Government Area Of Rivers State Research Articles

Phytochemical Profiling and Nutraceutical Benefits of Methanol Leaf Extracts from Datura alba ness

Introduction: Species of the Datura plant have demonstrated significant pharmacological benefits in combating various diseases over the past decade. However, little information is available on Datura alba ness (DAN), and no studies have yet reported its proximate composition or characterized its phytochemical components. This study aims to investigate the nutritional, phytochemical and bioactive properties of Datura alba ness. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of Datura alba ness were collected from Abua Odua local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria and properly identified and authenticated. The fresh leaves were subjected to proximate analysis using standard protocols while the dried leaves were extracted using methanol by the method of cold maceration to obtain methanolic extract of Datura alba ness (MEDAN). The MEDAN was further subjected to phytochemical screening to obtain the various phytochemicals and Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for detailed identification and characterization of the various bioactive compounds. Results: Proximate analysis of fresh leaves of DAN showed the presence of moisture (60.4%), crude protein (21.9%), carbohydrate (7.6%), crude fibre (4.77%), ash (4.17%) and fat (1.19%) while the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids (49.14%), alkaloids (19.16%), tannins 1(12.19%), saponins (11.72%), phenols (5.33%), cardiac glycosides (1.91%), oxalates (0.43%) and phytates (0.43%). Also, the GC-MS analysis of MEDAN identified twenty-nine (29) active compounds with four (4) observed as the most abundant (with area concentration >10%). They include Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (15.97%), 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one (14.26%), n-hexadecanoic acid (12.87%) and Gamma.-Sitosterol (10.77). Conclusion: The identification of various nutrients, compounds, and bioactive substances through proximate, phytochemical, and GC-MS analysis of fresh leaves and methanol extract of Datura alba ness highlights its potential as a supplement and therapeutic agent. These findings suggest that Datura alba ness contains numerous bioactive compounds that may offer effective treatments for conditions related to oxidative stress, nervous system disorders, tissue damage, inflammation, and bacterial infections.

Determination of proximate analysis of individual and combined samples of <i>Dioscorea alata</i>, <i>Musa parasidiaca</i> and <i>Xanthosoma sagittifolium</i> peels

This study investigates the proximate composition of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) plant wastes, with a focus on evaluating the impact of the individual and combined plant wastes. Tubers of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) used in this study were obtained from Obibi in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Yams are tubers, plantains are fruits, whereas cocoyam is derived from corms, underground stems, and swollen hypocotyls. All these crops can be propagated by vegetative parts and these include tubers (yams), sucker (Plantain) and side shoots, stolons, or corm heads (cocoyam). Peels from the yam tubers were obtained by using a kitchen knife to carefully remove the peels. The peels were then immediately oven dried at 45oC for 24 hours. The dried peels were then ground through a 40-mesh screen using a Wiley. Analyses conducted isproximate determination using AOAC method. The results highlight the high ash content of Yam and Cocoyam Peel, which contributes to mineral enrichment; the enhanced moisture content of Plantain Peel, which has implications for water retention; and the low fat and oil content of Cocoyam Peel, which suggests that it is appropriate for use as a low-fat organic material. Yam Peel has a high crude fiber level, which indicates that it has the capacity to improve the structure of the soil. On the other hand, Yam and Cocoyam Peel stand out because it has largest protein content, which is essential for the development of plants. Plantain and cocoyam peel have the largest carbohydrate content, making it an excellent source of energy for the bacteria and plants that live in the soil below it. These findings have practical implications for sustainable agriculture by optimizing crop yields in diverse agro ecosystems.

