Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postural Evaluation of Vertebral Column in Children and Teenagers with Hearing Loss

Summary Introduction: Posture is determined by the performance of the visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems. Children with hearing loss can present problems in their posture or postural control, enabling postural deviations and alterations to appear in their vertebral column, possibly provoked by a hypoactivity of the vestibular system as a result of deafness. Objective: To evaluate the posture of the vertebral column in children and teenagers with hearing loss at school age, taking into consideration the sample gender and age. Method: A descriptive and prospective study was performed at both Duque de Caxias School and Rotary Rehabilitation and Special Education Center in Caruaru – Pernambuco. 44 students aged between 7-17 years old, out of whom 22 were female and 22 were male, with hearing loss were evaluated. The study was developed by way of a postural evaluation, using a symmetrograph, marking specific anatomical points with stickers placed over polystyrene balls and fixed with double-sided adhesive tape. Results: The results showed that all of the individuals evaluated in this study presented some kind of postural alteration in their vertebral column. Scoliosis was the most observed alteration among the students (84.1%), followed by thoracic hyperkyphosis (68.2%). Conclusion: It has been concluded that children and teenagers with hearing loss are exposed to postural alteration in their vertebral column. Such a condition can be associated with a number of factors comprising unfavorable ergonomics of the school environment, bad postural habits and impairment of the vestibular system by virtue of the hearing loss.
Randomized trees for real-time keypoint recognition

In earlier work, we proposed treating wide baseline matching of feature points as a classification problem, in which each class corresponds to the set of all possible views of such a point. We used a K-mean plus Nearest Neighbor classifier to validate our approach, mostly because it was simple to implement. It has proved effective but still too slow for real-time use. In this paper, we advocate instead the use of randomized trees as the classification technique. It is both fast enough for real-time performance and more robust. It also gives us a principled way not only to match keypoints but to select during a training phase those that are the most recognizable ones. This results in a real-time system able to detect and position in 3D planar, non-planar, and even deformable objects. It is robust to illuminations changes, scale changes and occlusions.
Genetic variability within and among populations of an invasive, exotic orchid

Originally from Africa, the terrestrial orchid Oeceoclades maculata, considered an invasive plant, is the only species of the genus throughout the Americas. We used 13 ISSR primers to assess the genetic diversity and structure of 152 individuals of O. maculata distributed in five sampled sites in Brazil. Low diversity was found within samples while most of the genetic diversity was found among localities. A substructure was observed in one of the sites, suggesting lack of gene flow even between very small distances. Results may be understood considering the interaction between the reproductive system, colonization history, genetic drift, selective pressures and multiple introductions.
Bad reputation with rating systems

We study a bad reputation model with rating system as a special form of limited memory. At each period, a myopic customer knowing the rules of the system but observing only a current public realization of a finite set of states uses this information to infer expert’s type and take hiring decisions. A strategic expert chooses whether or not to provide correct treatment whenever hired and a bad (committed) expert always proposes an expensive treatment. With full memory, a patient expert cannot refrain from gaining reputation of being bad or lying to separate herself from a bad type. With rating systems, we show that it is possible not only to overcome bad reputation effect, but generate higher equilibrium outcomes relative to trivial information censoring (no memory at all). We characterize optimal systems from customer and strategic expert’s point of view in a two-state setting for all prior beliefs and show how they differ and when a rating system can bring efficiency to experts’ markets.
The Impact of Institutional Quality on Manufacturing Sectors in Russia: Panel Data Analysis

We use the 2005-2012 data for Russian regions to show that higher regional institutional quality strongly benefits institutionally-dependent manufacturing sectors in terms of both gross output levels and growth rates. Unlike the existing literature on this topic, which uses cross-sectional or pooled specifications, we focus on panel data analysis. This approach mitigates endogeneity concerns and allows for calculating full marginal effects of institutions on manufacturing sectors with different degrees of institutional dependence. Our results imply that significant institutional improvements are needed in order for the Russian economy to diversify away from heavy reliance on oil and natural gas.
Genetic basis of hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueducts in Koreans

