Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
A hybrid intelligent control model for regulating pH in industrial chemical process
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-12) Njoku, Donatus Onyedikachi
This work presented a hybrid intelligent control model for pH regulation in industrial chemical process. The problems of most chemical process are due to the complexities in manipulating non-linear and uncertainty variables. Again, the conventional models used to control processes are prompt to disturbance. The dynamic model approach adopted the first order plus delay time (FOPDT) process transfer function to analyzed the system. The research adopted proportional integral and derivative (PID) and Fuzzy logic system the hybrid compensator model for the developed system. PID model was designed to be tuned in MATLAB window to obtain the variable parameter the Fuzzy Logic system were further integrated with PID to control perturbation and uncertainty among the parameters. The fuzzy logic was designed using Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) in the MATLAB software tool. The gains of the PID algorithm were combined with the Fuzzy Logic system to produce the proposed hybrid intelligent Model called Fuzzy-PID. The model was analyzed in MATLAB/Simulink environment to examine the effectiveness of the hybrid system. Simulation was initially conducted considering loop response of pH system in terms of step input without the addition of the proposed intelligent hybrid model, and the step response shows that the system was not able to reach desired pH set value. A PID controller was simulated in a closed control loop of the pH neutralization process and the step response indicated that the desired pH value was achieved. But the PID control system showed some degree of instability uncertainties. The Fuzzy-PID was implemented as part of the component of the closed loop pH control system and the step response obtained revealed that an improved performance was obtained and the system attained the desired pH value with no instability. The process was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink environment to examine the effectiveness of the hybrid system. The application was developed using JAVA, and Netbean. The work adopted Object Oriented Methodology in the development of the application. Simulation was initially conducted considering loop response of pH system in terms of step input without the addition of the proposed intelligent model. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system, simulations were conducted in acid, neutral and base media with pH setpoint target of 5, 7 and 9 respectively on settling time, rising and overshoot as well the error performance analysis with Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE) and Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE). It was observed that less error performance indices were offered by the hybrid model (FPID) control pH neutralization process compared to PID controller in various media –acid, neutral and base. However, the results obtained showed that the proposed hybrid system was able to maintain the setpoint pH values in the various media than individual model,.
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 study on occupational health hazards among oil and gas company workers in ONELGA Rivers State Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-06) Onwusah, Valentine Chinedu
Occupational health hazard has continued to have a serious public health impact with oil and gas sector being highly affected. Identification of these hazards provides the best approach on how to prevent their occurrence. This study was aimed to identify the occupational health hazards among oil and gas company workers in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) the study is a descriptive design with a study population as 1233, three oil and gas companies were selected from one Local Government Area using simple random sampling technique. The sample size was 400 oil and gas company workers in ONELGA LGA, Rivers State. A well validated questionnaire was employed as part of the data collection process. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and presented in frequency and percentages. A total of 312 and 88 male and female respectively as well as 240 and 160 tertiary and secondary educational certificates holders respectively responded to the test instrument. The null hypotheses were tested using z-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The result of this study revealed that 62% of the respondent are aware of the physiczl hazards in their work place, 59% were aware of the chemical hazards in their work place, 53% were aware of the mechanical hazards in their work place, 50% of oil workers agreed that they sustain injuries due to impact force collision and falls, 50% were exposed to heavy metals 75 % were exposed to noise. The study showed that there was a significant association between exposure to chemical hazards and occurrence of diseases. z-critical value of +1.96. The mean and standard deviation for the exposure to chemical hazards were 2.89 and 1.69 respectively. This study shows that workers in the oil and gas companies are exposed to physical, mechanical and chemical hazards, according to findings it is therefore recommended that Management should provide appropriate, adequate and modern Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs,) for workers in the oil and gas companies to improve the health and well-being of their workers. The management should provide first aid equipment in every working site to give first aid/ emergency treatment in case of accidents before being taken to the hospital. Management should provide a functional firefighting system in case of fire outbreaks. The workers should ensure to always put on their personnel protective equipment (PPE) no matter how small or short the job may be to avoid injuries.
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 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in toposequence around the industrial area of Aba, Nigeria .
