Lafia Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
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Phenotypic diversity and performance for some agronomic characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm collection from Nasarawa state, Nigeria
Get PDFSesame is one of the most important oilseed crops in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite its importance, sesame yield in Nigeria is poor due to lack of improved and high yielding varieties. The aim of the work was to study genetic diversity in some agro-morphological traits of sesame germplasm. Germplasm exploration was carried out using systematic survey from October 2022 to September 2023 in different sites across Nasasrawa State. One hundred and twenty (122) germplasm was collected and evaluated in an incomplete randomized block design with 3 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Lafia, during October 2023 under irrigation. Data was collected on plant height (cm), number of primary branches (NBR), number of Capsules per plant and seed yield per plant (g), Analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.01) variation among the 122 genotypes for all the traits studied. Partitioning the significant variations into variance components showed that genotypic variance range from 0.92 for SYP to 287.34 for PHT. The genotypic effects have significant contribution to the phenotypic variation in all traits. The magnitude of the genotypic variance component resulted in high heritability estimates for PHT and CAP. Biplot PCA on agro-morphological traits displayed three principal components that contributed for 71.38% variations. Cluster analysis grouped the collected germplasm into three main clusters. The phenotypic diversity observed in this study may be exploited in the selection of parental lines for hybridization when breeding sesame for high seed yield
Comparative Analysis of Candida albicans Prevalence Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Across Age Groups Attending the Gynaecology Clinic in Lafia.
Get PDFBackground: Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen that affects women during pregnancy due to hormonal and immunological changes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Candida spp. among pregnant and non-pregnant women attending the gynaecology clinic at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia. Methods: A total of 100 women (50 pregnant and 50 non-pregnant) were examined for Candida albicans colonization. Samples of high vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected from both pregnant and non-pregnant women. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and ChromaAgar, the isolates were examined microscopically after Gram staining, and presumptively identified by germ tube testing and confirmed by sugar fermentation test and incubation at 45°C after subculturing. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test to determine statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of Candida albicans was 64%. Pregnant women had a higher prevalence (72.0%) compared to non-pregnant women (56.0%) (χ² = 4.32, df = 1, p = 0.038). Age-related analysis showed that the highest prevalence was among pregnant women aged 26–35 years (80.0%), while younger women (18–25 years) had comparable prevalence rates regardless of pregnancy status. The chi-square test for age-related prevalence indicated a significant association (χ² = 17.23; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pregnancy increases the risk of Candida albicans colonization among women aged 26–35 years. Routine screening and preventive measures should be emphasized, especially in high-risk groups
Antibiotic Resistant Patterns of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Clinical Stool Samples in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Get PDFSalmonella infections is a major public health concern, resource limited area such as Nasarawa State in Nigeria were the prevalence of drug resistant strains is in the increase. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella serotypes obtained from clinical stool samples of patients from selected health facilities in Nasarawa State. A cross sectional study design was used in this study. A total of four hundred and fifty (450) stool samples were collected from patients showing symptoms of salmonellosis. Samples collected were cultured on selective media, and the isolates were identified and serotyped using biochemical tests and agglutination reactions respectively. The study identified 18 positive cases, with Salmonella enterica accounting for 94% of infections and S. bongori representing the remaining 6%. Eight distinct serovars were detected, with S. ser. Typhimurium (33%) and S. ser. Enteritidis (22%) being the most prevalent. Other serovars included S. ser. Typhi (11%), S. ser. Heidelberg (11%), S. ser. Agona, S. ser. Paratyphi B, S. ser. Huaian, and S. bongori (6% each). Serovar diversity was higher among male patients, while infection prevalence peaked among individuals aged 41–50 years. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to Augmentin and erythromycin, while cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and gentamicin demonstrated efficacy against most isolates. These findings indicate the need for continuous surveillance of Salmonella serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns to guide treatment and control strategies. This study provides critical epidemiological data for managing Salmonella infections in Nasarawa State and informs public health interventions
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
Multi-Sensor Satellite Data Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Air Pollution in Abuja FCT and Adjoining States in Nigeria
Get PDFNigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja has witnessed rapid urbanization, and this urbanization has significantly impacted the development of neighbouring states with the attendant increase in air pollution. This study presents a comprehensive multi-sensor satellite assessment of the spatiotemporal fluctuations of key pollutants—nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxides (SO₂), carbon (II) oxides (CO), methane (CH₄), ozone (O₃), and formaldehyde (HCHO), and the absorbing aerosol index (AI)—across Abuja and its neighbouring states (Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kaduna) from 2019 to 2024. Using satellite remote sensing data from Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI together with other atmospheric data, the temporal dynamics of pollutants and their connections to parameters such as ambient temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and precipitation have been investigated. NO2 and HCHO were found to be increasing around Suleja, Abuja, and Lokoja, as SO2 and CO were found to be decreasing, indicating an improved efficient use of fuel and emission control. A positive correlation (r = 0.62) between precipitation and ozone was found, showing there is more convective transport and photochemical production during the rainy season. The effects of plants on the absorption of air pollution were shown through the negative correlations between NDVI, CO, and AI. Methane, on the other hand, moved from north to south in space, which was the same direction as changes in the intensity of farming. The findings show how unified policies, such as proper city planning, vegetation protection, and emission reduction, are important in sprawling urban areas for air pollution reduction
Assessing Groundwater Potential and Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation at Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Northcentral Nigeria
No full textGroundwater is used in industry, agriculture, and drinking. Quality must be checked regularly. This study assessed Federal University of Lafia groundwater potential for drinking and irrigation. Fifteen groundwater samples were analyze and nine Schlumberger geo-electrical soundings were carried out. The results were compared to Water Quality Index and World Health Organization drinking water standards. IP2WIN software was used to smoothed field data for models, geo-electric layers, and sounding curves. KH, QH, H, and Q curve types were obtained. Sandstone, top soil, and sandy shale exhibit varying resistivities, indicating variation in geology. The area has high aquifer protection capacity and moderate to high water potentials. The physicochemical parameters are within WHO drinking permissible limits, except for nitrate which is above the limit. Which implies contamination. The samples are excellent source of water based on water quality index. The study uses Kelly\u27s ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, sodium adsorption ratio, and chloro-alkaline indices to determine their suitability for irrigation. All the samples are good for irrigation with the exception of the magnesium adsorption ratio, which indicates that samples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are above 50%, indicating a negative impact on crop yield as the soil becomes more alkaline. Based on the results, the area has high groundwater potentials but poorly good for irrigation. Therefore, isotopic and geothermal analysis of the water samples in the area is necessary, in order to ascertain the exact sources of water in the are
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
Effect of Magnesium Oxide-Carbonized Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Zobo) Waste and Magnesium–Zinc Binary Oxide Nanocomposites in Mitigating Cadmium and Bacteria in Contaminated Water.
