The Paradox of Oil Abundance and Fuel Scarcity in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

We empirically investigate the paradox of oil abundance and fuel scarcity in Nigeria, a nation that ranks among the world’s leading oil producers. Despite its vast hydrocarbon reserves, Nigeria faces chronic fuel shortages, raising fundamental questions about efficiency and sustainability of its energy consumption patterns. Using quarterly time-series data from the World Bank spanning 1990 to 2024, we apply Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling approach to analyze and forecast fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total), the study’s dependent variable. Autoregressive and moving average components are the independent variables. Model estimation via conditional least squares (CLS) reveals a statistically significant negative coefficient for MA(4) at -0.999984, suggesting a near-complete dampening effect of past shocks in the fourth lag period. AR(1) coefficient of 0.870696 indicates that approximately 87% of the current consumption levels are explained by the immediate past, underscoring a high degree of persistence in fossil fuel usage. Diagnostic checks confirm robustness of the model, exhibiting covariance stationarity, invertibility, and absence of serial correlation. Forecasts from 2025 to 2050 show a sustained increase in fossil fuel energy consumption, projected to rise from 55.7% in 2025 to 63.2% by 2050. Our findings highlight structural inefficiencies and policy disconnects in Nigeria’s energy sector. We recommend urgent reforms in energy governance, enhanced domestic refining capacity, and a phased transition toward sustainable energy sources to resolve the paradox of abundance amidst scarcity

Novel Photo/Thermal-Electric and Fission-Electric Power Systems

Current green energy programs are incomplete without the long-term solution to the nuclear waste problem. In particular, spent fuel and depleted uranium (DU) that could be a major source of nuclear energy and isotopes are now being managed as waste. To integrate electrical-in-nature nuclear energy into green grids, a thermo-electric gas cooled water moderated small modular reactor (SMR) with a fission-electric (FE) corecan be used. Also,only about half of the solar radiation makes it to the Earth surface; the rest is either absorbed or reflected by clouds, and the atmosphere. A hybrid blackbody-cavity photoelectric (PE), PVand thermal modules are proposed. In the PV, PE/thermalcells, spacing between the photovoltaic (PV) mirror anode, in-planegate and cathode allows to greatly improve theirefficiencies, while also taking advantage of low-cost thermal storage

Assessment of Wetlands Dynamics in Bo City, Southern Region of Sierra Leone

Background and Goal of the Research: Wetlands are vital ecosystems that serve as critical links between aquatic and terrestrial environments, offering a wide range of ecosystem services such as biodiversity conservation, water purification, and flood control. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change have placed immense pressure on these ecosystems, leading to their degradation. In Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, urban expansion and socio-economic activities are significantly impacting wetland dynamics. This study aims to assess the distribution, diversity, and resource composition of wetlands in the city, providing insights to guide sustainable management and conservation strategies. Methodology: The research adopted a descriptive and exploratory design, utilizing field surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and biodiversity indices to analyze wetland dynamics. Quadrat and transect sampling methods were employed to document plant species and assess their abundance and distribution. Data on wetland size and ownership were collected, and statistical tools, including one-way ANOVA and diversity indices such as Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices, were applied to evaluate ecological and ownership patterns. Results & Findings: The study identified 138 wetlands distributed across seven zones in Bo City, each with varying ecological and socio-economic characteristics. Larger wetlands (>6 hectares) were predominantly managed by caretakers, while government and community ownership were minimal. A total of 46 plant species were recorded, with species like Ipomoea aquatica and Commelina diffusa being the most abundant. Zone 5 exhibited the highest biodiversity, as evidenced by its Shannon diversity index (3.746), while Zone 7 showed the lowest diversity and evenness, reflecting the impacts of urban pressures. Ownership type significantly influenced wetland size stability (p = 0.007), while active biomonitoring demonstrated potential benefits for conservation. Conclusion: The findings highlight the ecological richness of Bo City’s wetlands and the threats posed by urban expansion and fragmented management. Effective conservation policies, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and robust monitoring programs are essential to ensure the sustainability of these ecosystems. The study underscores the importance of balancing urban development with ecological preservation to protect the vital services provided by wetlands in Bo City

A Rapid Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Lead (Pb) in Calcium Saccharin

The determination of lead (Pb) content in calcium saccharin is critical due to the potential health risks posed by lead exposure, even at low concentrations. This study explores the application of various analytical techniques for the quantification of lead in calcium saccharin, a widely used artificial sweetener. Methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), a simpler direct spectrophotometric method for the trace lead concentration in calcium saccharin samples. The method was successfully used; and average sample results have been found 0.32 mg/Kg. The results were within the specification of not more than 2.0 mg/Kg maximum. The results highlight the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of these methods in detecting trace amounts of lead, with particular emphasis on optimizing sample preparation and minimizing interference. The findings provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of analytical techniques in ensuring the purity and safety of calcium saccharin in food and pharmaceutical applications

Development of a Numerical Index as a Framework for Quantifying and Communicating the Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases drive global warming and ultimately Climate change which poses significant health risks worldwide. Existing frameworks, such as Global Warming Potential (GWP) of green house gases, neglect health impacts. The objective of this work was therefore to develop the Climate Change Health Impact Index (CCHII), integrating health effects and GWP. CCHII combines GWP with Health Impact Rating Scale (HIRS), a novel rating system assessing greenhouse gas health impacts. Example calculations of CCHII for CO2, CH4, and N2O yielded CCHII values of 0.06, 1.12, and 21.20, respectively, providing numerical values for health impacts of these prominent green housegases. CCHII provides a numerical index for comparing greenhouse gas health impacts, to potentially support informed policy decisions on greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation strategies. Future refinement of HIRS and CCHII through expert feedback and real-world data will enhance accuracy and applicability

