Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2017"

Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Heavy Metals in Farm Produce and Livestock around Lead-Contaminated Goldmine in Dareta and Abare, Zamfara State, Northern Nigeria

Abstract: Background. Hitherto studies in response to the June 2010 lead poisoning, Zamfara State, Nigeria, have focused on clinical interventions without information on livestock and other metals. Objective. This study has investigated the distribution of heavy metals in farm produce and livestock around lead-contaminated goldmine in Dareta and Abare, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methods. Vegetables, soil, water, blood, and different meat samples were harvested from goat, sheep, cattle, and chicken from Dareta, Abare, and Gusau communities. The samples were digested with 10 mL of a mix of nitric and perchloric acids; the mixture was then heated to dryness. Lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium, copper, magnesium, and nickel were analysed using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The daily intake, bioaccumulation factor, and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. Results. Chicken bone-muscles from Dareta had the highest concentrations of lead, zinc, and nickel (28.2750, 16.1650, and 4.2700 mg/kg, resp.), while chicken brain had the highest levels of cadmium, magnesium (0.3800 and 67.5400 mg/kg), and chromium (6.1650 mg/kg, kidney tissue inclusive). Conclusion. In addition to lead, cadmium may also be of concern in the contaminated mining communities of Zamfara State, Nigeria, given the high levels of cadmium in meat and vegetables samples from these areas.

Understanding the influence of non-wealth factors in determining bushmeat consumption: Results from four West African countries

Abstract: The meat of wild animals (bushmeat) is consumed extensively in many tropical regions. Over the past few decades bushmeat consumption has greatly increased, threatening the survival of some hunted species and the supply of animal protein to countless numbers of people. Understanding patterns of bushmeat consumption is thus vital to ensure the sustainable use of this resource. Although the economic drivers of bushmeat consumption have been well studied, non-wealth correlates have been poorly considered. Here, we analyse how variables such as age and gender may influence bushmeat consumption in four West African countries, within the Guinean forests (Togo and Nigeria) and Sahel (Burkina Faso and Niger). We interviewed a total of 2453 persons (1253 urban, 1200 in rural areas) to determine frequency of consumption of bushmeat as well as the main species eaten. We found significant differences in bushmeat consumption between rural and urban areas in all four countries. In particular, the proportion of persons not consuming any bushmeat was highest in urban areas. Gender differences in bushmeat consumption were not generally important but young people consistently avoided eating bushmeat, especially in Togo and Nigeria, and in urban areas. The complicated interplay between tradition and evolution of social systems (especially the trends towards westernization) may explain the different perceptions that people may have towards consuming bushmeat in the four studied countries. In addition, we found considerable variation in types of bushmeat eaten, with antelopes and large rodents eaten by the great majority of interviewees, but bats, monkeys, and snakes being avoided, especially in urban settlements.

State of knowledge of research in the Guinean forests of West Africa region

Abstract: The Guinean forests of West Africa (GFWA) region is of highest conservation value in Africa and worldwide. The aims of this review are to systematically identify and collate studies focusing on the environment in the region. We found that, after Google Scholar search, in over 112,000 results for 17 disciplines, three countries (Nigeria, Cameroon and Togo) were subjected to much more investigations than the other countries. Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone were the least studied countries, and overall there was a significant West to East increasing trend for all seven considered disciplines (Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Conservation biology, Pollution, Climate change and Ecological economy) in terms of number of results. Within ‘Ecology’ ‘macroecology and biodiversity’ was the most studied subdiscipline. Baseline taxonomic studies in ‘Zoology’ and ‘Botany’ received little interest, particularly in 2006–2016. For ‘Conservation biology’, studies focusing on ‘protected areas’ were more numerous than for any other subsector, followed by ‘biodiversity surveys’. Our analysis revealed that there were significantly more studies focusing on forests than on mangrove areas. Our results pointed out that, there is an urgent need for more rigorous taxonomical and fine-scale distribution studies of organisms across the whole region, not only for the traditionally overlooked groups (e.g. invertebrates). It is also stressed that studies of macropatterns in conservation biology research for the region should be performed by more reliable data at the more local scale, given the misuse that has been done by general studies of these limited/biased data for inferring patterns. Long-term longitudinal studies on biodiversity patterns of important forest sites and population biology of selected populations are urgently needed, as these have been almost entirely neglected to date. Crucial issues are still to be solved: for instance, it remains fully unresolved whether wildlife can best be protected through the promotion of human economic development or through integral conservation of important biodiversity areas.

