Theses and Dissertations

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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
A transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler for preservation of fruits and vegetables
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Paul-Okore, Rosemary Oluchi
Post harvest loss is a major factor affecting commercial farming. Efforts to reduce it using the conventional cooling systems have not been successful to cost and unavailability of grid connected electricity. Evaporative cooling is a promising alternative but this work is required to improve on its overall performance. To do this, the transient performance under different climatic conditions is required for better understanding and possible system components optimization. This work therefore presents the transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler carried out using a mathematical model developed from first principle. The model is based on an energy balance and mass transfer analysis on different parts of the evaporative cooler. The developed model was solved using FlexPDE computational fluid dynamics analyser based on the finite element numerical approach. The numerical solution was validated using experimental data. Results obtained showed that the model very closely predicted the actual system performance with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.205. In general it was observed that the evaporative cooler maintained a significantly lower storage temperature (20.9 – 24 )OC compared to the ambient temperature (27 – 33)OC for all climatic seasons of the year with the best performance recorded during the late dry season (January). Temperature difference between ambient and storage space during the hot periods of the day was in the range of 3 – 9 OC. Thus, the evaporative cooler has good potentials for all year round reduction of post harvest losses and the developed model is a good tool for the evaporative cooler performance optimization.
Open Access
A Transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler for preservation of fruits and vegetables
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Paul-Okore, Rosemary Oluchi
Post harvest loss is a major factor affecting commercial farming. Efforts to reduce it using the conventional cooling systems have not been successful to cost and unavailability of grid connected electricity. Evaporative cooling is a promising alternative but this work is required to improve on its overall performance. To do this, the transient performance under different climatic conditions is required for better understanding and possible system components optimization. This work therefore presents the transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler carried out using a mathematical model developed from first principle. The model is based on an energy balance and mass transfer analysis on different parts of the evaporative cooler. The developed model was solved using FlexPDE computational fluid dynamics analyser based on the finite element numerical approach. The numerical solution was validated using experimental data. Results obtained showed that the model very closely predicted the actual system performance with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.205. In general it was observed that the evaporative cooler maintained a significantly lower storage temperature (20.9 – 24 )OC compared to the ambient temperature (27 – 33)OC for all climatic seasons of the year with the best performance recorded during the late dry season (January). Temperature difference between ambient and storage space during the hot periods of the day was in the range of 3 – 9 OC. Thus, the evaporative cooler has good potentials for all year round reduction of post harvest losses and the developed model is a good tool for the evaporative cooler performance optimization.
Open Access
Accumulation of heavy metals in fish, water, and sediment samples from Oguta lake.
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Shittu, Usman Akorede
This work was carried out to ascertain the accumulation of heavy metals in fish, water, and sediment samples from Oguta Lake. Triplicate batches of the samples were taken from three sampling points along the river coast, and the physicochemical parameters were analyzed in the laboratory using gravimetric, titrimetric, and spectrophotometric methods. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Hg) in water, sediment, and fish, insect, snail, and algal species from the lake were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Carcinogenic risk models were used to estimate the potential risks through the ingestion of fish, insects, snails, and algal in Oguta Lake. Pearson correlation multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the inter-relationship among heavy metals in water and sediments. Seasonal variation and the correlation matrix (ANOVA) of heavy metals were analyzed. The results obtained showed that the mean concentrations of physicochemical parameters ranged as follows: Temperature (26.04-29.35); pH (7.17-7.77); Free CO2 (9.78-10.34); BOD (10.14-10.42); TDS (22.23-28.04); EC (0.30-0.49); DO (5.69-5.86); Total Hardness (18.49-21.00); Turbidity (15.0317.76); Alkalinity (15.64-16.66); Sulfate (2.19-2.55); Ammonium (0.26-0.40). Comparison with WHO guidelines indicated that most parameters assayed were within permissible limits. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in water were: Pb (0.19±0.05); Cd (0.41±0.07); As (0.01±0.001); Ni (0.59 ±0.1); Mn (0.02±0.006); and Cu (2.24 ± 0.31). while the mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediment were: Pb (0.26±0.04); Cd (1.04±0.15); As (1.02±0.16); Ni (1.22± 0.24); Mn (1.98±1.68); and Cu (1.87 ± 0.58). Positive correlations were observed for the following pairs of metals in water and sediments: Pbw and Nis (r = 0.356), Cdw and Nis (r =0.237), Cuw and Mns (r = 0.325), Cdw and Pbs (r = 0.969*), and Asw and Ass (r = 0.967) at p< 0.05. Bioaccumulations of heavy metals were in the following order: fish > algal > snail > insect. The estimated daily intake of heavy metals from consuming fish, algae, and snails indicated that none of the heavy metals currently pose a health risk to consumers of these organisms in the study area, based on the dose. The results obtained from this study showed that heavy metal pollution is not yet a significant problem in Oguta Lake as of the time of this investigation.
