bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Control Strategy of PEMFC Thermal Management
System
Authors: Zhu Shaopeng , Mei Jing , Yang Lang , Zong Yajing , Liu Yunmei , Zhang Bo , Chen Huipeng
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses a series of issues in the thermal management system of
proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) during power fluctuations, such as
slow system response, insufficient stability, significant temperature
fluctuations, and the complexity of coupled control between coolant flow and air
flow. A solution is proposed by designing separate Linear Active Disturbance
Rejection Controllers (LADRC) for the coolant flow and air flow control loops. A
one-dimensional model of the PEMFC thermal management system was established on
the LMS AMESIM simulation platform, combined with a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
model and a driver model, fully considering various influencing factors such as
vehicle power fluctuations and driver demands. Subsequently, the LADRC control
algorithm was developed on the Matlab-Simulink platform, and a co-simulation
analysis was performed to compare the control effects of PID control and LADRC
under both custom operating conditions and the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)
conditions.

The simulation results show that with the LADRC controller, the temperature of
the coolant entering the stack can be stably maintained at 65°C, and the LADRC
controller can quickly respond to temperature changes during drastic condition
variations. Under NEDC conditions, when the power rapidly increases, the peak
temperature of the coolant exiting the stack reaches 70.5°C, which is 3.55°C
lower than the temperature under traditional PID control. Additionally, the
fluctuation of temperature difference of the system is kept within 7°C.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Ammonia Energy Substitution Rate
on Combustion and Emission Performance in a Hydrogen Engine
Authors: Wu Weilong , Xie Fangxi , Chen Hong , Du Jiakun , Li Yong
Published: January 2025

To advance the application of zero-carbon ammonia fuel, this paper presents an
experimental investigation on the potential of ammonia substitution using a 2.0L
ammonia-hydrogen engine, where ammonia is injected into the intake port and
hydrogen is directly injected into the cylinder. The study examines the effects
of ammonia substitution rate under various load conditions on engine combustion
and emission performance. Results indicate that the maximum ammonia energy
substitution rate reached 98%, and within the stable combustion boundary, the
mass fraction of unburned ammonia was less than 3%. The ammonia energy
substitution ratio increased with load, and ammonia addition significantly
suppressed pre-ignition and knocking. As ammonia content increased, ignition
timing advanced, combustion duration extended, ignition delay prolonged, COV
increased, peak cylinder pressure, and pressure rise rate decreased, with a
corresponding decrease in peak heat release rate. Compared to a pure hydrogen
engine, the ammonia-hydrogen dual-fuel engine significantly improved brake
thermal efficiency (BTE), which continued to rise with increasing ammonia energy
substitution rate. At BMEP = 0.8 MPa, BTE reached a maximum of 41.1%. With
increased ammonia addition, unburned NH3 emissions in the exhaust gradually
increased, while NOx emissions decreased overall, but N2O emissions showed an
increasing trend.
Study on Injection Parameters of Ammonia/Diesel Dual Direct Injection
Low-Speed Engine
Authors: Yang Jincheng , Liu Long , Gui Yong
Published: January 2025

With the adoption of the IMO Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategy Revision,
the international shipping industry is facing huge pressure to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, and the conversion of ship power from traditional fossil fuels to
low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels is the fundamental solution, and ammonia fuel,
as a zero-carbon fuel, is an important direction for the development of ship
power in the future. Based on a marine low-speed diesel engine with a bore of
520 mm, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation was carried out
to study the effects of different diesel energy fractions, ammonia injection
pressure, ammonia injection timing and ammonia diesel injection interval on the
combustion and emission characteristics of the engine under the dual-fuel
combustion mode of high-pressure dual direct injection. The calculation results
show that under the condition of the current engine, 5% of diesel energy can
reduce carbon emissions by 92.8% under the premise of successful ignition.
Increasing the injection pressure of ammonia fuel results in more effective
work, greater turbulent kinetic energy, better mixing effect of ammonia fuel and
diesel flame, and reduces unburned ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, but
there is a trade-off between high NOx or high N2O emissions. Diesel
ammonia 2CA injection in advance can take into account various emission data
well, and is the most suitable injection interval.
Impact of inclusive sport and physical exercise on Neurodevelopmental Disorders with emphasis on ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Authors: Fortes Brenda
Published: January 2025