Corporate Governance Disclosure in Developing Countries: A Comparative Analysis in Nigerian and South African Banks

Abstract: This research examines corporate governance disclosure in Nigerian and South African Banks using the unweighted disclosure index technique. This research provides a cross-sectional examination of c...

Aviation customers’ journey, who cares? Managing customer experiences with customer relationship management strategy: Insight into Nigerian customers’ perspectives

Abstract: This qualitative paper investigates Nigeria Air passengers’ experiences and how their experiences can be improved with customer relationship management initiatives for enhanced customer satisfactio...

Heavy metal contamination in fish (Callinectis amnicola) from an estuarine creek in the Niger Delta, Nigeria and health risk evaluation.

Abstract: Heavy metal bioconcentration in crabs from an estuarine creek in the Niger Delta was examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risk via human exposure to metal toxicity was evaluated. Mean metal levels (µg/g) were Cr 2.32 ± 0.71, Ni 2.76 ± 0.48, Cu 12.94 ± 3.53, Pb 5.67 ± 1.03, Ag 1.83 ± 0.71 and Cd 0.73 ± 0.14 with significant difference (p < 0.001) between periods. Ni, Pb and Cd had values above FAO/WHO recommended limits. Estimated daily intake values were below the reference oral doses and the target hazard quotient was <1 for each metal examined while hazard index for all metals was also <1. The target carcinogenic risk value for Ni was 3.4 × 10-3. Based on the evaluations, the study concluded that consumers of crabs from the study area had minimal/moderate metal toxicity exposures of no significant health concern but recommended continuous monitoring to detect anomalies.

Exploring the main threats to the threatened African spurred tortoise Centrochelys sulcata in the West African Sahel

Abstract: The African spurred tortoise Centrochelys sulcata is the second largest terrestrial turtle, with a scattered distribution across the West African Sahel. This species is threatened and declining consistently throughout its range, but little is known about the causes of its decline. It has been hypothesized that the decline is attributable to (1) competition with domestic cattle, (2) wildfire, and (3) the international pet trade. We conducted a series of analyses to investigate these three causes. Hypotheses 1 and 2 were analysed using a spatially explicit approach, using a database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and logistic regression modelling; hypothesis 3 was tested by analysing the CITES trade database for 1990–2010. We found a significant negative correlation between intensity of grazing (expressed as density of cattle, km−2) and the presence of spurred tortoises, and this negative effect increased when coupled with high fire intensity, whereas wildfires alone did not have a significant influence on the species’ distribution at the global scale. There was a decrease in the annual export of wild individuals for the pet trade after the introduction of export quotas by country and by year, but trade data must be considered with caution.

Knowledge of modern contraceptives and their use among rural women of childbearing age in Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract: Background: The use of modern contraceptive (MC) is a cost-effective public health measure for reducing maternal deaths due to unintended and high-risk pregnancies. In Nigeria, efforts have been made by government and nongovernmental organizations toward improving access to family planning services. The impact of this effort among rural women in Rivers State, Nigeria, however, is insufficiently documented hence the need for this study. Subjects and Methods: A total of 380 rural women of childbearing age in Rivers State, Nigeria, were recruited by a multistage random sampling method using a cross-sectional descriptive design. Respondents provided information on their socioeconomic background, sources of information and knowledge of MCs, contraceptive use, and the reasons for use or nonuse of contraceptives. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15 and the level of statistical significance was set at P = 0.05. Results: Almost all (n = 378; 99.5%), the rural women had awareness of MCs, but only 238 (63.0%) had good knowledge of it. The most common known methods were the male condom (n = 255; 67.1%) and injectables (n = 190; 50.0%). Those in current use of any MC method were 140 (36.8%) while only 86 (22.6%) used it consistently. Male condom was the commonly used method. Conclusion: Although the awareness of MCs among rural women in Rivers State Nigeria is high, their uses are unacceptably low. Family planning education should be provided for community-based health-care givers; mass media efforts need to be intensified in local languages.

