TherelationsbetweenIkotEkpeneandArochukwuareacomplexandmultifacetedphenomen on that has been shaped by their sharedhistory,culturalpractices,andeconomicties.Tounderstandthedynamicsoftheirrelationship,itisessentialtoexplorethehistoryofbothcommunities.IkotEkpene,locatedinAkwaIbomState,Nigeria,hasarichculturalheritageandalonghistoryoftradeandcommercewithneighboringcommunities.1Arochukwu,ontheotherhand,issituatedinAbiaState,Nigeria,andisknownforitssignificantroleintheprecolonialeraasamajorcommercialcenter.Thehistoryofbothcommunitiesdatesbacktotheprecolonialera,withevidenceofhumanhabitationintheregiontracingbackthousandsofyears.Theprecolonialerasawtheriseofvariouskingdomsandempiresintheregion,withIkotEkpeneandArochukwuplayingimportantrolesintheeconomicandculturallandscape.Thetwocommunitiesengagedintrade,exchanginggoodssuchaspalmoil,ivory,andcloth.TheireconomictieswerefurtherstrengthenedbythepresenceofEuropeantraders,whosoughttoexploittheregion'snaturalresources.

Salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone are commonly prescribed for respiratory disorders. While their therapeutic effects on the airways are well documented, their impact on pulmonary oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms remains less understood. This study investigated the effects of these drugs and their combinations on oxidative stress biomarkers and total protein concentration in lung tissue. Experimental animals were assigned to eight groups (n = 4): negative control, positive control, salbutamol, montelukast, prednisolone, salbutamol/prednisolone, salbutamol/montelukast, and prednisolone/montelukast. Lung tissue homogenates were analyzed for total protein concentration, antioxidant enzyme activitiesincluding superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-and oxidative markers, specifically hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO). Data were expressed as mean ±SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Total protein concentration and catalase activity were not significantly altered in any treatment group compared with the negative control (p > 0.05). Prednisolone treatment significantly increased SOD activity relative to the negative control (p < 0.05), whereas GPx activity was elevated only in the positive control group. Montelukast significantly increased H202 levels compared with the negative control, but H202 levels in the salbutamol, montelukast, and prednisolone groups were significantly lower than the positive control. Nitric oxide concentration decreased in the positive control and prednisolone groups relative to the negative control, while montelukast treatment caused a significant increase in NO compared with the positive control (p < 0.05).

Mobile phones are frequently exposed to various environmental contaminants and serve as potential reservoirs for bacterial pathogens, particularly among individuals in high-contact occupations such as market women. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacterial contaminants from mobile phones used by selected market women in Benin City, Edo State, to assess potential public health risks. Total bacterial counts (TBC) ranged from 1.70 ± 0.02 × 10⁴ cfu/m³ to 3.80 ± 0.53 × 10⁴ cfu/m³, indicating significant microbial contamination. Morphological and biochemical characterization identified Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Enterococcus sp. Staphylococcus spp. exhibited the highest occurrence (20%), followed by Streptococcus spp. (16%) and Escherichia coli (13%), while Klebsiella sp. had the lowest occurrence (5%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns among isolates. Escherichia coli exhibited resistance to cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin, while Staphylococcus sp. was resistant to cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin but sensitive to ampicillin, levofloxacin, and imipenem. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.3 to 0.5, highlighting the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains with potential public health implications. These findings emphasize the need for improved hygiene practices among market women to minimize bacterial contamination and potential disease transmission.

Sex education plays a vital role in equipping adolescents with accurate information and life skills necessary for making informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health. This study examined the knowledge and attitude towards the teaching of sex education among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess students’ level of knowledge of sex education, determine their attitudes towards its teaching in schools, and identify factors influencing their perceptions.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from selected secondary school students using a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on demographic characteristics, knowledge of sex education, and attitudes towards its teaching. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations.
The findings revealed that a majority of the students possessed a moderate to high level of knowledge regarding sex education and recognized its importance in promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing sexually transmitted infections, reducing teenage pregnancy, and fostering responsible sexual behavior. The study also found that most respondents exhibited a positive attitude towards the inclusion and teaching of sex education in secondary schools. However, cultural beliefs, religious values, parental influence, and societal perceptions were identified as factors affecting students’ acceptance and understanding of sex education.
The study concluded that effective sex education is essential for enhancing adolescents’ awareness of reproductive health issues and encouraging responsible decision-making. It recommends that sex education be adequately incorporated into the secondary school curriculum and delivered by trained educators using age-appropriate and culturally sensitive approaches. Increased collaboration among schools, parents, health professionals, and policymakers is also recommended to improve the effectiveness of sex education programs among adolescents.

