Port Harcourt Local Government Area Research Articles

An Analysis of COVID-19 Statistics in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Study of Demographic Patterns, Geographic Distribution, and Prevalent Symptoms from April 2020 to March 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is characterized mainly by fever and cough and is capable of progressing to severe symptoms and in some cases death. Aims: To analyze COVID-19 statistics in Rivers State, Nigeria, during the specified period to contribute to the broader understanding of the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the region. Methodology: Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the retrieval of secondary data. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Epidemiology Division of the Rivers State Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, in December 2022. Participants: A total of 6,299 patients recorded between April 2020 to March 2021 in the Epidemiology Unit were included in the study. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis. Data Collection and Analysis: Secondary data recorded in Excel format was retrieved from the Epidemiology Unit of the Rivers State Ministry of Health. The data was then exported to IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Frequencies were generated and reported in tabular format. Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the State Ministry of Health Board, Port Harcourt, ensuring compliance with ethical standards in research and the University of Port Harcourt Ethics Committee to the State Hospital Board. Results: The mortality rate stood at 1.4%. Port Harcourt Local Government Area (LGA) accounted for approximately two-thirds of all infections, while nearly one-third originated from Obio/Akpor LGA. Among those infected, 17.4% reported a history of travel, while 1% had attended a burial before contracting the virus. Symptomatic presentation was prevalent, with four out of every five confirmed cases (76.9%) experiencing various symptoms, with sore throat emerging as a common presentation alongside fever and other symptoms. Significant disparities were observed concerning the sex and age distribution of infections (p < 0.0001). Males were more affected than females, and individuals within the age groups of 31-40 and 41-50 constituted three-fifths of the total infections. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, a notable shift in infection rates emerged, highlighting a trend where younger demographics, notably women, became increasingly susceptible. Despite initial perceptions of heightened severity and mortality among older males, nuanced analysis revealed diverse vulnerabilities across gender and age spectrums. Occupational exposures, biological variations, and behavioural disparities all contributed to the observed gender discrepancies in infection rates and outcomes. Furthermore, the urban landscape, with its higher population density and increased mobility, served as a catalyst for the rapid spread of the virus, albeit impacting genders in differing proportions. Moreover, the varied presentation of symptoms, with sore throat emerging as a prevalent feature alongside fever and other manifestations, underscores the necessity for tailored public health interventions.

Determinants of Agricultural Credit Acquisition Amongst Poultry and Fish Farmers in Selected LGA’s of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the determinants of agricultural credit acquisition by poultry and fish farmers in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 farmers from 10 communities in the study area. The objective of the studies are to, describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the sources of credits available to the farmers, determine factors influencing credit acquisition in the and analyse the constraints influencing farmers access to agricultural credit in the study area. The research instruments employed in the study were descriptive statistics, Likert scale and regression analysis. Research result for Obio/Akpor LGA, we used the double log model, said to be the best fit because it had the highest F ratio, 228.431, the highest number of significance variables, a significant Prob > F value of 0.000, an R- squared of 0.97- and an Adj R-squared of 0.965. Membership to cooperative and delay in credit disbursement was found to be significant factors. For respondents in Port Harcourt LGA. The semi- log model is said to be the best fit because it had the highest F ratio, the highest number of significance variables, a significant Prob > F value of 0.000, an R- squared of 0.964 and an Adj R-squared of 0.959. at 5%. Farmers are encouraged to join cooperatives to enable them acquire credits. Interest rate and delay in credit disbursement was found to be significant. The researcher recommends that credit and financial institutions review the conditions for credit acquisition by farmers, so that more persons will be able to benefit from credit disbursement especially with respect to high interest rate, collateral security and proximity to the farmers. Efforts should be made to creat e more awareness about the existence of formal agricultural credits.

