NIL

The study investigated the knowledge and attitude towards the prevention and control of tuberculosis among undergraduates in the faculty of education, UNIBEN. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted to guide the study. The population for this research study will consists of six thousand, four hundred and thirty-five (6435) undergraduate students of the Faculty of Education of the University of Benin. The sample size for this study consists of 250 undergraduate students from 100 level to 400 level who will be purposively selected from four departments in the Faculty of Education. For the purpose of collecting acceptable and reliable information, the use of a questionnaire was adopted as an instrument for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of four sections A, B, C, and D. The different sections have a number of questions to help gather information on the respo dents, regarding their knowledge and attitude towards the prevention and control of tuberculosis. The researcher personally administered the instrument to the respondents. Following the collection and appropriate organization of valid questionnaires, the gathered data underwent analysis using frequency counts, mean calculations, and simple percentage. The findings suggest that undergraduates in the Faculty of Education at the University of Benin possess a generally positive attitude towards tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control. They recognized TB as a serious health threat and showed a willingness to engage in screening and preventive practices. Based on the findings of the study, it
was recommended amongst others: Awareness campaigns should continue to emphasize the importance of TB treatment and reduce stigma, especially regarding individuals undergoing treatment. Peer education programs should be promoted to enable students to share knowledge about TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment, fostering a more informed and supportive community, The university should offer regular TB screening programs to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.

Introduction: Infertility is a global reproductive health challenge, and tubal blockage remains one of its major causes. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is widely used for evaluating tubal patency. This study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of HSG in detecting tubal blockage among infertile women at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Methodology: A retrospective study design was used. Archived HSG reports of 217 infertile women were retrieved from the Radiology Department, of which 200 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured collection sheet and analysed with SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings, while Chi- square tested associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 36.3 years, with most 107 (53.5%) aged 30-39 years. Secondary infertility was predominant 152 (76%), followed by primary infertility 38 (19%). Normal uterine cavities were observed in 90 (45%) women, while pelvic adhesions 45 (22.5%) and fibroids 37 (18.5%) were common abnormalities. The right and left fallopian tubes were blocked in 64 (32%) and 82 (41%) women, respectively. Overall, 88 (44%) had unilateral or bilateral tubal blockage, while 104 (52%) showed bilateral patency. Significant associations were found between age and type of infertility (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Secondary infertility and tubal blockage were prevalent among the women. HSG is still an effective and accessible procedure for evaluating tubal patency and uterine abnormalities in infertile women. However, its limitations including inability to detect peritoneal factors and lack of laparoscopic confirmation necessitate additional diagnostic methods. Keywords: Hysterosalpingography, infertility, tubal blockage, diagnostic efficacy, fallopian tubes.

Due to the numerous challenges associated with conventional small-scale palm fruit digesters, such as low processing efficiency, poor hygiene, high material losses, and susceptibility to corrosion, the aim of this project was to design, fabricate, and evaluate an improved vertical palm fruit digester capable of enhancing performance and durability in small- to medium- scale palm oil processing. The methodology adopted involved the design and construction of the digester using stainless steel to improve corrosion resistance and hygiene. Key components such as the digestion drum, shaft, and agitator were carefully fabricated and assembled to ensure efficient mixing and fruit maceration. Fresh palm fruit bunches were sourced, sterilized by boiling, and then processed in controlled batches of varying masses (7 kg, 9 kg, and 10 kg). The performance of the machine was evaluated based on digestion time, throughput capacity, and effectiveness of mesocarp breakdown, as well as the quality of sludge produced. The results obtained showed that the developed digester was capable of processing a total of 36 kg of boiled palm fruit in 1020 seconds, with digestion time increasing proportionally with batch size. The machine achieved an average throughput of approximately 127 kg/hr, demonstrating improved efficiency compared to traditional small-scale digesters. Additionally, the digester produced well-macerated mesocarp and uniform sludge, indicating effective fruit breakdown and improved potential for oil extraction. The use of stainless steel also eliminated corrosion issues observed in mild steel designs, thereby enhancing durability and operational hygiene. The developed vertical palm fruit digester offers a significant improvement in efficiency, reliability, and product quality, making it a viable solution for small-scale palm oil processors seeking increased productivity and reduced operational losses.

