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Item Open Access A transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler for preservation of fruits and vegetables(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Paul-Okore, Rosemary OluchiPost harvest loss is a major factor affecting commercial farming. Efforts to reduce it using the conventional cooling systems have not been successful to cost and unavailability of grid connected electricity. Evaporative cooling is a promising alternative but this work is required to improve on its overall performance. To do this, the transient performance under different climatic conditions is required for better understanding and possible system components optimization. This work therefore presents the transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler carried out using a mathematical model developed from first principle. The model is based on an energy balance and mass transfer analysis on different parts of the evaporative cooler. The developed model was solved using FlexPDE computational fluid dynamics analyser based on the finite element numerical approach. The numerical solution was validated using experimental data. Results obtained showed that the model very closely predicted the actual system performance with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.205. In general it was observed that the evaporative cooler maintained a significantly lower storage temperature (20.9 – 24 )OC compared to the ambient temperature (27 – 33)OC for all climatic seasons of the year with the best performance recorded during the late dry season (January). Temperature difference between ambient and storage space during the hot periods of the day was in the range of 3 – 9 OC. Thus, the evaporative cooler has good potentials for all year round reduction of post harvest losses and the developed model is a good tool for the evaporative cooler performance optimization.Item Open Access Controllability of impulsive differential systems with perturbation(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-11) Akagha, Godson ChukwuThis study is on controllability of impulsive differential systems with perturbation. This work tries to assess the various phenomena and specific properties of impulsive equations, especially problems related to (i) controllability of the solution after perturbation on the impulsive moments (ii) stability to solution of differential equation with impulsive effects (iii) modelling and investigating the properties of dynamic systems with impulsive effects which sharply changes its states from ݔ to a desired state ݔଵ . It was observed that the admissible control ݑ)ݐ (adopted in this work is appropriate and rightly tailored to transform a given system from an initial state to a final state and at finite time. However, inadequacies are apparent especially control of impulsive differential system with perturbation clearly shows that their solutions have different behaviours from the solution of non-impulsive control differential system with perturbation. This inadequacies have led to the emergence of application of the admissible control ݑ)ݐ (so as to achieve the desired result. Moreover, recommendations were made because of the dynamic nature of the system. However, we recommend that the work is open for further research especially to find out in particular whether controllability of impulsive system with perturbation will be naturally controllable (i.e. for non-autonomous impulsive optimal control system). Another area of further research may include impulsive differential system with variable moment of impulses.Item Open Access In-school sex education and sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among adolescents in Owerri North LGA, Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2022-02) Amadi, Ugochinyere DominicaThis study investigates sex education and sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among in-school adolescents in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Sexual health education plays a vital role in shaping adolescents' understanding and behaviours towards sex. In Owerri North Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria, the effectiveness of in-school sex education has been insufficiently studied. This research aims to evaluate adolescents’ sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours in the region. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 386 adolescents aged 10-19 years from public, private, and mission-owned secondary schools. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to assess sexual health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Results showed that 206(53.4%) of adolescents correctly identified that condoms could help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while 189(49.0%) held misconceptions about the curability of genital warts and herpes. Additionally, 200(52%) of respondents reported engaging in sexual activity, with 86(22.3%) having 4 or more partners in the past 12 months. Despite moderate levels of knowledge, significant gaps persisted in areas such as contraceptive use and STI prevention. Statistical analyses using the Friedman test and chi-square tests revealed no significant differences in knowledge levels based on demographic factors, though gender differences were marginally significant in some attitudes, such as the importance of open communication about sex (p = 0.008). In conclusion, to address knowledge gaps and promote healthier sexual behaviours, the study recommends enhancing comprehensive sex education programs, improving parental involvement, and providing greater access to youth friendly sexual health services.Item Open Access Phytochemistry and antisickling effects of leaf and stem extracts of costus afer(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Amaefula, Blessing EzinneThe antisickling effect of the stem and leaf extracts of Costus afer was investigated to determine and certain effects. This work was approached