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A transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler for preservation of fruits and vegetables
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Mechanical EngineeringPost harvest loss is a major factor affecting commercial farming. Efforts to reduce it using the conventional cooling systems have not been successful to cost and unavailability of grid connected electricity. Evaporative cooling is a promising alternative but this work is required to improve on its overall performance. To do this, the transient performance under different climatic conditions is required for better understanding and possible system components optimization. This work therefore presents the transient performance evaluation of a porous evaporative cooler carried out using a mathematical model developed from first principle. The model is based on an energy balance and mass transfer analysis on different parts of the evaporative cooler. The developed model was solved using FlexPDE computational fluid dynamics analyser based on the finite element numerical approach. The numerical solution was validated using experimental data. Results obtained showed that the model very closely predicted the actual system performance with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.205. In general it was observed that the evaporative cooler maintained a significantly lower storage temperature (20.9 – 24 )OC compared to the ambient temperature (27 – 33)OC for all climatic seasons of the year with the best performance recorded during the late dry season (January). Temperature difference between ambient and storage space during the hot periods of the day was in the range of 3 – 9 OC. Thus, the evaporative cooler has good potentials for all year round reduction of post harvest losses and the developed model is a good tool for the evaporative
cooler performance optimization
Health effects of ionizing radiation on diagnostic professional radiation workers in some selected health institutions in Southern, Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Radiation and Health PhysicsThis study was designed to evaluate the effects of regular low-level ionizing radiation on the hematological parameter of occupational radiation workers. This experimental study was carried out in southern Nigeria among 202 samples, which include 101 occupationally exposed workers and 101 non-occupational exposed workers (control).The exposed subjects were selected from Radiology Departments and Radio diagnostic centers with large number of referral cases who were chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. Selected controls workers in the same hospitals and center without being exposed to any kind of radiation doses. All exposed and control subjects match gender, age and occupational records (±3 years). They were categorized based on the duration of exposure as group 1 (<10 years) and group 2 (≥10 years). A Physical Dosimetry was carried out by measuring their occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is routinely monitored by personal exposure measurement devices (Thermoluminiscent dosimeter).This monitoring was carried out for at least two years and a Biological Dosimetry was also carried out using Full Blood Count to ascertain the biological effect of low ionizing radiation. Data such as gender, age, full blood count parameters as well as the radiation doses received by the radiation workers were collected using data capture sheet. All results were compared to the standard values. Out of 101 radiation workers, the majority 70.3% (n=71) were medical radiographers and the least 1.98% (n=2) were medical physicists. There is a statistically significant mean difference between the standard dose and radiation doses received by radiation workers with the mean cumulative dose of 1.67mSv which is below the recommended dose of 20mSv by the ICRP (t= -234.6, p= 0.00). There were statistically significant mean difference between blood parameters of radiation workers (BPRW) and standard full blood count limits(SFBCL) are WBC (BPRW = 5.19 and SFBCL mid-point = 7.00- 10 x 109), RBC (BPRW = 4.08 and SFBCL = 4.50-5.50 x 1012), Platelets (BPRW = 228.22 and SFBCL = 200 x 109) and MCV (BPRW = 80.51 and 80-100), with values of WBC ( t= 12.16, p = 0.00), RBC ( t= 4.09, p =0.00), Platelets ( t= 3.57, p = 0.001) and MCV (t= -8.76, p = 0.00). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results revealed that there were statistically significant different in the radiation effects on the blood parameters such as WBC (F= 2.326, p = 0.025), RBC (F = 3.969, p= 0.000), Platelets (F=6.060, p = 0.000), MCH (F=4.898, p = 0.000), HCT (F=4.060, p = 0.000) and MCHC (F=5.377, p =0.000). There were no statistically significant different in the effect of radiations on Hb (F=1.690, p=0.111) and MCV (F=1.502, p = 0.167). The average annual effective radiation dose was below the limits advised by the International Commission on Padiological Protection, there was also some evidence that low ionizing radiation exposures affect some hematological parameters of radiation workers. Despite this, there is no established threshold for initiation of biologic alterations brought on by exposure to low doses of radiation
