FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Every business organization, institution requires data and good quality information to function effectively. It is not an over statement to say many organizations, institutions have been having some challenges in passing information to the public rather it's has to be in a more efficient way. The objective of the study is to find a suitable solution to the major challenges the society face in peer-2-peer payment system in a cashless society regarding the issue of fraud and lack of trust and for the society to curb this problem the society has to adopt Escrow services, a third-party agent system that serves as a middleman. According to the research carried out in the course of this project, our statistical result collated from questionnaire distributed to various respondent shows that over 60% of the population doesn't know about Escrow services. However, for the society to adopt this system the government or private organization has to create an awareness and training program to educate the people about escrow services, how it's operate and the reason why they should adopt it, this will help the society at large when dealing with peer to peer payment system in a cashless economy. Thereby curbing the negative effect of fraud and issue of trust in the society.

Chemical industries increasingly rely on catalytic processes, and more than 90% of large scale chemical transformations depend on catalysts. Some of the commonly used homogeneous catalysts in Fridel Crafts alkylation reaction are; BF3, H2SO4, HF, AlCl3. Though, readily available at low cost, they have several limitations and these include toxicity, difficulty in separation and recovery and disposal problems. These limitations have intensified the demand for sustainable, efficient, and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalysts. This study focuses on the development of metal-doped coconut-shell biochars as robust heterogeneous catalysts for the Friedel Crafts benzylation of toluene. Biochars derived from the coconut shell produced at different pyrolysis temperatures (350, 400, 450, 500, 600 and 700 °C) were characterized in terms of their physicochemical and textural properties, surface oxygen functional groups and surface morphology using standard methods. The coconut shell biochar (CSB) sample with the optimal textural properties (CSB450) was then co-pyrolysed with Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, and Fe³⁺/Zn²⁺ ions to produce metal doped biochars (Fe³⁺ - doped, Zn²⁺- doped, and Fe³⁺/Zn²⁺-doped biochar). Central Composite Design (CCD) of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the process variables (metal loading, pyrolysis temperature and pyrolysis time) for the co-pyrolysis reaction. Similarly, RSM was used to optimized the process variables (mole ratio of toluene: benzyl chloride (T:BC), reaction temperature and reaction time) on benzyl chloride conversion to benzylated toluenes with the metal doped biochars. RSM-derived optimal conditions resulted in enhanced specific surface areas of 2098.04 m2 .g-1 for the Fe³⁺-doped biochar, 1721.40 m2 .g-1 for the Zn²⁺-doped biochar, and 2124.5 m2 .g-1 for the Fe³⁺/Zn²⁺-doped biochar. Compared with the pristine biochar (CSB450), the metal doped biochars (MBCs) showed improved physicochemical properties and textural properties. In addition, surface elemental analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of the Fe (10.09%), Zn (5.17%) and Fe/Zn (9.44/6.51%) on the MBCs. The results of the conversion process showed that the reaction temperature, mole ratio, and reaction time significantly affected benzyl chloride conversion with the metal doped biochar. Three novel models were developed for benzyl chloride conversion process. From the models, we predicted optimized process conditions; optimum benzyl chloride conversion of 93% was found for Fe3+/Zn2+ - doped biochar, with values of 87 and 81% for the Fe3+ - and Zn2+ - doped biochar respectively. This research established metal doped coconut shell biochar as an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalysts for organic transformations, presenting a viable alternative to conventional corrosive and non-recyclable catalysts in industrial alkylation processes.

The skin is the largest sensory organ in the human body and is crucial for protection, regulating temperature, and sensory detection. It acts as a complex boundary between the body and the outside world, reacting to electrical impulses, physical forces, and changes in temperature. A thorough understanding of the biophysical characteristics of the skin is essential for advancements in material science, biomedical engineering, dermatology, and biomedicine. This research explores how the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of human skin affect its functionality. The study examines skin elasticity, viscoelastic behavior, heat transfer mechanisms, and electrodermal activity through a comprehensive review of existing studies and experimental methods. This research review explored skin elasticity, viscoelastic behavior, heat transfer, and electrodermal activity. Using nanoindentation and stress- strain analysis, it found that skin elasticity varies by body region and age, with Young's modulus decreasing as we age. Creep and stress relaxation tests confirmed the skin's viscoelastic properties. Thermal properties were assessed using infrared thermography, indicating that well-hydrated skin dissipates heat more effectively. The skin's role in thermoregulation is reinforced by studies on vasodilation and sweating. V Electrodermal activity (EDA) and skin impedance spectroscopy reveal that skin conductivity changes with moisture levels and external stimuli, serving as important indicators of emotional and physiological states. This study also explores how sensory nerves convey tactile and thermal sensations to the nervous system. The findings enhance our understanding of the skin's multifunctionality and have potential applications in medical diagnostics, wearable technology, and prosthetics, aligning with existing research in biophysics and dermatology

