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Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2006"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The economic and political realities of the 1990s forced managers to reverse long-standing organizational cultures in order to reduce costs and energy expenditures in their organisations as discussed by the authors, and these can be achieved, with respect to maintenance, by replacing a reactive repair-focused attitude by a proactive reliability-focused culture.

168 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a combination of treatments, consisting of the application of fertilizers and oxygen exposure, was evaluated in situ during a period of six weeks, where conditions of a major spill were simulated by sprinkling crude-oil on experimental cells containing agricultural soil.

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of the use of activated carbon (AC) in the clean up was undertaken with the aim of reducing the water contamination to a more acceptable level, which revealed that the powdered form of AC would be very effective in the remediation of petroleum-hydrocarbon contaminated ground water.

84 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A methodology for the development of PM using the modern approaches of FMEA, root-cause analysis, and fault-tree analysis is presented in this paper, which leads to a cost reduction in maintenance and less overall energy expenditure.

76 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Five commercially available common fish species in Oron Local Government Area were evaluated for their content of heavy metals and the effects of salting on nutrient contents, oxidative stability and fatty acid profiles of smoke-dried fish cakes.

70 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The elevated levels of heavy metals in these soil profiles constitute a serious threat to both surface and groundwater.

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, five strategic aspects of maintenance management have been identified, namely maintenance methodology; support processes; organisation and work structuring; comparable culture; and general management policy, and three factors that permeate these dimensions are wise leadership, excellent communications and an understanding of the human factors involved.

65 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of customer focus on the performance of the food and beverages organizations in Nigeria has been investigated using a triangulation methodology. But, the authors did not find any strong association between customer focus and business performance in the Nigerian context.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of customer‐focus on the performance of the organisation. While many empirical works have centered on customer‐focus, the generalisability of its impact on performance of the food and beverages organisations in the Nigeria context has been under‐researched.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted a triangulation methodology (quantitative and qualitative approach). Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using non‐parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.Findings – The paper validated the earlier instruments but did not find any strong association between customer‐focus and business performance in the Nigerian context using the food and beverages organisations for the study. The reasons underlying the weak relationship between customer‐focus and business performance of the food and beverages organizations are govern...

56 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the adequacy or otherwise of the existing legal and institutional mechanisms for combating corruption in Nigeria and suggest useful strategies for achieving this were examined to assess their effectiveness in dealing with the crime of corruption, and two main enactments under the present civilian administration dealing with corruption, namely, the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004 were also X-rayed.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the adequacy or otherwise of the existing legal and institutional mechanisms for combating corruption in Nigeria and suggest useful strategies for achieving this.Design/methodology/approach – The pre‐existing statutory enactments, the Criminal and Penal Codes governing corruption in Nigeria were examined to assess their effectiveness in dealing with the crime of corruption. In addition, the two main enactments under the present civilian administration dealing with corruption, namely, the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004 were also X‐rayed.Findings – It was found that the earlier statutory enactments have proved ineffective in combating corruption in contemporary Nigeria, hence the enactment of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004, with the objective of dealing with various aspects of corruption.Practical implications – The imp...

