bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Capital Development and Service Delivery in Nigeria’s Public Service: The Role of Administrative Staff College of Nigeria
Authors: Oyelude Olufunmilayo , Unegbu Chigozie
Published: July 2024

Reforms in the Nigerian Public Service have aimed to overcome challenges of ineffectiveness and inefficiency in service delivery. Among these reforms, the establishment of training institutions was highlighted by the Public Service Review Commission of 1974, leading to the creation of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), a premier training institute for the public service. Despite such efforts, challenges in service delivery continue to be a concern. This study explores the impact of Human Capital Development (HCD) programmes on service delivery within Nigeria’s Public Service, focusing on the efficacy of these programs in addressing persisting inefficiencies. Adopting a case study approach, this research integrated quantitative and qualitative techniques, including surveys and document analysis. Quantitative results highlighted a weak, yet statistically significant, positive relationship between the Relevance of Content of Curriculum (RCC) and Benefits from the course attended (BC) (r=0.012, p<0.05). Conversely, a weak, non-significant negative association was found between Utilization of Knowledge (UK) and Participation in Training (PT) (r= -0.003, p>0.05). Qualitatively, while some progress has been evident in certain domains, persistent challenges, such as limited funding, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of alignment between training initiatives and public service requirements, were identified. This study recommends key reforms for ASCON to enhance Nigeria's Public Service delivery: implementing a structured feedback system for quality assurance, revitalizing training programs to meet current inefficiencies, integrating tailored project management techniques, aligning with contemporary technological trends, and fostering public-private partnerships for better facilities management.
Human Resource Development and Sustainable Economy: Ebonyi State Ministry of Economic Development in Perspective
Authors: Nwire Sunday , Udoikah Joseph
Published: July 2024

The study Human Resource Development and Sustainable Economy: Ebonyi state Ministry of Economic Development was designed to establish the relationship between human resource development and sustainable economic viability in Ebonyi state. The study adopted descriptive survey method. The sample size of 104 was used for the study. A purposive/ judgmental sampling technique was employed, and data were analyzed using percentage, frequency tables, and Spearman Moment Correlation Coefficient. From the analysis, the study revealed that; bureaucratic Corruption, inadequate funding, lack of clear-cut policy as the major challenges of human resource development in Ebonyi State Ministry of Economic Development., The study further conclude that the policies of the state have not significantly contributed in developing human resource in the ministry, thereby injecting quacks that have no input to make in attaining sustainable economic viability in Ebonyi State. The study recommended as follows: Government should develop and improve service delivery on health and education in order to produce skilled personnel that will fit the public service capable of achieving sustainable economic viability in Ebonyi State. Government should continue to provide enabling environment through macro-economic stability capable of increasing investment in human resource development by individuals, private and public sectors. The development of human resource should be a joint responsibility of the government at all levels, professional organizations, communities, individuals and the educational institutions through their various managerial skills etc.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Conduct of Elections in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Maurice Iwu and Attahiru Jega’s Administration
Authors: OSAYI Osadebamwen
Published: July 2024

Election remains the means through which people can occupy various elective positions at different levels in any democratic society, Nigeria inclusive. Though this research is based on the study of elections in two different regimes, 2005-2010 and 2010-2015, it however focused on the management of elections during the said periods. Since the emergence of this fourth republic, Nigerians have looked forward to when elections will be free, fair, credible and acceptable: elections conducted under an atmosphere of peace to the extent that their votes will count. However, this was not to be as the election conducted between 1999 and 2007 were watershed in the history of electoral management in the country. It can therefore be argued that elections in pre and post-colonial Nigeria and after independence have been vexed with issues. This is because they have always been accompanied with acrimony, bitterness, killing, maiming, among others. The paper attempt to investigate three core issues with respect to election management: The conduct of credible elections, introduction of electoral innovations and the personal disposition of the Heads of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in the period under study. The study deployed the desk research as method of analysis. The findings revealed that while the structure (INEC) remains the legitimate body responsible for the conduct of elections in the country, Iwu’s era manipulated it to favour the party in power while Jega’s period witnessed an improvement in the workings of the structure. The research adopts the Structure-Agency framework as prime plank of its analysis.
BRICS and the Lessons of Geo-Strategic Politics for Nigeria
Authors: Benjamin Benjamin , Aondoakaa Afongu
Published: July 2024

