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.

Performance Evaluation of Combined Cycles for Cruise Ship Applications

Abstract: The flexibility of the Gas Turbine to be configured to meet the requirements of various applications is outstanding. The basic engine cycle can be modified in a number of ways to enhance performance in chosen applications. This paper presents a performance analysis procedure for the choice of optimum combined gas and steam turbine power plants for cruise ships. Performance of various arrangements of gas turbine based plants in terms of combined generation capacity of propulsion power, electricity and heat are analyzed and matched with the demands of the vessel at various operating modes to determine the most suitable plants for given cruise ship type. In particular, cycles with integrated electric propulsion systems were evaluated in various combinations of conventional prime movers for ship power plants namely; diesel engines, gas turbines and steam turbines. Key evaluation criteria are fuel economy, effectiveness of operation, investment and profitability and emissions control. Results of the analyses are summarized and presented for direct assessment of the relative merits of the plants.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF n-HEXANE EXTRACT OF LEPTADENIA HASTATA LEAVES: A PROPOSED HERBAL REMEDY IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract: Background: Leptadenia hastata is a leafy, climbing plant of whose root, leaf and bark is widely consumed in Northern Nigeria. Decoctions made from the leaf is locally used in treatment of diabetes as well as for numerous trado-medicinal processes. This study investigates the physico-chemical as well as phytochemical compounds present in the n-hexane extract of Leptadenia hastata. Method: Physical and chemical profile was determined using Smart Spectro test kits and a mass spectrometer to determine the presence of elements and physical properties. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The elemental analysis revealed that Na, SO4 and PO4 had the highest levels in the extract. Pb, Hg and Cd were not detected which showed that the plant extract was not toxic. Other elements (NO4, Mn, Fe, K, Ni, Si, Cn, Zn, Ca, Mg, NH4, Cr and F) were present in varying concentrations which may contribute to its nutritive composition. Conclusions: Various elements present in Leptadenia hastata may have either a direct or indirect role in the control and management of diabetes mellitus, since diabetes is associated with marked alterations in trace elements concentrations and may replace diminished element stores in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Bacteriological Assessment of Toilet Seats in a Nigerian University

Abstract: Exposure to enteric pathogens through direct contact with contaminated toilets surfaces and associated water is one of the major sources of disease transmission in public settings. The bacterial profile of toilet seats in students’ dormitories was investigated to determine the pattern of bacterial contamination of public toilet seats in a university setting. Samples were collected from the male and female hostels in the University, and Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) as well as Fecal Coliform Counts (FCC) were carried out using standard microbiological procedures. The male hostels had a mean THBC of 11.4 ± 4.9 x 10 cfu/ml and 2.7 ± 0.7 x10 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples collected from the toilet bowl (WC), respectively. The female hostels on the other hand had a mean THBC of 7.7 ± 0.6 x 10 cfu/ml and 2.0 ± 2.7 x 10 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples from the WC, respectively. The result also revealed that the water in the WC accounted for 80.7% of the bacterial isolates while the toilet seat surfaces accounted for 19.3%. However, there was a statistical difference in the bacterial counts between the male and female hostels as well as the water and swab samples from the WC (p < 0.05). A total of thirty seven Original Research Article Sampson et al.; JAMB, 19(4): 1-11, 2019; Article no.JAMB.53902 2 isolates (37) belonging to five (5) genera were identified as Staphylococcus spp. (32.4%), Bacillus spp (32.4%), Klebsiella spp (13.5%), Escherichia coli (13.5%), as well as Coccobacilli (8.2%). This research has shown the pattern of bacterial contamination of toilet seats and the potential pathogenic bacteria that may pose health challenges. Reduction in the number of students per toilet as well as proper sanitary practice is recommended, to prevent toilet associated infections amongst students.

Influence of Processing Methods on the Tannin Content and Quality Characteristics of Cashew By-Products

Abstract: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) kernel was processed using sand and gari roasting methods to study the chemical compositions, tannin reduction and sensory properties of the kernel in comparism with the reference sample (imported cashew kernel). Oil was extracted from part of the gari roasted sample. Soybean flour was processed, the oil equally extracted and the physiochemical characteristics of the oils studied. From the result, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in all the chemical compositions studied irrespective the processing method from the reference sample. Tannic acid of the kernel was observed to reduce to 0.1% in the gari roasted kernel and showed no significant difference to the imported kernel (0.1%). However, sand roasted cashew kernel had the highest tannic acid value of 0.2%. Sensory attributes of colour, flavour and general acceptability of the gari roasted kernel (4.50, 4.70 and 4.50, respectively) compared well with the imported kernel. All the sensory attributes of the sand roasted kernel was significantly lower compared to the reference sample. The physiochemical characteristics of the golden yellow colour cashew kernel oil showed that the oil is high in acid value (1.57mg KOH/g), saponification value (218.6mg KOH/g), specific gravity at 25oC of water (0.91%) and iodine value of 144.021gl2/100gm. This is an indication that gari roasting method is the best processing method in terms of the tannin reduction and the sensory characteristics.

Hydrocarbon Oil Spill Cleanup and Remediation in the Niger Delta

Abstract: The paper examines hydrocarbon oil spill Cleanup and Remediation from four perspectives namely historical, regulatory, scientific, and socioeconomic considerations. The historical perspectives show a gap of 12 years between oil production and environmental policies that would guide and enforce Cleanup and Remediation. Historically, official records indicate between 3000-5000 major spillage sites from over 9000 spills, with many undocumented ones waiting to be detected. The Regulatory aspects are evaluated at marginal performance with respect to Cleanup and Remediation. The lack of any publicly accessible documented evidence of Cleanup and Remediation certificates for any site indicates failure in the enforcement of regulatory best practices despite the expectations from the reforms in developing a separate institution such as NOSDRA. This is supported strongly by the inaction to start cleanup of the Ogoni sites nearly four years since the UNEP report was concluded. The Science of Cleanup and Remediation is shown not to have kept pace with the rate at which contaminated sites are being generated. Only in less than 0.2% of sites (10 sites out of over 5000 sites) are records of attempts at Cleanup and Remediation. Many of the scientific best practices have never been tested in the different ecosystems and habitat types including groundwater. This could have driven innovation in the discovery of new technologies that would make remediation indigenous and cost effective especially as Nigeria ranks as the inland polluted capital of the world. The socioeconomic aspects are analyzed as a complex interplay of Review Article Onwuteaka; JGEESI, 4(3): 1-18, 2016; Article no.JGEESI.22809 2 interest between the local population, NGOs, the IOCs and the government agencies responsible for Cleanup and Remediation. A strong arbitration component is suggested where reforms in policy should include enforceable incentives and penalties designed into existing and new commercial transactions.