FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

Food preservation is essential for extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of perishable goods. Neem (Azadirachta indica) has gained attention as a natural preservative due to its bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the preservative potential of neem extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) on bell pepper, tomato, and banana over a 14-day storage period. Bacterial populations on fresh and neem-coated fruits were enumerated, characterized, and identified, while physical and sensory attributes were assessed. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria were also determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Results showed that ethanolic neem extracts significantly reduced bacterial loads, particularly in bell pepper (5.30±0.13 cfu/cm² by day 14), while aqueous extracts were moderately effective. Coliform and staphylococcal counts declined across all treated fruits, with ethanol-treated bananas exhibiting minimal contamination (0.04±0.00 cfu/cm² by day 9). Salmonella counts also decreased, with ethanol-coated banana samples showing a reduction from 39.80±0.35 to 2.20±0.01 cfu/cm² by day 14. Bacterial isolates identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with control samples exhibiting a higher prevalence of pathogenic strains. Physical and sensory assessments revealed that ethanol-coated fruits retained better texture and color, while control samples deteriorated more rapidly. Antibiotic sensitivity tests indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from ethanol-treated samples was most susceptible, while control samples harbored more resistant strains, suggesting a higher spoilage risk. The findings confirm the antimicrobial potential of neem extracts in reducing bacterial loads and preserving fruit quality, with ethanolic extracts demonstrating superior efficacy. However, further research is needed to optimize extract concentrations, explore additional fruit varieties, and compare neem with synthetic preservatives for commercial applications. This study highlights the potential of neem-based coatings as a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, aligning with global trends in eco-friendly food preservation

Design and Fabrication of an Infrared Ray Remote Control was developed to create a simple, reliable, and user-friendly system for controlling electronic appliances both at close range and from a distance. The main goal was to improve the traditional infrared (IR) remote control by adding Wi-Fi features, allowing users to operate their devices even when they are not physically nearby. The system combines several components such as a power supply, an IR transmitter, a Wi-Fi module, a microcontroller, and a receiver circuit connected to the appliance. The IR transmitter sends coded infrared signals that are received and interpreted by the receiver, while the microcontroller processes these signals to turn the device on or off. The Wi-Fi enhancement allows users to connect the system to a smartphone or web application, giving them the ability to control their appliances over the internet. During the design process, circuit development, simulation, construction, and testing were carried out to ensure the system performed efficiently and accurately. Test results showed that the device responded quickly and consistently to both IR and Wi-Fi commands, proving it to be reliable and effective. This project demonstrates how combining modern wireless communication with embedded systems can make everyday life easier, offering more convenience, flexibility, and energy control in both homes and workplaces. It represents a step forward in smart home technology and the practical use of IoT in dailyliving.

Background Knowledge Visual acuity, the sharpness and clarity of vision, is significantly influenced by environmental lighting conditions. Different light sources, such as ambient light, LED bulbs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs, can impact visual performance. Optimizing lighting conditions is crucial for enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain in workspaces, educational settings, and other environments that demand precise vision. Despite its importance, there is limited research on how various light sources affect visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. Purpose This study investigates the effects of different light sources on visual acuity within a controlled room of constant dimensions at the Optometry Clinic, University of Benin. Method A repeated measures experimental design was employed, involving 35 participants with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts under different lighting conditions. The room dimensions (length, width, and height) were kept constant, and a light meter was used to measure the illumination levels at the participants' eye level. Visual acuity was recorded in LogMAR values to ensure precision and consistency in data analysis. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and SPSS, were used to compare visual acuity across the different lighting conditions. Conclusion The study concludes that the choice of light source considerably impacts visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. These findings provide valuable insights for architectural lighting design, ergonomic practices, and the development of optimal visual environments in educational and professional settings.

This study comprehensively characterized the phytochemical profile of Emilia praetermissa Milne-Redh leaves, a plant traditionally used in West Africa for its medicinal properties. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, and phenols. Quantitative analysis showed that cardiac glycosides had the highest concentration (0.26 ± 0.00), followed by terpenoids (0.21 ± 0.00) and phenols (0.12 ± 0.00), while sterols (0.05 ± 0.00) and tannins (0.11 ± 0.00) were present in relatively lower amounts. The identified phytochemicals are known to possess various biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to the plant's medicinal uses. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the phytochemical composition of Emilia praetermissa and support its potential as a source of essential nutrients and therapeutic agents for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Further research is needed to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's medicinal properties and to explore their potential uses in the development of new drugs and nutraceuticals.

This report investigates the antioxidant capacity of an ethanol extract from the plant Funtumia elastica on the liver and kidneys of Wistar rats. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to various diseases. The study evaluated the effects of the plant extract on several antioxidant parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in the liver and kidney tissues. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract modulated these antioxidant parameters to varying degrees in the liver and kidneys. Notably, the extract exhibited a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in the liver, as evidenced by significantly reduced MDA levels in the Groups 3 and 4 compared to the control. Additionally, catalase activity was significantly upregulated in the liver of Group 2. However, GSH levels were significantly lower in the livers of treated groups compared to controls, suggesting potential compromise of the antioxidant defense system. No significant differences were observed for SOD and GPX activities in both organs across the groups. While the extract showed promising antioxidant effects, particularly in the liver, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic applications. The findings contribute to the understanding of Funtumia elastica's antioxidant properties and its potential use in managing oxidative stress-related conditions affecting vital organs

To evaluate the effect of aqueous petal extracts of Musa sapientum (banana) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain) on ovarian morphology, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress markers in female Wistar rats. Forty-two (42) female Wistar rats weighing between 100 g and 180 g were used for the study. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as the control and received water and feed only, while groups 2, 3, and 4 received graded doses of banana petal extract (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 2.0 ml respectively), and groups 5, 6, and 7 received graded doses of plantain petal extract (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 2.0 ml respectively). The study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy (Animal House), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, between . Dried petals of banana and plantain were ground and extracted using distilled water. The extracts were reconstituted in distilled water and administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis, including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle- stimulating hormone, while ovarian tissues were harvested for histological and oxidative stress analyses. The extracts exhibited varying effects on ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones. Histological assessments showed dose-dependent changes in follicular development and corpus luteum formation, while biochemical analyses indicated modulation of oxidative stress markers. These findings suggest that banana and plantain petal extracts may exert protective or modulatory effects on ovarian function. The study highlights the potential of these widely available botanical materials in supporting female reproductive health and underscores the importance of dose considerations in therapeutic applications.

