BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tamarindus indica has been used as a traditional medicine for various purposes. Wound healing is a complex process that involves a series of immunological and biological events. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of Tamarindus indica seed extract in Wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: The study involved creating a 1.5cm full thickness wound on the dorsal region of 16 healthy Wistar rats. After the excision of the wound, the animals were grouped into four (4) groups (A, B, C and D) of four animals per group. Untreated, Silver Sulphadiazine, 1% Tamarindus indica seed extract and 2% Tamarindus indica seed extract were respectively applied to group (A, B, C and D) for the period of 13 days. And the histological analysis of the wound area was performed on the 14th day. RESULTS: The results showed that 2% of aqueous Tamarindus indica seed extract significantly improved wound healing rates and was better in term of efficacy when compared to the standard drug (Silver Sulphadiazine). It also enhanced the cellular proliferation, blood vessel formation, epidermal regeneration, granulation tissue formation, and collagen formation. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that Tamarindus indica seed extract had wound healing potential, and that the effect was dose dependent.

The study examines risk sources and management strategies among maize farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling techniques were employed to select 180 respondents on which primary data were elicited from the respondent with the aid of a structured questionnaire complemented with interview schedule using kobo tool box. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as mean, frequency distribution count and percentages) and inferential statistics (such as ordered logit regression model). The study revealed that rise in cost of inputs (, theft and pilfering (, pest attack (, death of the farmer ( and disease outbreak (were the major sources of risk among maize farmers. Also, farming experience (P<0.01), educational level (P<0.05) and farm size (P<0.10) were the major factors influencing farmer’s risk attitude in maize production. Lastly, early planting (, diversification of income (, local monitoring of weather (, marketing strategies ( and financial strategies ( were the major management strategies adopted by maize farmers. The study recommended that farmers should adopt cost-effective agricultural practices.

This research will examine and describe the development of human resources in increasing teacher competence at MTs Al-Fathimiyah Telukjambe Timur Karawang. . The aims of this research are 1). To find out the development of human resources, 2). To find out the teacher's academic improvement, 3). To find out the supporting factors and inhibiting factors in improving teacher competence. This study used a qualitative description method where researchers directly examined the field and used data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews and documentation which were conducted at MTs Al-Fathimiyah Telukjambe Timur Karawang. The results of this study reveal three findings, namely: 1). The development of human resources (HR) at MTs Al-Fathimiyah can be said to be quite good, but it is still being developed and improved, 2). In increasing teacher competence with an educator qualification program it is quite good, 3). There are factors supporting seriousness, earnest encouragement and a sense of responsibility by the principal towards teachers and inhibiting factors, namely in terms of the age of the teachers, some of whom have entered old age and the lack of principals in coordinating between the needs and obligations of teachers in carrying out class assignments. Conclusion Human Resource Development at MTs Al-Fathimiyah we always use coaching in the form of technical guidance both outside the school and inside the school and in improving teacher competence, namely with the current educational qualifications it has been implemented, even though the teaching ability of educators who already meet the qualifications is still limited.

Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane) refers to several species and hybrids of tall perennial grass in the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae and belong to the grass family. It is consumed directly in confectionery, used to sweeten beverages, as a preservative, as a decorative finish for cakes and as a raw material in the food industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphological assessment of the alcoholic extract of the Saccharum officinarum bark as a primary stain. The Saccharum officinarum barks were dried in shade for 1 week. The dried stalk was grinded into powder with pestle and mortar. The various alcoholic concentrations 5%, 10% and 15% with different mordant (potassium alum and ferric chloride) were constituted and used to stain liver and kidney sections. Five percent (5%) alcoholic extract of Saccharum officinarum bark mordanted with potassium alum stained the liver and kidney tissue section in the shade of pale pinkish and pale red while 10% and 15% of alcoholic extract of Saccharum officinarum bark mordanted with ferric chloride as a mordant stained the tissues pale red, with excellent and well-preserved tissue constituents. In conclusion, the data obtained from the present study suggest that the alcoholic extract of Saccharum officinarum bark can be used as a substitute for haematoxylin due to its domestic availability.

