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.

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.

An Improved Robotic Control System Using Wireless Fidelity Network

Abstract: In this work, Wireless Fidelity Technology commonly referred to as Wi-Fi was used for robotic control. The existing systems are mainly web based. Thus; they require some form of internet connections to operate effectively. This possesses a major challenge to developing countries like Nigeria with slow and unevenly distributed internet access. This project was carried out using the lolin NodeMCU version 1.0 (esp8266 e12 controller), two 12v dc motors, L293 motor driver and a 12v dc voltage source. Proteus and Matlab software were used to design the circuit and analyze the signal respectively. Control of the robot was based on a Wi-Fi hotspot network created by the robot system. Control of the robot was achieved without the use of a web server/computer but through an android based application developed on MIT app developer platform. This allows flexibility and security in the control of the robot as any android phone having the required application could access the system via its Wi-Fi network to actuate commands.

The effects of supplemental feeds containing different protein: energy ratios on the growth and survival of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in brackish water ponds

Abstract: . A trial was conducted in 30 earthen ponds of approximately 100 m2 to evaluate the effects of nine supplemental feeds containing different protein: energy ratios on the growth and survival of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in brackish water ponds. The formulated feeds had protein levels of 20%, 25% and 30% each at three energy levels of 3000 kcal, 3500 kcal and 4000 kcal. There was a control (diet 0) with no feeding and mean weight gain, growth rate, feed conversion rate and survival rate were determined. Fingerlings were acclimated from 0 to 29 ppt salinity before the trial and 20% of fish in each treatment were sampled every 30 days to monitor growth changes and adjust the feed. Mean weight gain was significantly different as follows: 30%:4000 kcal (102·21 g); 30% :3000 kcal (93·24g); 25%:3000 kcal (89·79g); 30%:3500 kcal (83·42g); 25%:4000 kcal (78·80g); 25%:3500 kcal (78·13g); 20%:3000 kcal (76·50g); 20%:4000 kcal (71·05g); 20%:3500 kcal (69·68 g) and control (59·11 g). Growth rates were significantly different (P 0·05).

The case of rainforest stiletto snakes (genus Atractaspis) in southern Nigeria. Evidence of diverging foraging strategies in grossly sympatric snakes with homogeneous body architecture

Abstract: The group of the stiletto snakes (genus Atractaspis) consists of several species of unusual burrowing snakes, originally believed to be vipers (because of their movable poison fangs) and now believed to be an highly specialized ancient group (Atractaspididae), with a very confused taxonomy (DE WITTE 1930; LAURENT 1945, 1950a, 1950b; PERRET 1960; BROADLEY 1991; MEIRTE 1992). We still have an embryonic knowledge of the life-history attributes of Atractaspis species (VILLIERS 1975, SPAWLS & BRANCH 1997). However, due to their unique ecological position in the natural ecosystems of tropical Africa, they should be crucial organisms for study from in an ecological perspective (POLITANO 1997). Apart for a few anecdotal comments (CANSDALE 1961, VILLIERS 1975, BÖHME 1975, SPAWLS & BRANCH 1997), virtually nothing is known on the dietary habits of Atractaspis species inhabiting the rainforests of West Africa. As for Atractaspis from Nigeria, no dietary data has been reported in previous literature. This lack arises because of the rarity of encountering these snakes in the rainforest environment, due to their specialized burrowing behaviour and elusive habits. Indeed, stiletto snakes accounted for a very small proportion of the total number of specimens captured during long-term snake research in the natural environments of southern Nigeria (BUTLER & REID 1986, 1990; LUISELLI et al. 1998). In this note we report some data on the food habits of free-ranging Atractaspis in rainforest habitats of southern Nigeria, and suggest a discussion point that could serve as basis for investigating the evolution of Atractaspis species in homogenous habitats where they occur sympatrically.

N soil exploration and foundations in the recent coastal areas of Nigeria

Abstract: The sub-environnements in the coastal region of Nigeria consisting of meander belt, fresh water and backswamp deposits, mangrove swamps, beach ridge bars and estuaries are underlain by a complex stratigraphical succession of soft silty clay, sand and gravels. The unpredictable stratigraphical succession is complicated by the prevalence of soft and thinly bedded strata which are hardly detected during soil exploration. These thin soft beds introduce inaccuracies on settlement computation and create difficulty in foundation design which frequently lead to unsatisfactory performance. Although some heavy structures can be founded within the sandy formation, occurring on the top layers the stresses induced by such structures can result in indesirable and large total consolidation settlement of the underlying compressible layers. Sensitive structures need therefore be founded on piles, driven to lepths where either sufficient shaft or end-point resistance can be mobilized to ensure satisfactory performance. Strip or raft foundations can easily support structures like bungalows and one storey buildings within the coastal plain sand-and-beach-ridge sub-environments. Ground improvement is generally required in mangrove swamp, meander belt and within the Sombreiro-Warri-deltaic sediments, even for simple structures.