Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (Science Forum)
Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (Science Forum) is a peer-reviewed, quarterly open access journal that is aimed at providing rapid and quality publication of learned articles in all areas of Science, Physical Education, Sports Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and other related disciplines which can be accessed online and hard copy. Online ISSN:3156-5190 Print ISSN:1119-4618
Molecular geochemistry of Cretaceous Dukul Formation, Yola Sub-basin, Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria: Origin, paleoredox condition, and thermal maturity
Molecular geochemical characterization “biological markers” of Cretaceous sediments of Dukul Formation in Yola sub-basin of Northern Benue Trough, northeastern Nigeria was conducted with the an objective of determining the organic matter source inputs or ori gin, paleodepositional or paleoredox conditions, preservation stages and overall assess ment of thermal maturity in relation to the effect of Tertiary volcanic plugs in the Northern Benue Trough. However, based on preliminary lithostratigraphic description, the sections revealed shelf or perhaps, shallow marine depositional environment for the sediments of Dukul Formation. The samples of Dukul Formation consist of a mixed terrestrially and aquatic or marine organic matter source origin. They were interpreted to be deposited under suboxic/dysoxic depositional condition to relatively anoxic marine conditions but with a dominance of the terrigeous organic matters. Biomarker maturity parameters sug gest that the analyzed shale samples of Dukul Formation have reached the early to peak stage of maturity and this suggest peak-hydrocarbon generation. Hydrocarbon might have been generated and could be finding elsewhere in the basin. Thus, the Tertiary volcanic plugs in the Northern Benue Trough had enhanced thermal maturation of these samples.
Biomarkers Paleoredox Thermal maturity Dukul Formation Yola sub-basin
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (Science Forum) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Pyrolysis analysis, organic petrology, and thermal effects of volcanics on Bima Formation shales, Yola Sub-basin, Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria
The shale sediments of Bima Formation from the Yola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough, northeastern Nigeria were studied based on pyrolysis analysis (rock-eval pyroly sis) and organic petrology (vitrinite reflectance and palynofacies) to determine the ther mal effects of Tertiary (Neogene) volcanics on the organic matter thermal maturity. The study revealed that shale samples are of Type III and Type IV kerogens. This indicates high thermal maturity level and classified the samples as late-oil window to post-mature stage of hydrocarbon generation. This high thermal maturity could be attributed due to the Tertiary volcanic intrusion in most part of the basin. The samples, however, appeared as a good source of oil- and gas-prone hydrocarbons. This study, therefore, suggests that the initial oil and gas-prone of the Type II and II-III kerogens in the shales have been cracked into thermogenic gas probably due to the high thermal effects of Tertiary volcanic intru sion in the basin. This has yield the present-day Types III and IV kerogens. The volcanic plugs, however, intruded the Cretaceous sedimentary successions of the Northern Benue Trough during the Tertiary period and as such, they enhanced thermal maturity of the organic matters within the shale samples.
Pyrolysis Organic petrology Volcanics Thermal maturity Bima Formation
Aspects of hydrothermal alteration assemblages around Bakwani-Bagwa, Northwestern Nigeria: Insights from multifractal analysis of measured thresholds for mineral exploration
This study is aimed at identifying highly altered zones by applying the concentration area (C-A) fractal model technique on Landsat ETM+ image of the area around Bakwani-Bagwa, Northwestern Nigeria. The multifractal analysis was used to quantify the degree of alter ation on satellite images processed using the Crosta technique. A log–log plot was used to display the multifractal characteristics of clay and iron altered images and identify thresh old values. Maximum and minimum threshold values obtained from the fractal analysis are 1.74 and 4.01 for clay altered images and 0.607 and 3.04 for iron altered images. High clay and iron alteration zones account for 5.89% and 7.84%, covering an area of 22.28km2 and 29.65km2, respectively. Delineating highly altered zones from these images reveals higher alteration largely within silicified sheared rocks and areas around faults. The cur rent study proved that the multifractal processing techniques are valuable mapping tools for geological reconnaissance which can be extended to a large area of the Nigerian base ment and provide preliminary hydrothermal alteration maps that are accurate as well as cost-effective and time-saving.
Clay and iron alterations Mineral exploration Multifractal analysis Threshold
Regression-cum-exponential ratio imputation class of estimators of population mean in the presence of non-response
Experiments, for example, medical and social science surveys, conducted by human are often characterized by the problem of non-response of missing observations. In this study, an alternative imputation method to Singh and Horn and Singh et al. compromised imputation methods has been suggested due to decrease in their efficiency when the value of unknown weights tend to unity. The properties (bias and mean squared error) of the proposed estimators were derived up to first-order approximation using Taylor series approach. Conditions for which the proposed estimator more efficient than other estimators considered in the study were also established. Numerical illustration was conducted and the results revealed that the proposed estimator is more efficient.
