EVALUATING THE NEUROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS ASPALATHUS LINEARIS (ROOIBOS) LEAF EXTRACT ON MERCURY CHLORIDE-INDUCED TOXICITY IN THE CEREBELLUM OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

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ABSTRACT
Mercury is a common element in the environment that causes oxidative stress in those who are exposed, which in turn causes tissue damage. The role of natural antioxidants, especially those derived from plants is gaining a lot of attention with scientific evidence showing that vegetables, fruits and teas have protective effects and promote good health. Aspalathus linearis, commonly known as Rooibos, is well known for its rich content of different compounds with antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that it has anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, cardio-protective effects. In this study, the neuroprotective activities of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) was investigated in mercury chloride-induced neurotoxicity in experimental animals. Forty two adult Wistar rats, which weighed an average of 161g, were used for this study. The rats were grouped into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G), of six rats each. Group A served as the control and were given 1ml of sterile water, Group B (HgCl2) were given 4mg/kg bodyweight of Mercury chloride only, Group C (RBT + HgCl2) were administered 250mg/kg bodyweight aqueous leaf extract of Aspalathus linearis and 4mg/kg bodyweight of Mercury chloride, Group D (RBT + HgCl2) were administered 500mg/kg bodyweight aqueous leaf extract of Aspalathus linearis and 4mg/kg bodyweight of Mercury chloride, Group E (RBT) were administered 500mg/kg bodyweight aqueous leaf extract of Aspalathus linearis only, Group F (Vit E + HgCl2) were administered 500mg/kg bodyweight of vitamin E and 4mg/kg bodyweight of Mercury chloride and Group G(Vit E) were administered 500mg/kg bodyweight of vitamin E only. All administrations were given orally, through an orogastric tube and the experiment lasted for 28 days. At the end of the study period, the rats were weighed and open field test was performed. The rats were euthanized through cervical dislocation and their brains dissected out. Brain weight was recorded and antioxidant parameters such as MDA, GPx and SOD was investigated. Histology of the cerebellum was also examined in all groups. Result shows, in the neurobehavoural activity, for rearing and ambulation a decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in group B when compared with control, however in rearing and ambulation an increase (P > 0.05) was observed in group C, D and F when compared with group B. For grooming and immobility an increase (P > 0.05) was observed in group B when compared with control, however in grooming and immobility a decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in group C, D and F when compared with group B. Result for antioxidant activity showed oxidative stress ( low antioxidant activity) in group B whereas the Control, RBT and Vit. E groups increase in antioxidant activity. Result from histology showed degeneration of the purkinje cells in the purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum in group B when compared with control, however treatment with RBT and Vit. E reversed the effect. In conclusion the findings showed Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) help to attenuate the neurotoxic effect of mercury-chloride on the cerebellum of adult Wistar rat

