Cytological study of Allium cepa and Allium sativum

The large number of species in the Allium genus has necessitated comparative analysis of related species which has always been used in many cases to describe patterns and directions of chromosomal evolution within a group. This study was carried out to cytologically analyse two species of Allium- Allium cepa and Allium sativum. All the four stages of cell division were observed in both species, although well spread metaphase chromosomes could not be observed in A. sativum which limited the extent to which we could cytologically evaluate the species. Allium cepa in this study show cell with a complement of sixteen chromosomes. A total chromosome length of 577.5 µm was observed in the best c-metaphase spread with the longest chromosome being 43.4µm and the shortest 27.9 µm. Further studies are still required in the karyotype analysis of A. sativum from Nigeri

Characteristics and Methods of Wetlands Utilization in Ibiono Ibom L.G.A., Nigeria

Wetlands are valuable resources currently facing severe threats world over due to the drive for economic growth, development and agricultural practices. However, in order not to lose these wetlands, it is imperative that studies be carried out to ensure the sustainable use of wetland resources. This paper therefore examines the various human activities, development strategies and management style of wetlands in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The sample for this study consisted of 339 wetlands users in 8 communities randomly sampled from the 36 identified wetlands communities in Ibiono Ibom L.G.A. Findings from the study reveal that government policies, poverty, societal belief, low technology and other human activities in the area affects wetland development and management. The results strongly show that these factors vary with location and intensities. The study recommends that there should be a wetlands inventory and conservation plan, wetland protection and management guidelines based on proper landuse planning techniques. Also there is a call for environmental impact assessment, community participation, awareness creation and adequate budgetary provision for the planning, development and management of wetlands in the area in line with the current realities of climate change. Keywords: Wetlands, resources, sustainable development, community participation, land use planning

Effects of Different Concentrations of Biocides on Fungal Populations Isolated from Biofilms of Corroded Oil Pipelines

Microbiologically influenced corrosion is a problem commonly encountered in facilities in the oil and gas industries. The present study described fungal enumeration and identification in biofilms of oil pipelines in Oshie flow station in Rivers State and Irri flow station in Delta State, Nigeria using traditional cultivation technique.  The fungal species isolated in biofilms from the two sites are as follows Verticillium dahlae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Penicillium corylophilum, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium paradoxus, Aspergillus paradoxus, Humicola grisae, Aureobasidium pullulans, Monilia balanitis, Hormoconis resinea, Asperillus flavus and Helimenthosporium maydis. The study also focuses on the use of three biocides to inhibit or eliminate the identified organisms in order to minimize the material and financial losses encountered by oil and gas companies, because of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The performance of three biocides (ozone, sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde) at the concentrations 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% in eliminating the fungal species isolated from biofilms of oil pipelines in Rivers and Delta States, Niger Delta, Nigeria. It is shown that formaldehyde an ozone exhibit the best biocidal characteristics and concentrations of 1 and 2 % eliminated all to almost the fungal species after 72 hours of contact time. This study is relevant to the problem of microbiologically influenced corrosion as the data may contribute to elucidate which fungal species contribute to the MIC process and to gain a better understanding of the fungal community of biofilms. This study will give us better understanding of the biocide capable of eliminating fungal species in biofilm of oil and gas pipelines. Key word: Concentration, fungal population, biocides, microbiologically influenced corrosion, biofilm

Evaluation of the biochemical responses of catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) after replacing fish oil with plant-based oils in their diets

This study evaluated biochemical responses of Clarias gariepinus after replacing fish oil with plantbased oils in their diets. The sources of oils were coconut, olive, crude palm, sunflower and sesame seed. These oils were incorporated at 7% level to produce five isonitrogenous (41.03% protein) diets.The sixth diet contained fish oil and served as control experiment. Feeding trial was conducted in floating hapa  (1m3) system for 12 weeks. At harvest, blood samples were taken and examined for serum protein, albumin, globulin, electrolytes and tissue lipid peroxidation. Results showed that kidney function parameters (protein, albumin and globulin) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in palm oil treated group while the highest (p < 0.05) serum ions were observed in olive oil treated fish. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) formed in fish tissues also increased (p < 0.05) in palm oil group by 41%, 14%, 39% and 14 % in the liver, kidney, gill and heart respectively. However, no  significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in MDA formation in fish fed olive oil and control diets. Inferences from this study conclusively support the direct use of palm and olive oils as total replacement for fish oil in diets of Clarias gariepinus.Key Words: Clarias gariepinus, fish oil, plant oils, substitution, fish health, fish diet