Improving Secondary School Physics Students’ Computational Dexterity using the Means-End Analysis (MEA) Approach in Solving Problems in Projectile Motion

The study was aimed at improving secondary school Physics students’ computational dexterity using the Means-End Analysis (MEA) in solving problems in projectile motion. Two research questions were raised and answered while two hypotheses were formulated and tested. Quasi- experimental design specifically, the pre-test, post-test experimental and control group method was adopted for the study. Using the purposive sampling technique, 93 SS2 Physics students were selected in public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State. Data collecting instrument was Projectile Motion Performance Test with a reliability index of r = 0.78. Data obtained for the study were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while while Analysis of Covariance and Scheff’s Post Hoc analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there was better improvement of students’ computational dexterity when solving problems in projectile using the Means-End Analysis than the Conventional Instructional Method. This is also evident by the Ho 1 , F (1,90) = 124.483 and p = 0.00 < ? = 0.05. The study also indicated that male students improved in their computational dexterity in projectile motion than their female counterparts across both groups employed for the study, while Ho 2 showed that there is no significant difference between male and female students mean performance scores exposed to Means-End Analysis (MEA) approach and Conventional Instructional Method (CIM) in improving students’ computational dexterity in solving problems in projectile motion in Physics [F (1,88) = 0.035 and p = 0.851 > ? = 0.05]. The study recommends that Physics teachers in secondary schools should adopt the Mean-End Analysis approach especially during teaching of topics that are mathematical (like projectile motion) so that students’ computational dexterity will be improved.

Post-harvest Survey of Fungal Diseases Associated with Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Fruits

Annona muricata L. (soursop) fruit, consumed globally, is highly susceptible to attack by fungal organisms. Fungal fruit rots' impact on Annona muricata is gradually increasing globally, with distribution in tropical areas, including southern Nigeria, resulting in reducing market availability and fruit quality. This study was aimed at surveying the post-harvest disease symptoms associated with Annona muricata fruits displayed for sales and the disease incidence-severity, which indicates the extent of the damage caused by the symptoms. Soursop fruit samples in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA) and Obio-Apkor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria, were surveyed. Each fruit was scored on a disease severity scale of 0–4 (0% no disease), (1–25% trace of disease), (25–50% light disease), (50–75% moderate disease) and (75–100% severe disease). The data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability using LSD (Least Significant Difference). The study revealed that Annona muricata fruits were dominated by fungal disease symptoms of dry rot, soft rot, anthracnose, powdery mildew and diplodia fruit rot. There was no significant difference between location pairs for all disease symptoms of incidence and severity of Annona muricata, respectively. Fungal diseases at the post-harvest stage pose a threat to storage durability, distribution and market availability of fruits.

EASE OF USE OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES: PERCEPTION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS

The aim of this paper was to ascertain the perception of teachers, students and administrators concerning the ease of using certain digital platforms that were adopted during the lockdown period necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Descriptive Survey Research design was adopted for this study. The sample size was seven hundred and forty-two (742) stakeholders which comprised four hundred and nine (409) students, two hundred and ninety-seven (297) teachers and thirty-six (36) administrators from thirty-two (32) private secondary schools. Multistage sampling procedure was employed using different sampling techniques. Three questionnaires (Teachers’ E-learning Practice Questionnaire (TEPQ), Students’ E-learning Practice Questionnaire (SEPQ) and Administrators’ E-learning Practice Questionnaire (AEPQ)) were used to collect data. The reliability index calculated using Cronbach alpha for TEPQ, SEPQ and AEPT was 0.90, 0.78 and 0.91 respectively. The data were analysed using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test of independence. The findings revealed that the digital platforms identified in this study are easy to use for teaching, learning and administrative purposes. In addition, gender influenced the perception of teachers and students at a statistically significant level. However, it was not the case for administrators. The researchers therefore recommended that there should be trainings and support available on how the digital platforms should be used to make it easy to use. In addition, at the school level, digital platforms that centralise tasks by featuring tools that help teachers to teach, students to learn and administrators to carry out their administrative duties should be adopted.

