EFFECTS

Gastric damage is a common phenomenon in this part of the world, with about 70%–80% of the population having this issue. These have raised major concerns among experts in the medical field. The project “Investigating the Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Camellia sinensis on Arsenic-Induced Gastric Damage in Adult Wistar Rats” aims to investigate the protective effects of aqueous leaf of camellia sinensis in arsenic-induced stomach damage in adult wistar rats. This study is an experimental research design that involves the use of 30 adult wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six groups (A-F). Group A served as the control group, Group B (Arsenic only), Group C (Arsenic+ Omeprazole), Group D(Arsenic+ low dose of extract), Group E(Arsenic+ high dose of extract) and Group F(Arsenic and left to recover). The rats were given water and feed ad libitum only for 14 days for acclimatization. Thereafter, the five treatment groups were given arsenic trioxide (10mg/kg) orally for 14 days to induce gastric damage. Group B rats were sacrificed for pilot study. Group C received Omeprazole(500mg/kg) for 28 days, Group D was administered low dose of the extract(250mg/kg) for 28 days, Group E received a high dose of the extract 500mg/kg) for 28 days also while the last group was left to recover without administering any extract and thereafter sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The results showed that rats treated with arsenic only had statistically significant decrease in body weight compared to the control group while the rats treated with camellia sinensis (250mg/kg) had statistically significant increase in weight compared to the rats in Group B. The rats in Group B had statistically significant decrease in organ weight compared to the control group. Group D had a significant increase in the organ weight compared to Group B. The antioxidant result showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthaione peroxidase level and a significant decrease in malondialadehyde level in Group C, D and E. The histology results showed crater-shaped ulcers in the rats given arsenic toxin only. Normal mucosal lining was seen in the control group as well as in those given arsenic with omeprazole (the standard anti-ulcer drug). The rats given low and high doses of camellia sinensis showed pitting mucosal lining, with those given low doses having better ameliorative effects compared to those given high dose. The last group (reversal group), which were given only arsenic and left to recover, showed severe mucosal erosion. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that camellia sinensis (green tea) has the potential to mitigate arsenic-induced gastric damage in adult wistar rat.

The increasing global demand for food, coupled with the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices, has driven interest in nanofertilizers as efficient alternatives to conventional chemical fertilizers. This study examined the effects of macronutrient nanofertilizers synthesized from banana peels on the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seed. Macronutrient nanofertilizer was biosynthesized. Five treatment concentrations (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were evaluated for germination performance, including the first day of germination (FDG), the last day of germination (LDG), the peak period of germination (PPG), the median germination time (MeGT), the mean daily germination (MDG), the time spread of germination (TSG), and the final germination percentage (FGP). The results showed that moderate concentrations (25–50%) improved germination speed and uniformity. The 25% treatment had the earliest FDG (4.5 days), and the 50% treatment had the highest MDG (33.30). In contrast, excessive application (100%) reduces final germination percentage (12%) compared to the control (22%), indicating inhibitory effects at higher levels. The relatively stable LDG across treatments suggested that nanofertilizers primarily influenced initiation and rate of germination rather than completion. Overall, the findings highlight that nanofertilizers can enhance the dynamics of tomato seed germination when applied at optimal concentration, but over-application compromises seed germination. This study underscores the potential of banana peel-based nanofertilizers as a sustainable agricultural input, emphasizing the importance of dosage optimization for improved crop establishment.

his study investigates the effects of gender dynamics and sexual harassment on students at the University of Benin, with a specific focus on the impact these issues have on academic performance. Gender-related challenges, including sexual harassment, continue to affect university students, influencing their overall educational experiences. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 100 students to explore the relationship between gender dynamics, sexual harassment, and academic outcomes. The findings reveal a significant negative correlation, with students who experience sexual harassment or encounter gender Based discrimination showing lower academic performance compared to their peers. The study identifies stress, fear of retaliation, and lack of institutional support as major contributors to the detrimental effects of these issues. Based on the findings, the research recommends the establishment of robust counseling services, awareness programs, and stronger institutional policies to address gender-based violence and harassment. This research highlights the need for comprehensive interventions to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

This study examined the Effect of Accounting Practices on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The research focused on how key accounting concepts – internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting practices, and role of support – influence the sustainability, profitability, and the overall performance of SMEs. A structured questionnaire was administered to SME owners and operators, across various sectors. Data collected was analyzed to determine the relationship between accounting practices and financial performance. The findings revealed that strong internal control systems significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce fraud, and also ensure compliance with financial procedures. Financial reporting, when timely and accurate, enhances transparency, helps in the process of decision making, and builds investor confidence in SMEs. Furthermore, Budgeting was found to play a vital role in planning, and evaluation of performance, aiding SMEs manage limited resources more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the study highlighted the critical role of government support in shaping SME performance through tax incentives or holidays, access to credit, and mandatory adoption of basic financial reporting standards. It also concluded that SMEs with sound accounting practices are better positioned to achieve financial stability, attract invetors, and also contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

