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Item Open Access Antidiabetic properties of total phenol content of zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides leaves on albino rats(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-07) Ekwemba, Christian O.In this study, we evaluated the effect of the total phenol extract of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides leaves on oral glucose tolerance, lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress parameters, and pancreas histopathology in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate in a dose of 130 mg/kg b/w. Total phenol content of Z. zanthoxyloides leaves was administered to rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b/w daily for 15 days. Blood glucose was measured by glucose oxidase method; lipid profile, liver function and oxidative stress parameters were monitored by standard methods and pancreatic histopathology evaluated microscopically. The results showed an increase in blood glucose level of the rats after administration of alloxan monohydrate. Two weeks after treatment with Z. zanthoxyloides, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose was recorded within the treatment groups compared to the untreated control group. Total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the treated groups, with lowest values recorded in the group treated with the highest concentration of the extract. The result also showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were lowest on treatment with highest concentration of the phenol extract, while glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C levels were increased in the treated groups compared to the diabetic and untreated groups. The result of the pancreatic histopathology further supported the protective effect of Z. zanthoxyloides phenol extract towards diabetic damage. From these results, we suggested that total phenolics of Z. zanthoxyloides may be effective in controlling blood glucose level in diabetics, and in protecting pancreatic tissues from diabetic damage.Item Open Access Geological and geo-electrical investigation of diorite deposits in parts of Southern Benue Trough, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2017-01) Okoli, Stella ChigozieDiorite deposit investigation in Lokpaukwu and environs in Abia State, southern Nigeria has been carried out in Amaubiri, Umuneochi and Obiagu Lekwesi. The aim of the study is to determine the subsurface deposit and downward trend of the diorite deposit through variations in resistivity values. Thirty Eight (38) vertical electrical sounding (VES) was acquired withing the study area using schlumberger Array configuration. Data acquired were processed and interpreted using resistivity software. 3 geo-electric layers in Amaubiri, 4 layers in Obiagu Lekwesi and 4 to 5 layers in Umuneochi Lokpaukwu Area was deduced. Mean density were done to estimate total reserve in these areas to value the quantity in those areas using Archimedes principles. Samples were viewed under microscope to confirm the rock type in the areas. The variation in resistivity values show possibilities of the outcrop occurrences at shallow depths. The estimated reserve in Amaubiri is expected to be more than Lekwesi and Umuneochi. The use of electrical resistivity has proven useful evaluation of the quantity and downward trend of diorite rock in these areas.Item Open Access The impact of road transport infrastructure development in Port Harcourt Metroplis(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-05) Suleiman, Saidu SangariThis research assessed the Impact of Road Transport Infrastructure Development in Port Harcourt. It also examined critically, the importance of quality road infrastructure in Port Harcourt and its relative impact on the Nigerian economic development. Relevant literatures on road infrastructure development and its impact on Rivers State were reviewed. A time-series data (2004 - 2016) on road infrastructure quality index (RIQI), GDP per capita, cost of cargo haulage and volume of cargo, secondary data were obtained from World Bank database and National Bureau of Statistics. These data were analyzed using multi linear Regression analysis with the aid Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS V.20). From the result of the Regression analysis, the quality of road infrastructure in Nigeria will increase GDP per capita by 96.9% for every one percent increase in port infrastructure, Reduce Ship turnaround time by 29.1% for every one percent increase in road infrastructure, Increase by 20.9% for a percent increase in cost of freight and increase by 55.6% for a percent increase in Cargo volume. . And also that expansion in vehicle fleet makes a strong contribution to the revenue generated from the sector. The study therefore concludes that road transport is a critical factor to the development of any nation. Recommendations on how to make the system much more efficient so that the benefits enshrined in the operation of the system could be optimally maximized where presented in the study.Item Open Access Enhanced recession forecasting using artificial neural network algorithm(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-09) Ezirim, Ndubuisi JusticeRecession is a global concern, as nations, industries and individuals are affected. Application of machine learning in finance is not novel, it strength in this field is shown in this thesis. Several literature on the use of artificial neural network and key financial indicators were “x-rayed” with the peculiar nature of the Nigerian state at the background. From the thirty one variables initially taken from the Central bank of Nigeria statistics portal and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics and subjected to a genetic algorithm, twelve most correlated variables to economic growth from four sectors were used. These were used to train and test the Neural Network algorithm and then