Showing papers by "Cross River University of Technology published in 2021"

Equilibrium and thermodynamic investigation of biosorption of nickel from water by activated carbon made from palm kernel chaff.

Abstract: Novel biosorbents were derived from a waste product of palm kernel oil extraction known as palm kernel chaff (PKC). One portion of the PKC was carbonized in a furnace and then activated chemically, while the other half was activated without carbonization. Both were designated as CPKC and UPKC, respectively. The two biosorbents so produced were then used to conduct batch equilibrium and kinetic sorption studies at 30 °C, 35 °C and 40 °C and pH 3.0 and 9.0 for an agitation period of 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 min. The Koble-Corrigan, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and the Freundlich isotherms fitted the experimental data very well with R2 values of 0.97 to 1.0, 0.95 to 1.0, and 0.96 to 1.0, respectively. The linear type II Langmuir isotherm performed much better (0.96 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.0) than the nonlinear isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity was obtained as 120.6 mg/g using CPKC at pH 9.0 and 35 °C. The Langmuir separation coefficient values (0.022 ≤ RL ≤ 0.926) show that the sorption of nickel to PKC is favorable. The most favorable sorption condition was found for CPKC at pH 9 and temperature of 40 °C. The values of sorption energy (8.21 ≤ E ≤ 14.27) and the isosteric heat of sorption (−133.09 ≤ ∆Hx ≤ −17.92) indicate that the mode of sorption is mostly ion exchange. Thermodynamic parameters also show that the process is exothermic and entropy-driven. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model shows the best correlation compared to the other kinetic models. The coefficient of correlation for the pseudo-second-order model was mostly within the range of 0.999–1.000 for 90% of all kinetic studies carried out.

Bound state solutions of the generalized shifted Hulthén potential

Abstract: In this study, we obtain an approximate solution of the Schrodinger equation in arbitrary dimensions for the generalized shifted Hulthen potential model within the framework of the Nikiforov–Uvarov method. The bound state energy eigenvalues were computed, and the corresponding eigenfunction was also obtained. It is found that the numerical eigenvalues were in good agreement for all three approximations scheme used. Special cases were considered when the potential parameters were altered, resulting in Hulthen potential and Woods–Saxon Potential, respectively. Their energy eigenvalues expressions agreed with the already existing literature. A straightforward extension to the s-wave case for Hulthen potential and Woods–Saxon potential cases is also presented.

Targeted clearance of senescent cells using an antibody-drug conjugate against a specific membrane marker

Abstract: A wide range of diseases have been shown to be influenced by the accumulation of senescent cells, from fibrosis to diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other age-related pathologies. Consistent with this, clearance of senescent cells can prolong healthspan and lifespan in in vivo models. This provided a rationale for developing a new class of drugs, called senolytics, designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells in human tissues. The senolytics tested so far lack specificity and have significant off-target effects, suggesting that a targeted approach could be more clinically relevant. Here, we propose to use an extracellular epitope of B2M, a recently identified membrane marker of senescence, as a target for the specific delivery of toxic drugs into senescent cells. We show that an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) against B2M clears senescent cells by releasing duocarmycin into them, while an isotype control ADC was not toxic for these cells. This effect was dependent on p53 expression and therefore more evident in stress-induced senescence. Non-senescent cells were not affected by either antibody, confirming the specificity of the treatment. Our results provide a proof-of-principle assessment of a novel approach for the specific elimination of senescent cells using a second generation targeted senolytic against proteins of their surfaceome, which could have clinical applications in pathological ageing and associated diseases.

Selenium nanoparticles and metformin ameliorate streptozotocin-instigated brain oxidative-inflammatory stress and neurobehavioral alterations in rats

Abstract: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are well reported to exhibit pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo. However, literature is devoid of studies on the impact of SeNPs and/or metformin (M) against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated oxidative brain injury and behavioral impairment. Consequently, to fill this gap, diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding with 10% fructose solution for 2 weeks, followed by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight [bwt]). After rats were confirmed diabetic, they were treated orally with 0.1 mg/kg bwt of SeNPs ± M (50 mg/kg bwt), and normal control (NC) received citrate buffer (2 mg/mL) for 5 weeks. In comparison with the diabetic control (DC), SeNPs, and/or M significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels, but increased insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. An increase in locomotor and motor activities evidenced by improved spontaneous alternation, locomotor frequency, hinding, and increased mobility time were observed in treated groups. In addition, there was enhanced brain antioxidant status with a lower acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative-inflammatory stress biomarkers. A significant downregulation of caspase 3 and upregulation of parvalbumin and Nrf2 protein expressions was observed in treated groups. In some of the studied parameters, treated groups were statistically (p < 0.05) insignificant compared with the normal control (NC) group. Overall, co-treatment elicited more efficacy than that of the individual regimen.

