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Item Open Access Assessment of the effects of conflicts reduction and environmental justice on sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-03) Chukuigwe, OrokwuThe study assessed the effects of conflicts Reduction and environmental justice on sustainable development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The study identified the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, ascertained types and levels of conflicts in the study area, identified factors that predispose the respondents to conflicts, identified environmental injustice prevalent in the study area, analysed the factors that are constraints to environmental justice, examined the factors that contributed to sustainability of projects, assessed stakeholders participation in the management of conflicts, evaluated community participation levels on projects and identified factors that are common to both conflicts and environmental justice in the study area. The study was carried out in three out of the nine states of the Niger Delta. Namely: Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States. Multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from 380 out of 400 respondents giving a response rate of 95%. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, frequency distribution, percentages, probit, Spearman rho correlation and Chow test. The result showed that men (64.7%); the age group 41 to 50 years(31.8%) was predominant. Majority of the respondents (57.6%) were married, average household size was six (6) and 84.2% were unemployed. With regard to occupation, 36.3% were involved in fishing while 42.6% were into farming. The dominant educational attainment was secondary school at26.1%while the Mean income was N24,658. The dominant types of conflict in the area were political (18.9%), environmental (12%), cultism (4.6%). The level of conflict was high, 2.2 out of maximum of 3 points. Some of the factors that predisposed respondents to conflicts were environmental degradation (78.9%), land dispute (62.4%) and cultism (55.5%). Conflicts were resolved mainly through legal process (17.7%), community elders/chiefs (16.6%) and combination of legal process, community Elders/chiefs, community Development committee (18%) while incidences of injustice in the area included land and water pollution (84%), gas flaring (81%), and incidence of Criss- cross maze of oil pipelines on farm lands (68.4%). Constraints to environmental justice included Government policies, community Leadership structure among others, some of the factors the respondents perceived to have contributed to sustainability of development projects were participation from scoping (𝑥̅=3.31) and non-complexity of technology (𝑥̅=3.06) among others. The result also showed that stakeholders were not active participants in the resolution of conflicts. The level of participation in development projects was low, 1.89 out of maximum of 3 points. Six variables namely, education, income, sex, employment, participation and distance from home to project were common to the three dependent variables of Conflict, Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development. Finally, the results showed an inverse relationship existed between conflicts and environmental justice (-0.72) as well as sustainable development (-0.17) while there was a positive correlation between environmental justice and sustainable development (0.67). From the findings of the study it was therefore recommended that improvement in the variables of education, income, sex, employment, participation and reduction in the distance to the project are likely to reduce conflicts, improve environmental justice and advance sustainable development.Item Open Access Welfare impact of IFAD value chain development programme on rice farmers in Ebonyi State: An endogenous treatment(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-12) Amadi, Mark UmunnaThe study analyzed the welfare impact of the IFAD value chain development programme (VCDP) on rice farmers in Ebonyi State. Its specific objectives were to evaluate; the impact of the VCDP on the income of rice farmers, the impact of the VCDP on the productivity of rice farmers, the impact of the VCDP on the food and nutrition security of rice farmers, the impact of the VCDP on access to education of the rice farmers and the impact of the VCDP on access to healthcare of the rice farmers, in Ebonyi State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed, using a combination of simple and stratified random sampling techniques to select the rice VCDP farmer beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries from the local government areas, then primary data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a double robust treatment model – inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) – for the impact of participation in the rice VCDP on the welfare outcomes of the farmers. Results of the analyses showed that rice VCDP had positive and significant impacts on the net farm income (1.79% points increase), on the total factor productivity (1.014 increase), on the food & nutrition security (8.69 score increase), and on the children’s average years of schooling (0.54 years increase), for the rice farmer participants. Also, the rice VCDP intervention had a negative and significant impact on the healthcare expenditure (66.7% decrease) of the rice farmer participants. The key determinants of farmer participation in the rice VCDP were membership in an agricultural association, participation in agricultural training, access to extension and access to inputs from agricultural associations. In addition, the welfare outcomes of farmers were influenced by farm size, household size, farming experience, and the frequency of extension visits. The study recommends that: the VCDP intervention be scaled up to cover more LGAs; the formation and formalization of agricultural associations/cooperatives be facilitated through a working relationship between Departments of Agriculture and Registrars of Cooperatives to the benefit of farmers; the local authorities assist in domesticating agricultural trainings at the community levels to ease farmer participation; establishment of extension services outpost in all communities be implemented while also mobilizing extension service providers adequately; the local authorities should assist in scaling rice farmer market participation capacity by developing land-banks which will make agricultural land readily available and accessible at low-cost for farming purposes only. The study contributes to impact evaluation literature by utilizing quantitative and qualitative measures to explore plausible relationships between farming decisions and education and health outcomes of households.Item 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 C.