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Landfill leachate, a contaminated liquid containing dissolved organic and inorganic matter, poses a significant environmental threat. This study investigated the interplay between leachate adsorption/desorption dynamics on dumpsites' soil properties and the consequent impact on environmental risk. The research focused on common cations and anions within the leachate composition and batch adsorption experiments was used to investigate the impact of leachate containing the ions on the key geotechnical soil properties like void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, and dry density. Analysis of the leachate composition identified the presence of common cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and anions (SO42– and Cl–). The dumpsites’ soil samples were characterized by low affinity or adsorption coupled with high desorption rate of these ions, which demonstrably influenced the geotechnical properties and environmental risk of the soils of the dumpsites. The increased mobility of these ions within the dumpsites’ soil systems is potentially leading to contamination of surrounding soil and water resources. Therefore, this knowledge can inform strategies for mitigating environmental risks associated with leachate migration. The findings can guide approaches for leachate treatment, landfill design, and the selection of suitable cover materials to minimize contaminant movement and ensure long-term environmental protection. Hence, to maintain a balanced ecosystem, the study emphasizes the need for engineered landfills with a higher capacity for ions adsorption.

Soil contamination with heavy metals threatens ecosystems and human health. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the remediation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn) contaminated soil using biochar-modified kaolin for the stabilization of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn in soils. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze surface morphologies and phase compositions of remediation materials. Stock solutions of different metals were spiked onto the pre-weighed soil with 1mg/kg Pb, 2mg/kg Cr, 1.5mg/kg Zn, and 1mg/kg Cd concentrations above standards, respectively. This was then allowed for 1month aging period for acclimatization. After the aging period, the spiked soil was then treated with kaolin, biochar and biochar-modified kaolin in a 45 mL polypropvlene centrifuge tube and left for a week period for the remediation process. The toxicity characteristics leachability procedure (TCLP) test was used to assess the leachability tendency of residual metals in the treated soil. Amongst the biochar-modified kaolin, the 7:3 (kaolin:biochar ratio in grams) was the most effective compared to raw kaolin and biochar alone in stabilizing the target metals in the treated soil. To optimize the whole process, pretesting of the composites was conducted under constant temperature, dosage, contact time and pH. The residual concentrations of the target metals after TCLP were 2.321%, 10.846%, 0.091%, 0.295% and 3.796%, 22.133%, 0.136%, 0.561% after 30 minutes and 1-hour extraction for Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn, respectively. The research findings demonstrate that biochar modification enhances kaolin's ability to firmly adsorb the target metals. Thus, the research presents a promising approach for the cost-effective and sustainable remediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils.

This study aims to analyze the Impacts of Social Environment on Interest, Critical Thinking and Academic Achievement of Students Taught Organic Chemistry Using Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT. Correlational research design was engaged for the study. 50-students in SS3 with an average age of 17years, who have access to android phones and the ChatGPT application from two senior secondary schools in Gwale Local Government area of Kano State, Nigeria formed the study sample. The instruments used for data collection include; the students’ social environment, interest and critical thinking questionnaire (r=0.96) and Organic Chemistry Achievement Test (r=0.92). The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Spearman Rank Order Correlation. The study revealed a high positive correlation between the social environment and student’s interest; Social environment and critical thinking; as well as social environment and students’ achievement in the ChatGPT’s Organic Chemistry Classroom. The study further found a strong positive correlation between the students’ interest and critical thinking, critical thinking and students’ achievement in Organic Chemistry among students in the ChatGPT condition. It was concluded that social environment has a strong positive impact on students’ interest, critical thinking and academic achievement in organic chemistry among students in the ChatGPT classrooms. The study recommends that, as the artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT is migrating into the chemistry classrooms, government needs to re-train chemistry teachers, school librarians and lab-technologists through refreshers courses to improve their performance in the concepts

