The Nigerian Journal of Physics (NJP) is a peer-reviewed publication of original research papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications in all aspects in the fields of Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology.
Determination of Radionuclides Concentration and Transfer Factor in Selected Crops in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria
The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (238U, 232Th and 40K) in the food crops grown in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State with their corresponding soil samples were measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The research was to determine the concentration of radionuclides in selected crops and their Transfer factor. The activity concentrations of eight (8) maize samples, eight (8) groundnut samples and four (4) yam samples with their corresponding soil samples were determined using gamma spectroscopy with a 3'' x 3'' NaI (Tl) detector. Soil radioactivity exceeded UNSCEAR recommended values for ²³⁸U and ⁴⁰K, while ²³²Th generally remained within safe limits. In crops, ⁴⁰K showed the highest activity (ranging 88.38 ± 5.02 Bq/kg -148.42 ± 8.07 Bq/kg), followed by ²³⁸U (12.62 ± 2.52 – 25.12±3.90 Bq/kg) and ²³²Th (3.95 ± 0.33 - 15.19 ± 0.42 Bq/kg ). Transfer factors for all crops were below 1, indicating low soil-to-plant transfer. Radiological hazard indices including absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent, hazard indices, annual effective dose, and gamma index were all below international safety limits. However, the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) exceeded the recommended threshold of 1E-4 to 1E-6 across all crops. This suggests a potential long-term cancer risk from continual consumption, despite the minimal transfer of radionuclides into crops. The findings indicate that while soils in the study area have elevated natural radioactivity, crop contamination remains low and does not pose an immediate health threat. Continuous monitoring and soil management are advised to ensure sustainable agricultural safety.
Copyright (c) 2025 Peter Basho Matudi, Osita Chukwudi Meludu, Livinus Linus Dangari
Advancements in MoS2-based Nanocomposites for Photothermal and Chemotherapy Applications: A Mini-Review
Nanomaterials are recognized for their excellent properties and can be used in all areas of life. Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems are increasingly promising and useful as tools in cancer therapy. Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2), a 2D material, is extensively studied today due to its exceptional characteristics and wide range of applications. Due to its unique properties and versatility for numerous applications, MoS2 has garnered considerable attention from researchers worldwide. MoS2 has been extensively explored for biomedical applications due to its excellent photothermal conversion ability. Multiple research papers have explored the advancements and applications of MoS2 materials, but this article aims to provide an overview of its photothermal and chemotherapy applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ismaila Taiwo Bello, Hope Kofoworola Adewumi, Paul Sola Ayanlola, Abraham Adewale Aremu, Emmanuel Abiodun Oni, Dauda Biodun Amuda
A Refined AQM Approach for Providing an Improved Performance in Communication Networks
Effective queue management for making certain of obtaining an improved network quality of service (QoS) is becoming a crucial challenge to the Internet owing to enormous increase in real-time communications. The widely reputed Random Early Detection (RED) and its offshoot amendment (Three-section RED, TRED) Active Queue Management (AQM) algorithms are considered inefficient for handling high congested network settings, leading to large end-to-end delay. In this paper, we propose a more sophisticated RED-based AQM design that leveraged TRED. We call this new scheme Ref-RED (an abbreviation of ‘Refined Random Early Detection’). Experimental investigations in ns-3 simulator demonstrated that Ref-RED's packet dropping strategy is more belligerent as it actively drops packets at heavy-load congested network, leading to the appreciable performance improvement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samuel O. Hassan, Fatimah Adamu-Fika, Gloria Y. Amadi, Vivian O. Nwaocha, Adekunle A. Adeyelu, Olalere A. Abass, Olakunle O. Solanke
Effect of Students Exposure to Satellite Observations on their Achievement in Space Science Physics Study in Public Secondary Schools in Nsukka Local Government Area
The pedagogy of physics needs to transform into a more experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, and learner-centered approach. This method emphasizes enhancing the learning process through discussion, flexibility, and enjoyment, shifting the focus from traditional knowledge retention to the methodologies of knowledge acquisition. As a result, this transformation improves students' ability to apply knowledge to real-world challenges. In this context, space science observation emerges as a strong pedagogical alternative. It involves learning through active, firsthand engagement in significant experiences, often going beyond the confines of the classroom. Students often struggle to grasp abstract astronomical concepts due to a lack of direct sensory or experiential familiarity with phenomena such as the vastness of the universe or the dynamics of planetary motion. Therefore, space science education can seem disconnected from tangible reality, making assimilation difficult. Therefore, this research focused on effect of exposure to satellite observation on achievement in satellite studies among senior secondary school 3 physics in Nsukka Local Government Area. The study utilized a quasi-experimental research design sampling 4 secondary schools purposively in the area making up 2820 SSS3 students. One research question was posed and one null hypothesis was formulated at 0.05 level of Significance to guide the study. The researcher developed physics test on satellite topics in the SSS current physics curriculum with face and content validation. Reliability coefficient of o.85 was obtained using kuder-Richardson formular- 20. Data was analysed using mean and t-test. Pre-test and post-test results showed that physics students taught with space observation in their satellite study performed better than students taught without space observation using conventional teaching method and that gender had no influence in achievement of the students in the space science study.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sebastine E. Ugwuanyi, C. D. Mgbadike, N. O. Anie
