SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: The lack of comprehensive baseline data on raw sewage pollution in Minna, Nigeria's Niger State capital, represents a significant gap in public health information. This deficiency necessitates a systematic study to establish a database documenting sewage pollution patterns in Minna's urban environment. Aim: To employ georeferencing tools and descriptive observations for identifying and mapping potential mosquito breeding sites related to sewage discharge within Minna's built-up areas and to develop an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map as an environmental audit tool for public health officials. Methods: The study area was divided into five sectors: Greater Bosso, Minna Central, Greater Maitumbi, Tunga, and Greater Chanchaga. Following initial site familiarization and GIS equipment testing, systematic surveys were conducted. Field teams documented locations of household sewage discharge points, collecting geographic coordinates, temporal data (date, time, weather conditions), and site characteristics. Each identified location was photographed and recorded in standardized data sheets, including household information where available. Results: Using ArcGIS®10.8 software, comprehensive sewage pollution layers were created for each sector by integrating collected field data with Minna's township built-up and settlement shapefiles. The mapping revealed distinct pollution patterns and clusters across different neighborhoods. Discussion: Analysis of the spatial distribution showed a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and sewage management practices, with higher concentrations of improper sewage discharge in low-income areas. Conclusions: This database serves as a valuable resource for public health interventions targeting mosquito breeding grounds. Regular monitoring through periodic sewage pollution audits and expanded geographical coverage is recommended for improved urban health management.

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.

Background: Ketogenic diets have a long history of therapeutic use and have recently attracted significant attention due to their promising effects on a variety of disorders. However, no definitive links have been identified. This review aims to highlight the possible impacts of ketogenic diets as well as the mechanisms involved in metabolic processes and related non-communicable metabolic diseases. Methods: For our analysis, a bibliographic review of articles about ketogenic diets and their therapeutic effect on chronic pathologies was carried out, retrieved from the scientific literature. Results and discussion: These studies found both positive and negative outcomes for the effects and implications of ketogenic diets on metabolism. Significant differences in metabolic markers such as weight, glycemia, serum lipids and lipoproteins, anthropometric measures, and hormones such as insulin, leptin, and adiponectin have been reported. In addition to changes in the microbiome that have modest to moderate concurrent effects, changes in metabolism indicate the significance of dietary changes in treating and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Conclusions: In this review, we present the available scientific evidence on the effects of the ketogenic diet, and thus ketone bodies, on metabolism and related chronic diseases.