Inclusão e sustentabilidade são conceitos intimamente ligados, pois a sustentabilidade implica cuidar das gerações presentes como medida profilática para melhorar a qualidade de vida das gerações futuras. Essa abordagem é parte integrante de todas as metas de desenvolvimento estabelecidas pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) na Agenda 2030. A inclusão, por outro lado, refere-se ao processo de reunir as pessoas, independentemente das diferenças. Em sua essência, o esporte representa uma combinação de ambos, pois promove a inclusão e melhora a qualidade de vida dos participantes. A inclusão de indivíduos com perturbações do neurodesenvolvimento na prática desportiva, com particular enfoque no PEA (Perturbação do Espectro do Autismo), permite uma apreciação mais profunda da neurodiversidade humana. Essa abordagem inclusiva oferece benefícios equitativos, não apenas no bem-estar físico, mas também nos domínios cognitivo, social e emocional. Em outras palavras, ajuda a reduzir as desigualdades ao promover práticas de saúde e educação de qualidade (ODS – 2030/ONU) por meio do esporte. Este estudo visa incentivar a reflexão e uma compreensão mais profunda da correlação entre os processos mencionados e seu impacto nos transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento. A pesquisa foi baseada em uma revisão integrativa da literatura, incluindo meta-análises e artigos científicos publicados predominantemente nos últimos cinco anos (2019–2024). Os resultados destacam a importância das principais áreas de impacto, incluindo desenvolvimento motor, cognição, controle da atenção, inclusão social e desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais, bem como melhorias na regulação emocional, resiliência, comportamento proativo e qualidade de vida geral.
Comprehensive analysis of indole-2-carboxylic acid as an antioxidant drug: Spectroscopic, quantum chemical, topological and molecular docking studies
Authors: S. Jeba Reeda V. , N. Cheerlin Mishma J. , Divyab, Nazrul Haq P. , Muthu S. , Siddiqui Nazia , Javed Saleem
Published: January 2025

Bioactive indole-derived compounds have become increasingly important in current years owing to their wide range of biological and pharmacological uses. In this work, vibrational, electrical, physicochemical, and suppressive attributes of Indole-2-carboxylic acid (ID2CA) are predicted and analyzed. First, the molecular structure of ID2CA was refined, and its structural characteristics were computed in different environments, including polar solvents (DMSO, methanol, and water) as well as in the gas phase. A strong correlation was observed between the molecule's simulated and experimentally obtained infrared spectra. Measured UV-Visible spectra confirm the ID2CA's π→π* electronic shift, which is compatible with the computed spectra. Subsequent examination of FMO revealed intramolecular charge transfer (CT) throughout the molecule, highlighting ID2CA's bioactivity. To verify findings of the natural charge assessment and FMOs, Fukui function values were computed. ID2CA was discovered to be a significant part of the antioxidant resistance system by molecular docking studies. After performing 100 ns MD simulations and effective free energy computations with MMPBSA, durability of the best-docked protein (2C9V) was evaluated.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(4), 763-780.                                                          
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i4.12
Derivative spectrophotometric determination of quinine, adenine and metoclopramide hydrochloride in their binary mixture using zero–crossing technique
Authors: H. Naggar Ahmed , Alfarsi Anas , A. Farghaly Othman , A. Taher Mahmoud , El–Aziz Y. El–Sayed Abd , A. Abdelwahab Adel
Published: January 2025

A first–derivative spectrophotometric procedure has been applied for the simultaneous quantification of quinine–adenine or quinine–metoclopramide hydrochloride in their mixes using “zero–crossing” measuring approach. The first–derivative spectra of quinine and adenine allowed the determination of quinine (1.5–17.9 µg/mL) in the presence of 4.3 µg/mL of adenine, and adenine (5.4–27.0 µg/mL) in presence of 9.0 µg/mL of quinine. In the binary mixture of quinine–metoclopramide hydrochloride, the first–derivative spectra of quinine and metoclopramide hydrochloride allowed the determination of quinine (11.95–95.62 µg/mL) in presence of 5.4 µg/mL of metoclopramide hydrochloride, and metoclopramide hydrochloride (1.34–21.52 µg/mL) in existence of 29.88 µg/mL of quinine. A statistical scrutiny of the provided practical data was used to perform a critical assessment of the recommended approaches.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(4), 615-628.                                                
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i4.2
Synthesis of a hybrid nanomaterial combining silver nanoparticles with water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines [ZnPc(CO2H)4(COATP)4@AgNPs]
Authors: Tarpaga Lassané , Bakouan Youssoufou , Ouédraogo Seydou , Sessouma Bintou , Bayo-Bangoura Mabinty , Amiens Catherine , Esvan Jérôme , Bayo Karifa
Published: January 2025

Phthalocyanine based hybrid nanomaterials show promises in biomedical applications. However, their lack of solubility in aqueous phase limits their development.  This paper aims at bringing some answers to this problem, by reporting the synthesis of a hybrid nanomaterial consisting of new zinc phthalocyanines substituted with four carboxylic acid functions and four thiol functions, [ZnPc(CO2H)4(COATP)4@AgNPs], associated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The isolated hybrid species were characterized by UV-Visible, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). They show that the hybrid species consists in circa 20 nm large AgNPs with a characteristic absorption band that undergoes a bathochromic effect of about 30 nm in comparison to the parent AgNPs, in agreement with a functionalization of their surface. The XPS results give tangible proof of the establishment of an Ag-S bond, indicative of the coordination of the zinc phthalocyanine complexes to the AgNP surface via their peripheral thiol functions.  With their four peripheral carboxylic acid functions, the zinc phthalocyanine complexes grafted on the AgNPs should impart a significant solubility to the hybrid system thus allowing its use in the biomedical field.
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(4), 713-729.                                                                
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i4.9
Molecular detection of the infectivity status of Anopheles gambiae stricto lacto in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Busari L.O , Iwalewa Z.O , Adeogun A.O , Surakat O.A , Rufai A.M , Fasasi K.A , Adeleke M.A
Published: January 2025

