EVALUATION

This study determined the precision of X-ray reporting in detecting lung abnormalities in children at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State. Lung diseases such as pneumonia remain major causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries, making accurate and prompt diagnosis essential. A retrospective quantitative study design was used to analyze chest X-ray findings of children aged 0–18 years examined between May and December 2024. Data were collected using a structured checklist including age, gender, clinical indication, radiological findings, and confirmed diagnosis, and analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software. The results showed that pneumonia was the most common lung abnormality, followed by bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and tuberculosis. Most X-ray reports were accurately interpreted, though some errors were linked to poor image quality and varying levels of radiologist experience. Overall, X-ray reporting at UBTH was effective in detecting pediatric lung abnormalities. The study concludes that regular training, standardized reporting formats, and continuous quality assurance would further improve diagnostic accuracy and pediatric patient care.

Heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) pollution, poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity and plant health. In this study, Corchorus olitorius was grown in soils treated with different concentrations of lead nitrate and cadmium chloride solutions. The heavy metal treatments applied were 50 and 100 ppm Cd; and 100 and 200 ppm Pb. The application of heavy metal solution was carried out eight times and these concentrations were chosen based on literature. The experiment was conducted as a field potted study. Each treatment was replicated four times. Field data were recorded for germination, which includes; plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves produced per plant. Biochemical analyses for chlorophyll, carotenoids and lycopene contents were also done. Spectral indices for stress in plants were carried out spectrophotometrically by scanning leaf extracts using 200 – 900nm wavelengths. Findings from this study shows that cadmium and lead pollution on jute plant induced faster and higher mean germination percentage of 58.75% with moderate concentration
of cadmium treatment (50ppm), compared to the control treatments which had a slower and a
low mean percentage germination of 26.8%. In terms of mean plant height, plants grown in
200ppm of lead nitrate had the highest plant height which measured 49.00cm compared to
control which had plant height of 40.50cm, while 50ppm cadmium had the least mean plant
height of 27.75cm, which were observed nine weeks after planting. Spectrophotometric analysis
was done, which indicated that the plants had a weak absorption of green wavelengths, but a
stronger absorbance range was observed in 200-400 nanometers (nm). Cadmium 50ppm had the
highest chlorophyll concentration while the least was observed with 100ppm lead. Findings from
the study concluded that heavy metals may enhance the growth of the plant but further research
should be carried out to evaluate the prolonged effects of heavy metal stress on the plant.

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.

This paper examines the linkage between civil service reforms and human resources development in Nigeria, a case study of Oyo State Civil Service Commission. A descriptive survey method was adopted for this study by taking a sample from a population and generalizing the result on the whole population. The study was designed to analyze civil service and human resource development in the Nigeria civil service with particular emphasis on civil service commission. The results of the study revealed that successive reforms in Nigeria improve administrative and operational performance of the civil service, contribute to efficiency and effectiveness of civil servants and most importantly, Civil service reform has significant impact on human resources in Nigeria. However, the findings revealed that the various reforms did not take adequate care of civil service reward and compensation and Failure of most of the reforms to take care of staff training needs affect the effectiveness of reforms. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that Eradication of excessive political interference, Proper implementation of the provisions of various reforms, and taking care of staff training need in future reforms would enhance effective human resource in Nigerian civil service.

Medicinal plants have long been integral to healthcare, forming the foundation of traditional medicine across many cultures. This study evaluated the in vivo antioxidant activity of the aqueous root extract of Anthocleista djalonensis (Loganiaceae) in the livers of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups of six. Group I served as the control and received 2 ml of distilled water orally. Groups II, III, and IV were administered 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous root extract, respectively, for 28 days. After sacrifice, livers were isolated, weighed, and homogenised in cold normal saline. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. The extract had no significant effect on CAT and SOD activities compared to control (p > 0.05), but significantly reduced MDA levels (p < 0.05). Liver weight remained unchanged (p > 0.05). These results indicate that Anthocleista djalonensis root extract exhibits promising antioxidant properties, particularly through direct free radical scavenging

This project aims to evaluate the strength of concrete by partially replacing the coarse aggregate by Blast Furnace Slag (BFS). The primary objective is to determine the effect of replacing natural granite with BFS in varying percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) on the strength and durability of concrete. The research is motivated by the need to find sustainable alternatives to natural aggregates, reduce construction costs, and promote the reuse of industrial by-products in the construction industry. The methodology involved preparing concrete mixes with BFS replacing granite at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight. The materials to be used include Ordinary Portland Cement, fine aggregates (sharp sand), coarse aggregates (granite and BFS), and potable water. Standard laboratory tests were conducted, including sieve analysis for particle size distribution, slump test for workability, compressive strength and flexural strength tests at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days, and Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) tests to assess aggregate quality. A constant mix proportion was maintained for all specimens, with curing performed under controlled conditions to ensure comparability of results. The results revealed that the control mix (0% BFS) achieved the highest compressive strength of 21.08 N/mm² and flexural strength of 9.60 N/mm² at 28 days, while 2.5% BFS replacement yielded comparable strengths of 19.29 N/mm² and 8.56 N/mm², respectively. Workability decreased with increasing BFS content, with slump values reducing from 30 mm (control) to 16 mm (10% BFS). The AIV and ACV values confirmed that both aggregates were mechanically durable, though granite performed slightly better. It was concluded that BFS can be used as a partial replacement for granite up to 2.5% in structural concrete without significant loss of performance, while higher percentages are more suitable for non-structural applications