Sensorineural hearing loss associated with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct (EVA) can be associated with mutations of the SLC26A4 gene. In western populations, less than one‐half of the affected individuals with EVA have two mutant SLC26A4 alleles, and EVA is frequently caused by unknown genetic or environmental factors alone or in combination with a single SLC26A4 mutation as part of a complex trait. In this study, we ascertained 26 Korean probands with EVA and performed nucleotide sequence analysis to detect SLC26A4 mutations. All subjects had bilateral EVA, and 20 of 26 were sporadic (simplex) cases. Fourteen different mutations were identified, including nine novel mutations. Five mutations were recurrent and accounted for 80% of all mutant alleles, providing a basis for the design and interpretation of cost‐efficient mutation detection algorithms. Two mutant alleles were identified in 21 (81%), one mutant allele was detected in three (11%), and zero mutant allele was detected in two (8%) of 26 probands. The high proportion of Korean probands with two SLC26A4 mutations may reflect a reduced frequency of other genetic or environmental factors causing EVA in comparison to western populations.
ff ects of ocean acidi fi cation on the shells of four Mediterranean gastropod species near a CO 2 seep

Marine CO2 seeps allow the study of the long-term effects of elevated pCO2 (ocean acidification) on marine invertebrate biomineralization. We investigated the effects of ocean acidification on shell composition and structure in four ecologically important species of Mediterranean gastropods (two limpets, a top-shell snail, and a whelk). Individuals were sampled from three sites near a volcanic CO2 seep off Vulcano Island, Italy. The three sites represented ambient (8.15 pH), moderate (8.03 pH) and low (7.73 pH) seawater mean pH. Shell mineralogy, microstructure, and mechanical strength were examined in all four species. We found that the calcite/ aragonite ratio could vary and increased significantly with reduced pH in shells of one of the two limpet species. Moreover, each of the four gastropods displayed reductions in either inner shell toughness or elasticity at the Low pH site. These results suggest that near-future ocean acidification could alter shell biomineralization and structure in these common gastropods.
On Abstract Intelligence: Toward a Unifying Theory of Natural, Artificial, Machinable, and Computational Intelligence

Abstract intelligence is a human enquiry of both natural and artificial intelligence at the reductive embodying levels of neural, cognitive, functional, and logical from the bottom up. This paper describes the taxonomy and nature of intelligence. It analyzes roles of information in the evolution of human intelligence, and the needs for logical abstraction in modeling the brain and natural intelligence. A formal model of intelligence is developed known as the Generic Abstract Intelligence Mode (GAIM), which provides a foundation to explain the mechanisms of advanced natural intelligence such as thinking, learning, and inferences. A measurement framework of intelligent capability of humans and systems is comparatively studied in the forms of intelligent quotient, intelligent equivalence, and intelligent metrics. On the basis of the GAIM model and the abstract intelligence theories, the compatibility of natural and machine intelligence is revealed the compatibility of natural and machine intelligence is revealed in order to investigate into a wide range of paradigms of abstract intelligence such as natural, artificial, machinable intelligence, and their engineering applications.
Fighting against AIDS: the Brazilian experience.

Brazil was among the countries to be the earliest and the most intensely affected by the AIDS epidemic. After the first AIDS case was reported in 1982 [1] new cases sky-rocketed to more than 10 000 in the beginning of 1990 [2]. In that year the World Bank estimated that Brazil would experience 1 200 000 HIV infections by the year 2000 explicitly expressing the fear that the epidemic would then be totally out of control. However a recent estimate by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) has reduced that number to under 600 000 and all AIDS-related figures are much more encouraging than anticipated a decade ago. The objective of this article is to review the actions taken that have prevented the above expectations. (excerpt)
Determinants of Dividend Policy : evidence from Portugal

Objective – The objective of this article is to identify the determinants of non-financial companies’ dividend policy of the Portuguese capital market and contribute to resolve the divergence of determinants of the dividend policy existent in previous studies. Design/methodology/approach – To solve the problematic under study were tested several financial determinants, through the application of the method of multiple linear regressions to the non-financial listed companies on the Euronext Lisbon, between 1997 and 2011. Findings – The results suggest as main indicators for the Portuguese dividend policy the stability, the value of the market, the previous pay-out and the business dimension; which influence positively the amount of dividends distribute through the company. Therefore, the opportunities of growing and investment influence negatively the distribution of dividends. Practical implications – Identify the principal determinants of the dividend policy of the non-financial companies listed on the Portuguese capital markets Euronext Lisbon and allow sustaining and improving the corporations and investors’ decisions. Originality/value – This study opens up an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the determinants of dividend policy of the listed corporations in the Lisbon Stock Exchange, aiming permeates greater scientific knowledge in the context of understanding the determinants of dividend puzzle policy and the existing divergences of several previous empirical studies.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: current treatments and emerging drugs

