FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES

This study examined the level of awareness and understanding of low vision and blindness within the University of Benin community. The research aimed to explore prevailing perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge gaps regarding visual impairments among students, faculty, and staff members. A sample population of 403 respondents was used for the study.

A mixed-methods research approach involving surveys and interviews was adopted to obtain comprehensive insights into the community’s knowledge and perceptions of visual impairments. The study investigated common misconceptions about low vision and blindness, societal attitudes toward affected individuals, and the availability of support systems and resources within the university environment. Data collected from participants were analyzed using tables and simple percentages.

The findings revealed a relatively high level of awareness among respondents, with 86.1% indicating familiarity with low vision and 96.0% acknowledging awareness of blindness. Despite this level of awareness, several misconceptions and societal perceptions regarding visual impairments were identified. These misconceptions highlight the need for improved education and awareness programs within the university community.

The study concludes that while awareness of visual impairments exists within the University of Benin community, there is still a need to address knowledge gaps and societal misconceptions. It recommends the implementation of targeted educational initiatives and support programs to promote inclusivity, empathy, and better support for individuals with low vision and blindness.

This study explored the isolation and identification of Lactobacillus species from Piping rock women Probiotics and the production of bacteriocin with germ-fighting power against Escherichia coli. The bacteria were found to be Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and negative for catalase and oxidase tests. They fermented galactose, lactose, and D-fructose without forming gas. The bacteriocin’s effect was tested using the agar well diffusion method, and enzyme (trypsin) and hydrogen peroxide neutralization (sodium pyruvate) tests confirmed that it was protein-based. The lack of blue-black color in the potassium iodide-starch test showed that no hydrogen peroxide was made. HPLC results showed the presence of active compounds such as catechin, naringenin, and caffeic acid, which may help boost its germ-killing action.

his study examined the effect of different levels of Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder and wheat bran supplementation on the growth and yield performance of Pleurotus tuberregium. Pleurotus tuberregium, commonly known as the king tuber oyster mushroom, is a tropical species valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Unlike plants, mushrooms lack chlorophyll and depend on decomposing organic matter for nourishment, making them suitable for cultivation on agricultural wastes such as sawdust, rice husk, and maize
cobs. The experiment was done using sawdust as substrate. The substrate was prepared and supplemented with wheat bran and Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder at 0,2,4,6,8 and 10% levels respectively. Supplemented substrate were inoculated with spawn of Pleurotus
tuberregium and then incubated incubated for growth and fruiting. The results showed that supplementation with wheat bran and Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder improved the growth and yield of Pleurotus tuberregium compared to the 0% control. Substrates supplemented with Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder reached 50% mycelial colonization as early as 12 days and full colonization by about 18 to 20 days, while those with wheat bran reached 50% between 12 and 14 days. Fruiting bodies appeared between 22 and 30 days in both supplements, but only sclerotia formed in the 0% control. The highest yield was recorded at 10% Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder with 790 g fresh weight, 50.43 g dry weight

Airborne fungi are microscopic organisms that disperse through the atmosphere in the form of spores or fragmented hyphae. These spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor environments and play essential ecological roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling. This study examined the Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Airborne Fungi in the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) classroom and library of the University of Benin. Air samples were collected using the open plate sedimentation method and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Fungal isolates were identified through macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The species obtained included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Fusarium spp., and Neurospora crassa. The library recorded a higher fungal load than the classroom, likely due to poor ventilation and dust accumulation. The dominance of Mucor and Aspergillus species indicates that humidity and airflow significantly influence indoor fungal growth. This study concludes that classrooms and libraries can serve as reservoirs for airborne spores, and recommends improved ventilation, regular cleaning, and routine monitoring to ensure a
healthier learning environment and protect educational materials.

This study examined the effect of different levels of Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder and wheat bran supplementation on the growth and yield performance of Pleurotus tuberregium. Pleurotus tuberregium, commonly known as the king tuber oyster mushroom, is a tropical species valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Unlike plants, mushrooms lack chlorophyll and depend on decomposing organic matter for nourishment, making them suitable for cultivation on agricultural wastes such as sawdust, rice husk, and maize
cobs. The experiment was done using sawdust as substrate. The substrate was prepared and supplemented with wheat bran and Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder at 0,2,4,6,8 and 10% levels respectively. Supplemented substrate were inoculated with spawn of Pleurotus tuberregium and then incubated incubated for growth and fruiting. The results showed that supplementation with wheat bran and Green way odendron suaveolens seed powder improved the growth and yield of Pleurotus tuberregium compared to the 0% control. Substrates supplemented with Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder reached 50% mycelial colonization as early as
12 days and full colonization by about 18 to 20 days, while those with wheat bran reached 50% between 12 and 14 days. Fruiting bodies appeared between 22 and 30 days in both supplements, but only sclerotia formed in the 0% control. The highest yield was recorded at 10% Greenwayodendron suaveolens seed powder with 790 g fresh weight, 50.43 g dry weight, and

This study examined the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Acanthus montanus on haematological indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acanthus montanus is a medicinal plant commonly used for its therapeutic properties. The leaves were collected, rinsed with water, air and oven dried, pulverized and extracted using cold water maceration techniques. 25 rats were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each. Groups one, two and three received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of the aqueous extract respectively. The fourth group recieved 45mg/kg of streptozotocin and 10mg/kg of the standard drug glibenclamide while group five recieved 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Treatments were administered orally, once daily for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for analysis. The results obtained showed that at various doses, the plant extract has the ability to improve haematological indices. Different doses of the extract showed improved and stable effects on the various parameters such as the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This research supports the potential use of the extract for alleviating haematological alterations associated with diabetes

