Comparative study of the hypoglycemic and biochemical effects of Catharanthus roseus (Linn) g. apocynaceae (Madagascar periwinkle) and chlorpropamide (diabenese) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The effect of the aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus and chlorpropamide (Diabenese) on the levels of serum cholesterol, total protein, lipid peroxidation, blood glucose and liver enzymes were compared in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Four groups namely A, B, C and D comprising of nine rats each were used. A and B were administered with chlorpropamide and C. roseus extracts respectively, while C and D served as diabetic and non-diabetic controls respectively. The results showed comparatively significant reductions (P�0.05) in the levels of glucose, protein, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes in the groups administered C. roseus extracts and chlorpropamide relative to the controls. The reductions were higher in the groups treated with C. roseus extract than in the groups treated with diabenese

The Woes of Scientific Realism

This paper investigated the disagreement between Realists and Anti-realists on the observable and unobservable distinction in scientific practice. Whilethe realists maintain that machines and gadgets can simulate the human act of perception there-by making all realities under the screen of science observable, the anti-realists or the instrumentalists insist that what cannot be observed with the human senses even if detected with gadgets are not observable. This paper contended against the realist position which says that machines can simulate the human activity of perception. Hence the distinction between what is observable and unobservable is shown to be indisputable

Compaction and consolidation characteristics of lateritic soil of a selected site in Ikole Ekiti, southwest Nigeria

The compaction and consolidation characteristics of lateritic soils in Ikole area of Ekiti State were investigated. The investigation was carried out through laboratory tests on disturbed and undisturbed soil samples obtained from three borings (BH1, BH2, and BH3) of Holy Apostolic Nursery/Primary School, Ootunja, Ikole Local Government Area (L.G.A.) of Ekiti State Southwest, Nigeria. The soils are all lateritic and mostly fine-grained. Compaction tests indicate maximum dry densities of 2.05Mgm-3, 1.78Mgm-3, and 1.69Mgm-3 at optimum moisture contents of 14.3%, 20.7% and 19.6% for soil samples obtained from BH1, BH2 and BH3 respectively. Compression indices (Cc) obtained from oedometer tests are 0.04816, 0.03820 and 0.04318 while the calculated coefficients of volume compressibility (mv), are 1.308*10-4, 1.065*10-4 and 1.093*10-4 m2kN-1 for samples in BH1, BH2 and BH3 respectively. The unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value at 2.5 mm penetration ranges from 42.10% to 92.40% and CBR value at 5.0 mm penetration ranges from 52.70 to 89.10% indicative of good materials for road subgrade, sub-base and base courses.Keywords: Compaction, Consolidation, CBR, Southwest Nigeria

A Preliminary Study on the Diversity of Monkeys in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Its Environs

Monkeys are among the prominent animal species found in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka forest areas and its environs; thus, a 3-month reconnaissance and transect survey was carried out to determine the diversity of these monkeys and the ecological features that support their abundance and distribution. Six sample sites designated ‘A’ to ‘F’ were carefully chosen, transected and closely monitored for monkeys’ presence. A total of 116 monkeys, all of the super- family Cercopithecoidae but of four different species were observed. A total of 47 Chlorocebus aethiops with a relative abundance of 40.5% was recorded, it was followed by 34 (29.3%) Chlorocebus sabaeus; 25 (21.6%) Chlorocebus tantalus; and the least is Erythrocebus patas, 10 in number and relative abundance of 8.6%. The distribution of each species in a given site showed that site A recorded the highest number of monkeys 55(47.4%),it was followed by site B with 21(18.1%)monkeys; then site E 16(13.8%); 11(9.5%) in F; 7(6.0%) in site C and the least is 6(5.2%) in site D. The Simpson’s index of biodiversity was 0.7

Removal of Hg II and Cu II Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Activated Carbon Produced from Palm Fruit Fibre

