Port-Harcourt Research Articles

Genital abnormalities and management outcomes as seen in the university of port harcourt teaching hospital, Nigeria

Background: Genital abnormalities are a source of concern and anxiety to parents and patients and in some cases, for the physicians who may have difficulty making the pathological and eventually genetic diagnosis. They range from simple small penis and labial adhesions to complex genital ambiguity and disorders of sex development (DSD). Aim: The aim is to determine the genital abnormalities presenting in the Paediatric endocrinology unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. , Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort review of children presenting to the Endocrinology unit of the Paediatrics Department with genital abnormalities was undertaken from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017. The evaluation of the children included detailed history, physical examination, age and sex of rearing at presentation, clinical presentation, investigations, management, and outcome of treatment. Results: There were 31 children presenting with genital abnormalities of various kinds. Sex assigned to these children was 8 females and 23 males irrespective of complete pathological diagnosis. The median age of presentation was 13 months with a range of 0.1–168 months. The most common diagnosis was micropenis (32.2%) with various forms of DSD being the second-most common (29%) and most females had labial fusion (16.1%). Females with labial fusion had complete resolution following estrogen cream application, and 4 of the 7 children with DSD died. Conclusion: Making diagnosis and managing complex genital abnormalities like DSD in UPTH remains challenging because of the lack of diagnostic equipment and drugs, but simpler conditions have better and long-term outcomes.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils and Plant (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

This study assessed the concentration of heavy metal, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Silver (Ag), in Vernonia amygdalina Delile and agricultural soils of three university farms located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The soils and plants were taken randomly to form composite samples and analyzed for heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The study stations were agricultural soils and Vernonia amygdalina Delile from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (I), River State University (R) and University of Port Harcourt (U). The soil samples recorded mean concentration ranges for Fe as 19.71 ± 1.77 (I)–27.24 ± 3.56 mg/kg (R) in soils and 12.95 ± 1.68 (R)–18.18 ± 2.02 mg/kg (U) for the bitter leaf samples. The mean range for Pb concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 4.35 ± 0.87–6.80 ± 0.86 mg/kg and 0.24 ± 0.64–2.19 ± 0.74 mg/kg, while Cd concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 0.46 ± 0.28–1.42 ± 0.40 mg/kg and 0.17 ± 0.22–0.42 ± 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The respective mean ranges for Cr concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 5.91 ± 1.14–8.77 ± 0.88 mg/kg and 4.04 ± 0.64–5.92 ± 0.69 mg/kg, while Ni in soil and bitter leaf were 0.54 ± 3.38–10.26 ± 3.50 mg/kg and 0.042 ± 1.42–3.30 ± 0.88 mg/kg, while Ag was negligible. Heavy metal levels in soils and Vernonia amygdalina followed the order Fe > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd and Fe > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, respectively, and were lower than WHO/FAO and EPA, except Cd, which was higher in soil and in Vernonia amygdalina. The ecological risk factor (ErF) was comparatively lower in soils than in the plant, while pollution load index (PLI) showed high heavy metal retention capacities in Vernonia amygdalina due to more anthropogenic influences. The metal transfer factor (TF) was highest in Fe, followed by Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb, while Pb had the highest chances of cancer risks from the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), especially in both soil and plant (mean ILCR, 2.07 × 10−2 and 2.45 × 10−3), while Cd had the least (mean ILCR, 9.64 × 10−5 and 3.36 × 10−5). Anthropogenic activities must be regulated and monitored by government relevant agencies to reduce heavy metal inputs into soils and avoid excessive accruals in food chain.

