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    EVALUATION OF AFROCENTRIC STRATEGIES FOR THE DESIGN OF COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DESIGN INITIATIVE, SATELLITE TOWN, LAGOS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) Ihewulezi, Fortune Onyinyechi; Covenant University Dissertation
    The underrepresentation of African cultural identity in contemporary architecture has led to growing interest in Afrocentric design approaches. Afrocentricity is the primary standpoint specifically addressing that spaces and buildings should resonate with the local community’s identity, pride and heritage while ensuring that it is standardized. This study aimed to evaluate the adoption of Afrocentric design strategies with the purpose to improve user wellbeing leading to its integration in the design of a community centre in Satellite Town and addressed these objectives which are to analyze level of adoption of afro-centric design strategies in community centres, assess the overall wellbeing of the users of the community centres and to establish a relationship between afro-centric design strategies and user wellbeing in community centres in Lagos mainland. This research adopted a pragmatic philosophy employing mixed method and a qualitative approach to explore Afrocentric design strategies for user wellbeing in a Lagos Mainland Community centre. Utilizing stratified random sampling method, the study focused on 318 respondents from three community centres employing the use of questionnaires, observation guide and case studies to comprehensively collect data within the study area. The scope encompasses the community needs, heritage preservation in its surroundings by incorporating the Afrocentric design strategies, the findings show that integrating indigenous symbols, spatial hierarchies, and community participation enhances both cultural relevance and environmental responsiveness and opportunities for the creation of community centres that are Africa-centred within the specified area and considered wellbeing of the users. The study recommends that architects adopt Afrocentric design principles, planners integrate culturally sensitive policies into urban frameworks, and communities actively engage in co-creating spaces that reflect their heritage.
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    EVALUATION OF NEO-VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE STRATEGIES IN THE DESIGN OF AN ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE FOR LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) Enwonwu, Chigozie Mitchelle; Covenant University Dissertation
    This study evaluates the extent to which neo-vernacular architectural strategies are implemented in selected arts and cultural centres in Lagos and explores how users perceive the benefits of these strategies. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through case studies and user surveys at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and KAP Hub. While purposive sampling guided the selection of centres, random sampling was used to recruit survey participants. Case study analysis revealed differing levels of neo-vernacular strategy adoption across the centres. Survey findings further indicated that users generally perceive neo-vernacular architecture as beneficial across cultural, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. However, these perceived benefits vary across centres. The study recommends a shift from symbolic use of traditional forms toward deeper, contextually grounded applications. Design strategies such as passive cooling, use of local materials, and integration of vernacular forms are proposed to enhance cultural relevance and improve architectural performance. By grounding contemporary design in indigenous knowledge and user experience, neo-vernacular architecture can offer more meaningful and enduring cultural spaces
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    EFFECTS OF JOBELYN® AND RESVERATROL ON BISPHENOL-A-INDUCED MALE REPRODUCTIVE DYSFUNCTIONS IN WISTAR RATS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) FASANYA, CHRISTIANAH BOLUWATIFE
    Recent years have shown a significant deterioration in sperm quality among men, largely attributed to prolonged exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors. Bisphenol-A (BPA), a prominent disruptor, contributes to this issue by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The study aims to examine the effects of Resveratrol and Jobelyn on reproductive dysfunction in BPA-induced male rats. BPA was exposed to forty-two male rats, grouped into six. Every group—aside from the control, were exposed to 200 mg/kg of BPA. The treatment groups included: Group 3, which received 20 mg/kg of Resveratrol; Group 4, treated with 5 mg/kg of clomiphene citrate; Groups 5 and 6, administered 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of Jobelyn, respectively; and Group 7 received a combined dose of 200 mg/kg of Jobelyn and 20 mg/kg of Resveratrol. This experiment was conducted over a duration of 28 days. The testicular, and epididymal antioxidant enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level were evaluated. The sperm quality and serum hormonal (luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle stimulating hormone) concentration were also evaluated. The results revealed that exposure to BPA significantly (p<0.05) reduced the sperm quality, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and hormonal levels compared to the control group, while it caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Treatment with Jobelyn and Resveratrol significantly (p<0.05) improved sperm quality and hormonal levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in comparison to BPA-induced rats. The histopathology analysis showed no structural or cellular alteration to the testes and epididymis. This study suggests that Jobelyn and Resveratrol may be beneficial in managing hormonal imbalances caused by oxidative stress in men.