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon disease whose incidence is increasing worldwide over the past 30 years. Surgical resection and radiotherapy represent the standard treatment in patient with resectable MPM. Chemotherapy is also necessary to reduce incidence of distant metastases, but the optimal setting of treatment (neoadjuvant, adjuvant and intrapleural) is not clarified. For the patients with unresectable MPM, the combination cisplatin and pemetrexed or ralitrexed is the standard treatment as supported by a Phase III study. Better understanding of molecular pathways involved in MPM has enabled inclusion of new drugs targeted against pathways responsible for proliferation, cell survival and angiogenesis. Objective: This review discusses the current treatment option, the specific signal pathways activated in MPM and the novel agents under evaluation in clinical trials. Methods: We use for this article abstracts, papers, oral presentations from ASCO and the website http://www.clinical-trials.gov. Results/ conclusion: This review summarizes the activity of chemotherapy and of new agents under evaluation in clinical trials. The better understanding of molecular pathways activated in MPM will hopefully provide new therapeutic options for these patients in the future.
Radiologic features of temporomandibular joint osseous structures in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cone beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have a high risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. Lesions in the TMJ appear early in the course of this disease. Evaluating the structure of the TMJ in JIA patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides an understanding of the typical radiologic features of morphological change in TMJs of JIA patients. This study aims to report these features as seen in CBCT and thus comparing them with the features observed in a control group within the same age group and in females and males. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional observational study whereby CBCTs of 65 (130 joints) patients with a confirmed JIA diagnosis and 30 (60 joints) control group - patients without JIA upto the age of 17. Structural radiologic features of the joint's hard tissues were assessed according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders as developed by Ahmad et al. RESULTS The radiologic features of the osseous structures of the TMJ occurred asymmetrically between the right and left sides when compared in the JIA and control groups. The most prevalent feature in the JIA group is condyle surface flattening for both sides. Condyle surface erosion and osteophyte were also frequent and occurred with high statistical significance in both males and females. CONCLUSIONS TMJ destruction features observed in CBCT images were prevalent in the JIA group and occurred infrequently in the control group.
Transition to adulthood for young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Introduction Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder which affects boys. Until recently the mean age of death was around 19 but there have been significant improvements in clinical management and they can now expect to live to around 25 years. Purpose To investigate, from their own perspectives, how the well-being of young men living with DMD, and that of their families, can be maximised, particularly at the transition to adulthood, and from children's to adult services. Theoretically, it drew on the social model of disability and recent critiques. It was an example of inclusive research, involving young men and a national family support group, as well as clinical services. Methods Postal survey of family carers in three regions followed by interviews with 40 young men age 15+ with DMD and their families about the issues they faced at transition to adulthood. Findings Family carers generally considered that transition planning at school leaving was poor or non-existent and that they lacked information about services. Once they had left school or college, the majority of young men lacked meaningful day time activities and friendship networks. There was good continuity of health care in one of the three regions. Conclusion Much effort has gone into producing policies and processes, with an uncritical assumption that this will lead to better outcomes. Sponsorship The study (2007–2009) was funded by the English Department of Health's long-term neurological conditions research programme.
Principals ’ Use of Computer Technology

The Principal’s Computer Technology Survey, a 40-item instrument, was employed to collect data on Georgia principals’ assessment of their (a) role in integrating computer technology into teaching and learning, (b) perceptions about computer technology, (c) acquired expertise for managerial and administrative tasks, (d) need to acquire computer technology expertise and (e) professional development opportunities. Principals’ responded to survey items measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A stratified random sample of principals from Georgia’s elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools participated in the study. Principals’ reported using computer technology to complete administrative and managerial tasks. However, principals’ indicated a widespread need for more professional development opportunities to increase their capabilities and to infuse computer technology into the teaching and learning process. In addition, principals’ reported that computer technology increases student motivation, student time on task, and student achievement. About the authors: Dr. Lantry L. Brockmeier is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Leadership, and Technology at Valdosta State University. Dr. James Pate is an associate professor at Valdosta State University and serves as the coordinator for the Educational Leadership program in the department of Curriculum, Leadership and Technology. Dr. Don Leech is the Department Head and Professor of Curriculum, Leadership, and Technology at Valdosta State University.
Watershed Monitoring for the Assessment of Irrigation Water Use and Irrigation Contamination

