University Of Calabar Research Articles

Neuroprotective Effects of Heinsia crinita and Coconut Water in a Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer's Model in Albino Rats: Biochemical Changes, Cellular Health, and Neuronal Activity

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Heinsia Crinita and Tender Coconut water (TCW) on Alzheimer's disease, focusing on their phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory effects. The study aimed to identify potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease and contribute to the development of more effective and natural treatments for this devastating disorder. Study Design: The study used a randomized controlled trial design, with six groups: negative control (Group A), positive control (Group B), Donepezil-treated group (Group C), TCW-treated group (Group D), Heinsia Crinita-treated group (Group E) and TCW + Heinsia Crinita-treated group (Group F). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the University of Calabar, between February 2022 and January 2024. Methods: About 30 rats were used for the work. Alzheimer's disease-like neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration was inducee in 25 rats using scopolamine; 1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) and then treated with the respective interventions; TCW (2ml/kgBW) and Heinsia Crinita (500mg/kgBW). Histological analysis of the hippocampal tissue was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein (GFAP) stain. Biochemical assays were conducted to determine Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Results: The results of the study showed that Heinsia Crinita may provide greater health benefits than Tender Coconut water due to its higher concentrations of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, enhancing its medicinal properties, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Scopolamine induced histomorphological, immunochemical, and biochemical alterations. When combined with Tender Coconut water, Heinsia crinita (Group F) shows improved efficacy in reducing inflammation, cellular damage, and oxidative stress compared to Tender Coconut water alone. This combination is also as effective as Donepezil (Group C) in alleviating immunochemical alterations in a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's model in Wistar rats, marked by reduced astrocyte activation, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity p < 0.05. Conclusion: This study suggest that the combination of Heinsia Crinita and Tender Coconut water may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The enhanced medicinal properties of Heinsia Crinita, particularly its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, coupled with the nutritional benefits of tender coconut water, could provide a synergistic effect that supports neuronal health and mitigates disease progression. This finding highlights the potential for natural products to be integrated into traditional medicine and modern therapeutic strategies.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity Analysis in African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst Ex.A.Rich Harms) using Qualitative and Quantitative Attributes

This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 18 African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) accessions from the IITA germplasm in Ibadan, Nigeria, using nine qualitative traits. The experiment was conducted behind the Biological Science Block at the University of Calabar, following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Qualitative traits were observed and recorded based on the descriptors for African Yam Bean, while quantitative traits were measured using metric tools like rulers, vernier calipers, and weighing scales. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests via GenStat Discovery Edition 4 and PASW version 20.0 software. Results indicated minimal variation in morphological traits such as days to 50% seedling emergence, vine length, leaf number, leaf dimensions, peduncle and petiole length, and days to 50% flowering across accessions. Leaf color varied, ranging from light green to dark and pale green, with accession TSs 285 showing pale green leaves. Seed shapes varied from round/globular to oval or oblong, and all accessions except TSs 33 had seed cavities. Accessions TSs 266 and TSs 38 performed better in most parameters, except for days to 50% flowering and leaf count. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in traits like days to 50% emergence, days to 50% flowering, leaf color, pod dehiscence, seed shape, seed cavity presence, testa splitting, and texture. However, no significant differences were noted for hypocotyl pigmentation and pod dehiscence. Accession TSs 266 excelled in traits such as vine length, terminal leaf width, peduncle length, and pod number per plant, showing optimal adaptation to the climatic and agro-geological conditions of Cross River State.

