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Open Access
A hybrid intelligent control model for regulating pH in industrial chemical process
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-12) Njoku, Donatus Onyedikachi
This work presented a hybrid intelligent control model for pH regulation in industrial chemical process. The problems of most chemical process are due to the complexities in manipulating non-linear and uncertainty variables. Again, the conventional models used to control processes are prompt to disturbance. The dynamic model approach adopted the first order plus delay time (FOPDT) process transfer function to analyzed the system. The research adopted proportional integral and derivative (PID) and Fuzzy logic system the hybrid compensator model for the developed system. PID model was designed to be tuned in MATLAB window to obtain the variable parameter the Fuzzy Logic system were further integrated with PID to control perturbation and uncertainty among the parameters. The fuzzy logic was designed using Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) in the MATLAB software tool. The gains of the PID algorithm were combined with the Fuzzy Logic system to produce the proposed hybrid intelligent Model called Fuzzy-PID. The model was analyzed in MATLAB/Simulink environment to examine the effectiveness of the hybrid system. Simulation was initially conducted considering loop response of pH system in terms of step input without the addition of the proposed intelligent hybrid model, and the step response shows that the system was not able to reach desired pH set value. A PID controller was simulated in a closed control loop of the pH neutralization process and the step response indicated that the desired pH value was achieved. But the PID control system showed some degree of instability uncertainties. The Fuzzy-PID was implemented as part of the component of the closed loop pH control system and the step response obtained revealed that an improved performance was obtained and the system attained the desired pH value with no instability. The process was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink environment to examine the effectiveness of the hybrid system. The application was developed using JAVA, and Netbean. The work adopted Object Oriented Methodology in the development of the application. Simulation was initially conducted considering loop response of pH system in terms of step input without the addition of the proposed intelligent model. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system, simulations were conducted in acid, neutral and base media with pH setpoint target of 5, 7 and 9 respectively on settling time, rising and overshoot as well the error performance analysis with Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE) and Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE). It was observed that less error performance indices were offered by the hybrid model (FPID) control pH neutralization process compared to PID controller in various media –acid, neutral and base. However, the results obtained showed that the proposed hybrid system was able to maintain the setpoint pH values in the various media than individual model,.
Open Access
Characterization of the aquifer systems in the coastal areas of Niger Delta using gamma ray and electric logs
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-07) Okoro, Felibens Edeheri
Gamma ray and electric logs obtained within the coastal areas of Niger Delta were utilized to characterize the aquifer systems in the area with the view to, among other things, isolate fresh water and contaminated aquifers as well as providing pragmatic results and a new lens for individuals and agencies to view the ever-increasing pursuit of groundwater development initiatives in the area. Sixty-two (62) wells and their accompanying logs as well as strata samples from these wells were studied across the five geomorphological zones of the area. The Geophysical logging operations were done using Mount Sopris Instrument, MGX II Logger. WellCAD software was used in the interpretation of the well log data. The gamma logs neatly delineated the different aquifers. The area generally is underlain by alternating sequences of sands and clay. This sequence is capped by laterized soil around the coastal plain sand areas. The area consists of a multiple aquifer system with three categories of aquifers delineated as Deep (410-600m), Medium (135-409m) and Shallow (5-134m) aquifers. Based on the amount of gamma Count Per Second (CPS), the aquifer system in the area can be classified into Very Low Gamma Count (Highly Sandy Aquifers), Low Gamma Count (Sandy Aquifers) and Medium Gamma Count (Slightly Clayey Aquifers).The very low gamma count aquifers indicating high sandy aquifer have counts ranging from 9.9 to 12.9 CPS. Considering the porosity of the aquifer media, aquifer systems of the area are classified as high (>65%), medium (36-65%), low (21-36%) and very low (<21%) porosities. Based on the distribution of aquifer resistivity values at different depths where aquifers were mapped, the entire study area was adjudged to have the following aquifer systems viz: Very Low Resistivity Aquifers with values ranging from 0 to 20 Ohm-m (Saline Water), Low Resistivity Aquifers ranging from 20 and 100 Ohm-m (High Ferrous Contamination), Medium Resistivity Aquifers with values ranging from 100 to 500 Ohm-m (Low Ferrous Contamination) and High Resistivity Aquifers with values above 600 Ohm-m (Fresh Water with no Saline or Ferrous Contamination). The saline-fresh water boundary varies from location to location within the study area. The boundary was observed to be shallow within Tunu flow station of Bayelsa State; NLNG Amadi Creek and Amadi Creek 2 of Rivers State; Erunailaje, Akpata Ijaw, Ayetoro and Adoloseimo areas of Ondo State. Deep saline–fresh water boundary occurs around Bonny water, Finima water Board, Bille, Idama, Kula and Asaramatoru areas of Rivers State; Jinrinwo and Abealala Ilaje area of Ondo State as Well as Ogidigben area of Delta State. The study showed that there are aquifers deeper than 80 metres within the Onne, nAmadi Creek, Kidney Island and Amadi flats areas that can produce potable water free from saline water and ferrous contamination provided there is no over pumping and the hydrostatic balance is maintained. Aquifer resistivities of over 600 Ohm-m were established to be fresh water. The study also showed that salt water can be isolated in most of the areas particularly in the salt water swamps and coastal beaches areas by drilling very deep boreholes. Some of the aquifers in the coastal plain sand environments can be considered to be free from any contamination in depths exceeding 120m.The resistivity logs indicated different saline water aquifer depths for the boreholes in the area where the vertical distribution of saline water ranges from 0-80m around Onne, Amadi Creek and Kidney Island and 0-145m around Bonny, 0-218m around Finima Bonny and 0-260m in Bille. The implication is that, wells drilled from surface and terminated within these depth ranges at these locations will encounter saline water and wells drilled below these depths will not encounter saline water. It is recommended that because of the nature of the aquifers of the coastal area of Niger Delta, there is an urgent need to protect the aquifers from further contamination by enacting appropriate laws to protect the groundwater of the area and to curtail indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and over extraction of water from the few fresh water aquifers of the Niger Delta It is hoped that the results will be useful to researchers, stakeholders and government agencies involved in developing local and regional water plans.
