Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Maximizing Biotic Food as Nutraceuticals: A Comprehensive Exploration
Get PDFThe quest for optimal health and nutrition has led to a paradigm shift in our approach to food, with an increasing emphasis on harnessing the potential of biotic components as nutraceuticals. This study investigates the concept of maximizing biotic food as nutraceuticals, exploring the intersection of nutrition, medicine, and sustainable agriculture, and to unravel the diverse array of health-promoting compounds inherent in natural, living organisms. . Biotic foods, including fruits, vegetables, and fermented products, possess a rich tapestry of bioactive components, ranging from phytochemicals and antioxidants to probiotics and enzymes. Biotic foods encompass a spectrum of living organisms such as probiotics, prebiotics, and beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. By unlocking the intricate interplay between the human microbiome and biotic foods, this study seeks to unravel the therapeutic potential inherent in these living entities. As scientific understanding advances, there is a growing recognition of the significance of biotic foods as potent sources of nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals, a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals,” refer to bioactive compounds in food that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textHepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to the well-being of pregnant women and their offspring with about 1.5 million new infections occurring annually. The data on the prevalence and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Nigeria remains limited. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C infection among pregnant women in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 eligible pregnant women who visited and received antenatal care at Cottage and Civil Service Hospitals in Ilorin, Nigeria between November 2021 and January 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire while the antibody screening was via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 26 at p<0.05 significant level. Of the 180 pregnant women, 8 (4.4%) were positive for HCV. The highest proportion of HCV positivity was recorded among women aged 20-30 years (75%), those with tertiary education (100%), Civil Servants (100%), married women (100%), and those in the second trimester gestational age (100%). Furthermore, 87.5% of HCV-positive patients had a history of blood transfusion and 62.5% reported scarification. However, no significant statistical association was recorded between demographic characteristics, risk factors, and HCV seropositivity (p ˃ 0.05). Although the prevalence of active HCV infection among pregnant women in Ilorin was low, the outcome underscores the importance of routine screening of pregnant women for HCV to prevent maternal and neonatal complications in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing. This warrants further research for comprehensive data on HCV prevalence among pregnant women across Nigeria.
 
THE ROLE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIONS IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE.
Get PDFRegenerative medicine marks a paradigm shift in healthcare, transitioning from symptom-based treatment to leveraging the body's inherent healing mechanisms. It represents a convergence of nature and science, fostering innovative solutions for preserving life. Intellectual Property (IP) safeguards the expression of innovation and creativity across various domains, encompassing regenerative medicine. However, questions arise regarding its ability to meet patentability criteria and the ethical implications of granting exclusive ownership (Intellectual Property) to life-saving techniques, potentially hindering adequate Intellectual Property protection. Using the doctrinal research method, this article explores the breadth of regenerative medicine and the applicability of Intellectual Property protection to cutting-edge medical interventions, including regenerative medicine, aiming to strike a balance between comprehensive protection, commercialization, and public access. The paper draws valuable lessons from best practices and jurisdictions such as the United States of America and South Africa to promote innovation and foster access to regenerative medicine in Nigeria. It finds that one of the foremost challenges of the protection of regenerative medicine by Intellectual Property is the ethical concerns regarding the use of human cells, tissues and embryonic stem cells. It also notes some weaknesses in Nigeria's current regulatory framework and calls for stronger enforcement of ethical standards. It recommends among others the need for more awareness in the area where intellectual property and regenerative medicine connect. The work equally advocates for the need to update the Patent and Designs Act (PDA) of 1970 to allow for the registration of cutting-edge technologies including regenerative medicine