The study examines BRICS and the lessons of geo-strategic politics for Nigeria. The study is qualitative in nature and used ex post facto survey research design relying on data from secondary sources like books, journals, conference proceedings, and internet documents. Textual analysis was employed to present data concisely and logically. The paper adopted the theory of new global regionalism as its framework of analysis to explain the issues under study. The findings of the paper revealed that since 2001, BRICS countries have been a tool to counter Western hegemony and strengthen their global governance position. Again, these nations have created financial institutions like the New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and introduced BRICS currency to whittle down the monopoly and dominance of World Bank and International Monetary Fund. BRICS addresses issues like climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime. The findings further revealed the challenges of BRICS such as lack of common interest and multilateral strategy, territorial disputes, and military tension between India and China. However, the paper recommended that Nigeria can learn from BRICS nations' strategic partnerships and multilateralism to enhance geopolitical influence, economic development, and technological advancement. Nigeria should use her position to diversify its trade and strengthen its economic ties with BRICS countries by becoming a member as well. This can be done by establishing trade agreements that foster market access and diversification while protecting local industries with fair trade practices. In addition, promoting joint ventures and partnerships between Nigerian and BRICS companies could facilitate technology transfer and capacity building for the development of domestic industries.
Poverty, Communal Conflicts and Rural Community Development in Nigeria: The Ndiagu Amagu Erim-Ogwudu Ikwo of Ebonyi State in Perspective
Authors: Elem Emmanuel , Edeh Princewill , Inya Elemmy
Published: July 2024

Nigerian state has been plagued by escalating conflicts which several scholars have attributed their causes to various reasons that do not warrant people engaging in wanton killings and destruction of property. This study examines poverty, communal conflicts and its consequences on rural community development in Nigeria, with a focus on rural communities of Ndiagu Amagu Erim-Ogwudu Communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State Nigeria. The theory that anchored the study is the Frustration-Aggression theory while quantitative research design which made use of survey method was employed to accomplish the purpose of the study. The data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire items and focus group discussion. The respondents were purposively selected from the study area. The findings show that poverty is the major cause of communal conflict in Ndiagu Amagu Erim-Ogwudu communities with the use of the idle youths. It equally shows that communal conflicts occasioned by poverty has dare consequences for the development of the rural communities affected, as it has disenabled both the communities, local and state governments from delivering socio-economic and infrastructural facilities to these communities. The paper recommends among other things that governments at all levels should engage the youths in a productive and skills manpower development to eradicate poverty as a human security measure while the elites who take advantage of these poor youths to champion their selfish interest should be prosecuted whenever found culpable. There should equally be enlightenment programmes to educate the community dwellers about the consequences of communal conflicts among others.
Challenges and Prospects of Translating Scientific-Technical Concepts into Igbo: The Case of an English-Igbo Translation of selected texts from Nosiri and Nwaogwugwu’s Pharmacology
Authors: Onu Mercy Agha , Egwu Roseline , Iwunze Emeka
Published: July 2024

This paper on translation studies, involving the practical translation of the aforementioned texts, accompanied with a justificative analysis of the translation techniques adopted in the operation, is envisioned to contribute to efforts to bridge the language barriers to the transfer of scientific knowledge from English to Igbo, on one hand, and the spread of scientific information across the different language and cultural communities of the world, on the other hand. it is also targeted at arousing the interests of the students of Igbo, especially in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with its potentials to be a tool in their hands both as stakeholders in the project of promoting Igbo language and culture and prospective partners of electronic and other mass media practitioners, for the orientation of the illiterate Igbo population on drugs and their applications in healthcare. The practical aspect of the study is based on the interpretative and skopos theories of translation. Methodologically, the study follows the traditional translation process of the assimilation of the content of the source language text, the mental conversion of the textual content into the target language, the practical drafting of the perceived equivalent message of the source language text in the target language, and subjecting the translated text to verification, to ensure as much its closeness to the original text as possible. The study further reflects on the typology of the original text and advocates a recourse to the transemic approach to the translation of texts of such type, highlighting lack or paucity of equivalent terms in Igbo for the expression of scientific concepts and conclusively underscoring the imperative of terminological researches in Igbo, in the various fields of science and technology.
Chauvinism, Marital Obligation, and Traditional Social Orientation as Predictors of Spousal Domestic Violence in Ohaukwu L.G.A, Ebonyi State
Authors: Oginyi Ronald , Umeh Mary-Jane , Nwonyi Sampson Kelechi , Nweze Samuel , Ojen Ndameta
Published: July 2024

This study investigated chauvinism, marital obligation, and traditional social orientation as predictors of spousal domestic violence in Ohaukwu LGA. Participants were 215 married couples conveniently drawn from different communities in Ohaukwu LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. They were made up of 115 (53.5%) males and 101 (46.5%) females, with the age range of 26-60 (M = 33.48, SD = 7.30). Four instruments were used to measure the constructs in this study, namely: Male Chauvinism Scale, Domestic Violence Questionnaire, Relationship Commitment Scale, and The General Causality Orientation Scale. Data was analysed using the stepwise multiple regression analyses in SPSS® 26. Results of the study showed that chauvinism (β = .060, p< .001) was a significant predictor of spousal domestic violence among couple in Ohaukwu LGA. Marital Obligation (β = -.305, p< .01) was a negative significant predictor of spousal domestic violence among couple in Ohaukwu LGA. Traditional social orientation (β = .088, p< .001) was not a significant predictor of spousal domestic violence among couple in Ohaukwu LGA. One practical implication of the finding is that both chauvinism and marital obligation among couples have been found to be potential factors that explain spousal domestic violence in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study is limited by choice of involving only one study area. It is recommended that further studies interested in same variable may consider adopting mixed method in order to gain more understanding of the links between the IVs and the DV.
Diaspora Remittances Inflows and Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development in the 21ST Century
Authors: Aja Ngene , Nnaji Fidelis , Okorie Victor
Published: July 2024

