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Open Access
Geotechnical assessment of Akpulu gully erosion site in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2013-02) Ikechukwu, Owette
This study was carried out to assess the surface processes and subsurface characteristics that contribute to the formation and expansion of gully erosion in Akpulu - Ideato North County, Imo State Nigeria. Part of Akpulu community especially Okwu village that is very close to the gully head may submerge in the next few years if control measures are not intensified. A gully measured 15-18 m deep, 9-12 m wide to 6.5 km long is advancing aggressively, threatening life, property, food production, and security of ecosystem in Akpulu and its environs. Analysis of soil samples collected from accessible portion of the gully depths of 3 m show peculiar geotechnical characteristics ranging from Liquid limits 27.5 – 30.4%, Plastic limits 17.35 – 22.75%, and Plasticity index 7.65-13.70%. The soil has highclay/silt content, with ranges of maximum dry density (2.01- 2.06g/m3), Optimum moisture content (12.1-13.4%), and average shear strength of 106.9KN/m2 It is easily erodible, as the silt gets dissolved by high velocity flood on 0.02 flow gradient. Expansion and maintenance of the main drainage channel from Umuchu to Akpakporo River in Apkulu is recommended. Secondary drainage channels to join the main channel, and increased trees planting from the gully head are also recommended.
Open Access
Assessment of x-ray radiation on x-ray workers and associated potential health problems in Owerri
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2013-06) Onyekaokwu, Okeke Cyriacus
A study on assessment of X-ray radiation among X-ray workers and associated potential health problems in Owerri was carried out with the thermolumolunescent dosimeter between 12th April to 30th December 2011. A total of 50 workers were used for the study. Comprising 24 male X-ray workers and 26 female X-ray workers. The mean X-ray dose below permissible doses is 9.4.7 the T-test is -4.29; the P-value is 0.000. The mean exposure factor is <100 is 88.52 and the standard deviation is 15.88, the standard error mean is 2.25, T-test is -5.11, P-value is 10.000 There is high doses above >20msv upto six test which involve 3 male x-ray workers and 3 female x-ray workers. The result of the study show high rate of hair loss, cancer, cataract, erthyma and sterility, each provide evidence of excess exposure of X-rays. Therefore it is recommended that workers should wear protective device e.g lead aprons, gonads cover during exposure to X-ray and also limit their exposure time
Open Access
Sequence stratigraphic interpretation of wells 1,2,3 & 4 in the "GERA" field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-02) Onwualu, Nneka Emelda
A sequence stratigraphic approach was employed to understand sediments penetrated in Gera Field situated in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Central Niger Delta Basin. The technique incorporates biostratigraphic and well log data in constructing a high resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the field. The analysis of the above data sets enabled the subdivision of the transverse part of the stratigraphic column within the field into sequences and system tracts. Four 3rd order Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) and their intervening sequence boundaries (SB) were interpreted in the area. Three depositional sequences were interpreted within the field and were subdivided into transgressive systems tract and highstand systems tract. Four maximum flooding surfaces correlate with the 28.1Ma, 31.3Ma, 33.0Ma and 34.0Ma of the transgressive marker shales of the Niger Delta Chronostratigraphic Chart. The 28.1 million years (Ma) MFS (G. Opima Opima) with its distinct log signature, constitutes the regional seal rock while the different sequence boundaries act as excellent reservoirs of the field. Of the four sequence boundaries, only one was found to be truly Type-1 sequence boundary, while the other three could not be convincingly attributed to a Type-1 sequence boundary, since a lowstand systems tract does not overlie them. The age of sediments penetrated in Gera field is found to range from Early – Late Oligocene as deduced from the foram zonations of wells in the field.
Open Access
Patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in under-five children in Emekuku: A hospital-based study
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-04) Njoku, Chinonyerem John
This study was undertaken to determine the patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in under-5 children and the associated risk factors in Emekuku, Imo State, Nigeria. A matched pair case control study design with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was adopted. Cases were children with loose watery feces, pathologically diagnosed with diarrhoea by the physician. Each case was captured immediately after diagnosis by the physician and administered with the questionnaire. Controls were children diagnosed of any other disease other than diarrhoea. Both cases and controls were appropriately matched in terms of age, sex, and other determinants and enrolled from the outpatient and children’s wards of the Hospital. A total of 176 under-5 children were enrolled with 88 cases and 88 controls. The results showed that most cases of diarrhoea observed were acute (93.2%), while persistent diarrhoea accounted for 6.8%. Ninety five percent (95%) of diarrhoeal cases were watery, with mean number of stools/child/day being 4.3 times (SD 1.92). Of the 17 exposure variables analyzed, only age (6-11 month); breast feeding (complementary feeding) (P<0.001); birth weight, maternal employment (unemployed women); toilet type (pit toilet); hand washing with water only (P<0.001); use of rain water and crowding index were significantly associated with diarrhoeal disease occurrence observed in this studied. The study shows that diarrhoeal diseases are still prevalent in this area. Interventions on exclusive breast feeding, provision of improved toilet type, and education on appropriate hand washing methods and improved sanitation should be intensified.
