Sound pond productivity accompanied with adequate fish health is maintained, when water quality parameters are conducive. The study evaluated the chemical composition of a pond feed from spring water, in Asaba Campus....Sound pond productivity accompanied with adequate fish health is maintained, when water quality parameters are conducive. The study evaluated the chemical composition of a pond feed from spring water, in Asaba Campus. Sampling was carried out from September 2011 to February 2012 on a monthly basis. Surface water samples were collected between the hours of 7:00-9:00 am from the pond on each sampling day. Hydrogen-ion-concentration was in the range of 6.5 to 8.0 units. Dissolved oxygen was the highest in February 2012 with a value of 11.0 mg/L while it was the lowest in December 2011 with a value of 9.0 mg/L. Biological oxygen demand ranged from 3.5 to 5.0 mg/L. The chemical oxygen demand was the highest in December (10.00 mg/L) and lowest between January and February (8.0mg/L). The highest alkalinity was observed in October with a value of 1.05 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.042 mg/L. Conductivity values ranged from 0.075 to 0.12 μS/cm. Total phosphorus was the highest in October with a value of 1.01 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.83 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 90 to 105 mg/L. Values of physco-chemical parameters revealed that the pond was not polluted. Water quality analysis of the aquatics is of economic advantage to the fish farmer, hence, the need for its assessment at regular intervals. This is a quality assurance process that assures early dictation of toxic substances and mitigation processes to adopt before problems arise. In this way, the good health of organisms in the aquatic ecosystem and those of human dependent on them are guaranteed.展开更多
Heavy mineral petrographic and geochemical compositions (major and trace/rare earth elements)?of sandstones obtained from the Oligocene-Miocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, Niger Delta were studied to determine their prov...Heavy mineral petrographic and geochemical compositions (major and trace/rare earth elements)?of sandstones obtained from the Oligocene-Miocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, Niger Delta were studied to determine their provenance, source area weathering conditions and tectonic setting. The heavy mineral suite (opaque minerals, zircon, tourmaline, and rutile) revealed that the sandstones are mineralogically mature and implied rapid disintegration and chemical decomposition of sediments mostly of recycled orogen. The sandstones were geochemically classified as Fe-sand and partly quartz arenitic. Chemical Index of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering values of 89.92% and 91.87% respectively suggest that the source region was predominantly felsic and was subjected to intense chemical weathering probably under tropical palaeoclimatic conditions with abundant rainfall that enhanced sediment recycling. Major element concentration discriminant plots also indicated that the sediments were derived from mixed sources (granitic, gneissic or recycled orogen) under passive margin setting. Chondrite normalized plot of the rare earth element pattern is marked by light rare earth element enrichment and negative Eu anomalies, interpreted to mean that provenance was mainly continental crustal rocks. Trace elemental ratios that are provenance diagnostic (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Eu/Eu*, and Eu*) all point to sediments derived from felsic source and upper continental crust. The mixed provenance of the sandstones can be traced to the southwestern and southeastern Basement Complex (consisting of granites, gneisses, etc.) and sediments derived from the adjacent sedimentary basins (Anambra and Benue Trough).展开更多
Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection which is responsible for the recent Pandemic with its socioeconomic and Health consequences. One way to control the spread of the disease is through hand hygiene. ...Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection which is responsible for the recent Pandemic with its socioeconomic and Health consequences. One way to control the spread of the disease is through hand hygiene. This study was done to examine the knowledge and practice of hand washing to limit COVID-19. Method: An institutional-based, cross-sectional study carried out among 247 Health care workers using systemic sampling. A standardized questionnaire used in a previous study was used to collect data. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Health care workers had good knowledge (92.0%) and practice (99.0%) of hand washing, respondent’s profession (chi-square value = 618, p value = 0.001), and Gender (chi-square = 5234, p-value = 0.022) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of hand-washing were generally good in Federal Medical Centre Asaba. However, conscious and targeted efforts should be maintained by hospital organizations in organizing regular training on Infection, Prevention. They should also make available running water and consumables for hand-washing exercises.展开更多