Remittances by Nigerian nationals in foreign countries have become a cornerstone for national development and overall improvement in the livelihood of the recipients back home. In the light of the above, the paper critically examined the trends of inflows of diaspora remittances and its corresponding contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product as well as national income. It further x-rayed the direct impact of remittances on the socio-economic welfare of receiving households in Nigeria. The paper also examined the practical lessons for the citizens of Nigeria back home and their relatives abroad vi-sa-vis diaspora remittance flows to the country. Attempt was also made to unravel the trigger-factors and long-run implications of migration of Nigerian citizens to foreign states. The methodology of the study revolved round the use of qualitative data, tables and statistical illustrations. The content analytical technique was applied for analyses of data while the push and pull theory of migration was adopted as the theoretical framework for the paper. Findings of the paper revealed that remittances from Nigerians in diaspora constitute a substantial percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and annual national income. It is also established that remittances have boosted the socio-economic welfare of domestic recipients through cash support from foreign based relatives which are invested into commercial ventures. Nevertheless, the paper discovered that the rate at which Nigerians emigrate into foreign countries has become alarming and has contributed to brain drain in critical areas such as health and education. To this end, the paper recommended that government should maximize the gains of diaspora remittances by ensuring that remittances inflows pass through recognized channels for appropriate capturing to enhance the GDP. Similarly, Nigerian citizens living in foreign countries are also implored to repatriate their income through remittances which can be deployed into developmental projects in the region. In all, the study also recommended for improvement in the standard of living of Nigerians to reduce mass exodus of people into advanced economies in search of greener pastures.
Target-based anticancer glycyrrhetinic derivatives: Design, synthesis, biological assessment and molecular docking studies
Authors: O. Moustafa Gaber , Kalmouch Atef , S. Abd El-Karim Somaia , S. Nossier Eman , M. Mounier Marwa , El-Sayed Heba , A. Almehizia Abdulrahman , M.  Naglah Ahmed , A. Zen Amer
Published: July 2024

18-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is regarded as the principal active component isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant of licorice root, and it has considerable anticancer actions. This work was built on the discovery and design of brand-new 18-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) amino acid peptides and peptide ester analogs. The cytotoxic evaluation exhibited that despite the promising cytotoxic activity of the tested peptides 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 5.1-7.4 and 6.6-72.7 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, all freshly produced GA-peptides with moderate to high activity on tumor cell lines produced a favorable safety profile versus typical human dermal fibroblasts (BJ-1) cellular lineage. Interestingly, 2, 4 and 6 demonstrated excellent multitargeting inhibitory profiles against CDK-2, VEGFR-2, and PDGFR-α kinases. Moreover, since peptide 6 was the most active cytotoxic agent, it was chosen as an illustrative candidate to examine its influence on many apoptotic markers in invitro studies, including Bax, caspase-3 and 7, DNA fragmentation, BCl-2, p53, and tubulin polymerization inhibition. All novel analogs were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy versus a panel of microbial strains. The peptide 6 was also subjected to molecular docking simulations in the active sites of the prior kinases.
KEY WORDS: Peptides, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Anticancer, Cytotoxicity, Molecular docking, Antimicrobial activity
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1369-1392.                                                            
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.14
Liquid-combustion synthesis of spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material for enhanced electrochemical performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Sun Yu , Li Chaofan , Gao Hongcheng , Li Jiaming , Hao Jiabin
Published: July 2024

A cubic spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material with nanoscale was synthesized via a facile liquid-combustion method at 600, 750 and 850 ℃. The crystal structure and surface morphology of LiMn2O4 electrodes have been characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. The samples have an average diameter of 200 nm with an octahedral structure with high crystallinity. Benefiting from the excellent structure, the sample prepared at 750 ℃ delivers the highest first discharge capacity of 115.3 mAh·g−1 with remaining 101.5 mAh·g−1 after 400 cycles at 1 C. Moreover, it exhibits a good cycling performance at 55 ℃, still had the capacity of 105.4 mAh·g−1 with a capacity retention of 71.2% following 282 cycles. The facilely synthesized octahedral LiMn2O4 provides a practical application strategy for lithium-ion batteries.
KEY WORDS: Spinel LiMn2O4, Liquid-combustion method, Lithium-ion batteries
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1429-1437.                                                         
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.18
A novel composite la-conversion coatings for enhanced anti-corrosion performance under a harsh aqueous environment
Authors: Byeon Haewon , S. Sivagama Sundari M. , Karuppasamy Ilango , S. Jayaram R.
Published: July 2024

