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Unveiling future superconductors through machine learning
Get PDFThe recent discovery of superconductivity above 200 K in hydrides of sulfur and lanthanum under high pressure
marked a significant advance toward the realization of room-temperature superconductivity. While binary hydrides
have almost been completely studied theoretically, experimental evidence suggests that the next breakthrough
in finding high-temperature and low-pressure limits is likely connected with ternary and higher
hydrides. Unlike the traditional synthesis-test-repeat approach, experimental discovery of superhydrides under
high pressure often follows prior theoretical predictions. In this Minireview, we describe how various artificial
intelligence schemes enable and enrich each stage of the discovery cycle of superhydrides and new developments
made toward predicting ternary and higher hydrides. As a new enabling tool, machine learning-informed material
simulation is still making its way into this field but is already playing an essential role in augmenting the
prediction of new superhydrides through automated and iterative machine-learning processes. The review
concludes with a perspective on outstanding challenges and possible future developments in the field
Factor analysis method for delay dynamics in Nigerian Tin Can Island Port for sustainable development
Get PDFThe effect of efficient and effective port system on the economy viability of any nation cannot
be over emphasis. This study investigated factors that could be termed as delay causative factors in Nigerian
ports industry using TIN CAN Island port complex as a case study. A well-structured questionnaire was
developed for this research and 72 respondents, who are port users (custom officers, employees, and
customers), were asked to rank the variables perceived to be causing delay at the port according to their
respective perception of the effect of each factor on delay factors at the port. The validity of the research
instrument was done using Cronbach Alpha. There are several factors that were thought to be working
together in reducing efficiency in Nigerian ports and these factors were analyzed using factor analysis
method. It was discovered from the analysis that Lack of Government Authority, Ullage Constraint,
Inadequate Berthing, Logistics Delay, Financial Constraint and Equipment Breakdown are major factors
that cause delay at Tin Can Island Port Lagos. These highlighted factors should be paid special attention in
order to reduce delay in Tin Can Island port which will in turns lead to more revenue for the country
Correction: Heuristic-enabled active machine learning: A case study of predicting essential developmental stage and immune response genes in Drosophila melanogaster
Get PDFPromoting Sustainable Development in Combating Schistosomiasis through Community-Centric Approaches: The Role of Social Empowerment and Education in Ondo State
Get PDFSchistosomiasis has been reported to be the most common parasitic disease after malaria capable of affecting over 249 million individuals in lower-income countries. The disease is caused by a blood fluke from the genus Schistosoma and can be either chronic or acute in several patients depending on the worm burden. Poor sanitation and lack of potable water are major predisposing factors for the sustained transmission of schistosomiasis in several communities in Africa. In Nigeria, 24 million cases are being reported in all states, with over 100 million individuals at risk of the infection due to the disease being endemic in the region. This disease is made worse when there is a co-infection of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In Ondo state Nigeria, urinary schistosomiasis is called Atosiaja, blood fluke, or snail fever. The disease is endemic in several communities in Ondo states due to little or no access to clean water which increases the contact of villagers to natural flowing rivers and streams that are natural breeding sites for the intermediate hosts. This systematic review was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in communities of Ondo state, Nigeria. The review was conducted through a literature search using two scientific databases which focuses on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis infection in communities of Ondo state covering the period 2017 to 2022. This review looks at the relationship between sustainable development initiatives and the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Ondo state. By addressing critical issues such as water quality, community education and integrated vector management as long-term solutions to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Ondo state. This holistic approach will contribute overall to improvements in public health and the environment
Nanoparticle-Organism Interactions: Cellular Uptake and Biodistribution
Get PDFNanoparticles are extremely small particles that can enter and permeate
several organs, including the skin, gut, and lungs. Nanoparticles’ size and
surface characteristics affect how deeply they can penetrate. Prior to doing in
vivo experiments, in vitro tests on the toxicity of nanoparticles must be
completed. Numerous investigations have revealed that certain nanoparticles
exhibit toxicity in biological systems. Many nanoparticles can produce active
oxygen, which in turn triggers oxidative stress and inflammation in the
reticuloendothelial system (RES), according to some studies. Nanomaterials,
plasma, and blood components can interact thanks to the translocation of
nanoparticles into the bloodstream. A “protein corona,” which is created when
nanoparticles come into contact with plasma proteins, may change the
biological and pharmacological characteristics of the metallic nanoparticles.
