Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN OVIA NORTH EAST, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textBackground: Work-related Musculo skeletal disorders are major health challenges for school teachers due to prolonged standing and repetitive tasks. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal disorders among primary school teachers is essential for developing effective intervention strategies to improve their occupational health and well-being.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among primary school teachers in Ovia North-East, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Two hundred and sixty-seven (267) primary school teachers in Ovia North-East, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected with a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising sociodemographic/work related characteristics and an adapted Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics and WMSD prevalence, while Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables at a 0.05 significance level.
Results: Among 267 primary school teachers studied, the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was highest in the lower back (28.5%), followed by the shoulder (21.7%) and upper back (18.7%). Pain affected work performance in 6.0% of respondents. Job characteristics such as longer teaching hours, poor posture and lack of ergonomic furniture were significantly associated with higher pain levels (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back, shoulder, and upper back, is highly prevalent among primary school teachers. The contributing factors include job-related characteristics such as longer teaching hours, poor posture and inadequate ergonomic support alongside sociodemographic factors like age and years of teaching experience. Improved workplace ergonomics, teacher training on posture, and adequate rest breaks are recommended to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal pain.
 
Sustainable Community Electrification: A HELIU Residency Case Study on Modeling an Optimal Hybrid Renewable Power Systems
No full textWith the increasing energy consumption globally and the growing need for an eco-friendly sustainable, reliable solution, hybrid systems combining renewable and non-renewable resources offer efficient economic solutions. This study explores a scalable solution in the development of an optimal Hybrid Renewable Power System (HRPS) towards a sustainable power supply to the growing community of Heliu Residency in Enugu State, Nigeria. And further emphasis was focused on the integration of Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, energy storage units (ESU), and small natural gas power plants (SNGPP). The research considered the estate’s average and peak demand to optimize the HRPS primary component in minimizing energy, and annual operational costs (AOC), and achieving high system availability. The current deregulation in the power industry and downstream oil and gas sector has led to skyrocketing energy tariffs and higher energy costs with conventional alternatives. The base case, being the national power grid yielded a COE of 0.0394/kWh about N66.98 at N1,700 per 151,500 about N257million at N1,700 per 24,610 about N42million per annum and a total net present cost (TNPC) of $32,998,500. The proposed system showed zero unmet loads, zero capacity shortage, and a 5kWh/day excess energy with a renewable penetration fraction of 43.1%. The proposed system showed an improved performance considering the key metrics as compared to the base case economically, further enhancing sustainability and scalability
Adsorptive Removal of Azo Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Sustainable Material: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Optimization Analysis
No full textDyes are colored substance of environmental concern due to their negative impacts on the water quality of both surface and ground water. This research focused on removal of Congo-red dye (CR) from effluent using the adsorptive qualities of Awka raw clay (ARC). The batch system was applied to evaluate the effect of process-independent variables. The thermodynamic properties ΔS, ΔH, ΔG, and Ea were determined. The optimum CR removal was predicted using the RSM model. Maximum percentage dye removal and adsorption capacity of 66% and 26.41 mg/g respectively were obtained via batch adsorption system. Thermodynamic results confirm the CR adsorption as endothermic, spontaneous, and physical process. The RSM model, with R2 of 0.9982 confirmed the model prediction statistically accurate. These obtained results confirm ARC cost-effective adsorbent for CR removal from effluents
Developing a Framework for Designing Effective Smart City Architecture Using Intelligent Systems
No full textThe ongoing congestion on major roads in Nigeria has significantly disrupt business activities and hindered the country’s economic growth. To tackle this issue, a framework for designing smart city architecture utilizing intelligent systems has been developed. To achieve this, we checked the characteristics and establish the causes of poor traffic flow, designed a smart city rule base, trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in the smart city rule base, designed a SIMULINK model, developed an algorithm, designed a Visual basic program, designed a smart city SIMULINK model and finally validated and justify the percentage improvement in traffic flow with and without intelligent smart city architecture. The results obtained are: the first ANN training reduces congestion to 59.29%, the second to 54.37%, third to 51.68% thereby enhancing traffic flow. The conventional road capacity in Awka was 8%, with intelligent smart city architecture integrated, it enhances the system to 10.78%. The conventional inefficient traffic signal timing was 13%, with intelligent smart city architecture incorporated it reduces to 11.2% thereby minimizing congestion. The conventional congestion that caused delay for passengers is 60%, integrating intelligent smart city architecture it decisively reduced to 51.68%. Finally, these results obtained shows that the percentage improvement in the reduction of congestion when an intelligent smart city was incorporated in the system over the conventional counterpart is 8.32%, thereby reducing commute time
