EFFECT

This study investigated the effect of wetland conditions on cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, compare the costs and returns between wetland and arable land farmers, assess technical efficiency, evaluate yield differences, and identify coping strategies used to manage environmental challenges. Primary data were collected from 96 cassava farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across four wetland and four arable land communities. A structured questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, stochastic frontier production function, and t-tests to compare profitability, yield, and efficiency across both farming environments. The results showed that cassava production was profitable in both environments but significantly more profitable in arable land areas. Arable land farmers earned higher average
profit (₦490,438.60) than wetland farmers (₦150,583.63), and also recorded higher mean yields (2,279 kg compared to 1,413.4 kg). Technical efficiency was similar for both groups, with mean scores of 0.629 (wetland) and 0.632 (arable land). The study further revealed that wetland farmers face challenges such as flooding, high weed pressure, and higher production costs, prompting coping strategies like off-farm income, livestock rearing, and cooperative membership.

The interaction between plant fibers and digestive enzymes is a critical aspect of gastrointestinal physiology, and plant fibers from traditional medicinal plants have attracted attention for their potential effects on digestive processes and metabolic health. However, the specific effects of Irvingia gabonensis (bush mango), Hunteria umbellata (osu), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fibers on key small intestinal enzymes in a mammalian model are not fully elucidated. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of these plant fibers on the activities of disaccharidases (maltase, lactase, sucrase) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as total protein content and body weight, in the small intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats. Fifty-four (54) male wistar rats were divided into nine (9) groups of six (6) animals each, Control 1- fiber-free group, Control 2 Fybogel 1.5 %, Fybogel 3.0 %, Bush mango 5.0 %, Bush mango 10.0 %, Okra 5.0 %, Okra 10.0 %, Osu 5.0 %, and Osu 10.0 %. The animals were fed formulated diets containing different concentrations of each plant fiber for 36 days. The primary data collected were measurements of enzymatic activity, total protein content, and body weight gain. Enzyme activities (maltase, lactase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase) were assessed using spectrophotometric assays on the small intestinal mucosal homogenates. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant variations in enzymatic activity, total protein, and body weight gain across the different dietary groups, with a threshold of p < 0.05 defining statistical significance. The findings demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in enzymatic activity and metabolic parameters across the fiber-supplemented groups. Lactase activity was significantly elevated (122% increase) in the I. gabonensis 10.0 g group but significantly reduced by both doses of A. esculentus and the H. umbellata 10.0 g dose. Sucrase activity was consistently reduced across all plant fiber treatments, with H. umbellata showing the greatest reduction (44% decrease). Notably, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in all fiber-supplemented diets compared to the fiber-free control (ranging from 105% to 353% increase). All plant fibers also significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein content (up to 76% increase) and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight gain (up to 35% decrease) compared to the control. These results suggested that supplementation with these plant fibers significantly modulated intestinal enzyme xi activities and influenced metabolic processes. The significant alterations in enzyme activities and weight control highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of I. gabonensis, H. umbellata, and A. esculentus fibers in improving gastrointestinal health and metabolic function.

The incidences of broken marriages are on the increase, and resulting in the
failure of children in such homes (Bubelwe, 2014). According to Ghaerba a (2001), broken home is a situation where by one’s family is submerged with
misunderstanding of marriage and family structure. Egbo (2012) viewed broken home as a place where the parents engage themselves in quarreling, fighting, suspecting, keeping late hours to the detriment of the children’s primary drive for food, sleep and other basic needs. Broken homes are in various forms and these include divorce, separation and death of either parent’s (Agu and Bebelwa, 2014). According to landis (1977) were a matter within the clan and it’s environments, parents were not anxious to see their son’s getting married to girls from distant places or other tribes. Marriage were arranged by parents on basis of family friendship and such marriage hardly break up because of the close relationship between both parents

