• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2022.06a
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• pp.960-966
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• 2022

Mobility is an essential human need. Human survival and societal interaction depend on the ability to move people and goods. Efficient mobility systems are essential facilitators of economic development. Cities could not exist and global trade could not occur without systems to transport people and goods cheaply and efficiently. Rail has been considered as one of the important components of the transportation infrastructure required to service and improve the performance and productivity of an economy. In Nigeria, the rail infrastructure built by the colonial master several decades ago has been left in a state of total deterioration. This long neglect was occasioned by the failure of the government to pay adequate attention to infrastructure development. There is a vital and urgent need for rail infrastructure development in Nigeria. This study presents a systematic review of the evolution of rail, the current nature of railway infrastructure delivery in Nigeria, and offers possible suggestions on how to achieve an effective and sustainable rail infrastructure delivery in Nigeria. A thorough literature search of academic databases was conducted on current research trends on the subject of railway infrastructure by systematically reviewing selected published articles from reputable research domains. The analysis of the selected articles revealed the following among others (1) the existing railway infrastructure is in a state of mess and not sustainable, and (2), Government's investment/commitment in rail infrastructure seems inadequate compared to what is obtainable in other developed countries. Rail infrastructure development cannot be left to the Federal government of Nigeria to solve on its own; collaboration and participation are required. Government as a matter of priority should devote considerable attention to the development of rail infrastructure to harness the economic potential and transformation that sustainable rail infrastructural projects will provide.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2022.06a
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• pp.967-974
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• 2022

It is no news that Nigeria's infrastructure challenge is enormous. In the global ranking, Nigeria ranked low in quantity and quality of its infrastructural provision which has a great impact on the ease of business transaction. Low investments in transportation have brought about the current infrastructural deficit. Recently, the Nigerian government has made effort to address at least to some extent the infrastructural deficit through Public-Private Partnership, but this has not yielded the desired result. Moreover, the sustainability issues relating to railway projects such as, emissions, noise pollution, ecosystem, and other environmental issues calls for urgent attention. Hence, this necessitated consideration on sustainability appraisal for the Chinese rail project in Nigeria. This study reviews sustainability of railway projects built by the Chinese firm in Nigeria with particular emphasis on the environmental and social impact of these projects. The study further identified issues and challenges in project implementation with a particular focus on civil dialogue and community engagements. A detailed literature search was conducted on railway projects and infrastructure by systematically reviewing selected published articles.The analysis of the selected articles identified sustainability issues and potential for improvement of Chinese railway projects and how they contribute to or inhibit competitiveness in the Nigerian railway market. From the literature searched, some of the projects constructed by Chinese firm revealed that there is economic and social impact of railway projects delivered by the Chinese firm in terms of capacity development and knowledge transfer potentiality. For instance, in the just concluded Lagos-Ibadan railway projects, the study gathered that the project brought about 5000 jobs and local staff were trained by the Chinese company, this will boost man power and local content capability. Also, it will significantly improve Nigeria's infrastructure and boost its economic development. The study suggests that Nigerian government should ensure and provide an enabling environment that is conducive for investment on the continent. Peace, improved security, and decent governance are the best conditions for sustainable transportation growth.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.14.1-14.26
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• 2024

The inflammatory response during cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) involves immune and non-immune cell cooperation to contain and eliminate Leishmania parasites. The orchestration of these responses is coordinated primarily by CD4⁺ T cells; however, the disease outcome depends on the Th cell predominant phenotype. Although Th1 and Th2 phenotypes are the most addressed as steers for the resolution or perpetuation of the disease, Th17 cell activities, especially IL-17 release, are recognized to be vital during CL development. Th17 cells perform vital functions during both acute and chronic phases of CL. Overall, Th17 cells induce the migration of phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages) to the infection site and CD8⁺ T cells and NK cell activation. They also provoke granzyme and perforin secretion from CD8⁺ T cells, macrophage differentiation towards an M2 phenotype, and expansion of B and Treg cells. Likewise, immune cells from the inflammatory infiltrate have modulatory activities over Th17 cells involving their differentiation from naive CD4⁺ T cells and further expansion by generating a microenvironment rich in optimal cytokines such as IL-1β, TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-21. Th17 cell activities and synergies are crucial for the resistance of the infection during the early and acute stages; however, if unchecked, Th17 cells might lead to a chronic stage. This review discusses the synergies between Th17 cells and the inflammatory infiltrate and how these interactions might destine the course of CL.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.512-521
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• 2023

