Masters
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Open Access Analysis of factors influencing effective safety programme implementation in pipeline construction projects in Port-Harcourt, River State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Mbachu, Nneamaka ChiomaThis study examined the success factors influencing safety Programme implementation in pipeline construction project in Nigeria using Greenocean Pipeline Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State as a case study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data concerning success factors influencing safety Programme implementation, and data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The target population of the study was 112 respondents. Tables and simple percentage were used to present the data collected. Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's Test was employed to test the research hypotheses. Relative importance index (RII) was used to rank the factors influencing accident causation. From the study, carelessness and negligence were ranked first with a RII value of 0.93. The estimation of the possible factors that affect safety Programme implementation on pipeline Construction is done using the Critical Factor Analysis technique (CFA), Motivation and Appropriate supervision are positively correlated to the principal component 1 (PC1), It was therefore concluded that each of the factors has indicated a high potential of improving Safety Programme implementation on pipeline Construction projects in Port Harcourt, River State. Successful safety programme implementation would need an effective enforcement plan, motivation of workers, appropriate supervision, safety training, and education.Item Open Access Analysis of metals and pesticide residues in selected beans samples in Port Harcourt(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Kalu, Samuel NnannaAnalysis of metals and pesticide residues were evaluated using four (4) beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties. The varieties were Iron beans, Patisco beans, Brown beans and Local beans and they were grouped into raw and parboiled samples. Proximate analysis of the samples was done using standard method while metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and the analysis of pesticide residues was done using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector (GC - MS) after careful extraction and clean up. Results showed that all the beans samples contained metals, mercury which is a toxic metal was also detected and at a level above the maximum permissible limit of 0.0005mg/kg in all the samples. It was observed that parboiling of the beans, reduced the accumulated metals in the beans. The results of the study also showed the presence of 17 different pesticide residues in all samples of beans. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) were detected in all samples of beans and at levels above European Union’s (EU's) MRL except in iron beans samples. Glyphosate was detected in all the samples at concentration above EU’s MRL. However, pesticides in Raw iron beans such as carbofuran (0.43±0.03 mg/kg), Endosulphan (0.18±0.01 mg/kg), HCB (0.62±0.10 mg/kg) Profenos (0.55±0.04 mg/kg) and t-nonachlor (0.32±0.00 mg/kg) decreased significantly to 0.23±0.10 mg/kg, 0.09±0.01 mg/kg, 0.31±0.01 mg/kg, 0.38±0.01 mg/kg, and 0.22±0.00 mg/kg respectively in Parboiled iron beans. These results indicate reduced Health Risk Index (HRI) to pesticides of parboiled beans samples. Similar results were also recorded in other raw and parboiled beans varieties studied. Of all the samples studied, parboiled local beans had the least pesticide residue concentration. Series of soaking and washing is generally advised in preparation of beans samples. Stringent monitoring of the use of pesticides in agriculture and food storage in Nigeria should continuously be encouraged to ensure pesticide residue level does not exceed FAO/WHO limits. Parboiling of beans samples before cooking should equally be encouraged.Item Open Access Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of crude oil polluted agricultural soil on selected plants during rhizoremediation(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Madubuike, Mercy NgoziOil spills devastate farmlands, destroying agricultural crops that affect humans through the food chain. Assays for this study were conducted between two soil groups polluted with 100ml crude oil (A - soil polluted before planting [PB] and B - soil polluted two weeks after planting [PA]) within a period of 28 days from their pollution time. The impact of oil spill on three edible plants (Allium cepa, Telfairia occidentalis and Zea mays) were evaluated through plant growth measurement, total chlorophyll test, tissue sectioning of leaves and alkaline comet assay. Results obtained showed a decrease in plant height, leaf area and leaf number for all the polluted plants compared with their controls. However, plants grown on “soil polluted before planting” experienced delayed emergence and retarded growth but survived better than plants grown on “soil polluted two weeks after planting”. The comet frequency values obtained were statistically lower (P<0.05) in all the control samples for T. occidentalis (UC) = 8.00±3.61bc , Allium cepa (OC) = 11.67±3.06b and Zea mays (MC) = 4.67±2.08c . However, higher