2026

The interaction between plant fibers and digestive enzymes is a critical aspect of gastrointestinal physiology, and plant fibers from traditional medicinal plants have attracted attention for their potential effects on digestive processes and metabolic health. However, the specific effects of Irvingia gabonensis (bush mango), Hunteria umbellata (osu), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fibers on key small intestinal enzymes in a mammalian model are not fully elucidated. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of these plant fibers on the activities of disaccharidases (maltase, lactase, sucrase) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as total protein content and body weight, in the small intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats. Fifty-four (54) male wistar rats were divided into nine (9) groups of six (6) animals each, Control 1- fiber-free group, Control 2 Fybogel 1.5 %, Fybogel 3.0 %, Bush mango 5.0 %, Bush mango 10.0 %, Okra 5.0 %, Okra 10.0 %, Osu 5.0 %, and Osu 10.0 %. The animals were fed formulated diets containing different concentrations of each plant fiber for 36 days. The primary data collected were measurements of enzymatic activity, total protein content, and body weight gain. Enzyme activities (maltase, lactase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase) were assessed using spectrophotometric assays on the small intestinal mucosal homogenates. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant variations in enzymatic activity, total protein, and body weight gain across the different dietary groups, with a threshold of p < 0.05 defining statistical significance. The findings demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in enzymatic activity and metabolic parameters across the fiber-supplemented groups. Lactase activity was significantly elevated (122% increase) in the I. gabonensis 10.0 g group but significantly reduced by both doses of A. esculentus and the H. umbellata 10.0 g dose. Sucrase activity was consistently reduced across all plant fiber treatments, with H. umbellata showing the greatest reduction (44% decrease). Notably, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in all fiber-supplemented diets compared to the fiber-free control (ranging from 105% to 353% increase). All plant fibers also significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein content (up to 76% increase) and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight gain (up to 35% decrease) compared to the control. These results suggested that supplementation with these plant fibers significantly modulated intestinal enzyme xi activities and influenced metabolic processes. The significant alterations in enzyme activities and weight control highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of I. gabonensis, H. umbellata, and A. esculentus fibers in improving gastrointestinal health and metabolic function.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B remains a major global public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where it contributes significantly to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, poor knowledge of the infection and its vaccine, as well as low vaccine uptake, continue to sustain transmission. AIM: This study assessed knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination uptake, associated factors, and barriers to uptake of the vaccine among young adults in Benin City, Edo State. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 543 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer and self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, vaccination status, and factors associated with these outcomes. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarized means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, knowledge of the vaccine, and vaccination uptake. Binary logistic regression identified predictors of good vaccine knowledge and full vaccination status. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and results were presented in prose and tables. RESULTS: A total of 543 individuals took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 21.0 ± 2.8 years and 302 (55.6%) were females. Overall, 99 (24.6%) respondents had good knowledge of Hepatitis B virus infection, while 303 (75.4%) had poor knowledge. Regarding knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine, 50 (16.9%) had good knowledge, while 246 xv (83.1%) had poor knowledge. At the bivariate level, respondents age (χ²=17.131, p= <0.001), sex (χ²=5.122, p= 0.024), monthly income (χ²=14.319, p= 0.001), and individuals with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ²=91.056, p= <0.001) were significantly associated with
knowledge of the vaccine. Older respondents, females, individuals with higher monthly income, and those with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were more likely to have good knowledge compared to their counterparts. Ethnic group, marital status, religion, employment status and occupation were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents earning ≥₦70,000 were 2.467 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 0.909–6.698), while respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 45.414 times more likely to have good knowledge of the vaccine (95% CI: 12.092–170.561), this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding vaccine uptake, 33 (6.1%) respondents were fully vaccinated, 66 (12.2%) were partially vaccinated, and 444 (81.8%) were not vaccinated. Bivariate analysis showed that age (χ² = 36.067, p < 0.001), sex (χ² = 10.591, p = 0.005), knowledge of Hepatitis B infection (χ² = 105.384, p < 0.001), and knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine (χ² = 93.812, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccination status. Respondents aged ≥25 years had the
highest proportion of full vaccination 12 (16.7%), while those aged <20 years had the highest proportion of non-vaccination 190 (92.2%). Females had a higher proportion of partial vaccination 49 (16.2%), while males had a higher proportion of non-vaccination 206 (86.7%). Among respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection, 27 (27.3%) were fully vaccinated compared to 5 (1.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Similarly, 21 (42.0%) respondents with good vaccine knowledge were fully vaccinated compared to 9 (3.7%) among those with poor knowledge. Multivariate analysis showed that respondents with good knowledge of Hepatitis B infection were 9.011 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% xvi CI: 1.962–41.393, p = 0.005), while those with good knowledge of the Hepatitis B vaccine were 5.618 times more likely to be fully vaccinated (95% CI: 1.813–17.410, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of Hepatitis B infection and its vaccine was generally poor among respondents, and vaccination uptake was suboptimal. However, better knowledge of the infection and vaccine significantly improved the likelihood of full vaccination. Strengthening health education and awareness campaigns through healthcare workers, schools, and media platforms is essential to improve knowledge and increase vaccine uptake among the population.

