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Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a vital legume crop in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its high protein content and adaptability. However, soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that severely limits its early establishment, growth, and overall yield.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of salt stress on the germination and early seedling growth of cowpea to determine its tolerance thresholds during the critical initial growth phase.Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Cowpea seeds were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride ($\text{NaCl}$) solutions, typically ranging from a control ($0\text{ mM}$ or $0\text{ dS m}^{-1}$) to severe salinity levels ($50\text{ mM}$, $100\text{ mM}$, $150\text{ mM}$, and $200\text{ mM}$). Germination parameters, including germination percentage (GP), germination velocity index (GVI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth traits (radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry biomass), were measured over a standard period of 7 to 10 days.Results: The results revealed that salt stress significantly ($P \le 0.05$) inhibited all measured parameters.Germination Rate: High salinity levels ($\ge 150\text{ mM}$) caused a drastic reduction in germination percentage and delayed the onset of germination, as evidenced by a significant increase in MGT.Seedling Vigour: Radicle and plumule lengths were highly sensitive to salinity, showing a progressive decline with increasing $\text{NaCl}$ concentrations. This suppression of early seedling growth is primarily attributed to osmotic stress and the toxic accumulation of $\text{Na}^+$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions, which restrict water uptake and disrupt metabolic processes.Conclusion: While cowpea exhibits moderate tolerance to low salinity levels ($\le 50\text{ mM}$), high salt concentrations severely hinder seed germination and early seedling establishment. These findings underscore the importance of screening for salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes and implementing strategic soil management practices in salinity-prone agricultural zones.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is fundamental to public health, gender equity, and sustainable development and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 and SDG 5. Despite sustained investments in Nigeria, persistent gender and social inclusion gaps continue to disproportionately affect women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups. This study assessed gender and social inclusion in WASH service delivery in selected communities in Edo State, Nigeria, by evaluating access levels and determinants of equitable access. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 371 household respondents across 12 communities using structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically, with WASH access assessed using a composite scoring system based on WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme standards. Results showed universal access to basic water sources, but weak sanitation and hygiene: over 85% of facilities were basic or limited, and only 30% of households had functional handwashing facilities with water and soap. Fewer than 10% of communities had PWD- accessible facilities, and women’s participation was similarly low. Disability status, education level, and residence were significant determinants of equitable access (OR = 6.07; p = 0.025). The study concludes that strengthening gender-responsive planning, disability- sensitive infrastructure, and community participation is essential for equitable and sustainable WASH outcomes.

This study investigated the bleaching of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkali-fermention facilitated process as a sustainable alternative to conventional clay bleaching process. Crude palm oil samples were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at varying concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M, followed by a controlled fermentation period. This study examined the bleaching efficiency and quality improvement of crude palm oil (CPO) using an alkalifermention facilitated process across varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M). Physicochemical analysis of crude palm oil (CPO) bleached using an alkali-fermention facilitated process revealed distinct variations across sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations of 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M compared with a reference sample. The pH ranged from 7.00 ± 0.01 – 7.00 ± 0.01 across treatments, showing negligible variation, suggesting stable acidity and effective neutralization during alkali fermentation. Sugar content values were consistent across treatments, ranging from 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/L for 0.025 M, 0.050 M, and 0.075 M NaOH, indicating minimal fermentable carbohydrate alteration during the bleaching process. The Beta-carotene concentration, used as a bleaching efficiency indicator, declined sharply from 200.94 ± 0.10 mg/kg (0.025 M) and 198.09 ± 0.06 mg/kg (0.050 M) to 122.62 ± 0.03 mg/kg (0.075 M), demonstrating a significant pigment degradation and enhanced color lightening at higher alkali concentration. Viscosity increased progressively from 31.30 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.025 M) to 33.70 ± 0.07 mPa·s (0.075 M) compared with 37.90 ± 0.07 mPa·s in the reference sample, indicating reduced impurity load and improved oil flow characteristics after bleaching. Protein content remained relatively constant across all treatments (0.006 ± 0.004 %), suggesting limited influence of alkali concentration on nitrogenous material denaturation. The acid value decreased from 36.62 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.025 M) to 33.71 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g (0.075 M) relative to 1.57 ± 0.01 mg KOH/g in the reference oil, indicating significant hydrolysis and removal of free fatty acids under alkali conditions. Cholesterol content ranged narrowly between 0.012 ± 0.004 mg/kg (0.025 M), 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.050 M), and 0.014 ± 0.005 mg/kg (0.075 M), showing minor but consistent sterol reduction across treatments. Overall, the 0.050 M NaOH concentration achieved optimal bleaching, balancing pigment removal and oil stability while minimizing nutrient loss. The findings confirm that the alkali-fermention facilitated bleaching process offers an effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative to conventional refining methods

Hepatitis is a major global health issue, impacting millions worldwide. Early detection and precise diagnosis are essential for effective treatment and preventing complications. This study proposes a predictive model for hepatitis diagnosis using ensemble feature selection techniques and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS). The goal is to develop a robust and accurate model to assist healthcare professionals in promptly diagnosing hepatitis cases. The methodology follows the CRISP-DM framework, including data collection, preprocessing, ensemble feature selection, ANFIS model development, and evaluation using performance metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Publicly available hepatitis datasets are utilized for experimentation and validation. The results demonstrate that ensemble feature selection effectively identifies informative hepatitis diagnosis features, enhancing the model's predictive performance. The ANFIS model, trained on the selected features, achieves high accuracy and balanced performance metrics, indicating its effectiveness in accurately diagnosing hepatitis cases. The implications include early hepatitis detection, healthcare resource optimization, and potential for personalized medicine. Future directions involve integrating additional data sources, continuous model refinement, and clinical validation studies. This study contributes to advancing predictive modeling for hepatitis diagnosis and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare and data science disciplines in addressing global health challenges.

