EVALUATION

The study tested the level of knowledge and awareness of psychological impact of radiation exposure in the patients undergoing the diagnostic imaging at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The convenient sampling was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design where 127 adult patients who had X-ray and CT scan procedures were sampled. The structured questionnaire was used to gather data, and it was analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. The findings revealed that respondents were ill-informed on the psychological impacts of radiation exposure with 58.3 percent being poor awareness and 62.2 percent being low awareness. Most patients (71.7) said that they became anxious or feared at the time they were told about radiation-based imaging, and 68.5% voiced their concern about long-term psychological impacts. The degree of knowledge of radiation exposure and the response of the patient to it were significantly related (kh2 = 18.42, p = 0.001). The most important results in the scope of the research were that 76.4 percent of patients were never informed of psychological impacts by medical professionals, and 83.5 percent would like to be informed prior to their surgeries. The level of education and past imaging experience also had significant impact on the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). The research finds out that there are gaps in knowledge and awareness which are some of the contributory factors of psychological suffering among the patients at UBTH. Radiographers are advised to involve the use of patient-centered communication techniques to enhance the overall patient experience during radiation-based diagnostic imaging, create educational resources in the area of psychological effects, and acquire training in empathetic counseling. Keywords: Radiation exposure, psychological effects, patient knowledge, patient awareness, diagnostic imaging, UBTH.

The increasing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastics has intensified the global search for renewable, biodegradable alternatives. Agricultural wastes, particularly cassava and potato peels, offer promising sources of starch for sustainable bioplastic production. This study focused on the comparative development and evaluation of bioplastic films produced from cassava peel starch (CPS) and potato peel starch (PPS), using identical formulation and processing conditions. The aim was to assess how starch source influences the physicochemical, mechanical, structural, and biodegradation characteristics of the resulting films.Starch was extracted from the peels through sedimentation and drying processes, and the yield was determined gravimetrically. Bioplastic films were prepared using a standard casting method. The films were characterized for tensile strength, elongation at break, thickness, water absorption, solubility, and biodegradability. Structural and morphological properties were examined through visual observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that cassava peel produced a higher starch yield (18.6%) compared to potato peel (14.9%), confirming its superior extraction efficiency. CPS films exhibited greater tensile strength (4.85 MPa) and Young’s modulus (62 MPa), indicating stronger and more rigid films, while PPS films displayed higher elongation at break (32%), signifying greater flexibility. SEM analysis showed smoother and more homogeneous surfaces in CPS films, whereas PPS films exhibited minor surface irregularities. Both films demonstrated good biodegradability under soil burial, with PPS degrading slightly faster due to its higher hydrophilicity. Overall, the findings establish cassava and potato peel starches as viable raw materials for biodegradable film production, promoting waste valorization and environmental sustainability. The higher yield and superior mechanical integrity of cassava peel starch films suggest greater industrial potential, particularly for ecofriendly packaging applications.

This study evaluated waste management practices among residents of Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The research examined how residents handle their waste, their knowledge level on proper waste management, and the key factors influencing their disposal practices. Descriptive survey design was used, and data were collected from 180 respondents across selected wards using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that although many residents use public bins and engage private waste collectors, some still practice open dumping and burning of refuse. The study also found that most residents have a fair knowledge of waste management meaning and principles such as the 4Rs; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover, but this knowledge is not fully reflected in their daily practices. Factors such as irregular waste collection, inadequate public bins, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and poor infrastructure were identified as major barriers to effective waste management. The study concludes that improving waste management in Oredo requires stronger policy enforcement, public education, and better waste collection systems. It recommends collaborative efforts between government agencies, private waste collectors, and residents to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