Objective: There is increasing recognition that left atrial (LA) strain can be a prognostic marker of various cardiac diseases. However, its prognostic value in acute myocarditis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived parameters of LA strain can predict outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 47 consecutive patients (44.2 ± 18.3 years; 29 males) with acute myocarditis who underwent CMR in 13.5 ± 9.7 days (range, 0-31 days) of symptom onset. Various parameters, including feature-tracked CMR-derived LA strain, were measured using CMR. The composite endpoints included cardiac death, heart transplantation, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker implantation, rehospitalization following a cardiac event, atrial fibrillation, or embolic stroke. The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify associations between the variables derived from CMR and the composite endpoints. Results: After a median follow-up of 37 months, 20 of the 47 (42.6%) patients experienced the composite events. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, LA reservoir and conduit strains were independent predictors of the composite endpoints, with an adjusted hazard ratio per 1% increase of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.96; P = 0.002) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = 0.013), respectively. Conclusion: LA reservoir and conduit strains derived from CMR are independent predictors of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocarditis.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.158-165
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• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Within two years of surgery, 70% of resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) recur. Better biomarkers are needed to identify those at risk of "early recurrence" (ER). In this study, we defined ER and investigated whether preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic-inflammatory index were prognostic of both overall relapse and ER after curative hepatectomy for iCCA. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for iCCA between 2005 and 2017 were created. The cut-off timepoint for the ER of iCCA was estimated using a piecewise linear regression model. Univariable analyses of recurrence were conducted for the overall, early, and late recurrence periods. For the early and late recurrence periods, multivariable Cox regression with time-varying regression coefficient analysis was used. Results: A total of 113 patients were included in this study. ER was defined as recurrence within 12 months of a curative resection. Among the included patients, 38.1% experienced ER. In the univariable model, a higher preoperative NLR (> 4.3) was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence overall and in the first 12 months after curative surgery. In the multivariable model, a higher NLR was associated with a higher recurrence rate overall and in the ER period (≤ 12 months), but not in the late recurrence period. Conclusions: Preoperative NLR was prognostic of both overall recurrence and ER after curative iCCA resection. NLR is easily obtained before and after surgery and should be integrated into ER prediction tools to guide preoperative treatments and intensify postoperative follow-up.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.171-191
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• 2024

Identification of Helicotylenchus species is very challenging due to phenotypic plasticity and existence of cryptic species complexes. Recently, the use of rDNA barcodes has proven to be useful for identification of Helicotylenchus. Molecular markers are a quick diagnostic tool and are crucial for discriminating related species and resolving cryptic species complexes within this speciose genus. However, DNA barcoding is not an error-free approach. The public databases appear to be marred by incorrect sequences, arising from sequencing errors, mislabeling, and misidentifications. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the newly obtained, and published DNA sequences of Helicotylenchus, revealing the potential faults in the available DNA barcodes. A total of 97 sequences (25 nearly full-length 18S-rRNA, 12 partial 28S-rRNA, 16 partial internal transcribed spacer [ITS]-rRNA, and 44 partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene sequences) were newly obtained in the present study. Phylogenetic relationships between species are given as inferred from the analyses of 103 sequences of 18S-rRNA, 469 sequences of 28S-rRNA, 183 sequences of ITS-rRNA, and 63 sequences of COI. Remarks on suggested corrections of published accessions in GenBank database are given. Additionally, COI gene sequences of H. dihystera, H. asiaticus and the contentious H. microlobus are provided herein for the first time. Similar to rDNA gene analyses, the COI sequences support the genetic distinctness and validity of H. microlobus. DNA barcodes from type material are needed for resolving the taxonomic status of the unresolved taxonomic groups within the genus.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.468-472
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• 2023

Bilateral posterior communicating (pComm) artery aneurysms represent only 2% of mirror intracranial aneurysms. Usually, these are surgically approached through bilateral craniotomies for clipping. We present the case of a 50-year-old female presenting with headache and horizontal diplopia. Neurological examination revealed a left oculomotor palsy, with no other neurological deficits. Imaging studies revealed bilateral aneurysmatic lesions in both internal carotid arteries (ICA). A conventional left pterional approach was planned in order to treat the symptomatic aneurysm, and, if deemed feasible, a contralateral clipping through the same approach. The procedure was performed in a hybrid operating room (HOR), performing an intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and roadmapping assistance during dissection and clipping. Transoperatively, a post-fixed optic chiasm was identified, with a wide interoptic space, which allowed us to perform the contralateral clipping through a unilateral approach. This technique for clipping bilateral pComm aneurysms can be performed when the proper anatomical features are met.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.211-220
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• 2019

