Table of contents

The International Conference on Energy and Sustainable Environment (ICESE) has gained much visibility internationally and has become the largest gathering of energy and environment experts in sub-Saharan Africa. The second edition of the conference (ICESE 2020) held 28-30 July 2020 at Covenant University. Due to the travel restriction via the global pandemic-COVID-19, the conference was a virtual conference hosted on ZOOM. Over one hundred and forty participants from five continents attended the conference. The keynote speakers were Prof Adeola Adenikinju and Prof Fidelis Emuze.

This year's conference focused on four thematic areas: energy, energy management, built environment, and environment & global change. New energy innovations were presented with the focus of sustainable development. Different policies on building environments were propounded at the conference. Therefore, building firms and the government of nations need to peruse the main proceedings to key-into sustainable building planning.

The issues on the environment and global climate were dynamically discussed. The focus of conference participants ranged from pollution to primary agents that activate a different process in the environment. There were focuses on the COVID-19 with salient predictions and preventive suggestions for a sustainable environment. The challenges and prospect of energy management, which spans through, technologies, finance, and optimizations, were discussed holistically.

List of CONFERENCE TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE (LOCAL), CONFERENCE TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE (INTERNATIONAL), LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, "VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PROTOCOL" and this titles available in this pdf.

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editor. Double blind peer reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.

• Type of peer review: Double blind. After the plagiarism status has been ascertained. The authors' information was removed from the paper before sending it to two reviewers. The editor decision is based on the comments of both reviewers. Where both reviewers disagree, the paper was forwarded to the third reviewer to determine the editor decision. The technical committee was in charge of the submission.

• Conference submission management system: Conference email i.e. icese2020@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

• Number of submissions received: One hundred and thirteen (113) papers were received for the conference call for paper.

• Number of submissions sent for review: One hundred and eight (108) papers were sent for double-blind peer reviews

• Number of submissions accepted: Ninety-three (93) papers were accepted.

• Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 82%.

• Average number of reviews per paper: 2

• Total number of reviewers involved: 40

• Review Duration: The review process lasted for 7 months i.e., November 2019- June 2020.

• Review modalities: Reviewers were given one month to respond to the review invitation. The reviewers were given maximum of two papers to review per month. Independent reviewers were consulted for rebuttal process.

• Background of reviewers: 87.5% of the reviewers were PhD holder while 12.5% of the reviewers were practitioners.

• Any additional info on review process: The plagiarism index of each paper was done using the turnitin outlet

• Contact person for queries: For further inquiry on ICESE 2020 Editorial process contact Editorial office (Dr M.E. Emetere, Covenant University; icese2020@covenantuniversity.edu.ng).

An alternative fuels is obtained by co-pyrolysis of waste plastics and oil shale as well as contribute to the search of technologies that reduce the negative environmental impact of waste. Shale oil and waste plastic are unconventional sources of energy. The two materials are significant to Nigeria's economic sustainability but yet to be exploited efficiently. The aim of this work is to reduce the energy needed to obtain shale oil via kinetic parameters by the thermal decomposition of Lokpanta oil shale mixed with plastics. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of Lokpanta oil shale/ polyethylene blend was determined using data provided by thermo-gravimetric analysis done at 28°C to 887.44°C with heating rate of 10°C/min and a nitrogen flow rate of 60ml/min. The decomposition of the co-pyrolysis of the mixture of Lokpanta oil shale and the polyethylene was recognized in three stages, of which the first stage was between 28 and 316.41°C which corresponded to the loss of water from the sample. The second stage was between 316.41°C and 481.47°C, which depicted an overlap of the organic matter (kerogen) and the degradation of polyethylene. The final stage was between 481.47°C and 887.44°C, and it exposed the decomposition of the mineral matter of the oil shale. The Kinetic parameter was determined using non-isothermal methods of degradation. Hence the presence of the plastic acted as catalyst in the decomposition of the organic matter of the shale which consequently lowered the activation energy required to obtain shale oil with relevant application as aliphatic fractions of petroleum.

The extent of pollution that plastic waste poses to our environment is phenomenal. In Nigeria, millions of metric ton of plastics are manufactured continuously due to industrialization and urbanization, a measurable rise in the generation of waste plastics is inevitable, so also is the need to seek alternate energy sources in the place of conventional fuels. Oral disposal of plastics has led to blockage of drainages, flooding and several mess yet unemployment is very high. It is important to venture into how this solid waste can create job opportunities along recycling value chain. Plastics are made by polymerization of hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbon are of typically high molecular mass which are fuel based material. The catalytic and thermal pyrolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate was carried out using a fixed bed reactor operating at a maximum temperature of 600°C and 350°C respectively. The product obtained are liquid fuel, char and gaseous fuels. For the latter, the catalyst to plastic ratio was effective for ratio 1:6 thus increasing the yield of gas from 50.7% to 55%. The liquid oil obtained in thermal pyrolysis has low quality compare to catalysis pyrolysis with high yield of 39%, but 30.5% for catalysis pyrolysis. The effect of catalyst on temperature, the retention time and product yield enhance the identification of the hydrocarbon compounds present in the liquid oil, ZSM 5 catalyst ratio was raised to ratio 1:10. About sixty-one compounds were identified and the quality of fuel oil was described in terms of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon content. The direct implication is that the fuels can serve as alternatives to kerosene petroleum fuel fractions.

In several ways, urea is one of the most prominent sources of fixed nitrogen due to its relative abundance in waste water treatment plants. In this study, the wastewater effluent from X-Chemical Industries was considered for hazard analysis in order to ascertain the water quality and impact at the outfall effluent of company X relative to environmental standards. The study period is for December, 2013 – February 2014. Based on the results, it was observed that at the company's sluice gate, the desorber (primary treatment unit) did not perform optimally. Also, the variation of the parameters measured i.e. urea concentration, pH and ammonia concentrations exceeded the standards established by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), i.e. against the specified standard of 100 ppm, higher concentrations include December 3, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28 and 29 with corresponding urea concentrations of 1457, 1970.4, 122.7, 163.2, 150.3, 171.4, 148.76, 270.78, 178, 123, 101.33 and 250.43 ppm respectively, whereas that of ammonia is higher than 5 ppm on December 3, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 with corresponding concentrations of 8.4, 9.69, 8.13, 9.45, 12.5, 6.98, 22.95 and 9.95 respectively, whereas, it was lowest on other days. It was also observed that the treated waste water advancing the creek (jetty) close to the plant, will have environmental consequences on marine lives such as marine micro-flora as well as fishes.

The drilling fluids should exhibit shear thinning characteristics to have less resistance at high shear rates. Nanoparticles can enhance the rheological properties of drilling fluids using different mechanisms. Nanomaterials are engineered materials with at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nm. Carbon nanotubes were chosen in this study due to their unique physio-chemical properties, thus, a good candidate for smart oil based mud formulation. This study investigates the multifunctional ability of carbon nanotubes in oil based mud system and its impact on the drilling hydraulics. Application of carbon nanoparticles in literature have mostly been on water based mud systems and mostly at weight less than 2 g. Effect of carbon nanotubes on flow properties of oil based mud systems within the range of 1 to 3 g weight was analysed. The result shows that the carbon nanotubes improved the flow properties of the formulated oil based mud systems into an acceptable and desirable range required for optimal hole cleaning. The flow behaviour index (n) for the oil based mud systems for drilling hydraulics calculations were between zero and one, thus, they behaved like pseudo plastic fluids (Non-Newtonian fluids) both in the drill pipe and the annulus. It was also observed that, there was increase in the ratio of flow behaviour index to consistency index (n/K) and this will help reduce cuttings bed height in the wellbore.

Nigeria has inadequate power supply and this issue has lingered for years despite power sector reforms. Renewable resources could to be offering sustainable alternative energy supply in rural and urban regions of Nigeria. So, the key factors that determine the utilization of renewable energy in Nigeria are estimated in this paper for a period of twenty-four years using toda yamamoto method. Long-run relationship exists between renewable energy consumption and its determinants in Nigeria. Real income (real GDP) and emissions of CO2 are the most significant determinants of oil products import demand in Nigeria. Trade Openness was found to be insignificant. The analysis showed no causality between the consumption of renewable energy and some of its determinants. However, unidirectional causality runs from CO2 emission to GDP which implies that fossil fuels are significant drivers of real GDP or economic growth for Nigeria. It is evidenced that environmental considerations are less critical than real income to the consumption and development of renewable energy in Nigeria. Policy-makers should proffer incentives and measures that incentivize increased production and consumption of renewable energy while driving macroeconomic stability – especially in post COVID-19 era.

Rapid population growth in urban centres has been identified as a threat to city resilience. However, in a developing country like Nigeria, there is a dearth of research on how impacts of rapid population growth on public housing schemes influence city resilience. This study evaluated selected public housing schemes in Abuja, Nigeria, to determine factors of the residents' perception of impacts of rapid population growth on the housing estates they lived. This was with a view to assessing how these factors influence city resilience. Data for this study were collected from questionnaire administered to 345 residents of the selected public housing estates. The resident samples were asked to indicate their level of agreement/disagreement with 26 statements describing the possible impacts of rapid population growth in the housing estates they lived. The questionnaire was based on a 5-point Likert type scale ranging from 1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the key factors. The result reveals a mean score of 3.59, showing that the residents were in agreement on a rapid increase in population of people living in the estates. In addition, the result reveals a difference between the mean score of residents' level of satisfaction with the house types meeting their need when they first moved into the estate (3.77) and the extent to which the same house type still satisfies their household need at the time the survey was conducted (3.18). Furthermore, seven factors of residents' perception of impacts of rapid population growth on the estates emerged from the analysis. The first factor, which accounted for around 11.05% of the variance in the data, comprised need for the addition of more rooms in the dwelling units, consideration of distance of estates to place of work and the economic situation of residents in the estates. The application of this result to housing that influence city resilience is drawn from previous study which identified five key factors of housing that influence resilience and adaptation to stress. The result reveals that none of the seven factors of impact of rapid population growth on the estates that emerged in the current study appears as a factor that influences housing resilience and adaptation to stress. This study implies that for public housing schemes in developing countries like Nigeria to influence city resilience, housing designers and developers should consider factors of housing that are more likely to adapt to the stress of increasing population.