Open Access
Adsorption of dye-extract from peristophe roxburghiana onto cotton fabric: Kinetic, thermodynamic and isothermic evaluation
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-03) Oguzie, Chima Kenneth
Adsorption of dye-extract from Peristophe roxburghiana onto cotton fabric: Kinetic, thermodynamics and Isothermic evaluation was studied at different temperatures (50°C, 60°C, and 70°C) and concentration (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5g/l). Peristophe roxburghiana (PR) plant leaf sample was extracted using aqueous extraction method for 40mins at 70°C. The plant extract was characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometer and FTIR. The wavelength of maximum adsorption was at 580nm and the functional group identified at 1200.2 cm-1 , 1.323.3 cm- , and 3272.6 cm-1 in the plant extract showed that the dye is an Anthocyanin dye as it contains hydroxyl (OH+ ), ketone (CO- ), hydroxylated aromatic ring. The adsorption mechanism was affected by temperature and concentration while its kinetic pattern obeyed pseudo second order model and type 1 Langmuir isotherm model perfectly. Thermodynamic parameters values 3438.4J/Mol for (ΔH°) and -9.991 J/Mol/K(ΔS°) respectively revealed the reaction was endothermic in nature. This study also showed that the reaction of the dye is chemisorption with a definable adsorption mechanism. In conclusion, a design for colour control and colour optimization can be achieved with proper understands of the adsorption behavior of the dye extract from this plant leaf.
Open Access
Alkaline and bacterial pretreatment of rice straw and water hyacinth for biogas production in a batch bioreactor
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-06) Hans-Anukam, Uzunma Stephanie
The Presence of lignin in lignocellulosic substrates greatly limits anaerobic digestion for production of biogas. The need for initial pretreatment to sufficiently remove it became inevitable. Alkaline and bacterial pretreatment methods were used to pretreat rice straw and water hyacinth samples for application in biogas production in a batch bioreactor. Optimum concentration of NaOH (%), mass of substrate (g) and duration (h) of the pretreatment were studied using Response surface methodology(Box Behnken design) Bacterial spp isolated from termite gut were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and were used for biological pretreatment of the substrate. Each pretreated sample was co- digested with 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 ratios of cow dung, pig waste and poultry droppings respectively, as amendments. Optimization studies on the biogas production process from the amendment that gave the highest yield in biogas was carried out. Proximate composition ,lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose content of the feedstock was determined by standard methods as well as microbial succession studies .Results obtained showed that 0.5M concentration of NaOH, 14g of sample and 39.5h exposure time were optimum of NaOH pretreatment of the samples which reduced lignin concentrationfrom17.4% to 8.3% and 17.4 % to 7.3% in bacteria pretreated samples while cellulose, reducing sugar and total sugar contents increased from 10.31% to 38.86%, 6.4%to 6.9% and 156.08%to 167.14%respectively, after chemical pretreatment of water hyacinth samples. Lignin and hemicellulose concentrations reduced from 18.01 % to 7.821 % and 11.01 % to 8.21%, while cellulose concentration increased from 10.31 % to 14.40 % after 30 days of bacterial pretreatment of water hyacinth sample. The 16S RNA gene analysis of bacterial consortium from termite gut indicated the presence of Escherichia coli and Morgenela morganii strain S4L2C (MH745964), with 100%and 98.6%similarity, respectively. There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in biogas yield in all the Alkaline pretreated rice straw (APRS) and Bacteria pretreated rice straw (BPRS) amended with animal manure compared to APRS, BPRS and URS alone. For NaOH pretreated rice straw, best ratio of rice straw to cow dung was 2:1, which yielded 22.51dm3 of biogas. For bacterial pretreated rice straw, 1:1 ratioof rice straw to cow dung was the best combination, which yielded 27.05dm3 of biogas. For bacterial pretreated water hyacinth co-digested with cow dung, highest yield of biogas was recorded in 1:1ratio, with an average of 12.03dm3. Comparative analysis of biogas yield of APRS with BPRS with amendment at varying ratios gave 30.90% increase in biogas yield for APRS and BPRS with cow dung 2:1,45.45% for BPRS and APRS with cow dung 2:1 and 20.30% for APRS and BPRS with cow dung 3:1APRS/BPRS amended with poultry dropping at1:1,2:1and 3:1 recorded 25.01%,42.01%and19.41% respectively while APRS/BPRS amended with pig waste at 1:1,2:1 and 3:1 recorded1.43%, 3.05% and 16.37%.Result indicated that substrate concentration of 520g, Hydraulic Retention Time 22.57 days and cow dung content of 520 g were the optimum conditions with predicted biogas yield of 1.960 x104 ml for bacterial pretreated rice straw. For NaOH