Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
First language attrition and syntactic subjects: A study of Greek and Italian near-native speakers of English

In this paper we present some results from an experimental study that we have been conducting into the effects of syntactic attrition on the L1 of Greek and Italian speakers who have achieved near-native proficiency in their L2 (English) but still use their L1 on a regular basis. In particular, we test the hypothesis, developed on the basis of assumptions regarding syntactic modularity, that the changes in L1 syntax will be restricted to the interface with the conceptual /intentional cognitive systems. The area of investigation is the domain of grammatical subjects in Greek and Italian. More specifically, we tested the participants on the production and interpretation of null and overt subjects, and of preverbal and postverbal subjects. We also elicited grammaticality judgments on subject extraction and subject position in various syntactic contexts. In this paper we report on the results of one of the production tasks (of preverbal and postverbal subjects) and two interpretation tasks. Attrition effects are found in the production of preverbal subjects in the Greek group whereas Italian speakers show attrition effects in the interpretation of overt pronominal subjects. We argue that these results are in the right direction, that is, that semantic features are vulnerable in language attrition whereas syntactic options remain intact.
Correction of systematic model forcing bias of CLM using assimilation of cosmic-ray Neutrons and land surface temperature: a study in the Heihe Catchment, China

The recent development of the non-invasive cosmic-ray soil moisture sensing technique fills the gap be- tween point-scale soil moisture measurements and regional- scale soil moisture measurements by remote sensing. A cosmic-ray probe measures soil moisture for a footprint with a diameter of 600 m (at sea level) and with an effective measurement depth between 12 and 76 cm, depending on the soil humidity. In this study, it was tested whether neu- tron counts also allow correcting for a systematic error in the model forcings. A lack of water management data of- ten causes systematic input errors to land surface models. Here, the assimilation procedure was tested for an irrigated corn field (Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimen- tal Research - HiWATER, 2012) where no irrigation data were available as model input although for the area a sig- nificant amount of water was irrigated. In the study, the mea- sured cosmic-ray neutron counts and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface tempera- ture (LST) products were jointly assimilated into the Com- munity Land Model (CLM) with the local ensemble trans- form Kalman filter. Different data assimilation scenarios were evaluated, with assimilation of LST and/or cosmic-ray neutron counts, and possibly parameter estimation of leaf area index (LAI). The results show that the direct assimila- tion of cosmic-ray neutron counts can improve the soil mois- ture and evapotranspiration (ET) estimation significantly, correcting for lack of information on irrigation amounts. The joint assimilation of neutron counts and LST could improve further the ET estimation, but the information content of neu- tron counts exceeded the one of LST. Additional improve- ment was achieved by calibrating LAI, which after calibra- tion was also closer to independent field measurements. It was concluded that assimilation of neutron counts was use- ful for ET and soil moisture estimation even if the model has a systematic bias like neglecting irrigation. However, also the assimilation of LST helped to correct the systematic model bias introduced by neglecting irrigation and LST could be used to update soil moisture with state augmentation.
Ant Colony Optimization Toward Feature Selection

Over the past decades, there is an explosion of data composed by huge information, because of rapid growing up of computer and database technologies. Ordinarily, this information is hidden in the cast collection of raw data. Because of that, we are now drowning in informa‐ tion, but starving for knowledge [1]. As a solution, data mining successfully extracts knowl‐ edge from the series of data-mountains by means of data preprocessing [1]. In case of data preprocessing, feature selection (FS) is ordinarily used as a useful technique in order to reduce the dimension of the dataset. It significantly reduces the spurious information, that is to say, irrelevant, redundant, and noisy features, from the original feature set and eventually retain‐ ing a subset of most salient features. As a result, a number of good outcomes can be expect‐ ed from the applications, such as, speeding up data mining algorithms, improving mining performances (including predictive accuracy) and comprehensibility of result [2].
Convection and primary production in winter

We present observations of temperature, salinity and phytoplankton from late winter of 1999 obtained along a meridional transect running from 52 to 72° N through the northern North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea. The field work was conducted with the intention to find evidence for a postulated relationship between convection and primary production in the open ocean in winter. In the investigated area, convection ventilates water masses in a deep mixed layer which may cover several hundreds of meters, depending on atmospheric forcing and stratification. Inspired by the results of a coupled phytoplankton convection model, we postulated that sinking phytoplankton from the seasonal thermocline in autumn is dispersed within the mixed layer by vertical orbital motions and turbulence induced by convection. Orbital motions allow intermittent visits of plankton to the euphotic layer from much deeper depths. Hence, convection distributes the chance of plankton receiving light over the entire mixed layer. This supports production and allows compensation of losses due to sinking. We hypothesised that a winter stock of living phytoplankton in the open ocean would always coincide with the deep mixed layer formed by convection, irrespective of its depth. Indeed, along the entire meridional transect, living phytoplankton was found within the layer, whereas only marginal amounts or virtually no phytoplankton existed beneath it. The layer extent varied between 300 and 800 m. In the northern North Atlantic, average concentrations of chloro- phyll a (as a measure of phytoplankton biomass) in the mixed layer were about 0.3 mg m -3 , and 0.6 mg m -3 in the Norwegian Sea. We concluded that this winter stock forms the inoculum for a spring production in the open ocean.
Russian Arctic warming and ‘greening’ are closely tracked by tundra shrub willows

