FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SORTING ALGORITHMS: EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIAN DATA SYSTEMS

K. A. Bakare, A. A Okewu, Z. A. Abiola, A. Jaji, A. Muhammed — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:51:39 +0000

In this research paper, we discuss about comparison of sorting algorithms based on their performance in various scenarios and adaptability to Nigerian context. This article examines five popular sorting algorithms: bubble sort, selection sort, insertion sort, merge sort and quicksort through analysis of time complexity and space complexity. The major goal is to determine the most efficient algorithm with respect to given data sizes and conditions that are typical with computational resources available in Nigeria. It has been found out that when datasets are small, insertion sort and selection sort perform well while for larger datasets one should consider using Merge Sort or Quick Sort because they have lower time complexity O(n log n). In addition, it looks at how these algorithms manage data integrity especially in areas like financial transactions (payments) and educational data management in Nigeria. Tests were performed using integer and string datasets to investigate the practical consequences of applying these sorting algorithms in real-world Nigerian applications. The outcomes show that having an appropriate sorting technique can greatly improve the performance as well as resource utilization across many sectors thus making it one of the ways through which a country can become greater.

SPATIAL MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER SOURCES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS

Nasiru Lawal, Aliyu Dadan-Garba, Bolanle Joel Ajibuah, Olumide Akinwumi Oluwole — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:31:58 +0000

This study aimed to assess the water quality in public secondary schools within Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, with a focus on evaluating microbial contamination levels and identifying spatial disparities in water facilities. Comprehensive assessment checklist based on WHO and UNICEF standards was used to evaluate the availability and adequacy of water facilities. Water samples were collected from 13 public secondary schools using a stratified and proportionate sampling techniques, ensuring representation across different water sources, including boreholes, pipe-borne water, and dug wells. The samples were then transported to the Sokoto State Water Board laboratory for microbial testing. The analysis specifically targeted the presence of indicator bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), total coliforms, and fecal streptococcus, to assess the microbial quality of the water sources. The findings revealed significant spatial disparities in the distribution of schools and highlighted areas with inadequate water facilities. Microbial analysis indicated varying levels of contamination across the different water sources, with dug wells having the highest E. coli count, averaging 11.33 CFU/100ml. The total average E. coli count across all water sources was 6.08 CFU/100ml, which exceeds the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) of 0 CFU/100ml, indicating a concerning level of contamination. These results suggest a substantial risk to public health, particularly for students and staff relying on these water sources. The study emphasises the urgent need for interventions such as reconstruction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure and regular water quality testing to ensure safe drinking water is provided in public secondary schools in...

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF INFLATION, UNEMPLOYMENT ON POVERTY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX IN NIGERIA

Yakubu Musa, A. B. Zoramawa, Christopher Aondona Shember — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 21:08:20 +0000

This study carefully assessed the impact of inflation and unemployment on poverty and the human development index in Nigeria using an annual dataset from 1991 to 2023. A vector autoregression (VAR) model was used for data analysis. The findings of the analysis indicate that the unit root test for the variables at first difference was stationary at the 5% critical value, the Johansen cointegration test for both trace and maximum eigenvalue had one cointegrating equation, meaning that there is a short- and long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables, while the optimal lag selection criteria showed a lag length of order one. Hence, these results met the requirements for using vector error correction (VEC) model estimation, given that the CUSUM test also indicates the model residual parameters' stability. Meanwhile, the impulse response functions revealed that a unit shock to inflation increases unemployment and poverty, as well as reduces government spending on human development through education and health. Also, the forecast variance decomposition showed the influence of the variability of inflation among variables, demonstrating its negative impact on various facets of the economy, leading to high rates of unemployment and poverty as it hampers human development. In view of this, the empirical study submits that researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners should design effective policies and programs that will help in reducing the effect of inflation and unemployment rates on poverty and the human development index through poverty reduction intervention programs aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and human development in Nigeria.

