2025

Cette étude examine comment l’auteure met en lumière les différentes formes de violence que subissent les enfants dans les sociétés antillaises après la colonisation. L'histoire des Antilles, marquée par l'esclavage et la colonisation, a établi des systèmes sociaux répressifs, où les croyances mystiques et le patriarcat contribuent à des abus sur les plus fragiles. La question principale de cette étude est la persistance de ces violences, souvent rationalisées par les traditions et le silence collectif. La raison d'être de cette étude repose sur l'urgence d'éveiller les consciences sociales et littéraires face à la banalisation des violences faites aux enfants. Les objectifs visent à examiner comment ces abus sont présentés dans la littérature, à en déterminer les causes culturelles et sociales, et à démontrer comment Warner-Vieyra présente la littérature comme un moyen de dénonciation et d'éducation. La méthodologie, utilisée est à la fois analytique et critique, se basant sur une analyse approfondie du roman à travers les lentes de la sociologie, de la psychologie et des études postcoloniales. Les résultats indiquent que la violence exercée contre l’enfant en Martinique se manifeste de manière physique, psychologique et symbolique, ancrée dans un héritage culturel de domination. L'importance de cette recherche se trouve dans sa capacité à enrichir la réflexion sur la protection des enfants et sur la fonction de la littérature comme un moyen de changement social et de libération humaine.

Background: Edentulism is a significant public health issue that impairs nutrition and quality of life. While global prevalence is high among the elderly, specific occupational groups like commercial riders in low-resource settings face unique risks due to road traffic accidents (RTA) and poor access to dental care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and preventive strategies for edentulism among motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Edo State. Data were collected using structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: The prevalence of edentulism (history of tooth loss) among the respondents was 12.3% (n=32). Road traffic accidents were a significant factor, with 33.8% of riders having experienced a crash and 19.3% of those sustaining oral injuries. Common injuries included teeth being knocked out (58.8%), chipped (11.8%), or loosened (11.8%). Non-accidental causes of tooth loss included physical assaults (36.4%) and dental caries (27.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association between edentulism and experiencing an RTA (p = 0.047), as well as sustaining direct mouth injuries (p < 0.001). Despite these risks, 80.8% of riders never used a helmet, largely because they perceived them as “not needed” (77.6%).Additionally, 80.4% had never visited a dentist. Conclusion: Edentulism represents a notable burden among riders in Ugbowo, driven by a combination of occupational trauma and poor oral health behaviours. The high rate of dental injuries and low use of protective gear underscore the need for targeted safety interventions. Recommendations: The study recommends mandatory use of full-face helmets, the incorporation of seat belts in tricycles, and community-based oral health programs to encourage routine dental visits and preventive care.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma models are widely used to study allergic asthma and its systemic effects, including alterations in red blood cell (RBC) indices. This study investigates the impact of varying methods of OVA administration on RBC indices in female Wistar rats. This study involved 42 female Wistar rats weighing 140-180g who were acclimatized for one week. They were divided into six different groups of 7 rats. During the experimental process, all groups (2-6) were sensitized with 1 mg OVA and 20 mg AlOH dissolved in 0.9 saline on days 1, 7 and 14, then challenged with 1 % OVA biweekly for 28 days. Group 1 control; Group 2 sensitised on days 1 and 7; Group 3 sensitized on days 1, 7 and 14; Group 4 sensitised on day 1 and challenged; Group 5 sensitised on days 1 and 7 and challenged; Group 6 sensitised on day 1, 7 and 14 and challenged. All animal were euthanized at the end of 28 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one- way variance analysis (ANOVA). The result showed no statistically significant difference in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution in all the groups compared to the control (p>0.05); also, there was a significant decrease in haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in the group sensitised on days 1, 7 and 14 compared to control (p<0.05). In conclusion, these ovalbumin-induced asthma methods did not affect red cell indices except on haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in female Wistar rats.

