Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 1987"

Incidence of infantile diarrhoea due to enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Abstract: Five hundred diarrhoeal stool samples from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital were investigated for enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Results showed that the organism was endemic in Port Harcourt metropolis and was responsible for about 15% of the incidence of infantile diarrhoea in the community. Detailed analysis revealed that 13 serotypes were involved. It was also observed that babies aged between 0 and 18 months were more susceptible than those aged between 19 and 36 months. Male infants were also shown to be more at risk than females. Antibiotic sensitivity tests showed that the enteropathogenic E. coli isolated were highly resistant to most common antimicrobial drugs but were highly sensitive to genticin and cefotaxime.

The influence of culture on pupils’ questioning habits in Nigerian secondary schools

Abstract: The influence of cultural heritage on secondary school pupils in Nigeria has so far not been adequately explored especially as it affects the habit of questioning which encourages effective classroom interaction. For this reason, 12 science lessons were audio‐recorded, transcribed and the questions asked by the pupils and their teachers’ responses were isolated. Analysis of the questions and the teachers’ responses, showed the questions to be quite probing. Also, it was realized that the teachers did very little to encourage pupils to question and this has been attributed to cultural inhibitions derived from home or peer groups.

Cost minimization through the use of taungya system in pulpwood plantation establishment

Abstract: The costs and benefits of the use of three labour alternatives: direct permanent, direct casual and taungya labour in Gmelina arborea pulpwood plantation establishment in Nigeria were investigated. Results show that cost per hectare is lowest with taungya labour and highest with permanent labour with savings in cost of as much as 30% and 47% by taungya labour over casual and permanent labour respectively. The net present value per hectare of investment is highest when taungya labour is used and lowest and negative with permanent labour. Also, the internal rate of return of investment is highest with taungya labour and lowest with permanent labour. The net present values and internal rates of return for Gmelina plantations calculated for the three pulp and paper mills in Nigeria show the same trend in favour of taungya labour.

The effects of supplemental feeds containing different protein: energy ratios on the growth and survival of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in brackish water ponds

Abstract: . A trial was conducted in 30 earthen ponds of approximately 100 m2 to evaluate the effects of nine supplemental feeds containing different protein: energy ratios on the growth and survival of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in brackish water ponds. The formulated feeds had protein levels of 20%, 25% and 30% each at three energy levels of 3000 kcal, 3500 kcal and 4000 kcal. There was a control (diet 0) with no feeding and mean weight gain, growth rate, feed conversion rate and survival rate were determined. Fingerlings were acclimated from 0 to 29 ppt salinity before the trial and 20% of fish in each treatment were sampled every 30 days to monitor growth changes and adjust the feed. Mean weight gain was significantly different as follows: 30%:4000 kcal (102·21 g); 30% :3000 kcal (93·24g); 25%:3000 kcal (89·79g); 30%:3500 kcal (83·42g); 25%:4000 kcal (78·80g); 25%:3500 kcal (78·13g); 20%:3000 kcal (76·50g); 20%:4000 kcal (71·05g); 20%:3500 kcal (69·68 g) and control (59·11 g). Growth rates were significantly different (P 0·05).

Planning in Nigeria: The agricultural base 1962–1985

Abstract: This paper critically examines some of the causes and the problems of agricultural development in Nigeria. It also discusses very minimally, the rise and the contribution of the petroleum industry to the Nigerian economy and its effect on the agricultural sector. Finally, some possible suggestions are made in order to ameliorate the situation of agriculture and to overcome the shortage of food production in the country.

Time-related binding of the hepatocarcinogen carbon tetrachloride to hepatic chromatin proteins in vitro.

Abstract: The in vitro covalent binding of 14C-labelled carbon tetrachloride [14C]CCl4 to histones and non-histone chromosomal proteins (NHCP) under microsome-mediated aerobic conditions was determined. Whole chromatin was prepared from purified nuclei isolated from livers of B6C3F1 hybrid mice and incubated with 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mumol [14C]CCl4 in the presence of microsomes isolated from the same tissue, at 4 mg protein, and an NADPH-regenerating system at 37 degrees C for varying incubation times. Binding of [14C]CCl4 to histones and NHCP was also determined in the presence of 5 mM L-cysteine. The results show that the activated intermediate of CCl4 bound more to histones than to NHCP in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and that 5 mM L-cysteine inhibited the binding of the activated intermediate of CCl4 to histones by 59%, without affecting the binding to NHCP. These data suggest different extents of alkylation or acylation between histones and NHCP by metabolically activated CCl4 under aerobic in vitro conditions, and differential inhibition of CCl4-alkylation-acylation by cysteine. This suggestion does not exclude other possible mechanisms of action.

Distribution and abundance of Temnoschoita Quadrimaculata Gly. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. in Ghana.

Abstract: The seasonal distribution and abundance of adult Temnoschoita quadrimaculata Gly., a pest of oil palm in Ghana was studied. The weevil occurred throughout the year with a peak of abundance from March to June. It preferred breeding in cut fronds which result from harvesting or pruning and was more abundant in 3–6 days old cut fronds.Adult weevils preferred the upper third portion in comparison to the lower and middle third portion of the palm tree. Their incidence and abundance in pruned plantations was statistically greater (P < 0.05) than in unpruned plantations. Older palm trees were relatively more susceptible to attack than younger ones. Adult weevils preferred feeding on the fresh frond tissues than on leaflets.

University training of entomologists, especially taxonomists in tropical Africa

Abstract: University training of entomologists, especially taxonomists in tropical Africa is examined. It is concluded that generally the education of entomologists in the subregion is very poor. Teachers with correct training and orientation are either lacking or when available do not receive the necessary incentives for effective teaching. Supporting facilities for academic work are either missing or where present have deteriorated to the extent of being almost useless. The situation is thought unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. It has been suggested that international institutions in Africa concerned with the proper progress and development of Insect Science should take steps to organize a comprehensive master’s degree programme in entomology along the Rivers State University of Science and Technology curriculum pattern. Alternatively, the duration of the Ph.D. course work may be increased to 9 months as suggested in the paper. This should help to produce at least some educated entomologists and hopefully some taxonomists for the continent.

Isolines of internal forces in circular spherical panels weakened by circular holes and subjected to nonlinear deformation and buckling

Abstract: A special modification of the finite difference scheme is used to study the nonlinear deformation of circular spherical segments having circular cutouts. Isolines of internal forces T 11 , T 12 , T 22 , M 11 , M 12 and M 22 are analysed.