Background: The increasing population of older adults worldwide has heightened the demand for caregiving, especially in tertiary healthcare settings. Caregivers, both formal and informal,
face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. These burdens can negatively impact their quality of life (QoL) and increase the risk of depression, especially when caring for
hospitalized older adults with complex needs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between care burden, QoL, and depression among caregivers in a tertiary health institution.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 primary caregivers of hospitalized older adults at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Participants were
selected using convenience sampling and completed structured questionnaires, including the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) to measure caregiver burden and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to
assess quality of life across multiple domains. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographic variables, while Spearman’s rho analysis assessed the relationships between care burden, QoL, and depression. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Of the 80 participants, 73.8% were female, and 61.3% were married. The mean age was 37.56 ± 11.36 years. The mean Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) score was 10.35 ± 1.65 out of a
maximum obtainable score of 13, indicating a high level of strain. QoL scores varied across domains, with the psychological health domain scoring the lowest (14.48 ± 2.37) and the level of
independence domain scoring the highest (15.38 ± 2.97). Spearman’s rho analysis revealed a negative correlation (rho =-0.027, p = 0.814) between care burden and total QoL and a negative but non-significant correlation (rho =-0.196, p = 0.081) between care burden and psychological health.
Conclusion: Caregivers of hospitalized older adults experience moderate levels of care burden, which influence specific domains of their quality of life, such as social relationships and
psychological health. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between care burden, overall QoL, and depression in this study. These findings suggest that while caregiving
presents challenges, coping mechanisms like spirituality may mitigate its negative impacts.
Targeted interventions are needed to enhance caregiver support systems, focusing on mental health, stress management, and social connections to improve caregivers’ overall well-being and quality of life.
Keywords: Care burden, quality of life, depression, caregivers, hospitalized older adults.

The study investigates the impact of the aqueous-methanol extract of Azanza garckeana on
histological parameters in Wistar albino rats. Azanza garckeana, commonly known as African
wild loquat, is recognized for its medicinal properties. The project aims to explore its potential
effects on the microscopic structure of tissues in rats, focusing on organs such as the liver, kidney, and heart. The research methodology involves the extraction of bioactive compounds
from Azanza garckeana using a mixture of water and methanol, followed by administration to
the experimental group of rats. Histological analyses are conducted to assess any alterations in
tissue architecture, cellular morphology, and pathological changes compared to the control group. Histopathological findings from this study revealed no alteration in the organs; liver, kidney, heart, colon and testis of male Wistar albino rats administered aqueous-methanol root extract of
Azanza garckeana. These findings indicate that the plant extract did not compromise the cellular
integrity nor inflict damage to these organs. The findings provide insights into the potential
therapeutic or adverse effects of Azanza garckeana extract on organ health, contributing to our
understanding of its pharmacological properties. This investigation holds significance in the field
of biochemistry by elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying the effects of natural
products on histological parameters, which could pave the way for further exploration of Azanza
garckeana as a potential source of novel pharmaceutical agents

Salvia species have been traditionally used in the treatment of colds, aches and pains, infections, wounds, bronchitis, flu, tuberculosis, haemorrhage, insomnia, some cardiovascular and
menstrual disorders, stomach, liver, and rheumatism pain. This is due to their bioactive
constituents such as terpenoids, phenolics, essential oils, and fatty acids) that give them their
medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity of Salvia hispanica
seeds (chia seeds) by investigating the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of the seed. The objective of
the study was to determine the anti-pancreatic lipase activity of Salvia hispanica. The standard
anti-obesity drug (Orlistat) was used as a control. The data obtained was analysed using a
Graphpad prisim version 8.0.3.The results showed that the ethanol extract had a greater anti- pancreatic lipase activity (IC50:870.47µg/ml) when compared to the aqueous extract (IC50:
2866.58µg/ml) and the standard (Orlistat) (IC50:2338µg/ml) making it a viable management
option for obesity and related metabolic syndrome.

