Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2012"

Heavy metals health risk assessment for population via consumption of food crops and fruits in Owerri, South Eastern, Nigeria

Abstract: This study assessed lead, cadmium, and nickel level in food crops, fruits and soil samples from Ohaji and Umuagwo and Owerri in South Eastern Nigeria and estimated the potential health risks of metals. Samples were washed, oven-dried at 70–80°C for 24 h and powdered. Samples were digested with perchloric acid and nitric acid. Metals were analysed with Unicam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni in Ohaji exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for agricultural soil as recommended by EU. Lead, Cd, and Ni in the food crops were highest in Oryza sativa, Glycine max, and Pentabacta microfila respectively. Highest levels of Pb, Cd, and Ni, in fruits were detected in Canarium schweinfurthii, Citrus reticulata, Ananas comosus respectively. The true lead and cadmium intake for the rice based meal were 3.53 and 0.034 g/kg respectively. Whereas the true intake of lead and cadmium for the cassava based meal were 19.42 and 0.049 g/kg respectively. Local food stuff commonly available in South Eastern Nigeria villages may contribute to the body burden of heavy metal. This is of public health importance.

Effect of Chemical Activation on the Adsorption of Heavy Metals Using Activated Carbons from Waste Materials

Abstract: The effect of chemical activation on the adsorption of metals ions (Cr2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+) using waste Nigerian based bamboo, coconut shell, and palm kernel shell was investigated. The bamboo, coconut, and palm kernel shell were carbonized at 400°C–500°C and activated at 800°C using six activating agents. Chemical activation had significant effect on the iodine number and invariably increased the micropores and macropores of the activated carbons produced from bamboo, coconut, and palm kernel shell. It also affected the adsorption of metal ions and the type of carboneous material used for activation. The highest metal ions adsorbed were obtained from bamboo activated with HNO3. The cellulose nitrite formed during the activation of bamboo with HNO3 combined with high pore volume and low ash content of bamboo effectively create more reaction sites for adsorption of different metal ions. This shows that waste bamboo activated with HNO3 can effectively be used to remove metal ions from waste streams and in different metal recovery processes than activated carbon from coconut shell and palm kernel shell.

Determinants of Market Participation in Nigerian Small- Scale Fishery Sector: Evidence from Niger Delta Region

Abstract: This study was designed to determine the factors that influence fisher farmers to participate in the marketing of their produce in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A total of 120 fish farmers were randomly selected for the study. The data gathered through the use of a structured questionnaire were analyzed using the logistic regression model. The probability of participating in fish marketing was significantly determined by household size, distant to the nearest marketing channel, price of the commodity and sex of the fish farmer/marketer. Market infrastructure development, provision of marketing incentives to women and development of an institutionalized marketing information service are recommended.

The Performance of the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector: A 52-Year Analysis of Growth and Retrogression (1960- 2012)

Abstract: This paper examines the performance of the Nigerian manufacturing sector since independence in 1960 using such performance indices as percentage contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, index of manufactured products, percentage growth rate, manufacturing value added, employment growth rate, and percentage of capacity utilization within this period. Secondary sources like the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, Annual Reports and Statements of Accounts as well as the Statistical Facts sheets of the National Bureau of Statistics and other publications were used in collecting the data. The main finding is that despite many policies and developmental initiatives undertaken by successive civilian and military administrations since independence, the Nigerian manufacturing sector has grossly underperformed in relation to its potentials. Daunting challenges facing the sector include unfavourable business environment, erratic power supply, poor and decaying physical infrastructures, multiple taxations, obsolete technology, high interest rates and inconsistency in government policies. The paper concludes by making recommendations for achieving a verile manufacturing sector.

