Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (JPAS)
The Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (JPAS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research, review articles, and short communications in the fields of pure and applied sciences. The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for the dissemination of innovative scientific findings with both theoretical and practical significance. JPAS covers a wide range of subject areas including materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, environmental sciences, and related applied disciplines, with particular emphasis on materials development, characterization, and applications. All submissions are subjected to rigorous peer review to ensure scientific quality, originality, and relevance.
Students’ Perception of Stress and Its Effect on Academic Performance: A Survey of Students in the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
This study investigates the perception of stress and its impact on the academic performance of students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 200 students using a structured questionnaire through the convenience sampling method. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test of independence. The findings are, firstly, that there is a statistically significant association between gender and stress levels, with 71, 33, and 11 female students reporting high, moderate, and low stress levels, respectively, while 39, 28, and 18 male students reported high, moderate, and low stress levels, respectively, compared to their female counterparts. Secondly, the study found that there is no significant relationship between gender and academic performance, indicating that male and female students perform at similar levels despite differences in stress. The study concludes that while stress is a significant and gendered experience, it does not necessarily translate into a gendered academic outcome.
Stress, Perception, Chi-Square, Academic Performance, Descriptive Survey
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (JPAS)
Analysis of the Fire Resistance Properties of Epoxy Resin Ceiling Coatings and their Suitability for Fire Protection in Buildings
Epoxy resin coatings are widely used in building applications because of their excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability; however, their inherent flammability limits their effectiveness as passive fire protection materials. This study investigated the synergistic effects of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the fire resistance and mechanical performance of epoxy resin ceiling coatings. Three formulations were prepared: unmodified epoxy (Sample A), epoxy reinforced with 25 wt% Mg(OH)₂ (Sample B), and epoxy reinforced with 25 wt% Mg(OH)₂ and 10 wt% APP (Sample C). Fire performance and mechanical properties were evaluated using ASTM-based procedures. All experiments were conducted in triplicate (n = 3), and data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Sample C exhibited the best performance, reducing the Flame Spread Index from 130 ± 4.0 to 40 ± 1.8 and the Smoke Development Index from 480 ± 10 (Sample A) to 190 ± 6 (Sample B) and 100 ± 4 (Sample C) (p < 0.001). Intumescence increased to 200 ± 6%, thermal stability improved from 180 ± 3°C to 340 ± 4°C, adhesion strength increased from 2.40 ± 0.08 to 3.60 ± 0.06 MPa, and abrasion resistance improved from 1000 ± 35 to 2200 ± 38 cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of Mg(OH)₂–APP hybrid epoxy coatings as sustainable passive fire protection materials for building applications.
Density–Porosity–Property Relationships in Zirconia-, Spinel-, and Silicon Carbide-Modified AZS Refractory Ceramics
Alumina–zirconia–silica (AZS) refractories are widely used in high-temperature industrial applications because of their excellent thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. This study investigated the effects of zirconia, spinel, and silicon carbide additions on the physical and mechanical properties of AZS refractory ceramics. Four compositions comprising Standard AZS (Batch A), Zr-rich AZS (Batch B), Spinel AZS (Batch C), and SiC AZS (Batch D) were developed and evaluated in terms of bulk density, relative density, apparent porosity, water absorption, elastic modulus, compressive strength, hardness, and flexural strength. The results showed that zirconia enrichment significantly improved densification and mechanical performance. Batch B exhibited the highest bulk density (3.78 g/cm³), relative density (0.900), elastic modulus (197.1 GPa), compressive strength (189.9 MPa), hardness (10.18 GPa), and flexural strength (96.4 MPa), while also recording the lowest apparent porosity (5.5%) and water absorption (1.45%). Conversely, Batch D showed the lowest density and mechanical properties and the highest porosity and water absorption. Correlation analysis revealed strong inverse relationships between porosity and density, stiffness, strength, hardness, and flexural strength, confirming that densification and porosity control are critical determinants of refractory performance. The overall performance ranking was Batch B > Batch A > Batch C > Batch D, indicating that zirconia enrichment is an effective approach for enhancing the structural integrity, durability, and service performance of AZS refractory ceramics in demanding high-temperature environments.