Knowledge and Practice of Under-Two Children Weaning among Mothers Attending Two Primary Health Care Centres in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State

Knowledge and Practice of Under-Two Children Weaning among Mothers Attending Two Primary Health Care Centres in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State

Biofilm Production in Borehole Water Sources and their Susceptibility to Antibiotics and Antibiofilm Effect of Noni Foliar Extracts

Background: Bacteria produce biofilm in a variety of systems; water, implant devices in humans and living tissues. They can be persistent and express virulent factors, increased resistance to antimicrobials and human immunity. Plant-based extracts have shown promising outcomes in inhibiting quorum sensing system and modulation of biofilm formation with lesser side effects. Thus, foliar extracts of Noni plant was the subject of such trial as an antibiofilm/antibacterial agent. 
 Objective: Investigate borehole water sources from three communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA) for biofilm producers (BPs), antibiogram as well as antibiofilm effect of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) foliar extracts.
 Method: Microbiological protocols were adopted to isolate and identify bacteria whereas Congo red agar was used to detect biofilm producers (BPs). Antibiogram of BPs were done (with various antibiotics) as well as antibiofilm/antibacterial effect of Noni foliar extracts.
 Results: Bioassays detected the biofilm producers (BPs) as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus and Serratia species. The bioburden were 55.0±2.5CFU/mL and 51.0±0.2CFU/mL for total heterotrophic bacteria and coliform counts from Ọbaziolu and Rumuelechi communities respectively. Rumuelechi borehole water had the highest percentage relative abundance of S. aureus (80%) and Bacillus (66.7%) whereas Ọbaziolu had Serratia (66.7%) and negative/zero for S. aureus and Ọrora had the least of all the isolated BPs. Antibiogram data revealed that all the BPs were 100% resistant to Cloxacillin and Cotrimoxazole but showed high rate of varying susceptibility to other antimicrobials; S. aureus depicted (100%) susceptibility to Gentamicin and Streptomycin; Bacillus to Tetracycline; Serratia to Augmentin and K. pneumoniae to Gentamicin. All the BPs showed multidrug resistance (MDR) with Serratia and K. pneumoniae being resistant to 6 and Bacillus and S. aureus 5-antibiotics respectively. Furthermore, susceptibility test on these BPs indicated that inhibitory activity of Noni foliar extracts were concentration-dependent. At a concentration of 3000mg/mL methanolic extract (MtE) showed the largest inhibition zone of 20.00mm against B. subtilis and aqueous extract (AqE) 15.00mm on Serratia species and such phenomenon is indicative of broad spectrum activity. Chloramphenicol (control) had the overall largest inhibition zones on the BPs except on B. subtilis. The susceptibility of these crude phytocompounds to BPs promises to be a novel and an alternative natural agent to synthetic antibiofilm products.
 Conclusion: Biofilm producers were detected in borehole water supply in three communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area. The predominant BPs were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus and Serratia species. The BPs showed multi-antibiotic resistance with the Gram negative bacteria being resistant to more drug-types. Crude phytocompounds of Noni foliar extracts demonstrated broad spectrum activity with promising prospects as likely therapeutic option against biofilm-based infections. Additionally, the degree of multidrug resistance (MDR) depicted by these BPs to conventional antimicrobials is worrisome and demands regular monitoring, environmental sanitation and good hygienic measures to mitigate public health hazards.

Assessment of Encarta Software in the Teaching and Learning of Vocabulary in Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study accessed the use of Encarta software in the teaching and learning of vocabulary in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study adopted the quasi-experimental research design, which consisted of two groups, the experimental group and the control group. The population of the study comprised of 100 students from two schools which were divided into 50 for the experimental group and 50 for the control group. Students in the two schools were administered the EVAT as a pretest before the commencement of the treatment. The students in the experimental group were taught vocabulary using Microsoft Encarta software while instruction was given to the control group using the normal traditional method of teaching. At the end of the lesson, the post test was administered to both groups and data was collected after it was marked. The mean and standard deviations were used to analyze the research questions while Analysis of Variance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the hypotheses. All the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Recommendations were made that trainings/workshops should be organized for English language teachers in secondary schools on the use of Microsoft Encarta software.

