FULafia Journal of Science and Technology
FULAFIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (FJST) is an International Journal published by the Federal University of Lafia. It is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes papers in two issues per volume, that is March and September. It contributes immensely to all areas of Agricultural, Biological, Earth, Engineering, Environmental, Natural, and Physical Sciences. ISSN-online: 2636-4972 ISSN-print: 2449-0954
Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONAL GROUP PROFILE OF Millettia aboensis EXTRACTS TO ELUCIDATE THEIR BIOCHEMICAL BASIS FOR LARVICIDALACTIVITY AGAINST Anopheles AND Culex MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are major vectors of life-threatening diseases and their control is increasingly challenged by the emergence of insecticide resistance. Millettia aboensis has demonstrated promising larvicidal activity against mosquito species. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and functional group profile of M. aboensis extracts to elucidate the biochemical basis of their larvicidal activity against Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. Plant materials collected from Lafia metropolis were extracted by maceration and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses, alongside Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Qualitative screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, and anthraquinones, with the leaf extracts showing greater phytochemical diversity and abundance of active constituents. Quantitative analysis indicated that saponins (18.78 mg/100 g) and steroids (16.65 mg/100 g) were predominantin the leaf extract. The FTIR spectroscopy further validated these findings by identifying characteristic absorption bands corresponding to hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C=O), amine (–NH), ether (C–O–C), and chloro (C–Cl) groups, which are associated with alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, and alkaloids. The presence of these functional groups suggests multiple larvicidal mechanisms, including oxidative stress induction, neurotoxic interference, enzymatic inhibition, and cuticular disruption. The integrated phytochemical and FTIR analyses provide molecular evidence supporting the larvicidal potency of M. aboensis, highlighting its potential as a sustainable botanical alternative to synthetic larvicides. The findings establish M. aboensis as a promising bio-resource for the development of eco-friendly vector control agents and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on plant-based mosquito management strategies.
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ASSESSMENT OF ODONATA COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND SPECIES DIVERSITY ACROSS TWO COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Odonata are globally recognized bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health. This study examined their species composition, distribution, abundance, and diversity across two ecologically distinct coastal sites in Lagos State namely: Badagry and Ojo. The study also assessed the physicochemical properties of associated water bodies to determine how environmental conditions influence odonate assemblages. A nine-month field survey was conducted across multiple sampling locations in Badagry and Ojo, with systematic collection and identification of Odonata specimens to species level. A total of 1,335 Odonata individuals representing 35 species from two families (Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae) were recorded. Species distribution exhibited marked spatial heterogeneity, with 11 species found exclusively in Badagry and never recorded in Ojo. Diplacodeslefebvri demonstrated strong habitat specificity, with all 64 individuals (8.25 % relative abundance) collected solely from one sampling point (Opposite Lasu foundation, Topo, Badagry). Similarly, Brachythemisleucostica (38 individuals) was found exclusively at the Nigerian French Language Village. Regional distributional asymmetry was also evident, with Orthetrumjulia (n=34) and Chalcostrephiaflavirons (n=27) showing higher abundance in Ojo, while Trithemisstrictica was completely absent from this location. Taxa diversity varied significantly across sites, ranging from 12 individuals at Gberefu Island and Opposite General Hospital to 98 at Nigeria French Village. These findings provide a valuable biodiversity baseline for Lagos State's freshwater ecosystems and emphasize the need for site-specific conservation strategies to protect ecologically sensitive odonate communities across the Lagos coastal wetland mosaic.
LOCAL HABITAT CONDITIONS DRIVE MORPHOMETRIC VARIATIONS, BUT NOT SPATIAL PATTERNS OF Anopheles MOSQUITOES IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA
Morphological traits of species have been used to distinguish variations within and among closely related mosquito species, to understand how phenotypic adaptations can influence malaria transmission dynamics. Here, we investigated the morphometric variations of Anopheles larvae collected from diverse aquatic habitats. Mosquito larvae were reared to adulthood under controlled conditions, and external morphological parameters (i.e., antenna, palp, proboscis, thorax, abdomen, wing, femur, tibia, and tarsus) were measured using a calibrated dissecting microscope. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by DuncanMultiple Range Test (DMRT), with test of significance at P <0.05. We found significant interspecific differences (P <0.001) in most morphometric traits among mosquito species, with An. coustani consistently showed the largest body measurements, while An. gambiae showed the smallest dimensions. Despite differences in morphometric traits among mosquito species, we found little evidence to suggest that mosquito species varied in their spatial occurrence dynamics across the two LGAs, indicating an influence of local habitat conditions on certain phenotypic traits of mosquito species, but not their occurrence patterns. In the context of global change, there is an urgent need to continue investigating how local environmental conditions directly or indirectly impact vector-borne insects, considering morphological traits that are key to species’ fitness and disease transmission ability.
