Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C seropositivity in lichen planus: a case control study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Lichen planus (LP), an immune-mediated disorder, has been reported as an extra-hepatic manifestation of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially in HCV hyper endemic areas such as southern Europe and Japan. In India, the association between LP and HCV is documented in many studies. The aim of this study was to investigate hepatitis C virus infection in patients with lichen planus from an epidemiological standpoint and determine the sero-positivity of hepatitis C virus in patients with lichen planus and also to describe clinical profile of lichen planus in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. Methods: This hospital-based case control study was conducted over 167 patients and 167 controls, evaluation included detailed history, cutaneous examination, routine blood tests and ELISA test for seropositivity. Results: In this case control study 5.4% of the total study population presented with hepatitis c infection. Hepatitis C infection was more common in oral LP out of all the HCV positivity obtained in LP patients. Male to female ratio was 1:2.2. Prevalence of HCV infection was found to be slightly more in cases (6.6%) than controls (4.2%) but there is no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of HCV infection among cases and controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, from the evaluation of our epidemiological data, any etiological link between LP and HCV could not be found in our population and an etiological link between LP and HCV cannot be inferred solely by epidemiological data.
Measuring ecosystem multifunctionality across scales

Multifunctionality refers to the capacity of an area to supply multiple ecosystem functions or services. While many conceptual and methodological advances have focused on defining and quantifying multifunctionality, the challenge of dealing with cross-scale dynamics of multifunctionality remains open. This study proposes a new way of measuring multifunctionality across spatial scales, illustrated with a European-wide dataset of 18 ecosystem services. Our assessment captures not only the diversity of ecosystem services supplied within each municipality (alpha-multifunctionality), but also the unique contribution of each municipality to the regional ecosystem service diversity (beta-multifunctionality). This cross-scale analysis helps better understanding the spatial distribution of ecosystem services, which is required to design management and policies at the right scale. Our analysis shows that alpha-multifunctionality follows a latitudinal gradient across Europe and strongly decreases towards the city centers of metropolitan areas. By relating alpha- and beta-multifunctionality to land use intensity, we show that low-intensity management systems support higher ecosystem multifunctionality across Europe. Municipalities of low alpha-multifunctionality often contribute significantly to regional multifunctionality, by providing ecosystem services of a specific value to the region. Our method to measure both alpha- and beta-multifunctionality thus provides a new way to inform reconciliation of competing land uses when maximizing alpha-multifunctionality is not reasonable.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AT THE CROSSROADS OF ONLINE AND OFFLINE SPACES: A PLS-SEM ASSESSMENT

This study addresses citizen implication in societal issues, and analysis it at the crossroads of online and offline spaces. It draws on previous literature to advance a research model which differentiates between online and offline forms of civic engagement, and tests their relationships with people's attitudes and behaviors. Results show that both attitudes and behaviors are influenced by offline and online engagement, pointing out the driving role of the online side in forming civic attitudes, and the powerful direct effect exerted by the offline side on civic behavior. The research findings explain attitudinal and behavioral outcomes of online and offline civic engagement. Indicating that people become more involved in civic issues due to the digital evolution, the study extends prior literature and proposes an inclusive framework for understanding online and offline civic engagement, from a theoretical, instrumental, and empirical point of view. Additionally, the paper offers an up-dated scale for measuring the online civic engagement, by adding a 6th item (crowdfunding) into existent scale.
The Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap in Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction

Introduction: The pectoralis major flap was initially described by Ariyan in the 1970s. It has high acceptance due to its versatility for head and neck cancer reconstruction. Methods: This flap was used for the reconstruction of 46 patients with head and neck cancer, as following: mouth/tongue reconstruction (24); pharyngoesophageal transit reconstruction (11); repair of cervical skin loss (4); pharynx reconstruction (2); repair of facial skin loss (3); repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula (1) and salvage reconstruction after rotational flap necrosis (1). Results: Total necrosis of the flap was observed in two patients, partial necrosis in six and partial dehiscence in eleven. Conclusions: The pectoralis major flap is functionally adequate for the repair of large surgical defects.
Can Vitamin D Supplementation Reduce Insulin Resistance and Hence the Risks of Type 2 Diabetes?

