Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agreement in Italian SLI children: a comparison between Determiner-Noun, Subject-Verb and Object-Verb agreement

In this paper, we present the results of a new forced-choice task designed to test SLI children’s competence with three different agreement configurations: Determiner-Noun, Subject-Verb and Object-Verb agreement. Three populations of Italian-speaking children took part in the study and we compared the performance of a group of typically developing children with two groups of children diagnosed with phonological (P-SLI) or grammatical (G-SLI) Specific Language Impairment. Our study revealed that in this task the G-SLI group performed worse than the other two groups. We also found that the different agreement configurations under scrutiny introduced different degrees of complexity, with the Determiner-Noun condition being the easiest one. We discuss these results in relation to Clahsen’s (1997) Grammatical Agreement Deficit Hypothesis and to a more recent proposal presented in Moscati and Rizzi (2014). Furthermore, we also compared plural and singular S-V agreement morphology. Results indicate that in our comprehension task no extra cost is associated with plural morphology in none of the experimental groups.
Occurrence of virus diseases of Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense)

Field surveys were carried out in three Bhut Jolokia growing districts viz., Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat of Upper Assam to assess the incidence of viral diseases during 2009-11. The incidence of virus diseases varied in farmer’s field with an average ranged from 8-72% . Four different viruses were identified based on symptomatology, transmission, host range and serological assays. The mosaic disease was detected to be cucumovirus, potyvirus leaf and stem necrosis disease to be caused by tospovirus and leaf curl disease caused by begomovirus. Cucumovirus , Potyvirus and Tospovirus were easily transmitted by grafting and sap inoculation to Bhut Jolokia and other hosts tested. However, begomovirus was found to be graft transmissible whereas sap inoculation failed to produce any symptom on host plants. Mixed infection of Cucumovirus and Potyvirus was separated by sap inoculation on Datura stramonium. Cucumovirus produced local lesion while Potyvirus produced chlorotic lesion on D. stramonium. DAS-ELISA revealed highest incidence of Potyvirus (87.50%) followed by Cucumovirus (75.00%) and Tospovirus (62.50%) in Golaghat while lowest incidence (31.25-33.33%) of virus diseases was recorded in Sivasagar for all the four viruses. However, overall incidence of Begomovirus was low in all the surveyed fields.
The role of PS ability and RC skill in predicting growth trajectories of mathematics achievement

Abstract There are relatively few studies in Australia and South-East Asian region that combine investigating models of math growth trajectories with predictors such as reasoning ability and reading comprehension skills. Math achievement is one of the major components of overall academic achievement and it is important to determine what factors (especially domain-general factors) predict levels of achievement over time. This study presents large-scale data (N = 5,886) from Australia to examine the trajectories of growth in math achievement and how problem solving (PS) ability and reading comprehension (RC) skills predict this growth among government school students (grades 3–8) in Victoria. Latent growth modelling showed that PS ability predicts growth in math achievement and this relationship is partially mediated by RC skill. Both PS ability and RC skill predict initial status in math achievement, but only PS ability predicts growth. The data also fit a model in which an improvement in general reasoning ability of students allows those with lower initial levels in math achievement to catch up. This can be interpreted as evidence that improving growth rates in PS ability may lift growth rates in math achievement.
Newton Polyhedral Method of Determining p-adic Ordersof Zeros Common to Two Polynomials in Qp[x, y]

To obtain p-adic orders of zeros common to two polynomials in Q [x,y], the combination of P . Indicator diagrams assodated with both polynomials are examined. It is proved that the p-adic orders of zeros common to both polynomials give the coordinates of certain intersection points of segments of the Indicator diagrams assodated with both polynomials. We make a conjecture that if ( A, IJ. ) is a point of intersection of non-coinddent segments in the combination of Indicator diagrams associated with two polynomials in Q [ x,y l then there exists a zero (L Tl) common to both polynomials such that ord ~. = A , ord Tl::: IJ. A special case of this conjecture is proved.
A microearthquake study in the Gulf of Patras region, western Greece, and its seismotectonic interpretation

SUMMARY The seismicity of the Gulf of Patras region was monitored from 1983 May to 1984 April by a six-station microearthquake network with 30 km aperture. Over 650 events were located using the revised version of the HYPO71 computer program for determining hypocentral locations. Of these, a subset of 73 well-located events was identified for detailed study. Analysis of these 73 events reveals a local pattern of seismicity with two main features: firstly, a gap in seismicity in the central and western parts of the Gulf, despite the local presence of active faulting affecting the seabed; secondly, a zone of high seismicity in the northeast part of the Gulf where offshore seismic surveys reveal a zone of intense structural complexity. A northeast dipping, diffuse zone of seismicity extending to a depth of about 25 km has been identified in the northeastern corner of the Gulf, centred on the Rio–Antirrio Channel between the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth. It is postulated that the active faults in the central part of the Gulf, which are apparently aseismic, are linked via a shallow decollement surface under the Gulf to a deep, WNW-ESE trending fault zone defining the southern margin of the Corinth graben, and extending westwards to Trichonis Lake. The dipping zone of seismicity is related to the latter fault zone, and aseismic faulting in the Gulf of Patras is attributed to the shallow surface of decollement into which the faults sole. A transfer fault zone trending approximately NE-SW is postulated to account for the offset of the Corinth and Patras grabens.
Factors Determining FDI in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