Performance of concrete with partial replacement of fine aggregates with crushed waste glass

Abstract: Aggregate, both fine and coarse are major components of concrete. The cost of these aggregates is on the increase. There is also a serious environmental concern for the disposal of waste glass world-wide. These factors are major thrusts of this study- the investigation of crushed waste glass as partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete, with a view to protecting the environment and also reducing the cost of concrete. The study investigated the level of replacement of fine aggregate with waste glass that will result in optimal compressive strength. A total of 36 cubes were cast. 6 cubes without waste glass (control) and 30 cubes containing waste glass as partial replacement for fine aggregates at 15%, 25%, 35%, 45%, and 50%. Water/cement ratio of 0.6 was used. The concrete cube samples were cured and tested at 7 and 28 days respectively for compressive and flexural strength, water absorption and light weight character. Compressive strength were found to increase by 3% and 7% at 7 and 28 days respectively as waste glass content was increased up to 15% replacement level, after which the compressive strength started to decrease. Flexural strength remained constant between the control value and 15% replacement level, after which it started to fluctuate, (decreasing by 25% and 47% at 25% replacement level at 7 and 28 days, and experienced an increase of 33% and 37.5% at 35% at replacement level. Water absorption of the concrete decreased as the waste glass content increased. Initial and final setting times decreased as the waste glass content increased, while the workability of the concrete increased as the waste glass content increased and started to experience a decrease at 35% waste glass replacement level. Key Words : compressive strength, concrete, crushed waste glass, flexural strength, setting time, water absorption and workability.

Product Brand and Customer Loyalty: A Survey of the Nigeria Banking Industry

Abstract: The banking industry have experience tremendous changes ranging from structural changes to technological advances which have turned the industry into self service industry where customer’s problems can be solved at any moment despite their location. Since the banking industry is intensely competitive, complex and dynamics due to the fact that all the banks offers same products and services that can easily be copied, as such the only way to differentiate oneself in this complex and dynamic banking environment is to offer same product and service brand with high quality at a cheaper price. However, the study examines how product brands influences customer loyalty in the banking industry in Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey to study twenty two (22) commercial banks in Nigeria. Quarterly data ranging from 2009 through 2014 was collected from the CBN statistical bulletin and the analysis was conducted using mean, median, graphs and pie chart. The results obtained showed that product/service brand with high quality plays a critical role in influencing customers’ satisfaction and customers’ involvement which leads to customer loyalty.

Survey of the status and distribution of primates in Togo (West Africa)

Abstract: The distribution of West African primates is still poorly explored in Togo. Field data on distribution, abundance (kilometric index of abundance) and characteristics of primate habitat at six protected and unprotected areas of Togo are reported in this paper. Eight species and 831 primate individuals were visually recorded during field surveys. A few other species were suspected, but not recorded. Species directly observed in the field during our surveys were Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster, Cercopithecus petaurista petaurista, Cercopithecus mona, Chlorocebus tantalus, Colobus vellerosus, Erythrocebus patas, Papio anubis and Galago senegalensis. Our surveys did not provide any evidence of the persistence of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in the country. Most of the Togolese primates are of low conservation concern according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, our surveys suggested that the status of most of the species in Togo is instead ‘th...

Parasitic infections of anurans from a freshwater creek community in Delta State, Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract: Summary The parasitic infections of 125 anurans belonging to 13 taxa from Ase community in Delta State in the Niger Delta of Nigeria was investigated. An overall prevalence of 77.6% was recorded and the 32 parasites recovered included one pentastomid, four cestode, four monogenean, ten digenean and thirteen nematode taxa. Among the anurans examined, Ptychadena bibroni harboured the highest number of parasites. Most of the parasites encountered were adults but some occurred as larvae, which either used the amphibians as intermediate or transport hosts. Hylarana galamensis is considered an accidental host for the larval brachylaimid trematode and, a new host record for the larval strigeiod while Polystoma galamensis infection of this frog is made for the first time outside the savannah biotope. Hymenochirus sp. is a new host record for Progonimodiscus colubrifer. Two Foleyellides spp., one occurring in Hyperolius concolor, Afrixalus fulvovitattus and Sclerophys regularis and the other in H. galamensis occur in the study area.

Enterprise energy analytic cloud portal for user-centric on-demand profile access in smart green energy management system

Abstract: The absence of real time energy consumption information (RTECI) has often made electricity users in many developing countries to be at loggerheads with their service providers. A cloud based metering infrastructure is developed as a viable solution. This paper offers basic information regarding cloud based advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for analysis in extended smart green energy management system (e-SGEMS). The system has novel flexibilities in automated energy monitoring platform for both end-users and their utility vendors. Lean system approach involving Software Development Life Cycle framework is applied. The system allows users to obtain their exact consumption pattern in Kw, Kw/Month and Kw/Year using a negligible cost reflective tariff of 0.17 as derived from a renewable metered micro-gird. The proposed system contrasts with existing systems in terms of full ISO 14000 quality assurance compliance metrics and on-demand/real time consumption profiling. MySQL and Java server page are used for the metering simulation and cloud integration. The hardware runs on C++ executable scripts. The system is validated through a full cycle usability tests in loaded and non-loaded case scenarios. This solution provides real-time access to energy consumption information at the point of metering in an access controlled cloud environment. Flexibility and cost effectiveness characterizes the system for smart grid mixed energy metering paradigm.