Alumina–Zirconia–Silica (AZS) Refractories; Zirconia Enrichment; Densification and Porosity; Mechanical Properties; High-Temperature Ceramics
Alumina–Zirconia–Silica (AZS) Refractories
Valorization of Acha Starch-Based Bioplastics Reinforced with Plantain Peel Powder
This study investigates the valorization of Acha starch-based bioplastics reinforced with plantain peel powder. Bioplastic films were prepared via solution casting using glycerol as a plasticizer, with plantain peel incorporated at 10 wt% (SF2) and 20 wt% (SF3), alongside a plasticized starch control (SF1) and a pure starch film (SF4).Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that all samples displayed broad absorption bands in the region of 3200-3400 cm⁻¹, corresponding to O-H stretching vibrations, characteristic of hydroxyl groups present in starch, peaks observed at 2924 cm⁻¹ point to possible interactions between starch chains and lignocellulosic constituents of the plantain peel. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed increased surface roughness and partial dispersion of filler particles, with slight agglomeration observed at higher filler loading. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibited characteristic diffraction peaks at 2θ between 20°-24° with crystallinity indices ranging from 39-55%, indicating that plantain peel altered starch chain organization. TGA showed initial moisture loss below 120°C and major degradation occurring above approximately 250°C, indicating typical starch-based thermal behaviour with filler-dependent variations. The novelty of this work lies in the first reported use of an acha starch-plantain peel composite, highlighting the valorisation of plantain peel waste as a sustainable reinforcement and its structure-property relationships.
Bioplastics, Plantain peel, biodegradable materials, thermal stability, XRD, FTIR, lignocellulosic filler, solution casting, Digitaria exilis
Groundnut Shell-Derived Amorphous Silica as a Sustainable Alternative to Quartz in Porcelain Stoneware: Phase and Microstructural Evaluation
This study investigates the development of eco-friendly porcelain stoneware bodies using amorphous silica derived from groundnut shell ash (GSA) as a sustainable alternative to conventional quartz. Groundnut shells were subjected to controlled combustion and subsequent chemical precipitation to synthesize high-purity amorphous silica (GSASi). The extracted silica exhibited a high silica content of 93.7 wt.% and an amorphous structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Two stoneware compositions were formulated: one containing commercial quartz (PSWTSS) and the other incorporating GSASi (PSWTAS) as a complete replacement for quartz. The samples were prepared via conventional ceramic processing and sintered at 1050°C and 1100°C. Phase analysis revealed the presence of quartz, mullite, and albite in both compositions, indicating that the substitution did not adversely affect the essential phase formation. Microstructural evaluation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the GSASi-based sample exhibited a finer, more homogeneous, and less porous structure compared to the quartz-based counterpart, especially at 1100°C. This improvement is attributed to the higher reactivity of amorphous silica, which enhances densification and promotes mullite formation. The findings demonstrate that groundnut shell-derived silica is a viable and sustainable substitute for conventional silica in porcelain stoneware production, with potential benefits in improving microstructural properties and reducing environmental impact.
groundnut shell ash, amorphous silica, chemical precipitation, sintering, mullite, stoneware, XRD, SEM.
Cadmium-Free Buffer Layer Engineering for Spray-Deposited Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Thin-Film Solar Cells Using ZnS
The development of a cadmium-free buffer layer for Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) thin-film solar cells, using spray-pyrolyzed ZnS in place of toxic CdS was reported in this study. CZTS absorber films (bandgap ~1.45 eV) were deposited by spray pyrolysis from Cu:Zn:Sn = 1:1:1 precursor, and Cd-free ZnS (bandgap ~3.6 eV) buffers were co-spray-deposited on ZnO-coated ITO substrates. The fabrication and characterisation of an ITO/ZnO/ZnS/CZTS/Ag device are described. Structural and optical analyses confirm pure kesterite CZTS (no significant Cu₂SnS₃ or ZnS secondary phases) and a transparent ZnS layer. The ZnS buffer film exhibited high visible transmittance (>90%) and a direct bandgap of ~3.6 eV. The completed solar cell achieved Voc= 0.62 V, Jsc= 18.5 mA/cm², fill factor ~0.63 and efficiency η = 7.2%. These results (which surpass many previous CZTS/ZnS devices) demonstrate that spray-deposited ZnS is a viable Cd-free buffer, with performance improvements attributed to its wide bandgap and high transparency. Key findings include the confirmation of ZnS structural properties (XRD, Raman, SEM) and the reconciliation of previously inconsistent performance values.
