Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Carbon Dots Derived from Waste Fish Scale for Enhanced Removal of Levofloxacin Drug: Parametric Optimization, Isotherm and Kinetic Studies
Get PDFThe public health and environmental protection have been facing a great challenge for efficient antibiotics' adsorption from aqueous solution. In this work, a carbon dots nanoparticle from biomass (fish scale) was synthesized and employed for antibiotic adsorption. The synthesized fish scale carbon dots (FCD) were characterized by means of the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Experiments on adsorption were performed to examine the capability of the synthesized adsorbent for adsorption of Levofloxacin. The optimum conditions were ascertained through the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design to increase the effectiveness of levofloxacin removal, and there was 96.03% removal efficiency of 60 minutes contact time, 10 mg/L levofloxacin concentration and FCD dosage of 0.2 g/L. Also, the adsorption experiments indicated that at the lowest concentration of 10 mg/L, at time 45 min and 0.15 mg dosage the adsorption rate was high. For the kinetics data, the pseudo-second order model best fit the data. Furthermore, the Redlich-Peterson model fit isothermal data the best
Nigeria and the Organization of Islamic Countries; 2004-2021
Get PDFThe study examines the fluctuating scope of the Nigeria Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) from 2004 to 2020, a time of increased complexities both from within and beyond Nigeria. The study relied on secondary sources such as journals and newsletters and adopted a qualitative method for indepth analysis. The findings of the study suggest that while the relationships can be beneficial to Nigeria, Nigeria's political leaders must learn how to convey such an impression to its selective Christian community that it is not a ploy to convert Nigeria from secularism to an Islamic nation. Based on this, the study recommends that such scrutiny and skepticism towards Nigeria's membership should be enlightened to objectively evaluate the OIC's religious and socio-economic benefits, which Nigeria can take advantage of as a member
Negotiating Sexual Boundaries through Reality Shows: A Multimodal Study of Paraphilic Behaviours in Big Brother Naija
Get PDFAllegations in the public space persist that the Big Brother Naija (BBN) show glamorises sexual gratification. It is perceived to constantly rupture the conservative narratives that surround the public expression of sex in many Nigerian cultures. Interestingly, many of these opinions have not been empirically substantiated. The current study, therefore, explores the nature of sexual boundary negotiation, the communicative tools employed in the negotiation, and the forms of sexual gratification embedded in the show. The data for the study are videos from seasons two and three of Big Brother Naija, with excerpts and video stills used for exemplification. The analysis and discussions are explored relying on Multimodal Interaction Analysis (MIA). The findings illustrate that Big Brother Naija participants are prosumers who do not only produce content to negotiate sexual boundaries but also consume the content produced by other participants in the show for the same purpose. Exhibitionism and frotteurism are linked to content production while voyeurism is linked to content consumption. These sexual behaviours position the show as one aimed at deliberately stretching the sexual boundaries imposed by cultures, ethnicity and religion in Nigeria
Effect of Using Palm Kernel Shell Ash and Rice Husk Ash on Stability of Lateritic Soil for Road Pavement
Get PDFThis study investigates the stabilization of lateritic soil sourced from a roadside along Iraa Road, near the Nigeria Navy School in Kwara State, Nigeria. The soil was sampled at a depth of 1 meter following the removal of topsoil. Initial testing revealed a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 27%, meeting the minimum requirements for subgrade suitability. The addition of 4% Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA) and 2% Rice Husk Ash (RHA) significantly improved the CBR to 41%, reflecting enhanced load-bearing capacity. These findings align with previous research demonstrating the efficacy of PKSA and RHA in improving soil strength. However, stabilization beyond the optimal content of 4% PKSA and 2% RHA resulted in declining CBR values, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining optimal stabilizer proportions for effective performance. The study further observed an increase in the optimum moisture content (OMC) of the soil, rising from 12.60% to 16.10% upon the addition of stabilizers, consistent with the moisture requirements induced by pozzolanic materials. Similarly, the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of the natural soil increased from 1.67 kg/m3 to 1.72 kg/m3 with the inclusion of 4% PKSA and 2% RHA, indicating enhanced compaction properties. These improvements correspond with established standards and corroborate findings from related studies. To comprehensively assess the effects of stabilization, the research also examined mixtures incorporating incremental proportions of RHA (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) combined with 4% PKSA, previously identified as optimal for enhancing soil properties. The goal was to improve the soil's CBR values, particularly for application in base course construction. The results demonstrate that while PKSA and RHA are effective stabilizers, exceeding optimal levels leads to reduced performance, emphasizing the need for precise proportioning to achieve desired outcomes in lateritic soil stabilization