pretreated rice straw, 216.7go substrate at HRT of 15.5 days and 520 g of cow dung as amendment were the optimum conditions, with predicted biogas yield of 1.517 x10 4 ml. Concentrations of components gases in biogas produced by rice straw/ cow dung 2:1 which produced highest volume of biogas in this study, were CO1.149%, CO2 13.556% and CH4 64.960% .proximate characteristics of digestate, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased, while others including carbon, total solids and total volatile solid content decreased after anaerobic digestion. Finally, microbial load of slurry during digestion decreased during an aerobic digestion from 0, 14 and 28 days. These prove that rice straw and water hyacinth can be used for large-scale biogas production using Response surface methodology (BBD) from the use of bacterial isolate from termite gut which is significantly more effective in pretreatment than 6% NaOH.
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
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
Analysis of effects of rural road infrastructure on socioeconomic development in Imo State: A case study of Okigwe Local Government Area
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-02) Iroakazi, Malachy Onyejiuwaka
This research investigated the effects of rural road infrastructure on socioeconomic development in Imo State using Okigwe Local Government Area as a Case Study with a view to determining the existence of rural road constructions in Okigwe, Imo state, evaluating the effect of rural road constructions on economic diversification and determining the effect of rural road constructions on employment, labour supply and productivity in the study area. Hypothesis was generated to ascertain whether constructing new roads have significant effect on labour, productivity and employment rate in Okigwe, Imo State or not. The study is both descriptive and cross-sectional design with a sample size of eighty (80) respondents comprising of farmers, brick layers and quarry workers who were selected through random sampling. The data used in this study were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and yearly record of activities from the respondents and cooperative societies. The result showcased that all the diversified economic parameters mentioned above were all grossly affected by construction of new roads. But labour supply and level of productivity with mean scores of 4.3 (>3.0) each were greatly affected by construction of new roads. The findings also showed that only NE (0.001) is significant while other parameters quantity produced (QP) (0.674), quantity supplied (QS) (0.504) and labour (LB) (0.195) are insignificant. The result also showed that quantity produced (QP) (0.43), LB (1.33) and number of employee (NE) (4.32) all have positive effect on constructing new roads while only quantity supplied (QS) (-0.69) have negative effect on constructing new roads. This implies that constructing new roads will boost the number of gainful employments in the study area. The study concluded that constructing new roads in the study area led to diversification, increased productivity and boosts the number of gainful employments. This study, therefore recommended that the government and other non-governmental agencies should as a matter of urgency assist the workers with constructing new access road to their various working sites.
Open Access
Analysis of factors influencing effective safety programme implementation in pipeline construction projects in Port-Harcourt, River State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Mbachu, Nneamaka Chioma
This study examined the success factors influencing safety Programme implementation in pipeline construction project in Nigeria using Greenocean Pipeline Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State as a case study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data concerning success factors influencing safety Programme implementation, and data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The target population of the study was 112 respondents. Tables and simple percentage were used to present the data collected. Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's Test was employed to test the research hypotheses. Relative importance index (RII) was used to rank the factors influencing accident causation. From the study, carelessness and negligence were ranked first with a RII value of 0.93. The estimation of the possible factors that affect safety Programme implementation on pipeline Construction is done using the Critical Factor Analysis technique (CFA), Motivation and Appropriate supervision are positively correlated to the principal component 1 (PC1), It was therefore concluded that each of the factors has indicated a high potential of improving Safety Programme implementation on pipeline Construction projects in Port Harcourt, River State. Successful safety programme implementation would need an effective enforcement plan, motivation of workers, appropriate supervision, safety training, and education.