compared with known regression and generalized linear model results. Findings from this study revealed that Artificial Neural Network outperformed the other models in terms of speed of prediction, robustness of algorithm and accuracy. The algorithm developed is able to make monthly recession forecasts after being trained and tested with Data from 2010 to 2017. The performance of the neural network far outweighed the Regression and the Generalized Linear model as its Mean Square Error was approximately 4 while the generalized neural network was 25 and was 14 for the regression model.Item Open Access Toxicity and oxidative effects of pesticide mixture on liver and gonads of male albino rats(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Chukwudi, PeterCommercial mixtures of organophosphates and pyrethroids have become very popular in the insecticide markets in developing nations and have resulted in an elevation in the prevalence of mixed toxicity. The present research is aimed at evaluating the toxic effects of commercial preparation of a pesticide mixture, MagicForce, which contains Dimethoate (DM) and Lambdacyhalothrin (LC) in the ratio of 20:1. For this purpose, forty (40) adult male albino rats were divided into four (4) equal groups. Dimethoate group (DM) received: (10.7mg/kg b.w/orally/daily), Lambda-cyhalothrin group (LC) received: (3.9mg/kg b.w/orally/daily), MagicForce group (MF) received: (1.2mg/kg/b.w/orally/daily) while Control group (C) received only food and water daily. The general health of the rats was monitored daily for toxicity signs and mortality while taking the weekly body weights. At the end of the study (28 days), the rats were sacrificed. The liver and gonads were excised and weighed, the tissue homogenates prepared for biochemical analysis together with the blood samples. The estimation of the cell death marker Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Liver function enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP), Total Serum Protein, Total Albumin, Total Bilirubin were carried out. Oxidative markers malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. Heamatological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB and MCHC) were also examined. The reproductive status was determined by analyzing the testosterone levels, sperm motility, sperm count and sperm viability. The results revealed that nephrotic cell death occurred most in the LC treated group (73.83µ/L, 352.53µ/L, 334.53µ/L) than in the DM and MF. Liver function enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) activities were significantly elevated in LC-treated group (138.13 µ/L, 44.73 µ/L and 29.90 µ/L) respectively, than observed in the other treatment groups. The Total Protein Profile level visibly decreased mostly in the LC exposed group (58.12µ/L, 17.19µ/L) compared to the other treatment groups. The oxidative stress and hematological studies showed that the LC-treated group was most adversely affected than the DM and Magicforce. There was no much significant impact on the reproductive status of the animals by the other pesticides except on the testosterone levels which was affected by the LC. It can be concluded that the LC, singly had more adverse effect on the overall parameters measured than the Dimethoate (DM) and in their combined commercial state (Magicforce). This suggests an antagonistic interaction in the mixture.Item Open Access Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic solutions using moringa oleifera as inhibitor(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-09) Onyima, ChukwumaThe corrosion behavior of mild steel in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 acidic environments was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical techniques. The results obtained from both gravimetric and polarization experiments showed that mild steel is more susceptible to acid corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 than in 1 M HCl, with higher mass loss (gravimetric) and current density (polarization) obtained with sulphuric acid system compared to hydrochloric acid system. The effects of ethanol, sulphuric acid and water extracts of Moringa oleifera on the corrosion behavior of mild steel in the acid solutions were also analyzed. Generally, the different extracts exerted appreciable inhibition performance with sulphuric acid and water exhibiting higher inhibition efficiency than ethanol but ethanol exhibited higher stability in hydrochloric acid system. The trend of inhibition efficiency changed in sulphuric acid system with ethanol extract having the best performance than other extracts according to the polarization and temperature results, although, gravimetric data contradicted. Polarization studies revealed that the plant extracts functioned as mixed inhibition mechanism. Inhibition efficiency in general, increased with increase in the concentration of the extracts but decreased with prolonged exposure time. The discrepancies in the inhibition efficiencies exerted by the different extracts was attributed to the differences in the extracting abilities of the solvents, while discrepancies observed with the methods was attributed to time and instrumental effects. The Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract was characterized using gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The analysis confirmed that the extract contained more than 29 active constituents including; 28.55% 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)methyl ester; 11.24% n-Hexadecanoic acid; 9.31% 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester; 6.32% Benzeneacetonitrile,4-hydroxy-;5.6%2-Furancarboxaldehyde,5(hydroxyme- thyl)-;4.85%Heptadecane; 3.49% and others. Since the presence of some organic species in the extract has been confirmed by GC/MS, selected constituents of the extract were modeled in order to assess their adsorbability using the density functional theory (DFT) and the result revealed