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Item Open Access Optimization of biogas production from some agrowastes in a batch system bioreactor(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-12) Nwaneri, Chioma BlessingThis study was carried out to co-digest and optimize biogas production from some agrowastes in a batch system bioreactor. Six substrates; Palm oil mill effluent (POME), Pig dung, Cow dung, Poultry manure, Cassava peels, and Cabbage waste were used in the investigation. The proximate analysis of each substrate and the microbiological analysis of the co-digested subsrates were obtained. The substrates were anaerobically digested as single substrate and codigested with each other to improve the nutritional composition and biodegradability. Laboratory scale 10L capacity bioreactors were used to carry out the batch system anaerobic digestion of the different substrates for substrate ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, pH range of 6.8-8.0 and a hydraulic retention time of 45days. Then Box Behnken’s design of response surface methodology of three factors; substrate ratio, pH, and hydraulic retention time at three levels; 1:1, 2:1, 3:1(substrate ratios), 5, 7, 9 (pH) and 15days, 30days and 45days (hydraulic retention time) were used in the optimization, considering the substrate with the highest biogas yield.Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used for adjusting the pH values to the required range. Compositional gas analysis of biogas produced was carried out using Gas Chromatography. The proximate analysis of the substrates showed that the C:N ratios of POME, pig dung, cow dung, poultry manure, cassava peels and cabbage waste were 10.13:1, 5.84:1, 17.50:1, 14.24:1, 46:1 and 16.90:1 respectively. It was also observed that none of the substrates had an optimium C: N ratio hence there was need for co-digestion of the substrates to improve biogas yield. The result also showed that co-digestion of cassava peels with cow dung had the highest biogas yield, flamed on the second day with bright blue flame and had the highest percentage methane content of 78.05%. The results showed the presence of these bacterial isolates; Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp and fungal isolates were Saccharomyces sp, Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium sp, Geotrichum sp. The optimization result showed that the substrate ratio of 3:1, pH 7 and 15days hydraulic retention time had the highest biogas yield, highest methane content of 79.143% and flamed on the second day of the anaerobic digestion. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in biogas production in all the treatments. Further anaerobic digestion of cassava peels with cow dung using the predicted values from the computer aided Box Behnken design response surface methodology analysis showed the same trend with the experimental data. In terms of sustainable biogas production, the outstanding result showed by CP/CD 3:1 at pH 7 proves that the test parameter can be adopted for domestic biogas production.Item Open Access Tree species diversity, biomass production and carbon stock of three forest management types in Benue State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025) Dau, Henry JaphethCarbon stocks can be conserved or increased by the sustainable management of existing forest types. However, anthropogenic activities and poor forest management can adversely affect biomass production and carbon storage. Published information on biomass and carbon storage potentials of different forest management types is scanty, especially in the study area. To this end, this study assessed the tree species diversity, soil properties, volume estimation, biomass and carbon storage of three forest management types (Community Forest Area (CFA), Forest Reserve (FR), and Sacred Grove (SG)) in Benue State, Nigeria. A nested plot design was adopted for data collection. Each nested plot comprises 35 m x 35 m, 25 m x 25 m, 7 m x 7 m, and 1 m x 1 m square plots. The 35 m x 35 m area was the main plot within which all trees with a Dbh of 40 cm and above were measured. The 25 m x 25 m subplot was laid within the main plot, and all trees with Dbh between 20 cm and 40 cm were measured. Within each subplot, a sub-subplot of 7 m x 7 m was laid for the enumeration of trees with a Dbh range of 5 m to 20 cm. A quadrat of 2 m x 2m was laid within the 7 x 7 m plots to assess low vegetation with a diameter <5 cm. A square frame of 1 m x 1m was laid to assess all litter. An experienced forest-type management taxonomist identified all live tree species. Tree growth variables (diameters at the base, breast height, middle, and top of the tree and tree total heights) were measured on all live trees, standing dead and lying dead trees in all plots. An indirect method of biomass estimation was used in this study. Tree core samples were collected at tree breast height (1.3m) using an increment borer. Data were analyzed using descriptive (mean, frequencies, and standard deviations) and inferential (analysis of variance, T-test and Pearson correlation) statistics. A cumulative total of 1,881 individual trees were enumerated in the study area, with 749, 621, and 511 individual trees found under FR, SG, and CFA, respectively. A total of 73 tree species in 35 families were assessed in the study area, out of which CFA had 38 species from 25 families, FR had 28 species from 16 families, and SG had 35 species from 24 families. Most of the tree species were indigenous, with few exotic species (Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis). Khaya senegalensis and Gmelina arborea were present across the three forest management types, with varied frequency of occurrence. The Family Importance Value Index (FIV) in CFA and SG indicated higher family density in these forest management types than in FR. A few families (Caesalpinioideae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, and Fabaceae) were important across the forest management types. Malvaceae, Verbenaceae and Fabaceae were the most important families in CFA, FR and SG, respectively. Ty. The Shannon-Wiener index of 3.00, 2.11 and 2.97 were recorded under CFA, SG and FR, respectively and differed significantly. The Margalef richness index was highest (6.01) under CFA and lowest (4.11) under the FR. The highest evenness value of 0.55 was recorded under SG, and the lowest value (0.29) was under FR, indicating a high disparity in tree species richness. Gmelina arborea, SterculiaItem Open Access Management of insect pests of bambara groundnut (Viga subterranean (L.) Verdcourt.) with some plant oils in rain forest zone of Owerri, Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-03) Nwamkpa, Akachukwu PiusStudies were conducted from March- June for the early season and August- November for the late season of 2016 and repeated same time in 2017 at the Postgraduate Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal university of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. A total of 60 treatment combinations were laid out in a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement with three replications fitted into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for the field trials to evaluate the efficacy of the plant oils (Bush tea Hyptis suaveolens. (HEO), Stool wood Alstonia boonei. (AEO), Jathropha tanjorensis (JEO,) mixed plant oils from Jathropha, Bush tea and Stool wood bark (J+A+HEO) against field insect pests of Bambara groundnut. Population dynamics of insect pests of Bambara groundnut under control measures with plant oils were also studied. The oils were tested at four rates (0.