Development of Human Resource Management Portal for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
The core of this study is on the design and implementation of a web-based Human Resource Management Portal tailored to the unique operational context of Nigerian tertiary institutions with the aim of enhancing tertiary education management efficiency and contributing to national development. The Design Science Research Methodology was adopted to systematically identify existing HR challenges and gaps, which informed the development of an integrated system implemented using cost-effective web technologies: PHP, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Joomla CMS, and MySQL within a Model-View-Controller Architecture. The HRM evaluation, conducted through system testing and comparative analysis, revealed notable improvements across key performance indicators, including processing time (30% to 85%), data accessibility (30% to 40%), and accuracy (60% to 92%). This study demonstrates the potential of a scalable, localized, and effective solution to human resource management challenges in Nigerian tertiary institutions, and recommends its phased adoption, policy integration, user training, and continuous system improvement to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
GC-MS-Based Phytochemical Characterisation and in vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees
The present study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, GC-MS profile, and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. Phytochemical constituents were quantified using standard analytical methods, while volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antidiabetic activity of the extract was evaluated using in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, whereas its antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of appreciable amounts of total phenols (19.10 ± 0.00), total flavonoids (18.53 ± 0.06), total alkaloids (23.15 ± 0.56), and total tannins (4.64 ± 0.11). GC-MS analysis identified more than 30 volatile compounds, among which neophytadiene (29.42%), ergost-5-en-3-ol (10.57%), and 9-octadecenoic acid (7.89%) were the predominant constituents. The methanol extract exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, comparable to that of the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). Furthermore, the extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibitory activities against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, indicating promising antidiabetic potential. The presence of both volatile and non-volatile phytochemicals in A. paniculata may contribute to its observed biological activities and supports its traditional medicinal use. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of A. paniculata represents a promising source of natural antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. However, further in vivo studies and comprehensive toxicological evaluations are required to establish its efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential.
Volatility Modelling of the Impact of Post Covid-19 Pandemic on Nigeria Stock Exchange
This study investigated the impact of the post-COVID-19 period on the volatility behaviour of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index using monthly data from January 2018 to December 2023. The study aimed to examine volatility dynamics, assess volatility persistence, and forecast future market behaviour during the recovery phase following the COVID-19 pandemic. Logarithmic returns were computed from the NSE All-Share Index data and analysed using descriptive statistics, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, ARMA modelling, the ARCH-LM test, and GARCH-family models. Model estimation and forecasting were conducted using R statistical software. The results revealed that the original series was non-stationary but became stationary after logarithmic differencing. The ARCH-LM test confirmed the presence of significant ARCH effects, indicating volatility clustering and justifying the use of GARCH models. The initial Gaussian GARCH(1,1) model exhibited signs of misspecification and non-normal residuals; consequently, a Student-t error distribution was adopted to better capture the heavy-tailed nature of stock returns. The estimated model revealed substantial volatility persistence, suggesting that market shocks have prolonged effects before gradually dissipating. Furthermore, conditional volatility exhibited a declining trend throughout the study period, indicating that the Nigerian stock market progressively adjusted to pandemic-induced disruptions and moved toward greater stability. Forecast results showed a relatively flat, mean-reverting volatility pattern, suggesting that future market volatility is likely to converge toward its long-run equilibrium level. The study concludes that the Nigerian stock market has largely recovered from the volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and entered a phase of relative stability. These findings provide useful insights for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions in designing strategies to strengthen market resilience and manage future financial risks.