Background: Yellow fever is transmitted primarily to humans and non-human primates through the bite of an infected female mosquito Aedes Spp. It is prevented mainly by vaccination. Method: This retrospective observati...Background: Yellow fever is transmitted primarily to humans and non-human primates through the bite of an infected female mosquito Aedes Spp. It is prevented mainly by vaccination. Method: This retrospective observational study at the Center for Communicable Disease Control and Research (CCDCR) Federal Medical Center Asaba (F.M.C) was conducted on all patients diagnosed and managed with yellow fever in the year 2020. We studied a total number of 57 patients’ case files seen within the period. A chi-square test was done to test the null and alternative hypotheses. Result: About 48 (84.2%) males and female 9 (15.8%) females were mostly affected and gender was significant with a chi-squared value of 26.6 and p-value of 0.00. Conclusion: To eradicate this virus, vaccination and health promotions should be encouraged by the health care workers supported by the government. This is to ensure that a greater proportion of the affected community can be immunized.展开更多
This study focuses on the post effect of flooding on soil quality parameters in agricultural farmlands in Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from farmland in Alihame Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta s...This study focuses on the post effect of flooding on soil quality parameters in agricultural farmlands in Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from farmland in Alihame Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state, Okwei in Asaba, Oshimil South local government area of Delta state and fegge in Onitsha South local government area of Anambra state. Farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha were used for the post flooding study, while farmland in Agbor served as control since it was not affected by flooding. Soil physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, moisture content and metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni and K) which were used as index for assessing the effect of flooding on soil quality were analyzed using standard methods. Significant effect of flooding was observed on soil properties on the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland, which was statistically justified at 95% confidence limit (p ≤ 0.05). There were considerable decreases ranging from 4% to 53% at p ≤ 0.05 in the values of pH, total organic carbon, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and cation exchange capacity on the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland;except for electrical conductivity where an increase of 54% and 92% at the flood affected farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha respectively was observed when compared to the control. Higher moisture contents were also recorded of up to about 17% and 45% at the flood affected farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha respectively, when compared to the control. Reduced concentrations ranging from 25% to 49% of essential micronutrients such as Mn, Ni and K were observed on the flood affected farmlands, reflecting the negative impact of the flood. Undesirable effect of the flood was also observed in the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland as increased concentrations ranging from 18% to 114% of Cd, Pb, and Cu, were recorded. The findings of this study revealed significant impacts of the resulting flood on soil quality of the affected farmlands with major attendant effect of the flood felt on farmland in Asaba. As a consequence, measures should be put in place by government and concerned agencies to avoid future flooding of farmlands so as not to further expose the natural quality of these farmlands to the degradative and devastating effect of such flooding.展开更多
Seasonal variations in serological profiles and growth status of farmed and wild Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Serological profiles of Clarias gariepinus can be an effective tool for proper monitoring of stres...Seasonal variations in serological profiles and growth status of farmed and wild Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Serological profiles of Clarias gariepinus can be an effective tool for proper monitoring of stress induced by management practices in intensive fish culture, which may elicit devastating effect on fish. Spectrophotometry procedures were used to analyze serum parameters of Clarias gariepinus. No different seasonal patterns were observed for mean values of albumin, total protein, urea, cholesterol, glucose and alanine amino-transferase. However, aspartate amino-transferase showed different seasonal pattern. Levels of cholesterol and alanine amino-transferase were highly significant in farmed and wild fish, separately. Juvenile fish had high level of urea irrespective of season. Seasonal variations in water quality parameters were observed except for pH which had no seasonal pattern. The growth exponential shows b-values between -0.048 and 7.434 for Clarias gariepinus. Adult female and juvenile fish from the wild had the highest b-value and the least b-value, separately. In this study, b-values were higher in the wild fish than the farmed fish. The condition factor for Clarias gariepinus ranged from 0.422 to 0.698, and was observed to be high in juvenile fish. With a condition factor less than 1, fish may not be doing well, probably due to environmental stress. Some serological parameters varied according to season and environment of fish. Thus, serological profile of fish is an effective and sensitive tool to monitor fish response to stress factors in the environment.展开更多
