Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech to the Beat: Infants' Processing

Previous research suggests that infants have high sensitivity to prosodic cues when listening to continuous speech. Specifically, rhythmic patterns play a significant role for infants’ language development. Kuiack (2015) conducted a head-turn preference study where infants were shown to rely on the fine durational cues to recognize novel words from familiarized words. However, Kuiack failed to control for beat regularity between words. The present study seeks to explore whether the success in detection of the contrasting vowel durations within the words in the Kuiack (2015) study was due to the regularity in timing. The current study inserted irregular pauses between the word stimuli used in the original Kuiack (2015) study. The results of the present study show that infants do not show discrimination in absence of rhythmic regularity. These findings suggest that infants require regularity in the beat pattern to recognize fine durational differences in speech.
A Multifactor Stochastic Volatility Model of Commodity Prices

We propose a novel representation of commodity spot prices in which the cost-of-carry and the spot price volatility are both driven by an arbitrary number of risk factors, nesting many existing specifications. The model exhibits unspanned stochastic volatility, provides simple closed-form expressions of commodity futures, and yields analytic formulas of European options on futures. We estimate the model using oil futures and options data, and find that the pricing of traded contracts is accurate for a wide range of maturities and strike prices. The results suggest that at least three risk factors in the spot price volatility are needed to accurately fit the volatility surface of options on oil futures, highlighting the importance of using general multifactor models in pricing commodity contingent claims.
Correlates of red throat coloration in female stickleback and their potential evolutionary significance

Background: In two stream-resident populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), females often exhibit male-typical red throat coloration. These fish inhabit the Little Campbell River (British Columbia) and Matadero Creek (California). An anadromous population that lacks such coloration also inhabits the Little Campbell River. Anadromous character states are usually considered ancestral in this system. Theory suggests that ornaments such as red throat coloration can be favoured in some social contexts if they convey information about individual quality. Correlations with a second carotenoid-based ornament, red pelvic spine coloration, may also affect the information conveyed by throat colour. Question: Within and between populations, how is red throat coloration in females associated with the quality/fitness-related traits condition, body size, age, and growth, and with red pelvic spine coloration? Methods: In 2010-2012, we measured female throat coloration and evaluated its relationships with condition, body size, age, growth, and pelvic spine coloration. Results: Throat red intensity was positively correlated with body size in both stream-resident populations. Analyses of one stream population suggest the most intensely red females grow fastest, but older individuals also exhibit more intense throat coloration. We did not observe correlations between throat red intensity and body condition. Red spine coloration was often positively correlated with both throat colour and body size within stream populations. In contrast, the transition from putatively ancestral anadromous character states to derived stream-resident states involved a reduction in spine red intensity, but an increase in throat coloration.
Uptake of Zn (II) by an invasive weed species Parthenium hysterophorus L.

The ability of the invasive weed species Parthenium hysterophorus L. for the accumulation of the heavy metal Zn was studied in a greenhouse experiment. This study was aimed at identifying a metal tolerant species from natural vegetation and assess the phytoextraction potential of the plant. To com pare metal concentrations in the aboveground biomass to those in roots and in soils along with nutrients. T o study their effect on growth and comparison with me tal amended soils treated with EDTA. The Zn accumulated by the test species was increased signi ficantly after 0.1g/kg of EDTA was added to the medium. An increase in metal uptake with increase i n test concentrations was observed. The metal uptak e could effect the leaf pigments as it reduced with i ncrease in metal exposures and time especially in E DTA treatment. This could be due to the accumulation of Zn. The phosphorus levels were found to be low in higher uptakes of the plant. The BCFs of shoots and roots and TFs being greater than 1 shows the valid ity of the weed species for hyperaccumulation of the me tal and can be a promising species for phytoextraction of heavy metals and remediation of metal contaminated soils which is economical and ecofriendly.
Soil microbial, chemical properties and crop productivity as affected by organic manure application in popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta)

Soil microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and chemical properties of soil under different doses of farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost and vericopmpost were examined at the research farm of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India during 2008-09 and 2009-10. Results indicated the higher value of microbial population, dehydrogenase activity, organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and lower bulk density were observed in farmyard manure applied equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1 followed by vermicompost equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1. Grain yield of popcorn was significantly higher in the treatments of recommended dose of fertilizers and vermicompost equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1. Key words: Dehydrogenase activity, farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost, microbial population, vermicompost.
Evaluation of thermotolerant rhizobacteria for multiple plant growth promoting traits from pigeonpea rhizosphere

