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.

Porosity and permeametry at sub-atmospheric pressures

Abstract: The Carman-Kozeny equation is applicable in the viscous flow regime but, as the powder becomes finer, this equation fails. The controlling factor is the ratio of the hydraulic diameter to the mean free path of gas molecules (rH/λ) and, as this approaches unity, “slip flow” occurs. This effect increases with (a) increasing fineness, i.e. rH reduced, (b) decreasing porosity, i.e. rH reduced, and (c) decreasing pressure, i.e. λ increased. In order to account for the enhanced flow arising as a result of this failure, a second term is introduced into the equation and this includes an unknown “constant” (δK0/K), the coefficient of slip. It was considered probable that this so-called constant was a function of (rH/λ), and an attempt was made to investigate this relationship.

Assessment of Serum Levels of Some Heavy Metals in Carpenters Residing in Port-Harcourt in Relation to Their Lifestyle

Abstract: Carpentry as an occupation involves the use of woods routinely on daily basis. However, these woods are preserved through the application of certain chemicals, some of which happens to be heavy metals. When these woods are processed, the heavy metals together with wood dust are released into the work environment, and when this is inhaled or involuntarily ingested over a period, it may result in bioaccumulation of the heavy metals. This study examined the serum levels of some heavy metals (chromium, nickel and arsenic) in carpenters residing in Port-Harcourt in relation to their lifestyle. A total of 180 apparently healthy male subjects were used for the study, out of which 90 subjects were carpenters (test subjects), while the other 90 subjects were noncarpenters (control subjects). Relevant information was collected using a structured questionnaire, written consent from each subject was obtained, and blood samples collected and analysed. The Solar Thermo-Elemental Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Model SE-71906 was used to analyse the heavy metals. The results showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) serum levels of Original Research Article Ibama and Amadi; AJRIMPS, 4(4): 1-7, 2018; Article no.AJRIMPS.43934 2 chromium, nickel and arsenic in the carpenters as compared to the control subjects. Carpenters who were regular alcohol drinkers had a significantly higher (p<0.05) serum levels of chromium, nickel and arsenic as compared to occasional drinkers and non-drinkers, while carpenters who were smokers had a significantly higher (p<0.05) serum levels of chromium and nickel as compared to ex-smokers and non-smokers. These findings suggest that occupational exposure to wood dust may predispose carpenters and other wood workers to heavy metal intoxication, and that, drinking and/or smoking lifestyle may further predispose them to the heavy metal intoxication.

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Resistant Pseudomonas Species Generated Through the Use of Differential and Selective Media for Isolation of Pseudomonas from Environmental Samples

Abstract: Water and soil samples were cultured on Cetrimide agar, Kings B agar, and nutrient agar supplemented with 50 μg.mL -1 chloramphenicol for the isolation of greenish pigment producing Pseudomonas species. Greenish pigment producing colonies that grew on the media were subjected to microscopic examination and selected physicochemical/biochemical tests to confirm that they belong to the Pseudomonas genus. Isolates confirmed to belong to the Pseudomonas genus were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing to various antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. The antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that two of the Pseudomonas isolates from nutrient agar plates supplemented with chloramphenicol showed resistance to Ampiclox, Rifampicin, and Norfloxacin. Also, one of the isolates showed resistance to Gentamycin, Amoxicillin, and Amoxicillin clavulanate. Two of the isolates from Kings B medium showed resistance to Ampiclox; another isolate showed resistance to Rifampicin, and one of the isolate that Original Research Article Pedro and Chioma; SAJRM, 2(3): 1-9, 2018; Article no.SAJRM.45195 2 showed resistance to Ampiclox also showed resistance to Rifampicin, Chloramphenicol and Norfloxacin. Only one isolate from Cetrimide agar showed resistance to Ofloxacin and Nalidixic acid. Based on the EUCAST Breakpoint Table for P. aeruginosa, 12 out of the 14 Pseudomonas isolates (85.7%) were susceptible to Levofloxacin and Gentamycin, while 8 (57.1%) of the isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin. The results indicate that Pseudomonas species isolated from the environment through the use of differential and selective media can become resistant to some antibiotics, and that Levofloxacin and Gentamycin could be used in the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas.

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Zobo Drink Sold in Bayelsa State Nigeria

Abstract: Introduction: Zobo is a non-alcoholic locally produced beverage from dried petals, acid-succulent calyxes of Hibiscus subdariffa by boiling and filtration. Zobo is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, vitamins, minerals, iron and antioxidant. The consumption of zobo may be associated with food infection and/ or food borne illness arising from unhygienic processes. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the bacterial quality of zobo sold in Bayelsa, identify the bacteria isolated and determine the enterotoxin producing ability of some strains. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 bottles of zobo were examined, 50 were purchased from each zone (Yenagoa, Sagbama and Ogbia). Each bottle of zobo was well mixed by gentle inversion and 1mL of the zobo was added to 9mL of sterile peptone water in a test tube. Serial dilution was made to and 0.1 mL of the last dilution (105) was inoculated on already prepared and dried media (nutrient, MacConkey and salmonella/shegella agar) in duplicate and spread evenly with sterile glass rod. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hours and examined for growth. Commercial purchased kits were used to test for enterotoxin production of some isolated strains. Results: Out of the 150 zobo samples examined, the bacteria isolated were S. aureus 120 (25%), Coagulase negative Staphylococci sp.120 (25%), Bacillus sp. 150 (31.3%) and Salmonella sp. 90 (18%) respectively. Out of 120 S. aureus isolated, 18 (15%) produced enterotoxin. Conclusion: Regulatory Agencies should as a matter of urgency consider the regulation of zobo production for public consumption and producers should be instructed on the principles of food preservation, sanitation and hygiene. The consumption of locally produced zobo is a public health concern in Nigeria.

Introduced fish assemblages in a mosaic of urban ponds: evidence for species-area and diversity-dominance patterns

Abstract: We studied species-area and diversity-dominance patterns in fish communities of a mosaic of urban ponds (Rome, Italy). We detected 10 fish species (all introduced) in 40 isolated ponds (12.9% of the total; n = 311). The log-transformed species-area relationship (logS = 0.04 logA + 0.16) was significant. Assuming the lack of mechanisms of natural immigration between totally isolated ponds, the number of fish species in this mosaic of ponds may depend exclusively on progressive extinctions and on random and arbitrary events of introduction (acting as human-mediated immigration), these latter explaining the apparently low taxon-related isolation indicated by a low z value (= 0.04). We observed a significantly lower number of species in the smallest ponds and a further threshold under 1 ha in size: these values could represent an interesting threshold for pond management. The diversity-dominance approach evidenced pond size effect acting as a factor of stress on these assemblages.