1 The question of whether or not correction of vitamin D deficiency might reduce the risks of later type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been under debate for many decades. The necessity of vitamin D for normal insulin secretion was first identified experimentally in the 1980s [1,2]. In view of the long run-in period during which increased insulin resistance develops, eventually becoming associated with the development of many or all of the features of the metabolic syndrome, it is not surprising that once all the features of the metabolic syndrome were seen to be associated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency [3] reports began to appear looking for suggestive associations and later for reduction in T2DM risks with vitamin D supplementation since vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency remain so common, globally [4,5].
LC-MS / MS analysis of MMA in plasma / serum and urine

Subclinical vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency frequently occurs and over the years numerous clinical symptoms may become apparent [1, 2]. These include neurological and psychological disorders, anaemia, pregnancy complications and miscarriages. However, through early diagnosis and vitamin B12 supplementation, irreversible neurological damage and other health problems can be prevented. Recent studies have shown that additional intake of vitamin B12 along with B6 and folic acid in the form of dietary supplements may protect against age-related diseases [3].
Social Networking (SNS) Addiction among University Students: A Literature Review and Research Directions

The main objective of this literature review is to provide empirical and conceptual insight into SNS addiction by exploring potential SNS addiction, examining the personalities of SNS addicted users, and exploring SNS addiction’s negative consequences on well-being, social and academic life. The results revealed that there was no concordance among previous studies on which gender is the most likely to be addicted to SNS. Moreover, the addiction symptoms linked with SNS addiction were cognitive and behavioral salience, conflict with other activities, euphoria, loss of control, withdrawal, and relapse/reinstatement. Previous SNS’s studies determined a high prevalence rate of addiction to SNS among university students. The review revealed that 18.4% of the reviewed studies agreed that SNS addiction is significantly and positively related to depression and Neuroticism. Although 78% of the reviewed previous studies have highlighted several potential negative correlations of extensive SNS usage and addiction on university student well-being, social, and academic life, however, these studies gave more attention to the negative impact on students’ academic performance.
Children learning probability through the “bunny’s random walks” game

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the learning of basic concepts of probability by children through a game. The design of this study was the game application “Bunny’s random walks”, involving the concepts of equiprobability, chance and randomness, with 17 elementary students from a public school in Brazil. The participants were asked about a ‘fair’ way (intuitive, informal term for equiprobable, same chance) and unpredictable (intuitive, informal term for random) to choose who would start a game but the students proposed different ways, some not equally likely (using child songs), while others, though equally probable and random. It is observed that the use of playful activities similar to this game can help build probabilistic concepts and contribute to the development of the probabilistic literacy of children. The importance of this study is to contribute to studies about teaching and learning of probability to children through games.
Clinico-Bacteriological Study of Neonatal Septicaemia with Special Reference to Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Sick Newborns Admitted In a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kolkata

Neonatal sepsis is a major healthcare burden responsible for high rates of neonatal mortality. Due to its non-specific signs and symptoms and delay in identification, it poses a great challenge to the clinician in ruling out sepsis at an early stage. The present study was undertaken to identify the recent trends in bacteriological profile associated with neonatal sepsis, their antibiotic resistance pattern and the major risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis. In this cross-sectional study, blood cultures were performed from suspected cases of neonatal sepsis. Growth was identified by standard microbiological techniques and antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and ESBL (Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase) or AmpC β-Lactamase and carbapenemase production was detected phenotypically following CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute) guidelines. Out of 812 blood samples collected, 177 (21.79%) were culture positive, 85 (48.02%) isolates were Gram positive Cocci, 76 (42.93%) were Gram negative Bacilli and 16 (9.03%) were Candida spp. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Klebsiella spp. & Acinetobacter spp. A high percentage of MRSA & AmpC producers were observed in present study, these were associated with clinical conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, prolonged rupture of membrane (>12hrs) & low birth weight. Strengthening rapid detection, along with stringent infection control program and antibiotic stewardship can help to reduce neonatal sepsis and it will allow us to minimise the use of reserve drugs to battle out sepsis at an early stage.
YOUNG SAUDI FEMALES AND SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING, An Impirical Study

As social media continues to attract hundreds millions of users around the world, marketers see out to use social media as a venue for their marketing messages. It is important to understand what consumers on the receiving side of the ads think about those messages displayed on social media sites. This study examined social media usage, perceptions and behaviors of female students towards advertisements displayed on social media sites. A questionnaire survey was administered to 223 female undergraduate students at King Saud University. The study gave mixed results, that the majority of students as fully aware of advertising on social network sites. Almost half of the respondents stated that they follow; being a friend or fan of a company page and they mostly have a good perception about companies’ presence on social networks site. Credibility, entertainment and informativeness were identified as significant positive predictors of Saudi females’ attitude towards social media advertising while irritation have very minimum (non-significant) negative influence on the attitude towards social network advertising. Convenient sampling technique and the generalization are main limitations associated with the paper. Keywords: Social media marketing, consumers perception, consumers attitude, Saudi Arabia. Females.
Prevalence and Pattern of Mental Illness among School Age Children Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Six Year Study

