Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgeon Related Quality In Colorectal And Breast CancerSurgery

The matter of quality of surgical treatment is widely discussed nowadays worldwide. It seems to be related to surgeon himself, to his professional knowledge and skills, and also to hospital and department level. Authors retrospectively reviewed hospital database in two cancer centres in the south Poland, taking into account breast and colorectal cancer surgery. There were 688 colorectal cancer cases treated in one and 1309 breast cancer cases treated in another. Significant differences among colorectal surgeons were noticed in surgical site infection prevalence (2,9% 40,6%), postoperative complications ratio (5,71% 31,25%), length of postoperative stay (mean 13,7 26,3 days; longer stay for less experienced surgeon), number of lymph node dissected and local failure rate (9,76% 50%). In the multivariate analysis 5 and 10 years survival was dependent on surgeon. Results in analysis of breast cancer surgery outcomes also differed between surgeons. There were significant differences observed in operation time (mean 72 83 minutes), number of lymph node dissected (12 15), surgical site infection rate (3,5% 10,9%), length of postoperative stay (9 12 days) and local recurrence rate (7,9% 17,6%). The difference in 10 years survival was of borderline significance (51.6% to 62%; p=0,05). Quality of surgical skills and knowledge seems to be one the most important factors influencing cancer surgery outcomes. Further investigation should be performed and individual results of surgery should be known for every hospital and for every surgeon.
Nematic Liquid Crystals: From Maier-Saupe to a Continuum Theory

We define a continuum energy functional that effectively interpolates between the mean-field Maier-Saupe energy and the continuum Landau-de Gennes energy functional and can describe both spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous systems. In the mean-field approach the main macroscopic variable, the Q-tensor order parameter, is defined in terms of the second moment of a probability distribution function. This definition imposes certain constraints on the eigenvalues of the Q-tensor order parameter, which may be interpreted as physical constraints. We define a thermotropic bulk potential which blows up whenever the eigenvalues of the Q-tensor order parameter approach physically unrealistic values. As a consequence, the minimizers of this continuum energy functional have physically realistic order parameters in all temperature regimes. We study the asymptotics of this bulk potential and show that this model also predicts a first-order nematic-isotropic phase transition, whilst respecting the physical constraints. In contrast, in the Landau-de Gennes framework the Q-tensor order parameter is often defined independently of the probability distribution function, and the theory makes physically unrealistic predictions about the equilibrium order parameters in the low-temperature regime.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Pecorino Romano Cheese Produced Using a Selected Starter Culture

The effect of a selected autochthonous starter culture made up by Streptococcus thermophilus , Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp . lactis and Lactobacillus helveticus on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of Pecorino Romano cheese during ripening was investigated. The suitability of the experimental starter culture was tested at industrial scales in cheese-making trials of Pecorino Romano. Pecorino Romano cheese manufactured by use of scotta-fermento served as control. The lactic microflora increased significantly in experimental cheeses as compared to the control and this was also accompanied by a substantial decrease of spoilage microorganisms in experimental cheeses. Free amino acids (FAAs) were more abundant in experimental cheeses, arginine+ γ γ γ γ-aminobutyric acid and leucine in particular. These differences could be likely due to a different enzymatic activity of the selected starter culture as compared to the scotta-fermento used in the control trials. Oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0), butyric (C4), stearic (C18:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids were the most abundant Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) detected in both brand of cheeses at the end of ripening. Overall, the level of FFAs in experimental and control cheeses did not show significant differences, even if the average values in experimental cheeses were always slightly higher than those recorded for the control. Moreover, the average content of FFAs of Pecorino Romano was found the lowest when compared with the other Sardinian PDO cheeses; most likely the high content of sodium chloride and the low aW of Pecorino Romano influenced all the lipase activities, even those present in the rennet paste. Despite this, the employment of the selected starter culture revealed useful to improve the physico-chemical features of Pecorino Romano while preserving its tipicity.
Educator Perceptions of Virtual Learning System Quality Characteristics

In higher education institutions, digital learning environments, referred to as virtual learning systems in this article, have been adopted and are becoming increasingly popular among academics. A virtual learning system (VLS) has a suite of tools with associated functions and non-functional system characteristics. Higher education institutions (HEIs) implement a VLS with the intent to assimilate e-Learning with face-to-face instruction and thereby derive associated benefits from its usage. Currently there is limited information on educators’ perceptions on the usefulness of VLS tool functionality, and the importance assigned to non-functional characteristics. This article adapted the generic framework of the ISO 9126 external software quality model to ascertain the perceptions of educators with regards to VLS functionality and non-functional quality characteristics. A case study research strategy was adopted, using two South African higher education institutions. The main contribution of this article is a proposed model representing VLS quality in use characteristics, measured by the constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived importance. In addition to the theoretical contribution, this article makes a practical contribution by providing educators’ recommendations on the improvement of VLS quality characteristics. This article has potentially useful implications for the use of a VLS by educators and future VLS design iterations.
A Strategy for Cross-Project Defect Prediction Models in Industry

