Ladan, Haruna Aminu1

Introduction: The energy sector poses one of the greatest challenges in most nations as it influences economic growth. Decades of neglect of renewable energy sources has resulted in over dependence on hazardous fossil-fuel. Aims: In this study, we reported the development of high-performance lead-free methyl ammonium germanium halide (CH3NH3GeI3) based Perovskite Photovoltaic cells using computational method. Materials and Methods: The optical property of two dimensional (2D) graphene and mxenes nanocomposites as hole and electron transporters were incorporated to optimize the device performance using SCAP 1D software. The effect of several parameters on the solar cell performance were investigated such as thicknesses of perovskite, hole-transporting materials (HTMs), defect density, hole mobility, and metal electrode work function on the charge collection. Results: Ge-based PSCs with graphene and mxenes (Ti3C2) and TMDCs (NiS2/NiTe2) as alternating HTMs exhibited a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaching 21% and a 62.01V; 0.60 mAcm-2; 80.10% as open-circuit voltage, current density and fill factor respectively. Conclusion: Our results advocate for a simple and safe design of HTMs for highly efficient and stable solar cells at low cost.

Kayode Idowu Ogungbemi1, Muteeu Abayomi Olopade1, , Ayo Zaccheaus Ibitoye2, Jadesola Fatimah Iyowu1, Oluwamayowa Joseph Adeoye1, Samuel Abisoye Shittu1

Introduction: Standalone diagnostics centres are be established in compliance with the radiation protection and safety measures. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the radiation safety level in standalone X-ray diagnostic radiological centres. Methods: Five Standalone radiological diagnostic centres have been studied in terms of the mAs, kVp and the annual effective dose obtained during radiological procedures. The annual effective dose is estimated from the instantaneous doses’ measurement using a radiation survey meter (survey meter was held at about 1.2 meters high), Geiger counter version BR- 9C with threshold setting based on the World Health Organisation (WHO). The measurement ranges between 0 µSv/h and 99.99 µSv/h, with real-time measurement and real-time error ≤ 10%. The mAs and kVp measurements were obtained directly from the X-ray machines used. Results: The highest kVp obtained is 80kV, and the lowest is 45kV; while the highest mAs is 129.7 mAs, and the lowest is 2.83 mAs. The highest annual effective dose from these radiological diagnostic centres is 21.23 mSv/y, and the lowest is 2.31 mSv/y. Discussion: The annual effective dose obtained from this study is within the recommended dose (whole body) by ICRP for radiation workers. However, for the patients, it is high for individuals, but the standalone radiological diagnostic centres are safe. Conclusion: The variation in X-ray tube currents and the kVp values are factors that contributed to radiation doses in these studied centres, and the annual effective doses due to the scatter radiation shows significant effect on the annual cumulated doses on both the patients and radiation workers in most of the centres. The lowest value of annual effective dose from all the centres is 2.31 mSv/y, high for an individual part of the body for non-radiological workers. Unprotected patients or workers during the diagnostic procedures are at high risk of the highest radiation doses obtainable from the X-ray machine at any given time.

Khadijat Oreshile1, Olajide Keshinro1, Taobat Keshinro2, Habibat Ishola1

Introduction: Mushrooms have been broadly used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases for years. Polypores are cosmopolitan mushrooms that are widely investigated for their useful properties in battling multidrug-resistant pathogens. Aims: This study investigated the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of wild Bondarzewia berkeleyi and Ganoderma lucidum. The fruiting bodies of G. lucidum and B. berkeleyi were collected at Lagos State University, Ojo Campus. Materials and Methods: Extraction was done using methanol and acetone. Standard tests were carried out to detect different phytochemical compounds present in the mushroom extracts. These phytochemical compounds were further estimated and quantified using standard methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using a DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, while antimicrobial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi was carried out using the paper disc diffusion assay. Results: Results showed that reducing sugar, terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenoids were present in both mushrooms while tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones were absent. Saponins appeared to be present only in the methanolic extracts, while cardiac glycosides were detected only in the acetone extract of both mushrooms. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in the acetone extract of G. lucidum (90.435±0.112) and the least was recorded in the acetone extract of B. berkeleyi (26.632±0.129), while both mushroom extracts showed antibacterial effects against both tested organisms. The highest inhibition zone was exhibited by the methanolic extract of G. lucidum against P. aeruginosa ranging from 10 mm to 14 mm while the least inhibition zone ranging from 0 mm to 11 mm was exhibited by S. typhi for the extracts. Nevertheless, P. aeruginosa appeared to be more sensitive to G. lucidum extract than S. typhi, which exhibited the smallest zones of inhibition. Conclusion: Based on this research result, these mushroom extracts are a good source of phytochemicals that show potential for antibacterial and antioxidant activity; therefore, they can be exploited as therapeutic products.

Mautin Hunkanrin1, Abdulazeez Giwa1, Sobola Sokefun1, Oluwatosin Adebola1, Abiodun Adams1, Peter Ojo2

Introduction: Fish have recently proved their ability to quickly adapt to newly invaded habitats. The Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Silver Catfish is a highly valued commercial fish in Nigeria and other West African countries due to its high nutritional content and market demand. Intra specific variations in the silver catfish are critical for understanding the population dynamics. The study was designed to evaluate phenotypic differences and growth patterns in the Silver Catfish, across Southwestern Nigeria. Aims: To correlate meristic and morphometric measurement, determine homogeneity and heterogeneity of the specie, and evaluate phenotypic differences amongst the groups. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-five samples of C. nigrodigitatus were collected from artisanal fishermen at four locations namely the Epe and Ojo Lagoon, Badagry Creek, and the Abeokuta River. Morphological attributes were evaluated using sixteen morphometric measurements, and statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis were performed Results: Morphometric variations were observed in body length, head width and other variables with mean value of parameters ranging from 0.67±0.26 in Head Depth at Epe to 23.164±3.57 in Total Length at Abeokuta. Samples from Abeokuta, Ojo, and Epe exhibited negative allometric growth (b <3), while Badagry showed positive allometric growth(b>3). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding intraspecific variations in C. nigrodigitatus and their ability to adapt to different environments. Highlighting the benefits of phenotypic study in order to assess species population and conserve genetic trait. Variations between populations observed could be as a result of exposure to environmental constraints.