Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variability in L2 phonemic learning originates from speech-specific capabilities: An MMN study on late bilinguals

People differ in their ability to perceive second language (L2) sounds. In early bilinguals the variability in learning L2 phonemes stems from speech-specific capabilities (Diaz, Baus, Escera, Costa & Sebastian-Galles, 2008 ). The present study addresses whether speech-specific capabilities similarly explain variability in late bilinguals. Event-related potentials were recorded (using a design similar to Diaz et al., 2008 ) in two groups of late Dutch–English bilinguals who were good or poor in overtly discriminating the L2 English vowels /e-ae/. The mismatch negativity, an index of discrimination sensitivity, was similar between the groups in conditions involving pure tones (of different length, frequency, and presentation order) but was attenuated in poor L2 perceivers for native, unknown, and L2 phonemes. These results suggest that variability in L2 phonemic learning originates from speech-specific capabilities and imply a continuity of L2 phonemic learning mechanisms throughout the lifespan.
Cambridge Working Papers in Economics : 1744 TARGETING INTERVENTIONS IN NETWORKS

Individuals interact strategically with their network neighbors. A planner can shape incentives in pursuit of an aggregate goal, such as maximizing welfare or minimizing volatility. We analyze a variety of targeting problems by identifying how a given profile of incentive changes is amplified or attenuated by the strategic spillovers in the network. The optimal policies are simplest when the budget for intervention is large. If actions are strategic complements, the optimal intervention changes all agents’ incentives in the same direction and does so in proportion to their eigenvector centralities. In games of strategic substitutes, the optimal intervention is very different: it moves neighbors’ incentives in opposite directions, dividing local communities into positively and negatively targeted agents, with few links across these two categories. To derive these results and characterize optimal interventions more generally, we introduce a method of decomposing any potential intervention into principal components determined by the network. A particular ordering of principal components describes the planner’s priorities across a range of network intervention problems. Date Printed. March 13, 2018. We are grateful to John Urschel, Xavier Vives, and Glen Weyl for helpful conversations. Gustavo Nicolas Paez and Eduard Talamás provided exceptional research assistance. We thank Sihua Ding, Joerg Kalbfuss, Fakhteh Saadatniaki, Alan Walsh, and Yves Zenou for detailed readings of earlier drafts. Andrea Galeotti is grateful to the European Research Council for support through the ERC-consolidator grant (award no. 724356) and to the European University Institute for support through the Internal Research Grant. Galeotti: Department of Economics, European University Institute, and Department of Economics, University of Essex, Andrea.Galeotti@eui.eu. Golub: Department of Economics, Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania, bgolub@fas.harvard. edu; Goyal: Faculty of Economics and Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, sg472@cam.ac. uk. 1 2 TARGETING INTERVENTIONS IN NETWORKS
Inflation Uncertainty, Output Growth Uncertainty and Macroeconomic Performance

We use a bivariate generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic (GARCH) model of inflation and output growth to examine the causality relationship among nominal uncertainty, real uncertainty and macroeconomic performance measured by the inflation and output growth rates. The application of the constant conditional correlation GARCH(1,1) model leads to a number of interesting conclusions. First, inflation does cause negative welfare effects, both directly and indirectly, i.e. via the inflation uncertainty channel. Secondly, in some countries, more inflation uncertainty provides an incentive to Central Banks to surprise the public by raising inflation unexpectedly. Thirdly, in contrast to the assumptions of some macroeconomic models, business cycle variability and the rate of economic growth are related. More variability in the business cycle leads to more output growth.
Larval growth rates of the blowfly, Calliphora vicina, over a range of temperatures

Abstract. Blowfly larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) fulfil an important ecological function in the decomposition of animal remains. They are also used extensively in forensic entomology, predominantly to establish a minimum time since death, or a minimum post‐mortem interval, using the larval length as a ‘biological clock’. This study examined the larval growth rate of a forensically important fly species, Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at temperatures of between 4°C and 30°C, under controlled laboratory conditions. The laboratory flies had been trapped initially in London, U.K. The minimum developmental temperature was estimated to be 1°C and 4700 accumulated degree hours (ADH) were required for development from egg hatch to the point of pupariation. Lines fitted to the laboratory larval growth data were found to adequately explain the growth of larvae in the field. The nature of variation in growth rates from geographically isolated populations is discussed.
Drusen and Sub Retinal Drusenoid Deposits (SDD) in Age Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: To review drusen and sub retinal drusenoid deposits in age related macular degeneration as regards their pathogenesis, morphology, differentiation and their importance as regards the visual prognosis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Results: Each type of drusen or drusenoid deposits has a different visual prognosis, and the differentiation of them using multimodal imaging tests is important for the management of age-related maculopathies. Methods: Review of the above mentioned items based on published data. Conclusion: Multimodal imaging tests can differentiate different types of drusen and sub retinal drusenoid deposits, including their atypical forms, with consequent ability to foretell the prognosis in the various forms of presentation of AMD.
Estimates of (co)variances due to direct and maternal effects for body weights in Timahdite sheep