In our pursuit of sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges, the treatment and reuse of wastewater have gained significant attention. The automobile industry, renowned for its substantial water consumption and discharge, has emerged as a focal point for exploring innovative approaches to wastewater management. This study investigates the potential applications, benefits, and challenges associated with utilizing automobile wastewater in construction activities. The scope of work involved collecting samples from car wash facilities, analyzing chemical and mineral properties, preparing concrete mixes, and conducting tests using both potable water and automobile wastewater. Laboratory tests on the automobile wastewater samples demonstrated that key parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃), and sulfate (SO₄) were within standard limits for concrete production. Notably, the setting time tests on cement molds revealed a significant 27.73% reduction in initial setting time and a 14.81% increase in final setting time using first wash compared to potable water. The use of second wash resulted in a more substantial 45.38% decrease in initial setting time and a modest 3.70% increase in final setting time. Slump tests correlated detergent concentration with higher values for the first wash. However, the compression tests on concrete indicated a decrease in strength, with a 35.96% reduction at 28 days against first wash and a more significant 54.75% reduction against second wash. In conclusion it is evident that for automobile waste water to be used for concrete production, it must undergo process of treatment. As recommendation, it is advised to implement effective treatment processes for automobile wastewater before incorporating it into concrete production, ensuring that the construction materials meet required standards and contribute to sustainable environmental practices in the automobile industry.

Drilling mud , otherwise known as drilling fluid, is a vital component in the oil and gas industry. As the primary medium for drilling oil and gas wells, its importance cannot be overstated. However, in Nigeria, the procurement of drilling mud is often costly, as bentonite clay, the conventional material used in its formulation is largely imported. This project investigates the suitability of a locally sourced clay, Okuaghe, obtained from one of the countries numerous clay deposits, as a potential substitute for imported bentonite in drilling mud formulation. The study aims to promote local material utilization, reduce import dependency, and minimize overall operational costs. The clay sample was collected from Uhunmwonde local government area in Edo State, then prepared through drying, crushing, and sieving. Portions of the total sample were activated using soda ash (sodium carbonate) to enable comparative analysis. Guided by API specifications, rheological properties such as plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, yield point and gel strength were determined using standard procedures. Additionally, carboxymethyl cellukose (CMC) was incorporated in some samples to enhance performance toward API standards. The results indicates that the local clay possesses promising potential for drilling mud formulation, provided adequate beneficiation and optimization of activation conditions are applied. The findings also emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal base concentration during chemical activation, as excessive amounts may yield adverse effects. Overall, this laboratory-based study demonstrates that certain local clays, when properly treated and modified with suitable additives, can perform comparably to imported bentonite. It further underscores the need for field-scale evaluation to validate laboratory results and support the wider adoption of local materials in drilling fluid formulation.

This study investigated the shelf life and viability of Trichoderma harzianum formulated with various carrier combinations to enhance its potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent. Formulations were prepared using different ratios of corn cob and spent mushroom substrate (4:1 and 1:1) respectively, combined with clay and cassava starch. The viability of T. harzianum spores was monitored monthly over a five-month storage period under room temperature conditions (15–35 °C) by determining colony-forming units (CFU/g) on potato dextrose agar. The experiment was subjected to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and data was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results revealed that the media type had a highly significant effect (p< 0.001) on spore viability across all months, while concentration and substrate × concentration were non-significant. The formulation containing a 1:1 mixture of corn cob and spent mushroom substrate supplemented with clay and cassava starch consistently produced the highest CFU/g values throughout the storage period, indicating superior shelf stability. onversely, formulations with higher corn cob ratios (4:1) showed reduced viability. Overall, the inclusion of starch improved moisture retention and nutrient availability, slowing the decline in spore viability over time. The study concludes that a balanced organic–inorganic matrix enriched with starch provides an optimal carrier system for maintaining the viability of T. harzianum during storage, thereby enhancing its suitability for large-scale biocontrol applications.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neuron resulting in motor dysfunction with symptoms such as bradykinesia, akinesia and non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and cognitive deficits. Experimental models using neurotoxins such as rotenone mimic the features of Parkinson’s disease. Afzelia africana, a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has shown potential neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biochemical and behavioural effects of Afzelia africana in rotenone-induced Parkinsonism using catalepsy and beam walking. Phytochemical screening of the stem bark of Afzelia africana was conducted to determine the bioactive phytoconstituents present and acute toxicity studies was done to determine the safety profile of the plant. Rats randomly divided into different groups viz: no treatment, vehicle only, rotenone plus vehicle, rotenone plus 250 mg/kg of stem bark extract, and rotenone plus 500 mg/kg of stem bark extract were used for the study. These were treated daily with either the vehicle or two doses of Afzelia africana. Rats subject to rotenone treatment received rotenone on days 1,4,7 and 10 of the study. Catalepsy and beam walking were conducted to assess motor performance on days 0, 5 and 10. Animals were sacrificed on the 11 th day and organs harvested for biochemical analysis. The mean lethal dose of Afzelia africana was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Afzelia africana at doses used in this study reduced the cataleptic score and increased time spent in the beam walking. Treatment with A, africana reduced rotenone elevated levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase in the livers of test animals. A. africana also reduced urea and creatinine levels increased by rotenone. Findings from this that the ethanol extract of Afzelia africana has nephroprotective and hepatoprotective potential.