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Determination of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Bacteria from Borehole Water Samples in Kaduna Metropolis
Get PDFThe persistence of drug-resistant microorganisms in environmental water sources, particularly boreholes, presents growing challenges for public health, especially within densely populated urban locales. In Kaduna Metropolis, borehole water serves as a crucial means of potable water supply; however, the infiltration of bacteria with antibiotic resistance into these sources represents a concerning vector for advancing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This investigation explored the genetic mechanisms of bacterial strains retrieved from borehole water across four administrative districts Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South spanning dry and wet climatic periods. A cumulative total of 200 samples were acquired and subjected to bacteriological assessment using established culture-based methodologies. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were utilized to screen for specific resistance-related genes, including blaTEM, gyrA, sul1, and PBP2a. Molecular screening identified multiple resistance determinants, with sul1 being the most frequently encountered. These findings point to the role of borehole water systems in harboring resistant microbial populations and underline environmental contributions to AMR transmission. The identified geographical and seasonal disparities in bacterial occurrence further emphasize the impact of regional infrastructure and environmental dynamics, reinforcing the call for sustained monitoring and proactive public health strategies, even in the absence of seasonal or locational trends in resistance behavior
Enhancing Energy Distribution Efficiency with Dynamic Transformer Rotation in 11kV Networks
Get PDFThis study presents the optimisation of transformer-to-feeder load allocation within an 11kV distribution network to improve energy distribution efficiency, minimise transformer overload, and enhance system balance. The analysis utilised over five years of energy consumption data for three 11kV feeders: Auchi Town, Igbei Road, and GRA, supported by five transformers of varying capacities (30 MVA, 15 MVA, and 40 MVA units), with the largest introduced in 2021. A simulation framework using MATLAB and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was developed to dynamically optimise transformer assignments based on feeder demand, transformer capacity, and operational constraints. Performance evaluation focused on the energy loss proxy, transformer overload occurrence, and maximum per-unit loading. The optimised configuration introduced reassignment, leading to balanced capacity utilisation. The GA reached an optimal solution zone rapidly, stabilising by the 61st generation with a consistent best fitness value of 1012.03, suggesting the methodology is both robust and practical. Transformer overloads were completely avoided in both baseline and optimised allocations, confirming assignments remained within rated limits. Loss proxy values under the optimised configuration increased slightly, reflecting broader transformer engagement, while maximum per-unit loading values remained safely below critical thresholds. Compared to the baseline\u27s fixed pairings, the optimised structure provided improved asset utilisation and greater operational flexibility. The recommendations include integrating the model with existing SCADA systems for real-time deployment, incorporating operational switching costs into the optimisation function, and exploring scalability for larger networks to transition this research into a fully deployable power management solution.
COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SURVIVAL RATE OF Oreochromis niloticus FRY REARED IN DIFFERENT COLOURS OF CULTURE MEDIUM (PLASTIC BOWLS)
Get PDFThis study was performed to compare the growth and survival rate of Oreochromis niloticus fry in different colours of plastic bowl (50 liters) for 10 weeks. Fry of O. niloticus (mean weight 0.08 g and body length of 0.53 cm) were stocked at 20 fish per bowl (white, red, black, green and blue bowls) in triplicates. They were fed with 45% Crude Protein Coppen feed at 5% body weight. Feeding was done twice daily, between 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5 pm. At harvest, the growth was significantly highest in black bowl but lowest survival of 52.7% (p<0.05). White bowl shows the highest survival rate of 91.3% but the fish camouflaged to the colour of the bowl (albino). Green bowl showed the best condition factor with survival rate of 89.40%. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in mean weight gain (8.62, 8.06, 8.45, 9.37 and 8.44) in white, red, green, black and blue bowls, respectively. The study concluded that the use of plastic bowl in culturing of fry is promising and economical, thereby reducing the cost of pond and tank construction.