Open Access
Development of an improved model for big data analytics using dynamic multi-swarm optimization and unsupervised learning algorithms
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-07) Oleji, Chukwuemeka Philips
An improved model for big data analytics was developed in this work using dynamic multi-swarm optimization and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. The problems of premature convergence of traditional data mining models due to the influence of heterogeneous data types and the voluminous nature of big data were solved with the developed Dynamic-K-reference Clustering Algorithm. Java programming language was used for implementation and Python Jupyter Notebook, Apache Spark frameworks were utilized for the virtualization of the clustered output results. The developed model was used to analyze a big dataset of Boko Haram insurgency attacks in Nigeria. The big dataset of Boko Haram terrorist attacks was scraped from the social media. The attributes of the dataset including the area of attacks, period of attacks, death tolls, and attack strategies were used for the analysis for the period of 2008 to May 2019. The output clustered results of the area of attack produced 64% at Borno, Abuja 1.3%, Adamawa 1.3%, Gombe 3.8%, Kano, 2.5%, Kastina 2.5%, Maiduguri 20% and Yobe 5% respectively. The output clustered results of death tolls at different years produced 4.1% on 2011, 15.6% on 2012, 3.4% on 2013, 6.0% on 2014, 42.6% on 2015, 0.0% on 2016, 2.8% on 2017, 6.0% on 2018 and 19.5% on 2019 respectively. The results show constant attacks of Boko Haram insurgency in the study area, which had led to millions of people currently displaced and killed. The Dynamic-K-reference clustering algorithm is resourceful enough to provide clustering accuracy of 0.9820 and clustering sum of square error of 0.0018 from the analysis of the Boko Haram attacks dataset. In other to validate Dynamic-K-references clustering algorithm its performance was compared with the existing algorithms on six datasets from the machine learning repository: Hepatitis, Australian Credit Approval, German Credit Data, Starlog Heart, Soybean and Yeast. The analysis of four datasets with Dynamic-K-references clustering algorithm when compared with PSO-based K-prototype algorithm produced performance improvement of 22%, 17%, 34%, and 12%, respectively. Similar analysis of Soybean and Yeast datasets with the existing MixK meansXFon algorithm and the Dynamic-K-reference clustering algorithm produced performance improvement of 13.8% and 13.7% respectively. From the analysis the Dynamic-K-reference algorithm was found to be robust and very efficient at expelling outliers from its dissimilar clusters/classifications. Future work should develop big data analytic services with the improved Dynamic-K-reference clustering algorithm and other improved models of its kind using a service oriented architectural methodology for real time analysis and prediction.
Open Access
Molecular identification and safety assessment of microorganisms in okpeye sold in Owerri and Onitsha markets in South-eastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2004-10) Agunwah, Ijeoma Maureen
Okpeye an indigenous fermented condiment produced from Prosopis africana seeds was assessed to evaluate the microbilogical quality of the condiment. Eighteen (18) commercial samples of okpeye were purchased from six markets in two cities in South Eastern Nigeria. Fifty-nine (59) bacteria colonies were isolated and identified at the species level by phenotyping and sequencing of the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoB genes. Bacillus (47.4%) and Staphylococcus (42.3%) were the predominant bacterial species in okpeye. Overall, B. amyloliquefaciens and S. simulans were the most frequently occurring bacteria and were present in all samples. In addition, B. cereus was isolated in samples obtained from all markets. Other bacterial species included B. velezensis, Oceanobacillus caeni, S. cohnii, Escherichia fergusonni and Vagacoccus lutrae. The B. cereus isolates (10) were screened for the presence of 8 enterotoxin genes (hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, entFM) and one emetic gene (cesB). The non-haemolytic enterotoxin (nhe ABC) and haemolytic enterotoxin (hbl ABD) complexes were present in 70% and 50% of B. cereus respectively. The positive rate of cytK and entFM genes was 70%, while the cesB gene was 30%. The haemolysis test revealed twenty- three isolates out of the twenty-eight isolates tested showing full haemolytic activity on blood agar. Two isolates (O22 and A22) showed partial haemolysis while three (O11, O15 and A12) showed no haemolysis.Antibiotic susceptibility assessment showed that most of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, tetracycline, streptomycin, and erythromycin but resistant to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. These findings highlight the need for further controls to reduce contamination with potential pathogenic bacteria in indigenous fermented condiments such as okpeye. Two isolates that gave the best safety assessment results were used as starter cultures for the fermentation of Prosopis africana seeds. The bacterial load of seeds fermented with the starter cultures was slightly higher than the spontaneously fermented seeds with a value range of (7.7- 9.4 log10 Cfu/g). The seeds fermented with mixed cultures of B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens had the highest pH (9.14), temperature (39.96oC) and titratable acidity (TTA) (1.03%) after 168 hours of fermentation. The protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content were higher in okpeye fermented with starter cultures (B, C and D) than that of the commercial samples (E). The spontaneously fermented sample (A) had the highest protein content (27.80%) than all the other samples. The phytochemical composition showed that okpeye fermented with mixed cultures of B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens had the highest oxalates (11.52%), saponins (0.05%), phytates (549.75 mg/100g), alkaloids (13.03%) and flavonoids (14.20%) than the commercial and spontaneously fermented samples. The spontaneously fermented samples had the highest tannin (13.29 mg/100g) and total phenol (330.36 mg/g) than all the other samples. The commercial sample had the least phytochemical nutrients except for phytate (58.53 mg/100g) and cyanide (1.60 mg/g). The sensory analysis showed that soup cooked with okpeye fermented with mixed cultures of B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens had the best results in aroma (7.27), flavour(7.40), appearance (7.30), after taste (7.17) and overall acceptability (7.31). The sensory results showed that okpeye fermented with mixed cultures of B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens was well accepted by consumers. Based on this acceptability as well as the nutritional composition and phytochemical composition, mixed cultures of B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens c be recommended in the fermentation of P. africana seeds to produce safe and good quality okpeye.
Open Access
Demulsification of Crude Oil Emulsion using Local Demulsifiers
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-07) Okereke, Uchechukwu Justice
This work is based on formulation of crude oil demulsifiers (emulsion breakers) from materials locally sourced. Laboratory experimental investigation was carried out to ascertain its effectiveness and efficiency in breaking crude oil emulsion. Materials used included locally made palm oil, potassium hydroxide (KOH), lemons, glycerin, for sample A (ALPHA), locally made liquid soap, starch, camphor, alum, castor oil, and distilled water for sample B (BETA), and the combination of sample A and B make up sample C (MEGA), demulsifier. 10ml volume of water and 10ml volume of oil were mixed together to produce 20ml volume of emulsion. Separation of water and oil called demulsification started at dose of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0ml concentration. Maximum 3.0ml concentration of both locally produced and commercially available demulsifiers were used to obtain maximum demulsificaion result. The three different demulsifier formulations made were tested on a crude oil emulsion sample from a Niger Delta oil field and subjected to a temperature of 30°C, 50°C and 70°C. A commercially available demulsifier (CAD) of the same quantity and under the same laboratory experimental condition, served as a basis for comparison (validation). The composition of the separated products consists of 20ml volume of crude oil emulsion: 10ml water and 10ml oil content. After demulsification, 8.2ml (82%), 9.5ml (95%) and 9.6 (96%) of the water content was separated leaving 11.8ml, 10.5ml, and 10.4 of remaining solution as a result of using maximum concentration of 3.0ml of the produced demulsifiers; ALPHA, BETA and MEGA, temperature of 70°C, and 10mins recorded 65%, 76%, 82% water separation of ALPHA, 75%, 91% 95% of BETA, and 79%, 95% 96% of MEGA. The result of the treatment was a successful separation of oil and water using the sample, ALPHA, BETA and MEGA formulated demulsifier. The maximum separated water volume by the local demulsifier was 96%, at 70°C temperature and 1000rpm while that separated by CAD was 68% at the same condition. This showed that the locally formulated demulsifiers had better water separation capability than the commercially available (imported) demulsifier.
