bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-Concentration Factors of Heavy Metals in the Leaf and Root System of Some Selected Vegetables along the Dilimi River in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Karkarna Mustapha Zakariya , Garba Y I , Salisu Aminu Sani 
Published: June 2024

This research sought to evaluate the bio-concentration factors of specific heavy metals to facilitate the sustainable management and use of irrigation sites. Sixteen samples of lettuce and spinach were gathered, and each was divided into leaves and roots, placed into a different polythene bag and tagged with the plant's name, part, and stratum. The heavy metals that were analyzed included Lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and Nickel (Ni). The analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The findings showed that all the metals Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cd were within the WHO recommended permissible limit in soils, despite the vegetables having higher Fe concentrations than the recommended limit of 20.00 ppm. The results also showed that the roots and leaves of spinach and lettuce vegetables primarily categorized the heavy metals as having moderate Bio-Concentration Factor (BCF) values, which ranged between 0.1 and 1.0. The results also revealed hyper-accumulation of Ni (1.723) and Cr (1.249) in the leaves of lettuce and spinach. The results also indicate a weak relationship between plants and the heavy metals in the soil. The strongest association (r = -0.512) was found between Ni in the soil and Fe in the vegetables. Farmers along the river should be made aware of the detrimental consequences of their actions.
Evaluation of Alchornea cordifolia Extracts for Larvicidal Activity against Anopheles Mosquitoes: Implications for Malaria Control
Authors: Oyedeji Ayodele A , Angaye Tariwari C N , Abowei Jasper F N 
Published: June 2024

Alchornea cordifolia is a botanical specimen renowned for its medicinal benefits. The phytochemicals present in this plant boast antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, making it a versatile and effective remedy. This plant has been utilized for several decades in treating various ailments like; malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. To evaluate its efficacy in eradicating mosquito larvae, extractions from both the plant's bark and leaves were obtained using various methods, including crude methods, hot water, and ethanol. The plant was macerated in alcohol and hot water, while the bioassay was carried out using a static non-renewal test. The results of the bioassay indicated that the LC50 values for the various extracts of the plant. The ethanol extract was the most active against the mosquito larvae, with an LC50 value of 8.37 ppm. It was followed by the crude stem-bark extract, which had an LC50 value of 13.18 ppm, and the hot water extract, which had an LC50 value of 110.00 ppm. The plant's diverse range of phytochemicals may have played a role in its potency in eliminating mosquito larvae. This activity of the plant strongly suggests that Alchornea cordifolia has insecticidal properties as a larvicide against malaria.
Genetic Diversity Studies in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) using Morpho-Physiological Traits
Authors: Abdurrasheed Nafisa , Usman A , Dahiru U G 
Published: June 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study presents a novel screening of 107 groundnut genotypes for drought tolerance under controlled water-stress and non-stress conditions, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their morphological and physiological traits.
Significant differences were identified, with genotypes ICGV-IS-07902, ICGX-5M-00017/5/P5/P2, and ICGV-IS-13978 emerging as the top performers in drought tolerance.
These findings offer valuable baseline information for breeding programs aimed at enhancing groundnut production in drought-prone regions, suggesting specific genotypes for further development and potential variety release.