Open Access
Impact of oil spillage on physicochemical quality parameters of Abonema creek water
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2014-11) Onwuagba, Chinwe Grace
The current study investigated the impact of oil spillage on Physicochemical Quality parameters of Abonema creek water. Water sample was collected with a container from 3 different locations which included the control site. The samples were subjected to standard physicochemical analysis. Among other parameters analysed, conductivity(µs/cm2) (22000 – 29600),TDS (mg/L) (15400 – 20720), total petroleum hydrocarbon (mg/L) (0.001-1246.6) SO4-2(mg/L) (350 –510),Cl-(mg/L) (6900-8900), Pb2+(0.014 – 0.266 ), and alkalinity (mg/L) (65 – 75), where all above recommended WHO standard. This implies that the river is polluted by the discharge of effluent from petroleum exploration activities. Water sample from the affected site was more higher than that of the control. Companies should not wait until a spill is out of hand before a cleanup intervention; timely cleanup exercise should be encouraged.
Open Access
A Review of economic potentials of the river port of Onitsha
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-02) Okonkwo, Chukwuka
Inland waterways are one sector of transportation that has been grossly underutilized the world over, despite being one of the earliest form of transportation and facilitator of trade between people. This study aims to review the economic potentials of the Onitsha inland river port. The study adopted a mixed method research design as data were sourced from the secondary source (NIWA, NPA statistical bulletins & journals) and primary source using a well-structured likert modelled questionnaires administered to about 50 respondents. The data gathered were subjected to analysis using tools such as Analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Time series modeller and Trend analysis with the aid of AHP calculator and IBM Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS V21) computer software. The findings depicts that the volume of import cargos from seaports destined for the southeast states which forms the hinterland for the river port shows a significant positive trend estimated by the linear regression line Y = 14075X – 18057. The time series modeller used to analyze the cargo trend series shows an acceptable value of R-squared and stationary R-squared of 72.3% and a mean average percentage error of 50.066%, indicating that the present are approximately 50% short of predicted volume by trend. The AHP results indicate that inland waterways (0.5276), road (trucking) (0.2527) and air (0.2197) in that order are the preferred mode of freight movement for logistics operators in the south east if presented with alternatives. The following factors in descending order forms the basis of their choice of freight means; safety (0.6026), timeliness (0.1822), costs (0.1174), efficiency (0.0691) and carrying capacity (0.0286). In conclusion, the southeast bound import cargoes from the seaports can well serve the Onitsha river port and are even short of their projected volume for the time period under study. It was recommended that the government should ensure continuous dredging of inland waterways and river banks to ensure all round navigability of the waterways. Government or future concessionaires of Onitsha river port should ensure installation of handling and storage facilities for bulk agricultural products like grain storage silos, pumps and tanks for vegetable oil, etc. to ensure the river port is capable of handling shipments of bulk agricultural products.