Defects are a costly concern within software development. A way to mitigate this is the use of cross-project defect prediction models that aid quality assurance by pinpointing defect-prone parts of the software. We have studied the ability to incorporate this kind of prediction models at an automotive company by developing such models. During this development, we applied metrics and modelling techniques from research to create cross-project models that would fill the needs of the company. We succeed in creating cross-project defect prediction models using data gathered from local data repositories. Our findings suggest that change-level metrics are of interest in the automotive sector since they allow for quick feedback. Random forest seem to result in the best predictive performance when training models, though these findings have to be considered in relation to a low performance for our models in comparison to similar studies. At the same time, we gathered interesting insight into which performance measurement is most valued by practitioners. These findings pose that high precision is requested by practitioners while a low recall is acceptable. This is in contrast to the view held by research within the field and should be considered in future studies.
Relationships among the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Fatigue Behavior in Thin Ti6Al4V

The microstructures of Ti6Al4V are complex and strongly affect its mechanical properties and fatigue behavior. This paper investigates the role of microstructure on mechanical and fatigue properties of thin-section Ti6Al4V sheets, with the aim of reviewing the effects of microstructure on fatigue properties where suboptimal microstructures might result following heat treatment of assemblies that may not be suited to further annealing, for example, following laser welding. Samples of Ti6Al4V sheet were subjected to a range of heat treatments, including annealing and water quenching from temperatures ranging from 650°C to 1050°C. Micrographs of these samples were inspected for microstructure, and hardness, 0.2% proof stress, elongation, and fracture strength were measured and attributed back to microstructure. Fractography was used to support the findings from microstructure and mechanical analyses. The strength ranking from high to low for the microstructures of thin Ti6Al4V sheets observed in this study is as follows: acicular martensite, Widmanstatten, bimodal, and equiaxed microstructure. The fatigue strength ranking from high to low is as follows: equiaxed, bimodal, Widmanstatten, and acicular martensite microstructure.
An Evaluation of Milk Quality in Uganda: Value Chain Assessment and Recommendations

The sanitary quality of raw milk is an important issue in Uganda for social, economical and healthy reasons. A survey on milk quality was carried out in Mbarara major milk producing region in Uganda, between June and August 2004. The milk production system described in this paper has largely remained unchanged up to now. Milk quality was analysed at six stages of the commodity chain: farm, bicycle collector at the farm level, pick-up collecting centre, milk collecting centre, urban cooler, and vendor in Kampala city at th e urban cooler level. Milk quality was evaluated using platform tests (Clot on boiling (COB), Alcohol test, milk temperature and density) and microbiological tests (total plate count, total and faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli count). Approximately half of the total coliform count was attributed to fecal coliforms including E. coli . This indicates great possibility of the occurrence of enteric pathogens in milk. This is partly confirmed by the large count of E . coli . The bacteria load reached very high levels close to 2 x 10 6 colony forming units per millilitre (cfu/mL) at the farm level, and these levels increased 150-fold during transportation to Kampala. An analysis of the raw milk marketed through the informal sub sector in Uganda, revealed two main issues: (i) poor hygiene conditions from the production location all the way to the consumer; (ii) lack of an efficient preservation system to limit bacteria proliferation during transportation to Kampala. Milk was overheated at the urban informal milk heat processing units but rendered free from bacteria. However, storage of such treated milk over several days makes this process potentially more dangerous than beneficial since post processing contamination of a sterile substratum could lead to rapid proliferation of microorganisms. Milk quality across the value chain could be improved through: (i) changing milking practice s to ensure better hygienic conditions; (ii) improvement of milk handling and storage conditions maintaining the cold chain. This study presents baseline information for developing a technical and scientific basis for milk quality improvement in Uganda.
THE INFLUENCE OF POTASSIUM BOROHYDRIDE (KBH4) ON KRAFT PULP PROPERTIES OF MARITIME PINE

In this study, the effects of potassium borohydride (KBH4) on maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) kraft pulp and paper properties were investigated. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% (based on oven-dried wood) KBH4 added kraft cookings were carried out under the fixed cooking conditions. KBH4-free kraft cooking was also done as control cooking. The results revealed that pulp yield, kappa number, and beating time increased with addition of KBH4 to cooking liquor. The screened yield increased 7.69 point (from 46,21% to 53.90%) with 2% KBH4 addition to control cooking. The brightness values of handsheets were increased with KBH4 addition. Strength properties of handsheets significantly decreased with addition of KBH4.
Native predators contribute to invasion resistance to the non-indigenous bivalve Musculista senhousia in southern California, USA

As one component of invasion resistance, native predators may consume non-indigenous species in the invaded habitat. I studied the contribution of predation to mortality in populations of a potentially dominant, habitat-modifying mussel (Musculista senhousia) which has been introduced from Asia to California. In short-term (2 to 4 wk) experiments performed in San Diego Bay, a muricid snail (Pteropurpura festiva) decimated transplanted mussel populations by up to 65% within 2 wk. Crustacean predators were responsible for mortality rates of
Overwintering of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at different altitudes in the Karkonosze Mts, SW Poland.

