Palm wine, a traditional fermented beverage vital to West and Central Africa’s socio-cultural fabric, faces challenges in quality and safety due to spontaneous fermentation. This study aimed to develop standardized starter cultures by isolating and characterizing dominant fermentative microorganisms from Nigerian Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) and Raphia hookeri (raphia palm) sap. Microbial dynamics were monitored over 36 hours, revealing high initial aerobic flora (10⁸ CFU/mL) and yeast populations (10⁶ CFU/mL). Biochemical and molecular analyses identified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (LAB) as dominant species, exhibiting robust stress tolerance (15% ethanol, 45°C) and probiotic potential, with 89–90% survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. LAB isolates demonstrated significant acidification (∆pH ≥1.5) and bile salt tolerance (88–90% survival), while both yeast and LAB showed non-hemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility, confirming safety. Starter cultures of these strains enabled consistent fermentation, enhancing ethanol yield (5.2–7.0% v/v) and flavor compound production. The study highlights the potential of S. cerevisiae and L. mesenteroides as multifunctional starter cultures to standardize palm wine production, ensuring reproducibility, safety, and probiotic functionality. These findings bridge traditional practices with biotechnological innovation, offering scalable solutions to improve quality, extend shelf-life, and position palm wine as a functional health beverage in global markets. Collaborative efforts to integrate these cultures into artisanal production could empower rural economies while preserving cultural heritage.

In the Sahel and West Africa rice is staple food and widely grown in different agro-ecologies of low land and upland conditions. In crop production, nitrogen is an important nutrient element for the growth and development of rice. The application of nitrogen fertilizer has become one of the inevitable ways to increase the yield potentials of rice. In order to achieve high output farmers usually apply the required dosage of NPK. The application of appropriate nitrogen fertilizer promotes rapid plant growth, high tillering, which results better increment of rice quantity. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer rates on the growth and performance of NERICA 4 variety. The field method was randomized complete block design in different treatments and replicates of 0kg/ha, 50kg/ha, 100kg/ha and150kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer respectively. The application method of nitrogen was at basal (60%) and top dressing (panicle initiation stage 40%). The statistical software package excel and analysis of variance (ANOVA x) were used for data analysis and interpretation of results at least significant difference (LSD) of 5%. In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated that paddy growers of Nerica 4 obtained high yields at 50kg/ha- 150kg/ha of nitrogen with the use of the right cultivation techniques, However, the results further indicate a clear disparity between nitrogen 50kg/ha with regards to nitrogen 0kg. The demonstration trial recommend further research to explore the yield potentials of Nerica 4 variety.

Visually impaired people face tremendous challenges in navigating their environment in a safe and independent way. As a response to these challenges, this project provides the Smart Glasses for Visually Impaired People, an assistive device to enhance mobility, safety, and emergency y communication. The system utilizes ultrasonic sensors, ESP32 Wi-Fi module, GPS module, GSM module, vibration motor and LiPo battery to provide real-time obstacle detection, GPS navigation n, and emergency SMS notification n. The ultrasonic sensors detect objects at a distance of up to 1 meter, and the system provides haptic (vibration) and audio feedback to alert the user. During an emergency, the GSM module (A6) sends an SMS alert along with GPS coordinates to a pre-registered contact, allowing remote assistance. The ESP32 module sends real-time location and sensor data to Thing Speak, allowing remote tracking of the user's movement. The data from thingspeak retrieved to the web page dashboard. The system is energy-efficient, low-cost, and portable, suitable for the visually impaired. It offers real-time obstacle detection, IoT-based remote tracking, and emergency response, significant ly improving user safety and mobility. The system was successfully tested and demonstrated high accuracy in obstacle detection and seamless GSM-GPS communication.

The agricultural sector in KAMONYI District, Rwanda, faces significant post-harvest losses, particularly in maize storage, due to inadequate monitoring and management of storage conditions. This project aims to develop and implement an intelligent maize crop storage system using the Blynk cloud platform to ad- dress these challenges. The system utilizes NodeMcu, DHT11 sensors and gas detectors to monitor crucial storage parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and Light detector. During our research, we visited a store called Rumbuka Seeds in Kamonyi District, where the current system fills maize into slots. To enhance this system, we propose adding DHT11 sensors, LDR sensor and MQ2 and different actuators like lamp, heater and fan in order to maintain optimal storage conditions. Additionally, the system will be integrated with Blynk to monitor and control the collected data, enabling more effective management of storage conditions. NodeMcu, a microcontroller with Wi-Fi capability, serves as the core unit, collecting data from sensors. These data are then transmitted to the Blynk cloud server, where they are processed and stored in real-time. Farmers can access this data through a user-friendly mobile interface provided by the Blynk application. This interface allows them to view real-time data, analyze historical trends, and receive alerts, facilitating timely interventions without needing to be physically present at the storage site. By continuously monitoring storage conditions and offering actionable insights, the smart maize storage system seeks to reduce spoilage and post-harvest losses, promote sustainable storage practices, and ulti- mately enhance the productivity and profitability of maize farming in Kamonyi District. The inclusion of alert systems within the Blynk app ensures that farmers are promptly informed of any adverse conditions, allowing for swift corrective actions. This innovative approach leverages IoT technology and the Blynk cloud to provide a more efficient and reliable maize storage solution, addressing a critical need in the re- gion's agricultural sector.

This study aims to explore strategies for strengthening digital leadership in private vocational school (SMK) principals in facing the challenges of digital transformation in the era of education 4.0. The approach used is qualitative with a multi-site case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation at private vocational schools in Bogor Regency, West Java. The results of the study show that effective digital leadership is characterized by technological competence, digital vision, and managerial ability in integrating technology into learning and school governance. Strengthening strategies are carried out through ongoing training, collaboration with the digital industry, and the development of an organizational culture that is adaptive to technology. The implications of these findings provide strategic recommendations for policy makers and vocational education managers in supporting digital leadership capabilities systematically and sustainably.

This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals—mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)—in five fish species (African Sharptooth Catfish, Mud Fish, Hong Kong Tilapia Fish, and Knife Fish) from Oguta Lake, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to (1) assess heavy metal concentrations in fish organs (muscle, liver, gills) obtained fom Oguta lakes, (2) compare contamination levels across species, and (3) evaluate potential health risks associated with fish consumption. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect fish samples, and heavy metal analysis was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 25.0), with significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed alarming heavy metal contamination, with concentrations exceeding FAO/WHO permissible limits in most cases. Mercury (Hg) was highest in the liver of African Sharptooth Catfish (2.569 mg/kg; limit: 0.5 mg/kg), while cadmium (Cd) peaked in the same species’ liver (54.757 mg/kg; limit: 0.1 mg/kg). Lead (Pb) was most concentrated in the muscle of Hong Kong Tilapia Fish (35.882 mg/kg; limit: 0.3 mg/kg), and iron (Fe) levels were highest in the liver of Mud Fish (103.306 mg/kg; limit: 40 mg/kg). Copper (Cu) showed relatively lower contamination, with a maximum of 2.361 mg/kg in Knife Fish gills (limit: 3 mg/kg). Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in metal concentrations across species, except for mercury (F-value = 3.444, p = 0.035). These findings highlight severe pollution of public health concerns in Oguta Lake, due to environmental contamination, industrial effluents discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. Chronic exposure to such heavy metals through fish consumption poses serious health risks, including neurotoxicity, kidney damage, and carcinogenic effects.