Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE MARITIME EDUCATION UPGRADING PROGRAM

This study endeavored to determine the impact of the Maritime Education Upgrading Program of PIT-KVNR on the socio-economic status of its graduates from school years 2002-2003 to 2007-2008. A descriptive-comparative approach design was used with two groups of respondents and total sample size of 296. It was found out that, before these graduates entered the program, the socio-economic status between parents of the two groups of marine transportation graduates-respondents were already significantly different, while there was no significant difference in the socio-economic status between parents of the two groups of marine engineering graduates-respondents. Furthermore, there were significant differences between groups of marine transportation and marine engineering graduates-respondents on their socioeconomic status after they graduated from the program. Moreover, results revealed that the socio-economic status of graduates from all groups of respondents have greatly improved over a short span of time after they graduated from the program. On the other hand, the respondents from both groups also accounted the extent of performance of the Maritime Education Upgrading Program as providing opportunities for the respondents to achieve performance ranging from higher to highest level. Keywords
Automatic and controlled processing revisited.

The theory of automatic and controlled processing outlined in Schneider and Shiffrin (1977) and in Shiffrin and Schneider (1977) is defended in the present note. We argue that the criticisms of Ryan (1983) range from irrelevant to incorrect, based on a brief review of data from the 1977 articles and on some more recent publications. The evidence Ryan discusses comes from the prememorized-list paradigm, a paradigm that undoubtedly involves automatic and controlled processes but probably not automatic detection and controlled search. We argue that a variety of mechanisms consistent with our general theory, some automatic and some controlled, could be operating in the prememorized-list paradigm and can explain the observed results. A theory of automatic and controlled processing was outlined and given empirical support in the articles of Schneider and Shiffrin (1977) and Shiffrin and Schneider (1977). The characteristics of both types of processes were established through examination of particular examples of each of these classes of processes. These examples, of critical importance in many search and attention tasks, were termed automatic detection and controlled search, and their characteristics were determined empirically. In particular, in memory- or visual-search tasks, consistent mapping (CM) refers to paradigms in which targets and distractors never exchange roles over trials of the study. Varied mapping (VM) refers to paradigms in which targets on one trial may be distractors on another, and vice versa. We demonstrated that extended testing in CM paradigms led to a marked flattening of the set-size functions and to a number of other prominent effects. We termed the processes used by subjects, automatic detection. In contrast, the use of a VM procedure, however extended, leaves intact the form and the slope of the set-size function. We termed the processes used in this situation, controlled search. Based on the findings, we postulated that automatic processing is generally a fast, parallel, fairly
Bitcoin: An Innovative Alternative Digital Currency

Bitcoin is a digital, decentralized, partially anonymous currency, not backed by any government or other legal entity, and not redeemable for gold or other commodity. It relies on peer-to-peer networking and cryptography to maintain its integrity. Compared to most currencies or online payment services, such as PayPal, bitcoins are highly liquid, have low transaction costs, and can be used to make micropayments. This new currency could also hold the key to allowing organizations such as Wikileaks, hated by governments, to receive donations and conduct business anonymously. Although the Bitcoin economy is flourishing, Bitcoin users are anxious about Bitcoin’s legal status. This paper examines a few relevant legal issues, such as the recent conviction of the Liberty Dollar creator, the Stamp Payments Act, and the federal securities acts.
Microbiological Characteristics of Traditionally Fermented Milk (Roub) Manufactured and Sold in Khartoum State, Sudan

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological quality of roub collected from different areas in Khartoum State, Sudan during the storage period. Methodology: Thirty roub samples were collected from Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman areas in sterile polyethylene bags, preserved in sample containers in ice (4oC) and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Microbiological [total viable bacteria (TVB), coliform bacteria, lactobacilli, yeasts and moulds] characteristics were determined at 1, 7, 14 and 20-day intervals. Results: The results showed that all microorganisms tested (except coliform bacteria) were significantly (P<0.001) affected by the area from which samples were collected, with TVB being high in Omdurman (Log 6.35±1.027 cfu/gm), while lactobacilli (Log 7.75±0.775 cfu/gm) and yeasts and moulds (Log 7.49±0.685 cfu/gm) were high in Khartoum North, and coliform bacteria were high in Khartoum (Log 6.29±2.497 cfu/gm). The storage period significantly (P<0.001) affected all Original Research Article Abdalla and Osman; MRJI, 19(6): 1-6, 2017; Article no.MRJI. 33150 2 microorganisms tested. Coliform bacteria and lactobacilli were significantly (P<0.001) affected by the storage period in samples collected from Khartoum, while only coliform bacteria were significantly (P<0.001) affected in samples collected from Khartoum North. All microorganisms were significantly (P<0.001) affected by the storage period in samples collected from Omdurman except coliform bacteria which were not detected. Conclusion: It is concluded that there was a significant variation in microbial contamination of the product collected from different areas in Khartoum State, as well as the storage period affecting the microbial count of the product.
OBSERVATIONS ON STRUCTURES AND AGE CHANGES IN THE HUMAN SCLERA