by partitioning the extracts of Costus afer stem and leaf into fat-soluble (SFSF and LFSF), ethanol-soluble fraction (SESF and LESF), and methanol-soluble fraction (SMSF and LMSF). The activities of these extracts were compared with the activities of other nutrients which have been approved and documented.The phytochemical screening was qualitatively and quantitatively determined using standard GC-MS methods. The result shows the presence of twenty (20) different phytochemicals with a wide range of functions. The most abundant phytochemical in the samples is Isolupanine with the values; 31.380 µg/ml in leaf and 29.396 µg/ml in the stem. The amino acid profiles of the extracts revealed the presence of Phenylalanine, arginine, lysine, serine, glutamic acid, methionine, and others. Glutamic acid has the highest concentration with the following values; 10.14g/100g protein and 11.65g/100g protein in leaf and stem extracts respectively. The Haemoglobin polymerization inhibition and the relative percent inhibitions were estimated. The leaf methanol soluble (LMSF) has the highest percent inhibition of 81.90 ± 0.00g on HbSS polymerization. While the lowest percent inhibition on polymerization of 22.78 ± 0.00b was observed in SFSF. Amongst all the fractions of the samples, LESF was able to exhibit the highest percent improvement in the Fe2+/Fe3+ , 282.94 ± 0.00g . The total free amino acid values range from 432.55 ± 2.05a mg/50g in the LMSF to 1,188.00 ±2.20e mg/50g in the LFSF. The total vitamin C concentration of the samples expressed in mg/1 is; 297.59 ± 33.26 in the stem and 566.15± 87.10 for the leaf. Based on the free amino acid, the vitamin C concentrations, the inhibition of HbSS polymerization, and the improvement in the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, the leaf and stem extracts would undoubtedly provide adequate nutritional and antisickling efficacy required for the management of sickle cell disease.Item Open Access Occupational stress and hypertension among health professionals in Owerri, Imo State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Amams, Amarachi JenniferStress among health professionals is relatively common, and seemingly, this is a worldwide problem. Although prevalent, it is a major risk factor of hypertension. The main aim of this study is to determine the association between occupational stress and hypertension among health care professionals in Owerri, Imo State. The descriptive cross sectional study was carried out between November and December 2021 among health care professionals in Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Medical Centre, Federal University of Technology Owerri Medical Centre, Alvan Ikoku Federal. College of Education Medical Centre, and Holy Rosary Hospital Emekuku. Multistage, Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the 400 health care professionals who participated in the study. A pretested well structured questionnaire, a motech digital sphygmomanometer and a standard stress measuring scale (PSS) were used for data collection. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used to analyse the data. Hypothesis were tested using chi-square test and p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results indicated higher prevalence of stress (35%) than hypertension (15%). Females had same hypertension rate as males (15%). Age group 36-45 had higher hypertension rate (22.9%) than age group <25 with 0% hypertension rate. Lab. Technicians were more hypertensive (20%) than Lab. Scientist who had the least (3.3%) . PhD as highest level of education accounted for (16.7%) while Masters accounted for (13.6%). Highest rate of hypertension was recorded among the married respondents (17.3%). Those who had family history of hypertension had higher hypertension rate (18.8%) than those with no family history of hypertension who had (9.6%). Although the findings showed that there is no direct association between occupational stress and hypertension, there is still need to educate the health care professionals on the stress coping strategies and the risk factors of hypertension to reduce to the barest minimum the occurrences.Item Open Access Lipid, heavy metal and pesticide contents of free range cattle slaughtered at Obinze Abattoir, Imo State, Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-01) Amini, Ifukikaloawaji GeorgeThis study aimed at determining the lipid, heavy metal and pesticide contents in commonly consumed cattle meat parts obtained from Obinze Abattoir, Imo State, Nigeria. Cholesterol, fatty acid profile, heavy metals and pesticide concentrations were determined in cattle meat to evaluate the nutrient compositions and safety of regular consumption of these products. Nutrient composition was determined using standard methods. Pesticide and heavy metal levels were measured by gas chromatography (GC) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), respectively. Forty-five samples comprising 15 each of torso, skin, stomach, lean meat and intestine were collected and analysed. The result of the cholesterol estimation showed that there were significant differences (p< 0.05) in cholesterol content between torso, stomach, skin and lean meat. Cholesterol content was found to be highest in the torso meat (115.2±6.48 mg/kg), followed by lean meat (94.7±2.27 mg/kg) and skin (79.3 ± 6.30 mg/kg) and lowest in the intestine (74.9 ± 2.33 mg/kg) and stomach (67.76 ± 5.69 mg/kg). The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was higher than saturated fatty acids (SFA) in all meat parts which indicates that these meat parts have less risk hazard to human health. Oleic acid was the only monounsaturated fatty acid recorded in this study with highest concentration in torso (21.59± 6.13 mg/kg). Results of the heavy metal analysis obtained shows mean concentrations ranging from Mn (0.178±0.020 – 0.348±0.025 mg/kg), As (0.004±0.002 – 0.037±0.001 mg/kg), Cu (0.042±0.029 – 0.385±0.009 mg/kg), Fe (0.333±0.113 – 1.510±0.042 mg/kg), Zn (0.173±0.007 – 