Bird Composition, Abundance and Diversity across Habitat Types in Shere Hills Reserve, Plateau State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examined bird composition, abundance and diversity in Shere Hills Reserve, Jos Plateau, North Central Nigeria. The region, characterized by a savanna ecosystem interspersed with rocky outcrops and gallery forests, has a mean annual rainfall of 1,260 mm and a temperature range of 19.4°C to 34.5°C. Bird surveys were conducted across 65 points using the point count method, stratified by habitat type: gallery forest, savanna, and rocky outcrops. Observations were made daily between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and species were identified using ‘Birds of Western Africa’ field guide. A total of 6,427 birds representing 142 species and 53 families were recorded. Gallery forests exhibited the highest species composition (121 species), followed by savannas (111 species), and rocky outcrops (108 species). Notable species included Blue-breasted Kingfisher in gallery forests, Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark in savannas, and Rock-loving Cisticola in rocky habitats. Despite these differences in species composition, bird abundance and diversity did not vary significantly across habitats (F2, 585 = 0.59, p = 0.56). The savanna (1.92 ± 0.03) and gallery forest (1.91 ± 0.03) had slightly higher diversity compared to rocky outcrops (1.87 ± 0.03). The findings underscore the importance of habitat heterogeneity in supporting avian biodiversity in Shere Hills Reserve, with gallery forests and savannas contributing significantly to species richness and diversity
A Joint Optimization Scheme for Enhanced Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO)
Get PDFOne of the leading diseases globally is cancer and breast cancer is not exempted. The objective of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) is to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year, thereby averting 2.5 million breast cancer deaths globally between 2020 and 2040. The three pillars toward achieving these objectives are: health promotion for early detection; timely diagnosis; and comprehensive breast cancer management. In this study we propose an early and comprehensive detection technique in combatting breast cancer diagnosis by combining the strength of both PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) and BPSO (Binary Particle Swarm Optimization) to achieve optimal solution. The results obtained indicated the superiority of the Hybrid PSO-BPSO model in detection over an existing solution by achieving an accuracy of 98.82% on both the WBCD and WDBC datasets.
Effect of Hybridization on the Tensile Properties of S-glass Fibre/Nanoclay/Epoxy Composites
Get PDFthree groups of composites were fabricated: glass/epoxy composites A, B,C,D,E and F which contains 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt. % glassfibre reinforcement respectively. Naonclay/epoxy composite B, C, D, E and F, with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt.% nanoclay content respectively. Hybrid composites B, C,D, and F, contain equal amount of epoxy ( 60 wt. %), 39, 38, 37, 36, and 35 wt. % glassfibre and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt. % nanoclay content respectively. Sample A is the Control sample with 100 wt. % epoxy. Tensile properties of S-glassfibre/nanoclay/epoxy hybird nanocomposite E, which contains 60 wt. % epoxy, 4 wt & nanoclay and 36 wt. % glassfibre was found to be the overall best performing composite in the mechanical properties
Evaluation of Radionuclide Concentrations in Drinking Water level of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State
Get PDFPotassium (40K), Uranium (238U) and Thorium (232Th) are radionuclides that are present in drinking water sources naturally or artificially. The exposure of humans and animals to these radionuclides in minute doses may cause chronic health issues in the future. This work analyzed the level of activity concentrations of Potassium 40K, 238U and 232Th in borehole water used for drinking and other domestic activities. Twenty-nine (29) samples were collected in a one-litre cylindrical air-tight polyvinylchloride container, thoroughly washed and sterilised. The samples were analyzed using a well-calibrated thallium-activated 3x3 Sodium Iodide NaI(Tl) detector at the Institute of Radiation Protection and Research (NIRPR). The results of the analyses showed that the activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th have mean values of 110.39 ± 19.21, 9.35 ± 2.01, and 5.21 ± 2.56, respectively, which were all above the world average recommended values of WHO and UNSCEAR. Therefore, the use of the water for drinking is toxic and detrimental to the physiology and the overall health status of the consumers
THERMAL RADIATION EFFECT ON A BOUYANCY-INDUCED COUETTE FLOW DUE TO NEWTONIAN HEATING IN AN UPSTANDING CHANNEL
Get PDFThis paper illustrates the impact of optically thick thermal radiation on buoyancy-induced flow with viscous dissipation and Navier slip condition over an up-facing channel. The modelled equations are nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations, which are treated with the regular perturbation method. The actions of key parameters controlling the flow behaviour in terms of momentum and energy distributions are demonstrated graphically. The skin friction and Nusselt number on the both surfaces have also been computed. The present study is valid for the limiting case because it is based on comparison with earlier studies that back it up. The significant results from this study are: thermal radiation R act as extra aiding force, ie, growing values of R boosts the fluid temperature and velocity, greater Brickman number represent better convective heating at the channel surface, leading to a stronger temperature and velocity. Additionally, the heat transfer rate weakens as boundary thickness causes less heat transfer gradient. The outcome of this research will contribute significantly in widening the applications of thermal radiation effects for multiple heating devices and industrial uses for energy production in solar systems, wound treatment in medical science, space vehicles and aircraft propulsion in engineering and space technology, to mention a few.
