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Prediction of re-aeration coefficient of rivers from streamflow characteristics
No full textMaster’s thesis in water resources engineering. It contains mathematical equations, pictures, graphs and tables.In this study, a new model, designated as the N-Model, was developed to predict the re-aeration coefficient of rivers using streamflow characteristics. Re-aeration is an important phenomenon that sustains dissolved oxygen levels in receiving waters to support aquatic life and natural selfpurification of streams and rivers. Development of the N-Model was done for the sole purpose of getting a more accurate model that could easily be applied with no heavy laboratory work in order to be put into application on site. The performance of the N-Model is compared against various existing empirical models like O'Connor, Parkhurst, Churchill, Krenkel, Thackston, and Owen. Data collection was done from the following rivers: Otammiri, Kaduna, Adada, Oshika lake and Atuwara. Using O'Connor's model, the re-aeration coefficient of the Otammiri River was found to be 0.0753 with a very high correlation coefficient of 99.2%. The N-Model predicted the value for Otammiri River to be 0.076 with an accuracy of 98.4%. This was determined by comparing the predicted value of the N-Model with observed data, where the minimal difference between the two (0.076 vs. 0.075) indicated that the model was highly effective in estimating the re-aeration coefficient. The model by Parkhurst produced a coefficient of 0.078 while other models like the ones by Churchill and Owen showed much higher discrepancies with percentage errors of over 70%. Across all rivers, the N-Model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, with an overall correlation coefficient of 98.9% and a low standard error of less than 4%. However, other models like Churchill and Krenkel give very small correlation coefficients often less than 25%, indicating that the N-Model offers a reliable and efficient alternative for estimating re-aeration coefficients from streamflow characteristics in varying environments
Work values and employee commitment in selected ministries of Imo State Civil Service
No full textA Master thesis on "work values and employee commitment". It contains diagrams, tables and mathematical formulas.Employers (Government) are sometimes baffled when their highly-rated employees are not interested in work related activities, under-perform and exhibit nonchalance and lack of enthusiasm towards their work. This paper therefore examined the nature of relationship that exists between work values and employee commitment in selected ministries of Imo state civil service commission. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and the research hypotheses was tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. A sample size of 293 staff were selected from the total population of 1, 095 using Taro Yamane’s formula. The result revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between job involvement and affective commitment, between social status and continuance commitment and between pride in the work and employee performance. The study concludes that employees are committed and value their work, when the enabling environment and opportunities like job security, career advancement, compensation and welfare packages are provided. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are made; government should liaise with recognized Manpower development institutions on relevant training matters that can help to improve workers skills and transform their lukewarm desire for achievement and commitment into positive work attitude. Also, job security and constant remuneration will boost morale of employees to work harder towards achieving or accomplishing challenging task
Mathematical model of the co-dynamics of diabetes and tuberculosis
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Applied MathematicsIn this work, a mathematical model for the co-dynamics of diabetes and tuberculosis coinfection was developed and analyzed. The positivity and boundedness of the solution of the developed model was also proved. Local stability of the model as well as global stability of the model were verified. Furthermore, bifurcation analysis of the model was carried out. The Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle was used to establish the necessary conditions for the existence of optimal control. Cost effectiveness analysis was carried out on the strategies and it was observed that the control strategy which combines applying prevention effort against development of diabetes by encouraging healthy lifestyle and prevention effort against development of TB by encouraging personal hygiene is the least expensive strategy as it significantly impacted the most in reducing the disease burden in the population with the best cost-effective result
Knowledge, attitude and practice of standard precautions among selected health care workers in University of Porthacourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State
Get PDFMaster's thesis on standard precautions among selected health care workersThis research study centered towards determining the knowledge, attitude and practice of standard precautions among selected health care workers in the University Teaching Hospital, Portharcourt, Rivers State. The specific objectives are; to assess the level of knowledge of standard precaution among health care workers, ascertain the attitude of health care workers in University of Portharcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State towards standard precautions and to determine the level of practice of standard precaution. Related literature reviewed. Descriptive survey design was employed in this study. Out of the 400 selected health workers, Taro Yamane sample size determination was used to sample 200. A well-structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as mean, and frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze all the objectives. Chi-Square was used to analyze the hypotheses posed to the study. The