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 6.00 ml/100 ml of H2O per plot) and Cypermethrin 10EC at the rates of (0.00, 0.20, 0.40 and 0.60 ml/100 ml of water per plot). Some field insect pests including variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus), Flea beetle (Podagrica uniformis and Podagrica sjostedti), Leaf miner (Aproaerima modicella) and Aphids (Aphids crassivora) inflicted damage to the leaves of Bambara groundnut. The treatment materials provided effective protection against insect pests of Bambara groundnut at different levels when compared to the unsprayed plots. The unsprayed plots recorded highest number of damaged leaves at the vegetative phase, flowering and podding phase followed by the lowest application rates, while the highest application rates recorded the least damaged leaves by insect pests in 2016 and 2017 early and late planting seasons. The results on yield showed that the plant oils were able to reduce the population of insects which resulted in an increase in the 100 Seed and Pod weight (g), Seed and Pod yield (kg/ha, though they were not significantly different (P>0.05).Item Open Access Analysis of response capacity of rural households to selected poverty intervention programmes in Imo State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-11) Ajaero, Joseph OnyewuchiThis study analysed the response capacity of rural farmers to National Fadama Development Programme (NFDP) and National Special Programme for Food Security (NSPFS) in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; categorize and describe response capacity of rural farmers, assess the level of knowledge of rural farmers’ to the rural poverty intervention programmes, determine the relationship between behavioural process and response capacity, determine factors that affect positive response to rural poverty intervention programmes, ascertain the rural farmers’ perception of agricultural extension effectiveness on positive response to rural poverty intervention and identify the perceived constraints to desirable response to poverty intervention programmes in the study area. Data were collected through the use of standardized questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, mean score and percentages) and inferential statistics (multinomial logit regression, Chi-square and Univariate analyses) were used to analyse the data generated. The mean age was 50.7 years. Majority (57.9%) of the rural households in the study area were male with mean household size of 6 persons. The results further showed that majority (86.5%) of the rural farmers were engaged in crop production. The mean net annual farm income was N97041.63. Majority (90.6%) were members of social organisation especially cooperative societies (65.1%). A total of 97.4 percent had one form of formal education or the other. Extension agents (71.7%) were identified as their major source of agricultural information. The study found that majority (58.3%) of the rural farmers had high level of knowledge about NFDP while only 31.7% had high knowledge level about NSPFS. Majority (64%) of the rural farmers perceived extension service as not effective in activities in rural poverty intervention programme. The study also revealed that behavioural process has a positive and significant effect on response capacity at p0.05 critical level with a regression coefficient of 0.693 and R 2 of 0.894. Majority (65.7%) of the rural farmers in the study area fell within the desirable response capacity, which is a sociological prerequisite for participation in rural poverty intervention programme. The multinomial logit regression results revealed that probability of being in the desirable response category increases with net annual income (4.055) and farmers’ self esteem (0.373) while sex (4.645), level of education (9.300), extension effectiveness (38.569), number of information sources (11.772) and distance to LGA headquarters (11.111) each decreases the probability of being in desirable response category to rural poverty intervention relative to the reference category. The constraints militating against positive response to NFDP and NSPFS poverty intervention programmes included institutional bottlenecks of the programmes (M = 3.32), lack of access to credit (3.19), lack of capital (M = 3.00), stringent requirements for qualification to participate in the programmes (M = 3.16), lack of awareness of NSPFS (M = 2.98) and lack of awareness of NFDP (M = 2.56). The study recommends that government should reposition extension service to be effective in services delivery to targeted beneficiaries in future poverty intervention programmes. Also the existing public agricultural extension service, Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (IMADP) should work in synergy with programme-donor agencies in order to carry out good sensitization campaigns at the inception of any rural poverty programme to create awareness and lay the foundation for desirable response required for the programme success.Item Open Access Analysis of thick anisotropic plate through exact approach using third order shear deformation theory(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-09) Ozioko, Hyginus ObinnaThis work presents the Analysis of Thick Anisotropic Plate through Exact Approach using Third Order Shear Deformation Theory. Total potential energy was formed based on the refined plate theory assumptions. Displacement field, kinematic relations, constitutive relations and stress displacement relations were derived from the deformed section of a thick rectangular anisotropic plate. Strain energy was formed by substituting the kinematic relations and stress-displacement relations into the universal strain energy equation. By the addition of the external work to the strain energy equation, total potential energy functional for the analysis of thick anisotropic rectangular plate was obtained. The total potential energy functional was minimized by differentiating it with respect to the changes in out-plane deflection, δw, shear deformation rotation in x direction, δ ௫ , and shear deformation rotation in y direction, δ௬ . This yielded the governing equation and two compatibility equations of thick anisotropic rectangular plate. A third order polynomial shear deformation was employed in the governing and compatibility equations to obtain the displacement functions (deflection, w, shear deformation rotation in x direction, ௫ , and shear deformation rotation in y direction, ௬ ). These displacement functions (w, ௫ , ௬) obtained satisfied the specified boundary conditions and it gave the unique displacement functions for each of the twelve plate boundary conditions SSSS, CCCC, CSSS, CCSS, CSCS, CCCS, SSFS, CCFC, SCFS, CCFS and SCFC solved. The stiffness coefficients (ܭଵ, ܭଶ, ܭଷ, ܭସ, ܭହ, ܭ, ܭ, ܭ଼ (were calculated for each of the twelve plate boundary conditions. The formulas for calculating the coefficients of the displacements were combined with elastic equations to determine the formulas which were used in calculating for displacements (u, v and w) and non-dimensional stresses (σୖୖ, σ୕୕, τୖ୕, τୖୗ ܽ݊݀ τ୕ୗ) at various angle fiber orientation (0 , 15 , 30, 45 , 60 , 75 and 90 ) and various span to thickness ratio, α(5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100) and for all the twelve boundary conditions. These formulas were used to analyze some typical anisotropic rectangular thick plates by the help of a functional excel worksheet program. The numerical results obtained for displacement (w) and stresses (σതത୶୶തത and σതതത୷୷തത) at aspect ratio of 1.0 and span to thickness ratio of, 20.0, 