https://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/issue/feedUMYU Scientifica2024-02-21T08:18:54+00:00Prof. Moharram Ali Khaneditor.scientifica@umyu.edu.ngOpen Journal Systems<p>UMYU Scientifica is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that publishes regular research and review articles covering a wide range of subjects in the physical, environmental and life sciences. UMYU Scientifica aims to promote dissemination of scientific research progress within Nigerian scientific community and beyond.</p>https://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/336Analysis of Proximate, Mineral and Phytochemical Composition of fresh and dry Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) in Bida Metropolis, Niger State2024-01-15T16:17:37+00:00P U Obiusciusciusci@gmail.comMohammed Babaganababagoops@gmail.comI Idrisusciusciusci@gmail.comM Hadizausciusciusci@gmail.comE M Nmausciusciusci@gmail.comA Nadhiekhanusciusciusci@gmail.com<p><em>Vernonia amygdalina </em>is tropical shrub with high biomass yield which is used to prepare several dishes, it is also utilized as herb for health improvement. This study was carried out to determine, the proximate, mineral and phytochemicals composition of fresh and dry bitter leaf (<em>Vernonia amygdalina</em>) leaves in Bida metropolis. The <em>Vernonia amygdalina </em>leaf samples were evaluated using standard procedures. The result of the proximate analysis show that percentage dry matter and moisture content shows significant (p<0.05) difference between the samples. The percentage ash content and the crude fiber of both samples does not differ significantly (p>0.05). The mean percentage of crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the dry bitter leaf when compared with the values of the fresh bitter leaf. The mineral composition shows Sodium (0.07 ± 0.00 and 0.08 ± 0.00), potassium (0.04 ± 0.00 and 0.06 ± 0.00), calcium content (0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.47 ± 0.02), magnesium (1.33 ± 0.10 and 0.98 ± 0.00) and Phosphorus (2.11 ± 0.17 and 2.18 ± 3.41). The phytochemical analysis shows that flavonoid value was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the fresh bitter leaf sample than the dry bitter leave sample. The dry bitter leaf sample significantly (p<0.05) recorded high value in alkaloid, oxalate and cyanide when compares to the values obtain from the fresh bitter leaf sample. Both the dry and fresh better leaf sample did not differ significantly in term of phytate and tannin composition. According to this study, the leaves of <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em>, both fresh and dry, have varying and significant amounts of secondary metabolites (alkaloid, flavonoid, cyanide, oxalate, and phytate), mineral elements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and Phosphorus), and proximate compositions (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, protein, and carbohydrate). The outcomes demonstrate the significant health benefits of the two leaves.</p>2024-02-25T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/252Numerical Solution of Eighth Order Two Point Boundary Value Problems by Taylor Series Method2023-10-12T10:19:02+00:00Ibrahim Mutawakiluibrahimmutawakkil@gmail.comNakone Bellousciusciusci@gmail.com<p>A Taylor series method which is taught at undergraduate levels and which has been hitherto used for the solution of initial value problem is successfully used in this work for the solutions of eighth-order two point boundary-value problems. The method is based on successive differentiation of the governing equation to obtain high order derivatives and then evaluated at the boundary point x=a. The solution is expressed inform a Taylor series with the unknown coefficients at a point x=a. By applying boundary conditions at x=b in the Taylor series solution, the system of unknown coefficient is obtained. After solving the system, then unknown coefficient are determined. The procedure is applied on both linear and nonlinear boundary-value problems. A comparison of the results obtained by the present method with results obtained by other methods reveals that the present method is simple, effective and also is in good agreement with the previous result and exact solution as showing in the tables and figures.