Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Background: Syphilis remains a significant global public health concern, particularly in pregnancy where it contributes to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite ongoing control efforts, the burden of maternal syphilis persists in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and its association with socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, and medical history among pregnant women in Onitsha, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for antibodies against Treponema pallidum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Socio-demographic data, awareness levels, and medical history were obtained using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The study recorded a zero prevalence of syphilis (0.0%), with no positive cases detected among all participants. This absence was consistent across all socio-demographic variables including age, marital status, education, occupation, and trimester (p = 1.0). Despite this, 71.2% of participants were aware of syphilis, while 20.8% reported a history of sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, some participants reported potential risk exposures such as prior surgery (23.2%), blood transfusion (5.6%), and needle sharing (3.2%). Conclusion: The absence of syphilis in this study suggests a very low burden of infection in the study population despite the presence of awareness gaps and risk factors. Continued antenatal screening and surveillance are essential to sustain this trend and prevent re-emergence.

The study Effect of Ocimium basilicum (curry leaf) on the growth performance of broiler chicken at varying inclusion levels was investigated for seven weeks. Fresh leaf of Ocimum basilicum were harvested from a farm at Nibo in Awka south L.G.A of Anambra state. They were dried and ground into fine powder, sieved and included in different proportions in their meal. A total of Twenty-four (24) broiler chicks with an average initial weight of 0.50g - 0.70g and between 4 weeks old, were allotted into four treatments for seven (7) weeks. Each treatment had 3 chicks per cage and two replicate in a completely randomized design. The study was carried out at the Animal House of the Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Feed utilization indices (Weight gain, Percentage weight gain, Feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate) were monitored. The broiler chicks were fed with the following rations: T1 was fed with 10g of Ocimum basilicum and 190g of basal feed (vital feed), T2 was fed with 15g Ocimum basilicum diet and 185g basal diet, T3 was fed with 20g of Ocimum basilicum diet and 180g basal diet and T4 was fed with the 200g of the basal diet(vital feed).The results showed that supplementation with Ocimum basilicum significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance compared with the control group. Birds fed the diet containing 20 g of Ocimum basilicum (2966.67±85.48) recorded the highest body weight gain, feed intake, and best feed conversion ratio, followed by those fed the 15 g of Ocimum basilicum(2566±56.45). The control group (2075±115.02) showed the lowest performance values. The study suggests that Ocimum basilicum leaf powder can be used as a natural feed additive to enhance the growth performance of broiler chickens. There was a significant (P< 0.05) difference between the different inclusions of Ocimum basilicum. In conclusion Ocimum basilicum containing 20 g of Ocimum basilicum (2966.67±85.48) as a feed additive can be used to improve the growth performance of broiler chicks.

This study evaluates the cost-benefit of installing a solar power system in the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. With frequent power outages and the high cost of fuel-based generators, the department faces increasing energy-related expenses and operational challenges. The research garnered data of the current power sources in the department (Grid electricity and generator), and the possible cost of solar power installation. The cost evaluation was done using the Net Present Value (NPV) and Future Value formulars, for a projected period of 25-years. A comparative analysis of the three options was done, results show that the solar system, with a total cost of ₦29.33 million, is far more sustainable compared to grid electricity (₦102.19 million) and generators (₦240.98 million). The analysis confirms that solar power provides significant long-term financial savings, greater reliability, and environmental benefits. It is therefore recommended as the optimal energy solution for the department, serving both academic and practical sustainability goals

Despite the fact that the global population is currently undergoing a period of decelerated growth, projections indicate that the rate of increase will persist in the future. As the global population continues to grow, it is anticipated that the demand for resources and services will also increase at a faster rate than the population itself. The growth and diversification of consumer demand have led to the prominence of mass production, which will continue to be a dominant feature of the global manufacturing landscape in the future. As is the case with all forms of production, the use of industry and machinery will be a necessity in factory production. This type of fuel, which has supplanted the mass-scale use of fossil fuels and causes environmental damage in excess of its use, must be promptly removed from the agenda of humanity. The initial response to this challenge will likely be the adoption of renewable energy sources, which derive their fundamental source from the sun. This transition will inevitably create a demand with implications for both human and economic aspects. The global energy crisis has underscored the necessity for alternative energy sources. One potential solution is the establishment of renewable energy cooperatives, which could serve as a global outlet for energy. However, it should be noted that the utilization, administration, and distribution of renewable energy would represent a shared value for humanity. From this perspective, this study aims to examine the full range of renewable energy cooperatives, which propose not only the use of renewable energy but also its administration and distribution as a means of addressing the global energy crisis. To achieve this objective, the literature review method was applied in the study, and within this method, the research question and keywords were determined. Domestic and foreign literature was reviewed regarding the terms "renewable energy" and "cooperativism," and the subject was summarized under subheadings to ensure that domestic and foreign sources were reviewed in accordance with the study's objective. It has been concluded that the development of renewable energy cooperatives indicates that the future world can be safe and clean.