Open Access
Analysis of factors militating against successful building construction project delivery in South-East Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Ejiogu, Ejike F.
The study examined the factors militating against successful building construction project delivery in the Southeast, Nigeria with the objective of identifying and analyzing the militating factors for decision purposes. Six (6) militating factors were identified. Based on this, five-point Likert’s scale, questionnaire was designed and distributed to 226 respondents for assessment. The multiple regression analysis result show that the average performance achieved in building onstruction delivery is 27.017 which is statistically low. The model developed show that all the factors with the exception of government policies and level of skilled workmanship exhibited negative influence on building project delivery in the Southeast States. The hypotheses test show that non-adherence to standard building codes is most critical to building project delivery. In view of these findings, the study recommends strict adherence to professional building codes, the creation of enabling environment through policies and programmes that will encourage the proper planning and implementation of building construction projects, Government development policies should be strengthened in order to control inflation and avoid constant increase in the cost of materials for building construction projects. Also, skilled workers should be engaged and, the cost and process of obtaining government approval should be made more affordable and simple so as to encourage improved success in the building project delivery and enhancement of socioeconomic wellbeing of the citizens.
Open Access
Analysis of gender equality opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: Evidence from youth engagement in rice value chain in Sourth-East, Nigeria.
(Federal University of Technology,Owerri, 2023-09) Tim-Ashama, A. C.
The study analyzed gender equity opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: evidence from youth engagement in rice value chains in Nigeria. it identify the actors and gender roles along rice value chain; examine by gender, the socioeconomic characteristics of actors along the rice value chain; determine the level of gender equity gap in opportunities along the rice value chain; determine the technical efficiency and sources of inefficiency among male and female actors along the rice value chain; determine the value added and the share of the value added by gender along the rice value chain; estimate the factors affecting value added by gender along rice value chain and, identify the constraints to youth engagement in the rice value chain, by gender. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The sample size consists of 476 youth rice value chain actors randomly selected from 48 villages across three states in South-East Nigeria. The data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Modified Gender Equity Index (MGEI), stochastic meta-frontier, value addition and multiple regression models. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, charts and mean were also used to realize some additional results. Results from MGEI show that the level of gender equity opportunities for youth rice producers, processors and marketers were-0.21,-0.21 and-0.04, respectively, indicating inequity against the female youth. The mean technical efficiency for male and female producers are 0.64 and 0.59, processors 0.70 and 0.69 and marketers 0.52 and 0.61. The determinant factors of technical inefficiency among male and female youth in the study area were level of education, membership of cooperative society, years of experience and access to credit. The overall value-added per tonne by the male youth actors was ₦52,281 and the female youth actor was ₦52,229. The share of the value-added by male youth producers, processors and marketers were 51.65%, 49.41% and 47.78% while the female youth were 48.38%, 50.59% and 52.22%, respectively. Some factors affecting value added by actors in rice value chain were level of education, years of experience, capital invested, information and distance to actor’s node. The major constraints to youth engagement in rice value chain include lack of capital to start up, lack of access to credit, drought, lack of access to better technology, high cost of hiring/operating machines, lack of technical knowhow/skills, and stressful nature of rice value chain. In addition, the female processors added marital challenges and responsibilities as a major challenge while recommends that Policies and interventions that ensure equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power for both male and female youth actors should be implemented through targeted training programmes, awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives that promote gender equality. In addition, access to affordable credit and financial services for youth involved in rice value chain should be strengthened through establishment of financial institutions and mechanisms specially targeting youth in agricultural sectors.