Detection of interannual population trends in seven herbivores from a West African savannah: a comparison between dung counts and direct counts of individuals

Abstract: In West Africa, whether in forests or savannahs, most of the large mammal species have a scattered spatial distribution. Monitoring their population size represents a logistic, financial, theoretical challenge because counting of transects is not appropriate, unlike elsewhere in Africa. In this study, we (i) analyse the patterns of interannual (2006–2008) changes in population density of seven sympatric species of savannah herbivores in a protected area of Burkina Faso with two alternative methods: dung counts versus direct counts and (ii) quantify the economic costs for these two methods. The seven species of mammals we considered are the following: Hippotragus equinus, Alcelaphus busephalus, Sylvicapra grimmia, Tragelaphus scriptus, Ourebia ourebi, Kobus ellipsiprymnus and Phacochoerus africanus. A distance methodology was used to generate estimates with both methods. There were significant correlations between estimates of mammal density obtained using dung counts and direct counts, and an analysis of covariance revealed that the interannual trends in population densities were consistently detected with both methods. In addition, the dung count method costs 55% less. Thus, our study documents that dung counts can be used as a proxy of population size fluctuations for the seven studied species, offering a methodological alternative that is much less expensive, less sophisticated in terms of equipment compared to other methods and that can be performed by field staff with moderate professional qualification. We suggest that standardized campaigns of dung count surveys may be applied to all protected areas and savannah in Burkina Faso, West Africa, in order to improve evidence-based, large-scale conservation and management planning in the region.

Distance-Generated Field Density Estimates for the Threatened Sahel Tortoise Centrochelys sulcata</i

Abstract: In this paper, the results of the first density investigations (via Distance methodology on line transect surveys) for the threatened African spurred tortoise Centrochelys sulcata from West African Sahel (Niger and Burkina Faso) are reported. Spurred tortoises were encountered in 51.8% of Burkina Faso transects ( n = 27) and in 60.7% of Niger transects. In several transects we found evidence of the tortoise presence, but without actually seeing any individual. Pooling all the transects from which tortoise density was calculated, the mean density of tortoises in Burkina Faso was 0.0021 ind./ha, and in Niger was 0.167 ind./ha. Nonetheless, there was a considerable variability in density estimates by transect in both countries, and especially in Tenere-Termit (Niger), the density of tortoises was very high (over 2 ind./ha). Tenere-Termit region in Niger may therefore represent a potentially crucial area for the conservation of this declining species.

Application of linear stochastic models to monthly streamflow data of Rahad River, Sudan

Abstract: Time series analysis and forecasting has become a major tool in different applications in hydrology and environmental management fields. Linear stochastic models known as multiplicative seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model were used to simulate and forecast monthly streamflow of Rahad River, Sudan. For the analysis, monthly streamflow data for the years 1972 to 2009 were used. A visual inspection of the time plot gives the expected impression of a generally horizontal trend and 12-month seasonal periodicity. The seasonality observed in auto correlation function (ACF) and partial auto correlation function (PACF) plots of monthly streamflow data was removed using first order seasonal differencing prior to the development of the SARIMA model. Interestingly, the SARIMA (2, 0, 0) × (0, 1, 1)12 model developed was found to be most suitable for simulating monthly streamflow for Rahad River. The model was found appropriate to forecast three years of monthly streamflow and assist decision makers to establish priorities for water demand.

The Effect of Acanthus montanus Leaves Extract on Corrosion of Aluminium in Hydrochloric Acid Medium

Abstract: The inhibitive effect of Acanthus montanus leaves extract on aluminium corrosion in hydrochloric acid solutions was studied using weight loss technique. It was found that the leaves extract retards the acid induced corrosion of aluminium. Inhibition efficiency was observed to increase with increase in inhibitor concentration but decreased with rise in temperature. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the corrosion inhibition may be due to the spontaneous physical adsorption of the extract constituents on aluminium surface. Adsorption was found to obey Temkin isotherm. A first– order mechanism has been deduced from the results at all temperatures studied.

