FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

PERFORMANCE OF GROUNDNUT VARIETIES AND MAIZE INTRODUCTION DATES IN INTERCROPPING AT MAKURDI

J. I. Toho, J. A. Idoko, M. I. Ogbaji — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:06:04 +0000

DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTINUOUS BACKWARD DIFFERENTIATION FORMULAE FOR SOLVING FIRST-ORDER AND SECOND-ORDER INITIAL VALUE PROBLEM

Muritala Yahaya, Abdulkadir Abubakar, Yusuf Dauda Jikantoro — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:24:44 +0000

Numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are essential in modeling dynamical systems across science and engineering. While specialized methods exist for first-order and second-order ODEs, developing a unified approach that efficiently handles both classes remain an active area of research. In this paper, we present a novel two-step hybrid block method based on the backward differentiation formula (BDF), capable of approximating solutions for both first- and second-order ODEs without requiring separate derivations. The method is constructed using interpolation and collocation techniques, and its numerical analysis confirms consistency, zero-stability, and convergence. Furthermore, stability analysis via the general linear method demonstrates that the scheme is A-stable, making it suitable for stiff systems. Numerical experiments including applications to the SIR epidemic model, Riccati differential equations, nonlinear stiff chemical systems, and second-order nonlinear ODEs—validate the method’s accuracy and computational efficiency. Comparative results with existing methods in the literature highlight its superior performance in terms of error reduction and stability. This work contributes a versatile, high-precision tool for ODE solutions, bridging gaps in the adaptability of traditional BDF-based approaches.

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY – MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC- MS) ANALYSIS OF ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUNDS IN HENNA (Lawsonia inermis L.) AND BITTER MELON (Mormodica charantia L.) LEAVES EXTRACTS

Z. H. Mohammed, F. B. Busami, S. Tata, S. S. Gaya — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:50:43 +0000

Phytochemical analysis using GC-MS is a novel approach in analysis of bioactive compounds in plant materials. The study was carried out with the objective of investigating the phytochemical constituents of leaves extracts of Henna and Bitter melon using GC-MS analysis to identified the bioactive compounds there in. The plant materials were obtained in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) in March 2024, air dried in shade for two days and pulverized into fine powder, 100g of each of the plants powder was dissolved in methanol to obtain the extract. An aliquot of the extracts of Henna and Bitter melon were then divided into two part. One part was used for phytochemical analysis while the second part use in the GC-MS analysis. Results for the phytochemical analysis indicate the presence of eight phytochemical compounds in Henna, they includes the following; Flavonoid, Tannins, Saponin, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Phenols and Steroids while Bitter melon had six phytochemical compounds; Flavonoid, Tannins, Saponin, Alkaloids, Anthraquinones and Phenols. The GC-MS analysis indicate the presence of 14 bioactive compounds in each of the leaves samples of Henna and Bitter melon identified to have antimicrobial activity. It can be concluded that both Henna and Bitter melon could be used effectively in the integrated management of plant diseases in the study area as both plants are readily available, safe, cheap and easy to obtained.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MORPHOMETRIC AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) IN CULTURED AND WILD HABITATS IN ZARIA, NIGERIA

Wed, 28 May 2025 21:25:29 +0000

This study provides an assessment of the condition factor, length-weight relationship, and sex ratio of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in both controlled (cultured) and uncontrolled (wild) habitats within Zaria, Nigeria. As a key species for commercial fisheries and food security, the African catfish plays a vital role in fisheries management. Using standard methods, 360 samples of Clarias gariepinus were collected and subjected to morphometric measurements, including total length (TL) and body weight (W). The condition factor (K) was determined using the formula K = (W/L³) × 100, while the length-weight relationship (LWR) was expressed as W = aL^b, revealing allometric growth patterns. Controlled populations exhibited a greater average total length and weight (35.06 ± 5.13 cm, 318.05 ± 146.75 g) compared to their wild counterparts (30.69 ± 7.51 cm, 232.45 ± 154.89 g). The condition factor in both environments was relatively low (<1.00), suggesting possible environmental stress. The sex ratios indicated a slight female predominance in both settings, with ratios of 1.00:1.52 for controlled environments and 1.00:1.47 for wild populations. These results emphasize the need for further research into the environmental factors influencing fish health and growth, providing critical information for optimizing fisheries management and conservation strategies.