Synthesis, characterization, DFT, and TD-DFT studies of (E)-5-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-4-hydroxy-3-(phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-diylbis(hydrogen sulfite)

Abstract: In this study, (E)-5-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-4-hydroxy-3-(phenyldiazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-diylbis(hydrogen sulfite), a cyanurated H-acid (CHA) azo dye, was synthesized and characterized using FT-IR spectrophotometer and GC-MS spectroscopy. A density functional theory (DFT) based B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP method with 6–311 + G (d,p) basis set analysis was computed for HOMO-LUMO, natural bonding orbitals (NBO), UV-Vis absorptions and excitation interactions, in order to understand its molecular orbital excitation properties. A low Energy gap (Eg) of 2.947 eV was obtained from the molecular orbital analysis, which showed that HOMO to LUMO transition is highly feasible; hence CHA is adequate for diverse electronic and optic applications. Studies of the first five excitations (S0 → S1/S2/S3/S4/S5) of CHA revealed that S0 → S1 and S0 → S3 are π → π* type local excitations distributed around the –N=N– group; S0 → S2, a Rydberg type local excitation; S0 → S4, a highly localized π → π* excitation; while S0 → S5 is an n → π* charge transfer from a benzene ring to –N=N– group. From NBO analysis, we obtained the various donor–acceptor orbital interactions contributing to the stabilization of the studied compound. Most significantly, some strong hyper-conjugations (n → n*) within fragments, and non-bondingand anti-bonding intermolecular (n → n*/π* and π → n*/π*) interactions were observed to contribute appreciable energies. This study is valuable for understanding the molecular properties of the azo dyes compounds and for synthesizing new ones in the future.

Analysis of the effects of meteorological parameters on radio refractivity, equivalent potential temperature and field strength via Mann-Kendall test

Abstract: Trend analysis of meteorological parameters (temperature, pressure, and relative humidity) as well as calculated refractivity, equivalent potential temperature (EPT) for a pseudo-adiabatic process, and field strength in Calabar, Southern Nigeria has been analyzed using Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend test and Sen’s slope estimator (SSE). Data of the meteorological parameters were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in Calabar for 14 years (2005–2018). Results show that the maximum and average temperature, atmospheric pressure, refractivity, EPT, and field strength all exhibited a positive Kendall Z value with 2.52, 0.33, 3.83, 0.77, 0.44, and 3.18 respectively which indicated an increase in trend over time, with only maximum temperature, atmospheric pressure and field strength showing a significant increase at 5% (0.05) level of significance, since their calculated p values (0.012, 0.0001, and 0.001) were less than 0.05. The relative humidity and minimum ambient temperature had a decrease in trend over time as they both had negative Kendall Z values (− 0.11 and − 1.09 respectively); however, together with the average ambient temperature and refractivity, their trend was not significant at 5% level of significance since their calculated p values were all more than 0.05. Linear regression, correlation, and partial differentiation showed that relative humidity has the most effect on the changes in seasonal refractivity and an indirect relationship with field strength variability. The novel relationship between EPT and refractivity has been discovered to be very strong and positive. Descriptive statistics has been used to portray the seasonal and annual trend of all parameters.

