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636 research outputs found
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Hybrid deep learning-based model for covid-19 prediction and interpretation using multiple data modalities
Full text linkThe dissertation has tables and figuresThis research addresses the critical need for accurate and timely COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis by developing a hybrid deep learning model that integrates multiple data modalities, including chest X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, blood smears, and clinical data. The model employs specialized architectures such as Residual Network with 50 Layers (ResNet50) for Chest X-ray, InceptionV3 for CT scans, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for blood smears, and a Random Forest classifier for clinical data analysis. The results demonstrate high accuracy rates: 96.7% for ResNet50, 97.58% for InceptionV3, 96.12% for CNN, and 98.30% for the Random Forest classifier. Grad-CAM enhances transparency by visualizing critical regions in the images, aiding healthcare professionals in understanding the model's decisions. This hybrid model offers improved accuracy and reliability for COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis, making it a valuable tool for clinical settings and resource allocation. The research underscores the potential of multi-modal data integration in medical AI and suggests further exploration and refinement of such models for broader healthcare applications.Department of Information Management Technology, FUT
Implementation of e-procurement in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery in River State
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Project Management TechnologyThis research focused on implementation of e-procurement in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery in Rivers State. Specifically, the study examined the factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery, identify eprocurement tools and techniques used in mitigating corrupt practices in the delivery of construction projects, and as well as measures used in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. The study is guided by Transaction Cost Theory, eTechnology Perspective Theory, Institutional Theory. The research design method adopted for the study is a survey study. The instrument for data collection and measurement were well structured standardized questionnaire modeled in Likert five point scales were used in eliciting responses from various professionals in both private and public sectors in the construction industry in Rivers State and the sample size for this study is 156. Factor analysis, mean item score(MIS), and relative importance index were used in analyzing the major issues in the study with the aid of statistical tools in SPSS version 25.0 and Microsoft excel programmed software. The findings from this study shows that there are factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery such as close relationship, absent of project anti-corruption system, monopoly, inappropriate political interference, personal greed, subjecting workers to job insecurity, inadequate sanction etc. The findings of the study further revealed that there are Eprocurement tools and techniques used in mitigating corrupt practices in the delivery of construction projects such as internet based tools, enterprise resource planning, e-sourcing tools, e-awarding tools, e-tendering tool etc. and also the result show that there are measures used in mitigating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. The study recommend that government as a matter of policy, should be organizing periodic awareness and reorientation workshops and seminars via professional associations platforms through a web based portals, for both public and private sectors and enlightened them of the danger of factors precipitating corrupt practices in construction project delivery. Furthermore, there is the need to implement all the e-procurement tools and techniques in both public and private companies to ensure transparency, accountability and competitive tendering process electronically during procurement processes which in turn hamper corruption
Electrochemical degradation of methly orange dye contaminated water
