The research was carried out to screen endogenous species of algae for the adsorption of heavy metals from untreated effluents of Fata Tanning Limited (FTL) in Kano between July 2014-June, 2015. Primary field investigation and laboratory analysis were the main sources of data in the study. The study areas were divided into three strata within which samples were collected using stratified sampling techniques from a depth of 0-30cm.The study assessed the adsorption capacity of heavy metals namely: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and Mercury (Hg) by some algal species using Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometer (AAS). Indigenous algal species identified and isolated were Anabaena planctonica, Microcystis aeruginosa and Spirulina major using microscopy and standard phycological chart as described by Komerak and Anagnostidis (1989). Bioremediation Bioassay was conducted to assess the adsorption capacity of the isolated organisms. The results showed that, tested organisms reduced the concentration level of heavy metals in the effluents to the standard limit proposed by FEPA (1997), WHO (1999) and (ICLARM, 1997). Spirulina major was found to sequester more Cu (36.01%) followed by Microcystis aeruginosa (24.52%). Higher concentration of Fe (15.12%) was removed by Microcystis aeruginosa while Anabaena planctonica removed (15.15%) of Hg. These findings indicated that all the tested organisms possessed great potential in removing heavy metals from untreated tannery effluents. These findings also showed that adsorption of heavy metals by the tested organisms increased with time from 3-9 weeks of inoculation and adsorption was significantly higher at 9 weeks after inoculation.

Euphorbia heterophylla’s leaf is widely used in indigenous medicinal practices in Kano State, Nigeria and other parts of the world, because of its tremendous medicinal properties which include purgative, treatment of gonorrheal, respiratory tract infection, malaria, Eczema, Asthma and wart cure. The present study was designed to use standard procedures to extract, fractionate and investigate (in vitro) the phytochemical ingredients of ethyl acetate extract and fractions of Euphorbia heterophylla’s leaf. Extraction of the plant’s leaf was done using ethyl acetate as a solvent to obtain the crude ethyl acetate extract (CEE), while fractionation of the crude was done using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate to afford petroleum ether fraction (Eh1), chloroform fraction (Eh2) and ethyl acetate fraction (Eh3). The in vitro phytochemical test to investigate the phytochemical content of the crude extract and fractions was carried out via standard protocols, which revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tanins. These phytochemical ingredients justifies some aspects of indigenous mental acceptance on the Euphorbia heterophylla’s leaf and validate its popular usage in traditional medicinal practices in Kano State, Nigeria and other part of the world for the treatment of infectious diseases that need clinical attention.

In general theory of relativity, Einstein’s field equations relate the geometry of space-time with the distribution of matter within it. Research has showed that the tensors for spherical massive bodies are not functions of radial distance only as shown by Schwarzchild; they depend on other factors such as polar angle, azimuthal angle and time. In this article, the analytical interior solution of Einstein’s field equation for homogeneous spherical body whose tensor field varies with time, radial distance and polar angle using weak field and slow-motion approximation was formulated. The obtained result converges to Newton’s dynamical scalar potential with additional time factor not found in the well-known Newton’s dynamical theory of gravitation which is a profound discovery with the dependency on three arbitrary functions. The result obtained can be used in the study of rotating astrophysical bodies such as stars. The result obeyed the equivalence principle of Physics.

In this work, complexes of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ with β-Lactam antibiotics: ampicillin (L1) and cephalexin (L2) have been synthesized, characterized and tested for antimicrobial activity against some selected microbes. The complexes were characterized via electronic and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements, elemental analysis, molar conductivity measurement, solubility and melting points determination, and appropriate structures were assigned. Theoretical insights on relative reactivity and binding sites of the ligands were obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the B3LYP/631+G(d,p) model. IR spectra revealed that the ligands bind to the metal ions through the C=O of their amide and lactam groups, as well as the hydroxyl group of their carboxylic portion, which are also in excellent agreement with the results of DFT calculations. Based on revelations from DFT, both ligands possess remarkable affinity for the metal ions. The L1 seemed to be more reactive and more amenable to forward electron donation to the metals, while L2 appeared to be more susceptible to back-bonding with the metals. Electronic spectra (UV-Vis) showed that all the complexes are octahedral, and produced wavelengths in the visible region of the electromagnetic radiation. The complexes were found to be soluble in polar solvents, and have melting points in the range190–280˚C. With the exception of the Fe3+counterpart, all the synthesized complexes exhibited higher antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to the free ligands.