PGPR strains exhibiting optimum functional traits at high temperature and are compatible with Rhizobium can be used in pigeonpea as biofertilizer. A total of 45 rhizobacterial isolates were isolated from 13 different locations of pigeonpearhizospheric soil of Punjab. Out of the 45 isolates, 5 isolates selected on the basis of maximum growth at 30Â°C and 40Â°C were morphologically and biochemically characterized, belonging to genera Pseudomonas (P-6, P-9) and Bacillus (P-30, P-31, P-32). Selected isolates were further evaluated for the production of IAA, GA, SA and flavonoids. IAA production was estimated in the range from 0.45-25.13 I¼g/ml and 4.62-34.34 I¼g/ml in the presence of tryptophan at 30 and 40Â°C respectively. Maximum gibberellic acid production was recorded with P-30 (108.99 I¼g/ml and 112.12 I¼g/ml) at 30 and 40Â°C respectively. Similarly maximum salicylic acid was also estimated with P-30 (157.2 I¼g/ml) followed by P-31 (141.0 I¼g/ml) at 40Â°C. All the isolates were also found to produce flavonoids ranged from 2.98 - 4.40 I¼g/ml at 40 Â°C. Isolates P-30, P-31 showed superior production of growth hormones and flavonoid-like compounds can further be tested under the field conditions to enhance growth and yield of pigeonpea.
Drowsiness and Fatigue, The Most Frequent Causes of Sever Accidents Among Heavy Vehicle Drivers in Iran

Based on the results of the recent study (October 2003) by the coronial organization of Iran, this country at present time possesses the highest rate of the road accidents in the world. The rate of the increase of the said rate and caused losses are also incredible. During the summer 2003, 7933 persons were killed in Iran road accidents. This shows 20.5% increase in comparison to the previous year. The similar rate of increase for injuries, during the said period was even worse; equal to 34.1%. The results of a study using TRL-MAAP model are presented in this paper. In this study the rural road accidents' data of the province of Khorasan (the biggest province of Iran, with about a fifth of the country's area and a tenth of its 66 million population) is analyzed. The results show that the rates of heavy vehicles' rural road accidents are highest in comparison with the medium size trucks and small size passenger cars, ranging from 440 accidents per 1000 vehicles per year for buses, 639 for mini-buses and 665 for heavy trucks and trailers. These are caused by many shortcomings in the country's transportation infrastructure, heavy vehicles' crashworthiness, professional drivers' training, law enforcement, drowsiness, fatigue and drug epidemic among heavy vehicles' drivers together with the country's economic upheaval in recent years. But among all different causes, the analysis shows that drowsiness and fatigue are the most frequent and most alarming causes of the said scenario. Here, the specific reasons for the spread of this epidemic impairing societal problem in Iran, is discussed and the remedial solutions are presented.
A Nonlinear Structural Equation Mixture Modeling Approach for Nonnormally Distributed Latent Predictor Variables

Structural equation models with interaction and quadratic effects have become a standard tool for testing nonlinear hypotheses in the social sciences. Most of the current approaches assume normally distributed latent predictor variables. In this article, we describe a nonlinear structural equation mixture approach that integrates the strength of parametric approaches (specification of the nonlinear functional relationship) and the flexibility of semiparametric structural equation mixture approaches for approximating the nonnormality of latent predictor variables. In a comparative simulation study, the advantages of the proposed mixture procedure over contemporary approaches [Latent Moderated Structural Equations approach (LMS) and the extended unconstrained approach] are shown for varying degrees of skewness of the latent predictor variables. Whereas the conventional approaches show either biased parameter estimates or standard errors of the nonlinear effects, the proposed mixture approach provides unbiased estimates and standard errors. We present an empirical example from educational research. Guidelines for applications of the approaches and limitations are discussed.
Description of an optic spine on the sphenoid bone of camels and dromedaries

Objective To describe the presence of an intraorbital cylindrical osseous structure (a spine) in two animal species: camel (Camelus bactrianus) and dromedary (Camelus dromedaries). A homologous osseous structure was previously observed in the large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus). Procedures The bony anatomy of the orbital cavity was studied and quantified on macerated skulls of 3 camels and 2 dromedaries. Additionally, one macerated skull of a large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus) was used for comparative purposes. Results The anatomic description of these unique intraorbital spine was made while studying the bony orbit of macerated skulls, and was considered homologous to that of the bat based on the same anatomic position (at the bone bridge that separates the optic canal and the sphenorbital fissure) and similarities in shape. We suggest the name optic spine of the sphenoid bone. Discussion The novel observation of an optic spine on the sphenoid bone in camels and dromedaries (Artiodactyla), when combined with the previous finding of a similar anatomic structure in a bat (Chiroptera) suborder Microchiroptera, may provide further support to the close proximity of these two apparently very distinct animal orders in the phylogenetic tree, and may contribute to the understanding of bat evolution and provide new directions for future research. The function of this osseous spine remains to be investigated, although we hypothesize that the optic spine of the camelids may serve as an attachment site for extraocular muscles.
Parameters controlling dynamically self‐consistent plate tectonics and single‐sided subduction in global models of mantle convection

Recent advances in numerical modeling allow global models of mantle convection to more realistically reproduce the behavior at convergent plate boundaries; in particular, the inclusion of a free surface at the outer boundary has been shown to facilitate self‐consistent development of single‐sided subduction. This allows for a more extensive study of subduction in the context of global mantle convection, as opposed to commonly used regional models. Our first study already indicated important differences between mantle convection with single‐sided subduction and mantle convection with double‐sided subduction. Here we further investigate the effect of various physical parameters and complexities on inducing Earth‐like plate tectonics and its evolution in time. Results reinforce the previous finding that using a free surface instead of a free‐slip outer boundary dramatically changes subduction style, with free surface cases displaying many episodes of single‐sided subduction, which leads to more realistic slab dip, stress state, trench retreat rate, and slab‐induced mantle flow. Longevity of single‐sided subduction is promoted by a layer of hydrated crust with a low yield strength to lubricate the subduction channel, a low‐viscosity asthenosphere, and a high strength of the slab (determined by a combination of high‐diffusion creep viscosity and intermediate friction coefficient), although its effective viscosity is in the observationally constrained range in the bending region. The time evolution displays interesting events including subduction polarity reversals, subduction shut‐off, and slab break‐off.
A sampling method for detecting buried objects using electromagnetic scattering

We consider a simple (but fully three-dimensional) mathematical model for the electromagnetic exploration of buried, perfect electrically conducting objects within the soil underground. Moving an electric device parallel to the ground at constant height in order to generate a magnetic field, we measure the induced magnetic field within the device, and factor the underlying mathematics into a product of three operations which correspond to the primary excitation, some kind of reflection on the surface of the buried object(s) and the corresponding secondary excitation, respectively. Using this factorization we are able to give a justification of the so-called sampling method from inverse scattering theory for this particular set-up.
GENERAL SPECIFICATION TESTING WITH LOCALLY MISSPECIFIED MODELS

A well known result is that many of the tests used in econometrics, such as the Rao score (RS) test, may not be robust to misspecified alternatives, that is, when the alternative model does not correspond to the underlying data generating process. Under this scenario, these tests spuriously reject the null hypothesis too often. We generalize this result to generalized method of moments–based (GMM-based) tests. We also extend the method proposed in Bera and Yoon (1993, Econometric Theory 9, 649–658) for constructing RS tests that are robust to local misspecification to GMM-based tests. Finally, a further generalization for general estimating and testing functions is developed. This framework encompasses both likelihood and GMM-based results.
Tradeoff between Equity and Effciency in Revenue Sharing Contracts

We investigate the problem of setting revenue sharing rules in a team production environment with a principal and two agents. We assume that the project output is binary and that the principal can observe the level of agents' actual effort, but does not know the production function. Identifying conditions that ensure the eficiency of the revenue sharing rule, we show that the rule of equal percentage markups can lead to inflation of project costs. This result provides an explanation for project cost overruns other than untruthful cost reporting.
The Impact of Effective Corporate Boards and Audit Committees on Attracting Foreign Ownership in Listed Companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council

This study empirically examines the impact of effectiveness of both corporate boards and audit committee on foreign ownership in selected non-financial listed companies of the stock markets in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Contrary to previous studies, this study enters the firm size, leverage, exchange rate risks, inflation risks and economic growth as control variables. For the first time, it also includes the political risks’ variable as a control variable that may affect foreign ownership. In term of panel data regression analysis, the study was built on fixed effect model and conducted to the period of 2012-2015 for 143 non-financial listed companies on the GCC stock markets. Our results explain that foreign ownership is positively related to the effectiveness of both the boards of directors and the audit committees. Political risks and firm size are positively significant with foreign ownership, while the leverage is negatively related to foreign ownership. The implication of this study may help beneficiaries in making better policy decisions and provide guidance for corporate managers on the needs of foreign investors.
Interdepen-dencies between corporate governance and financial audit : evidence from the Romanian Stock Exchange Univ

