Achievers University

The advancements and challenges of surgical interventions for Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. We provided a comprehensive overview of the limitations of pharmacological treatments and emphasize the necessity for surgical options in advanced cases. By critically analyzing various surgical techniques such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), ablative procedures like pallidotomy and thalamotomy, and emerging methods such as focused ultrasound and gene therapy, we reviewed and evaluated their efficacy, risks, and impact on patients' quality of life. Furthermore, we also focused on the ethical considerations and complications associated with these interventions, while also examining future directions for surgical innovation aimed at overcoming current limitations. This review article underscores the significance of a multifaceted approach in treating PD, combining surgical, pharmacological, and rehabilitative therapies to enhance patient outcomes.

A large portion of the Nigerian population lack access to safe drinking water, leading many to depend on sachet water because it is affordable and widely available. This study evaluated heavy metals and trace elements concentrations in sachet water samples from various locations across Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 29 sachet water samples from the 20 Local Government Areas of Lagos State. The concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements were measured using the Agilent 5800 Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) system. The samples were clear and debris-free on physical examination, NAFDAC registration numbers, product names, and manufacturing addresses were seen on their labels, however relevant information including batch number, expiry and production dates were not found among the information on the sachet water labels. Chemical analysis of the sachet water showed that the concentrations of lead, arsenic, uranium, and mercury exceeded WHO safety limits in 65.5%, 51.7%, 17.2%, and 3.5% of the samples, respectively. Other heavy metals and trace elements analyzed were within permissible limits. Most of the metals had hazard quotient values below 1, suggesting minimal health risks from these elements for both adult and children's consumers. Sachet water samples in the study area generally meet safety limits for heavy metal and trace element exposure, however, the presence of elevated levels of heavy metals in some samples and poor compliance with the laid down regulations for the sachet water labels calls for strengthened regulatory monitoring.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) do not operate in isolation but within an environment shaped by both opportunities and threats. Given the challenges of low performance and high failure rates among SMEs, this study examined the influence of the socio-cultural environment on the performance of SMEs in Owo Metropolis, Ondo State. Specifically, it focused on the impact of religious beliefs and social attitudes on Fashion designing performance, with revenue growth used as the key performance indicator. The study adopted a quantitative survey research design. The population consisted of all registered SMEs in Owo Metropolis, from which a convenience sample of 261 SMEs was selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, administered in person. Analysis was conducted using multiple regression, revealing that 6.3% of the variance in SME performance could be explained by the independent variables. The model parameters were estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Religious beliefs showed a moderate impact on SME performance with a coefficient value of 2.307 (>2), while social attitude demonstrated the highest variability and potential for influence, with a coefficient of 3.446 (>2). The overall model is statistically significant (F = 5.781, p = 0.001) which confirms that, collectively, Religion Beliefs and Social Attitude have a significant impact on performance of SMEs, even if their individual impacts vary. Based on these findings, the study concluded that the socio-cultural environment has a significant positive impact on the performance of SMEs in Owo Metropolis. It was recommended that SME owners and managers in the region align their business strategies with prevailing socio-cultural realities to enhance revenue growth and ensure sustainable performance. Finally, the government should constantly utilize the Social Attitude of consumers towards time, quality products and safety in formulating business strategies.

Abstract Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) remain a critical global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries and driving significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on nano-enabled smart drug delivery system (SDDS) within the One Health framework, emphasizing their role in advancing targeted therapy, controlled release, and theranostics for VBZD management. Nano-enabled platforms such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, metal–organic frameworks, and biomimetic carriers are designed for stimuli-responsive and site-specific delivery, enhancing therapeutic precision, lowering dosing frequency, and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Controlled-release formulations of agents such as artemisinin derivatives, amphotericin B, and ivermectin have demonstrated superior efficacy in the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis, and in vector control applications. Targeted delivery strategies extend beyond human therapies to address viral reservoirs, infected macrophages, and arthropod vectors, highlighting the cross-species applications central to One Health. Theranostic innovations combine imaging and therapy to enable early disease detection, real-time monitoring, and the design of adaptive treatment strategies. Applications span human, animal, and environmental domains, from nanovaccines and veterinary antimicrobials to nanoparticle-based larvicides and biosensors for vector surveillance. Future directions underscore the integration of AI-driven nanodesign, scalable and eco-friendly synthesis, and harmonized regulatory frameworks to increase accessibility in resource-limited settings. Although clinical trials are limited, ongoing translational efforts indicate the transformative potential of nanomedicine in VBZD control. Ultimately, integrating nano-enabled SDDS into a One Health framework provides a sustainable and collaborative approach to reduce the global burden of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.