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AN IMPLEMENTATION OF PASSWORD STRENGTH AND TIME CRACKING ESTIMATOR

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Abstract
In today's digital age, the security of online accounts and sensitive information has become a paramount concern. A critical component of this security is the strength of passwords used to protect these accounts. A password is "a series of letters, numbers, etc. that you must enter into a computer or computer system to use it". Password strength is a term that refers to how effective a password is in preventing unauthorized access to a computer system or account. A time cracking estimator is a tool that calculates how long it would take to break a password by trying every possible combination of letters, numbers and symbols until finding a match. This project aim is to develop an advanced Password Strength and Time Cracking Estimator that enhances password security by accurately assessing the strength of passwords and providing realistic estimations of the time required to crack them. The Password Strength and Time Estimator tool has been successfully developed and tested. Users can input their passwords through a web-based interface and the tool provides an instant assessment of the password's strength and an estimate of the time it would take for a brute-force attack to compromise it. The tool's accuracy has been validated through extensive testing with a wide range of passwords, and it consistently provides reliable results. The project frontend was built with HTML, CSS, while the backend was built with Java Script. The Password Strength and Time Estimator project addresses a critical aspect of cybersecurity by empowering users to make informed decisions about their online security. By understanding the strength of their passwords and the potential risks, individuals and organizations can take proactive steps to enhance their digital security posture. This project contributes to the ongoing efforts to create a safer online environment and emphasizes the importance of strong, unique passwords in safeguarding sensitive data.
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BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PHYSCIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF BOREHOLE WATER IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN UGBOWO, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Year of Publication
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This study examines the microbiological risks associated with several borehole water samples found in selected Secondary Schools in Ugbowo axis. There were four Schools where borehole water samples (n=4) were taken. For both psychochemical and microbiological studies, samples were taken to the lab. Physical-chemical investigations were performed to measure the concentrations of phosphate, nitrate, and sulfate as well as pH, suspended particles, salinity, total hardness, electrical conductivity, and turbidity. To identify the bacteria isolates found in the school water samples, bacterial examinations were carried out. Additionally, biochemical tests such those for catalase, indole, oxidase, citrate, KOH, and sugar mentation were carried out. Utilizing the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the various isolates was examined. Results from the study revealed the range values of physicochemical parameters as, The physicochemical properties of the water samples frequently ranged in temperature between 25.40 and 25.70°C. They had turbidities that varied between 0.50 and 1.95 nephelometric units (NTU). The pH range of borehole water samples is 6.06 to 7.66. The ranges for electrical conductivity, salinity, and the amount of suspended particles were 13 to 61 S/cm, 6.33 to 30.00 g/kg, and 0.24 to 0.85 mg/ml, respectively. The bulk of heavy metals were not detectable, which is why the result was 0.00 Biochemical test results revealed the presence of bacteria such as. Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella oxytocic, The results obtained for the antimicrobial test revealed that zone of inhibition exhibited by Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin, Colistin and Tetracycline ranged from 7mm-13mm ( partial resistance was also observed), only partial resistance in Erythromycin, 4mm-5mm, Nil, 5mm-10mm, Nil and 3mm respectively. In order to x prevent water-borne illnesses that could endanger humans, it is crucial to conduct more research
on the microbiological safety of surface water bodies. xi
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ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF A BI-HERBAL FORMULATION OF THE LEAVES OF Cymbopogon citratus AND Picralima nitida ON SELECTED CLINICAL ISOLATES IN BENIN.

Author(s)
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major global health concern and a menace
to the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, necessitating the exploration of alternative
agents. Medicinal plants have the potential to provide novel therapeutic options against
microbial infections. Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and Picralima nitida (Akuamma)
are widely recognized for their antimicrobial effects, among other pharmacological
activities. This study aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of a bi-herbal
formulation of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and Picralima nitida (Akuamma)
against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Aqueous and ethanol leave extracts of
Cymbopogon citratus and Picralima nitida were used. An inoculum size of 10
5 CFU/ml
was applied. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out using agar well diffusion
method with some modifications. The results showed that the MICs of the aqueous and
the ethanol leave extracts on Staphylococcus aureus were 200 mg/ml and 20.83 mg/ml
with zones of inhibition of diameters 11.50 mm and 11.33 mm, respectively. Also, the
MICs of the aqueous and the ethanol leave extracts on Bacillus subtilis were 150 mg/ml
and 6.37 mg/ml with zones of inhibition of diameters 15.00 mm and 15.50 mm, respectively. The MIC of the aqueous extract on C. albicans was 75 mg/ml with a zone of
inhibition diameter of 12.00 mm; however, the ethanolic extract did not produce any zone
of inhibition. No zones of inhibition were observed in K. pneumonia and Aspergillus
niger. In conclusion, both the aqueous and ethanol bi-herbal formulations of
Cymbopogon citratus and Picralima nitida leaves possess antimicrobial property against
Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, although these
organisms were more susceptible to the ethanol extract. The formulation is not effective
against Gram-negative organisms such as Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli, as
well as fungi such as Aspergillus niger but had slight activity against Candida albicans. Further research is recommended to elucidate the efficacy, safety, and toxicity of this
formulation.
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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SELECTED EDUCATIONAL APPS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNIBEN STUDENTS. (A Case Study of University of Benin Undergraduates)

