Ife Journal of Science and Technology

Radionuclides Activity and Associated Radiological Indices of Two Commonly Used Brands of Nigerian Cements

2026-03-18T09:22:21+00:00

Cement is a composite natural product that is widely used in building construction and it is reported to contain varying levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) that might be a source of gamma radiation exposure to human. The radioactivity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in two commonly used brands of cement (CA and CB) for building purposes were determined using gamma-ray spectrometry and the radiological indices [Radium Equivalent activity (Raeq), Absorbed Dose rate (DR), Annual Effective Dose rate (AED), Criteria formula (CF), Representative level index (RLI), Activity utilization index (AUI), Gamma index (Iᵧ), Alpha index (I_α), External hazard (H_ex), and Internal hazard (H_in)] were estimated. The average values of activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K are 82.72 ± 5.73, 3.71 ± 0.18, 189.83 ± 9.75 Bqkg^-1 and 84.04 ± 7.30, 3.82 ± 0.35, 183.50 ± 8.86 Bqkg^-1for CA and CB brand, respectively. The ranges of estimated values of Ra_eqwere 93.72 - 113.00 Bqkg^-1, and 87 – 114.99 Bqkg^-1for CA and CB brand. The mean values of Hin were 0.50 and 0.51 for CA and CB brand. The H_in, H_exand RLI values were less than unity. None of the average values of the Iᵧ nor the values obtained for each samples exceeded the exemptions limit Iᵧ. The average absorbed dose rate in CA and CB brands were 48.44 and 48.85 nGyh^-1, respectively. The excess life cancer risk (ELCR) obtained for CA and CB cement brands ranged from 7.80 ×10^-6- 9.55 × 10^-6and 7.24 × 10^-5– 9.79 × 10^-6. The values of radiological indices were lower than the permissible limits stipulated by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and United National Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) indicating the safe use of such cement brands as materials for building constructions. Therefore, it can be concluded that no significant radiological health risk is envisaged by using the brands of cements under consideration for the construction building for human dwelling.

CHITOSAN-PORPHYRIN COMPOSITE (CPC) AS PHOTOSENSITIZER IN ANTIBACTERIAL PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC WOUNDS

2026-03-18T09:40:34+00:00

A promising method to prevent and control infections is Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (APDT). This study investigated the use of chitosan-porphyrin composite (CPC) as photosensitizer for APDT test against four wound bacterial isolates: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli. The chitosan extracted from fresh prawns and porphyrins with different functional groups complexed with zinc, tin, and silver were used. The functional groups on the porphyrin were 4-phenyl (TPP), 4-sulphonatophenyl (TPPS), 4-hydroxylphenyl (THPP), 4-carboxylphenyl (TCPP), 4- methoxylphenyl (TMPP), 4-methyl-4-pyridyl (TMPyP). The CPCs were characterized using UV-Vis and Infra-red spectroscopic techniques and the results confirmed weak interactions between the chitosan and porphyrin molecules and in some cases resulting in aggregation of the porphyrin molecules. A screening study was conducted to investigate both the dark toxicity and photo-toxicity of the composites using agar well diffusion method. The composites that displayed growth inhibition against all pathogens underwent additional evaluation to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and killing rates. The study found that only silver meso-tetra(4-methoxylphenyl)porphyrin-chitosan composite (CAgTMPP) and silver meso-tetra(4-hydroxylphenyl)porphyrin-chitosan composite (C-AgTHPP) among the twenty-eight CPCs showed activity against all the pathogens, with MBC values as low as 1.25 ug/mL and eradicating the pathogens within 24 hours of exposure to light.

SENSORY EVALUATION AND ANTINUTRIENT PROFILE OF Musa paradisiaca (LINN.) FORTIFIED CHINCHIN

2026-03-18T10:49:41+00:00

Food fortification for man’s optimal derivation of nutrients is an already established nutritional approach for preventing and managing nutrition-related diseases, but it could also have unforeseen side effects. Consequently, this study evaluated the antinutrient profile and sensory properties of wheat flour chinchin fortified with Plantain, Musa paradisiaca. Four batches of wheat flour were prepared following established protocols; they were fortified with plantain to make chinchin in a ratio of 4:1, except for the control group. Group 1 served as the control; Group 2 was fortified with ripe plantain; Group 3 was fortified with unripe plantain; and Group 4 was fortified with an equal mixture of ripe and unripe plantains. The antinutrient contents of the chinchin were determined following established protocols, and the sensory attributes were evaluated by 30 panelists of consumers using a 5-point hedonic scale quantity analysis. Findings showed that unripe plantain-fortified chinchin has significantly (p<0.05) low oxalate, phytate and lectin contents. Fortification with plantain (ripe or unripe) significantly increased the saponin content of the chinchin. In conclusion, fortification of chinchin with Musa paradisiaca, most especially the unripe, positively modified antinutrient contents; has no adverse impact on sensory attributes, and could therefore be of health benefits to man.