Imputation Non-response Estimator Population mean Mean squared error
Modelling Uncertainty in Ontology for The Semantic Web Using Vague Graph Theory
Ontology is viewed as an explicit representation of conceptualization. It consists of a set of concepts, their definitions and their interrelationships. Ontologies are used to unam biguously model an area of knowledge by “semantically” defining the concepts and their relationships in a given domain in a way that can be understood by both humans and machines. One of the major limitations of traditional ontology formalism is its lack of support for the representation of uncertainty and imprecision. As a result, they cannot handle incomplete or partial knowledge. Attempts have been made by other researchers to address this problem using algebraic methods, such as rough sets, soft sets, fuzzy sets, and probabilistic approaches. However, the conceptualization of the proposed solutions in those approaches is not always the same as how ontologies are actually implemented. Ontology languages [such as Resource Description Framework (RDF), RDF Schema (RDFS), and Web Ontology Language (OWL)] are used for expressing ontologies for Semantic Web (SW) in a crisp manner. This paper proposed a vague graph approach to formalize uncertainty in ontology for the SW. The paper extended RDFvg and RDFSvg , respectively, where both syntactic and semantic extensions of the languages are proposed. Similarly, a description of vague OWL was provided as OWLvg .
Synthesis, spectroscopic determination, and antimicrobial studies of Schiff base derived from 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide with 2-acetylpyridine and its Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes
Condensation of 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide with 2-acetylpyridine in (1:1 molar ratio) eth anol produced Schiff base (2)-N-phenyl-2-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazine-1-carboth ioamide (Acetylpyridine-4-phenylthiosemicarbazone). Interaction of the Schiff base with each of Co(II) and Ni(II) metal salts in (2:1 molar ratio) ethanol produced the Schiff base metal(II) complexes. The Schiff base and its Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes were characterized based on melting point/decomposition temperature, solubility, magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectra, molar conductance measurements, elemental, and gravimetric analyses. The Co(II) and Ni(II) metal complexes show moderate values of decomposition tempera tures The Schiff base and the complexes were soluble in some common organic solvents. Infrared spectral data of the Schiff base and its complexes, indicated coordination of the Schiff base to the metal(II) ion via azomethine nitrogen. The effective magnetic moment of the Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes suggested an octahedral geometry. The molar conductance values of the complexes show that the complexes are electrolytes. The results of the ele mental analysis of the ligand and its complexes are in good agreement with the calculated values, suggesting a 1:2 (metal-ligand) ratio. Antimicrobial screenings of the ligand and its complexes were conducted against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram negative (Salmonella typhii, and Escherichia coli) bacteria species. Also, three fungi mainly (Candida albicans, Mucus indicus, and Aspergillus flavus) were used. The results showed that both the ligand and the complexes are active against the species used.
Ligand Schiff base 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide 2-acetylpyridine Molar conductivity Magnetic susceptibility Elemental analysis
Investigation of an aerospectrometric anomaly using ground gamma ray spectrometry sheet 81, Dutse North-Western Nigeria
Ground radiometric survey carried out at Gaya North-Western Nigeria using Portable Gamma-ray Spectrometer confirmed, characterized the observed anomalies in Aerospectrometric map and then correlated with Geological map. The area lies between Longitude 9° 21' 5.63"-9° 21' 38.57" and Latitude 11° 44' 10.59"-11° 44' 43.53". Twenty one profiles each 1 km long and 50 m apart were laid having total of 441 stations. Station coordinates were identified by global positioning system. The meas time was set at 3 min utes for valid order of 0.1% for K and 1 ppm for eU and eTh concentration. Both map grids and statistical analysis was applied to the acquired data. The research revealed mean concentration of the radioelements-U, Th, and K as 17.527 ppm, 59.06 ppm, and 4.1092%, respectively, in the order of (Th > U > K), absorbed does rate values ranging from 33.45 to 676.49 nGyph−1 with average value of 48.3 nGyph-1 is lower than the world average value. Correlation of 0.9, 0.8, and 0.82 for (238U and 232Th), (40K and 238U), and (232Th and 40K), respectively, were obtained. The research identified rocks associated with these radioele ments, thorium being major source of radioactivity and serve as awareness to the citizens.