10.0, and 7.14286, in this study, when compared with the results of Shimpi and Patel showed percentage difference of 0.59, 1.47, 2.70; 0.62, 1.20, 1.91 and 1.31, 0.97, 3.91% which is in good agreement. Hence the developed method is recommended for analyzing thick rectangular anisotropic plates.Item Open Access Comparative analysis of techniques for estimating geohydraulic properties and aquifier vulnerability in Imo River Basin, SouthEastern Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2019) Emberga, Terhemba TheophilusComparative Analysis of Techniques for Estimating Geohydraulic properties and Aquifer Vulnerability in Imo River Basin, Southeastern Nigeria was carried out to determine the most suitable and cost effective techniques for the determination of hydraulic properties and groundwater vulnerability in the Imo River Basin. The basin which lies between Latitudes 4° 38' and 6° 01' N and Longitudes 6° 53' and 7° 32' E with an area extent of about 9100 km is underlain by the Ajali, Nsukka, Imo Shale, Ameki, Ogwashi-Asaba and Benin Formations. Five hundred and sixty-nine (569) vertical electrical soundings (VES) using the ABEM Terrameter (SAS) 4000 with maximum electrode spacing of 1000 m were acquired in the study area. Thirty (30) parametric soundings out of the entire VES data points were carried out in the vicinity of existing boreholes for comparative analyses and quality control. Twenty (20) sandstone samples collected from the six (6) formations were sieved and the resulting data processed to obtain hydraulic conductivities of aquiferous units. Comparatively, Da-Zarrock parameters (transverse unit resistance and longitudinal conductance) were used to determine aquifer depth, thickness and hydraulic characteristics from VES Data. Additionally, estimates of hydraulic conductivity were made using the techniques of Niwas & Singhal and the Heigold’s method. A New model that is Novel and formation sensitive was also developed using resistivity and existing pumping test data. The mean aquifer resistivity revealed 1397.96 in Ajali, 2116.92 in Ameki, 2188.15 in Benin, 632.55 in Imo shale,1355.08 in Nsukka and 2072.91Ω m in Ogwasi-Asaba Formations while the mean aquifer thickness in Ajali revealed 40.83, while those in Ameki were 42.68, 39.38 in Benin, 26.78 in Imo Shale, 36.34 in Nsukka and 37.39 m in Ogwasi-Asaba. The study also revealed the aquifer thickness of 122.04 in Ajali, 121.86 in Ameki, 114.46 in Benin in 73.73 in Imo shale, 36.92 in Nsukka and 109.66m in Ogwasi- Asaba. The results of the hydraulic conductivity and that generated with the model revealed average values of 13.19, 1.74 and 4.62 m/day respectively. The hydraulic conductivity values estimated using the empirical formulae of Hazen, Kozeny-Carman, Breyer, Slitcher and USBR have mean values of 1.55, 256.8, 0.58, 2.82 and 0.046 m/day respectively. These results were validated with the existing pumping test data using Artificial Neural Networks. Mean Transmissivity (Tmean) and Storativity values computed from the hydraulic conductivity data revealed values of 140.8 m2 /day and 5.3 × 10-5 , respectively for the aquiferous units in the Ajali Formation. In the same vein, Tmean of 193.5 m2 /day and mean storativity of 5.54× 10-5 were estimated for Ameki Formation aquifers, while Benin Formation aquifers revealed Tmean of 784m2 /day and mean storativity of 5.11 x 10-5. The aquifers in the Imo Formation have a mean transmissivity Tmean = 205.2 m2/day with a mean storativity of 3.48× 10-5 . The aquifers in the Nsukka Formation have a mean transmissivity Tmean = 211.5 m2 /day with a mean storativity of 4.8 × 10-4 while the aquifers in the Ogwasi/Asaba Formation have a mean transmissivity Tmean = 100.2 m2 /day with a mean storativity of 4.86 × 10- 5 . The vulnerability of the aquifers evaluated using Geologic (DRASTIC and GOD) and Geophysical (Integrated Electrical Conductivity, IEC) models generated vulnerability maps which displayed areas within the northern part of the study area to have low and moderate vulnerabilities while the southern part has aquifers with high vulnerability to pollution. The estimated percolation time of contaminants using IEC model revealed that it will take contaminants from several months to about 25 years to get to the groundwater system in the study area. The good correlation of hydraulic conductivity results between the new model and existing pumping data implies that generated model can substitute the laborious and expensive pumping tests of boreholes in areas with similar geologic formations.Item Open Access In vitro antioxidant and antimalaria properties of the plants chasmanthera dependens (hochst)and dictyandra arborescens (welw.)(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021) Enenebeaku, Uchechi EmmanuelaCrude aqueous and methanolic extracts of leaves, stem and roots of Chasmanthera dependens and Dictyandra arborescens suggested from their ethno-medicinal uses to possess antimalarial activities were evaluated for phytochemical, in vitro antioxidant, toxicity, and antimalarial activities. Phytochemicalanalyses were carried out using standard qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. In vitro antioxidant potentials of the extracts were determined by their abilities to scavenge 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical, nitric oxide radical and hydrogen peroxide. The antioxidant potentials were further determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity using standard methods. Acute toxicity was carried out using modified Lorke’s method, sub-acute toxicity of the extracts were also determined using adult male albino rats. Antimalarial activities of the extracts were determined using male Swiss albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methanolic extracts of D.arborescens roots which showed the highest antimalarial activity was subjected to separation by silica gel column chromatography while bioassay was carried out by testing the antimalarialactivities of the fractions on male Swiss albino mice. Hexane fraction of the extract showed the highest antimalarial activity and was sub fractionated to obtain two purer eluates coded EA and EB which were characterized using Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Molecular docking analyses. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, oxalate and phytate in varying amounts. The phytochemicals were more in the methanolic extracts than in the aqueous extracts. Scavenging of DPPH, nitric oxide, H2O2 radicals, reducing power ability and total antioxidant activity were concentration-dependent. Activities of the extracts for DPPH, nitric oxide and H2O2 differed significantly (p˂0.05) from the standard antioxidant. For ferric reducing antioxidant power, methanolic extract of D.arborescens roots and methanolic extract of C. dependens roots showed the best reducing ability. Methanolic extract of D. arborescens root showed the highest (2352.94 ±164.87mg AA/g extract) total antioxidant capacity. Extracts of the leaves, stem and roots of D. arborescens did not show any mice toxicity or mortality even at 5000 mg/kg body weight but aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. dependens stem recorded death at 2900 mg/kg b.wt and 5000 mg/kg b.wt. Sub-acute oral toxicity test of the extracts revealed significant increase (p ˂0.05) on haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBCs, WBCs, MCH, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and MCHC) at 200 mg/kg-1 body weight. For biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin), extracts did not significantly differ (p˂0.05) from the standard and normal control. All the extracts showed significant (p˂0.05) antimalarial activities compared to the untreated control. These activities however, differed (p˂0.05) from the standard antimalarial drug (artesunate). Methanolic extract of D.arborescens root showed the highest antimalarial activity by reducing percentage parasitemia from 75.2% on day 3 to 16.8% on day 14 after treatment. Column chromatographic separation of this extract gave five fractions at different solvent mixtures. Bioassay revealed that hexane soluble fraction recorded the highest antimalarial activity, and sub-fractionation of this fraction yielded two purer eluates -EA and EB. Phytochemical analysis with Gas chromatography- Flame ionization detector (GC-FID) revealed various phytochemicals with known antimalarial and antioxidant activities. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as alkanes (-CH2-), α-halogeno carboxylic acids (C=O), primary alcohols (C- OH), halides (C-Cl), non conjugated alkenes (C=C), esters (OC – H), aliphatic esters (R-O-R), etc. These functional groups were confirmed by GC-MS analysis which xxi recorded various bioactive compounds such as 1,2 dichloro propane, 1-Octadecene, cis- alpha- bisabolene, Dichloroacetic acid tridecyl ester, 9,17 Octadecadienal, (Z)-, cis-13-Octadecenoic acid, Heptadecanoic acid, 16 methyl-, methyl ester, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Bis(3-methylbutan-2yl) phthalate, Carbonic acid prop-1-ene - 2yl-tetra, 5-Octadecene, (E)-, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 10-Octadecenoic acid methy ester Butyl octadecyl ether methyl tetradecanoate, Heptasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13 tetradecamethyl. In molecular docking analysis, these bioactive compounds showed various degrees of binding affinities and molecular interactions with two antimalarial protein targets - lactate dehydrogenase (1OC4) and Plasmepsin II (1SME). Binding affinity of Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and Bis(3-methylbutan-2-yl) phthalate were close to that of the standard antimalarial drug (artesunate) suggesting that these two compounds were responsible for the antimalarial activity exhibited by methanol extract of D.arborescens root. ADMET properties of these two compounds equally suggest no harmful or toxic effects when compared to the standard antimalarial drug (artesunate).Item Open Access Hybrid result processing and management system for Nigerian universities(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021) Etus, ChukwuemekaHybrid Result Processing and Management System (HRPMS) is an optimized model that automates result computation, vetting, approval, checking, and transcript processing workflow across standalone and client-server cross-platform. It is designed to address the challenges of using only a single-platform system (legacy or modern) in results processing and management, currently existing in Nigerian universities. The objective of the research, therefore, is to develop an offline, online, scalable, decentralized, inter-networked, normalized, and secured 3-tier system able to further improve computerized automation of result processing and management in Nigerian universities, in line with the universality of management and institution-specific policy standards. The survey analysis method was used to expose the deficiency of the single-platform system which necessitates developing the HRPMS. The Agile methodology adopted followed the Scrum method for rapid Test-Driven Development (TDD), and leveraged the jMeme Metaheuristic Optimization Framework (MOF) to hybridize and optimize the standalone (offline) and the client-server (online) platforms to build the HRPMS socket middleware cross-platform application. Again, the Agile 4-quadrant approach was followed to test and validate the HRPMS development. The tools and materials deployed for the design and programming of the HRPMS subsystem modules include the Unified Modelling Language (UML), the Excel VBA Binary, Java IDE and libraries, MS POI, and API plugins, PHP IDE, and SQL DBMS. While the web application, the MySQL database, and the FTP servers were deployed to test the system across a wireless extranet. The HRPMS performance was validated through hypotheses test and Multivariate Linear System (MLS) statistical analysis on MatLab, with a set of non-functional variables (x1-x6) and dual-sample data collected using the Delphi technique. The results showed that the existing single-platform model is about 53.8% deficient, but the HRPMS is an improvement of the existing system with a mean Performance Difference (PD) of 1.043458X10-8. Therefore, it presents a more efficient, more secured, hard-to crash, and optimum cross-platform system with a hybrid database emulator to map, parse and upload flat-file data into a relational database for transcript processing. Finally, this work recommends the convergence of technologies, services, and processes as information system integration and process automation swiftly erode boundaries that separate functional platform groupings.Item Open Access Numerical and experimental studies of the energy requirements for cutting selected tuber crop tissue and vegetables(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-07) Asonye, Gladys UcheNumerical and experimental studies of the cutting energy requirements for selected tuber crop tissue and vegetables was undertaken in this research work. Prediction models using dimensional analysis based on Buckingham pi theorem were developed for the cutting energy requirements for four selected crops which are indigenous to the area of study; tuber crop (cocoyam) (Colocasia esculenta), fruit vegetable (okra) (Abelmoschus esculentusL.), bulb vegetable (onion) (Allium cepa.) and fruit vegetable (garden egg) (Solanium marcrocarpon). The developed cutting energy prediction models using dimensional analysis based on Buckingham pi theorem for cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), onion (Allium cepa) and garden egg (Solanium marcrocarpon) were validated with experimentations. High coefficient of determination (R2 ) values of 0.98, 0.99, 0.98 and 0.98 respectively obtained for cutting energy values between the predicted and the measured values with the developed automated cutter showed that the mathematical models are good. The developed arduino-controlled automated cutter consists of two parts; the hardware and oftware components. The hardware is composed of an electronic windshield motor, four 25mm2 stainless steel pipes of 4cm height for supports, a 35cm x 29cm x 8mm stainless steel plate for the base, a 12cm stainless threaded shaft and 4 pieces of 5cm stainless angle irons. The software consists of Arduino microprocessors (Integrated Development Environment, IDE), load cells (sensors) and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The arduino processor automatically and effectively measures, records and stores cutting variables (speed, force, displacement and time) with minimum human supervision. Connecting the cutter to an electrical power source switches on the electronic windshield motor, which causes a rotational motion of the shaft and a subsequent reciprocating motion of the knife holder. The cutting process which is a non-reversible system involves both compressive and shearing deformations. The operational process involves speed selection, movement of knife edge through product, exertion of reactive force on the load cell and computations. The reactive force exerted on the load cell is measured and automatically relayed to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for storage and further processing. Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) which is a high performance language for technical computing intercepts the stored values and plots the resulting graph of force of cut against displacement which is used in calculating the energy of cut. Variables involved in the model development using dimensional analysis based on Buckingham pi theorem were; tool weight, distance of cut, tool edge thickness, cutting speed, varying crop sizes, crop moisture content, crop contact area and crop density. Lastly, optimization of the cutting process was carried out by studying the interactive effects of three variables on the energy requirement to cut the select crops. It involved experimentations using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) layout and observing the effect of the different combinations on cutting energy requirements. These variables are cutting speeds and knife edge angles at 5 levels of 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40mm/min and 200 , 270 , 340 , 410 and 480 respectively with equivalent crop sizes of 33.68, 41.02, 45.34, 50.31 and 64.89mm for cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta); 11.23, 13.28, 17.82, 20.52 and 24.47mm for okra (Abelmoschus esculentusL.); 42.84, 51.78, 61.36, 77.35 and 84.10mm for onion (Allium cepa.) and 25.69, 32.87, 40.31, 47.69 and 52.73mm for garden egg (Solanium marcrocarpon). The three variables were observed to have significant effects on the cutting energy requirements for the four crops studied. The optimization of the cutting process was observed to occur at equivalent diameter of 33.68mm, cutting speed of 35mm/min and knife edge angle of 200 for cocoyam;47.61mm, 35mm/min and 200 for onion bulbs; 23.80mm, 50mm/min and 200 for okra and 45.41mm, 35mm/min and 200 for garden egg fruit. All the optimized results were at the lowest knife edge angle of 200 and the 35mm/min cutting speed except okra which occurred at the cutting speed of 50mm/min. The optimization study helped in the determination of the best combination of the chosen factors that would lead to maximizing energy consumption during the cutting process of the understudied agricultural crops. The results of this study find usefulness in designing, analyzing and optimization of the cutting process for these select crops.Item Open Access Utilization of functionalized biochar derived from water hyacinth eichhornia crassipies as green nano-fertilizers(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-10) Irewale, Adewale TolulopeThis study investigated the production, characterization, and application of nano-biofertilizer synthesized from biochar (BC) derived from the aerial tissues of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), an invasive aquatic plant known for rapid growth and nutrient uptake that has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem. BC was produced from its leaves (D1) and stems (D2) via pyrolysis at 600°C with residence times of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, yielding 31% and 34% respectively. Incomplete carbonization was observed at residence time of 15 minutes while optimum pyrolysis occurred at 30 - 60 minutes. SEM and FTIR analyses revealed porous structures with surface functional groups including –COOH, –OH, C=C, and –S=O in but biomasses, although predominantly in D1. The biochar was alkaline (average pH 10.7), exhibited liming capacities of 14.76–28.94% CaCO₃ equivalent, zeta potentials of –34 to –38 mV, and particle sizes ranging from 146 to 583 nm. Although, deficient in copper and zinc, high nutrient availability was recorded with nitrogen (34,550 ppm), phosphorus (56 ppm), potassium (609 ppm), and water holding capacities between 1.58 and 2.26 g/g. BET isotherm modeling showed surface areas of 236.44–249.41 m²/g and pore volumes of 0.061–0.087 cm³/g, indicating mesoporous to microporous structures suitable for nanonutrient adsorption. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed thermodynamically favorable adsorptions between BC and ZnO and/or CuO nanonutrients, with a higher affinity for CuO. Comparative pilot field trials with nano-biofertilizer (NF) applied at 10 g, 20 g, and 40 g per 10 kg soil and a conventional fertilizer (CF) at 15g per 10kg soil (per manufacturer recommendation) showed that 10 g NF significantly enhanced growth and physiological parameters over other treatments. CF application resulted in higher plant mortality, indicating possible phytotoxicity of CF under the pilot field conditions. Comparative data obtained for plant height, leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll concentration, number and surface area of leaves support the potential of biochar-based nanofertilizers as a low-dose, sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further studies are recommended to validate the predictions from molecular dynamics simulations, as well as to assess the environmental safety and scalability of the nanofertilizer in larger field trials.Item Open Access Some occupational and ecotoxicological hazards associated with selected industries in South-Eastern Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-09) Obinwanne, Carol ChiomaThis study was focused on ascertaining some occupational and ecotoxicological hazards associated with healthcare, quarrying, road construction, asphalt and brewery industries in South-Eastern Nigeria. The sample population comprised one hundred and thirty-five female and male workers within the ages of twenty-one and sixty years who had been on the job for three or more years. For the control group, fifteen human subjects who were non-industrial workers within the same age bracket were used. Health status of workers was assessed using chest x-ray, specimens of sputum, full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hair washings. Air quality was assessed with CROWCON Gasman II monitor/analyser while Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to identify heavy metals in hair, water, soil and leaf samples. Physicochemical and microbiological properties of water and soil with heavy metal accumulation and proximate analysis of plants, in and around work environment were determined using standard methods. Results obtained from the health status of workers showed that 16% of males and 13% of females sampled had a high incidence of consolidation of the lung as well as peak values of the cardiothoracic ratio (0.45±0.06 cm) and (0.40±0.08 cm) respectively, in road construction industries. Sputum for Mycobacterium tuberculosis tested positive in 5% of the males in the asphalt industry. Lymphocytosis among males; eosinophilia and high ESR among females, were significantly different (p<0.05) from their controls in five (5) industries. Peak values of lead (0.26±0.04 mg/l) and cadmium (0.79±0.03 mg/l) from hair washing were recorded among quarry and healthcare workers, respectively. In air quality results, sulphur (IV) oxide was significantly different (p<0.05) from their controls in the five industries. Asphalt industry was recorded to be the worst, with a pollution level of 92.35±3.49 μg/m³ for particulate matter (μg/m³), while the brewery industry had the least with a pollution concentration level of 5.19±3.09 μg/m³. Physicochemical and microbial analyses of freshwater and soil, showed that Nworie river near healthcare industries had a dominance of pH (8.07±2.11); total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate, phosphorous, lead, cadmium and chromium, but had least values (2.9x10⁵±3.0 CFU/ml) of total bacteria. Akpoha river near quarry had peak values of temperature (33.20±1.97°C); conductivity (6262.67±10503.89 μS/cm) mercury, total fungal