Faculty
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This study was made to find out how certain training apps affect how well uniben students
do in school. Google Apps for Education is a free set of tools for conversation and
working together, like email, calendar, and documents. Google Apps for Education is
used in schools all over the world by more than 30 million kids, teachers, and school
administrators. Many kids will use these tools when they go to college and when they start
working. A simple random sampling method was used to choose 220 students from all 11
schools at the University of Benin to take part in the study. For this study, a poll was used
as the method of research, and a questionnaire was used to gather data. The following
was found when the collected data was looked at: That having access to the internet is the
most important factor in whether or not students use Google Apps for Education. The
learning setting, the teacher, the students themselves, and their gender were the next most
important factors. So, it was suggested that the institution pay more attention to making
sure that students have access to the internet, and that this should be the top priority. After that, the learning environment should be set up to encourage the use of
technological devices, and power outlets and electricity should be installed. Teachers
should also be trained and encouraged to change the way they teach to use Google Apps
for Education, and students should be shown how to use the tool.
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ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF TREATED BEVERAGE EFFLUENT FOR PUBLIC USE

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Effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are common worldwide and a necessary step to improve the quality of wastewater before it is discharged to surface or groundwater and re-enters water supplies. Adequate water resource protection is critical as freshwater systems provide multiple environmental services such as supporting numerous species, supplying water for drinking and irrigation, and assimilating wastes through a biotic/biotic cycling. An effluent treatment plant is a system consisting of mechanical, chemical and biological devices and methods for the purpose of bringing the characteristics of waste water from a manufacturing process, to acceptable standard. Various stages of effluent treatment plants include the following which are influent pit, equalization tank, sequential batch reactor, buffer tank and clear water tank. Wastewater standards are specifications of the biological, chemical and physical quality of the wastewater that is produced by a treatment. These regularly comprise of allowable chemical oxygen demand (COD), Total suspended solids (TSS), Total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), Conductivity, and PH. which indicates the municipal and industrial discharged standards, as well as the by-laws. The effluent treatment plant has a high potential of removing key pollutants and could be used for better treatment of wastewater managed properly
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QUALITY ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SACHET WATER IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

Author(s)
Year of Publication
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the quality of six different brands of sachet water that are being marketed in Benin City, ascertain the authenticity of these sachet water collected by verifying the NAFDAC registration numbers, estimate the standard of each sachet water over a period of thirty days and analyze the physical, chemical and biological parameters of each sachet water compared to WHO and NAFDAC standards.
The samples were collected and analyzed in the Benin Owena River Basin laboratory in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for various physical, chemical and biological parameters such as Hardness, color, pH, conductivity, total coliform etc. The samples were analyzed in thirty days interval to ascertain the quality of each sachet water after a month. This study was carried out through sample collection and data acquisition from textbooks, journals and articles.
The results gotten were compared to the standard set of each parameters by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). From the test result, the physical parameters tested for were in accordance to WHO and NAFDAC standards. The chemical parameters tested for were also in accordance to WHO and NAFDAC range of values in both analysis. For the biological analysis, four out of six samples tested contained coliform during the first analysis and all the sachet water analyzed contained some amount of coliform after the water samples were tested after thirty days. Therefore none of the sachet water is completely recommended for drinking after thirty days. From this study there is need for improvement of the biological treatments of sachet water by production companies.



