ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education
Journal of Science, Technology and Education is published quarterly by Faculty of Technology Education, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. It seeks to expand knowledge in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Education and other Technological fields of study. The journal is a returned publication which fosters the exchange of information and new ideas among Scientist, Engineers, Agriculturalist, Environmental Scientist, Development Planners, Public Policy Makers, Professionals and Academics, Students and Staff of Research Institutions and International Agencies.Â
Optimal Sizing of Hybrid Micro-Grid System for Rural Communities in Kaduna State Using Improved Grey Wolf Algorithm
The growing interest in microgrid design, operation, and optimization has led to a significant focus on optimal sizing of microgrid components. A microgrid is a localized, small-scale power system that integrates different energy sources (renewable and/or conventional), energy storage, and loads within a defined area. It can operate in grid-connected mode or islanded(off-grid) mode. The primary goals of microgrid optimal sizing include enhancing energy efficiency, system reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. To address this, researchers have developed an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm (IGWOA) for optimal sizing of off-grid hybrid microgrid systems consisting of photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), and battery energy storage (BES). This research utilized atmospheric weather data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and load demand data from the Kaduna electricity distribution center to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The microgrid optimal sizing problem was formulated as a constrained single objective optimization problem, considering constraints such as loss of power supply probability (LPSP), power balance, generation limits, and battery state of charge (SOC) limits. Three scenarios were considered in this research. Firstly, the target allowable maximum LPSP was fixed at 25% and the optimal sizing of the hybrid microgrid components and minimizing of the cost to #112,356.4 means #170,159,791.32) per year was obtained by the algorithm. Secondly, the impact of the target allowable maximum LPSP variation was again examined, and it was discovered increase in LPSP decreases the total installed capacity of the distributed energy resources (DERs), hence minimizing the total cost. Hence, the individual installed capacities of PV, WT, and BES varies arbitrarily with increase in LPSP. Furthermore, Lastly, in order to validate the proposed strategy, a comparative analysis between the IGWOA and other four algorithms viz, Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO); Differential Evolution (DE); Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA); and the conventional Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) was carried out, and the result showed the applicability of the proposed algorithm. The study provides a long-lasting solution for optimal sizing of PV, WT, and BESS hybrid microgrid design, with simulations conducted in the MATLAB Software environment.
Self-Efficacy and Emotional Intelligence as Correlates of Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students (SS2) in Oredo Local Government Area
The study examined the relationship between self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and academic performance of public secondary school students (SS 2) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The population consisted of all Senior Secondary School (SS 2) students. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 6 public secondary schools and with purposive sampling, 2 mixed schools, 2 single sex schools (boys) and 2 single sex school (girls) A sample of 510 students was drawn from six public secondary school in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Three instruments were used in obtaining the data for the study. They are: adopted version of Guamer-Erickson and Noonan (2018) Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), adopted version of Kolo (2006) emotional intelligence questionnaire (EIQ) AND BECE results in English and Mathematics which measured academic performance of students. Four hypotheses were tested and result obtained showed no significant relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance of students, a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance of students, and no significant differences in the relationship between self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and academic performance based on the sex of students. Based on the findings, it was recommended that effort should be made to introduce emotional intelligence to the school curriculum right from the primary school up to the tertiary level. Teachers, parents and counsellors should encourage and support students to develop and improve their self-efficacy. Also, parents and teachers should provide conducive environment for learning in order to help students perform well in their academic pursuit.
Influence of Family Background on Undergraduate Business Education Students’ Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Development in North-East, Nigeria
The study explored influence of family background on undergraduate business education students; entrepreneurial self-efficacy development in universities in North-east, Nigeria. Two objectives and two research questions were used in the study. The design of the study used was descriptive qualitative design. The population of the study consisted of 208 final year undergraduate students of 2024/2025 academic session; The sample was drawn through purposive sampling, where eight participants were selected and used as interviewees. The instrument used was a face-to-face interview which was conducted by the researchers using interview protocol that contained questions under themes and sub-themes, which guided the interview sessions. The validity and reliability of the instrument was established using a member checking and peer review, as a result, all respondents confirmed that the transcriptions aligned with their statements. Hence, the qualitative data for this study was considered valid and reliable. The qualitative data collected were thematically analyzed using NVivo software version 10. The results showed that socio-cultural business environment and family business experience and mentoring were found to be determinants of students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The study concluded that family background were strong predictors of students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy development at the university level. It was recommended, among others that, parents’ level of education, occupation and entrenched community values should be strengthened. Also, corporate cultures in family business enterprises, family business beliefs, as well as mentoring process in the family business that determined students’ zeal, confidence and capability for venture creation should also, be strengthened.