Environmental Impact of River Bank Erosion on Stream Morphology: A Study of the Mini Piti Stream, Obio-Akpor, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess the impact of river bank erosion on the environment and the channel morphology for the Mini-Piti stream in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. This study determined the depth variations from width measurements due to bank erosion activities and the impact of indiscriminate waste dumps on the river channel. Physical water quality parameters of temperature, turbidity, transparency and TSS were determined using standard methods. The stream was divided into three stations; upstream 2.5km, midstream 2.5km, and downstream with intervals of 1km measured to differentiate each station as 5 samples were obtained per station at intervals of 0.5km apart. The flow velocity and discharge were estimated as the average depth recorded upstream being DS 0.9m, WS 1.4m, Midstream DS 1.3m, WS 1.7m, and Downstream = DS 1.5m WS 1.7m. The maximum width of 11m and minimum of 0.1m were recorded though natives confirmed that the stream is closing up unless maintenance dredging to expand the depth and width, the loss of this channel cannot exceed 20 years. The field observation and the impacts of precipitation and storm water from the built area of midstream were very intensive whose action increased the water level above its channel capacity and eroded the bank. From t-test analysis, there were significant seasonal variations in the depth for the measured widths for the upstream T (8) =2.1, p= 0.036 and the midstream, T (8) =2.36, p=0.023. Similarly using the one-ANOVA, a significant variation in the depths of five locations during the dry season downstream F (4, 60) = 2.79, p= .03 was recorded. The Tukey’s HSD post hoc test showed the locations have no significantly high depths for the studied widths sizes (p<0.01 and p<0.05). A one-way ANOVA revealed a significant variation in the depths of five locations during the wet season upstream F (4, 60) = 5.966, p= .000. The Tukey’s HSD post hoc test showed the locations have significantly high depths for the studied widths sizes (p<0.01 and p<0.05) at locations L2:L4 at Q=5.53 (p=0.00216, L2:L5 at Q= 4.72 (p=0.1214), L3:L4 at Q=4.90 (p=0.00841) and L3:L5 at Q=4.10 (p=0.0403). The studied physical parameters were all above WHO permissible standards and there were no significant variations between dry and wet seasons (38% turbidity midstream, TSS-33%, 31% and 30.6% variation upstream, midstream and downstream respectively) as well as spatial changes. The collapsed sediments and waste dumped at the bank of the stream were transported downstream due to reduced velocity and coarser sediments trapped at the stream bed causing shallow depth while the suspended fine sediment on the water column reduced the clarity of the stream resulting in adverse flooding over 20 years now. The research revealed that bank erosion has significant impact on water quality due to poor transparency and geometry of stream by the alterations of the channel depth and width, flow rate, scouring and deposition of sediments in the stream. The need for regulatory agencies to control anthropogenic inputs and enhance bank erosion prevention programmes cannot be over-emphasized. The monitoring of indiscriminate urbanization programmes to limit excess scouring activities by National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is very essential to reduce excessive sand mining.

Role of Information Technology (ICT) Tools in Sustainable Community Development in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State

Role of Information Technology (ICT) Tools in Sustainable Community Development in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State

E-Learning as a Tool to Eradicate Functional Illiteracy in Older Adults in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State

E-Learning as a Tool to Eradicate Functional Illiteracy in Older Adults in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Determination of Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Water Used in Selected Hospitals within Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the bacteriological quality and antibiogram profiles of water samples from hospitals in Port Harcourt Metropolis, highlighting significant contamination and multi-drug resistance among isolated bacterial species. The research identifies the presence of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., and Klebsiella sp., with notable resistance to commonly used antibiotics, underscoring the potential public health risks associated with hospital water sources. This study's findings emphasize the need for rigorous water treatment protocols to ensure safe consumption and reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospital settings. Full Abstract Water is vital for life, and water void of bacterial contamination is vital for hospital consumption and use. This study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality and antibiogram of different water samples in some hospitals within Port Harcourt Metropolis. Water samples were collected in different hospitals in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Based on water dispensers, outdoor taps, washing hand faucets, and faucets in the toilet and theatre. The bacteriological quality of the water samples, coagulase, haemolysis, biofilm, starch, and antibiogram were determined using standard microbiological procedures. The mean range of the total heterotrophic bacterial, staphylococcal, faecal coliform, and total coliform counts of the water samples were 8.5±0.7×105 to 3.8±2.1×107, 1.2±0.2 to 2.8±0.3×105, 0.0±0.0 to 8.0±4.2×103 and 0.0±0.0 to 1.1±0.1×105 CFU/mL, respectively. The prevalence of the isolated bacteria is Staphylococcus sp (17.5%), Bacillus sp (12.5%), Enterobacter sp. (12.5%), Klebsiella sp. (10%), Citrobacter sp. (5%), Escherichia coli (2.5%) and Siccibacter sp. (2.5%). Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Escherichia coli, and Siccibacter sp. were positive for haemolysis and α-amylase production, 80% of Staphylococcus sp were coagulase positive while 46, 40, 57 and 25% of Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella sp produced biofilm. The antibiogram showed multi-drug resistance (0.2-1.0). Levofloxacin was 60% effective against Staphylococcus sp, while susceptibility of Klebsiella and Citrobacter sp to ofloxacin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid, and levofloxacin 66.7%. The water samples from these hospitals might not be good for drinking. Thus, treatment of water before use is recommended. The high antibiotic resistance could imply the emergence of resistant isolates in hospital water.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterization of Abattoir Wastewater in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Microbiological and Physicochemical Characterization of Abattoir Wastewater in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Eradicating Functional Illiteracy in Older Adults Through the E-Learning Approach: A Case Study of Bonny Local Government Area

