FUTOSpace (Federal Univ. of Technology, Owerri)
Not a member yet
636 research outputs found
Sort by
Chemical inhibition of β-galactosidase activities and development of new protocols for β-galactosidase activity assay in microbial cells
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Food and Industrial MicrobiologyInhibitory effects of surfactants, organic solvents and solvent mixtures on cell-free and cell-bound β-galactosidases were assessed to establish their sub-inhibitory concentrations for the development of methods for cell permeabilization and rapid in situ determination of β-galactosidase activity in Escherichia coli and Kluyveromyces marxianus. The concentration-response relationships of the individual surfactants, solvents and mixtures were fitted to a Gormpertz model to estimate the median inhibitory concentrations (EC50) and No-Observable-Effect-Concentration (NOEC) thresholds. The inhibitory effects of solvents on cell-free β-galactosidase were in the order: N, Ndimethylformamide (DMF) > dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) > ethanol (E. coli) and DMF > DMSO ≥ ethanol (K. marxianus). The inhibitory effects of surfactants on cell-free β-galactosidases were in the order: 1-cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) > Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) > sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Triton X-100, sarcosyl, Tween 20, Tween 80 and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) are not inhibitory to β-galactosidases. The established range of concentrations of these permeabilizing agents that are not inhibitory were used for whole cell β-galactosidase activity assay in E. coli and K. marxianus. In this in situ β-galactosidase activity assay, the cells were not washed, and permeabilization agents remained integral part of the reaction mixtures. Some of the selected concentrations of permeabilizing agents used for both organisms were compared with the classical methods in the literature. For E. coli, assay with a 5% 9:1 ethanolchloroform mixture and 0.0008% CPC resulted in higher β-galactosidase activity than Miller’s SDS-chloroform treatment. For K. marxianus, the β-galactosidase activity with 0.15% sarcosyl, 0.4% SDC and 15% of 9:1 ethanol-chloroform mixture resulted in higher β-galactosidase activity than Kippert’s 0.133% sarcosyl treatment. This current method was found to be less timeconsuming and accurate. The treatments could be used as an alternative procedure for in situ assay of β-galactosidase activity in E. coli and K. marxianus cells
Workplace technology adoption and organizational change in a selected Nigerian customs service South-South Zone
No full textMaster's degree on workplace technology adoption and organizational change. It contains tables and mathematical equationsThe general objective of this research delves on workplace technology adoption and organizational change in selected Nigerian Customs Service, South-South Zone. The study utilized a correlational survey design and questionnaire as instruments for data collection. The total population of the study comprised 565 employees. The sample size was determined statistically using the Taro Yamane formula and calculated as 234. A proportional allocation formula is utilized in determining the number of surveys for each stratum- River, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Delta State, Nigeria. Out of 234 copies of a questionnaire sent to the participants; only 205 were returned and utilized for the study while the remaining 29 copies were not used. The hypotheses were statistically tested and analyzed using Pearson correlation methods at a 5% level of significance. The findings of research hypotheses one revealed that digital literacy level (skills) positively correlates with employee’s engagement. This result confirms a positive result with the value of (p= .000, r = .991, N = 205). The findings of research hypotheses two showed that high-speed internet positively correlate with organizational restructuring. This result confirms a positive result with the value of (p= .000, r = .993, N = 205). The findings of research hypotheses three also highlighted that electronic platform positively correlated with organizational leadership. This result confirms a positive result with the value of (p= .000, r = .996, N = 205). The researcher recommends that organizations should increase investment in continuous technological upgrades. The Nigerian Customs Services should prioritize continuous investment in modern technologies that align with global best practices. These include blockchain for trade transparency, AI-powered analytics, and IoT for real-time tracking of goods. Regular training programs should be implemented to enhance staff digital literacy and ensure the smooth adoption of new technologies. Training should focus not only on technical skills but also on change management to overcome resistanc
The effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in combination with antibiotics on pathogenic microorganisms