Open Access
Organic petrology of campano-maastrichtian sediments in the Agbogugu-Leru axis, Anambra Basin, South Eastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-02) Obiukwu, Emenike Onyedikachi
Ten rock (n=10) samples were subjected to various geochemical analyses to determine organic petrology and paleoenvironment of early Cretaceous sediments in parts of the southern Anambra Basin. The procedure for the determination of the Total Organic Matter content and Rock Eval pyrolysis were achieved using LECO 600 analyzer with a TOC module. Extractible Organic Matter was determined by the use of Soxhlet Extractor while the biomarker distribution was ascertained with the Gas Chromatography. The results reveal that the Total Organic Content (TOC) of shale samples recovered from the Enugu Shale ranged from 0.72 to 4.94 wt % with an average of 2.64 wt %. Samples recovered from the Mamu Formation have TOC values ranging between 0.76 to 2.11 wt % with an average value of 1.49 wt %. These values essentially exceeded the threshold value of TOC ≥ 0.5 wt % requirements for shale rocks to qualify as petroleum source rocks. The values are therefore, suggestive of good to very good sources rocks. The Hydrogen Index (HI) values of sediments from Enugu Shale ranged between 43 to 547 mgHC/gTOC with an average value of 185.65 mgHC/gTOC, while those recovered from sections of the Mamu Formation have HI value of 27 to 54 mgHC/gTOC with an average value of 39.45 mgHC/gTOC. The corresponding Oxygen Index (OI) values ranging between 15 to 106 mgCO2/gTOC was recorded for Enugu Shale sediments with an average value of 59.2 mgCO2/gTOC. The analyzed sediments of the Mamu Formation on the other hand, revealed values of the range of 26 to 86 mgCO2/gTOC, with average of 49.4 mgCO2/gTOC. These results showed that the Enugu and Mamu Formation sediments are dominated by type III kerogen and mixed type II/III kerogens. The maximum Temperature (Tmax) ranged from 424 to 4390C with an average of 4320C and 417 to 4410C with an average of 4310C for sediments from the Enugu and Mamu Formations, respectively. These temperature values are indicative of immature to transitionally early mature source rocks. The dominant vitrinite maceral group in the analyzed shale samples ranged between 39 to 59 %; Inertnites, between 11 to 18 % while the liptinites ranged between 9 to 21 %. These bio facies in the shale samples from the Enugu and Mamu Formations were derived from the structural parts of plants that are deficient in hydrogen. The sediments are thus deposited in a suboxic but low PH paleo-depositional environment containing moderately to fairly rich organic matter. This source rock has the potential to generate gas rather than oil given sufficient maturity.
Open Access
An efficient predictive model for choosing mobile cellular service provider in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-07) Ohuabunwa, Augustine Ebere
Free competition and new network technology have increased competition and widened the range of network service available throughout the world. However, for cellular network service providers, loyalty is a rare trait among customers when it comes to choosing a particular mobile cellular system provider. Despite the huge financial commitment by companies into their respective communication technologies, users ultimately make decisions based on their perceived quality of service (QoS). This thesis attempts to identify the factors affecting the Quality of Service of cellular mobile network providers in Nigeria and put their effect in quantifiable terms using four leading telecommunication firms viz. MTN-Nigeria, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel. With a clear choice of information sources, regressional analysis and SPSS was utilized. It was discovered that six factors affect the quality of service of cellular mobile network: Network coverage/ Availability of service(X5), Call quality(X3), Price of service (X4) , Customer care(X2), Diversity of bundle option of service (X1) and Promotion/Offering of Incentive(X6). A predictive model was derived as : Y = 3.731+0.565X5 + 0.440X3 + 0.221X2+ 0.189X4 + 0.165X1 + 0.097X6.The significance of the factors X4, X1 , X2 and X6 depend on X5 and X3, hence Y = 3.731(1+0.1514 X5+0.1179 X3).
Open Access
The application of lean-six-sigma methodology in the manufacturing sector
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-06) Olanrewaju, Folorunso Sulaimon
This research on application of lean six sigma methodology in the manufacturing company was carried out in the Nigerian Breweries at Enugu. Nigerian Breweries was selected for the study because it has many production lines, operating systems and management strategies which were not properly developed. The main objective of this study was to determine how application of lean six sigma can be used to minimize product and time wastes. Three production lines (line A, B and C) were considered and data were collected from each production line. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical tools. The result obtained from the analysis showed that the two (2) defects on the labelling in line A occurred at the beginning of the batch production. In line B the corking machine produced some bottles without cork. The extraction forces in Line A and B were well centered between the limits 20 and 40N while line C shifted to the left with more samples under lower specification limit of 20N. The result obtained showed the relationship between the oxygen and vacuum with respect to the pressure exerted on the cork. Capability analysis result showed that the corking machine in line B was working in a capable process with number of defects less than 0.13% which was much better than the one in line A. Line A had 0.17% of bottles rejected in the filling machine which showed that 0.028% were mistakes of the normal variability of the process. VSM analysis result showed that 32mins from the lead time were not value added activities, thus only 28.2% was value added time. Though the greater time was in the inventory before the washing machines. A reduction of 37.7% in value added time was achieved. The cause-effect diagram provided the main priorities to control and solve the problem of number of defects in each production line. The study recommended the adoption of the output of this work to other similar company.
