Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marking of verb tense in the English of preschool English-Mandarin bilingual children: evidence from language development profiles within subgroups on the Singapore English Action Picture Test.

BACKGROUND The phonological and morphosyntactic structures of English and Mandarin contrast maximally and an increasing number of bilinguals speak these two languages. Speech and language therapists need to understand bilingual development for children speaking these languages in order reliably to assess and provide intervention for this population. AIMS To examine the marking of verb tense in the English of two groups of bilingual pre-schoolers learning these languages in a multilingual setting where the main educational language is English. The main research question addressed was: are there differences in the rate and pattern of acquisition of verb-tense marking for English-language 1 children compared with Mandarin-language 1 children? METHODS & PROCEDURES Spoken language samples in English from 481 English-Mandarin bilingual children were elicited using a 10-item action picture test and analysed for each child's use of verb tense markers: present progressive '-ing', regular past tense '-ed', third-person singular '-s', and irregular past tense and irregular past-participle forms. For 4-6 year olds the use of inflectional markers by the different language dominance groups was compared statistically using non-parametric tests. OUTCOMES & RESULTS This study provides further evidence that bilingual language development is not the same as monolingual language development. The results show that there are very different rates and patterns of verb-tense marking in English for English-language 1 and Mandarin-language 1 children. Furthermore, they show that bilingual language development in English in Singapore is not the same as monolingual language development in English, and that there are differences in development depending on language dominance. CONCLUSIONS Valid and reliable assessment of bilingual children's language skills needs to consider the characteristics of all languages spoken, obtaining accurate information on language use over time and accurately establishing language dominance is essential in order to make a differential diagnosis between language difference and impairment.
An Economic Basis for Property-Casualty Insurance Risk-Based Capital Measures (RBC Research Working Parties Report 5)

A solvency measure is needed to consistently and fairly determine the level of an insurer's capital, which is needed for protection against defaulting on policyholder claims. There are several competing measures in current use, including VaR and the expected policyholder deficit. However, there is no published analytical method for selecting or calibrating any of these measures to produce a level of capital consistent with economic principles. This paper develops an economic basis for selecting the solvency measure, and additionally determines how the measure can be calibrated to produce optimum capital. By maximizing policyholder welfare, a reasonable goal for regulation and corporate governance, I show that the optimal capital amount can be established by assessing the policyholders' perceived value of the expected default relative to the insurer's cost of holding capital. This optimality is achieved while allowing insurers a competitive rate of return. The result is that the proper solvency measure is adjusted ruin probability, where the probability distribution of losses or assets is modified to reflect policyholders' risk preferences. The optimal level of the adjusted ruin probability is uniquely determined by the frictional cost of holding capital. With this foundation, I also show that the subadditivity property of a coherent risk measure is an unnecessary criterion for evaluating insurance solvency. Under the policyholder welfare framework, the level of the adjusted ruin probability standard will vary by degree of policyholder risk aversion, interest rates, insurer income tax rates, amount of guaranty fund protection and other factors not considered in applying the above conventional solvency measures. I also discuss the relationship between the minimum regulatory level of capital and the insurer's optimal level.
Are HOLDRs a Piece of the Closed-End Fund Puzzle?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether holding company depository receipts, or HOLDRs, a recently introduced financial product, carry a premium or discount to their net asset value. An examination of daily price time series reveals that like closed-end mutual funds, the HOLDR trades at an 8% discount to its NAV, and the discount is persistent over time. The discount is explained by market friction, inherent time risk, investor sentiment risk, and high volatility of the portfolio.
Local formation control strategies with undetermined and determined formation scales for co-leader vehicle networks

This paper studies the formation maneuvering problem, in which a group of agents achieves formations with flexible or controlled scales and follows two leaders in the network. Relative positions of neighbors are assumed to be sensed, which constitute a sensing graph, while another graph, called communication graph, exists to exchange estimate information of the leaders's velocity. A distributed local control strategy is then proposed to achieve the desired task, in which each agent responds to nearby agents in the sensing graph for shape control and synchronizes its velocity to its neighbors in the communication graph. Moreover, suppose the scale of the desired formation is known to two leaders of the network. Then we show that the team of agents can achieve rigid formations with determined scales regulated by the two leaders. Input-to-state stability analysis is recalled to show such asymptotic behaviors.
Sensitivity of WTP Estimates to Definition of ‘Yes’: Reinterpreting Expressed Response Intensity