Measurement of Head and Flow of Bosso, Chanchaga and Tagwai Dams Proposed Storage and Off-Shore Hydroelectric Power Plants
Standard of living in Nigeria is significantly low with almost 90% of factories at moribund due to epileptic power supply with the effects ranging from domestic discomfort to national embarrassment. Hydropower is the most widely used source of power in the world today because of some of its remarkable advantages of being low cost and high reliability. The quantity of electrical power that can be obtained from hydropower is the product of head and flow. The study measured the gross head using hose level and direct meter rule methods and the gross head was also calculated using the relevant formula. The flow was measured using bucket/container method. The results showed that the gross heads for Bosso, Chanchaga and Tagwai proposed storage hydroelectric plant were 3.0 m, 7.0 m and 4.0 m respectively, while the alternative gross head for Bosso, Chanchaga and Tagwai dams were calculated to be;24.74 m, 31.38 m and 38.89m respectively. While the mean gross head of the proposed off shore plants for the three dams were 4.98 m, 1.08 m and 6.12 m respectively. The mean reservoir flows were found to be 111.91m3s-1, 759.45 m3s-1 and 1,571.03 m3s-1for proposed Bosso, Chanchaga and Tagwai storage and off-shore hydroelectric power plants respectively. The results showed that the heads and flows of the three dams satisfied the requirements for establishment of hydroelectric power plants that requires a minimum head of 0.2 m and minimum flow of 0.02 m3s-1.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullahi Yusuf, Musa Momoh, Davidson Odafe Akpootu, Aminu Shinkafi Bature, Evelyn Yisa Philip
Quantitative Analysis of Aeromagnetic Data Showing Magnetic Source Depth of Dutsin-Wai within Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Delineation of mineralization zone using Aeromagnetic data, sheet 125 (Dutsen -Wai) of NE part of Kaduna state. The result was delineated tom identify areas with high potential for cassiterite deposits by locating potential host structures, lithological contacts, and magnetic susceptibility contrast that give inside on the distribution of this mineral in prospect. It was obtained using quantitative techniques such as Euler Deconvolution and spectral analysis, the Euler deconvolution with a structural index of 1 and 0 for dyke mapping and contact respectively. The spectral analysis was used for the depth to the magnetic sources model for both regional and the residual anomaly sources, and all the results were incorporated with the geologic map of the area to map out the prominent structures and determine their depth and tend of those potential structures found within the host rock which is identified as the biotite granite. Three potential areas were identified from the interpretation and are mapped out on the geologic map around the host rock which is of Biotite granite component of the area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Benedicta E. Peter, Khalid N. Abdullahi, Hycienth O. Aboh
A Machine Learning–Based Adaptive Framework for Wind Energy Potential Assessment across Nigeria’s Climatic Zones
The current focus on transitioning of energy to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems has led to global increase in the search for effective methods to assess renewable energy potential. In this study, a machine learning-based adaptive framework is proposed for the assessment of wind energy potential across he different climatic zones in Nigeria. The framework proposed the modelling of a complex temporal and spatial dependencies in wind patterns by training a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm, enhanced with the attention-based mechanism on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) long-term data with attributes such as elevation, wind speed, wind direction, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin). The proposed framework incorporates the comparism of the enhanced deep learning model with the baseline statistical approach (Weibull distribution), to evaluate the robustness of the proposed model. Additionally, the proposed framework is designed to integrate the output of the deep learning model into the Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial analysis and wind farm site suitability mapping. The proposed framework in this study addresses some limitations in previous studies, including the utilization of conventional statistical models, and the focus on single locations. The expected result from the proposed framework is a higher accuracy and precision, with improved spatial adaptability when compared with the Weibull-based models, enabling more reliable wind energy assessment across Nigeria’s climatic zones. This study provides a data-driven approach that can be utilized for forecasting wind energy with higher accuracy and precision, aiding decision-makers in renewable energy planning and national grid optimization.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chidozie N. Okpala, Bello I. Tijjani, Amara Yohanna
Determination of Power Density from Radiofrequency Exposure by Base Transceiver Stations and Implications for Ado-Ekiti Residents
The non-ionizing (RF) energy from base transceiver stations (BTS) is radiated into space through its antennas. The Human Body Surface Area (HBSA) can significantly influence the coupling of electromagnetic fields with the body, thereby resulting to energy absorption, increase in body temperature and possibly affect some physiological parameters. The health implications of RF exposure from telecommunication mast are becoming important as base stations get increasingly installed. In this study, the power density (PD) was measured using Pro Triple Axis RF/High Frequency Meter (HF-B8G) at distance (10 – 110 m) in thirty (30) active base transceiver stations (BTS) in Ado-Ekiti. Parameters of health importance such as blood pressure (BP), body temperature and body mass index (BMI) of 300 subjects around the base stations were monitored for 30 days using calibrated instruments. These measurements were recorded at a minimum of six symmetric locations around each individual BTS, with the coordinates of each location noted using portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The correlations among PD, HBSA and physiological parameters of nutritional/health importance were done using SPSS Vs 18 at 0.01 and 0.05 levels of significance. The results indicated that PD ranged from 0.32 to 96.89 mW/m2 while the average radiation received by HBSA ranged from 19.62 to 40.95 mWm-2. For the three classes of subjects (adult male, adult female and children), the power density in the observed active 30 base stations were below ICNIRP recommended limits (4.7 W/m2). At 0.05 level of significance, PD correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure (DBP, r = 0.695), HBSA (r = 0.661- 0.904) and at 0.01 level, BMI also correlated with Age, HBSA and PD (r = 0.688 – 0.948). This suggested the possibility of the influence of these physiological parameters by exposure to RF which could cause potential health risk to the residents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ojo Emmanuel Oludare, Oyebamiji Oyedele Oketayo, Wilfred N. Igboama, Funmilayo Hannah Abejide, Oyewole David Ajadi, Tolulope Ebunoluwa Karokatose, Ayodele Philip Olufemi