Eco-friendly road infrastructure is vital for the advancement of sustainable transportation and promotion of efficient urban mobility. This systematic literature review explores the current state of research and development in the eco-friendly road infrastructure area. This review explored three electronic databases to gather pertinent studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study explored a wide range of research areas pertinent to eco-friendly road infrastructure. The findings highlight significant progress in the utilization of recycled materials, integration of photovoltaic, piezoelectric, and other energy harvesting technologies, regulatory frameworks, AI and machine learning for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and other technologies to enhance road sustainability and performance. This review analyzed the development of eco-friendly road infrastructure and identified several challenges such as high initial costs, technical performance issues, regulatory gaps, limited public acceptance, and the complexity of integrating advanced technologies. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration, further advancement in knowledge, and standardized regulations. This review serves to broaden the knowledge of the area and offer direction for future research and policy discussions, underscoring the need for continuous advancement in eco-friendly road infrastructure to meet sustainable development goals and address the challenges of climate change.

An electrical resistivity investigation was carried out in parts of the College of Education (Technical) Asaba to delineate the subsurface lithologic units with special emphasis on the competence and suitability for engineering foundations. A total of ten (10) vertical electrical sounding and two (2) horizontal profiling stations were covered within the study area using the Schlumberger and dipole-dipole configurations. The acquired data was analyzed using WinResist and RES2DINV Software; the subsurface within the study area is composed of mostly 3 geoelectric layers: topsoil, clay/sandy clay/clayey sand and sand. The second and third layers have relatively low resistivity ranging between 29 – 94 Ωm and consist of incompetent clayey material underlying about 60 % of the investigated study area. The interpreted field results showed a significant clay overburden that is over 5 m thick. A fourth layer of sand with resistivity values ranging between 451 – 1258 Ωm was encountered at depths between 4.9 – 11.5 m; the thickness of this layer with reference from the borehole log is greater than 20 m. It is therefore recommended that the incompetent clayey material be avoided or excavated before constructing any structure.

A central question in civil-military relations literature is on how civilian control of the military takes place in a State. In this respect, the challenge in instituting such control exists in a country that has at different times experienced both military and civilian governments. Since independence, Nigeria has so far witnessed three civilian dispensations- the First, Second and On-going Fourth Republics. In these periods, the military was under the control of civilian-led parliamentary and presidential democracies. This paper conceptualises the nature of civilian control of the military in these dispensations by assessing the frameworks, challenges and outcomes. Using liberal-democratic prescriptions that define civilian control as conceptual framework, it employs the historical, constitutional, structural and institutional approaches as analytical tools. The paper argues that despite the existence of constitutional provisions, structural weaknesses inherent in democratic institutions of these dispensations have affected the nature, basis and outcomes of civilian control of the military.

Background: As national trachoma programmes increase efforts to reduce the burden of trachomatous trichiasis (TT), TT case finding and referral are critical public health programme components. Our research aimed to explore the most effective and efficient approaches to finding, referring, and managing TT cases. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study, utilizing both routine programme data and primary data collection. This study compared four different approaches to finding TT cases across three different local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State, Nigeria. Each of the study LGAs was divided into four sub-units to accommodate the four different approaches. Results: The number of outreach attendees was 4795 across the four case finding approaches, and this varied hugely, with the smallest number and proportion (403, 0.26%) in settings only employing house-to-house case finding and the largest number and proportion (1901, 0.99%) when town criers were used. That said, the proportion of TT cases among people presenting at outreach was highest (32.5%) when house-to-house case finding was used and lowest (10.3%) when town criers were used. More female TT patients were found (53–70%) and had surgery (79–85%) compared to male cases, across all approaches. The average project expenditure for finding one TT case was similar for approaches that included house-to-house case finding (USD 5.4–6.3), while it was 3.5 times higher (USD 21.5 per TT case found) when town criers were used. Discussion: This study found that the house-to-house TT case finding approaches were the most efficient method with the highest yield of TT cases. Including other eye condition and/or vision testing yielded similar results but required more personnel and cost.