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a vital legume crop in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its high protein content and adaptability. However, soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that severely limits its early establishment, growth, and overall yield.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of salt stress on the germination and early seedling growth of cowpea to determine its tolerance thresholds during the critical initial growth phase.Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Cowpea seeds were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride ($\text{NaCl}$) solutions, typically ranging from a control ($0\text{ mM}$ or $0\text{ dS m}^{-1}$) to severe salinity levels ($50\text{ mM}$, $100\text{ mM}$, $150\text{ mM}$, and $200\text{ mM}$). Germination parameters, including germination percentage (GP), germination velocity index (GVI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth traits (radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry biomass), were measured over a standard period of 7 to 10 days.Results: The results revealed that salt stress significantly ($P \le 0.05$) inhibited all measured parameters.Germination Rate: High salinity levels ($\ge 150\text{ mM}$) caused a drastic reduction in germination percentage and delayed the onset of germination, as evidenced by a significant increase in MGT.Seedling Vigour: Radicle and plumule lengths were highly sensitive to salinity, showing a progressive decline with increasing $\text{NaCl}$ concentrations. This suppression of early seedling growth is primarily attributed to osmotic stress and the toxic accumulation of $\text{Na}^+$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions, which restrict water uptake and disrupt metabolic processes.Conclusion: While cowpea exhibits moderate tolerance to low salinity levels ($\le 50\text{ mM}$), high salt concentrations severely hinder seed germination and early seedling establishment. These findings underscore the importance of screening for salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes and implementing strategic soil management practices in salinity-prone agricultural zones.

This study investigated the bleaching of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkali-fermention facilitated process as a sustainable alternative to conventional clay bleaching process. Crude palm oil samples were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at varying concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M, followed by a controlled fermentation period. This study examined the bleaching efficiency and quality improvement of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkalifermention facilitated process across varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M). Physicochemical analysis of crude palm oil (CPO) bleached using an alkali-fermention facilitated process revealed distinct variations across sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M compared with a reference sample. The pH ranged from 7.00 ± 0.01 – 7.00 ± 0.01 across treatments, showing negligible variation, suggesting stable acidity and effective neutralization during alkali fermentation. Sugar content values were consistent across treatments, ranging from 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/L for 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M NaOH, indicating minimal fermentable carbohydrate alteration during the bleaching process. The Beta-carotene concentration, used as a bleaching efficiency indicator, declined sharply from 200.94 ± 0.10 mg/kg (0.025 M) and 198.09 ± 0.06 mg/kg (0.050 M) to 122.62 ± 0.03 mg/kg (0.075 M), demonstrating a significant pigment degradation and enhanced color lightening at higher alkali concentration. Viscosity increased progressively from 31.30 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.025 M) to 33.70 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.075 M) compared with 37.90 ± 0.07 mPa·s in the reference sample, indicating reduced impurity load and improved oil flow characteristics after bleaching. Protein content remained relatively constant across all treatments (0.006 ± 0.004 %), suggesting limited influence of alkali concentration on nitrogenous material denaturation. The acid value decreased from 36.62 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.025 M) to 33.71 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.075 M) relative to 1.57 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g in the reference oil, indicating significant hydrolysis and removal of free fatty acids under alkali conditions. Cholesterol content ranged narrowly between 0.012 ± 0.004 mg/kg (0.025 M), 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.050 M), and 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.075 M), showing minor but consistent sterol reduction across treatments. Overall, the 0.050 M NaOH concentration achieved optimal bleaching, balancing pigment removal and oil stability while minimizing nutrient loss. The findings confirm that the alkali-fermention facilitated bleaching process offers an effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to conventional refining methods

This study investigated the effect of e-procurement adoption practices on inventory control efficiency within manufacturing SMEs in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, the research focused on the impact of six key dimensions of e-procurement adoption: top management support, information quality, system implementation effectiveness, process efficiency, user adoption and satisfaction, and compliance and transparency. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilising primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 193 respondents from manufacturing SMEs. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis via SPSS. The findings revealed that top management support, system implementation effectiveness, process efficiency, and user adoption and satisfaction had a significant positive impact on inventory control efficiency of the selected manufacturing SMEs in South-South Nigeria. However, information quality and compliance and transparency did not exhibit a significant impact on inventory control efficiency. The study recommends that manufacturing SMEs invest in leadership training, effective system implementation, process optimisation, and user engagement initiatives, while addressing gaps in information quality and compliance through targeted improvements and capacity building to fully realise the benefits of e-procurement adoption.

Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals have access to needed health services of adequate quality without financial hardship. As future healthcare providers and health-system leaders, medical and dental students play an important role in advancing UHC through clinical practice, advocacy, and policy engagement. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Universal Health Coverage among medical and dental students of the University of Benin, Nigeria, and examined associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical and dental students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using the Chi-square test at a 5% level of significance. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of UHC (60.1%) and positive attitudes toward its principles (89.0%). However, perceptions revealed notable concerns regarding the financial sustainability of UHC and its potential impact on quality of care. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions were significantly more favorable among older students, those in higher academic levels, and those with formal exposure to health policy or UHC training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Medical and dental students at the University of Benin generally possess good knowledge and positive attitudes toward Universal Health Coverage, but their perceptions reflect realistic concerns about implementation challenges within Nigeria’s health system. Strengthening early, structured, and policy-oriented UHC education during undergraduate training is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals to effectively contribute to achieving UHC in Nigeria.

This project focuses on the comprehensive maintenance of a 100 kg rotary furnace used for metallurgical and thermal processing operations. Prior to maintenance, the furnace exhibited severe structural and mechanical deterioration, including a damaged and broken refractory lining, faulty twin drive motors, a non-functional blower system, and worn conical end covers and faulty chimney. These conditions rendered the furnace unsafe, thermally inefficient, and incapable of sustaining continuous operation. The project involved a full restoration procedure beginning with the removal of the deteriorated refractory materials and the procurement of high-grade refractory cement suitable for hightemperature applications. A new refractory lining was installed to re-establish the furnace’s thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and operational reliability. In addition, both drive motors were repaired and serviced to restore proper rotational movement, while the blower system was reconditioned to ensure adequate air supply for combustion and temperature regulation. The two conical covers were also rehabilitated to improve heat retention and structural stability. Upon completion of the maintenance activities, the furnace regained its full operational capacity, demonstrating improved thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and mechanical reliability. The rehabilitation extended the service life of the furnace and enhanced overall safety, making it suitable for continued use in production environments. This project highlights the importance of preventive maintenance and proper restoration techniques in sustaining the performance of industrial heating equipment.

In today’s digital age, social media has become one of the most influential forces shaping the thoughts, behaviors, and identities of young people. This study, titled “The Impact of Social Media on Christian Youth in Benin City: A Case Study of Deeper Life Bible Church,” looks at how social media use affects the faith, moral values, and religious identity of Christian youths. The main goal of this research is to examine both the positive and negative effects of social media on the spiritual lives of young believers. Its objectives include identifying the patterns of social media engagement among Deeper Life youths, examining how social platforms influence their faith and moral discipline, and exploring the church's role in guiding responsible digital behavior. Data for this research were collected through a structured questionnaire given to young members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Benin City. The study used a descriptive research design to analyze the responses with simple percentages and tables for clarity. This method made it easier to understand the social media habits, challenges, and views of Christian youths within a real- world religious context. The analysis offered valuable insights into how these young people manage their faith amid the rapidly changing media landscape, balancing spiritual beliefs with online exposure. The findings show that while social media serves as a powerful tool for evangelism, communication, and spiritual education, it also brings challenges like moral distraction, exposure to unchristian content, and a decreasing interest in personal devotion. Many respondents recognized social media's dual role as both a blessing and a test of faith. The study recommends that the Deeper Life Bible Church should strengthen digital mentorship programs, promote responsible social media usage, and utilize online platforms more effectively for evangelism and faith-building. Lastly, the research concludes that when guided by strong moral and spiritual principles, social media can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier between Christian youths and their divine purpose.