In-Situ Gamma-Ray Logging as Diagnostic Tool for Failed Cased Water-Supply Boreholes, Lagos State
Frequent failure of water-supply boreholes in Lagos State, Nigeria, is often linked to poor delineation of sand-clay sequence within Coastal Plain Sands and recent alluvium. This study applies in-situ gamma-ray (GR) logging to diagnose the causes of failure in existing boreholes and to guide targeted rehabilitation. Continuous gamma-ray logs were acquired in a set of two non-productive or short-lived boreholes in Isolo, Lagos State. Log motifs were interpreted to distinguish clean, water-bearing sands (low GR) from clay-rich or silt horizons (high GR). Gamma-ray derived lithology picks were integrated with caliper logs of same boreholes. Results show that the failures are attributable to screen placement within or straddling high gamma-ray clay/silt intervals; targeting of thin sand bed bounded by clay layers that rapidly foul screens; incomplete casing through upper clay layer that allow fine particles migration and casing corrosion. The study demonstrates that in-situ gamma-ray logging is a rapid, low-cost tool for post-failure evaluation, enabling evidence-based decisions on borehole rehabilitation, optimal screen setting, and future well siting in Logos’ heterogeneous coastal aquifer system. This study also confirms beyond doubt the usefulness of gamma-ray logs for accurate borehole design and the importance of borehole geophysics for subsequent continual monitoring of groundwater quality of producing boreholes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka I. Agbodike, Chukwuemeka Y. Ahamefule, Emmanuel, A. Ozogbu, Kennedy O. Achilike, Tochukwu L. Ogbonna
Design and Construction of an Ultrasonic Cattle Deterrent Device to Curb Farmer-Herder Conflict in Nigeria
Cattle encroachment into farmlands has emerged as a critical issue in regions where agriculture is vital for livelihoods and food security, with Nigeria being no exception. This research aims to design and develop a cattle deterrent device tailored to the unique challenges of farmer-herder conflicts. The device incorporates an Arduino UNO board with an ATmega 2560 microcontroller which serves as the brain of the device, facilitating the integration and control of various sensors and components. Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors detect thermal radiation changes caused by animal movement. They trigger the device when cattle approach the protected area. Ultrasonic sensors detect the presence of cattle by emitting high-frequency sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. This information is used to calculate the distance to the cattle from the farmland. An LCD display unit provides real-time feedback and information about device status, helping farmers monitor its operation and effectiveness remotely by receiving feedback through a GSM module that is incorporated on the system. Tests on cattle reaction were carried out at a location in ‘Yan Shanu’ cow market, Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria. The auditory range of a cow is from 23HZ to 37,000Hz, an irritating sound frequency capable of causing cows to balk, stop, move away was achieved. It was observed that cattle got irritated by the sound at 30KHz (30000Hz) and 142 dB sound pressure level at 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from the device which is the source of the ultrasonic wave.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel N. Taddy, S. Iliya, P. J. Odaudu, T. N. Fanzhi, E. P. Bala
Assessing the Influence of Aluminum Dopant on the Morphological and Structural Characteristics of NiS Thin Film Material Deposited by Chemical Bath Deposition Technique
Based on the influence of dopant like aluminum on some sulphide based thin film materials it has become paramount to carry out an assessment of chemical bath deposited Nickel sulphide doped with aluminum has been carried with the intension to ascertain the impact of the dopant concentration on the morphological and structural properties of the as-deposited NiS thin film sample and the aluminum doped, AlNiS thin film with different concentration of aluminum. It was revealed from the result as obtained from the work that both the morphological and structural properties that there were tremendous effect on the crystallinity, grain-size as depicted in figures and computed values in which the values of the lattice constant, dislocation density, micro-strain and grain-size as computed at the same preferred plane within the same diffraction angles are found to vary thereby indicating that there is clear evidence of the effect of aluminum doping concentration on the Nickel sulphide thin film developed with aluminum.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ugwu, Barnaba Abel Adeiza, Hilary Uche Igwe, Ikpughul Sunday Iyua
Electrical and Solid State Properties of Aluminum Doped Nickel Sulphide Thin Film by Chemical Bath Method
The rule of the electrical and solid state properties of sulphide based thin film has made it interesting for us to carry out a study on the electrical and solid-state properties of aluminum doped NiS deposited by chemical bath deposition method has been carried out in this work in order to ascertain the influence of the concentration of aluminum as a dopant on the electrical and solid state properties of NiS thin film material as pointed out. And from the results, it was obviously seen as showcased from the results such as the index of refraction, extinction coefficient, dielectric constants, optical conductance that there were significant influence of Al on the trends of these properties, in particular the electrical properties as obtained using four point probe that they were variations in trend of the graphs as the concentration of dopant, aluminum were varied indicating its effect on the behavior of the aforementioned properties of the thin film in question thereby clarifying the belief that generally doping is one of the parameters that can be used to modify the sulphide based chalcogenide.