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2022-12) Franklin, Ifeoma Rose
The simultaneous accumulations of heavy metals and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have gained considerable attention since soils contaminated with PAHs were frequently reported to contain high amounts of heavy metal. The present study was carried out to assess heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils around the industrial area of Aba. Samples were collected from Ogbor hill, Ndi Egoro and Umuobo village. Umuobo village, served as the control. Heavy metals analyzed were lead, cadmium, iron, argon, manganese, mercury, zinc and copper using atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon analyzed were naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene,fluorine, phenanthrene, benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene, benzo (e) pryene, dibeno (a,h) anthracene, Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene, benzo (b) triphenylene and benxo (ghi) perylene using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) method. The statistical methods used were standard error of mean, two way analysis of variance and multiple unpaired T-test of variance. Iron recorded the highest concentration in all the sampling points with the mid slope having the highest concentration of 295.83±1.15 mg/kg and 291.77±5.94 kg/mg (0-15 cm) for Ogbor hill and Ndi Egoro, respectively. While cadmium has the lowest concentration in all the points, with the valley bottom having the lowest with 0.01±0.02 mg/kg and 0.25±0.08 kg/mg in Ogbor hill and Ndi Egoro, respectively. The control recorded a very low concentration of the heavy metals in both sampling sites. The highest was at the crest with the concentration of 0.7±0.00 mg/kg (15-30 cm) in Iron. Mercury and argon were not detected in crest, mid slope and valley bottom of both Ogbor hill and Ndi Egoro. In Ogbor hill, indeno (1, 2, 3-cd) pyrene recorded the highest concentration at both the crest and mid slope, with 2.53±0.43 and 1.02±0.03 respectively. While Benzo (e) pryene recorded the highest concentration at the valley bottom with 0.68±0.28. The control also recorded the lowest concentrations of the entire polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The highest concentration was recorded at the crest with 1.86±1.64 ppm (15-30 cm) of Indeno (1, 2, 3-cd) pyrene. It is recommended that the industry owners/operators should ensure that effluent treatment plants are installed in their facilities, and should be operated at optimum conditions and manned by qualified personnel.
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 assessment of social crisis arising from water pollution in Gbaramatu region of Delta State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-06) Olaye, Precious Areremi
The research was focused on water pollution induced by social crises, water samples were collected and analyzed using four communities in Gbaramatu region in Delta State as a case study. The goal was to examine the role of social crises and as regards to water pollution in the study area. Methodology involved collection of water samples from different locations to determine the quality of the water in four communities under study. Three of the sites are impacted or polluted areas while the fourth is the control site with less history of social crises. Results shows that most of the impacted environment reveals adverse pollution in the waters. Targeted parameters include; Temperature, which ranged between (27 – 28 οC), pH level, range from 4.1- 5.5), Total Dissolved Solid in water (TDS), range 1938 (300)Mg/l, Turbidity 60.0 (NTU), Salinity 1400 (600)CL, Total Organic Carbon in soil 0.84-0.74(mg/kg), BOD 2.14 (4.0-10.00)mg/l, COD 320 (10.0)mg/l Total Hydrocarbon Content. (THC) 784 (10.0) mg/l, Oil and Grease Content 1246 (10.0-20.0)mg/l. The determination of heavy metal concentrations were carried out with a wide digestive hot plate for heavy metals analysis. The concentrations exceeded the Federal Ministry of Environment Standards of Safe Environmental. Overall results showed pollution impact within study area and were statistically presented in Histogram and they reveal adverse environmental impact. Recommendations were suggested to promote safe environmental ethnic, tolerance and peaceful co-existence in order to minimize social crises posed pollution in study area.
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 evaluation of the effect of the Nigerian capital market on industrial development of Nigeria (1986 - 2017)
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-03) Ihezue, Ogochukwu Perpetua
The study assesses the Effect of the Nigerian Capital market on Industrial development (1986-2017).The Industrial development by data manufacturing sector and the capital market variables considered includes: Market Capitalization (MCAP), Volume of Shares (VOS) and All Shares Index (ASI). Applying Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Unit root test and Johansen co-integration, the model was estimated using Eview software. The estimated model revealed that there is a significant relationship between the explanatory variables (All share Index, Market Capitalization, Volume of shares) and Industrial development. This implies that there is a long run relationship between the capital market and Industrial development. The result further showed that only market capitalization is positively significant while Volume of Shares and All Share index were positive but insignificant. This helps us to adduce that market capitalization exerts more influence on industrial development than any variable from the capital market. Therefore it was concluded that the capital market contributes in no small measure to the development of Nigeria, hence it would be worthy that the government should among other restore confidence, formulate policies that would attract both Local and Foreign direct investment.
Open Access
An improved data leakage detection system in a cloud computing environment
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-01) Okochi, Prisca Ijeoma
An Improved Data Leakage Detection System is designed to mitigate the leakage of crucial and sensitive data in a cloud computing environment. Generally, leakage of data in computing system has caused a lot of irreparable damage or catastrophe to various institutions and organisations worldwide. Therefore, this research aims at detecting and preventing any intentional or non-intentional data leakages using dynamic password for data security. To achieve this the Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology (OOADM) was adopted. The new system was implemented using ASP.net MVC and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio as the backend. And by incorporating an Audit trail/Transaction log mechanism, the new system monitors the activities within and outside the computing environment with date and time stamp. Hence, the system can be applied in any environment for the prevention and detection of any data leakage.
