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.

Encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (msmes) for economic growth and development in nigeria and other developing economies: the role of ‘the igbo apprenticeship system’

Abstract: This research critically discussed how the Igbo apprenticeship system encourages the growth of MSMEs for economic growth and development. The paper looked at the meaning of MSMEs and the challenges facing the sector, Igbo apprentices, how it can grow the MSMEs and the challenges facing the system. The research concluded that in spite of the challenges facing the micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria and other developing economies, the Igbo apprenticeship system still remains a major catalyst in reducing unemployment, wealth redistribution, insecurity, increased GDP and diversification of the economy. Based on the challenges facing the MSMEs and the Igbo apprenticeship system, the following recommendations were made; the apprenticeship system can be fused into the educational systems of developing and underdeveloped economies, a license or certificate issued. This can curb the challenges abandonment of education and lack of training and development. The license certificate can aid the apprentice to secure a loan or fund where and when necessary. The government should provide the enabling environment, needed infrastructures for MSMEs to strive in order to drive the economy. The government should provide if there is none, the necessary legal legislations regarding the apprenticeship system, especially terms of agreement, settlement and abuse of children. Funds should be made available at low cost of acquisition to the would-be and existing entrepreneurs for start-up and expansion. The government and organizations responsible for the disbursement of the fund should also ensure that the funds get to the right people and for the right purpose. Keywords: Micro, Small, Medium, Enterprises, Igbo Apprenticeship, System, Economy, Growth, development CITATION: Mpi, D. L. (2019). Encouraging Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) for economic growth and development in Nigeria and other developing economies: The role of ‘the Igbo apprenticeship system’. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (1), 535 – 543.

Potential hazards of toxic metals found in toothpastes commonly used in Nigeria.

Abstract: Background Toothpastes have multi-functional configurations as oral care products. They can however constitute a pos- sible source, amongst others, of toxic metal exposure in public health. Indeed, the public health impact of personal hygiene and consumer products is largely unknown. Objective To determine the level of toxic metals (lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel) in toothpastes available in Nigeria, (home produced and imported), and assess the potential risk to the people. Material and method The samples of toothpastes commonly used in Nigeria were tested. Using a market basket protocol thirty five different brands of toothpaste were used. Samples were digest by addition of 10 mL mixture of conc. nitric and hydrochloric acids (HCl:HNO(3), 3:1), followed by heating to dryness. 20 mL deionized water was added, stirred and filtered. The filtrate was made up in standard volumetric flask and lead, cadmium, chromium, cobalt and nickel concentrations were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry 205A. The daily intake of metals and target hazard quotient (THQ) were then calculated. Results Pepsodent and Flodent had the highest levels of lead at respectively 23.575 and 18.092 mg/kg while Colgate Herbal had the highest nickel of 18.535 mg/kg. The daily intake estimates of all imported toothpaste samples were below the stated upper limits (UL). All target hazard quotients were also found to be below one. Conclusions Although the UL, THQ and daily intake rates were all normal, the high levels of lead in some of the tooth- pastes an important concern to public health suggesting that pre-marketing safety studies of toothpastes may be worthwhile for the regulatory authorities.

Short, medium and long-term effects of density on the demographic traits of a threatened newt

Abstract: Mediterranean streams undergo seasonal reductions in water availability that may affect amphibian demography due to habitat loss and the concentration of individuals in the shrinking aquatic habitats. However, there are few empirical examples of how increased population density experienced by larval stages produces long-term effects on growth and fitness at postmetamorphic stages. We tested the effect of four different larval densities on the demography and growth of the endangered stream-dwelling newt Euproctus platycephalus. By manipulating larval populations in experimental aquaria, we analyzed the short-term effects of density in terms of growth and mortality rates as well as of social behavior. To assess medium- and long-term effects we tested the metamorph individuals after 1 and 3 years, respectively, and adults for maternal effect by assessing the relationship between mean larval size and fecundity. Larval body size and growth rate appeared inversely proportional to larval density. Density affected the incidence of aggressive behavior by increasing the rate of mutilation to arms and tail. One-year-old salamanders raised at the highest larval density grew significantly less. All 3-year-old individuals reached comparable body size and body condition irrespective of initial larval density. Salamanders presented a positive relationship between maternal size and (1) fecundity and (2) larval size. In natural conditions, increased density may cause slower growth and a reduction in the percentage of individuals reaching metamorphosis. Prolonged dry periods and increased water withdrawals for agricultural and industrial practices have almost certainly affected the population dynamics of Sardinian newt populations in the long term.