The present study reports the infectivity of An. gambiae s.l with sporozoite of Plasmodium. falciparum. Adult mosquitoes were caught quarterly in three communities across the state between 1800hr – 0600hr using the Centre for Disease Control light trap and 0600hr – 0700hr for pyrethrum spray catch (PSC) using protocol by the WHO and identified using morphological keys. Molecular analysis for sibling species identification was conducted using Polymerase Chain Reaction. The CDC light trap had a total of ninety (90) catches while the PSC had a relatively low number (1) of catch. A total of 4 samples were positive for P. falciparum. Ido-Osun 2 (50%) recorded the highest infectivity status as compared to Inisa 1(50%) and Ife 1 (50%). Infectivity was found in the first, second and third quarters respectively. The outdoor catch had the highest number of sporozoites detected across the study areas as compared to the indoor catch (p = 0.59; P > 0.05). Similarly, 1 (33.3%) sporozoite was detected in the outdoor catches across all the study areas. The only sporozoite detected indoor was found at Ido-Osun. No sample was positive for P. vivax sporozoite across the study areas. The present study therefore suggests the possibility of an ongoing transmission of falciparum malaria in the state. Therefore, the need to devise proactive control and preventive measures targeted at containing the transmission.
Knowledge, attitude and adherence to exercise among adults with hypertension in North-Western Nigeria: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Musa Aliyu , Akindele Mukadas O. , Kassim Mannir , Bichi Muhyiddeen S. , Awotidebe Adedapo Wasiu
Published: January 2025

Research evidence has shown the effectiveness of exercise in blood pressure control. However, little is known about factors limiting exercise engagement in adults with hypertension. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude and adherence to exercise for blood pressure control among adults with hypertension. An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted; a total of 150 adults with hypertension whose ages were 18 and older satisfied the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. A modified structured questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude and adherence to exercise was used to obtain data from the respondents using a convenient sampling technique. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency and percentage at a 0.05 level of significance. The majority 90, (60.0%) of the respondents demonstrated poor exercise compliance, of which, 101(67.3%) had poor knowledge of exercise for hypertension control while 39, (26.0%) had a positive attitude towards exercise. There was a significant association between knowledge of exercise and level of education (χ2=28.337; p=0.001), attitude (χ2=38.297; p=0.001) and adherence to exercise (χ2=12.757; p=0.001) respectively. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and socio-economic status of the respondents (χ2=19.192; p=0.001), and between knowledge and attitude among the respondents (χ2=25.634; p=0.001). The study showed that compliance to exercise for blood pressure control is low among adults with hypertension in North-western Nigeria, which was significantly influenced by poor knowledge of and negative attitude towards exercise. Public health enlightenment campaigns and patient education should form part of the hypertension management protocol.
Synthesis and spectroscopic analyses of metronidazole-naphthol derivative
Authors: Chikwe T.N. , Abayeh O.J. , Nwaka C.
Published: January 2025

The synthesis of metronidazole-naphthol derivative (Sample 5) was achieved by the reduction of metronidazole (Sample 1) with zinc in aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and diazotization of the reduced product (Sample 2) with aqueous solutions of NaNO2 and HCl at a temperature range of 0 – 5oC. Diazo-coupling of 2- Naphthol unto the diazonium salt of metronidazole gave rise to metronidazole-naphthol derivative. The synthesis produced a yield of 28.2 and 36.4% for Sample 2 (1- (2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-aminoimidazole) and Sample 5 respectively. The purity of samples 1, 2 and 5 were verified from their melting points of 158 – 1600C, 154 – 1560C, 145 – 1460C respectively. The colour variation of Samples 1, 2 and 5 were cream, light- brown and red respectively. The chemical structures and bonding of the samples were verified with the use of Ultraviolet / Visible spectroscopic analysis, results obtained shows a maximum wavelength of 217 – 236 nm, 514 – 571 nm and 500 – 545 nm for Samples 1, 2 and 5 respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses (FTIR) were employed to confirm the functional groups in the compounds. The appearance of vibrational peaks at wavelengths of 3733.72 - 3627.33 cm-1, 3218.04 cm-1, 1464.71 cm-1, 1362.24 – 1213.85 cm-1 for amino (-N-H), hydroxyl (-OH), stretching (-CH2) and cyano (C-N) groups respectively signifies the presence of the proposed amino product of metronidazole (Sample 2) while the peaks at 3381.24 cm-1 (-OH), 3099.11 (C-H), 1617.00 cm-1 (C=C), 1533.85 ( -N=N-), 1474.79 (-CH2) and 1366.51 - 1239.15cm-1(-C-N) confirms the structure of metronidazole-naphthol derivative (Sample 5).
Effect of intramuscular administration of Echis ocellatus venom on some organs of wistar rats infected with T.b. brucei .
Authors: Umar Atikat , Abubakar Aminu , Yahaya Idris Hamza , Asabe Muhammad Asmau , Shuaibu Musayyiba , Ahmad Rufai Fatihu , Ibrahim Zakari Abdullahi , Alhaji Sani Ali
Published: January 2025