HIV Among Military Personnel in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract: The military community is considered a high-risk environment for HIV transmission. In this study, a total of One hundred and fifty military personnel aged between 20 and 55 years attending the Nigerian army Hospital, Air Force Clinic and Police Clinic in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were randomly recruited for the study. Samples were tested for HIV using an immunochromatographic assay. The CD4 cell count was estimated using the Partec Cyflow Counter (Partec, Germany). Results of the study showed an overall HIV prevalence rate of 14.67%. The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher among subjects in the ≥40 years age group (P = 0.03). The HIV prevalence was higher among female subjects compared to male military personnel (P = 0.05). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between the CD4 count and HIV positivity (r = -0.443, P<0.01). Out of the 22 subjects positive for HIV, 9.1% were severely immune compromised with CD4 count below<200 cells/μL while 72.7 and 18.2% had CD4 count of 200-350 and 350-500 cells/μL respectively. There is need for the development of a strategic plan that integrates HIV/AIDS and other STIs programs into existing systems and structures to foster behavior change through information dissemination. Policies should be instituted to make condoms regularly available and freely distributed, with the goal of achieving a 100%-condom-use rate. There is the need for an effective voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and sentinel surveillance survey in the Nigerian military. Also critical is the establishment of a fully integrated and comprehensive care and support system including universal access of antiretroviral treatment for infected people.

A Seasonal Arima Model for Daily Nigerian Naira-Us Dollar Exchange Rates

Abstract: Time series analysis of daily Nigerian Naira-US Dollar Exchange Rates (DNDER) data is conducted. The time plot reveals a positive trend. Seasonality of order 7 is observed; troughs tend to appear on Mondays and peaks on Fridays. Seasonal differencing once produced a series SDDNDER with a slightly overall negative trend. A non-seasonal differencing of SDDNDER yielded a series DSDDNDER with no trend but with a correlogram revealing seasonality of order 7. Moreover, the correlogram reveals the involvement of a seasonal moving average component of order 1 and a nonseasonal autoregressive component of order 2. An adequate multiplicative seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, (2, 1, 0)x(0, 1, 1)7, is therefore fitted to the series.

Access of Rural Women to Agricultural Information in the Eleme Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study assessed rural women's access to agricultural information in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria using a sample size of 100 farm women. Field data were elicited with an interview schedule and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that only 40% of the respondents had access to agricultural information and that their major sources of information were friends/family members and fellow farmers. Findings further revealed that agricultural information resulted in increased farm productivity among recipients. The major constraints to information access were unavailability of extension agents, insufficient funds, and complexity of information. The study recommends availability of more extension agents, delivery of micro-credit, and simplification of information to improve rural women's access to agricultural information in the study area.

Higher blood lead levels in rural than urban pregnant women in Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: While blood lead levels (BLLs) in many western countries have progressively declined over the years, in Nigeria, high BLLs continue to be documented not only in exposed workers but also in ‘unexposed’ subjects.1 Lead is an environmental toxin that is capable of causing numerous acute and chronic illnesses. Pregnant women with elevated BLLs transfer lead to the fetus since blood-borne lead crosses the placenta. Through a consideration of the joint associations of maternal BLLs, demographics, obstetrics variables and plasma enzymes levels, this study has attempted to provide data required for crafting effective public health information with …

Macro-habitat preferences by the African manatee and crocodiles – ecological and conservation implications

Abstract: . African manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) and crocodiles are threatened species in parts of their range. In West Africa, crocodiles may constitute the main predators for manatees apart from humans. Here, we explore the macro-habitat selection of manatees and two species of crocodiles (West African crocodiles Crocodylus suchus and dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus tetraspis) in the Niger Delta (Nigeria), testing the hypotheses that (i) manatees may avoid crocodiles in order to minimize risks of predation, and (ii) the two crocodile species do compete. The study was carried out between 1994 and 2010 with a suite of different field techniques. We observed that the main macro-habitat types were freshwater rivers and coastal lagoons for manatees, mangroves for West African crocodiles, and rivers and creeks for dwarf crocodiles, with (i) the three species differing significantly in terms of their macro-habitat type selection, and (ii) significant seasonal influence on habitat selection of each species. Null models for niche overlap showed a significantly lower overlap in macro-habitat type use between manatee and crocodiles, whereas the two crocodiles were relatively similar. Null model analyses did not indicate any competitive interactions between crocodiles. On the other hand, manatees avoided macro-habitats where crocodiles, and especially West African crocodiles, are abundant.