This study empirically investigates the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nigeria during 1970-2006. This study suggests that the endowment of natural resources, trade intensity, macroeconomic risk factors like inflation and exchange rates are significant determinants of FDI flow to Nigeria. The findings also suggest that in long run market size is not the significant factor for attracting FDI to Nigeria, it contradicts the existing literature. Our results indicate that FDI flow to Nigeria is resource-seeking FDI. Results also suggest that trading partner like the UK in North-South (N - S) and China in South-South (S - S) trade relation have strong influence on Nigeria’s natural resource outflow.
A multivariate analysis of savings, investment and growth in Nepal

This paper examines the relationship between the gross domestic savings, investment and growth for Nepal using annual time series data for the period of 1974/75 to 2009/10. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to test for cointegration and Error correction based Granger causality analysis for exploring the causality between the variables. Empirical results show that there exist cointegration between gross domestic savings, investment and gross domestic product when each of these is taken as dependent variable. Granger causality analysis shows that there exists short-run bidirectional causality between investment and gross domestic product as well as between gross domestic savings and investment. Nevertheless, no short-run causality is found between gross domestic savings and gross domestic product. Thus, the policy of accelerating growth by promoting investment works to some extant only since the long-run investment multiplier is below one.
Prevalence of Postural Abnormalities of Spine and Shoulder Girdle in Sanda Professionals

Background. Performing skilful movement patterns during sport practice sessions and real competition can cause negative adaptations in the musculoskeletal system. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postural abnormalities of the spine and shoulder girdle among professionals practising Sanda in Mazandaran province. Methods. Forty professional Sanda athletes participated in this study. The photogrammetric technique was used to record and measure the angle of forward head and forward shoulder. A flexible ruler was used to measure the angle of kyphosis and lordosis. Results. Based on the findings, the prevalence of abnormalities in the athletes was respectively: 75% forward head, 80% forward shoulder, 85% kyphosis and 65% lordosis. Also, the average angles in athletes included: kyphosis 47±4.63, lordosis 47.40±7.18, forward head 48.02±2.15 and forward shoulder 54.12±2.05 degrees. Conclusion. Based on the results, it appears that professional Sanda athletes have exposure to alterations in shoulder and spine position, thanks to the sporting condition and type of exercises. Of course, further studies should be performed with large samples to obtain confirmed results. However, coaches and athletes should consider special corrective exercise programmes and perform them to prevent such abnormalities.
Evaluation of milkfat and milkprotein production in inbred and outbred Holstein cows

BEZDICEK, J., SUBRT, J., FILIPCIK, R. , ŘIHA, J.: Evaluation of milkfat and milkprotein production in inbred and outbred Holstein cows. Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun. , 2009, LVII, No. 5, pp. 19–26 The aim of this study was to explore the depression eff ects of level of inbreeding on kg of fat and protein presented in the form of breeding values. The data included cows calved in the years 1990–2006 at farms in the Czech Republic. Inbred cows were grouped according to Fx coeffi cients (Fx = 1.25%, Fx = 2.0–3.125%, Fx = 4.0–12.5% and Fx = total). The breeding values for inbred cows were compared with their outbred equals (2689 equals in sum) – half–sisters, sharing the same sire, dam reaching the same breeding value (± 5%) and their fi rst calving occurring at the same farm, at the same time (±2 month). The PROC GLM of SAS® with fi xed eff ects (age at fi rst calving, year of calving, number of lactations, fi rst calving interval and relative breeding value of sire and dam were applied to all data). In the groups with Fx coeffi cients (Fx= 1.25 %, Fx = 2.0–3.125 %, Fx = 4.0–12.5 % and Fx = total) we found a decrease in the breeding values of kg fat in inbred cows of −1.48; 0.17; −8.26 and −0.51 kg. In the case of protein content the depressed production in inbred cows was: −0.58; −0.48; −3.21 and −0.94 kg. These diff erences were signifi cant (p ≤ 0.01) in the group with the highest Fx value (Fx = 4.0–12.5%). The inbred animals showed higher variability within the range of observed corrected breeding values (Yijklmno) for kg of fat and protein. The results also show that increasing the level of parents (as RBV) caused a very signifi cant increase in production both in inbred and outbred daughters but greater increase in fat and protein was evident in the non–inbred cows. inbreeding depression, kg of milkprotein, kg of milkfat, Holstein cows
Zinc abundances in Galactic bulge field red giants: Implications for damped Lyman-α systems