Full Abstract
The importance of leguminous crops such as groundnut cannot be overemphasized globally. Due to the increase in global warming, water scarcity threatens the environment, thereby affecting plant growth and metabolic activities in both semi-arid and arid zones of the world. Drought stress has severely hindered groundnut yield because pod yield and other growth characteristics have been severely affected. Therefore, mitigating this hindrance requires a conscious selection of suitable genotypes that could withstand drought threats to groundnut production. The study aimed to identify drought-tolerant genotypes suitable for the groundnut breeding program. One hundred and seven (107) groundnut genotypes were screened for drought tolerance during the 2018 dry season in a split-plot design under non-stress and water-stress conditions. The mean squares for the morphological and physiological traits showed a highly significant (P≤0.01) difference between the genotypes under water stress and combined conditions. The mean performance using the Rank Summation Index revealed ICGV-IS-07902 as the top-performing genotype, followed closely by ICGX-5M-00017/5/P5/P2 and ICGV-IS-13978 while RS006F4B1-45(B) was the least ranked under water stress condition. Based on the PCA ranking under water-stress conditions, genotypes ICGV-IS-13115, RS006F4B1-45®, ICGV-IS-07853, ICGV-IS-13989, and RS006F4B-534 were the top 5 drought tolerant while genotypes ICGV-IS-07828, 12CS-010, ICGV-IS-07809, RS006F4B1-45(B) and ICGV-IS-07904 were the least 5 drought susceptible. The genotypes ICGV-IS-13115, RS006F4B1-45®, ICGV-IS-07853, and ICGV-IS-13989 were observed to be better for drought tolerance with high pod yield. It is suggested that these genotypes could be recommended for further breeding and variety release adapted to drought conditions.
Occurrence of Salmonellae in Chickens from some Selected Poultry Farms in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Saadu Murtala , Usman S , Arzai A H 
Published: June 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study provides a novel investigation into the prevalence of Salmonella species in poultry from selected farms in Kano, Nigeria, using comprehensive random sampling techniques across multiple local government areas.
The findings reveal a notably low prevalence of asymptomatic Salmonella infections (1.54%) among chickens, potentially attributable to effective hygiene practices, biosecurity measures, and biological control of vectors.
This research contributes valuable baseline data for the epidemiological understanding and management of Salmonella in poultry farms within the region.

Full Abstract
Infections with bacteria of the genus Salmonella are responsible for a variety of acute and chronic diseases in poultry. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Salmonella species in chickens from some selected poultry farms in Kano, Nigeria. Random sampling method was used in the study. One (1) farm was chosen from each of the eight (8) selected Local Government areas of the State. Thirteen (13) samples each from cloacae, egg, dust, drag and boots which is (65) from each farm) were collected from apparently healthy chickens (layers), transported immediately to the laboratory for analyses. The colonies were subsequently subjected to Gram-staining and microscopy. Eight Salmonella isolates were determined, three (3) were isolated from boot swabs, two (2) from cloacal swabs and one (1) each from egg, dust and drag swabs. All the isolates were confirmed by serological test; using Salmonella “O” antigen; group A-S (Oxoid). Asymptomatic Salmonella infection among chickens in the sampled farms is low with (1.54%). The low occurrence could be attributed to proper hygienic practices, biosecurity measure as well as application of biological control of rodents and other vehicles of Salmonella.
Effect of Silica and Alumina Nanoparticles Addition on the Dielectric and Rheological Properties of Shea Oil Methyl Ester
Authors: Aliyu Abdulraheem , Umar Sadiq , Abdelmalik Amoka Abdulghaffar , Abdulsalam Habibat , Maidawa Saidu Shuaibu , Suleiman Shaibu Asuku 
Published: June 2024

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty

This study introduces a novel green nanofluid by incorporating shea methyl ester (SME) with surface-modified Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles, addressing the environmental concerns associated with mineral-based transformer oils.
The research highlights that SiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhance the dielectric properties of the base oil while minimally impacting its viscosity, suggesting improved insulation performance.
This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative with superior electrical characteristics, potentially transforming the application of transformer oils in the industry.

Full Abstract
The increasing environmental and utility concerns of mineral-based transformer oils have impelled research into alternative insulation liquids. This study developed a green nanofluid using a two-step approach, incorporating shea methyl ester (SME) derived from shea butter oil and surface-modified Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles. The dynamic viscosity at 25 °C and dielectric properties of the developed nanofluid were investigated in the frequency range of 0.1–15 kHz. Adding nanoparticles into the SME noticeably increased the oil's viscosity, with SiO2 nanoparticles having the least effect on the base liquid's viscosity. The addition of 0.6 wt% of Al2O3 nanoparticles increased the dielectric loss of the SME at all frequencies (0.1–15 kHz), while the addition of 0.6 wt% SiO2 filler nanoparticles reduced the loss of the base oil at frequencies beyond 4 kHz indicative of an improved electrical property. Adding Al2O3 and SiO2 to the base SME oil obtained higher relative permittivity values. This study successfully developed an SME and single nanoparticle-based nanofluid, incorporating a 0.6 wt% weight fraction of surface-modified Al2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles. The addition of these nanoparticles increased the dynamic viscosity of the base methyl ester oil, with approximately 43% and 36% increases, respectively. The nanofluid developed by incorporating SiO2 nanoparticles showed promising dielectric performance for its application as an insulation liquid.
FOOD SECURITY CHALLENGES: AN IMPEDIMENT TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs 2) IN NIGERIA
Authors: ONOJA Anthony , ODUMU Abraham Sunday , MOSES-OJO Olufunke A. 
Published: June 2024