One of the main current questions on the sustainability of life in our planet is if in the next years there will be sufficient water to satisfy the necessities of agriculture and of the other users of this important resource (urban, industrial, touristic and ecological uses). Irrigation activities allow for the increase of agrarian yields, also allowing for a greater stability in food supply, mainly in those regions where the development of crops is limited by rain. In this way, agriculture consumes 70% of all water extracted from natural courses, being considered the main responsible factor for global fresh water shortage (FAO, 2002). Nevertheless, although the volumes employed by the agrarian sector are high, at a global level it is estimated that only 50% of the water extracted is finally utilized by plants; the remaining share ends up in drainage and irrigation return flows in rivers and aquifers (FAO, 2003). These volumes returned to water systems could contribute to a reduction in the impact generated by the extraction of resources if the water quality was not very distant from that of the original water extracted, due to the transport of salts and agrochemicals from the soil profile. Regarding the presence of agrochemicals, nitrate is a very important issue for water quality, and above all, is associated with notable changes implemented in agriculture in the last decades (OMS, 2004). The problem of nitrate with respect to other agrochemicals is its effect on human health by the simple fact of being present in high concentrations in potable water. The consumption of water with high concentrations of nitrate causes the development of methemoglobinemia in the blood, making the blood stream incapable of transporting enough oxygen through the organism and leading to death of the individual (OMS, 2004). On the other hand, the occurrence of high concentrations of nitrate in rivers and oceans is causing serious environmental effects on aquatic plants and animals, leading to the occurrence of anoxic zones and eutrophication of water resources (Diaz, 2001), as is evidenced on the coast of the United States (Scavia and Bricker, 2006) and China (Wang, 2006). The impacts generated by irrigation can be aggravated by physical (geology and climate) and agronomic (management of irrigation and fertilization) factors. For example, the natural salinity of the area in which irrigation is implemented can contribute significantly to the
Making sense of corruption

All the same, the prima facie dislike for corruption may appear odd.For economists generally prefer nes over imprisonment, other things beingequal, as the former are essentially a transfer (to the public purse), whilethe latter constitutes a waste of resources [16]. But a case can be made thatcorruption is also essentially a transfer [5, 61-64], and that at the very leastthe bene ts accruing to the recipients of bribes cannot be ignored { as theliterature on corruption generally, and quite conveniently, does.
Growth Effects from Trade Diversification in The East African Community

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the relationship between trade diversity and growth in the East African Community. This was done by measuring different levels of diversification in exports and further test if they could contribute to explaining the different growth levels between member countries. Using data collected for the five member countries; Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda over a thirteen year period, the tests investigated whether the traditional growth models, with the assumption of unconditional convergence, could explain the different growth rates or if there seemed to be other underlying structures that can’t be explained through these models. A sign of divergence in growth was found indicating other explanatory variables than used in traditional models. Further adding measures of export diversity, a correlation between export diversity and GDP per capita growth was found.
Infinitesimal CR automorphisms for a class of polynomial models

In this paper we study infinitesimal CR automorphisms of Levi degenerate hypersurfaces. We illustrate the recent general results of [18], [17], [15], on a class of concrete examples, polynomial models in C3 of the form Im w = Re (P (z)Q(z)), where P and Q are weighted homogeneous holomorphic polynomials in z = (z1, z2). We classify such models according to their Lie algebra of infinitesimal CR automorphisms. We also give the first example of a non monomial model which admits a nonlinear rigid automorphism.
optimism and impact on analysts ' recommendations : Evidence From MENA region Arab Economic and Business Journal Provided in Cooperation with : Holy Spirit University of Kaslik

This study investigates holidays’ effect in analyst recommendations in the MENA countries stockmarkets between2004 and 2015. The findings show that on Pre-Holidays, analysts tend to issue pessimistic recommendations, and issue optimistic recommendations on PostHolidays. Prior literature on day-of-the-week effect is endorse our results, which document an increase in stock prices during theweek, and a decrease in stock prices over theweekend. We argue that analysts can benefit from the upward trend in stock prices during PostHolidays by issuing optimistic recommendation. Analysts may as well benefit from the downward trend in stock prices by issuing pessimistic recommendations on Pre-Holidays. ©2017HolySpiritUniversityofKaslik. ProductionandhostingbyElsevierB.V. This is anopen access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/). a r t i c l e i n f o