has stagnated and yields have not improved. Further expansion of private trade is constrained by lack of access to credit, uncertainty about the government’s commitment to reform, and high transaction costs.
ROLE OF TIME IN AGILE SUPPLY CHAIN

Nowadays, in turbulent and violate global markets an Agile Supply Chain (ASC) is frequently considered as a dominant competitive advantage for survival. To achieve the competitive advantage, companies must align with suppliers and customers to streamline operations, as well as agility beyond individual companies. There are many definitions and models about agile supply chain and most of them have emphasized capabilities and enablers, and their sub attributes, as two critical factors, but regardless of time and its effect on the main attributes. This paper tries to present the role of time on predicting the agility of supply chain, by studying effect of intervention time on enablers and eventually predict the progress trend of agility in supply chain. This article follows our previous research which is present the model of agility in supply chain management by ANFIS method and has been published on Kuwait Journal 1 . To gain this end we use ANFIS output to assess agility and compare the effects of agile enablers in period of time on capabilities in Iran Khodro manufacture. This recognition helps managers to consider time as leverage factor and focus on this factor to enhance existent agility level and achievement the desired one.
Identifying and Activating Receptive Vocabulary by an Online Vocabulary Survey and an Online Writing Task.

Seeking to identify and activate the Receptive Vocabulary (RV) of English Language Learners (ELLs), we designed (1) an online five category multiple-choice vocabulary survey that more quickly measures vocabulary knowledge, and (2) an online creative writing task where ELLs chose RV items identified in step (1). While RV items of highly proficient ELLs cause difficulties in language production, writing tasks promote active vocabulary use and knowledge (Laufer, 2013). We designed a four stage, five week writing task based on task-induced involvement constructs where vocabulary acquisition involves need, search and evaluation (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001). Results show (1) 74% of RV items were activated, (2) ELLs' Productive Vocabulary (PV) increased from 21% to 37%, and (3) unknown vocabulary items decreased from 25% to 14%. In future work we will measure the individual and presumably diverse use of RV.
Origins of The Santa Maria And Vandenberg Coastal Dune Sheets (~100-0 ka) Under Changing Sea Levels, Shoreline Orientations and Wave Directions: Long-Term Records of Coastal Sand Supply in South-Central California, USA

Two large coastal dune sheets, including the Santa Maria dune sheet and Vandenberg dune sheet, have been analyzed for late-Quaternary distributions, ages and volumes of dune sand deposition. Six new thermoluminescence (TL) ages establish the age range of dune sand deposition from >106±21 ka to <4.1 ka in the study area. Seven late-Pleistocene TL and 14C dated mid-depth samples (≤30 m depth subsurface), yield a mean of 33 ka for the late-Pleistocene dune deposits. Both TL and 14C dated Holocene dune deposits establish a transition from weathered middle-Holocene dune deposits to unweathered latest-Holocene dune deposits after 4 ka. Marine sand supply to the large dune sheets occurred by 1) cross-shelf eolian transport during late-Pleistocene marine low-stands (70–13 ka), 2) shoreward wave transport during slowing of the Holocene marine transgression (9–5 ka), and 3) longshore littoral transport during the latest-Holocene marine high-sand (3.5–0 ka). Measured and dated dune deposit sections (n=66, ranging from 2 to 60 m depth) demonstrate substantial differences in preserved sand volumes between the two adjacent dune sheets, Santa Maria (~ 2,300x106 m3) and Vandenberg (~430x106 m3). Asymmetric distributions of dune deposit volumes between and within the dune sheets show that long-term sand supply was locally controlled by paleo-shoreline orientations relative to corresponding deep-water wave propagation directions (260–290° TN) from the North Pacific Low Pressure Area. Recently declining sand supplies and/or -trapping efficiencies in the dune sheet littoral subcells led to ongoing shoreline retreat (≥ 200 m) and under-cutting of late- Holocene eolian sand ramps at the south ends of the Santa Maria and Vandenberg dune sheets. The termination of transgressive cross-shelf sand supply and locally variable longshore retention of littoral sand confirm previously reported framework models of regional coastal sand supply. Such models help to identify shorelines that are most susceptible to future beach erosion from predicted sea level rise following ongoing global warming.
The Role of Salience in Performance Schemes: Evidence from a Field Experiment