In this study, an ablative pyrolyser having 27.1 cm inner diameter, 41.2 cm outer diameter, the full chamber height of 74.7 cm and chamber volume of 40 litres was designed and fabricated. 150KW heater was wounded around the reactor chamber made of stainless steel to provide a higher temperature of up to 1400 °C. The -40 to 105°C capacity heat resistance wires were used to conduct the heater into the electrical panel which has several components such as the contactor, temperature controller, thermocouple wire and so on to give a particular desired working temperature. This pyrolyser applies technology of thermal energy in the heated walls of the pyrolyser being transferred to the biomass by conduction in the absence of oxygen for onward disintegration into gas, bio-oil, and biochar. After fabrication, 12 kg each of Tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis was fed into the reactor and pyrolyzed at 500 °C, the bio-oil product for both samples were mixed together and distilled at 120 °C and the bio-oil distillate was characterized for density, kinematic viscosity, pH, acid value and free fatty acid content. The bio-oil distillate shows a density of 0.960 g/cc, pH of 7.2, kinematic viscosity of 84 cst and acid value of 42.20 compared to the bio oil crude which showed higher values. This pyrolyser has been found on average to melt 12 kg each of Tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis to 5353 and 3493 g crude bio-oil respectively for a period of at least 3 h. The mass of bio-char for tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis were 3325 and 2614 g respectively while the reactor requires 8 h to cool before discharging the bio-char from the reactor. This research work can provide a basic designing formula for effective and workable ablative pyrolyzer fabrication for Nigerian wastes having high energy content.

Artificial lighting design is an integral part of the building design process. However, little or no emphasis is usually placed on its importance in the initial design process, as lighting is often understood as merely the idea of illuminating spaces. This paper investigated the evolved variety of roles artificial lighting plays in architectural designs in the context of psychology and communication. Data was compiled from existing knowledge on artificial lighting techniques, tools and practices to develop a literature for better understanding of the greater capabilities of artificial lighting within the urban context. The study focused mainly on the use of artificial lighting in the 21^st century, in a bid to capture the diverse roles artificial lighting plays in the built environment in recent times. The study is a qualitative research that relied strictly on data from secondary sources. A total of twenty-eight relevant publications were sourced using Google search engine via the internet. The data were content analysed, grouped in themes and presented using descriptive approach. The study revealed that artificial lighting plays important roles in delineating spaces, beautifying environments, improving workers' productivity level, as well as serving as a tool for navigation and communication in the urban environment. The paper concluded that over the years, artificial lighting has evolved beyond spatial illumination, but now functions as a tool for passive non-verbal communication. Therefore, planning for artificial lighting should be introduced early in the design process to avoid incurring unnecessary cost and time wasting usually associated with late decision making in the building industry.

The Nigerian economy is still largely cash based arising from inadequate infrastructure, trust and instability in the banking sector. However, there are improvements in the adoption of the electronic platform through the concerted efforts of government by introducing some policies that encourage its use. The recent policy is the cashless policy, which is aimed at reducing the use of cash to the barest minimum. This paper is aimed at developing an electronic payment system that integrates all the bank accounts of a particular holder together and access granted to them with or without a payment card through a multi-factor authentication procedures such as pin, fingerprint, irish or 3D facial recognition. On a full implementation, this system incorporates additional security protocol on the device to avoid nonrepudiation and ensure that the user is actually who he claims to be. The system will enhance ease of use as well as simplify the use of the e-Payment channels.

Anchor tenant which have been regarded as tenants in shopping mall that propel visitation and activities in the mall has been studied majorly in line with its impact on customers, other shopping outlets and generally on the mall. There appears to be no work on a search for the constituents of anchor tenant in the mall. This happens to be the crux of the present study with emphasis on three notable malls in Lagos Metropolis, The Palms Mall, Ikeja City Mall and Adeniran Ogunsanyan Shopping Mall. A total of 207 questionnaires were distributed to customers of the mall using the mall intercept approach of which a cumulative response rate of 81% was achieved. Data collated which was geared towards ascertaining the stores/products offered that attract the customers to the malls was rated on a likert scale of 5 and analysed using the Relative Importance Index and result substantiated with the chi-square test of significance both at the 0.05% and 0.01% level of significance. The study advocated that mix of the plethoric of Departmental Stores (4.7917); Entertainment centres (4.6250); clothing foot wares and accessories (4.5833); Electronics and electrical appliances (4.4881); food and beverage (4.4583); food stuff (4.2381); Watches, jewellery and ornament (4.1904); and Financial Services (4.0000) will be best suited as anchor tenants in the study area.

Water is considered to the life wire of many manufacturing industry. Water is used for processing of materials, cooling of engines, firefighting and also important for sanitation and welfare of workers. As the population of the world increases, the demand for water to meet domestic and industrial needs of man increases. In line with sustainable development, there is need for practices in manufacturing which will help preserve scarce resources for domestic needs. The global trend in industries is sustainable manufacturing which is hinged at increasing operational efficiency and as well reducing cost and wastages. As a result, there is a growing interest on rainwater as an alternative source. In this paper, the rainwater harvesting system was assessed to establish its viability for a small scale pozzolana plant for sustainable manufacturing. The methodology adopted was estimating water consumption in the production plant and potential harvestable rainwater from the roof top. The harvestable rainwater was estimated based on the rainfall data obtained from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and the rooftop (catchment) area was determined by taking dimensions of the rooftop to establish the area while a collection efficiency of 90% was assumed. Design and operational parameters from literature was used to describe the effectiveness of the system for the study area. Results revealed that water demand to run the plant for production and sanitation for staff welfare can be covered substantially using rainwater with a reliability of 99.7% and annual water savings of 1,350,000.00. The investment is viable and will be amortized in only 1.6 years. The rainwater harvesting system will generate economic benefits by reducing the cost of production and consequently the selling price will be reduced for consumers.

Flooding is a natural disaster that has been on the increase in many parts of the world. In the last two decades, this unforeseen destructive occurrence has led to the loss of millions of lives and properties valued at millions of dollars in many countries, including Nigeria. Though several attempts have been advanced as possible solutions to help curb the devastating consequences of flooding in the past, many of the solutions have proven not to be as effective as expected. This paper, examined the potentials amphibious structures present as a resilient strategy to combat flood, to develop an architectural design proposal of a sustainable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) settlement, that can withstand the peculiar challenges caused by flooding in Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative research approaches. Data consulted to develop the design proposal were assembled through random search of the internet from archival documents related to the subject and the data were analysed by thematic textual analysis. The findings were presented with texts, architectural two-dimensional and 3-dimensional drawings, tables and plates. Useful information from the analysed data became the conceptual framework on which the scheme was developed. The outcome of the study is the development of an architectural design scheme that utilised a combination of amphibious structures strategy and simple sustainable innovative design measures to proffer solution to an environmental problem, as well as the peculiar social, cultural and religious issues associated with the study area. The conceptual base on which the model was developed is for the settlement to co-exist with flood, rather than the common concept of resisting flood. Though the design was developed for a location in Girei, Adamawa State in the Northern part of Nigeria, the scheme is a useful guide for designing settlements and addressing issues in flood-prone areas in other parts of the globe, as well as a valuable educational material on issues pertaining to the development of settlements in flood-prone areas.

The paper examines the nexus among economic growth, renewable energy consumption and CO2 pollution in Nigeria. The study tested for co-integration using the Johansen technique, which is evident and applied the vector error correction model (VECM) on the annual data for the period 1990-2015. The results indicate a bi-directional causality between renewable energy consumption (REC) and economic growth (GDP). REC positively granger causes GDP in both short-run and long-run, while GDP has an adverse effect on REC in the short run. Historical decomposition of shocks reveals the relative implications of renewable energy shocks on GDP to be mostly negative between period 1990 and 2007. This is as a result of inefficient renewable technologies during the period. However, there is persistent and positive influence of REC on economic growth in the period between 2009 and 2015. Increase use of renewable technologies due to its relative affordability and better efficiency contributes to the progressive influence on economic growth. The variance decomposition analysis predicts an increase in the use of renewable energy technologies in the five year forecast period, with CO2 emissions will increasing as a consequence of dependence fossil fuel energy resources. The paper suggests environmental and tax policy instruments, as well as, effective governance to enhance environmental quality and encourage sustainable/green economic growth. The key instruments include: grants, feed-in-tariffs (FIT), production tax credits, renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and loans to enable industrial sector invest in renewable energy.

Homelessness is a social, psychological, environmental, economical, family, and individual condition that describes the homeless. The object of this paper is identify the homelessness factors and its psychological wellbeing concerns on the urban residents in Nigeria. The study employed qualitative method using observation schedule, photographs, tables, charts and interview guide to collect data among homeless people in cities across the six geopolitical zones of Nigerian. Findings indicate that homelessness are in categories, and are characterized by factors such as psychological, anthropological, ecological, economic, cultural, sociological and religious. The psychological wellbeing implications of homelessness among the homeless population in Nigerian urban cities were highlighted. The result of study showed that homelessness factors in Nigerian cities can predict the severe health and psychological wellbeing consequences of urban residents. It was concluded that the concerns of homelessness on the psychological wellbeing and general health of the homeless in Nigerian cities require urgent attention.