It helps to wisely abstain from errors of the a priori subjective emotions related to human emotions, and orders emotions to make rational choices. These emotional happiness of human and moral sensitivities work directly or indirectly in rational choice of rational thought and reason. Abraham would have been troubled by the divine mandate to sacrifice a son who was only one, and a son who had been healed. Was his reason reasonable at this time? In rational reason, it can be said that the act of dedicating his son is an appropriate act, but is it possible in the human mind? Aristoteles also called human virtue virtue in good for human beings. Because happiness is also a mental activity, we have to know a certain degree about the mind. This ψυχή(psyche, spirit) spirit is an irrational element that is invisible but an intervention in rational principles. Also C. G. Jung states that all human beings have four dynamic psychological functions that are not visible, and that the mind is driven by these four functional dimensions. This means that the elements of S, Sensing, N, Intuition, T, Thinking, and Feeling are combined. David Hume also emphasized the principle of empathy, asserting that morality can not be derived from reason, and Max Ferdinand Scheler, before grasping the visual characteristics of a person, has already captured the whole feeling of the person, And that the value given to this feeling is the value, and that the function of emotion that is elevated to the perceived object by grasping the value through this process and the value is always preceded by the reason. Emmanuel Levinas states that emotional emotions of love are ahead of reason and that emotions precede human reasoning and rationality is the inability of emotional control that we need rational thought and rational and wise action as reason of control and temperance. As part of human emotional education, in the 7th curriculum, Bloom's cognitive, perceptive, and behavioral domain, which is a person with integrated thinking, is trying to be a moral practitioner. It focuses on how to act according to the direction of emotions for virtuous acts and how to develop emotions for emotions on behalf of vicious acts. We can design the possibility and direction of cultivating human emotions and emotional happiness and happy sensitivities by the principle of strengthening virtue and the principle of elimination of ill feeling.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.162-174
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• 2014

An abnormal decrease in ozonesonde sensor signal occurred during air-pollution study campaigns in November 2011 and March 2012 in Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). Sharp drops in sensor signal around 5 km above sea level and above were observed in November 2011, and a reduction of signal over a broad range of altitude was observed in the convective boundary layer in March 2012. Circumstantial evidence indicated that $SO_2$ gas interfered with the electrochemical concentration cell (ECC) ozone sensors in the ozonesonde and that this interference was the cause of the reduced sensor signal output. The sharp drops in November 2011 were attributed to the $SO_2$ plume from Popocat$\acute{e}$petl volcano southeast of MCMA. Experiments on the response of the ECC sensor to representative atmospheric trace gases showed that only $SO_2$ could cause the observed abrupt drops in sensor signal. The vertical profile of the plume reproduced by a Lagrangian particle diffusion simulation supported this finding. A near-ground reduction in the sensor signal in March 2012 was attributed to an $SO_2$ plume from the Tula industrial complex north-west of MCMA. Before and at the time of ozonesonde launch, intermittent high $SO_2$ concentrations were recorded at ground-level monitoring stations north of MCMA. The difference between the $O_3$ concentration measured by the ozonesonde and that recorded by a UV-based $O_3$ monitor was consistent with the $SO_2$ concentration recorded by a UV-based monitor on the ground. The vertical profiles of the plumes estimated by Lagrangian particle diffusion simulation agreed fairly well with the observed profile. Statistical analysis of the wind field in MCMA revealed that the effect Popocat$\acute{e}$petl was most likely to have occurred from June to October, whereas the effect of the industries north of MCMA, including the Tula complex, was predicted to occur throughout the year.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8183-8189
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• 2014

Background: A comparative cross-sectional study involving oral cancer patients and healthy individuals was designed to investigate associations between retinol, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and ${\beta}$-carotene with the risk of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 240 matched cases and controls where subjects were selected from the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database and Tissue Bank System (MOCDTBS). Retinol, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and ${\beta}$-carotene levels and intake were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) respectively. Results: It was found that results from the two methods applied did not correlate, so that further analysis was done using the HPLC method utilising blood serum. Serum levels of retinol and ${\alpha}$-tocopherol among cases ($0.177{\pm}0.081$, $1.649{\pm}1.670{\mu}g/ml$) were significantly lower than in controls ($0.264{\pm}0.137$, $3.225{\pm}2.054{\mu}g/ml$) (p<0.005). Although serum level of ${\beta}$-carotene among cases ($0.106{\pm}0.159{\mu}g/ml$) were lower compared to controls ($0.134{\pm}0.131{\mu}g/ml$), statistical significance was not observed. Logistic regression analysis showed that high serum level of retinol (OR=0.501, 95% CI=0.254-0.992, p<0.05) and ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (OR=0.184, 95% CI=0.091-0.370, p<0.05) was significantly related to lower risk of oral cancer, whereas no relationship was observed between ${\beta}$-carotene and oral cancer risk. Conclusions: High serum levels of retinol and ${\alpha}$-tocopherol confer protection against oral cancer risk.