This study presents e-learning as a tool to eradicate functional illiteracy in older adults in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study adopted descriptive survey research design; the population of the study comprised adults in Bonny LGA, Rivers State. A total of two hundred (200) respondents were selected for this study using the simple random sampling technique. This technique was adopted in order to give every respondent based in that locality equal chances of being selected for the study. The primary data was used as a source of data collection; the respondents were rated using a 4-point Likert scale. The reliability of the instrument was obtained using a test-retest procedure and Cronbach’s Alpha instrument. Simple percentage tool was employed in both table and chart format to describe the characteristics of the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the copies of the questionnaire. The analysis revealed that lack of resources and little knowledge of computerized devices are challenges associated with implementing e-learning initiatives for older adults. This study concludes that e-learning is a panacea for eradicating functional illiteracy among older adults in Bonny LGA, Rivers State. The study recommends that the government should provide more resources that will aid e-learning for improvement and address literacy challenges among older adults in Bonny LGA. They should also make e-learning programs to be extremely effective by providing resource materials for trainers and trainees.

Assessing The Effectiveness of Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies Employed by Oil Companies in Bonny and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Assessing The Effectiveness of Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies Employed by Oil Companies in Bonny and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self Examination in Women of Okrika Kalio-Ama Community Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State

Background: Breast self-examination is one of the non-invasive methods of screening in which a woman looks at her breast for any unusual changes like lumps, distortions, or swellings. Despite the impact of breast self-examination in detecting breast cancer earlier, the vast majority of cases still present with an advanced stage. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, particularly in low income countries. Objective: This study sought to evaluate breast self-examination habits and knowledge among women in their reproductive age in the Kalio-Ama village in Okrika LGA, Rivers State. Methods: Women residing in the study area were the subjects of a cross-sectional study. A straightforward random selection technique was employed to choose 250 individuals. Questionnaires given by interviewers were utilized to gather data. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 23. Results: From the total of 250 women participated in the study with a response rate of 100%. Of these, 250 (100%) of the respondents have heard of breast self-examination, 25 (10%) heard about it at home, 180 (72%) heard about it at the health facility while 45 (18%) heard on social media, 190 (76%) said self-examination of the breast is essential for early detection of breast cancer, 180 (72%) had knowledge and skills of BSE, 190 (76%) agreed that BSE will lead to early detection of breast cancer, 250 (100) of the respondents have practiced breast self-examination, 160 (64%) practice BSE on monthly bases while 90 (36%) practice BSE when necessary, 160 (64%) will continue the practice of BSE, 160 (64%) derive pleasure in carrying out BSE. There was a significant relationship (p-value<0.05) between the following factors (health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age) and execution of BSE. Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that there is adequate sufficient understanding and experience in BSE among women of childbearing age in the study area and factors such as health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age impact of the practice of BSE among women in Rivers State.

Geospatial Assessment of Oil Spill’s Impact in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Rivers State, Nigeria

Environmental degradation resulting from oil spills has emerged as a critical issue requiring immediate attention. This study uses geospatial techniques to investigate the impact of oil spills in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Landsat images, administrative map of the study area and historical oil spill data were data used in carrying out this study. The images were pre-processed through atmospheric and geometric corrections. Spatial analysis of four remote sensing indices-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for assessing vegetation health, Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for detecting water bodies, Land Surface Temperature (LST) for measuring surface temperature, and Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI) for identifying built-up areas-was conducted using the raster calculator in ArcGIS. The study employed the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assign weights to these indices based their relative significance regarding oil spill impact. Subsequently, reclassification and integration of this information were done to generate Oil Spill Index (OSI) maps for 2003, 2013, and 2023. Validation of the Oil Spill Index (OSI) of various points before and after an oil spill incident was performed, specifically contrasting 2003 with 2013 and 2023 OSI values. This was to affirm the accuracy and predictive capability of the OSI maps in identifying oil spill-prone areas. Findings revealed OSI values for 2003 and 2013, indicating a range of 1.04 to 3.48 for 2003, with a noticeable increase observed in 2013, expanding the range to 3.08 to 4.72. Similarly, a comparison of OSI values between 2003 and 2023 indicates OSI values, ranging from 1.64 to 3.92 in 2003, then in 2023 after the oil spill incidents, there were notable changes in the OSI values, with the range shifting to 3.2 to 4.84. This suggests a significant increase in the impact of oil spill on the affected areas over the two-decade. This comprehensive index map serves as a tool for monitoring and assessing the effects of oil spills on the study area, thereby achieving the research objectives effectively.

