Aqua-tourism potentials in some fishing sites in bitumen bearing wetlands of Ondo State, Nigeria

A 24-month survey was conducted during the wet (May- August) and Dry (October ?April) season of 2004 and 2006 along eight economic fishing sites in Ondo State bearing Wetland, with the aim of determining the abundance, species diversity of some ornamental species thus promoting ecotourism potential and preventing the loss of these species in the area during and after exploitation. The study was carried out in 4 study zones namely Odigbo (S1), Ode-Aye (S2), Okitipupa (S3), and Ilaje ese-odo (S4) noted for active bitumen seepage. Fishing potential of the area was assessed using catch per unit effort method as well as physico chemical analysis of water samples obtained from designated sites in the area in accordance with AOAC methodology. Fish compositions were assessed using multifilament gillnet, of different sizes hanging from 38 mm to 178 mm. The results revealed that the area is blessed with 24 economic species of fishes belonging to 13 families which could boost the tourist potential of Ondo State. The percentage composition of families identified varies as follows: Ariidae (2.04%), Anabantidae (3.27%), Bagridae (6.36%), Channidae (4.32%), Characidae (10.62%) Cichlidae (45.65%) Clupeidae (3.94%), Clariidae (11.78%), Hepsetidae (0.95%), Mormyridae (7.42 %), Malapteruridae (1.13%), Schilbiidae (1.76%), Polypteridae (0.76%). The family Cichlidae was the most abundant in the area during the study period. The diversity of fish during the study varied with locations and season .The study showed higher fish population during the dry season than raining season and lower population in study zones highly polluted by bitumen seepages. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable resource management during bitumen exploitation

Evaluation of Instructional Materials Commonly Used in the Teaching of Mathematics in Junior Secondary Schools in Ekiti State

The study evaluated the instructional resources commonly used in the teaching of Mathematics in junior secondary schools (JSS) in Ekiti  State. The purpose of the study was to determine the availability, functionality and level of usage of instructional materials for teaching the subject.   The descriptive research design of the survey was adopted. The sample for the study consisted of 360 Mathematics teachers selected through the multistage sampling technique from selected secondary schools in the state.  Three research questions were raised and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results from the teachers’ responses revealed that instructional materials are available for teaching Mathematics but are not adequate. It was also found out that to a certain extent, the instructional materials are functioning. However, teachers are not putting the materials into good use. Keywords: Evaluation, Instructional Material

Haematological profile of hormonal sex-reversed Sarotherodon melanotheron

Sarotherodon melanotheron fry were reared in six (6) tanks for three (3) months, of which three (3) tanks served as treatment tanks while the other three(3) served as the controle. The fry were fed with 17a-methyl testosterone enzyme, which functions as a sex reversal hormone. The fry were administered this hormone for 30 days, to ensure complete sex reversal. All the S.melanotheron fry were reared to table size for duration of three (3) months, after which the blood samples were taken for both the controle and treatment fishes. It was observed that the sex reversal of S. melanotheron were also captured from the Lagos Lagoon, and their blood samples were also taken and analysed. The result shows that the blood parameters except white blood cell count (WBC), were highest in sex reversed tilapia Red Blood Cell count (RBC), 0.67 x 109, Haemoglobin concentration (HgB), 2.7g/dl, Mean corpuscular value (MCV), 14.7fL\} and lowest in the wild specimens (RBC, 0.14 x 109 HGB, 1.7g/dL, MCV, 10.2fL). WBC was highest however, in the wild specimen with value of 2.0 x 106. The WBC, RBC, HGB, and MCV values for the control specimen were 1.0 x 106/L, 0.33 x 109/L, 2.1 g/dL and 14.7fL. A total protein value for sex reversed specimens was 390nm/mg protein/min, 217nm/mg protein/min and 243nm/mg protein respectively. In this study, the result showed that sex reversal in tilapia culture is not harmful to the metabolism of the fishes, and in fact, results in larger healthier fishes, than those caught from the heavily polluted waters of the Lagos lagoon. Growth and nutrient utilization analysis measurements weekly for the sex reversed and control fish specimen. At the end of the duration of the experiment, the sex-reversed fishes growth rate (SGR) of 17.59, and the control specimen had a SGR value of 10.31. The results highlighted the suitability of culture systems for the rearing of S. melanotheron

Prediction of Density and Viscosity of Biodiesel Fuel from Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Composition

Viscosity and density are important properties that qualify biodiesel fuel to serve as an alternative fuel because all other properties directly or indirectly depend on them. The processes involved in determining the viscosity and density of biodiesel are relatively simple and costly and there are discrepancies in the results obtained due to the differences in the oil composition of the feed-stocks used as against the reported cause of experimental errors. This work aimed at theoretically determining and developing relationship between the density and viscosity of different feed-stocks and the fatty acid methyl ester composition at different temperatures.In the study, density and viscosity data of biodiesel fuels and the composition of FAME were collected from literatures.  A linear regression analysis was carried out for density and viscosity on the average values of viscosity and density data obtained at different temperatures range (10°C-40°C) of FAME composition. Equations relating density and viscosity with the percentage composition by weight of FAME of biodiesel fuel were developed. Predicted mean values for kinematic viscosity and density were respectively between 4.31 - 5.64 mm2/s and 861.67 – 885.66 kg/m3. The developed equations were able to predict with up to 97.1% accuracy for viscosity and 98.5% accuracy for density. The developed equations could effectively predict the quality of biodiesel (viscosity and density) from various feedstocks based on FAME compositions

Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the stem bark of Nauclea latifolia

The study investigated the anti-hyperglycaemia activity of the stem bark of Nauclea latifolia with a view to justifying its anti-diabetic ethno-medicinal claim. The dried and powdered plant material was extracted with methanol and concentrated in vacuo. The extract was tested in glucose-induced hyperglycaemic rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg while glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) and normal saline were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results were statistically analysed using ANOVA, followed by Dunnett or Student–Newman-Keuls post hoc tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that the extract demonstrated a non-dose dependent activity with 100 mg/kg showing the highest anti-hyperglycaemia effect of 31.9 % reduction of blood glucose at fourth hour. The activity of the extract at 100 mg/kg was time-dependent up to the fourth hour and was comparable (P > 0.05) to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) at all-time points. At 200 and 400 mg/kg, the extract gave comparable activity to glibenclamide at 0-1 h but was significantly less active at 4 h. The result concluded that the stem bark of N. latifolia possessed anti-hyperglycaemic activity.Keywords: Anti-hyperglycaemia, Nauclea latifolia, diabete

Data on inhibitive performance of chloraphenicol drug on A315 mild steel in acidic medium

The inhibitive characteristics of A315 mild steel in 0.1 M solution of Hydrochloric Acid with varied concentrations of the inhibitor (chloramphenicol drug) was studied using weight loss (gravimetry) technique, open circuit potential (OCP) and linear polarization method. The experimental data obtained from the methods used shows that an increase in inhibition efficiency of the inhibitor is characterized by a decrease in corrosion rate. Hence, chloramphenicol drug is an efficient corrosion inhibitor for Mild Steel in Hydrochloric acid medium. Keywords: Acidic medium, Corrosion, Inhibitor, Mild stee