Master Dissertation

The Digitally Programmable Temperature/Time-Based Control System puts forth a system which enables users to choose the preferred temperature for the water to be heated while the device is in the temperature mode. The design is built with the objective of implementing a digital temperature monitoring circuit that will collect the temperature of water and send the value, digitally to a microcontroller and to create an alerting mechanism that will be in the form of an audio alarm and a visual display to alert the operator that an operation is done. By also providing precise temperature regulation and accurate timing the water heater will turn on when the user sets the desired temperature via the input switches, and the screen will begin counting down from the chosen time to zero. A signal from the microcontroller will be sent to the transistor's base through the resistor when the water reaches the specified temperature, cutting off the power to the heater. In order to activate the relay, the transistor must become saturated. Given that the heater is linked to the relay's typically open contact, the water heater will be turned off. The flow chart were established, which helped with the proper circuit diagram design and simulations utilizing electrical simulation software like PROTEUS ISIS. The MIDE-written assembly language program was translated to machine code using OPWIN6, and then burnt into the microcontroller IC using a universal programmer. The 555 timer, which is connected in the
Astable mode, will be activated at the same moment by the microcontroller depending on the written program stored in its ROM. This will enable the buzzer to pulse and an alarm to sound with an LED flashing. The complete system operates on a 5 volts power supply which is obtained from the public mains. This design makes use of an efficient and low-cost technology
for controlling the appliances thus minimizing the power wastage. The results showed that the developed system provided accurate temperature control with a deviation of less than 1°C, and precise timing control with a deviation

Zooplankton and macrobenthic invertebrate fauna are good indicators of the overall water quality of rivers, as changes in water quality affect their general distribution and abundance. This study investigates the community structure of zooplankton and macrobenthic invertebrate fauna of Siluko River, Edo State, Nigeria. Zooplankton and macrobenthic invertebrate samples were collected monthly from July 2016 to March 2017 at four designated stations between 09:00 hours and 12:00 hours using plankton net and filtering 100litres of water respectively and thereafter analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. A total of 20 zooplankton taxa comprising 386 individuals belonging to the groupCladocera, Cyclopoida, ploimida and flosculariaceae were encountered. Tropocyclops prasinus had the highest number of abundance. Cladocera accounted for 31.00% while Cyclopoida, Ploimida and flosculariaceae accounted for 62.00%, 6.00% and 1% respectively. Shannon-Weiner’s diversity indices showed that highest value of 3.583 was obtained in station 4 and lowest value of 2.731 was obtained in station 2 for the zooplankton. There were no observed seasonal variation in Cladocera and Copepods composition and abundance except for Rotifers which were more abundant in dry season. A total of 52 macrobenthic invertebrates taxa comprising of 2163 individuals, three phyla; Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca were encountered in this study. Centroptilum sp. had the highest abundance. Diversity and evenness indices showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in species composition across the study stations. Using the Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index, highest value was obtained in station 1 and lowest was obtained in station 3. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) index revealed that the water quality at stations 1, 3 and 4 were acceptable while that of station 2 was categorized as good. The zooplankton and macrobenthic invertebrate communities in Siluko River were characterized by species which indicated good water quality. However further studies are recommended to monitor the changes to this water body and their probable health effects as anthropogenic activities such as farming and housing development are on the increase around this stretch of the River.

Graphic lighting systems has become a topic of interest in urban planning and design due to its potential benefits, including improved emergency response, better navigation, increased property values, and enhanced security. However, despite these potential benefits, there is limited research on the implementation and effectiveness of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin, and many questions and concerns remain about their use. However, the aim of this study is to examine the implementation and effectiveness of graphic lighting system for the entrance to the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research also brings to light the challenges and obstacles associated with implementing graphic lighting system in the University of Benin. The study established the effectiveness of graphic lighting system in improving emergency response, navigation, property values, record keeping, and security, its explore the perception of residents and visitors on the use of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin. The researcher investigates the cost-effectiveness of using graphic lighting system in the University of Benin and to explore the best practices for using graphic lighting system in the university.
The study employed the use of mixed methods approach within the case study method. The mixed method approach offers the opportunity to investigate and understand the dynamics of a particular system. With this approach, the researcher explores a single entity or phenomenon (the case) bounded by time and activity and collects detailed information using a primary and secondary mode of data collection procedure during a sustained period of time. The study adopted the use of both purposive and simple random sampling techniques.
The study shows that graphic lighting system has a rich history that differs from one region to another and the introduction of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin is a recent and welcomed development. It was recommended that since the use of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin has greatly enhance the aesthetics of the locality, residents and service providers should make use of graphic lighting system so as to make easy accessibility to locations for this will improve prompt service delivery and response in times of emergency. It was also recommended that other properties owners should embrace the graphic lighting system so as to give their property a higher value as prospective buyers or others that will consider such properties more desirable due to the fact that it will be easy in locating them. It is also important that creating awareness and educating citizens about its significance in the graphic lighting system