Pinch analysis of heat exchanger networks in the crude distillation unit of Port-Harcourt refinery

Abstract: The pinch analysis of the heat exchanger networks in the crude distillation unit of the New Port-Harcourt refinery has been performed. This analysis is aimed at ascertaining the energy efficiency and operation of the heat exchangers used in preheating the crude. Process data of the heat exchanger networks (HEN) were collected to formulate a problem table and used in Aspen-Pinch ® software for pinch analysis of the networks. The software produced the composite and grand composite curves, the grid representation and target reports. From these, the minimum heating and cooling requirements of the entire network, the process streams not properly matched and the heat exchangers not properly placed were obtained. The analysis indicated that a total of 98916.1 KW hot utility, 8298.7 KW cold utility were not utilized within the network (poor process stream matching) and that ten heat exchangers were not properly placed. Hence the heat exchangers in the crude distillation unit need to be retrofitted to ensure adequate heat recovery, process to process integration and efficient energy utilization within the network.

Effect of cassava based diet on some heamatological parameters in albino rats fed petroleum contaminated diet

Abstract: The study was carried out to ascertain the effect of a cassava based diet (gari) on crude oil heamato-toxicity in albino rats by feeding diet contaminated with various concentrations of crude oil mixed with 20% gari to determine the protective effect of gari. The haematological parameters haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell count (WBC)(Total and differential) were monitored in the animals. Gari feeding at 20% caused insignificant dose dependent decrease in Hb and PCV but significant dose dependent white blood cell count in gari fed albino rats compared with Petroleum fed albino rats (P<0.05). Dose dependent decrease in Hb, PCV and white blood cell count was also observed in petroleum fed rats compared with their controls (P<0.05). The study showed that ingestion of petroleum contaminated diet caused decreased haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell count, an indicator of possible blood damage but supplementation of the diet with 20% gari decreased the haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell count observed in petroleum fed albino rats. This study showed that feeding on gari diet did not reverse the damage caused by crude petroleum as evidenced by insignificant differences in Hb and PCV concentrations possibly as result of cyanide present in the gari. Industrial relevance Cassava is a staple food in human diets in over 80 countries (Gomez, et al 1988). Gari a starchy food prepared from cassava (Manihot utilisima) tubers is one of the most popular staple foods of the people of the rain forest belt of West Africa. Gari contains mainly starch-20% amylase and 70% amylopectin having lost the soluble carbohydrates. Crude petroleum is capable of eliciting haemolytic toxicity of the blood cells in conditions of long- exposure causing decrease haemoglobin, white cell count and PCV levels. The study was carried out to see the effect of gari, a staple food on haemolytic toxicity caused by crude petroleum. Keywords: Cassava; Gari; Petroleum; haemato-toxicity

Does interspecific competition with a stronger competitor explain the rarity of an endangered snake on a Mediterranean island