A Bit-Optimal, Provably Secure Encryption Scheme from any Trapdoor Permutation
This study presents a provably secure asymmetric encryption scheme designed for optimal efficiency. A transmitter utilizes a <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>k</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> -bit one-way invertible function <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>f</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> to encode a message <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>x</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> for a receptor holding the inverse <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>f</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>-</m:r><m:r>1</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> . The construction ensures that encryption requires only a single computation of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>f</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> , decryption requires only a single computation of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>f</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>-</m:r><m:r>1</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> , the ciphertext length is exactly <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>k</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> bits, and the permissible message length <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>n</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> is nearly <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>k</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> . The method employs a probabilistic encoding of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>x</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> into a string <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>r</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>x</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> , with the ciphertext given by <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>f</m:r><m:r>(</m:r><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>r</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>x</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub><m:r>)</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> . Under the assumption of industry-standard compression function with any one-way invertible function, we describe and rigorously prove the security of this invertible enmesh scheme. The scheme is bit-optimal, allowing for the encryption of messages of length close to <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>k</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> , and achieves semantic security—a strong notion that implies security against chosen-ciphertext attacks (CCA) and non-malleability in the standard-hash model.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tola John Odule, Khadijat-Kubrat Adebisi Abdullah, Samuel Oluwatosin Hassan, Femi Emmanuel Ayo, Sefiu Adekunle Onitilo
Investigation of Half-Metallic, Magnetic, and Thermodynamic Properties of Quaternary Half-Heusler NiCoFeX(X=S,As and Ge) using First-Principle Calculations
The First Principle Density Functional Theory (DFT) method was used to investigate the half-metallic character, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of NiCoFeX(X=Si,As and Ge). Electronic and magnetic properties such as band structures,densities of states, and magnetic moments, spin – polarization indices of each alloy are also determined to confirm half-metallicity and ferromagnetism. Thermodynamic properties such as Free Energy, Entropy,Heat Capacity and Debye Temperature are also computed using Quantum Espresso-based Thermo_pw code. The half-metallic band gaps of NiCoFeAs, NiCoFeSi and NiCoFeGe are 0.206eV, 0.205eV and 0.203eV respectively.The spin-up channels in the electronic band structures of NiCoFeX(X=Si,As and Ge) have indirect energy band gap,indicating that they exhibit half-metallic character .The quaternary Heuslers NiCoFeX(X=Si,As and Ge) are accurately ferromagnetic as they all obey Slater Paulin’s rule having magnetic moments of 4.0215μB,4.1573μB and 4.6711μB respectively and are 100% spin-polarized.The Curie Temperatures Tc of NiCoFeX(X=Si,As and Ge) are 827K,3631K and 827K respectively ( above the room temperature of 300K). However, only NiCoFeAs, and NiCoFeGe preserved their ferromagnetism after undergoing strain field. This makes them preferable candidates in the field of semiconductor physics. The heat capacities of NiCoFeX(X=Si,As and Ge) obey Dulong-petit law showing that they have good thermal applications in optoelectronic devices e.g. magnetic tunnel Junctions (MTJs),giant magneto-resistance devices (GMRs),Photo diodes, Solar cells etc.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sunday Ogundola, Funmilayo M. Temenu
Hydrogeophysical Investigation of Groundwater Potential in the Complex Basement of Idu Industrial Area, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
In this study, thirty-six (36) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data points were collected to evaluate the groundwater potential around Idu Industrial Area, FCT, Abuja. Data collection was done with the use of PASI Resistivity meter (model – 16GL-N) adopting the Schlumberger electrode array configuration. The data acquired were analysed and interpreted using the partial curve matching technique and the results obtained were further aided using the Winresist geophysical software. The result of the interpreted VES revealed that the area is characterized by three to five geoelectric layers: the topsoil, weathered layer/weathered (clayey), fractured basement, and fresh basement associated with H, HKH, Q, HK, QQ, KH, and QH curve types, respectively. The topsoil has resistivity values ranging from 66 – 1036 Ωm with a depth range of about 0.7 – 1.4m, the partly weathered, weathered layer, and weathered (clayey) have resistivity values ranging from 37 – 884 Ωm and extend from a depth of about 2.5 – 22.6m, the fractured basement and fresh basement. The fresh basement having resistivity values between the range of 366 Ωm – 9027 Ωm. Out of the 36 VES points, only three (3) fractured zones were delineated for possible groundwater supply beneath VES 18, 21 and 36 respectively. The resistivity values of these fractured zones range from 225 Ωm – 498 Ωm with an average thickness of about 8.8m to 25.8 m respectively. However, the fractured basement represents the aquifer unit for groundwater exploration within the area. Thus, this research revealed that the area has poor groundwater potential due to the relatively shallow depth to the basement rock (thin overburden thickness).
