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Analysis of the effects of millennium development goals (MDGS) projects on poverty reduction among rural dwellers in Owerri agricultural zone, Imo State-Nigeria
Get PDFThe article has tablesThis study focused on the effects of MDGs projects on poverty reduction among rural dwellers in Owerri agricultural zone. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 108 respondents who were randomly selected using the multi-stage random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages, means, and mean scores based on the objectives of the study. Z-test was used to establish the hypothesized relationship. The results revealed among others that the rural dwellers were not very much aware of the MDGs projects, bore-hole and free education were very effective projects in reducing poverty among the respondents, while conditional cash transfer, supply of health facilities and construction of civic centers were not effective in reducing poverty among the respondents. Factors such as government policies, attitude of the leaders and ignorance affected the level of effectiveness of the MDGs projects. The z-test revealed that there was no significant difference between the existence of MDGs projects in Imo State poverty reduction level of both male and female rural dwellers. Thus the study concluded that much still needs to be done in using programmes such as MDGs in reducing poverty since the study shows that MDGs was just effective. The study thus recommends among others that there is need to sustain the effects of the MDGs projects on rural dwellers and ensure that the benefits are evenly distributed to all the rural dwellers and governmen
Impact of nanotechnology in Nigeria: A short survey
Get PDFThe article is a short survey with tables and figuresNanotechnology, one of the foremost alternative modern technologies of the twenty-first century offers enormous benefits and opportunities through synthesis, characterization and fabrication of quite vast number of nanomaterial to solve societal immediate problems. Structured questionnaires were administered to three different industries in each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, a Country located in West Africa bordering the gulf of Guinea, Niger and Chad (North), Benin (West) and Cameroon (East) to determine the impact of nanotechnology. The data emanating from this study were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) [1] and likert 5 scales with T-test utilized in determining levels of significance. The findings are reported and discussed
A business ecosystem’s model for harnessing Nigeria’s ocean economy
Get PDFThe article has tablesThe reassessment of ocean economy contribution of nations has become a new strategy for frontier states adjacent to the coastal region for the improvement of their position in the efficiency frontier curve. The continuity of a coastal state to remain a leader in the production and efficiency frontier curve of modern day development will thus depend on their ability to sustainably develop their most strategic economic resource base such as the ocean economy. The major economic bases include sustainable fishing, offshore oil field developments, offshore biodiversity development and marine biotechnology, offshore mining of manganese nodules, offshore wind farm potentials, international shipping (marine transport) and adjoining corridor development, ship dry docking potentials, marine renewable energy as well as other potentials outlined in the definition of African Union strategy for the development of her blue economy. Adopting the regression analysis and analysis of variance analytical tools, the study found that about 90% association exist between the GDP (gross domestic product) of the West African state (Nigeria) and her GDP. It equally found that offshore oil and gas energy sector more significantly impact on the GDP of Nigeria than other ocean economy business clusters. Given the various contributing marine environment business cluster used in the work, the model depicting the influence of the ocean economy of Nigeria is: Y = 2295334779895 − 29473X1 + 3436995749 − 5927686X2 + e
Improving the unsaturated polyester matrix through commingled with chemically treat cissus populnea fibers
Get PDFThis article has tables and figuresThe extent of improvement of chemically treated Cissus populnea fiber on morphology, mechanical, adhesion, and water sorption behaviors in Cissus populnea fiber/UPE composites was aimed to be investigated. Fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), respectively. The composites were prepared by hand laying techniques of treated and untreated fibers with unsaturated polyester matrix (UPE) using response surface methodology with central composites design of DoE software. The mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, hardness and impact strength) were optimized. The interfacial shear stress (IFSS) using fiber pull-out method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density, and water sorption behavior using power law with Fickian diffusion law were studied at optimum level. The optimization of mechanical properties as dependent with factors (weight fraction of the fiber and weight fraction of the matrix) using RSM with CCD technique was done to avoid waste of materials and confusion on properties of the composites. Treatment of Cissus populnea fiber with NaOH and SLS, respectively, improved the tensile and flexural properties of the composites. NaOH treatment gave the best tensile strength while best flexural properties was achieved with SLS treatment. SEM images revealed the morphological changes caused by NaOH and SLS, respectively, at optimal composites production to corroborate interfacial adhesive between Cissus populnea fiber and UPE matrix on composite properties. NaOH and SLS treatments, respectively, reduced the water saturation point with less Fickian behaviour and increased water diffusion coefficient of the composite
Offshore gas well flow and orifice metering system: An overview
