Effect of Computer Simulation and Jigsaw Technique in Teaching Reproductive System in Human in Senior Secondary Schools Minna Metropolis, Niger State

The conventional method of teaching is most common in Nigeria and researchers have shown that this method has led to poor performance of students in Biology and in other subjects. Researchers have been able to ascertain that students will learn best when they participate in the teaching-learning process. This study examined the effects of Computer simulation and jigsaw technique on the performance of senior secondary school students in Biology in Minna metropolis, Niger state. The study also investigated gender differences in the performance of Male and Female students in Biology. The sample used consists of seventy-eight (78) Senior Secondary (SSII) Biology students. Twenty-six (26) students consisting of thirteen (13) males and thirteen (13) females were randomly selected from each school. The schools were randomly assigned to Experimental group 1, Experimental group 2 and Control group. Experimental group 1 (n=26) was treated with jigsaw technique, experimental group 2 (n=26) was treated with computer simulation, while the control group (n=26) was treated with convectional teaching method. Quasi-experimental design employing pre-test, treatment and post-test was adopted. The test instrument used for the study was a twenty (20) multiple-choice Biology Achievement Test (BAT) questions. The test had a reliability index of 0.72 determined using split- half reliability approach.  The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test, mean, standard deviation and mean gains. Three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Treatments used had significant effects on students’ Post-test achievement score. Students exposed to Computer simulation and jigsaw technique performed better than their counterparts who were taught with conventional teaching method (F=8.811, df=2, 75 P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the performance of the Male and Female students taught with both Computer simulation and jigsaw technique. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that biology teachers should adopt computer simulation technique and jigsaw technique in teaching Biology concepts in view of its high facilitative effect on students’ performanc

Assessment of Almajirin System of Education: It’s Implication for Child, Family and National Development in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria

This work was undertaken to find out the implication of Almajirin system of education on the child, family and the nation at large. A hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed among people from selected towns in Niger state, Nigeria. Interviews and surveys were also conducted. The instrument for the study was a self-designed questionnaire. A sample of 120 people in the selected areas was drawn using simple random sampling. Data was analyzed using frequency Tables, percentage and mean. It was observed that Almajiri system of education have a strong and positive impact on the child, family and the nation at large. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that government should consider addressing the feeding and welfare needs of the Almajirin and their Mallams, infrastructural facilities should also be provided

Assessment and Evaluation of Bris Soil and its Implication on Maize Crop in Merang- Terengganu Region of Malaysia

The research objectives focus on the evaluation of the physical properties of BRIS soil; to investigate the limiting factors for maize crop; also to create the awareness of the farmers as to the fertility and soil characteristics for better maize production and the effort to increase maize crop production.        Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. The soil suitability was S3-twrne for Baging and Rhu Tapai, S3-twrnx for Rudua, and S3-twrn for Jambu with the soil productivity of around < 1, 1-2 and 2-3 tons dried maize per ha per year respectively. The needed efforts to improve soil capability from actual to potential soil suitability for maize cultivation are i.e. cover the soils with mulch, make sprinkle irrigation, make dam for water holding and retention, give and maintain organic matters in the soils and do not burn biomass, fertilize soils with NPK and organic fertilizers, do wash elements of Na and H and break down shallow spodic horizons, make terraces and mix mineral subsoils to BRIS soil to improve CEC. Keywords: Assessment, Evaluation, Bris Soil Series, Physiography, Maize, Terengganu,

BRIS Soil Suitability Assessment on Sweet Potato in Merang- Terengganu Region of Malaysia

The research objectives focus on the evaluation of the physical properties of BRIS soil; to investigate the limiting factors for sweet potato crop; also to create the awareness of the farmers as to the fertility and soil characteristics for better sweet potato production and the effort to increase sweet potato crop production. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. Soil fertility status of soil series are classified as very low to low, except Base Saturation because the soils are strongly influenced by sea movement. However, Baging and Rhu Tapai soil suitability in terms of nutrient where mostly M/nU/d, with SU at the slope; for Rudua and Jambu they are mostly S with no trace of some soil criteria. However the needed efforts required in improving the soil capability from actual to potential soil suitability for sweet potato cultivation can be seen in the agronomic requirement table above. Hence, cover the soils with mulch, make sprinkle irrigation, make dam for water holding and retention, give and maintain organic matters in the soils and do not burn biomass, fertilize soils with NPK and organic fertilizers. Keywords: Suitability, assessment, Bris soil series, Soil Profile, Terenggan