Perception of Tourists on Chatbot Service Usage on Tourism Destination: A Study of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Get PDFQuest for satisfying tourists and customers’ expectations across the globe led to the development and application of various information communication technologies (ICT) in the hospitality and tourism industry. These information communication technologies have been adopted by tourism enterprises and managers such as Email, Mobile Phone, Social Media Networking (Facebook, WhatsApp, Zoom, Artificial Intelligence). Also, the quest for providing friendly interaction among tourists and destination managers further led to the development of one of the artificial intelligence algorithms known as chatbot. Chatbots are Artificial Intelligence (AI) test and/or voice-based virtual assistants that aid customers to get what they ask for quickly and accurately through a conversation in natural human language. Chatbots have been reported to be the technology for hotels, travel agencies, and airlines, however, there is no evidence-based research on the factors that explain consumers’ willingness to interact with chatbots. It is on this basis that this research is carried out. The research examined tourists’ usage of chatbots, focusing on the Kainji Lake Park (Nigeria). It is an exploratory research that utilized descriptive statistics to analyze data collected. The findings reveal that tourists are aware of the existence of chatbots as deployed to tourism industry. Also, it found that chatbots enhance destination information search. As an emerging market, stakeholders and management in the tourism industry should integrate chatbots into their main information communication technologies to enhance customer patronage
Subsidy Removal, Corrupt Practices and Implications on the Nigerian Economy, 2012-2023
Get PDFSubsidy removal and corruption significantly impact the Nigerian economy. This study investigates the impact of subsidy removal and corruption on the Nigerian economy from 2012 to 2023. The main objective is to analyse the economic consequences of subsidy removal policies and the types and forms of corruption associated with them. The study adopted the Public Choice Theory as the theoretical framework for understanding the decision-making processes and behaviour of stakeholders involved in subsidy removal and corruption. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative approach, using secondary data, analysed through content and historical analysis. Findings indicate that while subsidy removal policies aim for fiscal sustainability, they often lead to inflationary pressures, social unrest, and public dissatisfaction. Moreover, corruption exacerbates these challenges, undermining governance, transparency, and accountability. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing governance and institutional capacity, implementing targeted social safety nets, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing international cooperation to address the challenges posed by subsidy removal and corruption. These recommendations aim to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive economic development in Nigeria. Overall, this study contributes empirical evidence, theoretical insights, and policy recommendations for understanding and addressing the complex interactions between subsidy policies, corruption dynamics, and socio-economic development in Nigeria
Ungoverned Spaces and the Challenges of Counterterrorism in West Africa Sub-Region
Get PDFIn recent times, terrorist groups; Islamic fundamentalists; separatist agitators; armed bandits and other criminal elements have begun harnessing the availability of ungoverned spaces in West African States. From such locations, they launch their horrific acts of terror aimed at destabilizing the corporate existence of these states and the overall peace and security of the sub-region. Porosity of border security, poverty and ungoverned spaces are linked as stimulants to terrorism in the West African sub-region. It is against this backdrop that this paper examined the issues and challenges of terrorism and counterterrorism in West Africa. The paper is anchored on the fragile state theory, which argues that terrorism oozing from ungoverned spaces and porosity of borders have adverse effects on the security of the region. The study relied essentially on secondary sources of documentary evidence through thorough literature review. Findings revealed that the region became volatile and easily susceptible to terrorist activities because the ungoverned spaces provided them unhindered operational bases. Therefore, the paper concluded and recommended that West African States should build a synergic security architecture in the form of independent inter-region police force recruited from member countries, and deployed to transnational borders to carry out routine border patrol in collaboration with national customs and immigration personnel. Sequel to aforementioned recommendation, governments of West African States, in collaboration with their National Security Advisers, are to provide intelligence information and report to the region’s inter-region police to enhance their security duties and ensure peace and orderliness in the sub-region
The United States Foreign Policy towards Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, and the Omission of Nigeria
Get PDFIn December 2022, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit was held in Washington DC, which had 49 heads of African states in attendance. As a follow-up, the United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, on March 27, 2023, was on state visits to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia. However, she did not stop in Nigeria. What does skipping Nigeria tell us about the U.S. foreign policy currently? This paper seeks to analyze Kamala Harris's trips to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia as well as what the United States' decision to skip Nigeria tells us about its current African foreign policy. The balance of power theory underpins this study. Secondary data sources were used. The study found out that Nigeria was excluded from the United States visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia due to insecurity and terrorism, questionable democracy, and human rights issues which are aligned to and constitute the US core national interests, economically, politically, and strategically. The state visit was aimed at restoring the U.S. damaged African relations. The study recommended that Nigeria must tackle the problems of bad governance and questionable democracy, terrorism, youth unemployment, and human rights issues for the development of stronger ties with the United States of America