A major problem experienced by both developed and developing countries is the management of wastes. Thus, there is a growing interest regarding the conversion of organic wastes generated by the food processing sector and through other human endeavors into useful forms. An investigation was carried out to test the suitability of food crop wastes (yam, sweet potato, and Irish potato peels) for the formulation of media for cultivating fungi. Three formulated media which included Yam Peel Dextrose Agar (YPDA), Sweet Potato Peel Dextrose Agar (SPPDA) and Irish Potato Peel Dextrose Agar (IPPDA) were used to determine the growth of two test fungi isolated from the spoilt food stuff. Mean colony count (MCCs) of the isolates on the formulated waste media were determined and compared with that of Sabauraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) which served as control. The fungal isolates used in the study were Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The test organisms were aseptically inoculated unto the three different formulated media and the control medium in triplicates. The cultures were incubated for a period of six days and the colonies were counted thereafter.All the formulated media supported the growth of the test fungi at various level with Sweet Potato Peel Dextrose Agar (SPPDA) having the highest MCCs of 7.4 X 106 cfu/ml for A. niger and 8.8 x 106+ 0.03 cfu/ml for A.flavus . Irish Potato Peel Dextrose Agar (IPPDA) yielded the lowest MCCs (3.2+0.06x 106 cfu/ml and 4.2+0.03 x 106 cfu/ml) values for A. niger and A. flavus respectively. The physical and morphological characteristics of the test fungi on the formulated and standard media were similar in colour, shape and size of the colonies, except for SPPDA which had bigger sized colonies than all other media. The proximate composition of the crop waste had significant carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, moisture and ash content. This study reveals that the waste materials contain nutrients that can be utilized as culture media for invitro growth of fungi.

The objective of this empirical study is to establish how internal factors (IFs) influences adoption of green practices in construction consultancy firms. Pro environmental practices scholars in other industry suggest the impact of these factors in green practices. However, evidence to indicate such in construction consultancy firms, particularly in the context of global south are limited. This study hypothesized a directional alternative relationship between environmental commitments, environmental knowledge, and firm characteristics on one hand, and green construction practices (GCP) on the other hand in a predictor - outcome relationship to determine their individual contributions. A sample of 375 survey questionnaires were personally administered through proportionate stratified random sampling to construction industry consultants (planners, architects, quantity surveyors, builders, and estate surveyors) in Nigeria. A total of 233 survey questionnaires were subsequently retrieved for analysis, yielding 62.1% response rate. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS. Results of the analysis indicates, firm characteristics and environmental commitments have a statistically significant contribution, thus, serves as key predictors of GCP. The findings of this study provide additional empirical evidence regarding the relationship between IFs and green practices in construction; thereby complementing existing literature on GCP.

Complex analysis is considered as one of the powerful tools in solving problems in mathematics, physics, and engineering. In the mathematical field of complex analysis, contour integration is a method of evaluating certain integrals along paths in the complex plane. Cauchy’s residue theorem is a powerful tool to evaluate complex integrals of analytic function over closed curves. This paper discussed how various type of definite integrals of real valued function can be associated with integrals around closed curves in the complex plane, so that the residue theorem will become a handy tool for some definite integrals.

This paper crisply presents the fundamentals of soft set theory to emphasize that soft set has enough developed basic supporting tools through which various algebraic structures in theoretical point of view could be developed. We redefined the concepts of conjunction and disjunction as binary operations on soft sets and present their properties. In particular, a perception named soft Boolean algebra is introduced where some related results were established.