Of the local factors probably influencing intraocular pressure, the chamber angle and in particular the trabecular tissue still attract considerable attention (Goldmann 1951, Ashton 1956, Flocks, VrabeZ, Brini, Zimmermann, Grant, Unger, etc.). The outflow pathways outside Schlemm’s canal have also been carefully explored (Ascher 1942, 1954, Goldmann 1946, Thomassen & Bakken, Ashton 1952, 1953 and 1955, etc.). The role of the sclera as a possible regulator of intraocular pressure has not attracted as much attention. On the other hand, the structure of connective tissue and its chemistry in general have been a subject of lively interest for a decade now, and the importance of the ground substance and especially its mucopolysaccharide components have been emphasized (Meyer, Dorfman, Wassermann). Gersh and Catchpole reported the ground substance as an optically homogenous structure which, though normally gel-like in consistency, may become a fluid. Its consistency varies with age, its degree of activity or the pathologic condition of the tissue. The sclera too obviously undergoes changes with age. According to Friedenwald, the sclera of old persons is thinner and denser than that of the young, and shows a loss of water. The colour of the sclera changes with age from bluish to yellowish, most likely because of the accumulation of fat in scleral tissue (Wolf-Heidegger). I t has been assumed further that the thickening and sclerosis of collagenous fibres occurring with age result in the obstruction of outflow pathways (Sondermann, Schieck, Dvorak-Theobald & Kirk). A n unusual arrangement of connective tissue structures has been observed
Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The Effect of Age on Conversions, Complications and Long-Term Results

Background/Aims: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the appropriateness and long-term results of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of gallstone disease in the elderly. Methods: We studied all elderly (≧75 years) patients (n = 80) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution during the years 1992–2001. Two control groups (65–74 years and <65 years) included the same amount of patients. For determining the long-term results, we asked the patients to specify their overall satisfaction with the results of the procedure (very satisfied, satisfied, no effect, worse). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in mean operative time (61, 65, 72 min) or conversions to open surgery (6, 11, 16%) between the age groups (<65, 65–74, ≧75 years). The mean hospitalization time (2.1, 3.3, 4.4 days) and complications (0, 11, 13%) increased with the age of the patients. Neither severe complications nor mortality were encountered. The vast majority of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the long-term results of the procedure in all age groups (97% <65 years, 83% 65–74 years, 80% ≧75 years). Conclusion: Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is also a safe and feasible operation with good long-term results in the elderly.
Diagnostic capabilities of voltage fluctuation indices - a case study

There are a number of measures used to describe voltage fluctuations and their obnoxiousness. Some are suggested by the standards and legal acts of different countries, others are used because of their theoretical or practical advantages. The most popular measures include: Pst/Plt indicators, voltage fluctuation indices, ΔV10 index, max and min rms values. Their diagnostic capabilities depend on their distinctive characteristics. To use them in an effective manner it is necessary to understand their measuring process and to define the information one is able to obtain with the process. The paper includes a brief description of a selection of voltage fluctuation measures. On the basis of measuring results recorded in a real LV circuit a study on voltage fluctuation has been performed. At different stages of the study, diagnostic abilities of specific measures have been illustrated and the type of information on voltage variation which can be obtained through their application has been identified.
Airport Pricing and Concession Revenues

This paper considers a congested airport that provides aeronautical services to airlines and concessions to retailers or, respectively, car rental companies. It is shown that airport retailers exert downward pressure on the private aeronautical charge. On the other hand, the effect of car rentals on the private aeronautical charge is ambiguous. By contrast, the first-best airfare and aeronautical charge are independent of retail profits, while they are positively related to car rentals. Finally, the comparison of private and welfare-oriented airport behavior shows that private behavior can lead to the welfare-optimal outcome when commercial services exist.
Bayesian random effects meta‐analysis of trials with binary outcomes: methods for the absolute risk difference and relative risk scales by D. E. Warn, S. G. Thompson and D. J. Spiegelhalter, Statistics in Medicine 2002; 21: 1601–1623

