University of Port Harcourt

Environmental pollution from crude oil and heavy metals is a significant challenge, particularly in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. Phytoremediation presents a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional cleanup techniques. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and mangrove parts as remediating agents in polluted soil. Soil samples from a contaminated site at Eagle Island, Rivers State, were treated with dried and ground parts of water hyacinth, mangrove (stem and seed), and Nypa palm (leaves and seed). The concentrations of heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Zinc) and Total Hydrocarbon (THC) were analyzed pre- and post-treatment. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) among the treatments. The result shows that, although there was no statistical significance, mangrove stems had lower chemical concentrations than Nypa palm and water hyacinth. For instance, the total hydrocarbon concentration in mangroves was lower (12.11 mg/kg) than in Nypa palm (13.07 mg/kg) and water hyacinth (13.51 mg/kg). Similarly, the concentration of THC in soil before the application of the plant parts was twenty-one times higher before (543.3 mg/kg) than after (26.15 mg/kg) the ground parts were added. This study concludes that mangrove parts are the most promising agents for the phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated soils, offering an effective and environmentally friendly approach to site rehabilitation.

Background: Syphilis remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in pregnancy where it contributes to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite ongoing control efforts, the burden of maternal syphilis persists in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and its association with socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, and medical history among pregnant women in Onitsha, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for antibodies against Treponema pallidum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Socio-demographic data, awareness levels, and medical history were obtained using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The study recorded a zero prevalence of syphilis (0.0%), with no positive cases detected among all participants. This absence was consistent across all socio-demographic variables including age, marital status, education, occupation, and trimester (p = 1.0). Despite this, 71.2% of participants were aware of syphilis, while 20.8% reported a history of sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, some participants reported potential risk exposures such as prior surgery (23.2%), blood transfusion (5.6%), and needle sharing (3.2%). Conclusion: The absence of syphilis in this study suggests a very low burden of infection in the study population despite the presence of awareness gaps and risk factors. Continued antenatal screening and surveillance are essential to sustain this trend and prevent re-emergence.

The regulation of lipid pathways throughout gestation significantly impacts foetal maturation, neonatal health, and the future cardiovascular risks faced by the mother. Both fatty acids and cholesterol serve as essential building blocks for healthy foetal growth. During a typical pregnancy, women undergo a sequence of metabolic shifts that modify their lipid profiles. The early stages are primarily anabolic, focusing on increasing lipid production and building adipose reserves to prepare for the high energy requirements of the foetus later in the term. By the third trimester, maternal physiology pivots to a catabolic state to break down these fat stores. This transition ensures a steady supply of nutrients for the growing foetus. In standard pregnancies, these adjustments typically manifest as a 50% rise in total cholesterol, a 30-40% increase in LDL, a 25% boost in HDL, and a doubling or tripling of triglyceride concentrations. However, disruptions in these lipid processes are closely linked to negative health outcomes for both mother and child. Research indicates a clear relationship between lipid imbalances (dyslipidaemia) and complications during the perinatal period or within the uterine environment. Furthermore, the theory of "developmental programming" suggests that the lipid conditions encountered in utero can dictate a child’s lifelong vulnerability to chronic illness. Because of these significant risks, it is critical to screen for lipid irregularities before conception. If pre-pregnancy data is missing, clinicians should prioritize screening during the first prenatal visit. Managing abnormal profiles requires consistent tracking and a multi-pronged strategy centred on nutritional changes, physical activity, and weight management. Although medication carries potential foetal risks, current evidence supports the use of carefully monitored, risk-adjusted pharmacological therapies for severe cases.