Radioelements Meas Gaya Correlation Radioactivity ppm
Mathematical Modelling and Exact Solution of Fully Developed Natural Convection Flow in a Vertical Permeable Micro-Channel in the Existence of Thermal Radiation
An analytical solution to the steady natural convection flow in a vertical permeable micro channel in the existence of thermal radiation is presented. Specifically, the effects of velocity slip and temperature jump are considered. Due to the presence of thermal radi ation, the momentum and energy equations are a coupled system of ordinary differen tial equations. The effect of various parameters controlling the physical situation such as thermal radiation, temperature difference, Knudsen number, and fluid wall interaction is discussed with the aid of line graphs and tables. The results of the analyses indicated that the rate of heat transfer on the permeable microchannel walls can be enhanced with the increase in the temperature difference parameter. Furthermore, the skin friction on the cold wall could be reduced with the increase in the suction/injection parameter. For both asymmetric heating situations(ξ = − 0, 1), an increase in suction velocity (negative value of S) results in an increase in volume flow rate ( Qx ).
Natural convection Permeable microchannel Thermal radiation Velocity slip Temperature jump
Forecasting thermal degradation of ascorbic acid in commonly consumed vegetables dipped in sodium benzoate using computer simulation technique
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the most important and popular vitamins, and is con tained in most fruits and vegetables; the problem with vitamin C is its easy degradation during pre-treatment and storage. In this study, kinetics modeling of degradation of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in commonly consumed vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, and carrot, dipped in sodium benzoate at temperature ranges of 26.82°C–30.14°C were investigated; samples after dipping at various temperatures and timings were prepared for analysis; and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography was used for the determination of the ascorbic acid of the common vegetable samples which consisted of an isocratic elution procedure with ultraviolet-visible detection at 245 nm. The rate constants and half-lives were calculated using the integrated law method. Activation energy and forecast were determined using the Arrhenius equation and time series analysis. Degradation of ascorbic acid in the commonly consumed vegetables under the same pretreatment pro cedure followed the first-order kinetic model, as the average coefficient of determina tion (R2-value) was greater than 0.91. The rate constant of ascorbic acid degradation for lettuce, cabbage, and carrot dipped in sodium benzoate under the same temperature condition of 26.82°C was 0.046, 0.0746, and 0.0746 minute−1, respectively; half-lives were 15.06842, 9.291517, and 9.291517 minutes, respectively; and activation energies were 84.2009, 52.3589, and 31.0843 Kcal/mol, respectively. The ln(C) forecast of the vegetables dipped in sodium benzoate for 60 minutes at 26.82°C exhibited 0.3521, −0.3599, and −0.1284 mg/100 g for lettuce, cabbage, and carrot, respectively. The proposed models at 26.82°C were ln(C) = ln(C0 ) − 0.046t, ln(C) = ln(C0 ) − 0.0746t, and ln(C) = ln(C0 ) − 0.0746t. The most appropriate commonly consumed vegetable under dipped sodium benzoate and storage is the lettuce because its rate constant obtained from the model equations was lower, half-life was longer, activation energy was higher, and forecast was longer.
HPLC Lettuce Cabbage Sodium benzoate Ascorbic acid Rate constant Activation energy Forecast
Comparative kinetic modeling of ascorbic acid degradation in commonly consumed vegetables stored in fridge temperatures using computer simulation technique
Vitamin C [ascorbic acid (AA)] is one of the most important and popular vitamins, and is contained in most fruits and vegetables; the problem with vitamin C is its easy degrada tion during pre-treatment and storage. In this study, kinetics modeling of degradation of AA (vitamin C) in lettuce, cabbage, and carrot common vegetables under fridge tempera ture ranges of 6.5°C–9.5°C was investigated and samples after storing at various fridge temperatures and timing were prepared for analysis and high-pressure liquid chromatog raphy (HPLC) was used for the determination of the AA of the common vegetable samples which consisted of an isocratic elution procedure with ultraviolet-Visible detection at 245 nm. The rate constants and half-lives were calculated using the integrated law method. Activation energy and forecast were determined using the Arrhenius equation and time series analysis. Degradation of AA in the commonly consumed vegetables under the same pretreatment procedure followed the first-order kinetic model, as the average coefficient of determination (R2-value) was greater than 0.91. The rate constant of AA degradation for lettuce, cabbage, and carrot under the same fridge temperature condition of 6.5°C was 0.5165, 0.3214, 0.2273 day−1, respectively. Their half-lives were 1.3420, 2.1566, and 3.0494 day−1, activation energies; 19.4052, 23.3180, and 25.7018 Kcal/mol, respectively. The ln(C) forecast at 20 days stored at 6.5°C, for lettuce, cabbage, and carrot exhibited −3.3537, 0.5080, and 1.8486 mg/100g, respectively. The proposed models at 6.5°C were ln(C) = ln( C0 ) − 0.5165, ln(C) = ln( C0 ) − 0.3214, and ln(C) = ln( C0 ) − 0.2273. The most appro priate vegetable under the same fridge temperature and storage is the carrot because its rate constant depicted from the model equations was lower, half-life longer, activation energy higher, and forecast longer.
