bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Journey from Conception to Conservation: A Case Study of the Tomb of Nur Jahan at Shahdara, Lahore
Authors: Rashid Memoona , Ashraf Muhammad Zeshan , Sherwani Rumana Khan 
Published: February 2023

Built heritage is very important for any nation. The objective manifestation of human mind is evident in the built monuments and historic sites. The tomb of Nur Jahan is one such monument which is reminiscent of the glorious reign of the Mughal Empire. It has its own importance because it is located in the Garden Complex of Shahdara, which has remained an important gateway to Lahore since the Mughal period. The tomb has remained a neglected monument in the Garden Complex of Shahdara due to various reasons. The objective of this study is to document the monument in addition to identifying its similarities with the other tombs of the complex, reasons of its decay, and the conservation work done. The tomb has lost its gardens, architectural elements, and landscape features. It has also sustained many damages and undergone repair with the passage of time. Previous studies showed that there have been multiple causes of decay, among which flood is a major one. Although, recent conservation has saved the monument from further deterioration. Thus, a thorough conservation and restoration strategy for this neglected piece of history would be developed using documented data and visually analysed historical asset, highlighting the asset's significance within the Shahdara Garden Complex.
RADIO CHANNEL CHARACTERISTICS IN HIGH-SPEED TRAIN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION CUTTING SCENARIO
Authors: Olarenwaju Adewara Daniel , Abubakar Sadiq Bala , Nnagana Majin Rachael 
Published: February 2023

Cutting scenario is one of the common and major scenarios in HST wireless communication, as it is used for flatness and smoothness of HST track. However, very few research has been carried out on how cutting shape affects the wireless communication system in HST, hence the reasons for embarking on the investigation of radio channel characteristics in HST wireless communication in the cutting scenario. In this paper, four key parameters were identified in the cutting scenario; the width-up (Wup), width-down(Wdown), the slope of cuttings and vegetation of the environment. The statistical properties of the channel model determined, the two correlation functions; Cross correlation function and Autocorrelation function determined from the simulation. The result shows that there is a higher correlation with the larger sum of Wup and Wdown. Also, there is a similarity between the theoretical and simulated channel model
THE ROLE OF TRANSPORTATION NETWORK IN THE INTEGRATION OF HAUSA AND YORUBA ETHNIC NATIONALITIES IN FUNTUA TOWN OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Dangiwa Abubakar Lawal , Ndawayo B. A. 
Published: February 2023

The paper examined the role of transportation network in the integration of Yoruba-Hausa ethnic nationalities in Funtua Town of Katsina State. The study was inspired by agitations being made by some notable Nigerians about the possibilities of disintegration of Nigeria as corporate national entity along the lines of ethnic nationalities. This notion is often propelled by sporadic ethnic and tribal disturbances that occur in the country. However, the cordial relationship that exists in Funtua town between the Yorubas from southwestern axis of Nigeria and the indigenous Hausas cast doubt to such divisive agitations. The data obtained for this study was principally from primary source, which included discussions, in-depth face-to-face interviews, key informant and physical observational techniques. Reasons for the mixing of the two distinct ethnic groups have been investigated and discussed. The study found out that Yorubas migrated during the pre-colonial, from majorly Ogbomosho, Saki and Lagos areas, and founded Funtua at Ile Amodu and Ile Akile clans. The process continued, where Ile Ogbomoso, Ile Amodu and Ile Akile clan were established during the pre-colonial period, when the creation of rail and road networks facilitated the migration and acculturation processes, as Funtua town was linked with the Yorubaland. While, other factors related to costume and beliefs play vital role in strengthening the mutual bond between the two distinct ethnic groups into indivisible one
THE BACKGROUND CONCENTRATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS AT NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP LAYOUT, KATSINA
Authors: Samaila Aminu , Bello S. , Iliyasu S. R. , Sani M. 