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 poultryfish 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.Item Open Access Impact of adoption of improved oil palm technologies on smallholder farmers' livelihood in South-South, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-02) Gere, Solomon OgheneochukoThe study assessed the “Impact of adoption of improved oil palm technologies on smallholder farmers‟ livelihood in south-south, Nigeria.” The objectives were to:- describe farmers socio-economic characteristics, sources of information, identify farmers awareness, livelihood activities, level of adoption of the oil palm technologies; assess impact of smallholder farmers‟ adoption; and identify constraints to technologies adoption. The Null hypotheses tested were:- relationship between farmers socio-economic characteristics and adoption of oil palm technologies; farmers perceived impact on livelihood and adoption of technologies; socio-economic characteristics and farmers perceived impact of adoption; and whether there was difference in farmers perceived impact among adopters in three selected states. A multistage random sampling method was used to select a total of 322 oil palm farmers from three states of Edo, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom in south-south, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire, interview schedule and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency counts, percentages, means, rank order; Ordinary least square regression analysis; Pearson product moment correlation and Analysis of variance. The results showed that the oil palm farmers were dominated by males (79.5%). While 77.3% of the farmers were married, 57% had household size of 5-8 persons; while 31.1% of the farmers have 11-15 years farming experience. The age distribution of farmers were within age bracket of 41-50 years; about 53.1% of the farmers belong to farmers‟ social organization, and only 20% of the farmers had no formal education. The mean monthly income of the farmers was N30,800.00. The result also revealed the following characteristics of oil palm farms, where 62.1% of the farmers had oil palm plantation farm size of 1-3ha; 55.3% of the farmers operated on sole planted oil palm farms; while 45.0% of the farmers had oil palm plantation aged between 11-20 years old, 51.6% of the farmers operated on self owned oil palm plantation; and about 46.6% of them had their oil palm plantation farms located between 1-2km distance from home. Sources of information on oil palm technologies used by greater proportion farmers were friend / neighbours, extension agents and agricultural development programs (ADPs) ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The farmers had very high awareness of the oil palm technologies and hence high level of Adoption of improved oil palm technologies recorded among the farmers. The study revealed among the oil palm livelihood activities that marketing of palm produce = 3.65,transport of palm produce =3.58, harvesting of palm fruits =3.58 and palm oil processing = 3 were rated as very important activities by larger proportion of the farmers. Impact of farmers‟ adoption of improved oil palm technologies perceived at household and farm levels on farmers‟ social life (before and after), and at community level, had positive impact on the smallholder farmers livelihood at household and farm levels; impact on farmers and where perceived farmers‟ impact indicated increases in farm income, increase farm yields, improved food security, oil palm plantation expansion; improvement on the farmers social life of the material benefits and well-being. The study developed and described in perspective the “Impact Pathway” framework for the adoption of improved oil palm technologies generated by Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR), to demonstrate how oil palm technologies adoption could create impact in the lives of farmers/non-farmers in the study area. Major constraints affecting farmers‟ adoption of oil palm technologies were lack of capital/fund, lack or no access to land, high cost of inputs, high cost of labour and insecurity to life and properties. Regression analysis result showed that co-efficient determination of farmers‟ characteristics t-ratios of:- sex= 0.042, marital status=1.570, household size =3.52,and farm size = 0.170 had significant positive relationship on adoption of oil palm technologies while t-ratios of:- age= -2.880, educational level = -3.74 and farming experience = - 0.24 had negative relationship on adoption. Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that significant and positive relationship existed between farmers‟ perceived impact of improved oil palm technologies on farmers‟ livelihood and adoption of oil palm technologies. Regression analysis results had p-values of :- age= 0.004, household size<0.001, farming experience = 0.008 and education level <0.001) had significant positive relationship between socio-economic and farmers perceived of impact at household level. ANOVA result showed that no significant difference existed between farmers perceived impact of adoption on farmers livelihood among farmers‟ adopters across the three selected states. Based on results of the study, recommendations were made:- provision of farm inputs subsidies to farmers; review of land use policy to make more land available for large scale oil palm expansion; among other recommendations.Item Open Access Effects of starch blends and processing technique on some properties of biodegradable polymer drilling muds(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-07) Chike-Onyegbula, Catherine OluchiThis research was carried out on “Effects of Starch blends and Processing Technique on some Properties of Biodegradable Polymer Drilling Muds”. Several biodegradable polymer drilling muds were prepared using starches from local corns and millet pregelatinized and blended by extrusion technique in the absence of any solvents or chemicals. The filtration and rheological properties of the new muds and three already existing muds were studied at 25oC-450oC temperature range and at 0.01-0.05g/ml concentration of each starch using filter loss method and viscometric method respectively. The biodegradation properties of the muds were studied with their respective starches using soil burial test method and plant growth method. The experimental results were also modelled using MATLAB software method of modelling. Experimental results showed that the new polymer drilling muds have excellent filtration control behaviours and thermal stability at all the temperatures. The three already existing muds showed thermal degradation at 250oC, 350oC and 450oC temperatures. The values of flow index were found to be less than 1.0 showing pseudoplastic flow behaviour of the muds. Consistency index, Shear stress and yield stress increased with increase in concentration. Viscosity decreased with increasing shear rate showing shear thinning behaviour of the muds. The highest percent weight loss of 65.70% and lowest percent weight loss of 10.34% were obtained with one of the new starch blends and one of the already existing starches