Effects of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Ethanolic Extract on Streptocuccus Pyrogenes Induced Wister Rats

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of V. amygdalina leaf extract on the remediation of the cytological and physiological damages on albino rats caused by streptococcus pyogenes. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with multiple treatment groups. Research was done at the department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Calabar, Cross River state, between March 2023 and June 2023. Methodology: Bitter extract was obtained through Soxlet extraction, and screened for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard phytochemical screening procedures. A pure culture of S. pyogenes was gotten from Microbiology Laboratory University of Calabar. Thirty five albino rats (100-175g), obtained from the Pharmacology department, University of Calabar were placed in 7 groups (A-G). Rats in groups A-F each was injected with the bacterium, observed for five days. Group A-E rats were subsequently treated with 0g/200 ml, 20g/200 ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml crude extract of bitter leaf respectively. While group F was treated with standard antibiotics. 0.5ml Cefuroxime Axetil tablets usp was injected into the rats. Group G rats served as negative control. Results: Results showed the presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, tannins, flavonoids and Saponins. Haematocrit increased slightly in group A-E (18.3-46.3%) treated with 0g/200ml, 20g/200ml, 40g/200 ml, 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml concentrations of the extract, respectively. But more in group F (50.2%) that received antibiotics treatment, when compared with the control. Similar trend was observed for haemoglobin (Hb) values (15.3g/dl) and red blood cell (RBC) counts (3.0 x1012/l) that increased with increasing concentration of 100g/200ml extract treatment and antibiotics treatment (Hb = 15.7g/dl; RBC = 3.3 x1012/l) respectively. The white blood cell counts decreased with antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: Study established that in vivo administration of bitter leaf extract on albino rats was best at 60g/200 ml, and 100g/200ml in ameliorating haematotoxicity caused by S. pyogenes.

Perception and Attitude towards French for specific purposes among Linguistics Students in the University of Calabar

The need for specialized language instruction arises from the growing demand for professionals proficient in French within specific contexts. The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of FSP in improving language skills and cultural knowledge among learners in the Department of Linguistics, University of Calabar. To achieve the purpose of this study, three research questions were posed. A literature review was carried out according to the study variables. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The target population consists of all students and instructors in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Calabar who are enrolled in or teaching French language courses. The study sample consisted of 33 respondents which involved 26 learners and 7 instructors were purposively sampled from the Department of Linguistics, University of Calabar. Questionnaire was the instrument used for qualitative data collection. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis techniques which involved simple percentages. The results indicate a gap in language needs and challenges for learners in the Department of Linguistics. Secondly, FSP instruction impacts learners’ language proficiency and cultural understanding. Finally, the results indicate that FSP instruction's impact on the perceptions and attitudes of learners and instructors towards FSP is high. The findings from this study have several implications for the design and implementation of FSP instruction to enhance language proficiency, promote cultural understanding, and foster cross-cultural communication skills among learners. Educators and curriculum developers can leverage these findings to design effective FSP-based language programs that cater to the diverse needs of language learners.

Developing French for Specific Purposes to Enhance Foreign Language Skills of Curriculum and Teaching Students in The University of Calabar

Traditional language teaching methodologies often fall short in meeting the specialized needs of learners who require language skills for specific professional contexts. This gap has led to the emergence of French for Specific Purposes (FSP), a subfield focused on equipping learners with the necessary skills to function effectively in their chosen professions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FSP in enhancing language skills and cultural knowledge among learners in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies. To achieve this objective, three research questions were formulated. A literature review was conducted based on the study variables, and a descriptive research design was employed. The target population comprised all students and instructors in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Calabar, who are involved in French language courses. A purposive sample of 31 respondents, including 25 learners and 6 instructors, was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, providing rich qualitative insights. Thematic analysis techniques, involving simple percentages, were used to analyze the qualitative data. The results revealed that learners in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching face specific language needs and challenges. Additionally, FSP instruction was found to significantly enhance learners' language proficiency and cultural understanding. The study also indicated that FSP instruction positively influences the perceptions and attitudes of both learners and instructors towards FSP. The findings of this study have important implications for the design and implementation of FSP courses, especially in the context of tertiary education. These insights are valuable for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve language education and ensure its alignment with professional and academic needs.