The Relational Primacy in Electoral Persuasion: Comparative Analysis of Interpersonal Communication, Credibility, and Voter Choice in the 2022 Osun and Ekiti Gubernatorial Elections
No full textPolitical communication is central to contemporary electoral democracy, yet its effectiveness varies considerably across different socio-political environments. In Nigeria, where trust in institutions and mass media remains fragile, the persuasive force of election campaigns is shaped less by media visibility and more by the relational dynamics embedded in everyday social life. This study critically examines the 2022 Osun and Ekiti gubernatorial elections to determine the comparative influence of mass-mediated and interpersonal communication on two core electoral outcomes: candidate credibility and voter choice. Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 397 registered voters, analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and chi-square tests, the study reveals a decisive hierarchy of influence in which interpersonal communication, particularly word-of-mouth, personal recommendations, and community-based opinion leadership significantly outperforms impersonal strategies such as billboards, advertising, and broadcast media. Findings demonstrate that although mass media achieved high exposure, it failed to secure a proportional persuasive impact. Instead, credibility judgments and voting decisions were overwhelmingly mediated by trusted social ties. These results align with and extend the Two-Step Flow and Persuasion models by showing that, in low-trust political settings, mass-mediated messages require interpersonal validation to translate into behavioural action. The study contributes to African political communication scholarship by articulating a relational model of electoral persuasion and offers practical recommendations for designing trust-centred, community-anchored campaign strategies
Monitoring Repeated Sprint Ability Performance of University Volleyball and Athletics Athletes (Pilot Study)
No full textThis study investigates the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of university athletes from volleyball and track and field, aiming to monitor their performance and optimize training programs. The study involves seventeen athletes, divided into volleyball and track and field groups, undergoing a series of repeated maximal sprints with minimal recovery. The activity involves seven repeated sprints across a 20m straight line. The variables captured for the study were anthropological (height, weight and sitting height), physiological (RHR, PHRavg, blood sugar (pre and post), fatigue index (10m and 20m)) and skill performance variables (average time, total time, maximum time and speed (10m and 20m)). The procedure for data analysis involved frequency, mean, standard deviation, zscore, independent and dependent t-test. The independent t-test result revealed that there were significant differences in the skill performance variables (Average time (20m), p = 0.03; Total time (20m), p = 0.03; Maximum time (20m), p = 0.01; Speed (20m), p = 0.00) between the volleyball and athletics athletes. The dependent t-test showed that there were significant differences between the physiological (Fatigue index (10m vs 20m), p = 0.01; Average time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Total time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Maximum time (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00; Speed (10m vs 20m), p = 0.00) and skill performance variables considered for the study. The study provides valuable insights into the distinct RSA profiles of university athletes, offering practical implications for enhancing training programs and athletic performance through sport-specific monitoring and targeted interventions
Just-In-Time Inventory Management Practice and Performance of Selected Polytechnics in Southwest, Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Stock Efficiency
Get PDFThis study examined Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management practice and performance of selected polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria, and the implications for sustaining stock efficiency. The study used descriptive survey research design and a total of one thousand and thirty-six (1,036) store employees from federal, state and private polytechnics in the Southwest, Nigeria. A sample size of five hundred and forty-four (544) determined through multi-stage and stratified sampling technique was used for data analysis. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire while linear regression was employed to determine the effects and statistical significance of the relationships between the study variables. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 was applied to process the data and the hypothesis was tested at p-value of = 0.05 level of significance while descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study showed that JIT inventory management practice cannot be underestimated in determining performance of polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria. The study recommended that management of polytechnics in Southwest Nigeria should develop a policy framework to facilitate faster implementation of the best inventory management practices such as JIT as it has proven to have significant positive effect on employees’ performance