Growth in arctic vegetation is generally expected to increase under a warming climate, particularly among deciduous shrubs. We analyzed annual ring growth for an abundant and nearly circumpolar erect willow (Salix lanata L.) from the coastal zone of the northwest Russian Arctic (Nenets Autonomous Okrug). The resulting chronology is strongly related to summer temperature for the period 1942–2005. Remarkably high correlations occur at long distances (>1600 km) across the tundra and taiga zones of West Siberia and Eastern Europe. We also found a clear relationship with photosynthetic activity for upland vegetation at a regional scale for the period 1981–2005, confirming a parallel ‘greening’ trend reported for similarly warming North American portions of the tundra biome. The standardized growth curve suggests a significant increase in shrub willow growth over the last six decades. These findings are in line with field and remote sensing studies that have assigned a strong shrub component to the reported greening signal since the early 1980s. Furthermore, the growth trend agrees with qualitative observations by nomadic Nenets reindeer herders of recent increases in willow size in the region. The quality of the chronology as a climate proxy is exceptional. Given its wide geographic distribution and the ready preservation of wood in permafrost, S. lanata L. has great potential for extended temperature reconstructions in remote areas across the Arctic.
Size-related differences in feeding habitat use of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta around Japan determined by stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry

Stable isotope analyses and satellite telemetry were used to investigate the relationship between the body size and feeding habitat of adult female loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta around Japan. A total of 149 females from 2 nesting sites, 600 km apart, 1 in Minabe and 1 in Yakushima, was examined by stable isotope analyses of the egg-yolk in 1998 and 1999. Since there were neither sig- nificant intra- nor inter-clutch variations in δ 13 C or δ 15 N egg-yolks from the same female, the isotope signatures of a single egg-yolk from any clutch in a nesting season could be used to represent those of its nesting female. Both isotopic values increased as the body size of the nesting female increased, irrespective of nesting site. Comparisons between isotopic values of loggerhead egg-yolks and prey items revealed size-related differences among both feeding habits (planktonic or benthic) and habi- tat areas (pelagic or neritic) of female loggerheads. In 1999, 5 females nesting in Minabe were tracked by satellite. After the nesting season, 2 females with low isotopic values migrated to the pelagic Pacific along the Kuroshio Current, whereas 3 with high isotopic values migrated to the ner- itic East China Sea. The former females were smaller than the latter. These results were consistent with inferences from stable isotope analyses and previous findings, indicating that the body size, habitat area, and feeding habit of female loggerheads around Japan are closely related. In addition, there were no significant differences in δ 13 C or δ 15 N between recruits and remigrants, implying that female loggerheads do not change their feeding habitats during the reproductive stage. We postulate that female habitat selection as a function of body size is closely related to the recruitment and set- tlement in immature loggerheads, which return to Japan after developmental migrations in the North Pacific.
The European Library: Improving Cross-Cultural Web Portals

The European Library is a remarkable resource for gaining access to the cultural heritage of many European societies. Not surprisingly, usability of the European and affiliated national libraries websites is among prominently featured concerns. The purpose of this ethnographic study is to improve cross-cultural web portals of The British Library, The Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, The Russian State Library, and the Italian National Library Service accessible through the European Library portal. The objective is to evaluate user’s access to catalogs, capture the most recognizable features of communication and visual display patterns that characterize the design of each national website, and describe and compare the observations.
Investigating Sudan University English Language Students’ Ability To Identify Intonation

