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Deliverables of Academic Research Articles Suitable for Publication
Get PDFIt is common knowledge that all researchers have had some of their papers rejected for publication in
either a journal or conference in some points in their careers, due to avoidable technical inadequacies.
This study relied on a systematic literature review approach to examine the various components of a
research article with a view to provide insight on the technical requirements of a research paper that is
suitable for publication, towards making contributions to assist researchers in developing manuscripts
that are devoid of avoidable technical errors. The study is a qualitative research that gathered data from
open access publications sourced majorly through internet search from reputable academic data bases.
Textual analysis was employed to gather the data which was content analysed in themes. The result was
descriptively presented in themes with the aid of a table and a figure. The study identified four major
components of academic research articles namely: title, abstract, body and references, which were
extensively examined and examples provided for clarity and to enhance understanding. Other important
requirements include: adherence to publisher’s specific instructions and ethical requirements; use of
good language/grammar; and avoidance of plagiarism. The subjects contained in the study are useful
resource materials that point the way for researchers, towards planning, conducting and reporting
scientific researches devoid of avoidable technical blunder
Marine Greens as Nutritious Healthy Foods
Get PDFConsidering the impact of climate change on conventional agriculture, marine greens are gaining
increasing global relevance for utilization as food and feed. The global production of marine greens has
in the last decade witnessed a two-fold increase to about 32 million tons of fresh weight per annum, with
the industry generating an excess of US$13 billion yearly. The industrial exploitation of marine greens is
connected to their high nutritional qualities, which include polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, umami
flavor, trace elements, and essential minerals. This chapter highlights commonly exploited marine green
taxa, their nutritional components, and their utility as potential nutritional sources. Furthermore, the
chapter brings to the fore constraints associated with the use of marine greens as food and feed, while
pointing readers to future directions with respect to modern biotechnological applications to enhance
their diversification and productivit
Chitosan and Nanotechnology Fundamentals
Get PDFThe process of deacetylation transforms chitin into chitosan, a biopolymer that exhibits
exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability and flexibility. Particularly at the nanoscale,
chitosan exhibits compelling functionalities that confer suitability for diverse nanotechnology
applications. In this chapter, we comprehensively explore the fundamental properties of chitosan,
emphasising its critical role in nanotechnology integration, notably within aquaculture and
fisheries. Nanonisation of chitosan significantly amplifies its potential with expanded
applications in drug delivery, vaccination and water treatment in aquaculture practice.
Nanochitosan integration addresses critical challenges in the fishing sector while aligning
seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal 14, fostering sustainable aquaculture practices.
With recent advances in the techniques used in nanotechnology for modifying chitosan, the
practice can become more sustainable, reducing waste and promoting efficient utilisation of
resources. This holds great promise for establishing environmentally conscious processes within
the realm of nanochitosan application
Nanoparticles in Food Chains: Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer
Get PDFThis chapter attempts to understudy the extent of nanoparticle transfer within
the food chains, as well as factors determining trophic transfer,
bioaccumulation, distribution, and toxic effects on predators. With the creation
of several NPs, nanotechnology has gained popularity and provided the
agriculture business with new tools. The specific benefits and drawbacks of
using NPs need to be better understood, and this knowledge and
understanding must be increased immediately. Significant levels of produced
NPs have been introduced into the agro-environment due to the development
of nanotechnologies. Although this technique has several advantages,
researchers and industry professionals are concerned about the harmful
disposal of different NPs in significant quantities (a few hundred tons
annually). It appears that utilizing nanoagrochemicals is essential for
advancing contemporary agriculture. The fundamental trophic level in the
environment is represented by plants, which are also the primary producers
and the main component of the food chain. However, the food chain may be
impacted by the plants’ overtime contact with NPs and bioaccumulation of
those NPs. Understanding trophic transfer potential and biomagnification of
nanoparticles is imperative in order to thoroughly evaluate environmental risks
linked with these nanoparticles and by extension nanomaterials
Sources of Nanoparticles
Get PDFNanoscience has become a worldwide multidisciplinary area on the basis of
its unique physical and chemical traits, which have improved over the last few