This study investigates the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on the bloodparameters on Wister rats. With cell phones present in every aspect of daily life, bothhumans and by extension laboratory rats are exposed to RF radiation which may affect their hematological parameters and biological systems. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the hematological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from cell phones on female Wistar rats under controlled exposure conditions. The specific objectives are to; (1) measure and compare red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and white blood cell count between Wistar rat exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rat, (2) measure and compare the weight differences between Wistar rats exposed to cell phone RF-EMR and unexposed control rats and (3) assess the relationship between exposure duration and the magnitude of changes in these hematological parameters. A randomized controlled experimental design was used, and involving 8 healthy adults female Wistar rats, aged 6–9 weeks and weighing 45– 65 g. A minimum of 4 rats were equally divided into 2 groups, i.e. 4 rats in the control group and 4 rats in the EMRexposed group. Rats were acclimatized for 9 days, with ad libitum food and water. Then each rat in the exposure group was placed individually in the chamber for 2 min/day during which the cell phone emitting the radiation was placed around the rat. Exposure is from the auto-answer mode cell phone which occurred for 2 minutes per day over 4 weeks. Post-exposure blood samples were compared within and between the two groups. The findings of this study showed that the exposed and control group were comparable in baseline characteristics and the analysis of White Blood Cell (WBC) parameters revealed no statistically significant impact of EMR exposure on the rats, but a significant rise in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration was observed in the exposed rats when compared to the WBC findings. Also, the findings of the Platelet count and most platelet indices did not change significantly. The research concluded that specific and measurable significant alterations in the Red Blood Cell (RBC) profiles, while other parameters, notably White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets, showed numerical trends but no statistically significant differences. It recommends that future studies should Increase the exposure duration per rat from 2 minutes up to 30 minutes and the experimental period should beextended from 4 weeks to 8 or 12 weeks to obtain more robust and reliable data.

Isoniazid is a widely used drug in tuberculosis treatment regimens. Its application in “direct observed therapy short course ”(DOTS) along with other medications has been well documented to be efficacious and effective. However, since its introduction over 70 years ago, it has been found to possess adverse effects such as the induction of neuropathies. There are estimates that as many as 10 % of patients receiving isoniazid will develop some form of neuropathy. Introduction of new medications to stop these neuropathies still pose a challenge. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is currently recommended with isoniazid therapy to avert induction of neuropathy. Although ,the potential of vitamin C as an antioxidant to prevent induced neuropathies has been suggested based on previous studies, the findings from this study were intended to contribute valuable i sights into the potential therapeutic role of vitamin C as an adjuvant to mitigate neuropathic complications in isoniazid- based therapies. Using well-established animal models, we assessed the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the development and progression of some neuropathic symptoms induced by isoniazid administration. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, isoniazid-treated (800 mg/kg), and combination-treated; Isoniazid with vitamin C in low (7.5 mg/kg), medium (15mg/kg), high (30 mg/kg) daily doses and isoniazid with pyridoxine (50 mg/kg). Behavioural assessments, including sensory and motor function tests, were conducted at the end of a seven day period to monitor the onset and severity of neuropathy. In conclusion, our findings revealed that isoniazid administration led to a significant decline in sensory and motor functions indicative of peripheral nerve damage. Vitamin C supplementation did not demonstrate a remarkable attenuation of these neuropathic manifestations. Rats co- administered with isoniazid and vitamin C did not exhibit any improvement in sensory and motor functions when compared with the control and standard therapy of pyridoxine. These results negate the potential neuroprotective effects of vitamin C against isoniazid-induced
peripheral neuropathy

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a known carcinogen that induces oxidative stress via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular damage and biochemical alterations. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. This study evaluated oxidative status in the plasma of DMH-exposed Wistar rats administered ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into six groups: control, DMH, silymarin, extract, pretreatment and post-treatment groups.After the experimental period, plasma samples were analyzed for oxidative stress biomarkers, including total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), nitric oxide (NO), and vitamins A, C, and E. Results showed that DMH exposure significantly increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels, while reducing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with ethanol extract of V. amygdalina significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities, increased GSH and vitamin concentrations, and reduced oxidative damage. Overall, ernonia amygdalina demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, effectively mitigating DMHinduced oxidative stress. These findings provide scientific validation for its traditional use as a medicinal plant and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing oxidative stressrelated diseases.