Survey on Social Media Network Participation, Impact on Biology Students’ Performance in Senior Secondary Schools in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria

This study looks at social media network participation. its evident impact on performance on senior secondary School students in biology, the study was aimed at identifying social media network sites and their usage among students, how students networked and participated on social media networks, time invested by students on social networks, the effects of social media networks participation on student's academic performance within the context of the social learning and the axe and gratification theories. To achieve the objectives of the research, the study used a mixed method approach which involved the survey of students in jour senior secondary schools and interviews of heads of the schools. The study revealed that majority of respondents used social networks for chatting for downloading videos, music and listening to music. In addition, majority of respondents experienced negative effects such as, late submission of assignment, less study time and poor performance in biology and addiction problems due to the heavy participation on social media networks Furthermore. there was a high addiction rate among students in the usage of social media network., Nevertheless, there were few cases where other students experienced improvement on their performances as a result of participation on social media networks. Recommendations generated from the research studies were: students should reduce their exposure to social media and pay more attention to their studies, students, especially those willing to record huge academic success should guide themselves against the use of social media and the government, schools and other well to do individuals .should encourage hard work by rewarding successful students through Scholarship schemes and other incentives

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Borreria verticillata Species of Sudano-Sahelian Savanna on CCl4 Induced Hepatotoxicity

Preliminary phytochemical screening of Borreria verticillata species of Sudano-Sahelian savanna and the effect of aqueous leaf extract of the plant were studied in CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity rats. Screening of the aqueous extract indicates the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, sterol and saponins. While athraquinone was absent. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and bilirubin (BL) were analysed in rats intraperitoneally administered with 100 mg/kg CCl4 followed by oral treatment with 300mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of B. verticillata for 48 and 96hrs. The rats treated for 48 hours after had serum AST, ALT, ALP, TP and BL levels not statistically different (P>0.05) compared to both normal control and positive control (treated with 100mg/kg standard drug) although the value of positive control was slightly lower than the test values. However, the test values were statistically lower compared to toxicity control at P< 0.05. The serum AST, ALT, ALP, TP and BL levels when the treatment was extended to 96 hours showed similar pattern to 48 hours treatment. Even though the test values with respect to the enzymes activity were slightly lower in the extended treatment. This result indicates the hepatocurative properties of aqueous leaf extract of B. verticillata on CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity rats, which could be attributed to its phytochemical contents. Keywords: Borreria verticillata, Hepatotoxicity, Hepatocurative, Aqueous leaf extract, CCL

Review of urological cancers in Damaturu, Nigeria

 Background: Urological cancers (UC) remain a major global burden and a significant cause of high morbidity and mortality. In other to plan and tackle this burden, there is need to audit the pattern of these malignancies in our locality which is currently lacking.  Hence, the objectives of our study were to describe the histological pattern, frequency and demographic characteristics of urological cancers seen in Damaturu.Methods: The reports of all the urological specimens that were histologically diagnosed as malignant between November 2017 to October 2019 in the histopathology department of Yobe state university teaching hospital, were analyzed. The department keeps newly established cancer registry for the state.Results:  Fifty-five UC were diagnosed, with male to female ratio of 13.8:1. These UC constitute 34.1% of the 161 urological specimens assessed and 26.4% of all types of medical cancers diagnosed in the period of study. Prostate cancer dominates the UC (41; 73.8%), followed by bladder cancers (11; 19.8%) and the remaining kidney, penis and testicular cancers (1; 1.8%) each.Conclusions: Urological cancers are very common in our region, particularly prostate cancers in which majority were poorly differentiated. This report though analyzed few cancers, the proportion of UC is high. Urothelial cancer of the bladder is now more frequent than squamous cell carcinoma. This study can serve as basis for future epidemiologic studies targeting at the risk factors, awareness and prevention of UC

In-silico Investigation of the Interaction between Beta-class Glutathione S-Transferase and Five Antibiotics, namely; Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin and Cephalexin