Impact of Allanblackia Floribunda Seed Shells and its Novel Utilization for Energy Growth
No full textIndustrialization is key to societal development and the utilization of abundant residues from organic waste helps to reduce overreliance on inorganic materials for energy and construction. In this research, a novel Allanblackia Floribunda seed shell was discovered as an alternative biocatalyst to existing biocatalyst. The ground fine powder of Allanblackia Floribunda Seed Shells was analyzed with a Thermogravimetric analyzer, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray Fluorescence, and Ultimate, and Proximate analysis to ascertain its thermal treatment suitability as biocatalyst for biodiesel making. The results indicate that the fine powder of Allanblackia Floribunda Seed Shells attained stable calcination at 740.24 oC at the third decomposition which is ideal for biodiesel production but can be calcined up to the fourth decomposition at 993.80 oC leaving a residue of 4.124% via the Thermogravimetric analyzer. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry showed that the maximum oxidation temperature of the biomaterial aligns with the third decomposition point of the Thermogravimetric analyzer. The calorific value derived from the mathematical model gave 23.65 MJ/kg indicating an acceptable energy potential source compared to other oil seed shells. Furthermore, X-ray fluorescence revealed the qualities of the compounds and elements present. The elements identified via X-ray fluorescence-FP were Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Nb, Sn, Zr, Ta, Zn, Ni, Co and O. Thus, the presence of these metals and few non-metals (S and P) can be utilized for biocatalyst production to boost the making of biodiesel, thereby contributing unique alternative biomaterial for energy sectors to strive globally
Analysis of the performance of rooftop mounted PV panels against horizontal panels and inclined panels
No full textThis study presents an experimental investigation of the performance of roof-top mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels compared to horizontal panels and panels inclined at the angle of the latitude. The aim is to provide technical recommendations for the optimal installation angle of PV panels, which is easy to implement in the absence of a tracking system. The materials utilized in this study include twelve 100W PV panels and twenty-four digital ammeters and voltmeters. Hourly measurements of the current and voltage from the PV panels placed in the following settings – rooftop (4), inclined (4), and horizontal (4) – were recorded over one year. Results obtained showed that the orientation of the PV panel plays a crucial role due to the rotation of the Earth. Inclined panels achieved the highest performance with superior current, voltage, and power outputs throughout the day. An 8-degree inclination angle (corresponding to the latitude) optimizes sunlight exposure while rooftop panels performed well but are affected by shading in the early morning and late afternoon, resulting in slightly lower performance compared to inclined panels. The key recommendations are that panels inclined at an 8-degree angle (matching the angle of latitude) provide the best performance, maximizing sunlight exposure and power output, and for rooftop installations, it is crucial to account for shading during sunrise and sunset, as positioning panels to minimize shading can significantly enhance overall performance
Preliminary Investigation of the Material Properties of Metakaolin Based Geopolymer Concrete (MKGPC) Using NaOH and Na2SiO3 as an Activator
No full textThe study focus on the material properties of MKGP concrete. Metakaolin to alkaline liquid ratio (MK/AL) used was 0.8 with grade 20 concrete. The highest soundness value recorded at mix ratio 1:4 for 8M and 12M molar concentration was 1.3mm and 1.1mm respectively. Which clearly indicates that the MKGP is unsound as the value gotten was below 10mm. Also, for 8M molar concentration the initial alkaline liquid (NaOH:Na2SiO3) ratio for 1:1 and 1:4 are 48mm and 18mm and final setting time alkaline liquid ratio for 1:1 and 1:4 are 216mm and 83mm. Similarly, for 12M molar concentration the initial ALr (NaOH:Na2SiO3) for 1:1 and 1:4 are 39mm and 15mm and final setting time ALr for 1:1 and 1:4 are 175mm and 79mm. This implies that initial and final setting time decreases with decrease in NaOH content and an increase Na2SiO3 content also reduce the setting times. The highest slump value obtain for 8M and 12M concentration was 133mm and 124mm respectively at ALr 1:4. This shows that increase in molarity of NaOH decreases workability and a gain in workability was record due to increase in sodium silicate content. XRF result of metakaolin shows that Al2O3 and SiO2 content is 93.92% which indicate a good pozzolanic material. The compressive strength of the material increased as the curing age increases. More so, it was observed that for 8M and 12M molar concentration, the highest compressive strength was 28.8 N/mm2 and 29.7 N/mm2 respectively and was obtained at a mix ratio of 1:3