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The large-scale effects of habitat alteration produced by oil-industry related pollution on the habitat use of four species of freshwater turtles were studied in the River Niger Delta, southern Nigeria between 1996 and 2004 and it is concluded that the most likely consequence at the community level is an increase in the intensity of interspecific competition for space between Pelusios niger and Pelusio castaneus in the polluted areas.
Abstract: The large-scale effects of habitat alteration produced by oil-industry related pollution on the habitat use of four species of freshwater turtles (Pelusios castaneus, Pelusios niger, Pelomedusa subrufa, Trionyx triunguis) were studied in the River Niger Delta, southern Nigeria (West Africa) between 1996 and 2004. The numbers of turtle specimens observed during our study declined drastically in polluted sites, despite a nearly identical field effort. The number of specimens of all turtle species declined considerably at all habitat types, but complete disappearance in polluted areas was found only with regard to one habitat type for Trionyx triunguis and two habitat types for Pelomedusa subrufa. The mean values of species dominance and diversity indexes were not statistically significant between pristine and altered areas. Based on the interspecific similarity in proportional frequencies of turtle specimens found in each habitat type, a multivariate set of analyses (UPGMA) showed that the turtles were arranged in three ‘ecological’ clusters: a group formed by Pelomedusa subrufa at both polluted and unpolluted areas and Trionyx triunguis at polluted areas; (ii) a group formed by Pelusios castaneus in polluted areas and Pelusios niger in polluted areas; (iii) a group formed by Pelusios castaneus in unpolluted areas and Pelusios niger in unpolluted areas; however, this latter cluster was not very close, as the linkage distance was close to 80% of Euclidean distance. Habitat use similarity among turtles in both polluted and unpolluted study areas was evaluated by the use of two types of overlap formulas (Pianka and Czechanowski) and the use of Monte Carlo randomisations in order to control for the eventual role of chance in the actual data matrix. These data indicated that, for a pair of species (Pelusios niger vs. Pelusios castaneus), there was a statistically significant increase in the similarity of habitat use in the polluted areas vs. the unpolluted areas, and that this pattern was not dependent on the chance. Considering that these two species are ecologically and morphologically similar, we conclude that the most likely consequence at the community level is an increase in the intensity of interspecific competition for space between Pelusios niger and Pelusios castaneus in the polluted areas. Although the direction of the intensification of this competition process could not be easily predicted, it is likely that the species which is least adapted to life in main rivers and creeks may be disadvantaged over the other competitor. The general implications for habitat preservation are also discussed.

36 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors advocate that maintenance should be managed better, in each organization, so as to cultivate a sense of ownership in the operators, and also autonomous maintenance-teams, consisting of operators, engineers and managers, should be set up with the aims of improving personnel competence and equipment performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Interactions of Cu and Zn in particular may have repercussions for interpretation of biomonitoring data in L. saxatilis as all populations showed similar patterns.
Abstract: The effects of copper, cadmium and lead on the bioaccumulation of zinc were studied in populations of the gastropod mollusc Littorina saxatilis from sites in the Isle of Man subjected to varying degrees of mine-related metal contamination. Exposures to 2 mg/L Zn alone and in combinations with 0.01 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L of the respective metals were conducted at ∼10 ∘C in semi-static assays. Copper had a significant antagonistic effect on Zn accumulation at 1 mg/L Cu, but was not antagonistic at 0.01 and 0.1 mg/L Cu. Prior exposure to metals in the field did not appear to affect the interactive effect of copper as all populations showed similar patterns. Combinations of Zn with Cd or Pb at the above concentrations did not show any significant effects on Zn accumulation. On the other hand, Zn had an antagonistic effect on Cd and Pb accumulation but showed inconsistent effects on Cu accumulation. Interactions of Cu and Zn in particular may have repercussions for interpretation of biomonitoring data in L. saxatilis.