DYNAMICS OF FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER MECHANISM OF HYDROMAGNETICMAXWELL FLUID OVER A SPINNING DISK WITH MARANGONI EFFECTS
Investigating the flow of non-Newtonian fluids influenced by a magnetic field is important to improve current thermal systems through different technologies. Typical of these applications can be found in polymer processing devices, rotating equipment, microfluidic devices, and cooling mechanisms. The goal of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of flows and heat-mass transfer mechanism of hydromagnetic Maxwell fluids over a rotating disk featuring Marangoni convection, thermal radiation, and bioconvection effects. The initially developed model equations are restructured into ordinary differential equations and solved numerically by shooting and Runge-Kutta Felhberg method. The findings which are reported through various graphs indicate that there is a decline in the velocity field with increasing fluid material parameter and porous medium resistance, whereas the temperature field intensifies in the with magnification of thermophoresis, thermal radiation, and Brownian motion terms. Furthermore, the viscoelastic nature of the Maxwell nanofluid enhances resistance to deformation, thereby reducing momentum transport and providing a mechanism for regulating fluid elasticity and improving heat transfer along the disk surface.
EVALUATION OF IMPROVED SOYBEAN (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) GENOTYPES TREATED WITH IRON NANOPARTICLES
Soybean distribution in Nigeria is predominantly found in the northern and central regions of the country, where the climatic and soil conditions are favorable for its cultivation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improved soybean genotypes exposed to Iron Nanoparticles (FeNPs). The study was carried out at the research and experimental plots of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, in the Guinea Savanna zones of North Central Nigeria, from July to November 2024. The collected improved and local soybean genotypes were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with each of the genotype having three replications. The result revealed significant differences among the varieties and treatments for agronomic traits. Germination count was insignificant across genotypes, with values ranging from 1.33 SC SIGNAL (V4T0) to 4.00 TGx2016-6ExCIMARONA (V3T1). Maximum mean number of branches were recorded with FeNPs treatment 2 in TGx2024-7E (V10T0) and TGx1740-2F-2I (V2T0), with 13.00 and 12.67, respectively; with the least value of 5.67 recorded in SC SIGNAL (V4T1). The varieties TGx2020-4e (V5T1) and S1252-5-227 (V8T0) are recommended for cultivation in the study area.
PERTURBED CHEBYSHEV-FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD FOR SOLVINGTHIRD-ORDER ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Ordinary differential equations are crucial in modeling complex phenomena in fluid mechanics, structural engineering, and damping systems. However, obtaining analytical solutions remains challenging due to inherent nonlinearities and intricate boundary conditions. This paper proposes a Perturbed Chebyshev Finite Difference Method (PCFDM) specifically designed to solve third-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The proposed framework integrates Chebyshev basis polynomials with a Legendre-based perturbation terms to enhance the approximation space and minimize truncation errors. Numerical experiments on third-order boundary value problems associated with draining and coating flows reveal that the PCFDM significantly outperforms conventional finite difference method (FDM) in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. The results confirm that the integration of orthogonal polynomial and perturbation provides a flexible and reliable approach for solving high-order differential equations.
INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY, COST-EFFECTIVE STARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE CHARCOALBRIQUETTE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA
The demand for sustainable energy solutions has led to the development of eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. This study focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of a cost-effective starter for charcoal briquettes in Nigeria. The starter is formulated using locally available materials to enhance ignition efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Performance assessments, including combustion efficiency, ignition time, and emissions analysis, were conducted to validate its effectiveness. Results indicate that the developed starter significantly reduces ignition time and smoke emissions compared to conventional methods, making it a viable alternative for sustainable energy applications.
UNEMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS AND MACROECONOMIC FACTORS IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA: A PANEL COINTEGRATION AND CAUSALITY APPROACH
Unemployment remains a major socio-economic challenge in North-Eastern Nigeria, with significant regional disparities. This study investigates the long-run and causal relationships between unemployment and key macroeconomic variables, including economic growth, inflation, government expenditure, foreign direct investment (FDI), and trade openness, using panel data from six North-Eastern states over the period 2000–2023. Panel unit root tests (LLC and IPS) indicate that all variables are integrated of order one, I(1). Pedroni and Kao panel cointegration tests confirm a stable long-run relationship between unemployment and macroeconomic factors at the 1 % significance level. Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality analysis reveals bidirectional causality between GDP growth and unemployment (p = 0.001), while inflation (p = 0.008), government expenditure (p = 0.016), FDI (p = 0.036), and trade openness (p = 0.061) exert unidirectional causality on unemployment. Descriptive analysis shows that the average unemployment rate across the region is 27.8 %, with Borno and Yobe states recording the highest levels above 35 %. These findings underscore the importance of macroeconomic stabilization policies, private-sector investment, and targeted employment interventions to reduce structural unemployment and enhance labor-market resilience in North-Eastern Nigeria.