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
An improved direction finding system antenna using method of moment approach
(Federal University of Technlogy, 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 and simulation of salient pole synchronous generator with finite element method and blondel theory to enhance performance
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-12) Okon, Paul Edet
Synchronous generators are the only means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy for bulk electrical power generation. As a result of saturation in its electromagnetic structure, prediction of its performance often involves approximations that seek to account for the effect of saturation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an accurate method for prediction of the field patterns in magnetic structure to ensure precise performance evaluation. In order to compute the magnetizing reactance of salient-pole synchronous generator apart from using finite element method, a modified winding function approach was developed in this research, which utilize the actual winding distribution and the shape of the pole arc. This research seeks to utilize the finite element variational method (finite element method magnetics) for magnetostatic computation for magnetic field distribution in the air gap for cylindrical and salient-pole type generator. The comparative analysis of the magnetic field distribution is used to illustrate the Two Reaction Theory. The obtained results indicate magneto-motive force comparison of salient 4-pole and cylindrical rotor generator, which clearly demonstrate Andrew Blondel Theory (Two-Reaction Theory). ANSYS Maxwell also is utilized in this research to simulate and analyze salient-pole synchronous generator in order to evaluate the generator performance through electromagnetic field computation. The ANSYS Maxwell results include, moving torque, winding currents, magnetic flux linkages, induced voltages, self and mutual inductances, damper bar voltage/current and others characteristic of synchronous generator under no-load, load and three phase short circuit conditions. The results obtained agreed with the conventional acceptable parameters for the salient-pole synchronous generator.
Open Access
Analysis of catfish value chain in Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Igwenagu, Manfred Obinwanne
The study analyzed the Catfish Value Chain in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of 217 actors comprising 37 input suppliers, 50 catfish producers, 50 catfish processors, 50 catfish marketers and 30 consumers for the study. However, 36 input suppliers, 47 catfish producers, 50 catfish processors, 47 catfish marketers and 29 consumers returned well filled questionnaire and used for the data analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, means, charts and frequency distribution and functional analytical tools such as value chain map and multiple regression technique, costs and returns analysis, gross margin analysis, net income model and Z-statistics. The Hypotheses were tested using z-values from the results of multinomial logit regression model, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and t-values from the multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that the actors along the entire value chain carry out both primary and support activities and can be categorized as actors in inputs suppliers, producers, processors, marketers, consumers research, finance and legislation. The total value added in the catfish value chain system was N2,944.5/kg with value added share of 0.41%, 15.54%, 24.83% and 59.22% for input suppliers, producers, processors and marketers respectively with statistically significance at 5% indicating that marketers possessed the highest value added share as they occupied a pivotal position to harness the preference, place, price and product information from the final consumers who were at the epicentre of the value chain system.The result of the multinomial logistic model showed the significant quasi–elasticities for input supplier were age (-1.2946; p<0.01), household size (0.8215; p<0.01), membership of association (0.1866; p<0.01), net value added (0.4130; p<0.01) and year of formal education (0.7124; p<0.01); Household size (0.4328; p<0.05) and net value added (-0.2614, p<0.05) were significant quasi–elasticities in the producers’ category; age (0.9596; p<0.01), gender (-0.1828; p<0.05), household size (-0.9344; p<0.01), membership of association (- 0.1897; p<0.01), net value added (0.3315; p<0.01) and year of formal education (-0.6469; p<0.01) were significant quasi–elasticities effects in the processors’ category and only gender (0.2774; p<0.05), net value added (-5.8477; p<0.01) and year of formal education (-0.6755; p<0.05) were significant quasi–elasticities effects in the marketers’ category. Major determinants of net value added were age, years in school, household size, experience, quantity of fish and age, depreciation of fixed assets, marital status, years in school, amount of credit, operating costs and cost of marketing. High cost of activity, high mortality of catfish (fingerlings) after purchase, inadequate finance, high cost of labour, high cost of transport, high mortality of catfish after purchase, high cost of activity, inadequate finance and poor infrastructure, low patronage, low pricing of price and poor infrastructure and high cost of marketing activity were major constraints faced in Catfish value chain in the study area. It was recommended that catfish farmers should source for locally formulated feeds, which are often cheaper. This will reduce the overall cost of production and consequently improve the net farm income. It is very pertinent for primary actors to form well-coordinated co-operative societies as to enable them pool their resources together for effective collaboration with support actors such as input suppliers, government, insurance companies and other necessary organization for better performance of the catfish value chain. Government and all relevant stakeholders should provide adequate infrastructure to and adequate rural road network for quick evacuation of inputs and output, power for processing and storage including cold chain to increase value addition and improve shelf life of catfish products.