Journal Article
TL;DR: A combination of field cells was used in experiments involving biostimulation with agricultural fertilizers to evaluate the bioremediation of a crude oil polluted agricultural soil at different levels of soil water as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A combination of field cells was used in experiments involving biostimulation with agricultural fertilizers to evaluate the bioremediation of a crude oil polluted agricultural soil at different levels of soil water. Petroleum pollution of an agricultural soil was simulated on the field by pouring crude oil on the cells from perforated cans. Remediation options involving the introduction of mineral fertilizers and periodic application of different amounts of water to the contaminated soils were then utilized for treatment. Laboratory analysis of soil characteristics showed an increase in the total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) counts and a corresponding reduction in soil organic carbon and total hydrocarbon content (THC) at the end of the six-week remediation period. The percentage of THC reduction ranged from 44% to 90% in the five treatment cells. The control site, which received no treatment, revealed no significant hydrocarbon loss (3%) within the study period. The results of the total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) counts revealed that petroleum-degrading bacteria responded to variations in soil water level during their metabolic activity; this corroborated with the correlation analysis between percent of THC reduction and time across the treatment cells, which indicated significance at 5% probability level thus highlighting the position that different soil moisture levels induces marked differences in biodegradation rates as remediation period increases. This implies that the level of water in the soil is a major factor that affect biodegradation rate and hence attention has to be given to the control of the moisture level in the soil to optimum, in order to achieve an accelerated biological clean up of petroleum polluted agricultural soils in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study concludes that priority should be given to prompt sale and utilization (<3 days) of clams, particularly large clams and the use of dry storage to reduce postharvest mortality and weight losses will potentially increase the profitability of the clam industry.
Abstract: Freshly harvested clams (Galatea paradoxa Born) obtained from the Cross River, Nigeria were subjected to live storage for 7 days in or outside of water. The objective was to study the effects of storage method and duration on mortality, weight changes and selected physical and physicochemical properties of the clams. Overall, 62 or 35% of the stored clams died over the 7-day duration under wet (potable water) or dry storage, respectively. No deaths were recorded in day 1 (wet storage) or in days 1-3 (dry storage). Regression analysis showed linear relationships between storage duration and each of the dependent-quality variables of weight change, density, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) evaluated under both storage methods. The regression coefficients (pl, β2) for assayed quality parameters in wet or dry storage were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). R 2 were generally larger for dry storage than for wet storage. Initial clam weights did not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) affect weight change during storage, indicating that weight loss during dry storage was statistically invariant with clam weight. The study concludes that priority should be given to prompt sale and utilization (<3 days) of clams, particularly large clams. The use of dry storage to reduce postharvest mortality and weight losses will potentially increase the profitability of the clam industry.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a survey in 23 local-government areas of the Rivers State, Nigeria to investigate the amount of energy consumed by tractors used in activities associated with the growing of cassava and yam crops in those areas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Eleven Musa hybrids, with resistance to black Sigatoka disease were used in this study, and flour yield was expressed as percentage of the bunch weight, and significant differences in flour yield were observed across the genotypes.
Abstract: Post harvest evaluation is an important criterion in the screening of plantain and banana hybrids. Processing is a means of adding value to fruits, while extending shelf life and facilitating transportation. This study aimed at determining genetic differences among plantain and banana hybrids for flour yield to facilitate adoption and industrialisation. Eleven Musa hybrids, with resistance to black Sigatoka disease were used in this study. Flour was obtained by milling dried pulps, and flour yield was expressed as percentage of the bunch weight. Significant differences in flour yield were observed across the genotypes. Among the hybrids, highest flour yield (16.5%) was obtained in 548-9, while 25273-1 had the lowest (10.3%). Flour yield did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between Obono l'Ewai (18.5%) and two of the hybrids, 548-9 (16.5%) and 25502-S4 (16.4%). However, there was a significant difference (p Musa hybrids based on high yield at harvest and flour yield potential. Plantain and banana hybrids may therefore constitute important source of flour for baking industry. Keywords : hybrids, black Sigatoka resistant, adoption, flour yield, utilisation Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12(1) 2006: 41-43

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Twenty‐eight rural women of the Niger Delta were infected with the human warble fly larva, Cordylobia anthropophaga, and of the women examined, 22 (78.5%) were nursing‐mothers and a positive correlation was drawn between the incidence of breast and oral myiases.
Abstract: Twenty-eight rural women of the Niger Delta were infected with the human warble fly (Tumbu fly) larva, Cordylobia anthropophaga, and of the women examined, 22 (78.5%) were nursing-mothers. Among the percentage of women with cutaneous myiasis, 20 had multiple myiases in their breasts. Larvae were also extracted from the upper and lower lips of breast-fed infants. A positive correlation was drawn between the incidence of breast and oral myiases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The acid-base indicator properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts from calyces of H. sabdariffa (Zobo) and a dye obtained from the ripe fruits of Basella alba (Indian spinach), two local plants, were investigated as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The acid-base indicator properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts from calyces of H. sabdariffa (Zobo) and a dye obtained from the ripe fruits of Basella alba (Indian spinach), two local plants, were investigated. A purple coloured dye obtained from the ripe fruits of Basella alba showed a λmax at 580nm, absorptivity of 0.2269 and was found to be photochemically unstable. A deep red coloured dye obtained from aqueous and ethanol extracts of H. sabdariffa had λmax of 520nm and 540nm and absorptivities of 0.1909 and 0.1187 respectively. The peaks are associated with nЛ* transitions. In strong acid/strong base titrations using the dyes as indicators, the end-points obtained agreed well with those obtained using conventional indicators. The dyes were found not suitable for weak acid/weak base titrations. The K a of the purple dye from Basella alba was of the order of 10 -5 while that of the red dye from H. sabdariffa was of the order of 10 -6 . Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 10(1) 2006: 5-8

