2023

This study examined the attainment of pupils physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West LGA. To guide this study, Six research questions were raised. Two were answered while four were formulated into hypotheses and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was a descriptive survey research which adopted the correlational research design. A total of 100 respondents who are parents of pupils in public primary schools in Owan West LGA formed the sample of the study. The research instrument used was a questionnaire titled "Physiological needs and academic performance of pupils questionnaire (PNAPPQ)." Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the Fisher Z test. The findings revealed that the level of attainment of pupils physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary pupils were high in Owan West LGA. The findings further showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils. Other findings include that there is no significant difference in the relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West Local Government of Edo State based on location, parents educational background and socio-economic status of the family. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that; government agencies and other non-profit organizations should consider taking up water and sanitation projects to the grassroots to ensure better learning outcomes from pupils. Sleep has influence on academic performance. Pupils should have at least 8 hours of sleep daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This work is aimed at investigating the impact of sports on the mental health and self-esteem of student athletes using university of benin as a case study. Four research questions were raised for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 235 student athletes of the University of Benin. The data was collected using simple random sampling technique and a sample size of 118 student athletes from university of Benin. The research Instrument used for the study was a self-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using frequency and percentage for the analysis of the research questions. The results revealed that sports plays a crucial role on student athletes’ mental health and self-esteem such as stress, fatigue, emotional fluctuations, burnout rates etc. In conclusion, student athletes are attempting to get better in sports performance but lack the full knowledge on sports psychology and the failure to practice the known coping strategies leads to a decline in their participation and performance, they should also train together and work along with their coaches by having a close relationship with them. All these improve their mindset and help to improve their performance and overall wellbeing. Recommendations are made that student athletes should approach the topic with an open mind and avoid making assumptions or judgments. By acknowledging the value of sports in promoting mental wellbeing and self-esteem, people can develop a better understanding and appreciation for its impact.

Procreation was an important moral issue, and to ensure that both men and women are potent enough to procreate, aphrodisiacs were used to correct sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is basically the inability to achieve a normal sexual intercourse, and this include premature or quick ejaculation, inhibited ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and orgasmic disorder (Kotta et al., 2013). In the 1990s, scientists carried out research work on aphrodisiacs and the first pharmacological remedy for impotence, Viagra (sildenafil) was approved. In a bid to look
for an agent that arouses sexual desire (aphrodisiac) with fewer side effects, the hunt for natural supplement from medicinal plants was intensified. Aphrodisiac plants have since been discovered and they have been pharmacologically tested in animals

This study examined the attainment of pupils physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West LGA. To guide this study, Six research questions were raised. Two were answered while four were formulated into hypotheses and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was a descriptive survey research which adopted the correlational research design. A total of 100 respondents who are parents of pupils in public primary schools in Owan West LGA formed the sample of the study. The research instrument used was a questionnaire titled "Physiological needs and academic performance of pupils questionnaire (PNAPPQ)." Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the Fisher Z test. The findings revealed that the level of attainment of pupils physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary pupils were high in Owan West LGA. The findings further showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils. Other findings include that there is no significant difference in the relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West Local Government of Edo State based on location, parents educational background and socio-economic status of the family. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that; government agencies and other non-profit organizations should consider taking up water and sanitation projects to the grassroots to ensure better learning outcomes from pupils. Sleep has influence on academic performance. Pupils should have at least 8 hours of sleep daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This study examined the attainment of pupils physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West LGA. To guide this study, Six research questions were raised. Two were answered while four were formulated into hypotheses and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was a descriptive survey research which adopted the correlational research design. A total of 100 respondents who are parents of pupils in public primary schools in Owan West LGA formed the sample of the study. The research instrument used was a questionnaire titled "Physiological needs and academic performance of pupils questionnaire (PNAPPQ)." Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the Fisher Z test. The findings revealed that the level of attainment of pupils physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary pupils were high in Owan West LGA. The findings further showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils. Other findings include that there is no significant difference in the relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West Local Government of Edo State based on location, parents educational background and socio-economic status of the family. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that; government agencies and other non-profit organizations should consider taking up water and sanitation projects to the grassroots to ensure better learning outcomes from pupils. Sleep has influence on academic performance. Pupils should have at least 8 hours of sleep daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)

Toll-like receptors are pattern recognition receptors with which hosts recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP). This recognition process is translated rapidly into a meaningful defense reaction. This form of inborn host defense is preserved in animals. Both adaptive and innate immune systems are inter-related in that the adaptive immune system also depends on an intact innate recognition and response system. This study was carried out at University of Benin farm project, to investigate the expression of toll like receptor 2 gene in rabbit. A total of 40 adult rabbits, 5 months and above of both sex (male and female) consisting of 3 breeds (Hyla, New Zealand and Dutch) were used for this experiment. The animals were fed concentrate, forage and a mixture of concentrates and forage. Routine management was carried out. Blood samples were collected and sent to Inqaba Biotechnology West Africa Ltd. Ibadan, Oyo State for DNA extraction and identification of RNA expression. Results are being awaited.