Genetic Profiling of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Genes from Uropathogenic E. coli Isolates in Ekiti State, Nigeria
The high levels of antimicrobial resistance linked to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae hinder effective patient management and significantly contribute to the rising global rates of diseases and death. Therefore, investigating the genetic profiles of ESBL-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in Ekiti State, Nigeria, is critical. Methods: Seventy-five E. coli strains were randomly selected from four locations within Ekiti State. Isolates were tested for resistance to 15 antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and multiplex PCR assays were employed to detect ESBL gene variants. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and Poisson regression (p < 0.05). Results: The E. coli isolates exhibited high resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (59.0%), ampiclox (55.7%), nitrofurantoin (52.5%), tetracycline (41.0%), and cotrimoxazole (41.0%). Conversely, they were most susceptible to meropenem (43.3%), imipenem (41.8%), levofloxacin (39.3%), and ceftazidime (33.6%). The isolates demonstrated significant multidrug resistance with a mean MAR index of 0.5. Molecular screening revealed that 24% (18 isolates) harbored blaTEM genes, while blaCTX-M and blaSHV were not detected. Conclusion: Continuous updates in rapid diagnostic methods and treatment protocols are essential for effectively managing ESBL-producing UPEC, to support antimicrobial stewardship.
Therapeutic Potential of Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Ficus Capensis Leaf Extract Against Lead–Induced Erectile Dysfunction in Male Rats
Lead exposure is a major environmental and occupational hazard that induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, resulting in reproductive dysfunction and erectile impairment. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Ficus capensis leaf extract (FCLE) against lead-induced erectile dysfunction in male albino rats. Forty male rats were divided into eight groups (n = 5) and treated with lead acetate (0.5 mg/kg BW), FCLE (800 mg/kg BW), SeNPs (0.25 mg/kg BW), and their conjugate (FCLE–SeNPs) for 28 days. Biochemical assays were performed to assess antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH), lipid peroxidation (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α). Gene expression analysis of NF-κB, MMP9, and TGFβ1 was conducted using RT-qPCR, while sperm quality parameters were evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Results revealed that lead exposure significantly increased MDA, LDH, and TNF-α levels, upregulated the expression of NF-κB, MMP9, and TGFβ1 and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and sperm quality indices (motility, viability, and count). Treatment with FCLE and SeNPs individually mitigated these effects, but the FCLE–SeNPs conjugate produced the most significant restoration. The conjugate normalized oxidative stress biomarkers, downregulated apoptotic and inflammatory genes, and improved sperm morphology and function to near-control levels. These findings demonstrate that green-synthesized FCLE–SeNPs possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, providing effective protection against lead-induced oxidative and reproductive damage. The study concludes that the FCLE–SeNPs conjugate is a promising, eco-friendly nanotherapeutic candidate for managing heavy-metal-induced infertility and erectile dysfunction.
Protective Prospect of Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Jatropha tanjorensis against Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal widely distributed in the environment and known to cause severe renal dysfunction through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The present study investigated the protective effects of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in male albino rats. The SeNPs were synthesized via a green, eco-friendly reduction method using ethanolic Jatropha tanjorensis extract and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 37.67 nm, with absorption maxima at 320 nm, confirming successful synthesis and stability. Forty male rats were divided into eight groups: control, Cd-only, Jatropha tanjorensis extract (JTLE), SeNPs, JTLE-SeNPs, Cd+JTLE, Cd+SeNPs, and Cd+JTLE-SeNPs. Cadmium exposure (0.5 mg/kg BW) for 28 days resulted in significant oxidative stress, marked by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), alongside reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Cd exposure also increased Bax gene expression and cadmium accumulation in the serum and kidney tissues. Treatment with JTLE, SeNPs, and particularly JTLE-SeNPs markedly ameliorated these alterations, reducing Cd accumulation, restoring antioxidant balance, and normalizing Bax gene expression to near-control levels. The combined JTLE-SeNPs formulation exhibited the strongest nephroprotective effect. In conclusion, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles derived from Jatropha tanjorensis demonstrate potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties that effectively mitigate cadmium-induced renal damage. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Jatropha tanjorensis-mediated SeNPs as a sustainable and biocompatible approach to counteract heavy metal-induced nephrotoxicity.