</p>2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/322The Generalized Gompertz-G Family of Distributions: Statistical Properties and Applications2024-01-09T12:57:18+00:00Jibril Yahaya Kajurujibrilyk4u@gmail.comHussaini Dikko Garbahgdikko@yahoo.comAminu Mohammed Suleimanmohammedas@abu.edu.ngAliyu Fulatan Ibrahimfulatanibrahim@gmail.com<p>This research aimed at presenting a new statistical model called the Generalized Gompertz-G family of distribution via the method of Alzaatreh, which introduces additional shape parameters for any baseline distribution. We investigate various mathematical aspects of this model, explicitly deriving properties such as moments, moment-generating function, survival function, hazard function, entropies, quantile function, and order statistics distribution. We explore a particular member of this family of distributions, the Generalized Gompertz-Exponential Distribution (GGED), by defining its properties and doing a detailed analysis. A Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to evaluate the model's flexibility and performance, and the distribution family's potential utility in real-world data analysis was further highlighted by investigating the model's parameter estimation using the method of maximum likelihood. We also assess the adaptability of the Generalized Gompertz-Exponential distribution using a real-life dataset and relating its performance with other established models through information criterion. The results show that the Generalized Gompertz-Exponential distribution (GGED) outperformed the compared distributions, emphasizing its potential applicability in diverse practical scenarios for data modeling.</p>2024-03-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/221Assessment of Surface Water Physicochemical Variables and Macrophytes Diversity in Sokoto and Rima Rivers, Nigeria2023-09-09T20:40:06+00:00Ibrahim Muhammad Magamiibrahim.magami@udusok.edu.ngYusuf Muhammad Sanyinnayusufmuhammadsanyinna@gmail.com<p>The Sokoto and Rima Rivers are vital water bodies in Nigeria, supporting local ecosystems and communities. This study aimed to investigate various physical and chemical parameters of the water, as well as the diversity of macrophytes present in the Sokoto and Rima Rivers. Standard methods of determining physicochemical parameters and surveys of macrophytes were adopted. Results obtained revealed that temperature and depth were found to be the most influential factors on macrophytes distribution. In Sokoto River, average temperature ranged from 27.00℃ to 27.30℃, and average depth from 285 to 295 meters at both stations A and B. In Rima River, average temperature varied from 25.85℃ to 26.50℃, and average depth ranged from 730 to 735 meters at both stations A and B. Emergent species were dominant among the 20 identified macrophyte species, with 18 species, while free-floating and submerged species each represented one species. This research contributes to understanding the ecological health of the Sokoto and Rima Rivers, guiding conservation efforts, informing water resource management, and identifying potential impacts on human activities in these areas. Ultimately, the goal is to support sustainable development and protect these valuable natural resources for the long term.</p>2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/294Prevalence of Mental Illness among Youths in Ogun State, South West Nigeria2023-11-24T20:53:37+00:00Kofoworola Maryam Babasolausciusciusci@gmail.comAdebimpe Okhiriausciusciusci@gmail.comSheriffdeen Issa Balesheriffdeen.issa@fuhsi.edu.ngTaiwo Ayodeji Sorunkeusciusciusci@gmail.comUsman Olasunkanmi Alliusciusciusci@gmail.com<p>Mental health issues continue to be a serious public health concern, affecting people's well-being and ability to operate despite advances in research and raising awareness. Mental illness imposes a substantial public health burden, affecting individuals, families, and communities at large. Mental disorders are often stigmatized, leading to discrimination, social exclusion, and, in worse cases, suicide. This stigma prevents individuals from seeking help and hinders the provision of appropriate support. Based on this premise, this study investigated the prevalence of mental illness among youths in Ogun State, Nigeria. The biopsychosocial model, Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT), Psychodynamic theory, Social Learning Theory, and The Stress-Diathesis Model were used as the framework. The survey design of the descriptive correlational type was adopted. The population of the study were 225 nurses at Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta North, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Annex, Lantoro, and Abeokuta South and Edijalo Health Service Limited Abeokuta North, Ogun State and total enumeration was used as the sampling technique. A questionnaire was used with a reliability of (α= 0.761). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean, and standard deviation. From the characteristics of the respondents, the majority were female (85%), Diploma had the highest number for qualification (52%), and 42.7% were NO2 . The prevalence of mental illness among youths is Severe (x=3.53), and patients were between 18-40 years. The most prevalent type of mental illness among youths was Schizophrenia and Substance use disorder moderately (x=2.72). The study concluded that the prevalence of mental illness among youths in Ogun State has been assessed as severe, indicating a significant level of mental health issues among this demographic.