but non significant comet values were recorded amongst the polluted soils for T. occidentalis polluted before planting (UPB) = 46.33±2.08a , T. occidentalis polluted after planting (UPA) = 50.00±0.00a , Allium cepa polluted before planting (OPB) = 49.67±0.58a , Allium cepa polluted after planting (OPA) = 48.67±1.53a , Zea mays polluted before planting (MPB) = 49.33±1.16a and Zea mays polluted after planting (MPA) = 50.00±0.00a ). The photomicrographs revealed alterations and anomalies in leaf structures for both polluted groups as compared to their control. A notable decline in total chlorophyll contents occurred amongst the plants grown on “soil polluted two weeks after planting” when compared to plants grown on “soil polluted before planting”. Therefore, this study deduced an elevated cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of crude oil in all the polluted plants, except for mild anomalies observed in the leaves of T. occidentalis grown on “soil polluted before planting” (UPB); which also showed no physical signs of crude oil pollution based on the non-observance of leaf yellowing, deformity or defoliation.Item Open Access Comparative analysis of IPR model for oil & gas well optimization using production performance software ( PERFORM) for steady state horizontal wells(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-04) Nwude, Afam AnthonyIn this work an investigation of the formulations and solution methods for the following optimization problem was done. Determination of the optimal production rates, lift gas rates, and well connections to maximize daily operational objectives subject to multiple flow rates and pressure constraints. The main materials used in this research are presented as software platforms. IHS PERFORM Ver 500 simulator was used to generate PI, determine Inflow and Vertical Lift Performance of the case study well at varying well pressure and flow rates (first on natural flow without artificial lift installed).Microsoft Excel package was used for Economic Analysis to determine the profitability of PERFORM when compared with other software tool such as Petex-Prosper, or with no software tool used. All of the optimization problems are solved using derivative-free optimization based on a constrained well Performance Analysis, PERFORM. General descriptions of the software simulations were provided in the work. Results of the sensitivity analysis on the hypothetical case using the IPR Models for horizontal gas wells provided the effect on pressure and liquid drop out. This method is very efficient. However, it may lead to bad solutions when the flow interactions among wells are significant.Item Open Access Work values and employee commitment in selected ministries of Imo State Civil Service(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-07) Onyema, Peace KelechiEmployers (Government) are sometimes baffled when their highly-rated employees are not interested in work related activities, under-perform and exhibit nonchalance and lack of enthusiasm towards their work. This paper therefore examined the nature of relationship that exists between work values and employee commitment in selected ministries of Imo state civil service commission. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and the research hypotheses was tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. A sample size of 293 staff were selected from the total population of 1, 095 using Taro Yamane’s formula. The result revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between job involvement and affective commitment, between social status and continuance commitment and between pride in the work and employee performance. The study concludes that employees are committed and value their work, when the enabling environment and opportunities like job security, career advancement, compensation and welfare packages are provided. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are made; government should liaise with recognized Manpower development institutions on relevant training matters that can help to improve workers skills and transform their lukewarm desire for achievement and commitment into positive work attitude. Also, job security and constant remuneration will boost morale of employees to work harder towards achieving or accomplishing challenging task.Item 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 KennethAdsorption 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.Item Open Access Anticorrosion potentials of derived chitosan and polyaspartic acid modified with organic compounds on steel in acidizing environment(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-09) Obasi, Annuncieta ChukwudumebiThe anticorrosion potentials of derived chitosan and polyaspartic acid modified with organic compounds on steel in an acidizing environment were investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. Chitosan (CTS) and polyaspartic acid (PAA) were synthesized from oyster shells and L-aspartic acid respectively. The oyster shell synthesized chitosan was modified using polyaspartic acid and nicotinic acid hydrazide (NAHD) respectively. The modified polymers (CTS-PAA) and (CTS-NAHD) obtained were used to investigate corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl solution.The synthesized chitosan, polyaspartic acid, and modified polymers were characterized using FT-IR and