Trypanosomes are haemo-flagellate protozoans that inhabit the blood plasma, the lymph and various tissues of their host causing disease in both humans and animals which has been described as a complex debilitating and often fatal condition leading to death in severe cases. Effect of intramuscular administration of Echis ocellatus venom on kidney and liver of wistar rat infected with T.brucei brucei was carried out using 30 wister rats divided into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 were infected and administered 400ml of venom, group 2 were infected and administered 200ml of venom, group 3 were infected and administered 100ml of venom, group 4 were infected and administered 25ml venom, group 5 were infected and not administered venom and group 6 were infected and treated with Diminzene diaceturate. It was observed that at 25ml of snake venom administration into wistar rats, there was a significant rise (0.68± 0.01*) in the weight of the kidney as compared to the remaining dosage administered as shown in Table 1. The mean weight of liver which showed an increase in size as compared to the remaining dosages at 400ml (5.33± 0.04*), where the liver was slightly or thinly affected, indicating that high dosage of venom can be lethal to the liver of wistar rats as seen in Table 2. This study showed that both kidney and liver infected with T.b.brucei without administering snake venom and treated with Diminazene diaceturate gained more weight indicating hepatomegaly and nephritis, therefore, it can be concluded that Echis ocellatus venom has potential ingredient in combating the disease.
Effects of ethanol seed extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum in the treatment of Mercury chloride-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity
Authors: Oriabure Joseph E. , Innih Silvanus O.
Published: January 2025

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a compound of mercury, which is highly toxic and corrosive. Mercury chloride was formerly utilized as a treatment for syphilis; however, it is no longer employed for medical purposes due to its toxicity. A chemical evaluation of Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts revealed it can be useful to manage cardiovascular and liver diseases due to the presence of tocopherol. The study investigated the possible medicinal effects of T. conophorum seed extract on Mercury chloride-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. A total of twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats, weighing between 184-276kg, were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into six groups (A-F) of four rats each. Group A served as control. Animals in groups B and C received daily oral administration of low dose and high dose 250 and 500mg/kg body weight of T. conophorhum extracts only respectively. Groups D and E were the mercury chloride induced rats which were treated with low dose and high dose 250 and 500mg/kg body weight of T. conophorhum extracts. Group F received 1mg/kg body weight solution of Mercuric chloride only. The rats were anesthetized under chloroform, heart and liver harvested and fixed in neutral buffered formalin for hematoxylin and eosin histological staining procedure, and histological slides were examined using light microscope. Histological findings reveal that mercuric chloride is both cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic. It causes severe damage to blood vessels in the heart, leading to ischemic effects on cardiac muscles, and induces significant liver damage, including inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration. Tetracarpidium conophorum extract provided some protection against these effects: it helped reduce liver inflammation and damage, and partially shielded the heart from vascular and myocardial damage. However, higher doses of the extract may not offer extra benefits and could potentially have adverse effects.
Comparison of microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques in malaria detection among children attending Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Comfort D.T. , Ombugadu R. J. , Yako A.B. , Tongjura J.D.C. , Olayinka M.D. , Gloria E. , Adeniyi K.A.
Published: January 2025

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease of humans and other animals caused by eukaryotic protist of the genus plasmodium. Malaria and anemia among children, especially those that are ≤ 5 years of age are still diseases of public health concern. This study was designed to compare microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques in detecting malaria among children attending Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from out-patients under five years reporting at the paediatric unit of the hospital. The blood samples were screened for the presence of malaria parasites using Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test methods while packed cell volume status was determined by microhaematocrit centrifuge technique. The prevalence of malaria is calculated. The level of significance was determined using chi-square statistics. 150 samples collected, 21 (14%) were positive for malaria using microscopy while 7 (4.7%) were positive for Rapid Diagnostic Test. It was recorded that female had the highest prevalence of 52.4% (11) compared to 47.6% (10) recorded for male children. Children of 1year age had the highest prevalence of 61.9% (13) with lowest packed cell volume range of 14 – 26. Children of 2 and 5 years had the prevalence of 9.5% (2) with packed cell volume range of 26 - 28. 4.8% (1) prevalence was recorded among children of 3 years, this recorded the least prevalence and highest PCV level of 32 – 35. It was observed that the malaria prevalence has an effect on the packed cell volume level among the children. There was significant difference in the age and sex relationship with the Packed Cell Volume using microscopy and rapid diagnostic techniques (as P˂0.05). Sensitivity of 75% and specificity 47.4% in microscopy was higher than 25% sensitivity and 52.6% in Rapid Diagnostic Test. The study showed that Microscopy performed better than Rapid Diagnostic Test in the diagnosis of malaria in children under the age of ˂5 years. Malaria remains a common infection among under five children in the tropics and predisposes them to having effect on packed cell volume. There should be improvements in the uptake of control interventions against malaria.
Evaluation of phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of Terminalia mantaly H. perrier leaf extract
Authors: Yunusa A.Y. , Yakasai M.A. , Namadina M.M.
Published: January 2025