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AN ASSESSMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS MAINTENANCE CULTURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Year of Publication
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This study assessed the maintenance culture of administrative buildings within the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The research aimed to identify the prevailing maintenance strategy, evaluate the factors influencing its practice, and highlight the associated challenges. A survey approach was adopted, targeting relevant maintenance personnel and facility users. Findings reveal that the maintenance culture in UNIBEN is predominantly reactive (breakdown maintenance), with minimal adherence to preventive maintenance protocols. Key challenges identified include inadequate and untimely release of maintenance funds, shortage of experienced technical manpower, use of sub-standard materials for repairs, and a lackadaisical attitude towards facility care by both staff and users. These factors contribute to the accelerated deterioration of the administrative structures. The study concludes that the absence of a proactive, well-funded, and organized maintenance culture compromises the functionality and lifespan of UNIBEN's administrative facilities. Recommendations emphasize the urgent need for a transition to a scheduled preventive maintenance program, improved budgetary allocations, and staff training to foster a more sustainable and effective maintenance culture.
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ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVELS OF COPPER, CHROMIUM, MANGANESE, LEAD, ZINC, CADMIUM, and IRON IN SCENT LEAVES AND BITTER LEAVES SOLD IN USELU MARKET, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

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Abstract
Taking safety into account, the levels of Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Fe in Bitter leaves and Scent leaves have been assessed. This study involves the collection of fresh vegetable samples from Uselu market, Edo State, Nigeria. The samples were prepared using stander methods to quantify the concentrations of heavy metals present. The analytical finish was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) model Buck Scientific VGP210 to obtain accurate measurements of heavy metal content in Scent leaves and Bitter leaves. Analytical data available shows a pattern of Cu 0.20mg/kg, Cr 0.10mg/kg, Mn 7.50mg/kg, Pb 0.00mg/kg, Zn 5.15mg/kg, Cd 0.05mg/kg, Fe 6.50mg/kg for Scent leaves and Cu 0.20mg/kg, Cr 0.15mg/kg, Mn 5.00mg/kg, Pb 0.05mg/kg, Zn 4.85mg/kg, Cd 0.05mg/kg, Fe 4.50mg/kg
for Bitter leaves. These data were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control. The results showed that the levels complied with regulatory standards. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the levels of these selected heavy metals in Scent leaves and Bitter leaves, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of potential risks associated with their consumption. Furthermore, this study will contribute to enhancing public awareness about food safety and help formulate recommendations to mitigate heavy metals contamination in vegetables.
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ADSORPTION OF METHYL ORANGE DYE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING CLAY OBTAINED FROM UTEH UZALLA BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

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The contamination of water bodies by synthetic dyes such as methyl orange from industrial effluents poses a significant environmental challenge due to their toxicity, persistence, and resistance to biodegradation. This study investigates the adsorption capacity of Uteh-Uzalla clay for the removal of Methy orange from aqueous solutions. . The clay was characterized using SEM, BET, XRD, TGA, and FTIR to determine its surface morphology, elemental composition, crystalline phases, thermal stability, and functional groups. BET analysis revealed a surface area of 170.571 m²/g, a pore volume of 0.109cm³/g, and an average pore size of 2.411nm, indicating a mesoporous structure suitable for adsorption. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed significant weight loss between 200°C and 600°C, attributed to the dehydroxylation of clay minerals, confirming its thermal stability.FTIR analysis indicated the presence of kaolinite with functional groups such as O–H stretching at 3693.8 cm⁻¹, Si–H stretching at 2117.1 cm⁻¹, and H–O–H bending at 1636.3 cm⁻¹. SEM imaging revealed a porous, agglomerated structure that could facilitate adsorption. Elemental analysis revealed that silicon (64.23%) and aluminum (29.98%) were the dominant elements, consistent with kaolinite's composition. XRD analysis showed moderate crystallinity, with peaks corresponding to kaolinite and quartz. The raw clay was then modified into sodium clay using sodium chloride, and further treated with humic acid to enhance its adsorption properties. Adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of key parameters such as pH, contact time, and temperature, on dye removal efficiency was quantified using UV-visible spectrophotometry at 464nm. Adsorption experiments showed that the optimal adsorption condictions are temperature of 70°C, pH of 10 and Contact time of 120 mins. The study concludes that modified Uteh-Uzalla clay is an effective and low-cost adsorbent for methyl orange removal and offers potential for wastewater treatment applications.
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