Incentive schemes affect performance and priorities of agents but, in reality, they can be complicated even for simple tasks. We analyze the effects of the salience of incentives in a team production setting where the principal has an interest in quantity and quality of output. We use data from a controlled field experiment that changed the communication of the incentive system without changing the incentive system. The results indicate that salience of incentives itself is statistically and economically important for performance. We find that higher salience of incentives for quantity increases quantity, reduces quality, and increases in-pocket income of team managers.
Mallampati Airway Assessment Test in Upright and Supine Positions with and without Noisy Exhalation in the Prediction of Difficult Mask Ventilation

Background: Difficult mask ventilation is an emergency situation. In this study we pursued the effect of phonation and that of patient’s position on the Mallampati class, and its accuracy in the prediction of difficult mask ventilation. Methods: Six hundred sixty one patients with or without phonation were examined, in both supine and upright positions. The results of the four different situations were evaluated for the prediction of difficult mask ventilation. For each of the four situations, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were obtained. Results: In this study, 246 (37.2%) patients had difficult mask ventilation. The sensitivity of the Mallampati classification in four positions did not show a significant difference but the specificity was found to be the highest in the supine position with phonation. The negative predictive value was observed to be 95% in the supine position plus phonation, and the positive predictive value also had the highest percentage in the same situation. Conclusions: The highest correlation was seen in the supine position without phonation and difficult mask ventilation. Phonation improved the Mallampati class better in the supine position than in the upright position.
Annotation of joint projects and information states in human-NPC dialogues

We present a corpus of human-NPC interactions in a virtual environment. The corpus has been obtained through a Wizard-of-Oz experiment simulating a scenario where the user furnishes a room with the help of a virtual interior designer. With the aim of extracting useful information for the development of a dialogue model, an annotation scheme and representation format have been designed. The unit of annotation is the minimal joint project. Minimal joint projects are represented as feature-structures containing information on their goals, the information state shared by the dialogue participants and the actions composing the projects. The representation format is suitable for describing dialogues independently of the task and domain and can serve as representation of dialogue states in dialogue models. A methodology for the generation of project representations relying on manual and automatic annotation has also been developed. The annotated corpus allows for the automatic extraction of dialogue transitions and delivers useful information for the development of the natural language understanding and generation modules.
Detailed response to interactive comments by Anonymous Referee #2 on: “Transport and retention of phosphorus in surface water in an urban slum area” by P. M. Nyenje

GENERAL COMMENTS RC 2.1 This manuscript presents an interesting case study about P transport in the channels of a slum area in Kampala, Uganda. The authors made a great effort working in a challenging area were data are scarce and research presents difficulties for monitoring and sampling. These types of studies contribute to the development of the society with some clear applied objectives and they have to be reflected in the scientific literature. Nevertheless in spite of the good methodological description and the suitability of the techniques applied, this work presents some weak points that make difficult to publish it in this journal. Anyway I think it would be totally suitable for publication as a case study in other scientific publication.
Variations in village chicken management packages in two agro-ecological zones of Tanzania