Environmental Impacts of Sand Mining in Some Coastal Communities in Port Harcourt Metropolis Nigeria

Sand mining activity is one of the serious environmental problems, as the rivers are widely exploited for river bed materials like sand resulting in land and river bed degradation as well as loss of riparian habitat. The aim of this research was to assess the environmental impacts of sand mining activities in some coastal communities of Port Harcourt metropolis. Three communities namely Choba, Abuloma and Chokocho were selected for the study because of good access to waterfront and regular outcry by communities affected due to the level of environmental degradation. Formal interviews with operators of sand mining activity and stakeholders as well as the administration of questionnaire was employed. Questionnaires were designed to collect information on the characteristics of the sand mining activities in these coastal communities. The study lasted for a period of 12 months. Results obtained show that there were major impacts of sand mining namely soil erosion, road destruction, loss of vegetation, noise pollution across the coastal communities engaged in this activity. Choba recorded soil erosion with 27% as a major problem, Abuloma had noise pollution with 33% while in Chokocho, soil erosion ranked 32% as major impact of the activity. The study therefore, revealed that inspite of its economic importance, sand mining activity is causing more harm than good, hence it is suggested that environmental legislations regarding sand mining activities must be put in place to check and ameliorate the impacts. Community stakeholders should seek constant interface between the sand miners to resolve issues arising from the activity and to proffer intervention measures to ensure sustainability.

Microbiological Characteristics and Heavy Metal Pollution of Crude Oil Contaminated Water Bodies in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Crude oil exploration has been beneficial to our economy but detrimental to our environment with the artisanal refineries further compounding the challenge. This research was aimed at investigating the microbiology and heavy metal pollution of three crude oil polluted rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria and effects on living organisms inhabiting that environment. This study was carried out in three locations in South-South Nigeria (Eagle Island, Iwofe and Chokocho rivers). A total of 64 water samples (upstream and downstream points) were collected using appropriate containers and sterile polyethene bags for 6 crab samples for a period of three months. Water and crab samples were analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric method while microbiological analysis involved isolation and enumeration of microbial populations of the water and crab samples as well as characterization and identification of the isolates using standard methods Results showed Total Heterotrophic bacteria (THB) ranged from 6.0 × 106 cfu/ml to 9.0 × 108cfu/ml for the downstream locations and 1.7 × 106cfu/ml to 3.5 × 107cfu/ml for the upstream locations. Total Heterotrophic Fungi (THF) ranged from 2.0 × 104cfu/ml to 1.1 × 105cfu/ml for downstream locations and 0.1 × 104cfu/ml to 4.0 × 104cfu/ml for upstream locations, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria (HUB) ranged from 0.8 × 103cfu/ml to 4.0 × 103cfu/ml in downstream locations and 2.0 × 103cfu/ml to 7.4 × 103cfu/ml in upstream locations, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi (HUF) ranged from 1.0 × 103cfu/ml to 6.0 × 103cfu/ml for downstream locations and 5.0 × 102cfu/ml to 8.0 × 103cfu/ml for upstream locations. The bacteria identified biochemically included Serratia sp., Enterobacter sp. and Salmonella sp. for the crab samples and Bacillus sp. was dominant in the water samples (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus carboniphilus). The heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb) were below the DPR permissible limit but are likely to increase since the activities leading to pollution are still ongoing. The crab as a filter feeder, had higher concentration of heavy metals and microbial population and the location with the highest crude oil pollution (14.5mg/l) had the lowest THB (6.0 × 106cfu/ml) as physicochemical parameters like the amount of Dissolved Oxygen had been altered.

Health Literacy on COVID-19 among Older Adults in South-South Nigeria

The aged is one of the most vulnerable cohorts of the COVID-19 pandemic; consequently to curb the spread of the virus public health knowledge is central. This study examines the sources of learning about COVID-19 pandemic, level of knowledge/awareness on the pandemic, and to ascertain if there is variation in the level of knowledge among older adults in South-South Nigeria on the basis of income, gender, education and marital status. The study was carried out in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Using analytical descriptive survey research design, older adults from 60 years and above were randomly selected. The instrument used was a structure questionnaire and an assessment test on Knowledge of COVID-19. Percentage, Mean, range, Standard deviation and ANOVA were used in analyzing the data collected. The study reveals that radio and television were the major sources of learning about Covid-19 among older adults, that their level of awareness of the symptoms of the disease is poor, moderate in prevention of community spread and basic management of patients with the virus. The study also reveals that there is variation in the level of awareness on the basis of income, while no variation was found in terms of gender, education and marital status. From the findings, it was concluded that radio and television were the dominant source of information on health literacy among the older adults and there is an association between level of level of awareness of COVID-19 and level of income of older adults.