HPLC Lettuce Cabbage Fridge temperature Ascorbic acid Rate constant Activation energy Forecast
Modeling effects of diabetes risk factors using modified logistics regression
This paper model the effects diabetes risk factors using modified logistic regression model (MLRM) since ordinary least square model (OLSM) is deficient, especially when dealing with irreversible variables. A real data was sampled from medical out-patient department (MOPD) unit, Federal Medical Centre Azare using systematic sampling tech nique. A total sampled of 407 patients’ data were used to test and compare the MLRM and the other competitive model. Gnu Regression, Econometrics and Time-series Library (GRETL) and Statistical Package for Social & Sciences (SPSS) programming bundles were utilized during the information analysis. The result reveals that MLRM is more efficient than LRM. Chi-square was employed to test for dependency between diabetes status (DBStatus) and the other suspected variables; it was shown that there is association between DBStatus and virtually all the variables incorporated in the MLRM model. The MLRM model can be used to predict the chance of an individual to be diabetic given data as input variables. Based on this model, it was observed that the reduced MLRM Model M2 is the suitable model than M1 that is the Model with all the variables. This paper also revealed that blood pressure (BP) systolic, weight, height, BP diastolic, age, and sugar level are statistically significant, while the other remaining variables are not statistically significant. We recommend for further investigation using the machine learning approach.
Patient Data Blood Pressure (BP) MLE OLS Probablity
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (Science Forum) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Preliminary geological investigation into the causes of foundation failure in Jalingo, Northeast Nigeria
Post-foundation study for the preliminary causes of cracks in buildings at the Central Bank of Nigeria (old site) Jalingo branch, Northeast Nigeria, was carried out using a geophysical approach and groundwater level monitoring. The geophysical survey method employed was the electrical resistivity method. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out using a Schlumberger electrode array with a maximum half current electrode separation of 20 m. The VES results revealed the presence of three geo-electric subsurface layers in the area, namely clayey sand, fractured/weathered basement, and crystalline basement. The resistivity of the clayey sand varies from 45 to 210 Ωm, while that of fractured/weath ered basement varies from 305 to 5,858 Ωm and that of the crystalline basement varies from 1,000 to 10,075 Ωm, with corresponding thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 2.3 m, 0.2 to 6 m, and 2.6 to 4 m to an infinite depth, respectively. The study area’s field curves were analyzed; H- and Q-curve types were 35.7% and 64.3%, respectively. Iso-resistivity delineation at 0.5, 1.5, and 3 m showed that the region with high resistivity correspond ing to the crystalline basement is found in the northeastern part of the study area and is most suitable for the foundation. The results show that the investigated building was sited within the incompetent clayey sand layer with resistivity generally less than 200 Ώm.
Vertical electrical sounding Hydraulic head Resistivity Geo-electric section Static water level
Morphology and microstructure of migmatite rocks around Zaranda, Bauchi
The study area covers Zaranda village and environs within latitudes 10°16'00"N & 10°13'00"N and longitudes 9°39'21"E & 9°42'35"E. In the northern Precambrian base ment, the area comprises mainly of pan-African migmatites, based on previous literatures. 15 samples of rocks have been subjected to geochemical and petrology studies after car rying out the geological mapping technique. The rock samples are found to contain high amounts of silicon oxides and low major oxides. The minerals identified are biotite, ilmen ite, silimanite, garnet, quartz, and feldspar (plagioclase orthoclase). Microstructures were observed under cross- and plane-polarized light, indicating rock forms and resulting in partial melting of structures: melting of feldspar in quartz and vis-é-vis and cleavages in plagioclase feldspar. The paleosome appears finer and lighter as observed in the field. The remains of metasedimentary rocks as evident by quartzite rock are observed at a point within the study area. This work shows sodium-rich plagioclase and has successfully cat egorized the homogeneous and inhomogeneous migmatite into metatexite, mesocratic, and leucocratic diatexites.
Migmatites Older granite Bauchi anatectic granite
Laplace transform method for solving third-order linear nonhomogeneous ordinary differential equations in fuzzy environment
In this paper, the solution procedure of a third-order linear nonhomogeneous ordinary differential equations in a fuzzy environment is described. Results of third-order linear nonhomogeneous are also established. An example is constructed using C++ codes on the elementary application of the population dynamics model to test the applicability of the set conditions. It is, therefore, recommended that an extension of the criteria to solve nonlinear third- or higher-order equations is considered as a motivation for further research.
