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Current practices of planning and designing of buildings in Nigeria do not consider the thermal comfort, the building energy and exergy demand. There is a need for better understanding of exergy analysis to improve the quality match between building energy demand and supply. The aim of this study is to estimate the exergy consumption value for a hollow sandcrete and a burnt brick-walled structure in a tropical sub-region. The properties of the building were assessed, eQuest software was used to estimate the energy demand of the respective buildings and the exergy analysis was conducted using the exergetic factor of electricity. The cumulative exergy consumptions of the existing sandcrete-walled building, the modelled sandcrete and the burnt brick-walled building were found to be 246,074.4 MJ/year, 128,646 MJ/year, and 128,595.6 MJ/year respectively. The modelled sandcrete-walled building, as well as the burnt brick-walled building, were found to be 48 % more energy efficient than the existing building as a result of improving the airtightness of the building, reducing the solar heat gain, and utilizing extremely efficient systems. However, the exergy analysis suggested that the hollow burnt brick-walled building perform better than the hollow sandcrete-walled building.

In this study, model was developed to predict moisture loss and oil uptake during deep-fat frying of plantain (dodo). Plantain samples were sliced and fried at different frying temperatures (150, 160, 170, 180 and 190 °C) in a deep fryer for periods varying from 2 to 4 min. Moisture and fat analyses were determined based on the AOAC standard method. Mathematical model was developed from fundamental law of mass diffusion with the aim of predicting moisture loss and oil uptake rate during DFF of dodo. The model was solved numerically using explicit Finite Difference Technique (FDT). Computer codes were written in MATLAB environment for moisture loss and oil uptake in the slices at different frying conditions. The predicted results were compared with experimental data and good agreement was obtained. The correlation coefficients between the predicted and experimental values of moisture and oil transfer models ranged from 0.988 to 0.994 and 0.958 to 0.978, respectively. The results show that the model is consistent and it may be used to predict moisture loss and oil uptake during deep-fat fried of dodo.

Abstract COVID-19 ranks as one of the major pandemics in recent history, with healthcare workers disproportionately burdened by the disease. Vaccination emerged as the most effective measure to curb the spread and reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. However, vaccine hesitancy presents a challenge to achieving optimal vaccination coverage in Nigeria. This study assessed the level of COVID-19-related stress and anxiety as well as factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 849 health workers of a tertiary hospital. Vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 related stress and anxiety were assessed using the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and SAVE-6 scale respectively. Also, the WHO-5 index was used to assess the perceived mental wellbeing among study participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25 at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. There were slightly more males (479; 56.4%) than females and about four-fifth (674; 79.4%) of respondents were married. About one-quarter of health workers were vaccine hesitant, 236 (27.8%) while 96 (11.3%) had high levels of stress and anxiety. Also, 38 (4.5%) of respondents had poor mental wellbeing. Females when compared to males, had significantly higher odds (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.10–2.10; p = 0.023) of having vaccine hesitancy while those who were married compared to their single counterparts had significantly lesser odds (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36–0.94; p = 0.026). However, there was no significant association between COVID-19 related anxiety and vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exists even among health professionals. This study highlights that gender and marital status significantly influence vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers. Healthcare workers need to receive vaccines to protect themselves and others. Given their role in educating patients and community members about vaccination against infectious diseases like COVID-19, targeted interventions are needed to address hesitancy and optimize vaccine acceptance among healthcare professionals.

The need for environmentally friendly and affordable building materials has sparked researches for materials to use in the construction industry. This paper therefore, studied the characterization of ceiling boards manufactured from plaster of Paris (POP) reinforced with banana fibres (BF) and coconut shell (CS) particulates. The samples were produced by adding different ratios of BF and CS to the POP matrix. To evaluate the effectiveness of the samples, several tests, were conducted. The results demonstrated that the addition of reinforcements improved the properties. The sample with a mixture of POP, BF, and CS demonstrated superior properties with the lowest water absorption (2.77%), high compressive strength (7.74 MPa), least thermal conductivity (0.2157 kW/mK) and hardness value of (23.2 HVN), these are within the standard range. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the results obtained. This study established the possibility of using local accessible materials to produce high quality ceiling boards.