Illicit Drugs, Organised Crime, and Violent Extremism: Addressing the Nexus, Countermeasures, and Implications
Get PDFThis article explores how illicit drug traffickers, organised criminals, and violent extremists interact along intricate pathways to perpetrate their illegal activities and recommends how security agents, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) can better tackle the activities of illicit drug racketeers linked to organised criminal groups and violent extremists. Against this backdrop, the article provides an analysis of the association between illicit drugs, organised crime, and violent extremism. The study was an exploratory research design, carried out in Tsafe Area of Zamfara State. It was conducted using a Key Informant and In-depth Interview. The research was conducted using the snowballing sampling method. Findings revealed that while efforts to curtail the phenomenon are ongoing, the linkages are getting stronger daily. Therefore, to combat the increasing activities of these organised criminal groups, the article recommends a multi-sectoral and “whole systems” approach using modern technology, and synergy among agencies of government, as well as non-governmental stakeholders, who have the wherewithal to support actions being undertaken by the government
Does Copyright Imitation Impact Purchase Behaviour in the Entertainment Industry: A PLS-SEM Analysis of Gen Z’s Brand Recognition in Africa?
Get PDFThe entertainment industry has experienced remarkable growth, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, with revenue soaring to $31.23 billion in 2023 and anticipated growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.64% through 2027. However, the industry’s significant sustainability issue is the widespread practice of copyright imitation, with Africa’s accommodated 2.5 billion unauthorised image imitations daily representing 1.48% global imitation index, causing substantial damages, notably affecting Gen Z with estimated losses of €532.5 billion, with Egypt experiencing the highest incidence of cases in Africa. This research delves into how copyright infringement impacts brand recognition, as a construct of purchase behaviour, among Gen Z in the African entertainment industry. By relying on post-positivism paradigm and planned behaviour theory, the research used questionnaire and collected 352 responses (92% sample rate) from tech-savvy Gen Z respondents, derived using Borden sampling model. The PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling) model reveals that copyright infringement substantially affects brand recognition, explaining 64.7% of the variance in consumer behaviour. Specifically, imitated corporate names, product ideas, and promotional tactics impact brand recognition by 11.1%, 9%, and 6.2% respectively, which refutes the initial assumption. Research recommendations include implementing stricter management protocols within the industry, fostering deeper community engagement, and differentiating products by using unique, high-quality materials. The study acknowledges potential biases in data collection due to unequal online access among Gen Z music enthusiasts in Africa, by possibly not fully reflecting the broader diversity of Gen Z behaviour across the continent in the world, considering the varying cultural, economic, and social dynamics that influence purchasing behaviours. 
Assessing the Impact of Boko Haram's Terrorist Activities in the North East Region of Nigeria
Get PDFThis paper examined the impact Boko Haram in Northeast with special reference to the Lake Chad Basin (LCB). It will focus on the growing climate of insecurity in the region owing to the emergence of terrorism across the country particularly in the Northeast geopolitical zone. The analytical foundations was built upon the meaning of security, insecurity, tensions in the Northeast making reference to (LCB), the impacts on socio-political and economic relations among the occupants of the region such as high rate of death, unemployment, poverty as well as malnutrition in the North East Nigeria. It will proceed to the causes and the sustaining factors driving the insecurity in the region, the difficulties and failure facing Nigerian government to eliminate the Boko-Haram. The work uses secondary sources of data collection such as journal articles, newspaper, magazine, internet materials, books and others. This paper applied social identity and structural functionalism theories to better explain and analyze factors that aided the terrorist group. The paper discovered that the reason for the continuous attack of the Northeast region by the Bokoharam sect includes religious indoctrination, existence of porous border etc. the paper recommend that government should provide adequate border security and that there should be a campaign for the de orientation of religious radicalism in the region