Nile University of Nigeria

This study utilizes phenanthrene as the model molecule to investigate the optimization and reusability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles for the adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). After controlled carbonization and activation, the carbon nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemical solid synthesis method and meticulously studied to determine their surface morphology and crystallinity. One factor at a time (OFAT) was used as an optimization method for the batch adsorption studies, the parameters varied including pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, Temperature, and initial phenanthrene concentration. The optimal circumstances for phenanthrene resulted in a high removal efficiency of up to 95.3% for phenanthrene, and 96% removal for naphthalene, hence demonstrating the material's potential for PAH remediation. Subsequent batch testing confirmed the material's efficacy in removing naphthalene and phenanthrene. Furthermore, reusability studies conducted over five adsorption-desorption cycles demonstrated minimal decline in removal efficiency for Naphthalene by 10%, with a difference between the 1 st and 5 th run. hence showing robust regeneration capability and operational stability. But it shows a high decline in removal efficiency for phenanthrene. The results demonstrate the efficacy and sustainability of coal-derived carbon nanoparticles as a cost-effective adsorbent for applications addressing PAH contamination in water.

Cooperative societies at educational institutions often rely on labor-intensive manual processes that lead to transcription errors, delayed loan processing, and limited member visibility into financial activities. This paper presents the design and implementation of a cross-platform mobile Cooperative Management System (CMS) for Nile University’s cooperative society, developed with Flutter and backed by Firebase services (Authentication, Firestore, Cloud Functions, and Storage). Following the Waterfall model, the development began with a comprehensive requirements analysis to identify core functional modules (member registration, share purchases, savings tracking, loan application and disbursement, notifications) and nonfunctional criteria (scalability, offline-sync, security). System design employed Unified Modelling Language diagrams and wireframes to guide implementation of a responsive UI featuring role-based access control and offline synchronization. The backend leverages Firebase for real-time data updates and integrated notifications. Through functional, performance, and usability testing, the system demonstrated a faster loan-approval cycle and reduced data-entry errors compared to the manual process. The proposed CMS enhances transparency, efficiency, and member engagement, offering a scalable template for similar cooperative societies in educational settings.

The usage of laterite is highly in the demand in all aspect of project. Assessing the index properties of lateritic soil from quarries in Kuje Area Council of FCT which can be used for construction needs. The characteristics of the laterite such as In-situ quality of laterite, color, Physical appearance, structure, and strength were examined by assessment. Quarried lateritic gravel from different quarry depths was enumerated for some index characteristics. Mechanical assessment of laterite from the location was performed to determine the amounts of the various characteristics, textures, and structures that were analysed by taking samples. The general characteristic including mechanical properties of laterite were however seen to be dependent on the soil in-situ profile characteristics, color, and general properties. The characteristics of laterite discovered to different totally concerning the area and depth of the quarry. There was an inquisition to understand the connection in between physical characteristics, and the general strength of the laterite. The results of the analyses are Atterberg Limit with Liquid limit 58% & 68% Plastic limits with 32% & 46% and plasticity index with 26% & 22%, other test are sieve analysis, with AASHTO A-7-5(5) & A-7-5(2) and Compaction test with O.M.C of 20.4% & 24.6%, M.D.D with 1.630 & 1.560, Soil specific gravity test with average 2.71 while permeability test has average 2.71 permeability. It is discovered that the samples needed to be stabilize so as to have strength to withstand imposed pressure or load after stabilization.

The persistent rise in inflation rates in Nigeria has introduced significant challenges for the construction industry, particularly in the housing sector. This study investigates the impact of inflation on the quality of housing estate construction projects in Abuja, with a focus on material quality, workmanship, project timelines, and overall construction outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of inflation trends and construction costs using correlation and regression analysis, with qualitative insights from industry stakeholders. Findings reveal a direct correlation between inflation rates and compromises in material quality and workmanship, as well as delays in project completion. The study further identifies adaptive strategies employed by construction firms to mitigate inflationary pressures. These findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted impacts of inflation and offer actionable recommendations for maintaining quality and sustainability in housing estate construction.