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus on blood glucose, body weight and liver, kidney and pancreas reduced glutathione levels on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the animals (diabetic control and diabetic treated), by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (45mg/body weight), while the control groups received equal volume of the citrate buffer (pH 4.5) solution intraperitoneally. Streptozotocin treatment significantly increased (p < 0.05) blood glucose concentration in the diabetic rats compared to the normal rats. The normal treated and diabetic treated rats were given Cymbopogon citratus extract for 21 days (400mg/body weight). The pancreas, livers, and kidneys of the rats were excised and biochemical assay of reduced glutathione was determined. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the normal treated rats when compared with the normal control rats at the end of the 21 days treatment period. Levels of blood glucose in the diabetic rats were significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the normal control rats. However, levels of blood glucose in the diabetic treated rats were not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared to the diabetic control rats. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in body weight in the diabetic rats when compared to the normal control rats. There was no significant % weight (p>0.05) gain in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats and also there was a non- significant (p>0.05) decrease in weight in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats. In the liver and the pancreas, the results for reduced glutathione concentration showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the normal treated rats when compared to the normal control rats, in the diabetic control rats when compared to the normal control rats and in the diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control rats. In thekidney, there was no significant difference observed (p>0.05) when the normal treated rats were compared with the normal control rats and when the diabetic treated rats were compared with thenormal control rats. However, when the diabetic treated rats were compared with the diabeticcontrol rats, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Cymbopogon citratus does have somehypoglycemic and antioxidant properties but further research is needed to ascertain these claims.

This research investigated the utilization of polypropylene (PP) waste as an additive in the production of sandcrete blocks, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution. The study sought to determine the influence of varying polypropylene waste contents on the physical and mechanical properties of sandcrete blocks, thereby evaluating its suitability as a construction material modifier. The experimental work involved producing paving stone specimens with 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% polypropylene waste by weight of sand. Aggregates were first characterized through specific gravity and sieve analysis to ensure conformity with standard specifications. Sandcrete blocks were then cast, cured in water, and tested for water absorption and compressive strength at 3 and 7 days of curing, following procedures outlined in relevant British Standards. This methodology ensured uniformity in mixing, curing and testing, allowing a clear assessment of polypropylene’s effect on the samples’ performance. The results showed the polypropylene addition influenced both durability and strength properties. Water absorption ranged between 0.64% and 2.88% with the lowest value recorded at 4% PP content, suggesting improved impermeability at higher plastic dosages. Compressive strength ranged from 11.41Mpa and 16.07Mpa, with optimum strength achieved at 1% PP addition, after which a gradual reduction is observed. It was concluded that the inclusion of polypropylene waste up to 1% can enhance strength and durability without compromising structural performance. The study recommends using low dosages of polypropylene waste in sandcrete blocks production and encourages further research into improving interfacial bonding through surface modification and longer curing periods to
maximize the material’s potential for sustainable construction.

Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sweetish odor similar to chloroform used in refrigerants, propellants and industrial solvents. CCl4 is rapidly absorbed via oral, inhalation and dermal routes, distributing to the brain and other organs. It has been reported that CCl4 can metabolize to give out free radicals inducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which can ultimately alter brain structure, and impair learning and memory, even at low doses. This study was aimed at invest gating the effect of CCl4 on the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Eighteen adult Wistar rats weighing 140 g to 150 g were used in this study. They were randomized into three (3) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A served as the control and received 1ml of di tilled water daily to compensate for stress of administration, whereas, rats in group B received 1.5mg/kg body weight of CCl4 and group C received 3mg/kg body weight of CCl4. All administration intraperitoneally lasted for a period of 28 days. The body weights of the rats were recorded daily. After the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebrum) weight was recorded. The parameters accessed include cerebral antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the cerebrum using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20. Results obtained showed no significant change (p>0.05) in the initial body weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight change of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. No significant change (p>0.05) was observed in the cerebral weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in relative cerebral weight of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in cerebral SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. Histological findings revealed normal archictecture of the cerebrum in group A, whereas cytoplasmic vacoulizaion were seen in the granular cells of rats in group B and C. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that CCl4 induced neurotoxic effect on the cerebrum via inducing oxidative stress and altering the architectural integrity of the cerebrum.