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental ManagementIn this study, the electrochemical degradation of Methyl orange, a representative of azo dye, wasinvestigated in contaminated water using a graphite anode and copper cathode. Several key parameters were systematically explored, including time, pH, temperature, current density, and electrolyte concentration, to optimize the degradation process. An observable trend emerged, revealing intriguing insights. Increasing current density and reaction time consistently enhanced degradation efficiency. Specifically, current densities of 0.27mA/mm² and 0.53 mA/mm² exhibited rapid degradation, reaching a plateau at approximately 87%. At higher current densities of 0.8mA/mm² and 1.33mA/mm², degradation efficiency followed a more intricate pattern, culminating in remarkable removal rates of 97.88% and 97.34%, respectively. Electrolyte selection also played a pivotal role, with 1M KCl displaying the swiftest degradation efficiency of 98% within a mere 30 minutes. Conversely, 0.05 M KCl recorded the lowest degradation efficiency. Similar trends were observed with NaCl, where 1M NaCl achieved an impressive 97.2% degradation efficiency, while 0.05 M NaCl lagged significantly at 22.8%. Moreover, degradation efficiency decreased with increasing pH, with the pH 3 conditions yielding the highest efficiency at 98%. Temperature variations mirrored this trend, as a temperature of 30 ºC attained the pinnacle degradation efficiency of 99%. UV-VIS analysis further substantiated the findings, revealing a substantial reduction in absorbance peaks for Methyl orange dye, from 2.0 to 0.2 at a wavelength of 470 nm in the visible region. This signified the elimination of the azo chromophore group, an initial constituent of the dye, during electrochemical degradation. Additionally, the appearance of intermediates underscored the complexity of the degradation process. This study has significant implications for wastewater treatment plants, offering valuable insights into the optimization of cost-effective electrochemical treatment methods. The findings unraveled the intricate interplay of key parameters, paving the way for enhanced efficiency in the removal of toxic synthetic dyes and advancing the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment strategies
Lipid, heavy metal and pesticide contents of free range cattle slaughtered at Obinze Abattoir, Imo State, Nigeria
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in BiochemistryThis 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
Organoleptic and microbial analysis of chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Imo River, Nigeria smoked using different sources of heat
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Fisheries and Aquaculture TechnologyThis study is aimed to assess the microbiological and sensory quality of smoke–dried fish processed, using four different sources of heat (Charcoal, Firewood, Sawdust and Oven). A total of 300 fresh fish samples were randomly collected from Imo River for the study. The fish were divided into four batches of 75 fish per batch and processed using four different methods: Smokedried with charcoal (T1), Smoke-dried with firewood (T2), Smoke-dried with sawdust (T3) and Smoke-dried with oven (T4). Organoleptic assessment using a 5-point hedonic scale was also employed using a sensory evaluation while Microbial quality was determined from total coliform count and types of bacterial isolates. Data from Organoleptic assessment were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics such as percentages, pie charts and bar charts while microbiological data were statistically evaluated using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results of organoleptic studies which evaluated the perception of four sensory criteria showed that for appearance/colour quality score was 9.0 (Charcoal), 7.2 (Firewood), 7.8 (Sawdust) and 9.5 (Oven). For Aroma, score was 7.8 (Charcoal), 7.6 (Firewood), 7.8 (Sawdust) and 9.4 (Oven). For Texture as sensory quality, score was 7.8 (Charcoal), 7.6 (Firewood), 7.8 (Sawdust) and 9.3 (Oven). Similarly, for Taste, the score was 9.0 (Charcoal), 7.4 (Firewood), 9.0 (Sawdust) and 9.7 (Oven). The result revealed that the organoleptic quality of fish dried using the oven as heat source gave the best sensory quality of excellence in terms of appearance/colour (9.5), aroma (9.4), texture (9.3) and taste (9.7). Results of Microbial analysis based on plate count method (cfu/g) and total viable bacterial count (TVBC) of pathogen food bacteria isolates, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp were as follows: For total coliform (cfu/g), Charcoal was (2.6×102), Firewood (2.9×102), Sawdust (2.6×102), Oven (2.2×102). E. coli was 1.5×102 (Charcoal), 1.8×102 (Firewood), 1.6×102 (Sawdust) and 1.2×102 (Oven). For Klebsiella spp, total viable bacterial count (cfu/g) was 1.1×102 (Charcoal), 1.1×102 (Firewood), 1.0×102 (Sawdust) and 1.0×102 (Oven). The results of microbial analysis showed that fish processed using the oven gave the lowest microbial load 1.0×102. It is thus recommended that where available and economical, oven processing/drying method should be adopted by fish producers. The use of oven in fish processing/drying will also mitigate the effect of deforestation which is the common source of charcoal, firewood and sawdust
Development of a web based emergency response system for flood management.
