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.

Buffering assessment of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaves and stem for fish production in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: Organic materials are alternatives to chemicals for safe and healthy fish production. This study aimed at comparing the buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem with calcium carbonate on acidic borehole water at different dosages for aquaculture. Forty-eight, 25-litres shaded plastic tanks of three replicates per treatment were used. The tanks were 20 litres filled with experimental water (pH 4.7). There were sixteen treatment (T) levels (T0 to T16). T1 to T15 were classified into three groups of three dosage levels (G) (2.4g [G1], 6g [G2] and 12g [G3]) per pawpaw leaves and stem [dried leaves (DL), fresh leaves (FL), dried stem (DS) and fresh stem (FS)] and calcium carbonate (CA). pH and temperature were monitored once daily while dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and calcium were measured weekly for thirty-one (31) days using standard method. Data were analyzed for analysis of variance, Duncan Multiple Range and descriptive statistics. At the end of the study period, the minimum (4.7) and maximum (7.30) pH were recorded in T0 and T11 respectively. Water pH progressively increased from Day 1 to Day 31 in all the treatment levels. The order of buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem at the end of the experiment in all the treatment groups was FS

Effect of Pre-treated Oil-based Drill Cuttings on the Compressive Strength of Sandcrete Blocks

Abstract: This study examines the drill cuttings on the compressive strength of mortar blended with thermally desorbed drill cuttings and Portland-limestone cement grade 42.5R. The thermally desorbed drill cuttings was used as a partial substitute for Portland-limestone cement. Replacement levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% were used. The chemical oxide composition, initial and final settings times and the compressive strengths of the blended mortar were determined at curing period of 7 days, 28 days and 90 days respectively. The ANOVA analysis showed that the replication means are not significantly different at 5% probability level, while the coefficient of variability obtained is 10.9% which is within the acceptable limit of less than 20%. Also, the results showed that the treatment means are significantly different at 5% probability level and within the acceptable limit of coefficient of variability which is the degree of precision with which the treatments were compared. Hence, this indicates that the 95% probability that the conclusion of the treatment mean being different is correct, keeping other experimental variables constant. Therefore, partial replacement of cement with the pretreated oil based drill cuttings at different replacement levels has a significant effect on the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks produced.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Salmonella Species Isolated from Snail (Archachatina marginata) Sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Increase in microbial population especially Salmonella species in food due to improper handling, storage and exposure to contaminants can raise public health concerns when consumed without adequate processing. This study evaluates the prevalence and antibiogram of Salmonella species associated with the giant land Snail (Archachatina marginata) sold in markets around Port Harcourt metropolis. A total number of seventy two (72) samples of land snail were collected from three markets; Creek Road, Mile one and Rumuokoro. The samples were labelled and transported in an ice packed coolers to the laboratory for analyses. Standard microbiological protocols were employed to determine the microbial load and species of the various parts (intestine, meat and fluid) of the snail samples after shucking. Antibiotics sensitivity profile testing of the isolated and identified Salmonella species were carried out as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Original Research Article Daminabo et al.; EJNFS, 12(12): 74-82, 2020; Article no.EJNFS.64037 75 Institute (CLSI) and statistical analyses using one way ANOVA and all pairs Turkey-Kramer. Results from the study showed that the highest total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) of 8.6x10CFU/g was obtained in the snail intestine sourced from Creek road market while THBCs of 8.2x10 6 CFU/g and 7.3x10 6 CFU/g were from Mile one and Rumuokoro markets respectively. THBCs of meat from the markets ranged from 4.3-5.4x10 CFU/g and 3.7-4.9x10CFU/ml in fluid with Rumuokoro having the least occurrence respectively. Mean Salmonella counts (MSCs) ranged from 0.4-3.6 x10 3 CFU/g, with least count obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 markets. Similarly, least MSCs in fluid and intestine were obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 whereas Creek road Market had the highest respectively. Three species of Salmonella; S. arizonae, S. gallinarum and S. typhi were predominant in addition to other species such as Vibrio spp,, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli, Micrococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp identified using both conventional and molecular method. Antibiogram profile revealed that all the identified Salmonella species were susceptible to Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin but strongly resistance to Cetazidime and Gentamicin. The diversity and elevated microbial load observed from this study calls for caution in handling and processing of snails since most of these bacteria may become aetiologic agents of several food-borne diseases and other pathological conditions. As a necessity, good quality control measures and proper chemotherapy should be administered to patients with signs and symptoms of food borne illness emanating from consumption of snail.

Enhanced capability and competitive advantage of bottled water manufacturing companies in rivers state, nigeria

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between enhanced capability and competitive advantage of bottled water manufacturing companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Enhanced capability was conceptualized as the independent variable while service quality, innovativeness and market focus were used as measures of the competitive advantage. The study was anchored on system theory and resource-based theory. In pursuance to the objectives of the study, the cross-sectional survey method was adopted. The study population consisted of 51 managerial staff drawn from 15 bottled water manufacturing companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research instrument was tested for validity and reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the bivariate correlation at two-tailed 95% confidence interval with the aid of SPSS version 23. The study revealed that enhanced capability has positive and significant effects that translate to competitive advantage. It was recommended that management should promote policies on enhanced capability with a view to improving service quality, innovativeness and market focus in organization. Keywords: Enhanced Capability, Competitive Advantage, Service Quality, Innovativeness, Market Focus CITATION: Harry, O. F., & Ejo-Orusa H. (2020). Enhanced capability and competitive advantage of bottled water manufacturing companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 7(1), 171 – 179.

Building a Decision Support System for Crude Oil Price Prediction using Bayesian Networks

Abstract: Decision Support Systems are computer based systems that are aimed at assisting decision-makers in taking productive, agile, innovative and reputable decisions. This work presents a Decision Support System using Bayesian Network to predict crude oil price .Bayesian Network technology and its application in predicting crude oil price is presented. Price data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria was classed into High and Low cases to denote the upward and downward price movement in which information was revealed. The input data were used in this model to train the network and to validate its generalization ability in other to deliver the best prediction forecast. A linguistic prediction model which utilized the Bayesian Network whose aim was to integrate linguistic information into a quantitative prediction model was established. The results obtained from the linguistic model demonstrate that linguistic information adds value to oil price prediction.