Corrosion is the deterioration of metal caused by chemical reactions or interactions with its
surroundings. In order to address the issue of corrosion which is a major challenge in the
metallurgical industry, there is need to introduce an inhibitor to combat this issue of corrosion. Before now, chemical inhibitors has been in use and because of the risk, toxicity and
disadvantages of these chemical inhibitors, there is a current trend that is moving away from the
use of chemical inhibitors to the use of green organic inhibitor that is sustainable and
environmentally friendly. In this research work, the inhibition of corrosion on mild steel in 1M
HCl solution was evaluated by utilizing Ficus sur extract which serves as the corrosion inhibitor. The synthesis of the ficus sur was done using the hot maceration method and the study of the
corrosion rate was done using the gravimetric weight loss method and the concentrations of
Ficus sur extracts used ranges from 0.0g (blank), 0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g and 0.4g and the temperature
was varied at three temperatures of 25°C (298K), 48°C (321K) and 60°C (333K). From the result obtained it was shown that as inhibitor concentration increases, corrosion rate
decreases following the gravimetric weight loss method used. Also adsorption studies were
carried out using the Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich models. From the adsorption studies
carried out although they followed the three adsorption model, these research work best fit the
Langmuir adsorption model which gives us R² = 0.9931. The mild steel surface was also characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) which
provides a clear morphology of the metal surface.

This research was conducted to examine the coverage of newCBNpolicyonredesigned naira note, by select mainstream newspapers in Nigeria. Its aimwereto, ascertain the level of coverage given to CBN new policy on redesigned nairanote, find out what prominence was given to new CBN policy on redesigned nairanote, ascertain the possible position of newspapers in the newspaper reportage of CBNpolicy on redesigned naira note, determine the pattern of reports given to reportageon new CBN policy on redesigned naira note and lastly ascertain the frequencyofstories on the CBN policy on redesigned naira note. The content analysis methodwas adopted to carefully collect data from newspaper stories published fromOctober26, 2022 to February 2023. A total of 71 editions of both vanguard and guardiannewspapers, were collated and analyzed. The study was anchored on the Agendasetting theory and the media dependency theory. The findings of the researchrevealed that; Media organizations in Nigeria, gave a high level of reportage onCBNpolicy on redesigned naira note, media organizations did not give prominence tothereportage of activities on CBN policy on redesigned naira note, media organizationsfailed in their correlation or interpretative function as most of the items onthesubject matter were reported as straight news, newspapers in Nigeria werenot
frequent enough with the reportage of CBN policy on redesigned naira note, mediaorganizations is on the negative stand point on the issue of CBNpolicyonredesigned naira note, media organizations, covered more items on criticismandreactions of the public on the policy. The researcher however recommends that;
Media organizations should avoid adding too much emotions to their newstories, sothat the audience will not get too emotional and miss the message, on issuesofgovernment policies, media organizations, should be more frequent in the reportageof stories, that has to do with policies at its early stage, rather than engagingintherush hour approach, to ensure proper understanding, more media practitioners shouldbe trained on financial analysis, so that when any policy that has to do withfinance, is made by the government, they will be able to conduct proper analysis on it, whiletrying to represent the public, on issues of government policies, the media shouldplace more focus on stories that will enlighten the members of the public rather thanprojecting stories of attack and problems emanating from the policy, the mediashould try as much as possible to be on a neutral position and uphold truthandaccuracy, so that they will not present the government in a bad light.

This study assessed the influence of self-esteem on the academic performance of
undergraduate nursing students in a tertiary academic institution. A descriptive
correlational research design was adopted, and a sample of 282 students was selected
using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured
questionnaire comprising the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and an academic performance
scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive
statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, and chi-square. The findings revealed a significant
positive correlation between self-esteem and academic performance, indicating that
students with higher self-esteem achieved better academic results. No significant
association was found between self-esteem and demographic variables such as ethnicity
and religion. However, students in higher academic levels displayed slightly higher self- esteem and academic competence. The study concluded that self-esteem plays a crucial
role in the academic success of nursing students. It was recommended that tertiary
institutions should implement programs and support services aimed at enhancing
students’ self-esteem to improve academic outcomes. The study further suggested the need
for future research using longitudinal designs and exploring other psychological and
environmental factors influencing student performance. Keywords: Influence, Self-esteem, Academic performance, undergraduate, Nursing student.

A RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND
DIPLOMACY.

This study presents a comprehensive technical analysis of Christmas tree systems in offshore platforms, focusing on their development and completion.The analysis encompasses the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of
Christmas tree systems, highlighting the complex interactions between technical, operational, and environmental factors and Advanced numerical methods.Furthermore, the advance numerical method that was employed is a comprehensive structural integrity analysis of Christmas tree systems in offshoreplatforms using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The FEA model was developed to simulate the behavior of the Christmas tree system under various operational loads, including internal pressure, external pressure, and valve actuation forces. The results of the analysis showed that the Christmas tree system can withstand the applied loads without compromising its structural integrity. The FEA model was validated by comparing the results with analytical solutions and experimental data. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of FEA in evaluating the structural integrity of Christmas tree systems and provides valuable insights for optimizing their design and operation.

The study investigates the nature of relationship between accounting information anddeposit
money bank lending decision in Nigeria. Expost facto research design was adopted and secondary data were sourced fromtheannual
reports of the fourteen (14) deposit money banks and all the thirteen (13) industrial goodscompanies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at 31
st December, 2018. OrdinaryLeast
Square regression (OLS) and T-statistic techniques were used to analyse the data of thestudy. The results from the findings of the analyses showed that cash availability was foundtoexert apositive and significant relationship with deposit money bank lending decision. Borrowingfirms’ characteristics was found to exert a negative but significant relationship withdeposit
money bank lending decision. Also from the finding, Statement of financial position was foundto rank first among the three popularly used financial statements; followed by statement ofcash flow which comes second in the ranking and finally, income statement which is theleast
ranked among the financial statement.. Based on these findings, this study recommendsthat
cash availability is an element that should not be undermined by deposit moneybanks. Therefore there should be a constant check on the minimum reserve that is kept inthebank. Also, borrowing firm characteristics should not be solely relied on as a major determinant ofdeposit money bank lending decision. Finally, deposit money banks should make statement offinancial position and statement of cash flow mandatory as part of the requirements fromloanapplicants. On the other hand, income statement should not be solely depended uponwhenmaking lending decision and as such should not be mandatory as part of the requirements fromborrowing firm in lending decision.

ABSTRACT
Pesticides are chemicals widely used in agriculture to control diseases and to help increase crop
yield. Pesticides in particular insecticides can be very beneficial but have also been found to have
harmful side effects on non-target insects. The effects of pesticides are not simply linear but
complex through their interactions with a large variety of biotic and abiotic factors. Pesticides is
a general word that describes numerous groups of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, garden
chemicals, household disinfectant sand rodents that are operated to both destroy and protect from
pests. Rhizobacteria are root associated bacteria that can have detrimental, neutral or beneficial
effect on plant grow. Nitrogen fixation is one of the beneficial processes performed by
rhizobacteria. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were first identified by Kloepper and
Schroth et al., (1978) to be soil bacteria that colonize the roots of plants following inoculation
onto seed and that enhance plant growth. Pesticides that persist in soil may have a long-lasting
impact on Rhizobial survival and function. The soil was sprayed with the combination of the
chemicals (Haloxyfop R Methyl Ester and Dichlovos) after they were diluted. Soil samples were
obtained from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), life science land and were wrapped in a clean
sterile polythene bag and labelled control and mixture of both chemicals. The materials for the
experiment were sterilized, the differential agars were prepared and the soil samples were diluted.
Distinct colonies were identified after growth were observed on the nutrient agar, these were
restreaked on a freshly prepared agar to obtain the pure culture and incubated at 37°C for 24
hours. Growth on Bacillus cereus agar and Eosin methylene blue agar were observed by colony
forms, colours and spore morphology. Using the nitrogen free medium, pure cultures were
inoculated and incubated at 28°C for 1-7 days and growth on these plates confirms the ability to
fix nitrogen. The results showed a gradual increase in the microbial count across 28 days (from
3.8×104 ± 707.11 to 4.9×104 ± 4949.75). Also there was little or no effect on plant growth
promoting rhizobacterial activities of isolated microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Chemicals that have little or no effects on the plant
growth promoting rhizobacterial abilities of microorganisms should be used on farmlands.