No full textMaster’s thesis on "web based emergency response system for flood management"Floods can cause significant damage and disruption, so having an efficient emergency management system is crucial. This study aims to create a user-friendly web-based system to enhance flood emergency response. Using modern technology and strong data management practices, the system features real-time flood monitoring, quick response team deployment, and visual data tools to help users understand and respond to situations effectively. The system is developed with PHP for the backend and Adobe Dreamweaver for the frontend, ensuring it is secure, private, and tailored to different users like emergency responders, government agencies, and the public. After thorough testing, the system has proven to be reliable, scalable, and easy to use, with a dashboard that provides quick access to critical information, enabling well-informed decision-making during floods. This web-based Emergency Response System represents a significant advancement in flood management, promising to improve response efficiency and reduce the impact of floods on communities and infrastructure
Phytochemical analysis and biocidal effects of orange peel and garlic extract on contaminated grains
No full textThe Master Thesis contains tables and figuresThis study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and antifungal effects of orange-peel and garlic extract on contaminated grains. Standard phytochemical methods were used to test for the presence of bioactive compounds in the extracts. The results of the preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the orange-peel and garlic extract contained various metabolites; polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, steroids, antinutrients at varied quantities. In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of orange-peel and garlic extracts were determined on the basis of their scavenging activity of the DPPH, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, nitric oxide free radical, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant property. The radical scavenging activities exhibited concentration-dependent responses, with garlic and orange-peel extracts demonstrating significant scavenging potentials for various radicals. However, their activities generally plateaued at higher concentrations, suggesting a limit to their scavenging capacities. The extracts exhibited lower scavenging activities compared to ascorbic acid and BHT. Orange-peel extract had the highest FRAP activity at 5 mg/ml, while garlic extract showed a steadier increase in FRAP activity with increasing concentration. Both extracts demonstrated lower TAC concentrations than ascorbic acid. Extracts were assessed for their effectiveness against two fungal species (Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum). Garlic extract exhibited potent antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of both fungi, while orange-peel extract showed copious growth inhibition. The combined effect of the extracts showed scanty growth. The findings from the study suggest that each of these extracts possess antioxidant properties and also highlights their potential as natural agents for fungal control in stored grains
Food security status and awareness of Sustainable Development Goal-2 among households in Abuja Municipal Area Council
Full text linkThis thesis is for the award of Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology & BiostatisticsWith the recent covid-19 pandemic, hunger and malnutrition have increased worldwide, with sub– Saharan Africa being the most affected. This study was carried out to determine the food security status and awareness of sustainable Development Goal - 2 among households in Abuja Municipal Area Council, an urban area in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Using a descriptive crosssectional study design, four hundred and twenty-one (421) households were randomly selected from the various wards in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja. Structured questionnaire and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) as well as the Food Consumption Score (FCS) were the tools used in gathering the information needed for the study. Respondents from the sampled households were domestic heads of households, multistage sampling technique was used and data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and Chisquare using SPSS statistics version 23. From the results gotten, food security status among households in Abuja Municipal Area Council is poor (37%) as most of the households were food insecure (63%). Also, there was poor awareness of SDG-2 as seen among respondents (57%), only 43% of the respondents have heard about SDG-2. There was also significant association of sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and food security in the study area (P≤0.05). Food security was highest in respondents who were satisfied with their monthly income 17 (85%), followed by those who had a family size of two 33 (65%) and least among those who had no occupation 1(3%). Moreso, the most food insecure were those who had no occupation 33 (97%). However, food security was also higher among the able bodied 138(43%) male respondents 89(47%) who were Islam 93(41%) and were within the age bracket of 32 – 41 years 67(46%) and were also married 101(49%). Food security was also higher among most of them who achieved tertiary as their highest level of education 38(51%) and are public/civil servant 47(52%). The food consumption score of the participants was shown to be 21 (poor), 33 (borderline) and 