years. The atypical traits have given rise to diverse application in various
domains of life. Solid particles are nanoparticles that have a dimension limit of
1–100 nm. Different sources are used to obtain nanoparticles via artificial
synthesis using top-down and bottom-up processes and the environment via
dust storms, anthropogenic, volcanic ash, and other natural processes. Lately,
natural biogenic nanoparticles have become a popular subject matter due to
their environmental and health gain. Nanomaterials can be created in natural
world by employing a range of microorganisms, aquatic sources, and plants
and can be produced in the laboratory. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles via
plant- and microbe-mediated processes is an ecofriendly substitute to the
high-cost, laborious, and probably toxic chemical and physical production
method. This section discusses the different types of nanoparticles and their
artificial and natural origins as well as categorization and biological synthesis
using microbes, plants, and artificial procedures
Physicochemical and textural properties of amino-functionalised mesoporous silica nanomaterials from different silica sources
Get PDFA series of MCM-41 nanomaterials that could serve various scientific applications was synthesised from two silica
sources, tetraethyl ortho silicate and sodium silicate. Calcination and solvent extraction were employed as
surfactant removal methods, while surface functionalisation was done via co-condensation and post-grafting
methods. The synthesised nanomaterials were characterised, and their physicochemical properties were
compared using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier Transform
Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the surfactant removal and surface functionalisation
methods affected the synthesised nanomaterials’ 2θ values, d-spacing, and unit cell parameters.
However, surfactant removal methods did not affect the morphology of amino-functionalised nanomaterials.
Mesoporous silica nanomaterials of specific surface areas (884.0–17.1 m2/g), pore volumes (1.0–0.1 cm3/g),
pore size diameters (7.2–1.5 nm), and less orderly mesoporous structures were produced with co-condensation
and amino functionalisation using both silica sources. These methods can produce mesoporous silica nanostructures
with different morphologies for wastewater remediation, catalysis, bio-catalysis, drug delivery, CO2
capture, indoor air cleaning, bioanalytical sample preparation, and pervaporation membrane improvement
IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN DESIGN STRATEGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MUSEUM, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study investigates green design strategies in Nigerian museums to minimize energy
consumption and environmental impact while preserving cultural heritage. Adopting a
qualitative approach, the research employed interviews and case studies, focusing on three
Abuja museums: Discovery Museum, Nike Art Gallery, and Retro Africa Gallery. Purposive
sampling selected the three museums, while snowball sampling facilitated the selection of the
8 architects which were interviewed. The case studies were evaluated using LEED and EDGE
guidelines. Findings revealed partial implementation of sustainable practices, with effective
passive design strategies like cross ventilation and vegetation, yet limited integration of
renewable energy and advanced water management systems. Six case studies, including three
international museums, were assessed using LEED and EDGE guidelines. Results highlighted
both achievements and gaps, particularly in renewable energy and water conservation
techniques. The study recommends enhanced renewable energy integration, advanced water
management systems, education and training for professionals, policy support and incentives,
collaboration for knowledge sharing, and regular assessments and upgrades. These measures
aim to foster sustainability in Nigerian museums, serving as models for environmental
conservation while enhancing user experience and preserving cultural heritage. The study's
implications extend beyond architectural practice, as sustainable museums can serve as
models for environmental conservation and cultural stewardship in Nigeria and beyond. By
enhancing user experience and preserving cultural heritage, these initiatives contribute to
broader societal and sustainable development goals
DETERMINANTS OF EXPOSURE TO SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION AND YOUTH LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA
Get PDFJob and entrepreneurship opportunities available to the youth are limited in Nigeria, making participation in the labour
force highly competitive. To expand their chances of participating in the labour force, skills/entrepreneurship intervention
programmes sponsored by public and private sector organisations have targeted the youth as a solution to
closing the unemployment gap in Nigeria. Participation in skills/entrepreneurship development programmes is determined
by the information available to the youth about such opportunities. Therefore, exposure to entrepreneurship
development information becomes crucial for enhanced youth labour force participation. So, to understand this phenomenon,
the study undertook primary research using quantitative and qualitative research approaches to obtain
data from youth aged 15-35 years across Nigeria. A total of 2,396 questionnaires were completed and retrieved.