Open Access
Effects of fly ash and rice-husk ash on lime stabilization of expansive soils from Lokpaukwu and Awgu, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-10) Nnabuihe, kingsley Ikechukwu
Soil stabilization refers to the technique of altering the properties of a soil so as to improve its engineering performance. It aims at using chemical additives such as lime as a lone stabilizer or in combination with industrial residues (fly ash, rice husk ash, etc) to achieve this fit. This work investigates the effects of lime alone, lime fly ash (LFA) and lime-rice husk ash (LRHA) blends in varying percentage mixtures on the engineering properties of expansive soils from Lokpaukwu (Ezeaku Formation) and Awgu (Awgu Formation) in Lower Benue Trough. The soils were stabilized with different percentages of lime (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) and varying percentage ratio for lime-fly ash and lime-rice husk ash blends (i.e. 2 : 6, 2 : 8, 2.5:7.5, 2.5 : 10, 3 : 9, 3 : 12, 4 : 12, 4 : 16, 5 : 15 and 5:20).Liquid limit, plastic limit, linear shrinkage, compaction characteristics and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were performed on the natural and lime-treated Lokpaukwu and Awgu soil samples while consistency limits and linear shrinkage tests only were performed on the lime-residue treated soil samples. Results of the study indicate that optimum reduction percentage of 24.14% and 30.56% (liquid limits), 72.22% and 74.42% (plasticity indices), 56.14% and 60.12% (linear shrinkages) and maximum percentage increase of 25.60 and 33.70 (Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)), 193.3 and 250 (unsoaked CBR), and 766 and 700 (soaked CBR) for Lokpaukwu and Awgu samples respectively were obtained on stabilizing the soils with 6% lime content. The results from lime-fly ash (LFA) and lime-rice husk ash (LRHA) blends indicate that liquid limits, plasticity indices and Linear Shrinkages decreased from 58 and 72 to 46 and 51, 36 and 43 to 11 and 12, 11.4 and 14.3 to 6.4 and 7.1, and from 58 and 72 to 45 and 51, 36 and 43 to 10 and 11, 11.4 and 14.3 to 6.4 and 7.1 for Lokpaukwu and Awgu samples respectively when treated with Lime-fly ash blend of 3 – 12% and lime-rice husk ash blend of 3 – 9%. It could be concluded that improving the characteristics of expansive soils by lime-fly ash blend or lime-rice husk ash blend is successful and provides immense environmental and economic benefits
Open Access
Classification of soils on slopes of varying orientations in Umuahia area of Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-10) Aliba, Vero O.
Slope aspect affects soil properties. The study characterized and classified soils on slopes of varying orientations in Umudike (East-lying Topo sequence) and Itu (West-lying Topo sequence), both in Olokoro Umuahia, southeastern Nigeria. Transect soil sampling technique was employed in locating three distinct positions, namely summit, midslope and foot slope along each of the topo sequences at the East and West-lying orientations. A profile pit was dug at the most representative points of the topo sequences in each of the two locations and the soil profiles were described in situ, following the FAO guidelines. Soil samples were collected from each pedon based on the horizon differentiations and subjected to routine laboratory analyses. The soils were classified using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with the FAO World Reference Base. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (coefficient of variability and correlation) using the Genstat computer package. Results showed that soils of the East-lying slope were edominantly sandy-clay loam at the summit but sandy clay at the mid and foot slopes, while in the West-lying slope, the texture was dominantly sandy-clay loam at both the summit and mid slope but prominently sandy loam at the foot slope. Soils of East-lying slope had very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) moist to strong brown (7.5YR5/8)moist, dark brown (7.5R3/2) to strong brown (7.5YR5/8) moist, dark gray (5YR4/1) to reddish yellow(7.5R6/8) moist colours at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, while that of the West-lying topo sequence varied from brown (7.5YR4/2) moist to yellowish colour (5YR5/6), very dark grey (7.5YR3/1) moist to yellowish red (5YR5/8),very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) moist to reddish yellow (5YR6/6) moist colours at the summit, midslope and foot slope, respectively. The weathering intensity of the soils varied from moderate to high with silt-clay ratios ranging from 0.04-0.93, 0.04-1.26 and 0.04-0.66 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, in the East-lying topo sequence and from 0.04-070, 0.27-1.59 and 0.14-1.08 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, i n the West-lying topo sequence. Bulk densities of soils increased with depth with mean values of 1.36 gcm-3, 1.32 g cm-3, and 1.34 g cm-3 recorded at the summit, slope and foot slope respectively, in the East-lying topo sequence and 1.37 g cm-3 , 1.33 g cm 3 and 1.32 g cm-3 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope respectively, in the West lying topo sequence. High variation (CV>35%) was noted in Ksat in the profiles of the top sequence, with values of Ksat ranging from 0.3-1.11 cm hr-1, 0.19-1.96 cm hr-1and 0.15-1.47 cm hr-1 at the summit, midslope and foot slope, respectively in the West-lying topo sequence whereas in the xiast-lying topo sequence, the values ranged from 0.18-2 cm hr-1 , 0.11-1.97 cm hr-1and 0.12-1.48 hr-1 at the summit, mid slope and foot slope, respectively. Soil pH was very strongly acidic (4.58-4.78) in the East-lying topo sequence but varied from very strongly acidic to strongly acidic (4.52-5.30), in the west lying topo sequence. Organic matter concentration was generally higher at the epipedons and ranged from (26.44to 23.36) gkg-1 and (30.64to 18.9) gkg-1 in soils of the East-lying and West-lying slopes, respectively. Effective cation exchange capacity varied from (8.63- 13.79) cmolkg-1 in the East-lying topo sequence and (10.42- 16.31) cmolkg-1 in the West –lying topo sequence. Soils of East-lying topo sequence were classified as Grossarenic Paleudalfs, Typic Paleudalfs and Arenic Hapludalfs Typic (USDA) at the summit, midslope and footslope, respectively and correlated with Mollic Luvisols of the World Reference Base (WRB) whereas the soils of West-lying slope were classified as Arenic Glossudalfs, Typic Paleudalfs and Typic Ferrudalfs (USDA) at the summit, midslope and footslope, respectively which correlate to Haplic Albeluvisols of the WRB (FAO) legend