Strategic management is a top-level activity focused on decision-making regarding an organisation’s mission, vision, philosophy, objectives, strategies, and policies. This study scrutinized the relationship between strategic management and entrepreneurial orientation among medium-scale enterprises (MSEs) in Akure, Ondo State. A survey research design was employed, targeting a population of 2,160 registered enterprises. A sample of 200 enterprises was selected using Smith’s (1984) sampling formula, and simple random sampling was used to ensure fair representation. A structured and validated questionnaire served as the primary data collection instrument. Of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 191 were returned, yielding a high response rate of 96%. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha, with a coefficient of 0.836, indicating strong internal consistency. Descriptive and regression analyses were employed to address the research questions and test the study hypotheses. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between strategic management practices and entrepreneurial orientation among MSEs in Akure. Socio-Economic Characteristics had a regression coefficient of 0.007004 (t=3.439912>2), suggesting that a one-unit increase in these characteristics is associated with a 0.007004 unit increase in entrepreneurial orientation, holding other variables constant. Performance control attributes yielded a coefficient of 0.027098 (t= 3.645051>2), indicating a stronger predictive relationship with entrepreneurial orientation, implying a strong significant relationship between socio-economic characteristic and entrepreneurial orientation. In light of these findings, the study recommends the development and implementation of robust entrepreneurship education programs tailored to the unique needs of MSEs in Akure. These programs should focus on equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills for strategic planning, innovation, and sustainable growth. These efforts are essential to bridge existing gaps in entrepreneurial capacity, especially among youth and first-time business owners. They align with the study's theoretical framework, which emphasizes the critical role of education and systemic support in fostering effective entrepreneurial orientation and long-term business success.

The educational backwardness of Nigeria has been attributed to exchange rate depreciation. The objective of this study is to ascertain the nature and extent to which exchange rate is related to educational development in Nigeria from 1986 to 2022 using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test approach. The theoretical framework of the study is the dependency theory. Literacy rate is a proxy of educational development and the data of literacy rate was obtained from macrotrends.net. The data of exchange rate and the control variables were obtained from World Development Indicators. The domestic credit to private sector by banks, exchange rate, GDP per capita growth and lending interest rate had no relationship with educational development in Nigeria in both the short run and long run. Exchange rate does not matter to educational development in Nigeria. Exchange rate policy cannot be used to improve educational development in Nigeria. The dependency theory cannot explain educational development in Nigeria.

BCL-2 was the first anti-death gene. A key for oncogenic mechanism in several haematological malignancies, has been attributed to the upregulation of BCL-2 which is caused by numerous mechanisms. The aim of the study is to evaluate the BCL-2 gene mutation by its expression level and the resultant effect on haematological profiles among Chronic Myelogenous Leukemic (CML) patients in Ile Ife. This study was cross-sectional and a total of 100 consenting participants were recruited: 50 known CML patients and 50 control subjects. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, a Referral Centre for haematologic malignancies, and Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, were used as the study centers. Full blood count was done using 3-part haematology auto analyzer (Mindray), while RNA extraction and qPCR Bcl-2 quantification were done using real time PCR equipment. The results obtained from the study shows that there are higher expression levels of the Bcl-2 gene in CML samples compared with control samples, attaining significant p<0.05. Bcl-2 overexpression, suggests that dysregulated Bcl-2 is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of CML. The haematology parameters also shows significant effect of Bcl-2 mutation (p<0.05) as follows: 30% leukocytosis was observed in CML with gene expression compared to normal leukocyte count observed among 43(86%) control and 29(58%) CML with no gene expression. It was noted that more than halve i.e 24% CML with overexpression have anaemia while more than halve i.e.44%CML with no expression and 70%control has normal PCV. The 14% thrombocytosis among the CML with gene expression compared to 2% among the non-expressed CML and 4% among the control is prognostic. The overexpression observed in this study is suggestive of a level that is characteristic of CML patients, and its association with anaemia, leukocytosis and neutrophilia and can be used in the evaluation of the disease and aid in the BCL-2 therapy.