This study develops a web-based map application to enhance navigation within the University of Benin campus, helping users locate buildings, offices, classrooms, and other points of interest. Using Next.js, TypeScript, TailwindCSS, and third-party mapping APIs like Google Maps, the application provides an interactive, mobile-friendly experience. Users can search for locations, get directions, and access regularly updated map data. This tool improves accessibility, saves time, and enhances user experience. By leveraging modern web technologies and geospatial data, the application fosters a more navigable and welcoming campus environment.

The increasing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified the global search for renewable, biodegradable alternatives. Agricultural wastes, particularly cassava and potato peels, offer promising sources of starch for sustainable bio plastic production. This study focused on the comparative development and evaluation of bio plastic films produced from cassava peel starch (CPS) and potato peel starch (PPS), using identical formulation and processing conditions. The aim was to assess how starch source influences the physicochemical, mechanical, structural, and biodegradation characteristics of the resulting films. Starch was extracted from the peels through sedimentation and drying processes, and the yield was determined gravimetrically. Bio plastic films were prepared using a standard casting method. The films were characterized for tensile strength, elongation at break, thickness, water absorption, solubility, and biodegradability. Structural and morphological properties were examined through visual observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that cassava peel produced a higher starch yield (18.6%) compared to potato peel (14.9%), confirming its superior extraction efficiency. CPS films exhibited greater tensile strength (4.85 MPa) and Young’s modulus (62 MPa), indicating stronger and more rigid films, while PPS films displayed higher elongation at break (32%), signifying greater flexibility. SEM analysis showed smoother and more homogeneous surfaces in CPS films, whereas PPS films exhibited minor surface irregularities. Both films demonstrated good biodegradability under soil burial, with PPS degrading slightly faster due to its higher hydrophilicity. Overall, the findings establish cassava and potato peel starches as viable raw materials for biodegradable film production, promoting waste valorization and environmental sustainability. The higher yield and superior mechanical integrity of cassava peel starch films suggest greater industrial potential, particularly for eco-friendly packaging applications.

The web based brochure system for tailoring is a web based system application designed for the tailor’s shop. This project is aimed to automate the tailor’s shop which is manually maintained. After the automation this will mean, better services and good keeping of records, data integrity, data security, quick search and also paperless environment. The project has mainly tackled management of information for the customers and in decision making. Every user of the system will have to log into the system using username and password so that security and authentication will be ensured. Once logged in, a customer can make and order. The system administrator is able to manage customer information and also update records.

This study develops and applies stochastic process models to design an optimized solar-powered battery swapping hub for electric tricycles (Kekes) in Benin City, Nigeria, with the aim of reducing urban CO2 emissions. Using first-order Markov chains to model solar irradiance variability and non-homogeneous Poisson processes to capture time-varying vehicle arrival patterns, the research addresses the inherent uncertainty in both energy supply and demand. Queueing theory analysis estimates service quality metrics, while Monte Carlo simulation-based optimization determines optimal battery inventory levels balancing capital investment against system reliability. Theproposedsystemcomprises228solarpanels(91.2kWcapacity)and60lithiumiron phosphate batteries (180 kWh total storage), designed to serve approximately 95 Kekes daily during 12-hour operations (6 AM to 6 PM). Comprehensive simulations validate system performance across 100 annual cycles, projecting 96.1% service reliability and 94.4% solar energy independence. The system achieves annual CO2 emission reductions of approximately252metrictonsthroughdisplacementoffossilfuelcombustion,representing a 97% per-vehicle reduction. Economic analysis indicates a 4.3-year payback period with 22.7% internal rate of return and net present value of N11.66 million over 20 years. A small-scale prototype operated continuously for 30 days validates the theoretical framework through empirical data collection, demonstrating close agreement between predicted and observed performance across all metrics (within 3% error). Sensitivity analyses confirm system robustness under parameter variations of ±20% in arrival rates and ±10% in solar irradiance, with solar resource availability identified as the dominant performance driver. 5 The methodology presented provides a replicable framework for designing renewable energy-powered transportation infrastructure under uncertainty, applicable to similar urban contexts across developing nations. The integration of multiple stochastic processes, validatedthroughbothsimulationandempiricaltesting,demonstratesthatmathematically rigorous approaches can effectively guide sustainable infrastructure investment decisions