Water is an essential component of life, fresh water constitutes about 3% of the total water on the earth, only 0.01% of this fresh water is available, with two thirds of the earth covered by water and the human body consisting of 75% of it, it is obvious that, water is one of the prime elements responsible for life. Present study aimed at assessing the heavy metals concentration in water sources across Ara and Laminga using Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MPAES). The result revealed that, heavy metals for Ara and Laminga in mg/L (Zn (0.35 and 0.2), Cd (0.00 and 0.00), Fe (0.05 and 0.05), Cu (0.02 and 0.01), Pd (0.04 and 0.02), Ni (0.012 and 0.012) and Mn (0.04 and 0.04)) respectively were present in the water. It can be concluded that the mean concentration is insignificant and the area is considered free and the water in those areas is considered as a good water, though, on accumulation, heavy metals may have much impact radiation burden of the populace, hence, gross alpha and beta as well as risk assessment of water in the area is recommended as the concentration may elevate and cause cancer to the populace.

Intuitionistic fuzzy soft set (IFSS) is an important generalization of fuzzy soft set (FSS). In this research paper, we introduced the notion of weighted intuitionistic fuzzy soft set (WIFSS) as a generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy soft set (IFSS), which makes the description of the objective world more realistic, practical and accurate in most cases, making it very promising in all respect. We defined the concept of level soft sets in a weighted intuitionistic fuzzy soft set context and presented an adjustable approach to WIFSS based decision making for solving decision-making problems in an imprecise situation with some practical and illustrative examples.

Existing dynamics in the channel morphology of the river segment from Tappare Babeti to Wuro-Mayo of River Yedzeram were assessed using intensive fieldwork and Geographical Information System (GIS) Analysis. Changes as a result of natural and anthropogenic disturbances which led to channel drifting, channel dig out, channel sinuosity and lateral channel movement processes in the channel segment were examined over a period of 13 years (2007 to 2019). It was discovered that an average channel shrinking of 48.38 %; Sinuosity (ratio of channel length to valley distance) of the river in this reach was 1.37. From 2007 to 2013 the average movement magnitude was 20.51 m while the average movement rate was 3.96 m/year). From 2013 to 2015 the average migration magnitude was 20.34 m while the rate of migration was 4.39 m/year. From 2015 to 2019 the average migration magnitude was 19.47 m, while the rate of migration rate was 3.89 m/year. A short term (2016 to 2019) channel deepening rate of 0.12 m/year was also observed within the right bank section of the channel. Riparian barrier zones, mapping and restriction policies against encroachment within the zones were recommended and serious need to instruct and educate the public on the effects of their deeds on the environment, which could result to damaging landscape changes in the area.

The study assessment of water in Gurara dam and it’s suitability for domestic use In FCT Abuja, Nigeria. The Gurara dam supply water from Gurara dam in Kaduna state to Lower Usuma dam in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) There is need for regular monitoring of water quality for various parameters of interest to ensure it meet the standard qualities required for intended use(s). Thus, the suitability of Gurara dam water for domestic use in FCT Abuja, Nigeria was assessed. The objectives were to assess the properties of Gurara dam water and ascertain its suitability for domestic purpose. A total of thirty (30) water samples were collected through direct fetching. Ten (10) samples each from upstream, downstream and midstream were collected. Precautions were taken to prevent sample contamination. Data collected from the result of laboratory test were analysis for physical, chemical and microbiological parameters, using standard analytical methods and compared with NSDWQ and WHO standard for domestic uses. Result shows ranges of parameters in the dry and rainy seasons respectively as follows: pH from 7.17-8.23 and from 7.12-8.23, Electrical conductivity (EC) from 222-354 µs/cm3 and from 280-737 µs/cm3, TDs from 12.14-21.54 Mg/l and from 1.54-2.40 Mg/l, Total hardness from 13.58-39.72 Mg/l and from 13.18-32.67 Mg/l. The concentrations of EC and minerals (K, Na, Cl, Mg and Ca), in water in Gurara Dam were generally below their regulatory standard. It was concluded that water from Gurara dam are not safe for domestic purpose especially drinking. The users of Gurara dam water for domestic purpose should treat before direct consumption.

