THE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND BIO-INSECTICIDAL EFFECT OF LEMON GRASS (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) EXTRACT (OIL) ON THE CONTROL OF WEEVILS (CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS) INFESTING STORED BEANS IN NKWO MARKET MGBAKWU, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the phytochemical analysis and bio-insecticidal effect of lemongrass extract (oil) on the control of weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus) infesting stored beans in Nkwo Market, Mgbakwu, Anambra State. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of citral, geraniol, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, while cyanogenic glycosides, betalains were absence in the lemongrass extract oil. The results of the bio-insecticidal effects of lemon grass extract on weevil mortality in stored beans. The results showed a significant dose-dependent increase in weevil mortality, with concentrations of 4ml, 6ml, 8ml, and 10ml achieving 70-100% mortality rates within 1-3 days. In contrast, the control group (0ml) showed 0% mortality throughout the study. The highest concentration (10ml) achieved 100% mortality within 2 days, demonstrating the potential of lemon grass extract as a natural insecticide. Further research is needed to optimize the concentration and exposure time, understand its mode of action and potential side effects, and evaluate its efficacy in real-world scenarios. Future studies should focus on phytochemical analysis to identify active compounds, real-world efficacy testing, and development of suitable formulations and application methods. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of lemon grass extract’s bio insecticidal effects and its potential as a sustainable and effective solution for controlling weevil populations in stored beans, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture practices.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

The study evaluated the application of artificial intelligence and performance of medical diagnostic services in Enugu state. The specific objectives were to: examine the relationship between machine learning techniques and the output and evaluate the relationship between application programming interface and patient experience of medical diagnostic services in Enugu State. The area of the study was the SMEs in Enugu State. The study used the descriptive survey design approach. The primary source of data was the administration of questionnaire. A total population of 275 staff was used. The whole population was used due to small number. Two hundred and sixty (260) staff returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. Data was presented and analyzed using Likert Scale and the hypotheses using Z – test. The findings indicated Machine learning techniques had significant positive relationship with the outputZ (95, n = 260), 6.450 < 10.171 = p. < 0.05 and Application programming Interface had significant positive relationship with patient experience of medical diagnostic services in Enugu State Z (95, n = 260), 7.070 < 10.171 = p. < 0.05. The study concluded that Machine learning techniques and application programming interface had significant positive relationship with the output and patient experience of medical diagnostic services in Enugu State.The study recommended among others that the medical diagnostic service should have effective Machine learning as it allows the user to feed a computer algorithm an immense amount of data and have the computer analyze and make data-driven recommendations and decisions based on only the input data.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR FARM POWER AND MACHINERY UTILIZATION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assesses the environmental impacts of farm power and machinery utilization in Kaduna State, Nigeria, with a focus on soil health, water resources, air quality, and biodiversity. Mechanized farming, while enhancing productivity and efficiency, also introduces significant environmental risks. Data were collected through field observations, farmer interviews, and secondary sources, providing a comprehensive overview of both benefits and adverse effects. The results indicate that machinery use leads to soil compaction, water resource depletion, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. Recommendations for sustainable practices are provided to mitigate these impacts and promote environmental conservation. This study aims to balance agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability, offering insights for policymakers and farmers.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF IMPORTANT VIRUSES AFFECTING MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Maize is an important cereal crop grown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. It has a chromosome number of 2n = 2× = 20. There is little knowledge on the viruses affecting maize within this region. This research was carried out to identify the virus affecting maize on four commonly cultivated maize varieties at Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), FCT, Abuja using a molecular detection tool. Four varieties of maize seeds were obtained from the National Agricultural Seed Council, Abuja and planted on a field using randomized complete block design (RCBD). There was a total of 12 plots and 15 plants per variety per plot. At the fifth week after planting, 15 plants were sampled which gave a total of 60 leaf samples. Maize streak virus (MSV) was confirmed through serological diagnosis, although severity and percentage identification varied. Only maize streak virus was targeted. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of maize streak virus and sequence revealed the strain of the virus and percentage identification. This research provides additional information on the presence of MSV as a threat to maize production in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This information can also be utilized by virologist and breeders to improve varieties of maize that can resist maize streak virus

SURVEY OF BIOMASS (FUELWOOD AND CHARCOAL) FUEL CONSUMPTION USING SURVEYS & BENCHMARK MODEL IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST ZONES OF NIGERIA