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    AN OPTIMIZED DEEP-FOREST MODEL USING A MODIFIED DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM: A CASE OF HOST-PATHOGEN PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION PREDICTION
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) EMMANUEL JERRY DAUDA; Covenant University Thesis
    Deep forest is an advanced ensemble learning technique that employs forest structures within a cascade framework, leveraging deep architectures to enhance predictive performance by adaptively capturing high-level feature representations. Despite its promise, deep forest models often face critical challenges, including manual hyperparameter optimization and inefficiencies in computational time and memory usage. To address these limitations, Bayesian optimization, a prominent model-based hyperparameter optimization method, is frequently utilized, with Differential Evolution (DE) serving as the acquisition function in recent implementations. However, DE's reliance on random index selection for constructing donor vectors introduces inefficiencies, as suboptimal or redundant indices may hinder the search for optimal solutions. This study introduces an optimized deep forest algorithm that integrates a modified DE acquisition function into Bayesian optimization to improve host-pathogen protein-protein interaction (HPPPI) prediction. The modified DE approach incorporates a weighted and adaptive donor vector selection mechanism, enhancing the exploration and exploitation of hyperparameter configurations. Performance evaluations using 10-fold cross-validation on human–Plasmodium falciparum (PF) protein sequence datasets sourced from reputable databases demonstrated the model's superiority over traditional Bayesian optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, and conventional machine learning models. The optimized framework achieved an accuracy of 89.3%, sensitivity of 85.4%, precision of 91.6%, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of 89.1%, surpassing existing methods. Additionally, the model exhibited reduced computational time and memory usage. The optimized DF was deployed as a web-based pipeline, DFH3PI (Deep Forest Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction), which successfully identified three potential human–PF PPIs previously classified as non-interacting: P50250–P08319, Q8ILI6–O94813, and Q7KQL3–Q96GQ7. These findings not only present the potential of DFH3PI for advancing HPPPI prediction but also establish the optimized deep forest framework as a transformative tool in computational biology. Its ability to combine accuracy and efficiency marks a significant step forward in predictive modeling.
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    Students’ satisfaction with lighting in classrooms: A case study of a college building in Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
    (Journal of The Nigerian Institute of Architects Vol. 2, 2024) Sholanke Anthony Babatunde; Ekhaese Eghosa N.; Jegede Foluke O.; Omokanye Lois A.
    Quality lighting is essential for performing academic tasks in educational environments. Poor lighting is a hindrance to effective teaching and learning, especially in classrooms. Users' satisfaction with the quality of light in educational settings is therefore essential for enabling effective delivery of quality education. This study investigated students' satisfaction with lighting in classrooms in a college building at Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, with a view to identify grey areas that require improvements, towards making contributions on ways of developing sustainable educational environment that meet users' lighting needs. The study adopted a mixed research approach that utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative data was collected with the aid of an observation guide and content analysed. Whereas, quantitative data was gathered from 100 undergraduate final year students with a closed-ended structured questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Product and Service Solutions software. Descriptive approach with the aid of photographic images and tables were used to present the findings. The study discovered that natural lighting is admitted into the classrooms through side windows and clerestory windows, while light emitting diode blubs are the artificial lighting means used. Both lighting mediums were found to be adequate. Majority of the respondents equally found the lighting means effective to indicate that they are fit for purpose. The study underscored the importance of making appropriate provisions for both natural and artificial lighting in learning spaces as a way to enhance students’ concentration level through the provision of effective natural and artificial lighting in academic environments, which in turn has the potential to enhance their academic performance.
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    Influence of Architectural Education on Sustainable Design Thinking: A Review of Energy-Efficiency Concepts
    (IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Sholanke Anthony Babatunde; Nwangwu C. I.
    The integration of sustainable design thinking in architectural practice is crucial for addressing energy efficiency challenges. However, the influence of architectural education on fostering such thinking remains underexplored. In order to solve this problem, this study examined how teaching architecture promotes sustainable design thinking, with a focus on energy-efficiency. It examined existing literature and case studies to evaluate teaching techniques in architecture schools and made a case for a curriculum that incorporates energy-efficient design concepts and fosters a sustainable culture within the programme. Through literature review by content analysis and selective approach of study, the results and findings show that there are significant barriers to the effective implementation of sustainable design education, such as: lack of faculty knowledge, lack of funds, and obsolete assessment techniques. The study concludes that greater collaborative efforts across stakeholders are needed to overcome these difficulties and establish a sustainable culture in architectural education It is envisaged that this study will encourage architects to design environmentally friendly and energy-efficient schemes. The study offers helpful information for creating curricula and formulating policies for education in sustainable design.
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    Evaluation of Fire Safety Management Strategies in Selected Shopping Malls in Abuja, Nigeria
    (F1000Research, 2025-04) Sholanke Anthony Babatunde; Dimuna K. O.; Olukayode B. G.