respectively for biodegradability. The polymer drilling muds obeyed Henri Darcy and API models for filtration as well as power law and Herschel Bulkely models for fluid rheology. The results from Matlab model showed that the values of coefficient of regression, (R2) and the Sum of Squared Errors, (SSE) were respectively close to “1” and “0”signifying good fit for all the new muds. The behaviours of the muds showed that there is proximity between the Matlab‟s modelled results and the experimental results based on the already existing models.Therefore, the polymer muds containing the new starch blends are purer, more suitable and more environmentally friendly than the already existing muds. The new muds are therefore recommended to be used for drilling operations in all areas including high temperature and environmentally sensitive areas.Item Open Access Physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber filled with treated groundnut shell powder for shoe sole production(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-03) Ayo, Mark DadaPhysico-Mechanical properties of natural rubber filled with chemically modified groundnut shells were studied. Natural rubber composites were prepared using modified fillers at varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Solution and acetylating solutions respectively. The processing conditions, mechanical properties and sorption characteristics of these composites were analyzed. The cure characteristics of the compounded rubber were determined using Mosanto Rheometer (model MDR - 2000). The maximum torque and crosslinking density increases with increase in concentration of the mercerizing and acetylating agent. The fibre reinforcing efficiency of the chemically treated composites were compared with that of the untreated composite. Composites containing chemically treated fillers were found to posses improved tensile properties(from 18.30 to 31.50MPa for acetylated composites and 18.30 -28.00MPa for mercerized fillers), hardness (48 to 65 IRHD for acetylated filler and 48 to 58 for mercerized fillers) and abrasion resistance (from 31.55 t0 42.50% for acetylated filler and 31.5 to 39.30 for mercerized filler). These properties increases with increase in mercerizing and acetylating agent up to 20% concentration and starts decreasing. At higher concentration, the fibre is destroyed hence reduction in properties. These results were in agreement with empirical analysis. The sorption properties of the composite also decrease with the concentration of the mercerizing and acetylating agent. The improved properties observed were as a result of the increase in affinity between the rubber matrix and the chemically treated groundnut shell fillers. From this research work, it is recommended that chemically treated groundnut shell powder, particularly at 20% concentration can be employed for articles such as shoe soles, footmats and hoses that require less stress during service life.Item Open Access Development of an institutional-based community power pooling model for seamless renewable energy integration(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2023-10) Opara, Raymond OkechukwuIn recent times, educational institutions were provided with sources of power, that were able to cater for their needs, cognizance of the low demand for knowledge economy was not high. As a result, the available energy was able to suffice for the limited schools, departments, and units within the university system that was available as at that time. As technology continues to improve, the quest for knowledge increases thereby giving needs for expansion in the educational institutions, which cut across creating of more administrative sections, departments and courses. This expansion came with the need for more energy consumption, which calls for a more robust technology with enabling energy integration. The universities were not taking into consideration using energy resources within their operating environments for optimal utilization. And even when there is any consideration to the use of renewable energy resources, standalone energy systems were readily attracted without consideration to network, and integration model, with a fear of un-seamless nature of renewable energy resources. To mitigate the aforementioned shortcoming, this project proposes an institutional-based community power pooling model with seamless renewable energy integration. This involves the formulation and development of an institutionalized local distribution network forming a mini – grid. Then appropriate dc and ac Load Flow (LF) model were applied to determine an optimal balance between locally available distributed energy resources (DERs) and co – located load centers with the referenced institution – in this case, FUTO. The model simulations reveal that the system is capable of synchronizing the renewable energy resources within the university in a single network bus, alongside with public power supply and diesel generators. This could guarantee efficient and optimal utilization of the energy potentials within the university community, with excess energy of 8,603,334 KWh/yr. available for sales to the neighbouring energy users from the formulated model. This model could be utilized in other universities across the nation with the view of tailoring its architecture to suit each institutions special peculiarities in terms of energy resources and load demand.Item Open Access Development of intelligent master controller for hydridized power pool system applications(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2022-11) Kufre, Esenowo JackThe development of an intelligent master controller model for hybridized power pool system applications has become necessary in the contemporary society where much resources are allocated in a decentralized scenario which does not encourage high productivity. Many metropolitan cities are endowed with several scattered energy resources within its locality and when aggregated in a power pool, its energy resources aggregation for continuous energy supply in order to curtail energy wastage may likely be posed with the challenges associated with uncoordinated system. In view of this therefore, an Intelligent Master Controller (IMC) is proposed to oversee and regulate the unified energy potentials in some metropolitan cities in order to ensure efficiency, reliability, and optimal utilization. In the conceptual framework deployed in this study, Afikpo Metropolis was used as a case study to demonstrate a typical power pool architecture with the intelligent master controller. The network voltage level for the five experimented communities were used with respect to the available energy sources. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was adopted for the renewable energy synchronization and hybridization through virtual demonstration; the integration of their hybridized renewable energy sources with other available sources like the public power supply and the generating system were made possible through intelligent master controller. The intelligent master controller operation sequence was simulated with proteus software. The hardware was implemented with electronics components, whereas the remote monitoring and control was achieved with Hypertext Mark Language (HTML), Cascaded Style Sheet (CSS), JavaScript and Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) design. The HTML, CSS and JavaScript provide an app for human and machine interactivity, and MongoDB gives the data documentation platform, whereas the ThingSpeak gave the real time analytical scheme for the system. The result from the software simulation conformed with that of the hardware implementation which reveals that energy from metropolitans’ cities could be centrally monitored and controlled using intelligent master control model. This model was demonstrated remotely through the web/Android App, and the energy generated and consumed by the pooled communities were documented in the cloud. The system performance was validated within 6hours of operation, and the system reliability prediction was carried out to ascertain the model functionalities. The developed intelligent master controller model was stable, observable and controllable from the MATLAB simulation result.Item Open Access Development of an intelligent traffic management system using dynamic time allocation technology(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2024-06) Nwaogwugwu, Nnanyereugo Kelechi ClintonConsidering the increase rate at which traffic congestion occur in urban cities which is associated with longer waiting time of vehicles on traffic queues as well as loss of productivity, fuel, time, fatigue and other health-threatening conditions; it is imperative to apply innovative, fully functional and affordable technologies to curb this challenge. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art traffic management systems are not able to solve this problem as they do not employ intelligent traffic control techniques at road junctions. This research developed an intelligent road traffic management system using Dynamic Time Allocation Technology (DTAT). In doing this, Modelio, an open-source Unified Model Language (UML) tool, was utilized in conjunction with object-oriented system analysis and design in analysing and modelling of typical traffic scenario at road junctions. A sensor network for the detection of vehicular presence and movement was designed using motion sensors and IP cameras. Furthermore, a camera system for capturing vehicle plate number of offending drivers, as well as traffic offence SMS gateway for communicating with offenders and appropriate authorities was developed. Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques as well as load balancing and remote procedural call (RPC) were applied in implementing the fundamental operations of the system. The system was simulated using Proteus 8 Professional in which a microcontroller was used to run the fuzzy logic operations, while the ANN runs on the data storage server and was used to analyse the patterns of stored data so that the system can learn traffic situations of the road with time. Results obtained indicate that the frequency at which traffic flows at a particular lane of the road within a period of time is a function of the number of vehicles that enter and leave the traffic zone at that point. Performance of the developed system shows that there is a balance in the flow of traffic for different lanes of the road intersecting at a point.Item Open Access Optimization and control of solar-powered telecommunication network base stations in Nigeria using standalone bifacial photovoltaic system(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-10) Osuji, Christopher UcheThis thesis compared the potentials of using two different configurations of photovoltaic systems; Monofacial Photovoltaic (MFPV) Panel, and Standalone Bifacial Photovoltaic (BFPV) panel to generate electricity that will meets energy requirement of a mobile telecommunication base based on theoretical mathematical modelling, simulation, and optimization using PVsyst version 7.4.8 and Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. In achieving this, six off-grid telecommunication base station sites at different geographical site were selected which include; Imo (Umuagwo, 4.33 kWh/m2/day), Kwara (Oje, 5.97 kWh/m2/day), Sokoto (Kiso, 5.81 kWh/m2/day), Rivers (Chokocho, 4.76 kWh/m2/day), Lagos (Kwame, 4.50 kWh/m2/day), and Borno (Baje,5.51kWh/m2/day). Research gaps covered are: space constrains, poor power output, and CO2 emission etc. associated with MFPV, generator, and battery system. Therefore, different configurations of standalone systems of MFPV panel with generator and battery backup and the proposed BFPV module with battery backup were studied and compared for energy optimization to determine the most economically feasible system that conforms to less Carbon IV Oxide (CO2) emission and cost minimisation. The Net Present Cost (NPC) and total CO2 generated were used as indices for measuring the optimization level of each energy configuration, and the option with the highest optimal value was considered to be the best energy solution for telecom base station. Results obtained shows that the installation cost of the MFPV panel, Battery, and the generator is N1, 288,000.00/Wp and the total yearly cost is N483, 200.00/Wp/Yr. The used energy cost is N4, 597,964,800.00/kWh which is the Levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The net present value of the project is –N7, 731,200.00 and the return on investment is -750.3%. On the other hand, the LCOE for installing BFPV panel system is N95,184.64.00/kWh. The net present value of the project is N266, 895,136 and the return on investment is 55191.3%. This shows that the adoption of BFPV panel installation at TBs is profitable. This result is a validation of the objective of this research. Environmentally, CO2 emission in using BFPV systemen is 0.25tons/W while that of installing MFPV system is 102tons/W. Consequently, there is a reduction of CO2 emission (101. 