Design and Implementation of an IoT-Based Gas Leakage Detector Using Arduino Microcontroller

2026-03-18T12:31:21+00:00

This paper presents the Design and Implementation of an IoT-based gas leakage detector using an Arduino microcontroller. This was borne out of the concern of the rampant fire incidents in homes and other areas of gas usage, and the need to develop a system to mitigate this. The methodology consists of two parts, namely the hardware and the software. The hardware involves the use of an Atmega328P microcontroller for both data acquisition and control. The controller was interfaced with the gas sensor MQ2, a thermistor for temperature monitoring, an LCD, a servomotor for regulating the gas supply, a buzzer, and an ESP8266 Wifi module for connecting to an IoT server. The software implementation involves the programming of the microcontroller using C++ programming language in an Arduino IDE environment and the configuration of the Blynk platform through the IoT to receive monitored readings of the system’s sensors. The system was tested for efficiency and accuracy. The results of the test on the efficiency of the system showed that it takes between 1.44s to 75.66s for gas leakage to be detected and acted on by the microcontroller and 3.3s to 66.5s for temperature increase to be detected and acted on by the microcontroller with a distance range of 0 to 25cm in the case of the gas sensor and 0 to 6cm in the case of the temperature sensor respectively. The result also showed that the microcontroller was able to receive data from the various sensors and control the servomotor accordingly. This shows that the developed prototype is reliable and efficient.

Simulation of Blood Lead Levels in Pregnant and Lactating Women in Osun State, Nigeria, Two Decades after Phase-out of Leaded Petrol

2026-03-18T12:40:26+00:00

Elevated Blood Lead Levels (BLL) during pregnancy and lactation is known to be due to endogenous release of lead from its main storage sites in the human body – the cortical bones (with half-life of 27 years) and the trabecular bones (with half-life of 16 years). This release is due to the co-mobilization of lead together with calcium which is sourced from the bones during these periods of high requirement for calcium. While the level of such lead might be inconsequential for the mother, it could constitute a significant neurological and developmental health risk to the baby. In this work, employing a Physiologically Based Kinetic Model previously developed by us, we estimated expected current BLL in pregnant and lactating women who had had various levels of exposure to leaded petrol before its 2003 phase-out in Nigeria. Our results show that subjects born and raised in Osun state, Nigeria before 1996 and who had consequently been exposed to leaded petrol for a minimum of 8 years before its phase-out, will today have blood lead levels greater than the interventional level of 5 µg/dL recommended by the US Department of Human and Health Services for pregnant women. This is a conservative assessment, and has not taken into consideration additional ongoing lead intakes from diet and other exposure sources, such as from artisanal gold mining. This result therefore suggests that women aged 29 years and above will, during pregnancy and lactation, significantly benefit from interventions to mitigate endogenous lead release, for example via dietary calcium supplementation.

Preliminary Investigation into Expression and characterization of Acetylcholinesterase from Bulinus globosus as a potential target for control of Schistosomiasis

2026-03-18T12:51:57+00:00

Bulinus globosus, a freshwater snail, serves as the intermediate host for schistosomiasis, a disease that affects millions globally. Vector control remains a key strategy for disease elimination, and the emergence of resistance highlights the urgent need for novel molluscicides. AChE is a crucial enzyme that could be exploited as a target for controlling this vector.

In this study, AChE was extracted from the hepatopancreas, visceral mass, and foot muscle of B. globosus using established protocols. Partial purification was achieved through ion exchange chromatography using CM-Sephadex C-50 followed by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography. Kinetic parameters and physicochemical properties of the partially purified enzyme were determined.

Among the tissues analyzed, the hepatopancreas exhibited the highest specific AChE activity (0.591 ± 0.0134 units/mg protein), followed by the foot muscle (0.199 ± 0.0143 units/mg protein) and visceral mass (0.1908 ± 0.0113 units/mg protein). AChE purification folds were 6, 4, and 3 for the hepatopancreas, foot muscle, and visceral mass, respectively. The optimal pH for AChE activity was 8.0 for both the hepatopancreas and visceral mass, and 7.0 for the foot muscle. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) and maximum velocity (V_max) values for AChE were 0.72 mM ± 0.13 and 0.32 ± 0.003 units/mg protein (hepatopancreas), 0.18 mM ± 0.01 and 0.20 ± 0.01 units/mg protein (foot muscle), and 0.18 mM ± 0.014 and 0.20 ± 0.005 units/mg protein (visceral mass).