Genetic parameters for body weights in Timahdite sheep were estimated using records of 10370 lambs from the ‘Societe Nationale de Developpement de l’Elevage’ born in 1988-89 to 1998-99. An animal model with derivativefree restricted maximum likelihood procedures was used. Random effects were direct and maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environmental, and error. Direct and maternal heritability estimates were 0·05 and 0·05 for birth weight, 0·02 and 0·07 for weight at 30 days, 0·07 and 0·08 for weight at 70 days, 0·06 and 0·01 for weight at 90 days. Estimates of fraction of variance due to maternal permanent environmental effects were close to zero, except for weight at 90 days. Genetic correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects were ‐0·55, ‐0·51, ‐0·50 and ‐0·17 for body weights at birth, 30, 70 and 90 days, respectively. Estimates of direct genetic correlations among body weights were positive and high, ranging from 0·69 to unity. Phenotypic correlations were positive and moderate to high, being lower than their corresponding direct genetic correlations. Estimates of correlations between maternal genetic effects among weights were positive and high, varying from 0·79 to unity. Cross-correlations between direct genetic effects for one weight and maternal genetic effects for another weight were consistently negative, ranging from ‐0·05 to ‐0·63. These results indicate that selecting for improved maternal and/or direct effects in Timahdite sheep is expected to generate only slow genetic progress in terms of early growth.
Individual-based genotype analysis in studies of parentage and population assignment: how many loci, how many alleles?

We developed multivatiate analytical models to predict the probability of assigning offspring to parental couples as a function of population size, number of loci, and allelic diversity and the relationships between the probability of allocating individuals to their population of origin as a function of number of loci and allelic diversity. The parentage model predicts that the number of loci and number of alleles contribute interactively to increase assignment success. Given sufficient allelic diversity, a relatively low number of loci is required to achieve high allocation success even for relatively large numbers of possible parents. In contrast, the population model predicts an additive contribution of the number of loci and alleles. There appears to be no significant gain in increasing allelic diversity beyond approximately 6-10 alleles per locus in population assignment studies. Such predictive models should contribute to maximizing the returns of population and parentage assignment studies by incre.
The future of banking regulation

In the light of the financial crisis, the subject we are dealing with has major priority and, as the agenda shows, is a very broad topic in terms of the issues it covers. Under discussion are questions about the effects of banking regulation as well as institutional aspects of how banking regulation should be organised. Above all, we should keep in mind that banking regulation should reflect the state of development in the financial markets, which implies that it is exposed to constant change. This is revealed, not least, by the history of banking regulation, which I would like to go into briefly before turning to the prevailing deficiencies of banking regulation and the main challenges in strengthening financial stability.
Lagrangian Investigation of the Precipitation Efficiency of Convective Clouds

AbstractThe precipitation efficiency of cumulus congestus clouds is investigated with a new Lagrangian particle framework for large-eddy simulations. The framework is designed to track particles representative of individual water molecules. A Monte Carlo approach facilitates the transition of particles between the different water classes (e.g., vapor, rain, or graupel). With this framework, it is possible to reconstruct the pathways of water as it moves from vapor at a particular altitude to rain at the surface. By tracking water molecules through both physical and microphysical space, the precipitation efficiency can be studied in detail as a function of height.Large-eddy simulations of individual cumulus congestus clouds show that the clouds convert entrained vapor to surface precipitation with an efficiency of around 10%. About two-thirds of all vapor that enters the cloud does so by entrainment in the free troposphere, but free-tropospheric vapor accounts for only one-third to one-half of the surface .
Monetary and Fiscal Policy Interactions : Some Empirical Evidence in the Euro-Area

The interaction of monetary and fiscal policies is a recurring theme in macroeconomics and has also been a crucial issue in a highly integrated area like the European Union. Monetary policy may be accommodative to fiscal policy or counteractive. This problem seems more important for the Euro-area than for other economies, since the member states of the EMU have individual fiscal authorities, but the monetary policy is pursued by a single monetary authority, the ECB. We first undertake some tests of fiscal regimes with a VAR model and find that a non-Ricardian fiscal policy has been implemented. We also undertake some Granger-Causality tests and find that the fiscal policy does not seem to Granger-cause the inflation, but the inflation Granger-causes the fiscal policy to some extent. In order to estimate the time-varying interactions between the two policies, we estimate a State-Space model with Markov-switching. There seem to be some regime changes in the monetary and fiscal policy interactions in France and Germany, but the results are somewhat different for the two countries. Finally we explore the forward-looking behavior in the two policy interactions with the conclusion that expectation seems to have played little role.
Mineral Nutrition of Aeroponically Grown Subtropical and Temperate Crops in the Tropics with Manipulation of Root-Zone Temperature at Different Growth Irradiances

