Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pelvic inflammatory disease and contraception: a cross-sectional study in teritary center

Aim: The purpose of our study in the light of this information; to investigate the relationship between the contraceptive methods used in the patient population treated for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in a tertiary center with clinical and laboratory features and clinical outcome of PID. Material and Method: This is a cross-sectional study using the anamnesis, examination findings, microbiological and pathological evaluation results of vaginal and cytological samples recorded in the hospital database of 974 patients treated with a diagnosis of PID in a tertiary center between 2017 and 2019. Results: Copper-Intrauterine Device (Cu-IUD) was the most commonly used contraceptive method in women with a history of PID. When the cervicovaginal culture results are evaluated; E.coli positivity was more frequent in patients using CU-IUD and Levonorgesterone IUD (LNG-IUD) (<0.001). The frequency of reproduction was higher in Group B streptococcus (<0.001) and other streptococcus species (= 0.006) in those using condoms. While staphylococcus (= 0.041) and clamydia trochomatis positivity was higher in combined oral contraceptives (COC) users, C. Trochomatis growth was frequent in depot medroxyprogeterone acetate (DMPA) users (<0.001). Re-hospitalization was more common in the DMPA group compared to the other groups (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Contraceptive methods may affect the genital flora and may be a predisposing factor for the development of PID or prevent the development of PID.
Prevalence and risk factors of otitis media with effusion in primary school children in Mersin

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and related risk factors among primary school children in Mersin. Material and Method: The study was conducted at eight primary government schools in the distinct socioeconomic district between October 2018 and December 2018. Using the combined physical examination and otoscopic evaluations, a total of 960 children included the study. Findings: Of the children who were screened, 53.2% were girls and the mean age was 7.57 ± 0.45 years (min: 5 - max: 11 years). In this study, OME prevalence was 2,6% (20 of 761 children) and all children had bilateral OME. There was no statistically significant difference between the presence of OME and the number of people at home, incoming level, month of birth, birth weight, duration of breastfeeding, age average, class, gender, smoking in the house, presence of hearing loss in the family, history of otitis in the family, use of pacifier, use of baby bottle, presence of allergy, previous history of otitis, the presence of open mouth, snoring and tonsil grades. Conclusion: Although the low prevalence of OME in our study, considering that OME and its possible preventive severe complications, screening for OME should be a part of preventive health services, particularly for primary school children.
Residents’ Quality of Life in Smart Tourism Destinations: A Theoretical Approach

The objective of this research is to propose a theoretical model based on studies on residents’ quality of life in smart tourism destinations. Smart tourism destinations are territories based on information and communication technologies (ICT), which improve travelers’ tourist experiences as well as affect the quality of life of residents. To know the context of the relationships between tourism and quality of life, main studies and theories regarding these two phenomena are analyzed. Likewise, the relationship between smart places and quality of life is also studied. Therefore, a theoretical model on residents’ quality of life in smart tourism destinations is proposed based on a systematized analysis of the literature. From the theoretical model, it is perceived that residents’ overall life satisfaction results from the relationship between perceived tourism impacts and satisfaction with specific life factors, and they are measured by qualitative indicators. Also, it is identified that the quality of life of residents is clearly influenced by the impacts of tourism and ICTs. In addition, it is understood that the residents’ overall life satisfaction corroborates for the further development of the smart tourism destination. Finally, we understand that the knowledge of residents’ perception and satisfaction of their quality of life contribute to formulation and implementation of urban and tourism development policies in smart tourism destinations.
Experimentos computacionales con métodos lineales en el reconocimiento taxonómico de insectos

Object recognition methods are applied for taxonomic classification by extracting characteristic information of insect wing images. We analysed wing images of two insect groups (Hemiptera: Triatominae and Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) and different taxonomic levels (genus, subgenus and species). Instead of using a traditional method such as geometric morphometry, which requires the prior digitization of coordinates that explain the wing geometry, we processed the complete noisy images using lineal methods. Our results show that methods based on supervised training achieve, on average, the same outcome as the traditional method, which indeed suggests that the entire wing structure has relevant taxonomic information.
Colorimetric Detection of Ammonia Using Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Durian Fruit Shell