remarkable high interaction energies, which corroborate the experimental findings.Item Open Access Geoelectrical and geotchnical investigation of failed section of Orsu-Ihiala Road , Imo State SouthEastern Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-12) Ajah, Nnamdi JosephGeophysical and Geotechnical investigation of the causes of the consistent failure of Orsu-Ihiala road has been studied. The study area is part of the Anambra Basin consisting of Eocene Ameke formation, the Oligocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation and the recent Meander belt. 2-D electrical resistivity tomography of the subsurface was carried out using Wenner method (for a =3, 6, 9 and 12 respectively), 6VES was run along the failed and partially stable part of the road using Schlumberger method (with maximum AB/2 = 55m). Three (3) samples were collected at depth of 1.5m (subgrade) from the failed part of the road (collected from Amanachi, Orlu LGA headquarters and Amagriget) and were analyzed at Arab contractors limited. The 2-D pseudo resistivity section at the subgrade (less than 2m) shows that the area is underlain by moderate to low resistivity (10Ωm - 135Ωm) which is interpreted as clayey topsoil and clay. These zones coincide with the fairly stable and failed portion of the road. At the same depth resistivity was observed to be decreasing NW-SE, implying the clay content decrease along the NW -SE direction on the road. Analysis of VES suggested 3-4 geoelectric layers defined as clayey topsoil, clay, clayey sand and sand with resistivity of 96Ωm - 136Ωm, 54Ωm -135Ωm, 288Ωm to 980Ωm and 2780Ωm - 32800Ωm respectively.The geotechnical results reveal that the soil sample is made up of granular material with highly compressible silty clay belongs to group A-2, subgrade A-2-6 (sample S01) and group A-7, subgroup A-7-5 (sample S02 and S03) as per AASHTO classification. The result of the Atterberg Limit showed that the plastic index (PI) is relatively low (16.9%, 7.1% and 14.9% for S01, S02 and S03 respectively). The LL for S01, S02 and S03 are 38.5%, 42.5% and 46% respectively and are referred to as intermidate plasticity. The maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum water content (OMC) are 1.776g/cm3 and 14.4% for S01, 1.713g/cm3 and14.6% for S02 and 1.692g/cm3 and14.4% for S03. Low MDD with high OMC is an indication that the soil is generally loose. The California Bearing Ratio (soaked) for sample S01, S02 and S03 are 2.1%, 3.4% and 16.2% respectively. S01 and S02 fall within FMW specification while S03 is above the specification. The specific gravity of studied samples is 2.401gm/cm3 , 2.586gm/cm3 and2.413gm/cm3 forS01, S02 and S03 respectively. Which indicates moderate organic content and moderate porosity (especially sample S01). The moisture content of the samples is 18.2%, 24.2%, 25.4% for S01, S02 and S03 respectively. The material is generally rated as a fair to poor subgrade material (as per general specification Roads and Bridges, Revised 1997, FMW, Nigeria). 2-D pseudo resistivity secton, VES and the geotechnical result shows that the road was founded on a subgrade (at depth 1.5m) clayey material. And that the claycontent of the subgrade material decreases along the NW-SE profile resulting from transition from Recent sand rich meander belt to clay rich Ameke Formation. The road failed basically due to the clayey material found at the subgrade and poor drainage construction. This project therefor shows that geophysics complement Geotechnical analysis and used be carried out prior to construction of engineering structures.Item Open Access Geotechnical characterization and behaviour of cement and lime -stabilized expansive soils in Awka and environs, South Eastern Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2020-02) Ogbuchukwu, Patience OnyinyeThis study was undertaken to ascertain the geotechnical properties of the expansive soils responsible for the swelling potential and degree of expansion of the studied soils in Awka and environs Southeastern Nigeria. A total of eight (8) expansive soils were collected at different locations of the studied area and the geotechnical properties analyzed in the laboratory includes; grain size, Atterberg limit test, linear shrinkage, natural moisture content, free swell, compaction test, CBR test, specific gravity, dry and bulk density. Results of the study revealed a high to very high swelling potentials using the liquid limit (63.10 to 77.40%), plasticity index values (31.48 to 46.45%) and medium to high activity using activity values (0.98 to 1.55%). A critical and high degree of expansion was observed with linear shrinkage (10.70 to 20.00%) and free swell values (53.00 to 71.00%) respectively. In addition, low strength characteristics of the studied soils were similarly observed with the unsoaked (10.20 to 18.10%) and soaked (1.90 to 3.30%) CBR values, the optimum moisture content values (17.70 to 27.00%) and maximum dry density values (1.40 to 1.75Mg/m3 ). The Grain size analysis revealed that the studied soils are poorlygraded material with percentages passing the No.200 BS (62.10 to 94.80%) and can be classified as CH soils (fat clays) when plotted on a Casagrande plasticity chart. After stabilizing the studied soils with different proportions of cement and lime (2 to 10%), there were reductions in the swelling potential, degree of expansion and increase in the strength characteristics and durability of the soils. The optimum (minimum LL and PI values) values of the swelling indicators were achieved at 6% and 8% of lime and cement additives respectively. Soil stabilization with lime performs better than cement because lime has adverse effects on the swelling potential of a soil than cement but cement performs better when strength characteristics of the soil is the criteria.Item Open Access Analysis of maize value chain in Imo State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Nnorom, Emmanuel IykeThe study analysed maize