Assessment of the Associated Risk Factors of Chronic Low Back Pain among Bankers in Port Harcourt Metropolis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Working condition is a factor that does not only affect productivity but also the health of the workers.
 Aim: This study aimed to evaluate some of the associated risk factors of chronic low back pain among bank workers in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State in Nigeria.
 Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on chronic back pain among the bank 313 workers.
 Results: 165(52.7%) of the respondents have previously been treated for low back pain. They resorted to using different means of treatment for the pain; 24.8% (massage), 15% (exercise), 47.3% (drugs) 4.2% (surgery) and 8.5% (bed rest). 119 (38.1%) had a history of high blood pressure whereas 193 (61.9%) have not, 66 (21.2%) had a history of diabetes mellitus whereas 246 (78.8%) had not, 26 (8.3%) had sickle cell anemia whereas 286 (91.7%) do not, 55 (17.6%) had a history of convulsion whereas 257 (82.4%) do not, 93(29.8%) have had blood transfusion whereas 219 (70.2%) have not. The frequencies of chronic back pain bank workers and the associated risk factors were; road traffic accident 42 (22.7%), work-related stress (70.7%), use of computer 155 (84.7%), heavy lifting of equipment 83 (45.8%), and lack of exercise 55 (30.1%).
 Conclusion: These findings show that some individuals having chronic back pain had some underlying conditions which could predispose them to have the pain.

Nutrient and Anti-Nutrient Composition of Four Rice Varieties in Port Harcourt Metropolis

This study evaluated the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of four rice varieties in Port Harcourt metropolis. Four rice varieties (Tomato gold TG, Mama’s pride MP, Ultimate gold UG and daily choice DC) were used in this study. The rice varieties were purchased, milled into fine flour and evaluated for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient analysis using standard methods. Proximate composition of the rice varieties revealed that moisture content ranged from 11.51-12.80%, ash (0.45-0.60%), fat (0.39-1.39%), crude protein (5.73-6.07%), crude fibre (0.90-6.85%) and carbohydrate (73.67-80.09%). Mama’s pride rice variety contained higher ash and fat contents while Tomatoes gold had significantly higher crude fibre. On the other hand, ultimate gold rice variety contained higher protein and carbohydrate; however, ash, protein and moisture contents did not vary significantly (p>0.05) between the rice varieties. Mineral composition of the rice varieties also showed that magnesium content ranged from 6.28-9.63 mg/100 g, calcium (3.74-8.23mg/100g) and iron (1.50-5.48mg/100g). The concentration of these mineral elements was found to be superior in ultimate gold rice variety. Phenol content of the rice varieties ranged from 9.92-14.58mg/100g, phytate (1.22-1.53g/kg), saponin (5.86-6.37%), tannin (47.03-66.89 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (2.29-2.80%). Ultimate gold rice variety also contained higher concentrations of phenol and tannins while saponin content was higher in daily choice rice variety. Phytate content on the other hand did not vary significantly (p>0.05) between the rice varieties. The result therefore revealed that ultimate gold rice variety contained a considerable amount of nutrients and should be highly recommended to consumers for derivation of the above-mentioned nutrients.

Risk Identification Techniques in Residential Property Development for Sustainability in Port Harcourt

Risk influences the failure and success of a development even if some development fails and succeeds regardless of how these risks are tackled. Every developers aim is tomaximize return and obtain end users satisfaction; although residential property developments have faced several risks during the development processes. Therefore the aim of the study is to access the risk identification techniques in residential property development processes for sustainability of development in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted explanatory and exploratory case study research design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling respectively. A total number of 80 questionnaires were distributed, 60 were retrieved representing 75.0% response rate and 10 (ten) interviewee were sampled. Data collected was analysed with descriptive statistical tool of simple percentage and frequency analysis. The finding of the study reveal and confirmed that nine techniques are the techniques to be used in identifying risk in residential property development processes for sustainability they include: experience with similar projects; brainstorming; questionnaire; interview; checklist; expert system; Monte Carlo; Delphi Techniques; and Scenario analysis. The study therefore reflects that the understanding of risk identification techniques must be brought to the awareness of residential property developers, professionals and governments in order to assist in decision making and to eliminate residential property development failure.