Phytoremediation of Diesel Oil Polluted Soil by Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis Hook F.) in Uyo, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology for cleaning contaminated soils. In this study, the effect of fluted pumpkin (Telfaira occidentalis Hook F.) on the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon in a diesel oil contaminated soil was investigated. Fluted pumpkin seeds were planted in each treatment (0.00, 1.11, 1.59, 2.50 and 3.06%) for a period of 18 weeks. The following parameters were determined: germination percentage, length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf yield and the dry weight of leaves and vines on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th weeks after planting (WAP). Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was determined on the 2nd and 18th weeks after oil pollution (WAOP). Total bacterial and fungal counts were determined on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 18th WAOP. The results demonstrated that diesel affected soil depressed seed germination. Length of vine and number of leaves per vine were observed to increase from 3rd to 15th WAOP. Leaf yield increased from 3rd to 9th WAOP and thereafter declined from 12th to 15th WAOP. The results further revealed reduction in dry matter of leaves as concentration of oil increases, whereas dry weight of vines increased with increasing oil pollution. The result also demonstrated that fluted pumpkin stimulated total bacterial and fungal number. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal in the polluted soil was observed to be 86.53, 94.38, 92.80 and 92.97% in 1.11, 1.59, 2.50 and 3.06% concentration respectively. Thus, fluted pumpkin has proved to be efficient for removal of TPH from oil-contaminated soil. Keywords: Phytoremediation, diesel oil, fluted pumpkin, contaminated soils, petroleum hydrocarbo

Dance Aesthetics and Cultural Implications: A Case Study of Ekombi Dance and Asian Uboikpa Dance

Dance is an active tool in the society because it not only expresses the feelings and aspirations of the people but it also showcases the cultural values that are entrenched in the people's culture. Interestingly, our traditional dances possess all these qualities thereby making these dances an instrument of communicating social values. This study attempts to appraise the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances of the Efiks and Ibibios in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. It also tries to situate that these dances have huge cultural values that define the socio-religious beliefs of these localities. This study states that the growth of our traditional dances, especially the Ekombi and Asian Uboikpa dances under review will rely on the ability of the choreographers to really understand the socio-cultural and religious standpoints of these dances. Keywords: Dance aesthetics; Traditional Dances; Ekombi; Asian Uboikpa; Dance Educatio

Evaluation of Some Properties of Soils Affected by Diesel Oil Pollution in Uyo, Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