Published: February 2023

An anthropogenic activities leads to the presence of heavy metals in an environment which lead to environmental pollution. The area has become gradually engage with various waste such as animal waste, refused dump, spilling of petrol, kerosene, engine oil etc which can introduces the trace heavy metals. The research of background concentration of various heavy metals in soil samples taken from the NYSC orientation camp layout, which is situated in Katsina state, Nigeria, at latitudes of 643.7 m to 798.5 m and longitudes of 18 21I32IIE to 18 28I37II, was conducted. At intervals of 100 m, soil samples were taken from the locations, and each 100 m was divided into 10 m. (A1A10). In order to determine the concentration of the five examined heavy metals, a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) was used (Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu). The locations have an average heavy metal concentration of:- 0.16009, 0.55449, 0.02804, 0.00231, and 0.10406 ppm Respectively. Significant differences were observed by comparing the mean concentration of the heavy metals in the study areas with world health organization (W.H.O) threshold limit, national and international studies and it was suggested that the samples were not contaminated with the heavy metals. But the metals were detected and there is no need for immediate implementation and remediation measures by the relevant authority. It was and recommended that industries, factories and filling station should not be located at the area in order to minimize human activities so as to maintain stable environment free from pollutants
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIA FROM URINARY TRACT INFECTION PATIENTS
Authors: Moroof M. B. , Sani S. S. , Nwoko O. L. 
Published: February 2023

The emergence and spread of resistant strains of bacteria to routinely used antibiotics has made it imperative to continuously search for alternatives that can be used to cure infections, so as not to return to pre-antibiotic era. Plants are known to contain bioactive compounds that can be explored and used in the treatment of infection. The study investigated the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of dried leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from urinary tract infection patients attending Shehu Muhammad Kangiwa Medical Centre. The photochemical screening of the crude extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum (leaf of life) carried out using standard procedures described by Trens and Jens 2002, revealed the presence of Saponins, Flavonoid, Terpenoids, Alkaloids, Phenol and Tannins . The antibacterial activity of the extracts was carried out using agar cup diffusion method. Four concentrations (200,100, 50 and 25mg/ml) of the extract were tested against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The zones of inhibition measured at 200,100, 50 and 25mg/ml were: 00,00,00 and 00 mm respectively. The extracts therefore showed no antibacterial activity against the isolates at all the four concentrations tested. The results of this study proofs that the ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum leaves has no effect on E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolated from patients with Urinary Tract Infection, and hence cannot be used to treat infections caused by these bacteria.
ORGANOCHLORINE AND ORGANOPHOSPHORUS PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN GRAINS, VEGETABLES AND FRUITS: A REVIEW
Authors: Okereafor Stella , Garba S. , Okunola O. J. , Adamu H. I. 
Published: February 2023

Organochlorin and organophosphorus pesticides are broadly applied in agriculture, primarily to boost crop yields and protect crops from pests to reach the needs of a growing global population. This review aims to assess levels of pesticide residues in grains, fruits, and vegetables from already established secondary data from different authors or journals. The data obtained adequately confirmed the presence of concentrations of Organochlorin and organophosphorus residues in vegetables, grains and fruits. Both high and low concentration levels of pesticide residue were documented based on data obtained which showed application of the synthetic pesticides by farmers. The high or minute concentration of synthetic pesticides poses adverse health effect on human. This review suggest that consumers of these type of pesticides contaminated food are liable to contact diseases associated with pesticides. Pesticides have been related to damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system, birth defects, cancer, immunodeficiency, reproductive process disruption, and altering or interfering with normal endocrine system function. Thereby, the use of natural pesticides as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for pest control is highly recommended for food security and sustainable environmental practices.