Terminalia mantaly, a plant indigenous to Africa, is recognized for its medicinal benefits. This research was conducted to assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, antibacterial effectiveness, and toxicological properties of the methanolic extract from Terminalia mantaly leaves. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard qualitative methods. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion technique. The antioxidant capability of the extract was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, and phenols in the extract. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 6.837 µg/mL, though this was lower than that of ascorbic acid (0.01 µg/mL). The antibacterial assays showed that the extract was effective against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) ranging from 7.8125 to 15.625 mg/mL. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified functional groups such as alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones, which correspond to various secondary metabolites. Additionally, the extract exhibited significant toxicity against brine shrimp larvae, suggesting its potential use as a natural insecticide. Overall, the results indicated that Terminalia mantaly leaves contain valuable phytochemicals with notable antioxidant, antibacterial, and toxicological properties, meriting further exploration for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Terminalia mantaly against the tested clinical isolates.
Formulation of wicking agent from polymer composites
Authors: Enayaba O.F. , Ibe K.A. , Ferdinand C. , Adetokunbo S.O.
Published: January 2025

Composites of High Density Polythene, HDPE, and wood sawdust were harnessed in the formulation of wicking agents that could be employed in cleaning oil spills. The method used in compounding the composite of HDPE and various wood sawdust {Uvwero (Buchholzia coriacea), Akomu (Pycnanthus angolensis), Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon), Ugbarugba (Copaifera species), and Bombar (Bombax buonopozense)} was an extrusion method which was done at 200°C. The composite of High Density polythene (HDPE)/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 4:4:1 gave the highest crude oil absorption of 82.16% while the composite of High Density Polythene/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 5:1:3 gave the lowest oil absorption of 1.67%. The water test of the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Ugbarugba/Sand with a ratio of 2:6:1 gave the highest water absorption of 60.78% while the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Bombar/Sand with a ratio of 2:6:1 gave the lowest water absorption of 0.14%. Thus, the composite of High Density Polythene (HDPE)/Akomu/Sand with a ratio of 4:4:1 can serve as an effective medium for crude oil spill clean-up as it would absorb more crude oil than water.
VocalTweets: Investigating social media offensive language among Nigerian musicians
Authors: Oluyele Sunday Anthony , Akingbade Juwon , Akinode Victor
Published: January 2025

Musicians frequently use social media to express their opinions, but they often convey different messages in their music compared to their posts online. Some utilize these platforms to abuse their colleagues, while others use it to show support for political candidates or engage in activism, as seen during the #EndSars protest. There is extensive research done on offensive language detection on social media, though, the usage of offensive language by musicians has received limited attention. In this study, we introduce VocalTweets, a code-switched and multilingual dataset comprising tweets from 12 prominent Nigerian musicians, labeled with a binary classification method as Normal or Offensive. We trained a model using HuggingFace’s base-Twitter-RoBERTa, achieving an F1 score of 74.5. Additionally, we conducted cross-corpus experiments with the OLID dataset to evaluate the generalizability of our dataset.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites of Clarias gariepinus and Heterotis niloticus in Marma Water Channel, Kirikasamma Local Government Area, Jigawa State – Nigeria
Authors: Dabo Nasir Tukur , Danyaro Nafisa Muhammad , Maigari Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Water channel is a vital resourse in many countries, as it provides the communities with different economic potentialities. However, impact of human activities via industrialization, urbanization contaminates the water body leading to depletion of an important aquatic biota such as fish. The present study determined the prevalence of parasitic infestation in fish species (C. gariepinus and Heterotis niloticus) along Marma Water Channel, which comprises of Marma, Likori, Dawa and Madachi towns. The study was carried out for a period of 12 months (January to December, 2023). Parasitic prevalence, were evaluated using standard protocol. Two hundred and seventy (270) fresh fish species of both C. gariepinus and H. niloticus were randomly obtained from the landing sites on monthly basis. The overall prevalence of infection was 21.85%, in which higher prevalence rate was recorded in H. niloticus with 22.01% while C. gariepinus had 21.62%. Morphological examination revealed the identity of the encountered fish parasites with Bothriocephalus acheilognathii (40.9%), Biacetabulum infrequens (13.6%), Cecaria heterophiid (27.3%), Rhabdochona congolensis (9.5%) and Cystacanth (larval stage) (13.6%). It was concluded that Cestodes where more predominant with the total number of 17 parasites across the two fish species. It is therefore recommended that fish samples from Marma water channel should be properly cooked to protect consumers from ingesting fish contaminated with parasites.
Assessment of heavy metal concentration in vegetables grown around Jakara Reservoir, Kano State Nigeria
Authors: Durumin Iya Surayya Farouk , Mohammed Musa Ibrahim , Koki Isa Baba
Published: January 2025