The ceramic lanthanum nanoparticles with uniformly dispersed spherical nanostructures were successfully synthesized using sonication-assisted synthesis. The morphologies and phase compositions were assessed and investigated. The electrochemical impedance analysis potentio-dynamic polarisation measurements were used to calculate the corrosion protection properties of prepared ceramic lanthanum nanoparticles. The La2O3 nanoparticles were added as a surface coating layer to enhance the corrosion resistance of low-carbon steel. The particles' impact on coating development, morphology, and corrosion inhibition efficacy were studied. After particle integration, results show a dramatic reduction in porosity and thickness, affecting corrosion resistance. Incorporating ceramic lanthanum nanoparticles into a coating reduces porosity and increases hardness, improving corrosion resistance; the result implies the suggested technique is viable for creating functionalized coatings on low-carbon-based materials. The results also demonstrated that these methods may increase the development and protectiveness of the coating. There was a crucial nano particulate La2O3 level at which the conversion coatings exhibited the best protective qualities. As it increased the corrosion potential and lowered the anodic current, the composite La-conversion coatings may offer substantial corrosion protection for prolonged immersion in a 3.5% NaCl solution.
KEY WORDS: Ceramic nanoparticles, Low carbon steel, Corrosion prevention, Polarization
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1453-1468.                                                   
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.20
Manganese oxide-coffee husk and khat (Catha edulis) leftover biochar nanocomposites for removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater
Authors: Kochito Jemere , Emmanuel Femi Olu , Tadesse Tamene , Abdisa Negera , Gure Abera
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the use of manganese oxide-biochar-nanocomposites synthesized from coffee husk (CH) and khat leftover (KL) for Cr(VI) removal from water. Two pristine biochars of CH and KL were separately synthesized by pyrolyzing their biomasses at 300 ℃ for 1 h. Similarly, biochar-based nanocomposites were synthesized by pretreating 25 g of each biomass with 12.5 mmol of KMnO4 and pyrolyzing at 300 ℃ for 1 h. The pristine biochars, synthesized by pyrolysis of CH and KL, removed 74.98% and 84.78% of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions containing 20 mg L-1, respectively. However, the resulting nanocomposites exhibited a maximum removal efficiency of 99.63% with manganese oxide-coffee husk biochar nanocomposite (MnOX-CHBNC) and 99.84% with manganese oxide-khat leftover biochar nanocomposite (MnOX-KLBNC) of the Cr(VI). The adsorption isotherm fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm, indicating favorable monolayer adsorption. The kinetics of adsorption followed the pseudo-first-order model. The MnOX-CHBNC and MnOX-KLBNC demonstrated satisfactory removal efficiencies even up to six cycles, indicating their potential effectiveness for large-scale use in removing Cr (VI) from wastewater.
KEY WORDS: Adsorption, Biochar-nanocomposite, Coffee husk, Cr(VI) removal, Khat leftovers
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1225-1240.                                                       
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.3
Removal of sulfur compounds from Iraqi crude oil using γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Hussien Al khazraji Abdulqadier , Khalid Mohammed Mostefe , Hasan  Fahmi Alaa , H. Mourad Sahar
Published: July 2024

γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized using aluminium(III) sulfate as a source of metal. Ceratonia silique leaves extract was used as a reducing agent and sodium hydroxide solution as a precipitating. XRD, BET, FE-SEM, EDX, and DLS Techniques were used to characterize the prepared alumina. The desulfurization process was applied by adsorption of sulfur compounds from Iraqi crude oil using the prepared          γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles. The efficiency of aluminium oxide nanoparticles as an adsorbent was studied for different factors such as adsorbent quantity, contact time, pH, and temperature. The average size of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles is 12.44 nm, with a size distribution of particles from 90 nm to 900 nm. The mixture was drained at 80 ºC, and then calcined at 600 ºC, BET analysis shows a high surface area (72.03 m2 g-1) and uniform pore sizes of Al2O3 NPs. The FE-SEM images showed that the nanoparticles appeared smooth and cylinder-shaped within the average size of 100.53 nm. The obtained results of removal of the sulfur compounds from crude oil using γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles showed a high desulfurization and were achieved with adsorbent at specific conditions: 150 min, 0.5 g of adsorbent, temperature at 25 ºC and acidic medium pH = 2.
KEY WORDS: Crude oil, γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles, Ceratonia siliqua leaves extract
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1241-1250.                                                        
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.4
Platinum(II) and palladium(II) thiolate complexes; synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, DFT, Hirshfeld surface analysis and anticancer studies
Authors: M. H. Ameen Beriwan , A. Mohamad (Deceased) Hikmat , A. Al-Jibori Subhi
Published: July 2024