Problem kerusakan moral atau karakter menjadi pusat penelitian ini. Di tengah perkembangan globalisasi dan tantangan zaman kontemporer, madrasah harus memperkuat identitas Islam melalui manajemen boarding school yang efektif. Peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif untuk menyelidiki berbagai strategi dan praktik manajemen yang digunakan untuk mendukung perkembangan karakter religius siswa dan menjawab kegelisahan orang tua terhadap anak-anaknya yang ingin belajar agama dengan cara yang modern. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan peran manajemen boarding school dalam pembentukan karakter religious siswa di MAS Miftahul Huda. Sumber datanya berasal dari wawancara, observasi, dan dokumen. Mulai dari perencanaan dengan menggunakan kurikulum bebas yang dipadukan dengan kebijakan kepala sekolah yang sesuai dengan budaya pesantren, pengorganisasian melibatkan penetapan struktur organisasi. Ini termasuk membagi tanggung jawab dan tugas jobdesk antara pengajar dan non-pengajar, membuat deskripsi pekerjaan yang jelas untuk setiap posisi, dan membuat jadwal untuk menghindari pembentrokan tugas. Pelaksanaan termasuk dalam kegiatan siswa baik di dalam maupun di luar kelas. Siswa aktif mengikuti program, yang diawasi dengan ketat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa beberapa faktor memengaruhi keberhasilan pembentukan karakter religius siswa. Ini termasuk penerapan kurikulum yang didasarkan pada nilai-nilai agama, partisipasi aktif guru dalam memberikan contoh yang baik, dan kegiatan ekstrakurikuler yang membantu pengembangan spiritual siswa. Lingkungan asrama yang ramah dan pengawasan yang ketat juga sangat penting untuk membangun karakter religius. Oleh karena itu, boarding school yang diatur dengan baik dan berfokus pada prinsip-prinsip religius dapat secara signifikan membentuk karakter religius siswa.

Grassroots or commonly referred to as grassroots appear as an alternative to solving problems that exist in society, especially in rural communities. This has something to do with the soul of a leader, where to be a leader must be able to play an important role, namely being able to provide innovation, motivation, form a shared vision and mission, and also form broader network relations. Leadership is the main thing in human life. By looking at various literature and literature reviews trying to examine Islamic leadership based on the Qur'an and Hadith in the scope of grassroots. As a leader and also leadership has such a close relationship that these two elements cannot be separated. This style of leader is a reflection of leader behavior, in which these two things are the main key in the successful management of an organizational system. Being a leader must have a spirit of ri'ayah wal istima' and also implement the four obligatory characteristics of Allah SWT, namely sidiq, amanah, tabligh, and fathonah. As well as making better leadership will also produce good output from something he leads. The credibility of being a leader also shows an expertise or expert power, accompanied by the positive habits of a leader. This becomes the main point in the soul of a leader to form a vision and mission, in order to run the wheels of the organization he is leading to achieve the goals that have been set.

One way to improve the quality of human life is through education, especially Islamic education which includes moral, material and spiritual aspects. In an Islamic educational institution, of course, it has a school administrative order or what is commonly referred to as administration. Administration is a big part of the administrative process, administration is a mechanism that can help, expedite, and increase the activity and efficiency of the administrative process. The purpose of this study is to find out how the efforts of administrative staff improve administrative services through the management function. This study used a descriptive qualitative method by conducting observations, interviews and documentation. The results of the study show that planning and organizing the performance of administrative staff at MTs Al Fathimiyah Karawang has gone well, this is shown through the planning of work programs and the distribution of job descriptions according to the ability of each administrative staff; the implementation and supervision of the performance of administrative staff at MTs Al Fathimyah Karawang has been going quite well, this is indicated by the implementation of the work program and the supervision and evaluation carried out by the head of the madrasa.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an important global health problem and, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The distribution of cervical cancer differs across the world, with more than 85% of deaths occurring in developing regions. The incidence of cervical cancer in developing countries is approximately four to six times that of developed countries. Over 90% of the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer occur in sub-Saharan Africa. This high incidence is also related to the limited screening techniques and strategies used. Aim: The aim of this research was to determine the cytomorphological spectrum, prevalence and awareness of abnormal cervical smears in Sokoto metropolis. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was utilized and a convenience sampling technique was employed to enlist female participants aged between 15 and 98 years old. The total sample size was determined to be162 samples. The state was home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Hausa/Fulani, Gobirawa, Zabarmawa, Kabawa, Arawa, Nupe, Yoruba, IBO's, and others Results: Out of 162 cervical smears screened, 128 (79.0%) were found to be normal, 24 (14.8%) were abnormal, 7 (4.3%) were inadequate, and 3 (1.9%) were classified as acellular cervical smears. The awareness level of abnormal cervical smears in Sokoto metropolis was found to be 77.9%. Conclusion: The study established a low prevalence(14.8%) and high level of awareness (77.9%) of abnormal cervical smears in Sokoto metropolis..