Biodegradation is a complete degradation process of a polymer through the activity of enzymes produced by microorganisms. The biodegradation process of plastic wastes is the breakdown of complex polymers into simpler oligomers and monomers. The study investigated the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics using fungal species isolated from plastic composted waste soil. Soil samples were collected from Oluku dumpsite and Sawmill sites in Benin City, Nigeria. The samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis to provide baseline environmental characteristics. Fungal isolation was carried out using dilution and pour plate methods on Potato Destrose Agar (PDA). Fungal isolates were identified through cultural and microscopic characterization, followed by PCR sequencing using ITS gene markers. Electrophoresis confirmed successful amplification, and sequencing analysis using NCBI BLAST validated the identity of the fungal strains. The primary fungal isolated included Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Polyethylene sheets were pretreated by abiotic exposure to sunlight for up to 50 days to simulate natural weathering. The sheets were then cut into fragment and incubated with fungal isolated in mineral salt medium broth at 25oC for varying durations (10-50 days). Data on biodegradation potential were generated by monitoring percentage weight loss and optical density (OD 600).The result of the study revealed that abiotic exposure alone caused minimal weight loss, whereas fungal inoculation significantly enhanced degradation. LDPE exhibited greater degradation than HDPE, consistent with its lower crystallinity and simpler structure. Individual isolates and consortium all had equal degradative activity, meaning any isolate can be used for degradation because there was no significant difference between them. These findings highlight microbial degradation as an eco-friendly strategy for plastic waste management, with scope for further optimization of environmental conditions and fungal consortia to enhance efficiency

The study examined the influence of parental factors and career aspiration ofinternally displaced adolescents in Abuja Municipal area council, FCT. To guide this study, four research questions were raised and four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population of the study comprised 400 IDP adolescents enrolled in school within the Abuja Municipal area council. The sample size for this study was one hundred (100) adolescents living in IDP camps. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The instruments used for the study was a self structured questionnaire titled, Parental factors and career aspiration questionnaire (PFCAQ) The instruments was validated by three experts in the Department of Educational Evaluation and Counselling Psychology University of Benin. The reliability of the instrument was established through internal consistency using Cronbach alpha statistics which yielded reliability index of .858 as composite value while the subscale of occupation has .723 reliability value, education has reliability of .668, socio- economic status has the reliability co-efficient value of .599 and the family type has the reliability co-efficient of .666 respectively. Frequency tables, mean scores, standard deviation were used to test formulated hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level using linear regression. The findings of the study revealed no significant influence of parents’ level of education, parents’ occupation, socioeconomic status, or family type on the career aspirations of the adolescents in IDP Camps. The findings also revealed that the usual parental influence on career choices weakens in displacement conditions. The study concluded that in internally displacement contexts, career aspirations are shaped more by environmental exposure and support systems within the camp than by parental background. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends that career guidance programmes in IDP schools be strengthened, NGOs increase vocational and psychosocial support, educational resources in camps be improved, and parents be empowered with counselling and
parents support.

The study investigated the tax revenue, institution and public infrastructure in Nigeria. It aimed to examine the impact of tax revenue and institution in public infrastructure in Nigeria. To guide the study, three research questions were raised with three hypotheses tested. The study employed both descriptive and multiple regression analysis with ordinary least
squares (OLS) econometric techniques. The data for the study were collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and world development indicators from year 1981 to 2021. Reliability of estimated results was determined by using the economic or ‘a priori’ criteria, statistical criteria and econometric criteria. Data were analysed using Augmented Dickey- Fuller (ADF) test, Johansen cointegration test and Error correction mechanism. The result revealed that, in the long run, there was a significant relationship between tax revenue and infrastructure development in Nigeria. However, in the short run, the study revealed negative impact due to inefficiencies. Also, institutional quality, in the long run, did not have a statistically significant impact on infrastructure development. However, in the short run, there was an initial positive impact of institutional quality on infrastructure development, followed by a negative lagged effect. The results also showed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) had a weak and statistically insignificant positive impact on infrastructure development in Nigeria. Furthermore, public debt had a marginally significant positive impact on infrastructure development in the long run. However, in the short run, public debt had a significant negative impact. Based on these findings, it was recommended that policymakers should enhance tax revenue collection through improved tax administration and tax evasion reduction, and provide efficient funds allocation for infrastructure. It was also recommended that policymakers should strengthen fiscal transparency and institutional quality by focusing on anti-corruption in procurement. Furthermore, government should create a favourable investment climate by reducing regulatory bottlenecks and promoting public-private partnerships to attract infrastructurefocused FDI and also prioritize prudent public debt management, and balance borrowing
with sustainable servicing to maintain fiscal stability. For sustainable economic growth, policymakers should adopt a comprehensive policy framework that combines fiscal discipline, institutional reforms and private sector engagement