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A LOW-COST AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:16:14 +0000

This study designed, fabricated and evaluated a household water treatment system (HWTS) with a primary aim of improving access to potable water. Typical turbid water samples were collected from Opa River in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The collected turbid water samples were subjected to treatment by the fabricated household water treatment system. Effects of selected operational factors on the performance of the system was evaluated and optimized using Taguchi technique. The optimum values of the factors were utilized for the full treatment of typical water samples using the system and similar system available commercially. The performance of the system was based on the ability to remove the pollutant from the turbidity water samples. Cost analysis was conducted for the fabricated household water treatment system and similar types that are commercially available. The study revealed that the performance of the system was between 98.8% and 100 % with an overall performance of 99.5 %. Time of settlement, pore Size of the filter, Concentration Coagulant and Turbidity of the Raw water had impact on the performance of HWTS. Significance of the factors were in-order of pore Size of the filter > time > Concentration Coagulant and > Turbidity of the raw water. It was concluded that the performance of the HWTS was perfect compared with the commercially available filter. The HWTS is economically effective and sustainable (0.0575 US$ per day) compared to commercially available HWTS (0.0639 – 0.1187 US$ per day). There was no significant difference between the performance (individual and overall) of fabricated...

ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN WATER AROUND INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT, SAGAMU, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Bamidele Ruth Faleye, O. M. Ajibade, O. E. Babatunde, S. E. Erharhaghen — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:40:26 +0000

Waste from industrial activities has a great impact on water quality thereby limiting water usability for domestic purposes. This study assessed the heavy metal contamination in water around the industrial layout in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. Seven (7) water samples were collected and analyzed for their physicochemical and geochemical properties using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Water facie was determined using a Piper plot. Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination factor (C_f), Contamination degree (C_d), Quantification of Contamination (QoC) and Hazard Index (HI) of the heavy metals in water samples were obtained. Results show the ranges of physicochemical properties as, pH (4.1 - 5.9), total dissolved solid (78 - 292 ppm), electrical conductivity (0.1 - 0.4 µS/cm) and temperature (30.1 - 32.2°C). The concentration of metals in groundwater samples were obtained as Cd (0.001 - 0.004ppm,), As (00007 - 0.0011ppm), Cr (0.005-.01ppm), Pb (0.0003- 0.046ppm), Zn (0.0204-0.26ppm), Fe (0.000005- 0.013ppm), Mn (0.0009-2.5ppm) and Ni (0.001-0.03ppm). Igeo for heavy metals < 5, Fe has C_fof F>6 (strongly polluted) and C_d>32. Fe and Mn have positive QoC values indicating anthropogenic sources. Results show the HI to be greater than 1 indicating children and adults are at low risk of non-carcinogenic health problems. Water in the study area was contaminated with Pb and Mn thereby reducing its quality and exposure through derma and ingestion can cause adverse health effects. Proper sanitation with contamination control and monitoring strategies should be adopted to safeguard the health of water consumers from the study area.

COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN GOATS IN TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:46:25 +0000

This study was aimed to determine the comparative efficacy of various diagnostic tests for subclinical mastitis (SCM) in goats. The study was conducted on 210 (6 blind) quarter milk samples from 108 goats. Cultural examination was used as the gold standard to compare the accuracy of the following diagnostic tests: CMT, Masttest, Mastidin, Kerba test, Milk test, WST, BBST and SCC. The incidence rates were highest with CMT (28,7%) and lowest with Mastidin (22.2%). Cultivation revealed the presence of Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus species, Bacillus species, Lactobacillus species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Enterobacter species and Klebsiella species. No growth was observed on Brucella Agar. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of various tests were recorded and it was found that CMT had the highest sensitivity (32.89%), specificity (96.55%) and predictive value (96.15%) than compare with the other diagnostic methods for diagnosis of sub clinical mastitis in goat. The accuracy of all the conducted diagnostic tests when compared cultural examination were considered to be statistically significant (p<0.01). It can be concluded thatCMT can be used as a first screening tool for detecting suspected samples for further investigation for SCM also as the decision criteria to treat or to cull the animals in herds with high prevalence of SCM.