No full textThe need for active and inexpensive materials in combating menace of bacterial as well as heavy metals is very essential to the longevity of man and protection of his environment against deleterious substances such as bacterial and heavy metals. This research was designed to study the mitigative effect of MgO-carbonized zobo waste nanocomposite (MOCZWNC) and Mg-Zn binary oxide nanocomposite (MgZBONC) on Salmonella typhi – gram negative organism and Staphylococcus aureus – gram positive organism as well as eradication of cadmium ions in contaminated water. MgZBONC and MgOCZWNC was prepared, characterized and their adsorption ability was studied using adsorption isotherm evaluation. The mitigative effect of MgOCZWNC and MgZBONC on bacteria was evaluated using turbidimetric method. The maximum sorption capacity of MgOCZWNC and Mg-ZBONC for cadmium was 188.68mg/g and 192.31mg/g respectively. The average crystallite size of MgOCZWNC and MgZBONC was 28.61nm and 59.42nm respectively. The treated samples brought about a steady decrease in the population of Staphylococcus and Salmonella within 2hrs, after about 2hrs, the samples of staphylococcus and salmonella treated with MgOCZWNC continued to show continuity in its mitigative effect at decreasing the population of the bacteria with time while the staphylococcus and salmonella sample treated with MgZBONC experienced a slightly steady drop in their effectiveness after same Nanocomposite period. The MgZBONC adsorbed cadmium ions more effectively and the MgOCZWNC was more efficient in severely reducing the population of staphylococcus and salmonella in contaminated water
Evaluating the Geochemical Properties of Awhum Coal and its Potential for Sustainable Energy Generation and Optimization in Nigeria
Get PDFNigeria is today faced with numerous challenges in its attempt to fulfil its increasing energy demands. This paper seeks to examine the opportunities that coal as an energy resource presents, particularly for a developing country like Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to carry out an exhaustive geochemical analysis of selected Awhum coals from the African Pit and Quarry site with particular emphasis on their suitability for energy production and their attendant economic and social impact on the environment. To accomplish this, both ultimate and proximate analyses were conducted on the coal sample which were sourced from Awhum site. The accumulation of coal with a high level of carbon and hydrogen was estimated; nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen were estimated to be low. In particular, nitrogen and sulfur amount were defined as 1.07%wt and 0.39%wt respectively. The proximate analysis results gave moisture content of 4.40wt.%, volatile matter of 51.16wt.%, fixed carbon of 40.63wt.% while the ash content was 3.81wt.% which all reflect the potential of the produced energy. APQ coal has an HHV of 23.74 MJ/kg, this is due to the low carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and high oxygen (O) content in APQ. Based on the ASTM D388 standard, the coals were classified as Sub-bituminous (Black) low-rank coals (LRCs) with an impressive potential for energy recovery. The properties of this coal make it suitable for industrial and domestic heating, and electric power generation, coke blending or co-firing with biomass for energy recovery through pyrolysis, gasification or combustion
Effect of Duty Cycle Control on Performance of Sepic DC – DC Buck-Boost Converter under Resistive Load Applications
Get PDF This paper investigates the effect of duty cycle control on the performance of the SEPIC (Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter) DC–DC buck-boost converter, particularly when subjected to resistive load applications. The SEPIC converter, known for its ability to output a voltage either greater or lesser than the input, finds broad application in power supplies and renewable energy systems. An analysis of how the duty cycle influences key performance metrics—such as output voltage, currents and voltage ripple is presented. Simulation result demonstrate that careful modulation of the duty cycle enables optimization of converter performance, offering valuable insights into how these converters can be tuned to enhance efficiency in resistive load scenarios. The results obtained reveal that the Sepic dc dc converter is capable of delivering a maximum output power approximately 1857W at duty cycle of 80 % with 20 kHz switching frequency. Also, at the same switching frequency, 20 % duty cycle, a minimum output power of approximately 5.34 W was obtained. These insights are valuable for power electronics engineers seeking to optimize SEPIC converters for domestic load applications