This study assessed the Maintenance Management Practices of Bauchi Police Barracks. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to appraise the condition of maintenance from the end users, assess the effect of Maintenance Management on the Performance of the Nigerian Police (MMPNPB), examine the factors affecting Maintenance Management, assess the severity of the factors affecting the Maintenance Management as well as suggest ways of improving the performance of the Maintenance Management. The study adopted the quantitative research design through the use of questionnaire, the data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential methods with SPSS (version 20) as a tool for statistical analysis. Out of the 300 questionnaires issued, 205 valid ones were analysed representing 68% response rate. Findings from the study revealed that the condition of maintenance of Bauchi Nigeria Police barracks is poor. Human factors such as Use of substandard materials, Learning and growth perspective and Client attitude to maintenance work with mean scores of 3.2341, 3.1659 and 3.2293 and Standard deviation of 1.13059, 1.29168 and 1.17620 respectively affect the performance of MMPNPB. Furthermore, severe factors affecting the performance of NPBM were poor financial support for maintenance work, lack of preventive maintenance as well as poor architectural design however quality control factors and ignorance about the basic properties of building materials and components with a mean score of 2.9366 and a standard deviation of 1.27989 do not affect the MMPNPB. The study found that ways of improving the performance of Nigeria Police Buildings (NPBs) were most importantly through: periodic maintenance and preventive maintenance. The study therefore, recommends the implementation and use of the National Building Code, increase funding from the Government as well as recruit of capable maintenance personnel in the Police Service by the Police Service Commission for effective and efficient maintenance management of the Nigeria Police Barracks.

This study investigates water quality of some selected boreholes water in Biu Local government area of Borno State to ascertain their suitability for domestic usage. Water samples were collected from ten (10) wards of Biu Local Government. Two samples were collected from each ward, one during the rainy season and another during the dry season, a total of 22 samples were collected in all. Analysis was done using Smart Spectrophotometer machine to determine the concentration of 20 parameters. Which are Total Dissolve Solid, Turbidity, Total Hardness, Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Nitrate, Colour, Odour, PH, Total Alkalinity, Total Salinity and the following metals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Lead, Cadmium, Zinc and Cadmium. Nitrate, phosphate, cadium, hardness, sulphate, ammonia, potassium and turbidity. Result obtained was compared with the stipulated guideline values for drinking water provided by World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Further analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out at p – value < 0.05 and it was observed that there is significant difference between the water qualities across the 10 location in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. This study however concludes that regular monitoring of these parameters should be carried out.

The study aimed to investigate the impact of urban flooding on small and medium scale businesses in Benin City. Ten locations including, BDPA quarter, Uselu market, Oliha market, Ekenwan quarter, Ogida quarter, Uwelu market, New Benin, Ikpoba Hill, Aduwawa, Upper Sakponba were purposively selected for the study due to previous flood experience. Using a stratified random sampling technique, houses to be sampled were selected and only business owners were qualified for the study. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered, in 10 quarters, 50 questionnaires per quater Analysis of flood impact on business type showed that Small farm operators recorded 76.95%, commercial taxi/tricycle operators, 77.85%, food vendors, 79.79%, automobile repairers 76.85%, kiosk operators, 81.87%, fruits sellers, 85.1%, carpentry/furniture, 78.9% and hair dressers/barbing saloons, 87.23% being the worst impact. Analysis of variance at 0.05 statistical threshold showed that the observed impact of urban flooding on small and medium businesses in Benin City differ statistically. Greatest impact was observed by hair dressers while least impact was witnessed by automobile repairers. In terms of nature of impact, access problem to costumers accounted for 88.6%, operational disruption (82.12%), access problem to employees 50.25%, business closure, 41.63%, damage to farm land, 62.27%, damage to stock, 78.5%, supply chain disruption, 69.08% and damage to inside building, 62.05%. There was a general belief among owners of businesses that government is responsible for managing the flood risk and implementing adequate mitigation actions and therefore no individual action was required. Lack of finance was attributed to the under insurance of their businesses. Many businesses were skeptical about the probability of flooding as well as the losses that flooding may cause to their businesses. The tests for statistical variations in flood impacts between locations using one-way ANOVA shows that flood impacts on business types differ significantly at 0.05 level of confidence. In terms of spatial dimension of impact, analysis shows that all the sample locations have similarly experienced various degree urban flood impacts in terms of disruptions of business activities. The study recommends awareness in particular to control the practice of dumping solid waste into waterways. Flood zoning ordinances and land use control acts should also be enacted and enforced by the state government which will specify flood risk areas.