Social Justice and Credible Leadership in the 21st Century University Leadership and Management

In this study we examined social justice and credible leadership in the 21st century university leadership and management. The research employed a correlational survey design. The population of the study comprised of academic staff of selected universities in the South-South geo political zone of Nigeria. The selected universities are University of Port Harcourt, University of Calabar, University of Delta, Niger Delta University, and University of Benin. The sample for the study comprised forty academic staff from each of the universities who were randomly selected after stratification. Out of the 240 questionnaires were distributed, only 214 copies were retrieved, of which 11 copies were invalid because some of the items were not answered, leaving the researcher with only 203(84.5%) response rate that were considered manageable for the data analysis. The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire titled Social Justice in Education Questionnaire (SJEQ) and Credible Leadership in University Management Questionnaire (CLUMQ), the Questionnaire consisted of three sections. Section ‘A’ gathered information on respondents demographic data, Section ‘B’ contained 15 items that addressed the research questions, and Section ‘C’ included 10 items that are related to Credible Leadership in University leadership and Management. Respondents rated items on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Very Low Extent) to 4 (Very High Extent). Data collection was done from February to May 2024. The instrument underwent face and content validity by experts in measurement and evaluation in two Nigerian universities, and the internal consistency was verified using Cronbach's alpha and reliability indices of α = .872 and .789 were obtained respectively, the indices were considered very reliable. The questionnaires were administered with the help of two trained research assistants who assisted in ensuring instant retrieval of the instrument distribution to the selected academic staff members. Descriptive statistics: means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions, while linear regression statistic was employed to test research hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of this study revealed a positive relationship between social justice practices and leadership and management credibility in the 21st. The study concluded that the integration of social justice principles into leadership and management practices within university systems are essential. Amongst other things, the study recommended that University leaders should prioritize equitable resource allocation to ensure that all departments and programs receive the necessary resources to thrive.

Principal Change Management Processes and Secondary School Goal Attainment in Cross River State, Nigeria

The study investigated principals' change management processes and secondary school goal attainment in Cross River State, Nigeria. To meet the study's objectives, three research questions were posed, and three null hypotheses were developed to lead the investigation. The literature review was based on the variables and hypotheses that had been developed. For the study, a survey research design was used. The population of the study comprised two hundred and ninety (290) secondary school teachers in Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State. However, the sample size selected for this study comprised one hundred and sixty-two (162) secondary school teachers in the study area who answered the questionnaire. The main instrument used was a research questionnaire titled Principal Change Process and Secondary School Goal Attainment Questionnaire (PCMPSSGAQ), which had been verified by two researchers from the University of Calabar's Department of Vocational Education. Regarding the research questions, the acquired data was evaluated using the standard deviation as well as the mean. The degree of consensus or discord was calculated by taking the mean across the nominal scores assigned to each choice. The mean score of the scale was 2.50 on a 4-point rating scale. Comparably, the hypotheses were assessed using an independent t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. The results of the investigation indicate that staff training, communication of the change process, and change process supervision have a substantial influence on secondary school achievement of objectives. It was recommended that the secondary school board of Cross River State prioritize staff training and retraining programs in the secondary school system for goal achievement.

Assessing The Challenges In Ownership And Funding Practices Of University Education In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study explored the challenges in ownership and funding practices of university education in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted in conducting the study. Three research questions were answered through the data collected from all the Heads of Department in the sampled Universities in Cross River State including University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Cross River State University (CRSU), Havilla University, Nde-Ikom and Arthur Javis University Akpabuyo. The population comprised 228 Heads of Department in the study area. The census approach was adopted in drawing the population because they are manageable. A 20-item validated questionnaire titled: Challenges in Ownership and Funding Practices of University Education Questionnaire (COFPUEQ) was employed for data collection. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha at a statistical index .86 which was adjudged good enough for data collection. Data collected were analyzed through mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the key challenges in ownership and funding practices of universities in the study area include but not limited to insufficient funding, complex bureaucratic processes, inadequate infrastructure, difficulty in attracting and retaining faculty. It was concluded that by examining these challenges and proposing potential strategies for sustainable funding, the study recommends the importance of diversifying funding sources and engaging in public-private partnerships to enhance the financial sustainability of universities in the State.

