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
ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF GINGER (Zingiber officinale) ANDGARLIC (Allium sativum) FLOUR CULTIVATED IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) are important spices widely consumed for their culinary and medicinal values. Despite their widespread availability and use, comprehensive data on the varieties grown in northern Nigeria are scarce. This study, therefore, examined the proximate, phytochemical, and amino acid profiles of ginger and garlic flour cultivated in Kaduna State using Standard Analytical Methods with three replicates per sample. Statistical analyses, such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and Student’s t-test at 5 % significance level, were performed. The proximate composition values (%) of ginger and garlic were as follows: crude protein (15.21 and 11.16), crude fat (4.03 and 2.65), ash (5.90 and 7.12), crude fiber (5.15 and 20.22), moisture (6.42 and 5.52), and carbohydrates (63.29 and 53.33). The calculated metabolizable energy was 1483.61 and 1194.38 kJ/100 g for ginger and garlic, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed high tannin levels in both samples (ginger, 160.38 mg/100 g; garlic, 170.33 mg/100 g), with garlic showing higher oxalate (7.64 %), alkaloid (10.43 %), and phenol (1.43 %) contents, whereas ginger had greater flavonoid (9.39 %) concentration. Garlic showed adequacy in isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine + tyrosine, but was limited in lysine, methionine + cystine and tryptophan. In contrast, ginger was limited in all essential amino acids. These findings indicate that ginger and garlic flour from Kaduna State are nutritionally valuable spices that support their potential for application in food fortification and health-promoting applications
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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.
AEROMAGNETIC SPECTRAL INVESTIGATION OF SUBSURFACE THERMAL STRUCTURE FOR GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EVALUATION IN YOLA ARM, UPPER BENUE TROUGH, NIGERIA
Geothermal resources are increasingly recognized as a reliable and sustainable energy option for Nigeria. Despite previous investigations, a detailed characterization of subsurface thermal conditions, particularly within structurally complex basins such as the Upper Benue Trough, is required. This research investigates the potential for geothermal energy in Yola Arm by using spectral analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic data. Six aeromagnetic sheets from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency were processed with Oasis Montaj 8.4. The Magnetic data were corrected for low-latitude effects through Reduction to the Magnetic Equator, followed by separation of regional and residual components to isolate shallow anomalies. The residual data were partitioned into 28 overlapping segments for spectral analysis. Radially averaged power spectrum analysis was applied to evaluate Curie point depth (CPD), geothermal gradient, and heat flow. The results indicate that CPD varies between approximately 14 km and 26 km. Corresponding geothermal gradients range from about 22 to 39 °C/km, while heat flow values fall within 56 mW/m² and approximately 100 mW/m². Zones characterized by relatively shallow CPD exhibit higher thermal gradients and enhanced heat flow, suggesting favourable geothermal conditions. Conversely, deeper CPD zones are associated with lower thermal regimes. Spatial distribution patterns indicate that the southeastern portion of the area under study possesses a potential for geothermal energy
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.
QUEUING ANALYSIS OF PATIENT FLOW IN THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OFFEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, KEFFI: AN M/M/C MODEL APPROACH
Public hospitals in developing nations, including Nigeria, face problems with their outpatient departments due to extended patient waiting time. This research applies queuing theory to analyse patient flow through the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, using observational data. Patient arrivals and consultation times were modelled as an M/M/c queuing system with varying numbers of doctor servers. Key performance measures estimated include average queue length, average waiting time in the queue, average number in the system, average time in the system, and system utilization. Goodness-of-fit tests were conducted to validate the model assumptions. The results showed that both inter-arrival and service times follow an exponential distribution, confirming the suitability of the M/M/c framework. The findings indicate that the OPD system is unstable when operated with one or two doctors, leading to long queues and waiting times. With three doctors, the system operates at critical capacity and remains sensitive to fluctuations in patient arrivals. The introduction of a fourth doctor results in system improvement, reducing the average queue length to 1.53 patients and the average waiting time to 5 minutes, while lowering system utilization to 0.75. Graphical analysis confirms reductions in the number of patients in the system and total system time under the four-doctor configuration, indicating a smoother and more efficient patient flow. The study demonstrates that staffing is crucial for reducing outpatient waiting times and improving service delivery. It provides evidence that M/M/c queuing models can support hospital managers in optimizing healthcare services in resource-constrained environments.