Copyright (c) 2025 James Adeyemo Adegoke, Titus Taofik Ogunseye, Gabriel Nasara Tsado, Adesegun Adeleke Adefuwa, Ayooluwa Ayinla Adeleke
Experimental Study on the Impact of Blue Filtering and Equalization in OOK-NRZ White LED Visible Light Communication Systems
Visible Light Communication (VLC) offers a high-bandwidth, energy-efficient, and license-free medium for wireless data transmission using white LEDs. However, performance is limited by the phosphor’s slow response and temperature sensitivity, which reduce modulation bandwidth and signal integrity. This study experimentally investigates improvements in a white LED-based VLC system using On-Off Keying Non-Return-to-Zero (OOK-NRZ) modulation through blue optical filtering and passive electronic equalization. The system was tested under data rates from 0.5–20 MHz and varying drive currents. A blue optical filter suppressed slow yellow phosphor components, while an R//C equalization circuit mitigated inter-symbol interference (ISI). Results show that blue filtering enhances high-frequency stability and extends modulation bandwidth, while equalization improves signal fidelity and eye diagram opening. Optimal performance was achieved at a driving current of 200 mA, balancing signal quality and thermal stability. These findings demonstrate that combining blue filtering and equalization provides an efficient, low-cost approach for improving data throughput and reliability in white LED-based VLC systems, enabling practical indoor communication and smart lighting applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdurrasheed Balarabe Magaji, Florence N. Ikechiamaka, Akinsanmi Akinbolati
Correlation of Spin Parameters with the Masses and Ages of some Barred Spiral Galaxies
Cosmology is the study of the universe, or cosmos, regarded as a whole. Stars are collected into galaxies, galaxies are gravitationally bound into clusters, and even clusters of galaxies are found within larger superclusters. Galaxies are classiﬁed depending on their morphology: elliptic, lenticular, spiral or irregular. It is particularly interesting to study the structure of spiral galaxies, which is usually well diﬀerentiated in a central bulge, with a high concentration of stars, and a ﬂat disk made up with younger stars, dust and gas. The arm of this work is to determine correlation between spin parameters, the total masses, gas masses and ages of some barred galaxies. The spin parameter happen to be the cardinal tangible parameter in verifying the morphological and visual feature of a spiral galaxy. Starting from the theoretical spin parameter equation suggested by Peebles, we analyzed the spin parameters of some barred galaxies using <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>λ</m:r><m:r>=</m:r><m:f><m:fPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:fPr><m:num><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>2</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:f><m:fPr><m:type m:val="skw"/><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:fPr><m:num><m:r>1</m:r></m:num><m:den><m:r>2</m:r></m:den></m:f></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSubSup><m:sSubSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubSupPr><m:e><m:r>V</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>D</m:r></m:sub><m:sup><m:r>2</m:r></m:sup></m:sSubSup><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>R</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>D</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:num><m:den><m:r>G</m:r><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>M</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>H</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:den></m:f></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 7.0pt; mso-text-raise: -7.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> . In determining the correlation we use the Bravais Pearson correlation and made predictions using polynomial in MATlab.The spin parameter for Milky Way galaxy is 0.0253 which is in agreement with what is recorded in many literatures, Andromeda is 0.0491. The predicted ages for NGC 4258 was 12.63 billion years. In this work spin parameters of ten barred galaxies were calculated and their correlations gotten.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elem Daniel Adegbulu, Emmanuel O. Aiyohuyin
Effect of Ga/(In+Ga) ratio on the Efficiency of Cu(InxGa1-x)Se2 (CIGS) Thin-Film Solar Cells
Copper indium gallium diselenide (Cu(InxGa1-x)Se2, CIGS) continues to attract significant interest as an absorber layer in thin-film solar cells owing to its high absorption coefficient, long carrier diffusion length, and tunable bandgap. A key factor governing its performance is the Ga/(In+Ga) ratio, which directly influences the electronic structure, defect formation, and carrier transport within the absorber. In this study, numerical simulations were carried out using SCAPS-1D to systematically investigate the effect of Ga incorporation across the full compositional range (x = 0–1). Composition-dependent models were employed to account for bandgap variation, electron affinity, acceptor density, defect states, and density of states. The results demonstrate that gallium incorporation significantly modifies device behavior. Increasing Ga content leads to bandgap widening, which enhances the open-circuit voltage (VOC) but reduces the short-circuit current density (JSC) due to diminished absorption in the longer wavelength region. Conversely, indium-rich compositions exhibit stronger photocurrent generation but suffer from lower voltages. The fill factor (FF) exhibits a maximum of ~61% at Ga fraction x = 0.6, while the overall device efficiency follows a bell-shaped dependence, peaking at 11.7% for x = 0.4. These results reveal a trade-off between voltage and current that must be carefully balanced through absorber composition engineering. Overall, this study identifies the optimal Ga/(In+Ga) ratio to lie within the range of 0.3–0.6, where a balance between Jsc​, VOC and FF yield the best photovoltaic response. The insights provided here can serve as practical guidelines for tailoring CIGS absorber layers to achieve improved device efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hassan Abdulsalam, Habiba Garba Ahmad, Fatima Musa Lariski
Effect of Citrus aurantifolia Seed Extract on the Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel in 0.1m Hydrochloric Acid
Citrus aurantifolia (lime) seed extract was evaluated as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 0.1M Hydrochloric acid, using weight loss measurements at room temperature. Citrus aurantifolia (lime) seed extract inhibited the corrosion of mild steel significantly with 88.4% efficiency at the highest concentration of 45mls of the inhibitor. Tensile strength, hardness, Surface profiling and micro structural tests were carried out on the as- received and inhibited coupons. The tensile tests revealed an increase in tensile strength, demonstrating that the extract not only protects the steel from corrosion but also improves its ductility and strength. Hardness measurements showed a noticeable increase in surface hardness while the Surface analysis confirmed the formation of a protective film on the mild steel surface, attributed to the adsorption of active compounds from the seed extract. This study offers valuable contributions to the field of corrosion science and materials engineering.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elizabeth Gabriel Bassey, Eziaku Osarolube Eziaku Osarolube, Gregory O. Avwiri
