FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Security is needed more and becoming more important in today's world. Sometimes, physical security and access control is not always the best solution, especially in instances with large crowd or systems that requires round-the-clock security. For this reason, an Arduino-based access control system using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) was created to provide security and access control to buildings and physical spaces, and this eliminated the need for physical security at all times. The device makes use of RFID technology and Arduino to complete its work. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a communication technology commonly known as electronic tags. Radio transmissions can identify targets and transfer data without direct communication. Advancements in radio frequency recognition technology have led to its widespread usage in identity documents, defense, and industrial control. When the RFID scanner recognizes a tag, it checks its UID to the stored database to ensure accuracy. Access is granted if the captured user's UID matches a previously saved UID; otherwise, access is denied.

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus known for posing significant health risks in humans and animals. This study investigates the epistatic effect of double mutations induced by sodium azide and potassium chlorate in A. flavus. The mutants were generated were generated in culture media containing the mutagens and their epistatic interactions were observed along with their nutrient
utilization and growth rates. The results of mutation resulted in significant changes in the growth rate and morphology of the mutants, compared to the wild type. The epistatic interactions between the mutations revealed both synergistic and antagonistic effects on various traits. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying aflatoxin production and
fungal development in A. flavus, with implications for developing novel strategies to control aflatoxin contamination.

The over use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control, contaminates natural ecosystem and its inhabitants. Botanical resources are promising alternatives for pests and vector control due to their environmental compatibility, high biodegradability, target specificity, and zero resistance culture. Therefore this study investigated the larvicidal potency of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cocos nucifera fiber (CNF), Ananas comosus peels (ACP) and their synergy of 1:1 mixture against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Qualitative phytochemistry of both plants were examined. Cx. quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae were subjected to different concentrations of 500ppm, 750ppm and 1000ppm for 24, 48 and 72hrs exposure time. Data was analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Phytochemical constituents revealed alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and steroids present in equal strength in ethanolic CNF and ACP, Presence of flavonoids and Glycosides were both common in aqueous CNF and ACP. At 1000ppm (ECNF) extracts and (EACP) showed percentage mortality of 46.67% and 33.33% after 72hrs. Synergistic ethanoic extracts showed 53.33% mortality and 30% for the aqueous extracts under same conditions. The ethanolic combination of CNF and ACP recorded the lowest LC50; 983.99ppm and LC90; 1703.40ppm. While ethanolic ACP had the highest LC50; 8676.96ppm, aqueous ACP had highest LC90; 272866.3ppm respectively. There was significant mortality P<0.05 at 48 and 72hrs in (ECNF) and (EACP). The ethanolic synergistic extracts showed highest significant mortality P<0.05 at 48hrs of exposure. Results of synergistic CNF and ACP showed fair mortality on Culex
quinquefasciatus larvae.

Botanical insecticides may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetics in future, as the yare relatively safe and readily available in many parts of the world. This study investigated the efficacy of Chrysophyllum albidum extracts (Leaf and Bark stem) on Culex species larvae. The extracts were tested on laboratory bred Culex sp. larvae at different concentrations (500, 750and1000ppm) at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Data was analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). Increasing mortalities was observed with increase in concentration and time of exposure. Highest mortalities of Chrysophyllum albidum bark per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 3.3%; 48 h = 10.0%; 72h=13%). Highest mortalities of C. albidum leaf per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 10%; 48 h = 16.7 %; 72 h = 23.3%). LC50andLC90 values at 72 hrs were 6332.262 ppm and 58278.321 ppm respectively for Chrysophyllum albidum bark, 4672.394 ppm and 46866.555 for the leaf and 4265.617ppmand 42292.050forboth the leaf and bark. The phytochemicals screening of ethanoic extract of Chrysophyllumalbidum from both the leaves and bark revealed the presence of carbohydrate, saponins, tannins, phenol, steroid and alkaloids in Chrysophyllum albidum and the absence of phenol in leaves. The findings of the present investigation revealed that the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum showed larvicidal activity against Culex sp. Chemicals derived from plants offer promise in future mosquito control

Plants have shown immense contribution to man’s nutrition as they are also used for medicinal purposes. There is a need to develop alternative antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases, microorganisms are rapidly developing resistance to the available once. Hence, the leaf of Dacryodes edulis (African pear) was analyzed for its phytochemical and anti-bacterial properties on clinical bacteria isolates Klebsiella sp., Proteus sp. and Escherichia coli. Samples of leaf were obtained from Okhoro community in- Benin metropolis, dried, blended into powder and macerated using sterile distilled water and methanol as solvent. Antibacterial assay was carried out via Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Findings from this research showed that Dacryodes edulis leaf aqueous extract was active against Klebsiella sp. with a mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 8.00±0.00mm across all concentrations (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml). Proteus sp. and E. coli had mean ZOI of 8 ±0.70mm at 12.5µg/ml and at 100µg/ml the ZOI was 10 ±0.28mm and 12 ±0.14mm respectively. Methanol extract was only active to Proteus sp and Klebsiella sp with a mean ZOI of 8 ±0.00mm at 12.5µg/ml and 25µg/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous extract against all isolates is 12.5µg/ml and it was bactericidal to only E.coli at a concentration of 50µg/ml. Methanolic extract had a MIC of less than 12.5µg/ml for Proteus sp and 12.5µg/ml for Klebsiella sp. The MBC was 12.5 and 50 µg/ml for Proteus sp and Klebsiella sp respectively. All test organisms were resistant to all standard antibiotics used. They were susceptible to gentamycin which serves a control. Despite the fact that the extract was able to inhibit the growth of the organisms, the isolates are regarded as resistant to the extract because their ZOI were less than the standard value of resistance which is 14. Phytochemical screening reveals that phenol, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, alkaloid and steroids were present in aqueous and methanol extract of the leaves .More work should be done to test the presence of active metabolites to determine its antibacterial activity.