文摘Sound pond productivity accompanied with adequate fish health is maintained, when water quality parameters are conducive. The study evaluated the chemical composition of a pond feed from spring water, in Asaba Campus. Sampling was carried out from September 2011 to February 2012 on a monthly basis. Surface water samples were collected between the hours of 7:00-9:00 am from the pond on each sampling day. Hydrogen-ion-concentration was in the range of 6.5 to 8.0 units. Dissolved oxygen was the highest in February 2012 with a value of 11.0 mg/L while it was the lowest in December 2011 with a value of 9.0 mg/L. Biological oxygen demand ranged from 3.5 to 5.0 mg/L. The chemical oxygen demand was the highest in December (10.00 mg/L) and lowest between January and February (8.0mg/L). The highest alkalinity was observed in October with a value of 1.05 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.042 mg/L. Conductivity values ranged from 0.075 to 0.12 μS/cm. Total phosphorus was the highest in October with a value of 1.01 mg/L and lowest in December with a value of 0.83 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 90 to 105 mg/L. Values of physco-chemical parameters revealed that the pond was not polluted. Water quality analysis of the aquatics is of economic advantage to the fish farmer, hence, the need for its assessment at regular intervals. This is a quality assurance process that assures early dictation of toxic substances and mitigation processes to adopt before problems arise. In this way, the good health of organisms in the aquatic ecosystem and those of human dependent on them are guaranteed.
文摘Heavy mineral petrographic and geochemical compositions (major and trace/rare earth elements)?of sandstones obtained from the Oligocene-Miocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, Niger Delta were studied to determine their provenance, source area weathering conditions and tectonic setting. The heavy mineral suite (opaque minerals, zircon, tourmaline, and rutile) revealed that the sandstones are mineralogically mature and implied rapid disintegration and chemical decomposition of sediments mostly of recycled orogen. The sandstones were geochemically classified as Fe-sand and partly quartz arenitic. Chemical Index of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering values of 89.92% and 91.87% respectively suggest that the source region was predominantly felsic and was subjected to intense chemical weathering probably under tropical palaeoclimatic conditions with abundant rainfall that enhanced sediment recycling. Major element concentration discriminant plots also indicated that the sediments were derived from mixed sources (granitic, gneissic or recycled orogen) under passive margin setting. Chondrite normalized plot of the rare earth element pattern is marked by light rare earth element enrichment and negative Eu anomalies, interpreted to mean that provenance was mainly continental crustal rocks. Trace elemental ratios that are provenance diagnostic (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Eu/Eu*, and Eu*) all point to sediments derived from felsic source and upper continental crust. The mixed provenance of the sandstones can be traced to the southwestern and southeastern Basement Complex (consisting of granites, gneisses, etc.) and sediments derived from the adjacent sedimentary basins (Anambra and Benue Trough).
文摘Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection which is responsible for the recent Pandemic with its socioeconomic and Health consequences. One way to control the spread of the disease is through hand hygiene. This study was done to examine the knowledge and practice of hand washing to limit COVID-19. Method: An institutional-based, cross-sectional study carried out among 247 Health care workers using systemic sampling. A standardized questionnaire used in a previous study was used to collect data. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: Health care workers had good knowledge (92.0%) and practice (99.0%) of hand washing, respondent’s profession (chi-square value = 618, p value = 0.001), and Gender (chi-square = 5234, p-value = 0.022) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of hand-washing were generally good in Federal Medical Centre Asaba. However, conscious and targeted efforts should be maintained by hospital organizations in organizing regular training on Infection, Prevention. They should also make available running water and consumables for hand-washing exercises.