Soil pollution due to oil spill is a common problem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This necessitated the experiment to determine the effect of diesel oil pollution on some soil properties in Uyo within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.  The experiment was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm in 2009. It was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicates.  The size of the experimental plot was 60.7m2, sub-divided into three sub-plots each measuring 20.24m2. Each sub-plot was divided into five experimental units receiving the following treatments: 0 (control), 8, 11.5, 14.5 and 22.0 litres of diesel oil, which was converted into 0.0%, 1.39%, 2.50%, 3.45% and 5.06%. The results at two weeks after oil application (2WAOA) showed significant decrease in soil pH from  4.90 in the control  to 4.35 in 5.06% pollution levels resulting in soil reaction being rated as extremely acid in oil polluted soils compared to the control with soil/reaction being rated as very strongly acid. There was depletion in total nitrogen and basic cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+. at 2WAOA. Carbon/nitrogen ratio increased in all the treatments, with the highest pollution level (5.06%) having 114.33±1.41. Percent base saturation increased inconsistently across the treatments with the highest being 56.96±0.003% (for 2.50% pollution) and the lowest being 44.24±0.008% (for 5.06% pollution level). The results at 18WAOA showed varying degrees of increase in the soil pH. The control plot had the pH of 6.39±0.002 and the highest pollution level of 5.06% had the pH of 6.05±0.2. The soil reaction at 18 WAOA was rated slightly acid compared to extremely acid in 2WAOA. There were varying degrees of increase in organic carbon in all the treatments. Total nitrogen also increased at 18WAOA, the increase ranged from 50-80%. Carbon/Nitrogen ratio was significantly reduced (? < 0.05) across the treatments.  Basic cations and percent base saturation increased across the treatments at 18WAOA. Correlation between concentrations of diesel oil in the soil and some soil properties at 2WAOA and 18 WAOA showed that at 2 WAOA soil pH, total N and percent base saturation showed negative correlation, while organic carbon and carbon/nitrogen ratio showed positive correlation. At 18 WAOA, organic carbon and total N, showed positive correlation, while soil pH, carbon/nitrogen ratio and percent base saturation showed negative correlation. Keywords: Evaluation, Soil Properties, Oil polluted, Niger Delta Area, Nigeri

Determination of best fitted regression model for estimation of body weight in Nigerian indigenous chickens

Farmers rearing indigenous chickens in the villages or peri-urban settlements often have problems of accurately estimating body weight of their chicken. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the best-fitted regression model for estimating body weight of Nigerian indigenous chickens using different linear body measurement. Data on body weight and body measurements recorded on 137 Nigeria indigenous chickens consisting of 57cocks and 80 hens were used for the study. Parameters measured were Body weight (BW), Body length (BL), Wing length (WL), Wing span (WS), Drum stick (DS) Shank length (SL), Body length (BL), Breast girth (BG) and Keel length (KL). Body weight was regressed on body measurements by forward, backward, stepwise and full model regression analysis, to determine the combination of body dimension for each sex that explains variation in the dependent variable for male and female chickens at 20th week of age. The outcome of the study showed that BW= -2223.73 +33.67SL +11.62DS +17.83BG +56.87BL +79.13KL and BW= -1608.61 +13.21WL +20.51BG +69.57BL are the best fitted regression model for predicting body weights of Nigerian indigenous cock and hen, respectively at 20 weeks of age

Effective Planning Strategies: A Key Component for Implementation of Automation in Academic Libraries

Academic library, as a dynamic, vital organ in an organization or institution of higher learning, plays an important role in the academic programmes in selecting, organizing and disseminating of information to enrich the curriculum; it is deeply affected by the information technology revolution.  Therefore, the need for effective planning strategies in meeting the demand of the present society in transforming the library into new information service centre becomes pertinent. The focus and aim of the paper is to provide steps to be adopted in the implementation of automated library services particularly in Nigeria. Strategies are the focus of all planning processes and it incorporates purpose, policies, programmes, actions, decisions, collaborations and resource allocation. The study also focused on automation activities as the core management preparation or analytical process of identifying of objectives, effectiveness/ineffectiveness in the context of implementation. The study recommended among others in its conclusion, that librarians or information managers should see the steps, factors and the planning process as provided in the study as a way to eliminate wastage of resources, other sources of funding of the project have also been proffered. Keyword: Automation, Planning, Strategies, Library, and Components

Analysis of urban poverty and its implications on development in Uyo urban, Akwa Ibom State

Concern for studies on urban poverty has been of low priority to  government, researchers and development planners in Nigeria. For over two decades, studies have been focused on rural poverty. This study therefore, investigated the present poverty situation in Uyo urban area and identified the vulnerable groups and their spatial dimension. The study adopted a survey research design in data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data gathered from 20 sampled units in the study area Factor analysis technique was used to determine the different levels of poverty in the study area. The study revealed significant relationship between factorsof urban poverty and development in Uyo urban area. The study  recommended the formulation and implementation of policies by Government that would provide employment, housing, education,  improved health care among others for the urban poor