Biology Education and Bio Entrepreneur Opportunities in Nigeria

Nigeria has been experiencing various socioeconomic and environmental challenges such as unemployment, poverty, insecurity and climate change within the past few decades. These challenges are traceable to a lack of synergy between capital and nature.  Knowledge and skills in various fields of biology such as Bioeconomics and Bio-entrepreneur are potent tools for building a strong synergy between capital and nature to enhance sustainable socio-economic development in the nation. This paper focuses on how biology education can be utilised to develop and promote Bio-entrepreneur opportunities among Nigerian youths for sustainable national development. The paper provided overviews of concepts such as biology education, bio-entrepreneur, bio-economics and so forth. The millennium development goals and the 21st-century skills within the context of sustainable development in Nigeria. Finally, the paper advocated for urgent realignment of biology and science education for sustainable national developmen

Effect of Simulation Techniques and Lecture Method on Students’ Academic Performance in Mafoni Day Secondary School Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of simulation technique and lecture method on students’ academic performance in Mafoni Day Secondary School, Maiduguri. The study used both simulation technique and lecture methods of teaching at the basic level of education in the teaching/learning environment. The study aimed at determining the best predictor among the two variables. Using quasi-experiment as a design for this study, a sample of ninety students was purposively sampled across the 3 levels of junior secondary classes in the school. Instrument called basic science achievement test (BASAT) was used as a guide for testing the academic performance of basic science students across the levels both in experimental and control groups. Using t-test of independent variable, the study found simulation technique very significant predictor of as the mean performances of student taught with simulation game technique was much higher and better than those taught using lecture method in the cause of lesson presentation in their respective class. It was recommended among others that teacher should make effective use of simulation techniques method in lesson delivery as it shows to be more promising in enhancing students’ academic performance at the basic level of education in Mafoni Day Secondary School, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Keywords: Simulation Games Techniques, Lecture Method, Basic Education, Role play Instructional Strategy

Effects of Learning by Analogy on Senior High School Students’ Achievement in Genetics in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract: Effects of Learning by Analogy on Senior High School Students’ Achievement in Genetics in Ilorin, Nigeria. Genetics has been identified in literature as one of the hard-to-learn biological concepts despite its importance to human existence. Therefore, there is the need for students to have deep conceptual understanding of the concept. Objective: The effectiveness of analogy on proper understanding of scientific concepts abound in literature, hence, this study examined the effects of analogy instructional strategy on senior school student s’ achievement in genetics. Methods: The study was quasi-experimental with a sample of 112 students purposively selected from two intact classes. Data gathered were analysed using ANCOVA. Findings: Findings from the study revealed that a significant difference existed in the achievement of students taught genetics with analogy and those taught using the conventional teaching approach in favour of the analogy group (F(1, 109) = 20.88,

Effect of Simulation Techniques and Lecture Method on Students’ Academic Performance in Mafoni Day Secondary School Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of simulation technique and lecture method on students’ academic performance in Mafoni Day Secondary School, Maiduguri. The study used both simulation technique and lecture methods of teaching at the basic level of education in the teaching/learning environment. The study aimed at determining the best predictor among the two variables. Using quasi-experiment as a design for this study, a sample of ninety students was purposively sampled across the 3 levels of junior secondary classes in the school. Instrument called basic science achievement test (BASAT) was used as a guide for testing the academic performance of basic science students across the levels both in experimental and control groups. Using t-test of independent variable, the study found simulation technique very significant predictor of as the mean performances of student taught with simulation game technique was much higher and better than those taught using lecture method in the cause of lesson presentation in their respective class. It was recommended among others that teacher should make effective use of simulation techniques method in lesson delivery as it shows to be more promising in enhancing students’ academic performance at the basic level of education in Mafoni Day Secondary School, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Keywords: Simulation Games Techniques, Lecture Method, Basic Education, Role play Instructional Strategy

Factors Influencing Rental and Capital Values of Residential Investment Property in Abuja, Nigeria