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The stability of cocosoy beverages treated with varying levels of gum acacia solution was determined visually and objectively after 5 days of quiescent refrigerated storage as discussed by the authors, and the results showed that the stability was significantly higher for all the tested sensory attributes.
Abstract: Beverages formulated from extracts of blanched coconut meat and germinated soybean were compared for their proximate composition to achieve the recommendations for vegetable milks. The stability of cocosoy beverage treated with varying levels (0.2–1.0%, v/v) of a 20% gum acacia solution was determined visually and objectively after 5 days of quiescent refrigerated storage. Cocosoy beverage (50:50, v/v coconut milk to soy milk) had 3.51% protein, 3.53% fat and 5.17% carbohydrate. Similarly, it contained 13.0, 5.2, 14.7, 18.7, 0.5 and 0.3 g kg−1 K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and P, respectively. Compared with whole coconut milk and reconstituted whole milk powder, cocosoy beverage had significantly higher total solid contents and viscosity but lower pH and buffer index. A total solids top to bottom (T/B) ratio and protein (T/B ratio) of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively, corresponding to a separation index of 1.0, was obtained in cocosoy beverage stabilised with 1.0% gum acacia. Cocosoy beverage stabilised with 1.0% (v/v) gum acacia was rated significantly higher for all the tested sensory attributes. Cocosoy beverage, similar to whole coconut milk, had high contents of glucose and sucrose, a moderate content of fructose, low content of raffinose and no trace of stachyose. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that significant concentrations of heavy metals are accumulated more on the surface (0-15cm depth) of the dredged material as compared to the sub surface (15-30cm) and post dredged sediments.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an exact model for the falling-rate period of drying of solids based on Sherwood's diffusion theory is presented, where an external evaporation-controlled constant rate period is followed by an internal diffusion-controlled falling rate period.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the levels of soil parameters and selected heavy metals around a solid waste dumpsite receiving untreated wastes from all sources and a control site within Port Harcourt, Nigeria have been examined.
Abstract: The levels of soil parameters and selected heavy metals around a solid waste dumpsite receiving untreated wastes from all sources and a control site within Port Harcourt, Nigeria have been examined. Top soil (0–15 cm) and sediment samples were collected and analysed for pH value, particle size, total nitrogen, potassium, available phosphorus, organic matter, effective cation exchange capacity, cadmium, nickel and lead using standard methods. The results showed that the waste dump contributed to the high levels of nutrients and heavy metals. The dry season mean concentrations were: organic matter (5.28 ± 1.34% or 132,422.4 kg ha−1), K (1.60 ± 0.52 meq per 100 g), N (0.09 ± 0.06% or 2257.2 kg ha−1), Av.P (15.11 ± 7.57 μg g−1), Cd (1.34 ± 0.72 μg g−1), Ni (4.10 ± 1.63 μg g−1) and Pb (38.85 ± 22.18 μg g−1) while the wet season mean concentrations were organic matter (5.46 ± 1.39% or 136,936.8 kg ha−1), K (2.79 ± 0.81 meq per 100 g), N (0.10 ± 0.05% or 2508 kg ha−1), Av.P (9.22 ± 2.69 μg g−1), Cd (1.72 ± 1.22 μg g−1), Ni (14.95 ± 14.94 μg g−1) and Pb (53.50 ± 40.09 μg g−1). There was efficient mineralization process in the area. The texture of soil on the main dumpsite was loamy sand, which suggests that the ground water in the area is susceptible to contamination by surface pollutants. The texture of soil at the control site is sandy loam while sediment has the textural class of sand. Decomposed organic materials and agricultural activities influenced the texture of soils. The soils from the main dump and sediment were slightly alkaline while the control soil was moderately acidic. In both seasons, a significant variation exists (P < 0.05) between the metal concentrations in soil at the main dump and those in the sediments with a positive correlation (r = 0.572149) in the wet season and (r = 0.956647) in the dry season. The presence of liming materials and activities of microorganisms on the waste dump increased the pH of the soils. The accumulation of nutrients results in the luxuriant growth of plants/crops on the waste dump. Resume Le niveau de divers parametres et le taux de certains metaux lourds ont ete examines autour d'une decharge qui recoit des dechets solides non traites de toutes origines et sur un site de controle dans Port Harcourt. On a recolte des echantillons de la partie superieure du sol (0 a 15 cm) et des sediments et on les a analyses pour connaitre le pH, la taille des particules, l'azote total, le potassium, le phosphore disponible, la matiere organique, la capacite effective d’echange de cations, le cadmium, le nickel et le plomb, en utilisant des methodes standards. Les resultats ont montre que la decharge contribuait aux taux eleves de nutriments et de metaux lourds. Les concentrations moyennes en saison seche etaient: matieres organiques (5,28 ± 1,34% ou 132.422,4 kg ha−1), K (1,60 ± 0,52 meq per 100 g), N (0,09 ± 0,06% ou 2.257,2 kg ha−1), P disp. (15,11 ± 7,57 μg g−1), Cd (1,34 ± 0,72 μg g−1), Ni (4,10 ± 1,63 μg g−1) et Pb (38,85 ± 22,18 μg g−1), tandis qu'en saison des pluies, les concentrations moyennes etaient pour les matieres organiques (5,46 ± 1,39% ou 136.936,8 kg ha−1), K (2,79 ± 0,81 meq/100 gr), N (0,10 ± 0,05% ou 2.508 kg ha−1), P disp. (9,22 ± 2,69 μg g−1), Cd (1,72 ± 1,22 μg g−1), Ni (14,95 ± 14,94 μg g−1) et Pb (53,50 ± 40,09 μg g−1). Il y a un processus efficace de mineralisation dans la zone. La texture du sol de la decharge principale est un sable riche, ce qui suggere que l'eau souterraine est sensible a la contamination des polluants de surface. La texture du sol du site de controle est un terreau sableux alors que les sediments ont une texture de la classe des sables. Les matieres organiques decomposees et les activites agricoles influencaient la texture des sols. Les sols de la decharge principale et des sediments etaient legerement alcalins alors que le sol de controle etait moderement acide. Pendant les deux saisons, il existe une variation significative (P < 0,05) de la concentration du sol en metaux entre la decharge principale et les sediments, avec une correlation positive (r = 0,572149) en saison des pluies et (r = 0,956647) en saison seche. La presence de residus de chaux et l'activite des microorganismes sur la decharge ont augmente le pH des sols. L'accumulation de nutriments a comme consequence la croissance luxuriante des plantes et des cultures sur la decharge.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that autologous transfusion should form part of a strategy to minimise the risk associated with allogeneic transfusion in Nigeria and other developing countries.
Abstract: The discovery of HIV and other transfusion-transmissible infections has increased the demand for alternatives to allogeneic blood transfusion. One such alternative is autologous transfusion. This review presents an analysis of autologous transfusion. We conclude that autologous transfusion should form part of a strategy to minimise the risk associated with allogeneic transfusion in Nigeria and other developing countries. South African Journal of Surgery Vol. 44 (3) 2006: pp. 114-119