SDGs-2 is about the shared responsibility to ensure that every one has access to nutrition and affordable food. The heightened interest in food security is the result of a recognition that a number of important factors constitute a setback to the success of SDGs-2 in Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to identify the challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goals on food security in Nigeria. The theoretical framework of the paper is Political Economy Theory by Karl Marx (1883-1883). Methodologically, the paper used secondary data, the study primarily drew evaluation and statistical information from Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerian Living Standard Survey, and SDGs Base line Reports. While the results have shown that the Nigerian government has embraced the idea of rolling out plans and programs to address the gaps in food security at one time or the other, little has been achieved in curbing insecurity in food. The findings from the study show that Nigeria has about 85 million hectares of land where almost everything can grow, currently produced 110,798 metric tons of seeds in 2022, which is a summation of some major seeds that are established in the formal seeds sector, has the manpower favorable for the advancement of Agriculture and to boost livestock as well as food security. The paper concludes that it is important government removes barriers that increases vulnerability to poverty and hunger by providing an integrated security strategy to address issues of security threats in the agricultural sector. The paper recommends that government should partner with key private agencies to increase investments in the agricultural sector by empowering small and medium scale farmers in particular with access to credits and modern tools.
INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: PERCEPTIONS OF SELECTED LAGOS STATE RESIDENTS ON NIGERIA NEWSPAPERS’ COVERAGE OF CRIME ON THE GRATIFICATION OF THEIR SAFETY INFORMATION NEED
Authors: Rufai Mustapha Olalekan , Salawu Abiodun 
Published: June 2024

Insecurity of lives and property in Nigeria has continued unabated through crime perpetration of all kinds. All forms of violent crimes, including property crimes are reported in the newspapers virtually on daily basis. Concerned by what the feelings of the audience could be on the resonating outcome of Nigerian newspapers’ crime reportage, the attendant palpable fear, anxiety, a sense of insecurity and whether or not the newspapers’ crime stories gratified their safety information need, this study adopted a non-probability sampling technique and through an in-depth interviews probed into the perspectives of purposively selected Lagos State residents on Nigerian newspapers’ coverage of crime and the gratification of their safety information need. Adopting purposive sampling technique, a total of twelve literate respondents, across the three Senatorial Districts (Lagos Central, Lagos East and Lagos West) who had lived and worked in Lagos State for at least five years preceding the study were interviewed. Findings revealed a sense of insecurity and palpable fear among the respondents; Lagos State is prone to crime; murder, robbery, kidnapping, while payment of ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims were rife. The study revealed that the newspapers feasted on crime stories, but embraced episodic crime reportage. The newspaper crime stories were found educative and gratified the safety information need of the reader even as the police, judiciary and the political class were found culpable in crime festering in Nigeria. The paper recommends that newspapers should engage more in investigative reporting of crime by reporting it like an epidemic while the country’s security personnel require constant intelligence report in addition to being proactive, and professional. The Judiciary should ensure the dispensation of justice in all crime cases.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF POLITICAL THUGGERY ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF OFU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Minkaila Ejiga Isah , Akor Linus 
Published: June 2024