Plant growth and productivity are often limited by high root-zone temperatures (RZT) which restricts the growth of subtropical and temperate crops in the tropics. High RZT temperature coupled with low growth irradiances during cloudy days which mainly lead to poor root development and thus causes negative impact on the mineral uptake and assimilation. However, certain subtropical and temperate crops have successfully been grown aeroponically in the tropics by simply cooling their roots while their aerial portions are subjected to hot fluctuating ambient temperatures. This review first discusses the effects of RZT and growth irradiance on root morphology and its biomass, the effect of RZT on uptake and transport of several macro nutrients such as N [nitrogen, mainly nitrate, (NO 3(cid:2) )], P (H 2 PO 4(cid:2) , phosphate), K (potassium) and Ca (calcium), and micro nutrient Fe (iron) under different growth irradiances. The impact of RZT and growth irradiance on the assimilation of NO 3-(the form of N nutrient given to the aeroponically grown plants) and the site of NO 3-assimilation are also addressed. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hemangiopericytoma of the Greater Omentum with Pelvic Metastasis: A Very Rare Occurrence

Hemangiopericytoma arising from the greater omentum is very rare and only 14 case reports were found in the English literature. Here we report a case of hemangiopericytoma arising from the greater omentum with pelvic metastasis. The case was a 45 year old male patient admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain and swelling. Abdominal ultrasound and computer tomography detected a huge heterogeneously enhancing predominantly solid central abdominal mass with cystic changes. Laparotomy and excision of huge freely mobile highly vascularized mass arising from the greater omentum and multiple deposits on the anterior wall of the rectum was performed. Histological findings confirmed a diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma of the greater omentum with secondary deposits in the pelvis
Risk Allocation: The Double Face of Financial Derivatives

For the past two decades, derivatives provided the core nancial innovation for riskmanagement and risk-sharing activities. However, in the aftermath of the 2007-2008 crisis, derivatives have started received, partly for good reason, an increasingly bad press. The main purpose of this paper is to lay the foundations for a theoretical framework in which systemic risk is centrally involved in the assessment of derivative usage. We begin by introducing a denition of systemic risk based on a Mixed Binomial model for the number of defaults. Then, we dene an allocation to be ecient if it maximizes
The Effect of Dried Blood Rumen Content Mixture (D BRCM) on Carcass Characteristics of SASSO C44 Broiler Chicks

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dried bloodrumen content mixture (DBRCM) on carcass characteristics of broiler chicks to replace soybean meal (SBM). A total of 225 unsexed day old broiler chicks (SASSO C44) were randomly distributed to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 100%SBM+0%DBRCM (T1), 80%SBM+20% DBRCM (T2),60%SBM+ 40% DBRCM (T3), 40%SBM+60% DBRCM(T4) and 20%SBM+80% DBRCM (T5) in 56 days of age. At the end of the experiment, two male and two female birds per replicate were used to determine carcass characteristics. The result revealed that the edible carcass yield ranged from 977.9-1159.3g. The dressing percentage based on the edible carcass weight was 63.9 % (T1), 66.6 % (T2), 65.4 (T3), 64.2% (T4) and 63.1% (T5). There was no a significant difference (P>0.05) in both edible carcass yield and its dressing percentage. The commercial carcass weight was 937.4g (T1), 984.7g (T2), 962.0g (T3), 925.0g (T4) and 833.1g (T5) and the dressing percentage was 54.9%, 56.6%, 55.3%, 53.7% and 53.7% for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Significant difference (P>0.05) was not observed in commercial carcass yield and its dressing percentage among the treatment groups. There was no a statistical marked difference (P>0.05) in total nonedible offal and edible offal. Females had more (P 0.05) by a diet containing DBRCM. However, abdominal fat and its fat percentage were higher (P<0.05) in females than males. Based on this result, it could be concluded that DBRCM can replace soybean meal up to 80% substitution level without any adverse effect on carcass characteristics.
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled 12-Month Trial of Divalproex and Lithium in Treatment of Outpatients With Bipolar I Disorder