Tropical rainforests are ecosystem of genetic diversity that offers an important medicinal plants source, it’s also provides high-yield foods, and a myriad of other important products. They are an important environment for migratory animals and maintain as much as fifty percent of the species on globe, as well as several diverse and unique indigenous cultures. They also act an important role in controlling world weather in addition to sustaining normal rainfall, while preventing against floods, deforestations, and erosion. The study’s aim is to analyse the effect of deforestation on livelihood and the adaptation strategies in Niger South Senatorial District, Niger state, Nigeria. Information about the various effects of deforestation and adaptation strategies was collected using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The result shows that wind storms, flooding, late rainfall; low output yields, and wide spreads of pest infestation were ranked as the major effects of deforestation. Different survival strategies are been used by the respondents comprises of fishing, animal rearing, poultry production, hiring labour and use of fertilizer to maximize production. It was acceded by the more than half of the discussants at FGD that artisan work and small- scale businesses are the major other sources of livelihood used by the individuals. In their various submissions, they all attest that wind storms and flooding are the most common problem of deforestation noticeable in the study area.

Background: Currently there are different staining methods available for the demonstration of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies sections. Most of these methods are technically demanding, slow and expensive with varying sensitivity and specificity. Aims: This study was to compare some of these techniques for the detection of H. pylori in routine gastric biopsy tissue sections in order to ascertain their reliability and effectiveness. Methodology: Sixty-five positive and seven negative cases of H. pylori were selected based on the results of rapid urease test, serology test and histopathological examination of the tissue sections. Histopathological examinations of sections stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining method (H&E), Giemsa staining method, modified Giemsa staining method, modified McMullen staining method and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results: The sections were evaluated by two independent observers. The sensitivity and specificity for the techniques were as follow: immunohistochemistry, 100% and 100%; modified Giemsa stain, 96.9% and 85.7%; Giemsa stain, 92.3% and 81.4%; modified McMullen stain, 89.2% and 52.9%; H&E, 90.8% and 77.1%. The interobserver agreement was analyzed by Kappa (k) statistics using SPSS version 23 software. The agreement between the two observers was k: 0.859 (98.4%) for immunohistochemistry; k: 0.777 (96.9%) for modified Giemsa stain; k: 0.533 (95.2%) for Giemsa stain; k: 0.267 (92.1%) for modified McMullen stain; and k: 0.421 (93.7%) for H&E stain. Conclusion: The best results were obtained by the immunohistochemical staining and the Giemsa stainings. Although the immunohistochemistry staining method gives the best result and is very reliable, but it is fairly time consuming and expensive. Therefore, considering the cost, applicability and the reliability of the modified Giemsa or Giemsa stain, we recommend both for the detection of H. pylori in gastric biopsies sections especially in resource constrained laboratories.

The review article intended to provide an overview of quality variation and various contaminants in locally processed palm oil (PO). The paper also deliberates on the pros and cons of wastes generated during PO processing. There is a serious concern about the quality and safety of crude PO in Nigeria resulting from poor quality raw materials, inadequate processing know-how, inappropriate packaging and storage facilities, poor handling and transportation system and more importantly adulteration by producers and marketers. Wide disparities in the chemical and physical composition were reported in the literature. This may result from the variations in the chemical composition of the palm fruit, environmental factors, variation in processing operations which is determined by the location and abuse during handling and transportation. Microbial contamination is the foremost safety challenge in Nigerian crude PO processing. Higher microbial counts and the presence of toxic microorganisms including aflatoxins-producing fungi were reported by many researchers. Oil palm production in contaminated soil account for PO heavy metals contamination, though, heavy metals contamination below permissible limits was reported in most cases. Wastes generated from PO processing can be detrimental to the environment. Alternately, various benefits can be derived from the proper handling and utilisation of PO processing wastes. Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a good substrate for the production of organic manure, biomolecules and amendment of oil-contaminated soil. Recommendations on how to tackle various challenges along the PO supply chain were presented at the end of the paper.