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The plasma levels of some blood coagulation parameters; prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK), thrombin clotting time, (TCT), fibrinogen and factor X assay were determined in 50 Nigerian homozygous (HbSS) patients and 50 HbAA healthy individuals for the purpose of assessing their baseline values and susceptibility of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to hyper coagulability as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The plasma levels of some blood coagulation parameters; prothrombin time, (PT), partial thromboplastin time with kaolin (PTTK), thrombin clotting time, (TCT), fibrinogen and factor X assay were determined in 50 Nigerian homozygous (HbSS) patients and 50 HbAA healthy individuals for the purpose of assessing their baseline values and susceptibility of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to hyper coagulability. Standard procedures were used for all variables. The mean age of the study participants was 21.7 +/- 5.0 years. The mean PT of 13.7 +/- 1.4 s in HbSS patients was found to be significantly longer than the mean PT value of 12.9 +/- 1.0 in HbAA control subjects (p < 0.001). The mean PTTK values of 46.0 +/- 9.6 s in HbSS patients was also found to be significantly higher than the 41.0 +/- 3.7 s recorded among the control subjects (p < 0.001). The mean TCT of 6.4 +/- 0.8 s in HbSS patients was however found to be significantly lower than the mean value of 10.6 +/- 0.8 s obtained in the control group. Fibrinogen level (4.1 +/- 2.1 g/l) in HbSS patients and 2.8 +/- 0.9 g/l in HbAA controls was also found to be significantly different (p < 0.001). Factor X level in the sickle cell patients, (64.6 +/- 14.9%) was equally found to be significantly lower than that of the apparently healthy HbAA control individuals (95.2 +/- 7.2%) (p < 0.001).