The synthesis and characterization of platinum(II) and palladium(II) mixed ligand complexes, [M(mtzS)2(dppm)] (M = Pt or Pd), have been described. These complexes were synthesized through a one-pot reaction involving K2MCl4, KmtzS (prepared from HmtzS and KOH), and dppm. The prepared complexes 1 and 2 have been characterized by using various analytical techniques including conductivity measurements, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy and 1 by X-ray crystallographic studies. The in vitro anti-cancer activity of complexes 1 and 2 against breast cancer cells (MCF7 cell line), was evaluated using the MTT assay showed a moderate activity with an IC50 value of 27.59 µg/ml for 1 and 28.82 µg/ml for 2. Additionally, the ligands and complexes underwent full geometry optimization using density functional theory (DFT). The calculated geometric and spectral data were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Theoretical calculations of molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO) and their energies suggested the occurrence of charge transfer within the complexes.
KEY WORDS: Platinum(II), Palladium(II), Thiolate, Diphosphine, X-ray crystallography
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1261-1273.                                                 
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.6
Identification of the constituent of non-triglyceride components of Jatropha seed oil
Authors: Yirankinyunki Fai F. , Adamu Harami M. , Muhammad Auwal A. , Shibdawa Muhammad A.
Published: July 2024

Vegetable oils are mostly triglyceride of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid, but they also contain a small percentage of non- triglyceride components that belong to wide chemical classes and could contribute to the nutritive value or anti-nutritional value of the vegetable oil. Jatropha oil is non edible because it is considered to contain phorbol ester, a toxin and a tumour promoter that is found in jatropha seeds. This research was carried out with the aim of identifying the content of the volatile component of jatropha oil. Jatropha seeds were extracted with n-hexane using soxhlet extraction method and quality parameters of iodine value, acid value and peroxide value were determined. The Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out in order to identify the volatile chemical compounds in the oil. The oil yield was 43.17%, and the iodine value, acid value and peroxide values were 100 mgI2 /100 g, 2.39 mgKOH/g, and 8.36 meq/kg respectively. The FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of compounds with the functional groups of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters carboxylic acid, amine and carbonyl. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of twenty compounds of different chemical classes. It was concluded that jatropha seed oil contains many different types of compounds in addition to triglycerides.
Assessment of use of alcohol by inter-city commercial drivers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Osarenmwinda Monday Ikponmwosa , Moses Ikoojo Samuel
Published: July 2024

The use of alcohol by drivers is a major factor in road transport accident in Nigeria. The study investigates the use of alcohol among inter-city commercial drivers in Benin City. Data on prevalence, pattern, risk and reasons for the use of alcohol were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square was used to compared data from motor parks across the three LGA (Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha) in Benin City. Linear regression was performed to determine the association between the socio-demographics of the respondents and with rate of alcohol consumption. Results were considered significant at P < 0.05. The prevalence of alcohol use was 100%, more than half (58.1%) of the commercial drivers were heavy user of alcohol. The majority (66.9%) drink spirits, and about one-third (31.1%) have the risk of injuring themselves or someone else during the last year as a result of drinking (P = < 0.0001, χ2 = 58.50), and 67.5% were concerned by relative, friends, doctor/other health workers about drinking and need to cut down on their habit ((P = < 0.0001, χ2 = 27.18). The most common reason for the use of alcohol was coping with stress and job pressure (84.5). Age, educational qualification and monthly income were associated with the rate of alcohol use by the respondents (P < 0.05, OR = -0.239, -0.436, -0.165 at 95% CI). Most of the commercial drivers were observed to be at risk as a result of alcohol consumption. There was an association between age, educational level and monthly income level with the rate of alcohol use.
Sex and age variations in anthropometry and hand grip strength amongst students of Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Authors: Osajie P. , Adebisi S.S. , Danborno B.
Published: July 2024

