Ajayi Crowther University also known as ACU is a private university located in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria.
This study investigated theoretical methane potential (TMP)and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of Longkong (Lk) waste (peel and seed) and fruit pulp, and Napier grass (NG). TMP values were calculated using modified Buswell stoichiometric equation, while BMP assays were conducted to determine methane (CH4 ) production. TMP results showed that Lk waste had higher theoretical CH4 yield (0.5 L/g) of volatile solids (VS) than that from Lk pulp (0.39 L/g VS) and NG (0.46 L/g VS). BMP results showed that measured CH4 yield was 0.21, 0.3 and 0.33 L/g VS for Lk waste, Lk pulp and NG, respectively. Lk peel is a more suitable substrate for biogas production compared to its pulp, due to high moisture content, low alkalinity and high volatile fatty acid of the latter. CH4 potential of the three substrates compared favorably with those of others such as grapes and banana peels. The study recommends Lk peels and its leftover pulp for biogas production in regions with high cultivation.
The occurrence of vibrational resonance (VR) in a modulated spatially varying periodic system is investigated in this study. A modulation profile possessing a harmonic order is exerted on a spatially periodic function to yield a modulated landscape. The dual-frequency driven modulated system is subsequently treated within the separation of motion scheme, to yield a quantifier for VR in the form of response amplitude. Applying a linearly damped regime, within the domain of the fast field drive and for different values of the harmonic order, multiple resonances were detected in the response profile for particular values of the weak excitation frequency component. All analytical deductions were confirmed through numerical simulations, which demonstrated a reasonable level of agreement. Comparisons with related studies reveal the distinctive influence of harmonic order modulation in enhancing and transforming VR responses for specific operating values of field parameters. The impact of the modulating function in transforming features of the forced system, viz., effective potential and resonant frequency under VR analysis, provides avenues of active enrichment of the output signal at the low frequency. These unique characteristics may provide pertinent prospects for dynamical systems that adopt spatially periodic states.
Diagnostic x-ray examinations are key part of modern medical imaging, helping doctors to diagnose a range of health conditions. However, these procedures expose patients to ionising radiation, which carries certain risks that need careful management. This study therefore assessed the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and effective dose (ED) for 1583 adult patients undergoing seven common diagnostic examinations at three different hospitals in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria using CalDose software. The results of the study ranged from 0.67 – 6.78 mGy for ESAK and 0.02 – 0.48 mSv for ED. Among the examinations considered, the lumbar spine produced the highest ESAK values across the three hospitals, for both male and female patients, with an effective dose of 0.44 mSv at X, 0.29 mSv at Y, and 0.48 mSv at Z, while the chest had the lowest dose (X= 0.06, Y = 0.02, Z = 0.02 mSv). The estimated effective doses were within the safe limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. These findings emphasise the need for regular dose audits, careful optimisation of exposure settings, and ongoing staff training to reduce patient radiation exposure while maintaining good diagnostic quality.
Context and background Land registration is a crucial component of land administration that ensures tenure security and facilitates sustainable land management. In many developing countries, the process of land registration suffers from inefficiencies, delays and inconsistent in service quality. This erodes public trust in the land administrative process for swift delivery despite the necessity for land registration. This study assesses service quality perceptions in the land registration process in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Ilorin is a fast-developing city with increasing land market activities. The land transactions through the formal land market require interaction with the land registry for land documentation. Goal and Objectives: The study assessed how land registration applicants perceive the actual service quality delivered at the land registry during the land registration process. This helped to determine the service quality dimensions that significantly predict overall satisfaction among land registration applicants. Methodology: A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from land registration applicants of the Kwara State land registry through a structured questionnaire. The 5 dimensions of the SERVQUAL model which are: Tangibility, Reliability, Empathy, Responsiveness and Assurance, were used to compute mean gap scores between expected and perceived service quality. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was used to determine how the five service quality dimensions influence the applicants’ overall satisfaction with the land registration process. Results: The findings reveal that land registration applicants in Ilorin have high expectations for service quality, particularly regarding document security, staff competence, and prompt service delivery. However, actual perceptions indicate moderate satisfaction, with cleanliness and ICT availability rated highest. On the other hand, timely completion and responsiveness scored lowest. It was noted that significant service quality gaps exist across all the SERVQUAL dimensions, especially in reliability and responsiveness. Overall, the results highlight the need for improved transparency, efficiency, and client-centered services in the land registration process.
The synthesis of nanoparticles using biological substances, such as plants, has proven to be more beneficial, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This study emphasised the green biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Helianthus annuus L. leaf extracts in ethyl acetate (AgNPEa) and methanol (AgNPM), along with antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the resulting nanoparticles. The phytochemical analysis of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts was done. Characterization (UV-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD) and FTIR), antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the synthesised AgNPs were done. The two extracts showed no cardiac glycosides. A change in colour of the silver salt solution, showing a maximum UV-vis absorbance at 450 nm for AgNPMHa and 500 nm for AgNPEaHa. The SEM and TEM revealed a spherical shape having about 26.8 ± 9.4 nm and 22.3 ± 6.8 nm size. The EDX showed a high silver content of 69.35