MODELLING TIMES SERIES VOLATILITY: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA ECONOMIC VARIABLES
Get PDFThe profound vulnerability of the Nigerian economy to global oil price shocks necessitates a robust analysis of its macroeconomic volatility transmission mechanisms. This study employed the Dynamic Conditional Correlation Multivariate GARCH (DCC-MGARCH) model to investigate the interconnected volatility and time-varying spillovers among crude oil prices, exchange rates, inflation, and stock market performance using monthly data from January 2003 to December 2023. The results reveal significant volatility persistence and strong interdependencies among these variables, identifying oil price shocks and exchange rate fluctuations as primary drivers of volatility in inflation and stock returns. The analysis further uncovers distinct volatility regimes, including near-integrated GARCH processes for inflation and stock returns, and non-normal, fat-tailed distributions across all return series. While the model confirms high correlation persistence, it also exposes specification challenges, indicating that standard DCC frameworks may be inadequate for fully capturing the complex volatility dynamics inherent in Nigeria\u27s oil-dependent economy. The study concludes that Nigeria remains acutely susceptible to oil-driven macroeconomic instability, underscoring the critical need for diversification policies and enhanced risk management strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and investors while contributing to existing empirical literatures for analyzing multivariate financial-market interdependencies in resource-dependent emerging economies
Evaluation of Aquifer Protective Capacity Using Electrical Resistivity Method: A Case Study of Osun State University, Osogbo Campus, Southwestern Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the groundwater potential of Osun State University, Osogbo campus, through an electrical resistivity survey. Using 30 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points and the Schlumberger array method, geoelectric parameters such as longitudinal conductance, reflection coefficient, and overburden thickness were analyzed. The resistivity data revealed ten distinct curve types with the H curve type being the most prevalent, representing 30% of the total. The subsurface was characterized by 3 to 5 distinct layers, including topsoil, weathered layers (sandy, clayey, or lateritic), fractured basement, and fresh basement. Results showed a wide range of aquifer protective capacities. Approximately 30% of the VES points exhibited poor protective capacity, while 16.66% showed weak protection. Moderate protection was observed in 6.66% of the points, and fairly good protection in 16.67%. The remaining 13.33% had good protection, with only 3.3% rated as very good. Longitudinal unit conductance values ranged from 0.0563 to 1.1427, confirming the predominance of weak to moderate aquifer protection. Aquifers with low reflection coefficient values (r < 0.8) indicated a favourable groundwater potential but increased vulnerability to contamination. This suggests that while certain areas of the campus are vulnerable to contamination, others may offer better protection for long-term groundwater storage and use. The study underscores the importance of tailored groundwater management strategies, particularly given the rapid population growth and industrial expansion in the region, which could introduce future contamination risks. These findings are crucial for sustainable groundwater management in the campus area, ensuring protection against future contamination threats