UV-vis respectively. Corrosion studies were performed using gravimetric (weight loss), electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscope, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization, PDP), and computational techniques respectively. Gravimetric results obtained revealed that inhibitor efficiency of the modified polymers increased with the rise in inhibitor concentration at room temperature (CTS-PAA and CTS-NAHD had an efficiency of 96.5% and 86.6% at a concentration of 200mg/L) at room whereas their response with time (24hrs, 72hrs, 120hrs & 168hrs) and temperature (40- 60oC) variations respectively showed reversed cases. The electrochemical test, EIS, and PDP showed that CTS-PAA gave the highest inhibition efficiency than CTS-NAHD at 86.3% and 89% respectively. The adsorption isotherms results confirmed that adsorption of CTS-PAA and CTS-NAHD on the mild steel surface followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface analysis carried out on the mild steel using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, and scanning electron microscope, SEM respectively probed the evidence of corrosion protection. The computational results obtained revealed that there existsa correlation between the electron molecular structures of modified inhibitors and their inhibition efficiency, and the theoretical results obtained are in agreement with experimental data. Therefore, the modification of chitosan has aided in solving the global problem of corrosion in engineering.Item Open Access Preservative efficacy of some medicinal plant extracts in the shelf-life of some probiotic drink(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Nwakire, Everestus ChibuikeThis study evaluated the preservative efficacy of some medicinal plant extracts in the shelf-life extension of some probiotic drinks. The study adopted an experimental study design. Hibiscus sabdariffa (calyces) and Cyperus esculentus tigernut tubers were obtained from Relief Market, Egbu Road, Owerri while medicinal plants, such as; Moringa oleifera, Alstonia boonei and Pterocarpus santalinoides were collected from the trees at Aboh Mbaise L.G.A, Imo State. Each leaf was aseptically ground and 100 grams extracted using 100 ml by boiling in sterile beakers. Four (4) different concentrations of the extracts (10.0 ml, 30.0 ml, 50.0 ml and 100 ml) were used to preserve the probiotic drinks. Sensory/organoleptic properties, microbial load and physicochemical properties of the probiotic drinks were examined for eight (8) weeks. Results showed the presence of saponins, anthraquinones, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, anthranoids and cardiac glycosides in the medicinal plants. The temperature of the probiotic drinks remained stable between 26.5 and 27.2 0C throughout the shelf-life extension properties determination. pH of the probiotic drinks became acidic from week 7 to week 8. The colour and odour were stable throughout the preservation period. Total viable bacterial count ranged from 3.0 x 101 cfu/ml to 8.0 x 102 cfu/ml with probiotic drink preserved with Moringa oleifera leaf, 8.0 x 101 cfu/ml to 7.2 x 102 cfu/ml with probiotic drink preserved with Alstonia bonnie leaf and 8.0 x 101 cfu/ml to 8.8 x 102 cfu/ml with probiotic drink preserved with Pterocarpus santalinoides leaf. There was an increase in the total viable bacterial count from week 6 to week 8, with the control sample (unpreserved zobo drink) having the highest microbial load. Bacterial isolates such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species were detected. Fungal isolates; Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Aspergillus and Rhizopus species were detected. There was a significant association between the preservative efficacy of the medicinal plants and the shelf-life extension properties of the preserved probiotic drinks. The study concluded that medicinal plants could be used to preserve probiotic drinks, hence, their uses should be adequately exploited in the society.Item Open Access Assessment of pathogenic microoganisms from sanitary facilities and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns in referral hospitals at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Nwigwe, Romanus RushellThis study assessed referral hospital sanitary facilities in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State as reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. A crosssectional descriptive and experimental study designs were adopted for this study. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select two (2) Referral Hospitals. For the cross-sectional descriptive study, a checklist by the Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) under the World Health Organization was adopted to assess the nature of the sanitary facilities. For the experimental study design, swabbing techniques were adopted. A total of one hundred and forty (140) samples were collected from bathroom floors, toilet seats, door handles, flush knobs, toilet covers and wash-hand basins within the hospital. Results revealed that borehole water was the major water source in the hospitals. Flush toilet facilities were major toilets used. Total viable bacterial counts of the sanitary facilities ranged from 2.0 x 101 cfu/swab to 7.2 x 102 cfu/swab; total coliform count ranged from 4.0 x 101 cfu/swab to 8.0 x 101 cfu/swab