value chain in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of maize value chain actors in Imo State; ascertain the value chain map in maize value chain in the area; estimate the net margin and profitability of maize supply, production, processing and marketing in the area; estimate the contributions of the major actors in the maize value chain in the state; evaluate the value added and hence, the determinants of value addition in maize supply, production, processing and marketing in the study area and identify the constraints associated with maize value chain among producers, processors and marketers in the study area. Multistage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample for the study. A Total of 240 respondents were used for the study that is; 60 suppliers, 60 producers, 60 processors and 60 marketers. Well structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean, percentage, frequency distribution, regression models, principal component factor analysis (PCFA), net farm income model and ANOVA. The result shows that majority (53.33%, 53.33% and 78.33%) of the respondents were female suppliers, producers and processors of maize respectively while majority (55%) of the respondents were male marketers of maize. Their mean ages were 57.25, 50.5, 41 and 45.5 years respectively. Majority (85%, 85%, 63.33% and 80%) of maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers were married. The mean household size were 5, 7, 4 and 4 persons for maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers respectively. The mean number of years spent in school were 9.6, 9.1, 9.9 and 12.1 respectively. About 52%, 47% and 67% of maize seed suppliers, processors and marketers had trading as their major occupation, while 71.67% of the producers had farming as their major occupation. The mean years of experience were 9.3, 15.8, 8.8 and 12. Also, 65%, 45%, 20% and 61.67% of maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers respectively were members of one cooperative association or the other, while 35%, 55%, 80% and 38.33% of maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers respectively were not members of any cooperative association. The mean farm size was 1.42 hectares. The value chain map shows that the chain started with the maize seed suppliers and ended with the consumers, and all the actors in the chain interacted more with the retailers and local supermarkets. Maize actors made a net income of N13,364.79, N113,339.38, N505.10 and N12,532.38 per ton, indicating that the actors made profit from their investment. Return on investment were estimated as N2.049, N4.87, N0.029 and N0.557 to the maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers respectively. Maize seed suppliers, producers, processors and marketers each contributed 1.67% respectively to the market share. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that on the determinants of value addition were age, marital status, household size, association membership, product cost, transportation cost, preservation cost, and output for maize seed supply; gender, farm size, labour cost and output for maize producers; age, product cost and output for maize processing while educational level, association membership, transportation cost, product cost and output for maize marketing. The most important constraints associated with maize value chain amongst suppliers were high cost of maize seed, high cost of hulling maize seed from the cub and high cost of transportation to supply maize seed; amongst producers were lack of high yielding maize variety, lack of good access road to the farm and lack of access to credit; amongst processors were lack of good storage facility for processed maize (LGSF), change in market price of maize seed, lack of good access road, inadequate maize seed and high cost of transportation and amongst marketers were high cost of hired labour, high cost of hulling maize seed from the cob, high cost of transportation. The null hypothesis which states that there is no significant difference in the net margin amongst the various actors in maize value chain in Imo State, Nigeria was rejected. It is therefore recommended that Enterprise differentiation should be encouraged to maximize resources.Item Open Access Buckling analysis of thin rectangular plates under vibration using split-deflection method(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-11) Nwachukwu, Uchechukwu ChristopherThis study presents buckling analysis of thin rectangular plates under vibration using split-deflection method. In this method, the deflection functions are split into x and y components. Applying the split – deflection equation into principles of theory of elasticity, total potential energy functional was derived. By minimization of the potential energy functional, the governing equation for critical buckling loads for rectangular plates under vibration was obtained. Shape functions containing orthogonal trigonometry-trigonometry, orthogonal polynomial-polynomial and orthogonal polynomial-trigonometry are obtained for the six plates studied in this work. The boundary conditions considered were simple support and clamp support. The non – dimensional critical buckling loads for the various rectangular plates were obtained at various aspect ratios (ranging from 1 to 2) and resonating frequency ratios (ranging from 0 to 1). The non – dimensional critical buckling loads obtained using polynomial shape functions were compared with those given by Ibearugbulem in 2014. For rectangular plates simply supported at all edges, the percentage differences at the various aspect ratios (1 to 2) and various resonating frequency ratios (0 to 1) ranges 0.000% to 0.006%. It is clear from this study that the percentage differences recorded for rectangular plates of other boundary conditions are insignificant. This showed that the past and present results are in good agreement. Hence, it is recommended that rectangular plates with