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a physiological variable that is affected by several factors including age, gender and body size among others. The power of grip is the result of forceful flexion of all finger joints with the maximum voluntary force that the subject is able to exert under normal biokinetic conditions. This study was designed to determine sexual dimorphism in HGS and anthropometric variables between males and females and the relationship between HGS, age and anthropometric variables in students of Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria. Participants (n=612) were undergraduate and post graduate students of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, male (n=302) and female (n=310), age range 18 to 45 years. Participants were divided into three age groups of 18-25, 26-35 and 36-45. HGS in standing with elbows in full extension and HGS in sitting with elbows at 900 flexion was measured using a baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer. Hand length (HL), hand breadth (HB), forearm length (FAL), arm length (AL) and mid arm circumference (MAC) of participants were measured using appropriate equipment and methods and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The finding of the study showed significant sexual dimorphism in the anthropometric variables with males showing higher values than females except for BMI. Significant (p<0.05) sexual dimorphism was found in all the studied anthropometric variables, except for AL and MAC. This study also revealed that participants in the age range of 26-35years had remarkably (p<0.05) higher values of grip HGS in both standing and sitting positions; increase in the anthropometric variables of MAC, HT, WT and BMI in relation to the other age categories. This study confirms sexual dimorphism. The study confirms that HGS varies with age.
Yield optimization of chemically synthesized p-TSA-doped polyaniline using a Box-Behnken design of experiment
Authors: Umar Shehu , Uba Ahmad , Muhammad Chika , Izuagie Thompson , Isah Abdullahi
Published: July 2024

This research was aimed at optimizing the polyaniline (PAni) yield using a Box-Behnken design of experiment (DOE). The PAni sample was synthesized by the oxidative chemical polymerization of aniline using p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the dopant acid and ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as the initiator. The factors (concentration of dopant acid, initiator-to-monomer ratio, and the addition rate of initiator to monomer) that affect the yield were varied using a Box-Behnken DOE method. The polymer was characterized using various analytical techniques, including Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The yield was calculated and examined using the regression equation, main effects plots, contour plots, and optimisation plots. The results show that under the optimized conditions of dopant acid concentration of 0.1 mol/dm3, an initiator addition rate of 45 cm3/h, and an initiator to monomer (I/M) ratio of 1.5, PAni with a yield of 82.81% was obtainable. The characteristics identified in the UV-Vis analysis confirm that the synthesized PAni exhibits a semi-conductive property and as a result, could be applied as an additive in anticorrosive paint.
Isolation and screening for potential endosulfan-degrading bacteria from soil
Authors: Aborisade W. T. , Ajao A. T. , Ntagbu F. G. , Bale S. I.
Published: July 2024

The urgent need for sustainable management of persistent organic pollutants, due to their negative impact on the environment, is of great concern to environmental stakeholders. In this study, the potential endosulfan-degrading (PED) bacteria were screened and identified from fresh soil samples collected from the Teaching and Research farm of Kwara State University, Nigeria. The bacterial strains were isolated using enrichment techniques and characterized through morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Their potential for endosulfan utilization was assessed in an endosulfan-supplemented mineral salt medium. Three potential endosulfan-degrading (PED) bacterial strains isolated were Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain PED1, Pseudomonas alkylphenolica strain PED2, and Sphingomonas sp. Strain PED3 with the accession numbers MF973060, MF973061 and MF973062 respectively. The optical density (OD) values increased for all the isolates by the third day, and the highest OD values of 0.51 (PED1), 0.52 (PED2) and 0.59 (PED3) were recorded on the ninth day. The observed increase in population density of the isolates in the endosulfan-supplemented mineral salt medium suggests their capability to utilize the endosulfan compound. Further study is required to evaluate the suitability of these strains for bioremediation purposes.
Modified Regression-Cum-Ratio Types Estimators of Population Coefficient of Variation in Survey Sampling
Authors: Yahya Yusuf Ajibola , Audu Ahmed , Abiodun Yunusa Mojeed
Published: July 2024

Enhancing the efficiency of estimators is one of the major concerns in sampling survey. Efficiency of estimators measures the precision of  the estimator with respect to the corresponding parameters. In this paper, four methods of estimating the population coefficient of  variation of the study variable using auxiliary information were suggested by modifying some existing estimators using unknown weight and power transformation techniques. The properties (Biases and MSEs) of the proposed estimators were derived up to first order of  approximation using Taylor series approach. Numerical analysis of MSEs and PREs of the proposed and other related existing estimators  considered in the study was conducted to justify the efficiencies of the proposed estimators and the results obtained revealed that the proposed estimators have minimum MSEs and higher PREs compared to competing estimators implying that the proposed estimators  are more efficient than the existing estimators considered in the study.
Effects of different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Varieties on Soil Microbial Population and Biomass Carbon
Authors: Ishola A.D. , Lawal R.T. , Ishola L.T. , Olajire N.T.
Published: July 2024

