Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Practice of Neurosurgery in Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital of Banjul, the Gambia

The management of neurosurgical pathologies has become a priority in our regions. Over the years the number of patients consulting in neurosurgical clinics continues to rise. Publications and studies of neurosurgical activities are rare in sub-Saharan Africa and almost inexistent in the Gambia in particular hence the impetus for this study: The Practice of Neurosurgery in EFSTH (Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital) of Banjul, the Gambia. The objective of this study was to report on all the neurosurgical activities of the Neurosurgery unit of EFSTH of Banjul over an 18-month period. A retrospective study of all the neurosurgical activities of the EFSTH over a period of 18-month was carried out. Data were obtained from the medical records of the hospital categorized according to age groups. Consultation, admission, surgery, morbidity and mortality were evaluated. We included all patients managed in the Neurosurgery unit and excluded patients with insufficient data or missing folders. The Neurosurgery unit had a total of 2,038 patients giving an average of 113 patients seen per month of whom 399 (19.57%) were hospitalized and 127 (6.23%) benefitted from neurosurgical intervention. Morbidities and mortalities of 19 and 47 are respectively. Pediatric population with ages ranging from 0-9 years dominated in our admissions. Male: Female ratio was 2:1. The clinical features in our studies varied according to the diverse pathologies encountered in the study. Imaging was dominated by CT scan 168 cases (61%), X-Rays 102 cases (37%). Pathologies seen in the Outpatient consultations were mainly degenerative pathology 938 (46%), Trauma 391 (21%), Hydrocephalus and other CNS (Central nervous system) Malformations 325 (16%). Hospitalizations were mostly dominated by Trauma 300 (75.18%), Hydrocephalus and other CNS Malformations 41 (9.77%), degenerative disease 26 (6.52%). Neurosurgical interventions were mainly trauma 47 (37%), Hydrocephalus and other CNS Malformations 39 (31%), Degenerative 15 (12%). Neurosurgical procedures mainly comprised of Burr hole 18 (14%), Spina bifida repair 17 (13%), Craniotomy 13 (10%), Ventriculoperitoneal shunt 13 (10%), Spinal internal fixation 12 (9%) and elevation of depressed skull fracture 11 (8%). Morbidities encountered included surgical site infection 6 (4.51%), CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak 6 (4.51%) shunt infection 3 (2.26%). Mortality was mostly from Trauma 33 (8%), Infection 5 (1.25%) and Hydrocephalus and Other CNS Malformations 4 (1.5%) of the total admissions. Conclusions: Lack of materials (bipolar cautery, operating microscope, (C-arm fluoroscopy in the first 7 months of the study)), consumables (surgical, surgical cotton, gel foam, bone wax etc.) had been an enormous challenge the neurosurgical unit of EFSTH had faced. This study therefore demonstrates the great need of a permanent Neurosurgeon and neurosurgical team in the Gambia.
Personality-Based Engagement: An Examination of Personality and Message Factors on Consumer Responses to Social Media Advertisements

Abstract Social media advertising has seen a growth in media messages customized to appeal to highly specific characteristics of an identified target. However, the psychological determinants of consumer responses to such media content remain under-researched. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect that consumer personality traits, regulatory focus, and product appeal have on consumers’ response to social media advertising messages. Alternate versions of the advertising stimulus were created to manipulate regulatory focus cues (promotion vs. prevention) and product appeal (hedonic vs. utilitarian). Four of the Big Five personality traits—extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, and neuroticism—were examined to detect differences in consumer responses. Significant main effects exist for all personality traits and interaction effects were found between a subset of the personality traits analyzed with regulatory focus and product appeal, thus lending evidence for the robustness of the Big-Five as a useful framework for assessing individual differences in an audience’s response to social media advertising and message persuasion.
Additive Manufacturing of a Cold‐Work Tool Steel using Electron Beam Melting

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is on its way to industrialization. One of the most promising techniques within this field, electron beam melting (EBM), is nowadays used mostly for the fabrication of high‐performance Ti‐based alloy components for the aerospace and medical industry. Among the industrial applications envisioned for the future of EBM, the fabrication of high carbon steels for the tooling industry is of great interest. In this context, the process windows for dense and crack‐free specimens for a highly alloyed (Cr–Mo–V) cold‐work steel powder are presented in this article. High‐solidification rates during EBM processing lead to very fine and homogeneous microstructures. The influence of process parameters on the resulting microstructure and the chemical composition is investigated. In addition, preliminary results show very promising mechanical properties regarding the as‐built and heat‐treated microstructure of the obtained material.
PREDICTORS OF TUBERCULOSIS RELAPSE IN PASIR PUTEH DISTRICT, KELANTAN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY.