Open Access
Analysis of scope and economic efficiency in poultry-fish enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-02) Opara, Thaddeus Chiaka
This study analysed the scope and economic efficiency of poultry-fish enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: examine the Socio economic and enterprise characteristics of fish and poultry farmers, estimate cost function from profit function to determine scope efficiency of poultry-fish enterprises, determine how scope and economic efficiency related to the use of specific inputs or the production of specific output, evaluate the determinants of scope efficiency and economic efficiency in poultry fish enterprises in the study area. A multi –stage sampling technique was used to select 210 respondents comprising of 60 fish farmers 60 poultry farmers and 90 joint poultry fish farmers. Structured questionnaire were used to elicit information from respondents while descriptive statistics, inferential statistics. Quadratic regression model, Tobit regression model and analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Findings from the study showed that most of the farmers in the three categories were males, 57.1% for fish, 62.3% for poultry and 66.7% for joint enterprises respectively. Most of the Respondents were between 41 and 60 years age bracket, 65.1% for fish 80.3% for poultry and 58.3 for joint enterprises. The distribution of respondents by marital status showed that most of the farmers were married 80.9% for fish, 75.4% for poultry and 81.9% for joint enterprises. Majority of the respondents had household sizes of 4 to 5 persons, 65.1% for fish, 55.7% for poultry and 63.9% for joint enterprises. 69.8% of fish farmers and 67.2% of poultry farmers had 6 to 10 years farming experience while majority of joint farmers (56.9% had 1-3 years of farming experience. Most sole farmers were small scale farmers 39.7% for fish and 42.6% for poultry while most joint farmers were large scale farmer (75%). The three categories of farmers had poor access to credit with only 19.4 % of joint farmer able to access above N300, 000 credits. In this research, cost functions were recovered from unrestricted profit functions and were used to calculate scope efficiency. The main scope efficiency was 0.025 indicating that the joint production of fish and poultry enterprises reduces total cost by 2.5%. The mean economic efficiencies were 0.72 for fish, 0.68 for poultry and 0.77 for joint enterprises. This indicated that farms could reduce cost by producing at the lowest possible cost. The correlation of scope and economic efficiency with output quantities was positive and significant at 1% level suggesting that the joint production of fish and poultry on the same farm resulted in cost advantage. Also the correlation of scope and economic efficiency with expense ratio were all significant at 1% level which revealed that larger farms tends to have more scope and economic efficiency scores. Again scope and economic efficiency are significantly determined by level of education, farming experience, pond size, and flock size as well as credit amount. It is recommended that educational packages and appropriate training could be necessary to teach farmers those farming practices that encourages cost complementarities and financial institutions should be encouraged to improve on the volumes and terms of loans extended to farmers.
Open Access
Analysis and simulation of salient pole synchronous generator with finite element method and blondel theory to enhance performance
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-12) Okon, Paul Edet
Synchronous generators are the only means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy for bulk electrical power generation. As a result of saturation in its electromagnetic structure, prediction of its performance often involves approximations that seek to account for the effect of saturation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an accurate method for prediction of the field patterns in magnetic structure to ensure precise performance evaluation. In order to compute the magnetizing reactance of salient-pole synchronous generator apart from using finite element method, a modified winding function approach was developed in this research, which utilize the actual winding distribution and the shape of the pole arc. This research seeks to utilize the finite element variational method (finite element method magnetics) for magnetostatic computation for magnetic field distribution in the air gap for cylindrical and salient-pole type generator. The comparative analysis of the magnetic field distribution is used to illustrate the Two Reaction Theory. The obtained results indicate magneto-motive force comparison of salient 4-pole and cylindrical rotor generator, which clearly demonstrate Andrew Blondel Theory (Two-Reaction Theory). ANSYS Maxwell also is utilized in this research to simulate and analyze salient-pole synchronous generator in order to evaluate the generator performance through electromagnetic field computation. The ANSYS Maxwell results include, moving torque, winding currents, magnetic flux linkages, induced voltages, self and mutual inductances, damper bar voltage/current and others characteristic of synchronous generator under no-load, load and three phase short circuit conditions. The results obtained agreed with the conventional acceptable parameters for the salient-pole synchronous generator.
Open Access
Development of a robust camera-based text recognition model for the visual impaired.
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2022-12) Nwokoma,Francisca Onyinyechi
The quest to bridge the digital divide in this world of fast growing Information and Communication Technology should not only be restricted to some domains but should also be extended to all and sundry. Till date, Screen readers for the visually impaired still perform below expectation; their applications are also domain dependent. Generally, research has shown that the Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) tend to be greatly deprived of certain job opportunities due to their visual incapacitation and as such the unemployment rates among the visually impaired are increasingly alarming irrespective of their intellectual prowess. Therefore, to improve Text Recognition capabilities of OCR and incorporate the visually impaired community into employment setting, a Robust Camera Based Text Recognition model that will enable a blind person access documents and scene images for effective work collaboration is proposed. The system was designed to come up once the user machine is turned on. To bring this Concept to light, deep learning approach precisely CRAFT (Character-Region Awareness for Text Detection) Architecture which is suitable for detecting Curved images was deployed for text detection and CRNN (Convolutional Recurrent Neural Network) which combines the functionalities of CNN (Convolution Neural Network), RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) and CTC (Connectionist Temporal Classification) loss for an optimal Character Recognition was deployed. The Recognition Model was trained using Synth90k synthetic text dataset provided by the Visual Geometry Group (VGG) architecture which gives recognition accuracy of 98%. The system was implemented using Python Natural Language Processing Libraries. Finally, the recognized text is then communicated to the VIP in audio format.
Open Access
Analysis of crop farmers' vulnerability to soil degradation and adaptation strategies in the Niger Delta States of Nigeria.
