Lafia Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
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Assessment of the Perception of Malaria Prevention among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Obiozara Health Center Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State
Get PDFMalaria infection during pregnancy remains a serious public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, threatening the wellbeing of mothers, fetuses, and newborns. In Nigeria, it remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. This study investigated the perception of malaria prevention among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Obiozara Health Center, Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 200 respondents (pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Obiozara Health Center, Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State). The study revealed a high level of awareness about malaria prevention among pregnant women, with 89.9% acknowledging that malaria during pregnancy is dangerous and preventable. The most commonly adopted preventive method was the use of mosquito coils and sprays (53%), followed by sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (96%), clearing bushes (35%), and destroying stagnant water (24%). However, a few respondents relied on ineffective or incorrect practices such as eating well, avoiding sunlight, or drinking herbal mixtures. The major challenges identified in malaria prevention were economic and behavioral factors, including the inability to afford mosquito nets (16%) and discomfort associated with sleeping under them (22%). Based on these findings, the study recommended improving the affordability and comfort of malaria prevention methods by promoting locally suitable mosquito nets and encouraging consistent use. It also suggested targeted community education to dispel misconceptions about malaria causes and prevention
Air Quality Index prediction using Deep learning for Lagos State in Nigeria
Get PDFThe index for expressing air quality is known as the air quality index (AQI). It could be used to evaluate the effect of air pollution on a one’s health over a epoch of time which provides a guide to the community on the adverse health effects of air pollution around them. This paper focused on developing a model for AQI prediction using Deep learning for Lagos state in Nigeria. The study acquired dataset from the OpenWeatherMap API which includes historical air quality and meteorological for Lagos State in Nigeria. Data was preprocessed by handling missing values, converting data types into numerical format using one-hot encoding. The study applied SMOTE technique to ensure balanced dataset. Four distinct Models such as LSTM, CNN, Prophet and SVR were utilized to determine the AQI of Lagos State. The results of balanced datasets used revealed LSTM provides the lowest MSE, RMSE and MAE values of 0.062, 0.249 and 0.149 respectively and higher R2 value of 0.968 compared with the other model CNN, Prophet and SVR. The paper concluded that in the prediction of the AQI for Lagos State, LSTM outperformed other models such as CNN, Prophet Model and SVR on the validating metrics known as MSE, RMSE, MAE and R2. The model obtained could be subjected to further research in other geographic regions, such as Delta State or other state by state level analysis which could be expanded to forecast other pollution indices at different levels
Impact of Cultural and Societal Factors on Stigma and Psychological Distress Experienced by Breast Cancer Patients in Abuja, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cultural and societal factors on stigma and psychological distress experienced by breast cancer patients in Abuja, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to collate data on the significance of stigma and psychological distress on breast cancer patients, as well as risk factors and their impacts on breast cancer patients in Abuja. The Distress Thermometer (DT) of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) was used to evaluate distress, while the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), was employed to evaluate emotional distress. A total of 348 respondents, comprising patients diagnosed with breast cancer aged 18 years and above in 2024, were considered for the study in three oncological centres in Abuja, Nigeria. Results of the study revealed that all respondents had experienced different forms of stigmatization due to their cancer status and lived with the feeling of being judged due to cancer, a total of 65.8% experienced discrimination from family and friends, 36.8% from strangers, 24.4% were discriminated by colleagues while 8.6% experienced discrimination from health workers. 44.5% of the respondents frequently experienced negative attitudes from people, 26.4% always had some forms of negative attitudes while 7.8% rarely experienced negative attitudes. The study established the prevalence of cancer care challenges such as stigmatization, cultural misconceptions, inadequate social and psychological support and limited access to medical services in healthcare centers in Abuja, Nigeria. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach including public health education, expanded mental health services and improved healthcare infrastructure
Effect of S-glass Fibre and Nanoclay on the Tensile Properties of Epoxy Composites: A Comparative Study
Get PDFIn this research work, the effect of S-glass fibre and nanoclay loading on the tensile properties of epoxy material are comparatively studied. Two groups of composites were fabricated, glass fibre/epoxy composites A, B, C, D, E, and F, which contains 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.% S-glass fibre reinforcements respectively and nanoclay/epoxy composites A, B, C, D, E, and F with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt.% nanoclay content, respectively. Tensile property of the all the composites fabricated were analysed and findings reported. Glass fibre/epoxy composite E, which contains 60 wt.% epoxy, 40 wt.% glass fibre was found to be the overall best performing composite. It possesses the following qualities: 98.93 MPa tensile strength, 1336.90 MPa tensile modulus and 0.072 strain at break whereas the best result on the tensile properties for nanoclay/epoxy group composites was obtained from composite E, which contains 4 wt.% nanoclay and 96 wt.% epoxy. It has the following behaviour; 60.837 MPa tensile strength, 845.00 MPa tensile modulus and 0.072 strain at break. The composite fabricated are suitable for wide range of applications such as aerospace industry for aircraft panel and body parts, marine for ship and vessels body parts, automobile industry for car bumper and body parts and civil engineering or structural engineering for high rise building frames etc
Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) and Banana (Musa acuminata) Fibre Reinforced Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene (rLDPE)
Get PDFIn response to the environmental concerns posed by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pollution, this study explores the potential of natural fibers—specifically banana and luffa fibers—as reinforcements in recycled LDPE composites. Composites were fabricated by blending post-consumer rLDPE with banana and luffa fibers at weight ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30%. Mechanical properties: tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, and impact resistance tests were evaluated. Results showed that banana fiber composites exhibited an increase in tensile strength from 12.4 MPa to 13.99 MPa with increasing fiber content (10%–30%), The flexural strength decreases from 125.9 MPa at, 105MPa, and 92.74 MPa at 30% of fibre loading, while elongation at break, the elongation increases from 14.51% at 10% to 35.31% at 30%. However, both flexural strength and impact resistance decreased with increased fiber loading, likely due to poor fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Optimal performance for banana-reinforced composites was observed at 30% fiber content for tensile strength, and at 10% for flexural strength. In contrast, luffa fiber composites showed a decrease in tensile strength from 11.84 MPa to 10.07 MPa as fiber content increased, attributed to weak interfacial adhesion. Flexural strength increased from 10MPa to 57.78MPa fiber loading. Elongation decreased from 44.62%-25%, but slightly increased 25%-28% as fibre loading increases due to poor fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Overall, banana fiber demonstrated more consistent and favorable mechanical performance than luffa, particularly in tensile properties, highlighting its potential as a sustainable reinforcement material in rLDPE composites to mitigate plastic waste and reduce environmental impact.
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
Prevalence and Environmental Determinants of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize Sold in Open Markets Across Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study evaluated the prevalence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) in maize sold across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and examined how environmental factors contribute to fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Maize samples (130) were subjected to total heterotrophic fungal count (THFC) analysis using standard microbiological methods, while aflatoxin levels were measured using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) combined with densitometry. Statistical methods, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression modeling, were utilized to clarify spatial contamination trends and identify environmental variables that could predict contamination. The findings revealed significant aflatoxin contamination, with 85.4% of samples surpassing the 20-ppb safety limit set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Aspergillus flavus, the main producer of aflatoxin B1, was found in 94% of the samples, followed by Fusarium verticillioides (71%) and Aspergillus niger (59%). Regression analysis showed a strong correlation (r = 0.710, P<0.001) between fungal load and AFB1 levels, with humidity explaining 41.1% of the variability in THFC. The highest AFB1 concentration (137.10 ± 15.10 ppb) was found in Doma, while Lafia showed consistently lower contamination levels, likely due to better post-harvest handling practices. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce aflatoxin contamination, such as rapid drying, hermetic storage systems, and educating farmers on preventing fungal growth. It also recommends implementing aflatoxin surveillance programs and researching resistant maize varieties to improve food safety and public health in Nasarawa State
Trace Metals in Tilapia zilli and Clarias batrachus Fishes Associated with Water and Soil Sediment from River Rukubi in Doma, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was conducted to investigate the pollution level of heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn and Fe in the water, sediment and body organs (head, intestine & tile) of Tilapia zilli and Clarias batrachus from River Rukubi Doma, Nasarawa State. This was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Magnesium was the most highly concentrated in the various matrices. Metal levels in the various body organs of the two fishes studied were found to be highly concentrated in the head. Comparison of metal levels in the body parts of the two fishes, sediment and water showed that Cu (85.9%) had the widest variability while Mg (13.1%) was the least. Also comparison of metal levels in the body parts of the Tilapia zilli and Clarias batrachus showed that Mg has the highest mean metal concentration in Clarias batrachus (655.85 µgg-1) than in Tilapia zilli (608.40 µgg-1). Iron showed the highest mean metal concentration in Tilapia zilli (166.51 µgg-1) than in Clarias batrachus (57.20 µgg-1). The heavy metals determined were mostly within the ranged of acceptable limit with exception of Pb, Cr and Mn. In view of this study it is recommended that biological monitoring of fishes meant for consumption from this water body be carried out regularly to ensure human safety. This study contributes to understanding the evaluation of metals level in fishes and their importance in food balanced approach for essential benefits
Synthesis, Compositional, Morphological, Structural, and Thermal Properties of Eggshell Calcium Oxide for Solar Photovoltaic Glass
Get PDFThe increasing demand for sustainable materials in engineering applications has prompted the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. Conventional calcium oxide (CaO) production from limestone is energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental, prompting interest in biogenic alternatives such as poultry eggshell waste, predominantly composed of calcium carbonate. Despite extensive research into eggshell-derived CaO for catalytic and biomedical applications, its potential for photovoltaic glass applications, particularly considering region-specific variations in material properties, has not been adequately investigated. This study comprehensively evaluates CaO extracted from chicken eggshells sourced from Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, to establish its suitability for photovoltaic glass manufacturing. The extraction process involved thermal calcination at 900 °C for two hours, followed by detailed compositional, morphological, structural, and thermal characterizations using XRF, SEM-EDS, XRD, and TGA techniques. The results demonstrated brilliant white powder with high compositional purity (98.58% CaO), nanoscale spherical morphology conducive to uniform integration in glass matrices, robust crystallinity beneficial for structural stability, and strong thermal resilience crucial for high-temperature processing. These findings highlight eggshell-derived CaO as an economically viable, sustainable, and high-performance alternative for PV glass manufacturing. Further studies are recommended to assess practical integration in PV glass formulations, long-term durability, study of farming systems, and lifecycle economic viability.