Influence of age, body mass index and waist-hip ratio on the human spine; a radiographic study of adult male subjects in Port Harcourt-Nigeria

The study determined the Lumbosacral angle (LSA) of male subjects and evaluated its relationship to age, BMI and Waist -Hip ratio. Lateral radiographs of one hundred and forty-two informed healthy male volunteers between the age of 18-60 were studied using Ferguson’s method, and analyzed with respect to age, waist hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI).. The result showed the average value for Lumbosacral angle was 34.060 ± 0.560, the body weight was 70.34 ± 1.02Kg, and BMI was 24. 64 ± 0.38Kgm-2. Angle values were observed to increase with age up to 32years, followed by a sinusoidal increase and decrease pattern thereafter. Significant correlations were observed between LSA and Body weight as well as between LSA and BMI (p<0.05). The Lumbosacral angle of males in Port-Harcourt, South South Nigeria is within the range of literature derived measurement values world-wide, but lower than the average reported from previous studies on other Nigerian populations.

Influence of age, body mass index and waist-hip ratio on the human spine; a radiographic study of adult male subjects in Port Harcourt-Nigeria

Influence of age, body mass index and waist-hip ratio on the human spine; a radiographic study of adult male subjects in Port Harcourt-Nigeria

Finding a Balance between Mood and Energy Level in a Rotational Work System

The impact of rotational work system on the mood and energy level among Oil and Gas workers was evaluated. The design was set in Port Harcourt metropolis Nigeria and questionnaire, cohort session and interviews were the instruments deployed. Questionnaires were administered to randomly selected workers from international Oil and Gas Companies located in Port Harcourt, Questions that bothered on the effect of rotational work on the mood and energy level of Oil and Gas workers were posed. It was observed that 38.8% and 41.2% agree and strongly agree that their mood is affected on site while 13.8% remained neutral. Interestingly, over 80% of Oil and Gas workers agreed to feeling of anxiety from the interview and cohort sessions. 40% and 43.8% of workers agree and strongly agree respectively that rotational work does affect their energy on site. Obtained median of 4 means that over 50% of the response belongs to the category that agree strongly agree while a mode of 5 has more responses in the category of strongly agree which is in agreement with results from the percentage frequency. Rotational workers were affected by absence from family and loved ones, social isolation and constant reminder of hazard and working in hazardous environment with work pressures and unrealistic deadlines. These cause depression and general dissatisfaction with life. Results from interviews revealed neglect of mental wellness of workers. The Oil and Gas workers are willing to face these hazards because of the economic gains arising from their work, however provision of recreational amenities and making policies that bring the Oil and Gas workers back home every seven days forbidding the schedule of trainings and workshops during time off duty will make rotational work more bearable.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Contamination Status of Soil around Abandoned and Active Nigerian Dumpsites