Glutathione s-transferases(GSTs) are enzymes involved in the conjugation and deactivation of various xenobiotics including drugs. Thisin-silico study was undertaken in order to investigate the interaction between beta-class glutathione s-transferase and five selected antibiotics, namely; ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and cephalexin using molecular docking study. RaptorX server was used to predict the amino acids involved at the binding sitewhile molecular docking study was employed in order to investigate the binding interactions.RaptorX predicted several amino acids which were different from the ones observed in molecular docking because of the variability in the substrate binding site of GSTs however, all the amino acids predicted by RaptorX were also found to be involved in the GSH binding.Lys107, Phe109, Ser110, Leu113, Trp114, His115 and Arg123, Leu168 were the amino acids involved in the binding of various antibiotics to the substrate binding site of the protein while Ala9, Cys10, Leu32, Tyr51, Val52, Pro53, Glu65 and Ala66were involved in the binding of the co-substrate GSH to the binding site of the protein. The results indicated that all the antibiotics showed a good binding affinity with the beta class GST and are therefore capable of deactivating the drugs. With these, finding a beta class GST inhibitors alongside antibiotics during a treatment of diseases will be of beneficial in the current fight against antibiotic resistance

Review of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media in the National Ear care centre, Kaduna Nigeria.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the most common condition presenting to Otolaryngological clinics, often patients present late with consequent complications that require surgical intervention. This study aimed to review the mode of clinical presentation, modality and outcome of treatment of CSOM seen at NECC Kaduna. Methodology:This was a retrospective study carried out in the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna for a period of 3 years; from January 2016 - December 2018. Results: Two hundred and thirty-four patients with CSOM were studied. There were 127 males and 107 females making M: F =1.2:1. The age range was from 8-60years with a mean age of 26.5±12.6years. The age group 11-20 (31.2%) had the highest number. Majority presented with hearing loss and ear discharge 228(97.4%) and 182(77.8%) respectively. Other symptoms were otalgia, tinnitus, vertigo and nasal symptoms. Eleven (4.7%) had complications at presentation. Ninety-two (39.3%) had surgery, 64 had only aural toileting and dressing with topical antibiotic with recorded success as majority achieved dry ear, while 38 patients were lost to follow up. Postoperative complications include; loss of taste sensation, facial nerve palsy, recurrent/persistent ear discharge, persistent dizziness, and infection of the donor site and no mortality was recorded. Conclusion: One-third of the patients who benefitted from surgery had a good outcome and for those with conservative treatment, the majority achieved dry ear. Early presentation is advised to avoid complications

Profile and management of central nervous system malformations in a tertiary hospital

Central Nervous System (CNS) malformations rank among the commonest malformations. These may be identified in utero or noticed immediately after birth. Most studies showed Myelomeningocoele, a Neural Tube Defect (NTD) to be the commonest. Severe defects have a significant impact on long term disability. While some are preventable, most are surgically managed. Objective: To study the profile and management of CNS malformation in a tertiary hospital. Method: we undertook a 3-year retrospective study of the profile and surgical management, including the postoperative complications among Neonates admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Data on place of delivery, Gender, Gestational age, Mode of delivery, Prenatal Diagnosis (Ultrasound Scan), types of malformations, types of surgeries, and postoperative complications were retrieved. Result: We found 71 patients with CNS anomalies (31.8% of all congenital anomalies), in delivery 10 (14.1%), out delivery 46(64.8%). Male=43, females=28. Term gestation 66 (93%), preterm 3(4.2%), post-term 2(2.8%). Delivered by Vagina (SVD) in 65(91.6%), Caesarean section 4(5.6%), and undocumented in 4(5.6%). Prenatal diagnosis in only 3(4.2%). Myelomeningocoele was 35(49.3%), meningocoele was 9(12.7%), Hydrocephalus was 18(25.3%), anencephaly was 1(1.4%), occipital Encephalocoele was 6(8.5%), Sincipital Encephalocoele was 2(2.8%). Operated on 53(75%), LAMA/lost to follow was 13(18%), preoperative death was 5(7%). Excision and closure of Neural Tube Defect were 34(64.2%), VP Shunt was 13(24.5%), Excision and closure of occipital Encephalocoele were 5(9.4%) craniofacial excision and repair of Sincipital Encephalocoele was 1(1.9%). CSF leak in 4(28.6%), wound infection in 3(21.4%), shunt infection and obstruction in 2(14.3%) each. meningitis, hypertrophied scar, and pseudo meningocoele in 1(7.1%) each. Conclusion: The commonest CNS anomaly is a Myelomeningocoele a preventable condition, Sincipital Encephalocoele is not common in our environment. Concomitant treatment of hydrocephalus averts post excision CSF Leak