while total fungal counts ranged from 2.0 x 101 cfu/swab to 1.2 x 102 cfu/swab. The microbial load of the sanitary facilities showed that toilet seats had the highest total viable bacterial count, followed by bathroom floors and toilet covers. Bathroom floors had the highest coliform count while highest fungal count was recorded with door handles. Bacterial isolates from the sanitary facilities were Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Fungal isolates were Candida species, Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor species. Out of 24 isolates of Staphylococcus species, 9(37.5%) produced beta-haemolysis, while 7(29.2%) produced gamma-haemolysis. Out of 16 isolates of Streptococcus species recovered, 2(33.3%) produced alpha, while 2(33.3%) produced beta haemolysis. Out of 16 isolates of spergillus species recovered, 5(31.2%) produced alpha, while 3(18.7%) produced beta haemolysis. Zones of inhibition of antimicrobial drugs ranged from 12mm to 36mm, with Bacillus, Escherichia, Streptococcus, and Micrococcus species being resistant to some antibiotics. Aspergillus species and Rhizopus species showed resistance to fluconazole and ketoconazole. These microorganisms could be vehicles for hospital-acquired infections in the hospital. The provision of safe and accessible water sources and toilet facilities in the hospitals is necessary to ensure effective cleaning of the sanitary facilities.Item Open Access Effects of maritime logistics on port efficiency in Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-03) Nnaukwu, CharlesThe study analyzed the effects of maritime logistics on port efficiency in Nigeria. It used the Lagos Apapa port and Eastern port of Onne to investigate the effects of maritime logistics performance on port efficiency in Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was used in which secondary data on the ship turnaround time, waiting time, time at berth and cargo dwell time prevailing in Lagos Apapa port and Onne port each year between 2007 and 2019 was obtained and used as proxies for maritime logistics performance and the cargo throughput performance and ship call handled by the port was used as indicators of productivity. The time expended per annum in port operations measured in man-hours and the average time vessels spent at berth annually in the ports between 2007 and 2019 were obtained and used as input to estimate the efficiency of the port in cargo handling relative to expended efforts in man-hours, the efficiency of the port in handling ship calls and the berth efficiency of the port. The augmented efficiency model was used to estimate the efficiency of the port as described above while the log-linear multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of maritime logistics performance on the cargo handling efficiency, ship output efficiency and berth efficiency of the seaport. The test of hypotheses reveals that in all cases, there is a significant effect of maritime logistics performance on each of cargo handling/throughput efficiency, ship output efficiency and berth efficiency in both ports. The models showing the relationships and effects of maritime logistics on the various components of port efficiency in Onne are shown: In EFFICARPUT = 1.366 - 0.072InSHTRTIME + 0.081InCARGODWELLTIME + 0.014InWAITINGTIME -0.16InBERTHTIME + e; In EFFISHTR = 0.007+ 0.109InSHTRTIME - 0.001InCARGODWELLTIME + 0.001InWAITINGTIME + 0.003InBERTHTIME + e; and In BERTHEFFICIENCY = 1.103+ 1.667InSHTRTIME + 0.193InCARGODWELLTIME + 0.264InWAITINGTIME - 5.706InBERTHTIME + e. For Lagos Apapa port, In BERTHEFFICIENCY = 23.320 + 0.252InSHTRTIME + 0.072InCARGODWELLTIME - 0.041InWAITINGTIME - 8.535InBERTHTIME + e; In EFFISHTR = 0.698+ 0.27InSHTRTIME + 0.031InCARGODWELLTIME -0.004InWAITINGTIME - 0.025InBERTHTIME + e. It was recommended among other things that, port authorities and terminal operators must implement maritime logistics strategies to improve the maritime logistics performance indicators and subsequently improve port efficiency.Item Open Access Utilization of family planning services among women of childbearing age in Owerri Municipal LGA(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-02) Nlemadim, Vivian ChiamakaThis study investigates the utilization of family planning services among women of childbearing age (15-49) in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria. Sociocultural factors significantly influence family planning decisions, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches. To determine the factors affecting the utilization of family planning services among women of childbearing age in Owerri Municipal LGA. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 398 women of childbearing age in Owerri Municipal LGA, selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Frequency and percentages of relevant variables were calculated, and Chi-square tests and odds ratios were employed to assess significant associations, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Of the 397 respondents, 54% reported having heard of family planning, while 46% had not, with no significant association found between knowledge and utilization (p = 0.081). Cultural factors (37.5%) and religious affiliation (30.4%) significantly influenced family planning decisions. Notably, 48.1% faced opposition to family planning, indicating an association between sociocultural factors and service utilization (p = 0.013). Partner support (34.0%) and participation (35.9%) were identified as critical for successful family planning, and 34.0% of health workers received regular training updates. The study underscores the importance of enhancing knowledge of family planning among women and making services more accessible and affordable. Continuous training for healthcare providers is essential to improve the quality of care and support for family planning initiatives.Item Open Access Epidemiology of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing enterobacteriaceae isolated from selected hospitals within Owerri metropolis in Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Moses, AbasiodiongOver the past few decades, resistance to antibiotics has been of great concern to the general public, hence the several researches and measures to control it. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by plasmids possessed by enterobacteriaceae, capable of hydrolyzing broad spectrum cephalosporins and monobactam but inactive against cephamycins and imipenem compounds. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of ESBL producing enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples within selected hospitals in Owerri metropolis by determining the resistant bacterial urine and stool, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and phenotypically determining the ESBL producing isolates using the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) method as well as confirming the genes responsible for the resistance using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Out of 300 analyzed urine and stool, 165 (55%) yielded bacterial growth; of which 107 (64.8%) was identified as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 58 (35.2%) was identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae).The overall resistance rate of the isolates to antibiotics include: Imipenem (50) 30.3%, Ceftazidime (128) 77.6%, Cefotaxime (118) 71.5%, Augmentin (72) 43.6%, Cefepime (133) 80.6%, Trimethoprim (63) 63%, Chloramphenecol (55) 55%, Septrin (65) 65%, Ciprofloxacin (54) 54%, Amoxicilin (65) 65%, Augmentin 2 (42) 42%, Gentamicin (44) 44%, Pefloxacin (49) 49%, Ofloxacin (60) 60% and Streptomicin (56) 56%. A total of 72 bacterial isolates (43.6%) were identified as ESBL producing, comprising 47 (65.3%) E. coli and 25 (34.7%) K. pneumoniae. Three (3) ESBL genes TEM, SHV and CTX-M were detected on seventeen (17) random isolates, with a prevalence rate of 5 (29.4%) for TEM/SHV, 9 (52.9%) for TEM/CTX, 4 (23.5%) for SHV/CTX, 4 (23.5%) for the three (3) genes and 2 (11.8%) did not possess any of the genes. Several factors have been traced to be a contributing factor to antibiotic resistance such as drug abuse, poor diagnosis, poor treatment of ailments, poverty, intake of fake and expired drugs, among others hence the need for need for public awareness on the dangers associated with abuse and intake of fake or expired of antibiotics. Most importantly the governments’ provision of primary health care centers where patients can have easier access to health care workers is encouraged. The study underlined the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance among humans, hence the need to adopt quicker and more effective measures to combat them.Item 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 OnyejiuwakaThis 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.Item Open Access Implementation of e-procurement in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery in River State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-04) Godson, KelechiThis research focused on implementation of e-procurement in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery in Rivers State. Specifically, the study examined the factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery, identify eprocurement tools and techniques used in mitigating corrupt practices in the delivery of construction projects, and as well as measures used in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. The study is guided by Transaction Cost Theory, eTechnology Perspective Theory, Institutional Theory. The research design method adopted for the study is a survey study. The instrument for data collection and measurement were well structured standardized questionnaire modeled in Likert five point scales were used in eliciting responses from various professionals in both private and public sectors in the construction industry in Rivers State and the sample size for this study is 156. Factor analysis, mean item score(MIS), and relative importance index were used in analyzing the major issues in the study with the aid of statistical tools in SPSS version 25.0 and Microsoft excel programmed software. The findings from this study shows that there are factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery such as close relationship, absent of project anti-corruption system, monopoly, inappropriate political interference, personal greed, subjecting workers to job insecurity, inadequate sanction etc. The findings of the study further revealed that there are Eprocurement tools and techniques used in mitigating corrupt practices in the delivery of construction projects such as internet based tools, enterprise resource planning, e-sourcing tools, e-awarding