</p>2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/360Development of Exponentiated Cosine Topp-Leone Generalized Family of Distributions and its Applications to Lifetime Data2024-02-15T22:04:40+00:00Abdulhameed Ado Osiaaosi@kustwudil.edu.ngSani Ibrahim Doguwasidoguwa@gmail.comYahaya Abubakar ensiliyu2@yahoo.co.ukYahaya Zakarizakariyahaya007@gmail.comUsman Abubakar abubakarusman28@gmail.com<p>The Topp-Leone distribution is widely used for modeling lifetime data across many disciplines. This paper presents the Exponentiated Cosine Topp-Leone Generalized family (ExCTLG), which is an extension of the Topp-Leone family. The research examines the mathematical properties of the ExCTLG, including the survival and hazard functions, moments, moment-generating functions, and Renyi’s entropy. Parameter estimation is carried out using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) techniques, and the estimated parameters consistency is validated using the Monte Carlo simulation method, thereby highlighting the superiority of MLE. The advantages and applicability of the proposed distribution are shown by analyzing two-lifetime datasets.</p>2024-03-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/267Analytical Investigation of Arrhenius Kinetics with Heat Source/Sink Impacts along a Heated Superhydrophobic Microchannel2024-01-11T19:37:43+00:00Godwin Ojemerigodwinojemeri@gmail.comIsaac Onwubuya Obiajuluisaacobiajulu@gmail.comEmmanuel Omokhualeemmanuelomokhuale@gmail.comAbdullahi Hussainiabdulahihussaini66@gmail.comAbdulsalam Shuaibushuaibuabdulsalam@gmail.com<p>Exothermic Arrhenius-controlled chemical reactions are widely employed for heating applications, such as combustion in heating systems and fuel-burning motors. These effects are critical for manufacturing high thermal systems required for high thermal performances. Therefore, this paper presents the analytical investigation into the Arrhenius-controlled heat-generating/absorbing fluid of a hydromagnetic flow along a heated upstanding plate in a microchannel. One wall had a superhydrophobic surface and temperature jump conditions, but the other was unaltered. The regular perturbation approach investigated the nonlinear, coupled governing equations. With the help of graphical plots, the impacts of crucial and relevant parameters embedded in the flow are described. This investigation concludes that chemically reacting parameters' impact significantly elevates the micro-channel's thermal and hydromagnetic flow. However, applying the heat generation parameter increases fluid velocity, whereas the heat absorption parameter produces the contrary effect. The outcomes of this study can be relevant to the field of biomedical sciences and devices for improving heat transfer efficiency, chemical synthesis, enhancing the performances of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and mini-devices, heating and energy generation, designing efficient energy conversion processes, and so on.</p>2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/354Radon Levels and Risk Assessment due to its Ingestion and Inhalation from Groundwater of Lapai, North-Central Nigeria2024-02-05T21:02:22+00:00Sadiq Umarsadiqmx@gmail.comAbdulsamad Asukuasukuabdulsamadyisa@yahoo.comAbdullahi Muhammadkaleabdullahi75@gmail.comMunirat Bashirbashirmunirat@yahoo.comIbrahim Kuta Suleimanibsguto@gmail.comKhadijah Abdullahiakhadijat001@gmail.com<p>Radon exposure through ingestion or inhalation from groundwater can be a significant public health concern due to its carcinogenic effects. This study assessed the health risks of radon exposure from groundwater in Lapai, Nigeria, using a Rad7 detector to measure radon concentration levels. The measured concentrations ranged from 5.36 ± 0.22 BqL<sup>-1</sup> to 0.52 ± 0.06 BqL<sup>-1</sup> with an average value of 2.82 ± 0.14 BqL<sup>-1</sup>. The annual effect dose due to ingestion of Radon obtained varies in the range of 2.76 to 28.34 μSva<sup>-1</sup>, 1.02 to 10.43 μSva<sup>-1</sup>, and 1.33 to 13.69 μSva<sup>-1</sup> for infants, children, and adults, respectively. While the effective dose per year from inhalation of Radon released from water by adults has values in the range of 1.31 to 13.50 μSva<sup>-1</sup>. Radon levels were within permissible limits of UNSCEAR and USEPA, and the annual effective doses from inhalation and ingestion were within WHO's safe range. Nonetheless, monitoring is advised, especially during the rainy season when contamination levels may increase.