Periwinkles are small edible snails commonly available for sale in the southern part of Nigeria. The increasing awareness that periwinkle is highly proteinous, one of the cheapest sources of protein and help for body and mental development as increased the demand in different country. The study investigated the effect of oven – drying and smoke – drying methods on the proximate composition of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) preserved in natural agents. 50g of periwinkle were measured for each drying method and preserved with salt, lime, lemon and alum within 24 hours. Each sample were dried at about 55 oc – 70 oc. The samples were labelled T1 -T13 including the fresh sample. T5 retained the least moisture (p<0.05) and had the highest fat content, fibre content and ash content (p<0.05). There was a substantial difference between (p<0.05) the crude protein and carbohydrate contents of the preserved samples using the different drying processes. T5 had more excellent qualities compared to the others and should be the recommended drying procedure for retaining excellent qualities

This study investigates the comparative effects of oil and non-oil exports on economic growth in Nigeria from 1990 to 2022. Using regression analysis, the research examines how changes in investment, oil exports, non-oil exports, and exchange rates impact Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP). The findings reveal that non-oil exports significantly and positively influence economic growth, emphasizing the necessity of diversifying Nigeria's export base. Conversely, oil exports show a negative but statistically insignificant effect on RGDP, indicating limited impact despite the sector's economic prominence. Additionally, exchange rate depreciations positively affect economic growth by enhancing export competitiveness. However, investment changes do not exhibit a statistically significant effect on RGDP within the model. The study underscores the importance of policies aimed at export diversification, competitive exchange rate management, and investment attraction to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. The results suggest that reducing dependence on oil revenues and promoting non-oil sectors are critical for economic resilience and long term development.

The study examined the effects of youth unemployment in Egor LGA, Edo State. The study indicated that youth unemployment has many negative effects to the society, economy, family, and individuals. From the response got from the questionnaires revealed that youth unemployment leads to poverty, low productivity, losses in foreign direct investment, low revenue generation, rural urban migration, illicit activities which increases insecurity, anti-social activities such as armed robbery, prostitution, political thuggery, violence, kidnapping, restiveness and other social vices evident among the unemployed youths and this constitutes danger to the stability, growth and development of the state. The research concludes that, addressing the problems of youth unemployment, must involve all stakeholders. Suggestions from the analysis therefore, are that effective policy measures such as re-prioritization or revitalization of agricultural sector, reformation of educational system, provision of enabling environment and building of industries be pursued vigorously which will drastically reduce unemployment and poverty as well as eradicate the menace of youth unemployment in Egor LGA, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Maize cobs are an abundant agricultural by-product with limited feeding value due to their low protein content and high fiber composition. Ensiling is a preservation method that can enhance the quality of crop residues, while additives such as wood ash extract may further improve fermentation and nutrient retention. Freshly harvested maize cobs were divided into three groups: one treated with wood ash extract, another soaked in water for 30 mins and the other ordinary maize cobs. The first treatment was ensiled for seven days under anaerobic conditions. At the end of the ensiling period, samples were analyzed for chemical composition (crude protein, crude fiber, ash content, and moisture) and physical properties (color, odor, and texture). Results showed that the wood ash extract treatment (Trt3) was highly effective. It significantly reduced Crude Fiber (from 30.42% to 24.72%), indicating successful alkaline delignification, and lowered Carbohydrates (from 55.44% to 31.26%) through chemical breakdown and fermentation. This treatment also acted as a mineral supplement, significantly increasing the total Ash content (from 1.55% to 3.98%) and fortifying the cobs with Calcium (105.6 mg/100mg) and Sodium (44.75 mg/100mg).

This study examined Perceived effects of participation in exercise on mental health and well-being among secondary school students in Benin Metropolis. Seven (7) research questions and four (4) hypotheses guided the study, aiming to find out the type of exercise (e.g., aerobic, resistance, or combination) have an impact on mental health and well-being, find out if the intensity of exercise (e.g., low, moderate, or high) have an impact on mental health and well-being, find out if the duration of exercise (e.g., short, medium, or long) have an impact on mental health and well-being in secondary school students, ascertain the relationship between exercise and specific mental health outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression, or self-esteem), ascertain if there are any individual factors (e.g., personality, health status, or genetic predisposition) that moderate the relationship between exercise and mental health and well-being, find out the role of physical activity guidelines in promoting mental health and well-being through exercise, examine the cost effectiveness of using exercise to promote mental health and well-being in secondary school students.
The population of this study comprised all secondary school Students from a few schools in Benin Metropolis who engage in various forms of exercise. The proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select 150 students. A structured questionnaire was used to retrieve data from the respondents, the number of questionnaire retrieved was 150, therefore the analyses was done based on the total number of returned questionnaire, the data was collected and computed into SPSS 23, and the chi-square and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the research hypotheses.
The findings of the study were as follows; Types of exercise has impact on mental health and well being. Intensity of exercise has an impact on mental health and well being. Duration of exercise has an impact on mental health and well being. Exercise has an impact on mental health outcomes. There are gender-based differences in the perceived effects of exercise on mental health among secondary school students in Benin Metropolis. Socio-economic factors, such as access to sports facilities and equipment significantly relate to the mental well-being of secondary school students engaging in physical exercise. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed: Alongside physical exercise, schools should integrate mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation into their curriculum to promote holistic well-being among students because the types of exercise has impact on mental wellbeing of students, exercises like yoga and meditation would help to improve the mental wellbeing of students positively. Implement training programs for physical education teachers to equip them with the knowledge and skills to design and deliver evidence-based exercise interventions tailored to students' mental health needs.