COMPARATIVE STUDY

This study assessed the levels of selected heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in suya meat sold in Ugbowo, Benin City, to evaluate its safety for consumers. Ugbowo is a busy area with dense traffic and open-air vending that exposes food to contamination from vehicle emissions, dust, and smoke. Two composite suya samples were analyzed—one obtained from roadside vendors along major express routes and the other from residential areas including 19th Street, BDPA, and Edo Street in Ekosodin. The samples were oven-dried, homogenized, digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were extracted and determined using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The AAS results showed the presence of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), while chromium (Cr) was below detection in both samples. Concentrations (mg/kg) for express road samples and residential sample were Pb (4.348, 5.002), Cr (<0.001, <0.001), Cu (1.635, 0.654), Cd (4.381, 3.988), and Ni (9.578, 5.230), all exceeding WHO/FAO permissible limits, indicating contamination likely from road dust, metal grills, or fuel combustion. GC–MS analysis revealed that all sixteen priority PAHs were below the detection limit (0.000 mg/kg) in both samples, suggesting minimal formation during grilling. Overall, the results indicate that while PAH contamination was negligible, heavy metal levels were significantly high, posing potential health risks to frequent consumers. The study recommends regular monitoring of street-vended foods and improved hygiene and roasting practices among suya vendors in Benin City.

Euthanasia, particularly in mental disorders, represents one of the most ethically complex and legally contested issues in contemporary medical jurisprudence. While physical suffering has long been the focus of end-of-life discussions, the recognition of psychological suffering as a legitimate basis for euthanasia introduces new layers of legal, ethical, and human rights considerations. This research critically examines the legal framework governing euthanasia in mental disorder cases, using a comparative approach between Nigeria and the Netherlands two jurisdictions with significantly divergent legal, cultural, and ethical perspectives. The study analyses the statutory and judicial positions on euthanasia in both countries, paying special attention to the criteria for mental competence, the evaluation of consent in psychiatric contexts, and the protections afforded to vulnerable individuals. In the Netherlands, euthanasia is legally permitted under strict conditions, even for individuals with psychiatric illnesses, provided that rigorous procedural safeguards are met. In contrast, Nigeria maintains a strict prohibition, with euthanasia treated as a criminal offence under both the Criminal Code and Penal Code, and without any provision for mental health-related exceptions. This research employs doctrinal and comparative methodologies, drawing from legal texts, case law, academic commentaries, and international human rights instruments. It identifies the shortcomings of Nigeria’s current legal stance and explores whether the Dutch model offers adaptable insights for humane and rights-based legal reform. The study ultimately argues for a more nuanced legal framework in Nigeria one that balances the sanctity of life with evolving standards of human dignity, mental health rights, and individual autonomy

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, and remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early biochemical tests are needed to detect preeclampsia. Routine antenatal care relies only on blood pressure and proteinuria to detect the disorder. It is important to identify biochemical analytes that could detect the disorder early before complications set in. Therefore, this study evaluated serum calcium, magnesium and uric acid levels in 53 pregnant women with newly diagnosed preeclampsia, and 50 normotensive pregnant women which served as controls. Clinical data (age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and venous blood samples were collected. Serum calcium, magnesium, and uric acid were determined by spectrophotometric method. Data were compared between-group, Pearson correlations, and multivariable linear regression were calculated (adjusting for age, BMI, and gestational age). Preeclamptic women were slightly older and had higher BMI; unadjusted means (controls vs. cases) were calcium 9.29 ± 0.72 vs. 8.20 ± 1.30 mg/dL, magnesium 2.32 ± 0.23 vs. 1.72 ± 0.24 mg/dL, and uric acid 4.39 ± 0.58 vs. 5.72 ± 0.94 mg/dL (p<0.001). After adjustment, differences remained large and statistically significant: calcium −1.19 mg/dL (95% CI −1.64 to −0.73), magnesium −0.59 mg/dL (95% CI −0.70 to −0.49), and uric acid +1.37 mg/dL (95% CI +1.04 to +1.70) (p<0.001). These findings indicate that, preeclampsia is associated with lower calcium and magnesium and higher uric acid independent of age, BMI, and gestational age, supporting their potential value in risk stratification and local antenatal care planning

The study examined comparative study on chemistry students’ performance taught in rural and urban areas in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The data was analyzed using percentage table to present the analysis of data sourced from the field survey. The results revealed that there is a significant difference in Chemistry students’ performance between rural and urban schools in Egor LGA. Urban students generally outperform their rural counterparts due to better access to qualified teachers, well- equipped laboratories, modern instructional materials, and a more conducive learning environment. Rural students face multiple challenges, including inadequate textbooks, limited parental and peer support, poor classroom environments, and shortages of experienced Chemistry teachers, all of which negatively affect their academic achievement. The findings confirm that school location is a major determinant of student performance in Chemistry, highlighting disparities in educational resources and support systems between rural and urban areas. The study recommends that educational authorities should prioritize upgrading laboratory facilities, classrooms, and
instructional materials in rural schools to provide a more conducive learning environment. There should be strategic deployment of qualified and experienced Chemistry teachers to rural schools, along with regular professional development programs to enhance instructional quality. Adequate textbooks, modern teaching aids, and laboratory equipment should be made available to rural schools to reduce the resource gap. Efforts should be made to involve parents and communities in supporting students’ learning through motivation, provision of study materials, and encouragement of academic pursuits. Establish mentorship and peer-support initiatives to positively influence student motivation, study habits, and academic engagement in Chemistry.

The Implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has gained significance in
improving healthcare delivery globally. This study aims to conduct a comparative study on the implementation of EHRs in the private and public sectors for health care delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to assess the role and implementation of electronic health record to selected private and public sector for healthcare delivery in Edo state. The research was to explore the current state of EHR implementation in both sectors, identify the barriers and challenges faced during implementation, and analyze the impact of EHRs on healthcare quality and efficiency in Edo state. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative data collection through interviews and focus. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of EHR implementation in the private and public sectors in Edo state and will inform policymakers and healthcare professionals on best practices and strategies to maximize the benefits of EHR adoption for improved healthcare delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. Specifically, it recommended that the selected health institutions both public and private should ensure the availability of finances, adequate staff training in the technical know-how of the technological advancement, also be technical infrastructures and manpower like electronic record managers, ICT support staff and computer medical devices. This research will contribute to the existing literature on EHR in the context private and
public health care delivery in Edo state and Nigeria, where few research has been conducted on this topic

This study was carried out to comparatively study different snail production systems using crops as cover. The systems evaluated were open and screened paddocks in comparison with the conventional paddock. In the open and screened paddocks, four different crops (Pueraria phaseoloides, Centrosema mole, Calapogonium mucunoides and Manihot esculenta) were cultivatedtosimulate the natural environment of the snails. The snails were allowed to live on the crops as applicable in the wild for the first 6 weeks, after which concentrate was introduced for another six weeks, while conventional feeding materials like pawpaw leaves, fruits and water leaf were utilized in the conventional paddock. A total number of three hundred and twenty (320)apparently healthy Archachatina marginata with a liveweight between 50 to 60 g were used in the study, which was laid out in a 2 X 4 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. Data collected on growth, reproduction, environmental temperature and relative humidity were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GenStat version 12.0 statistical software. Significant level was taken at P < 0.05. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the weight of the snails among the four cover treatments when compared based on the production systems. The snails in the Mucuna, Centro, Puero, and Cassava screened paddock recorded 10.75, 5.90, 5.63, and 4.43 g weight gain, respectively, while the snails reared under the open paddock in Mucuna, Puero, Centro and Cassava had weight gain of 4.28, 3.7, 2.9 and-2.8grespectively. The snails in the conventional paddock had an average weight gain of 6.5g. The snails reared under Cassava in the screened paddock laid the highest average number xxiii of eggs (10). Snails from the Mucuna pen in the screened paddock had a bigger averagesize of eggs (20 mm) while the Snails from the Centro pens in the screened paddock had the highest average egg weight (1.30 g). The incubation period ranged between 26.5 and 32 days. Eggs laid by snails in the Centrosema pen in the screened paddock recorded 100%hatching. The average temperature recorded at 0, 6 and 12 weeks for Open paddockwere39.43, 37.98 and 45.05 oC; for screened paddock were 36.19, 36,67 and 42.76oC and conventional paddock were 39.75, 39.10 and 45.05 oC respectively. The relative humidity recorded in the open paddock at 0, 6 and 12 weeks were 77.31, 63 and 65.11%; the screened paddock were 77.31, 66.63 and 71.56 % and the conventional paddock were 78.75, 68.75 and 67.50 %, respectively. It was concluded that rearing snails under a screened paddock did not only help to regulate the temperature and relative humidity of the snailsimmediate environment but also protects the snails from intruders, predators, and escape, which are the major factors responsible for successful snail farming.

This study investigated the comparative drying performance and product quality of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves processed using traditional open sun drying (OSD) and an improved parabolic-shaped solar dryer (PSSD). Freshly harvested fluted pumpkin leaves were divided into two batches and dried under both methods to a target moisture content of 10% (wet basis). Key performance indicators measured included drying time, drying rate, and final moisture content, while sensory attributes such as colour, odour, texture, and overall acceptability were assessed using a 9-point Hedonic Scale. Results revealed that the PSSD achieved significantly faster drying (4.55 h) and higher drying rate (21.78 g/hr) compared to OSD (6.05 h and 16.22 g/hr, respectively), with the difference statistically significant (p = 0.027). Sensory evaluation further indicated that
leaves dried with the PSSD were preferred (overall acceptability = 7.9) to those dried under open sunlight (5.9), with superior colour retention and aroma preservation (p < 0.001). The enhanced efficiency and product quality observed in parabolic solar drying
demonstrate its potential as a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative for preserving perishable leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Adoption of this technology can substantially reduce postharvest losses, improve marketability, and promote year-round availability of nutrient-rich vegetables like fluted pumpkin.

The adsorption of crystal violet from textile waste water onto carbon produced from sawdust that was activated by phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide was an experiment that was carried out under room temperature. Adsorption is a separation process where the molecules of a solute in an aqueous solution are adsorbed to the surface of another molecule. The materials used for this experiment are phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide, crystal violet dye, distilled water and activated carbon made from sawdust. In order to obtain the aim of the experiment, different experiment were performed which are; effect of initial concentration, effect of adsorbent dosage, effect of contact time, effect of temperature and adsorption isotherms were studied in order to find out the activating agent which best fit for the removal of the crystal violet. The percentage removal of the crystal violet was calculated to be 86.03% and 86.50% for the basic and acidic activating agents respectively for the adsorbent dosage experiment. Also, the determination coefficient value, R2 for the acid treated sawdust activated carbon for Langmuir isotherms was 0.9992, maximum adsorption capacity, QO was 29.1545mg/g and the dimensionless separation parameters, RL was found to be favorable with value 0.0448. In conclusion, the acid activated carbon was found to be more effective in the removal of crystal violet when compared to the alkaline activated carbon since its R2 value is higher.