Assessing the Incidental Effect of Military Explosive Weapons on Civilians in Tudun Biri, Igabi, Nigeria and its Implications for International Humanitarian Law and Domestic Law
This study examines the incidental effects of military explosive weapons on civilians using the December 3, 2023 drone strike in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, as a case study. The attack, which occurred during a Maulud gathering, resulted in significant civilian casualties and raised serious concerns about the protection of non-combatants in internal security operations. Using a doctrinal research approach, the study analyzes the incident within the framework of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Nigerian domestic law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Findings reveal systemic failures in target verification, the disproportionate use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and weaknesses in domestic accountability mechanisms. The research further highlights the neglected psychological and socio-economic consequences of such attacks on affected communities. The study concludes that stronger legal oversight, improved military operational protocols, and a statutory compensation framework are necessary to align Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations with international humanitarian and constitutional standards.
Toxicity and Repellency of Artemisia scoparia Essential Oil and Leaf Powder Against the German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is among the most prevalent urban pests and presents considerable public health risks through food contamination and pathogen transmission. Growing resistance to synthetic insecticides and environmental safety concerns have increased interest in plant-based alternatives for cockroach management. This study assessed the insecticidal toxicity of essential oil and the repellent activity of plant powder derived from Artemisia scoparia against B. germanica under laboratory conditions. Essential oil was extracted from fresh leaves by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger apparatus, yielding 0.6 ± 0.1% (v/w). Contact toxicity was measured using the CDC bottle bioassay at concentrations of 1-10% (v/v), while repellency of plant powder (1-5% w/w) was evaluated with a three-chamber choice apparatus. Mortality increased significantly with both concentration and exposure time. Higher concentrations (7-10%) induced rapid knockdown, resulting in 100% mortality within 30-45 minutes, whereas lower concentrations required longer exposure to achieve similar outcomes. Lethal concentration analysis indicated a pronounced time-dependent increase in toxicity, with LC₅₀ decreasing from 6.98% at initial exposure to 0.73% after 60 minutes. In repellency assays, A. scoparia powder demonstrated strong behavioural deterrence, with repellency ranging from 83-100% and complete avoidance observed at 4-5% concentrations within 12 hours. These results indicate that A. scoparia exhibits both rapid insecticidal and potent repellent properties against B. germanica. The findings underscore the potential of this plant as an eco-friendly and locally available botanical agent for integrated pest management programs targeting urban cockroach infestations. Further research involving chemical characterization and field evaluation is recommended to facilitate the development of practical formulations.
Parental Divorce and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State
This study investigated the influence of divorce on secondary school students’ academic performance in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions were raised and answered. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population for this study was made of all the 4,016 public junior secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents who were randomly selected from the 20 public junior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. Data collected from the respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics, precisely mean and standard deviation. The findings from the study revealed a significant impact of parental divorce on students’ emotional well-being in secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. It was concluded that there is a significant influence of divorce on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study recommended among others that secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area should establish or enhance guidance and counselling units to provide emotional and psychological support to students affected by divorce.
Influence of Records Organisation on Job Performance of Record Officers in Local Government Councils in North-Central Nigeria
The research examines the influence of records organisation on job performance of record officers in local government councils in North- central Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives. Descriptive correlation survey design was used with the targeted population of five hundred and fifty-five (559). Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Two hundred and twenty-six (226) questionnaires were administered out of which two hundred and eleven were filled, return and found usable representing 93% response rate. Descriptive statistics percentage, mean, standard deviation were used in data analysis while inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The conclusion is that, for the effective of any organization records have to be properly managed. The recommendation is that, there should be proper supervision by management to enable records officers have a sound records management practice to improve their job performance in local government, the management of local government should develop a manual records methods and policies to implement and put them into practice, the study also recommended that the electronic records management system should be improved in the local government and proper training of ICT by records officers should be allowed.
Effects of Curing Temperature on the Engineering Properties of Cement Treated Lateritic Soil
This study investigated the engineering properties of lateritic soil stabilized with cement under different curing temperatures, compactive efforts, and curing durations. The natural soil exhibited Maximum Dry Density (MDD) values of 1.68 Mg/m³ to 1.71 Mg/m3, 1.76 Mg/m³ to a maximum value of 1.796 Mg/m3, and 1.87 Mg/m³ to 1.96Mg/m3 all at 6% cement treatment under British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS), and British Standard Heavy (BSH) compactive efforts, respectively, For all the compactive efforts the BSL, WAS and BSH the OMC increased from 20.20%,15.90% and 14.20% for the natural soil to peak values of 25.3% at 6% cement, 19.8% at 8% cement and 15.9% at 8% cement, respectively. The natural soil recorded UCS values of 335.25 kN/m², 400 kN/m², and 537 kN/m² under BSL, WAS, and BSH compaction at 25°C. The UCS values increased progressively with cement content, curing time, and compactive effort. At 7 days curing, the highest UCS values were recorded at 8% cement, reaching 899 kN/m², 1232 kN/m², and 1541 kN/m² under BSL, WAS, and BSH compactive efforts respectively. At 14 days curing, substantial strength development occurred, with the highest value of 2002 kN/m² obtained at 8% cement under BSH compaction and curing temperature of 25°C. The results indicate that moderate curing temperature (25°C), higher compactive effort, and adequate cement content significantly improve the strength and performance of lateritic soil.