Statistical and Artificial Neural Network Approaches to Modeling and Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Production of a Surface/Bioactive Glyco-lipo-peptide

Abstract: A freshwater alkaliphilic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, grown on waste frying oil-basal medium, produced a surface-active metabolite identified as glycolipopeptide. Bioprocess conditions namely temperature, pH, agitation and duration were comparatively modeled using statistical and artificial neural network (ANN) methods to predict and optimize product yield using the matrix of a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Response surface methodology (RSM) was the statistical approach while a feed-forward neural network, trained with Levenberg–Marquardt back-propagation algorithm, was the neural network method. Glycolipopeptide model was predicted by a significant (P < 0.001, R2 of 0.9923) quadratic function of the RSM with a mean squared error (MSE) of 3.6661. The neural network model, on the other hand, returned an R2 value of 0.9964 with an MSE of 1.7844. From all error metrics considered, ANN glycolipopeptide model significantly (P < 0.01) outperformed RSM counterpart in predictive modeling capability. Optimization of factor levels for maximum glycolipopeptide concentration produced bioprocess conditions of 32 °C for temperature, 7.6 for pH, agitation speed of 130 rpm and a fermentation time of 66 h, at a combined desirability function of 0.872. The glycosylated lipid-tailed peptide demonstrated significant anti-bacterial activity (MIC = 8.125 µg/mL) against Proteus vulgaris, dose-dependent anti-biofilm activities against Escherichia coli (83%) and Candida dubliniensis (90%) in 24 h and an equally dose-dependent cytotoxic activity against human breast (MCF-7: IC50 = 65.12 µg/mL) and cervical (HeLa: IC50 = 16.44 µg/mL) cancer cell lines. The glycolipopeptide compound is recommended for further studies and trials for application in human cancer therapy.

Trend Analysis of the Variations of Ambient Temperature Using Mann-Kendall Test and Sen’s Estimate in Calabar, Southern Nigeria

Abstract: Studies have been made to understand the fluctuations of temperature in regions around the world because of an ever changing variation due mostly to man's anthropogenic activities. This study is focused on analysing the temperature variations in Calabar, Southern Nigeria for 20 years (1998 – 2018) using the Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator. Results from the Mann-Kendall test shows that the annual trends of the maximum and average ambient temperature are both increasing after showing positive Kendall Z-values (1.04 and 0.10 respectively). The minimum ambient temperature annual trend was observed to be decreasing after having a negative Kendall Z-value (-0.32); the estimations from Sen's slope agreed with these results. The p-values were calculated to be 0.745, 0.299, and 0.922 for the minimum, maximum, and average ambient temperature trend respectively; these values were all found to be less than all significant levels used 0.1% (0.001), 1% (0.01), 5% (0.05), and 10% (0.1). This shows that the trends were not increasing or decreasing significantly, hence there is "no significant trend". This may be due to the almost unchanging weather condition in the region arising from its closeness to the Atlantic Ocean.

The impacts of meteorological parameters on the seasonal, monthly, and annual variation of radio refractivity

Abstract: Results of the variations of radio refractivity, computed from the measurements of ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity, were studied in Calabar for a period of 12 years (2005–2016) with the archived data provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). Correlation plots and modeling show that refractivity is mostly affected by the water vapor content of the atmosphere, and this means that relative humidity can be used to accurately develop models for the variations of refractivity as the refractivity variation within a year showed an almost uniform value which corresponded to the monthly relative humidity trend. The annual variation of refractivity also corresponded to the annual variation of relative humidity with its highest coming in 2012 with 391 N Units. Results also show that the ambient temperature and the atmospheric pressure in the region are not reducing annually and this has a very significant effect on climate change. On climate change, the obtained meteorological parameters have over the years affected the climate of the region as an increase in annual atmospheric pressure as well as the relative humidity has brought about a steady increase in amount of heat retained on the earth’s surface; this is due to the water vapor (a greenhouse gas) in the atmosphere of this region.

Bioprocess Optimization of Nutritional Parameters for Enhanced Anti-leukemic L-Asparaginase Production by Aspergillus candidus UCCM 00117: A Sequential Statistical Approach