This study investigated the effects of different urea concentrations on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedsemus, two freshwater microalgae species were analyzed under laboratory conditions. The experiment involved subjecting the microalgae to varying concentration of urea (Control, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). Absorbance was measured using a 721-visible Spectrophotometer at 750nm. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and total dissolved solids were analyzed. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics, two way analysis of variance and t-tests analysis and was conducted in Microsoft Excel 2010. Results revealed significant variation in the growth responses of both microalgae. Chlorella vulgaris exhibited optimal growth at 20% and 40% urea concentration with lowest growth occurring at higher concentrations. Scendesmus, on the other hand had the highest growth at 20% urea concentration with extremely low growth at higher levels. This infers that Chlorella vulgaris was more tolerant to higher concentrations of urea and ammonia toxicity than Scenedesmus. All physicochemical parameters and growth showed significant differences across concentrations of urea apart from Turbidity

This study examines the representation of social class and the American Dream in Richard Wright's Native Son (1940) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah (2013). The research analyzes how both authors critique the accessibility of the American Dream for marginalized communities across different historical periods. Through comparative literary analysis, this study explores how Wright's portrayal of Bigger Thomas in Depression-era Chicago and Adichie's depiction of Ifemelu's contemporary immigrant experience reveal persistent class-based barriers to social mobility in American society.Despite being written over seventy years apart, both novels demonstrate a striking continuity in how economic inequality shapes individual destinies in America. Wright's unflinching examination of systemic racism and poverty in 1930s Chicago finds unexpected resonance in Adichie's nuanced portrayal of a Nigerian immigrant navigating contemporary American class structures. While Ifemelu's middle- class background and education afford her opportunities that remain tragically out of reach for Bigger Thomas, both characters encounter institutional barriers that challenge the fundamental promise of American meritocracy.The study reveals how each author employs different narrative strategies to expose these inequalities. Wright's naturalistic approach places Bigger within an almost deterministic cycle of poverty and violence, while Adichie's more satirical lens dissects the subtle ways class distinctions persist even within seemingly progressive spaces. Both works ultimately question whether the American Dream functions as a genuine pathway to advancement or merely as a compelling mythology that obscures deeper structural inequities.Through close textual analysis and historical contextualization, this research contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations about literature's role in documenting and critiquing social stratification. The findings suggest that while the specific manifestations of class barriers have evolved significantly between the 1940s and 2010s, the fundamental tension between American ideals of equality and the reality of economic stratification remains largely unchanged. This comparative approach illuminates how literary representations of class can both reflect and shape our understanding of social mobility across different eras of American history

Microbial analysis in this study was conducted on palm wine samples gotten from five locations in Benin City. The samples were collected from different palm wine bars in the different locations. The microorganisms isolated were identified based on their various morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. The microbial analysis of palm wine in this study revealed the presence of diverse microorganisms including Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, Enterobacter, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus specie as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sp., and Aspergillus sp. The highest heterotrophic bacterial count was recorded for Sample A, in which the values were too numerous to count for the first dilution and 12±1.00×10 4cfu/ml for the fourth dilution plated. This was followed by Sample E with values of 1.4±1.00×10 2cfu/ml and 8.0±1.73×10 4cfu/ml for both dilutions plated. The total fungal counts were recorded as 2.06±0.58×10 2cfu/ml and 1.6±1.00×10 4cfu/ml for Sample A, 2.54±1.53×10 2cfu/ml and 8.6±2.08×10 4cfu/ml for Sample B and 4.0±0.81×10 1cfu/ml and 2.6±0.58×10 4cfu/ml for Sample C. Sample D was recorded as 2.26±1.53×10 2cfu/ml and 2.24±0.58×10 5cfu/ml while Sample E was recorded as 2.24±5.69×10 2cfu/ml and 5.4±1.53×10 4cfu/ml. The lowest count was found in Sample B in which the value was 2.6±0.58×10 1cfu/ml for the first dilution plated and no growth was recorded for the 10 4 dilution The presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus spp. with a 100% occurrence in the samples showed their usefulness in the fermentation of the beverage. Some of the organisms isolated such as the coliforms, indicated unhygienic handling of the beverage. It is therefore pertinent that hygiene practices are taken into great considerations in the production and distribution of the beverage.