Correlation between Reasoning Ability and Biology Student Teachers Academic Achievement in Federal Universities of North-East Nigeria
This study examined the correlation between reasoning ability and academic achievement of biology student teachers in Federal Universities of North-East Nigeria. The persistent poor performance of students in biology necessitated the investigation of cognitive factors such as reasoning ability, particularly intuitive, transitional, and reflective thinking. A correlational research design was adopted. The population comprised 4,289 undergraduate biology student teachers, with a sample of 619 Part III students selected for the study. Data were collected using an adapted Lawson Classroom Science Reasoning Ability Test (LCSRAT), which was validated by experts and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.867. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that biology student teachers possessed high levels of intuitive, transitional, and reflective thinking. The results further showed significant positive relationships between each component of reasoning ability and academic achievement. Intuitive thinking had a moderate relationship, transitional thinking had a weak relationship, while reflective thinking showed a strong relationship with academic achievement. The study concluded that reasoning ability is a key determinant of academic achievement among biology student teachers. It was recommended that teacher education programmes should integrate instructional strategies that promote higher-order thinking skills to improve students’ academic performance.
Treatment of Lateritic Soil Using Soya Beans Waste Ash for Landfill Liner and Cover
This study evaluated the suitability of lateritic soil treated with Soya Beans Waste Ash (SBWA) as a liner material for municipal solid waste containment systems. SBWA was added at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by dry weight of soil and compacted using British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS), and British Standard Heavy (BSH) compactive efforts at varying moulding water contents. Leachate characterization revealed highly contaminated effluents with pH values ranging from 3.57 to 6.32, Total Dissolved Solids between 1,856 mg/l and 3,328 mg/l, lead concentrations of 0.03–0.640 mg/l, and iron concentrations as high as 46.075 mg/l, all exceeding permissible limits. Chemical Oxygen Demand ranged from 171 to 190 mg/l, indicating significant pollution strength. Geotechnical results showed that percentage fines reduced from 3.15% (natural soil) to 1.01% at 16% SBWA, indicating flocculation and agglomeration. Specific gravity decreased from 2.61 to 2.56 with increasing SBWA. Liquid limit increased from 44.50% to a peak of 48.15% at 4% SBWA, while plastic limit decreased from 25.00% to 23.24% at 8% SBWA. The plasticity index increased from 19.5% to 24.33% at 4% SBWA. Maximum Dry Density (MDD) decreased slightly with increasing SBWA, with values ranging from 1.60 Mg/m³ (natural soil, BSL) to 1.73 Mg/m³ (natural soil, BSH), reducing to 1.56 Mg/m³ (BSL) and 1.67 Mg/m³ (BSH) at 16% SBWA. Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) increased from 16.6% to 17.20% (BSL) and from 14.64% to 15.19% (BSH) with increasing SBWA. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) improved significantly with treatment, increasing from a minimum of 248.01 kN/m² (natural soil at +4% OMC) to a maximum of 789.67 kN/m² at 8% SBWA under BSH compaction, far exceeding the recommended minimum value of 200 kN/m² for liner applications. Volumetric Shrinkage Strain (VSS) reduced from 5.2% (untreated soil) to as low as 1.6% at 8% SBWA, satisfying the 4% maximum design criterion. Hydraulic conductivity of the natural soil increased from 1.16 × 10⁻⁹ m/s to 3.01 × 10⁻⁸ m/s after leachate permeation, whereas 8% SBWA-treated soil showed comparatively lower long-term values of 2.24 × 10⁻⁸ m/s, indicating improved resistance to leachate attack. 8% SBWA compacted at 0% to +2% OMC under BSH effort produced the highest strength (789.67 kN/m²), lowest shrinkage (1.6%), and improved hydraulic performance, making it the optimum content for landfill liner applications.
Analysis of ICT Capacity Needs Of Vocational and Technology Education Lecturers in Universities For Technology -Enhanced Instructions in Abia State, Nigeria
The study centred on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity needs of Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) lecturers in universities in Abia State, Nigeria, with a focus on technology-enhanced instruction. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, targeting 117 VTE lecturers from two public universities in Abia State (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike and Abia State University, Uturu). A self-structured questionnaire, titled Information and Communication Technology Capacity Needs of VTE Lecturers Questionnaire (ICTCNQ), was administered to assess the digital and ICT skills required by lecturers for the adoption of e-learning platforms, digital instructional materials development, and ICT-based assessments. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics at a 0.05 significance level. The findings reveal that VTE lecturers require a range of digital skills to leverage educational software for technology-enhanced instruction. These skills include the ability to navigate Learning Management Systems (LMS), use digital tools for assessment, and design interactive online content. Furthermore, lecturers need ICT competencies in creating digital instructional materials, such as multimedia-based lessons, and converting traditional teaching resources into digital formats. The study also emphasizes the need for lecturers to develop skills in conducting ICT-based assessments that are secure, interactive, and aligned with students' learning outcomes. The results indicate no significant gender differences in the ICT skills required, suggesting that both male and female lecturers share similar needs for capacity building. The study concludes that to promote effective technology-enhanced teaching in VTE programs, universities in Abia State must invest in ICT infrastructure and provide continuous professional development for lecturers.
Science and Innovation as Catalysts for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria: The Role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
This paper explores the pivotal role of science and innovation in promoting sustainable economic development in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). As the nation grapples with economic challenges, including high unemployment and youth disengagement, TVET presents an opportunity to equip a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth. This study analyzes how effective TVET can foster sustainable development through skills acquisition, technological advancement, and increased productivity. Utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the paper examines the current state of TVET in Nigeria, evaluates its impact on economic sustainability, and identifies key barriers to its effectiveness. The findings indicate that enhancing the quality and accessibility of TVET can significantly contribute to economic resilience and sustainability. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and strategic investments in TVET, aimed at harnessing the potential of science and innovation for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
Mechanical and Durability Performance of Eco-Friendly Reinforced Concrete Incorporating Rice Husk Fibres and Waste Ceramic Tile Powder
The environmental burden associated with Portland cement production and construction waste disposal has accelerated the development of sustainable cementitious composites. This study evaluates the mechanical and durability performance of eco-friendly reinforced concrete incorporating waste ceramic tile powder (WCTP) as a supplementary cementitious material and rice husk fibres (RHF) as natural reinforcement. Unlike previous studies investigating ceramic powder or natural fibres independently, this work evaluates their combined influence on structural- grade concrete. M30-grade concrete mixtures were produced with 0–30% WCTP replacement and 0–2% RHF content. Fresh properties were assessed through slump and compacting factor tests, while hardened performance was evaluated using compressive strength, water absorption, and sulphate resistance measurements. Results indicate that moderate WCTP replacement (7–15%) improves compressive strength development and durability through filler effects and secondary pozzolanic reactions that refine pore structure. The optimum combination (7% WCTP, 93% PLC, 0% RHF) achieved approximately 12–15% higher 28-day compressive strength compared with the control mix, alongside reduced water absorption and enhanced sulphate resistance at later curing ages. Conversely, increasing RHF content introduced fibre-induced discontinuities that reduced compressive strength, although low fibre dosages maintained acceptable performance. The findings demonstrate that WCTP is a viable low-carbon supplementary cementitious material for structural concrete and provide a sustainable pathway for utilizing agricultural and ceramic waste in environmentally responsible construction.
Feature Selection and Machine Learning Based Software Defect Prediction: A Performance Evaluation
Software Defect Prediction (SDP) is a vital technique for enhancing software quality and reducing development and maintenance costs by identifying fault-prone components at early stages of the software life cycle. Despite significant progress in machine learning–based approaches, limited attention has been given to understanding which software features most strongly influence prediction performance and how different algorithms compare under standardized evaluation. This study investigates feature identification and evaluates the performance of several machine learning classifiers for SDP using the JM1 dataset from the NASA PROMISE repository, which contains 10,885 software modules described by McCabe and Halstead complexity metrics. Data preprocessing was performed using correlation-based feature selection and K-means clustering to reduce redundancy, mitigate multicollinearity, and improve data representation. Four classifiers Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and AdaBoost together with a stacking ensemble model were implemented and evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, both with and without Particle Swarm Optimization. Experimental results indicate that the Random Forest classifier consistently outperformed the other models, achieving up to 99.91% accuracy and superior precision, recall, and F1-score, while Naïve Bayes produced the lowest performance. The ensemble approach, particularly the combination of Random Forest and AdaBoost, further improved robustness. Feature analysis revealed that line count of code, cyclomatic complexity, essential complexity, total operators and operands, program volume, and program length are the most influential predictors of software defects. These findings demonstrate that careful feature selection combined with robust ensemble-based learning models can significantly improve the reliability and effectiveness of software defect prediction systems.
A Meta Smart Inventory Management System for Stock Prediction of some Shopping Malls within Bauchi Metropolis
The effective use of inventory is an essential factor to the success of shopping malls, but the unpredictable and nonlinear nature of consumer demand can regularly be difficult to predict using conventional forecasting techniques. The proposed and assessed Hybrid Smart Inventory Management System Model is a statistical approach that combines the statistical strengths of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model with the nonlinear deep learning of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. The study was based on shopping malls in the Bauchi metropolis with the use of a real dataset of 1300, we then ×2, ×5, and ×10 training records to compare the results of the baseline ARIMA model and the proposed hybrid ARIMA-LSTM architecture. The assessment was done based on three main measures namely Mean Absolute error (MAE), Root mean square error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage error (MAPE). The outcome of the experiment confirmed the fact that the hybrid model was significantly better than the baseline in all parameters. In particular, of 20868 datasets, the hybrid model showed an improvement in MAE of 19.15 percent, in RMSE of 17.49 percent, and in MAPE of 25.53 percent. Subsequent diagnostic evaluation of CUSUM (Cumulative Sum) charts showed that the ARIMA model had a systematic bias and upward error drift (with a maximum, cumulative error of 35) whereas the hybrid model had a stable error movement (near-zero range between -1 and 4). The use of error distribution histograms ensured that the hybrid model led to the creation of highly concentrated zero-peaked distribution, a characteristic of high precision and reliability. The results conclude that LSTM integration is an effective way of overcoming the linear constraints of the classical models and can be used as a strong scalable solution to the problem of smart inventory management in high volume retail settings.
A Review of Tropical Hardwood Engineered Timber Sleepers: Static–Impact Behaviour and Finite Element Modelling of GLT Systems for Railway Tracks
Engineered timber products such as glued-laminated timber (GLT) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) are increasingly proposed as sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete and steel sleepers in railway track systems. This paper presents a structured review of experimental, numerical, and analytical studies on GLT/CLT members and railway sleepers, with particular emphasis on tropical hardwoods and adhesive-bonded systems. The literature reviewed covers: timber engineering and GLT/CLT development; adhesive bonding and bond-line performance; static, impact, bending, and compressive behaviour of sleepers and related structural members; and characterization of tropical hardwood species such as Lophira alata, Gmelina arborea, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The review shows that GLT and CLT members can achieve high stiffness and strength, favourable impact energy absorption, and competitive life-cycle performance compared with concrete and polymer sleepers, with GLT systems demonstrating up to 30% lower CO₂ emissions and 20–35% higher impact energy absorption relative to prestressed concrete benchmarks. Adhesive systems such as polyurethane (PUR), epoxy, phenol-resorcinol, and resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) are critical to bond-line performance, with several studies demonstrating enhanced shear strength and durability in wet conditions. Experimental and numerical work on sleepers’ timber, composite, and concrete provides a robust basis for understanding static and dynamic response, fatigue, and damage mechanisms. However, significant gaps remain regarding long-term creep and fatigue performance of GLT sleepers made from tropical hardwoods, environmental degradation of adhesives under tropical climate cycles, and full-scale in-situ validation under realistic traffic and ballast conditions. The paper synthesizes these findings, identifies specific research gaps strictly grounded in the reviewed studies, and outlines implications for further research on GLT sleepers for tropical railway networks, particularly in West Africa..
A YOLO26-Based Human Detection Framework for High-Entropy Disaster Environments
The rapid and accurate identification of human presence is a critical prerequisite for the effective disaster management and security monitoring, particularly in crowded environments. While traditional object detection frameworks often suffer from high latency and reduced sensitivity in cluttered scenarios, this study evaluates the efficacy of the YOLO26 architecture an up-to-date, end-to-end, and NMS-free model released in January 2026 for the specific task of human detection in a crowded environment. Employing a C2 (Combination to Application) dataset of 10,215 images reflecting diverse catastrophic domains, including structural building collapses, floods, and dense vegetation area and fire hazards. Experimental results demonstrate that the YOLO26 model achieved a peak mean Average Precision (mAP@0.5) of 0.89 and a harmonic reliability (F1-score) of 0.87. Analysis of the F1-Confidence curves indicates a robust operational hill, maintaining an F1-score above 0.80 across a broad threshold range (0.2–0.6). A functional prototype was successfully deployed via a Gradio-based interface, providing real-time inference and automated human counting with an operational recall of 0.84 at a 0.50 confidence threshold. These findings suggest that the YOLO26 framework offers a favourable balance of localization precision and deployment efficiency, making it suitable for the demanding requirements of search and rescue operations. Future work will involve a comparative performance evaluation between the convolutional-based YOLO26 and transformer-based architectures (Detection Transformers) to further investigate global context modelling in extreme disaster zones.
Resilient UAV Deployment and User Association Optimization in Multi-RAT HetNets using DRL
This study proposes a Resilient Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (R-MADDPG) framework for UAV-assisted Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) operating under realistic communication constraints. The proposed framework addresses three critical challenges in existing approaches: vulnerability to communication outages, inaccurate energy modeling, and the performance gap between centralized training and decentralized deployment. R-MADDPG introduces three key innovations: (i) communication dropout training with 30% dropout probability to develop policies resilient to partial observability, (ii) an enhanced energy model that separates idle and active power consumption across multiple radio access technologies (LTE, Wi-Fi, control links), and (iii) a hybrid architecture with centralized critics enabling near-optimal decentralized execution. Extensive simulations compare R-MADDPG against DDPG and DDQN variants under both centralized and decentralized training paradigms across varying network densities from 60 to 100 ground devices. Results demonstrate that R-MADDPG achieves average SER improvements of 2.0% in centralized scenarios and 3.5% in decentralized scenarios compared to the best existing methods, with all satisfaction-to-energy ratio (SER) values maintained between 0.85 and 0.99. Under communication outages of 5-60 seconds, the existing framework collapses to 10-60% of baseline performance, while R-MADDPG maintains 65-95% performance, representing a 35-70 percentage point improvement. The enhanced energy model reduces prediction error by 88.6% compared to conventional approaches, from 16.6% to just 1.9% mean absolute error. Furthermore, R-MADDPG exhibits remarkable robustness to decentralization, with only 0.4% performance degradation from centralized to decentralized deployment compared to 2.6-3.2% for existing methods. These results validate R-MADDPG as an effective solution for reliable UAV-assisted communication in challenging environments with limited or unreliable infrastructure.
Biomechanical Performance and Clinical Potential of ZnO–CaO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂ (ZCAS) Glass-Ceramic Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis (FEA) offers a predictive, physics-based approach for evaluating the mechanical viability of dental implant materials prior to experimental and clinical validation. In this work, the elastic and dynamic mechanical response of a zinc–calcium–aluminosilicate (ZCAS) glass-ceramic dental implant was investigated using three-dimensional finite element Modelling in COMSOL Multiphysics. The implant–bone system was analyzed under physiologically representative oblique static loads (70–150 N) and time-dependent cyclic masticatory excitation at typical chewing frequencies. The computed stress field reveals localized von Mises stress concentration at the implant neck and first thread, consistent with classical elastic contact mechanics of endosseous implants. The maximum stress magnitude (~2.3 × 10⁴ N·m⁻²) remains several orders of magnitude below the reported compressive strength of ZCAS glass (300–500 MPa), indicating a high mechanical safety margin. Displacement analysis predicts a maximum deformation of approximately 3.5 × 10⁻⁴ m, corresponding to micromotion levels compatible with stable bone–implant interaction. Transient simulations demonstrate rapid stress equilibration within ~2 × 10⁻⁴ s, confirming a fully elastic response with negligible residual strain accumulation under cyclic loading. Numerical accuracy was verified through mesh convergence analysis, yielding stress deviations below 2%. From a solid mechanics perspective, the results confirm that ZCAS glass-ceramic implants satisfy key elastic stability and load-transfer requirements for dental applications. When coupled with the intrinsic bioactivity and antibacterial functionality associated with Zn-containing glass systems, ZCAS glass emerges as a mechanically sound and multifunctional alternative to conventional metallic implant materials.
Hamza A. M., Bello A. A., Sule A.A., Gonto A.M., Liman Zara, Muhammad F. U., Otto M. U.
Abubakar Abdulkadri, Abdulmumin Idris, Alhassan Tijjani
Development of a Model Reference Adaptive Controller for String Stability in Truck Platooning
This research developed a model reference adaptive controller for string stability in truck platooning. String stability is the ability of a platoon to maintain a stable formation as disturbances propagate through the string of vehicles resulting in oscillations or collisions. These disturbances include vehicle breakdown, intruding vehicles, change in speed or position. Designing an adaptive platoon controller that adapt to the disturbances and varying working conditions (such as road conditions and driving behaviours) while ensuring safety, stability, and efficiency has been explored in literature. This leads to the development of adaptive Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) Controller, Model Predictive Controller (MPC), sliding mode controller (SMC), and H-infinity (Hꝏ) controller for string stability of a platoon. However, the performance of these control schemes is affected by the model complexity and parameter uncertainty of the system resulting to an unstable system. In order to address these problems, a reference model of the trucks and adaptive mechanism is designed for error estimation and controller parameter adjustments respectively. A stabilizing controller was designed based on the concept of Lyapunov energy function. The performance of the controller is evaluated by comparing with that of MPC incorporated with PID controller using vehicle distance, vehicle velocity, inter vehicle gap error and velocity error as performance metrics. The simulation results obtained shows that MRAC has a better tracking performance and updates the controller in real-time there by attenuates disturbance when compared to DMPC- PID with an improvement in achieving a constant intervehicle gap of 20 ?, a desired speed of 20 ?/? at a settling time of 20 ???????. The simulation result shows a reduction in average intervehicle gap error of 0.15 ? from the leader vehicle to the follower vehicles. An average velocity error of 0.13 ?/? between the leader vehicle and followers. It also recorded an average acceleration of 0.73 ?/?2 and deceleration of 0.27 ?/?2 to achieve the desired steady state speed. The designed controller shows improvements over the existing control technique in terms of the intervehicle gap and system stability in the platoon.
A. Umar, Z. Haruna, Muhammad Lawal Dundu, O. Ajayi, N. S. Usman
Design and Simulation of ABUDrone: A Flight Control Platform for Security Surveillance
In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), particularly quadcopters, have gained significant attention from researchers worldwide due to their diverse applications in areas such as military surveillance, civilian monitoring, and disaster management. This project aims to design and simulate ABUDrone, a flight control platform tailored for security surveillance, addressing limitations in traditional surveillance methods, such as operator fatigue and delayed response times. A 3D physical model of ABUDrone was developed using Autodesk Tinkercad, designed as a lightweight quadcopter equipped with a high-precision camera for monitoring purposes. A Simulink model of the drone was created based on its mathematical dynamics, enabling effective control simulations. To enhance the project, a custom simulation environment, UAV3DSim, was designed using Simulink 3D Animation, modeling the Faculty of Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, including departments such as Computer, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the Kainji and Wolfson lecture theaters. Simulation results highlight the potential of the ABUDrone model and the UAV3DSim simulation platform as innovative tools for technology-driven security surveillance.
Zaharuddeen Haruna, Hassan Maharazu, Abubakar Umar, Ibrahim Sufiyanu, Abdurrazaq Yahya
Effects of Sexuality Education on Academic Performance of Adolescent Students in Secondary Schools in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State
This study examines the effect of sexuality education on academic performance of adolescent students in secondary schools in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, with particular focus on gender, sexuality education awareness, and students’ living arrangements. A descriptive-survey research design was adopted, involving a sample of 240 adolescents selected through stratified random sampling across four secondary schools. Data were collected using a self-developed Sexuality Education Awareness Questionnaire and a 25-item Achievement Test, pilot-tested with reliability values of 0.75 and 0.79. Mean, standard deviations, ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc, were employed for analysis. Findings revealed that gender did not significantly moderate the influence of sexuality education on performance. In contrast, students with higher awareness of sexuality education demonstrated significantly better performance compared to the less aware peers (p < 0.05). Variations were observed across specific content areas of sexuality education; students exposed to topics on sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health performed relatively better, although differences among content areas were not statistically significant. Importantly, living arrangements were found to have a significant influence on academic outcomes. Students living with both parents achieved the highest performance, followed by those living with guardians, single-parent households, and students living alone, with all pairwise differences statistically significant (p < 0.05). It concludes that gender does not affect performance in the context of sexuality education, while awareness and family structure play critical roles in moderating its impact. It recommends that secondary schools and policymakers implement comprehensive sexuality education programs that are accessible to all students.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Isocyano-Functionalized Azo Dyes as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
The study presents the synthesis, application and antimicrobial properties of azo dyes derived from substituted Isocyano-Functionalized Azo Dyes as diazo component with Gamma and H-acid as coupling components to produce Dye 1 and Dye 2 respectively. The physical characterization revealed yields of 70% and 80%, with melting points of 216–218 °C for Dye 1 and 195–197 °C for Dye2. UV–visible spectroscopic analysis showed absorption maxima at 473 nm for Dye 1 and 488 nm for Dye 2, confirming strong π→π∗ transitions and extended conjugation. FT–IR spectra reveals the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl, amino, nitro, and sulfonate groups, acting as auxochromes that enhance the colour, solubility and stability of the dye products. The dyeing performance on silk and cotton fabrics demonstrated excellent affinity, with wash fastness ratings of 4 and 5, and light fastness ratings of 5 and 6 for Dye 1 and Dye 2 respectively. Dye 2 consistently exhibited superior fastness, attributed to stronger dye–fiber interactions and enhanced photostability. antimicrobial assays revealed broad-spectrum activity against staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, candida albicans, and aspergillus niger. The zones of inhibition showed Dye 2 to be more potent than Dye 1, particularly against S. aureus (33 mm vs. 25 mm) and C. albicans (28 mm vs. 21 mm). The MIC values confirmed strong inhibitory potential, with dye 2 exhibiting lower values against fungal isolates (12.5 mg/ml) compared to dye 1. The obtained MBC/MFC results further supported these findings, with dye 2 showing superior bactericidal/fungicidal activity.
Obadahun J. Alani S. O., Enyeribe C. C., Abba J., Patience J. A.
Asmau U. B. Bakare M. A., Onikosi B. O, Hadiza. H
Assessing 21st-Century Soft Skills Capacity Building Needs and Preferences among Academic Staff in Universities in North-Central Nigeria
The study assessed the capacity-building needs and preferences for 21st-century soft skills among Academic Staff in Universities in North-Central Nigeria. Four (4) research objectives and four (4) corresponding research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a concurrent mixed-methods research design. The population for this study comprised all the University Lecturers in North-Central State of Nigeria and participant consist of One Hundred and Twenty-Four (124) University lecturers in North-Central, Nigeria consisting of ten (10) Graduate Assistant, thirty (30) Assistant Lecturer, twenty-five (25) Lecturer II, three (3) Lecturer I, twenty (27) Senior Lecturer, twelve (12) Associate Professor and nine (9) Professors. Ninety-four (94) are male and thirty (30) are female lecturers. The participants were selected using accidental sampling techniques. A questionnaire titled “Soft Skills Capacity Building Needs and Preferences among Academic Staff in Universities”, Observation Schedule, and Interview Protocol were used to collect data. The instruments were validated by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using internal consistency reliability, and the index was found to be 0.850, calculated using the Cronbach Alpha formula. Mean and SD were used to analyse the quantitative data using SPSS version 27.0, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings revealed that capacity-building initiatives are widely regarded as important and necessary, with a fairly consistent perception across the sample. Overall, the findings demonstrate a consistent pattern of high demand for capacity training across all competency domains. The findings also demonstrate a broad and consistent demand for soft skills development, particularly in areas related to critical thinking, innovation, professionalism, and inclusive practices. The findings from the interview revealed that participants emphasised the need for university curricula to reflect current industry demands and reduce the mismatch between graduate skills and labour market expectations.
Yaki A. A. Saifullahi M., Bawa S., Abdulaziz A.
Effects of Pedagogical Capacity Training Module for Enhancing Lecturers Effective Curriculum Implementation in Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State
This study investigated the effects of a pedagogical capacity training module on STEM lecturers’ attitudes, knowledge, and instructional practices for effective curriculum implementation of 21st-century at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The study adopted experimental research design, specifically one sample repeated measure design. The population of the study consist all STEM lecturers in the Federal University of Technology, Minna out of which two hundred (200) STEM lecturers were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques and participated in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire measuring attitudes toward innovative teaching strategies, 21st-century skill integration, and knowledge of curriculum implementation. The instrument was validated by experts and the internal consistency reliability of the instruments was established, the index was calculated using Cronbach Alpha reliability method and the index was found to be 0.87. Descriptive statistics of mean, SD and percentages were used for analysis. Findings revealed significant improvements in lecturers’ adoption of student-centred pedagogies, including problem-based learning, collaborative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and ICT integration. Additionally, lecturers’ confidence in applying innovative teaching strategies and their knowledge of curriculum implementation improved substantially. The study concludes that pedagogical capacity training is effective in transforming lecturers’ instructional practices and enhancing their readiness to implement competency-based curricula. It recommends sustained professional development, institutional support, and integration of capacity-building programmes into higher education policy frameworks.
Assessment of Principals’ Supervisory Roles on Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in Bauchi State, Nigeria
The study assessed principals’ supervisory roles on the administration of public senior secondary schools in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were as follows; determine how principals supervisory roles influence teaching outcomes, resource utilization, staff satisfaction, stakeholder involvement, and school climate influence principals’ supervisory effectiveness in achieving overall school performance. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 211 principals of public senior secondary schools in Bauchi State, out of which a sample of 136 principals was selected through a stratified proportionate-to-size sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled “Assessment of Principals Supervisory Roles (APSR-SNAPSSSB)” was used for data collection. The instrument’s content validity was confirmed by experts in Educational Administration and Planning, while its reliability, established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielded a coefficient of 0.83, indicating high internal consistency. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that teaching outcomes significantly influence principals’ supervisory practices, while effective resource utilization enhances supervision and promotes better instructional management. The results also showed that staff satisfaction, stakeholder involvement, and a positive school climate contribute to the effectiveness of principals’ supervisory roles in achieving educational objectives. The study concluded that school organizational effectiveness is a critical determinant of principals’ supervisory performance, and that effective supervision depends on supportive institutional structures and a conducive school environment. Based on the findings, the study recommended that principals should strengthen instructional supervision, promote staff motivation, encourage active stakeholder participation, and sustain a positive school climate to enhance organizational performance. The study contributed to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the interplay between school organizational effectiveness and principals’ supervisory roles in Bauchi State, thereby extending the practical understanding of effective school leadership within the Nigerian educational context. Assessment of Principals’ Supervisory Roles on Administration of Public Senior Secondary Schools in Bauchi State, Nigeria