There has been increased interest in the production of nanoparticles (NP) through green chemistry. This article used durian fruit shell aqueous solution that acts as a reductive preparation of silver NPs. The silver nanoparticles have a size of approximately 25 nm. The NP size uniformity was determined by the SEM and TEM analysis. X-ray diffraction technique was used to characterize crystalline silver nanoparticles face-centered cubic structure. XPS spectrum showed distinct silver peaks on the nanoparticles’ surface. An optical method that was based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to perform the green Ag NPs aqueous ammonia sensing study. Optical measurement facilitated the ammonia sensing study of Ag NPs that had been prepared. The study also investigated the performance of the optical sensor, thus adding validity to the study. Also, the research sought to determine how the concentration of ammonia in ammonia sensing affects the Ag NPs that had been obtained. The study observed a linear relationship with R2 as the correlation factor which was equal to 0.9831. This was observed from the ammonia concentration plot versus absorption ratio that suggested that there was a linear increase in absorption ratio with increase in ammonia concentration. The study significance is that the room temperature optical ammonia sensor can be used in future for medical diagnosis in the detection of low levels of ammonia in biological fluid like sweat, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, plasma, or biological samples. This enhances the application of the technique in human biomedical applications.
Diet metabolisability and performance of slow-growing chickens fed with cottonseed cake

The aim of this study was to evaluate poultry performance and diet metabolisability in slow- growing naked neck chickens fed different substitution levels of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% substitution of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein), six replicates and fifteen birds per replicate. The birds and diets of each experimental unit were weighed at one day old. At 30, 60 and 85 days old, the chickens and leftovers were weighed again to estimate the feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion (FC) and final weight (FW) from 1 to 30 days, from 1 to 60 days and from 1 to 85 days old. To evaluate diet metabolisability, a three-day total excreta collection (26 to 28 days of age) was performed. A quadratic effect was reported for diet metabolisability, in which the minimum substitution level was 17.45% and 17.69% for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn), respectively. Based on performance, it is recommended to replace 40% soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein.
Documenting Ceremonial Situations and Institutional Change at Middle Woodland Geometric Enclosures in Central Kentucky

ABSTRACT The construction of earthen enclosures changed how the Middle Woodland landscape was monumentalized in central Kentucky. Archaeologists have long associated these monuments with important social changes, leading to modern interpretations of these mounds as material evidence for cooperative labor, large kin-based coalitions, and pan-regional ritual practices and cosmological beliefs. We conducted research at nine enclosures in central Kentucky that allowed us to examine the evidence for their potential correlation with astronomical phenomena and identify variability in how enclosures were constructed. In this article we present archaeoastronomical and geoarchaeological data from these nine sites to explore how local groups built and used geometric enclosures. Our data led us to consider the diverse ceremonial situations under which these monuments were constructed. We suggest that the variability present in, and the spread of, small enclosures reflects both the simultaneous reinterpretation and adoption of pan-regional institutions during local manifestations of a Middle Woodland situation.
Diversity of insects associated with two common plants in the Brazilian Cerrado: Responses of two guilds of herbivores to bottom-up and top-down forces

The Trophic Cascade Theory has been used to explain the organization of herbivorous insect communities in tropical ecosystems. In addition, the insect community associated with a species of plant can also be determined by the geographical distribution and taxonomic isolation of the plant. In this study, the following predictions about the number of herbivores associated with particular host plants were tested: (i) plant species belonging to large taxonomic groups with broad geographical distributions have a higher number, (ii) the abundance of ants negatively affects herbivore insect diversity, (iii) local plant diversity positively affects chewing herbivore diversity and (iv) local abundance of a specific host plant positively affects the diversity of sucking herbivores. The samples of insect herbivores were collected from 32 plants (16 plants of Erythroxylum suberosum and 16 of Qualea parviflora) by beating. A total of 71 ants (13 species) and 158 herbivorous insects (90 species) were collected from these two species of plants. The richness and abundance of the insect herbivores collected from E. suberosum differed from those collected from Q. parviflora. The abundance of ants negatively affected the diversity of sucking insects associated with E. suberosum. In addition, the interaction between the variables total plant richness per plot and ant abundance affected the diversity of chewing insects associated with E. suberosum. The density of Q. parviflora per plot affected the diversity of associated sucking insects. In addition, the interaction of the variables abundance of ants and abundance of Q. parviflora influenced the diversity of chewing insects. Our results indicate that there is no predominance of bottom-up or top-down forces in the organization of herbivorous insect communities in this area of tropical savanna, but the roles of these forces on insect communities are guild-dependent.
Expression analysis in response to heat stress in moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal)