 The use of biomass resources in many Nigerian households has become indispensable owing to low electricity access, high cost of clean energy and inadequate power supply that has become endemic over the years. The study assessed the use of charcoal and fuelwood in the south-East and South-South zone of Nigeria using few semi-urban areas and some rural villages in Enugu state as a benchmark. It investigated the factors expected to influence a household’s choice of using fuelwood and charcoal and also identified the health hazards and inconveniences associated with using fuelwood in the study areas. The common factors propelling the use of charcoal and firewood in the study areas were identified as large household size, farming occupation, being married, procurement of firewood from forests, low average monthly expenditure on fuelwood and charcoal, household average monthly income level of N70,000 and below, among others. Inconveniences and health hazards associated with the use of charcoal were identified as eye problems, long trek to obtain fuelwood, respiratory problems, among others. It is essential to curtail the felling and harvesting of trees for fuelwood and charcoal production to reduce their destructive effects on the environment and health of users. The government should make clean energy affordable and boost efforts that will scale up the socio-economic status of households. These efforts will present scenarios that prevent health hazards associated with the use of wood fuel. Avoiding these health hazards involves using clean fuels like LPG or upgrading to cook stoves that burn biomass efficiently and more cleanly.

ECONOMIC STATUS OF INFERTILE COUPLES AND THE UTILIZATION OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to assess economic status of infertile couples and the utilisation of assisted reproductive technology services in North Central Zone of Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, a sample size of 768 infertile couples representing 4% of the target population was randomly selected using a multi stage sampling procedure of stratified, purposive, simple and proportionate sampling techniques to get the sample size for the study. Data was collected using close ended questionnaire and 768 copies of the questionnaire were administered out of which 751 (97.4%) were duly completed and analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. The results revealed that economic status was significant determinant for the utilization of ART services among infertile couples in North Central Zone of Nigeria. Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations were made to improve on the utilization of assisted reproductive technology services among infertile couples: Since majority of respondents experiencing infertility lamented the huge cost of procuring ART treatment, there is, therefore, the need to subsidize infertility treatment by Government through bulk purchase of drugs and other consumables so as to overcome the burden of the cost of accessing and receiving treatment by infertile couples. The health policies of private and public organizations can also redesigned its policies to cater for the needs of workers experiencing infertility problems. The mandate of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be expanded to address the needs of persons and couples seeking infertility treatment. Also, the participating NGOs and the private sector should also be encouraged to subsidize infertility treatment in order to ease the burden of receiving infertility treatment

INCIDENCES OF FLOODING AND IMPLICATIONS ON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AMONG URBAN PUPILS OF OGUN STATE

Flooding is considered to be the most devastating natural disaster worldwide. This research sought to assess the incidence of flooding and its implications on school activities among urban pupils of Ogun state. The research employed descriptive approaches with the use of questionnaires and personal interviews. The study area considered for this survey is Akute community, a border town between Lagos and Ogun states literally in distress of flooding during rainfall. Tiptop Schools Akute and Kingsdale Schools, Akute are the two schools considered for the research. A total 45 questionnaires were distributed among school students in based on the implications of flood on pupils’ activities. The result indicates that the majority of the students (95%) always stay at home whenever there is long rainfall, also 62% of the respondents are always happy during the rainy festival as it indicates students can stay at home for 2-3 days due to flooding, hence primary school students can develop the need for occasion truancy in school even when there is no case of flooding. Hence it was concluded that flooding is a natural disaster that affects every possible human activity in the area with education not being left out, parents and guardians might not see any problem with students staying back at home due to flooding but a continual need to stay at home during academic calendar affects students’ academic performance. It was thereby recommended that electronic learning should be encouraged in both private and government schools to keep pupils up to date whenever flooding is keeping them out of school.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EFFICIENT SOLAR MOBILE PHONE/BATTERY CHARGER