Open Access
Detection of virulence and resistance genes in bacterial isolates from seafood obtained from Nembe and Ox-Bow Lake, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-09) Justice-Alucho, Chinwe Happiness
Microorganisms have developed different mechanisms of evading the actions of antimicrobial agents, consequently, reducing the effectiveness of these antimicrobial agents. Antibiotics abuse and their use in animal husbandry have increased the acquisition and transfer of antibiotic resistant genes from and within the environment. This study is aimed at detecting resistance and virulence genes in bacterial isolates from seafood. A total of 200 fresh seafood samples (crab, shrimp, oyster and periwinkle) were collected randomly from Nembe River and Ox-bow Lake. Isolates were obtained using the conventional microbiological methods after an initial enrichment treatment in peptone for six (6) hours. The pure cultures were screened by gram staining and biochemical test for preliminary identification and representative isolates were characterized for 16SrRNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sequencing. The isolates were further subjected to pathogenicity test to identify the presence of hemolysin and coagulase as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard oxoid commercial antibiotics. The 16srRNA sequence of the isolates produced an exact match during the mega blast search to Staphylococcus gallinarum, Vibrio rotiferianus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Klebsiella aerogenes and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae. All isolates showed resistance to ceftriazone, ceftazidime, ampicillin and penicillin. The multi-drug resistant isolates were analyzed for the presence of the resistance genes ctx-M, shv, mec A and acrAB as well as virulence genes; tdh and sxt. acrAB genes were detected in Klebsiella aerogenes and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the ctx-M was detected only in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, the shv was detected in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes and Vibrio rotiferianus. The tdh genes were detected in Vibrio parahaemolyticus only. Staphylococcus gallinarum was positive for mecA genes. The presence of these Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases and other resistance genes explains why the isolates were resistant to the third generation cephalosporins as well as the β-lactam antibiotics. The presence of virulence gene, tdh in Vibrio sp codes for the virulence in these organisms therefore rendering the food unsafe for consumption. Adequate handling as well as proper cooking of seafood before consumption should be highly recommended so as to reduce the incidence of food-borne infections as well as antibiotic resistance.
Open Access
Assessment of surface water quality of Onuiyieke River in Imo State , Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Eze, Chinwe Catherine
The surface water quality of Onuiyieke River was assessed for a period of six months (September, 2017 - February, 2018) at seven sampling locations (SLs) to ascertain its quality status. Measurements were made on samples collected with 500ml sample bottles according to standard methods. Samples for heavy metals were collected in 250ml bottle and fixed with concentrated HN03. Descriptive analysis, variation plots, ANOVA, Duncan Multiple Range tests, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), Pearson Correlation (r) and Water Quality Index (WQI) were used to analyze data. Mean values of the parameters obtained were: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 198.19 ±80.93mg/L; Electrical Conductivity (EC) 331.81 ±59.78µ; Turbidity 18.84 ± 2.22 NTU; Nitrate ions 14.77 ±0.92mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 6.58 ±O.22mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 1.77±0.10mg/L. Mean values of the Trace Metals obtained were: Iron (Fe) 1.93 ±0.23mg/L; Magnesium (Mg) 0.22±0.02mg/L and Calcium (Ca) 15.15±1.87mg/L while the mean value of Faecal Coliform was 1.91±O.10MPN/100. pH, EC, TSS, BOD5, turbidity, N03-, Ammonia, Fe and faecal coliforms exceeded the NESREA and WHO maximum permissible limits. There were significant spatial differences in levels of TDS, EC, NO3, NH3, DO and Faecal coliforms (Sig F=0.000 to 0.039) and significant temporal differences in levels of PO43- (Sig F= 0.078 to 1000) between the control and other locations.at p<0.05. Four Principal Components (PCs) formed the extraction solution with a cumulative percentage variability of about 77.67 %. PCs 1, 2, 3, and 4 were most highly correlated with Mg2+ (0.925), NH4 (0.903), TSS (0.930) and temperature (0.840) respectively. The Water Quality Index revealed that the rating for the water quality across the sampling locations was between excellent and unsuitable with SL 3 having the least water quality. Appropriate monitoring procedures for the sustainable development of the river should also be put in place.