FIELD OCCURRENCE AND COMPOSITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLAY HORIZON IN THE PATTI FORMATION, SOUTHERN BIDA BASIN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:09:01 +0000

A NOVEL APPROACH TO SCHRÖDINGER'S WAVE EQUATION: UTILIZING METRIC TENSOR IN SPHERICAL COORDINATES

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:04:39 +0000

In quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation is fundamental for describing particle wave functions, traditionally within flat spacetime, ignoring gravitational effects. This paper introduces the Howusu Metric Tensor to extend the Schrödinger equation into spherical coordinates, accommodating gravitational fields that are regular and continuous with a reciprocal decrease at infinity. This leads to the derivation of the Riemannian Schrödinger equation, offering insights into quantum behavior in curved spacetime. Building on previous work integrating quantum mechanics with general relativity and Finsler geometry, our approach addresses the limitations in capturing gravitational subtleties. By incorporating the Howusu Metric Tensor, our model accounts for gravitational potential in spherical coordinates, providing a more precise description of quantum phenomena under gravity. The resulting Riemannian Schrödinger equation reveals new quantum behavior influenced by gravitational forces, opening new research possibilities in cosmology and astrophysics, where quantum-gravitational interactions are key. This study demonstrates the advantages of using the Howusu Metric Tensor over previous models, highlighting its potential to unify quantum mechanics with gravitational effects more coherently and comprehensively.

THE IMPACT OF FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL ON CONSUMER GOODS IN SELECTED STATES IN NIGERIA

F. O. Okwa, F. Z. Okwonu, Mildred C. Owoyi — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:45:53 +0000

Fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria has impacted consumer goods, transportation, and house rent in different facets. Political economists and data analysts opined that fuel subsidy removal frees up resources, while others say it enhances poverty. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on consumer goods. The rentier state theory was employed as the theoretical framework for analysis, and the study used the descriptive survey method with a cross-sectional procedure as the research design. The study employed the frequency distribution, and simple percentages to analyze the impacts of fuel subsidy removal. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the formulated hypotheses at a significance level of 5%. The study affirmed that the removal of fuel subsidy increased the cost of consumer goods, since factors such as house rent and transportation which generally have effect on the cost of goods are affected, leading to poor standard of living of Nigerians.

MULTIVARIATE MODELS FOR THE ESTIMATION OF EARTH’S ALBEDO ACROSS THE COASTAL REGION OF NIGERIA

Timothy Afolabi Kola, D. O. Akpootu — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:16:23 +0000

Studies on atmospheric thermal balancing, atmospheric radiative transmission, and the assessment and design of solar energy systems all depend on an accurate estimate of the Earth's albedo. This study compared the variability in albedo for two locations, Owerri and Ikeja distributed over Nigeria's coastline climatic regions, using monthly average daily observed meteorological data on global solar radiation alongside wind speed, mean temperature, surface pressure and relative humidity over thirty-nine-year period (1984-2022) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 11 models in all, divided into three groups, were derived from regression models with two, three, and four variables were developed and tested using five validation indices of Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Percentage Error (MPE), t-test and coefficient of determination (R²). All the developed models that stood out the most were ranked according to their suitability for estimating surface albedo. For Owerri, the three-variable regression model which relates wind speed, relative humidity and mean temperature, ALB7 (Eqn. 26g) performed best, while the two variable regression model which relates the relative humidity and mean temperature, ALB15 (Eqn. 27d) performed best for estimating surface albedo for Ikeja. The Earth’s emitted surface temperature for Owerri ranged from 219.1845 K in August to 239.6133 K in January, while for Ikeja it varies from 221.4955 K in August to 238.7534 K in November. The longwave radiation at both locations is in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, as indicated by the maximum emission wavelength values.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF ACACIA NILOTICA (L.) DELILE AND ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS (DC.) GUILL. & PERR IN DIABETIC WOUND HEALING: EVIDENCE FROM MALE WISTER RAT

Sakina Sani Buhari, Bala Sidi Aliyu — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:40:09 +0000

The use of plants in traditional medicinal systems has been practiced for thousands of years and continues to supply people with new remedies. The current study evaluated the wound healing effect of ethanol extracts of Acacia nilotica pod and Anogeissus leiocarpus stem bark on rat models. Fourty two (42) Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) induced diabetic male Wistar rats were divided into seven (7) groups of six (6) rats each. A one-centimeter-diameter excision wound was created on the mid-dorsal area of the experimental diabetic rats. The treatment groups were treated daily with the plant extracts by oral administration at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for 14 days. Blood glucose level, percentage of wound contraction of the experimental rat groups were observed for 21 days. Histopathological examination was also carried out at the end of the experiment. The findings indicated that both A. leiocarpus at doses of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and A. nilotica at 200 mg/kg enhanced wound contraction in the diabetic rats at day 14 compared to the standard drug (Metformin) which occurred at day 21. This showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level of the treated diabetic rats as well as wound healing effect by the tested plants extract.

