Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Lumbar Spinal Fusion on Lumbopelvic Rhythm During Activities of Daily Living

Abnormalities in lumbopelvic rhythm (LPR) play a role in occurrence/recurrence of low back pain (LBP). The LPR before spinal fusion surgery and its changes following the surgery are not understood. A repeated measure study was designed to investigate timing and magnitude aspects of LPR in a group of patients (n = 5) with LBP before and after a spinal fusion surgery. Participants completed a forward bending and backward return task at their preferred pace in the sagittal plane. The ranges of thoracic and pelvic rotations and lumbar flexion (as the magnitude aspects of LPR) as well as the mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) between thoracic and pelvic rotations (as the timing aspects) were calculated. Thoracic, pelvic, and lumbar rotations/flexion were respectively 2.19° smaller, 17.69° larger, and 19.85° smaller after the surgery. Also, MARP and DP were smaller during both bending (MARP: 0.0159; DP 0.009) and return (MARP: 0.041; DP: 0.015) phases of the motion after surgery. The alterations in LPR after surgery can be the result of changes in lumbar spine structure due to vertebral fusion and/or new neuromuscular adaptations in response to the changes of lumbar spine structure. The effects of altered LPR on load sharing between passive and active components of lower back tissues and the resultant spinal loads should be further investigated in patients with spinal fusion surgery.
Paleolithic Punctuations and Equilibria: Did Retention Rather Than Invention Limit Technological Evolution?

Although the ability to add knowledge and the ability to retain knowledge are both (trivially) preconditions of cumulative evolution, the latter has so far been largely neglected in cultural evolution. As we here focus on the ability of cultures to retain a long-term memory, what emerges is that the propensity for introducing error in information transmission between generations strictly bounds the volume of information that can be stably maintained over time. What is argued and demonstrated here is how this phenomenon could provide key insights about tempo and mode in Paleolithic technological evolution. The application of this patch to the basic Darwinian framework causes its predictions to shift in an interesting way: 1) a large and growing body of archaeological finds that seem outright mysterious today begin to make theoretical sense, and, 2) the importance and role of cognitive capabilities changes considerably as the ability to learn and teach (rather than to invent and comprehend) is emphasized.
Effects of Drying on the Biochemical Composition of Atherina boyeri from the Tunisian Coast

The effects of solar and experimental drying on the protein concentration and total fatty acid (TFA) content of the muscles of Atherina boyeri (sand smelt) were studied. The percentage of protein was 18.3% for fresh fish and 14.2% for sun-dried fish, while TFA content was 4.9 g/100g and 0.5 g/100g. After the drying experiment, the percentage of protein was 23% and the fatty acid (FA) content was 2.8 g/100g. The results show that natural or experimental drying favors saturated fatty acids. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are less sensitive to heat than the n-6 PUFAs. From a nutritional point of view, it seems that the drying conditions, where parameters are T = 50℃, moisture = 30% and air speed = 2 m/s, would be the most beneficial for the preservation of sand smelt.
Incremental and Discontinuous Change of Psychological Contracts over Time

Summary This paper investigates the effect of tenure (length of employment with current employer) on psychological contracts as employees perceive, using empirical methods through data from 3,789 employees in a Japanese pharmaceutical company. Results show that psychological contracts measured by the strength of obligation decreased incrementally over time. The paper suggests that employees’ perceived obligations can change discontinuously. Events such as promotions bring reconfirmation of psychological contracts and increase perceived obligations discontinuously. Although employees’ perceived obligations can decrease over time, it can increase through employer’s intervention. Implications for managing an employee–organization relationship and perspectives on future research are discussed. ∗ Department of Economics, Shiga University, Banba Hikone Shiga 522-8522, Japan. + Hirao School of Management, Konan University, Takamatsu-Cho Nishinomiya 8-33, Japan
Lutte intégrée contre la mineuse de la tomate, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) en Tunisie