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2022-02) Offor, Ijeoma Rose
This study analyzed crop farmers vulnerability to soil degradation and adaptation strategies in the Niger Delta States of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the crop farmers, identify the forms and perceived levels of soil degradation, determine the effect of soil degradation indicators and production factors on the output of dominant staple crops in the study area, ascertain the level of vulnerability of the crop farmers to soil degradation, determine the factors influencing the levels of vulnerability of the crop farmers to shock due to soil degradation in the study area, determine the types and perceived level of adaptation strategies to soil degradation and influencing factors and ascertain the trend in output of major staple crops namely cassava and maize in the study area. Data were collected with a well structured questionnaire from 152 randomly selected farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, vulnerability index, multiple regression analysis using ols, ordered probit model, soil degradation index and time trend analysis. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers is 51 years. Results showed that the overall perceived level of soil degradation in the study area is high with a mean of 2.1. The regression result of the effects of soil degradation and production factors on cassava output showed that loss of vegetative cover, decreased soil and water absorption, sub-surface compaction and decline in soil organic matter, labour; planting material, fertilizer and farm size were statistically significant at 1%, while leaching of soil nutrients was significant at 5% level. The regression result of the effects of soil degradation and production factors on maize output showed that loss of vegetative cover, leaching of soil nutrients, sub – surface compaction, decline in soil organic matter, planting material and farm size were statistically significant at 1% level, while the coefficients of labour and fertilizer were significant at 5% level. Result of the vulnerability level of the farmers showed that farmers in the study area are vulnerable to soil degradation with a mean value of 2.09. Results of the ordered probit model show that gender (x1), level of education (x2), age (x3) etc were statistically significant at 1% level, while extension contact (x8) and farming experience (x10) were statistically significant at 5% level, implying that these are the factors influencing the levels of farmers’ vulnerability to soil degradation in the study area. Results also showed that perceived level of adaptation is moderate in the study area with a mean of 2.24. Results of the ordered probit model show that level of education (x2), age (x3), farm income (x5), off – farm income (x6), farm size (x7), farming experience (x10) and nature of soil degradation (x11) were statistically significant at 1% level, implying that these are the socioeconomic factors influencing the levels of farmers adaptation strategies to soil degradation in the study area. The result of the trend of output of cassava and maize in the study area from 1995-2016 revealed that there is fluctuation in both cassava and maize output which can be attributed to the effect of soil degradation. It was recommended that farmers should be motivated to invest their labour and limited financial resources in the use ofadaptation strategies such as soil and water conservation technologies.
Open Access
Sequestration and dynamic of carbon and nitrogen in soils of dissimilar lithologies under different land use types in Southeastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-06) Ahukaemere, Chioma Mildred.
The study was conducted to determine carbon and nitrogen sequestration and dynamics in soils developed on different parent materials (Coastal Plain Sand, Falsebedded Sandstones and Shale) under different land use types (forest, fallow and cultivated lands) in South-eastern Nigeria. Geology maps were used to guide the location of sampling sites. Three parent materials and three different land use types in each of the parent materials were randomly selected. The study was a three factor experiment laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A total of 27 profile pits were studied. Soil samples were collected from each of the profiles according to their horizons. Undisturbed soil samples for determination of bulk density were collected in core samplers. Small portions of the samples were air dried, crushed and sieved using a 2-mm sieve in preparation for laboratory analyses. Carbon and Nitrogen forms and sequestration, morphological and physico-chemical properties of soils were determined. Data were subjected to ANOVA , multiple regression, coefficient of variation and correlation analyses. From the results, carbon sequestration ranged from 3229 gCm2in Falsebedded sandstone-derived soils to 3648 gCm2 in Shale-derived soils, and did not differ significantly across the soils. Nitrogen sequestration differed significantly (p < 0.001) with soils derived from Coastal plain sands having higher quantity (248.00 gNm-2) while the least was recorded in soils formed from Shale (91 gNm2). The C sequestration capacity of the soils of the different land use types varied significantly (p < 0.05) with fallow soils derived from Falsebedded Sandstone and Coastal plain sand containing the highest quantities (4753 gCm-2 , 4222 gCm-2). Carbon and nitrogen sequestration increased with horizon thickness in all the profiles across the soils studied. The mean total carbon contents ranged from 39.20 to 82.80 gkg-1across the soils and did not follow uniform pattern of distribution down the profiles, except in fallow soils of the Falsebedded Sandstone where it increased with depth. Soils derived from Shale had the least quantity of total carbon while those of Falsebedded Sandstone had the highest value. Forest soils had higher quantity of total carbon (109.20, 42.40 gkg-1) compared to those of fallow and cultivated soils of the Falsebedded sandstone and Shale . Organic carbon constituted about 58% of total carbon in Shale-derived soils, 20.81% in Coastal plain sand and 27.66 % in Falsebedded sandstone –derived soils. In soils of the different land use types, forest soils contained significantly higher proportion of organic carbon, followed by fallow and lastly by those of the cultivated lands. Organic carbon correlated significantly with clay (r = 0.513, 0.578) (p < 0.001), WSA (r = 0.506, 0.626, 0.646) (p < 0.001) and BD (r = - 0.537, - 0.900, -0.736 ) (p < 0.001) respectively. The mean total nitrogen contents of the soils varied from 5.49 - 8.24 mg/kg in soils of dissimilar parent materials, 3.60 - 14.33 mgkg-1, 7.33 – 8.87 mgkg-1, 2.01 – 10.49 mg/kg in soils of the different land use types. Soils formed from Coastal plain sand and Falsebedded sandstone contained significantly higher (p < 0.01) quantity of total nitrogen than those of Shale. In soils of the different land use types, forest soils contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) proportion of total nitrogen (14.33, 10.49 mgkg-1) than fallow and cultivated soils. Soils formed from Falsebedded sandstone and Shale had significantly higher (p < 0.001) proportions of available N compared to those of Coastal plain sand. In soils of the different land use types, forest soils had significantly higher proportion of available N compared to fallow and cultivated soils. Soils developed on different parent materials under different land use types had