12 Articles
Adesina Olufisayo Adeyemi, Ogunjemisin Timilehin Precious, Oyinloye Aduragbemi Ayobami
Background: Dengue and Chikungunya remain under-recognized illnesses in Nigeria, which are are often misdiagnosed as malaria due to similar symptoms and lack of routine arboviral testing. This study investigated the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya among apparently healthy and febrile individuals presenting to selected healthcare facilities in Ile-Ife and its environs, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 164 consenting participants attending healthcare facilities across rural, peri-urban, and urban communities in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ile-Ife. Venous blood samples were collected and screened for DENV IgM and CHIKV IgM using appropriate rapid diagnostic test kits. Necessary data to support the study were obtained from the participants using structured questionnaires. Results: Dengue IgM was detected in 7.3% (12/164) while Chikungunya IgM was 0.6% (1/164) of the participants, with dengue cases distributed across all the three LGAs. Highest Dengue IgM was detected in the age group 11-20 and 21-30 (3%, 5/164). Both Dengue IgM and Chikungunya IgM are predominant in female with 11 (6.7%) for dengue and 1 (0.6%) for chikungunya. No individual was co-infected. Conclusion: This study establishes recent dengue and chikungunya viruses exposure and a higher incidence of dengue in Ile-Ife. Both being RNA viruses calls for molecular analysis to know more about the adaptation strategies of the viruses. Strengthening differential diagnosis, improving community awareness, and enhancing vector control interventions are essential to improve case detection and reduce misdiagnosis.
Fanyana Mtunzi, Futhuli Mothamaha, Ikechukwu Ejidike, Mokete Phele
The efficiency of activated macadamia nutshell as an adsorbent for removing lead (Pb2+) and copper (Cu2+) from the water was investigated. The treated macadamia nutshell was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Batch mode adsorption experiments were conducted by varying pH, concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time. The kinetics study of sorption indicates that the pseudo-second-order model provides better correlation of the sorption data (R2=0.99) than the pseudo first-order model (R2 = 0.94), confirming the chemisorption of metal ions in solutions on macadamia nutshell. The Freundlich isotherm has a good fit with the experimental data (R2 close to 1) compared to Langmuir isotherm (R2=0.96). This study shows that macadamia nutshell is an available, low cost, effective and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. Thermodynamic studies confirmed that the biosorption process was endothermic and the positive value of ΔG° is quite common when an ion-exchange mechanism applies in the biosorption. The positive value of ΔS° suggested an increase in randomness during the biosorption.
Adie D.B, Ingoroko T.S, Sani B.S
The exploitation of groundwater requires an understanding of the hydrogeological characteristics of subsurface aquifers within basement terrains. This study employed a geophysical investigation using the Vertical Electrical Sounding technique to determine subsurface geological formations and evaluate aquifer depth and thickness for groundwater potential. The survey involved injecting current into the ground through current electrodes using the Schlumberger array configuration. Sixteen VES stations were occupied, with electrode separation varying from 1 to 100 meters, to investigate geo-electrical characteristics. Field data were manually computed and processed using computer software. A Mc Ohm-EL resistivity meter was used for data acquisition, while IPI2Win software was applied for interpretation. Results revealed three to four geo-electric layers consisting of sandy or clayey topsoil, weathered basement, fractured basement, and fresh basement. Topsoil resistivity values ranged from 0.523 to 183 Ωm with thicknesses between 0.217 and 5.326 meters. Aquifer resistivity values ranged from 14.4 to 5182 Ωm, with an average thickness of 15.435 meters. Fractured layers showed resistivities between 18.04 and 7222 Ωm at depths of 1.48 to 32.3 meters, while fresh bedrock resistivities ranged from 58.52 to 9412 Ωm. Borehole locations identified at VES stations 6, 12, and 14, and compliance with recommended depths was advised.
