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.

Evaluating the Characteristics of the Meander Belt Soils of the Niger Delta, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract: The morphological, physical, chemical and pedological properties of eight pedons representative of the four physiographic units in the Meander Belt of the Niger Delta were studied. The soils were classified and the constraints to their agricultural and engineering uses evaluated. The soils were generally poorly drained, having an Aquic moisture regime, mottles and Fe and Mn concretions. They belong to the Entisol and Inceptisol USDA soil taxonomy orders. Soil textures were generally clayey, except for the pedons of the levee crest with sandy loam textures. Bulk density, particle density and total porosity were generally low. Total nitrogen and available phosphorus were also low. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation were high. Organic matter was low to moderate. Total elements of the clay were generally high. The soils have poor physical conditions. The high clay content, and the presence of 2:1 lattice clay minerals could account for the deterioration of the major east-west interstate road linking southeast and southwest Nigeria that passes through the area. Optimum use of the soils for agriculture would depend on good land evaluation and efficient soil water management.

Some vitreous humour cardiorenal biochemical parameters as an indicator of acute carbon monoxide poisoning death: an animal model

Abstract: In this study, acute carbon monoxide (CO) was used to cause the death of experimental animals through inhalation. The sample size of the study was made up of 18 rabbits divided into the control group (CG), disguised death (DD) and carbon monoxide death (CD) groups respectively. Vitreous humours were extracted using standard methodologies and biochemical parameters estimated using WHO approved methods and procedures. The findings showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in vitreous humour chloride ion, calcium ion, pH, uric acid and total calcium in the CDs. However, vitreous lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the experimental animals significantly increased (P < 0.05) only in the CD group, while creatine kinase (CK) and creatine significantly increased in both the DD and CD animal groups, although they were markedly higher in the CD. Therefore, decreases in concentrations of vitreous humour uric acid, chloride and calcium profile, and an increase in vitreous LDH could serve as possible indicators of C...

Protective Role of Lycopene on Hormonal Profile and Posttesticular Functions of Male Rat Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Cyermethrin

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the Protective role of Lycopene on hormonal profile and posttesticular functions of male rats exposed to sublethal doses of Cypermethrin. Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Reproductive Physiology and Genetics Research Laboratory of the Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Rivers State. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Methodology: For the sperm morphology assay, sperm reserves and hormonal profiling, semen samples were drawn from the caudal epididymis with a syringe and placed on a clean glass slide. A drop of freshly prepared eosin-Y was added to make a thin smear and examined under the microscope for morphological abnormalities. A portion of the testis and epididymidis was homogenized separately with sharp pointed scissors in normal (physiological) saline. The suspension was mixed and strained through a double layer of sterile cheese cloth into graduated test tubes. All the samples were covered and stored for 24 hours at 40C. A dilution was made for counting in Neubauer haemocytometer. The hormonal concentration was determined using the Randox Monza Laboratories assay kit from Co-Atrim, United Kingdom. Results: Results of oral administration of Cypermethrin and co-administration of lycopene in rats showed Group G co-administered pure Lycopene had the lowest sperm head abnormalities of 3.5%, group B administered Cypermethrin only had the highest head abnormalities of 44.7%. Similarly, Group G, co-administered pure Lycopene had the lowest percentage of tail abnormalities of 10.1% while Group B had the highest percentage of sperm tail abnormalities of 32.4%. There was a was significant (p<0.001) decrease in concentration of all androgens considered in group B administered Cypermethrin only. Conclusion: Exposure to Cypermethrin only as in group B disrupted the production of all androgens considered, increased the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, reduced sperm motility, viability and sperm reserves. However, results recorded from the co-administration of Solanum lycopersicum and pure lycopene, in groups C-G indicate the protective role of this potent antioxidant on spermatogenesis and hormonal profile.

Path Loss Prediction Model for GSM Fixed Wireless Access

Abstract: This research investigated the effect of building materials on GSM signals quality. Measurements were conducted on MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat networks using Radio Frequency Signal Tracker on six different building patterns. The results showed that building with alucoboard wall cladding had the highest signal loss while the sandcrete building/unrusted corrugated iron sheet roof had the least signal loss. Also, a model to predict signal penetration through building walls was developed. It was developed using the principles of Fresnel Refraction Coefficient and the knife-edge diffraction. The total losses from the transmitter to the receiver was modelled as a combination of three different effects; losses due to free-space propagation from transmitter to building; the penetration loss was modelled as a combination of the wall penetration loss and the diffraction loss. The results show that despite the condition of the building walls, movement of people in the environment/room also affected the wireless signal quality as well as the chairs and gadgets in the room. The indoor signal path loss in the rooms increased from when the walls were plastered and continued until when the walls were covered with curtains, both rooms reduced by 4dBm. The mean squared error ranged between 1.6dBm and 2.1dBm with a standard deviation between 11.1 and 11.5.

Social Impact Assessment of Crude Oil Pollution on Small Scale Farmers in Oil Producing Communities of the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study assessed the social impact of oil production on small holder farmers in oil-producing communities of the Central zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 respondents by the use of questionnaires. Soil erosion (96.6%), noise pollution (98.3%), bush burning (93.3%), land degradation/pollution (87.5%), water pollution (80.3%), air pollution (62.5%), massive deforestation (62.5%) and acid rain (52.5%) were seen as the major environmental problems experienced in the study area. The respondents reported that oil pollution impacted negatively on their income (83.3%), agricultural production (98.3%) and land availability (85.8%). None of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents such as age, gender, Educational level, religion, marital status, type of farming, family size, Farming experience, farm size, income, housing, tenure, membership of organization, land tenure and source of labour were found to determine the social impact of oil pollution on small-scale farmers. Recommendations given dwelt on making the environment conducive for the communities, agricultural activities and it sustenance for future generations.