varying colour matrix ranges. Soil texture ranged from sand, loamy sand to sandy loam in soils derived from Coastal plain sand and Falsebedded Sandstone, loam, sandy clay loam, silt clay loam to clay in Shalexiiderived soils with soils formed from Shale containing significantly (p < 0.001) higher proportion of clay (263 gkg-1) than those of Falsebedded sandstone (77 gkg-1) and Coastal plain sand (90 gkg-1). The mean bulk density (BD) values ranged from 1.06 to 1.22 gcm-3in soils derived from the three parent materials. Forest soils had the least bulk density values (0.98, 1.09, 1.08 gcm-3) compared to other land uses. In soils of different parent materials, Shale derived soils had highest percentage moisture content (12.49%) while those derived from Falsebedded sandstone had the least amount (9.09%). In soils under the three land use types, forest and fallow soils had significantly higher (p < 0.001) quantity of soil moisture than the cultivated soils. Shale-derived soils had significantly higher (p < 0.001) stable aggregates (29.23%, 1.35 mm) than those derived from Coastal plain sand and Falsebedded sandstone. In soils of the varying land uses, soils of the forest had significantly higher (p < 0.001) stable aggregates compared to those of fallow and cultivated lands. Soils were slightly acidic across the parent materials and land use types. Significantly (p < 0.01) least proportion of Calcium (Ca) (2.76 cmolkg-1) was recorded in soils of the Falsebedded sandstones while those developed on Shale had the highest quantity (4.28 cmolkg-1). Significantly higher percentage base saturation was obtained in soils derived from Shale (91.4%) while the least value was obtained in Falsebedded sandstone-derived soils (68.71%). Taxonomic classification was done to the Subgroup level. The soil classes derived from soil taxonomic classification of the USDA was correlated with the World Reference Base. Soils were classified as Grossarenic Kandiudults (USDA), Chromic Acrisols (WRB), Typic Kandiudults (USDA), Rhodic Acrisols (WRB), Lithic Kanhapludults (USDA), Rhodic Acrisols (WRB), Arenic Kandiudults (USDA), Chromic Acrisols (WRB), Vertic Paleudults (USDA), Haplic Acrisols (WRB), Entic Paleudults (USDA), Haplic Acrisols (WRB), Psammentic Hapludults (USDA), Arenic Acrisols (WRB)
Open Access
Application of some metal oxide nanoparticles for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-12) Igwe, Prince Uche
The present work involves the study of the removal of As3+, Cd2+, Cr6+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ from synthetic wastewater solutions using metal oxide nanoparticles. Laboratory experiments were used to investigate the efficiency of adsorbents in the uptake of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. These include equilibrium tests and kinetic studies. The physical and chemical characterization of the metal oxide nanoparticles was carried out using different analytical techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X – Ray Diffraction (XRD), X – Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. The kinetic study indicated the suitability of the modified nanoparticles for the removal of As3+, Cd2+, Cr6+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ ions from synthetic wastewater. Column experiments were used to identify the effect of parameters that affect the rate of adsorption such as the effect of contact time, the effect of adsorbeThis nt mass, effect of initial solution concentration, and the effect of temperature and evaluated their impact on the efficiency of modified and its control of the metal oxide nanoparticles in the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The kinetic studies showed that the capacity of the adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals increased with contact time, increased with a greater mass of absorbent, higher solution concentration as well as the solution temperature. The results from the equilibrium studies positively demonstrated that metal oxide nanoparticles synthesized modified and nonmodified can be used as an excellent adsorbent for removing heavy metals from wastewater solutions. The equilibrium experiments indicated that the capacities of metal oxide nanoparticles for the uptake of heavy metals increased when the adsorbent mass increased. The results indicated that the maximum removal capacities Q were 67.11, 67.11, 54.05, 55.56 and 84.74 mg/g of modified and its control of the metal oxide nanoparticles for Arsenic, cadmium, chromium nickel and lead respectively. the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were used to characterize the experimental data and to assess the adsorption behaviour of modified and its control of the metal oxide nanoparticles for arsenic, cadmium, chromium nickel and lead. The experimental data were slightly better suited to the Langmuir isotherm than the Freundlich isotherm. The value of the correlation coefficients R 2 ranged from 0.93 to 0.99 for the Langmuir isotherm and from 0.90 to 0.99 for the Freundlich isotherm. The results indicate that starch modified metal oxide nano adsorbents showed higher adsorption. Therefore, starch modified nanoparticle or adsorbents should be incorporated in the synthesis of metal oxides used as adsorbents, due to its ability to improve the surface area and enhance greater adsorption of metal ions.
Open Access
Bioremediation of crude oil and heavy metals polluted soil with constructed wetland system
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-11) Ikeanumba, Michael Okwudiri
The preliminary part of this study was carried out to determine the tolerance limit of eight (8) eight native plant species in soil polluted with crude oil (3%, 7%, and 10% concentrations) and fixed levels of heavy metals (Zn: 39.4 mg/L, Ni: 10.2 mg/L, Cu: 29.4 mg/L, Pb: 11.2 mg/L). The selected plants—Brachiaria distachyoides Stapf, Paspalum conjugatum P.J. Bergius, Cyperus dichrostachyus Hochst. ex A. Rich., Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Panicum maximum Jacq., Mimosa pudica L., Mariscus ligularis L., and Mariscus rotundus—were sourced from crude oilimpacted sites.Results showed that Paspalum conjugatum P.J. Bergiusgave the best result, thriving in 10% crude oil and heavy metal-contaminated soil for five months followed byMariscus ligularis L. and Brachiaria distachyoides Stapfwhich survived for 30 days under the same conditions. Other species were only able to tolerate 7% crude oil heavy metals. Toxicology studies of amendments revealed that a 1% native soap solution provided optimal growth stimulation for hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), followed by 1% poultry manure and a 1% combination of both. This was followed by 10%, while higher amendment concentrations of 30% significantly inhibited microbial growth.The study shows the effectiveness of hybrid constructed wetlands for the remediation of soil and water polluted with crude oil and heavy metals. Microbial analysis identified Pseudomonas xiamenensis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Alcaligenes cloacae, Enterobacter cloacae, Pantoea dispersa, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, and Kocuria palustris as hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial species in the soil. Among these, Pseudomonas xiamenensis was the most prolific biosurfactant producer, while the others showed moderate production levels.These findings provide valuable insights into the development of sustainable strategies for bioremediation of crude oil and heavy metal-polluted soils.
