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ABSTRACT<br><br><br> This study investigates the production and characterization of briquettes produced from<br><br><br> canonized coconut shell biomass using tapioca flour and Arabic gum as binders. Proximate <br><br><br> analysis revealed that briquettes bound with Arabic gum exhibited superior performance, with <br><br><br> a lower moisture content (7.8%) and ash content (9.05%), and a higher fixed carbon (75.15%) <br><br><br> compared to those bound with tapioca flour, which showed moisture content (10.05%), ash <br><br><br> content (12.50%), and fixed carbon (61.60%). Bulk density was comparable, with Arabic gum <br><br><br> briquettes slightly higher (1.22 g/cm³) than tapioca-bound briquettes (1.21 g/cm³), indicating <br><br><br> good compactness and energy density. Water resistance testing further demonstrated the <br><br><br> structural durability of Arabic gum briquettes (82.86%), outperforming tapioca-bound <br><br><br> briquettes (69.67%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a carbondominant microstructure in both briquettes, with Arabic gum-bound samples showing better <br><br><br> carbon uniformity and trace element distribution, enhancing combustion efficiency and <br><br><br> structural integrity. The findings confirm that Arabic gum as a binder enhances briquette <br><br><br> quality in terms of combustion efficiency, structural durability, and environmental <br><br><br> compatibility, making it more suitable for high-performance applications. Tapioca flour <br><br><br> remains a viable alternative where cost-efficiency and local availability are priorities. These <br><br><br> results underscore the potential of binder optimization in producing sustainable biofuels from <br><br><br> agricultural residues.

’Nigeria’s Cultural Fusion: Colour of Our Heritage’’ highlights the significance of recognizing and safeguarding overlooked treasures in Nigeria. This photo exhibition celebrates the country’s rich cultural diversity by uncovering forgotten gems; the project not only celebrates the country's cultural heritage but also encourages us to think about how history influences our present. This project is a valuable effort in preserving culture, creating a stronger link between the past and present for future reference. In conclusion, the journey of researching for the photo exhibition project was thrilling, despite facing some challenges. Exploring tourist spots, meeting new people, and experiencing diverse cultures added excitement to the research.

Shea butter remains a vital multipurpose product in West African households, yet limited research exists on the socio-economic factors influencing its consumption at the community level. This study assessed the consumption patterns and socio-economic determinants of shea butter use among households in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study aimed to evaluate the frequency and purpose of use, identify influencing factors, and examine the relationship between household characteristics and shea butter adoption. A total of 100 respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multiple regression analysis.Findings revealed that 61.0% of households use shea butter daily, mainly for skincare (52.0%), haircare (17.0%), and cooking (16.0%). Local markets were the dominant source (57.0%), and quality (52.0%) and affordability (35.0%) were key purchase drivers. While 74.0% considered quality before buying, only 36.0% took steps to improve the product before use. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, education) and consumption patterns (p > 0.05). Similarly, regression analysis found that variables such as income, household size, and cultural beliefs did not significantly predict usage levels (p > 0.05), though baseline consumption remained high across groups.The study concludes that shea butter consumption is widely embedded in household routines and shaped more by cultural norms and perceived quality than by income or education. It recommends targeted awareness campaigns, quality assurance systems, and support for women-led marketing initiatives to sustain and scale household adoption of shea butter products.

ABSTRACT<br> <br> Lead (Pb) is a pervasive environmental contaminant and a potent toxicant with no known physiological role. Prolonged exposure to lead has been linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction, which contribute to cardiovascular disorders. This study investigated the cardioprotective influence of Simply Precious Immune Booster (SPIB) in male Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate. Thirty rats weighing between 135–155 g were divided into four groups (n = 6). Group A received distilled water (control), Group B received SPIB (250 mg/kg b.wt), Group C received lead acetate (20 mg/kg b.wt), and Group D received both lead acetate and SPIB at the same doses. Treatments were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Phytochemical analysis of SPIB revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, and phytic acid, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin. Biochemical results showed that lead exposure significantly increased serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL while decreasing HDL (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with SPIB markedly restored these lipid indices toward normal values. Histological examination of cardiac tissue revealed myocardial degeneration in lead-treated rats, whereas SPIB administration preserved normal cardiac structure with minimal cellular disruption.