Analysing the Challenges of Humanitarian Workers in Provision of Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Conflict Zones: Study of North Eastern Nigeria
Get PDFThis study explored the challenges encountered by humanitarian workers in providing assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within conflict-ridden zones, with a particular focus on North Eastern Nigeria. Amidst the turmoil of armed conflict and displacement, humanitarian workers serve as vital conduits of aid, striving to alleviate the suffering of affected populations and facilitate their transition towards sustainable recovery. These roles notwithstanding, the humanitarian workers face myriad challenges that hamper their ability to provide sustained and comprehensive aid to vulnerable populations. This study assessed the impact of existing strategies and interventions employed by humanitarian workers in addressing the diverse needs of IDPs; and analysed the specific challenges they encountered while operating in conflict zones. Human security theory was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. The study also used primary and secondary data, and employed discussion and descriptive method of analysis. Findings revealed that the humanitarian workers play a critical role in providing support to IDPs in areas such as healthcare, education, and protection. Also, findings revealed that the humanitarian workers face significant risks to their safety and security while delivering aid to IDPs within conflict zones. The study recommended enhance coordination among humanitarian organizations and government agencies to streamline efforts in providing assistance to IDPs; develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of IDPs in conflict-affected areas; address logistical challenges and security threats that hinder the delivery of aid to conflict-affected areas, among others
Unlocking the Power of Waste Cooking Oils for Sustainable Energy Production and Circular Economy: A Review
Get PDFIn the pursuit for sustainable energy solutions, biodiesel has come to prominence as an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel. This review delves into cutting-edge developments in production of biodiesel, emphasizing use of waste cooking oils (WCOs) as an environmentally friendly raw material. Incorporating waste cooking oils (WCOs) into the biodiesel production process not only tackles environmental issues associated with improper disposal but also adheres to the principles of a circular economy. This manuscript covers various methods and technologies for converting WCOs into high-quality biodiesel, emphasizing economic viability and environmental benefits. It discusses the potential of WCO-derived biodiesel to meet stringent fuel standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Significant progress has been made in using waste cooking oils to generate sustainable energy, aligning with broader initiatives focused on renewable energy and circular economy principles. In summary, the utilization of waste cooking oils for biodiesel production presents an opportunity to shift away from reliance on fossil fuels, thereby fostering circular economy practices and sustainability goals
L-Index-Based Technique for Voltage Collapse Prediction and Voltage Stability Enhancement in Electrical Power Systems
No full textRecent years have witnessed a notable increase in the occurrence of blackouts, especially in developing nations, attributed to the continuously growing demand on modern power networks. Given that the demand shows no signs of abating and is projected to increase further in the coming years, additional research on power system stability is imperative. This study, therefore, investigates voltage stability assessment in power systems using the L-index methodology, focusing on the Nigerian 28-bus system and the IEEE system. The L-index offers a practical means of identifying weak buses and evaluating voltage stability margins. Calculating L-index values for load buses under diverse conditions identifies critical points, with higher values indicating vulnerability. The research investigates injecting reactive power at load buses to prevent collapse, comparing outcomes with and without compensation. Analyzing the L-index's performance across varied loading scenarios confirms its precision in predicting breakdown points and identifying critical buses. Load flow analysis of the Nigerian 28-Bus system reveals that only bus 16 exceeds voltage limits, while line analysis shows total power losses. Increasing loadability exposes bus 16 as the weakest, supported by its low voltage magnitude. The research confirms bus 16 as the system's weakest point, guiding corrective measures to enhance stability and prevent collapse. Utilizing Matlab for implementation, this study contributes valuable insights into system vulnerability and provides a framework for improving voltage stability in power systems