Abstract: Interspecific competition has been demonstrated to be an important shaping force for snake communities worldwide, but relatively few studies have investigated its occurrence and extent with island assemblages of snakes. In Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea), two species of whip snakes (Colubridae) co-occur, one of them being abundant and widespread (Hierophis viridiflavus) and the other being localized and critically endangered (Hemorrhois hippocrepis). A previous hypothesis suggested that the latter species would be confined to suboptimal habitats by the former species, which is a stronger competitor for food. As a consequence, He. hippocrepis would not only be rare but would also be smaller in body size in Sardinia than in other regions of its range where Hi. viridiflavus does not occur. In 1999–2010, we studied habitat selection, food habits, and body sizes of these two snakes in sympatric populations, applying a suite of statistical tools including null models and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed that dietary habits were different between species (compared to Hi. viridiflavus, He. hippocrepis more frequently preyed upon rodents and less frequently on lizards, and within rodent prey, more frequently upon Rattus and less frequently upon Mus), but not in a way compatible with competitively induced trophic niche partitioning. The two species were similar in terms of prey size and predator-size–prey-size relationships. They also differed in habitat selection (maquis was the preferred habitat for both, but Hi. viridiflavus was found significantly more often than He. hippocrepis in grasslands, cultivations, and artificial pinewoods) but again in a non-competitively directed way. In addition, there was no evidence for the hypothesis that He. hippocrepis was confined to suboptimal habitats. Body sizes were similar between species (with males being significantly larger than females), and Sardinian He. hippocrepis were not smaller than conspecifics inhabiting regions without Hi. viridiflavus. Overall, our study showed that the two species differed in some aspects of their ecology, but these differences could not be due to competitive interactions. The conservation implications of these results are also discussed.

Effect of Vitamin E on Haematological Parameters in Albino Rats Treated with Gasoline

Abstract: This study was carried out to ascertain the antioxidant properties of vitamin E on haematoxicity caused by gasoline in albino rats using the haemoglobin and white cell count as indices. Thirty-five rats fed diet containing 1000iu of vitamin E per 100mg of feed for 2 weeks (to saturation) prior experiment were injected gasoline intraperitoneally while symptoms of toxicity and haematological parameters were monitored. The result showed that feeding on vitamin E diet increased the haemoglobin concentration while decreasing the elevated white cell count observed in gasoline treated rats, thereby conferring some protection against gasoline on the rats. The study also showed dose dependent reduction in haemoglobin concentration and increase white cell count in gasoline treated rats compared with increase haemoglobin and decrease white cell count in vitamin E treated rats. There was significant increase in haemoglobin concentration and decrease white cell count of vitamin E treated rats when compared with gasoline treated rats. This suggests that vitamin E conferred some protection on the rats against the haematotoxic effect of gasoline. Therefore feeding on diet containing vitamin E could help reverse the effect of gasoline intoxication in the body since it acts mainly as an antioxidant.

Organizational Development: The Management of Change in Industrial Organizations in Nigeria

Abstract: This study is centered on the management of change in industrial organizations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two null hypotheses were stated, a sectional survey was conducted using data which were from the Nigerian Engineering works, Port Harcourt, with the aid of questionnaire and personal discussions. The response of the questionnaire services serve as the basic element of the study. The instrument for collecting the primary data consisted of 120 copies of questionnaire administered personally to the respondents, which constituted the sample size. The hypotheses were tested with the use of Chi-square (X2) formula. The findings of the research revealed that change management is a great phenomenon that enhances the performance of the industrial organizations and that if more attentions are given, industrial organizations definitely will have a good standard. We therefore recommend that the management should encourage change in the industrial organizations and that industrial organizations are better of with innovative process on products and procedures of production.

A Multiplicative Seasonal Arima Model for Nigerian Unemployment Rates

Abstract: Time series analysis of Nigerian Unemployment Rates is done. The data used is monthly from 1948 to 2008. The time plot reveals a slightly positive trend with no clear seasonality. A multiplicative seasonal model is suggestive given seasonality that typically tends to increase with time. Seasonal differencing once produced a series with no trend nor discernible stationarity. A non-seasonal differencing of the seasonal differences yielded a series with no trend but with a correlogram revealing stationarity of order 12, a nonseasonal autoregressive component of order 3 and a seasonal moving average component of order 1. A multiplicative seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, (3, 1, 0)x(0, 1, 1)12, is fitted to the series. It has been shown to be adequate.