Green urbanism highlight on reducing unforeseen dangers to human wellbeing through exposure to various environmental hazards, poor living conditions and other challenges associated with purlieus. This paper examined the influence of green urbanism on psychological wellbeing (physical symptoms and positive functioning) of residents in urban sprawls. Participants were 240 residents of purlieus' in Ota, Ogun, Nigeria randomly selected to participate in the study. They completed standardized questionnaires which measured demographic variables, Physical symptoms and Positive Functioning. Data analysis was done using inferential statistics. Findings indicated that Physical Symptoms (PS) means score was found to increase as number of children in the family increases. Positive functioning (PF), among the participants were found to decrease as the number of children in the families increases. Physical symptoms (PS) increases as the length of stay in the houses increases among the participants while Positive functioning (PF) was found to be decreasing. Most of the houses were constructed in the 2000s yet they do not meet the standard practice in sustainable buildings. The poorly built houses are situated in unhygienic environment where basic amenities are unavailable. The implication of this is that the occupants of these building are prone to high level of physical symptoms such as stomach upset, headache, backache, have trouble sleeping, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness and fatigue. The result of the study has addressed health related issues in built environment as well as showed that built environment should have an organic sustainable content (green living initiatives) for healthy living and psychological wellbeing.

Research over time has revealed that activity spaces in domestic home have undergone evolution, adaptation and resilience over the years across Benin residential zones, Nigeria. Space segments/activities sections like cooking/eating, household goods storage, visitors and conveniences sections have somehow remain unchanged in terms of function, meaning, and arrangement. The study identified socio-cultural factors as responsible for resilience of domestic space to change in Benin domestic architecture across Benin City. The paper engaged both qualitative and quantitative research method. Triangulation was adopted for collection through focused group discussion using Semi-structured interview guide, questionnaire, observation guide and photographs. Factor analysis was use to analysis of data in order to reduce the identified socio-cultural factors to sizeable portion. The finding showed that, whilst some activity space, it size and location have evolved in Benin contemporary architecture, the style has remained intact. For instance some activity spaces in some residential zone of the city have been adapted to suit the new realities. Further observation itemised the socio-cultural factors that are responsible for resilient to change in Benin domestic architecture. Result of research underscores the role of culture in process of architectural development amidst rapid urbanization. Research upon completion is expected to be a good case study for measuring resilience to evolution of spaces in typical house setting in any African traditional city.

Nigerian Schools of Architecture face the various challenges of out-dated design, declining conditions, and capacity utilisation pressures. The effects of these conditions are threats to the academic performance of the students. The study aimed at investigating the impact the learning environment has on the academic performance of students of Architecture at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This research made use of quantitative and qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and the IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used for analysis. Results show that the classroom environment has effects on students' academic performance. This is due to their satisfaction and comfort in the learning environment. Findings also show that the comfort derived from facilities and physical components within the classroom affects their academic performance. Although the research findings have shown that the physical components of the classroom learning environment had no direct impact on the students' academic performance, based on the research it is recommended that visual learning aid should be maximised. Also, the classroom facilities should be improved to encourage students to make use of their classrooms. Further, the physical components classroom environment affects but does not have a direct impact on students' academic performance; however, the perception of students on these components should be explored to create a comfortable classroom environment.

Visual quality assessment plays a major role in determining the visual sustainability of the physical environment. Visual sustainability underscores the visual relationship between people and their environment. Several studies have been carried out on the subject of visual quality in architecture from other parts of the world. However, not much is seen on record in the Nigerian context. There are also concerns that there is a decline in the visual quality of university buildings. In the light of foregoing, it is essential to understand in detail the visual quality of university buildings not only from the perspective of built environment practitioners but also from the general public as potential users of the buildings. In this respect, the senate buildings of selected universities in Southwest Nigeria were selected for the study given the central role such buildings play in university administration and interaction with a variety of users. However, the senate building of Covenant University Ota is the focus of this paper. The study was aimed at identifying the architectural elements on the Covenant University Senate Building facade to understand public perception for future applications in architectural education, design, and overall visual sustainability. A cross-sectional survey was adopted for the study, and a stratified random sampling technique used in selecting respondents. In Total, 577 valid responses were collected from respondents in ten selected universities in Southwest Nigeria and analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, and mean score on the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Photograph of the Covenant University senate building façade was attached to the questionnaire to aid the visual assessment. Qualitative research involving the use of an interview guide preceded the survey research. The result from the study revealed that façade shape and height were perceived as the most interesting in the Covenant University senate building façade attractiveness. The study implied the need for equipping of designers on the perception of building design elements for adequate facade conceptualisation in designing. This, in essence, will enhance the attractiveness of the university senate building façade and also impact the entire campus visual sustainability.

Youth unemployment is one of the most pressing issues confronting world leaders in the 21st century. Youth unemployment has negative implications for economic and social progress. In Nigeria, youth unemployment hit an all-time high of 55.4% in the third quarter of 2018. With almost all sectors been digitalised, digital skills become one of the most promising solutions to youth unemployment. It is a necessity for wage employment and in the creation of a personal business. However, anecdotal and empirical evidence shows that many youths lack the requisite skills for using digital technology productively. Hence, there is an increase in international and local efforts toward digital skills training for youths. This study reports the findings from a pilot digital skills training programme organised by the Double You Initiative in July 2019. It was based on a quantitative research approach with the use of an online questionnaire to obtain information from youths across Nigeria through a purposive sampling technique. The findings show that youths within the ages of 19 and 24 will likely subscribe more to digital skills training than any other age group. Also, undergraduate students are more interested in digital skills training, and the most common digital skill preference among youths is digital marketing. The lessons from the digital skills training reported in this paper can be useful in enhancing the preparedness of stakeholders towards the provision of digital skills training that will promote decent jobs for youths in Nigeria.

In this study, organic solar cells (OSCs) were designed using the solution processing method based on spin coating. The influence of solvent additive (1-chloronapthalene (CN)) and cadmium doped barium nitrate nanoparticle incorporated into the photoactive medium based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was investigated. The power conversion efficiency of the pristine device was compared to the power conversion efficiency of the devices fabricated with 30v% of 1- chloronapthalene and different weight concentrations of nanoparticles. An optimum efficiency of 3.55 % was attained at 0.3 wt.% with solvent additive compared to 3.25 % obtained for the pristine device. This increase is attributed to a rise in charge transport of 5.32 × 10⁻² cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹. Further investigation on the morphological properties of the nanoparticles reveals the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle.

Security challenges are known to have diverse negative impacts on all facets of human endeavours across the world. However, in a country like Nigeria that is faced with myriads of security challenges ranging from armed bandits to insurgences by terrorist groups, the impacts of security challenges on architecture have not been adequately explored. This research examined how security challenges have influenced the architectural forms and spatial morphology of vernacular architecture in Northern Nigeria using three Local Government Areas: Maiduguri, Nganzai and Monguno of Borno State a case study. The primary data were gathered through observations, photographic materials and oral interviews with randomly selected residents in the study area. These were complemented with the review of published literature. The results of content analysis reveal a gradual change in Northern Nigeria vernacular architecture to accommodate the myriads of security challenges confronting the region. Specifically, it was observed that changes in traditional circular houses with thatch roofs to rectangular houses and the use of modern building materials as well as emergence of gated communities abound in the study area. The study also found a decline in traditional decorations and paintings on domestic building due to the relocation of practitioners from the study area. The study concludes that in spite of the daunting security challenges, Nigerians should not abandon their rich heritage in vernacular architecture, rather, indigenous and modern architectural principles should be integrated in evolving secured human settlements in this country.

Technology in its real sense is in an advanced state to an extent that automation is the present-day mode of operating machinery and equipment. This technique of operating or controlling a process using a highly automatic means via electronic devices thereby reducing the human interface to a minimum, if not rather than eliminating it completely. Transformation of the global workforce has already begun through automation with innovations of robotics, artificial intelligence remote connectivity, additive manufacturing and medical innovations employing the automated means of delivering or administering drugs and performing surgery on patients. In the present day, various forms of automation are increasingly taking over the place of human thereby, putting a threat to supplant it. The role of biomaterials in automation is the main objective in this discuss.

The study revealed that metals play a major role in biomaterials due to its excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.

Nigeria is posed with a myriad of challenges to achieving efficient energy systems; the colossal collective demand for sufficient electricity for approximately 200 million is a concern. Another challenge is the mismanagement of Nigeria's abundant resources, by individuals and by groups. It has withheld us, for decades, from making the bold and rapid progress which ought to have made for the energy system. This report explores the concept of an energy system in Nigeria perspective and progresses.

Energy is a multiplying factor which allows man to translate various raw material and resources into useful items to meet the daily demands and necessities of human beings. Foundry technology involved casting from molten metal transferred into a mould and permitted to harden under varying conditions depending on the purpose. This paper reviews the foundry industry as an energy exhaustive industry, in the sense that it requires energy in various forms such as electrical, heat and mechanical to carry out various engineering processes to deliver the appropriate casting required. It also reviews the different methods are currently being employed to make the manufacturing process more efficient and each of them have led to an increase in energy demand. It is affirmed that the new methods involved in foundry and their energy management policy can led to more efficient energy consumption for casted product.

The growing concerns over the adverse effects of buildings on the environment and the need to achieve users' thermal, visual, acoustic, spatial and indoor environmental air quality comfort have given rise to the demand for energy efficient buildings. This paper relied on a review of 36 articles published between 2007 and 2019 to identify and categorise energy efficiency design, planning and construction applicable to office buildings. The data were randomly selected using Science Direct and Google Scholar search engines on the internet and analysed by thematic textual analysis. The results revealed 29 energy efficiency design strategies applicable for office buildings which were categorised into the three distinct phases of building projects: pre-construction (design and planning), construction and post construction stages. The strategies were further categorised into energy efficient landscape designs, site selection, building orientation, building plan and appropriate space organisation. The study also established that building envelope systems, building orientation, integration of renewable energy sources and day lighting design strategies were the most implemented in office buildings. The review concluded by highlighting the key areas of focus in energy efficiency design strategies in office buildings, the extent research has progressed on the subject and future possible directions on the topic.

