Journal of Education, Science and Engineering

Comprehensive comparative assessment of the quantity and quality of constituents among the three species of Artocarpus

Ebele Josephine Ikwuanusi, Alexander Ikechukwu Izundu — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study conducted a comprehensive comparative assessment of the quantity and quality of phytochemical constituents present in three economically and nutritionally important species of the genus Artocarpus: Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit), Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit), and Artocarpus camansi (breadnut). Leaf and stem samples of the three species were collected and analyzed for selected phytochemical constituents, including tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and hydrogen cyanide, using standard analytical procedures. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to determine variations among species. The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the concentrations of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and hydrogen cyanide in both leaves and stems across the three species. Nevertheless, A. heterophyllus recorded the highest leaf tannin (7.66±0.58%), leaf alkaloid (4.26±0.73%), and leaf hydrogen cyanide (3.13±0.65 µg/g) contents. A. altilis exhibited the highest stem tannin (13.66±0.51%), stem alkaloid (3.52±1.29%), and both leaf and stem phenol contents of 42.11±1.33% and 21.53±1.29%, respectively. A. camansi showed the highest stem hydrogen cyanide value (2.56±0.41 µg/g). The generally comparable phytochemical profiles observed among the species indicate close biochemical relationships and suggest their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. The low hydrogen cyanide levels further support their suitability for nutritional, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications

Perceived benefits and challenges of integrating indigenous health knowledge into secondary school curricula: perspectives of educational managers and public health professionals in Anambra State, Nigeria

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of indigenous knowledge into formal education is increasingly advocated as a means of promoting culturally responsive pedagogy and enhancing educational relevance. However, indigenous health knowledge remains largely excluded from secondary school curricula in Nigeria despite its potential contributions to health education and community well-being. This study examined the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating indigenous health knowledge into secondary school curricula from the perspectives of educational managers and public health professionals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Guided by the principles of culturally responsive pedagogy, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study involved 1,352 respondents, comprising 274 public secondary school principals and 1,078 public health professionals, from which a proportionately stratified sample of 159 principals and 285 public health professionals was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire that was validated by experts and demonstrated satisfactory reliability (α = 0.83). Mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that respondents perceived the integration of indigenous health knowledge as beneficial for preserving indigenous health practices and cultural heritage, promoting culturally responsive education, enhancing students' understanding of health promotion and disease prevention, and complementing scientific health knowledge. However, inadequate policy support, insufficient teacher preparation, lack of instructional materials, and the dominance of Western-oriented curricula were identified as major barriers to implementation. The study further found no significant differences between the perceptions of educational managers and public health professionals regarding the benefits and challenges of such integration. The findings suggested that integrating indigenous health knowledge into secondary school curricula could promote culturally relevant and sustainable health education, but deliberate curriculum reforms, school–community partnerships, and teacher capacity-building initiatives are required for effective implementation.

Comparative Mechanical Performance of High-Strength Concrete Incorporating Locally Sourced Rice Husk Ash Nano-Silica and Imported Nano-Silica

Burabari Goayii, Adinna Boniface Okafor — Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study comparatively evaluated the mechanical performance of high-strength concrete incorporating locally sourced rice husk ash nano-silica and imported nano-silica as partial cement replacement. The research responds to the heavy reliance of nano-silica-modified concrete production on costly, industrially synthesized, imported material, and examines whether a locally producible alternative derived from an abundant agricultural waste can deliver comparable results. Rice husk ash nano-silica was produced through controlled combustion of rice husk followed by alkaline dissolution and acid precipitation, and its silica content, specific surface area, and specific gravity were determined alongside those of commercially sourced imported nano-silica. Twenty-seven high-strength concrete mixes were proportioned using a particle-packing-based mix design, incorporating each nano-silica type at replacement levels of 0 to 20 percent across three water-binder ratios, and evaluated for workability and for compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strength at 7, 14, and 28 days. Both nano-silica types achieved an optimum replacement level of approximately 15 percent, beyond which strength declined. At this optimum, concrete containing imported nano-silica achieved a slightly higher 28-day compressive strength than concrete containing rice husk ash nano-silica, though statistical analysis found no significant interaction between nano-silica source and replacement level. The findings indicate that rice husk ash nano-silica is a mechanically viable substitute for imported nano-silica in high-strength concrete production, supporting its consideration as a lower-cost, locally sourced alternative, particularly in rice-producing regions.