Linear nonhomogeneous Fuzzy environment Laplace transform Third order
Solution of third-order linear homogeneous fuzzy ordinary differential equations by Laplace transform method using the generalized Hukuhara differentiability concept
This work considers the solution of third-order linear homogeneous fuzzy ordinary dif ferential equations (FODEs) based on the fuzzy Laplace transform method under the generalized Hukuhara differentiability concept. The results of the third-order linear homo geneous is established and tested on some existing biomathematical models. C++ code is used to test the accuracy of the method. Finally, a recommendation for further studies is made on the establishment of results for odd- and even-order FODEs.
Linear homogeneous Laplace transform Fuzzy differential equations gH-differentiability
Palynology, depositional environments, and paleoclimatic analysis of OGU-7 well, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Palynological analysis of 100 ditch samples from a section of OGU-7 well, Niger Delta, was carried out to determine the age of the sediment, palynostratigraphic zones, dep ositional environments, and paleoclimate conditions using data sets from palynology, which well penetrated the paralic Agbada formation. The analyzed samples were from stratigraphic depth intervals of 1,792–9,140 m. Palynological slides were prepared fol lowing the standard palynological preparation technique involving hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) acids. The palynomorphs yielded 80 species. The section was dated Oligocene–early Miocene due to the occurrence of the diagnostic marker species such as Cicatricosisporites dorogensis, Arecipites exilimuratus, and Echiperiporites estelae. The interval zone of Retitricolporites irregulari and Leiosphaeridia sp.; the taxon range zone of C. dorogensis; and the concurrent range zone of E. estelae and Echiperporites icacinoides were established in line with the International Stratigraphic Guide which could contribute to the harmonization of the biozonation scheme in the Niger Delta Basin. The depositional environment was deduced from the Palynomorph Marine Index values (0% freshwater, 1%–50% brackish, and 51%–100% marine), indicating freshwater to brackish (coastal) environments of deposition for the studied sediment. The paleoecological groupings of the palynomorphs were used to delineate the paleoclimatic signals ranging (wetter to drier phases) from the distribution patterns of Zonocostites ramonae (Rhizophora) and Monoporites annulatus (Poaceae).
Niger Delta Palynomorphs Depositional environments Palynostratigraphic zones Paleoclimate International Stratigraphic Guide Agbada formation
Forensic geotechnical investigation of cracks in buildings around Gubi and environs, Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria
The study aims to undertake a geoforensic investigation of the major causes of cracks in buildings in Gubi and its environs. To achieve this, geophysical and geotechnical approaches were adopted to characterize the soil properties and subsurface rocks. Five vertical elec trical soundings (VES) were purposively carried out using Schlumberger’s configuration to characterize the geoelectrical properties of the soil. In addition, 10 disturbed soil sam ples were collected for geotechnical laboratory analyses. The indices analyzed are natural moisture content (NMC), particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, free swell index, linear shrinkage, and specific gravity. Three geoelectrical layers comprising topsoil, weathered layer, and bedrock basement were delineated within the study area. The resistivity values (10.8–42.8 Ωm) suggest that the top and weathered layers of VES 1 and VES 2 are incom petent clay material. The results of the geotechnical tests, however, revealed that the site is underlain by poorly graded clay sand to sand clays with low to medium plasticity, specific gravity (2.2–2.7), liquid limit (25.8%–39.0%), plastic limit (18.8%–35.1%), NMC (7.10%–25.0%), and linear shrinkage limit (2.8%–11.3%). The result generally shows that the soils in the northeastern parts have NMC, linear shrinkage, and free swell value above the permissible limit for a foundation. It was concluded that the differential settlement of the incompetent subsoil material is responsible for the failure of the foundation material and building walls.
Geophysical approaches Atterberg limits Shrinkage limit Weathered layer Differential settlement
Countable compactness with respect to ideal via β-open sets
In this paper, we study countable β-compactness and present another new class of com pactness in ideal topological space via countable βρI-compact spaces by utilizing the notion of β-open sets. We also properties investigate some other of countable βρI-com pactness using different types of functions.
Ideal Countably β-compact Countably ρI-compact Countably βρI-compact
An overview on the risk associated with cryptocurrency and its applications
The global economic system is amazingly complicated. At its fabric, this superficially com plex system disintegrates into a set of few rules that sum up how humans trade their notions of value. The Internet has changed the entire game for the age-old systems, so it is no surprise that it has caused immense disruption to the financial system too. It does not seem like technology is going to stop its disruption to financial systems any time soon. Blockchain eliminates the traditional role of a middleman which is required in financial institutions like banks that are supervised by authorities. An important feature of blockchain is that it is public; everyone can see it because it acts as a public ledger which is updated after every transaction. Every transaction becomes a block which is then checked by others’ computer and approved. This paper examines cryptocurrency adoption factors, the challenges, the risk associated with it, Cryptocurrency Anti-Money Laundering Red Flags and the Nigeria economy.