This study examined the relationship between workplace toxicity and employees’ performance in virtual organisations in Lagos State. Virtual organisations have become an increasingly prominent feature of the modern business landscape as technological advancements, global connectivity and digital work platforms continue to redefine the nature of organisational operations. It is aimed at determining how workplace bullying influences employee performance; ascertaining the relationship between workplace harassment and employee performance; examining the extent to which toxic leadership influences employee performance; and ascertaining whether cyber incivility affects employee performance in virtual organisations in Lagos State. Four dimensions of workplace toxicity, which are: workplace bullying, workplace harassment, toxic leadership and cyber incivility in relation to employees’ performance, were examined. The study specifically adopted a descriptive survey research design to gather information from primary sources, using structured questionnaires administered to employees in the selected virtual organisations in Lagos State. A total number of three hundred and sixty-four (364) valid responses were collected from employees in the selected virtual organisations. The data gathered were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that each dimension of workplace toxicity examined, which are workplace bullying, workplace harassment, toxic leadership and cyber incivility, was significantly and positively associated with employees’ performance among the respondents. The analysis demonstrates a very strong association between the independent variables (workplace toxicity) and employees’ performance, as indicated by the correlation coefficient (R) of 0.872. This value signifies a very strong positive linear relationship. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²) is 0.746, indicating that only 74.6% of the variance in employees’ performance is explained by the predictors. Based on these results, it is recommended that the organisation strengthen internal policies that address harassment, enforce fair treatment among staff, and develop transparent reward systems that minimise favouritism. In addition, the organisation should recommend continuous employee counselling, improved supervisory conduct, and policy reforms targeting toxic managerial practice

BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education globally, yet data on AI knowledge, perception, and usage among Nigerian university students remain limited. Understanding these factors is essential for effective curriculum integration and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge, perception, and use of Artificial Intelligence among students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 603 undergraduate students selected using multistage random sampling from six faculties. Data were collected using a structured pretested, self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27. Associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge/perception/use were tested using chi-square and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 (95% CI). RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 19.9 ± 2.87 years and majority were females 355 (58.9%). Overall, 340 (56.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of AI, while 427 (70.8%) held positive perceptions. High AI usage was reported by 329 (54.6%) respondents, with ChatGPT being the most commonly used platform 450 (32.8%). Significant predictors of good knowledge included female sex (OR = 1.980, p = 0.001), being in the Faculty of Medicine (OR = 14.069, p = 0.001), and higher academic level (OR = 1.717, p = 0.020). Positive perception was significantly associated with high AI usage (OR = 8.020, p < 0.001) and excellent internet access (p = 0.041). AI usage was significantly influenced by positive perception (OR = 2.087, p = 0.025), peer interest (OR = 0.423, p = 0.004), and access to online learning platforms (OR = 0.528, p = 0.037). The most common concerns about AI were that it

Colour is an inextricable element of the world we are in, and its influence on how people perceive their surroundings is irrefutable. Colour is considered as an integral element of our environment, natural and constructed. The psychological effects of color mean that color’s impact on each and every individual are vast, however, people rarely have a clue of how these effects are even occurring. Psychologically certain feelings or reactions can be induced by colour, the same applies in architecture colour impacts how the users of the building feels. Even though most of people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the effects of color in their homes, the color and design in our home should reflect the people who live inside, the designers and homeowners should use colors wisely to create the intended atmosphere in each space. This study highlights the important role of colour in residential designs. It is an undertaken study comprising of a survey of interviewed people from different walks of life in Benin City to assess their perception and colour preference in the use of colors in residential buildings and concluded that people expressed color as an important factor in their homes. They also believe that color affects health, mood & emotions of the person.

Crime remains a major social problem that negatively affects individuals and society through economic, psychological, and health-related consequences. In response to the increasing rate of crime, the police as a formal institution of social control are charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order. However, traditional policing methods have often proven inadequate in addressing modern security challenges. This led to the emergence of community policing, which emphasizes partnership and collaboration between the police and members of the community in crime prevention and control. Community policing encourages proactive policing strategies, problem-solving, and public participation in maintaining peace and security. In Nigeria, the adoption of community policing in 2004 marked a significant step toward police reform aimed at improving public trust, professionalism, and effective service delivery. This approach seeks to transform citizens into co-producers of justice and security by strengthening police-community relations. The study therefore examines the role of community policing in crime prevention and control, highlighting its importance as a proactive strategy for ensuring the protection of lives and property in society.