Strategic Planning And Instructional Supervision As Determinants Of Quality Assurance In Public Universities In Cross River State, Nigeria

Quality assurance plays a crucial role within the university education system. It is determined by upholding elevated standards in teaching, research, and the overall educational experience. This study investigated the interplay between strategic planning, instructional supervision, and quality assurance in public universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses framed the study. The correlational research design was adopted. Census approach was adopted in selecting the entire population of 169 departmental heads and deans of faculties from two public universities in Cross River State. An instrument titled Strategic Planning, Instructional Supervision and Quality Assurance in University Scale (SPISQAUS) was used for data collection. It was validated by three experts in the department of Educational Management, Measurement and Evaluation, University of Calabar. The reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha and it ranges from .80 - .89 respectively. The null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) and multiple regression analyses of statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 26 for data analysis. It was discovered that there was a statistically significant relationship between strategic planning, instructional supervision, and quality assurance in public universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study recommended among others, the university administrators must establish a robust instructional supervision system, which includes ongoing professional development for staff, effective classroom observation measures, and a culture that promotes constructive feedback.

How do product responsibility and corporate philanthropy affect firm value?

Satisfying the consumer and contributing to societal well-being have been globally acknowledged, and these developments consequently boost corporate image, attract investors, increase stock prices, enhance firm value, and enable industrial and other firms to contribute to national development. This paper examines how product responsibility and philanthropy affect the performance of industrial goods firms in Nigeria. A sample of 7 firms was selected from 24 listed firms after employing a judgmental sampling technique and using secondary data and a quantitative research method. Data validation and analysis were aided by econometric views statistical software, panel data regression, fixed and random effects estimators, stationarity test, cross-section dependence test, Durbin-Watson test, and Hausman test. The study revealed that investment in product responsibility, as evidenced by the rising stock turnover rate, is value-enhancing in Nigeria {B1 = 0.076807, P = 0.0171 or P < 0.05}, while philanthropic donation is value destroying {B1 = –0.369535, P = 0.5817 or P > 0.05}. It was concluded that consumers’ confidence in corporate institutions can enhance corporate value, while investment in philanthropy is not usually value-enhancing when done irresponsibly and non-strategically. The study, therefore, recommended that investment in product responsibility should be consolidated to sustain the rising stock turnover rate, while investment in philanthropy should be done strategically and responsibly to make it value-enhancing. AcknowledgmentThis research was based on Nnamdi Azikiwe University Ph.D. Dissertation funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Nigeria. University of Calabar in Nigeria is highly acknowledged for funding the PhD dissertation through its Tetfund platform.

Thanking Expressions in Spoken Nigerian English: A Conversational Analysis

This paper investigates Conversational Routines of Thanking in Spoken Nigerian English. Everyday utterances are made through the use of language whether spoken or written. Thanking is prevalent basically in conversations. The selected speech acts for this study is thanking. Subjects for this study were drawn from three federal Universities from the South-South Region in Nigeria. They included: University of Uyo, University of Calabar and University of Port Harcourt. Data for this study were collected from three different speech interactions, namely: face-to-face conversations (FTFC), telephone conversations (TC) and vote of thanks (VOT). Data were collected through the use of a mini-tape recorder. Here, a Corpus of conversations were selected using purposive sampling method and surreptitiously collected from strategic points. This enabled the researcher to collect the Corpus in its original form. They were collected at different points where the students meet: lecture halls, hostels, canteens, relaxation centres among others. The framework for the analysis of this study is provided by the Speech Act theory. Frequency of the distribution between the male and female subjects, were calculated using the mean statistical method. This study found out that beyond the main functions of thanking, it also performs an array of other functions. Data have also revealed that the multilingual situation in Nigeria has affected the choices of language use, resulting in features such as code-mixing, slangs, Nigerian English-based pidgin, among others. This study has specifically shown that apart from classifying thanking as expressive speech act, it can further be classified as declarative, commissive and requestive speech acts. Therefore, this study concludes that with regard to thanking, the co-existence of English with other indigenous languages have given rise to linguistic patterns and forms, identifying Nigerian English as a distinct variety of the world Englishes. Keywords: Conversational routines, Thanking, Spoken Nigerian English, Nigerian Identity, Speech Acts.