This paper aims at discovering sustainable academic workspace design that can match the technological changes arising from emergent innovation for effectiveness in the contemporary time world of work. More often, innovation becomes disruptive to effectiveness in a short period of time. The objective of the paper illustrates the point that effectiveness of workspace influence space utilisation. Space utilisation and values determination are derivatives of design and sustainable effectiveness. The paper considers current thought in this area and presents a literature review. Emergent work modes from changing technology and innovations in workspace design for universal effectiveness were holistically considered. 5 factors were discovered to be essentially important to the sustainability of workspace design in order to sustain effectiveness of workspace and that of the worker. This implies that design of workspace imperatively need to insert some elements of flexibility; otherwise, the time scale major refit benefits of designs for office of the future may turn around to become hindrances to effectiveness. 109 key variables were generated from literature review as very cognate for academic workspace design.

Pervious pavement is a special type of pavement with a high porosity used to reduce surface runoff and to recharge underground aquifer. It could also be used to trap solids and keep pollutants from contaminating the water stream. This review of literature examines existing studies methodologies, technologies, advantages and drawbacks on the use of pervious pavement for stormwater control and aquifer recharge. The result of the review revealed that cement content, water-cement ratio and compaction level affect the mechanical strength of pervious concrete in rigid pavement construction. Due to the complex nature pervious properties of this concrete. Pervious concrete requires stricter quality control of the concrete mixture proportioning as compared with the conventional concrete as there are no standard specification for testing. Surface sweeping method of pore-clogging removal was ineffective in the improvement of the hydraulic conductivity of pervious pavements, as it can only help in the removal of surface debris and not sediments removal from deep voids. The development of this pavement is a positive way forward for stormwater management and aquifer recharge. It is a viable technology in the reduction of stormwater runoff and the concentration of pollutants.

This paper study the performance evaluation of a refrigeration system that operates on solar energy as alternative source of power to enhance the refrigerating effect, coefficient of performance (COP), preservation of perishable items and short time drug such as vaccine, to remote communities and parts of the urban settlement around the developing nations where there is no access to modern electrical source. The system was made from locally sourced materials using a conventional refrigerant HFC134a as working fluid to improve thermal efficiency and stability of the vapour compression refrigeration system. The COP of the system was enhanced by 8.67% when working with solar and with energy reduction of 2.38% respectively. In case the weather is cloudy or during the night hour when the energy generation is low, the refrigerator can work on battery for an average of 12 hours if fully charge during the day to avoid idle time of the refrigeration system.

Since the global discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability began, Nigeria has been actively involved in terms of participating, flowing with global trends and meeting its international obligations in that context. Thus, from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to Kyoto Protocol and then the Paris Agreement, Nigeria has been involved as it ratified and became a Party to them. Corollary to being a Party to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria committed itself to reducing its carbon emissions by 2030 by embracing clean, low carbon alternative energy sources to meet its domestic energy needs. Nigeria's commitment is not without challenges considering a number of factors, namely it is dependent on fossil fuels for its foreign exchange earnings, it has a lingering problem with gas flaring and oil spills, its energy holdings are mainly dependent on fossil fuels, and there is evident lack of capacity and capability to harness its renewable energy resources. These challenges notwithstanding, Nigeria has developed various policy frameworks with targets and projections aimed at harnessing its abundant renewable energy resources in order to transit to green economy. The question that this paper attempts to address is whether Nigeria has been able to harness its renewable energy resources to address its energy challenges as well as transit to green energy as envisaged by its various policy documents. This paper engages secondary data in evaluating the extent to which the country has or has not transited to green energy as projected and targeted. This paper finds that the policy projections of transiting to green energy have no discernible pathways to assure its sustainable realization. It also finds that this disconnect between green energy transition targets and non-realization is linked to inadequate influx of private investments and therefore, recommends the provision of regulatory framework necessary to inspire investors' confidence and commitment.

In this paper, experimental analysis was carried out on a vapour compression system by varying the parallel tube condenser fins spacing under the same atmospheric condition in a selected Refrigeration and Air-conditioning laboratory to examine the performance characteristics of the refrigeration system. The fins spacing were 2, 4 and 6 mm using Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as working fluid with a mixture proportion of 17.2% isobutene, 56.4% butane, 24.4% propane. The result shows that the coefficient of performance of the system when working with condenser fins spacing of 2 mm was 28.8 and 35.9% higher compared to when the system worked with the fins spacing of 4 and 6 mm respectively. Energy consumed by the single hermetic compressor when the system worked with condenser fins spacing of 2 mm reduced by 16.4 and 18.7% compared to when the refrigerator worked with fins spacing of 4 and 6 mm respectively. The pull down time of the cooling system was attained in 2 hours 45 minute with minimum evaporator temperature of -13 °C while working with 30 g mass charge of LPG.

Approaches towards public housing has been noted as Government-sponsored over time, the government have been accorded the responsibility of provision of safe, secure, sanitary, accessible and affordable housing for its citizens, both for low, medium and high incomes. Also in the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 11; which seeks to make towns, cities and settlements an inclusive habitation that is safe, resilient and sustainable for all categories of people by the year 2030. However, due to various limiting factors, the government have run short of meeting this expectation and in order to bridge this gap, it has brought about the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) schemes to meeting mass housing provision. However, the success of Public-Private Partnership is dependent on certain socio-economic variations. This study assessed the residential satisfaction amongst residents of selected two public-private partnership housing estates in Lagos State, Nigeria. With a view to understanding the performance of the estates in meeting residents housing needs. This is done by identify the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of residents, examining the physical characteristics of housing units in the PPP housing estates and identifying the factors that influence occupants' satisfaction with the PPP housing estates. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and categorical regression analysis. The result showed that the housing situations are generally satisfactory to the residents. The residents were mostly satisfied with their housing unit features, followed by their neighborhood environment and least satisfied with the maintenance practices. The study revealed that the residents socio-economic characteristic and demographic is the most significantly predictor to the residents level of satisfaction. The study concluded that satisfaction derived by residents of the PPP housing estates studied can be improved by provision of better housing maintenance practices and effective infrastructures and services.

The ubiquitous demand for thermal energy in domestic and industrial applications, necessitates the need that heating systems, are effectively insulated, portable and occupy less space. This research focuses on the design and fabrication of a portable crucible for insulating a thermal energy storage system operating at high temperature. The insulating properties of the crucible were also investigated. Two ceramic crucibles, comprising of kaolin, and a mixture of kaolin and sand, were fabricated using the parameters obtained from simulation. When subjected to thermal treatment, the crucible comprising of kaolin and sand structurally failed at 75 °C. However, the crucible comprising of only kaolin remained stable and attained steady state at a temperature of 200 °C. The heating and cooling temperature curves of the kaolin crucibles were plotted and the estimated thermal conductivity of the kaolin crucible was 0.09 W/mK at 200 °C; this is in good agreement with theoretical values of kaolin which range from 0.03 to 0.3 W/mK. The computed thermal diffusivity is 4.9x10-8 m²/s, which is much lower when compared with the thermal diffusivity of insulating materials like polystyrene, glass fibre and rock wool. Thus, the rate at which heat diffuses through the crucible is low, making it suitable for insulating a thermal energy storage material operating at 800 °C. The results of this study will facilitate an efficient way of transporting stored thermal energy in portable insulating containers.

Human survival is largely dependent on the quality of available drinking water. It is worth of knowing that drinking water from any source contain amount of trace elements. This study investigated the physiochemical parameters and analyzed the trace elements concentration in drinking water in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Water samples were collected from all the local government areas of the State. The pH, electrical conductivity and trace element of each sample were determined using the pH meter, electrical conductivity meter and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) respectively. The pH measured varies between 5.02 and 7.35 and the electrical conductivity obtained ranged between 23.7 and 336 µScm⁻¹. The trace elements determined in the samples were Copper (Cu), Calcium (Ca), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni) with mean concentrations 71.72, 0.53, 0.44, 0.08, 0.36, 0, 0.002 mgl⁻¹ and respectively. The study revealed that 80% of the water samples were acidic and electrical conductivity measured were within set limit except for a location. The trace element concentrations measured were within acceptable limits except for copper concentation that exceeded the set limit for drinking water. The study therefore recommended periodic monitoring of the water in order to ascertian the quality of water supply to the entire State.

Anthocynanins and anthocyanidins have been widely applied in various fields such as sensitizers in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). DSSCs provide an alternative to the present photovoltaic technology due to its numerous advantages such as flexibility, easy fabrication, semitransparency and colour tunability. In this study, comparative analysis between crude and purified extracts obtained from withered leaves and flowers of Euphorbia mili (crown of thorns) as organic sensitisers in DSSCs. The optical and photovoltaic properties of the extracts was examined using an ultraviolet (UV) spectroscope and solar simulator respectively. There were observed shifts in the wavelength of the absorptions at (350 – 380 nm) for both extracts (crude and purified). The results from the photovoltaic parameters indicate an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) for the crude extract of the flower at 2.72%.

In major cities in Nigeria, the current modes of transportation are generally chaotic and unsustainable. We therefore have to rethink how to adopt the seamless integration of sustainable transportation alternatives. Poor maintenance is one of the factors adduced to be responsible for the current deteriorated state of mobility corridors and the existing road infrastructure. Overpopulation and increasing socio-economic activities of Festac Town exerts undue pressure on the infrastructure, thereby accelerating deterioration. The study is underpinned by Eco-mobility principles. This study is aimed at assessing the eco-mobility approach for a sustainable neighbourhood road infrastructure within a mixed-use community. Developing a sustainable mobility strategies that brings the neighborhood streets back to the people is an objective which this study pursue. A multi-staged sampling technique was adopted for the study. On-site qualitative approach was majorly employed through the interviews conducted assessing the major mobility corridors and streets from 1st to 7th avenues. A sample frame of 15 major roads with outdoor open spaces along the selected roads all within the selected avenues and major street roads. The instruments for data collection were oral interviews and personal/physical observations. The activity profiles, locational data and geospatial coordinates of each avenue were imported into ArcGIS (Version 10.5, ESRI) for various land-use analysis. The sustainable eco-mobility strategies will reduce transportation impacts, create civilized streets that meets environmental design standards of commuter's safety and comfort that are compatible with the unique urban structure and culture of metropolitan Lagos. This study evaluated the issues relating to sustainable eco-mobility, the connection between climate change and transportation systems, the impact of urban mobility on public health and wellbeing. It further outlined policy frameworks to be considered in other to have a sustainable neighbourhood streets mobility networks within a mixed-use community.