There are various purposes the rental or capital values of residential investment property could be sought. However, most previous studies on factors influencing value of residential investment property are expressed in a general term; not specifically indicating whether rental or capital value. This may mislead investors in making the wrong investment decision. Using aggregation and disaggregation approach, this study examined the general and specific factors determining the rental and capital values of residential investment property in Abuja, Nigeria with a view to providing information that could guide the investment decisions. With the use of a structured questionnaire, cross sectional survey was adopted to obtain the perceptual opinion from 136 estate surveying and valuation firms in the study area. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics of Relative Important Index (RII). The findings reveal a variation in the outcome of general factors and specific factors and that in specific term, factors influencing the capital value are significantly more in quantity and rating than the ones influencing the rental value. Out of the 23 (13 for rental and 10 for capital value) general determining factors, 11 (3 for rental and 8 for capital value) are actually significant. Average number of rooms; change in maintenance cost/taxes and the neighbourhood characteristics mainly influence the rental value of residential property while cost of construction; type of structure/quality of facilities; potential of rental growth; title and size of the land; neighbourhood attributes; inflation impact; size and structural characteristics and state of supply in property market are the main factors influencing the capital value. This noted variation is an indication for property investment stakeholders to be cautious and specific in the selection of the most appropriate determining factors for their investment objective to avoid investment decision errors

Factors Influencing Rental and Capital Values of Residential Investment Property in Abuja, Nigeria

There are various purposes the rental or capital values of residential investment property could be sought. However, most previous studies on factors influencing value of residential investment property are expressed in a general term; not specifically indicating whether rental or capital value. This may mislead investors in making the wrong investment decision. Using aggregation and disaggregation approach, this study examined the general and specific factors determining the rental and capital values of residential investment property in Abuja, Nigeria with a view to providing information that could guide the investment decisions. With the use of a structured questionnaire, cross sectional survey was adopted to obtain the perceptual opinion from 136 estate surveying and valuation firms in the study area. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics of Relative Important Index (RII). The findings reveal a variation in the outcome of general factors and specific factors and that in specific term, factors influencing the capital value are significantly more in quantity and rating than the ones influencing the rental value. Out of the 23 (13 for rental and 10 for capital value) general determining factors, 11 (3 for rental and 8 for capital value) are actually significant. Average number of rooms; change in maintenance cost/taxes and the neighbourhood characteristics mainly influence the rental value of residential property while cost of construction; type of structure/quality of facilities; potential of rental growth; title and size of the land; neighbourhood attributes; inflation impact; size and structural characteristics and state of supply in property market are the main factors influencing the capital value. This noted variation is an indication for property investment stakeholders to be cautious and specific in the selection of the most appropriate determining factors for their investment objective to avoid investment decision errors

Characterization and Evaluation of Gum Arabic Coated Sand as Proppants for Hydraulic Fracturing Applications

Luwa sand was characterized and used to design a proppant for reservoir stimulation/hydraulic fracturing applications. This involves describing the sand in terms of its physicochemical properties, including Sieve analysis, proppant sphericity and roundness measurement, acid solubility measurement, turbidity test, bulk density measurement, proppant crush-resistance test and loss on ignition test (LOI). Additional tests on hardness and elemental (XRF) were also conducted. X-ray fluorescence analysis of the sand indicates that the sand contains higher percentages of Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) than Silicon oxide (SiO2). The hardness test on the Mohs scale confirmed the sand materials as topaz, i.e. not purely corundum (a crystalline form of aluminium oxide) or purely quartz with a hardness value of 8. This value is more complex than silicon oxide, with a hardness value of 7, and less than corundum, with a hardness value of 9. The Luwa sand is uniformly graded; more than 90% of the sand falls within the specified particle range of 20/40 mesh size. The 20/40 mesh-designed proppant shows favourable qualities for consideration as a proppant. However, the sand exhibits low crush resistance at pressures of 3000 psi and, therefore, cannot be applied in reservoirs with closure stress of up to 3000 psi. Because of the low crush strength of Luwa sand, gum Arabic resin was used to coat the sand for improved mechanical and chemical stability. The new resin-coated sand was further tested for crush resistance and acid solubility. The result shows a significant improvement in the crush resistance above 3000 psi with less than 5% fines generated. Generally, the uncoated sand produces less than 10% fines at stresses less than 3000 psi and is considered to have a 2 K value, while the resin-coated proppant generates 10% fines above 6000 psi. The resin coated can be classified as having a 5K value and can be applied in reservoirs with closure stress of up to 5000 psi or less

Interventional programs for community reintegration after spinal cord injury: a scoping review