Fokus dalam penelitian ini yaitu Pelaksanaan Peengelolaan Arsip pada Unit Tata Usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Sumber data ini adalah staff unit tata usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18. Hasil yang diperoleh dalam penelitian ini adalah deskripsi kegiatan pelaksanaan pengelolaan arsip unit tata usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18 yang meliputi: 1) Kegiatan penerimaan surat masuk dan keluar unit tata usaha melakukan prosedur kearsipan bedasarkan jenis surat dan hari tanggal masuknya. 2) Kegiatan penyimpanan arsip di unit tata usaha SDN Cipinang Muara 18. 3) Klasifikasi atau penggolongan yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan penyimpanan arsip oleh unit tata usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18 dengan mengelompokan arsip bedasarkan jenis file (berkas peserta didik, pegawai dan sekolah). 4) Penemuan kembali arsip yang dilakukan oleh unit tata usaha dengan melihat secara langsung arsip tersebut didalam lemari arsip dalam bindex file atau melihat jenis file nya didalam komputer atau Google Drive oleh unit tata usaha bedasarkan tahun ajaran sekolah. 5) Fasilitas yang digunakan oleh unit tata usaha dalam kegiatan pelaksanaan arsip di SDN Cipinang Muara 18 adalah lemari arsip, stapler, Map snelhecter, dan box bindex. 6) Pemeliharaan dan perawatan arsip manual pada unit tata usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18 dengan cara membersihkan lemari arsip dengan kemocing. 7) Penyusutan dan pemusnahan arsip oleh unit tata usaha di SDN Cipinang Muara 18 belum pernah dilakukan karena arsip termasuk dokumen penting bagi sekolah sebagai sumber informasi.

Purpose In Nigeria, rural communities generally have poor access and utilization of health services including immunization services. In rural areas, household heads determine the utilization of health services including immunization. This study was conducted to determine the willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine among household heads of a rural community in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria. Methods & Materials A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among all household heads in Anguwan Mangu in February 2021 using total population sampling. A pre-tested, electronic based, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection from household heads. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted at alpha level of significance set at p< 0.05 Results Three hundred and thirty-three respondents participated in the study. Age range was 15 to 80 years. Mean age of the respondents was 35 years (±14.45). Only 55% (183/333) of the respondents were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Major reasons for unwillingness to accept vaccines included; didn't feel the need to be vaccinated (4.5%), lack of trust in government (1.8%), belief that vaccine is used for population control (1.8%), belief that COVID-19 is not real (3%), and concerns over safety of the vaccines (1.8%). Household heads less than 50 years were more likely to accept the vaccines than those aged 50 and above (46% vs 41%) (p<0.592), those who were educated were more likely to accept the vaccines (50% vs 46%) (p<0.235), male household heads were more likely to accept vaccines than female household heads (66% vs 48%) (p<0.002). Conclusion About less than half of the respondents were unwilling to accept the COVID-19 vaccines when available mainly due to misconception about the vaccines. This could pose a major setback in efforts towards controlling the pandemic. It is recommended that Zaria LGA health department should design effective health education intervention strategies based on these misconceptions directed towards enlightening the populace in rural areas in order to improve acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines to fast track the control of the pandemic.