Bioterrorism is defined as the deliberate use of microorganisms; virus, bacteria, fungi or other biological agents to cause death or illness in human, animals or plants. List of the most likely biological agents to be used in an act of bioterrorism had been prioritized and these agents are classified into A, B and C groups. Group A agents and disease are moderately easy to disseminate and result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates Group B agents and disease are easily transmitted from animals to human, (except for smallpox, which has no animal reservoir) person to person, having high mortality rates and potential for a major public health impact. Group C agents and diseases include emerging pathogens that could be engineered for mass dissemination. In comparison to political, religious, strict or different beliefs, bio-crime includes the use of a biological agent to kill or make sick a solitary person or group of people, convinced by revenge, black mail or the desire for money. Given the specialized difficulties and weaknesses, the risk of a successful bioterrorist attack is not massive. Nevertheless, regardless of whether the amount of losses is likely to be minimal, the impact of a bioterrorist attack can currently be high. Measures designed to develop diagnostic and therapeutic skills and limits by planning and training would improve societys ability to combat normal irresistible disease flare-ups, as well as mitigate the effects of bioterrorism.

This research was centered on investigating the structural and thermal phase transformations of an antimony trioxide reduced graphene oxide (Sb2O3:RGO) composite that can be used as glass former. Differential Thermal Analysis measurements (DTA) and structural analysis; a multi-technique approach (XRD and SEM) were used in this study. As the sintered temperature reduced from 800 0C to 750 0C, the average size of the crystallites for the composite increases. This encourages the creation of grown atomic layers, which provides a thermal energy gain mechanism that improves atomic restructuring and reduces crystal defects in sintered composites, as evidenced by dislocation density and micro strain values. Sintered Sb2O3:RGO at 750 0C had the highest transition temperature (711.4 oC), which matches the SEM result of the composite with the largest grain size.

The study is aimed at investigating architects’ perception on green building awareness and benefits in construction projects in Jos, Plateau State. The study objectives include investigating the level of awareness on the use of green building in construction projects, and to determine the benefits of green building in various construction projects. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents who were architects in the built environment. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select one hundredtwenty (120) respondents, out of which ninety-five (95) responses which were used for the data analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, likert scale and Mann Whitney test. The results indicate that most architects were aware of the green building practices applicable to construction projects. The study shows that there was no significant relationship on the level of interest in adopting green building construction base on sex (P > 0.05). Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the government should establish a formidable Green Building Council in Nigeria that will be responsible for public awareness to transform way of life to help save resources, minimize waste, enhance guidelines and approaches for realistic implementation.

The quest for antifungal substances due to fungi resistance to current synthetic antifungal drugs necessitates the discovery and development of herbal remedies from cashew nuts (Anacadium occidentale L.). Cashew has both medicinal and nutritional importance. Oil was extracted from the cashew nutshell using petroleum ether and n-hexane as a solvent with the aid of Soxhlex apparatus. The antifungal activity of these oil extracts was studied on Trichophyton rubrum, Mucor pusillus, Alternaria species, Microsporum canis and Penicilium chrysogenum. Some of these fungi were susceptible. From the Phytochemical analysis, it was found that the oil is rich in bioactive compounds, hence its antifungal activity. This oil might be used as a precursor in the development of novel antifungal substances to treat fungal infections.