Context. Zinc in stars is an important reference element because it is a proxy to Fe in studies of damped Lyman-α systems (DLAs), permitting a comparison of chemical evolution histories of bulge stellar populations and DLAs. In terms of nucleosynthesis, it behaves as an alpha element because it is enhanced in metal-poor stars. Abundance studies in different stellar populations can give hints to the Zn production in different sites. Aims. The aim of this work is to derive the iron-peak element Zn abundances in 56 bulge giants from high resolution spectra. These results are compared with data from other bulge samples, as well as from disk and halo stars, and damped Lyman-α systems, in order to better understand the chemical evolution in these environments. Methods. High-resolution spectra were obtained using FLAMES+UVES on the Very Large Telescope. We computed the Zn abundances using the Zn i lines at 4810.53 and 6362.34 A. We considered the strong depression in the continuum of the Zn i 6362.34 A line, which is caused by the wings of the Ca i 6361.79 A line suffering from autoionization. CN lines blending the Zn i 6362.34 A line are also included in the calculations. Results. We find [Zn/Fe] =+ 0.24 ± 0.02 in the range −1.3 < [Fe/H] < −0. 5a nd [Zn/Fe] =+ 0.06 ± 0.02 in the range −0.5 < [Fe/H] < −0.1, whereas for [Fe/H] ≥− 0.1, it shows a spread of −0.60 < [Zn/Fe] < +0.15, with most of these stars having low [Zn/Fe] < 0.0. These low zinc abundances at the high metallicity end of the bulge define a decreasing trend in [Zn/Fe] with increasing metallicities. A comparison with Zn abundances in DLA systems is presented, where a dust-depletion correction was applied for both Zn and Fe. When we take these corrections into account, the [Zn/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] of the DLAs fall in the same region as the thick disk and bulge stars. Finally, we present a chemical evolution model of Zn enrichment in massive spheroids, representing a typical classical bulge evolution.
In vitro evaluation of professional fluoride therapies for improving softening resistance against dental erosion

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of professional fluoride therapies against enamel erosion. Methods: Ninety bovine enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each group: GI-Duraphat® (NaF, 2.26%F), GII-Duofluorid® (NaF, 2.71% F), GIII-TiF4 varnish (2.45% F), GIV- TiF4 solution (2.45% F), GV-no fluoride varnish and GVI-water (control). The varnishes, the solution and water were applied onto the enamel. The blocks were subjected to 6 sequential erosive cycles (cola drink for 10 min and artificial saliva for 50 min, each) per day, during 4 days. After the erosive cycles, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva for 18 h. Enamel alterations were determined in the 2nd and 4th days, by microhardness test (%SMHC). Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey`s tests (p<0.05). Results: The mean %SMHC (SD) in the 2nd and 4th days was, respectively: GI (-78.13±4.08a and -90.01±2.83A), GII (-77.70±5.26a and -89.63±6.08A), GIII (-88.93±2.65b and -91.90±2.4A,B), GIV (-92.23±2.21b and -97.16±1.43C), GV (-87.72±2.04b and -94.16±1.14B,C) and GVI (-88.10±1.51b and -93.12±1.93 B). Conclusion: The data from this in vitro study show that NaF varnishes were able to partially prevent softening from dental erosion until the 4th day of erosive cycle.
Trend of photospheric magnetic helicity flux in active regions generating halo coronal mass ejections

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are very energetic events (~10 32 erg) initiated in the solar atmosphere, resulting in the expulsion of magnetized plasma clouds that propagate into interplanetary space. It has been proposed that CMEs can play an important role in shedding magnetic helicity, avoiding its endless accumulation in the corona. Aims. The aim of this work is to investigate the behavior of magnetic helicity accumulation in sites where the initiation of CMEs occurred to determine whether and how changes in magnetic helicity accumulation are temporally correlated with CME occurrence. Methods. We used MDI/SOHO line-of-sight magnetograms to calculate magnetic flux evolution and magnetic helicity injection in 10 active regions that gave rise to halo CMEs observed during the period 2000 February to 2003 June. Results. The magnetic helicity injection does not have a unique trend in the events analyzed: in 40% of the cases it shows a large sudden and abrupt change that is temporally correlated with a CME occurrence, while in the other cases it shows a steady monotonic trend, with a slight change in magnetic helicity at CME occurrence. Conclusions. The results obtained from the sample of events that we have analyzed indicate that major changes in magnetic helicity flux are observed in active regions characterized by emergence of new magnetic flux and/or generating halo CMEs associated with X-class flares or filament eruptions. In some of the analyzed cases the changes in magnetic helicity flux follow the CME events and can be attributed to a process of restoring a torque balance between the subphotospheric and the coronal domain of the flux tubes.
Acceleration Processes of Snow Glide Prior to Full-Depth Avalanche Release on Shrub Slopes in the Temperate Heavy-Snow Region of Japan

