SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Candidiasis, caused mainly by Candida albicans yeast, is a pathology that affects a significant amount of people in the world, mainly women, thus being a public health issue. In addition, clinical practice has found it difficult to treat candidiasis for two reasons: the multidrug resistance associated with the exacerbated use of available drugs and the high number of side effects caused by current antifungal drugs. In this scenario, this work is a literature review on the antifungal activity of metal complexes against C. albicans since they are extensively studied for their varied applications in health sciences, as an object of study in the area of inorganic chemistry, in the subareas of bioinorganic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Aim: The present work consists of a literature review in electronic databases on the potential antifungal action against Candida albicans presented by metal complexes. Methods: Data was collected using the Capes, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases. Results: The results obtained through bibliographic surveys show the importance of studies of metal complexes against the strain of C. albicans, which have promising inhibitory activities and in some cases, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values lower than 20µg/mL Discussion: The results obtained through bibliographic surveys show the importance of studies of metal complexes against the strain of C. albicans, which have promising inhibitory activities, and in some cases, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values lower than 20µg/mL. Conclusion: Highlighting the activity performed by ruthenium complexes and Schiff bases when coordinated to metallic ions arouses great interest in a future study of a complex of this metal with a Schiff base in its coordination site.

Background: A client requested that the study group help determine suitable locations for a drilling regime on his lot, located on an upslope rocky knoll in Lawu Estate, Minna, Nigeria. There is no luxury of conducting an unimpeded wide-area survey for this housing Estate, as it is built up almost entirely. Therefore, the constrained area to be surveyed necessitated the adoption of the "electrical drilling," or vertical electrical sounding, mode of the geoelectrical method to satisfy the client's inquiry. Aim: To carry out a purpose-specific survey to pinpoint the best location in a built-up property at the upmarket Lawu Estate that would be suitable for a drilling regime targeted for household consumption. The specific objectives are to determine the subsurface layer structure, to identify fracture zones with potential for water accumulation, and to estimate the depths of potential aquifers. Methods: The survey crew reconnoitered the study area to georeference locations for the VES survey within the 30 m x 20 m lot. Owing to the extensive build-up at this lot, only a four-point traverse along the 30-metric dimension of the building's frontage was demarcated in the northeasterly direction, thereby limiting the survey crew's desire to define an appropriate survey grid. The VES data acquisition followed the "traditional" sequence of Schlumberger array layout measurements, in which the current and potential probes are maintained at the same relative spacing and the whole spread is progressively expanded about a fixed central point. Results: Log-log and pseudosection plots were generated from the acquired data, from which the conventional three-layer structure is deciphered, with a desired 193 Ωm for VES Station 4 at the third layer. Discussion: The acquired and processed data for this study were subjected to a suite of empirical rules-of-thumb procedures for interpreting VES data in the Nigerian Basement Complex geological province, with VES Station 4 showing the most encouraging 100% result. Conclusion: Drilling to a depth of 100 m at Station 4 is recommended based on the identified fractured basement at this depth.

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.