count and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF). The river Akpou-ga Nike near asphalt industry had peak values of total bacterial count (7.3x10⁵±8.1x10⁵ CFU/ml) and the least values (2.0x10³±2.6 CFU/ml) of total fungal count. Njaba river near the brewery, had the peak values of dissolved oxygen, arsenic and total petroleum utilizing heterotrophic bacteria but recorded least values of temperature, pH, conductivity, TDS, lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium. For soil, the industries: healthcare, road construction and brewery had loamy sand soils, while quarry and asphalt had sandy soils. The peak values (7.45±0.01) of pH was recorded in samples from the brewery and least values (1.96±0.02) from asphalt industries. Soil mean values of pH, lead, cadmium, chromium, total bacterial count and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi, were significantly different (p<0.05) from their controls in five industries. The peak values of soil total bacterial count (6.2x10⁶±1.0x10⁵ CFU/g) was recorded in the healthcare industry. There was no growth of hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) and fungi, in quarry and asphalt industries. In the determination of the presence of heavy metals and proximate analysis of plants, it was discovered that the mean values of lead, in the leaves of Manihot esculenta and Carica papaya, were significantly different (p<0.05) from their controls in the industries studied, as well as the mean values of macronutrients, in healthcare, asphalt and brewery industries. There were significant occupational and ecotoxicological hazards associated with industries studied, such as pneumonitis; and possible inflammatory biomarkers: lymphocytosis among males; eosinophilia with high ESR values among the female workers; Alopecia areata (with "i hair" as a potential biomarker), in the brewery industry and air pollutant, TSPM10 μg/m³. There was a significant effect of poor air quality around the work area, such as Status Asthmaticus and sulphur (IV) oxide pollution. Industrial toxicants had significant effects on the physicochemical and microbial properties of water and soil around the workplace, and adjoining environments such as the predominance of lead and total bacterial count. The workplace was indeed contaminated and had adverse health effects on both workers and the environment.Item Open Access Application of oil palm mill effluent and palm bunch emulsion as chemicals in enhanced oil recovery(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-07) Ndem, Daniel OjiChemical enhanced oil recovery is one of the popular techniques used in the petroleum industry, and most of the chemicals are imported and expensive. Therefore, it is important to develop cheaper and indigenous chemicals for enhancing oil recovery from Nigerian oil reservoirs. This research focused on the formulation of emulsions for emulsion flooding of residual oil from oil reservoirs using locally available agricultural waste materials from palm oil mill. Oil was extracted from palm oil mill effluent using a centrifuge; alkaline solution was prepared with distilled water and ash from burnt empty fruit bunch. Oil/Alkali solution emulsions were formulated using different ratios of oil/palm bunch ash solution (5/95, 10/90, 15/85, 20/80, 25/75, 30/70, 35/65, 40/60, 45/55). Nine core samples of determined dimensions were initialized at reservoir conditions by flooding them with brine of salinity of 30000ppm until the differential pressure became stabilized. To produce the brine upon pressure stabilization, and determine the original oil in place, the brine- saturated core samples were flooded with crude oil (32.9 API). Then the crude oil-saturated core samples were firstly flooded with water till oil production ceased with 58.3% of oil recovered. Lastly, to produce the oil-in-place, the previously water flooded core samples, were respectively flooded with the formulated emulsions of 15/85, 25/75, 30/70, 35/65, 40/60 and Oil/Alkali solution ratios due to their stability performance. The results revealed that water flooding yielded 32.5% of the oil in the respective core samples while different ratios of formulated emulsion (15/85, 25/75, 30/70, 35/65, 40/60) yielded incremental oil recovery of 30.4%, 32.8%, 35.2%, 51.6%, and 55.2% ..The experiments suggest that certain emulsion compositions enhance the mobilization and displacement of oil better, leading to high reservoir sweep efficiency.. The economic analysis shows that t investment in the production of conventional emulsion sample has negative net present value of -499,507,552,185.00 Naira throughout a 10-year period, while investment in the production of 30/70 emulsion sample with oil extracted from palm oil mill effluent and palm bunch ash solution has positive net present value of 26,940,828,073.20 Naira. A mathematical proxy model developed for oil recovery efficiency prediction gave an R-square of 95.2%. This work has established that these emulsion samples can yield encouraging oil recoveries when used in enhanced oil recovery.Item Open Access Investigation of the efficiency level of the Nigerian capital market(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021) Onyeanwu, Chidi ChristianThis study investigated the efficiency level of the Nigerian Capital Market based on changes in daily stock prices of all the listed companies over 19 years period (January, 2000 to December, 2020). The aim is to test the validity of the efficient market hypothesis and its associated anomalies in the Nigerian Capital market. The study employed descriptive statistics (mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, and the Jarque-Bera statistics) and inferential statistics (Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Phillip Peron (PP) Diagnostic Statistics, ARCH (Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity), G-ARCH (Generalized ARCH) models and the variance ratio test). The study found that stock returns in the Nigerian Capital Market exhibits a random walk (1.20+E09, p value (0.0000) < 0.01); (219.6456, p value (0.0000) < 0.01). Also current returns of stock in the market cannot be significantly predicted based on their previous variations (-28.90509 p value (0.0000) < 0.01). Equally it was found that stock returns and its volatility ( = -0.386322, p value 0.0309 < 0.05) are negatively and significantly related. Volatility clustering is found to exist in the Nigerian Capital Market ( + < 1 ie 0.204820 + 0.748592 = 0.953412). Furthermore, investors do not make abnormal returns on Fridays than on other days of the week (-0.000170, p value 0.3211 > 0.05- variance equation), (-0.002440, p value 0.8967 > 0.05-mean equation). This also applies to Mondays (-0.005443, p value 0.0000 < 0.05- Variance equation), (-0.016034, p value 0.1733 > 0.05 –mean equation). Also the study found that investors do not make abnormal returns on the last day of the month (-0.008503, p value 0.0000 < 0.05 –Variance equation), (-0.019911, P value 0.2592 > 0.05 –mean equation). Investors do not make more profit during the sunny days than during the rainy days. (0.000163, p value 0.0358 < 0.05 – Variance equation), (-0.004424, p value 0.6493 > 0.05 –mean equation). Therefore the study concludes that no arbitrage opportunity can be usurped to make excess profits as all the available information has been discounted into current prices. Also, since the Nigerian stock market follows a martingale, fundamental and technical analyses become futile since prediction is not possible. Based on the above conclusion the study recommended that in order to attain an efficiency level of strong