Open Access
Plant-endophytic bacterial interactions in phytoremediation of crude oil-polluted soil
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-11) Nwajiobi, Ifeoma Judith
Endophytes reside within plant hosts asymptomatically, exhibiting continuous metabolic interactions with their hosts. The study investigated the role of plant-bacterial endophytes during phytoremediation of soil polluted with crude oil. Growth performance of Hibiscus cannabinus and Zea mays in remediation of crude oil-polluted soil samples after 90 days was analysed. Physico-chemical parameters and total petroleum hydrocarbon content of crude oilpolluted soils were analysed. Endophytic bacteria within the roots of H. cannabinus and Z. mays were isolated, tested for their bioremediation potentials and plant growth properties. Additionally, the genomic DNA of isolated endophytic bacteria were analysed for the presence of hydrocarbon degradative genes (Alk B genes). The 16s rRNA amplicons of gDNA of endophytic bacteria isolates were sequenced and phylogenetic tree constructed. Results of the physico-chemical parameters show the pH of the polluted soil from Egbema were acidic (4.8 to 6.6) before plant growth. Moisture content and organic carbon had mean ranges of 10.00- 15.00% and 0.86-2.45% respectively. After planting using H. cannabinus, pH values, moisture content and organic carbon increased to a mean range value of 5.4-6.1 and 15.30-27.90% respectively while organic carbon decreased to a mean range value of 0.45-2.12%. The mean pH, moisture content and organic carbon were within the range 5.2-8.4, 5.00-28.10% and 0.24- 1.84% respectively after plant growth using Z. mays, indicating that Z. mays offered greater remediation than H. cannabinus on oil-polluted soil. Growth performance observed during plant growth revealed that 5ml/5kg crude oil-polluted soil had the highest agronomic parameters, offering the highest crude oil remediation (46.01%) recorded using H. cannabinus, while 5kg Egbema-polluted soil without organic amendment showed the least remediation (4.63%). Similarly, 5ml/5kg crude oil-polluted soil showed the highest crude oil remediation (56.05%) while 5kg Egbema-polluted soil without organic amendment showed the least crude oil remediation (11.04%) after plant growth using Z. mays. A total of 57 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the roots of H. cannabinus and Z. mays. Six endophytic bacteria synthesized indole acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and siderophores; 14 isolates synthesized IAA and ACC; 16 isolates synthesized IAA and siderophores while 7 isolates synthesized ACC and siderophores at 10.53%, 24.56%, 28.07% and 12.28% respectively. Hydrocarbon degradation potential of isolated bacterial endophytes showed that all isolates (100%) could metabolize 2% (w/v) C6, C8, C10 and 2% (v/v) diesel as alternate sources of carbon in the absence of glucose. Moreover, genomic DNA of endophytic isolates possessed alkane monoxygenase genes responsible for hydrocarbon degradation in bacteria species. Sequenced 16s rDNA amplicons showed similarity of endophytic bacteria from the study to the genera Proteus and Alcaligenes. This study established the presence of Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Alcaligenes spp as the predominant endophytic bacteria within the roots of the phytoremediation plants H. cannabinus and Z. mays. Additionally, the presence of alkane monooxygenase genes and the ability of endophytic bacteria isolates to grow on diesel oil and n-alkanes served as an indication of the potential application of the isolates in bioremediation activities.
Open Access
Plant-endophytic bacterial interactions in phytoremediation of crude oil polluted soil
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-11) Nwajiobi, Ifeoma Judith
Endophytes reside within plant hosts asymptomatically, exhibiting continuous metabolic interactions with their hosts. The study investigated the role of plant-bacterial endophytes during phytoremediation of soil polluted with crude oil. Growth performance of Hibiscus cannabinus and Zea mays in remediation of crude oil-polluted soil samples after 90 days was analysed. Physico-chemical parameters and total petroleum hydrocarbon content of crude oilpolluted soils were analysed. Endophytic bacteria within the roots of H. cannabinus and Z. mays were isolated, tested for their bioremediation potentials and plant growth properties. Additionally, the genomic DNA of isolated endophytic bacteria were analysed for the presence of hydrocarbon degradative genes (Alk B genes). The 16s rRNA amplicons of gDNA of endophytic bacteria isolates were sequenced and phylogenetic tree constructed. Results of the physico-chemical parameters show the pH of the polluted soil from Egbema were acidic (4.8 to 6.6) before plant growth. Moisture content and organic carbon had mean ranges of 10.00- 15.00% and 0.86-2.45% respectively. After planting using H. cannabinus, pH values, moisture content and organic carbon increased to a mean range value of 5.4-6.1 and 15.30-27.90% respectively while organic carbon decreased to a mean range value of 0.45-2.12%. The mean pH, moisture content and organic carbon were within the range 5.2-8.4, 5.00-28.10% and 0.24- 1.84% respectively after plant growth using Z. mays, indicating that Z. mays offered greater remediation than H. cannabinus on oil-polluted soil. Growth performance observed during plant growth revealed that 5ml/5kg crude oil-polluted soil had the highest agronomic parameters, offering the highest crude oil remediation (46.01%) recorded using H. cannabinus, while 5kg Egbema-polluted soil without organic amendment showed the least remediation (4.63%). Similarly, 5ml/5kg crude oil-polluted soil showed the highest crude oil remediation (56.05%) while 5kg Egbema-polluted soil without organic amendment showed the least crude oil remediation (11.04%) after plant growth using Z. mays. A total of 57 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the roots of H. cannabinus and Z. mays. Six endophytic bacteria synthesized indole acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and siderophores; 14 isolates synthesized IAA and ACC; 16 isolates synthesized IAA and siderophores while 7 isolates synthesized ACC and siderophores at 10.53%, 24.56%, 28.07% and 12.28% respectively. Hydrocarbon degradation potential of isolated bacterial endophytes showed that all isolates (100%) could metabolize 2% (w/v) C6, C8, C10 and 2% (v/v) diesel as alternate sources of carbon in the absence of glucose. Moreover, genomic DNA of endophytic isolates possessed alkane monoxygenase genes responsible for hydrocarbon degradation in bacteria species. Sequenced 16s rDNA amplicons showed similarity of endophytic bacteria from the study to the genera Proteus and Alcaligenes. This study established the presence of Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Alcaligenes spp as the predominant endophytic bacteria within the roots of the phytoremediation plants H. cannabinus and Z. mays. Additionally, the presence of alkane monooxygenase genes and the ability of endophytic bacteria isolates to grow on diesel oil and n-alkanes served as an indication of the potential application of the isolates in bioremediation activities.