Blockchain Transaction Cryptocurrency Nigeria economy and Internet
An overview on the impact of bitcoin on monetary activities in Nigeria
Electronic cash or cyber cash and virtual currency are all forms of digital currencies. Indeed, computers on the bitcoin network check for unauthorized attempts to alter trans actional records. The importance cannot be overstated, as virtually every human civili zation, every bank, council, and local library is based on a centralized or decentralized organizational structure. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is referred to as cryptocurrency because it is a form of electronic currency that relies on cryptographic techniques, the science of making and breaking codes, to prove identity and authenticity and to enforce read and write access to the bitcoin network. This paper examines the features of bitcoin, the stakeholders in it, the mining process, and the position of Central Bank of Nigeria. This paper will help new researchers to work on bitcoin and its integration challenges in the financial system.
Bitcoin Electronic cash Bitcoin network Cryptocurrency Nigeria economy and Internet
Compactness with respect to ideal via β-open sets
In this paper, we study β-compactness and present a new class of compactness in ideal topological space, viz. βρI-compact spaces, by utilizing the notion of β-open sets. We also present some basic properties and characterizations of the generalized forms of βρI-com pactness and the effect of some different types of functions on them.
Ideal I-compact β-compact βI-compact ρI-compact βρI-compact *aAbdul Iguda aiguda.mth@ buk.edu.ng Department of Mathematical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Amperometric immunosensor based on the conducting layer of PAni/Fe3 O4 nanocomposites for the detection of Aβ42
Conducting PAni/Fe3 O4 nanocomposites were synthesized and electrochemically deposited on fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO)-coated glass to form a transducing layer owing to their catalytic, magnetic, and electrical properties. This synthesized conducting layer was used to immobi lized anti-β42 for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The electrode modification process was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Some factors influencing the performance of the amperometric immunosensor were optimized. The experiment outcome indicates a conducting layer of the nanocomposites on the FTO-coated glass in the range of −1.5 to 0.5 V at 0.10 Vs−1 in a 10 ml solution of PAni-Fe3 O4 nanocomposites. Electrochemical imped ance changes occurred only after PAni/Fe3 O4 bound to surface of bare FTO, confirming the deposition and indicating that the new modified electrode can be used as a transducing matrix for the immobilization of the biomarker. Tests performed with this immunosensor showed good linearity with a detection limit of 0.061 µg/ml−1 at 3σ.
Immunosensor Polyaniline Nanocomposites Conductivity Fe3 O4 β-amyloid
Removal of chromium (III) metal ions from fertilizer wastewater using kaolin clay
Extensive agriculture is the main vector of environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to investigate the adsorption of chromium (III) metal ions from fertilizer waste water using kaolin clay. The clay was characterized and used for the adsorption process in its natural and calcined forms. The major chemical components in the clay were silica (51.68%–52.38%) and alumina (25.7%–26.41%). The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area was 98.84 m2/g for calcined and 70.84 m2/g for natural kaolin. The adsorp tion data were analyzed by isotherm and kinetic studies. Langmuir and Freundlich mod els were utilized for the analysis of the adsorption equilibrium isotherm. The adsorption capacity by calcined kaolin was 82.59 mg/g, while onto natural calcined was 63.56 mg/g. The experimental data fitted well into the Langmuir model for Cr(III) with regression coef ficients (R2) of 0.96 and 0.86 for Cr(III) for calcined and natural kaolin clay, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted well for chromium. This proves that kaolin clay is a good material for the removal of chromium ions from fertilizer wastewater.
Adsorption Kaolin clay Chromium Isotherm Kinetics
In this paper, a new method, Adomian homotopy method, is proposed. The method cou ples the Adomian decomposition and the homotopy perturbation methods for fast and effective results. Complications involving the application of the two methods are avoided using the new technique. Nonlinear differential equations are utilized to highlight the effectiveness and applicability of the method.
Adomian homotopy method Homotopy perturbation method Homotopy equation Nonlinear oscillator Duffing oscillator
Field and geochemical evidence of cretaceous anoxic events in parts of the Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria
Field and geochemical evidences presented in this study report the occurrence of Cretaceous anoxic events in the Northern Benue Trough, Nigeria. Five Cretaceous forma tions (Bima, Yolde, Pindiga, Dukul, and Fika) within the Northern Benue Trough were inves tigated, and the field evidences reveal the occurrence of dark-colored, finely laminated shale units lacking bioturbation, which are mostly associated with coarsening upward sequences. This is typical of sediments deposited under transgressive waters with prevail ing anoxic conditions which were ubiquitous during the Cretaceous. Furthermore, total organic carbon values obtained from the geochemical analyses of the dark shales were considerably high, ranging from 1.35% as the lowest value to 3.67% as the highest value, consistent with concentrations of organic matter preserved due to the anoxic condition of deposition, while the sulfur content of the studied samples were found to fall within ranges below 1% (the highest being just about 0.6%). Rock-eval pyrolysis data obtained for the studied samples suggest kerogen types III and IV, implying organic materials derived from either continental or mixed continental and marine depositional environments. Tmax data obtained shows that most of the studied shales are thermally immature, implying a negligible to poor hydrocarbon generation potential.