Assessment of Encarta Software in the Teaching and Learning of Vocabulary in Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State

The study accessed the use of Encarta software in the teaching and learning of vocabulary in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. The study adopted the quasi-experimental research design, which consisted of two groups, the experimental group and the control group. The population of the study comprised of 100 students from two schools which were divided into 50 for the experimental group and 50 for the control group. Students in the two schools were administered the EVAT as a pretest before the commencement of the treatment. The students in the experimental group were taught vocabulary using Microsoft Encarta software while instruction was given to the control group using the normal traditional method of teaching. At the end of the lesson, the post test was administered to both groups and data was collected after it was marked. The mean and standard deviations were used to analyze the research questions while Analysis of Variance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the hypotheses. All the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Recommendations were made that trainings/ workshops should be organized for English language teachers in secondary schools on the use of Microsoft Encarta software.

An Assessment of the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Planning and Implementation of Real Estate Development in the Port Harcourt Metropolis

In recent times, the failure of most Real Estate development in the Port Harcourt Metropolis could be attributed to the developers' poor implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility. This study, therefore, examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility of Real Estate Development within the Port Harcourt metropolis, such as the Rivtaf Golf Estate, on host communities - Okuru-Ama Community, Port Harcourt Local Government Area. The study adopts a quantitative approach enabled by survey research, as data for the study were collected through primary and secondary sources. Due to the concise nature of the study area, a total of seventy (70) questionnaires were judgementally selected as the sample size. These questionnaires were administered, filled out and returned by respondents from the Okuru Ama Community and some Rivtaf Golf Estate staff members. Field data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) version 22, and results were displayed in descriptive and inferential statistics in addition to the Relative Importance Index (RII). Available results indicate that Rivtaf Golf Estate has a good relationship with its host community and adheres strictly to its Corporate Social Responsibilities, significantly impacting Real Estate Development. The result further revealed that Rivtaf Golf Estate provides employment opportunities to some indigenes of the Okuru Ama community, makes contributions to the community scholarship purse, maintains the primary access road to the Estate through the community and sometimes sends Christmas packages to the community. The study recommends that there should be effective implementation of corporate social responsibility entered with host communities. Real Estate Developers should be socially responsible and sensitive to the interests of various stakeholders, especially the host community, by caring about the environment, community welfare and society in general.

A comparative study of urban and rural reality tv viewership patterns of who wants to be a millionaire in Nigeria

Socio-economic tastes of urban and rural reality television (Reality TV) viewers appear diverse and may account for divergent lifestyles, especially concerning media exposure. This article investigated comparatively the viewership levels of Reality TV shows by urban and rural dwellers in Rivers State, Nigeria, using Who Wants to be a Millionaire as a fulcrum of analysis and discussion. Relevant data were gathered from 387 respondents, using a questionnaire that was designed, validated, and randomly administered in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (OBALGA), and Emuoha Local Government Area (EMULGA), which were purposively selected as PHALGA and OBALGA constituted the cosmopolitan areas while EMULGA was regarded as a rural setting in Rivers State of Nigeria. Using Motivational Theory and the Entertainment-Education (EE) concept, the article employed quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the perception of reality television (Reality TV) by urban and rural dwellers and the influence the programme has on them. Data generated were analyzed and revealed that there was a significant difference in urban and rural viewership patterns of reality television. The conclusion reached is that the programme was perceived positively as indicated by its broad-based audience and its very educational content.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF PHYSICSPHOBIA AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR STUDENTS’ ENROLMENT IN PHYSICS