Factors constraining effective project communication management for implementation of selected projects in rural areas of Bayelsa State
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Project Management TechnologyIneffective Project communication management is one of the major problems that hinder the successful implementation of development projects, especially in rural areas. This study, therefore, examined the Factors Constraining Effective
Communication Project Implementation of Selected Projects in Rural Areas of Bayelsa State. The aim is to identify and analyze the communication management factors constraining development projects in rural areas of Bayelsa State. To realize the stated objectives of the study, research questions were stated, and hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The communication management factors that contributed to a high level of cost and time overrun witnessed, were identified. Based on the identified factors, questionnaires were designed and administered to hundred and forty-seven (147) respondents that participated in the planning and implementation of selected development projects. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis and t-test technique. The correlation result shows a high level of relationship between communication management and development project implementation. The t-test results revealed that poverty and illiteracy contributed mostly to ineffective communication and constrained development project implementation. The level of poverty and illiteracy generated conflict and youth restiveness which negatively affected project success in Bayelsa State. The study therefore recommends improved formal education which will assist reduce illiteracy, conflict and youth restiveness that inhibits effective communication management, thus improving the level of success achieved in the implementation of development projects in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Effects of employee training and development on growth of selected project- based organizations in Delta State Nigeria
Get PDFA Master;s thesis on employee training and developmentThe study was conducted to analyse the effects of training and development on the growth of project-based organizations. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. Related literatures were reviewed on the concept of training, development and growth and the resource-based theory was used to beef up the review of related literatures. The researcher used the survey method of research hence the instrument of questionnaire was used. The population of the study was 226 and the sample size was found to be 144 using the Taro Yamen’s formula. The researcher used the non-probability sampling method for the sampling procedure. The questionnaire instrument used in the study was validated by way of showing it to the supervisor for both correction and inputs and a pilot study was conducted with the instrument. A test–retest approach was used to determine the reliability of the study instrument and it was found to be 77% reliable with the use of Spearman’s Product moment Correlation Coefficient, r. Data analysis was committed to descriptive statistics, regression analysis and correlation analysis technique. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Correlation and regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses. The findings included that employee training positively influenced talent development in project-based organizations; employee training influenced customer or client retention in project-based organizations; employee development impacted effectively on the productivity of project-based organizations and employee development enhanced the competitive abilities of project-based organizations. The researcher recommended among others that management of project-based firms should always take the issues of training and development very seriously to boost corporate growth
Corrosion control of aluminum in h2so4 and nacl media using corn leaf (yellow corn) extract and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1h-imidazole, (c6h10n2) ionic liquids as inhibitors
No full textA Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of masters of Engineering (M.ENG) in Chemical EngineeringThis study focused on the use of corn leaf extract and an ionic liquid as inhibitors to limit the corrosion of aluminum in H2SO4 and 5% NaCl environments. Utilizing a microwave-assisted method, the ionic liquid of 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1H-imidazole (C6H10N2) was synthesized. Gas chromatography, a mass spectrophotometer, and a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer were used to characterize the inhibitors. The corrosion inhibition investigation used thermometric and gravimetric techniques. Results analysis revealed that the ionic liquid and corn leaf extract both contain cyclic chemical species with advantageous branches. The N-H stretch, C-H stretch, C-H stretch, O-H stretch, N=B=N ring stretching, C=O stretch, CH3 C-H bend, C-O stretch, and symmetric =C-O-C are the main functional groups of the corn leaf. Ionic liquid properties