result revealed that there were more females (67.5%) who participated in the studies than the male counterparts (32.5%). Majority (42.0%) of the respondents were still within their mid age of 30 – 39 years, followed by 26% who were within the age range of 40 – 49 years of age. Furthermore, the study showed that all participants (100%) had at one time or the other had previous knowledge of standard precaution as a concept in the health care system. However, their sources of information varied from formal training (65%), colleague/friend (26%) media (5.5) and other means (3.5%). Also, the respondents opined that every employer in the health care system should as a matter of utmost importance make provision for training on standard precautions. They believed that standard precaution is helpful in the protection against health hazards in workplace (x = 3.40). Some (50%) thought that recap of needle after use is a safe way to prevent needle injury and transmission of diseases. Safety measures agreed by the respondents 98% include disposal of needle and syringe immediately after use. Method of needle disposal in UPTH include the use of waste bin (50.5%)and enclose and burn (60%). The calculated value (76.23) and table value (9.48) which means that we do have sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant impact of knowledge of standard precaution on practice
Empirical evaluation of road rehabilitation projects on Aba–Owerri Road (A case study of Aba-Owerri Road)
No full textThe Master's thesis contains figures and tablesThe study examines the Empirical evaluation of Road Rehabilitation Projects (RRP) of Aba Owerri Road in Eastern part of Nigeria. The motivation for the study was due to deficiencies and inability of conventional Gantt chart scheduling techniques in addressing problems of time and cost overruns in road rehabilitation projects. Gantt chart failed to identify, isolate and exercise tight control on critical road rehabilitation activities that control the project duration. A total of four RRP identified to have suffered time overrun when scheduled and executed with Gantt chart were used for the study through experimental research design. The work breakdown structures of the RRP depicted in their respective Gantt charts were reschedule with an analytical tool of Critical Path Method (CPM). By inferential network analysis and results, the CPM easily displayed, effectively identified and isolated critical path activities which influenced and increased the project duration by seventeen months (15- 32) thus representing one hundred and thirteen percent (113%) upward review in project cost and time management. As part of effort to further confirm the results above, a more scientific approach was applied with the use of a micro software which also confirm the realistic project durations to be 32 months The conclusion is that it was obvious that work programme-chart (Gannt Chart) is reasonably effective only when applied to uncomplicated tasks, especially those involving a limited number of activity dependency, which means it cannot effectively handle the complexity inherent in most projects with a large number of activity. The study therefore recommends the adoption and institution of network scheduling technique (CPM) for scheduling of large scale RRP so as to complete the projects on schedule and contain cost and time overrun.Department of Project Management Technology, FUT
Investigating the factors militating against successful building construction project develivery in Imo State
No full textA masters dissertation on “building construction project delivery”. It contains tables, graphs, and mathematical formulasIn this study we were able to investigate the factors militating against successful delivery of building construction projects in Imo State, with these we determined the level of correlation between these factors and building construction projects delivery, however survey design was deployed on a cross section of the five factors as determined. These included the following (i) Cost of securing government approval (ii) imposed development fees (iii) government policies (iv) price fluctuation and (v) funding gap. Primary data was collected from stakeholders in the construction subsector through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. 157 copies of questionnaire were distributed while 113 copies were returned. Multiple Regression Analysis technique was used after data collection. Upon the analysis, the study revealed a significant correlation between building construction project delivery (with cost
and schedule criteria as proxies) and the identified factors (with Funding gap (X1: 0.393), Cost of securing government approval (X2: 0.340), Imposed development fees (X3: 0.283)Government policies (X4: 0.458), Price fluctuation (X5: 0.464) as proxies). In line with findings from the study, it was concluded that these factors were significant for the successful delivery of building construction projects in Imo State. In conclusion, the study recommends that for there to be effective building construction project delivery in Imo State, adequate efforts should be made to reduce the influence on price fluctuation of building materials
Implementation of selected key performance indicators for enhanced rice production in a remote geo-location using wireless sensor network
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Engineering (M.ENG) in Communication EngineeringThis 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
Investigation of the effects of science and technology on environmental impact assessment