EFFECT OF FERTILIZER TYPES ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF NAPIER (Pennisetum purpureum) GRASS ESTABLISHED IN MAKURDI AND HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES DURING THE WET SEASON

Sat, 31 May 2025 14:59:30 +0000

Organic fertilizers may be alternatives to inorganic sources for improved pasture productivity. This research investigated the comparative performance of Pennisetum purpureum pasture as affected by use of organic and inorganic fertilizer types and sampled at different ages during the wet season. The study was a factorial experimental arrangement (4 x 3) laid out as split plot design with six replicates. The two factors were fertilizer type (control-no fertilizer, Urea, Poultry droppings and cow dung) and harvesting age (60, 90 and 120 days). Fertilizer application was at the rate of 300 kg/ha in two and three equal split applications for organic and urea fertilizers, respectively. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS version 23 at 5% probability level. Dry matter yield was not influenced (p>0.05) by all the factors in this experiment. Plant height increased (p<0.05) in pasture fertilized with urea compared to other organic fertilizers, while number of leaves and length reduced (p<0.05) in pasture fertilized with cattle manure only. Tiller diameter was higher (p<0.05) in pastures fertilized with urea compared to organic fertilizer. All chemical parameters measured were not affected (p>0.05) by the different sources of fertilizer used, but crude protein and ash content reduced (p<0.05) with increasing age, while crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were increased (p<0.05) with increasing age of sampling. This study established that use of poultry droppings compared favourably with urea fertilizer and may be the alternative source of fertilizer for urea.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN SAVANNAH SUGAR COMPANY, NUMAN AND ITS ENVIRONS, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Joseph Ijantiku, Abdulaziz Mohammed, Martin Lukas, Ahmed Buba Seli — Sat, 31 May 2025 15:39:39 +0000

This research is aimed at evaluating surface and groundwater quality around the Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, and its environs. The analysis indicated that total hardness ranged from 43.9-91.0 mg/L and DO ranged from 4.2-11.3 mg/L, BOD ranged from 6.6-116.0 mg/L, and COD 10.4-139 mg/L, while Nitrate varied from 4.1-80.1 mg/L. Spatial analysis indicated a significant concentration of nitrate and iron at the northwestern flank of the study area. pH varied from 5.3 to 9.2, Electric conductivity (EC) 178-605 µS/cm; TDS ranged from 115-401 mg/L. Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn were below WHO/FMEnv limits, with iron (Fe) reflecting an average of 0.3 mg/L; while others were <0.1 mg/L, except for localized high concentrations of iron and nitrate. For the surface water samples, the following results represent the quantitative values of the physico-chemical parameters analyzed: pH ranged from 5.3 to 9.4, EC ranged from 181-773 µS/cm, while TDS ranged from 122-512 mg/L. The cation Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and anion HCO^3-, Cl^-, SO4^2-, ranged from 40.2-98.7 mg/L, DO 4.0-11.1 mg/L, BOD 28.1-98.5 mg/L, and COD 41.0-141.3 mg/L. Nitrate ranged from 38.4 to 84.9 mg/L. Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, and F were significantly below WHO/FMEnv limits; iron (Fe) varied from 0.1-5.6 mg/L. However, high Fe and nitrate were also observed in the northwestern part of the study area. Generally, the surface and groundwater quality fall within the WHO/FMEnv permissible limit for drinking water.

INVESTIGATION OF ANAEROBIC PROCESSES IN SEPTIC TANK AS A WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPTION

Sat, 31 May 2025 18:43:51 +0000

The demand for quality drinking water is a necessity across the world today considering the high level of increase in population and global warming. It is therefore necessary to adopt different alternative measures in converting wastewater into drinkable water. This project therefore aimed at investigating the anaerobic processes in septic tank as a wastewater treatment option using wastewater from a septic tank-: a case study of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Personal observation and laboratory analysis were used for data collection. Water samples were taken from a septic tank to assess the level of temperature, conductivity, pH, odour, COD, BOD, and OD in the water. The result showed the presence of BOD in the water sample was higher (106.6883 mg/L) than the WHO tolerance limit of 5 mg/L for drinking water. The sample was heavily loaded with colloidal matter (turbidity: 42.09 NTU), organic matter (COD: 106 mg/L), and suspended matter (turbidity: 42.09 NTU). This shows that the discharge of septic tank effluent to water bodies without treatment poses a serious health risk to humans and the environment. Therefore, the following recommendations were made: provision of adequate waste disposal facilities to cater for both solid and liquid waste, enforcement of existing health and hygienic regulations guiding abattoir operation.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN JIBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abbas Usman, N. C. Eberemu, J. B. Orpin — Sat, 31 May 2025 19:20:21 +0000

Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease that is linked to poverty. Contact with fresh water infested with parasitic blood fluke (Schistosomes spp.) larvae (cercariae) can result in infection. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Jibia Local Government Area primary school pupils. Questions about risk factors, human water contact behaviour, and sociodemographic data were distributed to 300 randomly chosen pupils. Both stool and urine samples were examined under a microscope using sedimentation techniques, and the Medi-Test Combi-9 test strip was used for chemical analysis. S. intercalatum was present in just 1 out of 300 cases (0.3%) while S. haematobium in 83 cases (27.7%), haematuria in 85 cases (28.3%), and proteinuria in 33. Yet, Muhammad Rabiu Model Primary School has a much higher prevalence of S. hematobium 37 (44.6%) and just one S. intercalatum than Tukare Primary School, which has 20 (20.1%) S. hematobium and zero S. intercalatum, respectively, when compared to other schools. The school's closeness to a water body (Jibia Dam) may be the cause of this. Infection rates do not significantly differ by age group (P = <0.001) or gender (P = 5.621). However, compared to pupils without formal education, children whose parents are uneducated have an Odd Ratio (OR) of 36.7 higher infection rates (P = 0.01). In conclusion, the study area is endemic for S. haematobium, and in addition to personal hygiene, molecular detection of S. intercalatum is recommended.

FARMERS RESPONSES TO THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF OPEN GRAZING AND UNREGULATED ACCESS TO FARMLANDS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Edward Pishikeni Guma, Akoji Augustine Haruna, Muhammed Adamu — Sat, 31 May 2025 19:47:17 +0000

Open grazing is a practice by herdsmen whereby they wander about with their cattle of cows and herds of sheep in fields, bushes and in recent times, in farmlands in search of grasses. Whereas undue access to land by heavy duty trucks in the name of illegal quarrying or supply of building materials have caused more wreckages to the farmlands. The materials used to execute this study include a well-structured questionnaire in which 120 were distributed to farmers and stakeholders around the farming communities in Lokoja. The processing of the acquired data was carried out to check for sampling adequacy with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Likert scale method was used to analyze the responses to the various questions in the questionnaires. The result established that; Movement of heavy duty trucks and cattle trampling make tillage of the soil for irrigation farming very difficult. It is recommended that the stakeholders strive hard to protect the farmlands from unnecessary access by herders and trucks that enter for quarrying activities. More so, ranching should be legislated in order to have sustainable production of food.

MODELLING THE VOLATILITY OF COTTON AND RUBBER STOCK RETURNS IN NIGERIA USING GARCH TYPE MODELS

Mohammed Anono Zubair, Bello Adaviriku Boyi — Sat, 31 May 2025 20:30:29 +0000

ADVANCEMENTS IN FEDERATED LEARNING FOR SECURE DATA SHARING IN FINANCIAL SERVICES

Sat, 31 May 2025 21:17:06 +0000

This paper explores the application of Federated Learning (FL) in the financial sector, focusing on enhancing security and privacy in key areas such as fraud detection, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and biometric authentication systems. FL enables collaborative model training across multiple financial institutions without sharing sensitive transaction data, thereby preserving privacy while improving the accuracy of fraud detection models. In AML compliance, FL facilitates the development of robust models by leveraging diverse datasets, enhancing the ability to detect suspicious activities. Moreover, FL strengthens biometric authentication systems by decentralizing model training, reducing the risks of data breaches, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. The paper also evaluates the performance of a loan default prediction model trained using FL, highlighting challenges with class imbalance and model bias toward the majority class. The classification report indicates high recall (98%) but also shows a potential for misclassifying non-default cases, leading to a moderate precision (81%) and an F1-score of 89%. The model's AUC of 0.69 suggests moderate discriminatory power, with room for improvement in its ability to differentiate between default and non-default cases. The model achieves an overall accuracy of 80%. Despite these challenges, it demonstrates good generalization capabilities while maintaining the privacy of client data, presenting a promising approach to secure financial transaction analysis.

ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND RADIOLOGICAL RISKS IN SOIL OF NUMBUPI MINING SITE IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA: PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted in Numbupi, a gold-mining settlement in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The area features lowland topography surrounded by rock formations and is characterized by open-pit mining practices. The study uses gamma spectrometry with a sodium iodide (NaI (Tl)) detector to assess the natural radioactivity concentrations of Ra, Th, and K in seven soil samples collected from the Numbupi Mining Site in Niger State, Nigeria. The mean activity concentrations of Ra (85.81 18.32 Bq/kg), Th (15.84 8.21 Bq/kg), and K (213.41 89.67 Bq/kg) were calculated and compared with world mean values. A high K concentration in Sample 5 (324.45 Bq/kg) is likely driven by anthropogenic sources, potassium fertilizer application, as it is a well-documented contributor to K enrichment, and natural (alluvial) interactions, while elevated Ra concentration in Samples 1 (136.70 Bq/kg) and 7 (120.72 Bq/kg) correlated with local granitic geology. The following radiological health parameters were calculated: radium equivalent activity (124.90 42.56 Bq/kg), absorbed dose rate (58.11 18.23 nGy/h), annual effective dose equivalent (0.36 0.12 mSv/y), and hazard indices (Hex = 0.34 0.12, Hin = 0.57 0.22). The observed correlations between natural radionuclides (Ra, Th, and K) in the analyzed soil samples reflect complex geological and anthropogenic interactions. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between Th and K (r = +0.85), primarily driven by Samples 5 and 7, indicating that soils with higher thorium concentrations also tend to have elevated potassium levels. All the calculated values were found to be well below international safety...

ASSESSMENT OF FUNGAL DISEASES OF STORED MAIZE (Zea mays L.) IN SOME WAREHOUSES IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays) is a vital cereal crop for food security in Nigeria, yet postharvest losses due to fungal contamination during storage remain a significant challenge. This study assessed fungal pathogens affecting stored maize in warehouses across three locations (Mami, Lokongoma, and Kpatar) in Lokoja Kogi State Nigeria. Infected maize samples were collected, and fungi were isolated using Potato Dextrose Agar media, followed by morphological identification via microscopy. Four fungal species were identified: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporium, Mucor hiemalis and Candida albicans. Frequency analysis revealed Aspergillus spp. as the most prevalent (37.87%), followed by Candida sp. and Mucor spp (25.25% each), with Fusarium spp being the least frequent (12.6%). The high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. aligns with studies from similar agro-ecological zones, though discrepancies in species distribution compared to other regions highlight the influence of local environmental factors such as humidity, temperature and storage practices. Mycotoxin-producing fungi, particularly Aspergillus and Fusarium, pose significant health risks, including carcinogenic effects, emphasizing the urgency of addressing contamination. The study underscores suboptimal storage conditions such as inadequate drying, poor ventilation, and lack of pest control as key drivers of fungal proliferation. Recommendations include adopting improved preservation techniques, such as hermetic storage, regular mycotoxin monitoring, and enhancing warehouse infrastructure to regulate temperature and humidity farmer’s education on postharvest management is critical to mitigating economic losses and safeguarding public health. This research provides actionable insights for reducing fungal contamination in maize storage systems, contributing to food safety and sustainability in Nigeria and similar tropical regions.

APPLYING BAYESIAN DYNAMIC MIXED LOGISTIC REGRESSION TO MOBILITY NETWORKS

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored the performance of Bayesian Dynamic Mixed Logistic Regression Model (BDML) with different priors that include; Beta, Gamma, Cauchy, Exponential, Normal, Jeffrey and Uniform prior. The primary objective of the model was to capture time-varying random intercepts and slopes while accommodating dynamic data structure. The major aim of this research was to compare the BDML model with alternative models including the Bayesian Mixed Logit model, mixed logit and logistic regression and to evaluate their performance. Simulated transportation data revealed that the DBML model outperformed other models; with the modified Bayesian Dynamic Mixed Logit (BDML) model achieving the highest accuracy (81.5%) and lowest AIC/BIC values, indicating superior performance. The log likelihood for BDML is (-1534.2), Bayesian Mixed Logit (BML) is -1541.1 and Mixed Logit (ML) is given as -1551.9 BDML model's best fit the data. The implications are that travel time and cost are significant factors in mode choice. The study recommended investments in comfortable and eco-friendly transportation and encourages bike usage through infrastructure development like good roads.

