FUTOSpace (Federal Univ. of Technology, Owerri)
Not a member yet
636 research outputs found
Sort by
Stakeholders perception of conflict management styles of building projects in Lagos State of Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Project Management Technology. It contain graphs and tablesBuilding 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
Comparative analysis of techniques for estimating aquifer hydraulic parameters: Case study of Ezza and Ikwo areas South Eastern Nigeria
No full textThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc) in HydrogeologyAquifer hydraulic parameters (Hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity) plays an important rolein the assessment and management of groundwater. Conventionally, these parameters are best estimated by means of a pumping test, which is expensive and time consuming. The integration of data from the electrical resistivity survey and the pumping test provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative. A total of Thirty-five (35) Vertical Electrical Sounding with a maximum current electrode spacing of 150m using Schlumberger array, with parametric sounding performed in the vicinity of the five (5) wells where the pumping test was conducted for comparative purposes. The empirical relationship between the hydraulic conductivity derived from the pumping test and the aquifer resistance were established for the different Formations(Ebonyi and Abakaliki Formation) and, in turn, used to estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters in areas away from wells. Aquifer hydraulic conductivity varies from 0.49m/day to 1.5735m/daywith a mean value of 0.9205m/day for the Ebonyi Formation, while those underlain by the Abakaliki Formation have hydraulic conductivity values that varies from0.0775m/dayto1.3023m/day, with a mean value of 0.2883m/day. The Transmissivity values ranges between0.29m2 /day to 57.27m2 /day with a mean value of 6.59m2 /day. Transmissivity values obtained were compared with Krásný’s Transmissivity classifications and the result used to delineatethearea into three aquifer potential zones; very low, low and intermediate zones. The studyshowsthat the areas underlain by the Ebonyi Formation have a higher groundwater potential than thoseunderlain by the Abakaliki Formation. This is also supported by the geology of the area, with the Abakaliki Formation dominated by shales that have very low permeability, while the Ebonyi Formation consists of shales with alternations of sandstones, which supports good aquifer conditions. Statistical analysis of the different model equations used in estimating hydraulic conductivity of the study area shows that the New Model proved to be a better substitute intheabsence of pumping test data
Molecular characterization of mycotoxin producing moulds from grains and legumes and their susceptibility to plant extracts
Get PDFDoctoral thesis on mycotoxin producing moulds from grains and legumesMolecular characterization of mycotoxin producing moulds from grains and legumes and their susceptibility to plant extracts was studied. Grains and legumes were stored for a period of two and four months. They were analysed for the presence of moulds and mycotoxin producing moulds. They were also analysed for the production of different mycotoxins. Sabouraud dextrose agar, Sabouraud dextrose broth, potato dextrose agar and malt extract
agar were used in this study. The methods of isolation used were direct physical examination and direct plate count method. Moulds were identified based on their colony morphology, cultural characteristics and molecular characterization. Mycotoxin analysis was done using Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Antifungal susceptibility test was done using the Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute approved methods for testing of moulds using disk diffusion method. The following four oxoid antifungal agents were used: Amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole. The following medicinal plants: Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaves), Vemonia amygdalina (bitter leaves), Gongronema latifolium (utazi leaves) and Piper guineense (uziza leaves) were assessed for their phytochemical properties and antifungal susceptibility profile against various moulds. The organic solvents used for antifungal susceptibility profile were methanol and hot water. One way analysis of variance, Duncan tests and descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis. The moulds isolated and identified culturally were Aspergillus sp. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp, Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus nigricans and Mucor sp. while those identified molecularly were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The genus Aspergillus was the most prevalent mould. Groundnut had the highest number of isolates followed by maize, beans, rice while wheat had the least number of isolates. The numbers of colony forming units were more in Potato dextrose agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar and least on malt extract agar. Potato dextrose agar recovered the highest number of isolates from both unstored and stored samples followed by sabouraud dextrose agar then malt extract agar. The following mycotoxins were detected Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1, Aflatoxin G2, Ochratoxin A, Citrinin, Dihydrocitrinone, Fumonisin B1, Fumonisin B2, Fumonisin B3, Fumonisin B4, Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol and Nivalenol. Aflatoxin was the most frequent mycotoxin detected. Rice (1286.3 ± 29.689 µg/kg) had the highest rate of recovery of mycotoxins followed by wheat (1166.8 ± 0.901 µg/kg) and groundnuts (1142.9 ± 10.488 µg/kg) while maize (1111.6 ± 9.810 µg/kg) had the least concentration of mycotoxins. Ketoconazole (39 ±1.000 mm) had the highest minimum inhibitory concentration among different anti-fungal agents, followed by voriconazole (36 ± 2.000 mm), Amphotericin B (30 ±2.000 mm) and then Fluconazole (21 ± 12.124 mm). Susceptibility profile using only tetrazolium gave no zone of inhibition. Antifungal agents alone gave a better zone of inhibition than the combination of antifungal agents with tetrazolium. The medicinal plants such as scent leaves, bitter leaves, uziza leaves and utazi leaves analysed contained the following phytochemicals