boundary conditions different from the ones studied here should be considered by further research works.Item Open Access Physio-mechanical properties of natural rubber filled with carbonized cherry and rubber seed shells(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04) Onegbedan, CordeliaPhysico-mechanical properties natural rubber filled with carbonized cherry and rubber seed shell as fillers were studied. Samples of cherry and rubber seed shells were carbonized at varying temperatures (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700oC for three hours each and sieved through a 100m mesh. The physical properties of fillers such as the swelling behavior, loss on ignition, iodine absorption number, moisture content, the pH and the bulk density results evaluated show that pH, iodine adsorption number and loss on ignition increase with carbonization temperature, moisture content decreases while bulk density varies with increase in carbonization temperature. The percentage swelling behaviour results show that carbonized cherry seed shell filled vulcanizates are more resistant to solvents used than carbonized rubber seed shell filled vulcanizates, The mechanical properties of the vulcanizate which include enlongation at break, compression set and flex fatigue decreases with increase in filler carbonization temperature. some mechanical properties Such as tensile strength, mochulus, Hardness and abrasion resistance increase with increase in filler carbonization temperature. The mesh size of 100m were used as to obtain a fine particles size. Any mesh size above 100m will be lesser. Thus for high quality vulcanizates carbonization should be done at 600oC.Item Open Access Oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia in type-2 diabetic patients attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-07-19) Nwankwo, Chinenye EstherChanges in oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile, atherogenic predictor indices, and anthropometrics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects attending Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Awka, were assessed using standard methods. Demographic data of the T2DM patients were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire.The subjects included willingly consented 60 (30 males and 30 females) T2DM patients and 40 (20 males and 20 females) apparently healthy, age-matched control subjects.GSH concentration, and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx decreased significantly (p<0.05), while MDA level increased significantly (p<0.05) in diabetics than in non-diabetics. The FBG concentration, lipid parameters (TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c) and atherogenic indices (non HDL-c, CRI 1, CRI 11, AC and AIP) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the diabetics, while HDL-c concentration was significantly decreased in diabetics compared to the controls. Majority of the diabetic subjects had abnormally high prevalence of dyslipidaemia and abnormally high levels of atherogenic predictor indices. The diabetics had significantly (p<0.05) higher BMI, WC, AC, WHR, WHtR, SBP and DBP than non-diabetics. FBG results of diabetics correlated positively with MDA (r2 = 0.30, p=0.02) and non HDL-c (r=0.28; p=0.027), but negatively with GSH (r2 = -0.30, p=0.04). Arm circumference had a weak negative correlation with GSH and CAT in the diabetics. BMI, WHtR, SBP and DBP were positively correlated with non HDL-c, CRI-I, CRI-II and AC, while AIP was positively correlated with BMI and WHtR. Diabetic males compared to females, were more educated, resident in urban areas, had higher comorbidity with hypertension, showed more signs of complications, had family history of diabetes and had over 10 years of suffering fromT2DM. On the other hand, female diabetics were involved in lower income occupation and practiced better nutritional regimen, but had significantly (p < 0.05) higher BMI, WC, WHR, SBP and DBP than the males. The results of this study have shown high occurrence of dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and abnormality in atherogenic risk predictor indices among Nigerian T2DM patients. Correlation results indicate that MDA, non HDL-c and GSH are potentially important useful markers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of diabetes. Adoption of a healthy dietary pattern should be encouraged in T2DM patients and intervention policies for effective management of T2DM should be sex specificItem Open Access Pharmacological and antioxidant properties of a hydromethanol extract of dioscorea bulbifera (air potato)(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019-07) Nwoko, Uchenna DanielDioscorea bulbifera is one of the over 600 known species of yam and is distinguished from all other species by having specialized aerial bulbils on the base of petioles. This work investigated some pharmacological and antioxidant properties of this endemic but neglected yam specie. In the study, the extract was assessed for proximate content, phytochemical content, free-radical scavenging, antioxidant potentials and antisickling effects. The proximate and the phytochemical constitution were performed according to standard analytical procedures available in the literature. In vitro antioxidant activity was studied through nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power assay. Furthermore, the antisickling effects of the extract were also studied based on its ability to inhibit haemoglobin polymerization of sickle cell erythrocytes. The results of the proximate analysis showed, moisture content (12.10 ± 0.61%), ash (12.00 ± 0.68%), crude fibre (1.50 ± 0.08%), crude protein (10.10 ± 0.53%), crude fat (1.20 ± 0.06%) and carbohydrate (63.10 ± 4.12%). Quantitative phytochemical study showed the presence of alkaloids (3.30 ± 0.13%), saponins (0.50 ± 0.02%), total glycosides (0.80 ± 0.03%), tannins (0.17 ± 0.01%), flavonoids (0.05 ± 0.04%) and phenolics (0.03 ± 0.10%). Moreso, D. bulbifera extract was effective against nitric oxide radical, hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical scavenging with potential inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 1257.01 ± 58.37 (µg/ml), 633.60 ± 54.52 (µg/ml), 2285.78 ± 245.20 (µg/ml) respectively. The O.D0.5 of the extract was 480.63 ± 33.82 (µg/ml). Moreso, the extract showed the highest level of inhibition of haemoglobin HbS polymerization at 15.84 ± 0.74%. The results of this work showed that D. bulbifera is a good source of essential nutrients and can be a reliable food source and energy security crops to both man and/or livestock.The phytochemicals present could be the reason behind its medicinal uses. Results obtained also showed the ability of the extract to scavenge free radicals in dose-dependent manner. It therefore had good antioxidant properties. The extract also inhibited haemoglobin polymerization to a varying degree with good inhibition percent polymerization when compared to standard HBA. The extract therefore could be used for the treatment of oxidative stress induced diseases, management of sickle cell disease and other related diseases.Item Open Access The productivity of sole and intercropped maize with groundnut using three rates of poultry manure in Owerri, Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2020-03) Uzoigwe, Chinenye PriscillaThe experiment was carried out in the farm of School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, of Federal University of Technology Teaching andResearch Farm Owerri, during the 2017 cropping season to determine the productivity of sole and intercropped maize with groundnut using 3x 3factorial fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Designed replicated three times. The treatments consisted of three rates of poultry manure at 0, 5 and 10 tons/Ha and three cropping systems namely; sole maize, sole groundnut, and maize/groundnut intercrop. The biological efficiency of the intercropping system was evaluated using the land equivalent ratio and the relative yield totals respectively. Data on various crop growth and yield parameters for maize and groundnut were measured and subjected to analysis of variance while mean separation was done using the least significant differences at 5 level of probability. Results indicated that the 10 tons/ha poultry manure rate gave the highest maize fresh cob yield of 4.68tons/ha compared with 1.83tons/ha when no manure was added. Also groundnut grain yield of 2.83tons/ha was highest when 10 ton/ha of poultry manure was applied compared with 1.02 tons/ha when no manure was applied. The result from the post-harvest soil analysis showed that substantial amount of magnesium increased which indicates that in the pre-planting chemical and physical analysis 0.16 of Magnesium was available, then in the post soil chemical and physical analysis is observed to have increased to 0.67. Then calcium in the preplanting soil physical and chemical analysis was 0.40 later increased to 1.5 in the post-harvest soil chemical and physical analysis. Then nitrogen in the preplanting soil physical and chemical analysis was 0.15 and in the post-harvest soil chemical and physical analysis it was 0.14 which means not all the nitrogen was used up. Based on the results of this experiment I strongly recommend the application of 10 tons/ha of poultry manure to boost the productivity of maize/groundnut yields in mixture.Item Open Access Prevalence and economic burden of malaria among family households in Bokkos L. G. A, Plateau state, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, 2016-12) Achwai, Isaac HezekiahThis study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and economic burden of malaria among family households in Bokkos L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria. This study employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select 120 respondents from three (3) health facilities namely; Primary Health Center, Richa; General Hospital, Bokkos and Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Dispensary, Daffo. Two sources of data were used for the study; primary data and secondary data. Primary data was elicited with the aid of well-structured questionnaire on the demographic characteristics of respondents, malaria incidence and willing to pay for malaria eradication. Secondary data were obtained from the health records of three health facilities and the information sought included cost, public expenditure and number of reported cases of malaria and associated treatment. Data analysis was achieved using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean, percentages, frequency distribution, cross tabulations, willingness to pay (WTP) approach and multiple linear regressions. The result showed that malaria prevalence was highest among children below 5 years (40.37%), primary education certificate holders (53.05%), artisan/farmers (37.07%), household with size between 14 – 17 persons (43.88%). On average basis, households were willing to pay N1,811.31 (±1831.44), N811.83 (±N403.84) and N2,623.14 (±N2152.68) per month for treatment, preventive measures and total eradication respectively. The results of the determinants of the amount the households were willing to pay (WTP) for the malaria eradication showed that the significant determinants were household expenditure, level of education, costs of protection and treatment, indirect cost (value of hours lost at work, transport cost to clinic) and household size. Household size had positive relationship with the malaria prevalence while age, educational level and household expenditure had negative effects with malaria prevalence. Also household expenditure, level of education, costs of protection and treatment, indirect cost (value of hours lost at work, transport cost to clinic) and household size were significant determinants of the amount the households were willing to pay (WTP) for the malaria eradication. The