The study determined the effects of different cowpea varieties on soil microbial population and biomass carbon. Rhizosphere soils of six  different cowpea varieties were selected based on their nodulating ability. This study selected two of the most nodulating varieties (Ife  Brown and Tvu113), two medium nodulating varieties (IT08K-150-27 and IT07K-230-2-9) and two least nodulating varieties (Sanzi and IRS-09-1106-4) for analysis. The laboratory was used to assess the microbial population and soil biomass carbon content. Findings  indicate that the soil surrounding the roots (rhizosphere soil) of IT08K-150-27 which was of the medium nodulating variety gave the  highest microbial population and biomass carbon. Thus, IT08K-150-27 outperformed other varieties in boosting soil microbial activities, consequently improving soil health. Owning to the results obtained in the study, it can be concluded that nodulation ability in cowpea  might not proportionately affect soil microbial activity in the rhizosphere soils.
Physio-Anatomical Potentials of Some Vegetable Species for Atmospheric Humidification and Purification in Ojo Area, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Omolokun Kehinde Theophilus , Oluwa Omoteso Karfeel , Sharaibi Olubunmi Josephine , Ojewumi Anthony Wale , Keshinro Olajide Muritala , Oyetunji Opeyemi Shakirat , Anofiu Rasheed Abayomi , Fernandez Gbemisola Ifeoluwa , Mamudu Mustapha Muhammed
Published: July 2024

The stomatal features of plant species have capacity to release water vapour into the atmosphere. Therefore, the correlation between the  stomatal features and transpiration rate in six vegetable species: Amaranthus cruentus, Capsicum annuum, Celosia argentia,  Corchorus olitorius, Solanum lycopersicum and Talinum fruticosum were examined for their atmospheric humidification and purification.  The leaf epidermal layers were isolated using nail polish; and were observed under the light microscope to examine their stomatal  features. The transpiration rate was carried out using the cobalt chloride method. Results obtained reveal that all the six species are  amphistomatic. The stomatal complex types observed are anisocytic, paratetracytic, staurocytic, brachyparatetracytic, anomotetracytic  and anomocytic. The stomatal density ranged from 52.63 to 153.22 mm-2 on both leaf surfaces. The stomatal index ranged from 31.34 to  71.42% on both leaf surfaces. This investigation showed that stomatal features such as amphistomatic leaf nature, stomatal complex  types (i.e. anomocytic, anomotetracytic, brachyparatetracytic, staurocytic, paratetracytic and anisocytic) with many subsidiary cells, high  stomatal density and high stomatal index were responsible for the high transpiration rate of the studied species. Hence, Capsicum  annuum humidifies the atmosphere most (8.85 × 10-6), followed by Solanum lycopersicum (8.83 × 10-6), Celosia argentia (7.29 × 10-6), Amaranthus cruentus (6.85 × 10-6), Talinum fruticosum (5.42 × 10-6), and the least was Corchorus olitorius (5.11 × 10-6 mol. M-2s -1 ).  Conclusively, the stomatal traits showed positive correlations with transpiration rates, thereby enhancing atmospheric humidification and  climate change mitigation (i.e. atmospheric purification).
Nickel-Based Catalysts for Deoxygenation of Biorefinery Products to Renewable Fuels: A Mini Review
Authors: Usman Faruk , Bayawa Aminu Muhammad , Sokoto Abdullahi Muhammad , Rabah Abdullahi Bako
Published: July 2024

Nickel-based catalysts have shown decent performance in deoxygenation reactions. Although palladium catalyst is very effective for this  reaction, its high cost increases the cost of production. This review concerns the deoxygenation reactions of higher fatty acids, vegetable  oils, bio-oil and its model compounds to fuels using nickel-based catalysts. The hydrodeoxygenation and decarboxylation of model fatty  acids and vegetable oils over nickel-based catalysts have been found to produce appreciable hydrocarbons that can be used directly as  fuel in diesel engines. Similarly, bio-oil and its model compounds produce hydrocarbons in the presence of various nickel-based catalysts,  but the yield is not as prominent as in vegetable oils. In general, the catalytic performance of nickel in such reactions depends  on the co-metal, support and the reaction conditions. Like palladium and platinum, the electronic properties of nickel-metal have been  shown to significantly contribute to the cleavage of the C–C or C–H bonds during the reactions. It has been reported that hydrogen  molecule is stuck in the defect sites of the nickel=metal surface resulting in a decrease in the activation energy of hydrogen dissociation.  Nickel, is, therefore, one of the most promising metals for catalyzing hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils into hydrocarbons.
Malaria Prevalence and its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at General Hospital Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Adesoye O.A. , Adeniyi K.A , Adeogun A.O. , Oyeniran O.A. , Akinsete I.O. , Akinleye C.A. , Alaje O.M. , Ezeonuegbu B.A. , Bello Z.T.
Published: July 2024