This research investigates the suitability of cow bone ash (CBA) as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete production, with the aim of reducing cement consumption, lowering environmental impact, and promoting sustainable waste management practices in Nigeria. Cow bones, which constitute a major agricultural waste product, were processed into ash through controlled calcination and evaluated for their potential pozzolanic contribution in concrete. The study focused on assessing the effects of varying percentages of CBA on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete, particularly particle size distribution, workability, strength development, and durability. To achieve the objectives of the study, concrete mixes were prepared using a nominal mix ratio of 1:2:4 and a constant water–cement ratio of 0.50. Cow bone ash was used to partially replace cement at replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight. Laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with relevant British and ASTM standards. These tests included sieve analysis to determine particle size distribution, slump test to assess workability, compressive and flexural strength tests at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days, and water absorption tests to evaluate durability characteristics. The results showed that concrete containing 5–10% cow bone ash exhibited improved performance compared to the control mix. At these replacement levels, improved particle packing and additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) formation led to enhanced strength and reduced water absorption. However, workability decreased with increasing CBA content due to higher water demand, and replacement levels above 15% resulted in reduced strength and increased water absorption caused by higher porosity and unreacted ash particles. In conclusion, cow bone ash can be effectively used as a supplementary cementitious material at replacement levels of up to 10–15%, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional cement in concrete production.

The study is aimed at determining the effects of some selected drying method on the nutritional quality of Apple Watersnail (Lanistis libycus) purchased at Ikpoba hill market One hundred and Fifty (150) Apple snail (Lanistis libycus) specimen was obtained from a fish seller and taken to the Faculty of Agriculture processing unit where processing was carried out using some selected methods. They were slaughtered, removed from the shell to collect the meat and discard the shell. They were weighed before been spiced and then dried using the different processing method (sun drying, smoked drying and oven drying).They were then taken to the lab for analysis. Statistical analysis using Genstat computersoftware was used to compute the result for proximate composition. The result from this study will assist in determining the most appropriate method of processing with regards to nutrient availability and amount of moisture content hence the method that has the best rate of preservation.

The aim of this project is to determine the effects metakaolin powder has on the mechanical properties of concrete when partially replaced at various percentages (15%, 20% and 25%). The idea behind this study is to assess if metakaolin powder can serve as a suitable substitute for sand as a fine aggregate in terms of responses to various tests. This study seeks to serve as a guide for future research in this field. It also serves to answer the question of why seek substitutes for fine aggregate at all.The tests required for accomplishing this experiment’s objectives are the compressive, flexural, slump and density tests, to determine the compressive strengths, flexural strengths, workability and density, respectively, of various samples been tested. Conventional concrete samples are cast and compared to partially replaced concrete to analyze the effects on concrete. The results for various tests differ showing rises and falls in strengths, slumps and densities. These results are then compared using tables and charts, from which a conclusion is drawn. The conclusion drawn for workability is that it has a low workability due to the pozzolanic nature of metakaolin powder and its reaction to cement and for the strengths, it is ascertained that concrete samples experience an increase in strength at 15% of partial replacement followed by a decrease at 20% and an increase at 25% indicating a possibility of later strengths at higher percentages but more so at longer periods of curing.

The study investigated the effect of outsourcing on business performance. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions were raised and answered. The research design adopted for this study is the cross-sectional research design. The population for this study comprises all the 4,877 registered small-scale businesses in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample for this study consisted of 196 small- scale business owners. The data collected for this study were analyzed using linear regression analysis. Furthermore, descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions and percentages, were employed to provide a preliminary summary of the respondents’ demographic characteristics and response patterns. Findings from the study revealed that outsourcing serves as a strategic tool for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and focus on core competencies. It was concluded that outsourcing, when strategically implemented, not only enhances business performance but also positions firms to adapt to market dynamics. Based on the findings, it was recommended that businesses should adopt outsourcing strategically by focusing
on non-core activities, allowing internal resources to concentrate on core competencies that directly enhance competitiveness.