文摘Background: Yellow fever is transmitted primarily to humans and non-human primates through the bite of an infected female mosquito Aedes Spp. It is prevented mainly by vaccination. Method: This retrospective observational study at the Center for Communicable Disease Control and Research (CCDCR) Federal Medical Center Asaba (F.M.C) was conducted on all patients diagnosed and managed with yellow fever in the year 2020. We studied a total number of 57 patients’ case files seen within the period. A chi-square test was done to test the null and alternative hypotheses. Result: About 48 (84.2%) males and female 9 (15.8%) females were mostly affected and gender was significant with a chi-squared value of 26.6 and p-value of 0.00. Conclusion: To eradicate this virus, vaccination and health promotions should be encouraged by the health care workers supported by the government. This is to ensure that a greater proportion of the affected community can be immunized.
文摘This study focuses on the post effect of flooding on soil quality parameters in agricultural farmlands in Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from farmland in Alihame Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state, Okwei in Asaba, Oshimil South local government area of Delta state and fegge in Onitsha South local government area of Anambra state. Farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha were used for the post flooding study, while farmland in Agbor served as control since it was not affected by flooding. Soil physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, moisture content and metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni and K) which were used as index for assessing the effect of flooding on soil quality were analyzed using standard methods. Significant effect of flooding was observed on soil properties on the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland, which was statistically justified at 95% confidence limit (p ≤ 0.05). There were considerable decreases ranging from 4% to 53% at p ≤ 0.05 in the values of pH, total organic carbon, total organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and cation exchange capacity on the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland;except for electrical conductivity where an increase of 54% and 92% at the flood affected farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha respectively was observed when compared to the control. Higher moisture contents were also recorded of up to about 17% and 45% at the flood affected farmlands in Asaba and Onitsha respectively, when compared to the control. Reduced concentrations ranging from 25% to 49% of essential micronutrients such as Mn, Ni and K were observed on the flood affected farmlands, reflecting the negative impact of the flood. Undesirable effect of the flood was also observed in the flood affected farmlands when compared to the control farmland as increased concentrations ranging from 18% to 114% of Cd, Pb, and Cu, were recorded. The findings of this study revealed significant impacts of the resulting flood on soil quality of the affected farmlands with major attendant effect of the flood felt on farmland in Asaba. As a consequence, measures should be put in place by government and concerned agencies to avoid future flooding of farmlands so as not to further expose the natural quality of these farmlands to the degradative and devastating effect of such flooding.
文摘Seasonal variations in serological profiles and growth status of farmed and wild Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Serological profiles of Clarias gariepinus can be an effective tool for proper monitoring of stress induced by management practices in intensive fish culture, which may elicit devastating effect on fish. Spectrophotometry procedures were used to analyze serum parameters of Clarias gariepinus. No different seasonal patterns were observed for mean values of albumin, total protein, urea, cholesterol, glucose and alanine amino-transferase. However, aspartate amino-transferase showed different seasonal pattern. Levels of cholesterol and alanine amino-transferase were highly significant in farmed and wild fish, separately. Juvenile fish had high level of urea irrespective of season. Seasonal variations in water quality parameters were observed except for pH which had no seasonal pattern. The growth exponential shows b-values between -0.048 and 7.434 for Clarias gariepinus. Adult female and juvenile fish from the wild had the highest b-value and the least b-value, separately. In this study, b-values were higher in the wild fish than the farmed fish. The condition factor for Clarias gariepinus ranged from 0.422 to 0.698, and was observed to be high in juvenile fish. With a condition factor less than 1, fish may not be doing well, probably due to environmental stress. Some serological parameters varied according to season and environment of fish. Thus, serological profile of fish is an effective and sensitive tool to monitor fish response to stress factors in the environment.