75) by adopting the BFPV system.Item Open Access Design and modelling of smart home technologies for the aged persons(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2021-07) Okorafor, Godfrey NwajiSmart home technology for the aged persons here is a wireless sensor-based home system that provide the aged persons a safe, sound and secure home environment, while enabling them to live independently in their own homes as long as possible. The aged persons here are that population within the ages of 65 years and above. Nowadays, the rapid increase in the number of aged persons, including those with disabilities, the decrease in the number of family care-givers as a result of youths` migration to cities in search of white-collar jobs, and inability of government to provide adequate infrastructural needs to these aged persons has resulted in a miss-match on the caring facilities in Nigeria. These have contributed to the problem of these aged persons, since neither families nor government are able to meet their needs, especially in Africa due to high level of mass poverty, illiteracy and corruption in governance. Therefore, the task of this proposed system here is to design and model a voice activated home control system that will utilize the natural voice of the aged home occupants, to provide a more convenient, easier to install and use, user friendly home technologies for the aged persons. This will enable them maneuver assistive wheelchair, and manage home appliances through voice commands. This assistive wheelchair developed is embedded with collision detection and avoidance. The tools used to realize this proposed system are; The Personal Computer (PC), HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and Voice Recognition (VR) module in a PC used for voice processing and recognition, Microphone for voice signal acquisition, C-language with the help of C# for coding. Bluetooth and Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers wirelessly link the input module to the controller module (microcontroller) which selects the appliances/assistive device to be controlled according to the input voice command. Proteus Virtual System Modelling (VSM) was used for developing smart home technology system schematic model and carried out the animated simulation to validate the system`s performance within the home. The designed system was tested on Dead Home (a home with closed curtains, carpet, an air-conditioner, and other leaving home appliances switched off) and Live Home (a home with opened curtains, carpet, an air-conditioner, television, and other leaving home appliances, switched on, and with background music or noise from a stereo people) conditions, and the effective result was 92.93% for dead home and 75.85% for live home respectively. This showed that the realized system controlled the devices with voice, though, the level of this system response is higher in dead home than in a live home, hence, the level of the system performance is lower in a noisy environment.Item Open Access Detection and prevention of amorphous cyber-attacks in process control networks of oil and gas installations(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2023-09) Obonna, Ugochukwu OnyekachiAmorphous cyber-attacks in process control networks (PCN) of oil and gas installations have posed a major cyber security challenge to the industry, due to the consistent deployment of unpredictable dynamic attack strategies by the attackers, which has made it difficult to predict their next attack modes. The aim of this dissertation is to monitor, detect, prevent and mitigate the effect of these malicious attacks on PCN. To achieve this, standard engineering structured methods, tools and techniques were applied by developing and analyzing mathematical models of the attacks, designing secured, centralized and distributed process control network architecture, designing a defense system capable of detecting false data injection attacks. The engineering materials, principles and concepts applied in the simulation, testing and validation of the developed models include: top-down structural approach, block diagrams, Machine learning algorithms, Deep learning toolkits, structured programming languages and simulation packages, such as: Python 3.0 Libraries, MATLAB, Allen Bradley PLC RSLogix 5000 emulator software, flowcharts and algorithmic representations of normal as well as compromised plant operations. Modelling and simulation of a 3-phase separator under attack was used to showcase attacks on PCN, predictions and forecasting using different machine learning algorithms. Real-time 68,722 SCADA dataset used in this research helped to overcome some of the shortfalls of previous researchers who used identical and repeated datasets that affected the learning ability of their algorithms and their final outcome. Several other machine learning algorithms and analytical tools were explored using the same dataset, but the Coarse Tree algorithm produced the best results with 100% accuracy, zero False Alarm Rate, one million observations per second prediction speed and 0.45488 seconds computation time. The results obtained showed the quality and precision of attack detections, hence the model’s robust performance in detecting network intrusions. The various units and system's tests conducted showed highly improved results of about 95% comparatively with previous industry research results, thereby confirming the probability of useful contributions made in ameliorating theft in Oil and Gas sector of the economy. The successful integration of the developed models to the developed PCN architecture, shows that the cyber-attacks vulnerabilities on Oil and Gas infrastructures could be detected, prevented and reduced to barest minimum, thereby preventing production downtime, with adverse impact on the economy of the country, in general.Item Open Access Characterization of multiple log-periodic array antennas for surveillance systems using a novel array-factor(Federal University of Technlogy, Owerri, 2023-11) Okoye, Arinze ChristianThis research endeavors to comprehensively characterize Multiple Log-Periodic Array (MLPA) antennas, specifically in the context of surveillance systems, using a novel array factor. This array factor streamlines the numerical characterization of MLPA antennas, regardless of the number of elements involved. The study employs a rigorous analytical approach, incorporating the Magnetic Vector Potential (MVP) model and pattern multiplication approach through a top-down methodology. The MVP model was chosen for its auxiliary function, which greatly simplifies the analytical processes. In practical terms, experimental Multiple Log Periodic Array antennas were designed and evaluated for this study. The parameters of these antennas were numerically assessed in the far field using the newly developed Array Factor. MatLab R2010a software played a pivotal role in simulating various parameters of the Multiple Log-Periodic Array antennas, including Array Antenna patterns, Electric/Magnetic fields, Average Poynting Vector, Radiation Intensity, Radiated Power, Directivity, and Directive Gain. The results demonstrated that the array antennas had a Directivity/Gain of 15.68dB or 45.68dBm, at the operating frequency range of 1.350GHz to 2.690GHz. The collective array patterns generated by the MLPA antennas were in line with expectations, relying on the corresponding field of single element. Multiple Log-Periodic Array antennas expanded the function of Single Log-Periodic Array (SLPA) antennas by significantly enhancing radiation gain and signal coverage. Thus, the novel Array Factor accelerates the process of characterizing array antenna parameters, thereby alleviating the bottleneck in computing antenna losses. This marks a significant advancement in the field of antenna technology.Item Open Access Utilization of musa paradisiaca leaf extract-based inhibitor for corrosion protection of carbon steel in 3.5% Nacl(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, 2025-05) Idema, Osuani FynefaceThe utilization of musa paradisiaca leaves (MPL) extract-based inhibitor on carbon steel protection in marine environment has been studied using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gravimetric method (GM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Contact angle measurement (Ө), potentiondynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Firstly, the GCMS analysis showed the presence of compounds with heteroatoms in the MPL inhibitor. Likewise, the FT-IR analysis showed the presence of polar functional groups. The GM showed MPL extract-based inhibitor having optimum inhibition efficiency of 91% at a concentration of 100g/L and immersion time of 120 hours which led to a decrease in corrosion rate from 0.8817 mm/y to 0.0823 mm/y. Also, the weight loss experienced by the test specimen decreased from 0.0986g to 0.0091g. AFM morphology revealed thin film adhesion showing firm adsorption of Langmuir films on the metal/inhibitor interface, with root mean square roughness values for uninhibited and inhibited substrates 71.2722Rq and 33.6773Rq respectively. Likewise, contact angle measurement showed high contact angle of 152.42●with a hydrophobic metal/inhibitor interface for inhibited substrate hence not prone to corrosive species and low contact angle of 76.20● for the uninhibited substrate with hydrophilic surface which is prone to invasive corrosive species. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) via Tafel plots showed a cathodic slope capable of controlling both activation (oxidation) and diffusion (oxygen reduction) reactions. Also EIS via Nyquist, Bode plots and Phase angle showing high polarization resistance thereby reducing corrosion rate. Further, Density functional theory (DFT) analysis correlated the results by affirming the contributions of the isolated compounds of the MPL inhibitor molecule to the inhibition efficiency of 91%. In addition, MD results showed planer orientation of MPL inhibitor molecules over the surface of the substrate as such enhancing larger surface coverage, hence better inhibition effectiveness. Also, the high adsorption energy of -184.954cal/kJ is indicative of chemisorption. Radial distribution function (RDF) showed presence of short bond lengths of between 2.97-3.49 atom thick, confirming the presence of strong covalent bonding. Test of adsorption isotherms reveal conformance of the Langmuir modelItem Open Access Environmental air pollutants as risk factors in the occurrence of respiratory conditions in some selected LGAs of Bayelsa State Senatorial Zones(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-05) Ekiyor, Christopher PeresAmbient (outdoor) air pollution is a major cause of disease and death globally. Poor ambient air quality occurs when pollutants reach high enough concentrations to affect human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to air pollution reduces life expectancy, as an after effect of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer which is associated with exposure to air pollution. The present study was primarily aimed at establishing the level of risk of respiratory conditions that are contributed by the various environmental air pollutants which affect the residents of Bayelsa State. The study was designed as a population-based survey study performed in Bayelsa State Nigeria. The study involved measurement of some targeted air pollutants and their ambient concentrations which were compared with the WHO‘s permissible standards and the Federal Ministry of Environment recommended limit. In addition, a questionnaire was used to assess 428 adult residents of Bayelsa State on the level of knowledge of the respondents about respiratory conditions, specifically on causes, prevention and control. The respondents were recruited from several communities across different local government areas in two senatorial zones in the State representing (Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West). The two zones were purposively selected to represent the two types of environments in Bayelsa State (fresh water and salt water activities). Further, purposive sampling technique was also used to purposively select LGAs the fall within the fresh water and salt water activities in each of the two study zones. The mean ambient air quality level of the study area was compared with the WHO permissible limit and also with Ministry of Environment recommended standard for each pollutant using t-test method. Also, t-test was used to compare the mean ambient air quality level between Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central while ANOVA test was used to compare the mean ambient air quality level across the study LGAs, The respiratory condition of the study participants was measured using PEFR and the outcome was classified as normal or poor respiratory conditions. The relationship between exposure to air pollutants and respiratory conditions were assessed in a logistic regression method. The result shows that the knowledge was high on some of the common respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough (93.3%), wheezing (92.8%) and Fatigue and weakness (72.7%). Just 53.7% (230 out of 428), showed good knowledge of respiratory conditions rom ambient air pollutants within their environment. The mean ambient level was high and exceeded WHO and FMOEnv permissible limit for all the pollutants SO2 (78.53 ± 22.32 μg/m3), NO2, (62.59 ± 17.78), C0 (8.47 ± 4.66), NH (0.37 ± 0.23), PM 2.5 (51.58 ± 17.17) and PM 10 (170.19 ± 44.42).Southern Ijaw contained the highest level of SO2 and NH (0.94μg/m3), The NO2 was found highest in Yenagoa (152.1 μg/m3), while CO also high in Ekeremor LGA (23.4μg/m3). The average PEFR was 451.6 ± 77.6 l/min for the study group. The mean PEFR was significantly lower in Bayelsa West (429.8 ± 73.4 l/min) than in Bayelsa Central (473.3 ± 87.5 l/min) (p < 0.0001). Common respiratory symptoms in the area were wheezing (25.7%), pneumonia (18.1%), 54 (11.6% for asthma (11.6%), COPD (11%), bronchitis (5.1%) and others. Association was found between exposure to air pollution and poor respiratory conditions (P <0.000). The study concluded that the study area is well polluted and required urgent attention to enforcement of protective measures against ambient air pollutants.Item Open Access Isolation, characterization and radical-scavenging potentials of bioactive components of combretum dolichopentalum leaves(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-04) Ujowundu, Favour NtiteThe present study isolated, identified and characterized the bioactive components of Combretum dolichopentalum leaves and determined the antioxidant potentials of the extracts of the leaves on some biochemical and physiological parameters. Biochemical methods such as ion exchange chromatography, column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), spectrophotometric analyses, atomic absorption spectrometry and Fourier