This study aims at knowing the degree of students’ knowledge concerning different tones and the tonic syllable in the intonation of English language. Moreover, it seeks to find out if this knowledge could be improved through teaching students these different tones and SUST Journal of Humanities (2015) Vol.16. No. 1 ISSN (text): 1858-6724 e-ISSN (online): 1858-6732 223 the tonic syllable. The objectives of this study are to determine to what extent students can identify various tones when hearing them, and if they can identify the tonic syllable. It also tries to show whether there is any statistical significant differences before studying intonation and after studying it. To achieve this aim the researcher selected a sample of 92 third year students, English Department, College of Languages at Sudan University of Science and Technology to be the target of the study. Then a pre-test was conducted to determine the students’ standard before studying intonation. Then a post-test was also conducted. The test was composed of 30 items of words and sentences, divided into three questions. When statistically analyzed, the results showed that students’ performance has improved regarding the three questions; it was found that the mean of the pre-test is 9.8 while the mean of the post is 15.4. It was also observed that the students had improved more in the level of sentences. This was obvious from the standard deviation in the ‘Pre’ it is (1.9) and in the post it is (1.7) That indicated improvement. This revealed the fact that the students strived to understand the meaning of the different tones more than just listening to them.
An Eddy-diffusivity/Mass-flux Boundary Layer Parameterization Based on the TKE Equation: a Dry Convection Case Study

An eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux (EDMF) parameterization based on the turbulent kinetic energy equation (TKE) is proposed. The diffusive term is based on a prognostic TKE equation and the massflux term also depends on the prognostic TKE in two ways: in the initialization of a rising parcel, used for the estimation of updraft ensemble properties, and in the formulation of the mass-flux coefficient, which is proportional to the vertical velocity variance. The scheme is implemented in a onedimensional version of the MesoNH model and tested for a dry convective boundary layer case, with realistic results. In particular, the EDMF-TKE closure is able to reproduce realistically the countergradient fluxes and the top-entrainment. The proposed parameterization is appealing because it leads to an integrated and unified approach to convective boundary layer parameterization, blending together concepts associated with eddy-diffusivity, mass-flux and the turbulent kinetic energy.
Crohn’s Disease and Mucocutaneous Conditions

Crohn’s disease is an immune-mediated disorder. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) produced by Th1 lymphocytes have traditionally been shown to be important in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. In addition, recent studies demonstrate more complex cytokine networks, in which Th17 cells play a central role. The expansion and maintenance of Th17 cell responses require the activity of interleukin-23 (IL-23), and thus IL-23/IL-17 axis has been suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease presents with various mucocutaneous signs, some of which show similar histological features of non-caseating granulomas with multinucleated histiocytes. Specific mucocutaneous manifestations include metastatic (cutaneous) Crohn’s disease, perianal fistula, and oral Crohn’s disease. Although not specific, other various manifestations which histologically show granulomatous conditions are sometimes associated with Crohn’s disease. Also, Crohn’s disease exhibits other organ manifestations such as joints, eyes, kidneys, liver and biliary tracts, and vasculature. Those disorders may share pathognomonic significance attributed to common or similar mechanisms. The efficacy of TNF-targeting therapies strongly suggests the pivotal role of TNF-α in Crohn’s disease. Anti-TNF therapies bring beneficial effects for not only intestinal, but also mucocutaneous, joint, and ocular involvements. In this review, recent insights of the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease, as well as mucocutaneous manifestations associated with Crohn’s disease, are introduced.
Local knowledge, agents and models for the adaptation to climatic variability of livestock farmers in Uruguay.

Basaltic soils in Uruguay occupy 3.5 million hectares, 25% of the country, and are mainly exploited by extensive family ranching production systems. These shallow soils have an extremely reduced capacity to accumulate water that make them more sensitive to drought with negative consequences in: forage production, animal production, feeding security, and high consequences on the economy and welfare of livestock farmers and the local communities living conditions, then on the whole beef supply chain and on national exports. Extreme events will be more frequent in the future as a consequence of current climatic changes. It is thus necessary to improve the adaptive capacities of the livestock producers. In order to understand the past effects of droughts, we developed an interactive agent based simulation model and we compared two different farmers' archetypal strategies. The design of the model was conducted in four steps: 1) we simulated the grass growth using a logistic growth equation calibrated with data originated from the MODIS satellite, 2) the natural dynamic life cycle of the cattle was collectively designed, 3) we simulated the interaction between the grass and big grazers, 4) we designed different strategies of farm management, by using the information gathered in 8 workshops with the participation of 156 livestock farmers. Thus, we collectively examined the simulation results with livestock farmers and development actors. Now, we are constructing a "serious game" called "Ganaderos y sequia" that will be accessible in our web page. The purpose is to get a flight simulator like game that will speed farmers' learning and adaptation to droughts. (Resume d'auteur)
IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENT LIVER DISEASES BY USING IMAGERY TECHNIQUES: A REVIEW.