Lead exposure is associated with oxidative damage and disturbances in cardiac function, mainly through its effects on essential protective enzymes within the heart. This study examined the possible protective influence of Spondias pinnata extract (SPIB) on the heart tissues of male Wistar rats exposed to lead. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the extract contains several secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, amino acids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and phytic acid. Acute toxicity evaluation, carried out according to OECD guideline 425, indicated no visible signs of toxicity and no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, suggesting the extract is relatively safe for use.<br><br> <br><br> Cardiac enzyme activities were assessed spectrophotometrically and expressed in U/L, while histological examination of heart tissues was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.<br><br> <br><br> Lead exposure resulted in altered enzyme activities and noticeable damage to the cardiac tissues. However, administration of SPIB helped to reverse these changes, leading to improvement in enzyme profiles and better preservation of myocardial structure. These findings indicate that SPIB may possess cardioprotective properties, possibly linked to the antioxidant nature of its phytochemical components. The extract may therefore serve as a useful natural intervention against lead-induced heart injury.

ABSTRACT<br><br><br> Nauclea Latifolia are highly valued content of some part of Kaduna south, Nigerian which are mostly used as food and medicine in some areas due to their nutritional and medicinal value. This study identified the various chemical compounds present in the leaves extract of Nauclea Latifolia found in Kaduna state region and also evaluated its antibacterial active agent (compound) for the possibility of using them in the development of new antibiotics to reduce cost of health care and mortality rate due to resistance of bacteria to already developed drugs. The Nauclea Latifolia leaves was found to have a percentage moisture content of 73.28 %. Cool extraction method was adopted to extract the leaves of the Nauclea Latifolia using ethanol and also standard methods were used to assess the antibacterial activity of the extracts. The mass of the extract obtained from solvent extraction of Nauclea Latifolia leaves was 6.32 g with a percentage yield of 14.48 %. The result of the extraction revealed that Nauclea Latifolia leaves consists of polar compounds. The phytochemical screening of the leaves extracts revealed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, protein, phenols, carbohydtaes and anthraquinones while alkaloids were not detected. The results of the antibacterial studies revealed that the fractions has activity on the selected bacteria strain (S. aureus, E. coli ,Salmonella and B.subtilis) with zone of inhibition that ranges between 1-20 mm. This results shows that the leaves of Nauclea Latifolia has a potential for the development of new antibiotic drugs.

ABSTRACT<br><br> <br><br> This study explores the anti fungal efficacy of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) through a comprehensive evaluation. The research aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying LAB's anti fungal activity, shedding light on its potential applications in food preservation and health.Fungal strains Fusarium spp, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton tonsurans were used for the purpose of this study. Millet slurry was also used as a source of LAB for the purpose of this study. LAB was isolated from millet slurry using MRS Agar and an anaerobic jar. Gram staining, Biochemical characterization(Indole test, Methyl red test, Catalase test, Sugar fermentation test; Sucrose and Lactose tests.) and antibiotic susceptibility were done on the isolates of LAB. Molecular analyses was also done to identify the isolates of LAB. After identification of LAB, LAB was then challenged with selected anti fungal strains(Fusarium spp, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton tonsurans ).Results indicate promising anti fungal properties, suggesting the viability of LAB as a natural and sustainable alternative in combating fungal infections.

Music is an ancient art form in Nigeria and across the world generally, from the remote ages to the modern age we are in presently and it has greatly flourished. This study examines the process of actualization of this performance via directorial creativity for the purpose of achieving a smooth and enjoyable production of the Peking Opera Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy which I will be giving the acronym (TTMBS) for easy writing and reading experience. This study will be exposing its readers to the importance of music as an accompaniment in any performance especially in an opera theatre performance, the study is also meant to serve as a reminder for every theatre practitioner and the general public as a whole.<br> <br> This work will be approached through the participant observation method which gives room for the researcher to be able to experience gained from his general involvement in the performance, and also the analytical method in which we would be examining the multi genres of music that were used in the actualization of this western opera by the musicologist through adaptation.<br> <br> From the discoveries in this study, it is evident that more attention needs to be given to the use of music as an accompaniment in any theatrical performance most especially in an operatic performance, it importance, inseparability and essentiality to making any theatre performance lively and clear to the audience because it is the soul of any performance in which other elements in theatre like drama and dance rests on for easy implementation.<br> <br> This study concludes that Asian and African music genres are very important in the music world as we see a conglomeration of the Asian cultural elements with actors with African indigenes. Musicologists should also be aware that these different genres play a very important role in the use of music as an accompaniment in any theatre performance and in an operatic performance in particular. We recommend various theatre practitioners to do more research on different genres of music both old and the new ones as they are very instrumental to our musicianship and should also take every elements or aspects of the theatre very serious, so as to achieve success in any theatre production.