Open Access
Analysis of gender equity opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: Evidence from youth engagement in rice value chain in South-East, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-09) Tim-Ashama, Akunna Chinenyenwa
The study analyzed gender equity opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: evidence from youth engagement in rice value chains in Nigeria. it identify the actors and gender roles along rice value chain; examine by gender, the socioeconomic characteristics of actors along the rice value chain; determine the level of gender equity gap in opportunities along the rice value chain; determine the technical efficiency and sources of inefficiency among male and female actors along the rice value chain; determine the value added and the share of the value added by gender along the rice value chain; estimate the factors affecting value added by gender along rice value chain and, identify the constraints to youth engagement in the rice value chain, by gender. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The sample size consists of 476 youth rice value chain actors randomly selected from 48 villages across three states in South-East Nigeria. The data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Modified Gender Equity Index (MGEI), stochastic meta-frontier, value addition and multiple regression models. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, charts and mean were also used to realize some additional results. Results from MGEI show that the level of gender equity opportunities for youth rice producers, processors and marketers were -0.21, -0.21 and -0.04, respectively, indicating inequity against the female youth. The mean technical efficiency for male and female producers are 0.64 and 0.59, processors 0.70 and 0.69 and marketers 0.52 and 0.61. The determinant factors of technical inefficiency among male and female youth in the study area were level of education, membership of cooperative society, years of experience and access to credit. The overall value-added per tonne by the male youth actors was ₦52,281 and the female youth actor was ₦52,229. The share of the value-added by male youth producers, processors and marketers were 51.65%, 49.41% and 47.78% while the female youth were 48.38%, 50.59%and 52.22%, respectively. Some factors affecting value added by actors in rice value chain were level of education, years of experience, capital invested, information and distance to actor’s node. The major constraints to youth engagement in rice value chain include lack of capital to start up, lack of access to credit, drought, lack of access to better technology, high cost of hiring/operating machines, lack of technical knowhow/skills, and stressful nature of rice value chain. In addition, the female processors added marital challenges and responsibilities as a major challenge while male marketers included lack of government support as an important challenge. This study recommends that Policies and interventions that ensure equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power for both male and female youth actors should be implemented through targeted training programmes, awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives that promote gender equality. In addition, access to affordable credit and financial services for youth involved in rice value chain should be strengthened through establishment of financial institutions and mechanisms specially targeting youth in agricultural sectors.
Open Access
Analysis of metals and pesticide residues in selected beans samples in Port Harcourt
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Kalu, Samuel Nnanna
Analysis of metals and pesticide residues were evaluated using four (4) beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties. The varieties were Iron beans, Patisco beans, Brown beans and Local beans and they were grouped into raw and parboiled samples. Proximate analysis of the samples was done using standard method while metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and the analysis of pesticide residues was done using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector (GC - MS) after careful extraction and clean up. Results showed that all the beans samples contained metals, mercury which is a toxic metal was also detected and at a level above the maximum permissible limit of 0.0005mg/kg in all the samples. It was observed that parboiling of the beans, reduced the accumulated metals in the beans. The results of the study also showed the presence of 17 different pesticide residues in all samples of beans. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) were detected in all samples of beans and at levels above European Union’s (EU's) MRL except in iron beans samples. Glyphosate was detected in all the samples at concentration above EU’s MRL. However, pesticides in Raw iron beans such as carbofuran (0.43±0.03 mg/kg), Endosulphan (0.18±0.01 mg/kg), HCB (0.62±0.10 mg/kg) Profenos (0.55±0.04 mg/kg) and t-nonachlor (0.32±0.00 mg/kg) decreased significantly to 0.23±0.10 mg/kg, 0.09±0.01 mg/kg, 0.31±0.01 mg/kg, 0.38±0.01 mg/kg, and 0.22±0.00 mg/kg respectively in Parboiled iron beans. These results indicate reduced Health Risk Index (HRI) to pesticides of parboiled beans samples. Similar results were also recorded in other raw and parboiled beans varieties studied. Of all the samples studied, parboiled local beans had the least pesticide residue concentration. Series of soaking and washing is generally advised in preparation of beans samples. Stringent monitoring of the use of pesticides in agriculture and food storage in Nigeria should continuously be encouraged to ensure pesticide residue level does not exceed FAO/WHO limits. Parboiling of beans samples before cooking should equally be encouraged.
Open Access
Analysis of scope and economic efficiency in poultry-fish enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-02) Opara, Thaddeus C.