0.406±0.086 mg/kg), Ni (0.035±0.016 – 0.154±0.028 mg/kg), Cr (0.314±0.067 – 0.734±0.234 mg/kg), Pb (0.021±0.002 – 0.089±0.009 mg/kg), Co (0.021±0.004 – 0.049±0.010 mg/kg), and Cd (0.019±0.003 – 0.092±0.002 mg/kg). These were below the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization maximum permissible limits for heavy metals except for Fe, Cr and As. Pesticides analysis showed that 16 pesticides were detected across sample: DDT and its metabolites (pʹpʹ-DDE and pʹpʹ-DDD), chlordanes (gamma-chlordane and trans-nonachlor), heptachlor, lindane, endosulfan, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), biphenyl, dichlorobiphenyl and 4-4 bipyridinium dichloride, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos and emamectin. No statistical differences at p<0.05 were observed for most pesticides detected. Heptachlor was the most abundant pesticide with the highest concentration recorded in the skin (2.16 ± 1.88 mg/kg), followed by torso (1.58 ± 1.38 mg/kg). Comparing with residue limits set by FAO/WHO and European Union, residual concentrations of heptachlor, lindane, HCB, biphenyl and chlorpyrifos recorded levels exceeding the maximum residue limits. This study revealed that there may be some benefits to human health not only in terms of essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids, but also polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexanoic acids. However, it also highlighted the potential risk associated with the presence of heavy metal and pesticides above tolerable limits, which significantly diminished the nutritional advantages consumers may otherwise derive from the consumption of these meats.Item Open Access Impact of petroleum effluent from jetty sites on physicochemical properties and microbial profile of an agricuItural soil(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-08) Ani, Eberechukwu AdlinePetroleum effluents from oil producing companies have negatively affected all spheres of live including agricultural soil. In the study, soil samples were with 10%, 50% and 100% of the petroleum effluents from Onne, Nembe and Escravos. Soil physicochemical properties, soil stress marker enzymes, soil bacteria populations, emulsification properties of bacterial isolates and their molecular properties and spectro photometric assessment of their emulsion were studied using standard methods. Effluents from Onne,Nembe and Escravos polluted soils showed pH of 4.24, 5.87 and 6.3 respectively and pH>as the concentration of the effluent increased from 10-100 %. The control experiment maintained a pH of 7.6 throughout the study period. Soil conductance (Ω-1cm-1) was > in the polluted soils with peak value recorded at 100% pollution of the effluents. P, Mg, K, Ca, and Mg (mg/g) were > as the petroleumeffluents % > in the contaminated soils. TPH were consistently > in all the polluted soil. The contents of TOC and TOM correlate with the TPH with Escravos effluents exhibiting the highest levels. Peroxidase, catalase, lipase, and urease in the experimented soil were significantly > except for day 0 of 10%effluent pollution, enzyme activity in the contaminated soil samples were consistently higher than that of the control tests. Pseudomonas and Klebsiella sp. strains were found to be persistent in the polluted soil, according to analyses of soil organisms. In all the polluted soil, the peak heterotrophic counts (CFU/g) of the organisms were observed on day 0 of 10% effluent pollution, and these counts gradually declined with time. Strains of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces and Klebsiella sp. showed the highest emulsification index at drop collapse and oil spread plate assay. Emulsification studies by crude cultures of the isolates from the contaminated soil showed that Klebsiella sp. gave the best emulsification activitywith 51.2, 56 and 48.9% emulsification index using coconut oil, kerosene, and crude oil respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa with accession code of NR_075116.1; Bacillus substilis with accession code of MN421487; Klebsiella aerogene with accession code of NR_102493.2 and Streptomyces roseiscleroticuswith accession number of NR_112381. FTIR spectrum showed bands of amide I band is split intothreecomponents at 2527.1, 2206.6 cm− 1 and 1785.4 cm− 1 while amide II band is observed at 14481.4cm−1. The CH deformation of the β-glycosidic bond is centered at 853.6 cm− 1 and 711.9 cm− 1 . The current study has demonstrated the existence of several recalcitrants in petroleum effluents from these jettysiteson agricultural soils in Nigeria and this gives further credence to the importance of treating petroleum effluents before discharge.Item Open Access Performance, economic benefit and litter quality in pens of broiler chickens produced on changing times of phase feeding(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Anyigor, Emeka AustinTwo hundred and twenty-four (224), day-old, Abor acre broiler chicks, divided into 7 groups of four replicates each on a weight equalization basis were used to determine the performance, economic benefit and litter quality in pens of broiler chickens produced on changing time of phase feeding regimes. The broiler chicken groups were randomly assigned to the following feeding regimes: T1 (control) starter (0 – 28 days), finisher (29 -42 days); T2 starter (0 -7 days), finisher (8 - 42 days); T3 starter (0 - 1 days), finisher (15 - 42 days); T4 starter (0 - 21 days), finisher (22 - 42 days); T5 starter (0 - 8 days), grower (9 - 22 days), finisher (23 - 42 days); T6 starter (0 - 10 days), grower (11 - 24 days), finisher (25 - 42 days); T7 starter (0 - 14 days), Grower (15 - 27 days), finisher (28 - 42 days) in a Completely Randomized Design experiment. The formulated starter, grower and finisher diets were determined for nutrient composition. Feed and water were offered ad - libitum in two trenches daily at 8.00 am and 4.00 pm. Recommended vaccination and medication schedules for commercial broiler chickens were followed. At the end of the 42-day study, the final body weight (FBW) and body weight gain (BWG), total feed intake (TFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), mortality were determined while nitrogen utilization was calculated using appropriate formulae. One bird closest to the mean weight was selected per replicate for carcass and internal organs weight determination. The moisture content, pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of the litter were determined in replicates. Data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance and mean differences were separated. Results of the study indicated that birds on T5 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight and body weight gain than T1 T3, T4 and T7, but not significantly (p>05) higher than those on T2 and T6. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed intake (FI) and FCR though those on T5 recorded numerically higher (3965.32 g) FI value and better (2.13) FCR value. Birds on T5 were more efficient (40.29.) in nitrogen efficiency utilization than others with higher retention (54.41 g), and lower intake (135.06 g) and excretion (80.65 g) values. Again, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in percentage carcass and internal organ weights across the treatment groups except for those birds on T1 that recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of breast muscle and wings than other groups. Also, T2 recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of gizzard weight than the control and other groups. The birds on T1 recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of liver weight than the other groups. Birds on T2, T3, T5, T6, and T7 recorded significantly (p>0.05) lower litter nitrogen content than T1 and T4. Also, birds on T1 and T2 recorded significantly (p>0.05) lower litter pH than T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7. The Phosphorus content of the litter was significantly (p>0.05) lower for birds on T1 and T2 than T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7. It could be concluded that a starter duration of not more than 10 days produced a better body weight, a better feed conversion ratio, improved feed intake, lower nitrogen content of litter, increased profitability, and improved litter environment while the phosphorus content of litter did not appear to be significantly influenced by the changing time of feeding starter regimes.Item Open Access Factors constraining effective project communication management for implementation of selected projects in rural areas of Bayelsa State(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-09) Aputu, John DanIneffective Project communication management is one of the major problems that hinder the successful implementation of development projects, especially in rural areas. This study, therefore, examined the Factors Constraining Effective Communication Project Implementation of Selected Projects in Rural Areas of Bayelsa State. The aim is to identify and analyze the communication management factors constraining development projects in rural areas of Bayelsa State. To realize the stated objectives of the study, research questions were stated, and hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The communication management factors that contributed to a high level of cost and time overrun witnessed, were identified. Based on the identified factors, questionnaires were designed and administered to hundred and forty-seven (147) respondents that participated in the planning and implementation of selected development projects. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and t-test technique. The correlation result shows a high level of relationship between communication management and development project implementation. The t-test results revealed that poverty and illiteracy contributed mostly to ineffective communication and constrained development project implementation. The level of poverty and illiteracy generated conflict and youth restiveness which negatively affected project success in Bayelsa State. The study therefore recommends improved formal education which will assist reduce illiteracy, conflict and youth restiveness that inhibits effective communication management, thus improving the level of success achieved in the implementation of development projects in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.Item Open Access Causes of construction delays and effects on construction projects delivery: A study of selected projects(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-12) Asiegbu, Chukwudi EnyinnayaThe major objective of this research work was to examine the causes of construction, projects delay and its effects on project delivery and that was to be accomplished by working at the following specific objectives: identifying the causes of delays in construction project delivery, ascertaining their effects on project delivery time project budgeted cost. To carry out the research work, a questionnaire was structured with the Likert-5-point scale and distributed to twenty-four respondents that were randomly picked. The respondents included Engrs, Architects, Surveyors, Builders, Projects Mangers, Clients, Contractors and others. The data collected was analyseby the help of the frequency Tables and percentage, while the hypothesis formulated for the study were analysed with the Multiple Regression Analysis in the SPSS software, version 23. The results and findings from the analysis showed that the major causes of delays,especially in Government owned projects are problems arising from funding, planning of the projects and their control. The study therefore concluded that clients, whether they are private or public ones, should endeavour to make funds available for project execution, so that project delivery would not be delayed.Item Open Access Hydrogeophysical and vulnerability index studies of parts of Umuahia, South-Eastern Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-09) Ibeneche, Wisdom