In a recent Statistics in Medicine paper, Warn, Thompson and Spiegelhalter (WTS) made a comparison between the Bayesian approach to the meta‐analysis of binary outcomes and a popular Classical approach that uses summary (two‐stage) techniques. They included approximate summary (two‐stage) Bayesian techniques in their comparisons in an attempt undoubtedly to make the comparison less unfair. But, as this letter will argue, there are techniques from the Classical approach that are closer—those based directly on the likelihood—and they failed to make comparisons with these. Here the differences between Bayesian and Classical approaches in meta‐analysis applications reside solely in how the likelihood functions are converted into either credibility intervals or confidence intervals. Both summarize, contrast and combine data using likelihood functions. Conflating what Bayes actually offers to meta‐analysts—a means of converting likelihood functions to credibility intervals—with the use of likelihood functions themselves to summarize, contrast and combine studies is at best misleading. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basis examination for development of noninvasive blood glucose measuring instrument by near-infrared confocal optical system

In this study, we have developed a noninvasive blood glucose measurement system by the body's near-infrared absorption, which consists of a reflection photodetection system by use of a confocal optical system and a near-infrared laser. The concentration of a glucose fluid has been measured. The correlation between the concentration and the near-infrared absorption of the fluid has been confirmed. And measurement reproducibility has also been confirmed.
Insurance Markets with Noisy Loss Distributions

This paper examines insurancErpurchasing behavior and insurance-market equilibrium when loss distributions are uncertain, or 'noisy. ' We determine sufficient conditions for noise to lead to increased insurance coverage. These conditions place reasonably natural convexity constraints on marginal utility. We next examine how our results affect market equilibrium in the presence of adverse selection. In both a Rothschild and Stiglitz type of Nash equilibrium and in a Miyazaki type of subsidized equilibrium, the addition of noise is shown to lessen the disparity in coverage usually found between the goOOrisks and the bad risks, but at cost of reduced overall welfare. We also show how so-<:alled participating insurance contracts dominate standard fixed-premium contracts in cases where noise is correlated among individuals.
Architecture and Biogenesis of the Human Telomerase Holoenzyme

Telomerase adds simple sequence repeats to the ends of linear chromosomes to counteract the loss of end sequence inherent in conventional DNA replication. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) whose catalytic activity arises from the cooperation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase protein (TERT) and the telomerase RNA (TER), which provides an integrated template for DNA repeat addition. TERs vary widely in sequence and structure but share a set of motifs required for TERT binding and catalytic activity. Species-specific TER motifs play essential roles in RNP biogenesis, stability, trafficking, and regulation. Human TER, or hTR, contains a motif shared with a large family of H/ACA RNAs that directs a pathway of RNP maturation. I have investigated the RNA and RNP architecture of the hTR H/ACA domain and defined the sequence and structural elements required for RNA accumulation and RNP assembly. I have shown that, like other eukaryotic H/ACA RNAs, hTR recruits two sets of H/ACA core proteins despite a noncanonical spacing of conserved elements in its 5' H/ACA hairpin (Chapter Two). I have found that an hTR-specific BIO box motif within the 3' H/ACA loop stimulates H/ACA core RNP assembly in a manner required for hTR accumulation in vivo (Chapter Three). Finally, I have generated stable cell lines expressing tagged hTR and TERT to enable RNA-based and protein-based affinity purification of telomerase complexes in order to identify hTR-interacting factors and investigate telomerase multimerization (Chapter Four).
Numerical investigation of optimal spacing between heat-generating blocks in laminar forced convection

Improvements in electronic components cooling techniques are paramount to the continuous increase in the complexity and thermal output of circuit boards. Recent studies show that the uniform distribution of the blocks might not be the optimum choice. In this paper, a parametric study of the different choices for inter-block spacing is performed numerically using the finite volume method. Multiple common ratio geometric series were tested as spacing functions between five heated blocks simulating electronic chips. Spacing functions are tested for Reynolds numbers in the range 50 to 1600. Results show that the upstream crowding of blocks decreases the global maximum temperature in the channel by about 5.4% and signicantly reduce the temperature difference between the blocks. This translates into prolonged equipment life due to the resulting attenuation and uniformity of the maximum temperatures.
Women’s experiences of coping with the sexual side effects of antidepressant medication

A growing body of evidence has highlighted the sexual side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. Whilst most of the research has focused on the prevalence and treatment of sexual difficulties, little is known about how patients cope with the SSRI-related sexual side effects. The objective of this study was to explore women’s experiences of coping with the sexual side effects of SSRI medication and interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed for an in-depth exploratory study of a sample of 10 women. Four broad themes emerged which are discussed under the following headings: searching, suffering in silence, trying to resolve and accepting what is. The themes provide an insight into the different strategies used by women to cope with the sexual side effects of SSRI medication and highlight the importance of contextualising these difficulties as part of an overall approach to improve the management and treatment of SSRI-related sexual side effects.
Hydrogenophaga soli sp. nov., isolated from rice field soil.