Phenotypic evaluation of growth traits in two Nigerian local chicken genotypes

Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate growth traits, including body weight, body length, chest girth, leg length, shank length and shank circumference, using data obtained from 150 mixed sex birds originating from improved Nigerian local chicken (75 normal feather and 75 naked neck genotypes) of 4 – 16 weeks of age. Body weight of each genotype and at various ages was regressed on other growth traits studied. During the early growth phase (4 – 8 weeks), there were significant variations (p 0.05) was observed in the two genotypes for all traits by the 16 th week of age. Strong and highly significant (p 0.77) for all ages except at 4 weeks of age (0.04), indicating that most of these traits could be used to forecast body weight precisely at various ages. Keywords: Local chicken, Normal feather, Naked neck, Body weight, Growth traits, Linear model

WORKFORCE BIG DATA ANALYTICS AND PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY: A Manager’s Guide

Abstract: The study investigates the use of workforce big data analytics as a tool to guide production managers to boost production efficiency while also ascertaining the level of awareness in the use workforce analytics amongst production managers. The study adopted survey research design and questionnaire were distributed to 20 respondents comprising of all Production Managers of the 20 Manufacturing Companies understudied. Data generated was analyzed using averages and scores. The outcome of the analyses showed that only 30% of the manufacturing companies had established and understood workforce plan while 70% did not have. Again the study showed that only 25% production managers agreed that the use of workforce big data analytics is necessary to boost production efficiency. Further findings showed that 75% of the managers admitted that their production was below average of which 40% of the managers ascribed their dismal performance to excessive manpower downtime which is a by-product of workforce scheduling. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the use of workforce big data analytics is a more significant and important factor in boosting production efficiency.

Socio-economic Consequences of Sand Mining along the Victory River in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Rivers generally have been source of livelihood for several persons in both developed and developing countries, and the rivers have been exploited without recourse to the consequences of this action by those involved. The aim of this research is to assess the social and economic consequences of sand mining on communities along the Victory River. The objectives are to: examine residents’ perception, identify the impacts of sand mining in their domain and propose mitigation measures for moderate and major negative impacts and enhancement measures for positive impacts of sand mining. Hazards and effects management process (HEMP) was used identify the impacts of sand mining on the communities and propose mitigation measures for moderate and major negative impacts and enhancement measures for positive ones. The study adopted multistage sampling technique by identifying all the communities along the Victory River and purposively four (4) communities were selected for the study. Mixed methods were used to collect data with one-hundred and twenty-three (123) structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The study found that continuous river sand mining had altered the river courses and increased the width and depth of the Victory River. Livelihood chain of the people have been distorted leading to diminished purchasing power, increased poverty level and other associated Original Research Article Johnbull and Brown; AJEE, 3(2): 1-15, 2017; Article no. AJEE.34087 2 social vices. There were also identified socio-economic benefits like employment and revenue generation for the communities. The study recommends that: river channel cross sections should be benchmarked using aerial photographs and periodic hydrographic survey, effective social management plan and enhancement measures be taken, enforcement of relevant laws to control the activities of sand miners and their host communities alike.

International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Adoption and Governmental Financial Reporting in Nigeria- An Empirical Investigation.

Abstract: Governments all over the world are seen to be representatives of the people. They are by implication agents of their service recipients/citizens. As agents, they are responsible to the people in the area of rendering reliable, transparent, timely and accurate stewardship through financial reporting. Nigeria, in order to ensure more accountability, reliability and transparency recently adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as the basis of government reporting. This study examined the effects on IPSAS adoption of government reporting in Nigeria. Primary data were sourced amongst accountants and auditors of government ministries, departments and agencies within the Rivers State Civil Service. The data were presented using tables and charts. They were further analyzed using simple percentages. The study revealed that IPSAS adoption will result in financial transparency/accountability, strengthened internal controls, boosts financial and resource stewardship and increased efficiency in decision making and good governance. The researcher therefore supports and recommends the adoption and seamless implementation of accrual based government financial reporting system due to the above attendant benefits derivable from its adoption. KEYWORDS: Accountability, transparency, cash basis, accrual basis, decision making.

Gender disparity towards students enrollment in technical education in rivers state: causes, effects and strategies

Abstract: This study examined the gender disparity towards students’ enrollment in technical education in Rivers State. A sample of 403 students (362 Male and 41 Female) was selected through simple random sampling technique from Rivers State University (RIVSU) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Port Harcourt from the Department of Technical Education. Three research questions were posed to guide the study and two Null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significant. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A reliability coefficient of 0.83 was established through Cronbach Alpha using test-retest method. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions and hypotheses were tested using the independent sample t-test. The study revealed amongst others that poverty, preference of male child, cultural and religious beliefs were causes of female folks low enrollment into technical education programmes in Rivers State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended amongst others that; allowances, scholarships, employment opportunities should be given to female students in order to enhance their enrolments into technical education programmmes in Rivers State.