Cretaceous anoxic events Northern Benue Trough Black shales TOC Organic sulfur
Hydrocarbon generation potential Geochemical evidences
Soil quality of farmlands close to municipal waste dumpsites
Soil samples collected from some farmlands very close to municipal dumpsites located in Jos, Plateau state, were studied to assess the soil quality of the farms with respect to the soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentration. The results show that the soil samples from the farm and control sites are loamy, while that from the dumpsites are sandy (containing sand fraction >85.0%). Soil mean pH varied between 5.902 ± 0.02 in Zaria road control soil and 7.16 ± 0.22 in Zaria road farm. While the cation exchange capacity (cmol kg−1) in the farm soils (14.35 ± 0.66, 12.44 ± 0.20) are higher than that of the control sites (8.35 ± 0.75, 7.41 ± 0.10) and consistent with the dumpsites (23.60 ± 0.02, 21.18 ± 0.01), the percentage organic matter in all the study sites is far above the average level by FAO for agricultural soil. The concentrations of all the metals (Zn, Co, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Cu) in the dumpsites and farm soil are higher than those of the control, permissible limits of the WHO, EU, and the Department of Petroleum Resources target for metals, except Cd, Zn, Co, Pb, and Cu were predominant in the sites, while As and Cd had low concentrations. With the exception of Zn and Cr in the farm soils, all the heavy metals had anthropogenic inputs of >50%. The index of geoaccumulation results for the metals showed moderate pollution of the farm soils with Cr, Pb, As, Co, and Zn, and a strong pol lution with respect to Cd. The continuous dumping of waste in these areas may, therefore, constitute a serious threat to the soil qualities of nearby farms.
Municipal wastes Dumpsite Pollution Heavy metal Soil
Phycoremediation of crude oil-contaminated water: Current microbial remediation protocol and effect on the ecosystem: A review
Owing to the extensive use of petroleum hydrocarbons in the modern world, petrochemi cal derivatives have become one of the major environmental pollutants with ensuing envi ronmental devastation. Pollution of aquatic environments by hydrocarbon via numerous anthropogenic and natural sources has become even more worrisome. The detrimental effects of this pollution on the aquatic micro and macroorganisms, including fishes, birds, and mammals, have been thoroughly documented. The associated health impacts of crude oil pollution on humans and the environment have resulted in the current microbial reme diation protocol to alleviate the effect on the ecosystem. The physicochemical protocols of cleaning the aquatic environments of hydrocarbon pollutants have been found deficient because of the high cost and the need for high-tech equipment and expertise. The ability of diverse microorganisms to degrade hydrocarbon pollutants as sources of carbon has been well studied for over three decades. These studies have focused mostly on bacteria. The bacterial-based crude oil remediation protocol is an effective means of remediating crude oil-polluted environments. It is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. It is even more effective when in collaboration with different species of bacteria (consortium) or when in association with plants (rhizodegradation). However, bacterial-based metabolism of organic pollutants, like crude oil, comes with severe reduction in dissolved oxygen, giving rise to longer time for microbial adaptation to the pollutants and the actual degradation, thus rais ing questions on the application of bacterial-based remediation protocols. Studies on the hydrocarbon metabolism by algae are already available with some details on the oxygenic metabolic pathways. The present review, therefore, highlights the potentials/advantages of algae in crude oil remediation. In addition to algae’s direct involvement in the breakdown of hydrocarbon pollutants, it provides an enabling environment, like the copious supply of oxygen, for indigenous aerobic microbes equally involved in the remediation.