Abstract: Sequential optimization of bioprocess nutritional conditions for production of glutaminase-near-free L-asparaginase by Aspergillus candidus UCCM 00117 was conducted under shake flask laboratory conditions. Catalytic and anti-cancer activities of the poly-peptide were evaluated using standard in vitro biochemical methods. Medium nutrients were selected by one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach while Plackett–Burman design (PBD) screened potential factors for optimization. Path of steepest ascent (PSA) and response surface methodology (RSM) of a Min-Run-Res V fractional factorial of a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) were employed to optimize factor levels towards improved enzyme activity. A multi-objective approach using desirability function generated through predictor importance and weighted coefficient methodology was adopted for optimization. The approach set optimum bioprocess conditions as 49.55 g/L molasses, 64.98% corn steep liquor, 44.23 g/L asparagine, 1.73 g/L potassium, 0.055 g/L manganese and 0.043 g/L chromium (III) ions, at a composite desirability of 0.943 and an L-asparaginase activity of 5216.95U. The Sephadex-200 partially-purified polypeptide had a specific activity of 476.84 U/mg; 0.087U glutaminase activity, 36.46% yield and 20-fold protein purification. Anti-cancer activity potentials of the catalytic poly-peptide were dose-dependent with IC50 (µg/mL): 4.063 (HL-60), 13.75 (HCT-116), 15.83 (HeLa), 11.68 (MCF-7), 7.61 (HepG-2). The therapeutic enzyme exhibited 15-fold more cytotoxicity to myeloid leukemia cell line than to normal (HEK 238 T) cell. Optimum temperature and pH for activity were within physiological range. However, significant interactions between exposure time and levels of each of temperature and pH made interpretations of residual enzyme activities difficult. The manganese-dependent L-asparaginase from Aspergillu s candidus UCCM 00117 is recommended for further anticancer drug investigations.

Kinetic modeling and quasi-economic analysis of fermentative glycolipopeptide biosurfactant production in a medium co-optimized by statistical and neural network approaches.

Abstract: This study presents the kinetics of production of a glycolipopeptide biosurfactant in a medium previously co-optimized by response surface and neural network methods to gain some insight into its v...

Effect of pigeon pea seed (isoflavone) molecules on corrosion inhibition of mild steel in oilfield descaling solution: electro-kinetic, DFT modeling and optimization studies

Abstract: The focus of recent research has been the development of organic films on the metal surface to achieve a desirable degree of metal protection. In this respect, more attention has been drawn to environmentally friendly compounds. Pigeon pea seed (PPS) extract is one of the natural and biodegradable compounds with a promising potency for corrosion inhibition. In this work, pigeon pea seed extract inhibited mild steel corrosion in strong acid electrolyte. To evaluate the efficiency and provide well-defined mass transfer operations, electro-kinetics, Tafel polarization, weight loss and molecular dynamics were applied. FTIR, SEM and AFM were employed to characterize the structure and nature of the organic film-based complexes formed on the steel plates. For the statistical analysis, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to evaluate the interactive effects between the independent variables and the expected responses. The result from electro-kinetics shows that pigeon pea seed extract is a practical protocol for the improvement of reliable steel corrosion resistance. Polarization measurement showed that due to the formation of the pigeon pea seed extract-based film on the mild steel, a successful corrosion inhibition of steel by a mixed-mode mechanism occurred. PPS exhibited good inhibition nature, and its inhibition efficiency can be as high as 94% when the concentration is 0.9 g/L−1 at temperature of 300 K. The adsorption kinetics adheres strictly to Langmuir model. The DFT studies complement with the experimental data. The MIMO model via RSM gave better prediction than PSO. Results from SEM/AFM photographs and FTIR confirmed that complexes based on the pigeon pea seed extract precipitated a protective film on the steel sample.

Geoelectrical Resistivity and Geological Characterization of Hydrostructures for Groundwater Resource Appraisal in the Obudu Plateau, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract: Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) techniques were employed to assess the hydrogeological structures and groundwater potential of the Obudu Basement Complex. The Wenner electrode configuration was used to acquire the ERT data along 4 profiles, while the Schlumberger configuration was employed in the VES investigation, where 30 locations were occupied during the data acquisition campaign. Results show that rock distribution is predominantly the granite gneiss series that are considerably weathered in several locations especially within the western portion of the study area. Three potential hydrogeological scenarios were identified from three of the ERT profiles. These include the regolith-, doleritic- and kaolin-induced groundwater conduits. Within the central segment of the study area, transtensional stress regimes traceable to the neo-Proterozoic syn-orogenic event were observed to have resulted in the establishment of some regional fault systems. Over time, several episodes of minor tectonic events have resulted in cataclastic deformation of the gneissic rocks, creating pathways for groundwater circulation. Additionally, it was observed that dolerite intrusion in some locations cataclastically deformed the host rock resulting in syn-emplacement fractures that can create pathways for groundwater to flow. Saprolite units and locations within major fault lines were inferred to have moderate to good groundwater potential due to their large width and the presence of multiple interconnected fractures as inferred from the pseudo-sections and lineament map. More so, streams and rivers within these areas can infiltrate through the pathways created by the faults, hence increasing groundwater circulation within the conduits.