Aim: The study evaluated the heavy metals and contamination status of soil around active and abandoned waste dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Five soil samples were collected at the topsoil (0-15cm depth) in a regular distance of 20m, 40m, 60m, 80m and 100m from the center of the dumpsites and control plot. The soil samples were analysed for heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn), pH and total Organic C (TOC) using standard laboratory analyses and contamination indices to determine the soil contamination status. Descriptive statistics involving mean and standard deviation were used for the data analysis.
 Results: The mean concentrations of Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn in active dumpsite was 3.2616mg/kg, 0.3983 mg/kg, 0.2027 mg/kg, 6.5785 mg/kg, 2.6991mg/kg and 12.4111mg/kg respectively while that of the abandoned dumpsite are 1.3913mg/kg, 0.3693mg/kg, 0.0882mg/kg, 3.6235mg/kg, 0.4158mg/kg and 4.0140mg/kg respectively. Hence, the soil samples in both dumpsites exceeded the allowable limit of World Health Organisation (WHO). The order of heavy metal concentrations in the dumpsites was Zn>Fe>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd. The contamination factor of the heavy metals follows order: Pb > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe for both dumpsites. The degree of contamination ranged from (1612.51 to 2286.83 for active dumpsite and 26.14 to 641.46 for abandoned dumpsite) indicating very high degree of contamination. Modified degree of contamination ranged from 46.09 to 381.14 for active dumpsite indicating “ultra-high degree of contamination” and 4.36 to 106.91 for abandoned dumpsite indicating high degree of contamination to ultra-high degree of contamination. Pollution Load Index ranged from (5.08 to 8.12 for active and 1.63 to 4.16 for abandoned dumpsite) indicating polluted soil with various heavy metals. 
 Conclusion: the concentration of heavy metals combined with the contamination indices revealed that the soils around the dumpsites are contaminated/polluted; hence, pose ecological and health-related risk.

Diversity of Tree Species in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations at the Rivers State University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to examine the Ecological distribution of plant species in Rivers State University campus at different locations. The specific objective was to determine the species abundance of various plants in the study area and also to examine the ecological diversity of tree species in the various groups. The study area was divided into three groups (stations) with the various plants species identified and recorded. Data gotten from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistic and some ecological indices such as Margalef, Mehinick, Shannon diversity, Shannon Wiener, Evenness/Equitability and Simpson dominance. A total of one thousand Sixty-nine (1069) individual plant were identified with 16, 17 and 12 species in stations 1-3 respectively. The highest individual plants (561) were observed in station 1 while the least (87) were observed in station 3. The mean values of stations 1 and 2 were significantly and statistically different from site 3 at p<0.05. The results obtained showed some dominant species to include Elaeis guincensis, Polyaithia longifolia, Pinus spp, Gmelina arborea, Wodyetia bifareata, Citrus sinensis, Cocos nuciferia while others were the least dominant species found in the study area. The Margalef, Mehinicks and Shannon Wiener values were consistently highest in station 2 but lowest in station 3. Human disturbances had negative impact on tree species abundance especially in site 3. It is therefore recommended that management interventions are necessary in other to stop indiscriminate felling of the various trees species that made up the different groups.

Characterization of Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Catalyst for the Pyrolysis of Waste Sac Bags into Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels

Aim: The use of synthetic catalysts in pyrolysis of waste plastics into hydrocarbon fuels is the common practice, these synthetic/ commercial catalysts are not readily available in Nigeria. The aim of this research paper is to prepare and characterize and test the catalytic performance of a locally made catalyst for waste plastic to hydrocarbon fuel pyrolysis.
 Study Design: locally made catalyst was prepared from coconut shells, its elemental composition, structural morphology and pore properties investigated using appropriate instruments and methods.
 Place and Duration: The experiments were carried out at the Petroleum Development Laboratory, situated at the Gas Engineering building, University of Port-Harcourt Nigeria. It took about 18 months to complete this study.
 Methodology: Thermal and chemical activation methods were used to prepare the local catalyst from coconut shells. Scanning electron microscopy method was used to investigate the morphology and texture of the coconut shell activated carbon catalyst. Response Surface Method (RSM) in design expert software 12.0 was used to design the experiment, and investigate the effect of operating parameters on the response variable.
 Results: The assessment of coconut shell activated carbon shows it can be used as an alternate to synthetic catalysts. This is because more than 60 % fuel oil was recovered when it was used in the pyrolysis of waste sac bags
 Conclusion: Coconut shell activated carbon is effective in the conversion of waste sac bags high purity hydrocarbon fuels such as aviation kerosene.