Digital transformation could be crucial for reducing gender gaps and promoting sustainable economic progress in West Africa. However, the role of digitalization in female economic participation remains unclear. This research examined the influence of digitalization on female labor market performance in West African countries, focusing on total female and female youth unemployment. Data from 1995 to 2022 included measures such as internet penetration rate, mobile telephone subscriptions, and fixed telephone subscriptions. The Im-Pesaran-Shin (IPS) stationarity test indicated that the model was suitable for panel ARDL estimation. The Hausman test confirmed that the Pool Mean Group (PMG) estimator was most appropriate for establishing cointegration. Results showed that female unemployment is a long-term phenomenon. Specifically, (i) fixed telephone subscriptions reduce female unemployment, (ii) internet penetration decreases female youth unemployment but increases total female unemployment, and (iii) mobile phone subscriptions increase female unemployment. To improve female labor market outcomes, policymakers should implement digital literacy programs, ensure affordable access to technology, and promote gender equality. While fixed telephone subscriptions help reduce unemployment, mobile subscriptions tend to worsen it, and internet penetration has mixed effects, necessitating targeted strategies for sustainable economic progress.

The limited thermal stability of starch-based bioplastics restricts their application in high-temperature environments necessitates the need to reinforce them with thermally robust fillers. This study explores calcined eggshell (CES) and silica as potential bio-based and inorganic fillers to enhance the thermal and structural performance of starch-derived bioplastics. Both materials were characterized using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis, and a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). BET analysis revealed mesoporous structures in CES and silica, with pore diameters of 2.8 nm and 2.7 nm, and pore volumes of 0.125 cm³/g and 0.132 cm³/g, which favors filler–matrix interactions. FTIR confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and carbonate groups in CES and silanol groups in silica, which promotes compatibility with hydrophilic polymers. Thermal analysis showed both materials to be stable above 600°C, with CES decomposing into thermally inert CaO and silica, exhibiting minimal mass loss post-dehydration. SEM–EDX analysis confirmed high surface area morphologies and dominant Ca and Si elemental compositions for CES and silica, respectively. The findings support the suitability of CES and silica as effective fillers for thermally stable bioplastics, offering environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives to conventional additives.

This study investigates the regime-dependent effects of exchange rate movements on stock market performance in Nigeria from 1999Q1 to 2023Q4 using a Markov-Switching Vector Autoregression (MS-VAR) framework. The primary objective is to assess how the relationship between the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) and the All-Share Index (ASI) varies across different economic regimes. Preliminary analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (0.796) between REER and ASI, with both series being non-stationary at levels but integrated of order one. The MS-VAR model identified two distinct regimes: Regime 1, a stable state with 94.5% persistence representing normal economic conditions, and Regime 2, a volatile state representing short-term economic stress. In Regime 1, exchange rate movements positively influenced stock market performance (coefficient = 0.056), while in Regime 2, the impact was stronger (coefficient = 0.079). Impulse response analysis indicated that exchange rate shocks exert their highest effect on the stock market in the short term (0.047), diminishing to 0.022 in the long term. The findings underscore the importance of considering economic regimes in understanding the exchange rate–stock market nexus, offering insights for policymakers, investors, and financial analysts in managing market risks.

<title>Abstract</title> Background Lassa fever (LF) remains a major public health threat in Nigeria, with Edo State constituting a hyperendemic hotspot. Despite high community awareness and ongoing public health interventions, transmission has persisted, suggesting that household-level practices play a critical role in sustaining LF transmission. This study investigated household practices associated with LF transmission in Ekpoma communities, Edo State. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among household heads or representatives selected through multistage sampling between June and August 2023. Data on socio-demographics, LF knowledge, and household practices were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Associations between household practices and reported household LF incidence within the preceding 12 months were assessed using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Level of significance was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results Among 303 respondents, more than half were male (58.1%) and middle-aged (mean age: 44.6 ± 17.8 years), with farmers (26.4%) and entrepreneurs (26.1%) constituting largest occupational groups. Although 92.4% reported LF awareness and 76.6% had received community sensitisation, most households reported rodent presence (93.7%), while 53.8% stored food in open containers and 19.1% stored food on floor. Multivariate analysis shows storing food on floor (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.09–4.93) and storing food in uncovered containers (AOR = 5.02; 95% CI: 1.21–20.86) significantly increased odds of household LF risk. Conclusion A critical knowledge-to-practice gap in LF prevention exists within households in hyperendemic communities in Nigeria, with unsafe food storage practices serving as key drivers of household LF risk. Preventive strategies should prioritise structural interventions, including rodent-proof food storage and community-led environmental management.