ASSESSMENT OF 30 YEARS LAND USE AND LAND COVERCHANGES OF DOMA NASARAWA STATE
This study aimed at using remote sensing in assessing and identifying the land use and land cover change in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa within the period of 30 years. The Landsat images, Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS and 4-5 TM, within an interval of 30 years from 1991 to 2023, were used to identify the land use. Supervised classification techniques and five broad classifications were used to classify land use changes. In 1991, dense forest (64888.66 ha) and moderate forest (99960.03 ha) dominated the land use. In 2023, the dense forest was completely lost, while the moderate forest was reduced significantly to 85903.38 ha (33.13 %). This represents significant negative changes in dense forest (-100 %) and moderate forest (-14.06 %). Change in area between the study periods shows a significant increase in built-up areas (9.83 %) and open land (643.9 %). This shows that the land use change was mainly driven by urbanisation, coupled with the resultant increased rate of land conversion for agriculture. Accuracy assessment for LULC classification for 1991 shows an overall accuracy of 86.30 % while that of 2023 was 73.40 %. This study indicates a significant loss of vegetation cover within this period, leading to the decimation of vegetation and calls for aggressive reforestation and urgent conservation practices to prevent continuous vegetation loss in Doma LGA.
MODELING CHOLERA DYNAMICS WITH VACCINATION AND ASYMPTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: A MATHEMATICAL FRAMEWORK FOR OUTBREAK CONTROL
Cholera continues to be a serious problem in area where clean water and good sanitation are hard to find. This study presents a new mathematical model that includes two key aspects of cholera transmission that other studies ignored. These are: vaccination that loses effectiveness over time, and people with the disease, who spread it without showing symptoms (asymptomatic class), represented by A. The model divides the population into seven groups- the susceptible individuals (S) vaccinated individuals (V), asymptomatic infected (A), symptomatic infected (I), centered individuals (C), recovered individuals (R), and bacteria concentration in the water (B). We calculated the basic reproduction number (R0) and showed that when R0< 1, the disease will die out. Using data from recent outbreaks (2022-2024), simulations were run to compare different control strategies. Sanitation measures alone reduced total cases by 43.1 %, vaccination by 37.3 %, and treatment by 28.0 %. Combining vaccination with sanitation reduced cases by 69 %, showing these approaches work better together. It is shown from our analysis that human-to-human transmission rate (β1), environment- to-human transmission rate (β2), and vaccine effectiveness (σ) are the most important factors to control. These results support using combined vaccination and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs to control cholera outbreaks.
A MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE DYNAMICS OF TYPHOID FEVER
A comprehensive mathematical model of typhoid fever was developed to investigate the complex transmission dynamics of the disease, shedding light on the intricate relationships between various factors influencing its spread. The model assumes a replenished population through birth and leverages existing data to validate its accuracy, ensuring a reliable representation of the disease’s behavior. The primary objective of this modeling exercise is to inform and enhance strategies for preventing, controlling, and eradicating typhoid fever, ultimately leading to improved public health policy and a better quality of life. Through mathematical analysis, it was revealed that the basic reproductive number ????0 plays a crucial role in determining the global dynamics of the disease. ????0 is less than 1, the disease-free equilibrium is locally stable, indicating that the disease will eventually die out. Conversely, if ????0 exceeds 1, an endemic equilibrium exists, and the disease will persist at a stable level. A thorough sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was conducted, providing valuable insights into the impact of various factors on the spread of typhoid fever. This knowledge enables informed decision-making and effective disease management. The model was solved using the Runge-Kutta scheme of order four, with a 40-year time horizon, and implemented in MATLAB. This study showcases the potency of mathematical modeling in understanding the transmission dynamics of typhoid fever, enabling policymakers and healthcare professionals to develop evidence-based strategies for disease control and prevention.
GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND FOUNDATION SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT:CASE STUDY OF GANDU, LAFIA, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
This study presents an integrated geotechnical characterization of subsurface soils in Gandu, Lafia, north-central Nigeria, to evaluate their suitability for foundation support. Laboratory analysis (particle size distribution (PSD) and Atterberg limits) and in-situ test (standard penetration test (SPT)) were conducted on five (5) test pits (PT1-PT5). The PSD results show that the soils are predominantly fine-grained, with coefficients of uniformity (≈ 2.7–2.9) and curvature (≈ 0.8–0.9) suggesting uniformly graded fine soils and poor gradation. Atterberg limits analysis exhibited Liquid Limit (LL) of 28.7 – 35.0 %, Plastic Limit (PL) of 12.9 –24.8 %, and resultant plasticity indices (PI) of 7.7 – 22.1 %. Casagrande plasticity chart classification placed PT1 within the CL zone (clay of low plasticity) and PT2–PT5 in the ML–CL region (silty clay or clayey silt). The SPT N-values indicate an increase in stiffness with depth, signifying the effect of natural consolidation and overburden pressure. Soils with high PI exhibited lower penetration resistance, thereby establishing a clear relationship between plasticity and strength. Strong agreement was observed among PSD, Atterberg limits, and SPT results, which confirms the suitability of the combined index and in-situ testing for soil characterization and preliminary engineering assessment. Overall, the subsurface soils are characterized by moderate strength, low permeability, and moderate compressibility, making them suitable for lightly loaded structures with a well-designed foundation. However, if high-rise or heavier structures are desired, ground improvement or deep foundation systems may be required.