Effect of Oral Consumption of Action Bitters on Renal Indices of Apparently Healthy Subjects in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Action bitters has been seen not to have nephro-toxic effects on the kidney. However, this study evaluated the effects of sachet packaged action bitters on the kidney of apparently healthy subjects. Blood sample was collected from 20 subjects. Basal blood sample and the blood samples collected after 2 hours of intake of action bitters by subjects were analyzed. The parameters analyzed include sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine using the colorimetric method of analysis and results subjected further to statistical analysis using the GraphPad Prism Version 8.02.Basal results of the renal indices obtained showed the values to be; 144.16 ± 8.89 mmol/L, 3.81 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.70 ± 5.66 mg/dL and 1.05 ± 0.38 mg/dL for sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine respectively while the results obtained from the subjects two(2) hours after the intake of action bitters were; 128.18 ± 11.05 mmol/L, 2.93 ± 0.57 mmol/L, 25.34 ± 4.74 mg/dL and 1.51 ± 0.75 mg/dL for sodium. potassium, urea and creatinine values respectively. The comparison of the basal and treated sample showed significant differences in the values of sodium, potassium and creatinine (P=0.05) while the urea value was not significantly different. The mean value for sodium and potassium in the treated subjects were significantly decreased when compared to the value gotten at the basal state where the action bitter has not been consumed by the subject whereas the creatinine value was significantly increased in the sample of the treated subjects compared to the value of the basal sample. This implies that exposure to a higher dose of action bitters might be detrimental to renal function in the body hence, the dose of bitters and its consumption by humans should be monitored in order to protect against any adverse effect, and subsequent malfunctioning of the kidney.

Rotational Work and Negative Impact on Mental Wellness: A Study on Sleep and Endurance among Oil and Gas Workers

The impact of mental wellness on the work performance and wellbeing of workers has generated much academic and corporate debates. Most recently, due to some high-profile cases involving the performance and wellness of sports people, conversations around the impact of mental wellness on work performance have dominated public discourse, yet the nature and degree of this impact has not been sufficiently studied and analysed and many questions remain unanswered. Indeed, there has been a growing awareness of the centrality of the role of mental wellness in the productivity of workers, especially in the Oil and Gas industry. Thus, this research sought to investigate how rotational work, its impact on sleep and endurance, affect workers in the Oil and Gas industry, using as methodology a simple random sampling of workers from the Port Harcourt metropolis, in the oil-rich delta area of Nigeria. To obtain data, this research used questionnaires, telephone interviews and cohort discussion session. Questions posed during this research focused on sleep and its perceived effect on endurance. The questionnaires were administered to the workers from selected international Oil and Gas companies located in Port Harcourt. Findings revealed that both sleep and the circadian cycle were negatively affected and impacting the self-reported well-being and productivity of the workers. From the data collected, 27.5% and 66.2%, which represented a total of 93.7% of the respondents, agreed and strongly agreed that their sleep was affected. 100% of the participants in the cohort session agreed that their sleep was affected. Furthermore, the interview sessions revealed specific details as more than 50% of the interview respondents indicated that the sleep distortion affected them even up to the first week of their time off. 48.8% and 37.5% agreed and strongly agreed to the fact that rotational work had effect on their endurance on site. This represented a total of 86.2% of the participants whose endurance level was affected due to rotational work. Over 60% of the participants in the cohort session admitted to feeling of extreme tiredness towards the end of their rotation period and prior to departure from site. The participants unanimously submitted that shorter rotation would give room for adequate recuperation and make work more productive and enhance the sense of mental wellness for rotational Oil and Gas workers.