With Nigeria generating over 42 million tonnes of waste annually, improper disposal poses significant risks to soil health, groundwater, and public health. This study examines the contamination levels of heavy metals and the physicochemical properties of soil at a solid waste disposal site in Ovia Northeast, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm) from a dumpsite and a control site, focusing on lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), alongside properties such as pH, bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). Results revealed elevated levels of heavy metals at the dumpsite compared to the control site, particularly in the top 10 cm of soil. For example, Pb concentrations reached 12.31 mg/kg at the dumpsite, nearly three times higher than the 4.24 mg/kg observed at the control. Similarly, copper (Cu) levels at the dumpsite peaked at 74.22 mg/kg, significantly higher than the control site’s 57.47 mg/kg. Physicochemical properties demonstrated a strong influence on metal mobility: soil pH at the dumpsite ranged from 7.12 to 7.62, slightly higher than the control’s 6.86 to 6.12. Organic matter content decreased with depth, from 8.74% at the surface to 3.15% at 40 cm in the dumpsite, compared to 9.07% to 2.54% in the control. EC values were markedly higher
at the dumpsite (252–290 µS/cm) compared to the control (144–168 µS/cm), reflecting leachate infiltration and ion enrichment. The findings underscore the environmental risks posed by heavy metal contamination, including soil degradation, reduced fertility, and potential bioaccumulation in the food chain. Elevated
metal concentrations exceeded WHO permissible limits, necessitating immediate remediation actions. Recommendations include the implementation of sustainable waste management
practices, soil remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate long-term environmental impacts.

The circular economy has come forth as a dire approach for addressing challenges in the environment that is associated with the consumption of resources and generation of waste especially in the built environment. Given the importance of professionals of the built environment in achieving sustainability, it can be deemed as important to check and assess the level of awareness of circular economy strategies amongst students in the tertiary stage. This study evaluated the level of awareness of circular economy strategies amongst built environment students in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Adescriptive survey research design was used for this study. The collation and collection of data was done using structured questionnaires which were then distributed to students from these built environment disciplines; Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Geoinformatics, and Structural Engineering. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive tools such as
percentages and the results were then presented in tables and charts. Findings from the study showed that while a reasonable number of students possess a basic knowledge of circular economy concepts, their awareness was very limited to regular
sustainability practices like reduce, reuse and recycle. There was little to no knowledge on circular economy strategies and other advanced circular economy concepts particularly those related to DfD and material passport. The study also identified variations in awareness by department with design based disciplines having more sustainability knowledge than non design
based disciplines. The study concludes that circular economy strategies are not adequately taught or present in the
current curriculum of built environment students in the University of Benin. It therefore recommends the integration of circular economy in relevant courses and an increase in practical application of these strategies as these measure will help equip the students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable practices in the built environment through circular economy strategie

This study evaluaed the quality of library services in John Harris Library, University of Benin. Related literature of eminent scholars views on the study were reviewed. A descriptive survey was employed to carry out this study. The population comprised of all the 300 and 400 level library and information science students in the University of Benin. One hundred (100) respondents were sampled for this study. To ensure a representative sample for this study, sampling was done using the simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used for this study was a self-structured questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. Data was collected from respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics like simple percentages. Findings revealed a positive perception of library services at John Harris Library, with significant strengths in resource availability and staff knowledge. However, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in digital offerings and operating hours. Respondents provided valuable insights that could guide enhancements to the library's services, emphasizing
user engagement, staff training, and resource expansion as key factors in improving overall satisfaction. Based on the findings above the following recommendations were made: The library should establish a clear and visible commitment to enhancing user experience. To address concerns about limited open hours, consider evaluating the current schedule and exploring options to extend service hours. Implement regular user surveys to gather feedback on library services and resources. Invest in ongoing training programs for library staff to enhance their skills and ensure they are equipped to provide excellent support and guidance to users. Develop a user-friendly website that provides easy access to resources, information, and services. Finally increase the selection of digital resources and e-books to meet the evolving needs of users.

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in Nigeria due to its strength, durability, and versatility. However, the increasing cost of granite and the environmental impact of quarrying have created the need for alternative, sustainable materials. At the same time, palm kernel shell (PKS), a by-product of palm oil processing, is generated in large quantities and often disposed of as waste, leading to environmental pollution. This study investigates the suitability of palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for granite in Grade 20 concrete.Granite was partially replaced with PKS at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight. The physical properties of PKS, including specific gravity, bulk density, and aggregate impact value, were determined. Concrete mixes were produced and tested for workability using the slump test, as well as fresh and hardened density. Concrete cube specimens were cast and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days before compressive strength testing in accordance with relevant British Standards The results indicated that the incorporation of PKS reduced the density of concrete, confirming its potential for lightweight applications. Workability and compressive strength decreased with increasing PKS content due to the high water absorption and lower strength of PKS compared to granite. However, concrete containing up to 20% PKS achieved compressive strength values close to the target strength for Grade 20 concrete at 28 days. It was concluded that palm kernel shell can be used as a partial replacement for granite up to an optimum level of 20%, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for sutainable concrete production