Release of untreated textile effluents, especially into water bodies makes the environment unhealthy, and thereby affecting entire life of humans, plants and other aquatic animals. This eventually affects the quality of water and limits its utilization. This study was carried out to determine the bioremediation potentials of some isolated species of chlorophyta (Green algae), namely Spirogyra majuscula, Chlorella vulgaris and Volvox carteri from African Textile Manufacturer (ATM) effluent in Kano, Nigeria. Bioremediations of textile effluent collected from Challawa industrial estates were carried out. The results obtained from the study revealed high rates of heavy metals which fluctuate based on the quantity and quality of the operation, using morphological, phycological and biochemical characteristics. Their ability to adsorb heavy metals was carried out for 21 days and the results shows that, they are all potential to adsorb heavy metals. Adsorption efficiencies of different algal species were expressed in mg/l. Results indicated effectiveness of the investigated species for removal of the target contaminants. Removal of heavy metal from the ATM ranged from 20.32mg/l to 67.48mg/l was established, with Spirogyra majuscula (67.48mg/l), Chlorella vulgaris (59.43mg/l) and Volvox carteri (47.13mg/l,). Analysis of variance of the results revealed that, there were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in adsorption of heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Zn) between individual organisms. The isolated algal species represent a promising tool for application in bioremediation of textile industrial effluents and the biodegradation potential observed would increase the applicability of these microorganisms for treatment of textile effluents before disposal to appropriate channel.

This study explored the valuable components from the different varieties of Roselle (zoborodo) extract, it also focusses on the assessments of the nutritional value of the extract due to its constant utilization as soft drinks in localities to replace conventional soft drinks such as coca cola and similar drinks was carried out. Analysis showed that the dried red sample contain 0.08 mg/g reducing sugar while the dried white sample showed 0.098 mg/g, as compared to fresh red sample that showed 0.096 mg/g but fresh white sample has only 0.081 mg/g. Organic acids of the extract showed the dried red and white samples has 15.5 mg/g and 15.25 mg/g ascorbic acid, and the fresh red and fresh white showed 14.3 mg/g and 14.0 mg/g of ascorbic acids respectively. Citric acid content of dried red showed 1.88 mg/g > 0.58 mg/g dried white samples. Tartaric acid of dried red sample showed 2.0 mg/g > 0.88 mg/g in dried white samples. Other component such as Pectin showed that both fresh red and dried red samples have the same values of 0.6mg/g > fresh white 0.58mg/g > dried white sample with 0.40mg/g. Tartaric acid showed 2.0 mg/g and 0.67 mg/g for dried red and dried white samples, while citric acid values of dried red and dried white showed 1.88mg/g and 0.58mg/g accordingly. This study indicated that the values of ascorbic acid, citric acids and other essentials components of Roselle extract are within the recommended food supplements for body metabolism and it should be utilized as common drinks.

Anisopus mannii is plant used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, disorders and diseases especially in Northern Nigeria where literatures have shown that the plant has anti-diabetic properties This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemicals and the anti-diabetic effects of the stem bark extracts of Anisopus mannii . Fresh stem bark of Anisopus mannii was extracted with 85% methanol using soxhlet extractor and the crude methanol extract (60 g) was fractionated with n-hexane ethylacetate n-butanol and distilled water and thereafter subjected to phytochemical, chromatographic (column and thin layer) and anti-diabetic activity evaluation. The separated bands were then subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet visible (UV) spectroscopy. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, terpenes and steroid in the plant. The spectra revealed that BA1 consisting of λmax (297.40 nm) which is simlar to λmax of flavanonol reported as 290 nm while BA2 spectra revealed λmax of 275 nm for flavan-3 ol as supported by the functional groups present in the FTIR such as hydroxyl, Carbonyl etc. In the anti-diabetic evaluation on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the extracts showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose level in diabetogenic rats. Significant (P<0.05) dose dependent decrease in Fasting glucose level were observed at 500 mg/kg at all the study time range from (7.66±2.26) to (6.18±2.14) compared to positive control. Therefore, this result could support the folkloric claim of the used of this plant as a remedy to diabetes considering the presence of the active secondary metabolites.