IykeGroundwater potential, Contamination and vulnerability in urbanizing area are major concern and need attention. The present study involved the innovative methodology of integrating Electrical resistivity (Geophysical assessment) method using a Dar-Zarrouk parameterLongitudinal unit conductance S which is directly related to the aquifer protective capacity in vulnerability assessment and the use of DRSATIC model in characterization of the groundwater quality and vulnerability of the study area. The results of the interpreted electrical resistivity data helped to delineate the aquiferous horizons within the study area. The aquifer protective capacity (APC) rating obtained from second order parameter of the VES revealed the rating less than 0.1Mhos across the study area; indicating aquiferous zone with poor protective capacity to contamination migration. The DRASTIC model of vulnerability assessment of the study area provided further insight by helping to delineate areas with Low, moderate and high vulnerability. The result obtained, revealed that about 63% of the study area are moderately vulnerable to pollution contamination, 35% of the area are within the range of high vulnerability and only 2% falls within the range of low vulnerability. Moderate to high vulnerability tendency revealed in DRASTIC model index constituting about 98% of the study area is agreement with the result obtained from the longitudinal conductance values with the rating denoting poor aquifer overburden protective capacity across the study area.Item Open Access Relating plant morphological traits to uprooting resistance in erosion control: A case study in Nguzu-Edda, Ebonyi State(Federal University of Technology,Owerri., 2016-01) Nwite, Stanley AlohThe strength with which a plant resists uprooting in form of erosion is influenced by a number of morphological traits such as root form, the proportion of fine lateral roots, the stem basal diameter and the root biomass. However, it is unknown exactly what characteristics best promote plant stability. Few works have been done in this regard. This study relates plant morphological traits with resistance to uprooting by erosion. The case study selected for this research is the eroded land of Nguzu Edda in Ebonyi State, South Eastern-Nigeria where soils are subjected to harsh water erosion resulting in concentrated flows uprooting small plants. Several lateral uprooting tests were carried out to determine the uprooting forces for twelve plant species. In addition, measurements of above ground / underground traits of juvenile plants growing in the case study area were also carried out. Statistical analytical methods such as Analysis of Variance, Discriminant Analysis, Multiple range tests, multiple regressions were employed in the investigation. From results of analysis, plant maximum uprooting force ,FMAX, was found to have a linear positive relationship with stem basal diameter, D, for all the species. The twelve (12) species studied were classified into two resistance groups based on their resistance to uprooting. The resistance group consisting of plant species such as Oxytenthera abyssinica(bamboo), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Milicia excelsa(African Teak) associated with high values of root slenderness ratio (21.43, 71.5,72.0), relative root volume {0.62,0.5,0.22}cm3 /cm, relative root dry weight {0.36,0.28,0.11} g/cm, percentage tap root dry weight{0.15,0.50,0.88}, root density{0.58,0.56,0.50}g/cm3 ;low values of specific root length {3.38, 3.59 ,3.04}cm/g and low values of percentage fine root{45.5,36.0,42.0}% were most suitable as they yielded high resistance to uprooting. The relationship between plant resistance to uprooting and morphological traits were found to be non linear in nature for both resistance groups irrespective of growth form. Hence, it is recommended that those plant species with high resistance to uprooting are suitable for use in erosion mitigation, flood control and land reclamation. Also hybrids and clones of plants with desirable traits of high values of root slenderness ratio, relative root dry weight, percentage tap root dry weight, root density and low values of specific root length and percentage fine roots are suitable for breeding as vegetation to mitigate erosion, control flood and reclaim land. The findings of this research will be beneficial to those using vegetation to mitigate erosion and control flood.Item Open Access Determination of critical design parameters of rectangular plates under uniformly distributed lateral load(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-06) Ilesanmi, AdewaleThis study investigated the critical design parameters of classical rectangular plates under uniformly distributed lateral load. The study used Kirchhoff’s hypotheses on total strain energy, work energy principle, kinematics, stress deflection relationship, and constitutive relationship to derive the third-order total potential energy functional for an isotropic rectangular thin plate with small deflection. External work was substituted into the third-order total potential energy functional, and the general equation of a classical rectangular plate under pure bending was obtained. The plate general equation was minimized with respect to deflection to obtain the equilibrium of forces governing equation of thin rectangular plates. The resistant forces were solved with Split-deflection approach and the solution gave the general polynomial deflection equation. Satisfying the boundary conditions of the plate with respect to the general polynomial deflection equation gave the peculiar deflection equation. The general polynomial deflection equation was simplified and substituted into the plate governing equation to obtain the amplitude of the deflection function. A close integral was performed on the shape function for various boundary conditions with respect to the general stiffness equation, which gave the peculiar stiffness and non-dimensional deflection coefficients of a