tools, e-tendering tool etc. and also the result show that there are measures used in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. The study recommend that government as a matter of policy, should be organizing periodic awareness and reorientation workshops and seminars via professional associations platforms through a web based portals, for both public and private sectors and enlightened them of the danger of factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. Furthermore, there is the need to implement all the e-procurement tools and techniques in both public and private companies to ensure transparency, accountability and competitive tendering process electronically during procurement processes which in turn hamper corruption.Item Open Access Prevalence of antibiotic resistant enterobacteria in selected public health care centres in Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Ibe, EmmanuelThe greatest threat on the utilization of antibiotic medications in the treatment of bacterial nosocomial infection is the emergence and distribution of resistance in the pathogen. Most of the prevalent nosocomial bacteria have been reported to exhibit multidrug resistance which is postulated to be either acquired or natural. The present study was targeted at investigating the prevalence of antibiotic resistant Enterobacteria from some public healthcare centres in Imo State. Using randomized complete block sample design, four public healthcare centres [Imo State University Teaching Hospital (ISUTH) Orlu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri (FMC) Owerri municipal, Aboh-Mbaise General Hospital (AMGH) Mbaise, and Imo State Specialist Hospital (ISSH) Umuguma] were selected at random. Swab samples were collected, isolated, and purified using standard procedures. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. The resistant genes were determined using forward and reverse primers specific for the following resistant genes blaTEM, qnrA, and aac(3)-1. The result showed 64.17 % growth of Enterobacteria. The highest Enterobacteria isolate was in materials from ISUTH (20.67±1.45), while the materials from FMC showed the lowest Enterobacteria isolates (18.00±1.15). Escherichia coli was the most abundant Enterobacteria (29.00 %) and Shigella spp. was the least abundant Enterobacteria (19.05 %). The isolates showed multiple resistance to some of the antibiotics tested (which included Pefloxacin, Ciproflox, Tarivid, and Augmentin). All the isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, while area of technical uncertainty was noticed for Septrin, Cefalexin, and Streptomycin treatment on some of the isolates. The molecular characterization showed the presence of the three genes (blaTEM, qnrA, and aac(3)-1) investigated. The blaTEM gene-band was the most prevalent (80.0 %) while the aac(3)-1 gene-band was the lowest prevalent resistant gene (60.0 %). These resistant genes were most abundant in Klebsiella pneumoniae (93.33 % of the isolates) and least abundant in Shigella sp. (33.34 % of the isolates). It was concluded that the genes: blaTEM, qnrA, and aac(3)-1 were present in Enterobacteria species (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sp.) isolated from public healthcare centres in Imo State. Antibiotics stewardship should be practiced in healthcare settings. The application of antibiotic on surfaces is recommended when cleaning invasive devices and certain types of hospital equipment.Item Open Access Customer relationship management information system for GSM operators: A case study of MTN and Azash connection, Oyigbo, Rivers State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-03) Ezeaku, Uchenna JosephineCustomer Relationship Management (CRM) is an integrated approach to identifying, acquiring partnering and tracking customers to create value for the company and the customers. The aim of this work is to analyze the impact of CRM on Customers value and organizational operations with reference to GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) operators. The objectives of this study includes the following; To examine Improvement in customers’ relationship, to examine the company’s progress against their goals, to determine how to provide customer with experience and quality service in order to move them ahead and to determine how to improve the Customers value. Definitional aspect of CRM was explored, leading to the identification of three alternatives perspectives and variations of CRM. The study process of this work is designed from the study of the integration parts of CRM which includes some CRM theories, various CRM architectures and CRM processes. This study involved the use of hypotheses to investigate CRM as applied to GSM operators (MTN and AZASH connection), a questionnaire was administered to a sampled population and the feedbacks from the respondents were analyzed to prove or disprove each of the hypotheses using ANOVA and t-test sample test analysis. From the findings there was significant improvement of organizational operations when CRM software are used/deployed. Also deployment of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has significantly improved customer’s value. The study recommends therefore the need to improve customer relationship in order to boost broad based customer’s confidence and hence encourage competitive trading in GSM market. Also for CRM implementation to be successful and thus achieve co-operate objectives, the right mix of CRM components and all the key factors strategy, leadership and integration need to be given due attention. There are basically 2 hypothesis which were used in this thesis work. They include, H0: There is no significant difference in the improvement of organizational operations when CRM software are used and H0: Deployment of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software does not significantly improve customer’s value.Item Open Access Assesment of alternative sources of energy for marine transportation in Nigeria.