include =C-H stretch, C-O stretch, O-H stretch, C-C stretch, N-H bend, symmetric =C-O-C, C-O stretch, =C-H bend, and C-H bend. They have nitrogen and oxygen polar atoms in them, as well as double bonds. These characteristics imply that the ionic liquid and corn leaf extract have the necessary corrosion-inhibiting properties. The yield of ionic liquid was affected by reactant ratio 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 microwave power level, and time. The yield rose as the reactant ratio, power level, and time increased until it reached the maximum of 93.12%. Thermometric data demonstrated that both extracts' inhibition effectiveness rose with increasing inhibitor concentrations until it peaked at 0.7g/L of inhibitor concentration. Inhibitor concentration, temperature, and duration all affected how well corn leaf extract and the ionic liquid inhibited. The effectiveness of inhibition increased with increasing inhibitor concentration and time, but decreased with rising temperature. The corrosion inhibition mechanism was spontaneous, exothermic, and of physical adsorption, according to thermodynamic characteristics at an activation energy 24.7KJ. The link between inhibition efficiency and the taken into account variables of inhibitor concentration, temperature, and duration was properly characterized by a quadratic model. At an inhibitor concentration of 0.9g/L, a temperature of 313K, 303K and 323K were considered with a period of 96 hours. The optimal or anticipated IE of corn leaf for Al in H2SO4 medium was 84.89%. Ionic liquid in H2SO4 medium has a 94.53% Inhibition Efficiency. The ideal inhibitor efficiency of corn leaf extract and ionic liquid were determined to be 85.90% and 92.13%, respectively, when taking the NaCl medium into account. The optimum inhibition efficiencies of the inhibitors were extremely high. They successfully inhibited aluminum corrosion in the H2SO4 and NaCl media. Comparing the effectiveness of inhibition to corn leaf extract, ionic liquid showed higher efficiency. The results of SEM studies of the inhibited and uninhibited Al samples demonstrated that ionic liquid and corn leaf extract are effective corrosion inhibitors in the corrosive media. Therefore the use of corn leaf extract and ionic liquid to prevent rusting of aluminum in H2SO4 and NaCl media was successful
Assessment of the bacteriological qualities of meat and contact surfaces in markets in Abia State, Nigeria
Get PDFA Master's thesis on environmental health and safetyMicrobial contamination of meat comes from several sources including during cutting, handling and processing of the meat. This study was carried out to determine the sanitation and hygiene practices of meat handlers and assess the bacteriological qualities of meat and contact surfaces in markets in Abia State, Nigeria. This research involved the use of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) checklist and Walk-through inspection to determine the sanitation and hygiene practices of meat handlers. Also, microbiological analyses of red and white meat; water and contact surfaces were used to determine the microbial qualities of the environmental media. A total of 425 meat samples were randomly collected from 425 meat handlers in Abia State. Furthermore, seventy eighty (78) samples comprising twenty (20) water samples and fifty eight (58) swabs from meat contact surfaces were used to establish the bacteriological quality of the water samples and meat contact surfaces. The multistage simple random sampling technique through balloting was employed to determine communities/markets for the study. Samples for the study were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques such as culturing; and the bacteria were enumerated and identified using biochemical tests. Results showed that the total mean percentage score for the harmonized HACCP checklist was 24.66 ±n6.08% and falls far below the HACCP Good Hygiene Practices (SOPs) minimal pass mark of 40%. At critical control points, the mean percentage HACCP scores were 22.51 ± 4.70% for meat transportation; 20.99 ± 5.87% for meat storage; 27.97 ± 5.30% for personal hygiene; 26.30 ± 5.65% for cleaning and sanitation; 20.44 ± 4.81% for pest control; 26.13 ± 5.09% for waste disposal and 21.58 ± 4.89% for staff competency and training. 87.00% of the meat samples analysed using nutrient agar had bacterial growth. The mean bacterial loads of the red and white meat samples on nutrient agar plates were 2.33 x 106 , 1.99 x105 and 2.73 x105 cfu/g; and 1.81 x 105 , 1.73 x 105 and 2.20 x 106 cfu/g for Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia zones respectively. The prevalent bacterial isolates include Staphylococcus sp (78.80%), Bacillus sp (73.17%), Enterococcus sp (64.00%), Escherichia coli (62.11%), Salmonella sp (62.11%), Klebsiella sp (51.29%), Micrococcus sp (44.94%) and Campylobacter sp (43.52%). SPSS analysis using the one way ANOVA showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in bacteria isolated from markets in the three Senatorial Zones of the State. Staphylococcus sp was isolated in 61.11% of the tables, 50.00% of vehicles, 41.67% of knives and 46.32% of water; Salmonella sp was isolated in 47.22% of the tables, 36.11% of vehicles, 30.56% of knives and 43.85% of water; Bacillus sp was isolated in 41.67% of the tables, 44.44% of vehicles, 33.33% of knives and 23.70% of water; Campylobacter sp was isolated in 27.78% of the tables, 25.00% of vehicles, 30.56% of knives and none in water. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in bacteria isolated from the contact surfaces and water from the markets in the three zones of the State. The poor HACCP compliance in meat handling (during transportation, storage, personal hygiene and sanitation practices etc) as observed in this study and indicated by the low mean percentage HACCP checklists score of 24.66 ± 6.08% could have contributed in the contamination of the meat carcasses resulting in the observed high mean bacterial loads from the meat samples. Thus, the bacteriological quality of meat in markets in Abia State could be said to be poor due to the recorded high mean bacterial load counts and the isolation of Indicator bacteria such as E, coli,
Salmonella and Campylobacter from the studied meat samples. The presence of E. coli in the studied meat samples is an indicator of feacal contamination and a red alert for the Public health sector. It is recommended among others that meat should be properly cooked before consumption; and meat handlers should undergo proper training and regularly update their knowledge of meat safety
Baseline backgroud radiation in offices within Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Get PDFMaster of Science ( M.Sc ) Degree in Radiation and Health PhysicsThe background radiation of various offices in the various Departments in Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) was assessed. The study area is located at N5°23.5615’ and E 6°59.175pp8’. The background radiation level was assessed using a well calibrated digital Geiger – Muller Counter GCA – 04W. The indoor background radiation of about five offices in each of the fifty Departments (also the center for energy and power systems research) in FUTO was measured. The average value of the measured background ionizing radiation (BIR) is 0.0052 µSv/h and standard deviation of 0.0035 µSv/h which is much lower than the world average of 0.274 µSv/h. The highest value obtained was observed in the Department of Food Science and Technology as 0.0873±0.0432µSv/h, while the lowest value was recorded in Mathematics Department as 0.0006±0.0001µSv/h. Radiological hazard indices from the BIR measurement was obtained and the highest value of the absorbed dose rate was recorded in the Department of Food Science and Technology as 75.934 nGy/h. The lowest value was recorded as 0.548 nGy/h in Mathematics Department. The highest value is significantly higher than the world average of 59 nGy/h. For the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the average value for all the offices is 22.313±14.092 µSv/y, which is lower than the world average of 410 µSv/y. Also, the lowest value of excess life cancer risk(ELCR) is 0.007×10-3in Mathematics. The highest value is 1.024×10-3in Food Science and Technology Department, which is significantly higher than the world average of 0.29×10-3. In the Departments of Crop Science, Financial Management Technology, and Centre for Energy & Power Systems Research, values of 0.301×10-3, 0.351×10-3 and 0.393×10-3 respectively were recorded and found to be higher than the world average value of 0.29×10-3. The results showed that, of all the Departments, the Department of Food science and Technology might pose the highest radiological risk due to having the highest levels of BIR and resulting
hazard indices. Generally, FUTO is relatively safe from the hazards of BIR
Geoenvironmental assessment of impacts of quarrying and quality of aggregates from various sources in parts of SouthEastern Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Environmental GeologyThe increasing demand for sand and crushed aggregates in parts of Southeastern Nigeria has necessitated the assessment of the impacts of aggregate quarrying such as air quality, dust (suspended particulate matter) and noise which constitute serious environmental problems, including health hazards of various types of cancers, silicosis and sometimes premature death amongst quarry workers and residents of immediate community in Lokpaukwu, Amasiri, Ishiagu, Uturu and Afikpo quarry sites, Southeastern Nigeria. Nine (9) sampling points were selected for the study and they include: primary crusher, generator house, secondary crusher, blasting pit, admin block, staff quarters, entrance gate, workshop and weighing bridge.Quarrying of sand in Njaba, Nwaorie and Otamiri rivers respectively has distorted their channel morphology both in depth and width thereby threatening the neighbouring bridges and river banks. However, the physico-mechanical properties of road stone aggregates from some intrusive rock quarries were determined and the results used to evaluate the quality of the aggregates as raodstone. Four aggregate samples were collected from the following intrusive rock quarries: Lokpaukwu (Ezeaku Formation, Diorite); Uturu (Ezeaku Formation, Andesite); Ishiagu (Asu River Group; Diorite); and Afikpo (Ezeaku Formation, Dolerite). The