Enhancement of Reservoir Characterization with Petrophysical Analysis of Well Log Data in the “Abig” Oil Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria
The petrophysical evaluation may clear up several foremost demanding situations faced with the hydrocarbon reservoirs’ characterization. Such trouble is the capacity to apprehend the capacity of a reservoir. Petrophysical parameters associated with the porosity, quantity of shale, and permeability have been implemented to infer the greatness of an awesome reservoir. Therefore, this work aims to measure important petrophysical parameters to define the reservoir's characteristics, and correlation between porosity, and permeability, where bulk density properties can reveal important factors in the reservoir's operation. In this study, three different wells were examined in Niger Deltas area of Nigeria, to determine the characteristics of the reservoir, through petro-physical measurements of bulk density, porosity, permeability, and irreducible water saturation. This study shows correlations demonstrating that the two reservoirs could be identified, mapped, and correlated across all wells in the field and exhibited strong continuity. Reservoir J1 penetrated to depths of (8776-8808) feet, (8254-8356) feet, and (8934-8996) feet in wells Abig-003, Abig-004, and Abig-005 respectively. While for J2, the reservoir penetrated to depths of (8911-8928) feet, (8611-8669) feet, and (9249-9276) feet in wells Abig-003, Abig-004, and Abig-005 respectively. The mean porosity of the reservoirs is 19% and is considered great with 61% water saturation and 39% hydrocarbon with a 1223md permeability which is considered to be exceptionally great. For the most part, from the assessment of the Abig oil field based on petrophysical properties which has its hydrocarbon water contact at 8298 feet, it can be generally considered good and viable for hydrocarbon generation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abigail Olaoluwa, Olusegun O. Alabi, Bosede T. Ojo, Samuel O. Sedara
Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Mapping the Lateral Extent of Ohia Kaolin Deposit in Umuahia Southeastern Nigeria
The Electrical Resistivity Tomography of Ohia community in Umuahia for eight (8) profiles located within the coordinates <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>N</m:r><m:r>5</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>0</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>31</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>'</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>49.8</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>''</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>E</m:r><m:r>7</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>0</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>26</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>'</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>53.4</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>''</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> and <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>N</m:r><m:r>5</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>0</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>36</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>'</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>47.8</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>''</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>E</m:r><m:r>7</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>0</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>26</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>'</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup><m:sSup><m:sSupPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSupPr><m:e><m:r>50.9</m:r></m:e><m:sup><m:r>''</m:r></m:sup></m:sSup></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> using Integrated Geophysical Instrument (IGI) for kaolin mapping was carried out. The resistivities obtained from the readings were converted to apparent resistivities and plotted using the RESINVx64 software to infer the electrical responses of the subsurface at the injection of Direct Current (D.C.) through the current electrode of a higher potential. Wenner configuration that is characterized by equidistance between the potential-potential electrodes and the potential-current electrodes was deployed in view of the expected outcome which is the lateral extent of Kaolin deposit. Resistivity inversion of three iterations mapped the subsurface for its electrical responses. Different profiles have different kaolin signatures though with some similarities in some cases. ERT 1 and ERT 3 being deeply buried are close in terms of prospect similarities while ERT 3, ERT 4 and ERT 5 have some similarities in their prospect distributions as deposits become dense southwest ward though discontinuous. ERT 6 and ERT 7 follow similar depositional trend with massive overburden being deeply buried except that the latter has kaolin blended with other rocks. Accessibility to the prospect in ERT 8 would attract less investment because of its closeness to the surface. The lateral spread of kaolin is between 7.5 and 97.5 m with a depth of burial ranging from 1.25 to 9.26m.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paul Igienekpeme Aigba, Chukwunenyoke Amos-Uhegbu, Joshua Udoka Ugwu, Martina Onyinye Eze, Darlington Chinedu Chukwu
An Airborne Radiometric Survey for Lithological Identification of Part of South-Western Nigeria
A gamma ray spectroscopy of an airborne radiometric survey was employed to measure the surface distribution of Potassium (%K), equivalent Uranium (eU) and equivalent Thorium (eTh)) in rocks underlying part of South-western Nigeria. The study aims at employing the alpha-α, beta-β and gamma-γ radiations that emanated from the decay of radioactive elements in the rock units beneath the area to achieve greater accuracy in facies delineation in order to unravel the possible variations in the concentration of naturally occurring radioelements, which is a function of primary geologic processes of mineralizing solution and metamorphic gradient. The data for the study area which lies within latitudes 7°00’N to 7°30’N and longitudes 3°00’E to 3°30’E of Abeokuta sheet 260 SE was obtained from Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The acquired datasets were processed by digitizing maps in numeric fonts which enabled the use of gridding technique by applying color images obtained from Minimum Curvature Grids (MCG). Enhanced composite images, ratio maps, %K, eTh and eU maps were consequently generated. The gridded maps were used to interpret the different rock types as inferred from high and low radiation anomalies with respect to the variation in geology at different locations within the study area. The results of this study defined concentration ranges of %K (-0.2 - 5.0 ppm), eU (0-12 ppm) and eTh (0-115 ppm). Based on the observed variation in the concentration of the three identified radioelements; the radiometric data revealed that the study area is underlain by six (6) major rock types namely, Felsic Volcanics, Gneissic rock, Ultramafic Volcanics, Intermediate Volcanics, Aplites and Pegmatites. The ternary map showed a high intensity of the three radioelements at the Northern part of the study area while the K/eTh ratio maps identified a high hydrothermal activity at the Southwestern part indicating a high potential of rock...