The aim of this study is to characterize the different liver diseases which are related to infect liver tissue and other infected part like spleen, pancreas, and stomach. The methods used are preprocessing ,segmentation, feature extraction, texture analysis which is depend upon the collection of Computed Tomography(CT) scans, MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and Ultrasounds(US) of different patient collected from the hospitals. MRI is playing an important role in analyzing the liver disease patients due to its high soft tissue resolution, lack of ionizing radiation and ability to provide functional data. Imaging techniques like ultrasonography, CT scans, MRI are used to get the enhanced image of infected part of liver so that can easily characterized and detect the particular disease in liver patient. Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) is used to identify the lesion in the liver and Perfusion Weighted Imaging (
Ketogenic diet and astrocyte/neuron metabolic interactions

The ketogenic diet is an anticonvulsant diet enriched in fat. It provides the body with a minimal protein requirement and a restricted carbohydrate supply, the vast majority of calories (more than 80-90%) being given by fat. Though anticonvulsant activity of ketogenic diet has been well documented by a large number of experimental and clinical studies, underlying mechanisms still remain partially unclear. Astrocyte-neuron interactions, among which metabolic shuttles, may influence synaptic activity and hence anticonvulsant protection. The astrocyte-neuron metabolic shuttles may be themselves influenced by the availability in energetic substrates such as hydrates of carbon and fats. Historically, ketogenic diet had been designed to mimic changes such as ketosis occurring upon starvation, a physiological state already known to exhibit anticonvulsant protection and sometimes referred to as "water diet". For this reason, a special attention should be paid to metabolic features shared in common by ketogenic diet and starvation and especially those features that might result in anticonvulsant protection. Compared to feeding by usual mixed diet, starvation and ketogenic diet are both characterised by increased fat, lowered glucose and aminoacid supplies to cells. The resulting impact of these changes in energetic substrates on astrocyte/neuron metabolic shuttles might have anticonvulsant and/or neuroprotective properties. This is the aim of this communication to review some important astrocyte/neuron metabolic interactions (astrocyte/neuron lactate shuttle, glutamate-induced astrocytic glycolysis activation, glutamate/glutamine cycle along with the neurovascular coupling) and the extent to which the way of their alteration by starvation and/or ketogenic diet might result in seizure and/or brain protection.
Investing in Methane Digesters on Pennsylvania Dairy Farms: Implications of Scale Economies and Environmental Programs

A stochastic capital budget was used to analyze the effect of net metering policies and carbon credits on profitability of anaerobic digesters on dairy farms in Pennsylvania. We analyzed three different farm sizes—500, 1, 000, and 2,000 cows—and considered the addition of a solids separator to the project. Results indicate that net metering policies and carbon credits increase the expected net present value (NPV) of digesters. Moreover, the addition of a solids separator further increases the mean NPV of the venture. In general, the technology is profitable only for very large farms (1, 000+ cows) that use the separated solids as bedding material.
Effects of Personality and Expertise on Pair Programming

The purpose of this study is to suggest a method to support decision-makers in the configuration of optimal pairs, in order to increase pair programming effectiveness. To achieve this, findings of empirical studies regarding personality and expertise have been synthesised to create a mapping of the studied factors and their effects on pair programming. The mapping will be illustrated in a fictive setting, presenting how the synthesised findings can be applied in practice.
LAPACK efficiency improvement through redesign in c/c++ style Poprawa efektywności pakietu LAPACK poprzez przeprojektowanie w stylu C/C++

Su mm ar y Two new versions of banded linear equations solver have been developed with extensive usage of new mechanisms available in C/C++ language. �怀ey include dynamic memory allocation and pointers. Both solvers have been compared on Intel ‐ Solaris10 platform with DGBSV solver from high-quality LAPACK package. New solvers reduce processing time by 15%-30% in the case of doubly dynamic memory management or even by 50% for singly dynamic management. Loop unrolling has been investigated and no stable performance improvement has been observed.
A Comparative Analysis on Dispatching of Post-Disaster Search and Rescue

The development of electronic information technology provides technique and equipment support for post-disaster search and rescue (SAR). It has also changed the operation pattern of SAR. Two basic types of SAR pattern are proposed here: central dispatch and independent search. The former pattern depends on a unified SAR management system, while the latter carries out independently according to instantaneous information. The research studies the corresponding conditions of SAR, models and algorithms. The idea of central dispatch is raised through dispatching rules, transforming independent search into a problem of network flow equilibrium. The validity of the model is verified by numerical examples. The results show that the central dispatch helps to distribute rescue forces to the most needed area, and the independent search based on real-time information indicates better effect, considering that the independent search takes both distributions of survivors and SAR teams into consideration. The results revealed in the numerical examples support the conclusion.