AN ESTIMATOR OF MOMENT OF INERTIA OF MAGIC SQUARE ARRAY OF MASSES
Authors: Babura Babangida Ibrahim , Kiri Aliyu Ibrahim , Muhammad Aminu Tukur 
Published: February 2023

The classical definition of magic square of order is a square array of consecutive natural numbers from 1 to such that the raw, column and diagonal sum add up to the same number. When the magic square entries are considered as an array of masses of a rigid body, it is established that its moment of inertia is a function of This work consider a more general magic array of masses of a rigid body to establish its inertial moment as a function of the magic sum and the central entry of the array. The paper further discusses the advantage of this development.
A STUDY OF POPULATION GROWTH AND ITS SOCIETAL EFFECTS IN BALI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: USMAN BITRUS DANFULANI , BARMA MOUDU , SALAWU ABDULKADIR SAIDU , ALHASSAN MUSA , HAMIDU UMARU WANIYOS 
Published: February 2023

Human beings evolved under conditions of high mortality due to famine, diseases and relatively low fertility rate. In the recent years, human population has drawn attention to the global issues because of the alarming growth rate. The study focused on growth rate of human population and its societal effects. A questionnaire was developed and administered among 389 respondents selected for the study. Also population figures of the area of study was obtained from 2006 National Population Bulletin and information from settlement, farm land, vegetation, build-up, water and others were obtained through Global Positioning System (GPS). The statistical analysis used for the study includes correlation, analysis of variance, and exponential modelling and simulation study. The results of the analysis showed that the settlement, water usage and farm land increases while vegetation reduces in years 1986, 2005 and 2012.The simulation studies carried out because of availability of relevant data showed an exponential trend of population growth. A population projected indicated a carrying capacity of 322,160 people in the next 30 years and a growth rate of 1.81%. We recommended that the local government should consider population growth at all level of education in its budget. There should be a study of population growth at every level of education; social amenities should be increased as the population increases. The study also recommends for the evaluation of technological, pollution and the social trends on a vital coefficient and the fertility rates for at most 3 years to determine the variation in the population growth.
Associations between smoke exposure and osteoporosis or osteopenia in a US NHANES population of elderly individuals
Authors: Hou Wenyuan , Chen Shaoqi , Zhu Caiyu , Gu Yifan , Zhu Lei , Zhou Zhengxin 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundTobacco exposure is considered to be a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which may result in osteopenia. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, is commonly utilized as a marker of tobacco exposure. Nevertheless, there are limited clinical data on the associations between osteoporosis (OP) or osteopenia and smoking status or serum cotinine level.MethodsWe thoroughly examined the NHANES cross-sectional data from 2005 to 2010, 2013 to 2014, and 2017 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations among smoking status and serum cotinine levels as well as OP and osteopenia. The relationships between serum cotinine level and OP and osteopenia were also assessed using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) method.ResultsA total of 10,564 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. The mean age of the study population was 64.85 ± 9.54 years, and the patients were predominantly male (51.9%). We found that the relationships between higher serum cotinine levels (≥3 ng/ml) and the prevalence of osteoporosis (Model 1: OR=2.27 [1.91-2.69]; Model 2: OR=2.03 [1.70-2.43]; Model 3: OR=2.04 [1.70-2.45]; all p for trend &lt;0.001) remained significant after adjustment for covariates by applying the lowest serum cotinine levels (&lt;0.05 ng/ml) as the reference. Similar results were observed for current smokers, who were more likely to develop OP compared with nonsmokers (Model 1: OR=2.30 [1.90-2.79]; Model 2: OR=2.16 [1.77-2.64]; Model 3: OR=2.16 [1.77-2.65]). Moreover, higher serum cotinine levels were found to be strongly and positively correlated with the prevalence of osteopenia (OR=1.60 [1.42-1.80]). A similar relationship was observed between current smokers and the prevalence of osteopenia compared with nonsmokers (OR=1.70 [1.49-1.94]). RCS regression also showed that serum cotinine levels were nonlinearly and positively correlated with OP and osteopenia, with inflection points of 5.82 ng/ml and 3.26 ng/ml, respectively.ConclusionThis study showed that being a smoker was associated with the prevalence of OP or osteopenia compared with being a nonsmoker and that there was a strong nonlinear positive dose−response relationship between serum cotinine levels and OP and osteopenia.