Abdulsalami, B. A, Adeyemo I. A, Adeyeye, A. M, Baale, A. A, Jenyo, A. A
This study examines how computer science professionals in South-West Nigeria perceive the role of technology in climate action. The study employed a quantitative research approach using a structured questionnaire and hybrid sampling techniques of random sampling and snowball sampling. Data were collected from 60 lecturers and industry professionals and analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression to test four hypotheses. The results demonstrate that computer science professionals are highly aware of climate change and optimistic about technology, particularly low-carbon and new technologies. However, systemic obstacles like cost, infrastructure, and policy gaps limit this optimism. Hypothesis testing reveals a psychosocial pathway in which awareness promotes positive attitudes, but perceived barriers weaken these attitudes, decreasing motivation to act and restricting actual participation in sustainable actions. Professionals nevertheless exhibit high levels of intrinsic motivation and widespread consensus regarding the significance of institutional support, such as professional associations and industry-academia cooperation. The study concludes that computer science professionals are important and eager contributors to climate action, but increasing awareness, reducing implementation barriers, and bolstering institutional support are necessary to fully realize their contribution. With suggestions to include climate technology into curricula and encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships, the findings help leaders, educators, and policymakers leverage technological skills for climate solutions. To improve generalizability, future studies are urged to use bigger, multinational samples.
Adanu Christian Oyigocho, Victor Fredrick
This study analyzes the spatial patterns of crime hubs by identifying and mapping crime locations and police stations within Bauchi Metropolis to determine their spatial distribution and relationships, and further provided recommendations for new police station locations. Geospatial techniques, including Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, were used for kernel density estimation, crime hub analysis, proximity analysis, and location allocation of police station. The findings revealed that 34.17% of Bauchi Metropolis was overserved by police station, 38.04% adequately served, and 27.79% underserved. Within a 3 km buffer, 75.02% was overserved by security agencies, 14.87% underserved, and 10.11% adequately served. Miri (30.12%) and Birshi (19.95%) accounted for 50.7% of reported crimes, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Although 89.02% of the area fell into the "Least Crime Hub" category, zones like Birshi, Dan Iya, and Miri were categorized as "Less" and "Moderate Crime Hubs," requiring proactive measures to prevent escalation. Proximity analysis revealed that police stations like "E' Division" were overburdened due to proximity to multiple crime hubs, highlighting the need for resource reallocation. To reduce crime, law enforcement efforts should focus on increasing police presence, community engagement, and strategic resource distribution, including the placement of permanent stations and targeted crime prevention programs in vulnerable areas.
M.M. Musharaf Hussain, Md. Abdul Momin, Md. Ezharul Islam
Air pollution is the foremost life risk factor in Bangladesh, causing over 270,000 premature deaths annually and imposing a healthcare burden of approximately $11 billion. Agricultural workers constitute a critically vulnerable group due to prolonged outdoor exposure. This study proposes and validates a wearable, low-cost IoT-based Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring and alarming system designed to mitigate these risks. The system architecture utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller with sensors suits (PMS5003/MQ135), solar power, MQTT protocol for security, and a cloud-based notification platform. And utilized MIT Apps to visualize the data in real-time to users. A survey of 1,500 agricultural stakeholders identified air pollution as a primary concern, with 54% endorsing a smart wearable alert system as the preferred intervention. The deployed system collected data over 160 days in 2025, revealing that air quality was at "Unhealthy" or worse levels for 40% of the period. Performance validation against a reference Teledyne (TD) T630 analyzer showed a mean difference of only 0.83 µg/m³ and a standard deviation difference of 1.17, confirming high accuracy. It is concluded that this IoT-based proactive alerting framework can significantly enhance life safety for agricultural workers by enabling behavioral adaptation, reducing exposure, and preventing associated morbidity, mortality, and economic losses.