Modification of bitumen has been used to improve the properties of bitumen and bituminous mixes to mitigate the problems of bitumen at extreme and quiescent conditions. It also provides better bitumen at extreme temperatures as well as saving construction cost. In this study, polycarbonate from disposed compact discs was used as modifier for bitumen with the aim of improving its consistency properties. To establish the presence of polycarbonate in the recycled compact discs, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis was conducted on the waste compact discs. The FTIR results when compared with Infrared Spectroscopy Absorption Table (ISAT), revealed transmittance peaks described by the wave numbers 764-2967cm-1 (C-H), 1770cm-1 (C=O), 1599cm-1 (C=C), 1502cm-1 (C-C) and 1010-1020cm-1 (C-O-C). These peaks confirmed the compact discs as predominantly made up of polycarbonate. Comparative FTIR analysis carried out on the pure and modified bitumen revealed that there is appearance of additional new peaks with wave numbers 2371-2091cm-1 for C-H aromatic bending, 848-2110cm-1 for C=C aromatic bending and 1685-1700cm-1 for C-C aromatic stretching in the spectra of polycarbonate modified bitumen samples, indicating that the polycarbonate has undergone chemical interactions with the bitumen. Such interaction usually results in changes to the molecular structure of the bitumen. Also, comparative analysis carried out on some properties of pure and modified bitumen showed that the modifier decreases the penetration and ductility of bitumen but increases its specific gravity and softening point. These performance evaluation results indicate the ability of polycarbonate in improving the temperature susceptibility and rutting resistance of bitumen.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple factorial condition that draws a parallel to various risks such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. As per the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF), for a person to be defined as having metabolic syndrome of central obesity along with any two of the following four factors: Raised triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dL), reduced HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in males and<50 mg/dL in females), raised blood pressure (systolic BP ≥ 130 or diastolic BP ≥ 85 mm Hg) and raised fasting plasma glucose (FPG ≥ 100 mg/dL). Sucrose is a common sugar, also known as “table sugar”. It is a sweet-tasting carbohydrate that is present in almost everything we eat. It is a natural compound that gives us valuable energy as it is a quick and easy source of energy but sucrose tends to be harmful when over-consumed. Sucrose is consumed worldwide and it is known to have harmful effects on metabolic heath. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the histological and biochemical changes of liver in sucrose induced metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats. Methods: Total of 24 Wistar rats were randomly grouped into three groups A, B and C. 10g of sucrose was weighed and dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to make the 10% sucrose solution and 20g was also weighed and dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to make the 20% sucrose solution. Group A served as control and was administered orally with distilled water, group B was administered with the 10% sucrose solution orally and group C was administered with the 20% sucrose solution orally all for 6 weeks (42 days) The Wistar rats were anaesthetized using chloroform vapour in an enclosed transparent jar. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture and dispensed in to plain container for liver biochemical analysis and liver was carefully removed and washed with normal saline and then fixed in 10 % formol saline for histological preparation. Results: There was increase in some serum liver function parameters: total protein (TP), Albumin (ALB), Total bilirubin (TB), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) but the increase was statistically insignificant. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Triglycerides (TG), High density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-Chol) and Glucose parameters were also statistically insignificant. Histopathology examination of sections of the liver specimens shows steatosis (deposits of fat on the liver) on the liver of both group B and C Wistar rats. Conclusion: Histological examination of the liver specimens shows presence of fat cells deposition (steatosis) in all liver sections. Further studies needed to make a definitive conclusion as to whether the biochemical parameters can cause insignificant or significant changes.

Pendidikan merupakan kunci dari kemajuan suatu bangsa. Hadirnya pendidikan menjadikan nilai tambah bagi kualitas dari bangsa tersebut. Kemajuan pendidikan tersebut tak luput dari peran pemerintah dan pihak terkait yang menyusun sebuah kebijakan pendidikan di dalam bangsa tersebut.Kebijakan yang bisa dibilang sebagai suatu aturan yang dibuat agar alur pendidikan lebih tertata dan berjalan beriringan. Kebijakan yang hadir dengan berbagai konsep, karakteristik, dan tujuan yang melandasi keputusan yang di tetapkan oleh pemerintah untuk mencapai tujuan pendidikan nasional. Maka, penulis mengankat judul “Konsep, Karakteristik, dan Tujuan pendidikan” sebagai pengetahuan dasar sebelum membahas lebih dalam mengenai kebijakan pendidikan yang di tetapkan oleh pemerintah. Penggunaan metode penelitian studi pustaka yang bersumber buku serta literatur lain yang terkait menghasilkan kesimpulan bahwa hadirnya kebijakan pendidikan sangatlah berpengaruh dalam mencapai tujuan pendidikan. Kebijakan pendidikan memiliki karakteristik seagai acuan dalam memutuskan suatu kesepakatan. Kebijakan juga memiliki tujuan layaknya tujuan pendidikan. Maka hadirnya kebijakan pendidikan sejalan dengan tujuan yang ingin digapai dalam tujuan pendidikan nasional.

Pastoralism faces changes in Nigeria and Niger. This raised the call for interrogating the two countries’ stewardship of pastoral resources. The objectives of this study were to examine state of pastoral resources and make comparison on how legal and institutional, frameworks determine access to these resources in the drylands of Niger and Nigeria. Cropland, land under permanent meadows and pasture and forests lands data for Niger and Nigeria for 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 were downloaded from UN Food and Agricultural Organisation website. Seven communities namely: Abalak, Dakoro and Gaya (in Niger) and Augei, Dakingari, Gummi and Wurno (in Nigeria) were purposively selected and pastoralists were interviewed and/or observed. Descriptive statistics was employed in data analysis. We found that croplands in the two countries have significantly expanded. These expansions might have benefited from forestland depletion but not from land under permanent meadows and pastures (LUPMP) especially in Niger. LUPMP has increased in area in the two Countries. Pastoralists in Niger abhor privatization of pastoral resources. They also demand more access to pasture. In Nigeria, encroachment of pastoral resources by farmers, private ranches and mining, scarce and decaying infrastructure, lack of tenure right to pastoral resources are some of the problem’s pastoralists face. We conclude that agricultural intensification, through its conversion of other forestlands, threatens livestock production more essentially in Niger than in Nigeria and recommend that pastoral resources need to be prioritized by Governments as a regional strategy for communities’ livelihood enhancement and conflict prevention mechanism.