EXTRACTION, PHYSICOCHEMICAL, AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOCELLULOSE FROM PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus) PEELS WITHPOTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE PAPER APPLICATIONS
The heavy reliance on wood-based pulp for paper production accelerates significant loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable non-wood alternatives. In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus) peels, an abundant and underutilized agro-industrial waste, and comprehensively characterized to evaluate its physicochemical and structural properties. Cellulose was isolated from powdered pineapple peels through sequential alkaline delignification and bleaching, followed by acid hydrolysis to obtain nanocellulose. The resulting nanocellulose was characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while key hydration-related parameters were measured. A cellulose-based nanocellulose yield of 7.5 % was obtained, corresponding to a biomass-based yield of 12.9 %, with a bulk density of 0.55 g/mL and a water retention capacity of 0.25 g/g. FTIR spectra confirmed effective removal of lignin and hemicellulose, SEM revealed nanoscale fibrillar morphology, and XRD showed an increase in crystallinity index from 67.09 % (bleached cellulose) to 69.40 % in nanocellulose, indicating an enhanced structural order. Overall, the findings demonstrate that pineapple peel-derived nanocellulose exhibits desirable physicochemical and morphological characteristics suitable for sustainable paper applications. The observed structural features and hydration behavior suggest that pineapple peel-derived nanocellulose has characteristics that may be favorable for cellulose-based material development, supporting its potential use in sustainable paper-related applications.
BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM CO-DIGESTION OF RICE HUSK, CASSAVA PEEL, ANDPOTATO PEEL IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
0.5 kg of agricultural waste samples (cassava peel and rice husk, CP/RH; rice husk and potatoes peel, RH/PP; and potatoes peel and cassava peel, PP/CP) were mixed in a ratio of 1:1 and co-digested in 5 L capacity of fabricated digester. Experiment was carried out for a period of 7 weeks at room temperature and evaluated for mineral content in the undigested and digested waste materials, biogas generation, and proximate compositions. The mineral compositions of the undigested and digested waste samples after Flame Photometry and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) show that the digested samples contain a higher concentration. The elemental concentrations of the waste samples ranged from 0.5532 mg/g of Sodium in undigested RH to 18.2412 mg/g in the digested sample of CP. The weekly cumulative generation of biogas after 7 weeks at a room temperature range of 29 – 34 °C shows that the PP/CP has the highest yield of 18.81 mL/g VS, followed by the RH/PP 16.79 mL/g VS, and the CP/RH sample 15.40 mL/g VS, respectively. The volume of the biogas generated for CP/RH, RH/PP, and PP/CP samples decreases at week 7 from 2.76 mL/g VS to 2.49 mL/g VS, 2.92 mL/g VS to 2.76 mL/g VS, and 3.44 mL/g VS to 3.23 mL/g VS. The proximate composition of the waste shows that rice husk had the highest percentage of volatile solids (19 %), ash, and crude protein (6.91 %), potatoes peel had highest moisture content (54 %), while RH had the highest C/N ratio of 82:1
COMPUTATION OF DISTANCE-BASED TOPOLOGICAL INDICES FOR THREE CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS
Topological indices are numerical descriptors derived from molecular graphs that correlate with the physicochemical and biological properties of chemical compounds. One of the fundamental problems in chemical graph theory is the enumeration of molecular structures with specific properties, such as a certain number of carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms, or a particular molecular formula. This problem is crucial in fields like drug discovery, materials science, and organic chemistry. In this work, we compute the Hosoya polynomial and derive the Wiener and hyper-Wiener indices for the molecular graphs of three drugs used in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): Eliquis, Vericiguat, and Metoprolol. The molecular graphs of the selected drugs were constructed based on their chemical structures. Using the framework of chemical graph theory, the standard formulas was applied to calculate the Wiener index, Hosoya polynomial, and hyper-Wiener index for each graph.The computed Wiener indices are 1830.5 for Eliquis, 967.5 for Vericiguat, and 382.5 for Metoprolol. The corresponding Hosoya polynomials and hyper-Wiener indices were also determined.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND NUTRACEUTICAL TRAITS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED TELA MAIZE AND OTHER MAIZE (Zea mays L.)VARIETIES IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most significant cereal crops cultivated worldwide and serves as a staple food, animal feed, and industrial raw material. The research was carried out at the Botanical garden of the Federal University of Lafia to evaluate the morph-Nutraceutical compositions of different maize varieties cultivated in Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomly complete block design (RCBD) with replications. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat software version 18.0. All Morpho-Nutraceutical analysis and procedures were carried out according to AOAC. The result revealed that SAMMAZ 75 had the highest moisture content (9.378 %) while SAMMAZ 51 had the lowest moisture content (6.548 %). The (SAMMAZ 75 had the highest ash content (3.530 %) while SAMMAZ 51 had the least ash content (2.938 %). The % fat content varied significantly, with the highest value of 10.346 % observed in SAMMAZ 75 and the lowest value of 6.475 % in SAMMAZ 51. The percentage crude protein (C.P) ranged from 4.375 % SAMMAZ 52 to 10.937 % (SAMMAZ51). The percentage crude fibre (C.F) ranged from 4.935 % (SAMMAZ 34) to 8.328 % (SAMMAZ 75). The % carbohydrate (CHO) content ranged from 62.168 % SAMMAZ 75 to 70.082 % (SAMMAZ 34). Sammaz 34 sammaz 75 and sammaz 52 are therefore recommended for most of the agronomical, phytochemical and nutritional properties. Keywords: Morpho-nutraceutical, Genetically modify maize, Varieties
DISTANCE-BASED TOPOLOGICAL INDICES OF THE MOLECULARSTRUCTURE OF SOME DRUGS FOR TREATING CANCER PATIENTS
Topological descriptors are key tools for analyzing the intrinsic properties of chemical graphs and nanostructures, capturing molecular symmetry through graph invariants such as vertex degree, distance, and spectrum. This study investigates vertex-distance-based indices, namely: the Wiener and Hosoya indices, for selected anticancer drugs. Using linear regression models, the indices were correlated with the drugs’ physicochemical and biological properties through a Quantitative Structure–Property Relationship (QSPR) analysis, providing insight into their linear relationships and potential applications in drug design.
APPRAISING HEAVY METALS AND IONIC SPECIES IN ROAD DUST OF YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS AND ENVIRONS, LAGOS - NIGERIA
This study reports the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd) and ionic species (????????42−, ????????3−, Cl–, ????????32−, ????2????42−) in road dust samples within Yaba College of Technology and its surrounding environment in Lagos State, Nigeria. 44 dust samples were collected from January to June 2025, four times a month across eleven locations. Road dust were swept using a hand brush into plastic parkers and transferred into sterile valves. Samples were sieved through a 75-μm stainless steel mesh, weighed, and digested with nitric (HNO₃) and sulphuric (H₂SO₄) acids. Heavy metal concentrations were determined with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), while ionic species were analyzed using standard Analytical methods and procedures. The percentage contributions of contaminants were: Zn - (60.63%), Pb - (22.42 %), Cu (8.75 %), Cd -(1.01 %), Ni -(7.19 %); and among ionic species: ????????4− -(42.62 %), ????????3− -(21.90 %), Cl– -(12.07 %), ????????32− -(16.32 %), and ????2????42− -(7.09 %). Zinc -(1434.69 mg/kg), showed the highest metal concentration, whereas Cadmium - (23.89 mg/kg) had the lowest. Sulphate -(841.38) was the most abundant, while Oxalate- (139.89 mg/kg) was least. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified three components accounting for 86.68 % of the total variance, indicating anthropogenic influence. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationship (p < 0.05) between metals and ionics species. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cu exceeded limits set by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the European Communities, and United Nations Environmental Programme, confirming pollution in the study area
TEMPERATURE VARIATION WITH ALTITUDE ACROSS SELECTED BUILDINGS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA, NIGERIA
This physics-based study quantitatively investigates the contravention of the atmospheric environmental lapse rate within multi-storey buildings in a tropical savanna climate (Lafia, Nigeria; 8.480°N, 8.520°E), where indoor thermal gradients invert due to solar gain and stack effect. The aim was to measure the magnitude of vertical temperature stratification across seasons in two three-storey buildings (academic, residential). Using a calibrated infrared thermometer (±1.0 °C), temperatures were measured at three heights per floor (0.3, 1.2, 2.1 m) at 09:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h over the dry (February), early rainy (June), and late rainy (September) seasons. Results show a consistent positive gradient, peaking at 1.1 °C (Social Science) and 0.9 °C (Hostel) in the dry season, with upper-floor temperatures reaching 38.8 °C. The mean vertical gradient attenuated seasonally from 0.70 °C (February) to 0.40 °C (June) and 0.25 °C (September), a 64 % reduction, while the academic building exhibited a steeper annual gradient (0.45 °C) than the hostel (0.39 °C). The findings demonstrate that buoyancy-driven heat accumulation imposes a quantifiable thermal penalty on upper floors. Consequently, we recommend integrating specific passive physics controls: high-albedo (>0.7) reflective roofing, enhanced roof insulation (R-value > 3.5 m²K/W), and optimized cross-ventilation (target ACH > 15–20) to disrupt stratification and reduce dry-season cooling loads.