Background: A sound mental health in school age children is critical for good academic achievements and a better transition from childhood to adulthood. The increasing prevalence of mental illness in school age children, especially the adolescents, is of great public health concern globally. Aim: The aim of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence and pattern of mental health disorders among school age children seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methodology: Consent for the study was obtained from the research ethical committee of the hospital. Medical case notes of all patients aged 5 years to 18 years seen in the clinic by Consultant Child and adolescent Psychiatrists from 2015 to 2019 were retrieved and thoroughly reviewed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package and results presented using descriptive and analytical methods. Original Research Article Nkporbu and Alex-Hart; INDJ, 13(3-4): 1-10, 2019; Article no.INDJ. 54877 2 Results: Out of 7,856 patients seen in the Neuropsychiatry Clinic within the period under review, 408 (5.2%) were children aged between 5 to 18 years. Male was higher with 232 (56.9%). The most prevalent mental illnesses were anxiety disorders, 58 (14.2%), depressive illnesses 46 (11.3%), schizophrenic illness 44 (10.8%), mental and behavioural abnormality secondary to substance abuse (MABD) 43 (10.5%), bipolar affective disorders 37 (9.1%), while conversion disorders was the least with 3 (0.7%). Conclusion: Mental disorders are common among school age children seen in UPTH and often impair the emotional wellbeing of this population. A detailed and well worked out plan of management is needed to provide optimal mental health services to children and adolescents. Wellcoordinated mental health services should be inculcated into the School Health Programme in Nigeria.
Gender Mainstreaming In Government Institutions Through Effective Gender Responsive Budget

Since 2000 the Government of Indonesia has begun to pay attention to the issue of equality of women, as evidenced through the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 9 of 2000 concerning Gender Mainstreaming in National Development. In the Inpres stated the purpose of Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) is the implementation of planning, drafting, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating gender development policies and national programs. In order to achieve this, an effective gender responsive budget is needed. The purpose of this study is to examine and determine the factors that influence the performance of gender responsive budgeting. This research is quantitative research. The type of data used in this study is primary data through a questionnaire. The population of this study were employees involved in the process of gender responsive budgeting in 20 Government Work Units namely 75 employees, in the form of 60 employees who were still actively compiling gender responsive budgets plus 15 employees who had compiled gender responsive budgets in previous assignments. Based on the discussion in this study which has been described previously, then some conclusions can be drawn that organizational commitment has a positive and significant effect on the performance of gender responsive budgeting. Furthermore, the external pressure variable does not moderate the relationship between organizational commitment and the performance of gender responsive budgeting, and the environmental uncertainty variable also does not moderate the relationship between organizational commitment and the performance of gender responsive budgeting and organizational culture variables also does not moderate the relationship between organizational commitment and responsive budgeting performance gender.
Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Obturated with Different Root Canal Sealers (In vitro study)

