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This study explored the use of animation in the classroom by investigating whether or not students taught with animation will achieve better than recorded teaching. This study adopted non-equivalent control group, quasi experimental design. Eighty (80) Junior Secondary School 2 students (40 males, 40 females) from two co-educational private junior secondary schools in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (in Nigeria) were involved. Gender of the students and availability of functional computers determined the choice of schools hence purposive sampling was used to select six schools that have functional computer laboratories out of which two schools were randomly sampled using simple balloting with replacement. The purposive sampling means the sampling that adequately addresses the purpose of research which means in this case means schools with boys and girls and having functional computer systems. Two instruments were used for this study, namely Algebra Achievement Test (AAT) and Interest Inventory (MII). The findings showed that teaching algebra with animation can enhance achievement and interest of students in algebra. Gender had no significant influence on the performance of students exposed to animation. The implication of these findings is that teachers now have alternative strategy to teach a concept in junior secondary school. Based on the findings, it was recommended that workshops, seminars and conferences should be organized for teachers to implement the findings of this study in the classroom.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in confined spaces like bank vaults and basements is influenced by complex factors such as building layout and HVAC systems. This study examines how mechanical ventilation impacts IAQ in a bank building's occupied basement vault, addressing significant challenges posed by pollutant exposure in these air-tight environments. This study advances safe IAQ in confined spaces, crucial for occupant health and safety, using CFD (ANSYS Fluent Workbench 16.0) and CONTAM 3.2 software for multi-zone ventilation and air quality analysis. It analysed three indoor pollutants: Radon (Rn), Carbon dioxide (CO2), and Particulate Matter (PM2.5), enhancing the reliability and applicability of the findings. The findings indicated that the simulated indoor pollutants concentrations did not exceed the indoor air quality guideline levels. The CFD simulations predicted average steady-state values of 27.2 Bq/m3 for Radon, 574.80 ppm for CO2, and 69.36 µg/m3 for PM2.5 in the basement. For different outdoor air floor rates, an optimal ventilation rate of 4.7 ACH and a cooling load of 17 kW were determined to maintain Radon concentrations below 15 Bq/m3. This provides a practical and actionable solution for maintaining safe IAQ in confined spaces, which is a significant step forward compared to similar studies. These results align with other experimental research, validating the use of numerical techniques in indoor air quality studies. By optimizing HVAC systems to maintain IAQ and minimize energy consumption, the study supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by enhancing energy efficiency, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing exposure to indoor pollutants, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by improving air quality management in confined spaces. The findings are particularly relevant for Africa, offering practical solutions, informing policy direction, and supporting the African Union's Agenda 2063 and SDGs 3, 7, and 11.

Metal cutting productivity or material removal rate is a constrained objective. Higher productivity, which is guaranteed by higher cutting process parameters (feed, speed, and depth of cut), is accompanied by higher constraining and unwanted factors like higher cutting forces, higher power demand, higher machine tool and workpiece deflections (in other words, form error), higher waste heat generation and coolant demand, faster tool wear rate, higher predisposition to periodic and regenerative chatter, compromised surface quality, etc. The research focused on the development of theoretical and numerical framework for selecting the cutting process parameters to enhance the productivity, integrity, and accuracy of turned slender parts. The method involved theoretical modelling that expresses material removal rate and form error in terms of cutting process parameters, workpiece flexibility parameters, workpiece geometrical parameters, and kinematic parameters. Cutting tests were carried out in validation of the arising theoretical and numerical results. Parametric studies were carried out using the developed computational model to understand the trend of accuracy and productivity with variation of cutting process parameter. As expected, the parametric study shows that flexibility of the slender workpiece reduced MRR. The results showed that deviation of predicted