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.

Proximate Composition, Sensory Properties and Microbial Quality of Chin-chin Developed from Wheat and African Walnut Flour Blends for Household Food Security

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the proximate composition, sensory properties and microbial quality of chin-chin developed from wheat and African walnut flour blends as a means of achieving household food security. Methodology: African walnut was processed into flour. Chin-chin was prepared from blends of wheat and African walnut flours using 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 of wheat flour to African walnut flour (AWF), and 100% wheat flour as control. Samples were subjected to sensory evaluation within 30 min of production. Proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods. The samples were also stored for 3 weeks and evaluated at weekly intervals for total bacterial and fungal counts. Results: Proximate composition of the chin-chin revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ash (0.42-1.38%), fat (34.39-40.03%), crude protein (5.53-7.95% protein), crude fibre (0.98-1.86%), and energy contents (402.65-414.08kcal) with a decrease in moisture (3.31-4.85%) and carbohydrate (45.59-53.84%). Sensory analysis of the chin-chin showed that the control chin-chin was more preferred than all other samples. This was followed closely by chin-chin substituted with Original Research Article Deedam et al.; EJNFS, 12(8): 45-53, 2020; Article no.EJNFS.59068 46 10% African walnut flour having mean scores above 6 for all sensory attributes. Total bacterial counts (TBCs) and fungal counts (TFCs) of the chin-chin samples were observed to increase during storage. TBCs and TFCs of chin-chin samples after 3 weeks of storage ranged from 6.00×10 3 -8.50×10 3 cfu/g and 6.80×10 3 -8.00×10 3 cfu/g, respectively. The samples presented adequate microbiological conditions and were within recommended safe limit of microbial guidelines. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that chin-chin of acceptable sensory attributes and improved nutritional content could be produced with up to 10% African walnut flour (AWF) level. In effect, chin-chin substituted with African walnut flour can be consumed by households thereby improving their nutritional status and eradicating food insecurity and malnutrition which is common among households.

Case histories of sand search in the Niger Delta

Abstract: This paper discusses the imperatives of sand search and describes two case histories of sand search in the Niger Delta. These case histories highlight the project cycle of sand search operations and circumstances in which environmental peculiarities can influence procedures and strategies. Field and laboratory procedures emphasise the applications of particle-size distribution and compaction tests to field construction control. The need to integrate mitigative measures of potential impacts into the planning and execution of projects has been emphasised. Some environmental consequences of sand dredging have also been highlighted.

Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience

Abstract: Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public Original Research Article Edet et al.; IJTDH, 41(24): 1-8, 2020; Article no.IJTDH.65684 2 places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020, using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results: A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively. 95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks, but maintained poor cleaning culture. Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor mask cleaning culture among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.

Occurrence of hemolysin-producing aeromonads in meat and offal sold in port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Fresh, different meat types and offal were examined for the occurrence of Aeromonas species by the direct-plating and enrichment methods. The enrichment method (coefficient of variation = 15.1%) enhanced the recovery of Aeromonas species. The major Aeromonas species identified were A. sobria (67.3%) and A. hydrophila (21.2%). Other species occurred in minor proportions and were A. caviae, A. proteolytica and A. salmonicida. Out of the 52 isolates, 50 were motile species except two which were not motile and identified as the species A. proteolytica. Sixteen motile species occurred in cow, 18 in goat and 16 in lamb. The motile species and the two nonmotile species were hemolytic. They were all sensitive to chloramphenicol (30 mg) and resistant to ampicillin (10 mg). The nonmotile A. proteolytica were all resistant to tetracycline. Aeromonas caviae, A. salmonicida, A. hydrophila and A. sobria were killed after exposure to 50C (decimal reduction time, D 10 = 30 s). Aeromonads are unlikely to pose a public health problem in Nigeria where meat undergoes prolonged cooking. Meat is a possible factor in the epidemiology of Aeromonas-associated gastroenteritis in man.

Sublethal effect of the dispersant Goldcrew on selected blood parameters of the African cat-fish Clarias gariepinus

Abstract: Selected hematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of the dispersant goldcrew were measured weekly for four consecutive weeks under a static renewal condition in order to simulate possible effects of clean-up operations in the aquatic environment. Hemoglobin (Hb) hematocrit (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCC), white blood cell count (WBCC), and platelet values were 15.40–13.58 g dL−1, 42.36–36.38%, 5.50–4.09 × 102 L−1, 6.22–6.62 × 102 L−1 and 362.87–283.0 × 109, respectively, from week 1 to week 4. Duration of exposure had a marked significance (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters except WBCC. Also, Hb, PCV, RBCC, and platelet had values of 15.80–13.27 g dL−1, 24.12–35.52%, 5.17–4.0 × 102 L−1, 5.69–6.85 × 109 L−1, and 395.25–227.25 × 10, respectively, from control to maximum treatment levels. Exposure concentrations have a significant impact (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters. It may be concluded that Goldcrew has a marked negative effect on fish blood and therefore a...