Aim of the study: was to compare the in vitro effect of three different root canal sealers used with gutta-percha, on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human single-rooted mandibular premolars were used for the study. Teeth were decoronated to a standard root length of 14 mm. MPro rotary files up to master rotary size 25/6% were used for preparing the root canals. Teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 each) based on the type of root canal sealers used and the obturation was completed using gutta-percha; Group I: AH Plus root canal sealer, Group II: Endoseal MTA sealer, Group III: Bioroot RCS sealer, Group IV: Control-1 (prepared- unfilled) and Group V: Control-2 (unprepared-unfilled). Each specimen was embedded in acrylic mold and subjected to fracture resistance test using a universal testing machine under compressive loading at a rate of 1.0 mm/min until fracture. The force required to fracture each specimen was recorded and the data obtained were statistically analyzed (analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-t test) with level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The unprepared-unfilled group showed the highest mean fracture resistance followed by AH Plus group, Bioroot RCS group, then the Endoseal MTA group. While the prepared-unfilled group showed the least mean fracture resistance. There was no statistically significant difference between all groups.Conclusion: It could be concluded that Bioroot RCS and Endoseal MTA are able to reinforce the tooth against fracture as good as AH Plus.
The Prevalence of Salmonellosis in Patients with Malaria Attending an Urban Hospital in Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the rate of co-infection of Malaria/typhoid fever among patients attending the hospital. Study Design: The study was a hospital based cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Centre Medical Camrail, de Bassa (CMCD), Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon, from April to May 2015. Methods: One hundred and sixty (160) blood and stool Samples were collected. Blood samples were subjected to microscopic examination used for the malaria parasite. Widal agglutination slide Original Research Article Njolle et al.; JAMMR, 32(2): 32-45, 2020; Article no.JAMMR. 54635 33 and tube test were performed for the identification of antibodies to Salmonella typhi and stool culture used for isolation of Salmonella species. Results: Overall malaria prevalence was 19.4% (31/160) with a geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) of 788.62±1945.763 parasites/μL of blood. The overall prevalence of typhoid fever by stool culture was 32.5% (52/160) while malaria/typhoid fever and malaria/non-typhoidal salmonella co-infection rates were 29% (9) and 7% (3) respectively. Of the positive malaria samples, 03 (4%) were identified as Salmonella typhi, 4 (5.3%) as S. typhimirium, 02 (2.6%) as S. paratyphi A and 03 (4%) as S. paratyphi B. They were no significant relationship between malaria and typhoid fever (χ2=.609; p= .738). Typhoid fever was grossly under diagnosed by Widal test 1.25% (2/160) compared to stool culture 34.4% (55/160). Conclusion: The study showed the rate of co-infections of malaria and typhoid fever is relatively high. Malaria was the most prevalent disease among febrile patients in the study area. There was a substantial result discrepancy between Widal test and stool culture for the diagnosis of typhoid fever.
Performance Evaluation of the Tree Augmented Naïve Bayes Classifier for Knowledge Discovery in Healthcare Databases

Smart decision support systems (DSSs) have been successfully employed in several areas. In healthcare, these systems offer solutions for uncertain reliably acts and moments. Systems based on Bayesian networks (BNs) can generate predictions even in information lack situations. This paper proposes the modeling and presents a performance evaluation study of the Bayesian classifier named Tree Augmented Na¨ive Bayes (TAN). Results show that the proposed algorithm obtained good performance for a pregnancy database, presenting F-measure 0.92, Kappa statistic 0.8932, and ROC area 0.993. The proposed method allows representing more complex connections between variables. Nevertheless, it requires major computational effort and time that are not needed in other Bayesian algorithms.
The Link between Response Time and Choices in Choice Experiments

Response time is a possible indicator of the cognitive processes employed by choice experiment participants when making choices. The decision-making literature suggests a positive correlation between slower response time and rational thinking, which is consistent with standard theories of decision-making. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between response time and respondents’ choices. We disentangle preference and willingness-to-pay estimates and explore whether response time sheds light on these aspects. Our approach entails dividing the data (ordered by response time) into three subsets. While the effects of response time have been investigated previously, this paper’s emphasis is on assessing the time respondents require to answer self-administered face-to-face stated-preference surveys. To accurately capture response time, we make use of electronic gadgets for data collection instead of traditional paperbased methods. We use data on water-efficient technologies to test the impact of response time. Using generalised mixed logit models, we compare results from an analysis of average responses, fast responses, slow responses and whole sample data. Overall, we find that response times did not affect results.
How is NLR and PLR affected in Type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy population?

Objective: Diabetes Mellitus (DM); has become an important public health problem in Turkey and in the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio and platelet / lymphocyte ratio in diabetic patients compared to healthy population in terms of cost effectiveness. Material and Methods: A control group consisting of 82 diabetics and 85 healthy individuals who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinic between January 2019 and November 2019 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with diabetes and healthy individuals. Files were scanned retrospectively and hemoglobin, mean platelet volume (MPV), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), hematocrit counts (hct), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count (plt), platelet lymphocyte ratio (NLR) PLR) has been recorded. Results: We retrospectively compared the demographic and laboratory parameters of the healthy group and the diabetic patients (82 patients and 85 healthy). The mean age of the diabetic group was 55.9 years, while the mean age of the healthy group was 37.5. Mean NLR was 2.4 and 2.1 in diabetic and healthy groups, respectively. NLR value was higher in diabetic group compared to healthy group and there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.07). MPV values in diabetic group and healthy group were 8.53 and 8.51, respectively, and there was no significant relationship between them (p = 0.81). PLR value was 145.9 and 146.7 in diabetic group and healthy group, respectively, and we did not find any significant relationship (p = 0.97). Discussion: As a result; In our study, when we evaluated the diabetic group within the diabetic group and the healthy group, we could not find a statistically significant relationship between the groups in terms of hematological parameters.