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.

A Mechanistic Approach to Subsea Gas Pipeline Capacity Utilization – Case Study

Abstract: One of the biggest challenges after the initial gas field discovery lies in the transportation. The natural gas supply is constructed in such a way that transportation remains an integral part of the gas utilization system. This is because the operator has to understand the mechanism behind transporting from the well to the wellhead; from the wellhead to the topside while efficiently avoiding hydrate formation; from the topside to the processing facilities and from the processing facilities to the delivery point for the final consumers. This paper was structured to address subsea gas pipeline flow assurance issues relating to the initiation of hydrate and internal corrosion. Through experience and extensive literature studies, an Optimization Systematic Model was developed. This model is procedural in nature, incorporating both risk analysis and predictive models. The model was further used to investigate the susceptibility of the case study, Inter-western African Gas Pan Pipeline (IAGPP), to hydrate and internal corrosion. The results of the case study confirmed that the model is helpful in that it can bring flow assurance issues to management focus. This research suggested a new derived equation – the Thermo-Mechanistic Model (T-MM), used to explain PIPESIM simulation results and the optimization options. The T-MM can be used to understand the behavior of gas enthalpy to variations in gas pipeline flowrate. In general, there is a need to keep gas pipeline capacity optimization in focus; to proactively avert cases of hydrate and internal corrosion by using the model developed. Learning from the IAGPP case study also shows that there is the need to accurately assess gas availability for transmission.

University training of entomologists, especially taxonomists in tropical Africa

Abstract: University training of entomologists, especially taxonomists in tropical Africa is examined. It is concluded that generally the education of entomologists in the subregion is very poor. Teachers with correct training and orientation are either lacking or when available do not receive the necessary incentives for effective teaching. Supporting facilities for academic work are either missing or where present have deteriorated to the extent of being almost useless. The situation is thought unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. It has been suggested that international institutions in Africa concerned with the proper progress and development of Insect Science should take steps to organize a comprehensive master’s degree programme in entomology along the Rivers State University of Science and Technology curriculum pattern. Alternatively, the duration of the Ph.D. course work may be increased to 9 months as suggested in the paper. This should help to produce at least some educated entomologists and hopefully some taxonomists for the continent.

Brand value and marketing wellness of deposit money banks

Abstract: A cardinal objective of marketing is to create value for customers and to capture value from customers in return; and building strong brands facilitate the achievement of this objective. Strong brands win customers’ preference through the assurance of value. The focus of this study is to examine the association between brand value and marketing wellness measured in terms of new product success, sales growth and market share. The study utilised data collected from sixty-six (66) respondents comprising of branch managers, marketing managers and inside sales officers of deposit money banks using a structured questionnaire. The P(r) was employed as the test statistic. All the statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 20.0. The study found positive and statistically significant correlation between brand value and all the three indices of marketing wellness considered in the study, with marketing share showing the strongest link with brand value. The study thus concludes that brand value influences marketing wellness and recommends that banks that seek marketing wellness measured in terms of market share, new product success and sales growth should build strong brands that consumers will hold in high repute and that also assure value for consumers. JEL: M31, M20 Article visualizations:

Nephrotoxicity in rabbits following subchronic exposure to Nigerian crude oil

Abstract: Nephrotoxicity in rabbits following subchronic exposure to crude oil was studied. The exposure levels were w/w 0.00%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20%. The graded doses were included in their diets. Serum from experimental animals was assayed for indicators of kidney function. The parameters were alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, glucose, total protein and albumin. All the biochemical indicators increased significantly (P Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.25(2) 2004: 19-26

Evaluation of Protective Properties of Elaeis oleifera Fruit Extract on Renal Parameters of Dichlorvos-Induced Nephrotoxocity in Albino Rats

Abstract: Aim: Evaluate the protective effects of palm oil on renal parameters after dichlorvos toxicity in albino rats. Study Design and Methodology: The study consisted of 3 phases: The acute study which lasted for 24 hours, the sub-acute study which lasted for 14 days and the sub chronic study which lasted for 30 days. The design and treatment pattern is shown below. Phase 1: Acute Study. Group 1: No DDVP, No palm oil for 24 hours (Negative control), Group 2: 30 mg/kg of DDVP without palm oil (positive control), Group 3: 30 mg/kg of DDVP and 100 mg/kg palm oil for 24 hours (treatment group). Phase 2: Sub-Acute (14 days) Study. Group 4: No DDVP, No palm oil for 14 days (Negative control), Group 5: 10 mg/kg of DDVP without palm oil daily for 14 days (positive control), Group 6: 10 mg/kg of DDVP and 100 mg/kg of palm oil daily for 14 days (positive control). Phase 3: Sub-Chronic (30 days) Study. Group 7: No DDVP, No palm oil for 30 days (Negative control), Group 8: 10 mg/kg of DDVP without palm oil daily for 30 days (positive control), Group 9: 10 mg/kg Original Research Article Nwachuku et al.; JAMPS, 22(6): 1-13, 2020; Article no.JAMPS.58295 2 of DDVP and 100 mg/kg palm oil daily for 30 days (treatment group). All administration was done orally. After the period of treatments, the rats were sacrificed after 18 hours of fast. Whole blood samples (5 mls) were collected into lithium heparin bottle and spun at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma samples. Samples obtained were used for the determination of Na, K, HCO3, urea, and creatinine while renal tissues obtained were used for histopathological examinations. Results: Significantly higher values were seen in urea in the dichlorvos treated rats over a period of 24 hours, 14 days, and 30 days as compared to rats co-treated with palm oil and the control. Creatinine indicated significantly higher over a period of 24 hours while non-significant increases were observed in the dichlorvos treated rats over a period of 14 days and 30 days. More so, significantly higher values were seen in potassium in the dichlorvos treated rats over a period of 24 hours and 14 days, while significantly higher values in potassium were seen after period of 30 days as compared to rats co-treated with palm oil and the control. Sodium and chloride did not indicate significant difference over the period of 24 hours, 14 days, and 30 days. Histological examination of the renal tissue indicated structural distortions dichlorvos treated rats over a period of 24 hours, 14 days and 30 days while significant improvements in the structural integrity of the kidney were observed in rats co-treated with palm oil. Conclusion: Results obtained indicated that palm oil showed a protective effect in ameliorating the nephrotoxicity induced by dichlorvos as shown by the histological examination and decreased values of creatinine and urea as well as potassium in palm oil treated rats.