This study examined strengths, weakness, opportunities and threat within the extension service delivery in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The total population (130) of extension agents was used for the study. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion schedule were used to elicit information. Percentages, mean were used to analyse the data collected. The findings showed Insecurity, high farmer-to-extension agent ratio and inadequate training facilities as challenging factors that affect extension service delivery. The study concluded that extension service delivery was highly ineffective because of low extension-farmer ratio and low motivation among the agents. It is recommended that government need to employ more extension agents to reduce the possible imbalance in extension service delivery to farmers.

To date, malaria is still a major public health issue in the world. Africa remains the most affected continent with the highest number of malaria cases and deaths. Since more than one thousand Chinese citizens are living in Nigeria, an examination of their knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with those of the local people may be essential for malaria prevention. This study adopted cross-sectional research. A total of 137 Chinese people and 299 local people residing in Kano State, Nigeria constituted the study subjects. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data on socio-demography and predictors of attitudes. The Cronbach alpha statistic was used to analyze these data. Insecticide spraying, mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing at night are the malaria preventive measures by both the local and Chinese people living in Kano state, Nigeria. However, there is a significant difference (P0.05) between the two groups, with the duration of stay in Nigeria, the use of mosquitoes, attitude, and practices playing impactful roles among the Chinese people. Hence, Chinese people demonstrated better knowledge and control of malaria transmission and prevention than the local people living in Kano State. In conclusion, attitudes and practices toward malaria diseases are the major causes of the high rate of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.

Eco-friendly road infrastructure is vital for the advancement of sustainable transportation and promotion of efficient urban mobility. This systematic literature review explores the current state of research and development in the eco-friendly road infrastructure area. This review explored three electronic databases to gather pertinent studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study explored a wide range of research areas pertinent to eco-friendly road infrastructure. The findings highlight significant progress in the utilization of recycled materials, integration of photovoltaic, piezoelectric, and other energy harvesting technologies, regulatory frameworks, AI and machine learning for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and other technologies to enhance road sustainability and performance. This review analyzed the development of eco-friendly road infrastructure and identified several challenges such as high initial costs, technical performance issues, regulatory gaps, limited public acceptance, and the complexity of integrating advanced technologies. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration, further advancement in knowledge, and standardized regulations. This review serves to broaden the knowledge of the area and offer direction for future research and policy discussions, underscoring the need for continuous advancement in eco-friendly road infrastructure to meet sustainable development goals and address the challenges of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a modified hybrid inertial algorithm of generalized f-projection for approximating maximal monotone operators and solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems in Banach spaces. Our results generalize and improve many recent announced results in the literature.

PurposeTo determine the prevalence of trachoma and water and sanitation coverage in four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State, Nigeria: Birnin Kudu, Buji, Dutse and Kiyawa.MethodologyA population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. From each LGA, 25 villages were selected using probability-proportional-to-population size sampling; in each village, 25 households were selected using the random walk technique. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trichiasis, defined according to the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme definitions. Water, sanitation and hygiene data were also collected through questioning and direct observation.ResultsIn 2458 households of four LGAs, 10,669 residents were enumerated. A total of 9779 people (92% of residents) were examined, with slightly more females examined (5012; 51%) than men. In children aged 1-9 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of TF ranged from 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-9.0%) in Birnin Kudu to 12.8% (95% CI 7.6-19.4%) in Kiyawa, while the age- and gender-adjusted trichiasis prevalence in persons aged ≥15 years ranged from 1.9% (95% CI 1.4-2.5%) in Birnin Kudu to 3.1% (95% CI 2.2-4.0) in Dutse. Access to improved water sources was above 80% in all LGAs surveyed but access to improved sanitation facilities was low, ranging from 23% in Buji to 50% in Kiyawa.ConclusionTrachoma is a public health problem in all four LGAs surveyed. The full SAFE strategy needs to be implemented to achieve trachoma elimination.