Saoussan Kallel-Jallouli
Magnetism has long been a driving force behind scientific discovery and technological innovation, shaping applications that now permeate everyday life. From magnetically levitated high-speed trains to minimally invasive medical microrobots navigating the human body, magnetic fields enable motion, control, and interaction across a remarkable range of scales and environments. Despite these advances, the role of magnetic fields in astrophysical systems remains incompletely understood and largely inferred rather than directly observed. To date, measurements of magnetic fields associated with astronomical bodies rely almost exclusively on indirect methods, notably the analysis of polarization changes in emitted or absorbed radiation. In this sense, our observational knowledge is derived from light, not from the magnetic field itself. Direct detection of astrophysical magnetic fields—particularly those that are weak and rapidly varying—has remained an outstanding challenge. In this work, we propose a direct measurement technique capable of detecting faint magnetic fields produced by astronomical objects exhibiting rapid temporal variations. This method has been experimentally validated and demonstrates sensitivity beyond that of conventional indirect approaches. The proposed technology opens new possibilities for probing the influence of magnetic fields on stellar dynamics, evolution, and large-scale astrophysical processes. Direct magnetic field measurements would therefore represent a significant step toward a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the physical universe.
Bayron, Roland R., Branzuela, Nympha E., Famor, Christopher V., Guillen, Jesamie S., Nadela, Hyde D.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern in river systems as it can be deposited in sediments. This study assessed the occurrence, characteristics, and polymer composition of MP in the sediments of Hijo River, Davao Region, Philippines during the wet season. Sediment samples were collected from five barangays, Pandapan, Magdum, Magugpo East, Apokon, and Bucana, using random sampling along river transects. MP was extracted through wet peroxide oxidation and density separation, visually identified MP under a stereomicroscope, and characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MP were detected in all sampling sites, with transparent particles domination in Magugpo Easr (50%), Apokon (47.27%), and Pandapan (33.33%), indicating extensive degradation of plastic films. Blue microplastics were most abundant in Magdum (32.22%) and Apokon (47.27%) due to its proximity to banana plantation, while black particles were notable in Bucana (17.89%), reflecting downstream accumulation. Film and fragment shapes were dominant across all sampling stations, followed by fibers and foam. ATR-FTIR confirmed the polymers polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene polymers (PS). The results demonstrate the strong influence of rainfall and runoff on microplastic transport and deposition, highlighting the need for localized waste management interventions.
Ekwenye, U. N, Ifeanyi, V. O, Ukogo, Ifeoma
Microalgae-based wastewater treatment has emerged as a sustainable approach to addressing global water pollution challenges while simultaneously producing valuable biomass. This method is based mainly on the natural nutrient uptake capabilities of microalgae to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, organic pollutants, and heavy metals from various wastewater sources, including municipal, industrial, and agricultural effluents. Scientific studies and successful implementations across different regions, such as High Rate Algal Ponds in New Zealand and microalgal systems in China and the United States, demonstrate high nutrient removal efficiencies, often exceeding 90%. The treated biomass can be used in diverse ways, including biofuel production, animal feed, and fertilizers. However, several challenges such as nutrient imbalances, variability in wastewater composition, light limitations, contamination risks, and high harvesting costs, hinder widespread adoption. Technological innovations such as advanced photobioreactors, integrated treatment systems, and genetic engineering are critical for overcoming these barriers and improving the system. Public awareness and policy support will essentially facilitate broader implementation of microalgae-based systems as well as continued innovation and collaborative efforts among researchers, industry, and policymakers. Microalgae wastewater treatment holds significant promise for advancing environmental sustainability, resource recovery, and rural development on a global scale. Future research priorities includes; optimizing operational parameters, developing cost-effective harvesting techniques and conducting comprehensive life cycle assessments to evaluate environmental and economic impacts.
Adeniji A.A., Ayegbusi O.A.
