Landmark University is a private Christian university, affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide and located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. In 2014, it was featured among the top five universities in Nigeria by Webometrics.
This study focused on the development of insulating refractory bricks using quartzite, with a comprehensive analysis of their mechanical and thermal properties. The bricks were made from quartzite with 10% bentonite binder and water, added for mixing. Various tests were done (Xray Fluorescence, Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analyses, apparent porosity, shrinkage, Loss on Ignition (LOI), compressive yield stress, and water absorption (WA)), following American Society for Testing and Materials' procedures. Microstructural analysis of the sample was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). These results provided valuable insights into the stability of the developed refractory bricks at high temperatures. Analysis of chemical composition from quartz bricks revealed significant SiO2 content (94.303%), emphasizing the material's superior refractory properties. LOI (0.5%) and shrinkage (0.2%) results indicated enhanced performance with good thermal stability and strength. Compressive stress yield indicated that the material exhibits good strength relative to the amount of binder used. WA results confirmed that the brick sample is suitable for high-temperature applications. SEM/EDS analysis unveiled intricate microstructural features, affirming the bonding agent's influence on the material's composition.
This study comparatively analyses the coverage of rural and urban communities in Nigerian newspapers to substantiate the claim of quantitative and qualitative imbalance in the coverage of rural Nigerian communities that are considered to be in urgent need of development. Three widely read national newspapers-The Guardian, The Punch and Vanguard-were studied between January and December 2023. The unit of analysis included news reports, editorials and articles. Categories analysed were the quantity of rural and urban stories, issues reported, slant of the reports, and depth and prominence given to the stories. Thirty-six editions were randomly selected across the three newspapers using Stempel's constructed week procedure. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and T-test to test statistical differences be24tween the averages of rural and urban coverage. The findings contradicted long-held evidence of an imbalance in reporting rural areas by Nigerian newspapers and found that while there is a quantitative imbalance, there is no evidence of qualitative imbalance in rural coverage by the Nigerian press. Any observed qualitative imbalance is because the urban areas have a greater number of stories appearing in the newspapers. A serious commitment to establishing indigenous media in rural areas of Nigeria is advised.
This study assessed the adoption of digital financial services (DFS) among smallholder farmers in North Central Nigeria. It investigated their usage, knowledge, and how their educational level affected the adoption of DFS. A total of 812 respondents were selected from three states: Kogi, Kwara, and Niger. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select eight hundred and twelve () crop farmers for the study. Collection of data was done using structured interview schedule. Frequency counts, percentages, and Pearson correlation were used to analyse the data. Results revealed that farmers had a relatively high level of knowledge of basic DFS features such as mobile money (????? =1.61), airtime recharge (????? = 1.67), and digital withdrawals (????? = 1.71). While DFS adoption was lowest for financial services, such as loan access (????? = 2.31), it was higher for purchasing agricultural inputs (????? = 3,23) and checking account balances (????? = 3.07). A significant correlation (r = 0.120, p = 0.001) was found between education and DFS adoption. Education significantly influences DFS use, underscoring the role of literacy in technology uptake. Extension agencies should implement targeted capacity-building programs aimed at improving farmers’ literacy and digital skills.
This study examined the relationship between social media peer communication and perception, knowledge, and attitude toward cervical cancer prevention among female youth aged 15 to 29 years in Kwara State, Nigeria. Anchored in the Health Belief Model, the study also investigated how youth engagement with posts on cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) influences their attitude about the vaccine. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 379 female youth selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique from two public universities. Findings revealed a significant positive association between social media peer communication and cues to action, knowledge and perceived susceptibility, but vaccine uptake remains low (27.2
The global textile industry relies heavily on synthetic dyes, whose extensive use has raised serious environmental and public health concerns. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the biochemical and toxicological effects of textile dyes, with emphasis on their impact on human health and ecological systems. Exposure to these dyes through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion has been linked to oxidative stress, enzyme inhibition, bioaccumulation, and disruptions in liver and kidney function, as well as immunological, hormonal, genotoxic, and mutagenic alterations. Key biochemical biomarkers, including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), renal markers (urea, creatinine), and antioxidant parameters, demonstrate significant perturbations following exposure. The review further explores mechanistic insights involving cytochrome P450 dysregulation, oxidative damage, and interference with DNA repair pathways. Although natural dyes present safer and more sustainable alternatives, their limited commercial adoption sustains dependence on synthetic dyes. Addressing these health risks demands stricter regulatory controls, improved effluent management, and a global shift toward eco-friendly dyeing practices. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for further multidisciplinary research into the biochemical mechanisms underlying textile dye toxicity and strategies for effective mitigation.
