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.

Community Ecology of Scincid Lizards in a Swamp Rainforest of South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract: Diets, activity patterns, habitat use, and the role of predation, were studied in a community of terrestrial lizards ( Mabuya affinis , Mabuya maculilabris , Mochlus fernandii : Scincidae) from a swamp lowland rainforest in south-eastern Nigeria. Mochlus fernandii was the largest species, whereas the two Mabuya were very similar in terms of body size. There was no significant sexual size dimorphism in any of the species, but males of Mochlus fernandii tended to be larger than females. Niche breadths varied significantly between species, with M. fernandii specimens showing the widest niche breadth values. Moreover, the intersexual differences in diet composition were significant in all the species. The size of the lizards influenced the type of prey eaten. Mochlus fernandii occasionally preyed on the two Mabuya species, and M. affinis also fed upon fruits and plants. The diets of the three species were clearly separated. The highest dietary similarity occurred between Mochlus fernandii and M. maculilabris , and the lowest similarity occurred between Mochlus fernandii and M. affinis . All three species exhibited a bimodal activity pattern (first peak: 08.00 – 10.00, second peak: 16.00 – 18.00), and did not differ significantly between species. Mochlus fernandii was less abundant than the two Mabuya in suburban habitats, but the interspecific differences in habitat characteristics were minor. Based on the frequency of tail loss, predation risk was high for all lizards in this community. Snakes are most likely the main predators.

Application of Biological Methods in the Remediation of Oil Polluted Environment in Nigeria

Abstract: The application of biological methods have been used to remediate oil contaminated land, to promote health and safety of our environments. These biological processes of remediation may be affected by use of single or a combination of approaches. These processes include to degrade, break down, transform, and/or essentially remove contaminants or impairments of quality from soil and water, otherwise known as bioremediation. Bioremediation is a natural process which relies on bacteria, fungi, and plants to alter contaminants as these organisms carry out their normal life functions. Metabolic processes of these organisms are capable of using chemical contaminants as an energy source, rendering the contaminants harmless or less toxic products in most cases. This paper is a review of the biological methods used in the remediation process.

Contributions to biodiversity theory: the importance of formal rigor

Abstract: . In this short paper, some consideration is given to the term biodiversity. We stress the need for a strong formal rigor in using this term in order to maintain the credibility by non-ecologists and environmental agencies over the scientific community involved in biodiversity studies. After a historical introduction to the use and concept of the term biodiversity, this paper presents some theoretical aspects, concrete methodological proposal, and discussion for the further scientific and consistent use of the term biodiversity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Clients towards COVID-19 at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: Introduction: In spite of all the measures introduced to fight the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria by relevant authorities, it is still ravaging the country. This calls for the commitment and responsibility of the citizens in their adherence to all the control measures and guidelines, whose effectiveness is dependent on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study investigated the KAP of clients who attended primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) in Rivers State, Nigeria over the period 16th to 20th June 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the clients seeking care at the public primary healthcare facilities in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria as respondents. Using descriptive analysis, the results for each of the quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, whilst those for the categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. The association between the responses on KAP and demographic characteristics were tested using the Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with KAP and statistical significance was assessed at P<0.05. Results: Out of 460 questionnaires distributed, 434 respondents participated in the survey, revealing a 94.3% response rate. The proportion of respondents with moderate and above scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices are 86.6% (62.9+23.7), 80.6% (57.6+23.0), and 58.0% (30.8+27.2) respectively. Occupation, educational level, and senatorial districts are associated with knowledge and attitude, whilst age and senatorial districts are associated with the level of adherence to preventive practices; knowledge level also has associations with both attitude and practices towards COVID-19. Conclusion: On the basis of these findings, we suggest public health education programs on COVID-19 should target individuals with low knowledge levels, lower educational attainment, and those residing in the Rivers South-East senatorial zone in the promotion of their messages on COVID-19.