Willingness to pay (WTP) estimation typically involves some strategy for mapping nondichotomous contingent valuation (CV) responses onto a dichotomous yes/no dependent variable. We propose a new approach to selecting which responses qualify as ‘yes. ’ We apply the proposed method to polychotomous CV data for preventative land management programs in the Great Basin. We also estimate WTP using other methods of response recoding found in the literature. By contrasting the results under different approaches, we demonstrate how and why WTP point estimates vary across recoding methods and discuss the comparative advantages of our more generalized recoding approach that is based on predicted probabilities of ‘yes’ responses.
MANA YANG LEBIH MEMILIKI VALUE-RELEVANT: NET INCOME ATAU CASH FLOWS (Studi Terhadap Siklus Hidup Organisasi)

This research is aimed to examine the relative value-relevant of net income and cash flow measures in different life cycle stages. Corporate life cycle consists of four stages: start up, growth, mature, and decline stage. Firms in different life cycle stages have different characteristics, and therefore in each life cycle stages the usefulness of accounting measures also different. Net incomes are predicted to be more value relevant in mature stages, while cash flows are expected to be more value relevant in stages characterized by start up, growth, and decline stages. The results prove that in the growth stage, the analysis supports the hypothesis that cash flows are more value relevant than net income. However, in the mature stage, the analysis results reject the hypothesis. This research do not analyze for the start up stage and decline stage, because of the limitation of the sample data. Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji manakah yang lebih memiliki value-relevant pengukuran laba atau arus kas pada masing-masing siklus hidup perusahaan. Siklus hidup perusahaan umumnya terbagi dalam tahap start-up, growth, mature dan decline. Karakteristik perusahaan berbeda untuk setiap tahap siklus hidup tersebut, karena itu kegunaan pengukuran akuntansi juga akan berbeda. Laba diperkirakan lebih memiliki value-relevant pada tahap mature, sementara arus kas diekspektasikan lebih memiliki value-relevant ketika perusahaan berada pada tahap start-up, growth dan decline. Penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa pada tahap growth, hasil pengujian yang dilakukan mendukung hipotesis bahwa cash flow lebih memiliki value relevant dibanding laba. Tetapi, untuk tahap mature, hipotesis yang diajukan tidak berhasil dibuktikan. Penelitian ini tidak dapat melakukan pengujian untuk tahap start-up dan decline, dikarenakan data sampel untuk kedua tahap tersebut tidak mencukupi untuk dilakukan pengujian. Kata kunci: siklus hidup organisasi, value-relevant, laba, arus kas.
Fluoroquinolone susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from commercial rabbit farms in Spain

PANIC has been defined as ‘frantic and sudden fright’ (MacDonald 1972) and in animals is generally characterised by some form of disorientated, excessive escape behaviour, which is often inappropriate to the situation in which it occurs (Mills and Faure 1990). The term has been used to describe apparently causeless flight in flocks of wild birds (Campbell and Lack 1985). In farmed poultry, panic is an occasional but significant problem which has been reported in both caged and floor-raised hens (Hansen 1976). This can often need only one individual to initially respond fearfully and then be transmitted to other birds very rapidly (Mills and Faure 1990). A range of potentially fearful triggers for poultry have been described: noise (Hansen 1976), human interventions (Golden 1959), potential predators and other unfamiliar stimuli (Payne 1959, Hughes 1961, Ferguson 1968). The consequences of severe panic outbreaks (such as suffocation and trapping/hanging of birds) can be fatal (Mills and Faure 1990). Episodes of severe panic can also lead to a reduction in egg production (Hansen 1976) and egg shell quality (Hughes and others 1986, Reynard and Savory 1999). Other non-lethal consequences such as bruising, increased food intake, reduced growth rate and feather loss have also been related to panic (Mills and Faure 1990). Thus, the occurrence of panic can have both welfare and economic consequences for the poultry industry. A wide range of potential variables have been implicated …
REIT-Based Pure-Play Portfolios: The Case of Property Types

This paper explores a technique for constructing REIT-based "pure play" portfolios which replicate the performance of "target" real estate sectors without direct exposure to "non-target" sectors. The construction of pure play portfolios uses a combination of long and short positions, and does not require time-series data for the target sectors. Pure play portfolios may be useful for hedging, speculation, building custom-designed balanced portfolios, calculating "betas" for capital budgeting, and developing historical performance indices. Performance indices for the four major commercial property type sectors are presented in this paper. REIT-based sectoral returns are then compared with NCREIF-based returns by property type.
Primordial lithium and the standard model(s).