The sedimentary intervals of Muller-1 Well, located in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, have been subjected to palynological and sedimentological studies, to biozonation and paleoenvironmental results. Ten (10) samples from 8920-9054 ft have been analyzed. There were a few common occurrences of pollen and spores with other organic-walled microfossils such as Botryoccus braunii, fungal spores, and diatom frustules. The sedimentological characteristics include shale intercalations with coarse-to-medium to fine-grained sandstones, indicating energy conditions that are typical of deltaic systems. The entire intervals belong to the Agbada Formation. One palynostratigraphic zone of Cyathidites sp. was established for the studied intervals using the International Stratigraphic Guide. The zone is an assemblage biozone, and a Paleocene (Thanetian) age was assigned to the interval based on the stratigraphic age range of diagnostic markers such as Longerapertites sp., Cyathidites minor, Tricolporopollenites sp., and Monocolpites marginatus. Hydrocarbon potential is suggested by deltaic deposits with terrestrial pollen/spores (likely gas-prone) and shale interbeds, consistent with the Agbada Formation’s proven gas reservoirs in the Niger Delta Basin.

The Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System (DAST System), which this study has developed and evaluated, is designed to improve the photovoltaic (PV) power generation in tropical zones. The designed DAST system uses a hybrid control algorithm with a light dependent resistor (LDR) and other components to control the active tracking with time-dependent astronomical algorithms. An ESP32 microcontroller was deployed to enable the system to accurately measure electrical parameters such as PV voltage, current, and temperature, and also monitor the condition of the battery for remote checking. The DAST system incorporated a thermal management system to improve efficiency. The experimental performance assessment was held in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The data capturing activities were performed for seven (7) days in July 2025 during the wet season when there was low sun intensity. The data collected from the PV panel at every 15 minute interval shows that the DAST system generated a voltage of 23.0 V, which was the maximum in comparison to the fixed PV voltage value of 18.9 V. The DAST system generated a higher electrical output voltage of 27.3% at 09:00 AM and 17.4% at 3:00 PM compared to the fixed PV panel. These improvements reflect sustained high-efficiency energy accumulation across the day. Temperature readings showed the DAST system always maintained a cooler operation with a reduced temperature of up to 3.9°C in midday, which translates to efficiency gains of 1.56 - 1.95%. These results showed the DAST system yielded a daily total efficiency of 32.5% and showed the cost-effectiveness as well as the scalability of the smart-tracking technology, which can easily be adapted by developing nations. The impact of this technology provides important insights in the pursuit to optimize the utilization of PV technology in tropical conditions. Performance analysis reveals that there has been a constant enhancement in the electrical energy gain offered by the dual-axis solar tracking system, as reflected in its enhanced daily energy production compared with that of a fixed-tilt panel. Analysis of temperature readings also suggests that for the dual-axis solar tracking system, there has been a 3.9°C reduction in module temperature compared with that of a fixed-tilt panel. This lowered module temperature value represents a 1.56% to 1.95% instantaneous enhancement in electrical efficiency due to improved performances of voltage and current, which are a consequence of being subjected to similar irradiance conditions. The dual-axis solar tracking system experienced a total daily efficiency of 32.5%, which represents a ratio of total electrical energy produced to total available daily solar energy.