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) has become an important advancement in concrete technology due to its ability to flow under its own weight, fill formwork completely, and pass through congested reinforcement without external vibration. These characteristics improve construction efficiency, reduce labor and noise, and enhance surface finish and structural reliability (Okamura & Ouchi, 2003; EFNARC, 2005). As a result, SCC is increasingly used in complex structural applications. However, the production of SCC often requires high cement content and carefully controlled aggregate grading, which can increase cost and environmental impact. In recent years, growing concerns over climate change and resource depletion have driven research toward more sustainable concrete materials. One widely adopted approach is the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to partially replace ordinary Portland cement. Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS), a by-product of the steel industry, has been extensively studied due to its ability to reduce carbon emissions while improving long-term mechanical performance and durability of concrete (Shi et al., 2015; Thomas, 2018). Studies conducted between 2020 and 2025 have confirmed that GBFS can enhance later-age compressive strength in SCC by refining pore structure and contributing to continued hydration, although early-age strength may be slightly reduced depending on replacement level (Singh et al., 2021; Li & Huang, 2023). In addition to cement replacement, the selection and proportioning of aggregates play a critical role in determining SCC performance. Aggregate characteristics such as shape, surface texture, and grading strongly influence fresh properties, particularly flowability, passing ability, and segregation resistance (Neville, 2011). Recent research has shown that the use of alternative or processed aggregates, including Crushed Stone Aggregate (CSA) and Coarse Processed Aggregate (CPA), can significantly affect SCC rheology and strength development. Angular and rough-textured aggregates tend to increase internal friction, thereby reducing workability unless compensated by mix design adjustments or chemical admixtures (Mohammadhosseini et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2022). Workability has consistently been identified as one of the most sensitive properties of SCC incorporating sustainable materials. Several studies conducted in the last five years report that increasing the proportion of SCMs or alternative aggregates can reduce slump flow and stability if not properly optimized (Abbas et al., 2023; Safiuddin et al., 2021). Conversely, appropriate use of GBFS has been shown to improve the viscosity and cohesiveness of SCC, contributing to stable flow behavior when combined with suitable aggregate grading (Zhang et al., 2022).
Dr. Mohamad H. Jichi
Post-conflict reconstruction represents a complex multidimensional process that extends beyond the physical rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure and housing systems. In Lebanon, reconstruction efforts following the recent Israeli war occur within the context of a severe economic and financial crisis that has significantly limited the fiscal capacity of the state. The destruction of residential buildings, transportation networks, energy infrastructure, and public facilities has intensified existing socioeconomic challenges while increasing the urgency of reconstruction initiatives. This research examines the economic strategies required to support post-conflict reconstruction in Lebanon under conditions of financial scarcity. The study adopts an analytical approach based on a review of post-conflict reconstruction literature, economic policy analysis, and examination of institutional frameworks relevant to reconstruction planning. Particular attention is given to the relationship between infrastructure investment, housing reconstruction, and economic recovery. The study also evaluates the role of international financial assistance, including infrastructure rehabilitation funding programs supported by international development institutions. The findings suggest that reconstruction in Lebanon cannot rely solely on traditional state-led rebuilding models due to severe fiscal constraints and institutional fragmentation. Instead, effective reconstruction requires a diversified economic strategy combining international financial assistance, public–private partnerships, diaspora investment, and community-driven rebuilding mechanisms. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of prioritizing infrastructure investments that generate strong economic multiplier effects while simultaneously supporting housing reconstruction to restore social stability. Strengthening governance structures, improving transparency in reconstruction funding, and enhancing coordination between national and local institutions are also identified as essential factors for successful reconstruction implementation. The study concludes that reconstruction policies in Lebanon should integrate economic recovery strategies with infrastructure rehabilitation and housing rebuilding in order to promote sustainable post-conflict recovery and long-term development.
Fiona Rose A. Balala, John Mareign B. Punzalan, Leanna Rose S. Santos, Lech Walesa M. Navarra, Raiza Charine H. Galang
This study investigates the potential use of parcel packaging materials as support additives, particularly in construction. As the amount of packaging waste increases, as well as the demand for sustainable materials, little research has been done on how to use them in engineering and industrial practice. This study aims to identify and evaluate the potential among these parcel materials that may function as an alternative for support additives. A mixed-methods research design was employed, which involves the collection and classification of commonly discarded parcel packaging materials. In order to capture expert opinion on their viability, efficiency, and possible uses, survey questionnaires were handed out to professors in the disciplines of civil, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were then used to analyze the data. The results showed that not every parcel packaging can perform well as support additives in terms of mechanical strength and moisture resistance. The study concludes that it is possible to use some packaging waste as support additives in the field of construction; however, it is necessary to identify the proper use and application of these materials in the field.