DETERMINATION OF TRAITS ASSOCIATION AND CONTRIBUTION AMONG AGRONOMIC AND SEED OIL TRAITS OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) GENOTYPES EVALUATED IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Sesame is an important oilseed crop in tropical and subtropical regions; however, its productivity in Nigeria remains low due to the limited availability of improved, high-yielding varieties. The lack of comprehensive information on genetic variability for both agronomic and quality traits hinders effective selection and breeding strategies. Therefore, this study evaluated genetic variability and trait association among agronomic and seed oil-related traits in sesame genotypes to identify selection criteria for yield and quality improvement. Twenty sesame genotypes were evaluated in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa, Nigeria using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on agronomic traits, including plant height, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule and dry seeds weight, as well as seed quality traits such as moisture content, ash content, crude proteins and percentage fat. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for most traits. Principal component (PC1) explained 40% of the variation followed by principal component (PC2) explained 15% of the variation. Dry seed weight contributes indirectly through PC3 (33%) while percentage moisture content through PC4 contributes 12%. Traits such as number of capsules, plant height, and 1000 seed weight contributed significantly to PC1, making them ideal for yield-based selection. Number of capsules per plant, a key yield determinant, showed a positive correlation with crude protein (r=0.36) and fat content (r=0.29). This paper provided useful genotypes which would be serving parents. These parental genotypes could be used in sesame breeding program to develop desirable varieties in Nigeria.
AN INTELLIGENT FEATURE-OPTIMIZED FRAMEWORK FOR DDoSATTACK DETECTION USING SVM and XGBOOST
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks remain a serious issue for network security, especially within cloud systems that rely on shared and scalable resources. In such settings, attackers can easily use large groups of compromised devices to flood targets with traffic, making genuine access almost impossible. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDS) that rely on fixed signatures or manually defined rules often fail to keep up, since new and fast-changing attacks rarely fit known patterns. To improve detection, this research applied a machine learning–based approach that combines Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, supported by the Fisher Score Algorithm (FSA) for feature selection. The well-known CIC-DDoS2019 dataset from Kaggle was used because it includes both modern DDoS attacks and regular network traffic, giving a practical base for testing the models. Our workflow followed three stages: first, cleaning and preparing the data; second, selecting key features using FSA; and finally, training and evaluating the classifiers. We measured performance with accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC). XGBoost achieved the highest results of 97 % accuracy and an AUC of 0.99, while SVM‟s accuracy fell to 65 % after feature reduction, despite a small AUC gain to 0.65. The results of this study demonstrate that combining machine learning models of XGBoost with FSA significantly improves the detection of DDoS attacks in cloud environments. This highlights its potential for superior performance over traditional IDS methods.
Spectrophotometric Investigation of Redox Reaction between Methyl Orange and Tetraoxomanganate(VII) Ions in Aqueous Acidic Medium: Kinetics and Mechanistic Approach
The spectrophotometric investigation of the redox reaction between methyl orange (here after referred to as MO) and tetraoxomanganate (VII) has been studied in aqueous acid using sodium chloride (NaCl) as an ionic strength I = 0.50 Cmol dm-3, hydrogen ion concentration = 1.0 * 10-3 mol/dm3 (H2SO4) and Temperature = 24±1 0C. The redox reaction showed a stoichiometry of 2:1 and the overall reaction conforms to the rate law: -d[MO]/dt =k2[MO][MnO-4]. The reaction is first order with respect to both the oxidant and reductant concentrations. Lack of polymerization from this reaction suggests probable absence of free radical formation during the course of the reaction. The rate of reaction showed lack of hydrogen ion concentration dependence. The result of ionic strength showed zero effect on the rate of the reaction. Added ions catalyzed the rate of the reaction. Outersphere mechanism is proposed for this reaction.
EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL PROCESSING METHODS ON THE LIPID PROFILES OF SELECTED FISH SPECIES FROM DOMA RIVER, NASARAWA STATE
Fish is a vital source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, but traditional processing methods can significantly influence its lipid composition and nutritional value. This study aims to evaluate the effect of smoking, sun-drying and salting-oven dry on the fatty acid and phospholipid compositions of selected three fish species Hyperopisus bebe, Hepsetus odoe and Clarias gariepinus from the Doma River. The sun-drying process lasted eight days under ambient sunlight (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), smoking was conducted using hardwood-fired ovens at temperatures above 70 °C for two consecutive days, while salting involved preservation in a 1:4 salt-to-fish ratio prior to oven drying. Processed samples were ground into fine powder and analyzed. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and phospholipids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The results revealed notable differences across processing techniques. Smoked samples retained higher levels of PUFA, particularly essential fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Phosphatidylcholine was the most abundant phospholipid detected, with smoking maintaining higher overall phospholipid integrity compared to drying and sun-drying. Among the fatty acids, smoking yielded the highest PUFA/SFA ratio (32.25 %) indicating better nutritional quality. In conclusion, smoking appears to be the most effective method for preserving health-beneficial lipids in fish from the Doma River.