The body length variation, sex ratio, ovarian development and natural enemies (parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi) of Coccinella septempunctata were studied during two dormancy seasons in three hibernation sites in the Karkonosze mountains: the top of Mt. Śniezka (1,600 m a.s.l.), the top of Mt. Szrenica (1,360 m a.s.l.) and Karpacz, the village at the foot of Mt. Śniezka (800 m a.s.l.). The proportion of females and mean body length increased with the altitude of the hibernaculum. Post-diapause maturation of ovaries occurred earlier in spring in females from Karpacz than from the mountain tops. The rate of parasitization of C. septempunctata by its most common parasitoid, the braconid Dinocampus coccinellae, in both seasons exceeded 70% at Karpacz and was 14-28% in the mountain top hibernacula. In contrast, the incidence of fungal infection (mainly by Paecilomyces farinosus and Beauveria bassiana) was higher in beetles overwintering on the two mountain tops.
An Investigation into How Degree of Distraction with Mobile Device Users Influences Attention to Detail

Previous research has indicated that the overuse of mobile devices by youths, especially at work or in class, can be disruptive to others, and be detrimental to the individual engaged in this activity in regards to task performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between distraction due to use of mobile devices, while engaged in a task, and subsequent recall of details being presented during exposure to a stimulus. Due to the ubiquitous and pervasive nature of mobile devices in today's youth culture, and in our society as a whole, understanding and explaining what personality types and dispositions, are likely to engage in the overuse of mobile devices, and how their motivations for acquiring and using mobile devices in the first place may potentially impact the users task performance, could possibly enlighten parents, educators, and even the subject themselves as to the causes and ramifications of such behavior; thus, paving the way to possibly developing and establishing protocols that might allow individuals to use these devices more effectively and responsibly. This investigation found that there is a significant overall inverse relationship between distraction by mobile device use while on task and attention to the details of the stimulus being presented. Persons between the ages of 26 and 40, and the personality type of Neuroticism showed some relation to being distractible. The study also found
Detection of HBME-1 and Galectin-3 by Immunohistochemistry in Follicular Lesions

The main problem established by a discovery of a thyroid nodule is to discriminate between a benign and malignant lesion. Differential diagnosis between follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) and benign follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is a great challenge for even an experienced pathologist and requires special effort. A developing number of some encouraging IHC markers for the differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions have emerged, including, Hector Battifora mesothelial (HBME-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3). There was significant positive correlation between Galectin-3 and HBME-1 in follicular carcinoma and follicular variant of papillary carcinoma (r= 0.380, P= 0.041) and (r= 0.315, P=0.047) respectively. There was no significant correlation between Galectin-3 and HBME-1 in follicular adenoma and follicular hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical expression of Galectin-3(Gal-3) there was highly significant difference (P 0.05); however, carcinoma of both types showed significantly higher Galectin-3 score than both follicular adenoma and follicular hyperplasia (P 0.05); however, carcinoma of both types showed significantly higher HBME-1 score than both follicular adenoma and follicular hyperplasia (P<0.001). In addition, the score of follicular adenoma was significantly greater than that of follicular hyperplasia (P<0.05). Keywords: Galatin-3, HBME-1, Thyroid.
An Investigation of Using Wikis as a Collaborative Tool for Teaching in a Non-Western Tertiary Education Classroom

Wikis are innovative Web 2.0 tools that allow users to create, expand, and edit content collaboratively. This makes wikis promising for online collaborative learning, but further exploration is required to determine if using wikis can achieve learning goals efficiently and appropriately. With increasing globalization, it is useful to determine how students from nonWestern cultures respond to using wikis in the learning environment. In this study, the author compares two Taiwanese undergraduate classes with different instructional design and peer assessment strategies to understand Taiwanese student online behaviors and learning preferences in a learning environment using wikis. The results indicate that students prefer to be assigned responsibility in group projects rather than free writing assignments, and student collaboration is limited in the assignment. The author also discusses the efficiency of in-group peer assessment and inter-group peer assessment used in group projects. The author suggests using wikis as a knowledge management system may be better than using wikis as a collaborative tool in tertiary education classroom.
The effect of marketing mix in attracting customers: Case study of Saderat Bank in Kermanshah Province