(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-03) Ekeke, ChiarizolamThe study analyzed the alternative energy sources for marine transportation in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the relative importance of identified economic sub-criteria that influence ship operators’ preference of alternative energy sources for marine use, and to compare the scalability potentials of available alternative energy options for marine transportation in Nigeria, using identified scalability factors. The study used a survey method in which expert opinion of sampled population of ship-owners and operators on the comparative importance of the identified economic sub-criteria and the scalability factors was obtained. Questionnaire was used as the survey instrument, augmented with interview. The primary data generated from the survey was analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) tool, implemented by the use of an open AHP excel solver to determine the relative importance of the economic sub criteria of alternative energy options for marine transportation in Nigeria. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was also used to compare the scalability scores of the alternative energy options. It was found that; LNG alternative energy option has maintenance cost with relative importance score of 0.63 as the most important economic concern and consideration by ship-owners for its full implementation for marine transportation in Nigeria. Electric drive and advanced bio-fuel (HVO) alternative energy options, has capital cost with respective relative importance scores of 0.39 and 0.41 as the most important economic concerns of ship owners and operators rather than energy cost and maintenance cost. Ammonia, hydrogen gas and methanol alternative energy sources, have energy cost with respective relative importance scores of 0.34, 0.41 and 0.79 as the most important economic consideration by ship owners and operators in Nigeria. The result also indicates that based on the three scalability sub-criteria, LNG has a scalability ranking of 1 and highest mean scalability score. As a result, LNG is the alternative energy source with the most scalability potentials and maturity for implementation for marine use in Nigeria. This is seconded by electric drive with a maturity for scalability ranking of 2.Item Open Access Bacterial contamination of some fruits sold around selected wastedumps in Owerri metropolis, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-12) Afor Ifeoma AnnaAnalysis of bacterial contamination of fruits sold near waste dumps in Owerri Metropolis were carried out, the various contamination levels were determined on fruits such as; orange (Citru X sinensis), water melon (Citrullu slanatus), apple (Maluspumila), garden egg (Solanumme longena), groundnut (Arachis hypogeaa), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and carbbage. Soil and fruit samples were collected at the market wastedumps and its surrounding in Owerri Metropolis. The soil was collected with a soil augar and was collected at 0cm to 15cm depth. Soil and fruit samples used as control were collected where there was no wastedump. A total of sixty fruit samples and thirty soil samples were collected. Microscopic, physical examination and biochemical tests were carried out; five bacterial species were isolated in the soil and fruit samples: Isolate A; Bacillus Subtills, Isolate B; E. coli; Isolate C; Samonella spp, Isolate D; Staphlacocus spp and Isolate E: Klebsiellaspp. Spread plate method was used in the analysis. The results indicate that the bacterial loads in the soil samples were twice of the fruit samples at each sampling point. The soil sample control had no bacterial growth, the fruit samples used as control gave total of 344 Cfu/g. The total mean of bacterial loads in the soil samples were 45,725,000Cfu and that of fruit samples were 10473.3Cfu. The correlation result gave +1 while the t-test was 1.375(Cal), which shows that the different between the two samples (Fruits and soil) were insignificant. The study recommends that Government should stop people from dumping refuse on open market streets, rather trucks should be provided to carrying refuse from various locations and take them to approved dumpsite. People selling fruits should be encouraged to display the fruits on a table and not on the ground where it can be contaminated.Item Open Access Big data application and analyses in construction project delivery in Oyo state, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-04) Adeyeri, Oluwayomi OyeyimikaThis study aimed at big data application and analyses in construction project delivery in Oyo state, Nigeria. The study was inspire by the need to employ application