Numerous molecular and physicochemical factors, such as particle size,
shape, and crystallinity, affect how hazardous nanoparticles behave. Inhaled
nanoparticles may have unintended side effects such as lung inflammation
and heart problems. Before final application, freshly created nanoparticles are
tested for potential toxicity in vitro to see whether they pose a risk to the
health of both producers and consumers. Though the findings acquired do not
clearly depict the impact of nano-carriers, the interaction of nanoparticles with
skin, and particularly skin models, is an exciting subject
Zinc oxide decorated plantain peel activated carbon for adsorption of cationic malachite green dye: Mechanistic, kinetics and thermodynamics modeling
Get PDFReports have shown that malachite green (MG) dye causes various hormonal
disruptions and health hazards, hence, its removal from water has become a top
priority. In this work, zinc oxide decorated plantain peels activated carbon
(ZnO@PPAC) was developed via a hydrothermal approach. Physicochemical
characterization of the ZnO@PPAC nanocomposite with a 205.2 m2/g surface area,
porosity of 614.68 and dominance of acidic sites from Boehm study established the
potency of ZnO@PPAC. Spectroscopic characterization of ZnO@PPAC vis-a-viz
thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR),
Powdered X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy and High Resolution
– Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) depict the thermal stability via phase
transition, functional group, crystallinity with interspatial spacing, morphology and
spherical and nano-rod-like shape of the ZnO@PPAC heterostructure with electron
mapping respectively. Adsorption of malachite green dye onto ZnO@PPAC
nanocomposite was influenced by different operational parameters. Equilibrium data
across the three temperatures (303, 313, and 323 K) were most favorably described by
Freundlich indicating the ZnO@PPAC heterogeneous nature. 77.517 mg/g monolayer
capacity of ZnO@PPAC was superior to other adsorbents compared. Pore-diffusion
predominated in the mechanism and kinetic data best fit the pseudo-second-order.
Thermodynamics studies showed the feasible, endothermic, and spontaneous nature of
the sequestration. The ZnO@PPAC was therefore shown to be a sustainable and
efficient material for MG dye uptake and hereby endorsed for the treatment of industrial
effluent
BIOCHEMICAL AND IN-SILICO STUDIES OF LYCOPENE EXTRACT AND Solanum lycopersicum-Daucus carota FOOD-MIX FOR CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION
Get PDFCervical cancer poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the development of effective chemopreventive strategies. This study investigates the nutritional, antioxidant, in-vitro cytotoxic assessment of a functionalised tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) -carrot (Daucus carota) food mix and the effect of extracted lycopene from tomato for apoptotic assessment on cervical cancer cell lines. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the nutritional composition, while pH, titratable acidity, and bulk density measurements evaluated the physicochemical properties of the food samples. Trace metals analysis was used to assess the presence of potentially harmful metals, and yield quantification was used to determine the extraction efficiency using ethanol and aqueous solvents. Additionally, cytotoxic effects on cervical cancer cells and molecular docking analysis were performed to understand the biological activities and binding interactions of lycopene. The proximate analysis revealed the food samples' moisture content (0.44 to 0.54%), ash content (71.82 to 73.52 %), crude protein content (8.41 to 18.10 %), crude fiber content (3.787 to 6.547 %), crude fat content (0.10 to 8.72 %), carbohydrate content (0.628 to 6.193 %), and total energy content (87.012 to 136.892 kcal). The pH values ranged from 6.6 to 7.2, indicating slight acidity variation. Titratable acidity values ranged from 1.44 to 23.00 (lactic acid %), demonstrating a decrease in acidity. Bulk density analysis revealed values ranging from 0.44 g/cm3 to 0.59 g/cm3. Trace metals analysis showed a high iron (Fe) concentration, with no significant presence of lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd). Yield quantification of the concentrate demonstrated higher extraction efficiency using 70% ethanol solvent compared to the aqueous solvent. Cytotoxicity testing on cervical cancer cells revealed that the ethanol extract of tomatoes exhibited the highest cytotoxic inhibition (40.28 %), followed by the aqueous extract (35.21%), while carrots displayed minimal cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lycopene extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with the highest concentration (1000 μg/mL) showing remarkable inhibition (74.2%). Molecular docking analysis suggested favourable interactions between lycopene and the pro-apoptotic protein (BAX 1), indicating its potential to induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. However, the chemotherapeutic drug Camptothecin demonstrated stronger interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of lycopene-protein complexes throughout the 100-ns simulation, supporting their potential as anticancer agents. Overall, the study highlights the cytotoxic effects of tomato-carrot food extracts and lycopene on cervical cancer cells. The ethanol extract of tomatoes and the lycopene extract exhibited notable cytotoxicity, while the aqueous extract and carrots showed minimal inhibition. Molecular docking analysis revealed the potential of lycopene to promote apoptosis through interactions with the pro-apoptotic protein BAX 1. The stability analysis of lycopene-protein complexes further supported its anticancer properties. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular processes behind lycopene's anticancer activities and provide insights for future research on innovative chemo preventive treatments for cervical cancer. More so, the nutritional and physicochemical properties of the tomato-carrot food mix, along with its hydroethanolic extract as an efficient extraction medium for bioactive compounds, hold promise for its application in the food industry
FINISHING MATERIALS AND USERS’ SPATIAL EXPERIENCE IN THE DESIGN OF A CULTURAL CENTRE IN LAGOS STATE