SYNERGISTIC IMPACT OF RICE HUSK ASH AND PULVERIZED CLAY BRICK BLENDS ON CEMENT MORTAR DURABILITY IN MAGNESIUM SULPHATE ENVIRONMENTS

Mukhtar Isma'il, A. Lawan, I. Aliyu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:27:34 +0000

A MODIFIED DHILLON DISTRIBUTION: PROPERTIES AND APPLICATION

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:15:26 +0000

There are still a lot of real-world issues where the observed facts cannot effectively fit into frequently used classical probability models. To solve this, it is imperative to provide probability models that accurately represent the behavior of certain real-world phenomena. having considered these problems, the study proposed a new lifetime distribution, the Modified Dhillon Distribution (MDD), developed using the Beta integrated model approach. The study examines the statistical properties of the new distribution such as the Quantile function, Moment, Moment generating function, Entropy, and reliability functions. Moreover, the maximum likelihood approach was used to estimate the distribution parameters. Using real data, the study demonstrates the applications of the MDD using two sets of real data sets, and it has the minimum value of AIC, BIC and CAIC. Therefore, based on the results the study concluded that the MDD offers the best fit out of all the competing distributions.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT CUTTING FLUIDS ON TOOL-WORK INTERFACE TEMPERATURE DURING TURNING OPERATION ON 6061 ALUMINUM ALLOY

Y. Bello, S. O. Yakubu, T. E. Agov, L. K. Soretire — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:42:25 +0000

This study investigated the impact of tool-work interface temperature during the turning process of a cylindrical workpiece made of 6061 aluminum alloy. The experiment utilized four different cutting fluids: palm oil-based cutting fluid (POBCF), neem seed oil-based cutting fluid (NOBCF), orange seed oil-based cutting fluid (OSOBCF), and mineral oil-based cutting fluid (MOBCF) using uncoated carbide cutting tool of grade H13A. Various machining parameters were considered, including spindle speed (180, 250, 355, 500 rpm), feed rate (0.105, 0.116, 1.4, 1.6 mm/rev), and depth of cut (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm). The experimental design followed the Taguchi specified L16 (4³) orthogonal array and was conducted on a Lathe Machine XL 400. To measure the tool-work interface temperature, an infrared thermometer (KM 690) was employed during the aluminum alloy machining process. Subsequently, a mathematical model for the tool-work interface temperature values was developed through regression analysis using Minitab 16. The significance of the chosen machining parameters and their respective levels on the tool-work interface temperature was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and F-test. The findings indicated that machining under orange seed oil-based cutting fluid (OSOBCF) conditions resulted in a 9.02%, 16.4%, and 21.7% lower temperature at the tool-work interface compared to palm oil-based cutting fluid (POBCF), neem seed oil-based cutting fluid (NOBCF), and conventional oil-based cutting fluid (MOBCF), respectively. This suggests a potential for producing higher-quality products under orange seed oil cutting fluid conditions compared to other wet conditions.