Heavy metal concentrations in vegetables (onion, pepper, and tomatoes) were used to evaluate the pollution state of Jakara Reservoir in Kano State between February and May of 2024. Analysis of the heavy metals was done according to established procedure. Every month, vegetables were gathered from six sampling locations designated A, B, C, D, E, and F according to the different human activity surrounding the reservoir. The findings showed that onion samples had mean values for Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Cobalt (Co) of 0.93, 0.37, 1.01, 0.79, 0.81, 0.69, and 0.56 mg/kg, respectively. Onions had the lowest levels of Cd while the highest level was Cr. The heavy metal accumulation in onions was as follows: Cr > Cu > Ni > Mn > Pb > Co > Cd. The following elements were found in pepper: Pb, Co, Mn, Ni, Cu, (Cr), (Cd), and 0.76, 0.66, 1.61, 0.58, 0.54, 0.53, and 0.48 mg/kg, respectively. Pepper accumulated in the following decreasing order: Cr > Pb > Cd > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co with the exception of Ni and Mn. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in pepper were higher than the FAO's recommended limit (2020). Tomatoes had correspondingly values of 0.63, 0.61, 0.49, 0.44, 0.29, 0.28, and 0.25 mg/kg of Cu, Cr, Cd, Mn, Ni, Co, and Pb. Cu > Cr > Cd > Ni > Mn > Co > Pb was the decreasing order for metals in tomatoes. With the exception of Cr, Mn, and Ni, the concentrations of all heavy metals in tomatoes were higher than the FAO's recommended level (2020). Based on the current study's findings, it can be said that eating vegetables grown in the study area poses a serious risk to the consumer's health. As a result, it is advised that the appropriate authorities enforce the safety regulations pertaining to vegetables originating from the research region and suggest alternate irrigation areas where the vegetables can be produced using uncontaminated soil.
Morpho-statistical variation and taxonomic characterization of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees population obtained from selected locations within Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ikot M.U. , Mbong E.O. , Akpabio K.E. , Uyoh V.
Published: January 2025

Study of variations in plants has been identified as one successful strategy for obtaining cultivars with superior features for breeding, improvement and conservation purposes. In situ analysis of morphological variation of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees found in three states of Southern Nigeria was carried out using qualitative and quantitative morphological markers. Morphological traits studied included features of the stem, leaf, inflorescence, flower, fruit and seed. Qualitatively, accessions from Rivers State differed from those in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in that the former had green stems, dark green leaves and light green unripe fruits. Of the fourteen quantitative morphological features studied, significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded for five features (stem height, number of leaves per plant, number of fruits per plant, day to first flower and harvest age). Cluster analysis based on the quantitative morphological attributes produced a dendrogram which regrouped the twenty one accessions into three distinct cluster groupings indicating strong species intersections with higher similarities between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States compared to those obtained from Rivers State. Generally, this technique imprinted more or less overlapping semblances in species assortment to discrete cluster groups unrelated to locations thus implicating a continuum in persistent genetic components trivially swayed by location-based environmental influences. This observation lends credence to the fields of genetics, plant breeding and taxonomy.
Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in organs of Heterotis niloticus and Tilapia zillii in Maladumba Wetland, Misau Lga, Bauchi north-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Godwin E. , Abubakar M.M. , 1Balogun J.B. , Abdullahi H.A. , Kamal M.
Published: January 2025

Fish is a highly valued source of protein, prized for its exceptional quality, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B, and other essential nutrients. This study, conducted in Maladumba Wetland, Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, northeastern Nigeria, aimed to assess the concentration of heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium, and copper) examine the spatio-temporal dynamics of physicochemical parameters in the wetland and evaluate the accumulation of these heavy metals in the kidney, liver, flesh, and gills of two commercially important fish species, Heterotis niloticus (African bony tongue) and Tilapia zillii (Mango Fish). Water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, etc. were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey’s test, and Pearson’s correlation. The mean physicochemical parameters recorded in water were temperature (23.83 ± 0.94°C), pH (6.61 ± 0.17), DO (4.63 ± 0.11 mg/L), BOD (28.41 ± 0.11 mg/L), COD (183.91 ± 3.01 mg/L), and turbidity (28.17 ± 0.17 NTU). The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of heavy metals in Heterotis niloticus were cadmium (0.93 ± 0.01), chromium (5.01 ± 0.17), copper (7.31 ± 0.04), and lead (7.15 ± 0.04). In Tilapia zillii, the concentrations were cadmium (3.00 ± 0.20), chromium (5.00 ± 0.17), copper (9.95 ± 0.03), and lead (6.80 ± 0.17). Copper was the most abundant heavy metal in both fish species, while cadmium was the least. The study highlighted the risks associated with heavy metal contamination in the Maladumba Wetland and the potential dangers of consuming contaminated fish. Further research is recommended to explore the human health implications of heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish from this wetland.
Substrate specificity and catalytic properties of glucoamylase from Leohumicola incrustata
Authors: Adeoyo Olusegun Richard , Pletschke Brett Ivan , Dames Joanna Felicity
Published: January 2025