Comparison of Compressional-wave Velocity-depth Profiles from Surface and Downhole Detectors in the Near Surface in the Southeast Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract: Seismic refraction survey was conducted in the south-east Niger Delta at 27 stations using surface-detectors, and estimated near-surface compressional-wave velocities. At each station, a borehole was drilled with casing down to 60-m depth, and determined downhole compressional-wave velocities. Compressional-wave velocities estimated by surface-detectors were then compared with those estimated by downhole survey. The acquisition system includes 0.2kg dynamite, 12-channel-geophone and 11-channel-hydrophone receiver cables for surface-detectors and downhole surveys respectively. The soil layers in the Niger Delta has 2 distinct layers specified as follows, namely, top weathered layer of loose sand sediments with compressional wave velocity ranging from 213 to 763 ms-1 with an average of 503ms-1. Weathered-layer thickness ranges from 2.7 to 16.50m, with an average of 8.1m. Consolidated-layer compressional wave velocity ranges from 1580 to 1906ms-1, with an average of 737ms-1. A vertical velocity gradient of 30.5s-1 was calculated for the area. There exists a 7-18% difference between the velocities determined by the surface-wave and downhole methods. The surface-wave method gives spatially-averaged velocities along the line of traverse coincident with the geophone spread. In the case of downhole seismic method, velocities are specifically applicable only to the borehole location. The implication is that downhole measurements can be adversely affected by the local borehole factors and conditions resulting from casings and excessive collapse around the flushed-zone of the borehole. The spatially-averaged velocities and depths estimated by surface-detector method are more reliable for the site-specific characterization for reflection seismology, geotechnical engineering and groundwater.

Serum Enzyme and Histological Studies of Albino Rat Treated with Ethanol/potash Extract of Sorghum bicolor Leaf Sheath

Abstract: The effect of ethanol/potash extract of the leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor on the histology and serum enzymes was investigated using wistar albino rat placed in four groups of five rats each. The following quantities: 1000, 2000 and 3000mg of the extract was administered orally to the albino rats per kg body weight, while 0.5ml of 0.9% normal saline solution served as control to the fourth group. The rats were dissected after 14 days. Results for Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ranges as follows: 30-46 U/L, 07/137 U/L and 38-130U/L respectively. The high values of these liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) relative to control values are indicative of severe intra hepatic cell damage. Histopathological examination also, revealed lesion or alteration in the morphological features of the liver and kidney in all the animals. This sample used in the management of anaemia has been observed in rats under the conditions of this study to be toxic to both the liver and the kidney.

A Seasonal Box-Jenkins Model for Nigerian Inflation Rate Series

Abstract: Time series analysis of Nigerian Inflation rate series is done. A seasonal difference and then a non-seasonal one were obtained. The correlogram of the differenced series revealed a seasonal nature. It also revealed a seasonal moving average component and a non-seasonal autoregressive component. $A (5,1,0)\times(0,1,1)_{12}$ seasonal model was fitted and shown to be adequate.

Evaluation of Rhizosphere bacteria of Mangifera Indica (mango) and Terminalia Catappa (almond)

Abstract: Rhizoshere bacterial population and some physicochemical parameters of mango and almond plants, and a control soil was investigated. Mean data obtained for pH, electrical conductivity (μ$/cm), nitrate (ppm), and available phosphorus (ppm) were: 5.90, 0.29, 11.11, and 43.65 respectively for mango soil; 6.20, 0.37, 29.61 and 60.84 respectively for almond soil; 5.40, 0.43, 46.45 and 104.43 respectively for control soil. The data were within normal ranges that supported bacterial growth. Mango and almond rhizoshere soils were sandy loam, and control soil was loamy. Mean counts of heterotrophic bacteria (X105CFU G-1) were: 11.4 for mango soil, 13.8 for almond soil, and 20.8 for control soil. Control soil had highest bacterial counts when compared to counts of the two rhizoshere soils. Bacterial types isolated occurred in varying frequencies and included: Bacillus (25%), Corynebacterium (15%), Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Micrococcus (10%), Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Flavobacterium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Azomonas (5%). Bacillus occurred in all study soils, Corynebacterium occurred in mango and almond soils, Micrococcus occurred in mango and control soils, while the others occurred in one soil type only. This showed that rhizoshere soils supported the growth of different bacterial types.