Abstract Background Occupational injuries (OI) remains a global health issue, claiming approximately 1000 lives daily. More needs to be known about OI burdens among artisans in low-income settings. Therefore, this study assessed the factors influencing OIs among carpenters and bricklayers, who are informal artisans in Nigeria. Methods This mixed-methods survey was conducted in Osun state, Nigeria. The quantitative component entailed a comparative cross-sectional study of 421 bricklayers and 425 carpenters selected via simple random sampling. Information on socio-demographics and OI prevalence was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. The qualitative aspect comprised 12 focus group discussions (FGD) among artisans who did not participate in the quantitative aspect of the study. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted to identify pertinent themes and subthemes. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the factors influencing OIs, p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results All respondents were male. The mean age was 51.3.7 ± 14.7 years for bricklayers and 50.0 ± 11.5 years for carpenters. The 3-month prevalence of OI was 39.9% for bricklayers and 51.8% for carpenters. Factors associated with OI among bricklayers included being aged 20–39 years (AOR:6.9, 95% CI:3.1–15.3) and 40–59 years (AOR:2.9, 95% CI:1.5–5.6), earning less than N50,000 (US$67) monthly (OR:2.3, 95% CI:1.2–4.7), earning N50,000-N99,000 (US$67-US$133) monthly (AOR:2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.2), and handling ≥ 200 kg per day at work (AOR:2.1, 95% CI:1.3–3.5). For carpenters, factors associated with OI were being aged 20–39 years (AOR:4.1, 95% CI:2.0-8.5), age 40–59 years (AOR:2.1, 95% CI:1.2–3.6) and handling 100–199 kg per day at work (AOR:1.9, 95% CI:1.02–3.4). FGD findings revealed that the use of substandard building materials, poor use of personal protective equipment and working at heights may predispose to OIs. Conclusion The burden of OI is high among informal construction artisans in Nigeria. Safety interventions should target persons 100 kg) and bricklayers earning

The absence of adequate parking facilities in residential and public areas remains a significant issue in developing countries, often disrupting economic activities and environmental quality. In Keffi town, the increasing demand for parking exceeds the available supply, leading to congestion and inefficiency. This study evaluates the current public parking facilities, focusing on provision levels, infrastructure conditions, and management frameworks. Primary data were gathered using structured questionnaires and direct observations, with 328 valid responses analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results indicate that prolonged vehicle stays exacerbate congestion, such as at Nasarawa State University (32.8%) and Federal Medical Centre (29.1%). Parallel parking dominates (65.2%), and 91.6% of users rely on traditional search methods, highlighting the absence of modern parking guidance systems. The study recommends improving parking infrastructure with an emphasis on environmental standards, user convenience, safety, and the enforcement of effective regulatory frameworks.

Technology has become crucial for businesses of all scales, enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall performance. While many formal businesses have embraced technology, small and informal businesses, particularly in rural areas, often struggle with adoption due to resource constraints. This study examines the impact of technological capability (TC) on the performance of informal food service operators (IFO) in southwestern Nigeria. This study employed a quantitative approach whereby a closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 180 IFOs across different LGAs in Oyo State to elicit information about the effect of their activities on performance indicators. The response rate was 93.8%. Data was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Findings revealed that the innovation capability (β—1.657; p—0.003*) and production capability (β—3.276; p—0.009*) of the IFOs significantly influenced their sales turnover and profit level is influenced by innovation capability (β—1.657; p—0.013*), investment capability (β—2.013; p—0.004*) and linkage capability (β—2.716; p—0.003*) within the study area. The study recommends that there should be strong linkages between the operators and technology-providing organisations to enhance their innovation capability.

Over the years, Nigerian society has the belief that given the potency of kánàkò (collision of time and space) and egbé (teleportation), it can only be applied by men while neglecting the role of women in its application for national safety. The study examines egbé and kánako and implications for community policing and women's involvement in socio-economic sustainability in South West Nigeria. Three research questions were raised and answered to guide this study. The study adopts the qualitative research approach anchored on ethnographic research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 36 participants from six (6) communities in Ógun, Oyó, and Osun states. Recordings, observations, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used to gather qualitative data. Findings from the study revealed that egbé and kánàkò could be useful for military and paramilitary agencies if appropriately implemented to ensure community policing and national safety, amongst others. The study recommends, amongst others, that the hunters' association and government should properly sensitize women in the hunting profession on their role to enhance the preservation of these traditional means of fortifications and not become weapons that will render these fortifications irrelevant.

Summary: The global increase in non-communicable diseases, particularly those linked to obesity and metabolic disorders, is increasingly associated with high-fat diets (HFD) and the rising consumption of energy drinks (ED). This study examines the combined effects of these dietary factors on metabolic health and liver function using male and female Wistar rats. Sixty-four rats (32 males and 32 females) were divided into four dietary groups-control, control + ED, HFD, and HFD + ED, and observed over 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, various parameters were assessed, including body anthroprometrics, lipid profile, antioxidant activity, liver function, glucose and insulin levels, leptin levels, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance, and liver histology.The results indicated that female rats in the HFD + ED group experienced increased BMI and elevated leptin levels, suggesting enhanced adiposity and potential leptin resistance. Male rats showed muscle mass gains without corresponding increases in BMI, indicating a different metabolic response to caloric intake. Significant increases in serum SOD and CAT levels were observed in female rats, alongside elevated CAT levels in male rats, pointing to a compensatory response to oxidative stress. Additionally, increases in liver function parameters ALT and ALP, particularly in female rats, indicated liver damage. Total protein levels were also decreased in female Wistar rats, suggesting reduced protein synthesis. Histological analysis confirmed hepatic injury, which was exacerbated by the combined intake of HFD and ED. These findings demonstrate that the combined intake of a high-fat diet and energy drinks leads to significant metabolic disruptions and liver damage in Wistar rats.