Characterization of the tumor-infiltrating immune repertoire in muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Benítez Raquel , Yu Katherine , Sirota Marina , Malats Núria , Pineda Silvia 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionMuscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a heterogeneous disease with several taxonomic molecular subtypes showing different genetic, clinical, and epidemiological profiles. It has been suggested that MIBC-subtypes follow different tumorigenesis pathways playing decisive roles at different stages of tumor development, resulting in distinct tumor microenvironment containing both innate and adaptive immune cells (T and B lymphocytes). We aim to characterize the MIBC tumor microenvironment by analyzing the tumor-infiltrating B and T cell repertoire according to the taxonomic molecular subtypes.MethodsRNAseq data from 396 MIBC samples included in TCGA were considered. The subtype information was collected from the international consensus taxonomic classification describing six subtypes: Basal/Squamous-like (Ba/Sq), Luminal papillary (LumP), Luminal non-Specify (LumNS), Luminal unstable (LumU), Stroma-rich, and Neuroendocrine-like (NE-like). Using MiXCR, we mapped the RNA read sequences to their respective B-cell receptor (BCR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes. To evaluate the BCR and TCR differences among subtypes, we compared diversity measures (richness and diversity) using a Wilcoxon test and we performed a network analysis to characterize the clonal expansion. For the survival analysis stratified by subtypes, Cox regression models adjusted for age, region, and pathological stage were performed.ResultsOverall, we found different patterns of tumor-infiltrating immune repertoire among the different MIBC subtypes. Stroma-rich and Ba/Sq tumors showed the highest BCR and TCR infiltration while LumP showed the lowest. In addition, we observed that the Ba/Sq and Stroma-rich tumors were more clonally expanded than the Luminal subtypes. Moreover, higher TCR richness and diversity were significantly associated with better survival in the Stroma-rich and Ba/Sq subtypes.DiscussionThis study provides evidence that MIBC subtypes present differences in the tumor microenvironment, in particular, the Ba/Sq and the Stroma-rich are related with a higher tumoral-infiltrating immune repertoire, which seems to be translated into better survival. Determining the causes of the different tumoral-infiltrating immune repertoire according to the MIBC molecular subtypes will help to improve our understanding of the disease and the distinct responses to immunotherapy of MIBC.
Traditional healers’ roles, and the challenges they face in the prevention and control of local disease outbreaks and pandemics: The case of the East Gojjam Zone in northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Gietaneh Wodaje , Simieneh Muluye Molla , Endalew Bekalu , Tarekegn Senay , Petrucka Pammla , Eyayu Dawit 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to assess the roles of traditional healers and the challenges they face in the of prevention and control of both local disease outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special emphasis on the work of traditional healers and healing centers in the East Gojjam Zone in northwestern Ethiopia, between 2020 and 2021.MethodsFrom 25 February 2021 to 2 May 2021, a mixed-methods study (qualitative techniques combined with a quantitative approach) was carried out. The study was conducted by traditional healers and at healing centers in the East Gojjam Zone. The quantitative sample size was calculated based on the assumption of a single population proportion formula. As part of the qualitative research, levels of data saturation were continuously monitored, and were used to determine what the maximum number of study participants should be. Traditional healers and their clients were the study units for the quantitative component, whereas traditional healthcare providers (of all types) and religious leaders were purposively selected as the study units for the qualitative part. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods of analysis, and narrative- and content-wise methods of analysis, were used for the quantitative and qualitative components of this study, respectively.ResultsThe quantitative findings of this study showed that 64.27% of respondents (95% CI 59.53% to 68.74%) had a good awareness of regional disease outbreaks and of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 9.59% of people had a positive opinion regarding local disease outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the preventive and control measures that were employed in response to these (95% CI 7.11% to 12.83%). In addition, this study revealed that a small percentage of participants (i.e., 2.16%) used traditional control and preventive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local disease outbreaks.ConclusionLess than one-tenth of respondents had a favorable attitude toward local disease outbreaks, the current COVID-19 pandemic, and the preventive and control measures that were employed in response to these. In addition, only a small number of study participants had actually used conventional control and preventive measures in response to local disease outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly two-thirds of respondents had a good understanding of the preventive and control measures that were employed in response to local disease outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plasma and urinary extracellular vesicles as a source of RNA biomarkers for prostate cancer in liquid biopsies
Authors: Bajo-Santos Cristina , Brokāne Agnese , Zayakin Pawel , Endzeliņš Edgars , Soboļevska Kristīne , Belovs Alberts , Jansons Juris , Sperga Māris , Llorente Alicia , Radoviča-Spalviņa Ilze , Lietuvietis Vilnis , Linē Aija 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a very attractive source of cancer- derived RNA biomarkers for the early detection, prognosis and monitoring of various cancers, including prostate cancer (PC). However, biofluids contain a mixture of EVs released from a variety of tissues and the fraction of total EVs that are derived from PC tissue is not known. Moreover, the optimal biofluid—plasma or urine—that is more suitable for the detection of EV- enclosed RNA biomarkers is not yet clear.Methodology: In the current study, we performed RNA sequencing analysis of plasma and urinary EVs collected before and after radical prostatectomy, and matched tumor and normal prostate tissues of 10 patients with prostate cancer.Results and Discussion: The most abundant RNA biotypes in EVs were miRNA, piRNA, tRNA, lncRNA, rRNA and mRNA. To identify putative cancer-derived RNA biomarkers, we searched for RNAs that were overexpressed in tumor as compared to normal tissues, present in the pre-operation EVs and decreased in the post-operation EVs in each RNA biotype. The levels of 63 mRNAs, 3 lncRNAs, 2 miRNAs and 1 piRNA were significantly increased in the tumors and decreased in the post-operation urinary EVs, thus suggesting that these RNAs mainly originate from PC tissue. No such RNA biomarkers were identified in plasma EVs. This suggests that the fraction of PC-derived EVs in urine is larger than in plasma and allows the detection and tracking of PC-derived RNAs.
Phenotyping variants of tumefactive demyelinating lesions according to clinical and radiological features—A case series
Authors: Boyle Thérèse , Fernando Suran L. , Drummond James , Fontes Ariadna , Parratt John 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundTumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) are defined as lesions &gt;2 cm on MRI of the brain. They are identified in a range of demyelinating diseases including massive demyelination due to Marburg's acute MS, Schilder's Disease, Balo's concentric sclerosis, and Tumefactive MS. Apart from the rare demyelinating variants which are often diagnosed histologically, there are no detailed data to phenotype TDLs.MethodsWe describe the clinical and radiological features of four similar patients with very large TDLs (&gt;4 cm), that are not consistent with the rare demyelinating variants and may represent a distinct phenotype.ResultsAll patients presented with hemiplegia and apraxia. The mean age at onset was 37 years with an equal sex distribution. All patients were diagnosed with Tumefactive demyelination based on MRI and CSF analysis, precluding the need for brain biopsy. All responded to potent immunotherapy (including high dose corticosteroids, plasma exchange, rituximab, and/or cyclophosphamide). The mean lag from diagnosis to treatment was 1 day. The median EDSS at presentation was six and recovery to a median EDSS of two occurred over 6 months.ConclusionWe propose that Tumefactive lesions larger than 4 cm are termed “Giant demyelinating lesions” (GDLs) not only on the basis of size, but a rapid and fulminant demyelinating presentation leading to acute, severe neurological disability that is, nonetheless, responsive to immunotherapy. Further clinical studies are required to ratify this proposed phenotype, establish the immunological profile and best treatment for such patients.