This study investigated the impact of marketing mix in attracting customers to Saderat Bank in Kermanshah Province. Questionnaire which included 30 questions was used to collect information in this research. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, and a value of 0.882 was obtained, greater than 0.7 which is the reliability of the questionnaire. The population used in this study is the customers of Saderat Bank in Kermanshah Province, with at least one account, interest-free loans and savings. 250 questionnaires were collected by stratified random sampling. The work has one main hypothesis and 5 sub- hypotheses. Pearson correlation test was used to test the hypotheses. It was established that factors in the marketing mix have a significant positive effect in absorbing customers. That means the bank has a significant positive effect. Key words: Marketing, marketing mix factors, customers’ orientation, customers’ satisfaction.
New Formulation and Solution in PCB Assembly Systems with Parallel Batch processors

This paper considers the scheduling problem of parallel batch processing machines with nonidentical job size and processing time. In this paper, a new mathematical model with ready time and batch size constraints is presented to formulate the problem mathematically, in which simultaneous reduction of the makespan and earliness-tardiness is the objective function. In recent years, the nature-inspired computational intelligent algorithms have been successfully employed to achieve the optimum design of different structures. Since the proposed model is NP-hard, a metaheuristic algorithm according to a harmony search algorithm is developed and analyzed for solving the batch processing machine scheduling problem addressed in the current paper. Various parameters and operators of the proposed harmony search algorithm are discussed and calibrated by means of the Taguchi statistical technique. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithm, instance problems in concordance with previous research are generated. The proposed algorithm and basic harmony search, improved harmony search and global best harmony search are solved and the results of all the algorithms are compared. The conclusion reveals that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other algorithms. Keywordsbatch processing, harmony search algorithm, scheduling, Taguchi design of experiments, parallel machine
Examining Differences in Student Writing Proficiency as a Function of Student Race and Gender.

Written communication is widely considered to be an important skill for students to have mastered prior to graduating college and entering the workforce (Allan & Driscoll, 2014; Arum & Roska, 2011; Hart Research Associates, 2013, 2015b; Kelly-Riley, 2015). In a recent survey sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 82% of employers indicated that it was important for graduating students to write effectively, and 81% of employers reported that they would be more likely to hire students who took multiple writing-intensive courses in college (Hart Research Associates, 2015b). These results were similar to those from a 2013 employer survey in which 80% of employers noted colleges and universities should place a greater emphasis upon written communication skills (Hart Research Associates, 2013). However, in the face of employer desire for students to have stronger written communication skills only 65% of surveyed students reported that they were well prepared with regard to written communication. Even more troubling, only 27% of the surveyed employers indicated they believed that recent graduates were entering the work force prepared to write effectively (Hart Research Associates, 2015b).
Changing bacterioplankton growth characteristics on a large spatial scale: oligotrophic versus mesotrophic ocean

This study deals with large spatial scale differences in the ratios between bacterial leucine incorporation (TLi: protein synthesis) and thymidine incorporation (TTi: DNA synthesis) in oligotrophic offshore and comparatively more mesotrophic inshore (sub)tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Observations were derived from 2 RV ‘Polarstern’ cruises, one of which traversed a meridional mid-ocean transect while the other followed the African coast line. Average values (from 42°N to 35°S) of TLi, TTi and chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration were 40.3 pmol leucine l–1 h–1, 1.32 pmol thymidine l–1 h–1 and 0.18 µg chl a l–1 along the offshore transect, compared to 51.8 pmol leucine l–1 h–1, 2.72 pmol thymidine l–1 h–1 and 0.29 µg chl a l–1 along the inshore transect. Mean values of the TLi:TTi ratio (which defines bacterial growth characteristics) were 32.4 in offshore waters and 20.5 in inshore waters. Offshore ratios of TLi:chl a or TTi:chl a (proxy for bacterial substrate) were 274.1 and 8.5, compared to inshore ratios of 198.7 and 10.0, respectively. This means that, per unit of chl a, considerably higher bacterial protein synthesis was supported in water farther from the coast than near the coast, whereas bacterial DNA synthesis per unit chl a was slightly higher in the latter. Because temperature variability along the cruise tracts was rather similar (except in the Benguela upwelling region), we assume that substrate supply was mainly responsible for the observed significant differences in bacterial growth characteristics. In addition, the potential different contributions of picocyanobacteria to leucine uptake (TLi) must be considered. We conclude that the different TLi:TTi ratios in (sub)tropical offshore and inshore waters reflect reactions of the relevant bacterial communities to prevailing environmental conditions. Therefore, we did not interpret our results in the context of the currently used terms ‘balanced’ or ‘unbalanced’ growth. Bacterial community growth may be balanced in both regions of study, but at different levels of the TLi:TTi ratio.