This study analysed the scope and economic efficiency of poultry-fish enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: examine the Socio economic and enterprise characteristics of fish and poultry farmers, estimate cost function from profit function to determine scope efficiency of poultry-fish enterprises, determine how scope and economic efficiency related to the use of specific inputs or the production of specific output, evaluate the determinants of scope efficiency and economic efficiency in poultryfish enterprises in the study area. A multi –stage sampling technique was used to select 210 respondents comprising of 60 fish farmers 60 poultry farmers and 90 joint poultryfish farmers. Structured questionnaire were used to elicit information from respondents while descriptive statistics, inferential statistics. Quadratic regression model, Tobit regression model and analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Findings from the study showed that most of the farmers in the three categories were males, 57.1% for fish, 62.3% for poultry and 66.7% for joint enterprises respectively. Most of the Respondents were between 41 and 60 years age bracket, 65.1% for fish 80.3% for poultry and 58.3 for joint enterprises. The distribution of respondents by marital status showed that most of the farmers were married 80.9% for fish, 75.4% for poultry and 81.9% for joint enterprises. Majority of the respondents had household sizes of 4 to 5 persons, 65.1% for fish, 55.7% for poultry and 63.9% for joint enterprises. 69.8% of fish farmers and 67.2% of poultry farmers had 6 to 10 years farming experience while majority of joint farmers (56.9% had 1-3 years of farming experience. Most sole farmers were small scale farmers 39.7% for fish and 42.6% for poultry while most joint farmers were large scale farmer (75%). The three categories of farmers had poor access to credit with only 19.4 % of joint farmer able to access above N300, 000 credits. In this research, cost functions were recovered from unrestricted profit functions and were used to calculate scope efficiency. The main scope efficiency was 0.025 indicating that the joint production of fish and poultry enterprises reduces total cost by 2.5%. The mean economic efficiencies were 0.72 for fish, 0.68 for poultry and 0.77 for joint enterprises. This indicated that farms could reduce cost by producing at the lowest possible cost. The correlation of scope and economic efficiency with output quantities was positive and significant at 1% level suggesting that the joint production of fish and poultry on the same farm resulted in cost advantage. Also the correlation of scope and economic efficiency with expense ratio were all significant at 1% level which revealed that larger farms tends to have more scope and economic efficiency scores. Again scope and economic efficiency are significantly determined by level of education, farming experience, pond size, and flock size as well as credit amount. It is recommended that educational packages and appropriate training could be necessary to teach farmers those farming practices that encourages cost complementarities and financial institutions should be encouraged to improve on the volumes and terms of loans extended to farmers.
Open Access
Analysis of the contributing factors to construction schedule overrun in selected public sector projects in Imo State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Opara, Godswill Ngozi
This work seeks to analyze the Contributing Factors to Construction Schedule Overrun in Selected Public Sector Projects in Imo State. The objectives are to: determine and analyze the factors responsible for project schedule overrun in construction projects in Imo State; examine possible individual and collective significant effects of the factors on successful project delivery; examine the impact of schedule overrun on construction projects and; identify the causes of schedule overrun in construction projects and proffer workable solution to them. Questionnaire was developed using the 5-point Likert scale for the collection of primary data. Multiple regression analysis was adopted for the analysis of the collected data. The result obtained shows that government policies and project funding/finance, are significant factors that contribute to construction projects schedule overrun while project technology, force majeure and corruption are not significant. Funding/finance has the highest ranking, project technology ranks the least. Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that proper planning should be encouraged; government policies and programmes should be made in such a way that favours timely execution of projects. Adequate financial provisions should be made available to contractors by the government. The use of local raw materials should be encouraged in the execution of contracts. The selection of contractors and other major stakeholders should be based on competence and realistic tender quotations. All efforts should be made to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of design modifications during the project execution.