Influence Of Recreational Activities On Stress, Subjective Wellbeing And Job Satisfaction Among Lecturers In University Of Calabar

This study investigated impact of recreational activities on stress, subjective wellbeing and job satisfaction among lecturers in the University of Calabar Nigeria. Three null hypotheses guided the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select the 150 lecturers from the faculties of education who participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a twenty (20) item structured questionnaire which was presented for validation by two experts in Test and Measurement and one from the department of Human Kinetics and Health Education. Data were collected by physically administering copies of the instrument to the respondents. The data collected were statistically analyzed using simple linear regression and the study documented a statistically significant influence of recreational activities on stress management, subjective wellbeing and job satisfaction among lecturers in the University of Calabar. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended among other suggestions that relevant authorities should ensure that recreational activities are deliberately introduced into lecturers’ work schedules to sustain their job satisfaction and attain educational goals and objectives.

LEVERAGING ON DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL ECONOMY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

This study examined leveraging on digital resources for national economy in the 21st century. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions and corresponding hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey research was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 324 Home Economics students in University of Calabar. Total sample of one hundred and forty nine (149) respondents were selected for the study using the simple random sampling technique. The main instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire which contained fourteen (14) items. Data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested using One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested at .05 level of significance. The study found among others that CD-ROM and electronic magazine had no significant influence on national economy in the 21st century. The study recommended that ICT personnel should be employed to instruct students on the use of CD-ROM. It was also recommended that local publishers should embark on e-magazine project as a supplementary to the print version not as a stand-alone product. Basic training in e-magazine should be included in the curriculum of each department

Investigating Parental Pressure and Test Anxiety as Predictors of Examination Malpractice Tendency among University Undergraduate Students in Cross River State, Nigeria

Examination malpractice has been reported as a problem in education systems globally; recently in Nigeria the problem has become alarming and requires more attention. This study investigates parental pressure and test anxiety as predictors of examination malpractice tendency among undergraduate students at the University of Calabar and Cross River State University, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted, the study population comprised 3,068 final year undergraduate students in Faculties of Education in the two Universities (UNICAL = 1,811, CRSU = 1,257) and a sample of 1,534 selected through purposive and accidental sampling procedure. Two research questions and two corresponding hypotheses guided the study. “Parental pressure, Test Anxiety and Examination Malpractice Tendencies Questionnaire (PPTA & EMTQ)” with a Cronbach Alpha reliability estimate of .83 was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using simple linear regression. Results revealed that parental pressure and test anxiety are significant contributors to examination malpractice tendencies among undergraduate students. It was recommended that school counselors in conjunction with school management and Ministry of Education should organize counseling conferences at regular intervals to counsel parents on how to stop undue pressure on their wards, as well as counsel students on how to avoid test anxiety.

Influence of different population densities of Bambara groundnut intercrop and weeding frequency on maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) performance

