Search NAPiD.

This study was conducted to evaluate the phamarmacognostic assessment and phytochemical analysis of lepidagathis collina the plant material was collected, identified, and authenticated in the Department of Biological Sciences, Kaduna State University. Pharmacognostic assessment involved the determination of macroscopic characteristics, moisture content, total ash value, acidinsoluble ash value, and water-soluble ash value using standard methods. The results revealed that Lepidagathis collina had a moisture content of 6.6%, a total ash value of 11%, and an acidinsoluble ash value of 3.5%. Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes, and steroids, while resins, glycosides, and carbohydrates were absent. Macroscopic examination of the leaves showed that they were dark green in colour, fine in texture, possessed a distinctive odour, and had a bitter taste. These findings provide useful information for the identification, standardization, and quality control of Lepidagathis collina, supporting its potential use as a source of therapeutic agents.

Counselling plays a vital role in supporting learners with special needs, particularly in enhancing their psychological well-being. This study examines the impact of counselling on the psychological adjustment of learners with hearing impairment at School for the Hearing Impaired Akure. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that counselling significantly improves emotional stability, social interaction, and self-esteem among learners. However, challenges such as inadequate counselling resources and lack of trained personnel were identified. The study concludes that effective counselling services are essential for the psychological adjustment of learners with special needs

ABSTRACT<br><br> The findings of this study reinforce the conclusion that business insight is a key driver of business performance among market traders, particularly in informal market settings like Alesinloye.<br><br> Traders who are informed about market trends, customer behavior, financial planning, and risk management are better equipped to make strategic decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and sustain their operations even in challenging economic climates.<br><br> The Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) plays a valuable role in bridging the information gap between government/business experts and grassroots traders. However, the reach and impact of BCOS can be further amplified by targeting content more specifically to traders’ needs and increasing access through multiple channels (radio, TV, mobile platforms).<br><br> This study concludes that improving business insight through media, formal training, and structured market governance can significantly improve the economic output and sustainability of local traders in Oyo State.

The study aimed at examining Computerized Accounting System and Internal Control in Zenith Bank, Kano and Jigawa Branch. It employed survey research design, where data were collected through primary sources using questionnaire, samples tables and percentage was used in analyzing the data collected. Following are the findings. In the bank the quality service delivery completely depends on high speed, accuracy, reliability, timely reporting information and security of the service in the bank. The bank adoption of computerized accounting system does not only solve the problem of inability to detect and prevent fraud, it also assists the bank in having less time consumption, accuracy, data redundancy and inconsistency. Adoption of computer accounting system plays a critical role for enhancing internal control system in the bank. The bank has well-trained computer operators/analysts, damage of hardware/software through viruses’ attack is not very common in the bank Even though computerized accounting is used in the organization, there is need to improve the efficiency of the system as there is growing demand of the bank services by many customers. The bank should try to improve on the use computer at all level of transactions as it reliability in the internal control The bank should take the following measures so as to increase the efficiency of the system.

Abstract<br> This study investigated the rumen microbial population of West African Dwarf bucks fed air-dried maize husk treated with local cooking potash as an enzyme source. The aim was to determine the effect of this diet on rumen microorganisms and overall digestion. Experimental animals were divided into groups and fed different diets containing treated maize husk. Rumen fluid samples were collected and analyzed for microbial load and composition. The results showed that the use of cooking potash improved microbial activity and enhanced digestion. The study concluded that local cooking potash can serve as a low-cost enzyme source in ruminant feeding.

This research study investigated the Impact of Population Growth on Food Security in Nigeria. Specifically, the study analysed the effects of the population growth rate and agricultural land (as a control variable) on food security, which was measured using the food production index in Nigeria. The study employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression technique to examine annual time series data spanning from 1980 to 2017. 1 he statistics were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Annual Statistical Bulletin for the year 2017, as well as the World Bank Development Indicators from various years. The primary inference derived from this analysis is that the Population Growth Rate i PGR) exerts a substantial adverse influence on food security, whereas agricultural land exhibits a negative but statistically negligible impact on food security in Nigeria. It is advisable for the government to implement population policies aimed at mitigating the population growth rate, so alleviating the detrimental impact on food security within the nation.

This study was aimed at the anthropometric factors, blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels of mechanics of Owerri Imo State. The standing height, weight and waist circumference were measured using a flexible, non-stretchable tape. The body weight divided by the square height of the body (kg/m2) was calculated as BMI. Standard blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels of the participants were also measured. A total of 100 mechanics were used for this study of which all were males. All the mechanics were above 14 years old. 50 of the mechanics were married. 75 lives in the urban while 50 don’t take alcohol, and 30 were former smokers. The mean height and weight of the mechanics, 165.8 +9.3 cm and 77.9+10.5 kg respectively. The mean value of the blood sugar, blood cholesterol ,systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure;104.5+43.5 mg/dl,59.7 +27.5 mg/dl, 129.8+11.1 mmHg and 81.1+14.6 mmHg. The high mean BMI of 26.2 kg /m2, which is higher than the normal BMI, is an indication that mechanics in Owerri have a high risk of developing cholesterol and blood glucose related disease.

Fermentation remains a powerful biotechnological tool in enhancing the nutritional quality, safety, <br> and digestibility of staple cereals such as maize. In many West African communities, maize is <br> traditionally fermented into ogi, which serves as both a weaning food for infants and a staple meal <br> lor adults. This study was aimed at evaluating the microbial enhancement of nutrient <br> bioavailability during maize fermentation, with special emphasis on the role of selected lactic acid <br> bacteria (LAB). Maize samples were subjected to natural fermentation for 72 hours, after which <br> LAB were isolated and identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, L. plantarum, and L. acidophilus <br> based on their morphological, cultural, and biochemical characteristics. Functional potentials of <br> the isolates, including phytase activity, acid tolerance, and fermentative ability, were also assessed. <br> The results revealed a steady microbial succession dominated by LAB, with an increase in LAB <br> count from 2.1 x IO3 to 8.1 x 10s cfu/ml. Physicochemical changes included a reduction in pH <br> from 6,5 to 3.6 and a corresponding increase in titratable acidity from 0.02% to 0.22%. Proximate <br> analysis further indicated a significant increase in crude protein content (6.5% to 9.5%). alongside <br> a reduction in crude fibre and fat levels, reflecting improved digestibility. These findings strongly <br> demonstrate that fermentation by LAB enhances the bioavailability of nutrients while reducing <br> anti-nutritional factors. In conclusion, controlled maize fermentation utilizing optimized LAB <br> starter cultures holds significant potential for improving food quality, promoting nutritional <br> enrichment, and advancing public health outcomes in traditional diets