Microbial degradation of emulsion paints poses significant challenges in industrial and environmental settings, often leading to discoloration, structural breakdown, and reduced durability of coated surfaces. Among the key microbial agents, Bacillus spp. and Escherichia coli have been identified for their enzymatic capabilities and metabolic versatility in degrading paint components such as binders, pigments, and additives. These bacteria utilize organic
compounds in paint as carbon sources, contributing to biodeterioration through acid production, biofilm formation, and enzymatic hydrolysis. This study presents a comparative analysis of the physiological and growth responses of Bacillus spp. and Escherichia coli over a 21-day incubation period under ambient laboratory conditions. Key parameters monitored included pH, optical density (OD), temperature, and total viable count (TVC), providing insights into microbial adaptation and proliferation trends. For Bacillus, the pH remained stable at 7.0 until Day 7, then declined to 6.0 by Day 14, suggesting increased metabolic activity and acid production, followed by a slight recovery to 6.2. OD values fluctuated, peaking at Day 14 (0.40), indicating active biomass accumulation, while TVC rose progressively from 0.675 ×10⁷ CFU/mL to 9.60 ×10⁷ CFU/mL by Day 21, reflecting robust growth. Temperature varied
modestly between 24°C and 27°C, with no apparent inhibitory effect. In contrast, E. coli exhibited a sharper pH decline from 6.8 to 5.6 by Day 14, consistent with its fermentative metabolism. OD decreased steadily from 0.51 to 0.26, suggesting reduced cell density or viability over time. However, TVC increased significantly, from 0.5 ×10⁷ CFU/mL to 8.35 ×10⁷ CFU/mL, indicating sustained proliferation despite declining OD. Temperature ranged from
26°C to 30°C, with peak microbial activity observed at higher temperatures. The results highlight distinct metabolic and growth profiles between the two species. Bacillus demonstrated resilience and biomass recovery, while E. coli maintained high cell counts despite reduced optical density. These findings underscore the importance of multi-parameter monitoring in microbial ecology and have implications for bioprocess optimization, environmental microbiology, and industrialfermentation systems.

Fish is a vital source of dietary protein for many Nigerians, but domestic production has not kept pace with population growth, leading to increased reliance on imports. Traditional preservation methods like smoking play a key role in ensuring year-round availability, but also raise concerns around contaminants and health risks. This study investigates consumer preferences and perceptions regarding fresh versus smoked fish in Benin City, Nigeria. The background highlights that fish is highly perishable, requiring techniques like drying, smoking, freezing, and brining to extend shelf life. Smoking remains the dominant preservation method in Nigeria, offering benefits in accessibility and shelf-life, but also potential quality and safety issues. Limited research has explored consumer choices between
fresh and smoked fish products, especially in inland urban areas. This study assesses the extent to which cultural, economic, and health/safety factors influence consumer preferences for fresh versus smoked fish. It also identifies key demographic segments and their buying behaviors. Surveys will be conducted with fish consumers at major
markets and the university community in Benin City. The findings can provide important insights to help the fishing industry, retailers, and policymakers better meet evolving
consumer demand for fresh and processed fish products in Nigeria.

Sand production is one of the most troublesome issues in oil and gas development, especially in unconsolidated reservoirs where the formation lacks natural strength. It often leads to equipment wear, production losses, and higher maintenance costs. This study looks at better ways to predict and manage sand production by bringing together different techniques such as geomechanical modeling, log analysis, and real-time monitoring. Traditional control methods like gravel packing, sand screens, and chemical consolidation are compared with more recent innovations
such as the Tixier log-based approach and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS). Insights drawn from field experiences in Nigerian reservoirs show that when prediction, control and monitoring are combined in a single system, sand problems can be handled more effectively and at a lower cost. Overall, this research highlights that a well-integrated sand management strategy can greatly improve production stability and extend the life of oil wells in challenging reservoir environments.

D3 Organic is a supplement composed of various plant materials, including Desmodium gangeticum, Eclipta alba, Garcinia kola, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, and Tetracarpidium conophorum. The aim was to determine the antitussive and expectorant properties of the D3 Organic® supplement . In an antitussive study, 25 mice were allotted to 5 groups of 5 mice in each group. Group 1 is the control, group 2 is dihydrocodeine (25 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 are D3 Organic® supplement extract at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. One hour after oral drug administration, all the mice were exposed to 25% NH₄OH ( ammonium hydroxide) to induce cough. In the expectorant, 30 mice were allotted in 6 groups of 5 mice in each group. Group 1 is the control, group 2 is bromohexane (15 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 are D3 Organic supplement extract at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Group 4 was given Sodium Chromoglycate (NaCr) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. All treatments were administered orally for five days, except Sodium Chromoglycate. In the last 30 minutes after Intraperitoneal administration of sodium chromoglycate, 5 mg/kg of ammonium chloride was given to each of the mice orally. Phenol red at a dosage of 500 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally (IP) 30 minutes after the other drug administration. The mice were sacrificed, and the tracheal length of 2 cm was removed. Each piece of trachea was kept in 2 mL of normal saline for 30 minutes, and 0.1 mL of 1 M NaOH solution was added to the saline, and the absorbance at 460 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer.D3 Organic® supplement (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and dihydrocodeine (25 mg/kg) reduced the number of cough bouts when compared to the control (p<0.05) for ammonia induced cough in mice.D3 Organic® supplement (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and bromohexane (15 mg/kg) increased phenol red secretions when compared to control (p<0.05). The experimental results demonstrate that the aqueous leaf extract of D3 Organic® possesses significant antitussive and expectorant properties,