International Journal of Science for Global Sustainability

Valorization of Waste LDPE Using Isoberlina Wood Fillers: Mechanical Properties, Creep Resistance, and Dynamic Viscoelastic Behavior of Sustainable Composites

Uwaisu Yusuf — 2025-12-05

In an effort to develop eco-conscious technologies for waste reduction, this study explores the potential of Isoberlina wood fibre (IWF) as a reinforcing agent in recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) composites, aiming to enhance mechanical performance while promoting sustainable reuse of plastic waste. Using standardized mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and creep evaluation, the influence of IWF on the composite’s structural and viscoelastic properties was evaluated. At 20 wt% fibre content, the rLDPE composite exhibited significant improvements: tensile strength (11.5 MPa), elastic modulus (167 MPa), flexural strength (70.4 MPa), and Shore hardness (68). DMA results revealed a substantial increase in storage modulus from 330 MPa to 1.2 GPa, indicating enhanced load-bearing capacity. A decline in loss modulus with increasing temperature and frequency suggested reduced energy dissipation and improved stiffness. Creep analysis demonstrated a lower strain rate over time, with the reinforced composite reaching equilibrium at 38.1 minutes, outperforming the unreinforced rLDPE polymer and confirming improved resistance to long-term deformation. These results underscore the effectiveness of Isoberlina fibre in enhancing the mechanical, thermal and creep performance of rLDPE, offering a viable pathway for eco-friendly composite development.

Phytochemical Profiling, Mineral Analysis, Nutritional Composition, and Bioactivity Assessment of a Commercial Honey-Fortified

O.I Eniayewu — 2025-12-05

HM-4 is a commercial polyherbal product used for the treatment of various illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes. It consists of honey and four different medicinal plants; Curcuma longa, Aframomum melegueta, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum in various unrevealed proportions. This study aims to determine the phytochemical, proximate and mineral composition, as well as in-vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of HM-4. Phytochemical screening for the presence of bioactive compounds in the HM-4 was performed using standard methods. Proximate and mineral composition were determined using AOAC guidelines and atomic absorption spectrophotometry after wet digestion, respectively. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide and hydroxyl ion scavenging assays. In-vitro antidiabetic potential was determined using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) method.

Phytochemical analysis identified several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids. Flavonoids content was 509.6 mg/QE, alkaloid 12.5 mg/100g, total phenolics 0.343 mg/GAE, and tannins 0.378 mg/100g. HM-4 possess good antioxidant property, with IC₅₀ values of 148 and 112 µg/ml for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The HM-4 is rich in essential micronutrients, predominantly potassium. Proximate analysis revealed that HM-4 is rich in carbohydrate (89%w/v) and calories (1554%w/v). The HM-4 exhibits in-vitro antidiabetic property, with 57,1% alpha amylase inhibition at extract concentration of 500 µg/ml , indicating its potential as an adjunct in the management of diabetes.

The HM-4 is a valuable source of bioactive compounds and micronutrients, offering significant antioxidants and antidiabetic properties that could be further explored for the development of novel nutraceuticals

Socio-demographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity among Staff of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto: A Cross-sectional Study

Basiru Shuaibu — 2025-12-05

Overweight and obesity have risen globally, doubling since 1980, and now affect approximately one-third of the world’s population. In Nigeria, the economic burden of obesity is substantial, with treatment costs estimated at ₦88,000 per patient annually. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 109 academic and non-academic staff of UDUS selected through multistage probability sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Respondents were predominantly young (71.6%), male (78%), married (78%), and mainly of Hausa/Fulani ethnicity (67%), with 92.7% residing in urban areas. Bivariate analysis identified significant socio-demographic determinants associated with overweight and obesity, including age (OR 4.208; p = 0.002), male sex (OR 3.151; p = 0.022), marital status (OR 5.120; p = 0.003), junior staff grade (OR 0.340; p = 0.025), and number of children (OR 1.910; p = 0.005). The findings from this study highlight that overweight and obesity are notably prevalent among university staff, with a combined prevalence of 47%, aligning with regional and national data in Nigeria. Behavioral factors, especially sweets and chocolate consumption, showed a significant association with increased risk, while fruit intake exhibited a near-significant trend. Sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, staff grade, and the number of children also influence obesity risk, consistent with prior regional studies. Additionally, low smoking and alcohol consumption mirror sociocultural patterns, and sedentary lifestyles may further elevate obesity risk among university employees.

Biomass to Biofuel: Sawdust Conversion into Bio-Oil via Pyrolysis

A. Isah — 2025-12-05

This study investigates the conversion of sawdust into liquid fuel via pyrolysis. The bio-oil derived from sawdust pyrolysis was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results reveal a complex mixture of organic compounds, including phenolic compounds, ketones, aldehydes, and fatty acids. Phenolic compounds, such as phenol-2-methoxy- and Phenol-2,6-dimethyl are the most abundant group in the bio-oil, likely derived from the lignin component of the sawdust. The presence of these compounds suggests that the bio-oil could be used as a potential feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels. Further studies are needed to optimize the pyrolysis process and upgrade the bio-oil for practical applications. This study provides valuable insights into the composition of bio-oil derived from sawdust pyrolysis and its potential applications.

Prognosticating Risk Factors of Undernutrition in Under Five Years Children in Nigeria Using Ensemble Technique

Mohammed Ali Kawo — 2025-12-05

Insufficient nutritional intake and nutrient imbalances is referred to as malnutrition, which signifies a universal health matter that has a substantial consequence on children, leading to short-term and long-term consequences for their growth, development and general comfort. This research utilized the potentials of stack ensemble techniques in enhancing the prediction of Child undernutrition in Nigeria. The study exploits three key indicators such as: underweight, stunting and wasting from Nigerian Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021 dataset. Four different machine learning classifiers were employed namely: decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and the stack ensemble technique meta classifier that is concatenated with logistic regression (LR) to form stack ensemble technique in other to improve the prognostic risk factors of children under the age of five, considering their nutritional status. Based on their ability to predict outcomes, these classifiers were assessed and contrasted using standard machine learning evaluation metrics like. Accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score respectively. The effectiveness of machine learning techniques, specifically the Stack Ensemble technique, in prognosticating and comprehending the factors that donate undernutrition in Nigerian children is demonstrated by this study. The results offer important information for developing policies and focused actions.