Global stability analysis of the role of multi-therapies and non-pharmaceutical treatment protocols for COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: In this paper, we sought and presented an 8-Dimensional deterministic mathematical COVID-19 dynamic model that accounted for the global stability analysis of the role of dual-bilinear treatment protocols of COVID-19 infection. The model, which is characterized by human-to-human transmission mode was investigated using dual non-pharmaceutical (face-masking and social distancing) and dual pharmaceutical (hydroxylchloroquine and azithromycin) as control functions following the interplay of susceptible population and varying infectious population. First, we investigated the model state-space and then established and computed the system reproduction number for both off-treatment ℜ 0 ( 1 ) = 10.94 and for onset-treatment ℜ 0 ( 2 ) = 3.224 . We considered the model for off-treatment and thereafter by incorporating the theory of LaSalle's invariant principle into the classical method of Lyapunov functions, we presented an approach for global stability analysis of COVID-19 dynamics. Numerical verification of system theoretical predictions was computed using in-built Runge-Kutta of order of precision 4 in a Mathcad surface. The set approach produces highly significant results in the main text. For example, while rapid population extinction was observed by the susceptible under off-treatment scenario in the first t f ≤ 18 days, the application of non-pharmaceuticals at early stage of infection proved very effective strategy in curtailing the spread of the virus. Moreso, the implementation of dual pharmacotherapies in conjunction with non-pharmaceuticals yields tremendous rejuvenation of susceptible population ( 0.5 ≤ S p ( t ) ≤ 3.143 c e l l s / m l 3 ) with maximal reduction in the rates of isolation, super spreaders and hospitalization of the infectives. Thus, experimental results of investigation affirm the suitability of proposed model for the control and treatment of the deadly disease provided individuals adheres to treatment protocols.

Identifying salient beliefs underlying speeding behaviour: An elicitation study of nigerian drivers

Abstract: Using the Theory of Planned behaviour, as a theoretical framework, the current study sought to identify the salient beliefs underpinning speeding behaviour among commercial drivers in Nigeria. A sample of 13 drivers participated in one of three focus group discussions. Deductive content analysis revealed that although speeding was perceived as an adverse behaviour with negative consequences (e.g. loss of life and properties) across all groups, participants still believed the behaviour was significant (e.g. journey time reduction) in their day-to-day life. The study also revealed that male peers were more likely to encourage speeding, while family members, employers, and enforcement agencies were the important others who will disapprove of it. For control beliefs, the findings revealed that situational and environmental factors such as; personal emergencies and good road networks facilitate engagement in the behaviour while poor weather and heavy traffic served as impediments. In conclusion, practical implications and strategies for the development of speed awareness interventions are discussed.

Strategic Interest and Media: A Global Perspective

Abstract: Media has also been used as psychological warfare and a propaganda tool, particularly during times of wars and acts of insurgency It has been used as a tool while fighting the wars and boosting the morale of the security forces across the nations Propaganda, although it has existed almost indefinitely, has grown immensely during the past few centuries as a most strategic tool to guard the strategic interests of the nations The propaganda was bolstered by the invention of the radio The ability to communicate orally with a large number of people in a very small amount of time also helped the development of propaganda This form of mass media has been used as the most effective tool with the government agencies to put forth their news and views Radio has strategically suited governments across the globe to fight psychological wars by airing propaganda into the territories of the neighbouring countries Since Radio is affordable and speaks in a local language and customs to a very common man, it has definitely an edge over other formats of communication when it comes to the question of guarding the strategic interests of a nation This research discusses and deals with the strategic interests and the media and how radio has especially been used worldwide as a tool by a number of countries to safeguard their national interests This chapter touches upon some theories and elements of propaganda, the use of radio during world wars and how countries guarded their strategic interests in the Cold War and Post-Cold War era

Pedagogical pattern of running a course on secondary school students’ achievement in waves

