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.

Conservation of Traditional Agricultural Knowledge in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract: Many sustainable agricultural practices that emanate from local and traditional farming knowledge and are environment friendly in the face of climate change are steadily being abandoned. These practices include the use of manure, local weather forecast and planting of various local cassava varieties to manage risk. This study examines the characteristics of those who maintain these traditional practices to ascertain if the maintenance of these local agricultural practices can be explained by adoption diffusion literature. The reasons given for maintenance of the traditional farm practices included cost, environmental friendliness and easy access to needed weather information, quality of starch in cassava and risk management. The findings do not support the idea that young, educated and wealthier farmers are more likely to reject traditional farm practices. Instead, use of tractors, off-farm employment and farm size tend to have relationship with the use of traditional farm practices.

Factors Predicting Heart Failure in Children Admitted to a Pediatric Emergency Ward in a Developing Country

Abstract: Background Heart failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Objective To determine the clinical characteristics of children with acute heart failure syndrome in the emergency ward of River state university teaching hospital, Nigeria and identify factors associated with poor outcomes. Methods This was an 18month retrospective review of the acute heart failure register. Poor outcome measures were defined as the persistence of heart failure after 4 days on admission or death. Results Ninety-two (4.1%) of [...]

Covid-19: Socio-Economic Implications and Effect of Government Policy Initiatives on Developing Economies

Abstract: This research investigates the socio-economic implications and effect of government policy initiative of coronavirus on developing economies from a neoliberalist theoretical perspective using a pragmatist approach and mixed method research. Quantitative and qualitative data have been employed to evaluate the effect of the virus on developing economies. The findings of this research reveal the following: that the coronavirus caused significant mortality and morbidity in developing countries and its rapid spread of across countries, and across borders led to a global economic recession. Several drastic government measures were taken to curb the spread of the virus through restriction of individual freedom and movement. These measures include social distancing, and isolation; closures of educational institutions, religious institutions, and businesses, prohibition of public events, and restriction of domestic and foreign travel. Furthermore, the prolonged lockdown measures taken by developing countries to contain the spread of the virus worsened their economic crises. It is expected that the pandemic will reduce economic growth, worsen government debt, increase inflation and worsen current account deficits. The long-term effect of the pandemic in developing countries is the worsening of inequality and poverty and wiping off the economic development strides gained in the last two decades.

Adult Literacy and the Need for Post-Adult Literacy Institution in Nigeria

Abstract: In the annals of the formal education system in Nigeria, adult literacy occupies a very prominent position, but this situation has radically changed over the years, hence the need to revitalize it. This paper gives a brief historical overview of Adult Literacy in Nigeria, it examines the concept of adult literacy, and outlines its components, and the rationale for adult literacy. It equally highlights the place of adult literacy in the National Policy on Education, and the impediments to the realisation of its goals. Finally, the paper stresses the need for Adult Literacy College, its problems and prospects, and makes some recommendations. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n4p469

Functional and Pasting Properties of Composite Flours from Triticum durum, Digitaria exilis, Vigna unguiculata and Moringa oleifera Powder

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the functional and pasting properties of composite flours from Triticum durum (wheat), Digitaria exilis (acha), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) flours and Moringa oleifera leaf powder. The flour samples were mixed in a four by four factorial, in complete randomized design (CRD) to formulate the composite blends at four different levels (25, 50, 75 and 100) which gave 16 samples. The statistical analysis of data collected was used to select five (5) generally accepted composite flour samples (wheat, acha, cowpea and moringa oleifera leaf powder flours) with ratio of 100:0:0:0, 75:25:0:0, 0:50:50:0, 50:23:25:2 and 75:25:0:0, respectively. The flour samples were analyzed for functional and pasting properties using standard methods. Results of the functional properties showed that water absorption capacity of the composite flour blend ranged from 0.87-1.11g/g, bulk density 0.39-0.42 g/ml, least gelation concentration 2.004.00%, solubility 19.46-25.35%, wettability 2.57-4.02min, oil absorption 1.61-1.79g/g and least Original Research Article Orisa and Udofia; AFSJ, 19(2): 40-49, 2020; Article no.AFSJ.62559 41 gelation temperature 62.00-68.50C. The functionality of the composite flours such as water and oil absorption capacities, least gelation concentration and bulk density were improved when cowpea was incoporated into the blends than for moringa oleifera leaf powder and acha flour. On the other hand, wettability and solubility of the flour blends were improved when acha was incorporated into the blend. Results of pasting properties showed that peak viscosity ranged from 73.04-385.79RVU, trough viscosity 57.96-341.42RVU, break down viscosity 15.08-44.38RVU, final viscosity 109.54581.58RVU, set back viscosity 51.58-240.17RVU, pasting time 5.70-6.40min and pasting temperature 50.08C-50.35C. These properties were shown to be higher when cowpea was incorporated into the flour blends than for moringa oleifera leaf powder and acha flour. However, pasting properties of the composite flour blends were higher than 100% wheat flour. This result therefore showed that composite flour from wheat, acha, cowpea and Moringa oleifera leaf powder has improved functionality and high pasting properties than the individual wheat flour and will serve as a useful ingredient in food formulations such as in dough, soups and baked products.