Hypertension remains a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality worldwide, with increasing prevalence observed among younger populations. Although avoidable lifestyle factors account for a substantial proportion of hypertension risk, prevention efforts depend heavily on adequate awareness and understanding of these factors. This study examines the level of knowledge of avoidable risk factors of hypertension among university students in England and evaluates the relationship between these factors and hypertension status. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to students at a large English university. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate a high level of knowledge of avoidable risk factors, including alcohol consumption, obesity, high salt intake, and junk food consumption. Despite this, significant associations were observed between several avoidable risk factors and hypertension status, particularly alcohol use, body mass index, salt intake, and frequent consumption of junk food. The results highlight a clear disjunction between knowledge and health behaviour, suggesting that awareness alone is insufficient to reduce hypertension risk among university students. The study underscores the need for prevention strategies that extend beyond information provision to address behavioural, social, and environmental drivers of risk.

Background: Gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers encompass a heterogeneous group of malignancies with distinct histological and biological characteristics. Histological classification remains central to diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making, particularly in settings where molecular profiling is not routinely available. Objective: This study examined the histological spectrum and classification patterns of gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers diagnosed over a ten-year period in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancer cases diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2020 across four major histopathology laboratories in Anambra State. Archived haematoxylin and eosin–stained slides and paraffin blocks were reviewed. Tumours were classified according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification of gastric tumours, with carcinomas further categorised using the Lauren classification system. Descriptive statistics and chi-square testing were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Ninety-three cases met inclusion criteria. Carcinomas constituted the majority of tumours, followed by mesenchymal tumours, lymphomas, and neuroendocrine tumours. Tubular adenocarcinoma was the most frequent carcinoma subtype, while intestinal-type carcinoma predominated under the Lauren classification. Most graded carcinomas were well differentiated. No statistically significant associations were identified between histological subtype and patient age or sex. Conclusion: Gastric and gastro-oesophageal junction cancers in this setting are dominated by epithelial malignancies, particularly tubular and intestinal-type adenocarcinomas. The observed histological profile aligns with patterns reported across Nigeria and other low- and middle-income settings, underscoring the continuing relevance of morphology-based classification in regional cancer practice.

This study investigated the predictive potency of teachers’ assessment practices on secondary school students’ academic achievement in Mathematics in the Nsukka Education Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria. A correlational survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 342 Senor Secondary Two (SS II) Mathematics students in Nsukka education zone was used for the study. Teachers’ Assessment Practice Questionnaire (TAPQ) and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) were used for data collection. Reliability coefficients of 0.93 and 0.91 were obtained for TAPQ and MAT respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to answer research questions 1-5 while research questions 6-7 was answered using multiple regression analysis. Regression t-test was used to test hypotheses 1-5, while hypotheses 6 was tested using regression ANOVA. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that formative assessment predicted 38.4%, diagnostic assessment predicted 37.1%, peer-assessment predicted 32%, and self-assessment predicted 26.4% of the variation in students’ academic achievement. Summative assessment accounted for 5.2% of the variance. Importantly, the combined effect of all assessment practices jointly predicted 65.7% of students’ achievement, indicating a significant and substantial influence of teachers’ assessment practices on Mathematics achievement. The study concludes that assessment practices, particularly when used in combination, play a critical role in enhancing students’ understanding, engagement, and learning outcomes in Mathematics. The study recommends that teachers adopt an integrated approach to assessment by combining formative, summative, diagnostic, self-, and peer-assessment strategies, and that educational authority provide professional development and policy support to strengthen the effective implementation of these practices. The findings highlight the importance of diverse and continuous assessment strategies as tools for improving academic achievement in secondary school Mathematics.