Thuggery is a destructive force that erodes the fabric of society and breeds fear and distrust. It fosters a disregard for the rule of law and the principles of justice even as it erodes the values of empathy, compassion and respect for others, leading to a breakdown of social order. Societies afflicted by thuggery suffer from increased crime rates, reduced quality of life and a general sense of unrest and anarchy. Thuggery, especially its political variant, is a form of social violence which poses immense challenge to the security of lives and property of Nigerians and undermines the socio-economic and political development of the nation. This study interrogated the causes and effects of political thuggery on the socio-economic and political development of Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from 384 respondents who were selected using the purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. Questionnaire, In-depth Interview (IDI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used to elicit data from respondents while the resultant quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. The Frustration Aggression Theory was adopted to provide theoretical pathway for the study. Findings from the study attributed political thuggery in Ofu Local Government Area Kogi State Nigeria, to a plethora of factors, among which are: unemployment, frustration, and bad governance. The study recommends the initiation of aggressive skill acquisition and job creation programmes by the Kogi State Government to effectively engage the army of unemployed youth in the study area to divert them from political thuggery while law enforcement should be strengthened to prosecute state and non-state actors found to be the sponsors of thugs whom they deploy to snatch ballot papers and engage in mayhem before, during and after elections in the study area, to serve as deterrent to others.
LEVERAGING INTERNET OF THINGS IN 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: GAINS, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTION
Authors: Onayinka Toyin Segun , Ugwu Ndubuisi Friday , Onyekwere Ogechi Kate , Opele Jacob Kehinde , Nweze Godwin Nonye , Okorie Nnaemeka Chijioke , Anyanwu Oluwakemi M. , Ignatius Chinenye 
Published: June 2024

This paper examined the need to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into Nigeria's education system to help close digital divides between Nigeria and her advanced counterpart countries. The benefits, opportunities and challenges for integration of IoT were explored through the lenses of constructionism, connectivism and activity models. Possible technical, pedagogical, financial and social barriers that would face large-scale IoT adoption in schools were examined. To overcome these obstacles, the paper also examined the blended strategies including specialized learning hubs, cloud-sourcing models, mentorship networks, and crowd-computing. Collectively, these approaches could empower leveraging IoT for transformative, project-based connected learning through participatory knowledge-building. Potential navigational tactics were reviewed like contextualized training, activity groups for continual connections, and public-private partnerships to share infrastructure costs. The paper concluded that by guiding implementation with established theoretical models while pursuing innovative technical, economic and social strategies tailored to the local context, noting that Nigeria can successfully overcome barriers to leveraging Internet of Things for advancing 21st century teaching and learning outcomes. However, the paper also acknowledged the need for further research. Areas suggested for future exploration included longitudinal case studies evaluating impact of different infrastructure deployment and financing options. Large-scale surveys were proposed to understand evolving teacher perception and ongoing support needs. Finally, comparative analyses with other developing economies’ IoT integration pathways and best practices could provide valuable insights for optimizing Nigeria’s approach.
MEMBANGUN KESADARAN PENGURUSAN SERTIFIKASI HALAL PELAKU UMKM SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN DAYA BELI MASYARAKAT PRESPEKTIF EKONOMI SYARIAH
Authors: Hendra Rofiullah Ahmad , Ash Shiddiqi Hasbi , Safithri Awaliya 
Published: June 2024