<p>This study investigated the presence, causes and effects of Physicsphobia among Senior Secondary School physics students in Rivers State. The study had a descriptive survey design. Three research questions guided the study. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select 500 Senior Secondary 1 and 2 (SS1 and SS2) Physics students from forty-four (44) schools in three Local Government Areas of Rivers State, which are Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Gokana Local Government Area. The research instrument was a validated researcher-developed questionnaire titled ‘Students’ Physicsphobia Questionnaire’ with a reliability coefficient of 0.79 obtained using the Cronbach alpha formula. The findings of this study showed that Physicsphobia exists in students. The study further revealed some of the causes of Physicsphobia to be rumors and misleading information about Physics, teaching method, the uninteresting nature of physics lessons, as well as abstract, difficult and mathematical nature of Physics. The study also revealed some of the effects of Physicsphobia in students to be anxiety, rapid heartbeat, frustration, depression and a feeling of leaving Physics class. It was then recommended that conscious effort should be made to paint a better picture of physics, especially for students who are about to start the study of Physics.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0939/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Geochemical Assessment of some water Resources in Obio Akpor and Port Harcourt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in water resources within Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt local government area of Rivers State in Niger Delta, Nigeria was carried out. Five water samples were obtained from Station 1 surface water, four water samples were acquired from Station 2 surface water and three groundwater samples were obtained from Station 3. The physiochemical parameters analyzed were pH, Temperature, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids and Turbidity while the heavy metals analyzed were Total Iron, Lead, Copper, Nickel, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium and Cobalt. The analysis shows that the pH value for Station 1 ranges from 4.73 - 6.25, Station 2 pH value ranges from 5.72- 6.27 and Station 3 pH value ranges from 4.55 - 5.55. The mean concentration of heavy metals in Station 1 shows an increasing order of Cd>Cr>Co>Cu>Fe>Pb>Mn>Zn>Ni. The mean concentration of heavy metals for Station 1 shows that Lead (0.771mg/l) and Nickel (0.2522mg/l) are above the WHO and SON standards. The mean concentration of heavy metals in Station 2 shows an increasing order of Cd>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni≥Co>Fe>Zn>Mn. The mean concentration of heavy metals for Station 2 shows that Lead (0.02325mg/l) and Nickel (0.035mg/l) are above the WHO and SON standard. The mean concentration of heavy metals obtained in the Station 3 shows an increasing order of Cd≥Cr>Ni≥Co>Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu. The mean concentration of heavy metals for Station 3 shows that Lead (0.044333mg/l) is above the WHO and SON standard. Water quality and pollution index shows that the water quality in all the Station is not suitable for consumption. Pollution index indicates that in station 1 and 2, Nickel and lead are the major pollutants in the water while in station 3, lead is the only major pollutant in the water. In as much as these heavy metals are accumulating, over time they become highly toxic to health.

Enhancing Senior Secondary Students’ Performance In Statistical Charts Using Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Software Package In Rivers State Nigeria

The aim of this study was to investigate how the use of microsoft excel spreadsheet software package can enhance the performance of senior secondary school students in statistical charts in Port Harcourt local government area of Rivers state Nigeria.

Screening of Bacterial Isolates with Probiotic Potential of Tiger Nut Drink, Ogi and Palm Wine

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are very beneficial to human health when consumed in a sufficient amount. Screening and fingerprinting of isolates with probiotic potentials from indigenous food products were evaluated. Fresh palm wine, Ogi and Tiger nut drinks were bought from retailers in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State. These samples on getting to the lab in sterile containers were analysed using standard microbiological techniques for the enumeration and isolation of bacterial isolates. Identification of isolates relied on the biochemical and genomic techniques using standard methods. The probiotics were screened based on their ability to tolerate ethanol, bile salt, low pH, high salt concentration, lactose utilization and the production of biogenic amine. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates (probiotics) was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion. Forty-two bacterial isolates which belonged to the genera: Lactobacillus sp, Pediococcus sp, Enterococcus sp and Streptococcus sp were identified. Genomic characterization of isolates showed that isolate NO2 has 83.4% pairwise identity with Bacillus firmus strain T1, Isolate NP2 has 86.5% pairwise identity with Bacillus cereus strain PKID1, NT8 has 80.3% pairwise identity with Bacillus cereus strain PV-G21. Results of screened probiotics showed that out of the forty-two bacterial isolates, only fifteen were non-spore producers and that they were tolerant to ethanol, low pH, NaCl and bile salt at all concentrations. Results of lactose utilization showed that only twelve out of the fifteen bacterial isolates utilized lactose. Results of biogenic amine production showed that only five out of fifteen bacterial isolates produced biogenic amine. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the screened bacterial isolates showed that they exhibited resistance to Pefloxacin, Gentamycin, Ampiclox, Amoxicillin, Rocephin, Ciprofloxacin; Streptomycin, Sceptrin and Erythromycin. They were highly resistant to Gentamycin and Zinnacef. Bacillus firmus strain T1, Bacillus cereus strain PKID1 and Bacillus cereus strain PV-G21 were identified as bacterial probiotics. Consumption of palm wine, Ogi and tiger nut drinks is highly recommended due to the availability of probiotics.