values of MRR from the desired values rises with rise of all the cutting process parameters; feed, depth of cut and spindle speed. The findings also indicate that as the feed rate and depth of cut increase, the variance between the predicted diameter and the target values also increases. However, there is a fluctuating pattern with a gradual decrease in variance as the spindle speed rises. Based on the results of the parametric studies, specified tolerance ranges could be met by choosing parameter sets that meet the specifications. If the numerical model relies on FEA, it might require extensive computational resources and expertise, limiting its practicality. Overcoming these limitations often involves continuous research and development efforts, incorporating real-world data, and improving the accuracy and adaptability of the framework for specific machining scenarios. The parametric study results can be used as a framework for the selection of cutting process parameter to enhance the productivity, integrity, and accuracy of turned slender parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergy between enzymes and nanotechnology (nano-biocatalysts) has created some of the most promising biomaterials fabricated by synergistically incorporating advanced nano-biotechnology. The incorporation of enzymes into nanotechnology is of great significance for making nanomaterials that are rarely harmful to the environment. However, the unique/specific physicochemical characteristics and supramolecular nature ascribed to functional nanostructures (nanomaterials), have made them novel, interesting, and exceptional matrices for the creation of nano-biocatalysts. These have a lot of potential for improving the enzyme stability, function, efficiency, kinetic characteristics, vulnerability to diffusional constraints, and engineering performance in bioprocessing. Hence, the nano-biocatalysts developed contain exceptional properties with many potential applications in diverse fields. This review covers a wide range of the nanotechnology and enzyme technology involved in producing nano-biocatalysts, including different mechanisms, strategies in nanomaterial enzyme immobilization, and various nanocarriers, as well as recent developments in controlling enzyme activity. The vast range of potential applications of nano-biocatalysts in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioremediation, has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machining is fundamentally a process of material removal. Therefore, machining productivity can be conceptualized as the rapid elimination of a substantial machining allowance, implying a reduction in machining time. This research has yielded a computational model predicated on beam deflection, factoring in the influence of workpiece flexibility on cutting forces, and its repercussions on the material removal rate and precision. The model facilitates the calculation of actual turning productivity. The methodology incorporated modeling the static response of the flexible workpiece to the thrust component of cutting forces. The impacts of flexibility on the beam model responses concerning the material removal rate, and deviations from the desired shape and size were scrutinized. A computational approach, experimentally corroborated, was applied. This approach necessitates cutting force coefficients, which were ascertained through cutting tests and pseudo-inverse regression analysis. The experimental setup for the cutting test incorporated a locally constructed dynamometer for measuring cutting forces, displays on both an LCD and a computer monitor for recording cutting force readings, a cutting tool, and a workpiece. Judging by the coefficients of determination, R2 values of 0.97, 0.89, and 0.93 of the regression calibrating the force coefficients for the tangential, feed, and radial directions-which are used to gauge the accuracy of the determined force coefficient and are typically one or close to one-the derived force coefficients demonstrate high reliability. The developed model is projected to yield significant industrial-economic benefits by curtailing the costs of finishing operations on the CNC lathe machine, owing to the provision of a chronological path to follow while working on a flexible workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assesses heavy metals distribution in body parts of Labeo coubie (African carp) from River Oli, in Kainji Lake National Park as pollution index of the ecosystem. Fish parts samples (gills, muscles and vertebra bone) were prepared and specifically analyzed for the levels of Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe and Cd using Atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of metals in the samples at different concentrations ranged from 0.001±0.000 μg/g for Cd to 224.87±4.07 μg/g of Fe in the fish gill. There is significant (p<0.05) differences in the Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations across the different fish parts with gills accumulated the highest levels metals while Cr levels significantly (p<0.05) differed in the fish body parts and accumulated more in the muscles (10.75±0.15 μg/g). The mean concentrations of metal elements in the fish parts had shown some distinguish connection in its distributions with Pb and Cu; Gills > Muscles > Vertebra bones, Fe and Zinc; Gills > Vertebra bones > Muscles while Cr was distributed in Muscles > Gill > Vertebra bones. However, it is revealed that Labeo coubie, a euryphagus fish probably absorb these metals through ingestion of contaminated food or absorption by the gills and bioaccumulate in different fish parts. It is therefore established that River Oli is contaminated with heavy metals as presence of these metals in fish is an indication of its immediate environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections are endemic worldwide and have been described as constituting the greatest single cause of illness and disease especially in the tropics. Fulani herdsmen belong to a tribe that lives a secluded life style with little information on their intestinal parasitic infections status. This study aimed at assessing the burden of intestinal parasites and risk factors associated with intestinal parasites transmission among Fulani herdsmen in Kwara State. Stool samples were collected from patients that attended three primary healthcare facilities in Ifelodun Local Government Area and one hospital in Moro Local Government Area. The 505 stool samples were collected and examined by both wet mount preparation and formol-ether concentration methods. Questionnaire on bio- data and other information on factors associated with transmission of intestinal parasitic infections was administered on the patients. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 60.4% among the Fulani. High proportion of the patients had coccidian parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Isospora, than other protozoan and helminthic parasites. Factors like unsafe water sources, improper disposal of human and animal wastes, drinking unpasteurized fresh milk and poor personal hygiene were considered contributing factors to the high prevalence of intestinal parasites among the nomad Fulani. The study provided a new insight into burden of intestinal parasites among Fulani herdsmen and factors associated with their transmission and spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment performance of horizontal flow (HF) and vertical flow (VF) constructed wetland planted with Rhynchospora corymbosa were compared. The average porosity of the CW beds were 0.55, hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days, hydraulic loading rate (HLR) and Organic Loading rate were 0.058 m/day and 3.96 (g·BOD/m2·day), respectively with a volumetric flow rate of 0.14 m3/day. The pollutant concentration of graywater before and after its introduction to the CWs was measured using standard sampling and analyses methods. The mean removal efficiencies (RE) for HF and VF CWs were BOD, 35% and 35.4%; COD, 61.9% and 56.7%; TN, 87% and 92%; TP, 95% and 65%; TSS, 86% and 59.6%; pH, 8.8% and 12.8%, respectively. The graywater was highly contaminated in terms of nutrient and organic load. The mean values of the parameters tested for different CWs were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). This comparative study favored HF over VF Constructed wetland with HF found to be a viable alternative for graywater treatment for organics, nutrients and suspended solids removal. The result provided insight into the performance of CWs planted with R. corymbosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination and pollution pose health hazards to humanity and hence the need for their treatment. This study compared reverse osmosis (RO) and ultra-violet (UV) radiation in treating borehole water (BHW) and surface water (SW). The study area is Omoku community in Rivers State of Nigeria. The RO- and UV-treated waters were determined by their physicochemical characteristics and total Coliform, with the control to check the impact of each one. The obtained results showed slight variations, which were either significant or not. The pH of the treated BHW was slightly acidic with the value of 6.52. Water conductivity ranged from 40.33 μs/cm³ to 42.40 μs/cm³ for the BHW treated with RO, UV and control samples, respectively. SW conductivity attained a range of 425.07-800.0 μs/cm³. Turbidity of BHW were beyond the detectable limit but was higher than the WHO limit of <5.00NTU, while total suspended solid (TSS) of SW ranged from 9.08-46.43 ppm. Total dissolved solids (TDS) values of water were between 3.50 ppm and 16.67 ppm for RO treated BHW and higher than that of SW. There was a reduction of salinity of BHW from 40.7 mg/l to 11.8 and 21.6 mg/l following RO and UV treatment, while SW salinity was also reduced from 75.0 mg/l to 20 mg/l in RO treated water and 16 mg/l in UV treated water. In this