physico-mechanical tests performed on the samples include: Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV); Aggregate Impact Value (AIV); Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAAV); Water Absorption (WA); and Specific Gravity (SG). Results of the tests (ACV, AIV, LAAV, WA and SG) for aggregate samples from the quarries (Lokpaukwu (Diorite), Uturu (Andesite, Ishiagu (Diorite) and Afikpo (Dolerite)), respectively, are: 15.60%, 13.70%, 26.30%, 0.54% and 2.75; 19.20%, 19.01%, 19.50%, 0.01% and 2.67; 15.50%, 17.40%, 23.50%, 1.2% and 2.75; and 13.80%, 14.40%, 33.70%, 0.50% and 2.81.According to Nigerian Federal Ministry of Works Standards, the values from all the quarries are within the acceptable limits for roadstone aggregates (2.6), respectively. They are therefore recommended to be used as aggregates in road construction. On the other hand sandstones from Elugwu/ Umuchienta (Ameka Formation) are better than Okigwe( Nsukka Formation ) sandstones as a result of tests performed on the following parameters(ACV, AIV, LAAV, WA, BD and CCT) for aggregate quality as good for concrete material are: 35.70%, 32.60%, 46.48%, 0.90%, 1.42mg/m3 , 18.90N/mm3 and 34.50%, 36.40%, 60.70%, 0.60%, 1.63mg/m3 , 16.65N/mm3 respectively
Evaluation of the Nekede dumpsite on surrounding groundwater quality in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Environmental ManagementThis study evaluated the impact of municipal solid waste on groundwater quality around the Nekede dumpsite, Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. The Nekede waste dump is about two (2) hecters in area and has existed for many years and can pose pollution hazard to surface and groundwater resources through leachate infiltration. Several families abstract water for domestic usage from boreholes in this areas with resultant exposure to several water-borne challenges. 50kg of waste were classified into different categories and their percent composition determined. Water samples were also collected from four (4) different boreholes within 50m radius of the waste dump and analysed using standard procedures. Results obtained revealed that the waste in the dumpsite were majorly composed of metals (36.66% by mass). The pH of the borehole water sampled were slightly acidic, indicating possible waste interaction with the underlying aquifers. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) values ranged between 24-490µScm-1. BH1, the borehole nearest to the waste dump recorded the highest conductivity value of 490 µscm-1 which is above the WHO regulatory standard for a portable water. Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Chromium (Cr) concentrations were all found to be above the WHO regulatory limits. These results suggest a possible pollutant input from the waste dump, implying that the selected boreholes were impacted by the waste dump. The VES data of Nekede dumpsite showed a thickness value of 35m to 183m and the aquifer resistivity values ranged from 1000Ωm to 5850Ωm, the aquifer map also revealed an unconfined/ semi unconfined aquifer formation with sandy soil from top to bottom and layers of clay of 3.3m to 5.9m thickness. This formation is highly vulnerable to groundwater pollution due to high rate of leachate infiltration. This research have shown that Nekede dumpsite is a threat to the surrounding groundwater due to possible seepage of leachate from the dumpsite. This work has shown that regulation of drilling of boreholes in the study area and its environs has become inevitable to protect the public from water borne diseases
Examination of the factors affecting cost of construction projects delivery in Bayelsa State
Get PDFThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Project Management TechnologyThis study aims to examining the factors that significantly affect the cost of construction project delivery in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial for stakeholders in the construction industry to effectively plan, budget, and manage projects, ultimately leading to successful and cost-effective project completion. The research involves cross section surveys of client, consultants, and contractors in the construction industry in Bayelsa state. A total of 70 questionnaires were administered using convenience sampling methods. Descriptive statistics using simple bar chart was used to analyze respondents’ demographic data. Chi square tests and Kendall’s W tests was also employed to investigate relationships between variables. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in analyzing the data. Results showed that Escalation and inflation of cost of materials, Supplier manipulation, Duration of contract period and Economic instability are the most significant factors affecting the cost of construction project delivery with mean ranks 17.61, 17.61,17.42 and 17.22 respectively as agreed by respondents. While waste on site and dispute on site are the least significant factors with mean rank 4.92 and 6.28 respectively. The findings from this analysis will provide valuable insights into the specific challenge faced in Bayelsa State and offer recommendations to mitigate cost overruns and enhance project efficiency