International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 4

Abstract: The world we live in has witnessed some drastic environmental imbalance in recent times. These imbalances have threatened sustainable development- which is the ultimate goal of man-environment relationship. This paper reviews the causes and effects of climate change on man and his environment with a view to using science education to solve the problems posed by climate change. Literature shows that climate change results mainly from human activities such as rapid deforestation for agricultural and industrial purposes, carbon dioxide emission from fossil fuel burning, carbon dioxide emission from burning gasoline for transportation, usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands and methane emission from animals, agriculture and arctic sea beds. The consequences of these activities include global warming, ozone layer depletion, greenhouse effect, rising sea level and acid rain. It is recommended here that the whole educational process be re-packaged to emphasize science education as a panacea for sustainable development. The argument here is that the educational institutions are the best media for the inculcation of proper morals and values. It is also recommended that teacher education programmes should allocate more funds to research in, and teaching of science in schools.

Abstract: Organic materials are alternatives to chemicals for safe and healthy fish production. This study aimed at comparing the buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem with calcium carbonate on acidic borehole water at different dosages for aquaculture. Forty-eight, 25-litres shaded plastic tanks of three replicates per treatment were used. The tanks were 20 litres filled with experimental water (pH 4.7). There were sixteen treatment (T) levels (T0 to T16). T1 to T15 were classified into three groups of three dosage levels (G) (2.4g [G1], 6g [G2] and 12g [G3]) per pawpaw leaves and stem [dried leaves (DL), fresh leaves (FL), dried stem (DS) and fresh stem (FS)] and calcium carbonate (CA). pH and temperature were monitored once daily while dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and calcium were measured weekly for thirty-one (31) days using standard method. Data were analyzed for analysis of variance, Duncan Multiple Range and descriptive statistics. At the end of the study period, the minimum (4.7) and maximum (7.30) pH were recorded in T0 and T11 respectively. Water pH progressively increased from Day 1 to Day 31 in all the treatment levels. The order of buffer efficiency of pawpaw leaves and stem at the end of the experiment in all the treatment groups was FS<DS<FL<DL. pH values ranged between 6.41 ±0.01 (T4) and 7.03 ±0.02 (T11) on Day 28 and were within the acceptable range of 6.5-9.0. This study therefore suggests the use of DL, FL, DS and FS for fish production. It is free of cost and safe for fish production and human consumption.

Abstract: Biotechnology has potential to enhance the production of agricultural and industrial products for achieving food security and economic development. In agriculture, biotechnology enhances the production of high yielding and disease resistance crops necessary for achieving food security and industrial development. This paper examines the constraints in the application of biotechnology research to the production of cassava in Nigeria. The study utilized primary data collected through questionnaire administration and interview from three research institutions working on cassava biotechnology in Nigeria. Findings showed that weak infrastructural facilities, poor funding, inadequate competent personnel and absence of appropriate legislation are the constraints in the application of biotechnology to cassava production in Nigeria. In addition, one out of the three research institutions has adequate and regular electricity supply through its own captive power plant while the remaining two research institutions relied more on electricity from the national grid. Inadequate funding and shortage of competent personnel were peculiar challenge confronting all the research institutions covered by the study. The study recommends improvement in electricity supply, production of more biotechnology scientists and adequate funding to enhance biotechnology research in Nigeria.

Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is a major public health problem and disease burden worldwide, and especially in Nigeria. This study determined the gender differential in the incidence of Diabetes mellitus among the patients in Udi L.G.A of Enugu State. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was employed. A sample of 343 diabetes mellitus patients were randomly selected and used for the study. Researchers design data documentary profoma was used to collect the data from selected health facilities in respect to the patients’ gender and their fasting sugar level as contained in their folder or hospital record/register. Frequency and percentages was used to answer research question while the null hypothesis was tested using Chi- square at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the result revealed a high incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in 2012, females recorded a high incidence of DM from 2008-2012 and high percentage of fasting blood sugar level than male. The finding also revealed no difference in the fasting blood sugar based on gender. It is recommended among others that diagnostic investigation on human placental lactose is advocated to reduce or stop its opposition to insulin secretion during pregnancy.

Abstract: Man’s activities on the environment often results in pollution and degradation of water bodies. Water bodies must therefore be jealously guided and protected from being polluted, which will affect water quality and availability for desired usage. Causes of water quality impairment are urban and rural storm water runoff, inadequate waste water treatment, nutrient entrophication, atmospheric deposition and acid rain, pollutant in sediments and fish, and nuisance aquatic weed growth and invasive species. Other factors include unhygienic disposal and inadequate treatment of human and livestock wastes, indecent management and treatment of industrial residues, inappropriate agricultural practices and unsafe solid waste discharge. Suggested strategies to combat water quality problems which should form the basis of policy solution for improving water quality include: (i) prevention of pollution; (ii) treatment of polluted water; (iii) safe use of waste water; and (iv) restoration and protection of ecosystem. It is recommended that our water bodies and the environment in general should be protected through appropriate legislation guidelines and public literacy campaign and mass education to sensitize, educate and make the people a fully environmentally literate society. Taking these steps internationally, nationally and locally will mean better water quality for our present society and future generation.

Abstract: Elaterate pollen with elater-like protruberances including Elaterocolpites castelaini, Elaterosporites klaszii, E. protensus, E. verrucatus, Elateropollenites jardinei, Galaeocornea causea, G. clavis, Sofrepites legouxae, have been recovered from the 1S-3AX well in the offshore Tano Basin. The assemblage has been interpreted as Albian - Cenomanian age, and is indicative of an arid to semi-arid palaeoclimatic conditions for these periods in the Tano Basin. Similar species have been interpreted as Albian – Cenomanian in other localities within the Africa-South America (ASA) province and thus allows for a palynostratigraphic correlation with these localities in the ASA province.