and analyses of big data in the construction project delivery. The study also identified the big data application influencing construction project delivery, evaluated and established the determinants and the extent of deployment of big data application in construction project delivery in construction industry in Nigeria. Factor analysis and descriptive survey design were used for this research study to obtain data through sample selection and analysis. One hundred and fifty (150) copies of questionnaires were administered to the construction industry in Oyo state through the random sampling technique, a total of one hundred and twenty-four (124) copies of questionnaires were properly retrieved and adequately completed which represent a feedback ratio of 82%. Factor analysis was used for the analysis of the data, descriptive analysis was also used. This study is backed up with the following theories viz; schumpeter theory of innovation and big data, dynamic capabilities(DC) and big data, diffusion of innovation theory and resource based theory. The findings from this study revealed that effect of big data on project performance, Availability of big data technology, Accessibility of big data facilities and power, effectiveness and efficiency of big data are significant determinants of big data analytics in construction industry. The findings also demonstrated the significant methods of big data deployment which encourage construction industry to adopt these approaches as they motivate construction industry towards achieving the goals of the industry. The study recommends that construction industry should start with data that is already available in the enterprises, start with customer-centric outcomes, develop business case based on measurable outcomes and identify business priorities and build the strategy on that as they are crucial in ensuring the achievement of the construction industry.Item Open Access The barries to adopting blockchain technology in construction projects delivery.(Federal University of Technology,Owerri, 2023-10) Agbara, Victor OdinakachukwuThis study is aimed at evaluating the barriers to adopting blockchain technology and its implementation in construction project delivery in Imo State, Nigeria. It specifically sought to identify the major barriers to adopting and implementing Blockchain technology in construction project delivery, develop causal relationships among the finalized barriers to adopting Blockchain technology in construction project delivery, prioritize the barriers according to how to manage them based on their cause-and-effect relationship using feedbacks from experts in Imo State, Nigeria. This research was guided by the theory of reasoned action (TRA), technology acceptance model (TAM) and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. The study used an exploratory and multi-method (qualitative and quantitative) research design methods of investigation, and a simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 123 from a population of 194 people using the Krejcie and Morgan’s method of sample size determination, and five (5) construction projects from the sampled practitioners in Imo state. The data collection and survey instrument included a well-structured questionnaire, focus group interviews/discussion and personal observations and visits to elicit information from respondents/construction project locations. The collected data was presented in the form of frequency distribution, figures, and charts using descriptive statistical tools using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. While the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) with the aid of ISM diagraph Model and MICMAC analysis was used to analyse the study's main topic of discourse. The study's findings indicate a general low level of utilization/application of Blockchain technology in the delivery of construction projects in Imo state. This is due to the fact that none (0.00%) of the respondents have heard of Blockchain technology as applicable to construction projects-related activities, 9 (10.47%) have used Blockchain technology sparingly, 35 (40.70%) have never heard of Blockchain technology and 42 (48.84%) have heard of Blockchain technology, but never applied it on any construction project-related activity out of the eighty-six (86) responses used for the study. This research also reveals that amongst the eight (8) identified barriers to Blockchain technology application, the most influential barriers militating against the application of Blockchain technology are: Bandwidth and Connectivity (BC), Absence of regulations, legislation and global standard (AR) and Blockchain technology characteristics (BT). While the study further revealed the interaction and convergent relationships amongst the Blockchain technology barriers impeding against the application of Blockchain technology are: Security (SE), Resistance to Change (RC), Scalability and transaction capability of Blockchain systems (ST) and Immature application of Blockchain technology (IA). This study recommends that, a united front is needed to make Blockchain technology awareness-raising and encourage practitioners to embrace it. Blockchain can provide a dependable infrastructure for information management throughout all stages of the construction project life cycle, as well as secure storage of sensitive sensor data.