Influence of parental involvement on their children’s education and their academic achievement in English language

This study is an attempt to determine students’ academic achievement in English language based on parental involvement in their children’s education in the southern educational zone of Cross River State. One research question and one null hypothesis was formulated and tested. The sample consisted of 376 senior secondary two students (SS2) of the 2011/2012 academic session. Instrument for data collection were the home background variable questionnaire (HBVQ) and an English achievement test. The data gathered was analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The finding revealed that parental involvement in their children’s education significantly influenced their academic achievement in English language. On the basis of the finding it was concluded that when parents assist their children with their school work at home, children academic achievement is likely to be high. Thus, it was recommended that parents work regularly with children’s learning activities at home to facilitate achievement.Keywords: Influence, parental involvement, children’s education, academic achievement, English languag

Students’ Perception of the National Open University of Nigeria Scheme: A Case Study of Calabar Centre

As the demand for admission in tertiary instructions rapidly outstrippedavailable institutional space, it increasingly became doubtful whether thetraditional institutions in their structure and resources capacity would copewith the aspiring thousands of Nigerians who sought tertiary education.Hence the need for distance education (National Open University of Nigeria)where those who are workers can snugly fit in also. The paper examines thestudents’ perception of National Open University of Nigeria scheme usingCalabar study centre as a case study. A sample of two hundred and fiftystudents was used and with a single hypothesis formulated, a t-test analysisof the scores derived from the respondents was done. The result shows thatthe calculated t was lesser than the critical t at 0.05 level of significance.Hence the conclusion that male and female students in National OpenUniversity of Nigeria, Calabar study centre do not differ in their perceptionof the scheme

Effect of ambient temperature storage on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical for the evaluation of antioxidant activity

Antioxidants are molecules involved in defense mechanisms against the deleterious effects of free radicals in most organisms. A number of methods are currently being used for the evaluation of the antioxidantand free-radical scavenging properties of natural and synthetic  antioxidants, including the DPPH method. Numerous speculations about the stability of DPPH solution over a long period of time, at normal ambient temperature have been observed in previous studies but no definite information exists in literature in this regard. Using established protocols, the free-radical capability of DPPH methanolic solution (stored in dark at ambient temperature) was assessed using ascorbic acid as the antioxidant. Results revealed that DPPH methanolic solution gave  comparable free-radical activity 24 hours post preparation compared with the freshly prepared solution. After 24 hours, activity was greatly reduced. We therefore recommend that freshly prepared DPPH solution should be used at all times; however for prolonged experimental schedules, the DPPH solution should be used within 24 hours post preparation, so as to give comparable results with the freshly prepared solution and avoid  ambiguity in results interpretation.Keywords: Ascorbic acid, methanolic, oxygen species, phytochemicals, stability

Using The BALB/c Asthmatic Mouse Model to Investigate the Effects of Hydrocortisone and a Herbal Asthma Medicine on Animal Weight

Euphorbia hirta is an anti-inflammatory phytomedicine used to treat asthma. It contains, amongst other  components, Quercitrin, which is converted to Quercetin in the alimentary canal and is thought to be  responsible for its therapeutic potential. In this study, the BALB/c asthmatic mouse mode was used to  investigate the short and long term effects of Euphorbia hirta on asthma and weight change. Hydrocortisone  was used as positive control. Data showed that animals in both the short and long term control groups  experienced slow but steady progressive weight increments. Both immunization and nebulization had  positive weight gain effects on the animals but the effects were more pronounced following immunization  but were only minimal following nebulization. Prolonged treatment with hydrocortisone remarkably  reduced the cumulative weight gained following prior experimental procedures (immunization and  nebulization), followed by a slow and sustained increase in the rate of weight gain. On the other hand,  prolonged administration of the plant causes only a minimal reduction in weight gained due to induced  asthmatic conditions. It is concluded that E. hirta, besides reducing asthma symptoms similarly to that  of hydrocortisone (as seen with white blood cell counts), does not impact on weight gain as severely as  hydrocortisone.