No full textDoctoral degree on pathogenic microorganisms. It contains tables, diagrams and pictures.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging chronic public health issue globally, with the prediction of 10 million deaths per year globally by 2050. In this study, silver nanoparticles synthesized using Dacryodes edulis (African pear tree) leaf extract was used in combination with antibiotics and its effects in combination was observed against model gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. Phytochemical constituents of the plant extract, molecular characterization of the microorganisms, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized, while biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in combination with antibiotics were assessed against the clinically obtained microorganisms. Results revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and anthraquinones. The formation of the silver nanoparticles was established using UV- visible spectrophotometric analysis, exhibiting a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of 390 – 440 nm. Optimization parameters such as extract volume, temperature, and pH revealed 30 ml, 35 oC, and pH 7 as results for optimal nanoparticle synthesis respectively. The reaction time, however, showed a cascade of intensity from the nucleation phase to the stabilization phase with 90 minutes as optimal time for nanoparticle synthesis. XRD analysis showed face centered cubic crystal nature of the lattices with spectral peaks at 38.17, 43.63 and 64.39 corresponding to (111), (200), and (220) plane, with crystallite size of 16.50±0.79 nm using Scherrer equation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis displayed spherical shaped nanoparticles with average particle size of approximately 63 nm, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis acknowledged the presence of functional groups such as phenolic, carboxylic, alkyl, isothiocyanate, and amine groups corresponding to the phytochemical constituents in the aqueous leaf extract being responsible for the bioreduction of silver ions to silver atoms. The microorganisms were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. In silico analysis revealed the presence of resistant genes and predicted chromosomal gene mutations especially for E.coli that mediated antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic assay indicated that in S. saprophyticus, enhanced inhibition was observed for pefloxacin, ampiclox, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, cotrimoxazole and erythromycin, while reduced inhibition was observed for gentamycin and rocephin. In comparison with antibiotics alone, and antibiotics in combination with AgNPs, gentamycin and rocephin (ceftriaxone) had a reduced zone of inhibition when combined with AgNPs while the other antibiotics had improved zone of inhibition. For E. coli, there was enhanced inhibition for streptomycin, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin and chloramphenicol when exposed to antibiotics, while reduced inhibition was noted for cotrimoxazole and gentamycin. However, in comparison with antibiotics alone and antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles, it showed that cotrimoxazole and gentamycin had reduced zone of inhibition when AgNPs were added while other antibiotics had improved zone of inhibition in combination with AgNPs. It is recommended that more research on evolutionary associations of microorganisms and antibiotics be performed and also be included in strategies for antibiotic resistance pipeline development and ‘One Health’ approach in combatting antimicrobial resistanc
Enhanced recovery of heavy oil in the Niger Delta: Nelson and Mcneil model a key option for In-Situ combustion application
No full textThis article contains figures and tableIn-situ heavy oil recovery involves several field tested enhanced oil recovery methods/techniques with applicable models. Such field tested techniques include non-thermal oil recovery, hybrid oil recovery and solvent-base oil recovery. The viabilities and field successes recorded by these in-situ heavy oil recovery techniques/methods cannot be overemphasized. But, the main focus of this study is on heavy oil recovery using in-situ combustion with attention on the application of Nelson and McNeil model as documented in the in-situ combustion handbook (Partha, 1999). We subjected data(s) obtained from five (5) heavy oil reservoirs located within the same field in the Niger Delta to the correlations, equations, assumptions and calculations proposed by our study model. This enabled the research team to carry out performance evaluations while considering in-situ combustion implementation using our proposed model. Our result outcomes were further validated with a foreign heavy oil reservoir having similar reservoir properties. Our study results show how viable and profitable (with possible commercial production) heavy oil production from unconventional reservoirs in the Niger Delta would be. Currently, most of the internally generated oil revenue by the Nigeria government is from cheap/light oil obtained from conventional reservoirs (which is fast declining globally)
Demulsification of Crude Oil Emulsion using Local Demulsifiers
