The Federal University of Lafia formerly named Federal University, Lafia is a recently established university situated in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, this was done in 2010 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration as one of the nine new federal universities established in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.The university commenced academic activities by September 2012 with new students that made up the first set of students to be trained by the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide. Federal University, Lafia currently has a third Vice Chancellor Prof. Shehu Abdulrahaman, who was appointed by the present President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR (RTD). The appointment takes effect from the 11th of February 2021, after the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Muhammad Sanusi Liman..
Edible salts locally mined and processed in Awe and Keana communities of Nasarawa State, Nigeria are consumed without proper purification, thus posing possible health risks to consumers. This study evaluates metals/metalloids and natural radionuclides concentration in 75 composite salt samples from 15 different sources. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Gamma Spectrometry equipped with NaI (Ti) detector, were used to analyze metals/metalloids and natural radionuclides, respectively. The results showed that the average levels of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb in the unrefined salts exceeded regulatory permissible limits, with several containing 238U. In contrast, refined salt samples showed most metal and natural radionuclide levels below the regulatory permissible limits. Hazard Index levels for most unrefined salts exceeded unity, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children. Specific exposure to high cancer risk comes from As, Cd, Cr, and Ni in the unrefined salt samples studied. The presence of Cr (average CR values = 1.04 × 10− 4) in the investigated refined salts posed an increased carcinogenic risk in children. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that metal contamination in the salts was from multiple sources. The evaluated radiological health hazard indices of the salt samples were within the permissible limit set by the UNSCEAR, indicating no significant ionizing radiation health risk. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies should consider organ – specific cancer risk assessment to provide more detailed toxicological insight on the consumption of unrefined edible salts from Awe and Keana.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat which is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture, as well as poor infection prevention and control measures. In Kuje Arae Council (KAC), AMR has silently become a neglected health burden leading to prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards AMR among 403 public workers in KAC, FCT Abuja. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards AMR among 403 public workers in KAC, FCT Abuja, selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that public workers possessed adequate knowledge (p = 0.000) and a moderate awareness of AMR’s causes and consequences (p = 0.000). Their attitudes towards antimicrobial use and AMR management were moderately positive (p = 0.000). A significant, strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.879, p = 0.000). Healthcare professionals were identified as the most credible source of AMR information (66.8
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery globally by improving diagnostic accuracy and patient treatment. As digital health innovations become more prevalent, understanding their specific impact within Nigerian medical institutions is essential for enhancing public health management. Objectives: This study examined the impact of AI on public health management with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, as a case study. Specifically, it investigated how AI influences patient diagnosis processes and treatment outcomes. Methodology: The study was anchored on the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, focusing on a sample of 384 staff members at FMC, Makurdi, determined using the Cochran formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. Results: The findings revealed that AI significantly improves diagnostic processes by reducing clinical errors and supporting early disease detection. Furthermore, AI adoption was found to enhance patient treatment through real-time decision-making support and more efficient chronic disease management. Statistical analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between AI integration and improved healthcare delivery. Conclusion: The study concluded that AI adoption positively impacts public healthcare delivery at FMC, Makurdi. It is recommended that the hospital management provide targeted staff training and secure adequate funding for AI infrastructure to optimise the utility of these technologies.
The preservation of historical buildings demands structural health monitoring strategies that are non-destructive, effective, and compatible with original construction materials. While cementbased piezoresistive composites have been extensively studied, their application in heritage structures remains limited due to physicochemical incompatibilities. This study explores the development of lime-based smart mortars modified with metakaolin and graphite powder, aiming to achieve piezoresistive behavior suitable for integration into conservation practices. Binder pastes with varying lime-to-metakaolin ratios were prepared using a water-to-binder ratio of 1.0 and characterized in terms of workability and physical properties. Two formulations with 20 % and 30 % metakaolin were selected for the production of smart mortars (ratio 1:3, by mass), with the addition of graphite (1 %, 5 % and 10 %). The mortars were subjected to compressive strength tests, electrical resistivity measurements, and cyclic loading tests to evaluate their piezoresistive response. The results demonstrated that metakaolin enhances mechanical performance and reduces electrical resistivity. Moreover, resistivity decreased with moisture loss, evidencing sensitivity to internal environmental conditions. The incorporation of graphite imparted a stable piezoresistive response, with improved linearity and sensitivity proportional to the applied stress. The developed lime-based smart mortars combine material compatibility with heritage substrates and functional electromechanical properties, offering a promising solution for continuous, noninvasive monitoring in the preventive conservation of historic structures.
Cacha & ccedil;a, a Brazilian alcoholic beverage, is produced from sugarcane. In many regions of Brazil, sugarcane is commonly burned before harvesting to facilitate manual collection. However, the incomplete combustion generates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic and potentially carcinogenic. Consequently, sensitive analytical methods are needed to detect PAHs in cacha & ccedil;a at low concentrations. In this study, we developed a method for determining four PAHs in unaged cacha & ccedil;a, which involves pre-concentrating the analytes on a nylon membrane, followed by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra acquisition directly on the membrane. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) enabled the simultaneous quantification of benzo [a]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene within a range of 24-120 ng L-1, and benzo[b] fluoranthene within 45-225 ng L-1, with recovery studies yielding average apparent recoveries between 90 % and 105 %. This method offers high sensitivity and selectivity, achieving a detection range up to three orders of magnitude lower than currently available chromatographic techniques.