Effective weed management is essential for enhanced productivity of maize. A two-year field experiment was carried out at the Department of Crop Science Demonstration Farm, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria (4.5-5.20 N, 8.0-8.30 E), in the 2019 and 2020 early planting seasons, to evaluate the influence of three population densities of Bambara groundnut [166,666 plants per hectare(B1), 100,000 plants per hectare (B2), 71,428 plants per hectare (B3)] and four hand weeding frequencies [weedy check (WC), one hand weeding (1HW), two hand weedings (2HW) and a weed free check (WFC)] on the performance of maize. The experiment consisted of three replications fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data gathered on maize vegetative and yield characteristics were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedures for RCBD (GenStat® statistical package, version 8.1). Significantly different means were compared at 5 % probability level using the Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). From the results, maize growth and yield performance were significantly (P<0.05) affected by Bambara groundnut populations and the frequency of weeding. Leaving weeds unchecked all through the cultivation season hampered the vegetative and yield performance of maize, resulting in 47.54 % reduction in maize grain yield, compared with the weeded plots. Conclusively, intercropping maize with Bambara groundnut at 71,428 plants per hectare integrated with two hand weedings at 4 and 8 weeks after sowing (WAS), which optimized maize grain yield (3.87 t/ha on the two-year average) is recommended for farmers in the Calabar humid area and its environs.

Validity and Reliability of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised among Nigerian Medical Students

BACKGROUND: The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) is used globally to assess workplace bullying. However, its validity and reliability have not been assessed among Nigerians. Aim: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised among medical students at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Calabar. All 123 students in the fifth-year class were approached for participation. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered concurrently. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. RESULT: We recruited 119 participants (response rate, 96.74%). Most were males [68, 57.1%] and unmarried [114, 95.8%]. The mean age of the sample was 25.2 (SD=3.2). Probable mental disorder was identified in 52 (43.7%) students, while 64 (53.8%) and 25 (21.0%) were classified as occasionally bullied or bullied, respectively. The correlation between the NAQ-R and the GHQ-12 was 0.47 (p<0.0001). The NAQ-R demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.92). Logistic regression indicated that students experiencing occasional bullying were over three times more likely to screen positive on the GHQ-12 (OR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.27 - 10.12). Furthermore, those regularly bullied were about ten times more likely to screen positively on the GHQ-12 compared to students who did not report bullying (OR: 9.78, 95% CI: 2.77 - 34.44, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised is a potentially useful measure of workplace bullying among Nigerians.

Interactive/Smart Whiteboard and Student-Teachers Academic Performance in Educational Technology at the University of Calabar, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of the use of interactive or smart whiteboard on student teachers’ academic performance in educational technology. Two objectives, research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A non-randomized pre-test post- test experimental design was adopted with a total of 110 second year educational technology students as sample. Educational Technology Performance Test (ETPT) with a reliability co-efficient of 0.75 obtained from Kuder Richardson formula 21 was used in generating data for the study, Descriptive statistics of Mean, Standard Deviation and Analysis of Covariance were used in analysis of data. Findings from the study showed that the use of interactive whiteboard was more effective in enhancing students’ performance than the traditional whiteboard. The result also showed that there was no significant difference between the academic performance of male and female students who used the Smart board. Based on the research findings it was recommended that university managements should be encouraged to install Interactive whiteboards in classrooms and teachers should be sent on training on the use of these smart boards for instructional delivery.

ABH status sekretora među studentima univerziteta u kalabaru, Nigerija

Introduction: Secretor status is a critical component of human biology that depends on specific glycoproteins in body fluids and secretions. Its importance lies in its significant impact on health and disease, making it a compelling subject for medical research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and understanding of secretor status among undergraduates at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. The findings could revolutionize our understanding of secretor status and open new research opportunities. Materials and Methods: The study used across-sectional approach, analyzing blood samples from 100 undergraduate students using the adsorption-inhibition method. Most participants were single (94.0%), and the majority were 100-level students (51.0%). 48 students were in the 21 to 28-year range, while 6.0% were 30 or older. Results: The findings of this study are significant, revealing that a substantial proportion of the participants were secretors, 82 (82.0%), while 18 (18.0%) were non-secretors. Interestingly, most participants (83.0%) were unaware of their secretor status, indicating a potential knowledge gap. Blood group O had the highest number of secretors, 58 (96.7%), followed by blood group A 11 (55.0%), blood group B 7 (63.6%), and the minor blood group AB 6 (66.7%). The most prevalent ethnic group was found among the Efiks (18.1%) followed by Yakurr (16.6%) and the least the Ijaws (3.8%). Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of public education and awareness regarding secretor status and its impact on health and disease.