A vigorous study and in-depth research into alternative and sustainable renewable energy supply is become a very attractive area of research interest. The aim of this project is to explore the viability of implementing a mobile phone charging system, to be used in rural areas. The electronic device is expected to be powered by energy generated from a 9V, 2.5W solar panel. The multi-charging port charger system makes use of a basic regulating circuit for its functionality. In order to store charge during the period of availability of sunlight, a 6V, 4.5Ah lead-acid rechargeable battery that could last for about four hours is used as a backup. The charge stored is explored to take care of emergency needs that could arise during the night or days of poor solar irradiance mainly during rainy season. Due to the rating of the solar panel and the battery, not more than one mobile phone can be charged effectively. The Solar Battery Charger circuit is designed, built and tested. It acts as a control circuit to monitor and regulate the process of charging several batteries ranging from 4 volts to 12 volts, using a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel as the input source for the battery charging process. The circuit is economical and can be easily constructed from discrete electronic components. The circuit operation is based on matching the solar panel terminal load voltage to the input terminal of the charging circuit and the appropriate number of battery cell units to be charged to the output circuit through the use of a current limited voltage regulator, allowing fast charging while limiting heat build-up and gassing and a rotary switch for easy selection of the appropriate voltage depending on the solar light intensity. Experimental results indicate that there is an increase of the overall charging current when fully charging an empty: mobile phone battery and a 6v rechargeable lamp for 4 hours using direct charging between 10.00am to 4.00pm. The success of this device will bridge the gap of power failure that often occur within the hours of the day between 10.00am to 4.00pm, especially in rural communities

ASSESSMENT OF RADIONUCLIDE CONTENT AND ITS HEALTH RISKS IN GROUND WATER IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Existence of radionucleides in drinking water is a health concern especially when their values exceeded certain permissible levels, hence the study aimed at assessing the activity and health effects in a view to providing information on the quality of the drinking for effective planning, management and utilization. In this regard, the major objective was to determine empirical values of concentration and health indices in the sampled water. The method used in determining the activity was gamma spectroscopy followed by imputing the values of activities in known standard equations. Hand-held global positioning system (GPS) was used to determine the location of each borehole water source. Twenty-one water samples were collected, prepared and analyzed using Sodium iodide detector doped with Thaliun {NaI(TI)}. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K ranged from below detectable level (BDL) at Otuadu and Ologi to 3.81 ± 0.54 Bq L−1 at Amuruto, from BDL at Abulabiri and Epebu to 3.46 ± 0.73 Bq L−1 at Otuogori, from 1.93 ± 0.91 at Ayakoro to 9.66 ± 0.89 Bq L−1 at Ologohe, respectively. The total annual committed effective dose for infant, children, teenagers and adult ranged from 0.77-22.18 mSvy-1, 0.21-5.19 mSvy-1, 0.72-13.09 mSvy-1 and 0.19-2.35 mSvy-1 respectively. The average total committed effective dose to infant, children, and teenagers and adult are 10.21, 2.39, 6.01 and 1.08 mSvy-1 respectively. The doses for all the age groups consuming the water slightly exceeded the permissible limit but the most vulnerable group to internal radiation exposure due to the intake of the ground water are infants followed by the teenagers. The results of cancer fatality risk and hereditary consequences evaluated for the adult, mortality and morbidity rates showed significant values that are higher than their recommended values. Generally, the ground water in this studied area could be said to be slightly polluted radiologically, hence purification should be carried out before ingestion

FORECASTING OF LIFE EXPECTANCY AT AGE SIXTY-FIVE IN NIGERIA: ARIMA AND NNAR APPROACH

This study investigates the forecasting of life expectancy for male and female populations up to the age of 65 in Nigeria using ARIMA and NNAR models. Data spanning from 1960 to 2020 sourced from the World Bank’s Nigerian data indicators are utilized. The dataset is partitioned into training and testing sets, and ARIMA models are fitted using the auto. arima package, while NNAR models are selected using the nnectar library in R. Diagnostic checks, including Ljung-Box tests, confirm the suitability of ARIMA models, with ARIMA (2,1,0) and ARIMA (1,1,1) identified as best fits for male and female life expectancy to age 65 respectively. Comparative analysis reveals the superior forecasting accuracy of ARIMA models over NNAR models. Visual representations of actual and forecasted values further corroborate these findings. The implications of these results for healthcare planning and policy decisions in Nigeria are discussed. Future research directions include incorporating additional variables, exploring advanced modeling techniques, extending the forecasting horizon, conducting validation and sensitivity analyses, comparing models across regions, and assessing policy impacts. By addressing these avenues, we can enhance our understanding of life expectancy up to age 65 forecasting and contribute to more effective healthcare planning and policy formulation in Nigeria and beyond.