plate with varying aspect ratios ranging from (0.1 ≤ α ≤ 2.0) with 0.1 intervals. The plate boundary conditions considered in this work are SSSS, CCCC, CSCS, CCSS, CSSS and CCCS (where S stands for simply supported edge and C stands for clamped edge). Limit state conditions, such as ultimate limit state of stress and serviceability limit state of deflection were satisfied and the critical design parameters for thickness (tc) and lateral imposed load (qic) were obtained. Numerical examples were performed with the critical design equations, and results were presented for critical design thickness suitable to withstand a given set of loads and critical design-imposed loads a given thickness can withstand for several boundary conditions such as SSSS, CCCC, CSCS, CCSS, CSSS, and CCCS. The aspect ratios considered for these examples are 1, 1.5, and 2. The percentage difference results from the center deflection for various boundary conditions with varying aspect ratios of the present study were around equivalent with respect to those obtained from Ibearugbulem et al. (2014), and the results are within the acceptable limit in engineering. With the presented critical design parameters (qicD,tcD, qicE, tcE), it was concluded that this can be used in the determination of a suitable plate thickness from a specified lateral load and also the critical lateral imposed load a specified plate thickness can withstand under specified conditions of operation.Item Open Access Effects of planting dates and cultivar on pest infestation, yield and damage of sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) in Owerri. Rain-Forest Zone of Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-05) Umelo, Chidinma QueenThe field study was carried out in the Post Graduate Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State in 2018 to determine the level of pest infestation, yield and damage parameters of Sesame cultivars under different planting seasons in Owerri humid environment. The field design was a 3 x 6 factorial experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications. Each replication consists of six plots of size 2.4 x 2.4 m2 . Treatments comprised of: Factor A -Three planting dates (14th of April- early planting;14th of June- mid planting and14th of August- late planting) and Factor B- Six sesame cultivars (MAJIGIDA, NCRIBEN 01M, NCRIBEN 02M, NCRIBEN 04E, NCRIBEN 05E, NCRIBEN E-8). Treatments were allocated in an area of land measuring 23.9m x 13.2m (315.48m2 ). Planting was carried out at a spacing of 30cm within rows and 60cmbetween rows at a rate of three (3) seeds per stand which was laterthinned to one(1). Morphological parameters (days to emergence, germination percentage, days to flower bud initiation and opening, days to capsule initiation and capsule formation, days to maturity and plant height at maturity) were recorded. Counts of insect visually seen on the plants were also recorded. Data on sesame yield and damage include- capsule, seed, and thrash yields kg/ha, per plot, and per plant. The results show that Majigida cultivar had the highest growth performance at days to emergence (5.22), percentage emergence (66.3%) and days to maturity (108 days) with appreciable plant height (164.9), significant seed yield/ plant (6.44g) and thrash yield (274kg/ha; 147.8g/plot) and low damage percentage(2.9%) irrespective of pest population at vegetative and flowering stages. Sesame planted on 14th of April had better growth performance from emergence to maturity with high capsule yield (465kg/ha), seed yield (182.5kg/ha) and thrash yield (296kg/ha) and low percentage damage (2.6%) irrespective of pest population at vegetative and flowering phases. Therefore, for increased yield of Sesame that may ensure food security, availability and sesame productivity, planting of Maijigida cultivar during second week of April planting should be adopted in Owerri, Rain forest Zone, Nigeria.Item Open Access Stakeholders perception of conflict management styles of building projects in Lagos State of Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-11) Udeozor, Ugochukwu C.Building projects universally depends on the contributions of several actors involvedinconstruction projects, whereby stakeholders’ play major role in project execution. Manybuilding projects fail to meet the aim and goal of stakeholders involve inconstructionprojects as required with the use of building codes, whose roles and interest maycollidein the course of the project execution ,which may lead to conflicts if isnot wellmanaged. The study seeks stakeholder views on conflict management styles toresolveconflicts with the adherence to building codes as a base for building projectstoreduceconflict among stakeholders. The study aims to contribute stakeholder’s viewstoconflict management in building construction projects to building codes. Theresearchused a qualitative design in combination with cross-sectional survey onconstructionprojects of public and private sectors projects using descriptive methodtoevaluatetheinfluence of stakeholders in project. A formed questionnaire was distributedandreceived, which was analyzed through the use of Statistical Package for Social Scientist(SPSS) as a statistical software tools for analyzing, using Spearman’s correlationmethod. With the use of informed flow of decision at stakeholder’s involvementofproject collaborating with proper managerial skills set to resolve conflict inaccordanceto existing building code. In my findings, I was able to deduct that collaborativeandaccommodating approaches to conflict helps to manage conflict in adherencetobuildingcode. The study recommends prompt and iterative approach in identifying, analyzingand communicating with stakeholders at each level of the project andadheringtoexisting building codes stated, both internal and external individuals as keyindicatorstothe project.Item Open Access Chemical characterization and antioxidant properties of ethanol-water leaf extract of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Keke, Collins