Assessment of the Effects of Human Settlements on Quality of Ground Water Sources in Lamu Island, Kenya

Fresh water is a naturally occurring resource that is found in wells, springs and underground. Its quality is of paramount importance to its domestic and agricultural related activities. The population of Lamu Island in Kenya, has settled and developed along the sand dunes which are the sources of freshwater.The activities they engage has affected the fresh water quality and quantity. Ten (10) water samples from the 34 shallow wells aquifers were analysed for physical, chemical and biological from the southern and northern zone respectively. The analysis results showed that the wells found in the Southern zone of aquifer were more contaminated than the Northern zone wells, based on the descriptive and experimental designs used. Comparatively the Electrical conductivity of the Southern zone wells were significantly higher than the Northern zone wells at 95% Confidence Interval. The demand for fresh water is higher than the supply thereby forcing the authorities to impose water rationing. The study recommends that the Lamu County government develop policies that ensures the sources of fresh water are protected and human settlements are far off from the fresh water aquife

Scientific and Theoretical Foundations of the Formation of Constructive Competence of Future Teachers

Constructive competence plays an important role in improving the professional skills of teachers in the modern education system. To form this competence, it is necessary to develop effective methods based on the principles of constructivism, activity approach and creative pedagogy. Training future teachers on the basis of an innovative and creative approach serves to improve the quality of the educational process. The formation of constructive competence, that is, the teacher's ability to think independently, create innovative approaches and effectively organize the educational process, is very important. This article analyzes the essence of constructive competence, the process of its formation and scientific and theoretical foundations. Today, the formation of the competencies of future teachers on the basis of the improvement of the education system and modern pedagogical approaches is of great importance

A Multidimensional Analysis of Health and Work Participation Among Older Indian Adults

The world faces a demographic shift marked by global population ageing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their growing numbers, older adults remain underrepresented in health research, especially regarding their work participation and its impact on well-being. India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3, emphasizes health and well-being for all, underscoring the need to study older adults. This study examines the relationship between work status and health among adults aged 45 and above, representing a vital workforce segment. Using data from Wave 1 of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), ordered logistic regression and logistic regression were applied to assess physical and mental health indicators. Results reveal that withdrawal from the workforce negatively affects health, with previously employed but currently non-working individuals showing the poorest health outcomes. Socio-demographic factors like levels of education, place of residence, and marital status also significantly influence health

The Impact of Swimming on Cognitive and Mental Health Among Pre-Service Physical Education Teachers

This study investigates the effects of a semester-long swimming intervention on the cognitive and mental well-being of pre-service physical education teachers. Recognising the growing concern over mental health issues, particularly among young adults, this research examines whether structured swimming lessons contribute to improved mental well-being and cognitive performance. A single-group experimental design was implemented, involving 30 undergraduate students enrolled in a 14-week swimming course. Participants' mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), while cognitive performance was measured through the Stroop Color-Word Test, administered before and after the intervention.  The findings indicated an overall improvement in participants' understanding of the relationship between swimming and mental health, particularly in areas such as concentration, sleep quality, and group belonging. However, statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed no significant differences in mental well-being or cognitive performance post-intervention. While basic cognitive processing showed slight improvements, more complex cognitive tasks exhibited mixed results, possibly due to cognitive fatigue or a speed-accuracy trade-off. Despite the lack of statistically significant changes, regular swimming may offer psychological and cognitive benefits through structured physical activity and social engagement. The findings emphasise the potential of swimming as a complementary approach to mental health promotion, highlighting the need for further research with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs to establish its long-term effects

University Students' Attitudes Towards Epilepsy in Madina

Background: Over 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, a condition often misunderstood. This misunderstanding leads to negative attitudes that can result in social isolation, discrimination, and a reduced quality of life for individuals with epilepsy. This lack of understanding exacerbates the burden of the disease. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the attitudes of Saudi Arabian university students towards people with epilepsy. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Settings: University students survey. Main Outcome Measures: this study was conducted to investigate the attitudes of Saudi Arabian university students towards people with epilepsy. Patients and Methods: An Arabic-speaking Taibah University students, aged 17 to 28 years, with an average age of 20.37 ±2.66 years are surveyed. Most participants were female (62.8%). All participants completed a structured online questionnaire to assess their general knowledge and understanding of epilepsy, their attitudes towards people with epilepsy, and their perceptions about employment, driving, and social participation for individuals with epilepsy. Sample Size: This study examined 137 Taibah University students from medical and non-medical colleges. Results: Although more than half of the study participants had some prior experience with epilepsy, only a small fraction (11.5%) correctly identified it as a physical condition. Despite recognizing the rights of individuals with epilepsy to participate in everyday life, a large number of participants expressed reservations about marrying (78.3%) or hiring (33.6%) someone with epilepsy. Additionally, a significant majority (77.6%) believe that individuals with epilepsy cannot live independently, and almost all (91.2%) believe they should not drive. These results emphasize the continued presence of significant misconceptions and stigmatization surrounding epilepsy. Conclusion: This research revealed a significant lack of knowledge regarding epilepsy among university students, indicating that the general public may be even less informed. This knowledge gap can exacerbate the difficulties experienced by individuals with epilepsy. Limitations: small sample size. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. All aspects of this work, including its design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication, were conducted independently and without influence from any external parties, financial or otherwise