Advances in healthcare and technology have led to increased survival rates after spinal cord injury (SCI). To facilitate recovery, regain function, and promote quality of life after SCI, rehabilitation in the acute care setting is of paramount importance. After discharge from acute care, there is difficulty in accessing appropriate intervention to facilitate community rein-tegration. This review examined the content, strengths, limitations, and effectiveness of existing community reintegration intervention programs after SCI to promote the adoption of the existing programs or the development of new interventions for individuals with SCI in a low-resource setting. We conducted a review of the literature using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Six electronic databases were searched from the database inception to September 2022, including Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Sabinet, and Global Health. A manual search of the selected references was also conducted. Seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 290 individuals participated in the included studies, 80% of the participants were males, and the majority of the participants had an injury at the thoracic level. The studies presented different interventional programs with varying contents addressing different aspects of community reintegration such as household duties, mobility, health maintenance, and recre-ation. All the identified programs have evidence of preliminary effectiveness in some domains of community reintegration (e.g., household duties, mobility, and health). However, most available programs are geared toward addressing a specific aspect of community reintegration and may not be suitable for individuals with complex needs. A robust program that encompasses all critical aspects of community reintegration (housing and household duties, mobility, recreation, health maintenance, pain management, sexuality, social support, and employment) may be required. Therefore, further development and validation of existing programs are warranted

ANTINUTRIENTS IN HERBAL PRODUCTS: AN ASSESSMENT OF NITRATE, PHYTATE, OXALATE, AND CYANIDE IN COMMONLY CONSUMED HERBAL SNUFFS IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

Background: Herbs are major players in present day therapy, especially by the locals. However, there are some secondary metabolites present in them that can act as antinutrients when consumed by humans. Thus, it is important to monitor the levels of antinutreints in herbal snuff to save the public, especially in Sokoto (a state battling with challenges of nutrients deficiency and malnutrition). Objective: The objective of this work was to measure levels of cyanide, nitrate, phytate, and oxalate, in herbal snuff in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: Snuffs were brought from Sokoto market and subjected to antinutritional analysis according to standard methods and using reagents/materials of analytical grade. Result: The amount of nitrate present in three herbal snuff brands sold in Sokoto, Nigeria show that, nitrate ranges from 18.81 ± 0.9 mg/100g (found in Hajiya Safiya snuff brand) to 21. 82 ± 0.08 mg/100g (found in Hajiya Aisha snuff brand). The concentrations of phytate in 3 brands of herbal snuffs revealed, the highest value (91.164 ± 0.001 mg/100g) was recorded in Hajiya Aisha, and the lowest (4.05 ± 0.04 mg/100g) was observed in Dr Lambo herbal brand. The concentrations of oxalate show that, the highest level (0.0787 ± 0.059 mg/100g) was found in Dr lambo, and lowest (0.0055 ± 0.0001 mg/100g) observed in Hajiya Aisha snuff. Then, levels of cyanide in herbal snuff show, the highest value (25.68 ± 1.45 mg/ 100g) was recorded in Dr Lambo snuff brand, and the lowest level of cyanide was recorded in Hajiya Safiya (19.32 ± 1.04 mg/ 100g). Conclusion: The snuffs contain the assessed antinutrients at levels that are not likely to pose risk

Threatened medicinal and economic plants of the Sudan Savanna in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria

Background: The loss of biodiversity in Nigeria is escalating alarmingly. However, there is generally a paucity of information as to what taxa are endangered because of a dearth of functioning conservation agencies in Nigeria. Objectives: The aim of this research is to record the endangered medicinal and other economic plant species in the Sudan Savanna vegetation in Katsina and to provide an assessment of the various threats faced by these plants. Method: Medicinal plants were identified through oral interviews with traditional medical practitioners within the study area. Conservation statuses were assessed using a bespoke data collection and assessment form; the data were then evaluated using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List categories and criteria. Results: A total of 169 species belonging to 62 families were recorded. Of these, 43 taxa were reported to be used for ethnomedicinal practices. It was found that more than half (108) of the 169 species were threatened with extinction and one taxon (Xeroderris stuhlmannii [Taub.] Mendonca Sousa) qualifies as being Extinct locally. Threats recorded include overexploitation (24%), agriculture (15%), deforestation and desertification (12% each), invasive plants (11%), urban residential development (7%) and erosion (6%). Conclusion: Most of the plants are already under threat and require urgent conservation measures. The data point to the critical need for further research into conservation strategies and a more sustainable use of threatened plants. We recommend that the Nigerian government should establish a national Red List agency and ensure effective protected area management and community-based natural resources management