This study investigated the effect of e-procurement adoption practices on inventory control efficiency within manufacturing SMEs in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, the research focused on the impact of six key dimensions of e-procurement adoption: top management support, information quality, system implementation effectiveness, process efficiency, user adoption and satisfaction, and compliance and transparency. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilising primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 193 respondents from manufacturing SMEs. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis via SPSS. The findings revealed that top management support, system implementation effectiveness, process efficiency, and user adoption and satisfaction had a significant positive impact on inventory control efficiency of the selected manufacturing SMEs in South-South Nigeria. However, information quality and compliance and transparency did not exhibit a significant impact on inventory control efficiency. The study recommends that manufacturing SMEs invest in leadership training, effective system implementation, process optimisation, and user engagement initiatives, while addressing gaps in information quality and compliance through targeted improvements and capacity building to fully realise the benefits of e-procurement adoption.

Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals have access to needed health services of adequate quality without financial hardship. As future healthcare providers and health-system leaders, medical and dental students play an important role in advancing UHC through clinical practice, advocacy, and policy engagement. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Universal Health Coverage among medical and dental students of the University of Benin, Nigeria, and examined associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical and dental students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using the Chi-square test at a 5% level of significance. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of UHC (60.1%) and positive attitudes toward its principles (89.0%). However, perceptions revealed notable concerns regarding the financial sustainability of UHC and its potential impact on quality of care. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions were significantly more favorable among older students, those in higher academic levels, and those with formal exposure to health policy or UHC training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Medical and dental students at the University of Benin generally possess good knowledge and positive attitudes toward Universal Health Coverage, but their perceptions reflect realistic concerns about implementation challenges within Nigeria’s health system. Strengthening early, structured, and policy-oriented UHC education during undergraduate training is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals to effectively contribute to achieving UHC in Nigeria.

This project focuses on the comprehensive maintenance of a 100 kg rotary furnace used for metallurgical and thermal processing operations. Prior to maintenance, the furnace exhibited severe structural and mechanical deterioration, including a damaged and broken refractory lining, faulty twin drive motors, a non-functional blower system, and worn conical end covers and faulty chimney. These conditions rendered the furnace unsafe, thermally inefficient, and incapable of sustaining continuous operation. The project involved a full restoration procedure beginning with the removal of the deteriorated refractory materials and the procurement of high-grade refractory cement suitable for hightemperature applications. A new refractory lining was installed to re-establish the furnace’s thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and operational reliability. In addition, both drive motors were repaired and serviced to restore proper rotational movement, while the blower system was reconditioned to ensure adequate air supply for combustion and temperature regulation. The two conical covers were also rehabilitated to improve heat retention and structural stability. Upon completion of the maintenance activities, the furnace regained its full operational capacity, demonstrating improved thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and mechanical reliability. The rehabilitation extended the service life of the furnace and enhanced overall safety, making it suitable for continued use in production environments. This project highlights the importance of preventive maintenance and proper restoration techniques in sustaining the performance of industrial heating equipment.

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In today’s digital age, social media has become one of the most influential forces shaping the thoughts, behaviors, and identities of young people. This study, titled “The Impact of Social Media on Christian Youth in Benin City: A Case Study of Deeper Life Bible Church,” looks at how social media use affects the faith, moral values, and religious identity of Christian youths. The main goal of this research is to examine both the positive and negative effects of social media on the spiritual lives of young believers. Its objectives include identifying the patterns of social media engagement among Deeper Life youths, examining how social platforms influence their faith and moral discipline, and exploring the church's role in guiding responsible digital behavior. Data for this research were collected through a structured questionnaire given to young members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Benin City. The study used a descriptive research design to analyze the responses with simple percentages and tables for clarity. This method made it easier to understand the social media habits, challenges, and views of Christian youths within a real- world religious context. The analysis offered valuable insights into how these young people manage their faith amid the rapidly changing media landscape, balancing spiritual beliefs with online exposure. The findings show that while social media serves as a powerful tool for evangelism, communication, and spiritual education, it also brings challenges like moral distraction, exposure to unchristian content, and a decreasing interest in personal devotion. Many respondents recognized social media's dual role as both a blessing and a test of faith. The study recommends that the Deeper Life Bible Church should strengthen digital mentorship programs, promote responsible social media usage, and utilize online platforms more effectively for evangelism and faith-building. Lastly, the research concludes that when guided by strong moral and spiritual principles, social media can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier between Christian youths and their divine purpose.