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.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Cassia occidentalis WHOLE PLANTEXTRACT AGAINST MDR-Salmonella SPECIES
ABSTRACT This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Cassia occidentalis (Coffee Senna) whole plant extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella species isolates obtained from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. The isolates were subjected to gram staining and biochemical screening, antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on Mueller Hintons agar and the AMR status of the isolates was established. Phytoconstituents screening of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, with steroids detected only in the ethanolic extract. Antibacterial assays conducted using the agar well diffusion method showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with the ethanolic extract exhibiting stronger activity than the aqueous extract. The ethanolic extract produced zones of inhibition up to 40 mm at 300 mg/mL, while the aqueous extract reached 34 mm at the same concentration. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 9.38–18.75 mg/mL for the ethanolic extract and 18.75–37.5 mg/mL for the aqueous extract. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 37.5–75 mg/mL. These results confirm the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of C. occidentalis, highlighting its potential as a source of novel antimicrobial agents. The findings support its ethnomedicinal use and suggest its possible application in developing alternative therapies for managing drug-resistant Salmonella infections.
FIXED POINTS OF A NONHOMOGENIOUS SECOND ORDER DIFFERENCEEQUATION OF ACCRETIVE TYPE IN HILBERT SPACES
In this study, we establish the existence of a common fixed point in a nonhomogeneous second order difference equation of accretive type in Hilbert spaces. We used a contraction and rational inequality in Hilbert spaces to obtain our result and its uniqueness.
GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TiO2NANOPARTICLES USING Lonchocarpus cyanescens
This study describes the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles using green techniques with Lonchocarpus cyanescens extract as a sustainable, non-toxic, and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical methods. The optical, functional, and morphological properties of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).The green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles’ FTIR spectrum showed a prominent absorption band at 1024 cm–1, which corresponds to C–O stretching vibrations commonly found in alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and ethers; additionally, peaks at 1024 and 493 cm–1 were attributed to Ti–O stretching and Ti–O–Ti bridging vibrations, respectively; the clear peak at 493 cm–1 verified the successful formation of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The optical band gap of the synthesised nanoparticles was examined using UV-Visible spectroscopy, demonstrating the efficacy of the green synthesis approach in developing optically active TiO₂ nanomaterials. The photo absorption characteristics of TiO₂ nanoparticles was analysed across a wavelength range of 200–800 nm. The results exhibited a prominent absorption peak at 225 nm with an absorbance below 1, confirming the successful synthesis of pure TiO₂ nanoparticles. The surface morphological studies of the TiO2 nanoparticles was carried out using (SEM) and it reveals that the synthesized TiO2 particles were in spherical in shape and aggregated into an irregular structure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of TiO₂ nanoparticles indicates that the calculated average crystallite size for pure TiO₂ is around 12.9 nm.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF PRE-TREATMENT WITH GRANULATEDPLANTAIN PEEL ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM POULTRY WASTE
The continued reliance on wood and fossil fuels has demonstrably negative environmental and economic consequences. These include significant contributions to carbon emissions and global warming, as well as economic instability driven by volatile energy markets, as evidenced by recent price surges in petroleum products in regions such as Nigeria. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop energy sources that are both protective and restorative to the environment. This study investigates the pre-treatment of poultry waste with granulated plantain peels (GPP) as a pre-treatment agent to enhance both the yield and quality of biogas. Conducted over 53 days using two laboratory-scale bio-digesters, one fed a mixture of poultry waste and GPP and a control bio-digester receiving only poultry waste, gas production was measured at five-day intervals. The pre-treated substrate yielded a cumulative 52,650.6 cm³ of biogas, a 140 % increase over the 21,928.6 cm³ from the untreated control. Flammability testing indicated an accelerated production onset, with biogas from the pre-treated mixture igniting from the first day and exhibiting appreciable methane content by days 3–4, whereas the control began production on day 3, with significant methane observed only by days 4–5. Furthermore, a compression test demonstrated the technical feasibility of storing the biogas, showing a minimal temperature increase of 0.19 °C per psi during pressurization.
A HYBRID ENSEMBLE LEARNING APPROACH FOR ENTERPRISE NETWORK THREAT CLASSIFICATION
The increased number of business networks has increased the traffic levels of the networks, which increases the susceptibility to advanced types of cyber-attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). The current intrusion detection systems have not had the capability to address the rising pattern attacks, therefore creating a need to employ the smart data models. The study presents a hybrid model design approach that combines the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, and the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. The experiment study is undertaken on the CICDDoS 2019 dataset platform that supports diverse benign and DDoS network attacks. Data processing corresponded to the normalization of data, data ranking through the Information Gain values, and the application of the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE). Each of the algorithms was individually created and evaluated through accuracy, precision, recall, F1 statistics, and AUC-ROC plots. It is clear from this study work that SVM performed best on its own with almost 99.92 % accuracy and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.999 percent, outperforming RF and XG-Boost. The proposed hybrid ensemble model further enhanced these measures with 99.96 % accuracy with added strengths in terms of enhanced model generalization. This study work clearly establishes that the hybrid ensemble design of optimized traditional ML models performs efficiently and is scalable on real-time scales of enterprise network threats.
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.