Open Access
Spatiotemporal assessment of air quality in selected LGA in Rivers State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Ukaegbu, Kingsley Ogochukwu Emmanuel
The pollution of ambient air has long been revealed as the most fatal form of environmental pollution. The levels of air pollution vary from one location to another and from time to time. The aim of the study is to assess the spatiotemporal distribution of air pollutants in selected LGAs in Rivers State. Nine points in the study area were sampled within two peak-periods (8.00 am and 4.00 pm), based on high industrial clusters, high vehicular traffic, and rising human population density. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, and NO2 were measured using a handheld gas analyzer. A handheld Germin-300 GPS device was used to record the GPS coordinates of the sampling points which aided the data processing, to develop spatial interpolation maps in ArcMap. The results of air quality parameters were above the WHO and FMEnv air quality standards. PM 2.5 and PM10 have a maximum value of 159.23 and 378.39 respectively which is higher than the WHO and FMEnv Standard limits for 24 hours exposure. The recorded exceedance is 68.5ppb, 28.7ppb and 113.7ppb for SO2, NO2, and CO respectively, in the wet season. 71.1ppb, 15.31ppb and 58.9 ppb for SO2, NO2, and CO respectively in the dry season, are higher than WHO and FMEnv limited. Based on these, it is recommended that the populace of Port Harcourt city should limit their exposure especially in the dry season.
Open Access
An improved direction finding system antenna using method of moment approach
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Anaebo, Ogonna Frances
This study focuses on the Performance Improvement of a Direction Finding System Antenna Using Method of Moment (MoM) Approach. The work was developed to provide an approximate current distribution for a direction finding system antenna by employing the use of Method of Moment on an array of Yagi-uda antenna. The parameters of the experimental antenna were derived and analyzed using Magnetic Vector Potential (MVP) operator. The accurate current flowing through the radiating elements of the direction finding system was analyzed using combination of Method of Moment technique and Magnetic Vector Potential (MVP) operator. The antenna parameters were simulated using MatLab R2010a software tools. From the results obtained, the Average Poynting vector of the designed yagi antenna is 3.73 watt per square metre, and Radiation Intensity value of about 9.400 columns per kilogram. The simulation results also indicated an appreciable increase in directivity of 9.03dBi and enhanced directive gain compared to that of the equivalent log-periodic antenna of 6.5dBi, signifying 2.53dBi enhancement.
Open Access
Levels of aflatoxin M1 and selected heavy metals in the breast milk of lactating mothers in Owerri, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2020-02) Ekeanyanwu, Chidinma Lynda
Mother's breast milk which is the basic diet for infants is loaded with proteins, fats, carbohydrates and essential minerals which are necessary for proper nutrition of the infant. Regrettably, breast milk is also a likely source of aflatoxins and toxic metals which are unsafe for the breastfeeding child. In Nigeria, there is a paucity of information on aflatoxin and toxic heavy metals exposure, especially in the southeast region. In the present study, we assessed the level and frequency of breast milk AfM1 and some heavy metals as biomarkers of maternal exposure. Breast milk samples were collected from a selected group of 40 lactating mothers of infants attending the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, between June and August 2019. Some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, As, and Hg) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry while AfM1 levels were assessed by HPLC with fluorescence detection after aflatoxin extraction. The mean (±standard deviation) concentration of AfM1 in the breast milk samples was 4.02±1.12 ng/L and 100% of all the samples contained AfM1 at 2.33 – 7.08 ng/L. AfM1 concentration was positively and significantly (p<0.01) associated with the daily consumption of cassava-based foods, groundnut oil, maize, tomatoes and dry fruit (p<0.05). No significant association (p>0.05) was observed between AfM1 concentration in breast milk with employment status and educational level in nursing mothers. The mean (±standard deviation) values of these heavy metals were Cd: 0.029±0.013 mg/L, Cr: 0.019±0.011 mg/L, Cu: 0.035±0.013 mg/L, Fe: 0.049±0.039 mg/L, Pb: 0.038±0.013 mg/L and Zn: 0.009±0.008 mg/L. The result of the estimated daily intake of breast milk by the breastfed infants shows that heavy metals such as Pb, Fe, and Cd are ingested more daily than other metals analyzed. There was a weak positive but non-significant correlation between heavy metal content and daily intake of maternal diet except for beans where a significant correlation (p<0.01) was found with Cr, Cu and Zn. A weak positive but non-significant correlation was also observed between exposure to heavy metals such as Cu, Fe and Pb and maternal diets. None of the samples exceeded the national and international legal regulatory limit for AfM1 and the selected heavy metals in breast milk except for chromium. Generally, their presence still poses a health risk.