Among abiotic stresses, heat stress has a large negative impact upon agricultural productivity worldwide. Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal) is attracting a great deal of attention due to its drought and heat stress tolerance nature although genotypic variability exists. Genotypes of moth bean were subjected to heat stress to reveal the pattern of expression of genes. Many heat shock proteins (HSPs) and Super oxide dismutase (MnSOD) are differentially regulated in plants subjected to heat stress. Twenty days-old moth bean seedlings were exposed to a temperature of 55°C for 30 minutes. Total RNA was extracted from stressed and control plants, proceed for qRT-PCR analysis. Heat shock protein (HSP70) and MnSOD were significantly up-regulated in Jwala, Jadia, Marumoth and RMO 40 genotypes of moth bean and downregulated in genotypes with accession numbers, IC 121051, IC 36392, IC 140725 and IC 472257. This study would help in identifying heat tolerant varieties in moth bean and related Vigna species for future breeding programmes.
Avoiding left-to-right, top-to-bottom: An examination of high school students’ executive functioning skills and strategies for reading non-linear graphic text

Abstract The present study focused on examining how individuals make adaptations while reading non-linear graphic text by examining the role of executive functioning, as well as identifying and describing the reading processes individuals use while reading. Sixty-seven students in Grades 9 through 12 engaged in verbal reporting while reading graphic text, in addition to answering comprehension questions and engaging in tasks designed to measure executive functioning. Both planning ability and a comprehensive measure of executive functioning were significantly correlated with graphic text comprehension, and the comprehensive measure significantly predicted comprehension of graphic text. The researchers identified that reading the text using a process generalized from other types of text (left-to-right, top-to-bottom) was negatively related to comprehension, suggesting that taking a more dynamic and adaptive approach to reading non-linear text may be more effective. Reading processes used with graphic text are discussed and described using the language of participants, and implications for practice are discussed.
High internal quantum efficiency and optically pumped stimulated emission in AlGaN-based UV-C multiple quantum wells

Internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and stimulated emission properties of AlGaN-based UV-C multiple quantum wells grown on c-plane sapphire substrates were assessed using photoluminescence spectroscopy. The IQEs were estimated to be 53% at room temperature and 16% at 750 K. Furthermore, optically pumped stimulated emission was clearly observed at room temperature. The threshold excitation power densities were estimated to be 13 kW/cm2 at 10 K and 69 kW/cm2 at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the threshold excitation power density suggested that the mechanism of optical gain formation changed from excitonic transition to degenerated electron–hole plasma between 200 and 250 K.
Local and biogeographic determinants and stochasticity of tree population demography

Demographic events such as the birth and death of organisms are ubiquitous in nature. Disentangling the processes that underlie the demographic dynamics of species is fundamental to understanding how biodiversity is organized and will be re‐organized at multiple scales. To provide new insights on multispecies demographic dynamics, I designed the present study to focus on local and biogeographic influences on mortality and recruitment rates for tree populations in forest biomes throughout the Japanese archipelago. Most populations exhibited mortality that fell within the 95% confidence intervals of a neutral model (i.e. the expectation of demographic stochasticity). However, there were also important determinants that make population dynamics to deviate from the neutral expectation. Interspecific niche differentiation was important to reduce the mortality rate, regardless of the local rarity or ubiquity of a species. Although intraspecific aggregation that caused density‐dependent mortality was only significant for locally abundant species, the degree of isolation from a species’ central or optimal range determined mortality only for locally rare species. These differences between rare and common species provide important empirical quantification of aspects of population dynamics that have been less accounted for in ecology and biogeography studies. Synthesis. Unifying different theories such as those rooted in local‐scale community ecology and macro‐scale biogeography is important. At this juncture, this study emphasizes that disentangling the interactive roles of demographic stochasticity and determinism that operate at different scales would be a clue to advance the field of ecology both in theory and practice.
COVID-19 cytokine storm treated successfully: As reported by two doctor victims

Covid-19 worldwide pandemic struck India when 1st case was reported on Jan3Oth 2020 Amidst the great challenge faced by treating physicians, to cure their patients, with continuously evolving management strategies, some also got infected, despite of all preventive measures taken We present here two such cases where the doctors themselves have narrated their course of disease and management plus back up support Proper strategic management of the illness according to WHO and ICMR protocols, along with good physicians' cover 24/7 was the hallmark of good outcome Timely identification and immediate treatment of cytokine storm helped in allaying the worsening of pulmonary and other systemic effects of the disease
Characterisation and comparison of the mucosa-associated bacterial communities across the gastrointestinal tract of stranded green turtles, Chelonia mydas