Open Access
Effects of M-health on medication adherence among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and people with tuberculosis in Imo State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-04) Ezelote, Judith Chinelo
The study is on the effects of mobile health (m-Heath) on medication adherence among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and people with tuberculosis in Imo State. Adherence is crucial in the management of HIV/AIDS and treating Tuberculosis to achieve the required treatment success rate. However, due to the longer treatment duration, adherence to Tuberculosis treatment is the most challenging factor affecting Tuberculosis control. Successful antiretroviral treatment is dependent on sustaining high rates of adherence among People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study assessed the effects of m-Health on medication adherence among PLWHA and people with tuberculosis receiving care at Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) Owerri and Imo State Specialist Hospital Umuguma (ISSH). The study was guided with five objectives and five hypotheses. Quasi-experimental design was used. The study aimed to determine the level of adherence to prescribed medication dosing regimens and schedules, promptness in refilling prescriptions, and keeping appointments with health personnel among test and control groups using M-Health mplementation. It also assessed the percentage of people with tuberculosis who tested negative for sputum tests within 3 months of initiating treatment among the test and control groups. Instruments for data collection were the questionnaire and checklist. AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) as data collection instrument among PLWHA while the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) is used for people with tuberculosis. FUTH Owerri was randomly selected as the test group and ISSH Umuguma as the control group. Among 1740 and 3709 PLWHA receiving care at FUTH Owerri and ISSH Umuguma respectively, 223 at FUTH and 411 at ISSH Umuguma were non-adherent to their medication at the time of the study. Among 1401 and 1026 people with tuberculosis receiving care at FUTH Owerri and ISSH Umuguma respectively, 134 at FUTH and 128 at ISSH Umuguma were non-adherent to their medication at the time of the study. All the non-adherents were included in the study hence no sampling. The M-Health intervention was implemented only for the non-adherents in the test group. The results were analyzed using regression analysis with a p-value of ≤ 0.05. The results showed that both PLWHA and people with tuberculosis displayed improved medication adherence after the intervention compared to those in the control group. Among the 223 non-adherent PLWHA participants, 81.6% improved adherence to medication dosage, 76.8% to medication timing, 90% to refilling prescriptions, and 88.5% to attending doctor's appointments. This was in contrast to only 7%, 11.8%, 24%, and 18.2% improvement in the same categories among the control group. After the intervention and follow up, the treatment outcome for tuberculosis showed that 91.8% of the test group tested negative, while 95% of the control group still tested positive. Initially, the respondents had sub-optimal adherence levels, but the test group showed a statistical significant increase in adherence postintervention. This bidirectional SMS and phone call intervention improved adherence medication dosage regimen, time schedule, prompt refilling of drugs and attendance to clinic appointment among PLWHA in the test group while no significant difference was noted in the control group. Conclusion was drawn and it recommended incorporating m-Health as the standard care approach for people living with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis to improve adherence to medication
Open Access
The effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in combination with antibiotics on pathogenic microorganisms
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-03) Ojiaku, Adaeze Anne
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging chronic public health issue globally, with the prediction of 10 million deaths per year globally by 2050. In this study, silver nanoparticles synthesized using Dacryodes edulis (African pear tree) leaf extract was used in combination with antibiotics and its effects in combination was observed against model gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. Phytochemical constituents of the plant extract, molecular characterization of the microorganisms, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized, while biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in combination with antibiotics were assessed against the clinically obtained microorganisms. Results revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and anthraquinones. The formation of the silver nanoparticles was established using UV- visible spectrophotometric analysis, exhibiting a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of 390 – 440 nm. Optimization parameters such as extract volume, temperature, and pH revealed 30 ml, 35 oC, and pH 7 as results for optimal nanoparticle synthesis respectively. The reaction time, however, showed a cascade of intensity from the nucleation phase to the stabilization phase with 90 minutes as optimal time for nanoparticle synthesis. XRD analysis showed face centered cubic crystal nature of the lattices with spectral peaks at 38.17, 43.63 and 64.39 corresponding to (111), (200), and (220) plane, with crystallite size of 16.50±0.79 nm using Scherrer equation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis displayed spherical shaped nanoparticles with average particle size of approximately 63 nm, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis acknowledged the presence of functional groups such as phenolic, carboxylic, alkyl, isothiocyanate, and amine groups corresponding to the phytochemical constituents in the aqueous leaf extract being responsible for the bioreduction of silver ions to silver atoms. The microorganisms were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. In silico analysis revealed the presence of resistant genes and predicted chromosomal gene mutations especially for E.coli that mediated antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic assay indicated that in S. saprophyticus, enhanced inhibition was observed for pefloxacin, ampiclox, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, cotrimoxazole and erythromycin, while reduced inhibition was observed for gentamycin and rocephin. In comparison with antibiotics alone, and antibiotics in combination with AgNPs, gentamycin and rocephin (ceftriaxone) had a reduced zone of inhibition when combined with AgNPs while the other antibiotics had improved zone of inhibition. For E. coli, there was enhanced inhibition for streptomycin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin and chloramphenicol when exposed to antibiotics, while reduced inhibition was noted for cotrimoxazole and gentamycin. However, in comparison with antibiotics alone and antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles, it showed that cotrimoxazole and gentamycin had reduced zone of inhibition when AgNPs were added while other antibiotics had improved zone of inhibition in combination with AgNPs. It is recommended that more research on evolutionary associations of microorganisms and antibiotics be performed and also be included in strategies for antibiotic resistance pipeline development and ‘One Health’ approach in combatting antimicrobial resistance
Open Access
Modeling of biogas production efficiency from different sources of waste by anaerobic digestion
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-07) Abaraogu, Udechukwu John
This research focused on the modeling of biogas production efficiency from different sources of waste using anaerobic digestion. The objectives of the work are to determine the biogas production capacities of the selected feedstocks (organic wastes), determine the compositions of the biogas produced, and derive/validate a model that optimizes the biogas production. The process of producing the biogas from the mini-biodigester involves sourcing the feedstocks, mixing them with water to a suitable proportion, pouring the slurry mixture into the mini biodigester while ensuring that the mini-biodigester is airtight, and allowing anaerobic bacteria to break down the waste. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment employing mini-biodigesters with capacities of 120 and 40liters respectively. Four different feedstocks—sewage, pig waste, poultry waste, and homemade waste (a mixture of watermelon and pineapple)—were used as substrates to feed the biodigesters singly and in various combinations. The experimental results over a 14-day peak production periods indicated average daily biogas production rates of 0.0329, 0.0372, 0.0354, 0.0296, 0.0344, 0.0336, 0.0362,0.0356, 0.0328, 0.0319, 0.0384, 0.0332, 0.0326, 0.0340 and 0.0381 liters per day for the following substrate samples: Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3, Sample 7, Sample 8, Sample 9, Sample 10, Sample 11, Sample 12, Sample 13, Sample 14, and Sample 15 respectively. The percentage methane content in the biogas produced from these substrates (Samples) was found to be 54.80%, 58.70%, 56.60%, 51.70%, 68.10%, 66.84%, 68.20%, 69.18%, 66.24%, 64.98%, 65.50%, 68.04%, 65.24%, 66.50% and 66.73%, respectively. To optimize biogas production, a mathematical model was formulated with the variables X1, X2, X3, and X4 subjected to retention time, moisture content, carbon/nitrogen, temperature, and pH constraints. The Simplex Method was employed to solve the model, resulting in an objective function value of 2.6669. The optimal values of the variables were X1 = 0.0075, X2 = 1.1981, X3 = 0.0027, and X4 = 0.0227, indicating the most efficient combination of feedstocks for biogas production. The developed optimization model serves as a valuable tool for maximizing biogas yields using small scale biodigester in an anaerobic environment, thereby contributing significantly to the field of renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Open Access
Stability analysis of thick laminated anisotropic plate using third order energy functional
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Uzoukwu, Sunny Chukwudum
TheStability Analysis of Thick Laminated Anisotropic Plate using Third Order Energy Functional is presented. Fourteen different boundary conditions were considered in this research work thus SSSS, CCCC, SSCC, CCSS, CSSS, SSSC, SCSC, CSCS, SSSC, CCCS, CSSC, SCCS, CCSC and SSCS. The shape functions for all the fourteen plates were derived by considering the deflection and second derivative of deflection at the simple support edge while the deflection and first derivative of deflection were considered at the clamped support. The integral values of the differentiated shape functions, (𝐾̅ − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 )of the various boundary conditions were obtained. From these, the stiffness coefficients, ki of the various boundary conditions were generated. Resolving from the first principle and by considering the relationship between the in-plane displacement and out of plane displacement, the strain and the stress functions for thick laminated laminated plate were obtained. The total potential energy was formulated by adding the work done by external load to the strain energy equation. Differentiating the total potential energy with respect to the deflection w, gave rise to the governing equation. Four compatible equations were formulated also by differentiating the total potential equation with respect to the two middle-layer in-plane displacements, (–uo and - vo) and two shear rotations, (∅xand ∅y).. Numerical analysis for the different plate laminas were conducted, considering different angles of arrangement The third order stiffnesses were formulated for thick laminated anisotropic plate and the results from this present work were compared with those from Ventsel & Krauthermmer (2001) The comparison showed acceptable percentage difference of 0.01% & 2% level of significance in statistics. The derived buckling loads for all the plates studied in this work, were compared with those from Reddy, Megson and Chajes (Previous Researchers) and the percentage differences obtained were within the range of 0.01% to 0.9%.. It is concluded that this method can be adopted in solving a laminated thick anisotropic plate using 3rd order energy functional.