No full textDoctoral thesis on "demulsification of Crude Oil Emulsion". It contains diagrams, pictures, tables and graphs.This work is based on formulation of crude oil demulsifiers (emulsion breakers) from materials locally sourced. Laboratory experimental investigation was carried out to ascertain its effectiveness and efficiency in breaking crude oil emulsion. Materials used included locally made palm oil, potassium hydroxide (KOH), lemons, glycerin, for sample A (ALPHA), locally made liquid soap, starch, camphor, alum, castor oil, and distilled water for sample B (BETA), and the combination of sample A and B make up sample C (MEGA), demulsifier. 10ml volume of water and 10ml volume of oil were mixed together to produce 20ml volume of emulsion. Separation of water and oil called demulsification started at dose of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0ml concentration. Maximum 3.0ml concentration of both locally produced and commercially available demulsifiers were used to obtain maximum demulsificaion result. The three different demulsifier formulations made were tested on a crude oil emulsion sample from a Niger Delta oil field and subjected to a temperature of 30°C, 50°C and 70°C. A commercially available demulsifier (CAD) of the same quantity and under the same laboratory experimental condition, served as a basis for comparison (validation). The composition of the separated products consists of 20ml volume of crude oil emulsion: 10ml water and 10ml oil content. After demulsification, 8.2ml (82%), 9.5ml (95%) and 9.6 (96%) of the water content was separated leaving 11.8ml, 10.5ml, and 10.4 of remaining solution as a result of using maximum concentration of 3.0ml of the produced demulsifiers; ALPHA, BETA and MEGA, temperature of 70°C, and 10mins recorded 65%, 76%, 82% water separation of ALPHA, 75%, 91% 95% of BETA, and 79%, 95% 96% of MEGA. The result of the treatment was a successful separation of oil and water using the sample, ALPHA, BETA and MEGA formulated demulsifier. The maximum separated water volume by the local demulsifier was 96%, at 70°C temperature and 1000rpm while that separated by CAD was 68% at the same condition. This showed that the locally formulated demulsifiers had better water separation capability than the commercially available (imported) demulsifier
Factors associated with the occurance of post partum obesity: A survey of women in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH)The aim of this study is to ascertain the relationship between age parity, breastfeeding practices, mode of delivery, occupation of mother and postpartum obesity. This study was carried out in three (3) Primary Health Centers, a Federal Medical Centre (FMC), and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) all in Yenagoa, Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 400 postpartum mothers of 18-49years were randomly selected and questionnaires were administered. IBM Statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. The average weight before pregnancy was 76.83+/-13.69kg. Mean post pregnancy weight was 74.54+/-13.53kg and mean height of 1.60+/-0.28 meters. Majority of the respondent 116(29.0%) have BMI of 25.0-29.9kg/m2 , meaning that majority were overweight with only (6.3%) underweight with BMI of less than 18.5kg/m2.'sAbout 182(45.5%) of them were obsessed with BMI≥30.0kg/m2 . Based on these the result shows , the result has no significant relationship between parity, occupation of mother and the Body Mass Index of postpartum mothers; but there is a significant relationship (p ) between age of mother(p=0.00),practice of breastfeeding (p=0.02) and method of delivery of baby (p=0.00) with Body Mass Index of mother. Pregnancy has been cited as a contributor to overweight in women. This is as a result of excessive weight that is gained during pregnancy. It shows that indeed breastfeeding exclusively for 6-months and continuous breastfeeding till 2 years, age of mother and having normal baby delivery, helps to maintain a normal Body Mass Index of the mother
Modeling of biogas production efficiency from different sources of waste by anaerobic digestion
No full textThis research focused on the modeling of biogas production efficiency from different sources of waste using anaerobic digestionThis research focused on the modeling of biogas production efficiency from different sources of waste using anaerobic digestion. The objectives of the work are to determine the biogas production capacities of the selected feedstocks (organic wastes), determine the compositions of the biogas produced, and derive/validate a model that optimizes the biogas production. The process of producing the biogas from the mini-biodigester involves sourcing the feedstocks, mixing them with water to a suitable proportion, pouring the slurry mixture into the mini biodigester while ensuring that the mini-biodigester is airtight, and allowing anaerobic bacteria to break down the waste. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment employing mini-biodigesters with capacities of 120 and 40liters respectively. Four different feedstocks—sewage, pig waste, poultry waste, and homemade waste (a mixture of watermelon and pineapple)—were used as substrates to feed the biodigesters singly and in various combinations. The experimental results over a 14-day peak production periods indicated average daily biogas production rates of 0.0329, 0.0372, 0.0354, 0.0296, 0.0344, 0.0336, 0.0362,0.0356, 0.0328, 0.0319, 0.0384, 0.0332, 0.0326, 0.0340 and 0.0381 liters per day for the following substrate samples: Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3, Sample 7, Sample 8, Sample 9, Sample 10, Sample 11, Sample 12, Sample 13, Sample 14, and Sample 15 respectively. The percentage methane content in the biogas produced from these substrates (Samples) was found to be 54.80%, 58.70%, 56.60%, 51.70%, 68.10%, 66.84%, 68.20%, 69.18%, 66.24%, 64.98%, 65.50%, 68.04%, 65.24%, 66.50% and 66.73%, respectively. To optimize biogas production, a mathematical model was formulated with the variables X1, X2, X3, and X4 subjected to retention time, moisture content, carbon/nitrogen, temperature, and pH constraints. The Simplex Method was employed to solve the model, resulting in an objective function value of 2.6669. The optimal values of the variables were X1 = 0.0075, X2 = 1.1981, X3 = 0.0027, and X4 = 0.0227, indicating the most efficient combination of feedstocks for biogas production. The developed optimization model serves as a valuable tool for maximizing biogas yields using small scale biodigester in an anaerobic environment, thereby contributing significantly to the field of renewable energy and environmental sustainability
Development of zeolite/bio-magnetite Nanocomposites for elimination of pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous solution: Experimental and computational studies (Unpublished Doctoral Thesis). Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Full text linkThis thesis is for e award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). in NanotechnologyDischarges of pharmaceutical micropollutants (antibiotics) are steadily increasing. These toxic, persistent pollutants are generally responsible for a number of adverse health effects. The main objective of this work was to synthesize biomagnetite/zeolite nanocomposites for the effective removal of ciprofloxacin in aqueous solution. Biomagnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, zeolite 4A and nanocomposites by the hydrothermal method and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, XRF, MAS-NMR, TGA/DTG, SEM/EDS, BET and pHpzc analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of zeolite 4A and nanocomposites, and then study the effect of loading of magnetite nanoparticles in nanocomposites for the removal of ciprofloxacin as pollutant model in aqueous solution. Thus, the zeolites 4A were synthesized from raw kaolin by the hydrothermal method, While, the bio magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method using Tabernaemontana penduliflora as stabilizing and reducing agents and the nanocomposites by coating method. It was noted that the synthesized nanocomposites had a paramagnetic mesoporous crystalline structure with a cubic morphology coated with magnetite nanoparticles and a high specific surface area (53.258 m2/g) compared to that of zeolites 4A (34.232m2/g 38.443 m2/g). The adsorption of ciprofloxacin on different materials, revealed the maximum adsorption for zeolites 4A was also obtained at pH 8, a contact time 80 minutes, an initial concentration of the CIP 60 ppm and a dose of zeolite 4A of 20 mg at 25°C. The removal efficiency was 91.75% and 90.74% with a maximum adsorption capacity (max) 87.72 mg/g and 95.24 mg/g obtained from the Langmuir model for zeolite 4A derived fromKaolin picked up in the locality of Bong and Famgamg, respectively. For the MZ-6 nanocomposite, the maximum adsorption for zeolite 4A was obtained at pH 8, a contact time 60 minutes, an initial CIP concentration 90 ppm and an MZ-6 dose of 10 mg at 25°C. The removal efficiency was 98.78% with a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) 175.44 mg/g. Isotherm studies suggested that the Langmuir isotherm was the most suitable. Which indicates that the adsorption process of CIP was monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The DFT results revealed that in the aqueous phase, the CIP molecule is stable, reactive in the form of zweitterion (CIP±) and that the oxygen, nitrogen atoms and the aromatic ring were responsible for this reactivity. The Monte Carlo simulation results showed that the adsorption of CIP molecules on the surface of zeolite 4A and MZ composite were favorable and spontaneous and the predominant interaction was chemisorption. In addition, CIP molecules showed high affinities with the surface of the MZ composite. The regeneration study showed that the synthesized adsorbents were chemically stable and recyclable. We can therefore affirm that abundant natural resources such as kaolin and certain plants can contribute to the preparation of low-cost but highly effective materials for combating water pollution
Assesment of alternative sources of energy for marine transportation in Nigeria.