    Background Incessant incidences have led to losses of several lives and huge investments in many developing countries, particularly Nigeria. This study evaluated fire safety management strategies of selected shopping malls in the city of Abuja, Nigeria in order to identify specific areas that require improvement. Methods The research adopted a case study approach and analysis of data through qualitative means. An observation guide designed for the study was used to collect data. The data were content analysed and the findings reported in themes with the aid of tables and photographs to enhance clarity and understanding. Results The result revealed that the efficacy of active fire safety strategies of the shopping malls exhibited various levels of inadequacies. Fire prevention devices such as sprinklers, smoke detectors and drenchers were either not provided or sparsely provided. The prevalent firemitigation devices found in the malls were fire extinguishers and fire buckets, which are grossly inadequate to prevent the rapid spread of large-scale fire. The passive fire safety measures of the malls also exhibited some levels of inadequacies. The study underscored the need for fire safety strategies in public buildings, particularly largescale commercial structures with high capacity of users, to be adequately provided and managed in adherence to standard practice and building code requirements. Conclusion The study recommends that building professionals should adapt innovative means to mitigate fire risk in the planning and development of commercial buildings. Also, making provisions to accommodate impulsive human behaviour during times of chaos should be a primary design consideration for building designers. The study emphasizes the need for further attention and improvement in fire safety management strategies implementation in commercial buildings, especially large-scale public facilities such as shopping malls, in order to appreciably guide against the devastating effect of fire in case of an occurrence.
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    MOLECULAR DOCKING, LIGAND QUALITY AND ANTIPLASMODIAL EVALUATION OF BENZAMIDE, COUMARIN AND BENZODIAZEPINE ANALOGS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) ADEBAYO GLORY PIPELOLUWA; Covenant University Thesis
    Malaria chemotherapy is an essential strategy for malaria elimination but resistance has challenged existing antimalarials, including frontline artemisinin combination therapy (ACT); hence, new antimalarial drugs must be discovered and developed. This study investigated the antiplasmodial efficacy and cytotoxicity through in vitro models while also testing the antiplasmodial efficacy, and the in vivo acute toxicity of benzamide, coumarin and benzodiazepine analogss. This study also evaluated the ligand quality of the molecules and their possible Plasmodium falciparum protein targets. Three molecules, 4- amino-N-hydroxybenzamide (AHB), ethyl 2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate (ECC), and 2,2,4-trimethyl-2-3-dihyro-1H-benzo[b][1,4] diazepine (BDZ) were screened for their in vitro antiplasmodial activities tested against P. falciparum 3D7 standard strain using the SYBR Green Dye I measuring IC50 and their cytotoxicities against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. Their antiplasmodial efficacies were determined using Peter’s 4-day suppressive test against Plasmodium berghei in M. musculus while acute toxicities were investigated in the Mus musculus (mice). Ligand qualities were determined using ligand efficiency metrics, and molecular docking was conducted to determine the ligand interactions between ECC and the following enzymatic proteins, P. falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHOH) and P. falciparum purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PfPNP); and the molecular interaction between BDZ and PfDXR - Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase, P. falciparum falcipain-2 and P. falciparum plasmepsin X (PfPMX). AHB showed no cytotoxicity against MCF-7 at (CC50) = 277.7 μM, while ECC showed inhibition with CC50= 3.930 μM, and BDZ showed no cytotoxicity CC50= 7373 μM. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity showed potency at (AHB)IC50 = 0.0020 ± 0.008 μM, (ECC) IC50= 0.0010 ± 0.002 μM, (BDZ) IC50= 0.0036 ± 0.003 μM respectively. BDZ showed the highest selectivity index at > 200,000, suggesting that it exhibited the best safety/efficacy among the three compounds. AHB displayed LD50 = >5000 mg/kg while ECC and BDZ displayed LD50 = 3162.28 mg/kg. Histopathological examinations showed non-toxicity by the three analogs on the liver and kidney of M. musculus. The percentage suppression of AHB (80.53 ± 3.26 %) at 400 mg/kg, was comparable to the standard chloroquine (81.71 ± 1.82 %) at 100 mg/kg where the mean survival time for both exceeded 30 days. ECC and BDZ showed excellent efficacies (70.98 ± 20.89 % and 83.66 ± 11.67 %) at 200 mg/kg, comparable to chloroquine 80.97 ± 5.82 %. The chemosuppression values for AHB and BDZ were significant at P value < 0.05. The ligand quality of ECC and BDZ displayed good Ligand Efficiency compared to chloroquine and artemisinin and higher enzyme affinities, and ligand efficiency dependent lipophilicity than the standard drugs. ECC and BDZ displayed good characteristics. The docking studies displayed strong hydrophobic interactions between ECC, PfDHODH, and PfPNP, suggesting good potency. BDZ’s binding with PfDXR, Pffalcipain-2, and PfPMX also displayed potency derived from hydrophobic and hydrogen interactions. Conclusively, this study showed AHB, ECC and BDZ were non-toxic to mammalian cells rodents’ liver and kidneys. These molecules exhibited good antiplasmodial inhibitory potential against both P. falciparum in vitro and P. berghei in vivo. ECC and BDZ displayed high ligand efficiency and strong molecular interactions with their protein targets. Therefore, all three analogs can be moved for further optimization in drug development.