Thin film organic solar cells have emerged as a replacement to inorganic solar cells based on silicon. Organic solar cells offer several advantages compared to silicon-based devices. In the last 10 years, concentrated research attempts towards accomplishing the mandatory power conversion efficiency of 10 % and environmental stability of the device still remain a main challenge. In order to influence the efficiency, polymers are frequently utilized to fabricate the absorber and buffer layers. Also, binary and tenary polymer blends have been devised to influence the performance in micro/nanostructures. In addition, the advantages of organic solar cells for realistic application, and potential solutions are also considered.

Shocks are insufficiently handled in many developing countries, including Nigeria. At least 60percent of the farmers in Nigeria lack adequate safety net coverage to mitigate the effect of shocks. Thus, this study examines how shocks affect youth farmers and its possible effect on food security in Nigeria. This study makes use of Wave 4 (2018/2019) of the Living Standard Measurement Study-Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA) data, applying the Propensity Score Matching (PMS) model and the two-sample t-test. Findings from the PSM showed that households affected by shocks are less food secure. This is validated from the two-sample t-test; which tests for the potential impact of shocks on household food security. The results showed that though a higher percentage of the households (94.42percent) are not affected by shocks, compared to those affected by shocks (2.58percent), but are worse-off by 0.007percent in terms food security. This means that households who are not affected by shocks are more food secured by 0.007percent. Therefore, based on the findings, it is recommended that appropriate measures be adopted by the Nigerian government, such as providing social protection, safety nets, credit facilities amongst others, to help increase agricultural productivity in order to sustain food security.

Ample amount of scientific effort has been applied to question the potentials of fossil fuel combustion and other carbon emission sources which in turn has impact on human population growth. This study sought to find the extent of which carbon emissions impact population growth among the Magna cum Oil producing Africa countries. The study utilises panel data analysis within the sample period: 2000–2019 using the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares and the Feasible General Least Square. The results of the research revealed the existence of a significant and negative relationship. This therefore, makes this subject an issue of critical policy interest and requires immediate actions and makes this research very significant in recent times as it considers several countries within the study's scope.

Major new opportunities abound from energy integration among regions in Africa with the sole aim of reducing transaction costs and with the role of ICT, it would take energy from where it is easily affordable to places where it is needed. This study takes on a new perspective, that is, employing household energy consumption, to ascertain the use of ICT by household in accessing energy. The study explores the degree to which energy integration among the five regional power pools in Africa can achieve ending energy poverty among regional adherents. The study utilizes the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares technique on data from the SSA economies over the period 2000-2019. The study confirms the viability of the ICT adoption – Energy Consumption hypothesis statistically at five (5) percent level of significance. More specifically, the findings show that a one-unit increase in household mobile technology will lead to an average of 1.4 unit increase in energy consumption. The findings indicate that the adoption of such mobile technology impacts energy consumption, which suggests the need for the acceleration of ICT development in Africa (Sub-Saharan) nations, given the universal communal mission of sustainable energy consumption.

The improvisation of renewable energy sources is of global concern as there is foresight in the depletion of fossil fuels. This is because there is dependence on energy fuel consumers over time and the detriment on the biotic and abiotic component of the environment is alarming. The need for an alternate source of energy source is imperative. Several options have been considered by the scientific community, especially biofuels which hinges primarily on the type of biomass. Agro waste is most considered because of its abundance but it is competed for as feeding purposes in humans and animals. However, Lignocellulose is being utilized recently. The preliminary step in the conversion of the lignocellulose (pre-treatment) stage is the most challenging which is presented in three major methods; physical, chemical, and biological treatment. This review assessed its sustainability and the limitations of each of these methods. The biological pre-treatment poses to be a cost-effective method with a low yield of products. These shortcomings could however be managed by redesigning the procedure to include a partial chemical pre-treatment, optimization of the process parameters such as pressure, temperature, and genetic manipulation of microorganisms of choice.

The youth plays significant role in realising the sustainable development goals (SDGs). What young people know about the SDGs and how to engage with the SDGs can contribute significantly to the realisation of the SDGs within the shortest possible time. Specifically, climate change is central to the SDGs because of its substantial nexus with economic, social and environmental outcomes for all regions of the world. Thus, this study investigates climate change awareness among secondary school students to guide climate change mitigation strategies and practices among young people for the attainment of the SDGs. The study adopts a qualitative research approach using content analysis of the essays on climate change written and presented by students of different secondary schools in Ota, Nigeria. The analysis reveals, among other things, that the students are knowledgeable about climate change and that their schools are the most prevalent source of climate change knowledge. The most-reported climate change effect from the essays include: rise in global temperatures, melting of ice, flooding, rise in sea level, drought, extinction of terrestrial and marine life and health challenges. Common mitigation strategies suggested by the students entail awareness, tree planting, use of low carbon vehicles, use of energy-saving bulbs, reduction of carbon emissions, and recycling of waste. With adequate climate change knowledge and mitigation strategies, many young people can contribute and engage practically with the climate change discourse, thereby improving the climate change statistics in their regions and accelerating progress on the SDGs.

At first glance, misery seems unquantifiable but has been established to be an aggregation of unemployment and inflation. Nigeria is in a pitiable condition as she is ranked the 6th most miserable country in the world. This study aims to ascertain the effect of economic growth on Misery in Nigeria, that is, to determine whether economic growth rate has strengthened or weakened the misery of Nigerians. This study adopts Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model because it considers policy lags of economic phenomena and allows combined order of integrations. The study finds an inverse nexus between economic growth and misery. Hence, recommendations were made in form of measures to ensure the need for economic growth to increase at faster and higher pace to combat high misery levels in Nigeria.

Liquid liabilities are required for the development of key sectors that drive the Nigerian economy by ensuring that credits are made available for investment purposes. However, controversies concerning the effectiveness of investments in fostering economic growth in Nigeria exist. These studies focus on the relationship amid liquid liabilities and finance for growth in Nigeria, with specific insight and implications for Nigeria's energy sector. In achieving its objective, the study utilizes data from secondary sources from the annual CBN (1980-2018). This study finds that gross domestic savings significantly drive finance for growth in the long-run compared to stock market development and Remittance inflows. The findings imply that to finance growth efficiently in the Nigerian economy, attention should be paid to liquid liability development policies such as driving gross domestic savings by all stakeholders and attention should be paid to the Nigerian energy sector as it possesses the potential to both be a source of liquid liability and a viable investment option.

The amount of naturally occurring radionuclide in Teak plantation was measured using gamma ray spectrometer RS-125. This device gave an in-situ measurement of radioactivity concentration of ⁴⁰K, ²³²Th, ²³⁸U and dose rate. The data was taken in 20 locations, the overall mean dose rate (DR) is 47.8150 Gyh⁻¹. The overall mean activity concentrations for ⁴⁰K, ²³²Th, ²³⁸U are 456.1975 BqKg⁻¹, 29.0245 BqKg⁻¹ and 26.2080 BqKg⁻¹ respectively. It was also observed that only the estimated outdoor dose rate D of ⁴⁰K at study location L1 exceeded the world limit of 57nGyh⁻¹. This could be due to its closeness to the university main gate with lots of possible interfering human activities around the gate area. However, further study on detailed geochemical investigation is required to reach at some conclusion. By comparing the mean values of the activity concentrations and their radiological risks with the several world standards, it can be concluded that the Teak plantation is highly rich in Potassium.

Lesotho, is a mountainous country located within South Africa. Water is one of the major export earnings. One of the major dams in Lesotho is called Mohale Dam built at a cost of US$1.5 billion. It has five inflow dams at: Bokoaneng, Bokong, Likalaneng, Jorodane and Senquyanne. There is sparse data on water quality of these dams, hence, data were collected between 2009 and 2012 to monitor and assess the water quality for drinking using these parameters: Na, K, Ca, Mg, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total hardness (TH) and turbidity. These were compared with the WHO standard for drinking water. Data were analysed using these procedures: means (PROC MEANS) and cluster (PORC CLUSTER) of Statistical Analysis Systems, and trilinear plots/Piper diagram. Results showed that across sites, these variables (i.e. pH, EC, Ca, Na, K, Mg, TH, and turbidity fluctuated across sites and years and still far lower than the critical limits of the WHO as drinking water quality. The only parameter that was relatively high, when compared to the stringent water quality of APHA, AWA and WEF [ 25] standard for drinking was the mean turbidity which ranged between 1.32±0.27 (Bokoaneng) and 4.70±1.26 (Jorodane). However, when compared to the WHO [2] standard for drinking water quality of 5.00 NTU [23], it is still acceptable. The Piper diagram classified the water as sulfate-chloride dominated, though when compared to the critical values of WHO limits of 250mg/L (Cl) and 400 mg/L (SO₄^2-) it is still very low as these values are still ≤ 5 mg/L. As at the time of data collection, there was no source of contaminants. However, the aforementioned values were the highest for a dam located at Likalaneng. As, such, it is imperative that sources of the "seemingly" high values should be identified as this might build up over the years.

The dynamics of viral bioaerosols are unknown; hence, its detection and control may be complicated. In this study, the structural analysis of Influenza A, SARS Coronavirus, and IBV Coronavirus was adequately discussed. The infection pattern of the SARS coronavirus was further investigated using the dataset from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria, and 'Ourworldindata' for datasets in parts of China. The artificial neural network (ANN) tool was used to determine the COVID-19 infection in Lagos. It was observed that many unaccounted COVID-19 patients are roaming the region. It is recommended that the Lagos government embark on compulsory house-to-house testing to detect potential COVID-19 carriers.