This research presents a descriptive analysis of the semantic functions of reduplication in the Esan language, a member of the Edoid language family spoken predominantly in Edo State, Nigeria. Reduplication is a highly productive morphological process in Esan, used by native speakers to extend, intensify, or modify the meaning of base forms across various word classes. The primary objective of the study was to identify the types of reduplication in Esan, explore the semantic functions they perform, analyze how they operate within different grammatical categories, and determine what insights they offer into Esan speaker usage and morphology. The study was anchored on the Descriptive Linguistic Approach, backed by Basic Linguistic Theory (BLT), which emphasizes that grammatical and semantic patterns should be described as they are naturally used by speakers. Data were collected from native speakers through interviews, observations, and recordings of natural speech. The analysis revealed that Esan
employs both total and partial reduplication, with total reduplication being more common and used across all word classes including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and time expressions. Reduplication in Esan was found to serve multiple semantic functions such as abundance, intensification, aspect marking, emphasis, repetition, plurality, diminutiveness, and emotional
or figurative expression. The study concludes that reduplication in Esan reflects both linguistic functionality and cultural expressiveness, making it a fundamental part of the language’s morphological and semantic system. This research contributes to the field of African linguistics by expanding the documentation and understanding of Esan grammar, while also showcasing
reduplication as a practical and versatile tool for meaning-making natural language use.

In a workplace environment, such as an academic department, knowing the availability of an office occupant remains a persistent challenge for staff and students. Traditional approaches, such as the use of indoor/outdoor tags, are outdated. This research focuses on the design and Implementation of a Real-Time Occupancy Detection and Interactive Staff Availability Display System for Smart Offices. The system uses a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensor to detect when the office occupant is seated. The system provides five distinct status messages that can be automatically broadcast using push buttons on the input unit of the device, and the status communicated are: "In a Meeting - Please Wait" - "Available But Busy","Available - Knock First", "In Class - Back Soon", "Unavailable" (Auto-triggered by inactivity or off-hours. Testing was done in different stages of the design process. After construction, the system was tested, and it worked satisfactorily.

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. In Nigeria, ADHD remains largely underdiagnosed and poorly understood, particularly among primary school teachers who serve as frontline identifiers of the condition. Children with ADHD in Nigerian classrooms are often mislabelled as stubborn, lazy, or poorly disciplined due to low teacher awareness and inadequate training on neurodevelopmental disorders. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices regarding ADHD among primary school teachers in the Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, to identify gaps in understanding and the factors influencing teachers' attitudes and practices. It further explores the impact of these factors on classroom identification and support for children with ADHD. The findings from this research will help develop targeted training approaches to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve educational outcomes for children with ADHD in primary schools. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 primary school teachers in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaires adapted from the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS), the ADHD Specific Attitudes Scale (SASA), and the Behaviour and Instructional Management Scale (BIMS). IBM SPSS version 27.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive data were expressed as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations between socio demographic factors and knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at p <0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 38.72 ± 8.43 years. The majority 296 (68.0%) were female, and most identified as Benin 203 (46.7%). A significant portion 384 (88.3%) were Christians, and 217 (49.9%) held Nigeria Certificate in Education as their highest qualification. Most teachers, 241 (55.4%), worked in public schools, and 165 (37.9%) had 11 to 20 years of teaching experience. Knowledge assessment revealed that only 62 (14.3%) of teachers displayed adequate knowledge of ADHD, while 296 (68.0%) had low knowledge, particularly in the domains of symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and outcomes. Regarding attitudes, 255 (58.6%) held positive attitudes toward ADHD, though only 52 (11.9%) felt capable of effectively teaching students with ADHD behaviours. Classroom management practices showed that 359 (82.5%) demonstrated high adoption of general management strategies, yet all 435 (100%) teachers reported having no access to school counsellors or special education professionals. Nearly all teachers 431 (99.1%) expressed a strong desire for more training on ADHD. Significant associations were observed between knowledge and school type (p = 0.039), attitude and age group (p = 0.025), as well as attitude and school type (p < 0.001). Teachers with education-based qualifications were 4.2 times more likely to adopt evidence-based management strategies (OR = 4.189, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that more than two-thirds of primary school teachers had poor knowledge of ADHD, with factors such as school type, age, and qualification type playing significant roles. The study also revealed that while a slight majority held positive attitudes toward ADHD, only a small minority felt confident in teaching students with the condition. This study highlights significant gaps in teachers' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding ADHD, with important implications for classroom identification and support. Addressing these challenges through mandatory ADHD training in teacher education, in-service workshops, and deployment of school counsellors is essential to improve early identification and educational outcomes for children with ADHD in Benin City.

This study examined community policing and internal security in Nigeria, with particular reference to Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The main objective of the study was to assess the nature and practice of community policing, its impact on crime reduction and internal security, the challenges facing its implementation, and the role of youths and local
security actors in sustaining community policing initiatives in the study area. The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires administered to residents of Esan North-East Local Government Area. The data
obtained were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables.
The findings of the study revealed that community policing has improved collaboration between the police and community members, leading to better information sharing and quicker response to crime. The study also found that community policing has contributed to a reduction in crime and an improvement in the level of internal security in the area. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of trust between the police and residents, poor cooperation, and insufficient training of personnel were identified as major obstacles to the effective implementation of community policing. The study concluded that community policing is an effective strategy for enhancing internal security when there is active cooperation between the police and the community. It was therefore recommended that the government should provide adequate funding, improve training for community policing officers, and promote public awareness and community participation in security matters