PREVALENCE OF CARBAPENEM-RESISTANT AND METALLO-BETA-LACTAMASES PRODUCING GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIAL FROM CLINICAL SAMPLES IN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Carbapenem is a class of antimicrobial agent reserved for infections cause by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review, using a public health focused approach, aimed to understand and describe the current status of CR in Nigeria in relation to common causes of infections and drugs recommended in WHO treatment guidelines. Assessment of the prevalence of Carbapenemase-resistance Gram-negative bacteria is necessary in Nigeria. This article reviewed the previously published literature on the Prevalence of Carbapenemase-resistance Gram-negative bacteria. There were 100 % isolation of Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp., Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., Morganella morganii, Providenciae spp. and Acinetobacter baumanii in all the studies reviewed. Veronna integrin-encoded, New Delhi methallo, New Delhi methallo-1, New Delhi methallo-5, Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase, Guiana extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, Oxacillinases-48, Oxacillinases-181, Dhahran Hospital in Saudi Arabia b-lactamase were some of resistance mediated genes observed in some of studies in Nigeria. Exhaustive search for recent articles (2011–2024) was conducted using PubMed, Google search engine, AJOL and other relevant databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Article retrieval and screening were done using a structured search string and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Carbapenem-resistant in Gram-negative bacteria is a clear and present danger in Nigeria, which needs strong surveillance to curb this menace. Public health departments must monitor carbapenem resistant isolates.
AN IMPROVED BREAST CANCER DETECTION MODEL BASED ONCONVULUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK
Cancer is one of the diseases that causes deaths eventually to women worldwide, that need urgent need for more reliable diagnostic method for early detection to reduce the rate of mortality, many researchers have explode some technologies like machine learning and others techniques for classification of cancer but still several gap has remained, this articles investigate the potential of deep learning especially CNNs techniques for classification of malignant and benign which outperform the traditional classification method like traditional neural network and SVM, mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance image. The study identify that all the traditional method of classification of cancer are plague with several limitation which hinder their effectiveness, but using technique like CNN The study have achieve a remarkable success with high performance with accuracy of 98.5%, recall of 98.2 precision of 97.6, and F1-score of 98.0, the study gives an insight overview of deep learning offer crucial information to researchers medical professional of how to improved cancer classifications using CNN technique.
INFLUENCE OF HEAVY METALS ON THE GROWTH OF TWO COMMON WEEDSHyptis suaveolens AND Sida acuta IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE
An assessment of the influence of heavy metals on the growth of two common weeds Hyptis suaveolens and Sida acuta in soils of polluted areas and an unpolluted soil (control) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was carried out. Soil samples were collected in three replicates from an automobile workshop site (AWS), refuse dump site (RDS), and unpolluted soil (UPS) in Lafia. The growth of each plant was monitored in an interval of two weeks for a period of 8 weeks. The heavy metals investigated in the soil include Cu, Pb and Zn using digestion process and atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal analysis revealed that AWS recorded highest concentration (0.71 mg/kg) while UPS recorded the least concentration of Pb (0.28 mg/kg) respectively. RDS had the highest concentration of Cu (0.61 mg/kg), while UPS had the highest concentration of Zn (0.19 mg/kg). It was observed that Hyptis suaveolens grew better on RDS and the growth parameters were seen to be significantly different from AWS and UPS. The AWS recorded least growth parameters which is likely due to the high level of metal concentration in the soil. Similarly, Sida acuta grew better on RDS and the least in AWS. The use of weeds which are not consumed by humans and animals should be encouraged in phytoremediation in order to prevent the effects of waste-related problems in the environment.
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LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY AND LAND DEGRADATION: SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF CHARCOAL TRADE IN YEWA DIVISION, OGUN STATE
Charcoal merchandise is a thriving business in Yewa Division of Ogun State. Despite the livelihood support from charcoal trading, significant negative impacts on land and environment have been widely reported. There is the need to balance economic gains and land degradation. A survey of purposively sampled five hundred charcoal stakeholders was conducted through the use of well-structured questionnaire and interviews. Data were collected on socio-economic characteristics, perceptions on livelihoods and land degradation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic and ordinal regression analyses. The study found that 56% of the respondents were male and 55% were married. Most of the respondents (63%) had secondary level education, involved as producers (60%), and earning income of between ₦50,000 and ₦120,000 monthly (48%) from charcoal activities. The research revealed that marital status (χ22,498 = 7.43; p = 0.02) and occupation (χ21,499 = 0.001; p = 0.01) significantly influenced the perception of respondents with respect to charcoal merchandise for livelihood support. Percieved impact of charcoal production on land degradation was significantly influenced by marital status (χ22,498 =7.43; p=0.02), education level (χ22,498 =4.68; p=0.01) and income level (χ22,498 =11.53; p=0.01). Charcoal trading appears to be a lucrative business that supports livelihoods. Married couple, well educated people and high income earners appeared to be involved in this business, and they seemed fully aware of the consequenes of charcoal activities on land degradation. However, the study recommends that charcoal merchandise should be strictly regulated to forestall adverse consequences to the land and environment.