OBSERVED INFRARED ABSORPTIONS OF OH SPECIES IN A MAGNESIUM OXIDE-DOPED SUCROSE-KNO3 COMPOSITE PROPELLANT

Jonathan M. Nwaedozie, Mohammed Ya’u, Muhammed M. Namadi, Paul B. Iguniwei — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

EGG QUALITY ASSESSMENT: A MODEL COMPARISON APPROACH USING BAYESIAN MIXED LOGIT, MIXED LOGIT, LOGISTIC REGRESSION AND MULTINOMIAL REGRESSION MODELS

Christian Chinenye Amalahu, Joy Chioma Nwabueze, Chibueze Barnabas Ekeadinotu — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study compares the performance of Bayesian mixed logit, mixed logit, logistic regression, and multinomial regression models in analyzing egg quality. The results show that the Bayesian mixed logit model outperforms traditional models, with egg weights, shell thickness, and shape index emerging as significant determinants of egg quality. The Bayesian mixed logit model's superior performance is evident in its lower AIC, DIC, RMSE, and MAE values. These findings have implications for the poultry industry, highlighting the importance of considering complex relationships between egg quality traits.

HISTOPATHOLOGY OF WATERMELON ROOT INFECTED WITH ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (Meloidogyne spp.) IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study was carried out to determine the feeding pattern of root-knot nematode (RKN) infecting the root of watermelon in Ilorin, Nigeria. A commonly cultivated variety, kaolak was obtained and planted in a screen house. The screenhouse experiment was set out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Two treatments were used; inoculated and uninoculated seedlings. Each treatment was replicated thirty times, making a total of sixty treatment combinations. Roots from each treatment were removed and cut into 4 to 5 cm pieces. The root materials were immediately fixed in formalin-aceto-alcohol (FAA). Results of this experiment showed the disorganization of the vascular tissue in the infected root. Visible galls were observed in the roots after 29 days which revealed similarity in feeding and reproduction of root-knot nematode in parasitized plant. The study advanced our knowledge on RKN feeding pattern in watermelon and the cosmopolitan nature of the pathogen.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE-BUILDING BETWEEN FARMERS AND HERDERS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Theophilus Gukas — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The persistent conflict between farmers and herders in Plateau State, Nigeria, has escalated into a major security and socio-economic crisis, driven by resource competition, historical grievances, religious polarization, and governance failures. This study examines community perspectives on reconciliation, confidence-building, and dispute resolution to identify viable strategies for fostering peace. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from farming and herding communities through structured surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal a significant disparity in willingness to engage in dialogue, with herders demonstrating a higher openness to reconciliation compared to farmers, who remain deeply distrustful due to past grievances. Land disputes (79.4%) and water scarcity (69.6%) emerge as the primary causes of conflict, while lack of trust (79.6%) and fear of attack (69.4%) are identified as major barriers to peace. Despite these challenges, there is strong community support for interfaith dialogues (79.8%), joint economic projects (70.2%), and hybrid dispute resolution mechanisms that integrate both traditional and formal legal systems. The study shows the need for trauma healing programs, youth engagement initiatives, and livelihood support as essential components of sustainable peacebuilding. The findings contribute to existing literature by providing empirical insights into grassroots attitudes toward reconciliation and highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, community-driven approaches in addressing farmer-herder conflicts. By prioritizing trust-building, inclusive dialogue, and economic cooperation, locally led peace initiatives can pave the way for long-term conflict transformation and coexistence in Plateau State.

STATISTICS AND DATA: A VIABLE NEXUS INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRIES

Isiaka Oloyede, A. A. Abiodun, A. A. Adewara — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigates the impacts of statistical methodology and data on the sustainable future of universities and industries based on goals 4 (Quality education) and 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) of sustainable development goals. In the contemporary landscape of academia and industry, the synergy between universities and industries is indispensable for fostering sustainable development. This paper explores the pivotal role of statistics and data in enhancing the sustainability future of both the universities and industries. By employing statistical methodologies and leveraging viable data, universities and industries can collaborate more effectively in addressing societal challenges, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering innovation. The study adopts Partial Least Squares (PLS) to examine the impact of statistics and viable data on the future sustainability of universities and industries. It highlights the transformative potential of statistical insights in guiding evidence-based decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving sustainable practices in both academic and industrial domains. A sample size of 150 respondents across KU8 and industries is selected for the study. Sustainable development goals 4 and 9 which state the inclusion of both universities education and industry innovation and infrastructure were examined. The study focuses on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and ethical considerations in maximizing the impact of statistical approaches for sustainable development. The findings suggest that collaboration between universities and industries, alongside the adoption of data-driven approaches, is essential to achieving long-term sustainability. Therefore, it is recommended that both sectors prioritize integrating statistical methods and data analytics to enhance sustainability efforts.

ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND ITS ATTITUDES IN POULTRY EGG PRODUCTION AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA

Sheu Ahmad Olohungbebe, Tosin Olawoye, Uswat Moni AbdulKareem — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research assessed the risks and attitudes of poultry producers associated with poultry farmers in the Kuje area council, the federal capital territory of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed and a total of 109 farmers involved in poultry farming were randomly selected across five wards from a sample frame of 150 poultry farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics, like Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance, were employed to find out the risk management practices adopted by the poultry egg producers in the study area. It was evident from the result that there was a moderate level of agreement (W=0.340) among the egg producers in the rankings of the risk management practices. The result of the poultry farmers' attitude towards risk using the safety-first behavioral model approach, showed that the poultry producers in the study area were risk neutral. The major types of risk that were severe and faced by the poultry producers in the study area were weather fluctuation, price of birds and infectious parasites. The study, therefore, recommends that poultry farmers should be encouraged to adopt more management practices like proper sanitation, proper disposal of dead birds and debeaking that can reduce risk generally.

APPLICATION OF K-MEANS AND K-MEDOID CLUSTERING TECHNIQUES ON RICE YIELDS IN NIGERIA

N. Y. Ismail, U. K. Abdullahi, T. Musa, J. Garba, Hafsat Abdulkarim — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the application of two clustering algorithms, K-means and K-medoid to classify rice yields across 36 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The study aims to identify natural groupings within the data to classify the states base on their similarity in the rice yields. The findings reveal that the K-means and K-medoid clustering effectively grouped rice and maize yields into six clusters each. The silhouette width indicated that K-medoid out performed K-means in cluster quality with an average silhouette width of 0.42 and for rice compared to K-means with silhouette width of 0.39 and. The analysis highlighted significant clusters, such as clusters three and five for rice using K-means and K-medoid which represent regions with similar average crop yields. These insights underline the importance of targeted governmental interventions to improve agricultural productivity by focusing on areas with average yields. The results also suggest that strategic investments in infrastructure, agricultural inputs, and policy reforms are crucial for boosting productivity and reducing poverty. Overall, the paper concludes that K-medoid is the superior clustering technique, delivering the highest silhouette width and the most accurate classifications for both crops, with the fewest misclassifications. This research provides a valuable framework for regional agricultural planning and resource allocation in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the government should pay attention on allocating the scarce resources to the consistency clusters along with policy review in favor of smallholder farmers through access and timely for all important farm inputs in future.

SPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS FROM AGROCHEMICAL POLLUTION AMONG RURAL DWELLERS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

VARIABLE THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTY AND OHMIC HEATING IMPACT ON RADIATIVE CASSON FLUID FLOW PAST A STRETCHING CYLINDER

Adebayo Stephen Oladoja, Damilare John Samuel, Yusuf Buba Chukkol — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effect of variable thermophysical properties on radiative Casson fluid flow around a stretching cylinder. The governing partial differential equations for momentum and energy are changed into ordinary differential equations with suitable similarity transformations. Our mathematical model analyses the impact of variable thermal conductivity, viscosity, and radiation parameters on the fluid flow system. The resulting coupled nonlinear equations are solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta fourth-order method with shooting technique. The effect of key parameters including Casson fluid parameter, thermal radiation parameter, magnetic parameter, Grashof number, Prandtl number, Eckert number, ohmic heating parameter and Biot number on velocity and temperature profiles is examined. Results indicate that increasing the Casson parameter reduces fluid velocity while increasing the temperature distribution. The thermal boundary layer thickness is seriously affected by the radiation parameter and variable thermal conductivity. In addition, the study reveals that heat transfer rates at the surface increase with higher values of the Biot number. These findings provide valuable insights into heat transfer optimization in industrial applications involving non-Newtonian fluids with radiative effects and variable properties.