</p>2024-02-24T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/253Eleventh Degree Polynomial Series Solution Approach of Special Non-linear Fourth Order Boundary Value Problems2023-10-12T11:01:44+00:00Ibrahim Mutawakiluibrahimmutawakkil@gmail.comNakone Bellousciusciusci@gmail.com<p><sup> In this paper a new eleventh degree polynomial series solution approach is developed for the solution of special non-linear fourth order boundary value problems. The method consist first of obtaining a linear differentials system of twelve equations from the boundary conditions, governing equation and its three successive derivatives which were evaluated at boundary points. Secondly we assume the approximate solution in the form of a polynomial of degree eleventh with twelve unknown coefficients. To determine the unknown coefficients we incorporate the assumed solution into linear differentials systems of twelve equations which results into a linear systems of twelve equations with twelve unknown and which can be solve uniquely. It is clear from the tables and figures that the method is in good agreement with the exact and with some existing results in the literatures. Also it can be seen from example 3.3 that the exact solution is reproduced which is an added advantage of the method.</sup></p>2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/333A New Fixed Coefficient Diagonally Implicit Block Backward Differentiation Formula for Solving Stiff Initial Value Problems2024-01-15T20:40:52+00:00Yusuf Hamzayhamza@fudutsinma.edu.ngMusa Hamisuhamisu.musa@umyu.edu.ngAlhassan Buharibuharialhassan@auk.edu.ng<p>Stiff initial value problems in ordinary differential equations occur when solution components evolve at varying rates, posing challenges for traditional computational methods. Specialized techniques are crucial for maintaining accuracy and stability during rapid transitions, emphasizing their significance in developing reliable numerical algorithms across scientific and engineering applications. This study aims to develop a new fixed coefficient 3-point diagonally implicit block backward differentiation formula for the numerical solution of first order stiff initial value problems. The method is constructed by integrating a triangular matrix into the coefficient matrix of an existing extended 3-point super class of block BDF for solving stiff initial value problems. The selection of a fixed coefficient within the interval accompanies this integration to ensure optimal stability. The method is found to order five. Stability analysis indicates that the method is consistent, zero-stable, and almost A-stable, validating its applicability to stiff initial value problems. Implementation of the method involves Newton’s iteration, and a code in the C programming language is devised to demonstrate its effectiveness. Comparative examination of numerical outcomes with the existing 3BBDF and 3ESBBDF methods highlights the proposed method's enhanced accuracy and reduced computation time.</p>2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/245The Nutraceutical and Functional Food Potentials of Dry Doum Palm Fruit (Hyphaene thebaica)2023-10-30T07:21:18+00:00S Z Inuwausciusciusci@gmail.comJ Ndifejothel2000@gmail.comZ Bamallizbamalli@yahoo.comM M Jibrilmmjibril.bch@buk.edu.ngH Tsoho Balaharunatsohobala@gmail.comIdris Kaida Zubairuidriszubairu09@gmail.com<p>Doum palm fruit is one of the underutilized fruits and is mainly used by the local people without knowing the nutritional value and the pharmacological components associated with the fruit parts. Thus, this research was designed to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of doum palm fruit. The fruit sample was obtained from the farm and market and was portioned into six; the epicarp, mesocarp, epicarp and mesocarp blend obtained from the farm and market were all converted into flour. Proximate analysis was done using the standard method, antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-pierylhyrazyl DPPH method after water and solvent (ethanol) extraction of the samples at different concentrations: 50 %, 60 %, 70 % and 100 % ethanol and 100 % water, which were used for the six different flours for each that makes it up to 30 samples. While phytochemicals were identified using LC-MS. Results showed that samples collected from the farm had higher proximate composition than the ones obtained from the market. Samples from the farm showed higher antioxidant activity at 595.30 and 62.59 mgGAE/g for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively; 0.078 and 2008.9 IC<sub>50</sub> (µg/ml) for the DPPH and Reducing power showed by the Samples from the farm. The phytochemical constituents showed that samples from the farm have more bioactive compounds than those obtained from the market. Compounds such as Phytoene, Liriodenine Xanthophylls e.t.c were detected. Thus, the findings proved the presence of a considerable amount of nutraceutical and phytochemical constituents in the dry doum palm fruit. Therefore, it can be further studied to look for ways to benefit from its rich potential in managing various ailments.