Get PDFIn contemporary architectural discourse, the utilization of materials to enhance users' spatial experience holds significant importance, particularly in the development of public spaces. This study explored the role of materials in enhancing users' spatial experience in the design of a Cultural Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on promoting environmental sustainability. Through a comprehensive examination of finishing materials commonly employed in building design, the study aimed to identify their impact on spatial experiences and users' satisfaction levels. The methodology adopted a mixed-used method which involved a combination of literature review, case studies of selected cultural centres in Lagos, and user surveys to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis was conducted to assess the extent of material utilization, users' satisfaction, and the overall enhancement of spatial experiences. The sample size comprised a diverse range of cultural centres within Lagos, ensuring a holistic understanding of material applications. Findings revealed the significance of materials in shaping users’ spatial experiences and suggested strategies for promoting environmental sustainability through material selection and design practices. The recommendations derived from this study emphasized a user-centred design approach that prioritizes the satisfaction and well-being of users by selecting materials that enhance spatial experiences and contribute to a sense of comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal
POLYMORPHISM AND CIRCULATING LEVELS OF IGF-1, IGF-1R, AND IGF-BP3 AMONG PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFProstate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 77,000 new cases annually, and Nigeria accounting for approximately 30,000 of these cases. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway, crucial for cellular proliferation and apoptosis, is implicated in cancer progression, including PCa. Elevated plasma IGF-1 levels are associated with PCa progression, whereas increased levels of IGF binding protein 3 (IGF-BP3) may reduce PCa risk. Genetic variations in IGF-1, such as the C-T haplotype, are linked to poorer survival in PCa patients with bone metastases. This study aims to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IGF-1 and IGF-1R genes and their relationship to plasma levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R, and IGF-BP3, and the risk of PCa among men in Lagos State. The case-control study consisted of 75 PCa patients and 75 paired healthy controls. Plasma levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R, and IGF-BP3 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and SNP genotyping (IGF-1: rs6219, rs6220, rs5742694; IGF-1R: rs2229765) was performed using TaqMan assay. No overall statistical difference was found in plasma levels of IGF-1, IGF-BP3, and IGF-1R between cases and controls, although the IGF-1/IGF-BP3 molar ratio was higher in PCa patients (42.67) compared to controls (19.04), indicating increased level of bioavailable IGF-1 in PCa patients. Chi-square analysis revealed a strong positive association (OR: 9.1; p: 0.026) between the A/A genotype of IGF-1R SNP (rs2229765 (A/G)) and PCa, suggesting that individuals with this genotype are more likely to develop PCa. Significant differences in IGF-1R and IGF-1 levels were observed for specific genotypes of rs5742694 and rs2229765 SNPs. In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms in IGF-1R and IGF-1 are associated with differential protein levels in PCa cases versus controls, indicating potential risk and protective factors in Nigerian men
GREEN MANAGEMENT, EXPORT MARKET ORIENTATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRIBUSINESSES IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA.
Get PDFThe adoption and effective implementation of green management practices to address environmental concerns have posed a significant challenge in the agribusiness sector amidst various shocks, ranging from COVID-19 disruptions to climate variability and community crises. This challenge is particularly pronounced in a nation where over 70% of the population engages in small or medium-scale agriculture. The evolving food systems and the shift from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in export market orientation highlight the imperative for a sustainable approach. This study explores the moderating effect of export market orientation on green management practices and the sustainability of agribusinesses in Southwest Nigeria. The research is grounded in three major theories—natural resource-based view, organic growth theory, and stakeholder theory. To fulfill its objectives, the study adopts a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative (i.e., questionnaire) and qualitative (i.e., interviews). The copies of questionnaire were distributed to 407 registered members of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the six (6) selected states of Southwest Nigeria. Ten (10) directors of Ministries and executive members of AFAN were purposively selected based on their years of experience and service were also subjected to semi-structured interview. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings indicate a significant impact of green management practices on the sustainability of agribusinesses in the region. Specifically, green methods (β= 0.600, >1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 1.96, P-value =0.000 <0.05), emerges as a pivotal factor contributing to sustainability in the agro-industry. This study concluded that agribusinesses that integrate green practices and actively engage with international markets demonstrate a stronger foundation for achieving economic sustainability while concurrently promoting environmental stewardship and community development. The study recommends several actions based on its findings, including the promotion and support for green materials procurement, investment in green machinery and technology, enhancement of market intelligence generation and dissemination, promotion of community engagement and social responsibility, encouragement of environmental certification and standards compliance, support for research and innovation, development of a robust policy framework, and establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The findings underscore the necessity for policymakers to prioritise the development and implementation of comprehensive policies that promote and incentivise green management practices, export market orientation, and sustainability initiatives within the agribusiness industry in Southwest Nigeria