Research into the frequency of malaria among pregnant women is still insufficient due to multiple challenges. Despite these difficulties,  this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics at  Dutse General Hospital in Jigawa State. This study adopted a quasi-experimental design involving 50 pregnant participants who provided  consent. A questionnaire was administered, blood samples were collected, and laboratory analysis was performed following established  and standard protocols. The data collected underwent analysis utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20,  employing ANOVA with a significance level set at P<0.05. The study revealed a malaria prevalence of up to 22%. The age groups of 18-24  and 25-34 exhibited no significant difference (P >0.05) in malaria prevalence, both showing the highest rates at 36.36%. Conversely, the  35-45 age group displayed the lowest prevalence at 27.27%. Factors such as pregnancy stage, participant age, and socio-economic status  were found to influence malaria prevalence in the study area. Owing to the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that malaria  infection among pregnant women in Dutse was relatively low. The study recommends that healthcare providers should provide  comprehensive health education on malaria prevention during antenatal clinics.
Dose Optimization and Radiation Safety for Paediatric Patients in North Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Saad Habib , Ibrahim Umar , Yusuf Samson D. , Alhaji Adamu , Yahaya Bappah S. , Sidi M.M.
Published: July 2024

Ionizing radiation from medical sources, primarily diagnostic X-rays, constitutes the largest artificial contribution. Variances in patient  doses across radiological departments for similar examinations prompted surveys on patient doses in diagnostic radiology globally. The  study Assess the Entrance Skin Dose for paediatric patients during specific radiological exams (Chest AP/PA, Skull AP, and Pelvic AP) and  then compare the findings to the diagnostic reference levels established by international organizations. Three x-ray machines from three  different tertiary health institutions with facilities for paediatric radiography were used under clinical conditions for the selected  radiological examinations. A total of 135 TL dosimeter chips positioned selectively on patients at the axis of the primary X-ray beam to  capture entrance skin dose/dose equivalent Hp (0.07). The TLD chips underwent analysis by heating using Harshaw 4500 automatic TLD  reader and ESD for each patient was calculated using a given equation. Result indicated that the total average maximum and minimum  mean and standard error (SE) value of age group of the participants are 0.60±0.3 – 13.50±0.7, tube loading kVp as 54.90±0.0 – 73.70±1.3  and tube current mAs 4.5±0.2 – 12.5±1.0 respectively. The mean values of ESDs found at each hospital are much higher than, the same  published studies and the internationally recommended values and dose reference levels by National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB), International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and European Commission (EU). This is presumably due to the use of low  kVp and high mAs at all hospitals compared to the recommendations by National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB), International  Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and European Commission (EC).
Extraction and Quantification of Oil Extracted from Seeds of Underexploited Tropical Plants in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan E.E. , Sam S.M. , Akpan E.A. , Okon J.E. , Okon O.G.
Published: July 2024

Oil was extracted from seeds of Coula edulis, Dacryodes edulis, Garcinia kola and Cola lepidota, using n-hexane, chloroform and a  fraction of n-hexane and chloroform (1:1) as extracting solvents. The extraction was carried out at a temperature of 60oC. Using n- hexane as the extracting solvent, 42.5%, 40.1%, 24.63% and 35.73% were the yields of oil extracted from C. edulis, D. edulis, G. kola and C. lepidota respectively. Values recorded for chloroform-extracted oil were 28.7%, 25.4%, 10.83% and 21.93% respectively. Using a fraction of  n-hexane and chloroform (1:1), the experimental seeds had percentage oil yield of 31.4, 27.92, 13.53 and 24.63 respectively. The results  show that C. edulis and D. edulis had high oil content, when compared with G. kola and C. lepidota. These results suggest that n-hexane  remains a veritable solvent for extraction of oil from seeds of tropical plants.
Heavy Metals Contamination Awareness Among Leafy Vegetables Consumers in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Nura , Igwe Ernest Chukwusoro , Dandago Munir Abba , Yusuf Hauwa Ladi , Adamu Hauwa Dauda
Published: July 2024

The toxicity and accumulation behaviour of heavy metals (HMs) make them a potential danger not only to plants but also to humans.  Heavy metals can have their way into humans through the consumption of contaminated foods. Understanding public perception of HM  contamination will guide the concerned authorities in curtailing the risks associated with their consumption in foods. The research aim to  assess the level of consumers' awareness of the presence of heavy metals (HMs) in commonly consumed leafy vegetables (amaranth,  lettuce and cabbage) in Kano and the dangers associated with the consumption of HM-contaminated leafy vegetables. Data was  gathered through oral interviews; 86 leafy vegetable habitual consumers were interviewed in the Kano metropolis. Information gathered  includes demography of the respondents, vegetable sources, HM contamination awareness in irrigation water and vegetables, awareness  of dangers associated with the consumption of HM-contaminated vegetables, awareness of possible contamination from  other foods and activities that can worsen HM-related health problems in humans. The results revealed that over 91 % of the respondents  consume all three types of vegetables (amaranth, lettuce and cabbage). The level of HMs contamination awareness among vegetable consumers in Kano is poor, the possibility of having HMs contamination in vegetables is known by only 23.26 % and only 5.58 %  know that HMs contamination can cause health problems such as kidney failure and cancers. Education level does not influence the  consumers' awareness of vegetable-heavy metal contamination.