Open Access
Analysis of gender equity opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: Evidence from youth engagement in rice value chain in South-East, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-09) Tim-Ashama, Akunna Chinenyenwa
The study analyzed gender equity opportunities and resource use in cereal value chain: evidence from youth engagement in rice value chains in Nigeria. it identify the actors and gender roles along rice value chain; examine by gender, the socioeconomic characteristics of actors along the rice value chain; determine the level of gender equity gap in opportunities along the rice value chain; determine the technical efficiency and sources of inefficiency among male and female actors along the rice value chain; determine the value added and the share of the value added by gender along the rice value chain; estimate the factors affecting value added by gender along rice value chain and, identify the constraints to youth engagement in the rice value chain, by gender. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The sample size consists of 476 youth rice value chain actors randomly selected from 48 villages across three states in South-East Nigeria. The data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Modified Gender Equity Index (MGEI), stochastic meta-frontier, value addition and multiple regression models. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, charts and mean were also used to realize some additional results. Results from MGEI show that the level of gender equity opportunities for youth rice producers, processors and marketers were -0.21, -0.21 and -0.04, respectively, indicating inequity against the female youth. The mean technical efficiency for male and female producers are 0.64 and 0.59, processors 0.70 and 0.69 and marketers 0.52 and 0.61. The determinant factors of technical inefficiency among male and female youth in the study area were level of education, membership of cooperative society, years of experience and access to credit. The overall value-added per tonne by the male youth actors was ₦52,281 and the female youth actor was ₦52,229. The share of the value-added by male youth producers, processors and marketers were 51.65%, 49.41% and 47.78% while the female youth were 48.38%, 50.59%and 52.22%, respectively. Some factors affecting value added by actors in rice value chain were level of education, years of experience, capital invested, information and distance to actor’s node. The major constraints to youth engagement in rice value chain include lack of capital to start up, lack of access to credit, drought, lack of access to better technology, high cost of hiring/operating machines, lack of technical knowhow/skills, and stressful nature of rice value chain. In addition, the female processors added marital challenges and responsibilities as a major challenge while male marketers included lack of government support as an important challenge. This study recommends that Policies and interventions that ensure equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power for both male and female youth actors should be implemented through targeted training programmes, awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives that promote gender equality. In addition, access to affordable credit and financial services for youth involved in rice value chain should be strengthened through establishment of financial institutions and mechanisms specially targeting youth in agricultural sectors.
Open Access
Assessment of commercial agriculture development project (CADP) for maize value chain in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Oshaji, Ifedayo Oluwakemi
This study assessed the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) for Maize ValueChain in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the level of gender involvement and segmentation supported by the project in the targeted value chain; assess the performanceof CADP relative to baseline in terms of Commodity Interest Groups’ (CIGs) technology adequacyanddemographic variables, assess the performance of maize value chain relative to baseline production, processing and sales, estimate the socioeconomic factors of the commodity interest groups that influence the production, processing and sales performance of the targeted value chain; estimatetheinstitutional and socioeconomic factors that af ect the availability of CADP’s matching grant tocommodity interest group in maize value chain; and examine the factors constrainingtheimplementation of CADP along maize value chain. A multi-stage sampling technique was usedintheselection of sample for this study. Data were collected from 360 maize farmers. Data collectedwereanalyzed using descriptive statistics, functional analytical tool, Duncan Dissimilarity Index (DDI), performance index, multivariate regression technique, multivariate probit model and principal component analysis. The result revealed that the male producers had the highest percentage (17%)of capital inadequacy which invariably af ected the rate of returns. The pooled data of the maizeprocessors showed that 59.6% of the respondents were male while 40.4%were female indicatingthat the males were more involved in maize processing than their female counterpart in the studyarea, which is not so in other studies. This could be attributed to the customs and tradition as well asthe insecurity in the study area. The pooled result of the level of dissimilarity index showed that the female actors in the study area dominated in the area of capital disbursed and output. This meansthat 1.21% of capital disbursed and 1.872% of output favored the females than their malecounterparts. This result means that the female actors are more capital adequate and this could bebecause the females are making more ef ort in adding capital from external sources which positivelyafects their output. The result further revealed that value added to maize products can significantly enhance sales performance by 2.98 X 10 -08 . The average total variable costs incurred onmaizeproduction in the study was N283,651.06 while the total revenue realized was N619,447.61whichindicates that maize production is a profitable farm enterprise. The result also showed that thenet farm income of the farmers is significant and positive (0.0001), hence increase in their farmincomewill make them comply with the sharing formula and provide their matching grant as soon as there is need for it in maize value chain activities. There was improvement in the technology adequacyinthe study area: the pooled data showed that the technology adequacy in the base year was 47.7%and 58.3% in the current year. The pooled result further showed that performance in processing and marketing/sales outran the baseline by 104.88% and 120.82% respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted 6 major factors constraining the implementation of CADP in the value chain namely: delay in fund disbursement, insuficient access to fair market priceinformation, inability to provide percentage requirement for the fund, funding do not obey the sharing, land tenure problem and poor infrastructure (roads, irrigation, poor harvest facilities). The Federal and State government should improve the infrastructural facilities especially theroadnetworks to serve as an incentive to rural farmers to work harder to increase productivity, subsequently increasing income and reducing the length of time products take to get to the final consumers there by reducing spoilage as well as wastage.