Open Access
Analysis of the effects of maritime clusters on hindtherland operations in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-03) Nwosu, Emmanuel Nnadozie
The study was carried out to analyze the effects of the performance of selected port-based maritime clusters business components on hinterland operations in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were among other things, to determine the determinant maritime cluster business component that contributes significantly to maritime sector Development in Nigeria; to model the effects of maritime cluster development on the shipping export and import capacities in hinterland locations in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the federal Capital Territory, Abuja; and the determine the significant factors influencing the decision of maritime and allied firms, to locate operational basis in port-based maritime clusters in Nigeria. The study used a mixed research design method in which both survey methods involving the use of primary data sourced through the use of questionnaire as survey instrument, and quantitative research methods which involved the use of time series quantitative data on the shipping export and import capacities of each of the hinterland zones in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were sourced from the Nigeria ports Authority Statistical reports, covering a time period of 19 years, were used. The statistical methods of principal component factor analysis (PCFA) and the log-linear multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data obtained. The findings of the study indicate that the offshore oil and gas maritime-cluster business component has Eigen values greater than 1 (5.904>1) and constitute the determinant maritime-cluster business component that significantly contribute to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria over the years. The findings of the study also indicate that there is significant relationship between maritime-cluster development and the shipping export and import capacities of hinterland regions in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The result however indicate that, the North-East and Federal Capital territory hinterland regions each recorded zero shipping export operations over the period covered in the study. The findings of the study further reveal that the significant factors that contributes to the decision of firms to locate investments in maritime clusters in Nigeria include: Guaranteed security of investment, Favourable Government policy, The ease of administration and coordination of the business divisions of a firm from the cluster location, Reduced labour cost and access to professionals and Access to transport cum optimization of logistics and production cost, with each having Eigen values of 2.992, 2.244, 1p.241, 1.145, and 1.039. the policy implications of the findings were also discussed. It was recommended that, Government policies such as policies creating free trade zones in maritime regions and tax exemptions for new firms should be used to attract more maritime firms to locate in port-based maritime clusters in Nigeria. The significant relationship between maritime sector development, export and import capabilities of hinterlands in Nigeria, suggest that the hinterlands can guarantee the achievement of higher output in the maritime sector if necessary investment is made by Government to improve the shipping export and import trade potentials of the hinterlands.
Open Access
Analysis of the influence of economic growth on trend of sea piracy and armed robbery attacks in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-07) Ogwo, Nwokeka Eme
The study analyzed the influence of economic growth on trend of sea piracy and armed robbery attacks against ships in the Nigeria territorial waters. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of the growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), revenue generated by the maritime transport sub-sector, and youth unemployment rate on trend of pirate attacks against ships trading in Nigeria waters. The expost facto research design was employed in which the historical data on GDP, revenue generated by the maritime transport sub-sector, youth unemployment rate and pirate attacks against ships were obtained from secondary sources. Log linear multiple regression analysis and trend analysis methods were employed to analyze the data obtained. It was found that the model showing the relationship depicting the influence of GDP growth, growth in revenue generated by the maritime transport sub-sector and unemployment rate on pirate attacks against ships in the waters of Nigeria is: InPIRATE attacks = 2.760 - 1.160InGDP - 0.05InMAREV + 0.258InUNRATE. The implication is that a unit annual increase in GDP (economic growth) causes the pirate attacks against ships to decrease by 3.81units while a unit increase in revenue generated by the maritime transport sub-sector induces a 0.007 unit decrease sea pirate attacks against ships in Nigeria. A unit increase in youth unemployment rate increases pirate attacks against ships in the Nigeria waters by 0.158units. The trend of pirate attacks against ships in Nigeria waters over the period relative to the trends of GDP, revenue generated by the maritime transport sector and youth unemployment is: PIRATE attacks = 23.386 - 0.105Xt + Ɛ. It was recommended that economic growth should be translated into opportunities for economic empowerment of youth in other to bring about a significant decrease in pirate attacks against ships in Nigeria.
Open Access
Anticorrosion potentials of derived chitosan and polyaspartic acid modified with organic compounds on steel in acidizing environment
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-09) Obasi, Annuncieta Chukwudumebi
The anticorrosion potentials of derived chitosan and polyaspartic acid modified with organic compounds on steel in an acidizing environment were investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. Chitosan (CTS) and polyaspartic acid (PAA) were synthesized from oyster shells and L-aspartic acid respectively. The oyster shell synthesized chitosan was modified using polyaspartic acid and nicotinic acid hydrazide (NAHD) respectively. The modified polymers (CTS-PAA) and (CTS-NAHD) obtained were used to investigate corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl solution.The synthesized chitosan, polyaspartic acid, and modified polymers were characterized using FT-IR and UV-vis respectively. Corrosion studies were performed using gravimetric (weight loss), electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscope, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization, PDP), and computational techniques respectively. Gravimetric results obtained revealed that inhibitor efficiency of the modified polymers increased with the rise in inhibitor concentration at room temperature (CTS-PAA and CTS-NAHD had an efficiency of 96.5% and 86.6% at a concentration of 200mg/L) at room whereas their response with time (24hrs, 72hrs, 120hrs & 168hrs) and temperature (40- 60oC) variations respectively showed reversed cases. The electrochemical test, EIS, and PDP showed that CTS-PAA gave the highest inhibition efficiency than CTS-NAHD at 86.3% and 89% respectively. The adsorption isotherms results confirmed that adsorption of CTS-PAA and CTS-NAHD on the mild steel surface followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface analysis carried out on the mild steel using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, and scanning electron microscope, SEM respectively probed the evidence of corrosion protection. The computational results obtained revealed that there existsa correlation between the electron molecular structures of modified inhibitors and their inhibition efficiency, and the theoretical results obtained are in agreement with experimental data. Therefore, the modification of chitosan has aided in solving the global problem of corrosion in engineering.