Open Access
Intelligent agent service for detecting impersonators in online examination environment using K-nearest neighbor alorithm
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2020-10) Izu-Okpara, Ijeoma Onyinye
Intelligent Agent Service for Detecting Impersonators in Online Examination Environment was developed for managing major challenges such as security and cheating (impersonation) that is now a critical issue associated with online examination system or computer-based testing (CBT). The key informant interview technique, observations, and critical review of articles related to CBT methodologies (design and development) were used to gather facts regarding the study area. The agile software methodology was adopted as the software development life cycle based on its strengths in team work and efficient product delivery haven examined six different software methodologies. A multi-level security service was developed to handle various security threats at the different operational levels of the proposed system using 256-bit SSH algorithm, Merssene Twister Algorithm, 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and Message Digest (MD) 5 algorithm. The K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) machine learning algorithm was implemented as an intelligent agent service to give the proposed system some intelligence in detecting and classifying a likely suspected case of impersonation and its severity level during an online examination. JavaScript, Hypertext preprocessor (PHP), MySQL, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) and Python programming language were used to develop the software prototype. Unified Modeling Language (UML) such as sequence diagram and usecase diagram were used to model the system behavior and interactivity. The developed system accuracy in terms of the algorithm used for detecting impersonators was evaluated using confusion matrix. Results revealed 98% accuracy with the K-NN algorithm implemented. Finally, the results based on the acceptance testing done also revealed that 86% of the users strongly agreed with the performance level of the developed platform; hence, recommendations is made for the proposed system to be adopted by Nigerian Universities and companies based on its effectiveness in impersonation detection.
Open Access
Effect of spent mumshoo mushroom substrate on selected soil properties and performance of upland rice in Owerri , Imo State Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-02) Mgbeahuru, Chibuihem I
Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) is a type of organic amendment found to be a good nutrient source for crop production mainly because of its rich nutrient status and slow mineralization rate which retains its rich nutrient as an organic amendment. This research work was carried out at the Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).It investigated the effect of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) on some selected soil properties and performance of upland rice in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The experiment was evaluated using five treatments at rates of SMS 0 t/ha (control 1), NPK 300 kg/ha (control2), SMS 5 t/ha, SMS 10 t/ha and SMS 15 t/ha and were incorporated into the soil two weeks before planting; the treatments were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).The field measured 13 m by 6.5 m; each plot measuring 2 m by 1.5 m with a 0.5 m alley between plots. The SMS treatment was sourced from a mushroom farm located at Aba in Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State and at Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State while NPK was sourced from the Imo State Agricultural Development Project (ADP).The test crop used was FARO 56/NERICA 2 upland rice variety sourced from the Imo ADP; rice plants were sown at spacing of 30 cm ×30 cm. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-20cm using soil core attached to soil auger; a sample was collected from each plot and analysed for physico-chemical properties of moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, particle size distribution, pH, organic carbon and matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable aluminum, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, total exchangeable bases, total exchangeable acidity, effective cation exchange capacity, percentage base saturation, C/N, Ca/Mg and Na/K and the presence of chromium, lead, cadmium and mercury. Samples were analyzed at pre-planting, at the end of vegetative growth (100 days after planting) and at harvest. The growth parameters measured were: plant height, root weight, leaf area and number of tillers; yield parameters include: filled grain, unfilled grain, total grain yield, percentage unfilled grain and percentage filled grain. Data collected was subjected to both laboratory and statistical analysis. Laboratory analysis was carried out in the Soil Science Laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri while statistical analysis was carried out using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means separated with the Fisher’s Least Significance Difference (F-LSD) at (p=0.05). Results obtained revealed that soil of the study area was predominantly sandy. Moisture content (9.33%) was highest in SMS 15 t/ha and varies significantly from moisture content values of control plot (7.40) and NPK treated plots (7.49). Bulk Density was lowest in NPK treated plots (1.40 g/cm3 ). Basically, SMS treated plots recorded significant increase in soil physico-chemical properties with increase in application rate when compared with control and NPK treated plots, except in exchangeable acidity where it significantly reduced with increased rate of application of SMS. Similar trend on physico-chemical