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    GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN ERCC6 AND CYP17A1 AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH VITAMIN-D LEVELS IN NIGERIAN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) AMADI, EMMANUEL CHIMUEBUKA; Covenant University Dissertation
    Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes the principal cause of cancer-related deaths among males over 40 in Africa, especially in Nigeria. By 2030, 10.8% of males may develop PCa before 75. The aggressiveness of PCa in Blacks versus Caucasians is not well understood. Mutations in tumour-specific genes like Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 6 (ERCC6) and Cytochrome P450 Family 17 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP17A1) may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. ERCC6, involved in DNA repair, and CYP17A1, key in androgen production, are linked to PCa progression. This study assessed ERCC6 rs2228528 and CYP17A1 rs4919686 polymorphisms and their relation to vitamin D (VD) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency is linked with increased prostate cancer (PCa) mortality and influences energy metabolism in normal prostate cells. The Androgen Receptor (AR) regulates vital genes in prostate cancer development and is more common in Black populations. Exploring ERCC6 and CYP17A1 in relation to VD and AR could improve PCa diagnosis. This study evaluated the association between ERCC6 rs2228528 (C > T) and CYP17A1 rs4919686 (A > C) polymorphisms, located in ERCC6 exon 11 and the CYP17A1 promoter, respectively, vis-à-vis VD and AR levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Genotyping employed real-time PCR with TaqMan assays, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure VD and AR levels. The data was then analysed using Excel, SPSS, and R. Results revealed a higher presence of ERCC6 rs2228528 wildtype genotypes in cases (37%) compared to controls (30%) and a lower presence of CYP17A1 rs4919686 wildtype genotypes in cases (46%) versus controls (48%). No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between these polymorphisms. Nevertheless, rs2228528 shows promise as a PCa biomarker. VD levels were higher in cases (52.49 ng/mL) than in control (47.93 ng/mL), while difference in androgen levels were not significant (p > 0.05). Lastly, ERCC6 polymorphism, but not CYP17A1, shows potential as a possible biomarker for PCa. Larger studies are needed for definitive conclusions.
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    GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN ERCC6 AND CYP17A1 AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH VITAMIN-D LEVELS IN NIGERIAN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) AMADI EMMANUEL CHIMUEBUKA; Covenant Uniersity Dissertation
    Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes the principal cause of cancer-related deaths among males over 40 in Africa, especially in Nigeria. By 2030, 10.8% of males may develop PCa before 75. The aggressiveness of PCa in Blacks versus Caucasians is not well understood. Mutations in tumour-specific genes like Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 6 (ERCC6) and Cytochrome P450 Family 17 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP17A1) may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. ERCC6, involved in DNA repair, and CYP17A1, key in androgen production, are linked to PCa progression. This study assessed ERCC6 rs2228528 and CYP17A1 rs4919686 polymorphisms and their relation to vitamin D (VD) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency is linked with increased prostate cancer (PCa) mortality and influences energy metabolism in normal prostate cells. The Androgen Receptor (AR) regulates vital genes in prostate cancer development and is more common in Black populations. Exploring ERCC6 and CYP17A1 in relation to VD and AR could improve PCa diagnosis. This study evaluated the association between ERCC6 rs2228528 (C > T) and CYP17A1 rs4919686 (A > C) polymorphisms, located in ERCC6 exon 11 and the CYP17A1 promoter, respectively, vis-à-vis VD and AR levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Genotyping employed real-time PCR with TaqMan assays, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure VD and AR levels. The data was then analysed using Excel, SPSS, and R. Results revealed a higher presence of ERCC6 rs2228528 wildtype genotypes in cases (37%) compared to controls (30%) and a lower presence of CYP17A1 rs4919686 wildtype genotypes in cases (46%) versus controls (48%). No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between these polymorphisms. Nevertheless, rs2228528 shows promise as a PCa biomarker. VD levels were higher in cases (52.49 ng/mL) than in control (47.93 ng/mL), while difference in androgen levels were not significant (p > 0.05). Lastly, ERCC6 polymorphism, but not CYP17A1, shows potential as a possible biomarker for PCa. Larger studies are needed for definitive conclusions. Keywords: Black Populations and Cancer, Gene