Copyright (c) 2025 S. Tanimola Olufemi, S. Akinola Ishola, O. Olalekan Oyebolu, I. Abiodun Akinlabi, R. Funmilola Sulaimon, N. Olaonipekun Adebisi
Geoelectrical Investigation of Subsurface Contaminants in Uwelu Automobile Market, Benin City, Using 2D and 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
The high rate of random release of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals and industrial wastes into the environment has led to automobile markets and workshops in Nigeria being perceived as areas of severe environmental concern. This paper will provide a geoelectrical study of the ground water contamination in the Uwelu Automobile market area in Benin City, Edo State with two- and three-dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (2D and 3D ERT). Although the past studies in the field have concentrated mainly on the geochemical and physicochemical study, the available techniques perform inadequately to evaluate the contamination depth and lateral contact. This was done using a PASI Earth Resistivity Meter (Model 16GL-N) and 2D Wenner array method of gaining resistivity data on various traverses across the market. Data processing included powerful inversion programs to produce 2 dimensional sections of resistivity and 3 dimensional volumetric images. The ERT data display a series of low resistivity (35.9 88.7 0m) between a depth of 1.25 m and 6.38 m that can be considered as contaminated areas caused by leachate percolation as well as oil spill and infiltration of metal-bearing wastes. These anomalies were persistent in all the seven traverses meaning that there is extensive near-surface contamination. On the other hand, there were resistivity values greater than 231 (Ωm), observed in deeper zones (>= 10-12m) that might reflect relatively clean lateritic or weathered bed the rock. Three-dimensional resistivity imaging was used to also help delineating the plumes of contamination in space in higher resolution. This paper shows how combined 2D and 3D ERT are an efficient environmental diagnostic tool in use in complex industrial areas, providing an imaging, spatially large alternative to point-sample measurements. This is because the results confirm that environmental decontamination and regulatory action must be taken on highly urbanized markets such as the one in...
Copyright (c) 2025 Peacy Sunny Iyere, Osariere John Airen, Oyinkemi Precious Tuaboboh, Ogumeyo Ajirioghene
The Impact of Fe-Doping on the Structural, Optical and Electric Properties of MnO2 Thin Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Technique for Solar Application
Pure and Fe-doped MnO2 was deposited at different atomic concentration of 2, 4, 6, and 8% in this research work on a glass slide substrate using the spray pyrolysis deposition technique. The nanoparticle was then characterized in other to obtain its structural, optical, chemical composition and electrical properties. The X-ray analysis reveal the crystal nature of the thin film nanoparticles, the optical properties of the nanoparticle were obtained from the UV-Vis spectroscopy, where the absorbance and the energy band gap of the nanostructures was determined. The FTIR characterization gives the chemical composition of the thin film which falls within the manganese oxide vibration range, and the hall effect data gives the resistivity, conductivity and the mobility of the charge carriers. The resistivity first decreases then increase as a result of the dopant, the exponential value of the resistivity was found to be 104Ωcm which agrees with the required value for buffer layer of photovoltaic cell.
Copyright (c) 2025 Medina Umar, Abiodun Eyitayo Adeoye, Salaudeen Olaiya Abdulwasiu
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Shelf-Life and Quality of Musa paradisiaca and Musa acuminata Locally grown in Benue State Nigeria
Banana (Musa Spp.) is a unique fruit due to its high calories and nutritive value. Being a good source of carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins, it leads all other fruits in food value. However, banana is being fragile, perishable fruit and cannot be preserved for longer time after harvesting. As a result, significant portion of the fruits harvested are lost every year due to shorter postharvest life. This research investigated the effect of Co-60 gamma irradiation on shelf life and Quality of two banana species (Musa paradisiacal and Musa accuminata AAA group ) locally grown in Benue State, Nigeria. Banana fruits were irradiated at doses of 100Gy, 200Gy and 300Gy and stored at room temperature for shelf-life study. Proximate analysis was done when the fruits have fully ripened. For plantain, 100Gy dose extended the shelf life by 2-days, 200Gy extended the shelf life by 5-days while 300Gy dose extended the shelf life by 7-days. For Cavendish banana, 100Gy extended the shelf life by 3-days, 200Gy dose extended the shelf life by 5-days while 300Gy extended the shelf life by 6-days. Irradiated samples proximate composition was compared to the controls. For plantain, 100Gy dose had significant effect on Ash and pH composition, 200Gy had no significant effect on proximate composition while 300Gy dose affected the protein composition. For Cavendish banana, 100Gy dose impacted on Ash, Crude Fibre and Carbohydrates. 200Gy dose affected Ash and Crude Fibre while 300Gy dose showed no significant effect. Comparing the effect of irradiation on shelf life and proximate composition, the optimal dose of gamma irradiation for Plantain and Cavendish banana were found to be 200Gy and 300Gy respectively for shelf-life extension without statistically affecting the samples proximate composition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nguvan B. Akaagerger, Stephen Oche Ejembi
Measurement of Background Ionizing Radiation in Selected Buildings with Altitude within Delta State, Nigeria
Anthropogenic activities play a crucial role in radiation exposure, resulting in a myriad of adverse health effects. Hence, the need to monitor and maintain exposure levels as low as reasonably achievable, particularly in residential areas. In the present study, the measurement of the background ionization radiation in selected buildings with Altitude within Delta State, Nigeria was carried out using a well calibrated radiation nuclear meter (Digilert 200). The study covers Warri and Asaba, which are the major cities in the state. The exposure rate varied from 0.007 to 0.020 mR/h with an overall mean value of 0.012 ± 0.030 to 0.016 ± 0.003 mR/h. The calculated absorbed doses rates ranged from 60.9 to 174.0 nGy/h with an overall mean of 107.3 ± 22.4 to 139.2 ± 27.51 nGy/h. The calculated annual effective doses equivalent ranged from 0.09 to 0.27 mSv/y with an overall mean of 0.16 ± 0.03 to 0.21 ± 0.04 mSv/y. The excess life cancer risk ranged from 0.32 to 0.93 with an overall mean annual effective dose equivalent was determined to be below the safe world recommended permissible limit of 1.00 mSv/y, while others slightly exceeded their respective global average safe thresholds. Therefore, there may not be any immediate radiological health effect on residents of the areas based on the data obtained.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nwanne Theresa Ilugo, Gregory O. Avwiri, Yehuwdah E. Chad-Umoren
Upwelling Ion Observation from the Earth's Upper Atmosphere During EISCAT Svalbard Radar and FAST Satellite Conjunctions
The loss of planetary atmospheres is due to the process of heavy ions depletion from the upper atmosphere. It is a significant source of magnetospheric plasma and plays an important role in altering global magnetospheric dynamics. A number of mechanisms are responsible for these outflows, which include electron precipitation, joule heating and other suprathermal energization. Seven events are considered at a time that the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) satellite and EISCAT Svalbard radar (ESR) simultaneously detected ion upflow, and this is validated by ground-based radars called, the Cooperative UK Twin Located Auroral Sounding System (CUTLASS). ESR and CUTLASS observations around the time of conjunctions are analyzed. The results show that ESR observed upwelling ion flux to be ~ 1013 m-2 s-1. Enhanced electron and ion temperatures are also observed at the time of these events. The dominant mechanism identified is the electron precipitation that results in an ambipolar electric field. The two striking events are the 2006-03-18 event that shows a distinct cusp signature indicated by CUTLASS and the 2002-01-20 event, which indicats a disturbed ionosphere due to data loss at ESR magnetic latitude.