Toxicity of African locust bean effluent on Oreochromis niloticus

The effects of 96 h sub-lethal concentrations of African locust bean effluent on Oreochromis niloticus were studied using plastic buckets. Packed cell volume (PCY) and histological study of gills and liver were the tissue chemistry parameters investigated. The control buckets contained no effluent. Results revealed increase in ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) decrease in haemoglobin, red blood cell and PCY Yalue of the fish exposed to all sub-lethal concentrations. Damage to liver and gills were noticed in some of the sub-lethal concentrations of all the effluent. Normal situation was observed in all the examined tissues of fish from the control buckets. The African locust bean effluent is toxic on O. niloticus and the lethal concentrations of African locust bean effluent deducted from the 96 hours acute toxicity effect ranged from 3ml

Attitude of Science Students towards Science Teaching In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study was to determine the attitude of some secondary school science students towards the teaching of science in Nigeria.  Two research questions guided the conduct of the work, while two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance.  The design of the work was survey, and the sample consisted of two hundred and ninety-eight students drawn from four secondary schools in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.  Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample.  The data collected were analyzed using an independent t-test.  Results got after data analysis showed that male students showed more positive attitudes towards the teaching of science than their female counterparts.  Also, the SS III had more positive attitudes than the JS III students.  The implication of this finding was that a great percentage of Nigerian women may face unemployment problem, since they may lack the requisite skill to engage in science related careers and job

ARTISANAL FISH MARKETING IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

This paper was set out to examine the problems and prospects of artisanal fish marketing in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was observed that artisanal fish is one of the most important sources of food and income to many people, especially in the riverine areas. Artisanal fisheries is labour-intensive and conducted by artisanal craftsmen whose level of income, mechanical sophistication, quantity of production, fishing range, political influence, market outlets, employment and social mobility and financial power depends on it. Artisanal fish marketing involves all activities undertaken in conveying fish from fishermen to consumers. The paper revealed that artisanal fish marketing in Akwa Ibom State involves a lot of problems which often times hinder the objectives of the fish harvesting and marketing business. The problems include inadequate funds, sea piracy, poor post-harvest fish management, high cost / lack of transportation facilities, lack of market facilities and poor interpersonal relations skills among the fishermen. The study concluded that the problems of artisanal fish marketing if solved can result in the enhancement of level of satisfaction in the harvesting, processing and marketing of artisanal fish to meet the need of the society and provide diversified employment opportunities in fishing communities, villages and settlements. It was therefore suggested among others that, Akwa Ibom State Government in collaboration with Federal Government should provide a well-developed landing and processing sites in all the fishing settlements to ensure hygienic and protected space for processing activities as well as proper facilities at processing sites for sanitation and storage. This will help to reduce fish contamination, and prevent microbial attack of harvested fish.  Article visualizations

Lipid Profile of Apparently Healthy Adults in Aba Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

This study was designed to evaluate the lipid profile pattern of apparently healthy adults in Aba metropolis and hence, identify the possible contributions of hyper lipidaemia in the ever increasing cardiovascular risk burden in our society. Subjects for this study were apparently healthy adult respondents who met the inclusion criteria and willingly granted their informed consent. They were measured for their weights (in kg), height (in metres), age, sex, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar and lipid profile. The data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences and the student t-test was performed at p < 0.05. The results showed that 30% of the subjects had BMI in the overweight range (25-29.9kg/m2) while 16.56% had BMI in obesity range (>30.00kg/m2). A high mean total cholesterol (34%) and LDL (17%) cholesterol values were observed among healthy adults. Hyperlipidaemia was more prevalent among females than males and may be associated with the increasing cardiovascular risk burden.Keywords: Lipid profile, Apparently healthy adults, Aba, Nigeria

The prevalence of obesity as indicated by body mass index among apparently healthy adults living in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity using BMI and to assess the relative associations with some cardiovascular risk factors (CVD). Subjects for this study were apparently healthy volunteers who willingly granted their informed consent. They reported at the various study zones of the town after an over-night fast where their weights (in Kg), heights (in Metres), and blood pressures (mm Hg) were measured and recorded. Blood samples were also collected via venipuncture for serum lipid profile studies. The data obtained were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The student t-test was used and p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed that the prevalence of obesity as determined by BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 was 16.56%. Obesity was more prevalent among the subjects older than 40 years and among females than males (p<0.05). BMI appeared to be significantly associated with CVD risks factors. Thus, healthier eating and increase physical activities are strongly encouraged to reduce the increasing prevalence of obesity and the associated CVD risk burden.Key words: Prevalence, BMI, Obesity, Aba, Nigerian

Augmented Adipofascial Flap for Soft Tissue Cover of Open Tibial Fractures : A Case Report

This is the management of a 30-year-old male student, a passenger on anbsp motor cycle who had an open tibial fracture. He was resuscitated by the Accident and Emergency doctors before the Orthopeadic and Plastic surgery units were invited to take over the management. The fracture was reduced and maintained with external fixators by the Orthopeadic surgeons and an augmented fascial flap and a split thickness skin graft were used to cover the fracture by the plastic surgical team. The wounds healednbsp in three weeks and thenbsp fracture united in four months