transform infra red (IR) were used. Preliminary phytochemical analyses showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, oxalate and phytate. Further screening show the presence of flavonoids: kaempferol, luteolin, isorhamnetin and apigenin; alkaloids: akuamidine, undulantine, powelline and their hydroxylated compounds, voacangine and buphranidine; saponins: hicogenin, sapogenin, tribuloin and tannic acids. The use of GC-MS aided the identification of organic acids: (heptedecanoic acid), organic esters (ethyl octadecanoate), ketones (6,10-dimethyl-2- undecanone), alcohols (3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol) and phenol derivatives (Phenol-2,6-bis (1,1-dimethyl)-4 -methyl, methyl carbamate). Also, the eluates obtained from column and thin layer chromatography were analysed with IR and phenol-2,6-bis (1,1- dimethyl)-4-methyl, methyl carbamate, nitrocyclohexane, fluorodecane and others were identified. Proximate analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, E and B-vitamins. Amino acid profile using the technicon sequential multi-sample amino acid analyser (TSM) showed the presence of essential and non essential amino acids. The effects of isolates such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins were determined for in vitro hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability. The effects of the extract in comparison with a standard drug (silymarin) on animal organ/tissue functions and on serum concentrations of electrolytes, beneficial transition minerals, lipids, antioxidants and markers of lipid peroxidation were determined. The effects of the crude extract in comparison with standard plant antioxidant (quercetin) and butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT), for in vitro scavenging potentials showed dose dependent scavenging potentials on nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical, H2O2 induced lipid peroxidation and reducing power. Intoxication with CCl4 after pre-treatment with the ethanol extract and crude flavonoid, saponin, alkaloid and tannin fractions indicated hepatoprotective and antinephrotoxic potentials except saponins isolate which showed a significant (P˂0.05) adverse effect as indicated by some biochemical and physiological parameters. Flavonoid and alkaloid extracts are the major fractions that elicited biochemical and physiological benefits in CCl4 intoxication. The in vitro and in vivo radical scavenging properties of extracts of C. dolichopentalum make a promising drug with strong antioxidant potentials and inhibitory against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi.The present study isolated and characterized the phytochemicals in C. dolichopentalum leaves which could be further exploited for the treatment of oxidative stress and microbial induced disorders and diseases especially in lightItem Open Access Effects of some indigenous plant extracts on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in male wistar rats(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2017-11) Ukairo, Doris IfeyinwaPlant-derived drugs and antioxidants are widely used in the management of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Methanol extracts of raw (R) and cooked (C) samples of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (SS), Chromolaena odorata (CO), Buccholzia coriacea (BC) and Monodora myristica (MM), at doses of 250 mg and 500 mg per kilogram body weight of male Wistar rats were evaluated for their effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. One hundred and sixty (160) rats (155 ± 20 g) were distributed into twenty groups of eight rats each; representing normal control, olive oil control, negative control, positive control (silymarin) and various groups treated with raw and cooked extracts of the samples at the stated doses (RSS250, RSS500, CSS250, CSS500, RCO250, CCO250, etc.). The extract-treated groups were pre-treated with their respective extracts twice a week for four weeks before the introduction of toxicant. All the groups except normal and olive oil controls were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg of CCl4/olive oil (1:1 v/v) mixture twice a week for four weeks with continued extract-treatment. Liver and kidney damage were assessed using various biochemical parameters, such as the enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phospatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as bilirubin, urea, creatinine, electrolytes and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. In addition, CCl4-induced pathological changes were evaluated by histopathological studies and the expression of collagen as evidence of induced fibrosis confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Treatment with methanol extracts of SS, BC and MM especially at low concentrations significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated the effects of CCl4 intoxication by reducing hepatic enzymes and LDH activities and as well increased other parameters. The effects of the extracts were attributed to the phytochemical compositions of the plants. The findings provided evidence to show that methanol extracts of SS, BC and MM at low concentrations possessed antifibrotic and hepatoprotective properties against CCl4-induced liver injury in male Wistar rats through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.Item Open Access Physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber filled with treated groundnut shell powder for shoe sole production(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-03) Ayo, Mark DadaPhysico-Mechanical properties of natural rubber filled with chemically modified groundnut shells were studied. Natural rubber composites were prepared using modified fillers at varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Solution and acetylating solutions respectively. The processing conditions, mechanical properties and sorption characteristics of these composites were analyzed. The cure characteristics of the compounded rubber were determined using Mosanto Rheometer (model MDR - 2000). The maximum torque and crosslinking density increases with increase in concentration of the mercerizing and acetylating agent. The fibre reinforcing efficiency of the chemically treated composites were compared with that of the untreated composite. Composites containing chemically treated fillers were found to posses improved tensile properties(from 18.30 to 31.50MPa for acetylated composites and 18.30 -28.00MPa for mercerized fillers), hardness (48 to 65 IRHD for acetylated filler and 48 to 58 for mercerized fillers) and abrasion resistance (from 31.55 t0 42.50% for acetylated filler and 31.5 to 39.30 for mercerized filler). These properties increases with increase in mercerizing and acetylating agent up to 20% concentration and starts decreasing. At higher concentration, the fibre is destroyed hence reduction in properties. These results were in agreement with empirical analysis. The sorption properties of the composite also decrease