Tuta absoluta, est le ravageur cle de la tomate dans son aire d’origine en Amerique latine. Il a ete observe pour la premiere fois en Espagne en 2006 et dela s’est propage vers la plupart des pays mediterraneens dont la Tunisie en octobre 2008. Sur terrain, le suivi de la structure des populations sur une culture de tomate sous serre montre l’accomplissement de 4 generations. Dans le cadre d’une lutte integree contre la mineuse de la tomate, 4 substances actives (2 chimiques et 2 biologiques) ont ete programmees (Bacillus thuringiensis, Spinosade, indoxacarbe, abamectine) dont certaines ont montre leur efficacite vis a vis de Tuta absoluta. Au laboratoire, les mesures de la longueur de la larve (L) et de la largeur de la capsule cephalique (CC) demontrent la correlation positive existant entre ses 2 criteres et permettent de faire ressortir 4 paliers revelant les 4 stades larvaires de T. absoluta. Ainsi, les valeurs de la capsule cephalique varient de 0,1 a 0,6 mm en passant du 1er au 4eme stade larvaire, alors que la longueur de la larve varie de 0,4 a 7,3 mm (la taille de la larve L4 est en moyenne 10 fois plus longue que la larve L1). La fecondite moyenne des femelles accouplees une seule fois est de 110,4±8,1 œufs/femelle alors qu’elle est de 229,3±15,4 œufs/femelle chez les femelles accouplees plusieurs fois (difference significative, p ≤ 0,05). La fertilite est de 79,6 % et 98,1 % respectivement chez les femelles accouplees une seule fois et celles accouplees a plusieurs reprises. Dans les deux cas, la duree de la pre-oviposition est de 2 jours et le maximum de ponte est observe le 3eme jour apres emergence de la femelle ce qui coincide avec le 1er jour de ponte de cette derniere. La duree de developpement depuis la ponte de l’œuf jusqu’a l’apparition de l’adulte est de 37,5 jours a 25°C.
Association of Body Mass Index, Waist-Hip Ratio, Zinc, Copper, CD4+ T Cells Count and Viral Load in Early HIV Infection in ART Naïve HIV Infected Adults in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

During HIV/AIDS micronutrients play a key role in the host defense systems-Micronutrients such as zinc and copper have been implicated to play important roles in immuno-physiologic functions. The aim of the study was to assess the level of zinc and copper among ART naive HIV positive adults and assess the association with their waist-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), viral load and immunity. Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the voluntary counselling and testing centre (VCT) at Comprehensive Care Clinics in Taita-Taveta County health care services, Coast, Kenya, blood samples obtained from 192 HIV sero-positive individuals, 18 years of age and gender matched healthy controls were analyzed for zinc and copper using atomic absorption spectrophotometer machine. Data were analysed by statistical (SPSS version 21) computer software. The (mean + SD) of serum copper and zinc were (158.7 + 51.0µ/dl, 84.3 + 51.1µ/dl) in patients and (130.5 + 17.9 µ/dl, 100.3 + 5.5 µ/dl) in control group, respectively. Serum zinc level was significantly decreased in HIV patients (P value, 0.05) while serum copper level was significantly increased compared to control group. There was significant association between viral load and waist-hip ratio but not body mass index ( P < 0.05). Both body mass index and waist-hip ratio were not significantly associated with CD4+T cells in participants at early HIV infection. Serum zinc was significantly associated to waist-hip ratio in participants in early HIV infection. ( P < 0.05). This study indicates that zinc and copper levels are altered in patients in early HIV infection with more decreased Zinc level suspected with increased duration of the HIV infection. It also demonstrates that the associated characteristics in early HIV infection are different from studies in late stages. In conclusion, waist-hip ratio has been identified as a more sensitive predictor and nutrition status maker than body mass index in early HIV hence can be a decisive benchmark for monitoring HIV progression.
A new paradigm for the universe

This book provides a completely new approach to understanding the universe. The main idea is that the principal objects in the universe form a spectrum unified by the presence of a massive or hypermassive black hole. These objects are variously called quasars, active galaxies and spiral galaxies. The key to understanding their dynamics is angular momentum and the key tool, and main innovative idea of this work, is a proper formulation of "Mach's principle" using Sciama's ideas. In essence, what is provided here is a totally new paradigm for the universe. In this paradigm, there is no big bang, and the universe is many orders of magnitude older than current estimates for its age. Indeed there is no natural limit for its age.
Consumer evaluations of brand extensions : an integration of previous research