Causes of failures in hospitality industry in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Abstract: This article is aimed at determining those problems associated with hospitality industry failures in Port Harcourt. With the ever-changing nature of the Nigerian business environment, a systematic approach to solve the problems becomes increasingly necessary. Coupled with the rapid increase in the number of corporate bodies and products or services today than before also calls for special attention. Base on what we gathered, to prosper in the business, either the individual must continue to add to his present skills and knowledge or he must gather around him human resources whose personality, training, skills, and energy can be combined into a productive corporate organization.

Econometric Analysis of Food Crops’ Response to Climate Variability and Macroeconomic Policies’ Reforms in Nigeria (1978-2009)

Abstract: This study investigated the extent to which climate variability (proxied by rainfall variability) and macroeconomic policies influenced food crop output in Nigeria. It used time series data obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria and National Bureau of Statistics (1978-2009). Four functional forms of OLS models were tried. The Cobb-Douglas function was finally adopted based on standard econometric model selection criteria and diagnosis. Chow test was used to test the hypotheses of the study. It was found that rainfall variability influenced crop output negatively. Climatic factor, loans guaranteed by Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund and lending rate were all statistically significant drivers of crop output in the economy at p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively. Their elasticities were respectively 4.01%, 0.52% and 0.98%. No structural difference between the economic reform era and the preceding era’s regression coefficients was found. Programmes to stem corruption and loan diversion; subsidization of agricultural credit and climate change adaptation capacity building programmes were recommended to bring about sustainable food security in the country.

Salinity tolerance of larvae of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (♀) X Heterobranchus bidorsalis (♂) hybrid

Abstract: Fourteen and twenty one day larvae were exposed to abrupt stepwise change in salinity (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ppt) for 96 hours to determine mortality, median lethal mortality, MLS and median lethal time, MLT. The fourteen day-old fry that were exposed to 0 – 6 ppt recorded 90%, 87.5% 77.5% and 10% survival at the end of the 96 hours test period. Those that were subjected to 8 ppt and 10 ppt had 100% morality within 48 and 12 hours, respectively. The median lethal salinity at 96 hours (MLS-96) was 4.4 ppt which was about half the value for 6 ppt. The cumulative mortality of the graded salinities did not differ in 4 and 8 ppt but differed in 6 and 10 ppt, whereas the time intervals differed at 24 and 36 hours but did not differ at 48 – 96 hours, p<0.05. The 21 day-old fingerlings transferred into 8, 10 and 12ppt, recorded 100% mortality with 12, 3 and 2 hours, respectively. Those transferred into 0, 4 and 6 ppt had 100%, 80% and 10% survival, respectively at the end of 96hours test period. The median lethal salinity (MLS-96) for 6 and 12 hours were the same 7.19 ppt, while that for 48 hours was 4.79 ppt. The median lethal time (MLT 50 ) for 8 ppt was 8.55 hours, which was seven and half times the value for 4 ppt. The cumulative mortality the various salinity concentrations were not different in 10 and 12 ppt, but differ in 4 – 8 ppt, p<0.05. Mortality at various time intervals did not differ at 36 – 96 hours, but did at 3 and 6 hours, p<0.05.

A sink/source combination against floating pollutions in river source water supply: the case of Edagberi/Betterland

Abstract: The Edagberi/Betterland Communities have been without a good source of water supply. The local population has lived over the years by drinking water from the Taylor Rivers without the due process of water treatment. However, a surface water scheme has never been favored and sunken boreholes have never been brought to function. The former is however, a surer means since both options require water treatment. Special design implications were the avoidance of all 'unnecessary' cost components and to take precautionary steps against possible oil spillage, which is considered as occupying the top layer of an element of flow.