Crude oil pollution Aquatic environments Remediation Microbial-based remediation Phycoremediation
Analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic data of geological transition zones of the southeastern part of Bauchi, NE Nigeria
The study investigated the subsurface tectonic framework and structural disposition of the basement/sedimentary transition zone in the southeastern part of Bauchi, Northeastern Nigeria, to delineate the basal and lateral contacts and unravel some of the hydrogeolog ical and engineering challenges in such areas. The method deployed involved the analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic data, through the application of several filtering tech niques. The transformation techniques applied include reduction to pole, second vertical derivative techniques using analytical signal, and Euler deconvolution. The Euler depth result range of 1–200 m coincides with the region where basement rocks outcrop on the surface, while the depth range between 0 and −800 m corresponds to the sedimentary terrain (the Kerri-Kerri formation) or part of the area where the basement rocks are over lain by thick overburden sediments. The 2-D depth model around the transition zone showed high variability as it ranged from 0 to −500 m owing to the presence of basement highs and depressions. The basement highs are usually characterized by impermeable rocks with poor aquifer characteristics and are responsible for the failure of boreholes in these zones. The basement depressions, however, constitute good groundwater prospects depending on the hydrological properties of the sedimentary infill. The general orienta tion of lineaments in the area revealed NW–SE, NE–SW, and ENE–WSW, with minor N–S and E–W trends, suggesting a pan-African origin. The occurrence of lineaments in parts of the contact zones also contributes to the groundwater prospects. The erratic bedrock relief exhibited by the study area is also detrimental to the foundation of pavement struc tures as it undermines their durability. Therefore, a detailed site investigation is crucial in such geological contact zones prior to the erection of structures. Additionally, vertical electrical soundings are recommended before borehole drilling to ascertain the suitability of these hydrogeological complex zones.
Structural disposition Euler deconvolution Basement depressions Lineaments Groundwater prospects
Design, synthesis, docking studies, and antibiotic evaluation (in vitro) of some novel triphenylamine chalcones and their analogues
Background: Antibiotic resistance has risen as a result of a variety of conditions, prompting researchers to look for new compounds that can combat multidrug-resistant organisms. Over the last two decades, chalcones have been proved to be attractive moieties in drug discovery. Various substituted acetophenones, propiophenones, and 4-(diphenylamino) benzaldehyde were combined, using the aldol condensation reaction to obtained eight novel triphenylamine chalcones. The compound’s antimicrobial properties were investi gated (in vitro). With the nonmutant X-ray target receptor (PDB: 5VBU), molecular docking experiments were also carried out to analyze the most favorable conformation and find the orientation that maximizes interaction and minimizes energy. Results: Eight novel triphenylamine chalcones were successfully synthesized and recrys tallized using ethanol; the percentage yield of the compounds was between 30% and 92%. The activity against different pathogens revealed that all synthesized compounds showed marked antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. Compound 1b showed the highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Aspergillus niger, measuring 30 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results revealed that compounds 1a–1d, and 2d had the lowest MIC and inhibited A. niger growth at 12.5 g/ml. All the synthesized compounds showed a minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) effect against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and A. niger at 50 µg/ml. The docking studies of the synthesized chalcones with the binding site of the target receptor reveal that the binding affinity of the synthesized chalcones was in the range of −11.2 to −9.4 kcal/mol, and showed the highest binding score compared to that of the standard drugs (fluconazole and ciproflaxacin), with docking scores of −7.9 and −7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion: The investigation reveals that compound 1b showed the highest ZOI of 30 mm, least MIC, and MBC/MFC of 12.5 and 50 µg/ml, respectively, against A. niger, there fore displaying better antifungal potential as compared to the rest of the compounds. The outcome of the docking analysis revealed that compound 2a showed a better binding affinity of −11.2 kcal/mol, which is higher than the remaining compounds and the control drugs (fluconazole and ciproflaxacin). Therefore, compounds 1b and 2a, which showed better antifungal and highest binding affinity, could be potential candidates in drug design.
Chalcones Triphenylamine Claisen–Schmidt condensation Antimicrobial activity Molecular docking Binding affinity
Granulometric analysis of the sandstone facies from the Bima Sandstone in Girei and environs, Yola sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria
The granulometric analysis of Bima Sandstone in Girei and environs was carried out cov ering the area within latitudes 9°16’00” and 9°24’00”N and longitude 12°28’00” and 12°38’00”E. The aim of the study is to determine the grain size distribution of the Bima Sandstone, its transportation history, and its depositional environment. Fourteen rock samples were subjected to granulometric analysis. The result shows that the sandstone is fine, medium to coarse, and very coarse-grained; it is moderate and poorly sorted. The graphic mean size ranges from −0.06Ф to 1.03Ф, which suggests high to low flow regime of transportation; the inclusive graphic skewness shows positive skewness with few samples falling under negative skewness ranging from −0.1 to 2.0; the inclusive graphic standard deviation ranges from 1.0 to 1.4; and the inclusive graphic kurtosis ranges from 0.68 to 4. The probability plot of the representative rock samples shows that the Bima Sandstone was transported by saltation and suspension, while the bivariate scatter plot of Y2 against Y3 suggests that the Bima Sandstone is deposited in a continental setting.
Granulometric Bima Sandstone Yola arm Upper Benue Trough Bivariate Probability plot