Abstract: This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of pedagogical pattern of running a course and talk-chalk methods on senior secondary school students’ achievement in waves. It is triggered by reports of persistent students’ low achievement in physics contributed largely by students’ poor performance in waves-related items. It adopted the quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the study. There were 216 students who participated in the study. Physics Achievement Test (PAT) containing 50 multiple-choice researcher-developed items were used as instrument for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while ANCOVA was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that: the pedagogical pattern of running a course method was superior method in fostering students’ achievement in waves; female students achieved higher than male students using pedagogical pattern of running a course strategy to teach waves; and there was no significant interaction effect of teaching methods and gender on students’ achievement in waves. From the findings, it was recommended that the pedagogical pattern of running a course strategy should be used in teaching physics in secondary school education system and in training of teachers.

Assessing State Influence on Land Accessibility and Successful Implementation of Federal Government Building Construction Projects in South-South Nigeria (2006-2016)

Abstract: Despite the provisions of the Land Use Act (LUA), cap L5 of 2004, to make land available for all stake holders, Federal Government has continuously found it difficult to access land in the states for her developmental projects. Does this influence successful implementation of her building construction projects in south-south Nigeria significantly? To what extent does the State where the project is domiciled influence successful project implementation? In order to provide answers to these questions a survey approach was used in three States (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River), randomly selected with two projects in each State. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from screened 179 respondents for the study. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the research work. The dependent variables studied were land accessibility and successful project implementation while the State where the projects were domiciled was the independent variable. The analytical tools used included simple percentages, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Findings revealed that State where the projects were domiciled had significant influence on the two dependent variables of land accessibility and successful project implementation and that Cross River State was significantly different from the other States on land accessibility but only on Akwa Ibom State on successful project implementation. The research proffers that for land to be easily accessible for Federal Government projects, Federal Government should enshrine in the Nigerian operating Land Policy the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the locals, take centre stage in all levels of land administration and educate her land administrative personnel in respect of government rights in land matters.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on travel behaviour of commuters in Makurdi metropolis

Abstract: The outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19) in the 4th quarter of year 2019 at Wuhan city of China, and its rapid spread across the world necessitated the introduction of travel restriction policies by the federal and state governments of Nigeria. This was to help curtail the spread of the deadly disease. This study examined the travel behaviour of flouting commuters in Makurdi metropolis amidst the travel restriction policy during the lockdown period. About 496 questionnaires were administered to commuters travelling within the 16 km radius metropolis. Essential factors captured in the questionnaire included modal split and trip purposes as affected by socio-demographic characteristics of commuters such as;age, gender, marital status, level of education, etc. The findings of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant level of dependence of commuters' socio-demographic characteristics on modal split and trip destinations at 5% level of significance using contingency tables. The trend revealed that there were no obvious influential changes in the travel behaviour of commuters in Makurdi metropolis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It was recommended that concerned authorities should create more awareness about the outbreak of pandemics to help instil fear in commuters and discourage travelling to prevent wide spread. Also, distribution of palliatives to households during lockdown periods to enable them cope with the situation as they remain indoors, and deployment of law enforcement agents to streets and highways to stop commuters from travelling during lockdown periods to minimise the spread of communicable diseases were recommended.

Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in stream sediments around granite quarries, barite mines, and cultivation areas, Southeastern Nigeria.