Syariat Islam membawa misi kemaslahatan bagi segenap ummat manusia. Adanya Labeling Halal pada suatu produk makanan dan minuman yang digagas oleh pemerintah dalam hal ini Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) dan Kementerian Agama lewat BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal) telah memberikan kepastian hukum terkait kehalalan produk makanan bagi pembeli atau konsumen. Kementerian Agama melalui Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) sesuai amanat Undang-Undang Nomor 33 Tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal, mendapat mandat untuk menerbitkan produk sertifikat halal. Sebagai negara mayoritas penduduk muslim, jaminan halal terhadap suatu produk barang dan jasa menjadi hal penting di Indonesia. Untuk memenuhi jaminan halal tersebut, terdapat proses pemeriksaan sesuai dengan standar halal yang ditandai dengan penerbitan label sertifikasi halal.Penerbitan label halal tersebut saat ini diamanahkan kepada Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) di bawah Kementerian Agama (Kemenag) sesuai dengan UU No.33 Tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal (JPH) yang sebelumnya dilakukan oleh Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI). Dengan adanya aturan UU 33/2014 dan aturan turunannya maka konsekuensinya semua produk yang beredar di Indonesia wajib memiliki sertifikasi halal. Kewajiban sertifikasi halal tersebut harus dipatuhi pelaku usaha secara bertahap hingga 2024 untuk produk makanan dan 2029 untuk barang gunaan. Kesimpulan dari tulisan adalah bahwa pendampingan sertifikasi halal bagi pekalu usaha UMKM terutama sektor makanan dan minuman sejalan dengan prinsip-prinsip ekonomi syariah bahwa barang yang diperjual belikan tidak mengandung unsur yang haram baik secara Zatnya (Haram Lidzatihi), atau karena faktor lain misal barang didapat dengan cara yang haram( Haram li Ghoirihi). Disinilah pentingnya pendampingan bagi para pelaku usaha UMKM yang akan berdampak terhadap meningkatnya daya beli masyarakat.
การศึกษาคุณลักษณะความเป็นครูมืออาชีพในโรงเรียนระดับประถมศึกษากรุงเทพมหานคร
Authors:   , คำชามา ธัชพร 
Published: June 2024

การวิจัยนี้มีจุดประสงค์ 1) เพื่อสังเคราะห์คุณลักษณะความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาในระดับนานาชาติ 2) เพื่อศึกษาสภาพจริงและสภาพที่พึงประสงค์ของความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาในกรุงเทพมหานคร กลุ่มตัวอย่างในการวิจัยครั้งนี้ประกอบด้วยครูประถมศึกษาในพื้นที่เขตกรุงเทพมหานครทั้ง 4 สังกัด ได้แก่ สังกัดสำนักงานคณะกรรมการการศึกษาขั้นพื้นฐาน สังกัดสำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการศึกษาเอกชน สังกัดกรุงเทพมหานคร และสังกัดกระทรวงการอุดมศึกษา วิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัย และนวัตกรรม จำนวนทั้งสิ้น 389 คนซึ่งได้มาด้วยวิธีการสุ่มตัวอย่างแบบแบ่งชั้น และตัวอย่างสำหรับการสัมภาษณ์คือ ครูประถมศึกษาจำนวน 12 คน และครูเจ้าฟ้ามาหจักรีจำนวน 6 คน และเครื่องมือที่ใช้ในการเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูล คือ แบบสัมภาษณ์และแบบสำรวจ วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วย การใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนาได้แก่ ร้อยละ ค่าเฉลี่ย ส่วนเบี่ยงเบนมาตรฐาน และการวิเคราะห์เนื้อหา

ผลการวิจัยพบว่า 1) ผลการสังเคราะห์คุณลักษณะของความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาในระดับนานาชาติจากทฤษฎีและเอกสารที่เกี่ยวข้องจึงได้เกณฑ์ของคุณลักษณะของความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาทั้งหมด 5 ด้านประกอบด้วย ด้านพฤติกรรม ด้านการทำงานร่วมกับผู้อื่น ด้านความมีปฏิภาณไหวพริบ ด้านทัศนคติ และด้านความเชี่ยวชาญ 2) ผลการศึกษาสภาพจริงและสภาพที่พึงประสงค์ของความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาในกรุงเทพมหานคร เมื่อจำแนกตามสังกัดต่าง ๆ พบว่าภาพรวมครูประถมศึกษาส่วนใหญ่ให้คะแนนด้านพฤติกรรมมากที่สุด (x̄ = 4.84, S.D. = 0.12) ส่วนปัญหาที่พบคือการตรวจสอบประสิทธิภาพการทำงานของครูประถมศึกษาโดยควรมีการประเมินผลงานจากสถานการณ์จริง หรือบริบทสภาพจริง เพื่อสะท้อนคุณลักษณะความเป็นครูมืออาชีพของครูประถมศึกษาได้อย่างชัดเจนมากยิ่งขึ้น