The study was on testing the effectiveness of the developed sand casting instructional video package on students’ achievement in technical colleges in Bauchi and Gombe states. Three research questions were raised and three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Related literature was reviewed. Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent group design was used for the study. Sixty-seven (67) NTC II Mechanical Engineering crafts practice trades students in two intact classes from two co-educational colleges were used from the two States. One group of the intact class was taught using developed sand casting instructional video package and the other group taught using the conventional method. Sand Casting Achievement Test (SCAT) with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 used to measure students’ achievement before and after treatment and there manifested enough evidence in the study to prove that the developed instructional video package and SCAT are of high validity and reliability. Data obtained were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation was used to answer the research questions and t-test to test the hypothesis. Findings revealed that: the experimental group performed relatively the same with the control group before the treatment; students taught sand casting using developed instructional video package (Experimental Group) achieved better than those taught using the conventional method (control group); the post-test mean scores of the experimental group taught using the developed instructional video package was higher than their pre-test scores; the effect of developed instructional video package was significant on students’ achievement in the experimental group taught with a developed instructional video package. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that developed instructional video package was very effective in enhancing students’ achievement.

Children who are orphaned are faced with an increasing risk of malnutrition, which is attributed from poor feeding practices, inadequate food supply, utilization coupled with limited access to treatment facilities. In this study, the Anthropometric indices and Micronutrient status of children under five in orphanages of Kaduna metropolis, was assessed. Some standard methods were used for the sampling, anthropometric measurements and micronutrient analysis. Results revealed that the demographic characteristics of the orphan children were mostly aged between 13 to 24 months (37.93%) with the female (52.87%) and the male (47.13%). Anthropometric measurements of the children in the orphanages revealed mean z scores for Weight for Height (WHZ/Acute Malnutrition) as -1.74±1.84, -2.59±1.65 for Weight for Age (WAZ/Underweight) and -2.32±2.23 for Height for Age (HAZ/Stunting). Prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition among the orphans was (36%), Severe Underweight (36.1%) and severely stunted (44.8%). Micronutrient status of the under five orphan children indicate mean concentrations of Vitamin A (26.88ug/l ± 66.54), Iron (21.78ug/l ± 12.85) and Zinc (62.65 ± 29.25 ug/dl). The orphans’ micronutrient status and anthropometric indices showed significant association between the Iron and Vitamin A concentrations, WHZ and WAZ (r = 0.681) and between WAZ and HAZ (r = 0.467). The outcome of this research will contribute to improving the nutritional status and address micronutrient deficiencies among orphans in orphanages of Kaduna Metropolis.

Paddy production in African is increasing at a significantly impressive rate due to increased public and private sector investment, the introduction of high yielding varieties and improved production practices. But about 40% or more of this quantity does not reach the table of consumers largely due to post-harvest losses. These losses are subdivided into physical grain loss (PGL) and grain quality loss (GQL). Efforts towards reducing these losses through valorisation of low quality rice and processing by-products has received attention over the last few years. Innovative development and out scaling of simple, cost effective, adoptable and well-defined practical technology to convert low grade milled rice to nutrient dense value-added products that could be used for family meals or weaning purposes and utilization of rice husk for energy is the new way to go. This paper reviews major advance made especially by the Africa-Wide Taskforce on rice processing and value addition and its partners in developing strategies for minimizing postharvest loss in Africa through the development of technologies for utilization of broken rice fractions and rice husk to reduce postharvest losses. Major challenges mitigating the adoption of this technologies and possible opportunities in the rice postharvest value chain that can attract investment for the improvement of rice production and reduction in rice postharvest losses are also outlined. This synthesis we believe will help in providing future direction for research and support for sustainable rice postharvest system in Africa.