Background: Tuberculosis relapse is one of Malaysia’s public health concerns. Studying relapse of tuberculosis is a convenient way to evaluate the effectiveness of tuberculosis control programs and identify vulnerable patients. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis relapse and determine its associated factors in Pasir Puteh district. Materials and Methods: This study was a case control study between the relapsed and non-relapsed group conducted in the district of Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. All notified cases that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 1 st January 2014 to 31 st December 2018 were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Result: From 2014 until 2018, there were 454 tuberculosis cases registered in Pasir Puteh district. The prevalence of tuberculosis relapse cases within the five-year period was 8.4% (95%CI: 0.06, 0.11). Majority of TB relapse patients were adult group, male, had secondary level of education, and unemployed. By clinical factors, most of tuberculosis relapse patients were non-diabetic, cigarette smokers, HIV negative, had pulmonary form of tuberculosis, and had minimal lesion on chest radiographic findings. Diabetic patients and cigarette smokers were the significant factors associated with tuberculosis relapse in Pasir Puteh district with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.98 (95%CI:1.23, 7.26; p=0.016) and 4.27 (95%CI:1.54, 11.85; p=0.005), respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, diabetic patients and cigarette smokers were more likely to develop tuberculosis relapse. Thus, the identified risk factors were useful for diagnosis and in planning for screening and intervention programs. Keywords: tuberculosis, relapse, associated factors, diabetes, cigarette smoking, Malaysia.
Blunt Chest Injury: epidemiological profile and determinant of mortality

However, a study in the country observed that there was a great gap understudying the causes of BCI. This is even as chest trauma was reported as the commonest clinical diagnoses made in patients seen in a cardiothoracic surgical unit and that chest tube insertion was the main modality of treatment of patients with chest trauma. BCI is commoner than penetrating chest injury and has peculiar pathophysiological patterns especially with respect to rib fracture and lung contusion has distribution in line with some epidemiological patterns and is an identifiable risk factor for other associated injuries like severe head and abdominal injuries. ABSTRACT
Practitioner's view of barriers to software outsourcing partnership formation: An empirical exploration

Software Outsourcing Partnership (SOP) is considered as a kind of risk and reward sharing client‐vendor relationship. Generally, a fruitful outsourcing association might be converted to an outsourcing partnership. The objective of this research is to identify and analyse barriers that are hurdles to vendors in renewing or promoting their ongoing client‐vendor relationship to outsourcing partnership. A questionnaire survey based on the findings of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was performed with 50 experts. The study identifies five critical barriers such as “insufficient quality of technical capability,” “poor infrastructure,” “poor quality of service,” “communication gap and poor coordination,” and “relational risk. ” The results indicate that barriers' insufficient quality of technical capability, poor infrastructure, and poor quality of service were common in four types of experts while insufficient quality of technical capability is common in three levels of experts. Furthermore, barriers were classified based on their criticality from client‐vendor perspective. The results of Spearman correlation test (rs = 0.714 and ρ = 0.000) confirmed that the participant strongly agrees with the outcomes of the SLR. The results suggest that for successful renewal or promotion of their existing outsourcing association, vendor organizations should address all the identified barriers in general and the most common barriers in particular.
A STUDY ON GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN BODOLAND TERRITORIAL AREA DISTRICTS OF ASSAM IN INDIA

Purpose of the study: The study examines the relationship between the quality of governance and level of development in the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) of Assam in India. It also assesses which dimensions of governance influence the level of development. Methodology: The study is based on the data collected from a field survey of 400 households in both rural and urban areas of BTAD. Important dimensions pertaining to measuring the quality of governance is a broad manifestation in several institutions such as Political, Legal and Judicial, Administration and Public service delivery, and Economic and Social. Similarly, we measure development in terms of economic, social and empowerment dimensions. The study uses statistical techniques of Correlation and CHAID analysis. Main findings: The study finds that the quality of governance is critical to development. Amongst other factors, efficient system and management of political institutions and effective administration and public service delivery is the key to enhancement of economic development. Social Implications: The study depicts disparity with respect to social and economic space; and suggests inclusive participation in political and fine-tuning in the front of administration and delivery of public services. Originality/Novelty of the study: The study brings out the dynamics of deficit of governance and its impact on economic development at the level of the sub-national state. It further confirms and substantially contributes to the literature on development – governance nexus.
Seismic liquefaction analysis of a critical facility with PM4Sand in Plaxis