With developers seeking minimalist designs that maximise space with land being at a premium, the quality of life has been neglected amidst the technological advancement and development. Human beings require contact with nature now more than ever to live healthy, productive lives. This affiliation with nature is what is described as Biophilia. Biophilic design is the incorporation of elements of nature into the design of spaces and is regarded as an extension of sustainability. Lagos is often described as the city with the fastest growing economy, which implies a lot of business activities are sprung up and the need for a sustainable working environment cannot be overemphasised. This study assesses the influence of biophilic design strategies on the productivity of users in selected office buildings in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study adopts a stratified random sampling technique to select respondents who are mainly users of the selected buildings. Data obtained from respondents was analysed using regression analysis. Findings reveal that biophilic design strategies has a significant influence on workers' productivity, however the biophilic elements occurred as isolated occurrences of nature as to a culminated effect. The study recommends early-on integration of biophilic design patterns to attain maximum effect, as well as the proper integration of biophilic design elements.

In this paper, the impact of atmospheric parameters (atmospheric temperature, pressure, relative humidity and wind speed) and noise temperature on digital terrestrial television signal strength over Karshi area, Abuja, North-Central part of Nigeria has been examined. Measurements were taken for a period of nine months (April 2019 – December 2019) to cover the commencement of rainy period and towards the end of rainy period. The results showed that atmospheric and noise temperature as well as wind speed weakly influenced the signal strength while relative humidity strongly influenced the signal strength. The effect of atmospheric pressure over the signal strength was not consistent during the period of measurement. The signal strength of AIT, NTA, Channels TV and ETV were negatively affected by the atmospheric temperature up to about88.8%, 25.6%, 16.5% and 93.2%, respectively; the noise temperature up to about 85.3%, 13.4%, 5.9% and 90.7% respectively and wind speed by about 89.2%, 26.8%, 16.3%, and 92.4%respectively. However, the signal strength was affected positively by the relative humidity up to about 87.9%, 18.7%, 10.1% and 92.4% respectively, while the atmospheric pressure affected NTA and Channels TV negatively by about 21.3% and 26.8%, respectively and affected AIT and ETV positively by about 22.7% and 26.8%, respectively. Findings from this study will be of help to satellite link designers, policy makers, antenna modelers and other TV transmission equipment designers on how to mitigate the effect of some of the atmospheric components on digital terrestrial signal strength reception in Nigeria.

Over the past few decades, scientists and engineers have been working on mastering the intricacies linked with nanoscale particles. Now researchers have gained valuable insight on how to create tailor-made nanoparticles with physicochemical properties never envisaged before. Theseengineered nanoparticles offer far-reaching applications in medicine, cosmetology, engineering, food packaging, and bioprocessing, to achieve specific performance goals. This review focuses on the electronic, optical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal, vibrational, and surface properties of nanoparticles, their method of preparation, technique for particle size control, and engineering applications.

This study delves into the pattern and level of development of two adjacent border communities of Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria to compare the effect on rental values of residential properties in the two communities. The study attempted to find out if there are significant differences as well as definite relationship between the values. Questionnaires were distributed to two groups of respondents which are 84 estate surveying and valuation firms in Ikeja, Lagos and 152 residential property owners/residents in the two communities. Data were analysed with statistical tools such as tables, percentages and mean. Student's t-test statistics was used to ascertain the difference in rental values while Pearson coefficient of correlation was used to establish the degree of relationship. The importance of factors influencing rental values was determined using the relative importance index. Analysis were presented in percentages, tables and charts and then discussed. Result showed that there are significant statistical differences in rents of the two communities despite the proximity. It was further observed that neighbourhood density and level of infrastructure development play vital roles in the gaps observed in rental values. However, the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that there is a relatively strong positive correlation between rental values of properties in the two communities. The research therefore concluded that for property market on the Ado-Odo/Ota side of the emerging Lagos megacity to attain its full potential, there is the need for major urban renewal, investment in physical and economic infrastructure via partnership with private sectors and property owner in the communities.

This study weighed in on the topical issue of climate change impacts and sustainable urban development in developing countries. Climate change is a global challenge that is much discussed at national and international fora. The study reflects on the lot and plight of cities and peri-urban communities in developing countries in the face of lopsided attention on climate change. Extant studies, articles, local and international reports on climate change, urbanization and infrastructure, extant literatures were reviewed to establish the perspective and position of the study. The study examined the global threats of climate change and the local impact of disasters to urban dwellers in developing countries like Nigeria. It further shed light on urbanization process and the state of infrastructure in developing countries. Vulnerability of cities in the areas of infrastructure was brought to the fore with a view to improving the capacity and preparedness against climate change impact. Concepts of climate change, urbanization challenge, urban infrastructure, sustainable development were reviewed to contextualize the study. The study concluded by advocating for positive urbanization to mitigate the effect of climate change and foster sustainable development agenda in developing countries.

There is a global drive to reduce energy consumption. Consequently, many countries are adopting smart metering at the domestic level. In 2006, Nigeria commenced introduction of the electricity advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), a type of prepaid meter with some smart features. This paper examined theperceptions of domestic electricity consumers on changes in their electricity consumption behaviour since the installation of the prepaid meters in their homes. The specific objectives were to i) ascertain if there had been changes in consumers' energy consumption behaviours, and ii) identify the most significant behavioural changes deemed to have taken place. Data for this paper was drawn from a case study involving 350 residents of the Victoria Garden City, Lagos State, Nigeria – one of the earliest residential neighbourhoods to benefit from the AMI programme in Nigeria. The quantitative research method using a questionnaire as the main data collection instrument was adopted for this research. However, it was complimented by qualitative data obtained through interviews using interview guides. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and was presented in tables. The qualitative data was content analysed. The study found that respondents perceived changes in their energy consumption, consciousness and behaviour since the installation of the prepaid meters in their homes. Out of the six energy consumption behaviours investigated, the three most highly ranked behaviours were switching off electrical appliances when not in use (4.32), consideration of energy rating of electrical appliances before purchases(4.26) and avoidance of use of some electrical appliances (4.17).A major implication of the findings is the need for the electricity distribution companies to encode more interactive features in the meters and support consumers with information that will guide their consumption behaviours to achieve maximum efficiency. This will entail devoting attention to research, sensitizations, feedbacks and other forms of engagement with customers.

In this work, the impact of selected atmospheric parameters on attenuation of terrestrial and satellite signals over George, Western Cape in South Africa for the purpose of planning reliable and resilient free space optical communication links has been presented. The meteorological parameters data (visibility, temperature, rainfall rate, relative humidity, pressure, wind speed and wind direction) were obtained for ten years (2010 – 2019) from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Total attenuation for the studied location was calculated from attenuation due to aerosol scattering, attenuation due to rain and attenuation due to scintillation. Three different wavelengths namely: 850 nm, 1200 nm and 1500 nm within the optical windows were used in calculating the wavelength dependent functions (attenuation due to aerosol scattering and attenuation due to scintillation). The result shows that attenuation due to rain was observed to account for 58% of the total attenuation and it is wavelength independent. Attenuation due to rain based on subtropics model was found to be about half of the calculated value based on temperate model. Further result shows total attenuation for worst visibility period (summer) throughout the year in the studied location is 7.7 dB/km (aerosol scattering: 0.53dB/km; rain: 4.5 dB/km and scintillation: 2.7 dB/km) at 850 nm. Overall results will be applicable in the area of the design and implementation of a reliable free space optical (FSO) links in the studied location.

The variability of bioaerosols cut across seasonal changes, indoor encasements, outdoor sources, and atmospheric conditions. Hence, the easiest way to curb disease-carrying bioaerosols requires an in-depth understanding of the factors mentioned above. In this short review, the physical and biological properties of bioaerosols were discussed. It was discovered that its biological and physical properties are salient to determine its diffusion, deposition, control, and measurement.

The effectiveness of monetary policy on the real sector has been a major concern of the monetary authority in Nigeria, over a few years ago. This has resulted in series of regulatory actions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure more funds/credit are channeled to the sector, in line with the policy objectives of the government to improve the sector. The inability of the real sector investors to meet up with their loan repayment obligations sometimes restricts the flow of this credit from the banking system to the sector, thereby jeopardizing the efforts of the monetary authority. This study, while investigating this concern, observed a similar trend pattern between real sector business outlook and real productive activities; this warranted the inclusion of this variable in the model that was estimated with SVAR. The results revealed a significant estimate of 7.95583; which is a contemporaneous response of credit to real sector to shocks from real sector business outlook. Also, an average of 0.21% variation in real output is explained by structural innovations from real sector business outlook. This means that as business or macroeconomic environment improves, the real investors invest more by accessing credit from the banking system; also, the banks are more confident of loan repayment, as the improved macroeconomic environment is expected to support business growth.

Global warming is sketching the isobars on weather maps in a different way, owing to new patterns and their climatic imprint. Climatological reports have shown that atmospheric pressure fluctuations in the past five decades has strong affiliations with human stimulus. Any infinitesimal change in air pressure could produce a dramatic climatic effect, such as wind, precipitation, diurnal perturbations and storms. Pressure in air is the pointing device for atmosphere's circulation, and consequently, determines how humidity circulates. Progressive studies on air pressure from both experimental and theoretical sources have corroborated with each other. The potential for atmospheric pressure is a function of the individual sum of oxygen, carbondioxide, water vapor, nitrogen, and noble gases in air. Although, it is difficult to predict the life span of these atmospheric gases, we cannot assume that the abundance of either of these gases has remained constant over geologic time. This study focuses on analyzing weather changes in Ikogosi SW Nigerian, in conjunction with pressure for almost four decades, using curve fitting regression analysis and statistical methods relative to direct plots. The result reveals exponential trends of growth in pressure-temperature measurement indicative of weather change. In view of this, recommendations are given based on indices of measurement shown by occurrence and the force of atmospheric pressure.