In the temperate heavy-snow region of Japan, most of snow avalanche disaster arise as a consequence of the full-depth glide avalanche in the area with human activities. Although snow glide motion of a snow cover on slope is one of the most important factors for full-depth avalanche release, snow glide acceleration processes are still poorly understood, which disturbs improvement of the prediction accuracy. In this study, we were intended to contribute to the accumulation of snow glide data prior to fulldepth avalanche release on the shrubby slopes. Measurements of snow glide by glide shoes were made on two slopes covered with deciduous shrubs (3–10 m in height), which is typical vegetation on avalanche-prone slope in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. Consequently, we observed 3 full-depth avalanche events. Our data showed that snow gliding shifts its motion. It starts with “uniform motion”, continues with “constant acceleration motion”, then “increasing acceleration motion”. The last stage is the most important for avalanche forecasting, because this brings about avalanche release. Further analysis of increasing acceleration stage, it became clear that glide acceleration rate is an increasing function of glide rate and is directly proportional to the square of glide rate. This relation provides a convenient method for estimating the time to avalanche release for snow slab with given glide rate, which seems likely to be applicable to the short-time forecast of full-depth glide avalanches in the future.
Ownership Concentration and Capital Structure Adjustments

We investigate the capital structure dynamics of a panel of 766 firms from five Western Europe countries: France, Italy, UK, Germany and Switzerland over the period 1996-2007. If firms adjust their capital structure towards an optimal level with adjustment costs affecting this optimization behavior, then firms with a concentrated ownership structure should adjust their leverage at a slower rate. Indeed, large blockholders are likely to avoid control-diluting equity issuances. They may also face higher transaction costs arising from the extent of adverse selection problems they face or because of the lower liquidity of their stocks. Besides, one can expect them to avoid large upward leverage adjustments in order not to increase the risk of their undiversified portfolio. However, if firms are indifferent towards their capital structure, past timed securities issuances should have a persistent impact on their current leverage regardless of their ownership structure. Using system-GMM methodology on panel data, we find that European firms have a target leverage to which they revert at different rates. The speed of adjustment is the lowest for firms with a single large blockholder. These results extend previous literature by introducing the transaction costs and the agency costs inherent to ownership concentration as significant determinants of capital structure dynamics.
A new simple h-mesh adaptation algorithm for standard Smagorinsky LES: a first step of Taylor scale as a refinement variable

The interaction between discretization error and modeling error has led to some doubts in adopting Solution Adaptive Grid (SAG) strategies with LES. Existing SAG approaches contain undesired aspects making the use of one complicated and less convenient to apply to real engineering applications. In this work, a new refinement algorithm is proposed aiming to enhance the efficiency of SAG methodology in terms of simplicity in defining, less user's judgment, designed especially for standard Smagorinsky LES and computational affordability. The construction of a new refinement variable as a function of the Taylor scale, corresponding to the kinetic energy balance requirement of the Smagorinsky SGS model is presented. The numerical study has been tested out with a turbulent plane jet in two dimensions. It is found that the result quality can be effectively improved as well as a significant reduction in CPU time compared to fixed grid cases.
How does corporate voluntary disclosure affect asymmetric information and adverse selection

This paper investigates whether the extent of corporate voluntary disclosure mitigates asymmetric information and adverse selection in the Euronext Paris stock exchange. We apply a disclosure index as a proxy for the extent of voluntary disclosure and use different spread measures to estimate both asymmetric information and adverse selection. Our findings show a negative relationship between the disclosure index and asymmetric information and adverse selection proxies. An analysis of sub-indexes provides additional mixed results. Several asymmetric information measures are negatively related to the volume of financial, non-financial and voluntary governance information in corporate annual reports. Nevertheless, the effect of strategic information volume is statistically significant only for effective bid-ask spreads. On the whole, these results are consistent with the view that high corporate voluntary disclosure is associated with narrow spreads and low adverse selection costs.
Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth during Financial Liberalization Episodes

This paper investigates the relation between foreign direct investment and economic growth under the effects of the financial liberalization processes. The paper focuses on the emerging markets, where the flows of foreign direct investment are most active and the financial liberalization processes are most intensifying. Analysis of 24 emerging markets over the 1980–2004 period shows that the easing of short-term capital flows diminishes the positive effects of foreign direct investment. The finding has important implications for policy makers in emerging markets.