Molecular Characterization of Post Harvest Fungus Associated with Spoilt Broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a nutritional vegetable that looks like a small tree. Despite the fact that it is extensively loaded with arrays of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, it has been observed that it has a short lifespan of not more than 2-5 days due to post-harvest deterioration. A study was conducted to isolate and identify the common fungal pathogens causing post-harvest deterioration of broccoli crown. Diseased broccoli crowns were collected from Ogunabali Fruit Garden Market in D-Line, Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. Fungal isolates were collected and morphologically identified. The DNA of the most common fungal isolate, BC-3B was molecularly characterized using Internal Transcribed Spacer 4 and 5 (ITS-4 and 5) molecular markers. The morphological studies revealed that the BC-3B isolate was an Aspergillus niger. The BC-3B isolate DNA sequence was aligned using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for Nucleotide (BLASTN) 2.8.0 version of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The molecular weight of the DNA of the isolates was over 600base pairs. Based on sequence similarity, it was observed that the broccoli isolate BC-3B was 93% identical to Aspergillus niger. From the above results, these findings showed that Aspergillus niger is the causal fungal pathogen of post-harvest rot of broccoli. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to access the relationship between the isolates obtained from this study. This study has provided information on some of the fungal organisms found in broccoli. It is anticipated that this result will provide information for disease control approach for alleviating the post-harvest losses of broccoli caused by Aspergillus niger and provide a foundation for further study of possible harm of consuming diseased broccoli.

Analysis of Students’ Self-Esteem and Academic Performance of Physics Students in Senior Secondary Schools in Port-Harcourt Local Government Area

The study critically examined the influence self-esteem on students’ academic performance in physics in senior secondary schools in Port-Harcourt Local Government Area. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of self-esteem on the academic performance of students with respect to gender. Three research questions and one hypothesis were posed to guide the study to find out the relationship between students’ self-esteem and their academic achievement. The instruments used for the study include a standardized questionnaire developed by Rosenberg (1965), titled “Rosenberg self esteem scale”, and Physics Achievement Test (PAT) developed by the researcher. This test comprised 50 multiple choice questions which cover subjects from SSS1 to SSS3. The PAT was subjected to a validation process and the reliability coefficient obtained was 0.88 through Kuder-Richardson 21. The findings of the study showed that 68 percent of the respondents have low self-esteem while 32 percent are high self-esteemed students. The mean difference (10.04) showed that students with low self-esteem performed poorly compared to students with high self-esteem. The hypothesis revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between the two variables under study, that is students’ self-esteem and their academic performance in physics. The study recommended that physics teachers should recognize the level of each of the students’ self-esteem. Teachers should also allocate time to raise the level of students’ self confidence before teaching difficult topics in Physics.