Evaluating the impact of film on the knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease amongst residents of Obio-Akpor local government area

The study evaluated the impact of film on the knowledge of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to find out the level that sickle cell-themed movies have helped increase respondents’ knowledge and attitudes towards sickle cell disease, and how respondents perceive the effectiveness of movies as a means of increasing their knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease. The study was conducted using a survey design. The population of the study was 683,565. A sample size of 400 was obtained from the population size using the Taro Yamane formula and three selected communities were sampled. A purposive sampling technique was used to draw advocates and relatives of sickle cell disease for an online interview. The result of the analysis showed that sickle cell-themed films have not been effective in campaigning against sickle cell disease as there has been low awareness about the symptoms and treatment options of sickle cell disease even with film campaigns. However, movies have helped respondents understand the emotional and social impact of sickle cell disease on individuals and families. Also, while four out of the seven factors had a mean below the criterion mean of 2.50, the aggregate was above the criterion mean. To achieve effectiveness, it was recommended that community leaders and the government should fund and encourage filmmakers to create more health advocacy campaigns and sponsor more sickle cell-themed movies.

Impact of Agribusiness Skill Training Programmes on Job Creation in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Impact of Agribusiness Skill Training Programmes on Job Creation in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Informal Economy and Poverty Reduction

The study investigated the role of informal economy and poverty reduction in selected business activities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. 140 structured questionnaires were distributed across various business types in the local government out of which 120 were retrieved. The informal sector or grey economy is a business activity that falls outside the formally recognized enterprise engagement not accounted for in the National Gross Domestic Product. As result of the nature of the businesses, it becomes difficult for authorities to hold them for taxation. The study employed the primary data source for information which was a subject of combined descriptive and Ordinary Least Square analytical econometric technique. It employed the SPSS Package for the Management Sciences and Business. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between multidimensional poverty index and family size and monthly consumption among other variables employed in the survey. The findings established the necessity for infrastructural development in the rural areas, educational improvement and adequate finding or accessibility to capital among others. It, therefore, recommended the deliberate policy of government to improve the provision of basic amenities in rural areas, enhance the education facilities to cater for the needs of those in the rural areas and promote access to credit facilities.

Assessment of radionuclides in the soil of Bonny Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria and evaluation of radiological risk

Twenty Samples each of soil from Bonny LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria were analyzed using NaI(IT) gamma detector to estimate radiation hazard due to the anthropogenic sources. The activity concentration of 232Th was found to be in the range 18.78 – 397.13 BqKg-1, 40K in the range 43.72 – 390.62 BqKg-1 and 226Ra in the range 10.77 – 57.84 BqKg-1 all in soil. These results were used to calculate the radiological hazard parameters including the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose. The calculated gamma exposure rates ranged between 10.00 – 270.79 nGyh-1 while the average value of the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was found to be 0.38 x 10-3 for soil which is higher than the world average of 0.29 x 10-3.

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Hypertension among Residents of Akpor Community in Rivers State: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition of public health concern. It is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide, and can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, and perception of hypertension among residents of Akpor kingdom, a semi-urban community in Rivers State. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design in which 284 apparently healthy community-based adult male and female individuals were purposively selected in four semi-urban communities of Akpor kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. A structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics and research questions on knowledge, attitude and perception of hypertension was self-administered to the participants after obtaining their informed consents. All other ethical procedures were followed in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in frequency tables. Results: Majority of the respondents were males 154 (54.2%), married 195 (68.7%), and between the ages of 40 and 50 (41.5%). Majority 164 (57.8%) had good knowledge of hypertension while 18 (6.3%) had no knowledge of hypertension at all. The prevalence of hypertension was 62 (21.8%), while 102 (35.9%) were not aware whether or not they were hypertensive. Majority of the hypertensive respondents 48 (16.9%) knew their status through medical diagnosis in hospitals/clinics while 14 (4.9%) knew theirs through other means. Majority of the hypertensive respondents 34 (54.8%) had a positive attitude in seeking healthcare while 28 (45.2%) had a negative attitude. Regarding lifestyle modification, 16 (25.8%) had a negative attitude/perception of hypertension out of which 9 (14.5%) never engaged in any form of lifestyle modification, while 7 (11.3%) managed their condition through prayers and other religious practices. Conclusion: A substantial percentage of most adult community dwellers still have poor knowledge of hypertension and negative attitude towards seeking healthcare despite the seemingly increase in public health campaigns in our communities. There is need for all stakeholders to join hands and intensify campaigns that would educate the populace on facts about hypertension, its prevention and management