ASSESSMENT AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONCENTRATIONS OF DISSOLVED METALS IONS IN SELECTED SURFACE WATER BODIES IN ZARIA

Uba Sani, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, Esthe Oluwatoyosi Akande, Murtala Mohammed Rumah — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:28:17 +0000

The surface water bodies in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, are vital for supporting the local ecosystem and providing water resources for various human activities. However, increasing industrialisation and urbanisation in the region have raised concerns about the potential impact of metal pollution on these water bodies. This study investigates the composition of dissolved metals, including Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, and Cd, in three surface water bodies: Shika Dam, Gamma Dam, and ABU Dam. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was utilised to detect the presence of these metals, followed by systematic calculations of correlation coefficients to simplify the interpretation of the data. The ANOVA conducted at a 95% confidence level indicated no significant differences in the analysed metal concentrations across all sampling points (p > 0.05), suggesting a common source of pollution. The concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Co were found to be below the detection limit. Correlational analysis revealed strong positive correlations between Pb and Cu (r = 0.999, 0.998) at sampling points 2 and 6, indicating a shared source of contamination, while negative correlations (r = -0.998, -1) at points 9 and 6 suggested indicate differing environmental conditions. Additionally, a perfect positive correlation (r = 1) between Cu and Co points to a single source, likely related to industrial activities. Similarly, there were strong correlations between Cd and Co, as well as between Cd and Cu. These findings show the complex interrelationships within aquatic ecosystems and highlight the need for holistic water quality management.

SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF THE GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS: A CASE STUDY OF ELIZADE UNIVERSITY

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:51:35 +0000

Soil variability can alter the mechanical behaviour of foundations. It is therefore, necessary to conduct site investigations specific geotechnical analysis before any construction. This study evaluated selected engineering index and properties of soils at three different locations (sites) and depths withing Elizade University (EU), Ilara-Mokin. Five soil samples were collected from each of these locations and their engineering index and properties were determined. Statistical analysis namely Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilised to determine the effects of location within the campus on the selected engineering properties. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the engineering properties of soils collected within each site were also determined. The study revealed that plastic index (P_i), liquid limit (L_L), moisture content (M_c), and plastic limit (P_l) were in the range of 4 to 32, 38 to 58.5, 11.6 to 29.04 %, 20 to 42 and respectively. The engineering index of the soil and engineering properties of the soil were significantly affected by the location with F_14,42 equal to 2.592212, p was 0.008673 and F_{14, 42}equal to 3.210318 and p was 0.001719, respectively (which are less than 0.05). The high SD also showed that the soil properties have a wide range of values within same site, this was particularly so, in the case of the Atterberg’s limits, shear strength parameters and bearing capacities. The concluded that there is variability in the soil properties within the location.

EVALUATION OF LIPID PROFILE OF HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING MGBAKWU PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE, ANAMBRA STATE

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:50:22 +0000

Hypertension is a serious global public health problem. Serum lipid alteration is a pivotal factor that births hypertension during pregnancy and has been implicated in diverse deleterious health outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid profiles of hypertensive pregnant women attending Mgbaukwu Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre. A total of 70 pregnant women who had consented were recruited to participate. While thirty five (35) pregnant women were hypertensive, the other remaining 35 pregnant women were not hypertensive (normotensive) and thus, were considered the control group. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were generated using structured questionnaire, while lipid profiles of the participants were determined using standard procedures. Results obtained from this study shows that 80% and 34.28% of the hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women respectively were within the age range of 32-37 years old, while 68.6% and 48.57% of the hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women respectively were traders and had completed only secondary school education. The value recorded on Total Cholesterol (TC) , Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and Triglycerol (TG) in Hypertensive Pregnant Women (HYPW) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those reported for their normotensive counterparts. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that pregnant women who are within 32-37 years of age are prone to hypertension during pregnancy, while social determinants of health (SDOH) can support incidence of hypertension.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF LASSA FEVER TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS IN PREVALENT COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA: THE CASE STUDY OF ONDO STATE

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:42:59 +0000

With the current waive of global health problems and resurgence of many disease around the world. Cholera, Yellow fever,SARS-CoV-2, Monkey pox and Lassa fever resurgence in some West African countries, with Ondo State recording highest number of Lassa fever case in Nigeria. Prompting Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC), Ondo State Primary Health (OSPH) expert and researchers begin ways to reduce transmission dynamics of Lassa Fever Disease (LFD). In this research, we developed and investigated using System of Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) mathematical model of Lassa fever disease transmission dynamics, verifying positivity of system of equation as well as feasible region of the model. However, the Disease Free Equilibrium (DFE) of the model is computed and analysed with basic reproduction number $R_0$ of the model, showing the global stability of the DFE. Furthermore, we determined using model-fitting parameters the condition to attain stability. Finally, numerical simulations shows reduction in transmission with effective pest control measure.

