Yobe State University is located in Damaturu, Yobe State Nigeria. It was established under the [Yobe state] law in 2006 by Alh. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the then Executive Governor of Yobe State(1999-2007).
This study assessed the distribution and radiological hazards of radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40 K) in soil samples from Keffi, North-Central Nigeria. Using gamma-ray spectrometry, the mean activities were 27.5 ± 24.3 Bq kg− 1 (238U), 13.75 ± 8.4 Bq kg− 1 (232Th), and 1502.5 ± 1501.3 Bq kg− 1 (40 K). High variability, skewness, and kurtosis indicated geological heterogeneity. Sample S1 showed the highest radionuclide levels, correlating with intense gemstone mining. Radiological indices (Raeq, Hex, Hin, ADR, Iγ) revealed localized hazards, with S1 exceeding safety thresholds. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong relationships among radionuclides and hazard parameters, explaining over 98
Nigeria’s Fourth Republic witnessed seven uninterrupted presidential and other elections from 1999, an unprecedented feat that signalled stability in Nigeria’s democratic experiment. From 1999 to 2019, presidential elections exhibited the same character and predictability, but the 2023 Presidential Election was different in many ways. This study analyses in detail the emerging issues that heralded the process and conduct of the 2023 Presidential Election and carefully highlights the new developments and changes. The study is based on an interview method research design and data were collected from various sources including both primary and secondary sources. Documented sources were used to complement the other data sources. The collected data was grouped and analysed using thematic interpretations. The study reports that the 2023 Presidential Election portrayed some significant changes from what was obtained including the emergence of a third force, the controversy over the 25 per cent Federal Capital Territory Abuja requirement and the Bimodal Verification Accreditation System issue. The study concludes that these unprecedented issues affected voting behaviour and the outcome. The study recommends, among other things, that Nigeria should consider the option of fully digitised voting and remove the constitutional ambiguities surrounding the minimum requirements for declaring a winner.
Discussions at a recent conference on microscopy technology dissemination spotlighted the importance of setting technology adoption capable of producing scientific outcome as the end goal. This Comment examines current global efforts in microscopy dissemination and summarizes the challenges and paths forward.
The use of chemicals as reductants and nitrogen dopants to improve the capacitance properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is not only posing environmental challenges but also making the entire process expensive. Herein, we report the effectiveness of Acacia ataxacantha leaf extract as a green reductant and nitrogen dopant. The influence of the loading level of the plant extract on the structural, textural, morphological, chemical composition and capacitance properties of RGO is evaluated systematically. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analyses revealed increased interlayer spacing and defect density with higher extract loading, while X-ray photon electron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed successful nitrogen incorporation, particularly pyrrolic-N, which contributes to pseudocapacitance. The optimised sample (N-RGO-H1.5) delivered a specific capacitance of 193 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, exceeding that of pristine RGO (95.6 F g-1). A symmetric super-capacitor assembled with N-RGO-H1.5 electrodes delivers an energy density of 8.33 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 199.28 W kg-1 and retains 54.02% of its initial energy density when the power density is triple, an indication that the device can be utilised for high-rate applications. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of nitrogen doping and improved textural properties induced by the plant extract, which promote efficient ion diffusion and charge transfer. This study demonstrates a sustainable and eco-friendly route for developing high-performance carbon-based supercapacitor materials from invasive plant resources.
The efficiency of the bifunctional electrocatalyst determines the activity of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (rZABs). Herein, a manganese oxide/nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (MnO₂/N–rGO) was synthesised via a hydrothermal method using Acacia ataxacantha extract as a multifunctional biogenic precursor for graphene oxide reduction, nitrogen incorporation, and morphology modulation. The influence of extract loading level on structural evolution and electrocatalytic performance was systematically investigated. Structural analysis indicates improved dispersion of MnO2 nanoparticles and partial reduction of graphene oxide, while compositional results suggest nitrogen incorporation into the carbon framework. Electrochemical measurements show that the optimised MnO2-rGO-P.E20 catalyst exhibits enhanced bifunctional activity among the prepared samples, with an ORR onset potential of 0.68 V (vs. RHE). Koutecky–Levich analysis indicates a quasi-four-electron pathway (n ⁓ 3.6). The improved activity is attributed to synergistic interactions between MnO2 active sites and the conductive N-rGO matrix. When applied in an rZAB device, the catalyst delivers a discharge capacity of 1.5 mAh cm− 2 and an estimated power density of 4.5 mW cm− 2. These results demonstrate the potential of biogenically derived MnO₂/N–rGO composites as low-cost and sustainable alternatives for energy storage applications.
