Programme: Applied Biology
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Item Performance assessment of Bayesian meta-analytic predictive model on kdr mutation in insecticide-resistant malarial vectors in sub-Saharan Africa.(Malaria Journal, 24(1),, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, D. I.Mosquito populations’ selective pressure arising from the widespread and prolonged use of insecticides, especially pyrethroids, for both agricultural usages and public health outcomes, has immensely contributed to the emergence and heavily spread of insecticide resistance. In this study, a systematic review identified eight eligible case–control or cohort studies published between 2015 and 2025 across sub-Saharan Africa that reported both allele and/or genotype frequencies of L1014F and L1014S. The predictive performance and inferential robustness of a Bayesianw meta-analytic model were applied and evaluated on two knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, L1014F and L1014S, in the Anopheles mosquito populations. Using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to compute pooled concordance statistics, odds ratios, and perform funnel plot asymmetry tests (Egger, Macaskill, Debray). The results revealed that L1014F showed a stronger and more consistent association with phenotypic resistance compared to L1014S, with odds ratios (OR) as high as 4.44 (95% CI 3.40–5.80). However, concordance statistics for both mutations demonstrated wide confidence intervals (L1014F: 0.141; CI − 0.095 to 0.459; L1014S: 0.169; CI − 0.399 to 0.688), indicating moderate predictive reliability. The Bayesian framework effectively synthesized complex and heterogeneous resistance data, confirming the operational relevance of KDR mutations in resistance surveillance. The global significance of these results enhances the predictive analytics in resistance management, such that resistance evolution is temporally and spatially dynamic. The integration of Bayesian modelling into existing entomological surveillance systems shifts the paradigm towards more adaptive and anticipatory management. Although data sparsity and regional heterogeneity warrant cautious interpretation, integrating ecological and thermodynamic variables into predictive models is essential for enhancing future resistance forecasting.Item Impact of multi-active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria vector control in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis(Discover Public Health 23(1), 2026) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, D. I.Strong selective pressures on mosquitoes arise from an over-reliance on a narrow range of insecticides and the continuous increase in insecticide resistance. This increased resistance weakens the effectiveness of conventional single-ingredient vector control interventions, thus undermining the efforts to reduce malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of multi-active ingredients interventions, which include pyrethroid combinations with pyriproxyfen, chlorfenapyr, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), versus single-active ingredients approaches in reducing malaria prevalence and key entomological outcomes in malaria-endemic regions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including randomised controlled trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and interventions focused on multi-active ingredient (MAI) approaches. Data on malaria prevalence, vector density, sporozoite rate, and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were extracted. Random- and fixed-effects models were applied to evaluate the pooled effects, and heterogeneity was assessed using a diagnostic plot. Publication bias was examined using funnel and forest plots. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, which comprise a total of 135,706 households for pyrethroid-only ITNs, 117,652 for pyrethroid-pyriproxyfen, 118,518 for pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr, and 63,331 for pyrethroid-PBO interventions. Chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid combinations showed the most substantial reduction in malaria prevalence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30–0.67) and entomological inoculation rate (aOR 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07–0.31). Although pyriproxyfen and PBO combinations also reduced vector density and sporozoite rates, chlorfenapyr exhibited the highest efficacy, especially in regions with established pyrethroid resistance. Publication bias was observed, resulting in a slight overestimation of the effectiveness of MAI-LLINs interventions. MAI-LLINs approaches, particularly chlorfenapyr-pyrethroid interventions, have demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to single-active-ingredient (SAI) LLIN interventions in reducing malaria transmission metrics in sub-Saharan Africa. While the results underline the potential of MAI-LLINs strategies, further research and collaborative studies are needed to optimise MAI-LLINs deployment, assess long-term impacts on resistance, and ensure cost-effectiveness in resource-limited settings.Item Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research Vol 9, Issue 12,, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A.; Obembe, Olawole O.Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food securityItem Post-germination Application of Trichoderma asperellum for the Biocontrol of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea(Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2025) Oyesola, Olusola L.; Kinge, Tonjock R.; Kolade, Olufisayo A; Obembe, Olawole OCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) serves as a food source for humans and forage for animals. However, its production is affected by disease-causing fungi, of which Macrophomina phaseolina is a significant pathogen. Trichoderma was employed as a biofungicide to manage the disease in the screenhouse. Three strains of Trichoderma asperellum were isolated from the soil. The fungal spore suspensions of the Trichoderma strains were prepared, formulated into seven different treatment combinations, and applied to the cowpea potted soil five days after the germination of the cowpea to investigate their biocontrol ability on M. phaseolina and assess their effects on cowpea growth. The experiment's results showed that cowpea plants treated with T. asperellum differed significantly in plant height, stem girth, and leaf number compared to those treated with M. phaseolina alone (p < 0.05). Trt3 (54.6815 cm), Trt1 (54.0125 cm), and Trt5 (52.9375 cm) gave a higher plant height than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 44.9667 cm). Also, Trt7 (0.5413) and Trt3 (0.5258) gave a higher stem girth than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 0.3333 cm), while Trt6 (20.292) gave a higher leaf number than in control 1 (M. phaseolina-treated cowpea - 8.833). Additionally, Trt3 and Trt7 exhibited disease incidences of 22% and 67%, respectively, compared to control 1, which had a 100% incidence. Meanwhile, Trt7 showed 8% disease severity, compared to control 1, which had 100%. Therefore, post-germination Trichoderma application proved to be an effective strategy for controlling M. phaseolina, and it also has the potential to enhance cowpea biomass for sustainable food security.Item Stabilization and Environmental Sustainability of Swelling Clays Soils: A Review(COVENANT JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES, VOL. 13, NO. 2, 2025) Oziegbe, Ehitua J.; Oziegbe, OlubukolaWater movement in swelling soils conforms with material continuity. This invariably justifies the differences in the gravitational potential energy during expansion and the anisotropic stresses that press the soil but allow for vertical movement. Under fluid conditions, vane efficiency exhibited by macropores is lowered by swelling of the clay, and a poorly drained soil results in surface saturation. The type of water applied to soil material tends to have an impact on the positioning of cracks in swelling clays, and thus, cracks can remain pathways for preferential flow much after they are covered at the soil surface. Over time, chemicals and chemical compounds have been utilized to further enhance the engineering properties of such soils. However, environmentally friendly biodegradable biological stabilizers are taking the place of conventional stabilizers, most especially lime and cement. Additionally, biochar amendment, which is ecofriendly, has also been found to lower the swelling index capability of expansive clay soil. Despite the dangers associated with swelling clay, it has found extensive use as adsorbents, carriers in drug delivery systems, and the building of a storage tank for the disposal of radioactive materials. In addition, swelling clays have found significant usage in the production of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) formulations. Hence this paper emphasizes the environmental impact of building large structures and road construction on swelling clay soils, highlights recent progress in the inhibition and stabilization of swelling soils to sustain the environment, and enumerates the economic importance associated with swelling clay soils.Item Trichoderma: A Review of its Mechanisms of Action in Plant Sustainable Disease Control(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science1, 2025) Oyesola, O. I.; Kinge, R. T.; Obembe, O OTrichoderma has been widely studied for its potential as a bioagent for managing plant pathogens. Trichoderma's biological control mechanisms include competition, modification of environmental conditions, antibiosis, induction of plant defensive mechanisms, mycoparasitism, and plant growth promotion. Trichoderma produces diverse metabolites that have antifungal activity. These metabolites include peptaibols, gliotoxin, and trichokonins. Trichoderma also produces β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases that can break down fungal pathogens' cell walls. In addition to direct antagonism against fungal pathogens, Trichoderma can also trigger localised or systemic resistance in plants, which is achieved through the production of elicitors such as chitin oligosaccharides and β-glucans that activate plant defence responses. Trichoderma can also form mutualistic associations with plants. Trichoderma colonises plant roots in these partnerships, enhancing growth by boosting nutrient uptake and triggering systemic resistance. As a biomanagement agent, Trichoderma offers numerous benefits compared to traditional crop protection methods, like synthetic pesticides.Item Impact of Industrialization on the Environment: Water Quality Index of Pharmaceutical Effluent Discharged in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna C.; Kayode-Afolayan, S. D.; Ahuekwe, E. F.; Oziegbe, O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.. There has been an upsurge in the recalcitrance and bioaccumulation of some deterimental pharmaceutical by-products and heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. This study determined the water quality index (WQI) of a pharmaceutical effluent discharged in Ota. The physicochemical parameters of the effluent were carried out using turbidimetric (NTU), nephelometric (mg/L), titrimetric (mg/L), conductivity (uS/cm) and spectrophotometric (nm) methods. The parameters assayed include pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. Others