Background Long-term outcomes are often poor in patients with bipolar disorder despite treatment; more effective treatments are needed to reduce recurrences and morbidity. This study compared the efficacy of divalproex, lithium, and placebo as prophylactic therapy. Methods A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group multicenter study of treatment outcomes was conducted over a 52-week maintenance period. Patients who met the recovery criteria within 3 months of the onset of an index manic episode (n=372) were randomized to maintenance treatment with divalproex, lithium, or placebo in a 2:1:1 ratio. Psychotropic medications were discontinued before randomization, except for open-label divalproex or lithium, which were gradually tapered over the first 2 weeks of maintenance treatment. The primary outcome measure was time to recurrence of any mood episode. Secondary measures were time to a manic episode, time to a depressive episode, average change from baseline in Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Change Version subscale scores for depression and mania, and Global Assessment of Function scores. Results The divalproex group did not differ significantly from the placebo group in time to any mood episode. Divalproex was superior to placebo in terms of lower rates of discontinuation for either a recurrent mood episode or depressive episode. Divalproex was superior to lithium in longer duration of successful prophylaxis in the study and less deterioration in depressive symptoms and Global Assessment Scale scores. Conclusions The treatments did not differ significantly on time to recurrence of any mood episode during maintenance therapy. Patients treated with divalproex had better outcomes than those treated with placebo or lithium on several secondary outcome measures.
9 Lichen Genomics: Prospects and Progress

1 Institut fur Pflanzenwissenschaften, Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz,Graz, Austria 2 Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria 3 Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland 4 Department of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Akureyri, Borgir vid Nordurslod, Akureyri, Iceland 5 School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom 6 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Gratifications obtained from television shows on Internet TV and conventional TV

v CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION . 1 Background . 1 Audiences’ Power . 2 Theory Implication . 3 Problem Statement . 4 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW . 6 Internet TV . 6 Conventional TV . 9 TV Shows . 10 Uses and Gratifications Theory . 11 Gratification Type Development . 13 Types of Gratifications . 14 Content Gratification . 14 Process Gratification . 15 Social Gratification . 16 CHAPTER III: METHOD . 19 Survey Instrument . 19 Internet TV Viewing Habits . 20 Content Gratification . 20 Process Gratification . 22 Social Gratification . 23 Procedure . 25
Subjective outcome evaluation of a university subject on service leadership

Abstract University students (n=58) responded to a 45-item subjective outcome evaluation scale after taking a credit-bearing elective subject titled “Service Leadership” at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the first semester of the 2013–14 academic year. Results showed that the students generally displayed positive perceptions of the program content and the instructors, and most of them perceived the subject to be beneficial to different aspects of their development. As predicted, three subscales of the scale (Program Content, Program Implementer, and Program Benefits) were significantly correlated. Similar to the previous studies, perceived quality of the program but not quality of instructors and program benefits predicted the students’ overall satisfaction with the program.
Value of Different Diagnostic Markers in Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in HCV Egyptian Cirrhotic Patients

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening infection occurring in 8% - 30% of ascitic cirrhotic patients; different laboratory diagnostics play a pivotal role for rapid and effective management of SBP patients. Polymorphonuclear leucocytic (PMNLs) count in Ascitic fluid (AF) is the mainstay for the diagnosis, whereas the diagnostic role of alternative biomarkers is rather controversial. In many studies, serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) was elevated and Complement 3 (C3) level was significantly consumed in AF of SBP patients. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum LBP and AF C3 in HCV-cirrhotics with SBP in relation to other well-established serum and AF markers. Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with HCV-cirrhosis and ascites were enrolled and consented: 50 patients with non-SBP ascites in group A and 70 ascitic patients diagnosed with SBP according to clinical suspicion and PMLs count in AF ≥ 250 cells/mm3 in group B in addition to 15 healthy individuals considered as a control group. Serum LBP, CBC, kidney and liver function tests, CRP, fasting and 2 h PP blood glucose and HCV antibodies were measured. AF samples were sent for C3 level, culture, PMNLs count, LDH, CRP, total proteins and albumin. Results: In patients with SBP, the level of serum LBP was not significantly high (p > 0.05) with best cut off value at 0.4500 and poor AUC (<0.6) with low sensitivity and specificity (53.3% & 57.7%, respectively). AF C3 was significantly reduced in AF (p < 0.001) with best cut off value at 144.2 and almost excellent AUC (0.889) with good sensitivity and specificity (82% & 84%, respectively). AF culture showed significant difference between both patients groups (p < 0.05) but with low sensitivity (33.3%). Serum and AF CRP and AF PMNLs count were of high significance in SBP diagnosis (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Serum LBP level showed low significance while AF C3 was significantly reduced in patients with SBP. AF culture showed significant difference between both groups but with low sensitivity while serum, AF levels of CRP and AF PMNLs count were highly significant, and the latter is still considered the gold standard for SBP diagnosis.