We present the results of new theoretical work on surface /sup 7/Li and /sup 6/Li evolution in the oldest halo stars along with a new and refined analysis of the predicted primordial lithium abundance resulting from big-bang nucleosynthesis. This allows us to determine the constraints which can be imposed upon cosmology by a consideration of primordial lithium using both standard big-bang and standard stellar-evolution models. Such considerations lead to a constraint on the baryon density today of 0.0044<. cap omega. /sub b/h/sup 2/<0.025 (where the Hubble constant is 100h Km sec/sup -1/ Mpc /sup -1/), and impose limitations on alternative nucleosynthesis scenarios.
Effect of nutritional status on exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The purpose of our study was to examine the nutritional status of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (mean predicted FEV1, 30 +/- 11%) and to explore its relationship to functional capacity. Functional capacity was evaluated by measuring peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) using an incremental cycle ergometry test, a 6-min walk test, self-perceived level of dyspnea, and quality of life. The percentage ideal body weight (%IBW) was less than 90% in 33 of 135 subjects. Triceps skinfold thickness was less than 60% of normal in 19 of 33 of these subjects. Total lymphocyte count was not different between groups, whereas hemoglobin (14.9 versus 15.9 g/dl) and albumin (4.0 versus 4.1 g/dl) were marginally reduced in underweight subjects. Dyspnea and overall quality of life were unaffected by nutritional status. Maximal inspiratory (Pimax) and expiratory mouth pressures (PEmax) were weakly associated with %IBW (R2 = 0.04; p = 01 and R2 = 0.15; p less than 0.01, respectively). The %IBW was a predictor of VO2max (percent predicted) after controlling for FEV1 in regression analysis (partial R2 = 0.08; p less than 0.001). Despite the association of weight status with VO2max, the 6-min walk was not influenced by %IBW. The perceived intensity of exercise as judged by the Borg score was far greater with the bicycle exercise that with the 6-min walk (mean score, 10.6 +/- 1.2 versus 4.6 +/- 1.9). This was supported by the difference in heart rate after these two tests. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Criterion-Related Validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices with Deaf Residential School Students

Criterion-related validity of Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) was investigated using a sample of 107 deaf residential adolescents. Data collection involved retrieval of psychoeducational test scores (RPM; WISC-R Performance IQ; VMI-R; Bender-Gestalt; and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language) from student files. Concurrent validity between the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and WISC-R PIQ was established, with significant (p .001) correlations of . 598 (using WISC-R deaf norms) and . 616 (using WISC-R hearing norms). Predictive validity was supported by significant correlations between the SPM and SAT-HI Reading Comprehension, Spelling, and Language scores.
Does Migration Matter in Trade? A Study of India's Exports to the GCC Countries

This article examines India's exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with a special focus on the influence of migration. In order to explain the growing orientation of India's exports towards the Gulf countries, we analyse the demand pattern of GCC as represented by its import structure. The GCC countries’ import structure reveals the influence of the Indian diaspora and the possible migration–trade link. The hypothesis of migration–trade nexus is further verified using a longitudinal gravity-type model. The econometric evidence also illustrates the strong immigrant preference effect for their home-country products. Thus, the preference similarity mechanism is seen to work in the India–GCC context despite the violation of its crucial assumption of income similarity. Overall, the study brings out the importance of migrant population as a unique source of advantage for India's exports to the region.
A Regional Model of Oil and Gas Exploration in the Ukcs

Existing exploration–discovery models are generally characterised by equations describing the behaviour of exploration, success rates, and discoveries. The present paper adds two equations describing the behaviour of finding costs and exploration efficiency. The model was disaggregated along regional lines. Applying the model to UK Continental Shelf data over the period 1964–2002 produced results that supported the new approach. Analysis of the model dynamics and simulation forecast reveals similarities, but also important differences in the responsiveness of activity in the regions to policy multipliers, implying that uniform policy instruments will produce unequal responses in areas with different levels of maturity.
Application of a systems approach to sustainable development performance measurement

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systems approach can be used to facilitate the development of an organizational performance measurement system. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a review of the literature, the paper introduces the implications for applying a systems approach to organizational performance measurement. To demonstrate the transition from theory to practice, a case study is provided to show how a sustainable development performance measurement system was developed at a Canadian electric utility. The case study involved extensive consultation with over 25 experts. Findings - The paper finds that a systems approach is useful in developing the process and that a set of formal systems criteria is useful in developing the structure and content of a performance measurement system. These concepts are highlighted throughout the case study example. Research limitations/implications - The case study section was based on findings from a single organization. Further work is required to validate the findings within other organizations. Practical implications - The paper shows how a robust sustainable development performance measurement system may be developed at an electric utility. The overarching emphasis on integration of the system with the case utility's mainstream initiatives demonstrates that a performance measurement system must build on what the organization already has in place. The systems-based approach and formal systems criteria used in the paper may be transferable to other organizations. Originality/value - The paper shows that a systems approach provides both the structure and flexibility needed to guide the design, implementation, and evolution of a sustainable development performance measurement system within existing organizational infrastructure.
Interference suppression using joint spatio-temporal domain filtering in passive radar

