Kayode Seun Adedayo, Seyi Abiodun Sonloye, Samson Ibukun Akinsola et al. (6 contributing authors)
Using the spray pyrolysis method, Zinc sulphide (ZnS) thin films were deposited on microscope glass slides at different substrate temperatures. Zinc acetate and thiourea were used as the precursor to prepare the ZnS films. The substrate temperature were respectively set at 300 o C and 350 o C for the samples under investigation. The annealing temperature for the prepared film is 400 0 C. The films range in thickness from 4.42 to 29.7 µm. The impacts of both substrate and annealing temperature on the optical and structural properties of ZnS were investigated via the UV-visible spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses respectively. The results revealed that the grain size of ZnS films varied from 20.74 nm to 28.70 nm as substrate temperature increased from 300 o C to 350 o C. The films also possessed a polycrystalline cubic structure with (111) preferential orientation. The ZnS films showed more than 20 to 25 % transparency in the near-infrared and visible spectrums. The refractive index falls between 3.04 and 3.07. The energy band gaps of prepared films decreases from 3.35 eV to 2.80 eV with increasing substrate temperature, as estimated from the optical analysis for the ZnS. The obtained properties show a suitably fit material as window layer in a thin film solar cell and some other optoelectronic applications.
AnnealingSpray PyrolysisZinc SulphideSolar CellSubstrate Temperature
Ajayi, Olulope Olufemi, Akerele et al. (4 contributing authors)
Skin lightening is a widespread cosmetic practice that involves the use of chemical compounds to alter skin tone, often with the aim of achieving a lighter complexion. Despite its popularity, there is growing concern about the potential health risks associated with skin bleaching products, particularly their effects on the endocrine system. This narrative article explores the complex relationship between skin bleaching components and their impact on endocrine function, shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of this controversial practice. The findings in this study suggest that the endocrine disrupting effects of skin lightening components extend beyond localized skin reactions to systemic disturbances in hormone regulation. Therefore, the use of skin lightening creams should be approached with caution. Regulatory measures are also urgently needed to restrict the use of harmful ingredients in cosmetic products and promote safer alternatives. Healthcare providers play a vital role in educating the public about the risks of skin lightening and advocating for stricter regulations to protect consumer health. Addressing the endocrine disrupting effects of skin bleaching components is crucial for safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.
Ajayi, Olulope Olufemi, Okhani et al. (4 contributing authors)
A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a new adiposity metric that has been linked with chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, type 2, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer risk in some studies. ABSI is an anthropometric index that takes into account waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and height. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of ABSI with clinical and biochemical indices in undergraduates. This cross-sectional study involved 97 undergraduate students of Edo State University Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria (16–26 years old). They comprised 65 females and 32 males. Information on socio-demography was obtained from administered semi-pretest questionnaire. Anthropometric indices; body weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and mid-upper arm circumference were determined using standard methods. BMI, ABSI, waist hip ratio and waist height ratio were calculated. Blood pressure, pulse rate, pulse pressure, saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO 2 ), and body composition including lean body mass, body water, metabolism and so on. as well as plasma glucose and total cholesterol were determined by standard methods. Age, body weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, systolic blood pressure, lean body mass, metabolism were significantly higher in males, while body age, SPO 2 and fat were significantly higher in females than males (p<0.05). ABSI positively correlated with height, waist circumference, pulse rate, visceral fat, metabolism, and lean body mass (p<0.05). Observations in this study show that ABSI could be a good index of assessing abdominal obesity, hence, its recommendation for obesity screening in studies is suggested.
A body shape indexBiochemical indicesBody mass indexClinical indicesObesity