study, RO and UV water treatment proved to be effective in producing potable water from both BHW and SW, although RO seemed to produce water with reduced mineral content in comparison to the UV treatment. Both methods effectively reduced heavy metals as well as Coliform. The physicochemical parameters tested were below the WHO recommended limits in most cases. It is recommended that both methods be incorporated in a single WT in order to gain the benefits of both technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine sexual dimorphism and to predict sex using thumbprint ridge density and thickness among the Hausa ethnic group of Nigeria. A total of 283 subjects comprising 147 males and 136 females participated in the study. The density was determined from the count of ridges found diagonally within 25 mm2 using an indirect method of ridge thickness measurement. The results showed that the ulnar ridge density of males (10.01 ± 1.31) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of females (10.91 ± 1.69) in the right thumb. The ridge thickness was observed to have an inverse relation with ridge density. It was also noted that the right ulnar ridge count was the single best variable to predict sex (63.4% accuracy). For the left thumbprints, the proximal ridge thickness predicted the sex (62.8% accuracy). The predicted probabilities of binary logistic regression showed that ulnar ridge count and proximal ridge thickness were the best predictors with a higher area under the curve (>0.5) in the right and left thumbprints respectively. In conclusion, different regions of thumbprints have different potentials in term of sex prediction. Ridge density and thickness hold potential as tools for sex inference among the Hausa population of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the optical, electrical, and corrosion properties of Zn‐TiO2 and Zn‐TiO2‐WO3‐ZnO‐SnO2 nanocomposite coatings produced via electrocodeposition were investigated. The morphological characteristics of the composite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The electrical characterization was obtained using Four‐point probe system coupled with Keithley 2400 Series Sourcemeter, interfaced by a lab view tracer software and multimeters. The optical examination was carried out with the aid of Newport Solar Simulator with maximum intensity of 1000 W/m2 but the experiment was carried out at working intensity of 750 W/m2. The air mass was 1.5 A.M (same as that of real atmosphere). The corrosion properties were evaluated by linear polarization in 1 M HCl and 3.5% NaCl. The result showed that the coatings exhibited good stability and Zn‐TiO2‐WO3‐ZnO‐SnO2 nanocomposite coatings showed improved microstructural properties, outstanding electrical conductivity, and displayed better corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The hindlimb of the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck‐1827) was studied using 12 adult (≥6 months) rats of either sex with the mean weights of 1.42 ± 0.20 kg and 0.82 ± 0.13 kg for buck (n = 6) and doe (n = 6), respectively (p < .05). Characteristics of the bones were studied by gross observation after their preparation. Measurements of different segments of the hindlimb were also taken, giving a total average length of 31.80 cm. Correlation coefficients between length of bone and weight of rats were positive (p < .05) in bucks for all bone segments, except the pes (p > .05), whereas those in does were all non‐significant (p > .05), with significant sexual dimorphism in the relationships. The average total number of bones in the hindlimb was 92, with no apparent sexual dimorphism. The bones of the hindlimb revealed important differences and similarities in morphology with those of other rodents. The Os coxae presented a relatively large obturator foramen, formed by the ramus of the ischium and shaft of the pubis. The femur had a body and two extremities with a prominent head, well‐defined neck and trochanter. The fibula, a slender bone with triangular‐shaped proximal extremity, ran down the length of tibia with proximal attachment (via cartilage) and distal fusion, leaving an extensive interosseus space. The pes revealed eight tarsals and four metatarsals; each of the metatarsals showed three phalanges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate utilisation of resources, especially natural resource could enhance or aid economic development. This study investigated the incidence and severity of poverty among host communities' households of Oyan Lake, Nigeria displaced and resettled beside the Lake. Three host communities comprising twenty-three villages were purposively selected. Sample-size of 367 households were randomly selected proportionate to the size of each location. Structured questionnaire and interview method were used. Variables assessed were their socio-economic characteristics, livelihood activities and food and non-food consumption