Effect of Storage Conditions on Physicochemical Parameters of Stream Water
No full textThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of storage conditions(time, containers and locations) on physicochemical parameters of stream water in Awka, Anambra State,Nigeria. Water sample were collected from Ezustream in Amansi, Awka. The water was stored in clay pots, white and blue plastics, plain and black metal, inside and outside laboratory for twenty-eight days, within which analysis were carried out at intervals of three days. Results of the analyses were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for drinking water quality guidelines to evaluate its suitability for potable and domestic purposes. Results indicated that all physicochemical parameters were within WHO standard except colour concentration. Statistically at 5% significant level, storage time affected all parameters except total alkalinity, chloride and total hardness (inside) and total hardness (outside).Storage containers were affected by chloride and colour (inside), total suspended solids, chloride and colour concentrations (outside). On locations, blue plastic and black metal containers parameters were mostly affected, which implies that they are not suitable or best for storing stream water. This study has shown that storage containers have effect on water quality. Consequently, it is recommended that stream water should be stored in clay pot, white plastic and plain metal containers(inside and outside) as time improves water quality
Bio-plastic from Potato and Bambara Nut Shell Agro-Waste
No full textPlastic garbage has been deposited into the ecosystem as a result of anthropogenic activities. There is an urgent need to produce bio-plastics because plastics are not biodegradable and have a negative impact on the environment. One natural resource that can be utilized in the manufacturing of bio-plastics is starch. However, the brittleness of starch-based bio-plastics is a drawback. The study emphasizes the feasibility of utilizing cellulose derived from bambara nutshell agro-waste as an eco-friendly reinforcement in conjunction with potato starch for the synthesis of bio-plastic in order to overcome this constraint. It was studied how to produce and characterize bio-plastic from potato starch reinforced with 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 weight percentages of cellulose that was taken from agricultural waste manufactured from bambara nutshells. The main goal was to improve potato starch\u27s mechanical qualities in order to overcome the drawbacks of pure starch materials. In order to create bio-plastic, cellulose was extracted from bambara nutshell fibers using 5% NaOH and combined to a potato starch matrix. Increases in cellulose loading were found to improve the mechanical properties of potato starch. When bambara nutshell cellulose was added to weight percentages, the bio-plastics\u27 tensile, water-absorbing, and biodegradable qualities improved. Tensile strength increased significantly from 15 MPa to 50.25 MPa, elongation percentage dropped from 35% to 5%, Young\u27s modulus rose from 50 MPa to 200 MPa, water absorption decreased from 15.93% to 11.48%, and biodegradability increased from 29.81% to 50.69%. By lowering reliance on non-renewable resources, the study has shown that bambara nutshell cellulose/potato-starch is a practical and sustainable method for producing bio-plastics, which offer an alternative to traditional plastics and promote environmental sustainability
Compatibility of Advanced Emission Control Systems with Alternative Fuel Blends: Selective Catalytic Reduction, Oxidation Catalysts and Exhaust Gas Recirculation Performance
No full textThe rising demand for alternative fuels in the automotive industry, driven by sustainability and environmental regulations, has intensified research on the compatibility of advanced emission control systems (AECSs) with these fuels. This study investigates the performance of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Oxidation Catalysts (OCs), and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) when used with biodiesel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and Fischer–Tropsch Diesel (FTD). Experimental testing, combined with statistical modelling using analysis of variance (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and multiple regression analysis, was employed to evaluate nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM), and fuel economy. MATLAB and SPSS facilitated data processing and ensured statistical rigor. Results indicate that biodiesel blends significantly reduce CO and PM emissions (p < 0.05) but tend to increase NOₓ emissions, particularly at higher concentrations (e.g., B100), highlighting the need for optimized SCR and EGR operation. In contrast, HVO and FTD enhance combustion efficiency, resulting in statistically significant reductions in NOₓ, CO, and PM (p < 0.05). SCR and OCs perform optimally with these cleaner-burning fuels, while EGR demand remains comparatively low. Overall, the findings demonstrate that integrating advanced SCR configurations, fuel-specific oxidation catalysts and optimized EGR strategies can maximize emission reductions and fuel efficiency, supporting the automotive sector’s transition toward cleaner, regulation-compliant propulsion systems