In furtherance to the search for reliable and cost-effective road construction materials which is expected to engender the development of sustainable and less expensive pavements, coupled with the increase in agricultural wastes due to the current rise in the consumption of white meat, this research investigated the engineering properties of modified bitumen and subsequent performance of asphaltic concrete incorporating Pulverized Snail Shell Ash (PSSA) as strength modifier and filler. In order to achieve specific objectives, preliminary physical and chemical tests were initialized to characterize the virgin bitumen and snail shell ash. Pulverized proportions of the snail shell ash were blended with bitumen at 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % respectively by weight of mineral aggregates; and subsequently incorporated as filler at the same proportions. The rotational viscometer and penetrometer were engaged to determine the viscosity and penetration of the modified bitumen, and the Marshall mix design method was used to determine the mechanical and rheological characteristics of the resultant asphaltic concrete composites. The modification of bitumen with snail shell ash resulted in a decrease in penetration of virgin bitumen from 80/100 pen to 60/70 pen, including the rotational viscosity. Different mixtures of PSSA at the aforementioned proportions, were evaluated by the design method according to Marshall. The stability was found to be higher than the control mix at 30% of grade which satisfied the Marshall specification for wearing course mixes. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) showed the presence of Oxygen and Calcium in the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) modified with PSSA, while the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a good blend of the aggregates. The results suggest feasible use of PSSA as partial aggregate substitution in HMA. It was noted that the PSSA was finer than the conventional mineral filler and it filled the voids, engendered a stiffer, and denser mix, as well as reduced the number of voids present in the mix and increased its stability. Experimental results indicated higher stability value of 35.08 KN for the mixture having 30% PSSA as optimum filler content in comparison with conventional mix which was 34.7 kN and standard specification of 34 kN minimum. This study has therefore established the feasibility of using PSSA as alternative filler instead of the conventional in asphalt concrete mix by satisfying the standard specification. Also making the reuse of agricultural waste possible, thereby making construction cost cheaper, and also reducing waste.

Every living or non-living thing has its unique temperature consequent of absorption of electromagnetic radiation, light. The source of this molecular kinetic is Solar energy incident on Earth's surface, the sole supplier of life on the planet. This phenomenon markedly determines the climatic conditions in our habitat. Atypical of previous much-required characteristic balance in nature, myriads of surface processes, ranging from evaporation, photosynthesis and even terrestrial carbon uptake effects are becoming altered in nature. These effects on long-term timing of events defines global warming, it distinguishes the diurnal from seasonal course of surface temperatures and shortwave radiation which contains larger quantity of energy and longwave radiation which holds less amount of energy. Earth's emitted longwave radiation, also has major practical implications on solar energy technologies, agricultural productivity, profound environmental, societal, and economic implications. There is cumulative evidence that the volume of solar radiation incident on the Earth's surface is not constant but experiences substantial decadal variations. In view of the certainty of unpredictability of these climatic changes, a positive recourse lies in utilizing these enormous natural forces to solve Man's energy crisis challenge. Thus, this study uses meteorological data from MERRE to investigate the prospect of shortwave radiation in Ikogosi SW Nigeria and its implications technologically and environmentally in the future of energy prospecting first locally, and on a spatial scale.

Ikogosi is located in a humid rainforest typical in its virtually uniform temperature through the year averaging 21°C to 28°C. Thirty-eight years temperature and precipitation data on Ikogosi, reveals a deviation in this erstwhile norm and portends a trend that on short-term and regional variations predict a more extreme warm climate. In contrast to previous ones, the fifth IPCC report emphasizes on the socio-economic facets of climate change. It also discusses on its dual role in sustainability and risk management, it dwells on reducing greenhouse gases and adaptation approaches to climate change. In view of this impending change, precipitation and temperature are vital climatic constraints which should be investigated for deviations that could adversely affect agriculture, architecture, societal and urban planning. Also, since a warming atmosphere is allied with substantial precipitation, all human based activities either directly or indirectly trigger greenhouse gas emissions and high precipitation. This explores the most prominent of these greenhouse gases, CO2 which warms the atmosphere as its volume increases in the atmosphere. In effect, the degree of future global warming will be a function of how much more volume of CO2 humankind emits. Although current CO2-induced warming of Earth is essentially irreversible on human timescales, weather researches to obtain scientific information, is very relevant. This is a dynamic prerequisite for society to make informed decisions on mitigation, adaptation, and other ways to tackle climate change. Thus, this study seeks to analyse the measure of observed climatic changes in Ikogosi. This is in order to promote the application of this study model to similar geographical locations. The potential energy available for certain extreme weather events has been analysed with existing theoretical explanations, ORIGIN software program and statistical regression analysis.

As cities grow in population, there is pressure on urban land resulting in prioritisation of scarce land for various uses. Burial grounds are often poorly rated in the priority scale since comparatively, they are considered as poor contributors to public economy. This situation. coupled with growing concerns about the environmental and health implications of casket cemetery burials has led to the growing adoption of alternative burial methods globally. In Africa, including Nigeria however, adoption of alternative burial methods has been slow. This paper therefore, investigated the willingness of residents of Abuja, Nigeria to adopt alternative modes of burial. Specifically, it sought to identify the burial methods Abuja residents are familiar with, ascertain residents' willingness to consider alternative burial methods, the alternative burial methods favoured by residents and the factors that influence choice of alternative burial methods by residents. Data were obtained by administering copies of a questionnaire to randomly selected respondents and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The paper found that residents who were willing to adopt alternative burial methods marginally surpassed those who rejected the idea, suggesting significant resistance to adoption of alternative burial methods among respondents. The paper therefore identified the need for sensitization of residents especially through credible religious, sociocultural leaders and other opinion moulders including the media. In addition, there is need to review of policies and regulatory frameworks to accommodate alternative burial methods.

Studies recognized that construction waste constitutes about 30-40% of the overall solid waste deposited at the landfill sites worldwide, and to have impact on our personal lives and the entire world around us. This research studied building life cycle and waste generation by building projects in southwest Nigeria by the use of structured questionnaire applied to representatives of professionally registered firms of the Nigerian construction industry in the region. A total of four hundred and three (403) questionnaires were randomly administered to the professionally registered firms within the study area, out of which only two hundred and sixty-one (261) of those returned were considered valid and usable. The retrieved data was profiled and rank using the 5 points Likert scale. The study found that post-construction stage activities had the greatest affinity for material waste generation with the highest mean score of 3.5172 and followed by the construction stage activities with the mean score of 3.0672 indicating that waste generation at this stage is moderate. Based on this, the study concludes that there is a need to develop incentives that will encourage the industry professionals to imbibe waste prevention and minimization strategies that will help limit waste generation by the different building life cycle stages.

Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) among other enhanced oil recovery (EOR) innovation is an important alternative approach for oil recovery when primary and secondary methods aren't productive. The responsible factor for MEOR procedure is the microbes and their by-products like biosurfactants, biopolymers and so on, biosurfactants assume key jobs such as degradation of hydrocarbon pollutants in soil, removal of metals from soil surfaces, dispersion of inorganic minerals in mining and manufacturing processes and so on. This study is focused on the application of isolated bacteria for the production of biosurfactants. From the isolation result Bacillus Nealsonii was the identified microbe Raise (R) and it was used to for the production of biosurfactant, the broth was used as the nutrient source and kerosene was the carbon source. Then this biosurfactant was applied in the MEOR at room temperature (27°C) using a reservoir permeability tester equipment. The recovery process using this biosurfactant gave 68.42% of residual oil recovery after the primary and secondary oil recovery, thus these hyperthermophiles are good agents for MEOR.

Kano state of Northern Nigeria is the fastest growing city in the sub-Sahara Africa. Having undergone massive transformations in the past century has been characterized by urbanization of sustainable rapid developmental growth. The full impact of urbanization pressures has led to the rapid pace of globalization and economic restructuring and infrastructural development of Kano dated from the colonial era. The paper seeks to highlight and undertakes a descriptive analysis of underlying issues associated with the practice of sustainable urbanization challenges facing Kano, particularly the promotion of growth management within the fast growing City which is the commercial hub of the Northern Nigeria. The qualitative nature of the paper was a critical literature review of relevant materials. The paper seeks to provide an insight into sustainable paradigm, and urban growth development of Metropolis Kano-city. The finding shows that sustainable urbanization has been a key factor in the adoption of urban growth development and expansion of Kano environs. Findings from the study reveal that physical development plans for the urban growth areas have been very pre-colonial dated and developed in harmony with the urban development which is mostly characterized by infrastructure pace.

Microplastics are pervasive contaminants that have attracted the attention of researchers over the last decades. Studies have detected and investigated different sizes of microplastics in the environment. However, the methods used for sample collection and quantification of microplastics for similar environmental matrices differ, based on the resources and equipment available to the researchers. This variation makes the comparison of results from different regions or researchers challenging. This paper presents a review of some of the methods that have been employed in microplastics quantification. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of some of the methods and recommend that standardized methods need to be developed in order to simplify inter-study comparison.

The sources of pozzolans could be natural, industrial and agricultural wastes that are recycled into concrete and mortar applications. There have also been many studies and recommendations guiding the use of blending these pozzolans from multiple sources with cement with the aim of producing more durable, greener and sustainable mortar/concrete. These investigations are mostly based on testing these pozzolans with a certain type of cement and making recommendations on the optimum percentage replacements. This type of study underscores that a pozzolan can behave differently with other types of Portland cements with varying distinct chemical compositions that associate the cement with its type. This could result to a particular pozzolan having different optimum percentage cement replacements with different types of cement and hence results in less durable concrete of which this study intends to address. The pozzolan used in this study is Pulverized Calcined Clay (PCC) and the types of cement is based on the British and American standards classification. The cement variants used in this study is broadly rapid hardening and low heat cement form the two (2) major cement brands in Nigeria. The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis was performed on the cements and the PCC to determine their oxide compositions and classify the pozzolan, the Strength activity index (SAI) of the pozzolan was also determined. The optimum percentage replacements (replacement level with maximum strength) of the cements with the pozzolan was also determined. The results indicate that the optimum replacements for the low-heat cement was at 20% replacement with PCC and substantially higher for the rapid-hardening cement. This could be adduced to the difference in the chemical compositions as shown in the XRF analysis. It was concluded that the optimum replacement of different cement types with a pozzolan could vary, resulting to less durable concrete when a single optimum replacement is recommended across all cement types. It is therefore recommended that the optimum replacements of cements with pozzolans should be specific to a cement type and recommended that optimum replacement for other cement types with same pozzolan be determined and not generalized across all cements.