Posted Content
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the liquidity management practices of selected Nigerian banks by evaluating the relevance of treasury objectives in bank portfolio management, causes of asset-liability mismatch in banks, 4) incidence of treasury risk, 5) adequacy or appropriateness of liquidity risk management techniques, 6) liquidity planning practices of Nigerian banks, and 7) extent of liquidity exposure in banks.
Abstract: This study investigates the liquidity management practices of selected Nigerian banks by evaluating 1) the relevance of treasury objectives in bank portfolio management, 2) causes of asset-liability mismatch in banks, 3) causes of liquidity crisis, 4) incidence of treasury risk, 5) adequacy or appropriateness of liquidity risk management techniques, 6) liquidity planning practices of Nigerian banks, and 7) extent of liquidity exposure in banks. The rampant reported cases of liquidity crisis and financial distress in the Nigerian banking industry have necessitated a study on how to manage the bank's liquidity exposure. To achieve these objectives, eighty copies of semi-structured questionnaire were administered on bankers charged with liquidity and risk management. With a response rate of 57.5 percent complemented by an analysis of the liquidity ratios of the selected banks, we found among others that most banks fall somewhere between purchased liquidity and stored liquidity strategies in managing their liquidity risk. However, their liquidity plans do not always detail a sequencing of assets for disposal in anticipation of various degrees or intensities of deposit/fund withdrawals. To survive the turbulence that follows the emerging reforms in the banking industry, bankers need contingence liquidity plans for their contingency liquidity needs. Otherwise sudden unexpected surge in net deposit withdrawals risks triggering a possible bank run which could eventually force a bank into insolvency.

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TL;DR: In this paper, sufficient computable criteria for the Euclidean null controllability of an infinite neutral differential system were established, when the controls are essentially bounded measurable functions on finite intervals, with values in a compact subset U of an m-dimensional space with zero in its interior.
Abstract: This paper is aimed at establishing sufficient computable criteria for the Euclidean null controllability of an infinite neutral differential system, when the controls are essentially bounded measurable functions on finite intervals, with values in a compact subset U of an m-dimensional Euclidean space with zero in its interior Our results are obtained by exploiting the stability of the free system and the rank criterion for properness of the controlled system An example is also given

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There were positive correlations between DM intake and number of visits, number of bites, time spent on each fodder browsing and the coefficient of preference.
Abstract: Eleven acid soil-tolerant multipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) were assessed for preference and palatability with mature West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep using the cafeteria method. About 500 g each of the MPTS were weighed in triplicates into plastic feeding troughs and randomly placed around the perimeter of a Panicum maximum paddock (25 m × 25 m). Five ewes averaging 25.24 ± 0.69 kg were allowed 4 h access to the browse species daily for 12 d. Dry matter intake differed (p A. cordifolia > L. leucoephala > B. monandra > D. guineensis > H. madagascariensis > T. tetraptera > T. africana > A. bella > B. grandiflora > C. calothyrsus.