</p>2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/304Determination of soil organic carbon content of agricultural soils for proper soil management in Matazu and Musawa, Katsina State, Nigeria2024-02-19T16:11:37+00:00M B Matazumbmatazu09@gmail.comR Nasiruusciusciusci@gmail.comN N Garbausciusciusci@gmail.comS Bellousciusciusci@gmail.com<p>Soil organic carbon is a significant parameter for estimating the global carbon cycle, which makes great sense in soil management and future climate scenario prediction. This work uses 30 heterogeneous soil samples from agricultural and non-agricultural farmlands and soil erosion areas in Matazu and Musawa LGAs to determine soil organic carbon content at the field level in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, Katsina State, Nigeria. Soil samples were meticulously collected from the 0-10cm depth using a hand auger. These samples were obtained from three distinct clusters: agricultural and non-agricultural farmlands and soil erosion areas. The selection of sample locations considered the varied soil types, historical land use, and management practices. Ten soil samples were randomly gathered within each cluster, ensuring a representative and diverse set of samples for analysis. The Warlkey and Black and Hydrometer methods were used to determine the soils' organic carbon contents and particle size distribution, respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 23 software. Two-sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were carried out. The soil organic carbon contents of the studied area were 0.29 ± 0.16 g/kg (0.16 – 0.34 g/kg) and 0.28 ± 0.14 g/kg (0.14 - 0.36 g/kg) for Matazu and Musawa, respectively. The study concludes that the organic carbon content helps improve sustainable agricultural productivity due to proper and efficient land use management practices.</p>2024-03-13T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/213Occurrence of Carcinogens and their Potential Effects on Human Health – A Review2023-09-06T17:00:06+00:00Oludare Oladipo Agbooladipod2001@yahoo.comAndrew Oche Emmanuelandrewocheemmanuel@gmail.comChioma Eze Sabinasabina.eze@fuhso.edu.ngJoseph Anejo-Okopijosephokopi@gmail.comAcham Iiehi Naomiusciusciusci@gmail.comUnazi Irene Eneusciusciusci@gmail.comJoshua Oluwole Olowoyousciusciusci@gmail.com<p>The significant rise in cancer incidence and related deaths makes cancer one of the biggest threats to public health. Each year, there are about 10 million new cases of cancer and 6 million resultant deaths. In compliance with the disease triangle, the etiology of human cancer can be successfully traced to different environmental sources. Humans are continuously exposed to a wide range of different cancer-causing agents called carcinogens, such as household cleaners, solvents, pesticides, food additives, polluted air or environment, and other products. The Classification of Human Cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph series was used as the primary data source for this review. We listed the cancer sites related to each agent based on the IARC review. Sources of these carcinogens were further grouped into classes in the IARC monograph. Home chemicals, environmental pollutants, occupational environments, environmental or medical radioactivity, drugs, microorganisms, contaminated air, and nutritional and behavioral choices are the sources of human exposure to carcinogens. The degree and frequency of exposure to carcinogens have a significant impact on their ability to cause cancer. The knowledge of carcinogens is crucial to creating awareness of cancer and advising the masses to reduce exposure to some environmental substances that are liable to cause cancer.</p>2024-03-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/290Pollution Status of Groundwater Resource by Some Heavy Metals Using Index Approach in Some Part of Nasarawa Area, Kano State, Nigeria2023-11-20T09:34:05+00:00Mudassir Hassanmudassir.hassank@umyu.edu.ngLawal Idris Sadalawal.idrissada@umyu.edu.ng<p>Groundwater is the world's most significant natural resource providing water for different purposes, including drinking, domestic, industrial and irrigational. However, polluted groundwater may endanger human survival. This research evaluated the status of groundwater resource pollution caused by some heavy metals in some parts of the Nasarawa local government area of Kano State. 15 groundwater samples were collected from functional boreholes in the area. Heavy metals concentrations evaluated include Zn, Mn, Cr, Mg, Cd, Fe, Cu, and Pb and were compared with the World Health Organization and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality to establish their suitability for human consumption. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize the analyzed data. Metal index was used to determine the pollution status of the groundwater. The result revealed that Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn with the mean value of (0.090, 0.160, 0.191 and 0.11) were found within the stipulated limit set by WHO (3.0, 0.3, 2.0 and 0.5) and NSDWQ (3.0, 0.5-50, 1.0 and 0.2), while Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mg (0.105, 0.127, 0.206 and 0.82) exceeded the permissible limits recommended by WHO (0.01, 0.003, 0.05 and 0.5). A high concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mg may be attributed to anthropogenic influences possibly deriving from improper municipal and Bampai industrial waste disposal. The values of the metal index (MI) revealed that the water is seriously affected by Pb, Cd and Cr, which can pose serious health damage to consumers. It is recommended that constant and continuous monitoring of Pb, Cd and Cr in groundwater be made in the study area due to its proximity to Bampai and Sharadda industrial sites.</p>2024-03-06T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/355Forensic parameters of 10 Y-STR markers in the Nigerian Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba populations2024-02-05T20:59:09+00:00Samson Taiwo Fakoredetfakorede@unilag.edu.ngKhalid Olajide Adekoyakadekoya@unilag.edu.ngOnyekachi Ogbonnaya Iroanyaoiroanya@unilag.edu.ngMohaimin Kasumkasu@uwc.ac.zaMaria Eugenia D’Amatomedamato@uwc.ac.za<p>Y chromosome short tandem repeats, or Y-STRs, are interesting genetic markers suitable for identifying male offenders in forensic investigations because of the haploid nature of the human male determining chromosome. Furthermore, due to the non-recombining nature of the Y chromosome, Y-STRs are choice markers in paternity or kinship analysis, human evolutionary investigations, and population studies. The lack of reference Y-haplotype data for the populace currently hampers the use of these markers in forensic applications in Nigeria. In this study, the 10 Y-STR loci in the UniQTyper<sup>TM</sup> Y-10 system including DYS385ab, DYS447, DYS449, DYS481, DYS504, DYS518, DYS612, DYS626, DYS644 and DYS710 were studied in 461 males comprising 139 Hausa, 96 Igbo and 226 Yoruba ethnic populations. Sixty alleles were recorded for the pooled dataset across the 10 loci, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.0022 to 0.6052. There were 430 haplotypes detected, 403 unique (singletons), and 27 were shared. The discrimination capacity and haplotype diversity were 0.9330 and 0.9770, respectively. Allelic richness was highest in the locus DYS626 and lowest in DYS504. Private alleles were found in each group, with the Hausa population having the highest number. Duplications and microvariant alleles were also reported. These findings may be helpful for paternal lineage investigations, population genetics, and forensic applications among the Nigerian populations.</p>2024-03-10T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientificahttps://scientifica.umyu.edu.ng/index.php/scientifica/article/view/257Farmers’ perception on herbicide usage and impact on health: an overview of status quo in parts of Benue South, Nigeria2023-10-18T15:40:30+00:00Grace Onyukwo Abakpaonyukwo@gmail.comAgboola Oludareusciusciusci@gmail.comAdole John Ujohusciusciusci@gmail.comDavid Onyemowousciusciusci@gmail.com<p>Herbicide usage has increased significantly. Its irrational use has adverse side effects. These side effects threaten the environment and human health. This study aimed to evaluate farmers’ knowledge and perception on the health effects of herbicide usage in some parts of Benue South. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires from farmers. A total of 252 farmers were interviewed from three selected local government areas in the state. Amongst farmers interviewed, 56% were males, 44% were females and all between 20-50 years. Some farmers had secondary education and few tertiary education, while the majority had primary or non-formal education. Most respondents reported non-use of personal protective equipment during applications. Commonly used herbicides were Paraforce, Sarosate, Force-off, Fitscosate, Actraforce, Dsitop, and Weed off. Paraforce and force off were the most commonly used. Some farmers (68.7%) reported that they read and adhered to application instructions on the herbicide pack, while (77.4%) as suggested by their co-farmers. Only 38.5% reported to have got their information from workshops. A fraction of the respondents reported different symptoms of ill-health after herbicide application. Farmers had a high level of ignorance of the impact of inappropriate herbicide usage and biosafety especially on the use of protective clothing. Inappropriate herbicide application has great side effects on health. We recommend farmers’ training programs on safe and appropriate herbicide usage measures and urge strict regulation and control of herbicide availability in the country.</p>2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 UMYU Scientifica