economic burden of malaria was very enormous especially for the poor households who predominated the study area as indirect cost was N3,122.41, average willing to pay was in excess of N221.09 over the actual amount of treatment of a child was N1,414.69 per child per malaria episode, in excess of N324.17 over N766.34 of the actual expense to treat an adult per malaria episode and willingness to pay for prevention in excess of N219.35 over actual payment of N1,749.83 per household. It is recommended that public health education especially in local languages should be intensified in the area. In addition, government and non-governmental organizations should subsidize the cost of malaria treatment particularly with the new and more expensive artemisinin-based combination therapy and encourage free distribution of treated mosquito nets to the households particularly among the poor income earners.Item Open Access Optimization of green derived silver nanoparticle and antimicrobial effect on escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Ekaji, Franklin AngbojiNanoparticles can be synthesized using various approaches including chemical, physical, and biological. Chemicals used for nanoparticles synthesis and stabilization are toxic and lead to generation of non-ecofriendly by-products. The need for environmental non-toxic synthetic protocols for nanoparticles synthesis leads to increasing demand for green nanotechnology. The major advantage of using plant extracts for silver nanoparticle synthesis is that they are available, safe, and non-toxic. The leaves of ten (10) selected plants were washed several times with distilled water to remove the dust particles and air-dried to remove the residual moisture. The dried leaves were crushed using mechanical method and 10 gram of dried powder boiled in 100 ml of deionized water for 20 minutes. The aqueous extracts were separated by filtration with Whatman No. 1 filter paper and centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 minutes to remove heavy biomaterials. The extract were stored at 4°C until further use. The biochemical screening and identification of the isolates in the stock culture from the extract were carried out according to microbiological guidelines and standards. The colour change of the solution from yellow to dark green was indicative of the reduction process silver ion to silver-nanoparticles. The Box-benken design was adopted for the optimization of the silver nanoparticle production in a 3 x 3 design. Also, extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles from green plant was carried out to determine nanoparticle production. Synthesized silver nanoparticles were scanned by Ultra violet visible ray is spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 340 – 820 nm. Antibacterial effect was determined invitro using Kirby-Bauer method. The optimal conditions for the production of goatweed nanoparticle (GwNP) were (pH 8.0, temperature 350C and Time of 24 hours) which was different from the optimum conditions for Independence leaf (XXYNP) production at pH 8.0, temperature of 35 degree celsius and a time of 72 hours. Similar effects were observed in the experiment with all the samples. The antimicrobial activities of these samples demonstrated that the nanoparticles had antimicrobial properties which vary depending on the isolate and condition (temperature, pH and time).Item Open Access Economics of cocoyam farming by cropping systems in Onitsha agricultural zone in Anambra State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-05) Onyeoma, Uruchukwu MaryThis study evaluated the economics of cocoyam farming by cropping systems in Onitsha Agricultural zone Anambra State. The specific objectives were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of cocoyam producers , estimate the average quantity of cocoyam produced from the different cropping systems in the study area, estimate net return of cocoyam production under different cropping systems, determine the factors that influence cocoyam output in the different cropping systems, determine the socio-economic factors that influence net returns from cocoyam production and assess constraints faced by cocoyam producers in the study area. The hypotheses of the study stated that there is no significant relationship between age, gender, educational level, household size, farming experience, and farm size of cocoyam farmers and net returns from cocoyam production. Primary data were collected using a set of structured questionnaire from 142 farmers who were selected from the agricultural zones using multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed with descriptive statistical tools (mean, frequency distribution, and percentage), multiple regression, net returns and output per hectare model. The field results showed that majority of cocoyam farmers in the study area were aged, experienced and relatively educated. Again, the field results showed that cocoyam sole cropping system recorded the highest output (5t/ha) of cocoyam, while cocoyam/maize, cocoyam/cassava, cropping systems recorded 4.4t/ha and 4t/ha respectively. From the field results, cocoyam sole cropping systems recorded the highest net return of about N741,225, relative to cocoyam/maize, cocoyam/cassava cropping systems which recorded N642,725, N508,225 respectively. The results of multiple regression showed that factors that influenced the output of cocoyam positively were farm size, labour input, quantity of cocoyam setts and quantity of fertilizer. while cost of implements, negatively influenced output. However the hypothesis tested showed that age, educational level, household size, farming experience, and farm size of cocoyam farmers significantly influence net returns from cocoyam production in the area except of gender . The major perceived constraints recorded were labour scarcity and high cost of input. It was concluded that the output of cocoyam is influenced by cropping systems practised