Model of Radiation Transport at Cosmic Ray Shocks

Abstract: Using a framework of the radiation approximation followed by a two-term perturbation expansion for cosmic ray transport in the spherical polar coordinates (r, θ, φ) we identify the effect of cosmic ray radiation on shock dominated transport. The theory gives the possibility of an approximate description of some parameters (radiation and temperature) in cosmic ray propagation. This can be applied to solar wind acceleration. When the buoyancy parameter Fr is negligible, we find that the cosmic ray density at shock boundary (En) decreases with increasing temperature. It is also observed that the variation of radiation parameter N in cosmic ray transport has no significant effect in the temperature distribution. Thus, even when radiation is significant, it does not really modify the temperature within the cosmic ray region. However, for increases in the density at shock boundaries say (En), the temperature distribution decreases.

Physical self-efficacy level of adults involved in programmed physical exercises in rivers state, nigeria

Abstract: The study considered the level of physical self-efficacy of adults involved in programmed physical exercise in Rivers State. A sample of 300 sample respondents were involved in the study. 150 were involved in a programmed physical exercise for at least 6 months and 150 were involved neither in programmed physical exercise, nor any form of vigorous physical exercise. Age range of respondents was 35 – 45 years with a mean age of 40 years. An adapted form of physical self-efficacy scale (PSE) by Ryckman et al (1982) was administered on them. The sub-scales of the instrument were PPA–Perceived Physical Ability, PSC– Perceived Self Presentation Confidence and PSE – Overall Score on PSE. The study hypothesized that there will be no significant difference between those involved in programmed physical exercise and those not involved on physical self-efficacy; that there will be no significant difference between males and females involved in programmed physical exercises on physical self-efficacy. The study utilized the mean and standard deviation and the student t-test statistical techniques in analyzing data. The study found significant differences between those involved in programmed exercise (participants) and those not involved, on the overall physical self-efficacy scale. The study further found significant differences between males and females involved in programmed physical exercises on the PSC and PSE scales respectively. The study concluded that programmed physical exercise improved self-esteem, physical fitness and self-confidence. Sound mind in sound body will enable the participants improve their efficiency in carrying out their daily programmes. The implication for education is that it is only healthy persons that can contribute meaningfully and be involved in study which requires a lot of mental energy. The study therefore recommends involvement in programmed physical exercises for adults.

Inter-Disciplinary Approach to Developing Curriculum for Peace

Abstract: This paper discusses the issues of peace building in our cotemporary society and highlights the importance of peaceful co-existence in a multi-plural configuration like Nigeria. In this article, peace is viewed more in terms of ideological inclination at solving societal problems rather than merely chronicling incidence of war and other conflicts that might be a time bomb for resolving political, economic, social as well as religious differences in society. The paper emphases the value of peace in a democracy as this has the mechanism and the capacity to resolve global and regional issues that might give rise to conflict situation arising from lack of justice, equity and fairness in human interaction. Finally this paper sees a clear link between developing a positive attitude towards peace and peaceful co-existence and the obvious need to gradually tailor our curriculum along that direction.

Infrastructure development in global economic meltdown: a framework for the real estate professional's response

Abstract: The current global economic meltdown has major roots in real estate with the construction subsector being a very important economic indicator but also reacting faster to a recession arising from the usual resultant credit squeeze. As a response to recession, economic theorists recommend, among other things, investment in public goods such as infrastructure which itself is part of real estate. In agreement and to cope with the meltdown, this paper reviews the peculiarities of developing infrastructure and recommends the appropriate role for the built environment, and especially, real estate, professional from a developing country perspective.

Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom ( Pleurotus Tuber-regium ) on Supplemented Corncob with Rice Bran Substrate.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of supplementary corncob substrate with rice bran on yield of Pleurotus tuber-regium . 30% supplementation gave the best yield in terms of number of fruit bodies produced and weight of fruit bodies produced as 54g. 5 fruit bodies were produced each on 20% and 10% supplementation respectively. The least number of fruit bodies was produced (diameter of pileus, colour, and time of primordial appearance) on 0% supplementation. On the other parameters considered, there was no significant difference observed among the treatments. Further study in the effect of substrate supplementation on sustained yield of edible mushrooms in various harvests with regards to commercial production is recommended.