This study presents the design and implementation of an AI-Based Career Guidance Chatbot developed to support Nigerian secondary school leavers in making informed academic and career decisions. Motivated by the growing complexity of career choices and the shortage of trained counsellors in Nigeria, the system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to deliver personalized, real-time guidance through a conversational interface. Using Yamane’s formula, 67 respondents were selected, and data were gathered through structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results showed that most students owned smartphones (94%) and had reliable internet access (80%), indicating strong readiness for AI-driven solutions. Users expressed high satisfaction with the chatbot’s ease of use, responsiveness, and personalized recommendations, reflected in mean perception scores of 4.1–4.6 on a 5-point scale. The study also identified persistent challenges in traditional counselling, including limited counsellor availability, high studentto-counsellor ratios, and inconsistent information. These findings highlight the potential of AI systems to complement existing counselling services by providing accessible, consistent, and data-driven support. The study recommends integrating AI chatbots into school counselling programs, maintaining updated academic data, and enforcing strong data privacy practices. Overall, the system shows promise for improving decision-making, boosting student confidence, and promoting equitable access to quality career guidance in Nigeria.

Cloud computing has become key to modern digital infrastructure, yet traditional reactive auto-scaling systems struggle to balance performance requirements with cost efficiency. This study addresses the limitations of existing cloud resource management approaches by developing the Predictive and Cost-Optimized Auto-Scaling Framework (PCOAF), a conceptual model that integrates machine learning-based workload forecasting with multi- objective optimization. Through systematic application of Design Science Research Methodology, the research analyzed current auto-scaling systems, identified critical deficiencies including reactive latency, prediction inaccuracy, and cost inefficiency, and designed a three-layered architecture comprising monitoring, prediction and decision, and optimization and execution modules. The framework employs archetype-aware prediction to classify workloads into four behavioral patterns; SPIKE, PERIODIC, RAMP, and STATIONARY enabling tailored scaling strategies for each type. Theoretical validation demonstrates that PCOAF achieves 99.8% workload classification accuracy, reduces mean absolute percentage error to 15%, and projects cost reductions of 22% while decreasing service-level objective violations by 61.4% compared to baseline reactive systems. The study establishes PCOAF's feasibility across five design criteria: relevance, consistency, feasibility, scalability, and economic viability. By addressing identified gaps in both international research and Nigeria's emerging cloud ecosystem, this framework contributes a theoretically grounded and practically applicable solution for intelligent, cost-aware cloud resource management in resource-constrained environments.

The rapid expansion of internet usage and digital commerce has significantly transformed business operations in Nigeria, creating new opportunities for economic growth and entrepreneurship. However, this increased reliance on digital technologies has also exposed online businesses to a wide range of cybersecurity threats, including phishing, malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks. These threats pose serious risks to business continuity, financial stability, customer trust, and national economic development. This study investigates the impact of cybersecurity threats on online businesses in Nigeria, examining the nature, prevalence, and consequences of cyber-attacks on business operations. The study adopts a descriptive research approach and utilizes secondary data obtained from academic journals, industry reports, government publications, and cybersecurity studies. Findings reveal that cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated, resulting in substantial financial losses, data breaches, reputational damage, and disruptions to online business activities. The study further identifies inadequate cybersecurity awareness, weak security infrastructure, and limited regulatory compliance as major factors contributing to the vulnerability of online businesses in Nigeria. The research concludes that effective cybersecurity strategies, including employee training, implementation of robust security frameworks, regular risk assessments, and stronger regulatory enforcement, are essential for mitigating cyber threats. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cybersecurity in developing economies and provides practical recommendations for business owners, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the security and resilience of Nigeria's digital business environment.