This study investigates how transparency and explainability influence user trust in AI-driven interfaces. As AI systems become increasingly embedded in decision-making, users often struggle to understand their processes, leading to skepticism and reduced adoption. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 62 participants through structured questionnaires assessing transparency, explainability, trust, and user experience. Statistical analyses revealed that higher transparency and clear, human-centered explanations significantly enhance user trust and perceived fairness. However, overly technical or complex disclosures reduce comprehension and engagement. The study proposes a Human-Centered AI framework that integrates adaptive explainability, layered transparency, and user feedback mechanisms. Findings contribute to the growing field of trustworthy AI by offering practical guidelines for designing transparent, ethical, and user-aligned AI interfaces.

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures form the backbone of modern infrastructure due to their strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. However, over time, these buildings are prone to various forms of deterioration caused by factors such as environmental exposure, poor construction practices, overloading, and lack of proper maintenance. These defects manifest in forms like cracks, spalling, corrosion of reinforcement, and structural deformation, which compromise the integrity and safety of the structure. Hence, this study aim to access the repair and rehabilitation of defective reinforced concrete buildings in Ekosodin Community of Ovia North East LGA, Benin City. The study Involves conducting a comprehensive review of literature, standards, and case studies to understand the mechanisms of deterioration and the corresponding repair techniques. A detailed site investigation was carried out on selected case study buildings to identify the extent of damage through visual inspection and non-destructive testing methods such as rebound hammer tests. Based on the diagnosis (that is watching out for crack defects only), a repair and rehabilitation plan was developed which incorporates suitable repair materials and structural strengthening method such as bitumen crack injection and stitching as a combined method of repair/rehabilitation. Visual inspection revealed multiple types of cracks on columns and walls, with widths ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm, attributed to various factors. Rebound hammer results showed that cracked areas had lower surface strength (11–13 N/mm²) than uncracked regions (24–27 N/mm²), confirming surface deterioration and validating the rebound hammer test as a reliable tool for assessing concrete integrity prior to selecting suitable rehabilitation method

Yam is a crucial staple crop in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, yet its traditional processing into pounded yam (iyan) is highly labor-intensive, time-consuming, and yields inconsistent product quality. While the mechanization of this process through yam blending machines offers a solution for enhanced productivity, a critical operational challenge remains: persistent material leakage during blending. Such leakage compromises operational hygiene, leads to product loss, and risks damage to the machine's mechanical and electrical components, thus hindering wider commercial adoption. This study aimed to address this challenge by designing and constructing a functional yam blending machine with a primary focus on implementing robust sealing mechanisms and hygienic structural features to significantly minimize or eliminate material leakage during operation. The methodology employed a systematic design approach, utilizing a decision matrix to select an AC-powered motor for its high torque capacity and specifying food-grade Stainless Steel (SS304) for all food-contact surfaces. The detailed design prioritized secure interfaces, particularly for the blending shaft and chamber lid, to ensure a hermetic seal. Following construction, the prototype is intended for performance evaluation to assess its blending efficiency, output consistency, and the effectiveness of the integrated leakage prevention measures. The successful development of this machine is anticipated to substantially enhance productivity, uphold higher standards of food safety, and contribute meaningfully to the reliable and sustainable mechanization of the yam processing sector in Nigeria.