Open Access
Analysis of crop farmers' vulnerability to soil degradation and adaptation strategies in the Niger Delta States of Nigeria.
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2022-02) Offor, Ijeoma Rose
This study analyzed crop farmers vulnerability to soil degradation and adaptation strategies in the Niger Delta States of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the crop farmers, identify the forms and perceived levels of soil degradation, determine the effect of soil degradation indicators and production factors on the output of dominant staple crops in the study area, ascertain the level of vulnerability of the crop farmers to soil degradation, determine the factors influencing the levels of vulnerability of the crop farmers to shock due to soil degradation in the study area, determine the types and perceived level of adaptation strategies to soil degradation and influencing factors and ascertain the trend in output of major staple crops namely cassava and maize in the study area. Data were collected with a well structured questionnaire from 152 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, vulnerability index, multiple regression analysis using ols, ordered probit model, soil degradation index and time trend analysis. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers is 51 years. Results showed that the overall perceived level of soil degradation in the study area is high with a mean of 2.1. The regression result of the effects of soil degradation and production factors on cassava output showed that loss of vegetative cover, decreased soil and water absorption, sub-surface compaction and decline in soil organic matter, labour; planting material, fertilizer and farm size were statistically significant at 1%, while leaching of soil nutrients was significant at 5% level. The regression result of the effects of soil degradation and production factors on maize output showed that loss of vegetative cover, leaching of soil nutrients, sub – surface compaction, decline in soil organic matter, planting material and farm size were statistically significant at 1% level, while the coefficients of labour and fertilizer were significant at 5% level. Result of the vulnerability level of the farmers showed that farmers in the study area are vulnerable to soil degradation with a mean value of 2.09. Results of the ordered probit model show that gender (x1), level of education (x2), age (x3) etc were statistically significant at 1% level, while extension contact (x8) and farming experience (x10) were statistically significant at 5% level, implying that these are the factors influencing the levels of farmers’ vulnerability to soil degradation in the study area. Results also showed that perceived level of adaptation is moderate in the study area with a mean of 2.24. Results of the ordered probit model show that level of education (x2), age (x3), farm income (x5), off – farm income (x6), farm size (x7), farming experience (x10) and nature of soil degradation (x11) were statistically significant at 1% level, implying that these are the socioeconomic factors influencing the levels of farmers adaptation strategies to soil degradation in the study area. The result of the trend of output of cassava and maize in the study area from 1995-2016 revealed that there is fluctuation in both cassava and maize output which can be attributed to the effect of soil degradation. It was recommended that farmers should be motivated to invest their labour and limited financial resources in the use ofadaptation strategies such as soil and water conservation technologies.
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 environmental constraints on successful delivery of independent power projects in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-07) Ngerem, Thomas Chinedu
The research work examined environmental constraints on successful delivery of Independent power projects (IPP) in Nigeria. This study is motivated by the delay in executing IPP over a long time and the poor underperforming nature of projects in the power sector. The purpose of this study is to establish the effect of these constraints on IPP delivery in Nigeria. The study made use of the objective realization questionnaires designed following the likert model and were administered to experts who work as financiers, contractors or consultants in the power sector. One hundred and seventy one (171) questionnaires were distributed from a population size of three hundred (300) with one hundred and twenty five (125) returned. Factor analysis and multiple regression models were used for data analysis. Twenty (20) environmental constraints were identified and selected after a careful review of literature on successful delivery of IPP. The identified constraints were further group to three (3) critical factors using the principal Component Varimax extraction (factor analysis) method which explain 80.03% variance. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using statistical software package (SPSS) version 21 known as multiple regression analysis which comprises of F-test, ANOVA and t-test. The study revealed that three critical factors namely social, procurement and financial environmental constraints do significantly affects successful delivery of IPP in Nigeria at (Pvalue) of less than 0.05%. The Earned value analysis (EVA) model results indicate that six of the IPPs under study incurred negative cost overrun except Omoku IPP. Omoku IPP experiences time variation due to the identified constraints. It also infers that only Okpai IPP executed project within time frame, Aba integrated and Azura IPPs were ongoing (not completed) as at the time of visit. These indicate that none of the Plants were 100% optimal in production as a result of consequences of the stated constraints. The study concludes that investors in the power sector need identify and eliminate all constraints mentioned in this work at the planning stage before embarking on IPP delivery. In improving efficiency, the research recommended that stakeholders should take proper understanding of the variables identified in this work for easy management and prevention of cost and time overrun, as well as timely approval of power purchase agreement (PPA), gas purchase agreement, good enabling working environment, granting of long term loan by financial institutions to investors and transmission line capacity improvement.