expenditures. Foster Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index was used to measure the incidence, depth and severity of poverty. Multivariate Probit model was used to determine the relationships between socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and their poverty status. FGT results indicated the headcount index as 81.7%, with a poverty line of N7, 462.5:00 ($37.50) while it would take about 45% of the poverty line to bring an average household out of poverty. Marital status (P <0.1), education level (P <0.1), Household size (P <0.001), capital base (P <0.01), type of household (P <0.1) and housing unit (P <0.1) significantly influenced the level of poverty among these households. It is recommended that development oriented policies aimed at discouraging early marriages, polygamy, having improved family planning, housing scheme, education and access to loans should be given consideration for these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at determining the existence of FA in Hausa populations using thumbprint minutiae. The participants included 112 males and 105 females of Hausa Ethnic descent, aged between 18-25 years. The minutiae of the plain thumbprints were determined from a circle with radius that cut across the nucleus of the fingerprints. The result showed that in signed asymmetry bifurcation, crossbar, break, point/dot into ridges and point/dot between ridges exhibited sexual dimorphism. The left ward asymmetry in male was exhibited in bifurcation, cross bar, trifurcation bifurcation, break, bridge, opposite bifurcation, in "M" convergence, in "M" bifurcation and Point/Dot into ridges. Similarly, in female bifurcation, trifurcation bifurcation, enclosure big, opposite bifurcation, convergence, in "M" bifurcation and return exhibit left ward asymmetry. For absolute and composite asymmetry the significant differences was observed in end, enclosure (small), bridge and return. In the entire minutiae types only ridge bifurcation exhibited directional asymmetry in males and six other minutiae types in females. In conclusion, the presence of sexual dimorphism in thumbprint ridge minutiae was demonstrated in the present study. The leftward asymmetry was observed in both sexes in different types minutiae. Females were observed to exhibit directional type of asymmetry more than the males in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a follow up to previous studies on numerical analysis of engineering systems, this paper utilizes Microsoft Excel Solver in solving pipe network analysis problems. Continuity and head loss equations were developed from three different pipe networks. Flow and head loss in the pipes were determined using Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross (standard) methods. These flows and head loss in the pipse were evaluated economically using operational cost and statistically [coefficient of determination (CD), total error, model of selection criterion (MSC), average error, and correlation coefficient (R)]. The study revealed that flow in pipes is a function of the method, withdrawal at the node, and length and diameter of the pipe. Statistical evaluation revealed that CD, total error, MSC, root error, and R were 0.041; 4.55; 0.041; 2.13; and 0.2025; and 1.0000; 2.25 x 10-4; 29.647; 1.60 x 10-7; and 1.000 for Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross methods, respectively. Economic evaluations showed that cost of head loss per hour and cost per person per day for these systems (for the two communities) were (1) US$999.44 and US$47.49; and (2) US$1219.85 and US$59.04 for Microsoft Excel Solver and Hardy Cross methods, respectively. It was concluded that the Microsoft Excel Solver method is a better choice than Hardy Cross method in pipe network analysis based on higher values of correlation coefficient, CD, and MSC coupled with lower values of total error and root error as well as higher economic value (lower cost of head loss per hour and lower cost of head loss per person per day). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cow dung (CD) was co-digested with chicken manure (CM) and with swine manure (SM) at different proportions to enhance biogas yield in a batch type anaerobic digester. Cow dung alone (used as control), and CD:CM and CD:SM at mix proportions of 70:30, 50:50, 30:70 and 0:100 (CM or SM alone) (w/w dry basis) were digested for 105 days. The results showed that codigestion had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the biogas yield. The individual manures showed that the average biogas yield (L kg-1 VS fed day-1) and cumulative biogas yield (L kg-1 VS fed) were higher for CD (1.26 and 131.36, respectively) than CM (0.99 and 103.0, respectively) and SM (0.38 and 12.36, respectively). The average and cumulative biogas yields of CD:CM mixtures were higher while that of CD:SM mixtures were lower than that of CD alone. Of the mixtures experimented, CD:CM (50:50) and CD:SM (30:70) had highest average yield (2.66 and 