In this study, coconut oil (CO), which had been characterised and shown to have an Acid Value of 5.8 mg KOH/g, was utilised to optimise the synthesis of biodiesel, which was catalysed by a bio-based bi-functional catalyst, by esterifying and trans-esterifying the CO simultaneously. The carbonised and sulfurized coconut shell was used to create the acid precursor for the bio-based bi-functional catalyst, while the calcined and KOH-treated crab shell was used to create the base precursor. Both precursors were then impregnated. The synthesised bio-based catalyst was characterised using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and BET/BJH techniques. The experimental design was optimised using Box Behnken Design (BBD) for the simultaneous esterification and transesterification of CO. The measured response was the production of coconut oil methyl ester (COME). The methanol-to-oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading had the biggest effects on COME yield among the factors. The study's ideal conditions were determined to be a 16.75:1 methanol to oil ratio, 1% catalyst loading, 58.19 °C, and a reaction duration of 78.76 min, yielding a COME yield of 85.73 wt% and an AV of 0.28 mg KOH/g. RSM and ANFIS models were compared using statistical data, and the results showed that the ANFIS model was more accurate than the RSM model. After characterising the COME obtained in the best possible condition, it was determined that its physicochemical parameters satisfied the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards for biodiesel.

Parkia biglobosa (African locust beans) is a perennial plant, it's seed has been reported to have good organoleptic containing high levels of fat, crude protein, pure protein, carbohydrates and starch. The fermented seed of P.biglobosa has been reported to contain an increased level of nutrients and secondary metabolites such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, flavonoids as compared to the unfermented seed. In various studies p.biglobosa has been shown to have antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties. Aspirin is a salicylic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. Aspirin has been reported to have cardiovascular protective effect as well as adverse effects such as stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate fermented seed extract of Parkia biglobosa for its gastroprotective effect on aspirin induced gastrointestinal injury. Thirty male wistar rats where used for this study,which was divided into six groups having five rats per group (n=5). Animals in group one served as the unexposed group, groups two where fed 1000mg/kg of extract, group three where fed 20mg/kg of aspirin, group four, five and six were fed the extract and aspirin at alternated time frame. Histological changes as well as stomach weight, initial and final body weight were analyzed. Statistical softway SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data obtained. The statistical results showed no significant difference in increased stomach and body weight at p value <0.05. In the histological analysis of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, group one and two where normal, group three had inflammation as a result of the aspirin administered. In group four the various parts analyzed where normal which showed the counter effect of p.biglobosa. Group five and six had various parts still inflamed which could be as a result of increased dosage or the duration of administration. In conclusion, it maybe inferred that Parkia biglobosa has an effect, which is a counteracting effect on aspirin against gastrointestinal tract injury in male wistar rat.

Consuming toxic chemicals and substances can induce gastric damage to the stomach, which can result in serious medical disorders, cancer, and even death. Traditional herbs are being studied and processed into contemporary medications that are used to treat a variety of illnesses and medical issues. Mistletoe extracts have a long history of usage as secondary treatments for a variety of illnesses. Additionally, they include antioxidants such flavonoids, which have effects both in vitro and in vivo, and they have also been documented to exert specific pharmacological actions (such as cytotoxic and immunomodulatory). This study was carried out to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of mistletoe on lead acetate˗induced gastric damage in adult Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing between 150g and 250g were grouped into six; Group A, B, C, D, E and F. Each groups was made of up 5 rats and the rats were fed with grower mash feed (Primer Feed mill, Nigeria) and had free access to water throughout the entire period of study. Group A served as control. Group B rats were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 200mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (low dose). Group C rats were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 400mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (intermediate dose). Group D were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and 800mg/kg extract of Mistletoe (high dose). Group E were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate only. Group F were given 10mg/kg of lead acetate and standard drug 500mg/kg (Omeprazole). After receiving the treatment for 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. Choloform was used to render the rats unconscious. The stomach was removed, weighed, and placed in 10% formal˗saline to prevent autolysis before being sent to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) histopathology department for tissue processing and histological evaluation. The results from this research shows that there was significant increase (P<0.05) of body weight in Group A, B, C, D and F when the initial body weight were compared to the final body weights. There was no significant difference (P˃0.5) of gastrosomatic index across all the groups. There was no significant difference (P˃0.05) of gastric weight across all the groups. The Viscum album extract had a dose dependent ameliorative, therapeutic and protective effect on the gastric damage caused by lead acetate on the stomach as revealed and seen in the histology results.

The study examined effect of ethical practices on the financial reporting of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study employed the survey design and the purposive sampling technique to select 450 banks staffs. A well-constructed questionnaire, which was adjudged valid and reliable, was used for collection of data from the respondents. The data obtained through the administration of the questionnaires was analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis. The study revealed that; there is positive and significant relationship between loyalty has significant effect on the financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between law abiding and financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between fairness and financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between accountability and honesty and financial reporting. And lastly, A positive and significant relationship exists between integrity and reputation and financial reporting. The study concluded that; ethical practices has significant effect on the financial reporting of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study further recommends that; Nigeria banks should work more on their integrity and reputation on the financial reporting. Accountability and honesty should be taking serious by Nigeria banks. Nigeria banks should fair in all their dealings because these will reflect on the financial reporting. Nigeria banks should be law abiding on their financial reporting to avoid suspension, penalties and fine against them, to customers.