Parental Awareness of Accidents Prevention Strategies towards the Physical Wellbeing of Preschool Children in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

This study aimed at assessing parental awareness of accidents prevention strategies towards the physical wellbeing of preschool children in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State. A quantitative survey design was used for the study. A non-proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 600 respondents who were parents with children between the ages of 1-6 years old in Port Harcourt local government area. A simple random sampling technique was also used to select 6 towns that participated in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire and then analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences. Respondents from the study were aware to a high extent that disallowing faulty balconies/rails where little preschoolers are can prevent dangerous falls; living in houses with windows shield will protect preschoolers; disallowing faulty electrical outlets in the home can save preschoolers from accidents; and avoiding careless storage of sharp objects in the home can prevent cuts among preschoolers. They also showed high extent of awareness that teaching preschoolers the dangers of playing around fires; teaching parents the rudiments of safety for preschoolers; teaching preschoolers the dangers of playing with sharp objects, and teaching preschoolers the dangers of playing around pools can help prevent avoidable injuries. The result also showed high extent of awareness that avoiding wrong placing of kerosene stove or gas cylinders within the reach of preschoolers; avoiding smoking in the presence of children can reduce the risk of preschoolers attempting the act of smoking, and parents who are more careful in home arrangement and storage of objects can prevent accidents among preschoolers. This study therefore reveals adequate environmental consciousness by parents; adequate teaching on safety measures and effective behaviour management are significant strategies for home accident prevention among parents for the physical wellbeing of preschool children.

Monitoring the Presence of Bacteria, Fungi and Parasitic Pathogens Associated with Swimming Pools in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Aims: Ideal water for swimming should meet the portable water standard by being transparent, odorless, and tasteless. However, these qualities can be affected by the presence of infectious agents which directly or indirectly contaminate pool water. This study aims at monitoring the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and protozoa parasites) and pH associated with swimming pool water.
 Study Design: A random sampling technique was adopted to select the five (5) swimming pools for the study based on accessibility and visitation.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State between March 2016 to August 2017.
 Methodology: Five (5) outdoor swimming pools attached to hotels in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria were randomly selected for the study. Water samples were aseptically collected in duplicates and analyzed for total heterotrophic bacterial count, total heterotrophic fungal count, protozoa and pH using appropriate techniques.
 Results: The results show that swimming pools with sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate had a mean THBC range from 4x101 cfu/ml - 1.58x103 cfu/ml, mean THFC, 0 cfu/ml - 8x101 cfu/ml and mean pH, 5.9-6.4; for samples without sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate, the mean THBC ranged from 0 cfu/ml - 9.2x101 cfu/ml, mean THF, 0 cfu/ml - 8x101 cfu/ml and mean pH, 5.6-6-2. Protozoa (parasites) were absent in all water samples analyzed. The results further reveals that 95.9% and 100% of the swimming pools samples failed to the meet the <100 cfu/ml and 7.0 – 7.8 World Health Organisation Standards for THBC and pH respectively. The bacteria identified are Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Stapylococcus aureus while the fungi identified are Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp. and Penicillium spp.
 Conclusion: The study finds the levels of THBC in the samples with sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate, the presence of Escherichia coli and the pH range a threat to health of bathers. Therefore, the owners should ensure routine decontamination and assessment of water quality.

English

This study was carried out in view of the influences of Pidgin English amongst the students in Nigeria using Port Harcourt Local Government Area in Rivers State as a case study. It was conducted on two hundred students and eight teachers from four selected schools, four government workers and eight staff from the media. This research was executed because of the high rate of communication in Pidgin English amongst secondary school students, which has become a threat to their educational career. However, it was discovered in the course of the study, that there are factors that enhance this issue. The negative impact of the socio-linguistic status of Pidgin English in the Nigerian society has necessitated some recommendations which include: The creation of awareness among parents, the media and the government against the dangers of habitual use of Pidgin English, introduction and training of teachers on introduce effective methods during the English language lesson delivery. The government should invest more resources and manpower in education to enable the children from poor homes improve in the English Language, and Pidgin English should be introduced in the curriculum, so students could know the structures and lexical, to avoid code-switching it with that of the English Language.   Key words: Pidgin English, educational outcomes, socio-linguistic status.