Also, the study held 12 FGDs with 96 participants and 12 key informant interviews. The findings of the study showed
that exposure to skills/entrepreneurship development information is critical for owning a business, growing the business
successfully, or securing employment. Policymakers should increase efforts at setting up platforms and systems
that will provide credible information on skills/entrepreneurship programmes and their benefits to individuals
and the country
RESISTANCE TO PYRETHROIDS IN MOSQUITOES IN ADO-ODO OTA, OGUN STATE.
Get PDFThe spread of malaria can be controlled through long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor
residual spraying (IRS) using pyrethroids. However, the increasing resistance to pyrethroids poses
a significant challenge to effective vector control in Africa. This study assessed mosquito species
composition in Ado Odo Ota, Ogun state, and evaluated the resistance levels to pyrethroids. A 6-
month longitudinal entomological survey was carried out using light trap and larval sampling.
Mosquitoes were collected from various selected towns in Ado Odo Ota, and Anopheles species
were identified through morphological and molecular analyses. The susceptibility status of
Anopheles gambiae sensu lato to permethrin (0.75%) and deltamethrin (0.05%) was assessed using
the World Health Organization insecticide susceptibility test. Additionally, the species were
screened for knockdown (kdr) target site resistance alleles. Five hundred seventy-nine (579) adult
mosquitoes were collected and morphologically identified using Coetzee’s taxonomic keys. Twothirds
(376/579) of the mosquitoes were identified as Culex spp., constituting the most abundant
species in Ado Ota local government. Molecular identification using intentional mismatch primers
confirmed Anopheles coluzzi's presence as the communities' main species. Thirty percent 30%
(22.5 – 37.5) of the Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were susceptible to permethrin after 24 hours,
while 98% (95.7 -100) of the vectors were susceptible to deltamethrin. Sporozoite detection using
circumsporozoite ELISA showed none (0/40) of the tested blood-fed female Anopheles gambiae
were positive for sporozoites, and the West African and East African knockdown resistance genes
were detected in very high frequencies among the sampled population (L1014F – 64% [0.36 –
0.83], L1014S – 60% [0.30 – 0.77]. This study revealed that Anopheles coluzzi (99%) is the
predominant species in Ado Odo Ota local government area. Deltamethrin is still effective in
several communities; however, the high knockdown resistance of both the east and west alleles
calls for urgent implementation of integrated vector control in Ogun state
DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE GENE MUTATIONS IN Plasmodium falciparum AMONG SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS IN OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Get PDFMalaria significantly impacts global populations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum predominates. The spread of drug-resistant parasites encoded with dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) gene complicates treatment, necessitating strategies for effective disease management and control. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection and patterns of dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) gene mutations among symptomatic patients in healthcare centers in Ota, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional study design with random sampling, blood samples were collected from a total of 300 symptomatic subjects diagnosed of malaria. Thin and thick blood films were prepared and examined microscopically for malaria parasite detection and speciation. Parasitemia was determined and Plasmodium falciparum was genotyped for Pfdhfr genes using standard methods. Genotyped Pfdhfr blood samples were sequenced and analysed for clonal diversity with global genotyped strains. Of the samples collected, 132 (44%) were positive for P. falciparum with a higher rate observed in males 71(52.2%) than females 61(37.2%). The age group 11-20 years had the significant high infection rates 58(68.2%) while population >60years had the least 5(20.8%) (p60 years (2.2%). Pfdhfr encoded strains from this study clustered with strains identified in Sudan, Nepal, China, and Nigeria. This study highlights the prevalence of P. falciparum with Pfdhfr gene mutations among the study population. There is need for continuous surveillance and targeted interventions to manage and control malaria, particularly among younger age groups