include the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biogenic/organic constituents and heavy metals. The physicochemical results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. These include 4.76±0.07 pH; 1.9±1.00 DO (mg/L) 12.0±1.10 chloride; 3.0±0.03 sulphates; 8.96±0.90 nitrates; 3.21±0.06 phosphates; 29 ±1.12 BOD and 339±2.10 COD. The distribution of heavy metals is in the following order: Zn > Cu > As> Ni> Pb > Cd > Hg. All the results obtained were within acceptable limits of the USEPA and WHO standards. The estimation of the overall quality of the wastewater gave a WQI of 32.54 which suggests a good water quality that is re-usable for irrigation and other purposes.Item Bioremediation of heavy metals in aquatic environment: A review(Cleaner Chemical Engineering, 2025) Oziegbe, Olubukola; Oziegbe, Ehitua Julius; Ojo-Omoniyi, OlusolaThe pursuit of critical minerals such as lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and rare earth elements (REE) has intensified mining, producing heavy metal waste that contaminates water bodies. Pollution from human activ ities and improper disposal of high-tech products containing heavy metals like Hg, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cr has degraded surface and groundwater. These metals enter the human body via bioaccumulation in the food chain or direct consumption of contaminated water, posing health risks. There is an urgent need for cost-effective, eco- friendly methods to decontaminate water without generating additional pollutants. Conventional remediation technologies are costly and produce hazardous waste requiring disposal. In contrast, biological materials—such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, algae, and plants—offer affordable, sustainable solutions for water decontamination. Moreover, metal-rich biomass from bioremediation processes, like cyanoremediation, can be converted into valuable products, such as metal nanoparticles for pharmaceutical and industrial use, creating a closed-loop system that generates wealth instead of waste. Genetic engineering can further enhance biosorbent organisms and plants to improve heavy metal binding and accumulation. This review examines the environ mental and health impacts of heavy metals, the limitations of conventional remediation methods, various bioremediation techniques, and future research directions.Item Impact of Industrialization on the Environment: Water Quality Index of Pharmaceutical Effluent Discharged in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria(IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025) Nwinyi, Obinna Chukwuemeka; Kayode-Afolayan, S. D.; Ahuekwe, E. F.; Oziegbe, O.; Omonhinmin, Conrad A.There has been an upsurge in the recalcitrance and bioaccumulation of some deterimental pharmaceutical by-products and heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. This study determined the water quality index (WQI) of a pharmaceutical effluent discharged in Ota. The physicochemical parameters of the effluent were carried out using turbidimetric (NTU), nephelometric (mg/L), titrimetric (mg/L), conductivity (uS/cm) and spectrophotometric (nm) methods. The parameters assayed include pH, turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. Others include the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biogenic/organic constituents and heavy metals. The physicochemical results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. These include 4.76±0.07 pH; 1.9±1.00 DO (mg/L) 12.0±1.10 chloride; 3.0±0.03 sulphates; 8.96±0.90 nitrates; 3.21±0.06 phosphates; 29 ±1.12 BOD and 339±2.10 COD. The distribution of heavy metals is in the following order: Zn > Cu > As> Ni> Pb > Cd > Hg. All the results obtained were within acceptable limits of the USEPA and WHO standards. The estimation of the overall quality of the wastewater gave a WQI of 32.54 which suggests a good water quality that is re-usable for irrigation anItem Knockdown Resistance Mutations and Pyrethroid Resistance in Anopheles Mosquitoes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis(Journal of Science and Technology, Research Vol. 7,, 2025) Ahuekwe, E. F.; Taiwo, Damilare IsaiahResistance to pyrethroids is conferred in voltagegated sodium channels through the mechanism of kdr mutation, which also decreases the insecticides' binding affinity to their targets, making them less effective. These mutations affect the efficacy of indoor residual spraying (IRS), which are encoded in the VGSC gene, including the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNS). This study represents the first meta-analysis to evaluate the resistance impact of L1014F and L1014S mutations in Anopheles mosquitoes within sub-Saharan Africa. Eight studies that meet with the inclusion criteria were analyzed, encompassing 4,690 mosquito samples. Due to substantial between-study heterogeneity, random effects (R.E) models were applied. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for L1014F (L vs F) was 2.14(95% CI: 1.17-2.93), and for L1014S (S vs F), it was 0.899 (95% CI: 0.297- 1.293), indicating a significant association with resistance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that excluding a study with high variability decreased the ORs, showing the influence of publication bias and small sample size. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test confirmed the presence of publication bias, affecting effect estimates. Due to high heterogeneity and limited studies, the observed resistance effects of L1014F and L1014S mutations are inconclusive. In addition, validating the relevance of these genotype alleles in insecticide resistance and malaria control initiatives in endemic regions requires extensive research