The study identified the levels of ICT use, awareness, accessibility, perceived organizational support, assessed the perception of the respondents on problems in using ICTs for agriculture extension work and, clarifies the relationships between awareness, accessibility, perceived organizational support, and use of ICTs. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire distributed to 254 respondents using a multi-stage sampling and stratified sampling procedures. Mean, frequency, standard deviation and structural equation modelling in analysis of morement structure (AMOS) was used. Findings revealed that levels of ICT use (x̄ = 3.43), awareness (x̄ =3.40) accessibility (x̄ 3.66), and perceived organizational support (x̄ 3.574) were moderates. The high cost of ICT garget (x̄ =4.71), poor electricity supply (x̄ =4.69), lack of training (x̄ =4.63), ICT illiteracy (x̄ =4.61), outdated contents (x̄ =4.61), inability to use ICT (x̄ =4.55) and network issue (x̄ =4.34) were the critical problems in using ICTs in extension work. There was relationship between awareness, accessibility and motivation with ICT adoption among extension agents. Governments should design a policy that will focus on awareness, training, access to ICTs among the extension agents, provide an alternative source of power, this will enable them to remain within the system and also increase their usage of ICTs in extension service delivery

The study assessed the Relationship between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, Motivation and Adoption of ICT’s Among Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to describe the demographic profiles of the respondents, assess the perception of the respondents on problems in using ICTs for agriculture extension works, assess the Relationships between Awareness, Accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support, and Adoption of ICT’s. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires distributed to 254 respondents using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling in AMOS was used. Findings reveals that level of ICT adoption, accessibility, and perceived organizational support was high. The high cost of ICT's, electricity problem, lack of training, ICT illiteracy, outdated contents, inability to use ICT and signal issue were the critical problems in using ICT's in extension work. There is an evident relationship between awareness, accessibility and motivation with ICT adoption among the extension agents and the strength of the linear relationship is very high correlation in a positive direction. The study suggests governments and policymakers to design a policy framework that will ensure that extension personnel are enlightened, trained, given access to ICT's, provide an alternative source of power, and as well adhere to the motivational behavior that will enable them to remain within the system and also increase their service efficiency using ICT's in extension work.

The paper analyses factors enhancing pitfall in research and teaching in the Nigerian university system. Using data generated from secondary sources, it was found that so many factors are responsible for the constant decay in teaching and research in the Nigerian universities. The paper however found from literature that the high rate of pitfalls in the university education in Nigeria can be significantly attributed to lack of infrastructural facilities, poor staffing and inadequate funding. Consequently, the paper suggests the way forward which includes: provision of adequate and modern facilities (like modern class rooms, computers, modern libraries etc), adequate funding which can be provided through collaboration and partnership with universities abroad and improved creativity in the area of generation and utilization of internal revenues, and finally, attraction of high quality teachers with better salary and good conditions of service into the Nigerian universities.

The sharp decline in the adoption and haphazard operations of apprenticeship system in Nigeria calls for concern; this therefore, is a report on a Delphi study on development and validation of Tiling Craft Training Module for N-power build apprenticeship programme. Thirty-eight participants drawn from Association of Vocational and Technical Educators of Nigeria (AVTEN) and Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) voluntarily participate in the study. During the first round of Delphi study, all 38 panellists from the two associations participated. In the first round, 32 out of the 38 participants responded to the open-ended questionnaire. While in the second and third rounds, only 31 and 29 participants respectively participated. The panellists identified 106 items of concerns in the first stage in line with the research questions. The items were narrowed down to 95 at the second Delphi round and the 95 items were ranked, and a moderate consensus was obtained. In the follow-up interview, only seven participants agreed to take part in the interview session. This is to obtain a deeper understanding of the issues under consideration. The findings shows that 95 items categorized under the four major constituents of a training module were found to be appropriate for inclusion. The paper was concluded with key recommendations and implications for future studies.