Diagnosis of Crude Oil Impacted Soil in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study assessed the potential effects of crude oil on soil quality in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Soil samples were collected from 10 geopolitical wards of the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The soil and water samples were subjected to physicochemical and microbial analyses to test for pH, heavy metal content (Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Copper, and Chromium), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) contents and Total Viable Count (TVC). Parameters of the soil were determined and compared to the control site and the permissible World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The soil pH varied across location, ranging from 5.5-7. TPH varied in across the different communities studied, ranging from 1.275-4889.29 mg/kg, and exceeding the WHO limit of 10mg/kg in all polluted soils. The result for the heavy metals showed that the soil samples of the studied sites showed increases in all heavy metals, when compared to the control. Cd values ranged from 0.01 - 0.32 mg/kg; Fe from 1325.23 - 9364.76 mg/kg, Pb from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.93 mg/kg and Cr from 0.001 - 5.08 mg/kg, all with WHO limits. The result for the microbial showed increases in TVC content in polluted soil. Results indicate that crude oil spillage has led to significant contamination of soil in the study area which could affect soil fertility.

Factors Contributing to Poverty among Artisanal Fisherfolk of in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated factors contributing to poverty among artisanal fisherfolk in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. By exploring the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk, this paper analyzed different aspects of poverty and identify factors that contribute to poverty in these communities. This descriptive study was guided by two research objectives and questions. The population of study consists of 520 members of 3 fisherfolks cooperative society in Rivers State, out of which 240 members was randomly sampled. The research instrument used for the study was a structured 24 item questionnaire designed on a modified 4-poin Liker scale format. The findings of the study reveal that lack of access to loan facilities, reduction in catch and socio-economic factors contributed to poverty among fisherfolk in Rivers State. This study came to the conclusion that poverty is pervasive in coastal communities in Rivers State because the majority of fishermen who live and work there have daily challenges that exacerbate rather than reduce their economic condition. Based on this the paper recommended that in order to give fishermen access to loans and free themselves from the shackles of payday lenders, the government of Rivers State urgently needs to expand the establishment of microfinance banks to coastal communities. Additionally, fishermen need to be properly educated on the importance of maintaining clean waterways and the proper application of government regulations governing effluent discharge on water bodies.

DIETARY HABITS AND IMPACT OF GOOD NUTRITION IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYMDROME IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the dietary habit and impact of good nutrition on children with down syndrome in Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was adopted. All mothers with down syndrome children in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State formed the population. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample size of 370 for the study. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion. The instrument was face validated and the reliability determined using Cronbach Alpha,a reliability coefficient 0.68 was obtained. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using the descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation). The findings of the study showed that, mothers know the importance of good nutrition to the health of their children. The study also revealed that mothers are aware of nutrition can help enhance the health of the children, but they do not know the essential nutrient that are necessary for children with down syndrome. Based on the findings of the study the following recommendations were made; foods and nutrition counsellors should be recruited in various local government areas to enlighten the mothers of down syndrome children on the importance of nutrition, and how it improves proper functioning of development of the child. Government should sponsor awareness programmes that will assist the parents of the down syndrome children on how to go about the dietary habit of their children.

Modeling of some hydrodynamics characteristics of Orashi River in the Southern Region of Nigeria

The dynamic nature of rivers and its effect on the inhabitants and its surroundings is of fundamental concern to Hydro Scientists, Coastal Engineers, and Surveyors. These changes have remained unpredicted and hence the focus of this study. The aim of this study is to develop a geo-model of the dynamics of Orashi River in Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. The objectives are to determine the river dynamics parameters, to develop a functional multiple regression model of Orashi River dynamics and to determine the percentage contributions of each of the independent variables. This study was carried out using classical survey methods such as river current measurement, river cross-sectional area determination, river water discharge rate determination, bathymetric operation, runoff water computation, water gauge reading and conventional ground surveying. A multiple regression analysis was carried out using data obtained in 2013, 2015 and 2017 used as the independent variables while the river level changes is used as the dependent variable. The result of this study show changes in the river current and river discharge. The data analysis show the contribution of the independent variable to the dynamics of Orashi River for 2013 to be 24.83%, 30.63%, 20.24%, 0.33% and 24.97% for river current, runoff peak discharge, rainfall intensity, temperature and humidity respectively. The analysis was also carried out in 2015 & 2017and different results were obtained. A functional model of the dynamics of the changes in Orashi River was developed for 2013, 2015 and 2017 which can be used in monitoring the changes in Orashi River.