The machine is developed to cut different metal materials with high precision using plasma arc technology controlled by a computer system. The CNC plasma cutter improves cutting accuracy, reduces manual effort, and increases productivity in metal fabrication industries. The project includes the design process, material selection, fabrication of the frame, installation of electronic components, and testing of the machine.

This study was carried out to examine the effects of motivational incentives on employee performance in Nigeria Bottling Company, Benin City. Specifically, the study examined To examine the importance of employee performance to organizational performance. Assess the current level of motivational incentives at the Nigerian bottling company. examine the relationship between motivational incentives and employee performance. examine the impact of motivational incentives on organizational performance. The study adopted the use of descriptive survey . The population of this study includes all staff of the Nigerian Bottling Company, Benin City. The instrument used for this study was questionnaire and a total of one hundred and fifty questionnaires (150) was administered. Data analysis was carried out using frequency distribution and simple percentage for this study. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between motivational incentive and employee performance, Motivation has a positive impact on employee performance, Motivational incentives shape the behaviour or outlook of subordinate towards work increasing efficiency,Motivational incentives psychologically satisfy a person which leads to job satisfaction and avoid turnover, Motivational incentives drives or arouse a stimulus work, Motivational incentives inculcate zeal and enthusiasm towards work, Motivational incentives enhance commitment in work performance, Motivational incentives increase productivity, The study recommend, there is need for motivational incentive care facilities accessible at all times to help meet with urgent needs, There should be systems for recognition and appreciation of quality efforts in order to motivate the staff to work effectively, The organization should ensure that there is an adequate provision and availability of motivational incentives to help boost workers’ performance. Workers should be trained on how to ensure constant supply of skilled labour and there should be an interpersonal relationship that is, the employer - employees relationship in the organization.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of major drinking water sources in Amufi Community, Edo State, Nigeria, as well as household access and health outcome perceptions. Fifteen water samples were collected from boreholes, tap water, rainwater, and streams, while 220 households participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Laboratory analyses followed APHA (2017) standard procedures, and results were compared with WHO (2017) and NSDWQ (2007) guidelines. Eight key parameters were measured, including pH, TSS, Na, NO₃⁻, Ca, Fe, EC, and TDS. Results showed that groundwater pH ranged from 4.71 to 5.82, falling below the WHO acceptable range of 6.5–8.5, while surface water from streams was neutral to slightly alkaline (8.00–8.27). Nitrate levels were critically high across all samples (42.36–81.20 mg/L), exceeding the 50 mg/L limit. Microbiological results revealed that 73% of samples had heterotrophic plate counts above 100 CFU/mL, with the highest co tamination in streams and some boreholes. Coliform bacteria were detected in 60% of samples, and isolates identified included Shigella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium spp. Household data indicated that 59.3% relied on tap water and 36.0% on boreholes, with only 42.9% treating water before use, mostly by boiling. Waterborne diseases were reported by 36% of respondents, mainly typhoid and diarrhoea. The study concludes that most drinking water sources in Amufi are unsafe for consumption, highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment, sanitation, and continuous monitoring to protect public health.

The study investigated the impact of advertisement on consumer buying behaviour. To achieve the objective of the study, five research questions were raised and answered. The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey research design. The population for this study was made up of 5,000 customers and consumers of various beverage products within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. A sample size of 100 beverage consumers within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, was selected to participate in the study. The data collected for this study was analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Findings from the study revealed that quality advertisement significantly influence consumer buying behaviour, with visually appealing, clear, high-quality, and creative advertisements having a strong positive influence on consumer buying behaviour. It was concluded that celebrity endorsement significantly impacts consumer buying behaviour, with admiration, perceived reliability, and celebrity popularity playing key roles in shaping purchasing decisions. Based on the findings, it was recommended that businesses should prioritize visually appealing, clear, high-quality, and creative advertisements to maximize consumer engagement and influence purchasing decisions.