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TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate and examine human perception of causes, frequency, duration, impact, adjustment patterns and local attempts of control, protection and flood prediction in Niger Delta.
Abstract: Purpose – To evaluate and examine human perception of causes, frequency, duration, impact, adjustment patterns and local attempts of control, protection and flood prediction in Niger Delta. This will enable rural dwellers to appreciate some local flood control measures.Design/methodology/approach – Through questionnaires administered in reclaimed areas of urban centres and flood prone communities in the Niger Delta. The data abstracted from questionnaires were then analyzed through Kruskal‐Wallis Function. The Kruskal‐Wallis approach was used as it takes care of large data points, which consists of nominal or ordinal data.Findings – Human perception of flooding as regards impact and local attempts at flood prediction differ among Niger Delta States. The study highlights the socio‐economic implications of flooding as regards to causes, effects, control and predictive measures.Practical implications – Assist rural dwellers on cheaper local and emergency measures such as use of sand bars, opening up of creek...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study indicates a modest correlation between absolute and CD4 lymphocyte counts of HIV-infected Nigerians and at CD3 lymphocyte count threshold significant for clinical management of HIV, and can become a minimal inexpensive alternative to CD4ymphocyte count in conjunction with WHO staging and clinical status of patient.
Abstract: BACKGROUND Few laboratories in resource-constrained countries can afford to perform laboratory-monitoring tests required for the implementation of HIV therapy. In this case control study, we have investigated the relevance of absolute lymphocyte count as a surrogate marker for CD4 lymphocyte count as a criterion for initiating HAARTin HIV-infected Nigerians. METHODS A total of 100 consecutive recruited HIV-infected, previously antiretroviral naive persons and 30 HIV-negative individuals blood samples were run for absolute lymphocyte and CD4 lymphocyte counts and results were compared by a model of linear regression analysis. RESULTS An overall modest correlation was observed between absolute lymphocyte count and CD4 lymphocyte (r = 0.51) and at CD4 lymphocyte threshold relevant for clinical management of HIV-infected; 350 cells/microL (r = 0.41, 0.30 and 0.21) respectively. Mean absolute lymphocyte count of 1.60 +/- 0.77 x 10(9)/L, 1.88 +/- 1.11 x 10(9)/L and 2.04 +/- 0.54 x 10(9)/L was equivalent respectively to CD4 of 350 cells/microL. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a modest correlation between absolute and CD4 lymphocyte counts of HIV-infected Nigerians and at CD4 lymphocyte count threshold significant for clinical management of HIV-infected. Absolute lymphocyte count can become a minimal inexpensive alternative to CD4 lymphocyte count in conjunction with WHO staging and clinical status of patient in determining the optimal time to initiate therapy particularly in resource limited settings where other expensive methods of CD4 enumeration are unavailable.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the effect of pesticide on a predominant fish in the Niger Delta of Nigeria found that chlorpyrifos depressed concentrations of erythrocyte, leucocyte and haematocrit more than cypermethrin, and variations between treatments were significant for both pesticides.
Abstract: This study is aimed at examining the effect of pesticide on a predominant fish in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The effects of cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos on Tilapia guineensis juveniles were evaluated using haematological parameters (erythrocyte and leucocyte numbers and haematocrit) of the fish. The fish was exposed to varying sub-lethal levels of the two pesticides (cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos) at different concentrations (0.0006, 0.00125, 0.0025, and 0.005 ppm) for 8 weeks to assess the effects of the pesticides on haematological status of the fish. The erythrocyte, leucocyte, and haematocrit of T. guineensis exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of the two toxicants declined with concentration. The variations between treatments observed for erythrocyte, leucocyte, and haematocrit were significant for both pesticides. The variations between cypermethrin treatments were F = 9.63 >P = 0.45 0.05 , F = 5.08 >P = 0.008 0.05 , and F = 11.03 >P = 0.002 0.05 for leucocyte, erythrocyte and haematocrit, respectively. Chlorpyrifos showed similar trend of F = 5.89 >P = 0.040.05, F = 9.04 > P = 0.004 0.05 , and F = 8.03 > P = 0.0009 0.05 for the same parameters. In addition, chlorpyrifos depressed concentrations of erythrocyte, leucocyte and haematocrit more than cypermethrin. Histological changes were observed in the erythrocyte of the fish. These conditions were more severe in the higher concentrations of the pesticide. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 37 2004: 59-67