Copyright (c) 2025 Timothy W. David, Emmanuel O. Adetunji, Chizurumoke M. Michael, Darren M. Wright, Adetoro T. Talabi, Abayomi E. Ajetunmobi
Band-gap, Urbach's energy tail and Magnetic Analysis of Cs3+-Ni2+ Doped Zinc Spinel Ferrites Nanoparticles
Over the years, spinel ferrites has attracted the attention of the research community as a result of the possibility for a variety of applications. Several attempts have been made in order to modify the optical and magnetic properties of spinel ferrites. Cs3+–Ni2+ substituted zinc spinel ferrite with chemical composition Zn1-xCsxFe2-xNixO4 (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2) was prepared using sol-gel auto-combustion method and calcinated at 700oC for 5hrs. The UV-vis spectroscopy shows the presence of UV-cut-off at 447nm. The urbach energy tail increase with increase in Cs3+ and Ni2+ ions concentration. The band gap energy of the prepared samples was found to be in a semiconductor region. VSM analysis shows the appearance of super-exchange interaction as a result of replacement of Zn2+ by Cs3+ ions in A-site and Fe3+ by Ni2+ ions in B-site resulted in the slight decrease in the values of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>M</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>s</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> and <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>H</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>c</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> . The values of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>R</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> is less than 0.5 which shows a single magnetic domain with uniaxial anisotropy. The values of <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:r>K</m:r></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> and <!-- [if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><m:sSub><m:sSubPr><m:ctrlPr></m:ctrlPr></m:sSubPr><m:e><m:r>H</m:r></m:e><m:sub><m:r>k</m:r></m:sub></m:sSub></m:oMath><![endif]--> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; position: relative; top: 3.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> decrease with addition of Cs3+ and Ni2+ ions concentration. This decrease shows the anisotropic nature of the prepared samples.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nigerian Journal of Physics
Influence of Gas Flow Rate on the Properties of In2O3 Nanostructures Synthesized on Ni/Si Substrates using a Carbothermal Reduction Process at Atmospheric Pressure
Indium oxide nanostructured films have been grown on Ni/Si substrates by a carbothermal reduction of In2O3 powder under the flow of a 1 % hydrogen balance nitrogen as carrier gas at atmospheric pressure. The properties of the microstructures were investigated by varying the gas flow rates between 100 and 250 sccm. The films' morphological, structural and optical properties were examined using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis measurements. Investigation of the crystal structures revealed clear diffraction peaks in the XRD analysis corresponding to the body-centred crystal structure of the In2O3. The shape, crystallite size, and optical bandgap were observed to be influenced by the variation in the gas flow rates.
Specific Heat Capacity, Density and Viscosity Determined Using Different Combinations of Coconut Oil and Palm Kernel Oil
The specific heat capacity, density, and viscosity of oils are influenced by their chemical composition, temperature, and mixture ratios. Palm kernel oil and coconut oil exhibit distinct physical properties due to their unique fatty acid profiles. This study adopted standardized and precise experimental protocols, with aim of ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility of results. Both oils (palm kernel oil and coconut oil were sourced from a reliable supplier to ensure consistency in quality and composition; both oils were stored in airtight containers at room temperature to prevent oxidation and contamination. Prior to experiments, the oils were checked for any signs of degradation or impurities. The results showed distinct variations in thermal and physical properties depending on the composition of the oil mixtures, coconut oil displayed a specific heat capacity of approximately 2.01 J/g°C, while palm kernel oil had a slightly higher specific heat capacity of 2.15 J/g°C. As the ratio of palm kernel oil increased in the mixtures, there was a corresponding increase in specific heat capacity, indicating that palm kernel oil retains more heat per gram compared to coconut oil; the density measurements showed that palm kernel oil had a density of approximately 0.923 g/cm³, while coconut oil had a density of 0.911 g/cm³; the viscosity results highlighted that palm kernel oil exhibited a lower viscosity compared to coconut oil. Pure coconut oil showed a viscosity of 46.4 mPa·s, while palm kernel oil's viscosity was measured at 45.7 mPa·s.