Studies were carried out to evaluate the removal of Hg II and Cu II ions from aqueous solution using activated carbon produced from palm fruit fibre. Appropriate analytical procedure and instrumentation was applied in carrying out the batch adsorption experiment. Increase in adsorbents dosage and solution temperature was found to significantly increase the removal of the two metal ions from aqueous solution. Increase in the initial concentration of the adsorbate significantly reduced the adsorption efficiency of the adsorbent due to increase in the adsorbate concentration in the solution to the unchanging number of adsorption sides on the adsorbent. The solution pH and contact time of the adsorbate and adsorbent reached maximum removal efficiency at 6.0 and 45min respectively revealing the dependency of effective adsorption by activated carbon on these factors. The ∆S and ∆H of the adsorption were positive showing an endothermic adsorption process. The decrease in Gibbs free energy of adsorption with increase in adsorption efficiency of the activated carbon shows that effective adsorption of adsorbates favours high temperatures. Keywords: Activated carbon, Heavy metals, Cu II ions, Hg II ions Adsorption efficiency and Aqueous solution. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-6-05 Publication date: August 31st 201

Gender Difference in Teachers’ Perception of School Climate and Their Job Performance in Secondary Schools

The study investigated gender difference in teachers’ perception of school climate and their job performance in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were used to guide the study. The sample size of 550 teachers representing 10% of the population and proportionate stratified sampling method was used to identify the sample size.  The face validity was established and the reliability was determined through Crobach Alpha for Organizational Climate Index (OCI) and Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire” (TJPQ) was 0.81 and 0.66 respectively. Pearson Product Moment was used to analyze the research questions and hypotheses. The findings revealed that the relationship between female teachers’ perception of open and closed school climate with their job performance was not significant. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that principals should encourage teachers to devotedly discharge their job performance by maintaining school climate that will enable them discharge their duties with enthusiasm. Keywords: School Climate, Teachers’ Perception and Job Performance. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-9-22 Publication date:March 31st 202

Administrative Roles in Primary Schools for Curbing COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Henry Fayol’s Approach

COVID-19 is a threatening disease that has led to total lockdown of educational institutions in various countries, Nigeria inclusive. Presently, there is no vaccination for its cure yet; thus, the need for preventive mechanisms to reduce its spread in the schools. The primary school which this study is delimited is made of pupils whose ability to prevent this disease is minimal due to their level of physical and mental development, therefore they require proper attention. The headteachers and teachers who occupy administrative positions in primary schools need to manage these pupils, to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the schools. The main purpose of this study is to suggest how headteachers and teachers should practically discharge their administrative functions so asto reduce coronavirus spread among pupils in primary schools. This is expected to give an insight into healthy adaptive mechanism for the staff and pupils in primary schools in Nigeria. Finally, the following recommendations were made; which include: providing hygiene facilities, services of healthcare workers and isolation center in the school for pupils that may need extra care

Gender Influence on School Climate and Organizational Silence Amongst Teachers in Anambra State

This paper examines the gender influence on school climate and organizational silence among teachers in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Correlational research design is used for the study. The population of the study consisted of all the 5498 teachers in 259 secondary schools in Anambra State, comprising 775 male and 4723 female teachers. Two structured questionnaires were adapted as the instruments for data collection. The internal consistency of the instruments was established using Cronbach alpha which yielded 0.81 and 0.91. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The study reveals that there is no significant relationship between the perception of teachers who teach in an open school climate and their organizational silence. Secondly, there is no significant relationship between the perception of male and female teachers who teach in a closed school climate and their organizational silence. Based on this, recommendations were made

Animal Cruelty: A Review

Animal Cruelty cases make headlines around the world every day, whether it’s the person who kills the neighbour’s cat, the hoarder of sick and dying animals or the family whose freezing, starving dog is tied up outside in the middle of the winter. Animal Cruelty has several types which may be one of Simple Neglect, Gross Neglect, Intentional Abuse, Animal Hoarding, Organized Abuse, Ritualistic Abuse or Animal Sexual Assault. These cases of Cruelty cannot be overlooked as it has proven to have severe implications ranging from the fact that it is linked to other crimes, to the factual truth that these practises inflict great pain on these animals that have nobody to speak for them. Combating this menace of Animal Cruelty is a Journey that must be undertaken and everybody including the Government, NGOs and even Culture has a major role to play in this.  This review looks at Animal Cruelty in the world while paying a little more attention to Nigeria