as there may be competition for light, nutrients, and water depending on the cropping system practiced and also that cocoyam enterprise is profitable. Therefore, it was recommended that Programmes should be constantly organized so as to keep cocoyam farmers abreast with improved technologies in production. Through these programmes, the result of agricultural research involving maintenance of soil fertility under effective crop combination that will result in optimum crop output per unit area of land will easily be transferred to the farmers.Item Open Access Effect of different processing conditions on the quality characteristics of garri(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2018-03) Ehirim, Chisom ChimdiThe effect of some fermentation variables (temperature, relative humidity and duration of fermentation) on the fermentation of grated cassava mash for gari production and HCN reduction was studied. The proximate composition, functional, chemical, pasting and sensory properties were determined using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition of gari samples ranged; from 10.28-12.79% for moisture, 81.06-83.76% for carbohydrate, 1.84-2.11% for crude protein, 0.94-1.12% for crude fibre and 1.71-2.17% for ash. The pH of the gari samples ranged from 5.62-5.85, TTA 0.34-0.47% and HCN 4.11-7.86mg/kg. The functional properties of the gari samples ranged from 3.50-4.17g/g for water absorption capacity, 3.36-3.62ml/ml for swelling index and 0.47-0.50g/ml for bulk density. The sample fermented at 40oC, 85% relative humidity and 72h (sample 4) had the highest value for protein (2.11%), ash (2.17%) water absorption capacity (4.17g/g) and swelling index (3,62ml/ml). These values were significantly different (p<0.05) from the values obtained from the other samples. The HCN content of sample 8(fermented at 40oC, 75%RH, 96h) was found to be the lowest (4.11mg/kg). It also had the lowest pH value at the end of fermentation of the mash. The length of fermentation was observed to have the most significant effect on most of the parameters monitored while temperature had the least effect. However, result of the pasting properties indicated that sample 1(fermented at (30oC, 65%RH and 72h) had the best properties for mouldability. The result of the sensory properties in the overall indicated that sample 4 (fermented at 40oC, 85% RH and 72h) was well accepted by the panelists.Item Open Access Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of quartnized long chain amides(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-09) Amafili, Kingsley ChukwukulitemThe synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of quarternized fatty amide having an amide functional group differing in the length of an alkylating chain (C8 andC12) were carried out. Their solubility in water, FTIR analysis of the starting materials, intermediate and final products were conducted and results showed the formation of amide functional group (-C=0 at 1643 cm-1, 1640 cm-1 and N-H at 3295 cm-1 and 3403 cm-1) which resulted from the removal of the ester group (-C=0 at 1740 cm-1, 1744cm-1and C-0 at 1170 cm-1) respectively. The mass spectrometric analysis of the final products were also conducted and results showed the presence of Molecular ion peak (M/Z = 334 and 390) which is the Molecular weight of the synthesized quats. Antimicrobial activity of the starting materials, the intermediate and the final products were evaluated and the results obtained show that N-benzyl-N, N-diethylamino ethyloctylamidium chloride is effective against Klebsiella spp. (20 mm) and Salmonella enterica (19 mm). Whereas Nbenzyl-N,N-iethylaminoethyllaurylamidium chloride were effective against Echerichiacoli (29 mm) and Salmonella enterica (22 mm) which is higher than the activity of the Thcontrol on the organisms mentioned above.Item Open Access Statistical models for predicting compressive strength and density of sandstone concrete(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-12) Ejiogu, Emeka KingsleyThis thesis developed statistical models for predicting compressive strength and density of sandstone concrete. The materials used in the laboratory experiment are water, Ordinary Portland Cement, river sand and sandstone. Forty-four (44) mix ratios were developed from eleven (11) solid mix ratios and four water-cement ratios (0.45, 0.5, 0.55, and 0.6). A total of one hundred and thirty-two (132) concrete cubes were cast for compressive strength test, comprising of three cubes per mix ratio. The Saturated surface dry (SSD) densities of the concrete cubes were determined. Using Ibearugbulem‟s regression method, the first twenty-two (22) mix ratios were used to determine the coefficients of the regression while the remaining twenty-two (22) mix ratios were used to validate the models. The results show that, optimum compressive strength of the sandstone concrete obtained from experiment at 28 days is 24.18 N/mm2 and corresponds to 0.6:1:2.5:3.5 mix ratio (for water, cement, sand and sandstone respectively) while the optimum value predicted by the statistical model is 22.55 N/mm2 corresponding to the same mix ratio. The maximum SSD density of the sandstone concrete obtained from experiment at 28 days is 2592.59Kg/m3 and corresponds to 0.6:1:1.75:4.25 mix ratio while the statistical model predicted maximum value of 2567.7Kg/m3 for the same mix ratio. The compressive strength was found to increase as the water/cement ratio increases and fine/coarse aggregate ratio decreases. Also, high water/cement ratio and low fine/coarse aggregate ratio resulted in high densities. Theresults from the models compared favorably with the corresponding experimental results. Predictions from the models were tested with the statistical Fisher test and found to be reliable at 95% confidence level. With the models developed, any desired compressive strength or SSD density of sandstone concrete can be predicted if the mix proportions are known and vice versa.