36 (acceptable) for the < 3 days, 3-4 days and 5days and above respectively. As household coping strategies against food insecurity, majority of the participants occasionally eat once a day 294(70%), followed by allowing children to eat first 220(52%), with the least being reducing the number of meals eaten in one day 149(35%). However, most of them never sold their assets 183 (43%) nor engaged in illegal income activities (theft, smuggling, prostitution) as a coping strategy 325(77%). The study emphasized that stakeholders should promote nutrition training and socio-economic status, especially for domestic heads of households, in order to improve household nutrition-related knowledge, thereby enhancing the food security of the households. It also recommends that family planning methods should be used more by couples so as to maintain small family sizes, hence promoting more food secure households
Analysis of metals and pesticide residues in selected beans samples in Port Harcourt
Full text linkA Master's thesis on metals and pesticide residues in selected beans samples. it contains tables, diagrams, maps, picturesAnalysis of metals and pesticide residues were evaluated using four (4) beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties. The varieties were Iron beans, Patisco beans, Brown beans and Local beans and they were grouped into raw and parboiled samples. Proximate analysis of the samples was done using standard method while metal analysis was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and the analysis of pesticide residues was done using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector (GC - MS) after careful extraction and clean up. Results showed that all the beans samples contained metals, mercury which is a toxic metal was also detected and at a level above the maximum permissible limit of 0.0005mg/kg in all the samples. It was observed that parboiling of the beans, reduced the accumulated metals in the beans. The results of the study also showed the presence of 17 different pesticide residues in all samples of beans. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) were detected in all samples of beans and at levels above European Union’s (EU's) MRL except in iron beans samples. Glyphosate was detected in all the samples at concentration above EU’s MRL. However, pesticides in Raw iron beans such as carbofuran (0.43±0.03 mg/kg), Endosulphan (0.18±0.01 mg/kg), HCB (0.62±0.10 mg/kg) Profenos (0.55±0.04 mg/kg) and t-nonachlor (0.32±0.00 mg/kg) decreased significantly to 0.23±0.10 mg/kg, 0.09±0.01 mg/kg, 0.31±0.01 mg/kg, 0.38±0.01 mg/kg, and 0.22±0.00 mg/kg respectively in Parboiled iron beans. These results indicate reduced Health Risk Index (HRI) to pesticides of parboiled beans samples. Similar results were also recorded in other raw and parboiled beans varieties studied. Of all the samples studied, parboiled local beans had the least pesticide residue concentration. Series of soaking and washing is generally advised in preparation of beans samples. Stringent monitoring of the use of pesticides in agriculture and food storage in Nigeria should continuously be encouraged to ensure pesticide residue level does not exceed FAO/WHO limits. Parboiling of beans samples before cooking should equally be encouraged
Electrochemical and microbial treatment of bromophenol blue (BB) and malachite green (MG) dye contaminated water for electricity generation
No full textThe thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Future EnergiesPollutants present in textile waste water are recalcitrant and difficult to treat with simple processes. In this study, an energy-sustainable method for treating dye-contaminated water was devised by combining an electrochemical process and a microbial fuel cell. An electrochemical oxidation procedure using copper cathode and graphite anode electrodes was employed for decolorizing Malachite green (MG) and Bromophenol Blue (BB) dye in an aqueous solution. Bio-electricity was generated using BB and MG dye-contaminated water in a dual chamber MFC. Micro organisms isolated and cultured from MG and BB dye-contaminated soil were also employed to determine their efficiency in degrading dye-contaminated water. The isolated micro-organisms were identified as Eubacterium sp (M2), Streptobacillus sp (M3), Aspergillus niger (B6),Trichophyton terrestre (M4) Serratia marcescens (B2), Acinetobacter baumanni (B1), Bacillus subtilis (B3), Bacillus megaterium (B5), Aspergillus Flavus (B7), Rhizopus stolonifer (B8) respectively. Decolorizing ability of dyes was observed by dye decolorization assay. Streptobacillus sp achieved the highest degradation efficiency of 95.6 % for MG while Serratia marcescens achieved the highest degradation efficiency of 45.3% for BB. The impacts of a number of variables, including the supporting electrolyte, temperature, current density, and pH on the electrochemical dye removal process were investigated. While decolorization effectiveness exhibited a nonlinear pattern with pH and temperature, it increased gradually with current density and electrolyte content. With 100% maximum effectiveness, obtained at pH 3 for BB and 98.5% obtained at pH 5 for MG, while maximum efficiency of 98.3% was obtained at 380C for both MG and BB. The maximum OCV and power density achieved by MG based MFC is 0.7 2V and 8.33 mW/m2 while the maximum OCV and power density for BB based MFC is 1.28 V and 167.45 mW/m2. Density functional theory-based quantum chemical computations indicate oxidative attack to be initiated at the Bromine atom of the hydro-phenyl group for BB and at Carbon atom of the methylene group for MG