ObinnaThis study evaluated the chemical compositions, antioxidant and toxicological properties of ethanol-water leaf extracts of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis. Proximate compositions were assessed using standard methods, while minerals, amino acids and phytochemical compositions were evaluated with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, amino acid analyzer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer respectively. Antioxidant vitamins, total phenol, flavonoid contents, and free radical scavenging properties were also determined, while toxicological evaluation was via brine shrimp lethality assay. Both plants exhibited significant nutrient contents based on proximate and mineral analyses. Histidine and phenylalanine were the most abundant essential amino acids, while glycine and proline were the most prevalent non-essential amino acids in J. secunda and J. tanjorensis respectively. Notable amounts of phytochemicals were observed, with Jatropha tanjorensis having higher levels of sapogenin, anthocyanin, and anti-nutrient factors. GC-MS analysis revealed 62 and 52 bioactive compounds in J. secunda and J. tanjorensis respectively. J. secunda had higher levels of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A, while J. tanjorensis demonstrated higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents. J. tanjorensis also displayed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, while J.secunda showed better FRAP. The brine shrimp lethality test indicated that the ethanol-water leaf extract of J. secunda exhibited higher toxicity (LC50; 7.59 x 102 ± 0.03µg/ml) compared to J. tanjorensis (LC50; 9.89 x 103 ± 0.03 µg/ml). The study has confirmed the forkloric claim of high nutritive and medicinal value of J. secunda and J. tanjorensis leaves. It showed that the plants contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds and antioxidants with free radical scavenging potentials but calls for caution in their use especially with J. secunda that had significant toxic effect on brine shrimp.Item Open Access Benchmarking performances of airline management models among domestic airlines in Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-07) Arauko, Jeremiah DavidThis study considers Benchmarking of Airline Management Models amongst Domestic Airlines in Nigeria. To guide the study, four research questions and four hypotheses were formulated. The population consisted of Station Managers of the airlines, and Airline personnel, Airport workers, regulatory representatives which consisted of NCAA, NAMA, FAAN from across four Airports in the South-South, Nigeria. A sample size of 180 respondents randomly selected from the four (4) airports in the study area. Airport management model questionnaire were developed. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability using the Split-half method. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient 0f 0.85. Descriptive Statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation [PPMC] and nonlinear Regression Statistics) were used to test the hypothesis. Four (4) dependable variables which comprises of customer satisfaction, operational profitability, operational efficiency, and operational safety of the sampled Airlines were analyzed regarding each airlines management models. The result show that all four variables analyzed were above .05 level of significant, at the degrees of freedom of the respective numbers of observations therefore the null hypotheses for the objectives were not retained. The findings show that the overall performances of Domestic Airlines in Nigeria are largely dependent on management models’ compositions: significant improvement on customer Satisfaction, airline profitability, operational efficiencies, and operational safety will certainly make Airlines operations very profitable in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended among other things, efforts should be made upgrade their operational performances through Benchmarking for a more improved customer satisfaction, productivity, efficiency, and safety of the airlines.Item Open Access Assessment of ground and surface water quality in some sub-urban area of Owerri, Imo state(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Okwuchukwu, Kelechukwu JoyThis study was carried out to evaluate the water quality of the two major sources of water, for drinking and domestic use, in Owerri-north; a suburban area of Owerri metropolis. The two main water sources, the boreholes and Uramiriukwa river representing ground and surface water respectively, were sampled in this study. The water samples from the river were collected from three spatial points, upstream, middle and downstream, while three boreholes, point 1, point 2 and point 3, were sampled, at different spatial points of approximately 14 km apart, while FUTO borehole served as the control point. The pollution levels of the water sources were determined using their physiochemical and biological parameter including, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), while the chemical parameters include pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), (HCO3), total hardness (TH), Chloride (Cl), Nitrate (NO3), Phosphate (POS4), sulphate Acidity, Alkalinity, Total iron (Fe2+), and biological parameters of e. coli, klebsiella, total coliform count and total bacterial count for which mean and standard mean error (SEM) were determined using the IBM SPSS software. The T-test was used to determine the difference in the physiochemical and biological properties of the Uramiriukwa river and the borehole water samples. Water quality index (WQI) of the Uramiriukwa river and borehole water samples were also determined using the weighted arithmetic method. Results from this study shows that the physical properties of the river were poor considering the high turbidity, TSS, TDS, colour, and turbid appearance, while the borehole was heavily polluted with coliforms, and bacteria, including