5G Advanced network is known to have substantial energy consumption challenges due to its massive machine-type communication, enhanced mobile broadband and ultra reliable low latency communications.Traditional optimization approach is limited by the high dimensional, dynamic and nonlinear nature of 5G networks.Machine learning is therefore deployed to provide an autonomous, adaptive and predictive energy optimization approach.This study therefore evaluates the performance of three regression models; Linear regression, decision tree regression, and Random Forest regression for predicting energy consumption based on key input features which includes; load, transmission power (TXpower), and energy-saving mode (ESMODE).Model performance was assessed using mean error/mean absolute error (MAE), Rsquared values, and visual analysis through scatter plots comparing actual and predicted energy values.The Linear regression model achieved a mean error of 85.91 and an Rsquared value of 0.55, indicating limited predictive capability and difficulty in capturing nonlinear relationships, particularly at higher energy levels where underprediction was observed.The Decision tree regression model showed improved performance with a mean absolute error of 41.82 and an Rsquared value of 0.78, effectively modeling feature interactions but exhibiting underprediction at high energy values and discrete prediction patterns.The Random Forest Regression model delivered the best results, with a mean absolute error of 36.57and an R-squared value of 0.81, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy and better generalization across energy ranges.Overall, the results indicate that ensemble-based methods, particularly Random Forest Regression, are more suitable for accurate energy prediction in this context, while simpler linear models are less effective due to their inability to model complex relationships in the data.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can disrupt reproductive hormone balance and ovarian function in women, leading to menstrual irregularities and infertility. Azanza garckeana, an edible fruit used traditionally in Northern Nigeria, has demonstrated antidiabetic and bioactive properties, but its effects on female reproductive function remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of Azanza garckeana fruit (AGF) extract on reproductive hormone levels and ovarian histology in alloxan-induced diabetic female Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5): non-diabetic control, diabetic untreated, diabetic + AGF (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg), and diabetic + glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg). AGF and glibenclamide treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone were measured using ELISA kits. Ovarian tissues were collected for histological evaluation using standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 27.0). Results: Alloxan-induced diabetes significantly reduced FSH (0.33 ± 0.06 vs 0.69 ± 0.17 mIU/ml) and increased progesterone (35.16 ± 8.48 vs 16.62 ± 5.32 ng/ml) compared with controls (p < 0.05). AGF treatment at 250 and 500 mg/kg partially restored FSH (0.50 ± 0.10 and 0.49 ± 0.11 mIU/ml) and markedly increased LH (1.00 ± 0.17 and 1.19 ± 0.11 mIU/ml), while progesterone was normalised across all AGF doses (16.32–17.96 ng/ml). The highest AGF dose (1000 mg/kg) and glibenclamide produced FSH lower than control, with LH varying by treatment. Estradiol levels did not differ significantly between groups. Histology showed disrupted ovarian architecture in untreated diabetic rats, whereas AGF-treated groups, particularly 250 and 500 mg/kg, exhibited improved follicular integrity and reduced cellular degeneration. Conclusion: Azanza garckeana fruit extract mitigated diabetes-induced reproductive hormonal imbalances and preserved ovarian histology in female Wistar rats, highlighting its potential as a complementary intervention for reproductive dysfunction in diabetes.

The adoption of stand-alone hybrid energy systems (HES) has gained traction in addressing energy deficits in unserved and underserved regions. This paper elucidates the technical and financial evaluation of a hybrid energy system designed to supply power to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, tailored to meet specific load requirements. Situated at coordinates 4°54.4’N and 6°55.4’E, the case study reveals a load consumption of 400.33 kWh/day, with a peak load of 78.71 kW during operational hours. Utilizing HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) software version 3.14.2, five optimal configurations are systematically analyzed with respect to Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and renewable energy fraction to ascertain the most viable option. The analysis indicates that the Diesel/Wind/PV/Biomass/Battery hybrid configuration emerges as the most efficient, yielding a power output of 180,771 kW/yr, an NPC of $725,576, and an LCOE of $0.384/kWh. This configuration achieves a notable CO₂ emission reduction of 51.6%, resulting in emissions of merely 8,000 kg/yr, alongside surplus power generation of 18,814 kWh/yr (10.4%). Furthermore, this system records a Return on Investment (ROI) of 25.3% and a Return on Revenue (ROR) of 21.7%, both of which are indicative of strong economic viability and favorable financial performance, suggesting that the investment will yield substantial returns and contribute positively to the institution's sustainability goals. This research underscores the novel renewable energy integration of biomass at the faculty level, thereby demonstrating its potential to advance sustainability initiatives within educational institutions. The comparative advantage of this optimal configuration lies in its effective amalgamation of diverse renewable energy sources, facilitating both economic feasibility and significant environmental benefits.

<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.

This special edition presents a multidisciplinary collection of research addressing key challenges in materials science, environmental engineering, mechanical modelling, and intelligent systems for mechatronics, and is intended to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, engineers, and students whose activities involve interdisciplinary engineering solutions.

Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated vegetables worldwide and plays an essential role in food security, income generation, and rural employment. Production of tomato is threatened by late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans. Botanical extract of Ocimum gratissimum, Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina, and Syzygium aromaticum were reported to have antifungal potential under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The study investigated the effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum and Ocimum tenuiflorum as natural alternatives for managing the disease. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Bayero University Kano. Botanical extract of Syzygium aromaticum and Ocimum tenuiflorum were prepared at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 ml⁻¹ while distilled water was used as the control. The greenhouse experiment was laid out as a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial with three replicates in a completely randomized design and tested the antifungal properties of the plant extracts using different solvents (aqueous, ethyl acetate and acetone). The results showed that each plant extract significantly (p &lt; 0.05) inhibited the growth of P. infestans in a concentration-dependent pattern with higher inhibition (100%) of P. infestans observed in S. aromaticum and O. tenuiflorum extracted with acetone and ethyl acetate as solvents. Leaf area reduced from 58.27% to 71.87% from lower to higher concentrations compared to negative treatment. In particular, the extracts of clove and holy basil at higher concentrations showed strong performance in reducing disease symptoms and improving plant growth (leaf area, biomass, number of leaves and chlorophyll content). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of S. aromaticum extract identified phytochemicals eugenol, luteolin, and quercetin known for their antifungal properties. These findings highlight the potential of using botanical extracts as eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides in tomato late blight disease. A field trial using ethyl acetate extract of S. aromaticum is worthy.