Uncontrolled weed reduce crop productivity by interfering with crop growth and yield. The reduction of weed growth by crop interference is a viable alternative to reduce the reliance on herbicide use in weed management. One of the strategies to reduce weed infestation is to grow crops as intercrops. A field trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City (06 0 20’ 50’ N, 5 0 37’ 23 “E; 78 m asl) to assess weed suppression in maize-groundnut intercropping systems. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experiment consisted of six treatments (weed-free intercrop, weed-free sole maize, weed-free sole groundnut, weedy intercrop, weedy sole maize and weedy sole groundnut. The attributes measured for weed were weed density per m2, weed dry weight per m2, weed smothering efficiency, and for the crops were days to flowering, plant height, ear and pod maturity, cob and pod yields, seed weight, yield and land equivalent ratio. Results showed that weed-free intercrop suppressed weeds relative to weed-free sole maize cropping system. Maize and groundnut plants grew taller in weed-free cropping system (175 cm and 61.5 cm). Number of cobs, 1000-seed weight and grain yield (maize), and pods and 100-seed weight (groundnut), were higher in weed-free intercrop or sole cropping systems. This implies that weeds are major constraints limiting maize and groundnut production in Rainforest environment. For weed suppression, weed density of broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (561.4 cm, 246.8 cm and 808.2 cm) were all higher in weed-free cropping systems. However, weed dry weight of broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (78.6 cm, 250 cm, and 329.2 cm) were higher in weedy cropping systems. Weed smothering efficiencies for broadleaves, narrowleaves and their total (72.9 % 626% and 68.0 %) were higher in weed-free intercrop. Broadleaves were better controlled in both weed-free and weedy intercrops. Land equivalent ratios were generally above one showing that it was more advantageous growing maize and groundnut together instead of the respective sole crops. Therefore, it may be recommended that farmers in the Rainforest agro-ecology should intercrop groundnut with maize and regularly control weeds.

Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) has been reported to possess different biological effects which is why it is perceived as a wonder herb by locals. 1, 2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a potent carcinogen is renowned for its toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) on DMH-induced toxicity in rats. Forty (40) male Wistar albino rats weighing 150 – 200 g were randomly assigned to eight (8) groups (5 rats per group): control, DMH, silymarin, VA only, pretreatment [200 mg/kg body weight (bwt)], pretreatment (400 mg/kg bwt), post-treatment (200 mg/kg bwt), and post-treatment (400mg/kg bwt) groups. With the exception of control and VA only groups, the rats were exposed to DMH before or after treatment with VA via intraperitoneal route at a single dose of 40 mg/kg bwt. Rats in the silymarin group were treated with the standard hepato-/cardio-protective drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg bwt). The treatment lasted for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period the rats were euthanized and blood/tissue samples collected for biochemical analyses. Oxidative stress markers were measured in rat organs (liver, kidney, heart, pancreas and colon). Portions of excised organs were subjected to histopathological examination.
The results showed that exposure of adult male Wistar albino rats to DMH resulted in significant increases (p<0.05) in the relative organ weights, total protein (TP), activities/levels of liver, kidney and cardiac function parameters, lipid peroxidation index [malondialdehyde (MDA)], lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), very-low density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], and cardiovascular disease risk factors [atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC) and cardiac risk ratio (CRR)], but it reduced the activities/levels of antioxidant enzymes/molecules (p<0.05). However, treatment of the rats with ethanol extract of V. amygdalina leaves significantly reduced the activities/levels of the indices of liver, kidney and cardiac function, MDA, TP, TC, TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C and cardiovascular disease risk factors, while enhancing the activities/levels of antioxidant enzymes/molecules (p<0.05). The plant extract also significantly ameliorated the structural alterations/distortions caused by DMH to rat organs (p < 0.05).
These results indicate that ethanol extract of the medicinal plant leaves can effectively ameliorate DMH-induced systemic toxicity in Wistar rats

Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is an important horticultural crop in Nigeria, but its yield potential is constrained by poor soil fertility and unsustainable tillage practices. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of tillage practices and nitrogen fertilizer application rates on performance of Habanero pepper under field conditions in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
The field experiment was a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement fitted into a randomized complete block design with four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N/ha) and two tillage systems (minimum tillage and no-tillage) with three replications. Composite soil samples were collected and analyzed for physical and chemical properties before and after planting. Agronomic data collected includes plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, and yield. Nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and nutrient balance sheets were used to assess fertilizer responsiveness.
Results showed that nitrogen application significantly affected soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability, with high N rates (120 kg/ha) resulting to acidification and organic matter decline. Minimum tillage enhanced nutrient uptake and plant growth compared to no-tillage. Optimal plant growth and yield were achieved under the interaction of minimum tillage and moderate nitrogen rates (40 and 80 with yield values of 4.42t/ha and 4.16t/ha respectively). NUE peaked at 40 kg N/ha and declined at higher rates, while nutrient balance sheets indicated surplus nitrogen with increased N inputs (120kg/ha). The study suggests that integrating 40–80 kg N/ha with minimum tillage optimizes Habanero pepper growth, yield, and soil quality and NUE, excessive N application should be avoided to promote healthy soil environment and ensure sustainable vegetable production systems in Nigeria.

Actinomycetes are gram-positive bacteria with high guanine + cytosine content of over 55% in their DNA. They belong to the order Actinomycetales and form an important segment of the microflora of most natural environments. Soils, manures and composts, freshwater bodies such as lakes and river bottoms contain an abundance of these organisms. Actinomycetes are aerobic, spore forming organisms with a distinctive feature of possessing filamentous hyphae that do not normally undergo fragmentation. Due to their phenotypic similarities to fungi, actinomycetes are also known as ray fungi (Chaudhary et al., 2013). Actinomycetes provide an excellent resource for the isolation and identification of therapeutically important secondary metabolites such as, antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, enzyme, immunosuppressant and other industrially useful compounds (Dhawane and Zodpe, 2017). These microbial compounds have been a source of life saving environment for many bacterial and fungal infections. Some effective antibiotics manufactured from actinomycetes includes: penicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, amphotericin and vancomycin. These microbial natural products are notable not only for their potent therapeutic activities but also for the fact that they frequently pose desirable pharmacokinetic properties required for clinical development (Khasabuli and Kibera, 2014). Antibiotics of actinomycetes origin have a wide variety of chemical structure, including aminoglycosides, β-lactams, antracyclines, tetracycline, nucleosides, peptides, polyenes and actinomycins. Secondary metabolites isolated from soil actinomycetes have also been proven to be potent inhibitors of numerous plant pathogens (Agadagba, 2014). 1 A large number of actinomycetes have been isolated and screened from soil in the past several decades, accounting for 70 80% of relevant secondary metabolites available commercially. It has been estimated that approximately one-third of the thousands of naturally occurring antibiotics have been obtained from actinomycetes (Chaudhary et al., 2013). More than 70% of these antibiotics are attributed to two genera viz., Streptomyces and Micromonospora (Rai et al., 2018). The richness and diversity of actinomycetes present in any specific soil, is greatly influenced by the soil type, geographical location, cultivation and organic matter amongst other factors (Agadagba, 2014). According to the World Health Organization, over-prescription and the improper use of antibiotics has led to the generation of antibiotic resistance in many bacterial pathogens (Kumar et al., 2010). Serious infections caused by microorganisms that have acquired resistance to commonly used antibiotics have become a major global healthcare problem in the 21st century (Jarallah and Rahaman, 2014). Some antibiotics like penicillin, erythromycin, and methicillin which used to be very effective treatment against infectious diseases are now less effective because pathogens are now more resistant to such antibiotics. Antibiotic resistant pathogens such as methicillin and vancomycin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and others cause an enormous threat to the treatment of serious infections. These drug resistant strains emerge more quickly than the rate of discovery of new drugs and antibiotics (Kumar et al., 2010). Also, increase in fungal infection happens because the available antifungal drugs are not very effective in treating fungal diseases. Fungal diseases are often difficult to diagnose and treat because antifungal drugs are often not very effective in the setting of impaired immunity (Casadevall et al., 2002). Candida albicans can develop resistance to antimycotic drugs such as fluconazole which is often used to treat candidiasis. The frequency of multiazole-resistant 2 3 strains belonging to Candida species other than Candida albicans is increasing (Hitchcock et al., 1993)