This paper addresses the problem of interference cancellation in passive bistatic radar. The impact of fractional time delay, channel linearity and reference channel signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) on the interference cancellation performance is analyzed, and the results show that the performance of adaptive cancellation algorithm is degraded by the fractional time delay, the difference between the frequency responses of the surveillance channel and the reference channel, and a low reference channel SNR. To solve this problem, a signal reconstruction method is adopted to improve the reference signal quality, and a joint spa-tiotemporal domain interference suppression method is proposed to effectively mitigate direct-path interference and multi-path interference resulting in significant target SNR improvement The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified by real data experiments.
A Case Study Investigating the Influence of Deliberative Discussion on Environmental Preferences

Three small discussion groups (30 participants) were convened in the Capital District of New York the summer of 2005 to discuss the proposal to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil development. Q methodology was used to test the hypotheses that deliberative discussion encourages prosocial and pro-environmental preferences and influences participants to be more willing to forego the economic and energy security benefits of development in favor of wilderness protection. The findings supported the study hypotheses; however the participants’ strong preexisting environmental bias made it difficult to separate the social influence of deliberation from majority influence. The findings also revealed that deliberation created new questions and uncertainties for many of the participants, resulting in postdiscussion preferences that may not be stable. The results complement the theoretical arguments for deliberative decision making and help bridge the gap between theory and empirical research.
The effect of air pollution on lung development from 10 to 18 years of age.

BACKGROUND Whether exposure to air pollution adversely affects the growth of lung function during the period of rapid lung development that occurs between the ages of 10 and 18 years is unknown. METHODS In this prospective study, we recruited 1759 children (average age, 10 years) from schools in 12 southern California communities and measured lung function annually for eight years. The rate of attrition was approximately 10 percent per year. The communities represented a wide range of ambient exposures to ozone, acid vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship of air pollution to the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) and other spirometric measures. RESULTS Over the eight-year period, deficits in the growth of FEV(1) were associated with exposure to nitrogen dioxide (P=0.005), acid vapor (P=0.004), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) (P=0.04), and elemental carbon (P=0.007), even after adjustment for several potential confounders and effect modifiers. Associations were also observed for other spirometric measures. Exposure to pollutants was associated with clinically and statistically significant deficits in the FEV(1) attained at the age of 18 years. For example, the estimated proportion of 18-year-old subjects with a low FEV(1) (defined as a ratio of observed to expected FEV(1) of less than 80 percent) was 4.9 times as great at the highest level of exposure to PM(2.5) as at the lowest level of exposure (7.9 percent vs. 1.6 percent, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that current levels of air pollution have chronic, adverse effects on lung development in children from the age of 10 to 18 years, leading to clinically significant deficits in attained FEV(1) as children reach adulthood.
DNA methylation of retrotransposons, DNA transposons and genes in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

The methylation of cytosines shapes the epigenetic landscape of plant genomes, coordinates transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, represses the activity of transposable elements (TEs), affects gene expression and, hence, can influence the phenotype. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris), an important crop that accounts for 30% of worldwide sugar needs, has a relatively small genome size (758 Mbp) consisting of approximately 485 Mbp repetitive DNA (64%), in particular satellite DNA, retrotransposons and DNA transposons. Genome-wide cytosine methylation in the sugar beet genome was studied in leaves and leaf-derived callus with a focus on repetitive sequences, including retrotransposons and DNA transposons, the major groups of repetitive DNA sequences, and compared with gene methylation. Genes showed a specific methylation pattern for CG, CHG (H = A, C, and T) and CHH sites, whereas the TE pattern differed, depending on the TE class (class 1, retrotransposons and class 2, DNA transposons). Along genes and TEs, CG and CHG methylation was higher than that of adjacent genomic regions. In contrast to the relatively low CHH methylation in retrotransposons and genes, the level of CHH methylation in DNA transposons was strongly increased, pointing to a functional role of asymmetric methylation in DNA transposon silencing. Comparison of genome-wide DNA methylation between sugar beet leaves and callus revealed a differential methylation upon tissue culture. Potential epialleles were hypomethylated (lower methylation) at CG and CHG sites in retrotransposons and genes and hypermethylated (higher methylation) at CHH sites in DNA transposons of callus when compared with leaves.