2025

Green tea (camellia sinensis) is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin and flavonoids. Thes constituents contribute to its well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Arsenic contamination represents a serious environmental and health hazard, particularly in developing nations where regulatory oversight of water and food quality is often lacking. Among the various organs affected, the gastrointestinal tract, especially the duodenum, is a primary site of arsenic-induced toxicity due to its direct contact with ingested substances. One of the primary mechanisms by which arsenic exerts its toxic effects is through the generation of oxidative stress, which leads to cellular injury, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis on arsenic-induced duodenal damage in adult Wistar rats. The study used adult Wistar rats that were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). The first group A(control) were given feed and water, while the rats in group B were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14days and sacrificed by cervical dislocation afterwards. The rats in group C were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and standard drugs(omeprazole) for 28 days. The rats in group D were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis 250mg/kg body weight for 28 days while group E were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg body weight for 14 days and aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis 500mg/kg body weight for 28days. The rats in group F were administered arsenic trioxide 10mg/kg for 14days and allowed to recover for 28days. The results showed that the rats in group A (control) show normal tissue architecture with well-defined mucosal lining, crypts, lamina propria, muscularis, mucosa and submucosa. However, the rats treated with arsenic only (group B) show severe atrophy, mural infiltrates of inflammatory cells and cell congestion, similar findings were observed in group C, rats treated with omeprazole (mild degree) and the group F treated with only arsenic and allowed to recover showed comparable degrees. Also, treatment with aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis at a dose of 250mg/kg (group D), completely resolved chronic duodenitis, while high dose of 500mg/kg body weight (group E), mildly resolved chronic duodenitis. Findings also showed that there were increased oxidative stress markers in rats treated with arsenic trioxide only and similar findings was also seen in the group treated with omeprazole and the group treated with arsenic and allowed to recover. The first group(control) has great level of anti- oxidant enzymes, similar findings were observed in the groups treated with aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis. The findings in the study suggest that aqueous leaf extract of camellia sinensis has a protective effects against arsenic-induced duodenal injury in adult Wistar rats.

Lecture theatre tables serve as potential reservoirs for bacterial contamination, posing a risk of microbial transmission among students and staff. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial species from tables in lecture theatres within the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts were determined over two weeks, with values ranging from 1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² to 3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm². The highest bacterial load was recorded in the Microbiology Lecture Theatre (3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 2), while the lowest was observed in the Optometry Lecture Theatre (1.88 ± 1.00 × 10⁴ cfu/cm² in Week 1). Biochemical characterization and standard taxonomic references identified six bacterial genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus. Among these, Staphylococcus spp. (31%) exhibited the highest occurrence, while Pseudomonas spp. (10%) had the lowest. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns, with Bacillus spp. being the most sensitive, whereas Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli displayed resistance to multiple antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.2 to 0.4, with Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli exhibiting the highest resistance. The findings underscore the need for regular sanitation of lecture theatre surfaces to mitigate the risk of bacterial transmission and potential health implications.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global health, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic options from natural sources. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of brown mustard seed against selected clinical isolates. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was tested at concentrations ranging from 50–600 mg/ml using agar well diffusion assay. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined using broth dilution and subculture techniques. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the bioactive constituents of the extract. Data were analyzed using SPSS version XX, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between extract concentrations and microbial growth responses. The results revealed that Staphylococcus aureus recorded the highest mean zone of inhibition (17.50 ± 2.49 mm), followed by Candida albicans (8.67 ± 4.26 mm), while Escherichia coli (6.50 ± 2.95 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.00 ± 4.10 mm) showed lower susceptibility. Post hoc analysis indicated concentration-dependent inhibition in Candida albicans and Escherichia coli, while inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only at the highest concentration. MIC values were established at 100 mg for Staphylococcus aureus, 400 mg for Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa, and 600 mg for Candida albicans. MBC values confirmed bactericidal activity at 100 mg for Staphylococcus aureus and 600 mg for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the MFC for Candida albicans was 600 mg. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, tannins, phenols, and resins, with saponins absent. These findings demonstrate that brown mustard seed possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, with S. aureus being the most sensitive organism, supporting its potential as a source of plant-based antimicrobial agents.

The academic performance of students is influenced by several factors, one of which is the communication behaviour of lecturers. Hence, this study investigates the impact of lecturers communication behaviour on students academic performance, with a particular focus on the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. The study employed the Social Learning Theory and Immediacy Theory, helped to frame the understanding of how students perceive and respond to lecturers communication styles. A survey research design was employed, using both questionnaires and interviews to collect data from selected respondents within the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Benin. Data collected were analyzed using tables for quantitative feedback and thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Findings revealed that lecturers communication behaviour significantly impacts students academic performance, as it was discovered that the way lecturers communicate can either enhance or hinder students learning experiences, thus, the impact can be positive or negative depending on the nature of the communication behaviour. The study concluded that lecturers communication behaviour plays a crucial role in shaping the academic outcomes of students. In relation to these findings, it is recommended that higher institutions conduct thorough interviews to assess lecturers communication behaviour during recruitment processes and provide continuous training to ensure lecturers remain effective, inclusive, and always adaptive to the diverse communication needs of students.