Full text linkMaster's thesis on alternative sources of energy for marine transportation. It contains tables, graphs, charts and mathematical equations.The study analyzed the alternative energy sources for marine transportation in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the relative importance of identified economic sub-criteria that influence ship operators’ preference of alternative energy sources for marine use, and to compare the scalability potentials of available alternative energy options for marine transportation in Nigeria, using identified scalability factors. The study used a survey method in which expert opinion of sampled population of ship-owners and operators on the comparative importance of the identified economic sub-criteria and the scalability factors was obtained. Questionnaire was used as the survey instrument, augmented with interview. The primary data generated from the survey was analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) tool, implemented by the use of an open AHP excel solver to determine the relative importance of the economic sub criteria of alternative energy options for marine transportation in Nigeria. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was also used to compare the scalability scores of the alternative energy options. It was found that; LNG alternative energy option has maintenance cost with relative importance score of 0.63 as the most important economic concern and consideration by ship-owners for its full implementation for marine transportation in Nigeria. Electric drive and advanced bio-fuel (HVO) alternative energy options, has capital cost with respective relative importance scores of 0.39 and 0.41 as the most important economic concerns of ship owners and operators rather than energy cost and maintenance cost. Ammonia, hydrogen gas and methanol alternative energy sources, have energy cost with respective relative importance scores of 0.34, 0.41 and 0.79 as the most important economic consideration by ship owners and operators in Nigeria. The result also indicates that based on the three scalability sub-criteria, LNG has a scalability ranking of 1 and highest mean scalability score. As a result, LNG is the alternative energy source with the most scalability potentials and maturity for implementation for marine use in Nigeria. This is seconded by electric drive with a maturity for scalability ranking of 2
Analysis of effects of rural road infrastructure on socioeconomic development in Imo State: A case study of Okigwe Local Government Area
Full text linkA master's thesis on rural road infrastructure on socioeconomic developmentThis research investigated the effects of rural road infrastructure on socioeconomic development in Imo State using Okigwe Local Government Area as a Case Study with a view to determining the existence of rural road constructions in Okigwe, Imo state, evaluating the effect of rural road constructions on economic diversification and determining the effect of rural road constructions on employment, labour supply and productivity in the study area. Hypothesis was generated to ascertain whether constructing new roads have significant effect on labour, productivity and employment rate in Okigwe, Imo State or not. The study is both descriptive and cross-sectional design with a sample size of eighty (80) respondents comprising of farmers, brick layers and quarry workers who were selected through random sampling. The data used in this study were collected through a well-structured
questionnaire and yearly record of activities from the respondents and cooperative societies. The result showcased that all the diversified economic parameters mentioned above were all grossly affected by construction of new roads. But labour supply and level of productivity with mean scores of 4.3 (>3.0) each were greatly affected by construction of new roads. The findings also showed that only NE (0.001) is significant while other parameters quantity produced (QP) (0.674), quantity supplied (QS) (0.504) and labour (LB) (0.195) are insignificant. The result also showed that quantity produced (QP) (0.43), LB (1.33) and number of employee (NE) (4.32) all have positive effect on constructing new roads while only quantity supplied (QS) (-0.69) have negative effect on constructing new roads. This implies that constructing new roads will boost the number of gainful employments in the study area. The study concluded that constructing new roads in the study area led to diversification, increased productivity and boosts the number of gainful employments. This study, therefore recommended that the government and other non-governmental agencies should as a matter of urgency assist the workers with constructing new access road to their various working sites