Investigation on species composition and abundance of zooplankton in Abak River, southeastern Nigeria was carried out for 12 months using filtration method. The result revealed that there were 5 taxonomic groups of zooplankton (namely: Cladocera, Copepoda, Nematoda, Polychaeta and Rotifera), comprising 81 cells/l, 13 species and 12 genera. The most abundant species was Polychaete larvae with 24 cells/l (29.63%) whereas Alonella dadyi, Alona rectangula and Temora longicornis recorded the least (1 cell/l; 1.23%). In terms of number of species, the most abundant zooplankton was the group Cladocera with 7 species (53.86 %) whereas the least were Nematoda and Polychaeta with only one species (7.69%); represented in the following descending order: Cladocera > Rotifera and Copepoda > Polychaeta and Nematoda. However, in terms of number of cells per litre, Cladocera also had the highest number of cells (29 cells/l; 35.81%) while the lowest number was observed in Copepoda with 3 cells/l (3.70%); group contributions in descending order were as follow: Cladocera > Polychaeta > Rotifera > Nematoda > Copepoda. Low species composition and abundance of zooplankton observed in this study can be attributed to the anthropogenic perturbations on-going in and around the Abak River.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of strain and feed restriction on live weight and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Feed restriction is a management tool designed to reduce the amount of feed consumed by broilers to produce more meat without jeopardizing their health condition. The strains of broilers reared are Arbor Acre, Hubbard and Marshall. The four treatments are: A- full feeding (control), B-5th week feed restricted, C- 6th week feed restricted and D- 7th week feed restricted groups. After each feed restriction regime the birds were restored to full feeding until the termination of the experiment on the 56th day. Analyzed results showed that there was no significant (p>0.05) effect of strain on live weight, bled weight, dressed weight, eviscerated weight, breast weight, back weight, thigh, drumstick, wing weight, head, heart, liver, proventriculus, intestine weight, spleen, lung + trachea, vent and shank. Arbor Acre, Hubbard and Marshal strains of broiler recorded similar mean values regardless of the treatment imposed on them. Therefore, any of the strains of broiler chickens can be reared for meat production and revenue generation. In addition, there was significant (p<0.01) effect of feed restriction regimes on live weight of broiler chickens and carcass traits except back, thigh and wing muscle weights. The 5th week restricted birds recorded superior mean values than 6th and 7th week restricted birds in some of the traits measured. It is therefore suggested that feed restriction be carried out at younger age, say 5th week, for farmers to derive maximum benefits from the concept. Any other time during finisher stage may be counterproductive.

: Addition of fillers to silicone rubber (SR) insulating materials has gained wide interest. Therefore, preparation of micro and nano composite materials will be helpful both for the users and manufacturers for improving electrical and thermal performances of insulators for high voltage applications. This paper deals with the experimental studies on the morphological, electrical and thermal characteristics of low weight % Zeolite (Z) filled nanocomposites and highly filled microcomposites. For the performance comparison breakdown strength and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test have been done on the SR specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were conducted to understand the dispersion of the filler and the changes in surface morphology in both microcomposite and nanocomposite specimens. The results indicate that the electrical and thermal performances of microcomposites and nanocomposites are increased with the increase of filler concentration. Maximum breakdown strength value and TGA value were obtained from nanocomposite with 7 wt% filler concentration.

Some aspects of the life-history strategy of the clupeid, Pellonula leonensis in Qua Iboe estuary, Nigeria were investigated. Results obtained showed that length-weight relationship was approximately isometric (exponent, b = 3.010), estimated asymptotic total length, L∞ = 11.5 cm and growth coefficient, K = 1.5 yr-1; these parameters were used to derive the Von Bertalanffy’s length models; LT = 11.5 (I – e.1.5T), the coefficient total mortality, Z = 8.22 yr-1, natural mortality, M = 3.12 yr-1 and fishing mortality, F = 5.10 yr-1. The exploitation ratio (E = 0.62) indicated that this stock of P. leonensis was being overexploited at 12% above its optimum yield level. A protraction of the ongoing exploitation rate could endanger and lead to the collapse of the fishery. Breeding was year-round with minimum and maximum intensities in May and December respectively. Absolute fecundity was 2,286 – 4,509 eggs (Mean eggs = 3,133). The fish was recruited into the artisanal fishery at size 3.0 cm before attaining sexual maturity. This is an undesirable situation since there is a high risk of depleting the stock of potential spawners. The main life-history traits of P. leonensis (rapid growth, early sexual maturity, high fecundity, year-round breeding, small maximum body size, and high natural mortality) were typical of an -selected species. However, P. leonensis exhibited iteroparity rather than semelparity.

Intellectual Disabilities (ID), involves impairment of cognition and adaptive/functional skills. There are three criteria that must be present for diagnosis of ID: Intellectual functioning deficit, significant limitations in adaptive functioning and evidence that the limitations became apparent during the developmental period. ID patients comprise 2-3% of the general population. Some studies show that people with ID have worse oral hygiene, increased tooth decay and also a worse periodontal condition than the general population. The techniques that allow the management and clinical dental treatment of patients with ID are: behavioral management, which is more used in patients with mild or Moderate ID in which a minimum degree of communication can be established. The physical restriction is used in any degree of ID that requires it to avoid injuries during dental treatment. Sedation is used in patients with Severe ID unable to cooperate and finally general anesthesia, which should be used when all the previous techniques have failed, either in the case of a long and complex treatment or in patients with Profound ID. As a result presents the alternatives to the professional can address individually patient, taking into account the degree of ID, thus able to improve their quality of life.