This study examined the ethical concerns surrounding targeted advertising and data privacy among students of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. Anchored on the Social Contract, Utilitarianism, and Stakeholder theories, the study explored consumers’ awareness of how their data is collected and used, the ethical implications of targeted advertising, and the effectiveness of existing data privacy regulations. Using a survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed online, with 114 valid responses analyzed using simple percentages. Findings revealed that most respondents were aware that advertisers use their personal data to tailor advertisements, though many expressed discomfort over the lack of transparency and consent. While awareness of Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) was moderate, respondents believed its enforcement was weak. The study concluded that targeted advertising, though beneficial for personalization, raises serious ethical issues relating to privacy, manipulation, and consent. It recommended stricter enforcement of data protection laws, increased public awareness of data rights, and adoption of transparent and ethical advertising practices.

NIL

This study, titled A Comparative Study of Nigerian and Western Media Perspectives on Music Video Vixens, investigates how media systems in different cultural environments construct and communicate meanings around women featured in music videos. The research stems from the observation that, despite increasing global media integration, Nigerian and Western media continue to frame the female image in contrasting ideological and moral terms. The problem identified was the persistent gap in understanding how cultural values and media ideologies shape representations of women in entertainment across different societies. The main objective of the study was to compare the Nigerian and Western media perspectives on music video vixens, examining how each reflects underlying beliefs about gender, morality, and artistic freedom. Specifically, the research sought to determine whether media framing in both contexts reinforces or challenges existing gender stereotypes and cultural boundaries. The study adopted a qualitative and comparative research design, relying on textual and discourse analysis of selected Nigerian and Western media programs. It focused on examining how each media system frames, discusses, and interprets the image of music video vixens within its cultural context. The analysis was supported by theoretical perspectives from media representation, feminism, and postcolonial communication studies. Findings revealed that Western media generally portrays the music video vixen as an emblem of empowerment, self-expression, and artistic creativity, while Nigerian media interprets the same phenomenon within moral and cultural frameworks, often linking it to concerns about decency and traditional values. Despite these differences, both systems were found to reproduce gendered narratives, Western media through commercialization, and Nigerian media through moral regulation. The study concludes that media perspectives are deeply rooted in the cultural and ideological systems that produce them. Western liberalism promotes autonomy but risks objectification, while Nigerian conservatism upholds cultural integrity but limits female agency. It is recommended that Nigerian media adopt more balanced gender discourse, Western media continue ethical evaluation of representation, and both contexts invest in media literacy to foster critical audience understanding. Further comparative research is encouraged to explore how emerging digital media reshape these narratives globally.

This project focuses on the overhauling of a thermoplastic injection-moulding
machine, specifically addressing the restoration and fabrication of the barrel-plunger assembly, which is the core unit responsible for melting and injecting polymer materials. The work involved diagnosing performance issues in the old assembly, repairing worn components, and fabricating a new, improved barrel-plunger pair to restore optimal machine efficiency while retaining the refurbished pair as a reliable backup. Engineering analyses, including material selection, dimensional accuracy, thermal considerations, and mechanical performance, guided both the repair and fabrication processes. The project further evaluated the quality of products produced with the overhauled machine and compared them with similar off-the-shelf items to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Findings showed that the newly fabricated assembly significantly improved melt consistency, injection pressure stability, and overall product quality, demonstrating that a systematic overhaul can extend machine life, reduce downtime, and deliver outputs comparable to commercially available standards.

This paper critically examines the emerging field of blind computation in AI machine operations, challenging conventional approaches to data privacy and security in artificial intelligence systems. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, from healthcare to finance, the need for robust privacy-preserving techniques has become paramount. Blind computation offers a promising solution by enabling AI models to process encrypted data without decryption, thus maintaining data confidentiality throughout the computational pipeline. This research synthesizes cutting-edge developments in homomorphic encryption, secure multiparty computation, and federated learning, presenting a comprehensive framework for implementing blind computation in AI systems. We propose novel architectures that significantly enhance data protection without compromising computational efficiency. Our analysis reveals that while blind computation techniques offer unprecedented levels of privacy, they also introduce new challenges in terms of computational overhead and model accuracy. We present empirical evidence demonstrating the trade-offs between privacy, performance, and precision, and propose innovative strategies to optimize these competing factors. Furthermore, we critically assess the ethical implications of blind computation, examining its potential to either mitigate or exacerbate existing biases in AI systems. This paper concludes by outlining a roadmap for future research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges associated with blind computation in AI. Our findings have significant implications for the design and deployment of privacy-preserving AI systems across various domains, potentially revolutionizing the way sensitive data is processed in the age of artificial intelligence

This project focuses on the overhauling of a thermoplastic injection-moulding
machine, specifically addressing the restoration and fabrication of the barrel-plunger assembly, which is the core unit responsible for melting and injecting polymer materials. The work involved diagnosing performance issues in the old assembly, repairing worn components, and fabricating a new, improved barrel-plunger pair to restore optimal machine efficiency while retaining the refurbished pair as a reliable backup. Engineering analyses, including material selection, dimensional accuracy, thermal considerations, and mechanical performance, guided both the repair and fabrication processes. The project further evaluated the quality of products produced with the overhauled machine and compared them with similar off-the-shelf items to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Findings showed that the newly fabricated assembly significantly improved melt consistency, injection pressure stability, and overall product quality, demonstrating that a systematic overhaul can extend machine life, reduce downtime, and deliver outputs comparable to commercially available standards.