ANALYTICAL STUDY ON FULLY DEVELOPED MIXED CONVECTION COUETTE FLOW IN A VERTICAL CHANNEL WITH VISCOUS DISSIPATION EFFECT

Mohammed Kabir Tafida, Ayuba M. Umar, Usman M. Iyabo — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study of mixed convection flow in a vertical channel with viscous dissipation has been examined. To solve the governing energy and momentum equations, the Homotopy perturbation method was employed. Graphs were generated to analyze the impact of the governing flow parameters. Numerical values for skin friction, rate of heat transfer, and mass flux were estimated. The study revealed that an increase in mixed convection expands the reverse flow region and raises the critical value of mixed convection that leads to flow reversal. Additionally, both fluid temperature and velocity rise with increased viscous dissipation, as higher viscous dissipative heat elevates temperature, subsequently increasing the buoyancy force.

DISTRIBUTION OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM CHLOROQUINE RESISTANCE TRANSPORTER (PFCRT) AND PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE 1(PFMDR-1) GENES IN ILORIN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Jimoh O. Abdulraheem, Oluwasogo Olalubi, Sunday Awe — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:17:20 +0000

Globally, malaria is a peculiar health challenge particularly in continent of Africa. The ease of developing resistance to anti-malaria drugs by Plasmodium falciparum is a serious impediment towards programs aim at control and elimination of malaria. Consequently, drug efficacy surveillance is desirable to institute adequate and effective treatment policies. In this study, distribution of these genes in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Ilorin metropolis were investigated. One hundred and three samples collected randomly from 5 hospitals in Ilorin metropolis. The samples were amplified at codon 76 and 86 for Pfcrt and Pfmdr-1 respectively using PCR / Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). The most prevalent alleles were drug susceptible alleles in the study area (K76 and N86) with 31% and 40% respectively, while drug resistance alleles (86Y) have 13% and the least prevalence 2% was the mixed alleles K76T. UITH has the highest number of susceptible alleles followed by CSC 38% and 46% for K76 and N86 respectively. There are significant differences in the distribution of these alleles and the study sites (P< 0.05). The prevalence of resistance alleles in the area is a welcome development that can be employed for possibility of re-introduction of CQ for the treatment of malaria in the study area which will serve as an advantage over expensive ACT due to fact that it is safe cheap and readily affordable.

GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL CLAY IN ZARIAGI, LOKOJA, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Tope E. William, Tope S. Alege, A. Onimisi Jimoh, O. Kizito Musa — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 20:26:04 +0000

Clay is one of the world's most important and oldest building materials but also poses some challenges for civil and geotechnical engineers. Hence, understanding its geotechnical properties is key to the determination of their industrial applications. The geotechnical characteristics of six residual clay samples from the crystalline basement rocks in Zariagi, Lokoja, north-central Nigeria, were evaluated to determine its suitability for construction and civil engineering. Parameters assessed included particle size distribution, consolidation, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, loss on ignition, compaction, and permeability. Grain size analysis and Atterberg limit tests classified the samples as clayey. Liquid limit ranged from 36% to 37%, indicating low plasticity. The plastic limit ranged from 33.38% to 34.66%, and the plasticity index from 2.14% to 2.71%, suggesting the clay exhibits low to medium swelling potential when wet and can withstand volumetric shrinkage when dry, meeting the requirements for barrier soils. Compaction tests revealed an optimum moisture content (OMC) of 14.90% to 18.50% and maximum dry density (MDD) of 1270 kg/m³ to 1320 kg/m³, indicating suitability for building construction. Linear shrinkage percentages ranged from 2.86% to 4.29%, indicating moderate linear and low volumetric shrinkage. Loss on ignition values from 3.74% to 4.49% suggested low organic matter content and the absence of swelling clays. Permeability values ranged from 0.000133 cm/sec to 0.000140 cm/sec, suggest moderate permeability. The results suggest the Zariagi clay is suitable for barrier soil and building construction applications.

USE OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF OLD OYO AND KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARKS, NIGERIA

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:36:37 +0000