In seismically active areas, liquefaction hazards have always been a complicated aspect to evaluate as part of the seismic design of a project. In the case of the design of critical facilities, this becomes crucial, as beyond design basis conditions may elevate the seismic loads significantly and create a considerable liquefaction risk in areas of deep alluvial deposits. Furthermore, traditional semi-empirical methods lose their applicability at depths larger than 15 m, which becomes problematic if one wishes to analyse the liquefaction hazard of deep Holocene deposits. Given this shortcoming and the rapid growth of numerical tools available for geotechnical earthquake engineering, the use of liquefaction-predicting constitutive models, like PM4Sand, provides the opportunity to obtain more accurate and physically-consistent results. For this purpose, this research is divided in three main parts. The first part covers the study of the onset of liquefaction with the use of two cyclic undrained direct simple shear test databases and the identification of liquefaction-triggering criteria, in terms of pore pressures and shear strains which can consistently define a liquefied state in sands. The second part includes the thorough analysis of the capabilities of the PM4Sand model, in Plaxis, through a benchmark calibration study using one of the previously mentioned laboratory test databases, concluding in the proposal of a modified calibration methodology based on pore pressure ratio (ru) and shear strain (γ) liquefaction-triggering criteria. The third and last part covered a practical case study oriented towards the design of a critical facility, where a beyond design liquefaction hazard analysis of a hypothetical site was evaluated incorporating the findings from the previous parts. A one-dimensional liquefaction hazard analysis was performed using a single earthquake signal and soil profile, where the consistency of the PM4Sand model in terms of liquefaction-triggering was evaluated and the numerically-obtained results were compared to those calculated through one semi-empirical method. Additionally, the one-dimensional model was extended and a two-dimensional liquefaction hazard analysis, including the presence of a simplified structure, was performed with the aim of evaluating the effects of soil-structure interaction and structural load variation on the liquefaction hazard of the soil profile over distance.
Differential mRNA Expression of COX-2 and Proinflammatory Mediators in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tears and Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Purpose: Bursal inflammation is thought to be a major cause of pain in degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs). While the expression of proinflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, is crucial for the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), their role in degenerative RCTs remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of COX-2 and proinflammatory mediators in the development of RCT-induced pain by comparing their levels in patients with hip OA or RCTs. Methods: We included samples obtained from 31 shoulders of 31 patients with RCTs and samples from 30 hips of 27 patients with hip OA. The mRNA levels of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined using RT-PCR, and were compared between the subacromial bursa and hip joints. We also analyzed IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in the subacromial bursa and synovial blast of the hip. Results: COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression levels were significantly lower in the subacromial bursa of RCTs than in hip OA samples, while no significant difference was observed for TNF-α. No significant difference in the fold increase was observed between subacromial bursa and hip OA samples, even though IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression increased in both samples. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the main mechanism underlying pain development differs between patients with RCTs and those with hip OA.
Evaluation of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Active and Inactive Thyroid Orbitopathy

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with active thyroid orbitopathy (TO) and to compare it with that of both healthy subjects and patients with inactive TO. Methods: Twenty patients with active TO (Group 1), 25 patients with inactive TO (Group 2), and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (Group 3) were included in this study. Patients with other systemic and ocular diseases, patients with a history of intraocular or orbital surgery, and patients using systemic drugs were excluded. The VISA (vision, inflammation, strabismus, appearance) classification scheme was used to discriminate between active and inactive TO. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and the MPV of all participants were recorded. The NLR was calculated by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count, and the result was compared between groups. The optimal cut-off value was determined for NLR and MPV and the data were compared with a one-way analysis of variance test and the ’Bonferroni post-test. Results: The mean age was 45.4±13.4, 41.0±13.7, and 42.6±14.4 years in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p=0.68). The NLR was 2.11 in Group 1, 1.56 in Group 2, and 1.47 in Group 3 (p=0.03). The ’Bonferroni post-test revealed a difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.01) and between Group 1 and Group 3 (p<0.001). The MPV was 10.76 fL in Group 1, 9.94 fL in Group 2, and 8.19 fL in Group 3 (p<0.001). The results of the ’Bonferroni post-test showed a difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.04), between Group 1 and Group 3 (p<0.001), and between Group 2 and Group 3 (p<0.001). The mean cut-off value obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of NLR was 1.69 (sensitivity: 72%; specificity: 66%). The mean cut-off value obtained from ROC analysis of MPV was 9.95 (sensitivity: 63%; specificity: 66%). Conclusion: High NLR and MPV values may be indicative of active inflammation in patients with TO. ”
Measuring team trust: A critical and meta‐analytical review