With a heart full of gratitude, I first give all glory and thanks to GOD ALMIGHTY for His unfailing love, guidance, and provision, which has carried me through every stage of this project. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, DR. AUSTIN IROGHAMA ARHOMAREN, whose patience, guidance, and encouragement were instrumental to the success of this work. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my Head of Department, DR. (MRS.) ZAINAB OMORUYI, for her motherly leadership and constant encouragement. I remain thankful to all my lecturers PROF. OSIME, DR. MRS. OBAZELU, DR. MRS. OTIKOR, MR.UZAMERE, DR. OSAKWE, DR. ERHABOR, and DR. MRS. OTUTU and others for their dedication, teachings, and the wealth of knowledge they have imparted in me. To my beloved parents, MR. AND MRS. FRIDAY OSHODIN, I owe special thanks for their sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support. I am equally grateful to my siblings JOY, RUTH, EFOSA, BLESSING, AIMUA , for their love, encouragement, and constant belief in me. I also appreciate the prayers, fellowship, and spiritual covering of my place of worship, CHRIST IMPACT ASSEMBLY, which has been a pillar of strength to me all through my journey so far. Finally, my warmest appreciation goes to my dear friends DIVINE, ABEL, FAVOUR, ELIZABETH, JESSICA and my senior colleague, MICHEAL, for their encouragement, support, and friendship all through this journey.

Background: Patient safety is a fundamental component of quality healthcare and an essential aspect of healthcare training. Medical errors and preventable adverse events remain major causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety are important for promoting safe clinical practice and reducing preventable harm. However, gaps in patient safety education and training continue to exist among medical and nursing students. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and determinants of patient safety among medical and nursing students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 consenting medical and nursing students in the University of Benin selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide and the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III (APSQ-III). The questionnaire assessed respondents’socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of patient safety, perception toward patient safety, and determinants influencing patient safety knowledge and perception. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Chi-square test and multivariable analysis were used to determine associations and predictors of patient safety knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results were presented in tables, charts and prose. Results: A total of 420 respondents participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.6 years. Most respondents, 383 (91.2%) had heard of patient safety with lectures 298 (71.0%) and clinical postings 273 (65.0%) being the major sources of information. Three hundred and eighty-nine (92.6%) of respondents had good knowledge of patient safety. Respondents residing off-campus were significantly less likely to have good knowledge of patient safety compared to those living in school hostels (OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.145-0.974, p = 0.044), while respondents who had not heard of patient safety were about 92% less likely to have good knowledge compared to those who were aware (OR = 0.081, 95% CI: 0.029-0.227, p < 0.001). Overall, 273 (65%) had positive perception of patient safety. Majority agreed that patient safety is a global issue (92.4%), most clinical errors are preventable (92.6%), patient involvement improves safety (93.3%) and teamwork reduces errors (88.8%). Respondents sponsored by parents were about three times more likely to have positive perception compared to those who sponsored themselves (OR = 3.296, 95% CI: 1.325-8.194, p = 0.010). Determinants influencing patient safety included supervisory emphasis on patient safety (96.7%), integration of safety concepts into lectures and training (87.1%), adequate clinical training (71.7%), practical teaching methods (97.9%), and personal motivation (86.7%). Conclusion: Medical and nursing students in the University of Benin demonstrated generally good knowledge and positive perceptions of patient safety. Despite this, gaps still exist in system-based understanding of patient safety. Strengthening patient safety education through improved curriculum integration and simulation-based learning is recommended to further promote patient safety culture among future healthcare professionals.

The development of a Cloud-based Healthcare Information System (CHIS) is a significant project aimed at creating a scalable and reliable cloud computing system to optimize clinical outcomes and improve patient care. The project covers the entire software development lifecycle, including requirements gathering, system design, implementation, testing, and deployment. Key features of the system include user authentication, patient management, electronic health records (EHR), appointment scheduling, interoperability, telemedicine capabilities, data analytics, and security measures. Technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React.js, Angular.js, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Java, Python, and Node.js are used in the system's development. Cloud computing platforms like Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are utilized for hosting. Furthermore, the system uses containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for more effective deployment and management of application components. Standards and procedures from the healthcare sector, including Health Level Seven (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), are incorporated to ensure flexibility, compatibility, and integrity. Security measures such as access restrictions, audit trails, encryption, and compliance with mandates like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are implemented.