Rice (Orysa sativa) is still one of the most important staple foods in the world, and it is very important for Nigeria's food security, economy, and nutrition. Even though Nigeria has good weather for growing rice, a lot of people still depend on imported rice because they think it is better in terms of quality, taste, and processing standards. This study concentrated on the proximate analysis of both local and imported rice varieties, specifically highlighting Ekpoma local rice. The various nutritional composition: moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates were determined using set standard and their quality characteristics were compared. The results showed that the rice samples were very different from each other. Ekpoma local rice had considerable amounts of carbohydrates and protein, which means it could be good for you and safe to eat. The differences seen between local and foreign rice varieties were mostly due to differences in how they were milled, how well they were processed, and the conditions in which they were grown. The study shows that Nigerian local rice varieties, especially Ekpoma rice, are very nutritious and possess all the relevant nutrients for general body function and doesn’t pose threat.

Mining and quarrying activities significantly contribute to environmental degradation and heavy metal contamination in Nigeria. The mechanical extraction of mineral resources leads to extensive landscape degradation, soil contamination, and increased human exposure to toxic elements. The study evaluated the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding quarrying communities in Ikpeshi and its environs, Edo State, Nigeria; assessing the extent of pollution, the ecological risk posed by heavy metals, and their potential human health implications. Soil samples were collected from four different locations at varying distances (0m, 100m, 200m) from active quarrying sites. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Pollution indices, including the Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), were used to assess contamination levels. Human health risk assessments followed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines, computing the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) for ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation exposure. The findings revealed that iron (Fe) had the highest concentration, with a mean value of 412.884 mg/kg. Followed by zinc (Zn) with a mean concentration of 40.652 mg/kg. Copper (Cu) (28.348 mg/kg). Lead (Pb) (1.105–5.755 mg/kg), cadmium (Cd) (0.5–2.01 mg/kg), nickel (Ni) (6.86–18.41 mg/kg), and chromium (Cr) (5.16–12.075 mg/kg) were also detected, with Cd and Ni exceeding permissible limits. The Pollution Load Index (PLI > 1) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo > 1) indicated moderate to heavy contamination in soils near quarry sites. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that children had a higher cumulative Hazard Index (HI = 0.13745) than adults (HI = 0.02417), suggesting increased vulnerability. For dermal exposure, cobalt (Co) had the highest HQ (0.03526) in children, indicating potential health risks. Carcinogenic risk assessment showed that nickel (Ni) (TCR = 2.14 × 10⁻⁴ for children, 3.10 × 10⁻⁵ for adults) and chromium (Cr) (TCR = 4.61 × 10⁻⁵ for children, 6.68 × 10⁻⁶ for adults) posed potential long-term cancer risks, exceeding the safe threshold (10⁻⁶) set by USEPA. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) had relatively lower carcinogenic risks, but their cumulative exposure remains a concern. The results reveal significant heavy metal contamination in quarrying communities, with potential long-term health consequences, particularly for children.

Background Knowledge Visual acuity, the sharpness and clarity of vision, is significantly influenced by environmental lighting conditions. Different light sources, such as ambient light, LED bulbs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs, can impact visual performance. Optimizing lighting conditions is crucial for enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain in workspaces, educational settings, and other environments that demand precise vision. Despite its importance, there is limited research on how various light sources affect visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. Purpose This study investigates the effects of different light sources on visual acuity within a controlled room of constant dimensions at the Optometry Clinic, University of Benin. Method A repeated measures experimental design was employed, involving 35 participants with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts under different lighting conditions. The room dimensions (length, width, and height) were kept constant, and a light meter was used to measure the illumination levels at the participants' eye level. Visual acuity was recorded in LogMAR values to ensure precision and consistency in data analysis. Statistical tests, including ANOVA and SPSS, were used to compare visual acuity across the different lighting conditions. Page7 Conclusion The study concludes that the choice of light source considerably impacts visual acuity within a room of fixed dimensions. These findings provide valuable insights for architectural lighting design, ergonomic practices, and the development of optimal visual environments in educational and professional settings.

This study investigates biochemical changes in the aqueous humor and blood of bovine eyes after death to improve methods for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations. The aqueous humor, a clear fluid in the eye's anterior chamber, is relatively isolated from external factors and may serve as a more reliable fluid for PMI estimation compared to blood, which is subject to faster and more variable biochemical changes. Key biochemical markers (e.g., glucose, electrolytes, and proteins) will be measured in both fluids at different times after death. The results obtained will determine if the aqueous humor has more gradual and predictable biochemical changes than the blood or if it changes more rapidly and inconsistently as compared to the blood. This will further suggests that aqueous humor may or may not provide a more stable timeline for estimating PMI, especially when compared to blood samples. This study will be a support to the use of either blood or aqueous humor as a biomarker in forensic settings and calls for further research on post-mortem biochemical dynamics in humans and environmental influences on fluid degradation.