Validation of Basic Science Achievement Test Using R Software

The study is aimed at validation of Basic Science Achievement test using innovative techniques (R software). The study employed an instrumentation and descriptive survey research design. The Basic Achievement Test (BAT) instrument was made up of four components, which was used for generation of 98 items. Survey method was used to collect data from 567 Junior secondary school three (JSS3) students for trial testing. Simple random sampling was used to select public secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis. Four research questions guided the study. The study data was pretested and was found to meet the assumption of normality and no outlier before item analyses was done. Item analyses on the 98-item multiple choice test were done based on CTT technique alone since IRT assumption of unidimensionality was violated. Items from CTT analysis with rpbs≥0.20 and 0.30≤p≤0.80 were considered good items and selected. The R software was employed for all analyses carried out in the study while DIMPACK 1.0 was used to confirm test of unidimensionality. The reliability of the test was established through Cronbach Alpha, Split-half and Kuder Richardson 20 statistics using R, which produced a reliability coefficient of 0.87 for both Cronbach alpha and KR20 and 0.89 for Slit-half reliability. The result revealed that 55 items were considered good while, 43 items were marked for elimination. The findings show that BAT is both valid and reliable and thus, is recommended for measuring students’ proficiency in Basic Science in public secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis.

The physico-chemical characteristics of fresh and old pig dungs collected from three pig farmsin Port Harcourt Metropolis

The need to source for alternative use of pigs dung to reduce environmental challenges arising from its application as farm manure prompted the study into the physico-chemical attributes of both the fresh and old pig dung in three pig farms(A,R,U) in Port-Harcourt metropolis. The study examined the pH levels, exchangeable nitrate, extractable phosphate, the total organic carbon and the sulphate using methods described by the pH meter, APHA-4500-O3-B, ASTM D515, Walkley black and ASTM D516 respectively. The results indicated that the dung were alkaline ranging from pH 9-12, the nitrate content was high in fresh dung (16.03-19.40) but considerably low in the dry dung (2.36-2.92), the phosphate values were between 7.59-20.81, the sulphate level falls within 1.84-3.79 whereas the total organic carbon were between 2.36-2.92. The result obtained have showed that the fresh dung could be supplemented with other organic substrate to initiate bioremediation of crude oil polluted soil due to its high nitrate content and the dry dung used as feedstuffs for animal nutrients or feedstock for bioenergy generation because of its high fibre content which will help in reducing the ecosystem contamination by pig waste through recycling.

The physico-chemical characteristics of fresh and old pig dungs collected from three pig farmsin Port Harcourt Metropolis

The physico-chemical characteristics of fresh and old pig dungs collected from three pig farmsin Port Harcourt Metropolis

Recovery of Nigerian Heavy Oil: Application of Steam Flooding

Aims: Nigeria has a lot of conventional and heavy oil resources. Although much of the conventional oil resources have been developed since independence, the heavy oil resources have remained underdeveloped due to low recovery based on primary production and consequently doubts about economic viability based on the current fiscal regime. This paper examines the application of Steam Flooding enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method to suitable Nigerian heavy oil reservoirs, seeks to develop a diagnostic model to predict the performance, evaluates the economics to determine the viability of the EOR method. The development of heavy oil will increase Nigeria’s oil reserves and production.
 Study Design: Data was collected for two heavy oil reservoirs from two oil companies in Nigeria following a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).
 Place and Duration of Study: Emerald Energy Institute, University of Port Harcourt Nigeria, 2016 - 2021.
 Methodology: The screening criteria of commercially effective EOR methods were applied to select steam flooding for the studied reservoirs. Design of Experiment (DoE) was used to evaluate the reservoirs and operating parameters and to determine their optimum values, which were then used to predict the performance of the reservoirs. The economics of the steam flood technique endorsed for the reservoirs considered were also evaluated using Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA).
 Results: These assessments confirmed that steam flooding technique was technically and economically viable for the heavy oil reservoirs considered. The steam flood was observed to have a good recovery efficiency of 24%, as against the waterflooding technique which had 13% OOIP and natural depletion of 9% for the offshore reservoir. For the onshore reservoir, the recovery efficiency was 20% for steam flood, and 4% for natural depletion. The economic analysis showed that even at a worst-case heavy oil price of US$15, the project was viable.
 Conclusion: Steam flooding is viable, can be applied to develop heavy oil reservoirs in Nigeria that meet the screening criteria, and thus increase national oil reserve and production.
 Recommendation: The fiscal policy should be adjusted, especially the petroleum profit tax from 85% to 50% as an incentive to operators and investors to embark on steam flooding and other EOR methods.