Open Access
Antioxidant and antihyperlipidaemic potentials of ethanolic leaf extract of Diodia sarmentosa on wistar rats
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-10) Korie, Stephen Chinedumije
This study investigated the antioxidant and antihyperlipidaemic potentials of ethanolic leaf extract of Diodia sarmentosa on high fat diet-induced male wistar rats. The antioxidant potentials of the extract was ascertained by scavenging for hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. Thirty (30) male wistar rats (150g-200g) were divided into five (5) groups; Negative control (NC) group which was not induced nor treated, Positive control (PC) was induced but not treated, Low dose extract (LDE) was treated with 250mg/kg of the extract, High dose extract (HDE) was treated with 500mg/kg of the extract and Standard antihyperlipidaemic drug (SAD) group treated with 5mg/kg of Simvastatin. Hyperlipidaemia was induced by feeding the rats with high fat diet in form of Ghee and Coconut oil in the ratio of 3:1 for a period of six (6) weeks, and administration of the treatments started in the 4th week till the 6th week. Parameters like Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed in the serum and heart tissue. In the serum, Lipid profiles like Total cholesterol (TC), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), Triglycerides (TG) and Atherogenic coefficient and indices were also assessed. Liver enzymes and other biomarkers like Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin (TB), Total Protein (TP), Albumin and Globulin were also assessed. Results obtained showed that extract inhibited nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration dependent manner, showing an inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50) of 907.17µg/ml ± 45.36 and 2173.44 µg/ml ± 100.11 respectively. Both doses of the extract increased SOD, GPx and CAT activities in the serum and heart tissue, but increase in CAT activity in the heart by the low dose was not significant compared to the PC. GST activities was decreased in both heart tissue and serum, but only the decrease in the heart tissue by the high dose was significant, and MDA levels was significantly decreased by both dose in the heart tissue and serum. LDH activity in the heart tissue was not significantly different in the LDE and HDE groups, while in the serum, LDH activity was significantly different in the LDE and HDE groups when compared to the PC group. The concentration ranges of the lipid profiles of the various study groups are; TC (80.53–177.25 mg/dl), TG (45.64–159.74 mg/dl), HDL (35.18–57.80 mg/dl), LDL (18.09–36.77 mg/dl) and VLDL (9.12–31.59 mg/dl). TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and Atherogenic indices and coefficient were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the LDE and HDE groups, while HDL was significantly increased when compared to the PC group. Percentage Protection of the extract were 61.76% and 79.17% for the low and high dose respectively. ALT (22.35–32.88 U/L) and AST (34.31–45.91 U/L) activities, Total Bilirubin (0.27–0.34 mg/dl) and serum Globulin (30.39–37.60 g/l) levels were not significantly different (p>0.05) in the LDE and HDE groups when compared to the PC group, while Total protein (54.05–67.78 g/l) levels were significantly different (p<0.05) in the LDE and HDE groups when compared to the PC groups. ALP (207.69–351.21 U/L) activity and Albumin (23.66–33.50 g/l) levels in the LDE group was not significantly different (p>0.05), while in the HDE groups they were significantly different (p<0.05) when compared to the PC group. The efficacy of the extract in balancing lipid profiles, enzymes levels and oxidative stress indices showed little or no difference to the Simvastatin used a the standard antihyperlipidaemic drug, which accounts for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidaemic potentials.