The contribution of women to labour in African agriculture is quoted regularly in the range of 60–80%. Using available statistical data, to compare the level of employment and productivity of both male and female on an individual basis, and consequently proffer ways of improve that with a lower turn-out is the one major aim of the study. The contribution of females in the agricultural sector is substantially lower in Nigeria (37%), and some other developing countries. In order to get appropriate estimation of the model, the Augmented Dicky-Fuller and the Phillips-Perron test are used to check the variables level of stationarity. This also helps to explain the existing relationship between and among the following variable: employment in agriculture, male, employment in agriculture, female, trade and inflation. The result informs the need to enhance the employment of female in the Nigerian economy for higher agricultural productivity. Therefore the study suggests that policies geared towards female empowerment in agriculture and services alongside other concerned sectors should be promoted.

The attenuation time together with the Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function of attenuation values play a vital role in the design of communication systems. Passengers on-board during flight can be connected to the internet either via satellite or earth-station depending on the nature of the flight. For long distance flight, this internet connectivity is provided through satellite when the aircraft is flying at the upper troposphere. However, the satellite-aircraft link is subject to attenuation due to the troposphere. A model to characterize the channel has been proposed. In particular, a methodology for the synthesis of attenuation on aircraft-satellite is given by ITU-R P2041 recommendation. However, it has been shown that the impact of tropospheric parameters such as rainfall, cloud, gases etc. On the satellite-aircraft link at different frequencies are insignificant (i.e decreases with height) on the upper troposphere since the aircraft is flying (about 12 km) above the rain height (5 km). The findings will be useful for researchers, scientists and the aviation industries in planning, design and establishing link budget for aircraft-satellite path.

One of the challenges of climate change in most coastal regions of the world is sea-level rise. This is of serious consequence as the coastal zone plays host to a large human population, abundant natural resources, and several ecosystem services. To alleviate the effect of climate change, proper planning of the coastal area is necessary to enhance the process of adaptation. This study attempts to project an estimate of the rate of sea-level rise along the coastline of Lagos, Nigeria in various time slices, i.e., 2025, 2050, 2075, and 2100 for all 4 RCP scenarios, as recommended by the IPCC using the simCLIM model. The result obtained shows the median projected sea-level rise values range from 11.86 cm to 49.22cm for RCP 2.6; 11.73 cm to 58.91 cm for RCP 4.5; 11.28 cm to 62.28 cm for RCP 6.0; 11.92 cm to 84.25 cm for RCP 8.0 respectively. Based on the results of the projections obtained in this study, coastal planning is advisable to provide a means of adaptation for the inhabitants as the consequence of lack of planning could lead to avoidable losses.

Coastal and marine ecosystems have been threatened at local and global scales by multiple stressors – sea-level rise, rising temperatures, climate extreme events, biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. These stressors operating independently or synergistically could alter the ecosystem services while posing a significant threat to the environment, human lives and properties, as well as, result in biophysical and socio-economic losses. In this paper, we present an overview of the methods used in assessing coastal vulnerability of marine areas at local-global scales under chronic environmental stressors. Integrated and strategic methodologies that could identify, highlight and prioritise the vulnerable marine areas have been presented. The framework to assist coastal planners and managers in the conservation and management of vulnerable coastal regions and settlements from permanent inundation and loss have been suggested.

Plant genetic diversity loss particularly of under-utilized species threatens several developmental goals in Africa. Preferred safeguard strategies and techniques have failed in stemming this situation exacerbated by dearth in global information and poor research attention on such species amongst other pitfalls. The study involved an expedition to; generate eco-geographical and related information on 30 under-utilized species; evaluate the prevailing situations for collection exercises in Nigeria, in the attempt to instigate globally relevant researches, conservation and sustainable partnerships. A two-phased systematic field survey (North and South) employing a 50 km regular transect distance, covering the wet and dry seasons, a cumulative distance of 8168 km, 192 communities in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. Collection diversity was determined with Simpson's Diversity index (1-D) as well as species abundance. 703 accessions of 30 plants species were collected. 13% of the total species (16% -South; 40% - North) were common to both regions. High diversity (D = 8) was recorded for the collection. The wetter southern states were significantly more diverse (D = 0.7- 0.9) than the north. The north west and some south eastern state recorded lesser diversity and the FCT the least (D = 0). 6 species recorded significant species abundance across the study area. The study area is heavily imparted yet houses a considerable diversity of the species surveyed. It is imperative to pursue integrated strategies to harness the plentiful flora as well as cultural resources resident therein. The species studied can be employed to tackle the challenges of climate change, livelihood, economy, food and nutrition security and farmer/grazers/construction activity unrest.

Detergents are chemicals of high environmental importance owing to their production volumes. They are mainly released into the environment through wastewater pathway and it could severely affect the soil environment. In this study, we examined the degradation potentials of soil bacteria in liquid culture media induced with detergents. Using conventional enrichment methods, via contaminated soil slurry enrichment with selected alkyl-benzene sulphonates (detergents), we obtained pure bacteria species capable of using alkyl-benzene sulphonates as the sole source of carbon and energy. From the morphological and biochemical characterization and comparison with respect to the standard reference organisms, the bacteria isolates were presumably Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus species. Different concentrations 5.0, 10.0 15.0, and 20.0 w/v of the branded detergents were prepared as sole carbon and energy and screened against our bacteria species to determine their physiological gradient fluxes after 96hours of incubation. Data obtained showed an increase in Optical density (OD) as well as increases in pH flux values. The mean OD data obtained ranged between 0.017- 0.818, with a pH of 7.47-8.95. From this study, tropical soils possess unique bacteria species capable of utilizing alkyl-benzene sulphonates (detergents).

Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, is produced chemically on a large scale. This study was carried out to locally produce xylitol using yeast isolates, which were isolated from palm wine. The yeast Saccharomyces species were identified using morphological characteristics and biochemical tests. Xylitol production was carried out at 30 °C using glucose and D-xylulose, which were added to the mineral media. From the results we obtained, the Saccharomyces species isolated can be used for biological production of xylitol.

The problems of post-harvest losses in the developing world have been of severe concerns especially when food security for the citizenry cannot be guaranteed. Thus, new means of the conversion of some of the periodic produce to novel stable products is an exceptional development. In this study, we carried out the production of wine from citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis) and Pineapple fruits (Ananas Comosus) using wild strains of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Saccharoymces cerevisiae was isolated from fresh palm wine and identified using microscopic examination, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Pure yeast isolates were inoculated into sterile volumes of 200 ml and 500 ml of the orange and pineapple juice respectively and incubated for eight days. At regular intervals, we assessed some of the intrinsic properties of wine, such as pH, sulphur dioxide, titratable acidity (TA). From the results obtained, all the parameters measured were within the permissible limits for fruit wine. The mean pH values of orange and pineapple juice in 200ml and 500ml were between 4.45± 0.16 and 4.86±0.50; while the mean Sulphur dioxide SO (ppm) were 18.36±0.20 - 39.49±3.68 respectively. The titratable acidity (TA) obtained was between 0.63±0.11 - 1.03±0.59, respectively. This study had shown that our strain of wild type of yeast could be used for producing homebrew fruit wine and may not present any hazard to the consumers.

Building infrastructures is part of what provides people with shelter, protection and comfort in a country. It is one of the major factors for survival and wellbeing of people. It is therefore very important that the facilities of buildings be constantly preserved and maintained well to meet up with occupants satisfaction therefore meeting the purpose for which they were built and developed. for. The sample size is the total number of observations, population elements of sampling unit that are selected for investigation in the study. The sample size of this study was developed from 3 selected low cost housing estate within Lagos and a relatively 75 questionnaires was distributed to various residents for evaluation of maintenance practice. The following facts were discovered in the study that low grade materials are mostly used in construction of low cost building which leads to major deterioration in component of the building, poor contribution of professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry to training programs and strategies from the factors for the good maintenance practices were insignificant among others. The study further recommend the following facts: Training and retraining of artisans and craftsmen should be embraced an essential strategy, construction firms should invest in the training and retraining of their craftsmen to promote optimum performance while construction professionals and stakeholders should contribute to the skills acquisition programmes both onsite and offsite

This study investigated the production of silicon from bamboo leaves to solve the challenge of silicon in solar market using Optimization approach. The effect of three independent variables of: temperature, time and amount of bamboo leaves were studied using Box Behnken design. The best process level observed from the Box Benhken Design and optimal predicted process were used to produce silica. It was then subjected to X-Ray Diffractometer to determine the most reactive silica. The most reactive silica observed was used to produce silicon. Silicon obtained was subjected to X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron microscope. It was concluded that nanosilicon was produced which can be used as a solar cell component to solve the challenge presently in the solar market.

Yenagoa is a non-industrialized city. This work aims to investigate the distribution, content and source of the sixteen United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils of the Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The PAH concentrations in the urban soil samples were performed using GC–MS method. The Swali market axis of the city had the highest concentration (∑PAHs). The burden of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs follows a decreasing order: Phenanthrene > acenaphthene>cenaphthylene>naphthalene> anthracene>fluorine and while the burden of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs follows the decreasing order: Pyrene> Dibenzo (a,h) anthracene > indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene (InP> Chrysene> Fluoranthene> Benzo(a)anthracene> Benzo(k)fluoranthene> Benzo(b)fluoranthene. PAH fingerprint ratios for determining both petrogenic and pyrogenic (pyrolytic) PAH accumulation was employed. The Ph/An ratio for the soil samples were 2.49, 3.47, 0.613, 1.59, 1.99 and 2.44 respectively. This may be indicative of pyrogenic (pyrolytic) origin. Ind(1,2,3-cd)P and DbahA were high in the soils, this may indicate a major concern for carcinogenic risk and demands an urgent attention from policy makers and the government.