e.coli and klebsiella. Spatial variations have no significant difference (p>0.05) for the river water samples at upstream, middle stream and downstream, while there was significant difference in the three borehole water samples used in this study. Also, there was significant difference (p≤0.05) between the means physiochemical and biological parameters of the river and borehole water samples. Calculation for WQI showed that the borehole water was good for drinking, while the Uramiriukwa water samples were unfit for drinking with WQI score of 38.92 and 169.46 respectively. it was concluded that the river was polluted with solid and chemical wastes as a result of anthropogenic activities, including dredging, industrial activities, laundry, and indiscriminate municipal waste disposal, as observed during field study. The presence of high level of coliform in the borehole and river water samples is an indication of fecal contamination, which is an indication of possible health risk. Standard water treatment especially filtration and disinfection, are required for the surface and ground water in the study area, in order to improve their quality for drinking and domestic use. There is need to monitor and regulate human activities around the water sources, since they are major factor for the water qualities.Item Open Access Evaluation of distribution channels of Dangote cement in South Eastern region of Nigeria(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2024-08) Osupiudan, Joseph OlukunleOver the years, consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria are facing challenges of how to design, select and manage distribution channels that will ensure maximum savings in distribution costs, enhance product availability and effective co-ordination of channel activities. Dangote Cement Company as a case study is encountering problems of how to provide fast deliveries to customers, reduce total distribution costs and maximize customer satisfaction. Hence, this study therefore focused on the task of carrying out a thorough strategic investigation that would come up with practical and cognate solutions to the above problems by: (1) examining the influence of hybrid channel conflicts on channel performance (2) determining the relationship between the control exerted by a firm and satisfaction with existing channel: (3) determining the relationship between the length of a distribution channel and the channel‘s performance. Survey research method was adopted to sample the opinion of distributors and retailers of Dangote cement company through convenience sampling. Questionnaires and oral interviews were the main instruments used in collecting primary data for the study. While information obtained from textbooks, journals and materials from the internet provided the guideline for designing the questionnaire. Data were analyzed through the use of tables, simple percentages, means and standard deviation, Computer Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26 was used for analyzing the data at 5% level of significance The study revealed that hybrid channel conflicts influence channel performance and significant relationship exist between the control exerted by a firm and satisfaction with its existing channel. It was also found that there is a relationship between the length of a distribution channel and the control exerted by the firm. However, it was found that there is no relationship existing between the length of a distribution channel and the channels performance. The study recommended that consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria should adopt more innovations in their channel approaches. Broader acceptance of electronic data interchange to monitor sales and inventory levels throughout the total channel is reducing inventories and speeding response to changing customer requirements. It is also recommended that manufacturers should make efforts to integrate their channel system as this will enhance more effective co-ordination of their channel functions and reduce conflicts in the channels.Item Open Access Implementation of selected key performance indicators for enhanced rice production in a remote geo-location using wireless sensor network(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-02) Oyigbo, Uchechukwu MosesThis study was conducted to implement selected key performance indicators (KPIs) for enhanced rice production by addressing five major challenges that face rice farmers especially in Nigeria which include non-availability of water/rain for year-round cultivation, disproportionate application of fertilizer, weed control/prevention, pest/disease control, and rodents and birds invasion. In order to achieve this, a Zigbee-based Enhanced Wireless Sensor Network (eWSN) was used to model various network scenarios to demonstrate data sensing of different environmental variables in a given farm land. This was achieved by varying network devices at different scenarios using OPNET simulator and understudying the network performances. Each new set of network devices are integrated to a Zigbee Coordinator (ZC) which assigns an address to its members and forms a personal area network (PAN), thus representing data sensing of a particular environmental variable. In all, three different scenarios were designed and simulated. Each of the temperature and humidity, motion and soil nutrient sensors generated about 29bps of traffic. At the Coordinators, steady stream of traffic was received. The temperature and humidity Coordinators, received a traffic of 64bps each, while the soil nutrient Coordinator received data traffic of 96bps. The result of the design showed effective communication between different network components and further gave insight into how WSN could be used to monitor a number of different environmental variables on a farm field simultaneously, yet co-operatively. By implementing the KPIs, the result equally showed an estimated yield increase from 2.2 to 8.7 metric ton per hectare of a rice farm.