Chelonia mydas are primarily herbivorous long-distance migratory sea turtles that contribute to marine ecosystems. Extensive research has been conducted to restore the populations of green turtles. Little is known about their gut microbiota which plays a vital role in their health. We investigated the mucosa-associated bacterial communities across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a total four (3, juvenile and 1, adult) stranded green turtles. Samples taken from four GI regions including oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine were analysed by high-throughput sequencing targeting hypervariable V1-V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity and richness decreased longitudinally along the GI tract from oesophagus to the small intestine of stranded turtles. The large intestine showed a higher bacterial diversity and richness compared to small intestine. The bacterial community of green turtles' GI tract was largely dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria. Aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria prevailed primarily in the oesophagus while anaerobes (Lachnospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae and Ruminococcaceae) constituted the bulk of large intestinal microbiota. Firmicutes dominated the GI tract except within the small intestine where Proteobacteria prevailed. At the OTU level, six percent of the total OTUs (>1% relative abundance) were common in all GI regions. This is a comprehensive characterisation of bacterial microbiota across the GI tract in green turtles which will provide a reference for future studies on turtle gut microbiome and their metabolism to improve their health and nutrition during rehabilitation.
Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Streptococcus mutans Levels among Lebanese Preschool Children with Early Childhood Caries.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE We checked in this study the correlation between total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Streptococcus mutans (SM) levels in saliva derived from Lebanese children with inappropriate eating habits and showing early childhood caries (ECC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty Lebanese preschool children with similar alimentation were included in this study and divided into two groups. Group I included children having 0 cavities where group II contained children having ECC. We measured the SM and IgA levels collected from saliva and dental plaque. RESULTS We observed a significant difference in SM levels between the two groups (p < 0.001). There was a marginal correlation between salivary total IgA and SM collected from dental plaque (r = 0.33, p = 0.077). However, no significant correlation was detected between total salivary IgA and salivary SM (p = 0.35). CONCLUSION This study suggests the absence of significant relationship between salivary markers of immune system and the development of ECC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Early childhood caries is a public dental health problem that has been affecting preschool children all over the world. Its prevention must be a priority for all professionals in the medical and dental community. This study highlights the absence of correlation between total IgA and SM collected from the saliva. This does not completely exclude the preventive role of salivary immune components, but further studies are required to better understand this relationship.
A policy feedback and socio-technical approach to e-participation (PFSTEP): A cross-national analysis of technology and institutions to explain e-participation

ABSTRACT This paper aims at explaining the difference in e-participation (or online public participation) across countries using a conceptual model that is quantitatively analyzed using panel data. The model is based on the theories of policy feedback and socio-technical approach in the participation literature and explores the mediating and moderating role of technology on institutions. The technology variable is measured along four dimensions of information and communication technology (ICT), namely, infrastructure, affordability, skills, and usage. The institutions variable is measured along the two dimensions of political and regulatory environment and political rights and civil liberties. The study is significant as it quantitatively analyzes a complex longitudinal relationship between institutions, technology, and e-participation and finds support for institutions’ role as antecedents to technology. Findings inform that ICT skills play a mediating role while ICT infrastructure and usage act as moderator for institutions’ impact on e-participation.
Chemical and Biological Properties of Sandy Loam Soil in Response to Long-Term Organic–Mineral Fertilisation in a Warm-Summer Humid Continental Climate

In 2019, 71 years after the establishment of a static fertiliser experiment, the chemical and biological properties of Luvisol soil with sandy-loam grain-size composition were determined. Soil samples were taken from six fertilised treatments: half-dose nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in mineral fertilisers (½ NPK); full-dose nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK); manure fertilisation + nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and liming (FYM NPK Mg Ca); manure + mineral fertilisers without magnesium and liming (FYM NPK); manure + nitrogen and phosphorus (FYM NP); manure + nitrogen and potassium (FYM NK). The soil was tested in two layers at depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm. Soil samples were tested for: pH in 1 M KCl (pH); electrical conductivity (EC); organic carbon content (OC); content of available phosphorus (Pa), potassium (Ka), magnesium (Mga) and sulphate sulphur (S-SO4); total number of bacteria (Bt), cellulolytic microorganisms (Bc), fungi (Ff) and actinomycetes (Ac); and alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and arylsulphatase (ArS) activity. The fertilisation that most favourably affected the chemical and biological properties of the soil was FYM NPK Mg Ca. This fertilisation increased: pH and EC; OC, Ka and Mga contents; Bt and Bc abundance; and AlP activity relative to all the methods of mineral and organic–mineral fertilisation that did not include all the ingredients of mineral fertilisers. On the other hand, the least favourable soil properties were formed by ½ NPK fertilisation in the 0–20 cm layer, and by the long-term use of mineral fertilisers only in the 20–40 cm layer.