EFFECTS

This study explores the effects of parental separation on the well-being of adolescents and young adults in the Ekosodin community, Benin City, Nigeria, and examines the implications for social work practice. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates emotional, psychological, academic, and behavioural outcomes among individuals aged 12 to 25 who have experienced parental separation. Findings reveal that separation often leads to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as behavioural changes such as aggression, withdrawal, and academic disengagement. The study also identifies gaps in community support systems and limited access to formal psychosocial services. While some resilience factors and coping mechanisms were observed, many young people lacked adequate resources to manage the long-term impact of separation. The research highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive, community-based social work interventions tailored to the unique socio- economic and demographic context of Ekosodin. Recommendations include strengthening local support networks, expanding access to counseling services, and integrating social work strategies into youth development programs.

The study examines the effect of athlete endorsements on students’ purchase decisions of Nike and Adidas sportswear, focusing on athlete credibility, popularity, endorsement frequency, and athlete-brand congruence. The research adopts a descriptive survey design and is conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. A total of 385 respondents are selected through purposive sampling, and data are collected using structured questionnaires. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings reveal that athlete credibility and athlete-brand congruence significantly influence students’ purchase decisions, while athlete popularity and frequency of endorsement exert moderate but positive effects. The study concludes that athlete endorsements serve as a powerful marketing strategy capable of shaping students’ perceptions and purchase behavior toward sportswear brands. It recommends that sportswear companies such as Nike and Adidas should prioritize partnerships with credible, relatable athletes whose image aligns with the brand’s identity to strengthen consumer trust, brand loyalty, and purchase intention

Persistent hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic condition that increases the risk of major vascular problems such neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, especially α-glucosidase, has become an effective therapeutic method for controlling postprandial blood glucose. Despite the availability of synthetic α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose, their usage is frequently restricted due to gastrointestinal side effects, which has sparked interest in safer, plant-based substitutes. Although the leaves and seeds of the traditional West African medicinal plant Picralima nitida have been shown to have antidiabetic qualities, nothing is known about how its fruit extract affects α- glucosidase. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of aqueous Picralima nitida fruit extract on α-glucosidase activity in male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin. Rats were given graded doses of the fruit extract after being acclimated to controlled laboratory conditions and grouped based on body weight. A colorimetric assay based on the hydrolysis of p- nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside was used to test serum α-glucosidase activity. The enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. Tukey's post hoc test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the data, which were presented as mean ± SEM. The study's findings are still awaiting. It is anticipated that the study would shed light on whether Picralima nitida fruit extract inhibits α-glucosidase to produce antihyperglycemic effects. It may also help develop safer plant-based medicines for the treatment of diabetes.