properties were observed in values at harvest, but values at harvest recorded a decline in value compared with values at the end of vegetative growth (100 days after planting) except in total porosity which increased due to the relationship with bulk density on the soil. Lower values obtained at harvest could be attributed to nutrient uptake by plants during vegetative growth. Spent Mushroom Substrate recorded negligible values of mercury, lead, chromium and cadmium which were below permissible limits of heavy metals in the soil both at the end of vegetative growth and at harvest; hence, will not limit soil productivity. The application of SMS positively affected the growth and yield of the test crop used when compared with control and NPK plots, except in root weight where SMS 15 t/ha was statistically equal to control plots; other SMS rates were also statistically equal to NPK treated plots; this could be attributed to high content of sodium (salt) which may have inhibited good root development. All rates of SMS applied during the experiment significantly improved soil physico-chemical properties and the performance of upland rice. Spent Mushroom Substrate 10 t/ha was seen as the best application rate suitable for the performance of upland rice; hence, it is recommended to farmers in the study area for yield improvement of upland rice production without adversely affecting human health both farmers and consumers.
Open Access
Utilization of cervical cancer screening services among woman in Ikwerre Local Government area, Rivers State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-03) Okachi-Ordu, Chikeru
This study investigated the utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Cervical cancer screening aims to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Mere being a woman is a risk factor of cervical cancer. Most often cervical cancer could be asymptomatic. Hence, utilization of cervical cancer screening services cannot be over emphasized. Five specific objectives with corresponding research questions and two hypothesis guided this study. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 399 women (21-65years) for this study. A well structured questionnaire after being validated and tested for reliability was administered to women (21-65years) in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages,also inferential statistics such as chi-square (x2 ). Statistics was used to test relationship between variables at p significant level. Significant demographic characteristics found to be associated with utilization of cervical cancer screening services in this study include age 12(12.4%) at P= 0.001, marital status 14(9.5%) at P= 0.002, education 19(9.0%) at P= 0.001, number of children 14(6.8%) at P= 0.009 and income level 19 (45.2%) at P= 0.001. Majority of the women 307 (98.1%) had poor knowledge on cervical screening services. The result also show that awareness level (16.3%) of women significantly influences the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. The result also show that accessibility (18.3%) to health facility providing the cervical cancer screening services significantly influences the cervical cancer screening services. The result also show that affordability (4.8%) of cervical cancer screening services does not influence the utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Majority (95.2%) of the women had never utilized cervical cancer screening services only 4.8% of the women utilized cervical cancer screening services. From the findings of this study, utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Ikwerre Local Government Area is abysmally low. The researcher recommended that there is need for the Government to further educate the medical personnel who will play a major role in enlightening the public on the importance of cervical cancer screening and availability of the screening services. There is also need for the government to ensure that cervical cancer screening services are affordable to the society.
Open Access
Evaluation of the flow regime identification capability of gamma-based multiphase flowmeters
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Gbaden, Eric Tersoo
The application of a single beam, dual energy gamma densitometer unit in determining the flow patterns of vertically upward multiphase flow was investigated. A fast-sampling (250Hz) gamma densitometer was installed on a 3" schedule 160, 11.1mm wt inlet manifold riser in an onshore production facility, Delta-X, in the Niger Delta. Gamma radiation attenuation data for the caesium-137 radioisotope-based densitometer was collected for Well-X effluent of oil, water and gas mixture. Classification of the multiphase mixture's flow regimes was investigated through the analysis of the probability mass function (PMF) chart obtained from the soft gamma count data. The prevalent flow regimes identified during the trial period were bubbly, slug, churn, annular and transition (bubbly-slug and churn-annular) flows. The result showed consistency with similar test facility studies conducted using air, diesel oil and portable water. An economic model was proposed for evaluating the economic viability of replacing existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters. Results from the economic analysis showed that given the current cost of multiphase flowmeters, it is not viable to replace existing test separators with multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis. The valuation, however, favoured replacing an existing test separator with a single multiphase flowmeter. Sensitivity study indicated that installing multiphase flowmeters on a per well basis will be economically viable with over 60% reduction in multiphase flowmeter present CAPEX for an 8-well production facility