form, the Nigerian Capital Market must minimize the level of insider dealing by adopting the policy of full automation of trading activities in the market.Item Open Access Stability analysis of thick laminated anisotropic plate using third order energy functional(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Uzoukwu, Sunny ChukwudumThe Stability 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 methodcan be adopted in solving a laminated thick anisotropic plate using 3rd order energy functional.Item Open Access Experimental and numerical evaluation of a multi-pad evaporative cooler(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021) Okafor, Victor ChijiokeAn automated open circuit multi-pad wind tunnel controlled by Arduino microprocessor was constructed. The multi-pad test rig is made up of four identical chambers insulated from each other. Each chamber has three zones (air inlet, measurement and air outlet) and consists of 12V dc suction fans, 12V dc water pumps, and pressure, temperature/humidity sensors connected to a programmable circuit board (micro-controller) with a piece of software (integrated development environment, IDE) known as Arduino microprocessor which controls and automates the overall operation of the cooler system through its relay and receives signals from the sensors placed at the measurement zone of the wind tunnel. The inlet and exit temperatures, humidity and static pressure of the air passing through the wetted pad were measured, recorded and displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) and transferred to a microcomputer via a universal serial board (USB) cord. The experiment was conducted using the Randomized Complete Block (RCBD) layout. Four (4) cooling pad materials were used for the evaluation of the multi-pad evaporative cooler. The selected cooling pad materials are: (1) Imported rigid media (Celdek), (2) Jute fibre (3) Coconut fibre and (4) Pop sponge. Cooling pad saturation efficiency and static pressure drop across the wetted pad form the two major performance criteria while pad face air velocity (v), pad thickness (t) and water flow rate (w) formed the major treatments (ie factors VTW). Each of the three factors had five levels. For pad face air velocity (v): 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5m/s; For pad thickness (t): 50, 100, 150, 200 and 150mm and for water flow rate (w): 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0l/min. Results obtained show that saturation efficiency increases with increasing pad thickness and pad face air velocity for all the pad except for Celdek that showed a slight decrease in saturation efficiency with increasing pad face air velocity. The results of the tests conducted to evaluate the effects of the water flow rate on the saturation efficiency of pad materials indicated that the range of water flow rate chosen had little effect on the saturation efficiency. Saturation efficiency ranged from 51.3% to 80.7%; 56.3% to 83.9%; 54.7% to 80.6%; 46.8% to 71.9% for Celdek, ute fibre, Coconut fibre and Pop sponge respectively. While Pressure drop ranged from 2.3Pa to 63.2Pa; 11.1Pa to 150.5Pa; 8.3Pa to 130.6Pa and 5.5Pa to 104.7Pa for Celdek, Jute fibre, Coconut fibre and Pop sponge respectively. Central Composite Design in Design Expert 6.0. Statistical Software was used for the statistical analysis while online Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test was used for means separation. Model equations-based on Buckingham π - theorem using multiple regression analysis was developed.Item Open Access Synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition applications of cerium (iii) metal complexes derived from some salicyaldehyde-based shiff bases(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-06) Onu, Uchenna LyndaThis present research work focuses on the synthesis , characterization and corrosion inhibition efficiency of three synthesized salicylalde - based Schiff bases with their Cerium(III) complexes, namely: 2-hydroxyphenyl-phenylimine or (Salicyalideneaniline (SALAN)), Bis(2- hydroxyphenyl) imine or (Salicyalidene-2- aminophenol (SAL2AP)), Bis (2-hydroxyphenyl) -1,2- Benzenediimine or (Salicyalidene-O-phenylenediamine (SALPD)), Ce(III)-2-hydroxyphenylphenylimine (CeSALAN), Ce(III)-Bis(2-hydroxyphenyl) imine (CeSAL2AP), and Ce(III)-Bis (2- hydroxyphenyl) -1,2-Benzenediimine (CeSALPD) in 1 M HCl solution. The compounds were characterized by physicochemical methods such as colour, melting point, solubility test, molar conductivity measurement, magnetic usceptibility and elemental analysis. There is variation in colour, pH, melting point, conductivity, and elemental compositions of the of the Schiff bases compared to their metal complexes. Magnetic susceptibility measurements values recorded for the metal complexes shows their paramagnetic nature. The high molar conductivity values of the metal complexes (> 0.1 mSCm2 ) shows their electrolytic nature, while the Schiff bases were found to be non- electrolytic. The compounds were also analyzed spectrally by Uv. Vis. Spectroscopy, 1 H, and 13C NMR, FTIR, and EDXRF. The effect of inhibitor- concentration, temperature, and immersion time, on the inhibition efficiency of the compounds were studied by weight loss methods. ElS technique was used to investigate the nature of the protective film, EIS measurement shows that the addition of the inhibitors into the corrosion medium inhibited corrosion by increasing the system resistance (Rs), transfer charge resistance (Rct) while reducing the double layer capacitance (Cdl). PDP polarization techniques were used to study the nature of the inhibitors, and they were found to be mixed- type inhibitors. The corrosion potentials (Ecorr), and corrosion current (Icorr) due to the blank was reduced in the presence of the inhibitors. Increase in IE was observed due to increase in concentration of the inhibitors, with highest I.E value of 82.95 % recorded for the overall best inhibitor–compound CeSALPD at concentration of 0.4 mmol/dm3 . Effect of temperature on IE of inhibitors at temperature of 30 oC, 40 oC, 50 oC, 60 oC, and 70 oC shows decrease in IE due to increasing temperature (i.e. physical adsorption process). Thermodynamics parameters calculated for the inhibited reaction system shows increase in values of enthalpy (∆H), entropy (∆S), and activation energy (∆Ea) compared to values for blank. This obtained positive values of ∆ H shows endothermic nature of the reaction system, and negative values of ∆S shows reduction in disorderliness of the system due to the action of the inhibitors. Negative values for ∆G, obtained for the inhibited systems shows the spontaneous adsorption process. Effect of immersion time on IE of the compounds shows decrease in I.E with immersion time (i.e. physisorption adsorption process). Langmuir, Temkin, and Frumkin models were used to determine the adsorption mode of the compounds. Langmuir model with regression square (R2 ) value upto 0.99, best suits the adsorption process. Generally, for all the analytical techniques employed for the study of the IE, i.e. (weight- loss method, PDP and EIS), the I.E of the metal complexes were found to be higher than those of the parent Schiff bases. The quantum chemical parameters obtained from the Computational analysis and modelling of the Schiff bases such as EHOMO, ELUMO, shows that the reactivity of the Schiff bases follow the order: SALPD > SALAN > SAL2AP. The result from the weight–loss method is in agreement with the computational analysis. Conclusively, the compounds under study performed excellently as inhibitors, however, due to physisorption process of adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on the mild- steel surface, the compounds may not efficiently inhibit corrosion for a long - term duration. Hence, synergism with nano particles such as metal oxides i.e., (ZnO, TiO2, Al2O3), may enhance their IE for the longterm process.Item Open Access Influence of air pollutants on ocular health among commercial drivers and road transport workers in Imo State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-12) Nwakamma, Gerald IheachoroAir pollution, resulting from sources like household combustion and high vehicular emissions, significantly contributes to the worldwide burden of disease, with notable pollutants including CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and Particulate Matter (PM1.0, 2.5). While the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of air pollution are widely studied in Nigeria, a critical gap in knowledge exist regarding the specific ocular health implications for high-risk occupational groups like road transport workers. The statement of the research problem therefore hinged on the high level of ignorance among these workers regarding ocular risks, coupled with the apparent weak enforcement or absence of effective air quality policies in Imo State motor parks, leading to concentrated exposure. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of associated ocular problems, assess the level of awareness, and evaluate the efficacy of preventive strategies employed against air pollutants among road transport workers in Imo State. A cross-sectional survey and observational design was conducted among a sample of 552 park workers (Drivers, Road Transport Workers, and Traders) across five selected motor parks in the three senatorial zones of Imo State. Methodology involved the collection of data via a pre-tested structured questionnaire, comprehensive clinical ocular examinations (including Visual Acuity, Schirmer test, and Tonometry), and the measurement of ambient environmental parameters (NO2, SO2, CO2, PM) at study sites. The results showed a high prevalence of ocular problems (81.2%) among the eyes examined, with pterygium (57.9%) and dry eye syndrome (35.9%) being the most prevalent conditions. Awareness of the risks was high (84.1%), but a significant "awareness-practice gap" was found, as only 31.0% of participants used any preventive measures. A significant association was established between awareness and the practice of prevention (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the use of eyeglasses (P=0.002) and avoiding smoke areas (P=0.016) were significantly effective in reducing ocular problem occurrence, while sunshades were not. In conclusion, there is a high burden of preventable ocular morbidity among road transport workers, characterized by Pterygium and Dry Eye Syndrome, largely due to a failure to translate high awareness into consistent protective behavior. The recommendations underscore the critical need for targeted public health interventions focusing on translating awareness into specific protective practices, promoting regular eye check-ups, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations in motor parks to mitigate occupational exposureItem Open Access Demulsification of crude oil emulsion using local emulsifiers(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-07) Okereke, Uchechukwu JusticeThis 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 consist 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 settling time. At an increase temperature of 30°C, 50°C, and 70°C, the demulsification efficiency 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.Item Open Access Determination of dynamic buckling load of a clamped finite column resting on quadratic-cubic elastic foundation(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-12) Bassey, Julius EffiongThis research work centred on the determination of the dynamic buckling load of a clamped finite column structure that is lying on a quadratic-cubic foundation by the analytic and numerical procedures. The formulation of the governing equation contains two small but mathematically independent parameters (δ and ϵ) which are used for asymptotic expansion of the variables. For the solutions, two techniques were applied to investigate namely, twotiming regular perturbation procedure and Block Unification Method (BUM). BUM was adopted to solve the governing equation through the method of lines and finite difference methods. The results obtained indicate that the dynamic buckling load decreases with increased imperfection, and decreases with increased in damping. More so, it was shown that the results obtained are strictly asymptotic and valid in the limit as the small parameters become increasingly small relative to unity.Item Open Access High risk human papilloma virus deoxyribonuceic acid typing, risk factors and suitability of available human papillomavirus vaccine for premenopausal women in Imo State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-04) Nzeribe, Emily AkuabiaGiven the wide variety of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) types capable of causing cervical cancer and the limited coverage provided by existing vaccines, there is a need to determine the specific hr-HPV types that commonly infect women, cause premalignant cervical lesions, and potentially lead to cervical cancer among women in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the high-risk HPV DNA types prevalent among women in Imo State and assess the suitability of currently available HPV vaccines in preventing these infections. This study was designed as a population-based, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study conducted in Imo State, South East Nigeria. A total of 257 premenopausal women aged 30 to 49 years, who had ever been sexually active, were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Visual inspection methods (VIA/VILI) and high-risk HPV screening were performed using the AmpFire HPV genotyping assay. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Review Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri (now Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive analysis included the construction of frequency distribution tables and charts, while inferential analysis involved Chi-square tests and logistic regression. The prevalence of hr-HPV infection in this study was 43.6%. The genotypes identified were: HPV 51 (16.7%), HPV 59 (12.2%), HPV 18 (10.1%), HPV 52 (8.6%), HPV 16 (8.6%), HPV 68 (8.6%), HPV 53 (7.4%), HPV 31 (7.0%), HPV 56 and HPV 39 (4.7% each), HPV 35 (3.1%), HPV 58 (2.3%), and HPV 66 (1.6%) in descending order. Over half of the infected women harbored HPV types not covered by any of the currently available vaccines in Nigeria. The odds of being infected with non-vaccine-targeted HPV types were significantly high (OR = 2.594; 95% CI: 1.744–3.858; p < 0.0001). Among women with abnormal cervical lesions, 52.7% were infected with HPV types not covered by the nonavalent vaccine (p = 0.000). The frequency of abnormal VIA/VILI results among hr-HPV-positive women was highest for HPV 16 (72.7%), followed by HPV 51 (55.8%), HPV 53 (52.6%), HPV 56 (50.0%), HPV 68 (45.5%), HPV 59 (41.9%), HPV 18 (38.5%), HPV 52 (36.4%), HPV 31, 39, and 58 (33.3% each), and HPV 35 (25.0%). The findings suggest that the existing vaccines may not provide optimal protection for women in this region. A more extensive study focusing on women with abnormal cervical lesions is recommended. Additionally, the development and deployment of vaccines with broader genotype coverage are necessary, particularly for sub-Saharan Africa.