Funding information National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Grant/Award Number: UL1 TR003167 Summary Team trust is gaining attention in research and practice due to its benefits for team performance, yet clarity about the intricacies of its measurement is needed. Therefore, we meta-analyzed 118 studies (N = 7,738) to untangle the role of measurement features by investigating the degree to which they influence the trust– performance relationship. Results showed that the trust–performance relationship is contingent upon time lag and source of measurement. Specifically, cross-sectional and single-source studies produced higher effect sizes than time-lagged and different-source studies. In contrast, the moderating roles of conceptualization– operationalization alignment and referent of trust measures were not supported. Post hoc analyses revealed that affective trust is more strongly related to global, versus specific team outcomes, and that mixed-referent items are particularly effective within intact teams, whereas the trust–performance relationship is constrained when direct consensus items are used within ad hoc teams. Furthermore, we provided a critical review that highlights the importance of composites, multilevel forces, and item content and wording. Finally, we clarified key gaps in the literature, calling for research where needed. This review serves as a bridge between conceptualization and measurement and lays the groundwork for advancing knowledge of team trust.
Physical activity among Chinese university administrators: a path analysis

Abstract The university is a unique environment equipped with multiple resources to provide physical activity (PA) opportunities. Research related to university administrators’ PA though scarce, has potential benefits for all individuals on campus. This study aimed to examine factors impacting PA among university administrators, hoping to gain insights on decision-makers’ perspective on PA promotion. Information regarding participants’ PA behaviors, intentions, perceived health, body mass index (BMI) and common demographic factors was collected using a survey. A total of 474 Chinese university administrators participated with 443 completed surveys. Path analysis was used to test the predictive and mediational role of variables on total PA (TPA). It was found that attitudes mediated the effects of BMI and perceived health on TPA; subjective norms and self-efficacy had significant direct effects and mediated the effects of satisfaction and attitudes on TPA. The non-significant effects of intention on PA participation were not expected. The results indicated that improving administrators’ PA beliefs and attitudes might be an effective way to promote an active lifestyle in higher education settings through policy, opportunity and facility.
Saving Face Through Preference Signaling and Obligation Avoidance

Abstract Many individuals act more selfishly in games when actions are hidden and their image is not at risk. However, some individuals may still desire to publicly signal reciprocity or other socially desired behavior in these contexts. These individuals may view hidden actions not as an opportunity to act selfishly, but rather as an obstacle to signaling preferences or type. Study 1 tests this by implementing a trust game where nature stochastically intervenes and allocates nothing in place of the second-mover's choice. When nature intervenes, many second-movers choose to sacrifice pay in order to truthfully signal that they attempted to allocate more, and that they therefore tried to reciprocate. Since signaling can be costly, Study 2 tests whether some individuals strategically reject interactions that could necessitate this type of signaling response. Players play two rounds of dictator games of increasing size, swapping roles in between. In treatments that allow it, many players reject allocations from their partner in the first round; they then act more selfishly as the dictator in the subsequent, higher-stakes round. Together, these results emphasize that the need to signal reciprocity or other socially desired behavior can influence how people engage with and respond to others in strategic contexts.
Improved Arachis hypogeae variety effect on grain yield, fodder quality and livestock growth

The hypothesis that improved groundnut (Arachis hypogea) varieties could improve seed and fodder yield and livestock growth performance was evaluated in two experiments: 1) an agronomic trial to determine the yield and yield component of groundnut varieties; and 2) fodder quality of groundnut varieties and its effect on growth performance of sheep. Four improved groundnut varieties (early-maturing: Yenyawoso, late-maturing: Azivivi, Obolo and Mani pinta) were evaluated for 2 yr in a randomized complete block design with four replications in the agronomic and livestock feeding trials. The results from the agronomic trial showed that the late-maturing varieties had significantly higher pods/plant, pod size, seed and fodder yields than Yenyawoso. Obolo had significantly higher seed yield whilst Azivivi had significantly higher fodder yield among the late-maturing varieties. The fodder quality and feeding trial showed that Yenyawoso had significantly higher dry matter, crude protein and resulted in significantly higher live weight gain of Djallonke rams than the other varieties. The Mani pinta variety had significantly higher live weight gain among the late-maturing varieties. Smallholder crop-livestock farmers interested in both seed and livestock growth could use Mani pinta, those interested in only seed yield could use Obolo and those interested in quality fodder for fattening of small ruminants could use Yenyawoso. Thus, groundnut breeding programs could consider fodder quality in addition to seed and fodder yield as selection criteria to develop varieties that best fit into crop-livestock farming systems.