tannin, alkaloid, steroid, saponin and flavonoid. Percentage growth inhibition of moulds by methanol and hot water xiiiextract of scent leaf gave the highest inhibition followed by bitter leaf, utazi and uziza gave the least growth inhibition. Methanol extract gave a better inhibition than hot water extract at 100 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml. One-way analysis of variance and Duncan tests showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the isolates found in stored and unstored grains and legume. There was also a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the antifungal agents and media used. Potato dextrose agar should be used frequently since it gave the highest rate of mould recovery. Ketoconazole remains the best drug of choice among other antifungal agents against moulds. Medicinal plants like scent leaves, bitter leaves, utazi leaves and uziza leaves gave varying levels of growth inhibition against various isolates and should be used both at home and clinical settings. The grains and legumes studied were
contaminated with various species of moulds and contained many mycotoxins of public health importance
Management of building collapse risks in Nigeria: A post mortem investigation
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Project Management TechnologyThe study focused on the management of building collapse risks (BCR) in Nigeria: A post mortem investigation. Management of building collapse risks has been saddled with a lot of challenges which had led to continuous rise in the risks associated with building collapse. The main objective of this research is to investigate the management of building collapse risks in Nigeria with a view to developing a framework for effective management and reduction of losses associated with building collapse in Nigeria. To achieve the main objective of the study, five specific objectives were pursued and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A survey research design was adopted for data collection. The population of study was made up of key professionals in the building industry, Staff of emergency management agencies, as well as the neighbourhood of the collapsed building in the study areas and the total population is 24,229. A sample size of 1997 was determined using Taro Yamane formula for finite population, while the samples were selected using stratified random sampling technique. A total of 1860 correctly filled and returned copies of the questionnaire, representing 93% of the distributed copies of the questionnaire was used for data analysis. Data were presented using tables, bar charts and pie charts, while analysis was done using percentages, mean and relative important index (RII). The hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) via SPSS, version 23 and Minitab 18. The following findings were made from the analysis: (i) The existing system of managing building collapse risks in Nigeria is poor, ineffective and cannot adequately be used to address the risks associated with building collapse. (ii) The building collapse risks that mostly impact on the building development and Nigerian economy are economic/financial risks and human related risks. (iii) The prominent challenges faced by emergency management agencies are: lack of adequate funding, coordination and collaboration, poor urban planning, etc. (iv). The study developed and validated a framework for effective management of risks associated with building collapse in Nigeria, which is the major contribution to knowledge. The study therefore recommends adequate funding and monitoring of emergency management agencies, coordination and collaboration network among all stakeholders involved in disaster management, among others
Comparative analysis of IPR model for oil & gas well optimization using production performance software ( PERFORM) for steady state horizontal wells
Get PDFA Masters thesis on IPR model for oil & gas well optimization. It contains tables, graphs, diagrams and mathematical formulasIn this work an investigation of the formulations and solution methods for the following optimization problem was done. Determination of the optimal production rates, lift gas rates, and well connections to maximize daily operational objectives subject to multiple flow rates and pressure constraints. The main materials used in this research are presented as software platforms. IHS PERFORM Ver 500 simulator was used to generate PI, determine Inflow and Vertical Lift Performance of the case study well at varying well pressure and flow rates (first on natural flow without artificial lift installed).Microsoft Excel package was used for Economic Analysis to determine the profitability of PERFORM when compared with other software tool such as Petex-Prosper, or with no software tool used. All of the optimization problems are solved using derivative-free optimization based on a constrained well Performance Analysis, PERFORM. General descriptions of the software simulations were provided in the work. Results of the sensitivity analysis on the hypothetical case using the IPR Models for horizontal gas wells provided the effect on pressure and liquid drop out. This method is very efficient. However, it may lead to bad solutions when the flow interactions among wells are significant
Evaluation of conflict resolutions in construction projects - a study of selected projects in Rivers State
No full textA Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management TechnologyThis research work sets out to evaluate conflict resolutions in construction projects; a study of selected projects in Rivers State. It has been observed that the major problem confronting construction industry is conflict, with the cost overrun, litigation and project abandonment etc. This justifies the reasons for this research work. The specific objectives of this study is to identify and analyze the different stakeholders associated with construction project conflicts; Assess the major causes of construction project conflicts; The effects of conflicts in construction projects; And determine resolutions that can improve or lead to construction project successful delivery. The study revealed that the stakeholders associated with construction project conflicts in their order of ranking are: contractors/project team, clients/sponsors, consultants, user's/host communities; Twenty major causes of construction project