No full textThe research was conducted in collaboration with a staff of FUTO and it has tables and figuresThis research presents a concise account of offshore surface well test from objective, organization, to practical approach and in relation to orifice metering system of natural gas; against the perspective of regulatory standards. With reference to reliability, availability, affordability and including control measures governing the design, the orifice meter sometimes called a head loss flow meter is chosen most often because of its reputation in the oil and gas industry. Alternative metering system of natural gas, including robust and cost effective innovations within the industry which addressed some key limitations of orifice meter was examined. The advanced flow computer with transducers suited for orifice measurement installations is a cost effective electronic flow real time measurement system. It has telemetry features and improved accuracy under fluctuating flow conditions based on functional differential pressure root mean squared volume calculation principles. These new developments and their capabilities have reduced the market share of the mechanical orifice chart meters. Except that Electronic flow meters has environmental limitations; thus, the proven mechanical orifice metering systems are still an effective solution for many flow measurement applications
Climate change adaptation needs/priorities of rural woman farmers in flood plain areas of Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State, Nigeria
No full textThis article contains tablesAdaptation is key to surviving the menace of climate change. This paper investigates adaptation needs/priorities of rural women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain rural women farmers awareness of climate change, identify perceived effects of climate change on rural women farmers, examine adaptation needs of these women and determine adaptation strategies used by rural women. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 180 rural women farmers randomly selected from a list of 1800 registered women farmers with the Owerri ADP office. Results showed that the rural women were very much aware of climate change as indicated by high mean responses to certain signs such as increase in temperature. (M = 2.31), unpredictable heavy rainfall (M = 2.51), unpredictable heavy winds (M = 2.45) among others. Climate change affects rural women by increasing their work load, reducing their food portions, loss of farm assets, increase rate of diseases/illness. In adapting to climate change, the rural women farmers need as a matter of urgency to find alternative livelihood options (M = 2.68), safer areas to relocate (M = 3.31), access to credits/market (M = 3.34) among others. To adapt, they employ strategies such as crop rotation, planting early maturing crops, engage in off-farm activities, cooperative farming
Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metals and heavy metals concentrations in cassva tubers within Okigwe Mechanic Village, Imo State
Get PDFThis Thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental Technology (Pollution Control Option)Soils and cassava tubers in Okigwe auto-mechanic village of Imo state were investigated for presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. Six soil samples of 0 - 15 cm and 15 - 30 cm in depth were collected each, at 3 sites, in close proximity to selected automobile workshops. A distant location was used as the control site. Physicochemical properties of soils from this study area were investigated using standard methods, PAHs in the soil and cassava tubers were determined using Gas chromatography (GC) system equipped with flame ionization detector (GC/FID), Agilent Technologies 7890B, while heavy metals were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that, of the sixteen USEPA target PAHs (EPA-16) examined, PAHs showed in varying concentrations in mg kg ̵ ˡ except naphthalene that was not detected in all the soil samples. There were significant variations in the concentration of the eight (8) heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, Mn and Zn) and PAHs between the experimental and control sites at 0.05 confidence level. Correlation analysis was done on physiochemical parameters with heavy metals and PAHs to establish the relationship of the data with one another. Fe had the highest mean concentration of 5278.74 mg kg ̵ ˡ and the least concentration was Cr and Cd with the mean concentration of 0.01. The concentration of total PAH components detected in the samples ranged from 122.2 mg kg ̵ ˡ to 17.1 mg kg ̵ ˡ. Implications of PAHs on health were discussed. It is recommended that mechanic villages should be sited far from residential areas, and such places should not be used as farmlands for the cultivation of edible crops. Also continuous education and trainings should be provided for automobile workers, emphasizing on the environmental implications of poor occupational waste management
Reduction in annular pressure loss by mud rheology control-a means of mud pump pressure optimization: A case study of Niger Delta well
Get PDFAn original research article with tables and figuresThis paper proposes two linear mathematical models for the reduction of annular pressure loss in a Niger Delta well- X, so that mud pump pressure is optimized. Data related to mud rheology, mud pump pressure, drill cuttings and the well geometry is available for well X which has already been drilled. The first linear model involves the reduction in pressure drop in the drill collar-casing annulus and the second linear model involves the reduction in pressure drop in the drill pipe-casing annulus. These models express reduced or critical annular pressure drops in terms of two mud rheological parameters- the yield point and plastic viscosity. For combined annular drill collar and drill pipe pressure loss, this paper proposes that the two linear mathematical models can be solved simultaneously to obtain optimum yield point and plastic viscosity of the drilling mud system to be employed for hole cleaning in the combined drill collar-casing and drill pipe-casing annulus. The HerschelBulkley model is employed as the rheological model that represents the properties of the drilling mud system analyzed and is generated for eight rheological cases each of the drill collar and drill pipe annular hole cleaning as well as two cases of the combined drill collar and drill pipe annular hole cleanin