The purpose of this research is to provide evidence about the relationship between the financial audit and corporate governance indicators. The study uses data from entities listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange in Romania, which have both a one-tier system and a twotier system management. The study aims to detect the interdependencies between financial audit (measured through the audit fees) and specific corporate governance indicators, such as the CEO/chair duality, the existence of the audit committee, the number of executive members from the board of directors or other characteristics of the board that are part of the corporate governance process. As there is a correlation between audit and corporate governance indicators, the research is conducted using a simultaneous equation model for the listed entities that have an obligation to report their individual financial statements using the IFRS approach. The data is manually collected from both the entity’s individual financial statements and corporate governance statement. The results showed mixt evidence. While there is a negative relationship between the audit fees and the number of executive board members, ambiguous results are found for the other board characteristics. The explanation can be attributed to the fact that there is an important problem regarding data availability on the Romanian market and to a lack of transparency in the reporting process.
COMPARING PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS BY SEDIMENTATION AND LASER DIFFRACTION METHOD

In this paper a brief review of the laser diffraction method is firstly carried out. Then, for 30 soil samples having a different texture classification sampled in Sicilian basin, a comparison between the two techniques is developed. The analysis demonstrated that the sand content measured by Sieve-Hydrometer method can be assumed equal to the one determinated by laser diffraction technique while an overestimation of the clay fraction measured by Sieve-Hydrometer method respect to laser diffraction technique was obtained. Finally a set of equations useful to refer LD measurements to SH method was proposed.
Determination of the Dominant Variants of Hop Stunt Viroid in Two Different Cachexia Isolates from North and South of Iran

Citrus plants are hosts of several viroid species, among which, pathogenic variants of Hop Stunt Viroid (HSVd) induce citrus cachexia disease. Stunting, chlorosis, gumming of the bark, stem pitting and decline are symptoms of cachexia in mandarins and their hybrids as susceptible hosts. Based on the pathogenic properties on citrus, HSVd variants are divided in two distinct groups: those that are symptomless on sensitive citrus host species and those that induce cachexia disease. In this study, two cachexia isolates were selected and biological indexing was performed in a controlled temperature greenhouse (40oC day and 28oC night) using Etrog citron (Citrus medica ) grafted on Rough lemon ( C. jhambiri ), as a common indicator for citrus viroids. The plants were inoculated with the inocula from a severe symptomatic tree of a newly declining orchard of Jiroft, Kerman province and a mild symptomatic tree from Mazandaran province. Presence of HSVd was confirmed with sPAGE, Hybridization by DIG-labeled probes and RT-PCR using specific primers of HSVd . Primary and secondary structures of the isolates were studied. The consensus sequence of RT-PCR amplicons of the severe isolate (JX430796) presented 97% identity with the reference sequence of a IIb variant of HSVd (AF213501) and an Iranian isolate of the viroid (GQ923783) deposited in the gene bank. The mild isolate (JX430798) presented 100% homology with the HSVd-IIc variant previously reported from Iran (GQ923784). Both isolates were shown to be cachexia inducing according to their sizes, sequences and lack of “non-cachexia expression motif” structures.
A PILOT-STUDY INVESTIGATING THE ASSESSMENT AND ALLOCATION OF RISKS IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN VIETNAM

Many PPP projects have failed because of risks occurring during operation and earlier studies have demonstrated a need risk assessment and allocation methods for PPPs. Although researchers have been working in this area for years, the amount of empirical work is limited, especially when applied to developing countries. This paper will review previous studies and then describe a pilot study which was carried out in Vietnam. Forty one questionnaires were sent to practitioners working on PPP transportation projects and to officials from government departments. The study attempted to identify key risks in PPPs in Vietnam, and risk allocation perceptions of practitioners in these projects. Also, the pilot study also aimed to test the methods of collecting data, the quality of the questionnaires, and the ability to assess running projects. The purpose of this testing was to carry out a larger study in the fieldwork stage of a PhD program. The findings of the study suggest that ineffective decisionmaking processes by the public sector, difficulty in obtaining approvals, high inflation, and corruption are the most critical risks in Vietnamese PPPs. For risk allocation, the findings suggest that the government is willing to manage risks relating to political and legal issues. Whereas, private partners are willing to manage risks relating to constructing and operating issues. This may indicate that one of the prime objectives of PPP, the transferring risks to the private sector, has not been achieved. Importantly, the findings have suggested improvement for fieldwork plan. The paper will conclude by proposing a methodology for continuing the study.