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Identifying Sound Pedagogical Practices Based on Findings from Neuroscience

We have identified goals of education by viewing them from the point of neuroscience; through education, we have to produce individuals who are better problem solvers and decision makers. To achieve this goal, learners will have to transform what they have learned explicitly into implicit memories and vice versa. Further, through education, we enhance learner consciousness and wisdom. A number of pedagogical practices that are useful in achieving the above goals are presented. When new contents are presented in a teaching-learning environment, high-level concepts need to be highlighted; the concepts are likely to penetrate through multiple domain areas thus helping learners to form better neural networks of knowledge. In order to reach out to multiple brain regions, we need to get the frontal lobe involved essentially and hence the pace of presentation has to be controlled appropriately; as the frontal lobe connects to many brain regions, the processing occurs relatively slowly. The important task of motivating learners can be done by presenting learners with neuroscience-based facts about learning; even difficult content can be mastered by simply paying attention elaborately; human brains have the feature of plasticity and through learning, neural networks can grow throughout the lifespan. Taking into consideration the phenomenon of binocular rivalry - human brains can concentrate only on one thing at a time fully- we should encourage learners to engage in the discussion in a teaching-learning session fully. When setting assessment, we should focus on open-ended, novel conceptual questions so that learners use their frontal lobes connecting many other regions as well.
Why Haven't Price-Cost Margins Decreased with Globalization? *

This study analyzes the determinants of price-cost margins (PCMs) for OECD countries between 1970-2003. The main objective is to quantify the pro-competitive effect of international trade and understand why, despite trade liberalization, PCMs have not fallen overall. An increase of one percentage point in the import penetration ratio is estimated to lower the PCM by around 0,005 : on average, imports contributed to a large decrease of 0,042 in the PCM. In addition, domestic product market deregulation has reduced PCMs. However, these effects are countervailed by the impacts of exports, financial deepening and disinflation. Union participation seems negatively related to PCMs.
Three-dimensional Assessment of the Nasopalatine Canal and the Surrounding Bone Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

Background and aims. Because of increasing concerns about surgeries in the anterior maxilla, including implant placement, it is necessary to examine the morphology of the nasopalatine canal and its surrounding bones. This study aimed to analyze the shape and position of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods. CBCT images of 110 patients referred to Hamadan School of Dentistry were examined. The size and shape of the nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen, the distance between the incisive foramen and the anterior nasal spine, and the distance between the anterior border of the nasopalatine canal and the labial surface of the buccal plate were recorded. Results. The nasopalatine canal length decreased and its diameter increased with aging. The canal was found to be longer and wider in men. Patients without incisors had longer and thicker nasopalatine canals. The distance from the nasopalatine canal to the labial surface of the buccal plate was not gender-related but decreased with age. The distance to the labial cortical surface decreased significantly with loss of incisors. Conclusion. Given the diversities in the size and shape of nasopalatine canals, it is highly important to perform CBCT to prevent neurovascular damage.
Vocational training: policy implications on self-employment creation among youth in Mathioya sub county, Murang' a county, Kenya

This study aimed at understanding on the role of vocational training on self employment creation among youth in Mathioya Sub County. The study was based on the following objectives: to assess the effectiveness of resources and facilities in vocational training institutions in the creation of employment among the Youth; analyze the curriculum content in vocational institutions and determine its contribution in employment creation among the Youth and analyze the Government policy gaps in supporting vocational training as an institution of employment creation among the youth and propose appropriate interventions. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was youth who have gone through vocational training. To obtain the required data, the study used questionnaires and interview schedules in order to access both qualitative and quantitative data. The study assessed the reliability of data by using split half method. This method is more practical in that it does not require two administrations of the same or an alternative form test. To check the validity of the instruments, the researcher sought the expertise of the supervisors and other researchers who conducted research on similar studies to check if the instruments will be viable to collect the intended data. Data were analyzed both qualitative and quantitatively in order to arrive at conclusions. All the data obtained were corroborated to eliminate the existing contradiction. The study findings are expected to be of beneficial to all stakeholders working towards creation of employment by training more through vocational training institutions. The study established that improving the quality of the curriculum in vocational institutions seems to be an effective school-to-work transition strategy for increasing the employability of graduates. Curriculum development process as it is practiced for vocational training institutions in Kenya appears to be very vague, and the role of the industry in this process is not clear. The success stories where the vocational institutions and the industry successfully collaborate to develop a new curriculum present good examples to strengthen this collaboration for other schools and industries as well. Therefore, the needs for curriculum development in vocational areas are different from that of an academic curriculum. For that reason, vocational training institutions and the industry can collaborate on needs assessment and curriculum development and work together to respond to each others' needs.
Mnemonics as a Cognitive-Linguistic Network of Meaningful Relationships