1.21, respectively) and cumulative yield (271.8 and 125.3, respectively). It was therefore concluded that co-digesting CD with CM enhanced biogas production, with the optimum mix proportion of CD:CM (50:50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training and development is indispensable strategic tool for enhancing employee performance and organizations keep increasing training budget on yearly basis with believe that it will earn them competitive edge. The main objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of training and development on employees' performance and organisation competitive advantage in the Nigerian banking industry. Descriptive research method was adopted for this study using two hundred and twenty three valid questionnaires which were completed by selected banks in Lagos State, South-West Nigeria using simple random sampling technique. The data collected were carefully analyzed using descriptive statistics to represent the raw data in a meaningful manner. The results show that strong relationship exists between training and development, employees' performance and competitive advantage. Summary of the findings indicates that there is strong relationship between the tested dependent variable and independent construct. However, bank management should not relent in their quest to train their staff to develop new ideas that will keep improving and retaining employee performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary survey in Benue State shows that 96 HIV/AIDS individuals were infected with pathogenic microsporidium. 966, 42 (4.3%) males CD4 T-cells count were <335 cell/μl, and in the female category 1042, 54 (5.2%) CD4 T-cells were <320 cell/μl at the first CD4 count. The strain of pathogenic microsporidium in HIV/AIDS individuals was observed as a leading cause of diarrhea, and a fall in the CD4 T-cells count after 90 days of re-evaluation. Among the age group of 30-39 years, the CD4 cells count gradually deteriorate to <200 cell/μl indicating high risk to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and opportunistic infections. However, there was a significant relationship among sexes given that, Z=1.039<±1.96 in other words, microsporidium was solely depended on age which shows no significant relationship among the age groups (x2=7.815>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative performance of six FeSi based inoculants was tested for of ductile iron chill width control using in the mould inoculation after FeSiCaMgRE treatment. In the prevailing solidification conditions (W3 chill wedge, ASTM A367-85, resin sand mould), Sr-FeSi alloys did not perform well, but had a 15-30% benefit from preconditioning with Al,Zr,Ca-FeSi. Ba,Ca-FeSi alloy had the lowest efficiency, without any benefit from preconditioning. The best inoculant performance is achieved using a complex inoculant chemistry (Ca,RE,S,O-FeSi), while the Ca,Zr-FeSi alloy was the second rated inoculant, with important benefits from preconditioning in both cases. Al,Zr,Ca-FeSi preconditioning of the base iron before Ca-FeSi inoculation showed better performance than an inoculation only treatment using the same active elements (Ca,Zr,Al-FeSi alloy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible reno-protective effect of Ficus exasperata leaf aqueous extract (FEE) in a rat experimental paradigm of diabetes mellitus. Forty Wistar rats (weighing 200-230 g) were divided into four (A, B, C, and D) groups, each group consisting of 10 rats. Group A rats served as 'control' animals and received citrate buffer (pH 6.3) solution in quantities equivalent to intraperitoneally-administered volumes of streptozotocin (STZ) and FEE. Diabetes mellitus was induced in Groups B and C rats by intraperitoneal injections of STZ (75 mg/kg). Group C rats were additionally treated with FEE (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) 4 weeks post STZ injections, for 4 consecutive weeks. Group D rats received FEE (100 mg/kg/day p.o.) only for 4 weeks. Post-euthanisation, kidney tissues were excised for histopathological evaluation and processed for light microscopy. Plasma malondialdehyde and tissue nitric oxide were determined. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, nitrite, and albumin concentrations were measured for the evaluation of renal function. The diabetic rats significantly lost more weight and their blood glucose levels were significantly elevated as compared to the 'control' group of animals. Renal dysfunction was evidenced by kidney hypertrophy, decreased renal blood flow, and increased serum creatinine and nitrite concentrations. Furthermore, vascular dysfunction, as evidenced by decreased carotid blood flow, was observed in the diabetic rats. FEE treatment positively ameliorated the alterations in the biochemical variables in the STZ + FEE-treated rats. In conclusion, our findings suggest that FEE treatment ameliorates STZ-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]