conflicts were identified, and poor funding/poor financial projections was identified as the most significant cause of construction project conflict; Ten effects of construction project conflicts were also identified; And the conflict resolution strategies that can improve or lead to project success in their order of ranking. The study concluded that collaborating, compromising, accommodating, forcing and avoiding in their other of relative importance/significance are effective conflict resolution strategies in resolving conflicts in construction projects, hence could improve or lead to project successful delivery; and collaborating conflict resolution strategy is the most adopted conflict resolution strategy, while avoiding is the least adopted conflict resolution strategy. Finally, the study also recommends for a project manager highly experienced in resolving conflict among stakeholders, to be stationed on construction site and solely responsible for engaging other stakeholders in conflict resolutions outside the project team
Assessment of solid waste management at selected shops in selected markets in Owerri, Imo State
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Public Health Degree (MPH) in Environmental Health and safetyThis is a cross-sectional study carried out in three selected markets in Owerri Municipal namely: Owerri Main Market, New Market and the Relief Market, with the aim of assessing the solid waste management at selected shops in selected markets in Owerri. The aim was achieved with six objectives including to assess the characteristics of the solid waste generated, to determine the methods of handling solid waste generated, to determine the pattern of Solid Waste Disposal, to determine the frequency of solid waste refuse dump removal, to determine the organs responsible for solid waste disposal and the level of government involvement and to rate solid waste management in the selected shops in the selected markets in Owerri, Imo state. This was done using a validated structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Simple random sampling technique was used; selections were performed using the number of available shops at each market from the market masters registers, the shops were divided by the number of block lines at each market, using computer random number system, the included shops were randomly selected from each block line. Only one person (the shop owner or the most available senior person in the shop) was chosen per selected shop, at situations where some selected shops refused participation, the shops were randomly replaced using simple random without replacement mechanism to avoid selecting an already visited shop. The process continued until the required sample size was obtained at each market of study. Sample size of 370 markets traders were randomly selected from the study population. The sample size was determined at 95% confidence level using the Taro Yammane sample size formula. Where n=sample size required, e = 0.05 allowable error. Substituting for the numbers in formula: Taro Yammane, method used (Yammane, 1967). Sample size required n, e=0.05 allowable error. For Owerri Main Market n =126, New Market Owerri n= 77 and The Relief Market Owerri n = 197. Therefore, the total sample size n =96+77+197 = 370. The results showed that the most generated waste in the markets were plastic waste (86.5%) including used pure water satchets and used waterproofs and spoilt foods (69%). More than half (50.5%) of the waste were collected with nylon bags and packaged with same without segregation. The dominant means of waste disposal in the markets were burning 40.3% and open dumping 36.8%. The frequency of solid waste dump removal was predominantly weekly 42.2% with government being upto 75.7% responsible for solid waste disposal in the markets. The overall rating of solid waste management in the markets was overwhelmingly not satisfactory 90.3%. The study therefore concluded that solid waste management in these studied markets was very poor. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that strict environmental sanitary regulations be made in these markets with enforcement team to penalize defaulters of the regulations
The effect of plant extracts and essential oils on antimicrobial resistance Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from environmental sources
Get PDFA Master's thesis on plant extracts and essential oils on antimicrobial resistance Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniaeThe continuous increase in resistance to antimicrobials amongst the Enterobacteriaceae constitutes a growing public health threat and so has necessitated the need to continuously search for alternative antimicrobial chemotherapy. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of plant extracts and essential oils on antimicrobial resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from environmental sources. Three hundred isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were recovered from three (3) different environmental sources. The susceptibility of the isolates to ten (10) different antimicrobials was examined by the KirbyBauer technique. Thirty (30) isolates from each of the different sample types were also tested for extended β-lactamase production by the double disc synergy test and the susceptibility or otherwise of the isolates to essential oils and extracts from Moringa olifera seeds and Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) was analysed using the well in agar diffusion assay. The rates of resistance to the antibiotics were as follows: ampicillin (95.4%), cefotaxime (66.1%), ertapenem (57.4%) ceftazedime (65.1%), imipenem (60.6%), meropenem (53.7%), azetreonam (42.7%), ciproflaxacin (44.9%), lavafloxacin (25.3%) and gentamycin (32%). Twenty (22.2%) Isolates were positive for ESBL production. Antimicrobial analysis of the essential oils against the ESBL producers showed no inhibitory activity while the plant extracts produced zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations of between 1.32 and 1.78 mg/ml for the two plant extracts tested. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tanins, flavonoids and glycosides in different quantities. Moringa olifera seed and Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts could be used as effective alternatives for the treatment of antimicrobial resistant Enterobacteriaceae