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Project Management TechnologyThis research work deals on the effects of Science and Technology on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Principally EIA is a predictive tool. Different professionals are involved in EIA and each and everyone has his own view about what should be done or not to ensure that the original aim of EIA as a predictive and decision making tool is achieved. The issue of Science and Technology input in EIA, its effectiveness stimulated this research. The conventional response in this area has been to place emphasis on strengthening existing EIA practice and procedure. It is revealed that the effectiveness of EIA is influenced mainly by six (6) key factors namely, Method and quality of data collection, Research time, legislative backing, information management, laboratory/research results and project funding. Factors like Capacity Building, Education for Participants, Guidance and Procedure for the Conduct of EIA, Continuous Research Training for Project Managers and Technical Staff and Follow up Mechanism have also been implicated for the improved quality and precision of an EIA . Non-probability convention was applied to select the respondents. The researcher self – administered copies of questionnaire to 115 respondents.A Five – Point Likert summated type scale was used to collect primary data and Regression analysis to analyze the data. The researcher also used Analysis of variance table (ANOVA) to establish differences between groups. Finally Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient was applied to test the hypothesis. The results show that there is a significant relationship between Science and Technology and the
effectiveness of EIA. Based on the findings The researcher emphasized that substantial improvements can be made with the contribution of science and technology to environmental Impact assessment. It is recognized that analysis within impact assessments will always be limited by the knowledge base either already established or obtainable in the appropriate period. In conclusion of the study, the researcher recommended the upgrading of EIA practice through effort at conceptualization, more effective study, planning and a common realistic expectation through a focused applied Science and Technology Research Programme
Analysis and simulation of salient pole synchronous generator with finite element method and blondel theory to enhance performance
No full textDoctoral thesis in "power system engineering". It contains tables, mathematical equations, graphs, diagrams and pictures.Synchronous generators are the only means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy for bulk electrical power generation. As a result of saturation in its electromagnetic
structure, prediction of its performance often involves approximations that seek to account for the effect of saturation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an accurate method for prediction of the field patterns in magnetic structure to ensure precise performance evaluation. In order to compute the magnetizing reactance of salient-pole synchronous generator apart from using finite element method, a modified winding function approach was developed in this research, which utilize the actual winding distribution and the shape of the pole arc. This research seeks to utilize the finite element variational method (finite element method magnetics) for magnetostatic computation for magnetic field distribution in the air gap for cylindrical and salient-pole type generator. The comparative analysis of the magnetic field distribution is used to illustrate the Two Reaction Theory. The obtained results indicate magneto-motive force comparison of salient 4-pole and cylindrical rotor generator, which clearly demonstrate Andrew Blondel Theory (Two-Reaction Theory). ANSYS Maxwell also is utilized in this research to simulate and analyze salient-pole synchronous generator in order to evaluate the generator performance through electromagnetic field computation. The ANSYS Maxwell results include, moving torque, winding currents, magnetic flux linkages, induced voltages, self and mutual inductances, damper bar voltage/current and others characteristic of synchronous generator under no-load, load and three phase short circuit conditions. The results obtained agreed with the conventional acceptable parameters for the salient-pole synchronous generator
Study on the trends of chronic kidney disease and its management in Owerri, Imo State
No full textMaster's thesis on chronic kidney disease and its management.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been reported as a major cause of death and nephrological disability in adults and it imposes a heavy emotional and financial burden on the family of the affected patient and society. The aim of the study was to determine the trends of chronic kidney disease and its management in Owerri, Imo State from January 2014 to December 2017. The study design was a retrospective survey on CKD cases and the data were collected from medical record cards with information on prevalence rate and risk factors of CKD. The sampling technique adopted for this study was purposive sampling technique because the variables of interest were defined. The collected data were sorted and entered into computer software called Statistical Package for Social Science version 21.0. It was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and the results were presented in frequency tables and charts. The results of the study showed the patients with CKD for the period of four years in the studied hospital, the overall prevalence rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was 9.9% and males had 67.8% while females 32.2%. Majority of the patients with CKD were found to be at the age group of 50-59 years with 35.5%.Also, 34.2% were traders.The cases of CKD were common in year 2016 with 294 cases from month of March to November due to high turnout of patients for the check of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The most strongly risk factors of CKD was hypertension with 48.6%.There is a significant relationship between the patterns of CKDand age(X2 =12.907;df = 6; p value<0.05) and sex (2.105; df = 1 @ Pv =0.33)within the study periodusing Chi Square test. In conclusion, information got from the study was collated and proved significant relationship between risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, age etc and occurrence of CKD. Therefore, there is a need for free screening of blood pressure and diabetes among people of above forty years of age