Volume 1, Issue 3, August 2019

We are pleased to present the third issue of the Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (JNSPS), Volume 1, Issue 3, August 2019. As the journal continues its first year of publication, we remain committed to providing a platform for the dissemination of original scientific research across mathematics, statistics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth sciences, computer science, and related interdisciplinary fields. Our objective is to encourage rigorous scientific investigation, promote research integrity, and facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge within Nigeria and the international research community.

The advancement of science depends not only on the development of new theories and experimental techniques but also on the application of established scientific principles to emerging problems. Mathematical modelling, computational analysis, chemical synthesis, and technological investigations provide valuable approaches to understanding complex systems and addressing practical challenges. The interaction among these disciplines continues to create opportunities for scientific discoveries and technological development.

This issue contains five original research articles addressing mathematical epidemiology, fixed point theory, coordination chemistry, wireless communication, and operations research. Although the contributions cover different areas of scientific investigation, they share a common emphasis on mathematical reasoning, analytical methods, and the application of scientific principles to theoretical and practical problems.

The first article, The Solution of a Mathematical Model for Dengue Fever Transmission Using Differential Transformation Method, by Eguda and colleagues, applies the Differential Transformation Method to a mathematical model describing the transmission dynamics of dengue fever. Mathematical models are valuable tools for investigating infectious disease transmission and understanding the relationships among epidemiological variables. The study demonstrates the application of an analytical technique to a system of differential equations arising in disease modelling and contributes to the broader use of mathematical methods in epidemiological investigations.

The second contribution, Common Fixed Point Theorems for Multivalued Generalized F-Suzuki-Contraction Mappings in Complete Strong b-Metric Spaces, by Ibrahim, investigates common fixed point results for a class of multivalued contraction mappings. Fixed point theory remains an important area of mathematical analysis, with applications in nonlinear equations, optimisation, and the study of mathematical operators. By introducing a generalised contraction framework and establishing associated fixed point results, the study contributes to the theoretical development of nonlinear functional analysis.

In the third article, Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies of Mn (II) Complex of Sulfathiazole, Otuokere and colleagues examine a manganese(II) complex of sulfathiazole through chemical synthesis, characterisation, and molecular docking investigations. Coordination compounds derived from biologically active ligands continue to attract research interest because their structural and chemical properties may influence their biological interactions. The study combines experimental chemistry with computational molecular analysis, illustrating the importance of complementary techniques in investigating metal complexes and their potential biological relevance.

The fourth paper, Investigating the Performance of Point to Multipoint Microwave Connectivity across Undulating Landscape during Rainfall, by Nwankwo and Ukhurebor, addresses the performance of microwave communication systems under varying topographic and rainfall conditions. Reliable wireless connectivity depends on several environmental and technical factors, including terrain characteristics, signal propagation, and atmospheric conditions. The study contributes to understanding the challenges associated with microwave communication across uneven landscapes and highlights the relevance of environmental considerations in the design and assessment of wireless communication networks.

The final article, Sensitivity of Parameters in the Approach of Linear Programming to a Transportation Problem, by Latunde and colleagues, applies linear programming and sensitivity analysis to a transportation problem. Transportation planning involves the allocation of limited resources under operational and economic constraints. Mathematical optimisation provides a systematic means of investigating such problems and evaluating the effects of changes in model parameters. The study demonstrates the practical relevance of operations research in transportation management and decision-making.

Collectively, the five contributions illustrate the diversity of scientific problems that can be investigated through mathematical, experimental, and computational approaches. The studies on dengue fever transmission and fixed point theory demonstrate the relevance of mathematical analysis to both applied and theoretical investigations. The work on manganese complexes highlights the interaction between experimental chemistry and computational methods, while the contributions on microwave communication and transportation optimisation demonstrate the application of scientific principles to technological and operational challenges.

As the Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences progresses through its first volume, we recognise the importance of establishing a strong foundation for scholarly publishing. The long-term development of the journal will depend on the originality and scientific quality of its publications, the effectiveness of its peer-review processes, and the confidence of researchers in its editorial standards. We remain committed to evaluating manuscripts on their scientific merit, ensuring fairness and transparency in editorial decisions, and encouraging research findings that are supported by appropriate methods and evidence.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the authors whose research contributions appear in this issue and to the reviewers who devoted their time and expertise to the assessment of the submitted manuscripts. We also acknowledge the continued efforts of the editorial team and the support of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences in sustaining the journal during this important stage of its development.

We encourage researchers from Nigeria and across the international scientific community to continue contributing original and carefully conducted research to JNSPS. Through sustained collaboration, rigorous scientific inquiry, and a shared commitment to research excellence, we hope to strengthen the journal's contribution to scientific knowledge and establish it as a reputable platform for scholarly communication across the physical sciences and related disciplines.

We welcome readers to the third issue of the Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences and look forward to continued scientific contributions that advance knowledge and address important challenges facing society.

B. J. Falaye
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences
August 31, 2019