Landfill leachate, a contaminated liquid containing dissolved organic and inorganic matter, poses a significant environmental threat. This study investigated the interplay between leachate adsorption/desorption dynamics on dumpsites' soil properties and the consequent impact on environmental risk. The research focused on common cations and anions within the leachate composition and batch adsorption experiments was used to investigate the impact of leachate containing the ions on the key geotechnical soil properties like void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, and dry density. Analysis of the leachate composition identified the presence of common cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and anions (SO42- and Cl-). The dumpsites' soil samples were characterized by low affinity or adsorption coupled with high desorption rate of these ions, which demonstrably influenced the geotechnical properties and environmental risk of the soils of the dumpsites. The increased mobility of these ions within the dumpsites' soil systems is potentially leading to contamination of surrounding soil and water resources. Therefore, this knowledge can inform strategies for mitigating environmental risks associated with leachate migration. The findings can guide approaches for leachate treatment, landfill design, and the selection of suitable cover materials to minimize contaminant movement and ensure long-term environmental protection. Hence, to maintain a balanced ecosystem, the study emphasizes the need for engineered landfills with a higher capacity for ions adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination with heavy metals threatens ecosystems and human health. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the remediation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn) contaminated soil using biocharmodified kaolin for the stabilization of Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn in soils. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze surface morphologies and phase compositions of remediation materials. Stock solutions of different metals were spiked onto the pre-weighed soil with 1mg/kg Pb, 2mg/kg Cr, 1.5mg/kg Zn, and 1mg/kg Cd concentrations above standards, respectively. This was then allowed for 1month aging period for acclimatization. After the aging period, the spiked soil was then treated with kaolin, biochar and biochar-modified kaolin in a 45 mL polypropvlene centrifuge tube and left for a week period for the remediation process. The toxicity characteristics leachability procedure (TCLP) test was used to assess the leachability tendency of residual metals in the treated soil. Amongst the biochar-modified kaolin, the 7:3 (kaolin:biochar ratio in grams) was the most effective compared to raw kaolin and biochar alone in stabilizing the target metals in the treated soil. To optimize the whole process, pretesting of the composites was conducted under constant temperature, dosage, contact time and pH. The residual concentrations of the target metals after TCLP were 2.321%, 10.846%, 0.091%, 0.295% and 3.796%, 22.133%, 0.136%, 0.561% after 30 minutes and 1-hour extraction for Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn, respectively. The research findings demonstrate that biochar modification enhances kaolin's ability to firmly adsorb the target metals. Thus, the research presents a promising approach for the cost-effective and sustainable remediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare physical activity level and traumatic exposure between normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in an armed conflict region of Nigeria. Methods 130 normotensives and hypertensive pregnant women comprising of 65 participants per group participated in the study. Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess traumatic events and physical activity respectively. Results Significant difference was observed on total traumatic event (p = 0.008) and all domains and intensities of physical activity except inactivity and sedentary (p > 0.05). Household activities (OR: 0.989; 95% CI: 0.981–0.996), occupational activities (OR: 0.936; 95%CI: 0.879–0.996) and sport/exercise activities (OR: 0.898; 95%CI: 0.832–0.969) were associated with a decrease hypertensive pregnancy. Conclusion Despite exposed to traumatic events, physical activity is associated with normotensive pregnancy in an armed conflict region.

Anthropogenic activities that cause heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils pose a significant health risk to humans who consume contaminated agricultural foods such as rice and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to access the level of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils in Kafin Hausa by analyzing soil samples from five different sampling sites for heavy metals including aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). A total of 15 soil samples were collected using a soil auger from various locations within Kafin Hausa area, and the concentrations of the collected soil samples were estimated using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique via the Nigeria Research Reactor‐1. The results of the study showed that the mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the sampled soils were within the limits set by the World Health Organization. In addition, pollution indexes such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geo‐accumulation index (Igeo) were adequately determined. The sampling sites were identified to have significant enrichment, except for BR3 which was moderately enriched with Al and Ti, followed by Fe, and had an EF value of 4.87. Mean Igeo values indicated that all the sampling sites were uncontaminated. Furthermore, multivariate statistics revealed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) among the investigated metals, suggesting that the major sources of those metals are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]