Rivers State University of Science and Technology

About: Rivers State University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Threatened species. The organization has 1826 authors who have published 1833 publications receiving 15183 citations.

Government Expenditure on Infrastructure as a Driver for Economic Growth in Nigeria

Abstract: This study primary examines the effects of government infrastructural expenditure on economic development in Nigeria. Secondary data sourced from reported annual spending on selected infrastructure and annual Gross Domestic Products were statistically analyzed. The data treatments used for the secondary data were unit root and co-integration tests using Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillip–Perron model. Weighted least square was also used to test the sample of 37-year annual time series using vector error correction model. The data analysis was done with descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that government spending on transport, communication, education and health infrastructure have significant effects on economic growth; spending on agriculture and natural resources infrastructure recorded a significant inverse effect on economic growth in Nigeria. An element of fiscal illusion was observed in the government spending on agriculture and natural resources indicating that government is not contributing as much as the private sector in spending on agriculture and natural resources infrastructure in Nigeria.

Understanding customers' expectations for delivering satisfactory and competitive services experience

Abstract: This present study attempts to understand Nigeria mobile telecommunications (MT) consumers' voice call and data services expectations for delivering satisfactory and competitive service experiences. The multi-level qualitative research design with single face to face (F2F) interview and focus group (FG) approaches were employed. 22 samples were drawn from Nigeria MT sector heterogonous consumer population in Port Harcourt-Rivers State of Nigeria. One FG with 12 participants and ten single F2F interviews were held and data was analysed using content analysis technique with NVivo 11 software. Our result shows that some customers of selected firms are less satisfied with their offerings. This is because these firms lack knowledge of their customers' expectations. Also, five positively rated factors: service quality, price bundling, complaints management, consumer right education and consumer market research are key thematic expectations that support the delivery of satisfactory services experience and competitiveness. This study contributes to the literature on consumer behaviour research by revealing customers' expectation for MT voice and data services in Nigeria and how these expectations drive customer satisfaction (CSAT) and retention (CRT) as well as business competitiveness. However, continental MT operators and researchers should understand that factors of customers' expectations are peculiar to a specific country.

Biochemical toxicity of Corexit 9500 dispersant on the gills, liver and kidney of juvenile Clarias gariepinus

Abstract: Corexit 9500 is a dispersant commercially available in Nigeria that is used to change the inherent chemical and physical properties of oil, thereby changing the oil’s transport and fate with potential effects on the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the biochemical (enzymes and electrolyte) toxicity of Corexit 9500 dispersant on the gills, liver and kidney of juveniles of Clarias gariepinus after exposure for 21 days. One hundred sixty fish were used without gender consideration. Range-finding tests were conducted over a 96-h period after acclimatisation of the test organisms in the laboratory. The test organisms (10/treatment) were exposed to Corexit 9500 in the following concentrations—0.00, 0.0125, 0.025 and 0.05 ml/l in triplicate. Twenty-one days later, fish was dissected. 0.5 g from each of the following organs—gills, liver and kidney tissues—was removed, homogenised and tested for enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], urea, creatinine and electrolytes (sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (HCO3−)) following standard methods. In the gills, SOD and ALT to AST ratio were significantly lower than in control while the creatinine was significantly higher in the toxicant. In the kidney, creatinine was significantly higher in fish exposed to the toxicant. In the liver, ALP increased in the toxicant while urea was decreased. The mean electrolyte concentrations (Na+, K+, Cl− and HCO3−) increased significantly in the concentration of the toxicant (P < 0.05). The alterations observed in the activities of these electrolytes and enzymes indicated that Corexit 9500 interfered with transamination and metabolic functions of the fish.

The application of Kruskal‐Wallis technique for flood prediction in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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...