The differential expression and physicochemical properties of AChE in various tissues of B. globosus suggest its potential as a target for molluscicidal intervention.

How Personal Background Shapes BIM Adoption: Linking Implementation Intentions and Concerns Through Behavioral Theory

2026-03-18T13:00:00+00:00

Background and aim - Experts have ignored construction professionals' (CPs) interest and concerns in uncovering BIM implementation, relying on the assumption that once BIM is promoted, it will be implemented. This study contends that CPs are critical actors in BIM implementation, and it investigates their concerns and intentions toward BIM implementation, as well as the impact of their intentions and personal background on their concerns.

Methodology - By combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Concerns-based Adoption Theory (CAT), the study gained insight into the role of positive and proactive personality and psychological capital in the formation of BIM implementation intentions and concerns. The BIM implementation intentions and concerns of the CPs were linked and captured in three hypotheses. Multiple Linear Regression was used to test the hypotheses.

Results - The CPs were concerned about their services, professional knowledge, and investment in BIM resources. The CPs are eager to learn more about BIM, why it is being proposed, and what it means for them. All of the CPs' intentions were discovered to have an impact on their concerns. BIM implementation programmes allow time for individual experience and interest in BIM, as well as give CPs enough time to learn BIM and become comfortable with BIM cycles.

Conclusion - The study concludes that the CPs' intention to implement BIM will not be realised until all of their critical issues are resolved.

Evaluating the Nutritional Potentials in Selected Bryophyte Species - Proximate, Mineral and Antinutrient Analyses

2026-03-18T13:05:22+00:00

Selected bryophyte species were investigated with a view to assessing their potential dietary significance. The collected species were thoroughly washed, air dried and analysed for the proximate, mineral and antinutrient contents following standard procedures. The results of the proximate analyses revealed that the moisture content of the species ranged from 7.13 to 11.64% while the ash content ranged from 5.27 to 26.62%. The protein content ranged from 15.45 to 19.02%. Crude fibre content (9.18 to 12.23%), ether extract content (0.69 to 1.71%) and carbohydrate content (39.91 to 51.15%) were also recorded. The elemental analysis showed the presence of macro- and micro- nutrients in the investigated bryophyte species which are valuable inorganic nutrients vital for various physiological functions in animals. All the species were found to contain noticeable levels of phytate and oxalate with the phytate (11.95 to 14.24 mg g^-1) being higher than the oxalate contents (2.31 - 3.22 mg g^-1). The study established that, bryophytes, though minute in sizes, have the potential to be an alternative nutrient source that could offer nutritional benefits like those of other edible terrestrial plants for both man and animal.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effect and Antioxidant Potential of Carpolobia lutea Leaf Extract in a Reserpine-Induced Mouse Model of Depression

2026-03-18T13:20:25+00:00

Carpolobia lutea is traditionally used for various CNS disorders, but its multitarget potential in depression-associated genomic and oxidative damage remains poorly understood. This study investigated the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of Carpolobia lutea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) in a reserpine-induced mouse model of depression. Animals (49 mice) were divided into two groups: a basal control group and a reserpine-treated group (0.2 mg/kg for 15 days). On day 16, they were split into seven groups to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic extract of Carpolobia lutea (CL-E) on oxidative stress. In a separate study, the cytotoxic safety of the extract was evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. This study demonstrated that the reserpine-induced group exhibited a marked elevation in intracellular concentrations of superoxide anion (O₂·⁻) and nitric oxide (NO) (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. However, treatment with CL-E (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly lowered these levels, bringing O₂·⁻ and NO concentrations to near-baseline levels. In contrast, the levels of intracellular peroxynitrite/hydroxyl radicals (ONOO⁻/·OH) did not change between the experimental groups (P > 0.05) when compared to the basal control. This study also showed elevated lipid peroxidation, followed by decreased brain glutathione content (P < 0.05) in reserpine-induced group when compared with the control. This process was attenuated after treatment with CL-E at 100 – 400 mg/kg, comparable to moclobemide and reserpine-induced groups (P < 0.05). The cytological analysis further confirmed that CL-E at low concentrations below 0.6 mg/ml did not affect the mitotic index of Allium cepa roots, but at higher concentrations has the potential to induce cell proliferation by increasing the mitotic index significantly, though with no chromosomal aberrations in the various stages of cell division. In conclusion, CL-E demonstrates significant antioxidant properties by mitigating reserpine-induced oxidative stress, while the reduction in mitotic index suggests potential cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations.