Genetic linkage map of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) using SNP markers

Genetic linkage maps provide a genomic framework for quantitative trait loci identification applied in marker assisted selection breeding in crops with limited resources. It serves as a powerful tool to breeders for analysing the mode of inheritance of genes of interest and monitoring of the transmission of target genes from parents to progeny. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers have a great influence on mapping research studies: for faster development of new varieties of crops due to its abundance and high number of polymorphism. Thus, this research work aimed at constructing genetic linkage map of cowpea using SNP markers. This will facilitate development of new varieties of cowpea. Single seed descent method of breeding was used to generate mapping population between IT-95K-193- 12 and Ife-Brown. Fresh leaves from both parental lines and F1 hybrids were genotyped with 135 SNP markers. Data from125 polymorphic SNP markers were used to construct linkage map. Results revealed 12 linkage maps with an average of 10 markers to a chromosome and average marker distance of 3.02 cM between the markers. Constructed map provides basic information that could assist in genetic improvement of cowpea, most especially in developing brown blotch resistant cowpea varieties through detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for brown blotch resistance in cowpea when utilizing marker assisted selection method.Key words: Cowpea, genetic linkage map, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, brown blotch resistance

Banger-related ocular injuries during New Year festivities in Osogbo, SW Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Different types of ocular injuries could be sustained following banger explosives. This case report could be the first of such reports in West Africa.CASE DETAILS: We report cases of ocular injuries caused by bangers. This was a hospital-based study of 3 consecutive cases that presented during the New Year festival. Injuries were classified according to Birmingham eye trauma terminology system (BETTS). Two of the patients ended up with irreversible loss of vision. Another two of the three were bystanders.CONCLUSION: As banger-related ocular injuries result in significant morbidity, public education regarding the proper use of bangers would help in preventing the incidence of ocular injuries and blindness. Advocacy for a strict legislation to regulate its use is strongly recommended.KEYWORDS: Bangers, eye injuries, holidays, Nigeri

Partnership Income Tax on Social and Economic Development in Nigeria

This research work examines the partnership income tax on social and economic development in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to examine how partnership income tax revenue contributes to social and economic development in Nigeria. Secondary data are obtained from relevant literatures such as Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics publications. Data were tested using the Ordinary Least Square Linear Regression model. Findings show that, partnership Income Tax Revenue is making a unique significant contribution to the social and economic development in Nigeria and composition of the GDP. It is concluded that the results affirmed a rise in the income tax from partnership firms leads to an increase in social and economic development in Nigeria. It is recommended that government should ensure effective utilization of the income accrued taxation to encourage continuity in tax payment by the tax payers. Keywords: Economic Development, Gross Domestic Products, Partnership, Partnership Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Social Development DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-6-03 Publication date:March 31st 201

Tribological properties of aluminium-clay composites for brake disc rotor applications

In this paper, the mechanical and tribological behaviours of various compositions of aluminium 6063 alloy – clay (Al-clay) composites for brake pad applications were studied. The Al-clay composites with 5-30 wt.% of clay particles of grain size of 60 BSS (250 microns) were developed through stir casting route. The wear characteristics of Al-clay in dry sliding conditions were subjected to a series of Denison T62 HS pin-on-disc wear tests. The action of two different loads (4 and 10N), three sliding speeds of 200, 500 and 1000 rpm were investigated. The results of the mechanical and wear tests as well as the metallographic investigation of optical, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microscopy revealed an improvement in the tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance in the composites with 10-25 wt.% clays. The best values were obtained at 15 wt.%. Wear rate was highly influenced by applied load and sliding speed. The developed composites with 15-25 wt.% clay addition were similar to conventional semi metallic brake pad in terms of wear and friction properties

Morphological and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Nano-Graphene-Oxide from Sugarcane Bagasse for Polymer Composite Reinforcement

Graphene oxide (GO) from biomass offers a sustainable alternative to conventional graphite, yet few studies explore sugarcane bagasse (SB) as a feedstock. This research fills that gap by synthesizing GO from SB termed SBGO and reinforcing epoxy composites with it. Mature SB from Lagos, Nigeria, was processed, oxidized using KMnO₄/H₂SO₄, and purified with H₂O₂ and water washes. SBGO was characterized by BET, TEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. BET analysis revealed a high Langmuir surface area of 579.3 m²/g and mesopores averaging 2.132 nm, favoring uniform dispersion. TEM showed SBGO particles ranging from 5–10 nm up to 30–40 nm agglomerates with irregular, flake-like morphologies. FTIR confirmed successful oxidation via prominent O–H (3200–3600 cm⁻¹), C=O (1700–1740 cm⁻¹), and C–O (1000–1300 cm⁻¹) peaks, while UV–Vis displayed a π–π* peak near 230 nm and an n–π* shoulder around 300 nm, evidencing successful oxidation. XRD patterns exhibited a peak at 25°–30°, indicating partial restoration of the graphitic structure. Raman spectra featured dominant D and G bands, with additional peaks at 568, 1818, 2034, 2208, 2874, and 3050 cm⁻¹ that signal defects and residual biomass features. Polymer composites (PC) with 0–2.0 g SBGO showed increased density (from 1.18 to 1.23 g/cm³) and reduced porosity (from 1.67% to 0.75%). Tensile strength and modulus peaked at 1.5 wt% SBGO, hardness rose from 20.9 to 26.1 VHN, and wear rate dropped by up to 58%. These results confirm that SB-derived GO is an effective, eco-friendly reinforcement that enhances composite strength and durability for high-performance applications

Characterization of Rice Husk for Graphene Extraction and Metallization

Rice husk, an underutilized agricultural waste product, serves as a potential precursor for graphene synthesis. This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing graphene through the chemical exfoliation method, employing advanced analytical techniques to explore its potential applications in metallization. Graphene was produced by chemically activating rice husk ash (RHA) with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 800 ºC. The extracted graphene underwent analysis using various techniques. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the material's crystalline nature and graphitic structure. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified typical functional groups present in the synthesized graphene. Raman Spectroscopy revealed significant defects and confirmed that the graphene consists of single or few-layer thin sheets. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed the presence of thin graphene sheets and nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 1.47 nm to 5.80 nm. Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) confirmed electronic structure and optical properties, essential for metallization. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the purity of the graphene, while Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a high specific surface area, making the material suitable for surface-based applications. Electrical conductivity tests demonstrated good conductivity in the lower to moderate current range. The study underscores the potential of rice husk-derived graphene for metallization, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly synthesis method for industrial and commercial applications

DEVELOPMENT OF A GROUND-BASED MODEL FOR REMOTE CROP CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM

Agricultural activity is not only one of the basic activities of the human society, but also the premise for the development of human society. Besides, it has close relation with the development and stabilization of nowadays society. It is of great significance to monitor the growth level of crops in order to obtain crop condition information at early stages in the crop growing season thereby, resulting into a good and quality product at the point of harvest, hence improve food security. This paper develops a ground-based model for remote crop condition monitoring system using the Arduino platform. Considering temperature – a major factor that affects the growth of crops and destruction of farm products by pests, animals or objects. This model was designed to sound an alarm when temperature rises beyond 400C or approaching 00C or when a destructive object is detected.  The model uses electronic devices like the breadboard, Arduino board, Ultrasonic sensor, Liquid Crystal, Display, Piezo Buzzer and the LM35 temperature sensor. For the purpose of simulation, the model circuit was fabricated using the Proteus Design Suite software. The operation of the model is designed and tested using the Arduino software

Operational complexities in international clinical trials: a systematic review of challenges and proposed solutions

\ua9 Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ. OBJECTIVE: International trials can be challenging to operationalise due to incompatibilities between country-specific policies and infrastructures. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the operational complexities of conducting international trials and identify potential solutions for overcoming them. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase and Health Management Information Consortium were searched from 2006 to 30 January 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All studies reporting operational challenges (eg, site selection, trial management, intervention management, data management) of conducting international trials were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Search results were independently screened by at least two reviewers and data were extracted into a proforma. RESULTS: 38 studies (35 RCTs, 2 reports and 1 qualitative study) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median sample size was 1202 (IQR 332-4056) and median number of sites was 40 (IQR 13-78). 88.6% of studies had an academic sponsor and 80% were funded through government sources. Operational complexities were particularly reported during trial set-up due to lack of harmonisation in regulatory approvals and in relation to sponsorship structure, with associated budgetary impacts. Additional challenges included site selection, staff training, lengthy contract negotiations, site monitoring, communication, trial oversight, recruitment, data management, drug procurement and distribution, pharmacy involvement and biospecimen processing and transport. CONCLUSIONS: International collaborative trials are valuable in cases where recruitment may be difficult, diversifying participation and applicability. However, multiple operational and regulatory challenges are encountered when implementing a trial in multiple countries. Careful planning and communication between trials units and investigators, with an emphasis on establishing adequately resourced cross-border sponsorship structures and regulatory approvals, may help to overcome these barriers and realise the benefits of the approach. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK REGISTRATION NUMBER: osf-registrations-yvtjb-v1

A Horizon Scan of Neurotechnology Innovations

\ua9 2025 by the authors.Neurotechnology is a rapidly emerging field with vast potential within healthcare, but also has inherent concerns. There is, therefore, a need to ensure the responsible and ethical development and regulation of these technologies. This horizon scan aimed to provide an overview of neurotechnologies in development and those approved by the FDA as of June 2024 for a range of conditions relating to mental health, healthy ageing, and physical disability. Searches of clinical trials, conferences, journals, and news were performed in March 2024. Relevant technologies were identified through a process of screening, data extraction and synthesis. A total of 81 unique neurotechnologies were identified, with 23 relating to mental health, 31 to healthy ageing, and 42 to physical disability. A total of 79% percent did not yet have FDA approval and 77.4% were at earlier stages of development (pilot/feasibility studies), with 22.6% at pivotal or post-market stages. Digital elements were common features of the technologies, including software, apps, and connectivity to other devices; however, there were only three technologies with an identifiable AI component. A complex regulatory landscape and unique ethical and safety concerns associated with neurotechnology could pose challenges to innovators, though the emerging nature of the field also provides an opportunity to pre-emptively address potential issues