Investigation on the Antifungal potentials of Bioash-doped ZnO Nanocomposites prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition Technique for Biomedical applications
This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of oil palm finger bioash-supported ZnO Nanocomposites (OPfBA-ZnO NCs) synthesized via chemical bath deposition as a sustainable nanomaterial for dermatophytosis management. The bioash and nanocomposites were characterized using EDX, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), UV–Vis, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. Antifungal activity was assessed against eight clinically important dermatophyte species. EDX revealed that the bioash contained abundant K (42.5 wt%), Ca (18.97 wt%), Si (5.33 wt%), and Ag (2.15 wt%), while BET confirmed a mesoporous structure (155.9 m²/g; pore diameter ≈2.13 nm). The NCs exhibited pH-dependent optical properties with bandgap energies of 3.48–4.10 eV. Raman and FTIR analyses confirmed successful integration of bioash constituents into the ZnO matrix. The OPfBA-ZnO NCs showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity with inhibition zones of 10.11–26.80 mm, while the bioash alone produced 13.13–30.87 mm. The eco-friendly OPfBA-ZnO nanocomposite demonstrated promising anti-dermatophytic activity and potential for topical antifungal, antimicrobial coating, and environmental remediation applications.
Design and Construction of Newton’s Law of Cooling Apparatus Featuring Digital Temperature Measurement and Data Logging Systems: A STEM Practical Aid
This study presents the design and construction of a low-cost experimental apparatus for the demonstration and verification of Newton’s law of cooling using locally sourced materials. The apparatus was fabricated from a 2.0 mm thick mild steel sheet and equipped with an Arduino Uno microcontroller and DS18B20 digital temperature sensors for automated temperature measurement and data logging. To evaluate its performance, the cooling process of 50 mL of water initially heated to 90 °C was monitored until thermal equilibrium with the ambient environment was approached. Both the water temperature and ambient temperature were recorded automatically throughout the experiment. Analysis of the experimental data revealed a linear relationship between the rate of cooling and the excess temperature of the water above its surroundings, consistent with Newton’s law of cooling. The slope of the best-fit line was determined to be (0.0045 ± 1.87881) × 10⁻5 s⁻¹, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.99189. The high degree of linearity obtained demonstrates the reliability of the apparatus and confirms its suitability for verifying Newton’s law of cooling within experimental uncertainty. Owing to its low cost, ease of construction, and automated data acquisition capability, the apparatus offers a practical alternative for teaching and laboratory demonstrations in educational institutions with limited resources.
Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on Growth and Development of a Monocot (zea mays l.) and a Dicot (phaseolus vulgaris l.) Cultivated in Sabon Layi, Kaltungo Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria
Acid rain is a major environmental concern that refers to precipitation such as rain, snow, or fog, with a pH level lower than the normal range, resulting from the accumulation of atmospheric pollutants. The aim of this research is to investigate and compare the effects of simulated acid rain on the growth and development of selected monocot (maize) and dicot (beans) species, with the specific objectives of evaluating the effect of simulated acid rain on growth parameters of maize and beans and compare the tolerance of monocot and dicot plants to acid rain stress. Simulated acid rain was prepared by diluting sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃) in distilled water to achieve the desired pH levels. forty (40) experimental pots were filled with loam soil mixed with farm yard manure. Two viable seeds of maize and beans were sown into each experimental pots at a depth of 3cm, after three weeks, seedlings were thinned to reduce the plant to one per pot. Simulated acid rain was sprayed to the plants twice weekly for eight weeks according to their pH values of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 7.0 control. The plants grew for eight weeks before the experiment was terminated. The research findings revealed the effects of monocot and dicot roots, shoots and leaves biomass and length of dicot plants responded more adversely to acid rain compared to monocot and the response decreased with decreasing pH. All parameters in monocots show significant differences across pH treatments (p < 0.05), only Root length in dicots shows no significant difference across pH treatments (p = 0.2332). In conclusion, simulated acid rain significantly reduced growth parameters in both species, with Phaseolus vulgaris showing greater sensitivity than Zea mays.