Glucoamylase from fungi has proved to be a very useful enzyme for industrial processes by improving yields of food and starch products. This study determined specific and catalytic properties of purified glucoamylase obtained from a fungus, Leohumicola incrustata (MF374380). The enzyme was produced using submerged fermentation method and crude enzyme obtained was centrifuged and purified. Avicel, beechwood (BW) xylan, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), colloidal chitin, and soluble starch as well as glycogen, amylose, amylopectin, maize starch (raw), and blocked p-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltoheptaoside (BpNPG7) were used for substrate specificity assay. Michaelis-Menten plot was also used to determine catalytic properties of the enzyme. Findings revealed that the purified glucoamylase (37.6 U/mg protein) was specific for only starch while the enzyme could not hydrolyze Avicel, BW xylan, CMC, colloidal chitin and BPNPG7. Michaelis-Menten plots results showed a Km value of 0.70 mg/mL on glycogen, followed by amylopectin, amylose, and raw maize starch, with Km values of 0.76, 1.05, and 1.77 mg/mL, respectively. The Kcat values for raw maize starch, amylopectin, glycogen, and amylose were 73, 66, 57, and 32 s-1, respectively. Therefore, the study revealed that enzyme from L. incrustata exhibited strong substrate affinity and catalytic properties. The study underpins the need to include this organism when prospecting for future industrial glucoamylase production.
A modified sepic DC-DC converter for higher energy step-up conversion with fast response time based photovoltaic (PV) applications
Authors: Isah Huzaifa , Ali Mutari Hajara
Published: January 2025

A single-ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) has been modified in this work. The modification involves addition of some few components to the traditional SEPIC topology. The additional components are filter capacitor and a zener diode. The modification was done in such a way that the filter capacitor will receive the loss energy from opposite terminal of the circuit, filter it and deliver it to the zener diode. The benefits of the new topology are; higher voltage transfer ratio, less time delay and low duty ratio. Following the realization of the new topology, a prototype-based topology was created for simulation and laborary test. The simulation was carried out with MATLAB/SIMULINK. The results obtained from simulation provides a voltage value of 114V DC at the output when an input voltage value of 8V DC was applied. The results indicated a fast response time of 0.00005s by the on/off of power switch, higher voltage transfer ratio of 14.25 against a duty ratio value of 0.84. Laboratory results validated the feasibility of the simulation.
Insecurity and sustainable development goals: A public perception study in Kaduna Metropolis
Authors: Muhammed Abdulkadir Yahaya , Abubakar Aliyu Jaafar , Abukur Abdullahi Abba , Goje Sim Joyce , Yakubu Abubakar
Published: January 2025

This study seeks to assess the public perception of insecurity and four sustainable development goals (1, 2, 8 and 10). Data was collected through SDG documents, questionnaires and interviews. Systematic sampling was used to select the 11 wards out of 34 in the study area. Random sampling was used to administer the 400 copies of the questionnaire and the data collection was concluded by interviewing the 11 community leaders. Table, frequency and percentage were used to analyze and present the results. Additionally, a likert scale was used to present the public perception of insecurity and the four SDGs. Findings revealed the presence of hunger in the study area with a relative index 3.2, which was closely followed by weak economic growth and indecent jobs with a relative index of 3.1. Inequality had 3.07 as the relative index, while insecurity and poverty were 3.0 and 2.8 relative indexes respectively. The study concluded that hyper-inflation has multiplier effects in the study area as it affects food security and increases the poverty level. It was recommended that the social protection programs should cover all categories of people, male or female, adult or children and without any affiliations consideration to (political, religious, tribal, and regional) among other recommendations.
Preliminary study of production of biomass of Chlorella vulgaris utilizing recycled nutrients in sediments from Catfish ponds
Authors: Mu’azu M.M , Bashir M , Sani Y , Kasim M , Atiribom R.Y , Richard B
Published: January 2025