Abacteriological evaluation of Garri, a cassava product, one of the most popular foods derived from cassava fermentation, is a staple Nigerian food, its raw product Cassava (Mamihot esculenta Crantz), is a dicotyledonous perennial plant. It was conducted in five major markets in Benin City, Edo State. The aim and objectives of this study was to isolate bacteria from garri sold at different markets in Benin City, in order to determine the bacterial count of the garri samples, determine the species of bacteria resent in the garri samples and gain insights into the susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. Methodology utilized in this research study include: isolation of bacteria utilizing nutrient agar, a total of six isolates (bacteria) with a sample size of five (Olukwu, Uselu, ingRoad, NewBenin, and Mami ) were examined. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count ranged from (7.00- 7.91±2.0 log10cfu/g) in the five different markets and the pour plate method was employed in achieving the colony count in the Garri
samples. The primary bacteria strains identified after observing the cultural, morphological and biochemical test results, included Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli., Streptococcus sp., Micrococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. These bacterial strains were prevalent in Garri samples from all five markets, indicating potential contamination during processing or handling. The bacteria obtained from this study were all susceptible to the antibiotic, perfloxacin, but resistant to the others, namely, amoxicillin, rocephin, ciprofloxacin, ampiclox, zinnacef, erythromycin and gentamicin. The high occurrence of bacteria in Garri across these markets could be attributed to suboptimal sanitation conditions, processing techniques, materials used, and inadequate waste management practices. It is recommended that producers and retailers in Benin implement rigorous hygiene measures in preparation and packaging to ensure food safety and the protection of consumers.

Herbal medicine has a long history as part of traditional healthcare systems. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant, has shown promise due to its phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the antidiarrheal efficacy of Sphenocentrum jollyanum leaf aqueous extract (SJLAE) in animal models. Fresh leaves of Sphenocentrum jollyanum were collected and processed by air-drying and aqueous extraction. The crude aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. Twenty Swiss albino mice were acclimatized and divided into control and experimental groups. Diarrhea was induced using castor oil and magnesium sulfate. The mice received different doses of SJLAE, with loperamide used as a standard reference drug. Defecation frequency, stool weight, and diarrhea onset were monitored for six hours. SJLAE administration significantly delayed stool onset and reduced the total number of stools, the number of diarrhea episodes, and stool weight in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group. The results suggest that SJLAE's antidiarrheal effects may involve mechanisms such as inhibiting intestinal motility, reducing fluid secretion, and potentially through anti-inflammatory or antioxidant pathways. These findings support the potential of Sphenocentrum jollyanum as a source for further research and development of plant-based diarrhea treatments.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is an illness caused by a virus. This virus is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. It is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person. This study was carried out to access the incidence andprevalence of COVID-19 among the students in the University of Benin, Nigeria. A cross- sectional survey of eligible study participants was carried out with a view to collecting both outcome variables and covariates at one point in time in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science. However, only participants who test negative to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) by rapid diagnostic test will be eligible for the prospective cohort study, which will involve data collection at baseline (day of registration into the study) and at follow-up (between 14 and 21 days after recruitment into the study). A total of 77 students from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science participated in the study and 54(70.1%) were positive to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 among the students in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science, University of Benin shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a cause for concern among students

A survey was conducted in the month of August, 2023 in order to investigate the food and feeding habit of Sclerophrys maculata in Okomu Rubber Plantation in Ovia South -West, Edo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in order to contribute to the available information on the food and feeding habit of the Sclerophrys maculata . The specimens examined were captured at night using visual and acoustic encounter sampling techniques among grasses while they were out to feed or mate. The anurans were euthanized by exposing them to chloroform in a killing jar and then injected through the peritoneum with 10% formalin to preserve the stomach content and then stored in a bottle filled with 10% formalin. A total of nine Sclerophrys maculata comprising of 3 males and 6 females were examined for their dietary content. Analysis of the prey items recovered from the stomach of the species showed the occurrence of three prey items category: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Blattodea. Hymenoptera was the most abundant prey items accounting for 92.16% while other prey items were Coleoptera (3.92%) and Blattodea (3.92%). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the feeding rate of both male and female specimens. The high prey abundance of Hymenopterans recovered from the toads confirmed the description that they are sit and wait feeders and myrmecophagous specialist but may opportunistically feed on other prey items.

Access to safe drinking water remains a critical public health concern in many developing communities. This study assessed the quality of drinking water and associated human health risks among households in Uholor Community, located off Upper Ekehaun, Benin City, Edo State. Water samples were collected from multiple household sources, including boreholes, wells, and stored water, and analyzed for key physicochemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods.
The results revealed variations in water quality across sources, with several samples exceeding recommended limits for parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and microbial contamination indicators, including total coliforms and Escherichia coli. The presence of these contaminants suggests potential pollution from environmental and anthropogenic activities, including poor sanitation practices and inadequate waste disposal systems. Health risk assessment indicated that residents may be exposed to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, and cholera, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Overall, the findings highlight significant concerns regarding the safety of drinking water in the study area. The study recommends regular monitoring of water quality, improved sanitation infrastructure, public health education, and the implementation of appropriate water treatment methods at the household level. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential to reducing health risks and improving the overall well-being of the Uholor Community.