Abstract: This study assessed the contamination of streams with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments around mining, quarrying, and cultivation areas in Akamkpa and environs Southeastern Nigeria. Analysis done using ICP MS technique shows that barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) recorded mean concentrations above their average shale content (ASC) in stream sediments. Chromium (Cr) exceeded Canadian Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) screening benchmark value. Pb exceeded Canadian ISQG value but tallies with USEPA benchmark value. Pearson’s correlation exhibited significant correlation (p EiR (Pb) > EiR (Co) > EiR (Cr) > EiR (Cu) > EiR (V) > EiR (Ni) > EiR (Zn). Comprehensive potential ecological risk (RI) shows medium risk “B” and strong risk “C” levels in few locations. The use of multiple pollution indices such as I-geo, EF, EiR, and RI in pollution assessment indicated similar trend of PTEs contamination of stream sediments. Levels of PTEs contamination are elevated in cultivation areas more than in granite quarrying and mining areas. This study serves as a benchmark for conducting suitable environmental management strategies to scientists in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of land use and land cover changes in derived savannah hydrological basin of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract: The combined effects of climate change and aggressive anthropogenic activities linked to urban developments have resulted in major land use and land cover (LULC) changes in eastern Nigeria. These LULC changes have grave implications for water resources and the surface hydrology. This study was aimed at specifically quantifying the extent of LULC changes and the implications for surface hydrology of the study area. The study investigated the spatiotemporal effects of LULC on the hydrology of the basin of Enugu State, Nigeria, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). SWAT model has been extensively used to study watershed response to rainfall and LULC dynamics. The trend of the basin’s LULC was studied over two decades. The watershed was delineated into 17 sub-basins using SRTM digital elevation model. The delineation of the watershed and the extraction of the stream network were enabled by SAGA Strahler order plug-in. The model results showed that the basin’s soil composition, associated with moderately high run-off, remains somewhat static during the 20-year study period. The soil types were distributed as follows: plinthic acrisols (42.4%), ferric acrisols (11.9%) and dystric nitosols (45.7%), with Ap15-1a-1068 being the most dominant and comprising 66% sand. All soil types in the study area belong to the hydrological soil group C. The LUCL of the basin (3027.4 km2) comprised of rangeland (2414.57 km2), built-up (57.46 km2), cropland (541.25 km2), forest (11.25 km2) and water (0.21 km2). Over the two decades of interest, the basin has undergone LULC changes of − 14.71%, 21.29%, 50.62%, 98% and 0.00% in rangeland, built-up area, cropland, forest and water body, respectively. The changes led to encroachment, alterations and diversification of LULC types of the sub-basins, resulting in changes in their surface characteristics and an increase in the number of hydrologic response units (HRUs) within the sub-basins from 74 in 2001 to 97 in 2019. Out of the 17 sub-basins, the HRU increased in 12, decreased in 2 and stayed the same in 3 sub-basins. Increase in the number of HRUs is significantly higher for HRUs smaller than 100 km2. The major trend of LULC changes is the conversion of rangeland to residential area and agricultural land due to aggressive urbanization and rising need for food production to meet the demands of increasing population. Proper legislation should be put in place to ensure that the impact of urbanization and activities of herdsmen be contained and re-aligned with the sustainable development goals.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a smartphone speed limit advisory application: An on-road study in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: The development of mobile phone applications that provide speed limit advice and warnings offers opportunities for use of the technology in the improvement of driver safety. This paper looks at the effect of an advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) application on driver speeding behaviour. Twenty participants (all males within the age range of 35–60 years) completed a within-group experimental design. Participants drove in real traffic on a 46 km test route which incorporated three-speed limits zones (50 km/h, 60 km/h, and 80 km/h speed limits) and aggregated into 10 different segments. Compared with baseline levels, possible impacts of ISA system functionalities on driver behaviour were studied through appropriate metrics including cumulative speed distribution, mean speed, speed deviation, 85th percentile speed, percentage distanced travelled above the speed limit, and safety benefit estimation. Results indicated the use of the ISA application led to significant improvement in speed limit compliance particularly in the 60 km/h and 80 km/h zones where speeding was eliminated. There were no observed negative effects on driver speeding behaviour from the use of the system. In general, the findings suggest the use of the ISA system, resulted in the adoption of vehicle speeds that are likely to improve road safety.

Arbitrary L-Solutions of the Schrodinger Equation in Arbitrary Dimensions for the Energy Dependent Generalized Inverse Quadratic Yukawa Potential

Abstract: Within the framework of Nikiforov-Uvarov method, we obtained an approximate solution of the Schrodinger equation for the Energy Dependent Generalized inverse quadratic Yukawa potential model. The bound state energy eigenvalues for were computed for various vibrational and rotational quantum numbers. Special cases were considered when the potential parameters were altered, resulting into Energy Dependent Kratzer and Kratzer potential, Energy Dependent Kratzer fues and Kratzer fues potential, Energy Dependent Inverse quadratic Yukawa and Inverse quadratic Yukawa Potential, Energy Dependent Yukawa (screened Coulomb) and Yukawa (screened Coulomb) potential, and Energy Dependent Coulomb and Coulomb potential, respectively. Their energy eigenvalues expressions and numerical computations agreed with the already existing literatures.