Mastering a foreign language is arguably one of the most challenging memory feats. It clearly involves effective learning strategies if long-term proficiency is the goal. Outside of complete immersion in the language of study, whereby linguistic understanding is reinforced by recurrent practice, second-language acquisition depends on teaching materials that are both meaningful and memory enhancing. While mnemonic techniques have been derided for their dubious cognitive value, they find much theoretical support from the core findings of memory research concerning the importance of elaboration, association, and imagery, particularly at the time of encoding. After reviewing both the strengths and shortcomings of mnemonic devices as regards to language learning, an eclectic method is introduced that draws upon cognitive advances in human memory and best practices in applied linguistics with an eye toward its potential application in the study of a second language.
Accounting for Customers: the impact of contextual factors and implications for management decision-making

Abstract Normative commentaries in the accounting literature have hinted at the potential of customer accounting (CA) information to aid management decision making and also have prescribed a number of actors f that may impact the use of . CA informationThis study identifies and provides evidence of a number of these organisational decision-making implications, as well as factors that influence the use of CA practices, by drawing upon -indepth interviews in fourteen Australian organisations. The main decision-making areas that CA practices were identified as providing useful information for werecustomer service management, customer retention, customer pricing, performance evaluation and allocation of marketing resources. The industry/market characteristics of cost differentials, revenue differentials, multiple products and competition and the organisational characteristics of market orientation,size of customer base, and company size were evidenced as having an impact upon the use of CA practices. Based on the study’s findings a preliminary contextual model is developed that will be advanced and tested in the future.
Seam slippage and seam strength behavior of elastic woven fabrics under static loading

Effects of fabric extensibility and stitch density on seam slippage and strength behavior of elastic woven fabrics have been studied. Six fabric samples with different values of elasticity have been woven by changing the number of elastic core-spun cotton yarns and normal ring cotton yarns in the weft direction and then finished for sewing process. The samples are sewn with three stitch density levels (4, 5 and 6 stitches/cm) in warp direction and one stitch density level (5 stitches/cm) in weft direction. Fabric tensile properties, seam slippage load and seam strength have been measured and analyzed both in warp and weft directions. The results show that seam slippage and strength properties can be well explained in terms of fabric tensile properties. In general, increase in fabric extensibility leads to decrease in seam slippage load and seam strength in weft direction. In warp direction, seam slippage load also decreases with increase in fabric weft extensibility, whereas seam strength remains invariant. The results also reveal that the increase in stitch density results in a higher seam slippage load and strength value.
School level Environment and Elementary Teachers' Self Efficacy: Structural Equation Model

The main objective of this study is the investigation of the relationship between school level environment and teachers' self efficacy at primary level education. Totally 223 analytical questionnaires were collected by multiple cluster random sampling and the respective validity of those related to school level environment and teachers' self efficacy was evaluated using the expert consensus and item analysis. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine reliability. Multiple regression showed that innovation, cooperation and decision making were sequentially the most influential variables in the teachers' self efficacy and with greatest predictive values. Considering the structural equation model using the Lisrel software, it was concluded that the school level environment with β=0.68has the greatest impact on teachers' self efficacy.
Time Consistency in Regulatory Price Setting: An Australian Case Study

Time consistency refers to situations where a policy that is optimal ex ante proves not to be optimal ex post, creating the risk of opportunistic policy reversals. While the threat of such reversals has received widespread attention in the theoretical literature, testing whether policy is indeed time consistent is challenging. This paper implements such a test by comparing the depreciation profile established by the Australian telecommunications regulator at the outset of a regulatory period with the actual path of allowed recovery, and finds that the regulator acted in a time-inconsistent manner.