Development of an Optimized Timetable Scheduling for Efficient Resource Utilization
This study aims to optimize timetable scheduling for efficient resource utilization in educational institutions. The objectives were to minimize scheduling conflicts, maximize resource usage, and ensure equitable workload distribution. A hybrid Genetic Algorithm–Particle Swarm Optimization (GA-PSO) model was developed and implemented in Python using The Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti dataset. The method combines GA’s global search capability with PSO’s fast convergence to enhance solution quality. Results show that the hybrid model outperformed standalone approaches, achieving a 71.6% reduction in conflict rate, an 8.8% increase in resource utilization, and a fairness index of 0.94 with reduced computation time. These findings demonstrate the model’s robustness, scalability, and efficiency in handling complex scheduling problems. The study concludes that hybrid metaheuristic approaches provide a reliable framework for intelligent scheduling and recommends their adoption with continuous tuning and real-time integration for improved institutional performance.
Development of an Online Academic Staff Evaluation System for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Institutions
This study aims to develop an Online Academic Staff Evaluation System to enhance quality assurance in tertiary institutions. The system was designed using a multi-tier architecture, with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and Bootstrap for the frontend, and Python (Django framework) with MySQL for backend processing and data management. The system was evaluated over three months using 120 participants, including students and academic staff, utilizing System Usability Scale (SUS) metrics, functional testing, and performance analysis. The system significantly improved evaluation efficiency, ensured data confidentiality, enhanced transparency in performance assessment, and improved user satisfaction. It achieved a high usability score (SUS = 78.7) and demonstrated strong reliability under synchronized user conditions. The proposed system offers a scalable, secure, and efficient solution for academic staff evaluation, with strong potential to enhance data-driven decision-making and contributing to institutional quality assurance practices.
Alkali-Catalyzed Transesterification of Thevetia Peruviana Seed Oil: Comparative Evaluation of NaOH and KOH Catalysts and Fuel Property Characterization
Rising energy costs and growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions continue to drive research into alternative fuel sources, and biodiesel derived from triglycerides remains one of the most promising options. This study investigates crude Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) seed oil as a biodiesel feedstock, produced via alkali-catalyzed methanolysis using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalysts. The resulting biodiesel was characterized for key fuel properties, including kinematic viscosity at 40°C, density, flash point, fire point, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, and moisture content. NaOH produced a higher biodiesel yield and marginally better cetane index, flash point, and fire point than KOH, though excessive NaOH concentration promoted soap formation and emulsification during purification. KOH-catalyzed biodiesel, by contrast, retained substantially higher moisture content, a disadvantage for long-term storage stability. Both catalysts yielded biodiesel with viscosity, density, acid value, and iodine value within accepted limits for conventional biodiesel, and with flash points well above that of petroleum diesel, indicating safer handling and storage. These findings, considered alongside comparable studies on yellow oleander and other alkali-catalyzed feedstocks, confirm Thevetia peruviana seed oil as a viable, non-edible biodiesel feedstock capable of meeting conventional fuel-quality standards while offering the added environmental benefits of biodegradability and reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons relative to petroleum-based diesel.
Enhancing Efficiency and Resource Management in Tertiary Institutions Through an Integrated Equipment and Facility Management System
Efficient management of equipment and facilities remains a major challenge in tertiary institutions, particularly in developing countries where manual systems and reactive maintenance practices prevail. This study presents an Integrated Equipment and Facility Management (IEFM) system designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The system integrates centralized inventory, preventive maintenance scheduling, real-time fault reporting, and usage tracking within a unified web platform. Data were obtained from the National Board for Technical Education curricula, lecturers, and laboratory technologists. The system was modeled using UML and implemented with Python (Django), MySQL, and modern web technologies. Results show over 60% reduction in repair turnaround time and 45% improvement in maintenance efficiency, with a user satisfaction score of 4.56/5. The system demonstrates effectiveness in optimizing resource utilization and improving accreditation readiness.