with the concentration of the mercerizing and acetylating agent. The improved properties observed were as a result of the increase in affinity between the rubber matrix and the chemically treated groundnut shell fillers. From this research work, it is recommended that chemically treated groundnut shell powder, particularly at 20% concentration can be employed for articles such as shoe soles, footmats and hoses that require less stress during service life.Item Open Access Production and characterisation of biodegradable biofilm from plantain peel, eggshell and cassava starch(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2025-01) Okeyahweh, Chinyere SimchaBiodegradable films are made from natural polymeric materials such as starch, vegetable oil, cellulose, lignin, and also materials derived from animals such as proteins and lipids. They are easily degraded by microbes, and the degradation process does not take a long time. The present study investigated the use of ripe plantain peels as a source material for producing biodegradable biofilms; using powdered ripe plantain peels, eggshell powder, acetic acid – vinegar - and cassava starch produced in the study. The biofilms synthesized were plantain peel-based biodegradable biofilms: P-BF, and non-plantain peel biofilm: N-BF, which served as control. The synthesized biofilms were characterized using FTIR, GC-MS, morphology test, water absorption property, biodegradation test, solubility test and swelling test and mechanical test; ultimate tensile test, flexural, hardness test, % elongation and thermo gravimetric analysis. The results of the FTIR analysis of the P-BF and N-BF showed 8 functional groups: ether, ethene, amine, carboxylic acid, nitriles, methylene, cyclic ester, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols common to hydrocarbons. The results of the biodegradability test showed that both P-BF and NBF biofilms degraded completely on the 12th day. The results of the thermo gravimetric analysis showed that the P-BF biofilm decomposed at the temperature of 29.920C-500°C leaving 44.19% residue and compared to the N-BF biofilm which decomposed at the temperature of 22.170C - 500°C leaving 11.9% residue. This implies that, P-BF matrices, started degrading at 130 °C, while N-PF fibers start degrading at 139 °C. Therefore, the processing temperature for ripe plantain peels was set to below 137 °C to avoid unwanted degradation of the material. Furthermore, the results of the mechanical tests for P-BF showed ultimate tensile test, flexural test, hardness test, and % elongation; 2.87±0.02 Nmm^2, 0.41±0.01 Nmm^2, 22.00±1.78 Nmm^2 and 6.29±0.01 Nmm^2 respectively. while, the result of the mechanical test of N-BF showed ultimate tensile test, flexural test, hardness test and % elongation; 5.45±0.02 Nmm^2, 0.41±0.01 Nmm^2, 49.00±1.78 Nmm^2 and 13.85±0.03 Nmm^2 respectively. The solubility test of P-BF showed partial solubility in acetone, sulfuric acid and ethyl alcohol while the N-BF were completely insoluble in ethyl alcohol but partially soluble in sulfuric acid and acetone. The result showed that the biofilm was not completely soluble. The results of the swelling test for P-BF showed a mean of 0.04±0.00 when soaked in chloroform; and N-BF; 0.02±0.00. When soaked in methanol, P-BF showed a mean of 0.10±0.00 while N-BF showed a mean of 0.10± 0.01.The water absorption analysis showed that P-BF had 31% engorgement while N-PF had 46 % engorgement. The P-BF have high affinity for water due to the hydrophilic nature of the cellulosic fibers in the plantain peel as well as the water absorbing property of glycerol. The biodegradability test showed the plantain based biofilm degraded completely with no toxic effect on the soil implying that the biomass may serve as a potential material for production of an ecofriendly biofilm with good mechanical properties. The study showed that biodegradable biofilms can be synthesized from plantain peel at 3 % plantain peel, 1 % acetic acid, 3 % cassava starch, 1 % eggshell and 3 % glycerol. In conclusion, the study reported that powdered plantain peel-based biofilm with good mechanical properties can be produced.Item Open Access Impacts of anthropogenic activities on soil and water quality of Kolo-Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-11) Ajayi, OlumideThis study evaluates the impact of anthropogenic activities on soil and water resources in Kolo Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Hydrocarbon exploration, illegal refining, and waste disposal have significantly disrupted environmental balance, necessitating site-specific assessments and pollution evaluation for effective mitigation. Soil, surface water, and groundwater samples were collected from ten georeferenced locations, with groundwater extracted from six meters’ depth. Heavy metals (Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) were measured via gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Geotechnical properties (Atterberg limits, porosity, permeability) were assessed per ASTM (1975) and British Standards (BS 1377). Results indicate that apart from low pH (acidic conditions), most surface and groundwater parameters comply with WHO drinking water standards, except Fe²⁺ (125.82 mg/L), Hg²⁺ (1.05 mg/L), TPH, PAH, and BTEX, which exceed permissible limits. Multivariate statistical analysis identified six (6) principal components, while hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed two distinct pollution sources. Correlation analysis confirmed strong interrelations among contaminants, implying a common pollution origin for soil, surface water, and groundwater. Contamination factor analysis classifies Fe²⁺ (9.1) as highly contaminated in surface water, while Ca²⁺ (2.88) and Fe²⁺ (125.82) in groundwater indicate moderate to extreme contamination. Water quality index (WQI) results confirm that 100% of water samples are unfit for drinking, irrigation, or industrial use. Additionally, pollution index of groundwater (PIG >2.5) suggests severe contamination. However, irrigation suitability tests indicate that surface water meets agricultural standards based on Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) values. Heavy metal contamination in soil, particularly Fe²⁺ (18.97), Al³⁺ (1.02), Hg²⁺ (1.05), and Cd²⁺ (1.28), poses significant environmental risks. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) classifies soil as moderately polluted by Cd²⁺ and heavily polluted by Fe²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Furthermore, carcinogenic risk (CR) assessment shows that average CR values exceed 10⁻⁶ (>10⁻⁶) for both adults and children, indicating a potential cancer risk. Alarmingly, children face a threefold higher cancer risk than adults. Hydrocarbon contamination has altered soil geotechnical properties, evidenced by lower permeability and plasticity index (5–9%), classifying it as low-plastic, partially cohesive silt. However, this modification suggests that affected soils could be reused for engineering applications.