EFFECT OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM (Lentinula edodes) SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS BASED ON FERMENTED SWAPSI MEAL-BASED DIETS
Shiitake mushroom is recognized for its nutritional and bioactive properties, with potential benefits in poultry nutrition. Fermented feed ingredients, such as fermented solid waste product of sugar industry meal, have also gained attention in improving nutrient utilization and growth performance in poultry. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Shiitake mushroom on the growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets of fermented SWAPSI meal during an eight-week feeding period divided into starter and finisher phases. A total of 250 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 dietary treatments receiving diets containing varying inclusion levels of Shiitake mushroom combined with fermented SWAPSI meal with 50 birds per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. Initial body weights were similar across treatments. Significant improvements (P<0.05) in final body weight and average weight gain were observed in birds supplemented with 5 % (1391.20 g) and 20 % (1319.80 g) shiitake mushroom compared to the control (788.40 g) and 30 % (715.80 g) groups of finisher phase. In conclusion, 20 % supplementation of Shiitake mushrooms with fermented SWAPSI meal-based diets enhanced growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens.
GROWTH RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO RUMEN LIQUOR–FERMENTED SUGAR BY-PRODUCT MEAL DIETS WITH MULTIGRAIN ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION
The global demand for animal protein necessitates the exploration of sustainable feed alternatives in livestock production. Rabbit farming is considered a promising avenue due to the high reproductive rate and their ability to thrive on diverse feedstuffs. This study investigated effect of rumen-liquor fermented solid waste product of sugar industry (FSWAPSI) supplemented with enzyme on the performance of rabbits. The experiment used 72 weaner rabbits assigned to a 3x2 factorial arrangement fitted into Completely Randomized Design and replicated four times with 3 rabbits each. Six diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and iso-caloric, supplementing FSWAPSI at 20, 30, and 40 % for weaners and 40, 50 and 60 % for growers, with enzyme supplementation at 0 and 200 ppm. Rumen liquor was used to inoculate SWAPSI and fermented before sun-drying. In the grower phase the result shows that higher level of the test ingredient was tolerated, 20 % FSWAPSI inclusion group showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in final weight (1426.70 g). Enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm significantly (P<0.05) depressed final weight (1240.60 g) as compared to the 0 ppm group (1398.90 g). There was significant (P<0.05) increase in average feed intake (52.61 g) and protein intake (9.5g) due to interactive effects of FSWAPSI and enzyme supplementation in the weaner phase. Conclusively, FSWAPSI can be safely incorporated up to 40 % for weaner rabbits and up to 60 % for grower rabbits. However, enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm proved unnecessary for grower rabbits as the fermentation itself effectively enhanced nutrient utilization
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METALS PROFILE OF SACHET WATER BRANDS FROM SELECTED VENTURES IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL OF THEFEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Sachet water (SW) is an alternative source of drinking water among many households in Nigeria, and water contamination by heavy metals is a public health concern. This study assessed the physicochemical, lead, iron, and zinc contents of SW samples purchased within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja. Ten bags of SW were purchased from 10 SW ventures within AMAC, labelled A-J, and transported to the laboratory. Three SW from each bag were randomly selected for physicochemical and heavy metal content analysis using a standard protocol. The total dissolved solids, total hardness, and electrical conductivity ranged from 10.75-115.7 mg/L, 0.08-0.64 mg/L, and 7.5-236.1 μS/cm respectively, and were lower than the WHO standard, while the values of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 7.4-10.5 mg/L, 32.5-37.5 mg/L, and 8.4-11 mg/L respectively, and exceeded the WHO threshold. The pH values varied across the samples and were below the WHO threshold. The concentrations of Zn (0.0685-0.2677 mg/L), Fe (0.3774-5.942 mg/L), and Pb (0.0572-0.2331 mg/L) varied across all the SW, with Zn content falling below the WHO threshold, while the Fe and Pb contents exceeded the threshold for drinking water. The study suggests SW contamination by heavy metals, especially Pb, and other physicochemical markers (BOD, COD, and DO), thus recommending stricter enforcement of regulatory standards for Pb content, BOD, DO, and COD in SW, improved water treatment technologies, and better maintenance of water distribution infrastructure towards actualizing the SDG No. 6 (clean water and sanitation)