Feasibility of growing Chlorella vulgaris on recycled nutrients in sediments from Catfish ponds was evaluated, where a sediment filtrate-based organic media was prepared in single and double strength (100% and 50%) and tested against a conventional synthetic media (F/2) for algae culture. Findings from the study showed that sediment filtrate media (SFM) was not only able to support the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, but also yielded a significant quantity of biomass. Results for biomass density estimation showed that there was a correlation between nutrient concentration and biomass concentration because more algae concentration was recorded in the highest media concentration (100%) than the lower concentration (50%). This trend was observed for all treatments. Similarly, findings from the study also revealed that the 6th day of culture was the optimum culture period for harvesting because the highest biomass density was obtained within this period for all mediums. Furthermore, biomass yields and productivities of Chlorella vulgaris showed varied productivities and yields for both SFM and F/2 mediums. For the 3rd day, the highest productivity was obtained in f/2 medium with a productivity of 0.44g/L/day (44.3%). Similarly, in the 6th day, the highest biomass productivity was recorded in F/2 medium with a productivity of 0.17 g/L/day (17%). Even though the synthetic medium (F/2) outperformed SFM, results from the biomass productivities are promising if the growth conditions are optimized. The outcome of this study can serve as a baseline for developing technologies that will encourage the utilization and management of sediments from catfish ponds in the Kainji Lake Basin.
Radiometric assessment of the sewage treatment site at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Authors: Umar M. , Ahmed Z. , Vatsa A.M. , Balarabe B. , Saad A.A.
Published: January 2025

The radiometric assessment of Ahmadu Bello University's sewage treatment site in Zaria was conducted in three profiles along two  ponds in the research region. The goal is to estimate the concentration and dose rate of naturally occurring radioactive elements, as well  as to assess the risk to workers in the area. Gamma-ray  spectrometer alongside with GPS (global positioning system) were used.  The concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K were contour to show the areas of high concentration of the radionuclide. The data were taken at 5 m interval in each profile along the sewage ponds. The data collected were interpreted using the golden software  surfer 16. The  concentration of the radionuclide 238U, 232Th and 40K in the study area were found to be between the range of 2 ppm - 21 ppm which is  equivalent to the activity levels of 22.2 Bq/kg - 233.1 Bq/kg for 238U, 14.5 232 ppm - 29.5 ppm which is equivalent to the activity levels of 58.87  Bq/kg - 119.77 Bq/kg for 232Th and 2.5% - 40 10.5% which is equivalent to the activity levels of 782.5 Bq/kg - 3286.5 Bq/kg for 40K  respectively. The dose rate of the radionuclide U, 232Th and 40K in the study area were 11.35 nGy/h - 119.18 nGy/h for 238U, 36.16  nGy/h -  73.57nGy/h for 232Th and 32.69 nGy/h - 137.29 nGy/h for K respectively. The total count and absorb dose spanned within the  range of 330 - 395 cps and 115 - 200 nGy/h respectively. The result show that the absorbed  dose rate of the radionuclide ( 238U,  232Th and 40K) and total absorbed dose rate are above world average.
Assessment of soil transmitted helminths in soil ready for primary school farming activity in Omelema
Authors: Ekine E.G , Orluoma C.A.
Published: January 2025

Approximately every rural inhabitant in Nigeria is at risk of diseases transmissible by helminthes worms also known as soil transmitted  helminthes. This study evaluates the level soil transmitted helminths contamination level of soil prepared for school farming activity in  Omelema. A total of 50 soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil transmitted helminths contamination using the formalin ether  sedimentation technique and saturated salt floatation methods. Thirty one samples representing 62.0% were contaminated with soil transmitted helminths. The soil transmitted helminths implicated in this study are Strongyloies (45.6 %), Ascaris (36.9 %) and hook worm  species (17.5 %). The presence of soil transmitted helminths in this study called for serious concern in the public health sector and  demand that the rural inhabitants be adequately oriented on preventive strategies to avert prospect infection threat. The scenario in this  survey suggests that prohibition of open defecation alongside personal cleanliness in private and public places if taken seriously can  mitigate infections of soil transmitted helminths in every locality.
Bioremediation and growth promoting effects of identified bacteria from different soil locations in Nigeria
Authors: Momoh-Salami T.M. , Akinyemi N.M. , Ajiboye G.A. , Oyetibo G.O. , Adams L.A. , Ogunkanmi L.A. , Ilori M.O.
Published: January 2025

Soil contains diverse bacteria that are vital for maintaining soil health and fertility. While many soil bacteria are known for their plant  growth-promoting (PGP) abilities, combining this role with bioremediation is less common. The ability of the bacteria isolates to solubilize  phosphate, fix nitrogen and bioremediate environmental pollutants were investigated in this study. Isolated organisms were  further tested to know their ability to sequester toxicants such as heavy metals, pesticides and hydrocarbons while their capability to  produce growth hormones were also confirmed. The bacteria were molecularly identified using the 16S rDNA sequencing. The identified  isolates were: Bacillus species, Enterobacter species and Vagococcus fluvialis. Production of halo zones on the Pikovskaya's agar showed  the proficiency of the organisms to solubilize phosphate, change of Salkowiski's reagent to pink displayed their ability to produce Indole  acetic acid while their capability to produce siderophore was indicated by the change in the dark blue CAS indicator to orange. The heavy  metal tolerance test conducted showed that the organisms could resist metals at maximum concentration of: chromium (1.0mM), lead  (16.0mM), cadmium (1.6mM) and nickel (4.0mM). All the bacteria isolated and identified were found to have great biofertilizer potential.  At the same time, they also serve as bioremediators of polluted environment as well as biofertilizers.