Micronutrient and antinutrient content of semi-processed fruit peels: Towards boosting immunity.

Fruits are excellent sources of micronutrients; hence, their consumption is highly recommended. However, fruit peels, often discarded, despite some being edible have been reported to contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, which contribute to disease prevention and well-being. This study sought to evaluate the micronutrient and antinutrient content of 10 edible fruit peels namely, orange, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, mandarin, red apple, cucumber, guava and pawpaw peels. Laboratory analyses of the fruit peels were conducted at the University of Calabar, in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled environment to ensure accurate results. The research design was quantitative and experimental; laboratory analyses were carried out to determine the minerals, vitamins and antinutrients in fruit peels using AOAC standard methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA on SPSS version 20.0. Calcium was the most predominant of the minerals analysed, with values ranging from 33.12 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (cucumber peels) to 72.04 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (mango peels); calcium was followed by magnesium. Mandarin, banana and pineapple peels had statistically similar (p > 0.05) content of zinc (about 1.2 mg/100g), which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. Mandarin peels had significantly higher content (100.48 ± 2.03 mg/100 g) of vitamin C, while cucumber peels recorded the lowest (27.50 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The results show significant concentrations of micronutrients such as iron, selenium and vitamin K; among the antinutrients, hydrogen cyanide had the highest concentrations, followed by phytate. The values were within safe limits. Therefore, the processing of fruit peels, for use as dietary additives to enrich foods and boost immunity, should be promoted. The study shows the potential of fruit peels as food additives.

Effect of Soil Amendments on the Growth Parameters of Okra Infested with Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum, Neem cake, and poultry manure on the growth performance of okra infected with Meloidogyne incognita.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, University of Calabar, between April 2022 and August, 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-15cm using auger, heat sterilized and spread out in a shade for 7days to cool before use for planting okra seed. Galled roots of okra plants were blended and emptied into 1000ml beaker. This was the inoculum used for plant inoculation. Pure culture of T. harzianum inoculated into a steril petri dishes and allowed to sporulate. Neem cake and poultry manure were applied at the rate of 10g and 20g per planting pot. Holes were excavated around the base of the okra plant and 1g of T. harzianum spores was used for inoculation. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, petiole length, and percentage leaf abscission.&#x0D; Results: Number of leaves on pot treated with M. incognita, T. harzianum and 20 g of neem cake was significantly (p≤ 0.05) different from all other pots. Data obtained indicates that after 3 weeks of planting all the treatment combinations had significant (p≤0.05) impact on the crops grown in pots treated with 10 g of neem cake which was not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different. Data obtained on plant height in pots with the treatment combinations (M1T1N0, M1T0N1, M1T0N2, M0T0N2, M0T0N0, M0T0P1 and M0T0P0) were significantly (p≤ 0.05) different. Results on petiole length grown in pots with treatment combinations (M1T1N2, M0T1N1 and M0T0P1) were not significantly (p&gt; 0.05) different from the control.&#x0D; Results shows that the highest percentage of abscised leaves was observed on plant treated with T. harzianum and Neem cake with 66.4%. Results from other treatments were as follows, M0T0N1 (62.3%), M1T1N0 (58.6%), M0T0N2 (56.3%), M1T0N1 (52.9%) and M1T1N2 (51.2%). Result obtained on soil amendment with poultry manure revealed that pots treated with 20t/ha of poultry manure had impact on plant height which was significant (p≤ 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the data obtained on the growth parameters, it can be concluded that T. harzianum and neem cake significantly increased the growth of okra infested with M. incognita and the impact was significantly shown on the plant height and petiole length. Number of leaves were significantly different at 3 and 5 weeks after planting. T. harzianum has be proven to be of economic value in agriculture both as biocontrol agent and soil nutrient booster.