A novel Gram-stain-negative bacterial strain, designated strain S10T, was isolated from soil collected in a rice field in Goyang, South Korea. Cells of strain S10T were strictly aerobic, motile and rod-shaped. Colonies were round, convex, smooth and white. The strain grew optimally at 37 °C, pH 7.0 and 0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain S10T revealed that the bacterium belongs to the family Comamonadaceae and is related to members of the genus Hydrogenophaga, with Hydrogenophaga caeni EMB71T being its closest relative (97.9 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain S10T was 68.2 mol%. Strain S10T contained phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain S10T with Hydrogenophaga caeni KCTC 12613T, Hydrogenophaga atypica DSM 15342T and Hydrogenophaga defluvii DSM 15341T were 16.1±4.8, 49.0±3.2 and 21.9±8.8 %, respectively. Based on phylogenetic distinctiveness, DNA-DNA hybridization and specific physiological and biochemical characteristics, strain S10T (=KCTC 52520T=JCM 31711T) is classified as a novel species of the genus Hydrogenophaga, for which the name Hydrogenophagasoli sp. nov. is proposed.
Methodological and Clinical Aspects of Cyclosporin Monitoring: Report of the Association of Clinical Biochemists Task Force

David W Holt, Atholl Johnston', Norman B Roberts-, J Michael Tredger! and Andrew K Tru1l4 From the Analytical Unit, St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 ORE, the 'Anatyticat Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London ECIA 7BE, the 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, the 3lnstitute of Liver Studies, King's College SchooLof Medicine & Dentistry, London SE5 9PJ and the "Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge CB22QR, UK
Iliotibial band transfer through the intercondylar notch for combined anterior instability (ITPT procedure)

ing anterior and even posterior cruciate ligaments. Operations have ranged from fascial and tendon substitutes to synthetics, as well as anterior half transfers back. We are presenting a method that we have now performed on 16 patients, at the time of this report. The indication for this operation primarily has been where anterior instability is the major flagrant instability but is combined with anterolateral or medial components, and could not be satisfactorily treated by exercise programs or bracing (Fig. 1 ).
Is the Association Between Parity and Coronary Heart Disease Due to Biological Effects of Pregnancy or Adverse Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated With Child-Rearing?: Findings From the British Women’s Heart and Health Study and the British Regional Heart Study

Background—Parity is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. In the present study, we assessed the associations between number of children and CHD in both women and men. Methods and Results—A total of 4286 women and 4252 men aged 60 to 79 years from 24 British towns were studied. Number of children was positively associated with body mass index and waist-hip ratio in both sexes. In women but not in men, number of children was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and was positively associated with triglycerides and diabetes. For both sexes, similar “J” shaped associations between number of children and CHD were observed, with the prevalence lowest among those with 2 children and increasing linearly with each additional child beyond 2. For those with at least 2 children, each additional child increased the age-adjusted odds of CHD by 30% (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 1.44) for women and by 12% for men (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.22). Adjustment for obesity and metabolic risk factors attenuated the associations between greater number of children and CHD in both sexes, although in women some association remained. Conclusions—Lifestyle risk factors associated with child-rearing lead to obesity and result in increased CHD in both sexes; biological responses of pregnancy may have additional adverse effects in women.
Noninvasive methods for assessing early markers of atherosclerosis: the role of body composition and nutrition

Purpose of reviewTo present the methodology used to assess early atherosclerosis and its application in assessing the impact of body composition and nutrition on the cardiovascular system. Recent findingsAccumulating evidence supports the use of noninvasive markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, namely carotid intima–media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery and augmentation index or pulse wave velocity, in the prediction of cardiovascular risk, especially in primary prevention settings. These markers reflect early initiation of the atherogenetic process, as well as the impact of the treatment currently used. Factors like smoking cessation, exercise and a balanced nutrition have a remarkable effect on these markers and consequently on vascular function. It is interesting to note that individual nutrients such as lipids, vitamins, antioxidants, ethanol, caffeine and isoflavones are capable of manipulating vascular function, which is depicted in these markers of atherosclerosis. SummaryA number of noninvasive markers of early atherosclerosis are currently used in order to detect possible initiation of atherosclerotic procedure. Vascular function is greatly affected by nutrition, which might prove to be an alternative to drug therapy for reversing dysfunction of the vessels.