This study was conducted in two regions namely, Mbeya in southern highlands (Cool) and Singida in central (semi-arid) Tanzania. Currently, the African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project is testing tropically high producing adapted breeds in these areas. The objective of this study was to assess status of chicken management practices following the introduction of improved strains. In addition, five attitudinal statements describing different management elements were used to measure farmer’s perception on the effect of the use of improved management intervention on production performance of their chicken. A total of 156 households representing 44% (352) of the intervened households were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire at 48 weeks following introduction of the improved breeds. Data for management practices (housing, feeding and healthcare practices) were assessed using scoring method. For every management aspect, management index was calculated as the proportion of the total score obtained by individual farmer to that of the possible maximum score. The overall result of the present study indicates that most farmers fall under medium status (0.41-0.6) of chicken production practices. Farmers from southern highland zone had better management indices with respect to housing and feeding than those from the central zone. Despite the medium level of management, majority of the respondents in both ecological zones (74.4%) had positive attitude towards influence of management practices on chicken performance. For the improved strains to perform optimally under rural environment, a holistic approach focusing on management elements should be emphasized. Key words: Management practices, improved breed, rural chicken production.
Leptin receptor LYS109ARG, GLN223ARG, SER343SER polymorphisms and obesity: Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype block analysis in Jeddah city.

Sabah A. Linjawi. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in leptin receptor gene, which interacts with leptin hormone (LEP(may play an important role in the pathophysiology of human obesity. The current study aimed to investigate whether LEPR polymorphismswere associated with incidence of obesity or no in Saudi study group. A case –control study was conducted with 109 subjects from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Genomic DNAs were used as templates in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with pairs of primers designed to amplify exons 4, 6 and 9 of the human leptin receptor gene. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined by PCR reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques.A highly significant association between Lys109Arg, and Ser343Ser polymorphisms and incidence of obesity was observed (P= 0.017). Whereas no significant association between (Lys109Arg, Gln223Arg) and (Gln223Arg, Ser343Ser) combinations and incidence of obesitywas detected (P= 0.38, 0.195 respectively). There was a preference for genotypes TT/TC and allele T of Ser343Ser SNP in obese subjects. It seems that the effect of polymeric sites Lys109Arg, Gln223Arg on incidence of obesity was abolished when the three SNPs was combined. The only key player on incidence of obesity was Ser343Ser polymorphism. In conclusion, the data achieved pointed to the genetic predisposition of LEPR variants in Saudi population. The impact of Ser343Ser polymorphism on incidence of obesity may varies among populations as a result of distinct differences in their allele distributions.
Antimicrobial potential of methanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Ricinus communis

Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. Patients with infections caused by drug-resistant microorganisms are generally at increased risk of worse clinical outcomes and death, and consume more healthcare resources. This study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of leaves and seeds methanolic extracts of the medicinal plants Hibiscus sabdariffa and Ricinus communis against standard microbial strains include Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains. The agar well diffusion technique was carried out to perform the antimicrobial activity of the candidate plants. Leaves from methanolic extracts of H. sabdariffa was found to be more active against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subitilis NCTC: 8236 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC: 25923), as well as Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC: 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC: 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC: 53657 and Proteus vulgaris ATCC: 6380) than leaves methanolic extracts of R. communis. The leaves from methanolic extracts of H. sabdariffa obtained an intermediate antifungal activity against two reference fungal strains (Candida albicans ATCC: 7596 and Aspergillus niger ATCC: 9765). The seeds from methanolic extracts of R. communis and H. sabdariffa did not show any activity against both bacterial and fungal reference strains examined. In the present study, methanolic leaves extracts of H. sabdariffa revealed that the selected plant had a significant potential effect to inhibit the growth of both bacterial and fungal strains.
Bounded rationality and group size in Tullock contests : Experimental evidence 1

We explore how models of boundedly-rational decision-making in games can explain the overdissipation of rents in laboratory Tullock contest games. Using a new series of experiments in which group size is varied across sessions, we find that models based on logit choice organize the data well. In this setting, logit quantal response equilibrium (QRE) is a limit of a cognitive hierarchy (CH) model with logit best responses for appropriate parameters. While QRE captures the data well, the CH fits provide support for relaxing the equilibrium assumption. Both the QRE and CH models have parameters which capture boundedness of rationality. The maximum likelihood fits of both models yield parameters indicating rationality is more restricted as group size grows. Periodby-period adjustments of expenditures are more likely to be in the earnings-improving direction in smaller groups.