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APPRAISAL ON THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING LEAN PROJECT DELIVERY
Get PDFThe rapid evolution of digital technology has significantly impacted project management
methodologies, with a particular focus on achieving lean project delivery. Lean project delivery is
a project management approach that emphasizes efficiency, continuous improvement, and the
elimination of waste. This study aims to investigate the integration of digital technology within
lean project delivery frameworks. The review seeks to assess the impact of data analytics on
decision-making and explore the role of collaborative platforms in lean environments. This paper
presents an appraisal on digital technology parameters, in order to provide insight on achieving
lean project delivery. The research is a literature review paper that relied on secondary sources to
gather data. The data were content analysed using thematic approach and the findings
descriptively presented in themes, with the aid of a plate, table and figures. The review revealed
themes, trends, technical details, challenges, and success parameters for achieving lean project
delivery through the application of digital technology. The results showed that utilizing digital
tools has the potential to influence the outcome of project delivery, enhance transparency, an
inclusion facilitated by digital platforms can foster better understanding among project
stakeholders. Digital technology is crucial for lean project delivery, enabling collaboration,
communication, and process automation to enhance efficiency, quality, and project visibility. The
study aligns with the 8th target of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that promotes wider
social and economic development through technology, produces new jobs, and allows for resilient
labor and trade
MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION: OCCURRENCE, BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING OF SELECTED FISH SPECIES IN THE LAGOS LAGOON, NIGERIA
Get PDFMicroplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have been a source of scientific concern. The detection of microplastics in edible aquatic species and the studies that highlight subsequent potential toxic effects under field conditions are few. Hence, this study determined the occurrence of microplastics and assessed their biological effect on selected commercial fish species in the Lagos Lagoon. Composite sampling technique was employed in retrieving surface water and benthic sediment samples from four locations; Badagry, Makoko, SagboKoji, and Epe, while selected fish species were procured directly from local fishermen and assessed for microplastic contamination. Thirty-two samples each of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Oreochromis niloticus, Gymnarchus niloticus and Clarias gariepinus were analysed for microplastic contamination, oxidative stress, histopathology, and relative gene expression profile. Microplastics were observed and counted using a stereo microscope and plastic polymers were identified with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The gills, stomach, and liver were assessed for histopathological damage and oxidative stress using antioxidant enzyme biomarker; superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde. The relative gene expression profile of the fish liver was determined by the Real-time PCR analysis, with cytochrome 1a and heat shock protein 70 as the target genes, and ꞵ-actin as the reference gene. The seasonal variations in microplastic load and effects were determined in the sampling locations for inference. Statistical significance was established at p ≤ 0.05 between the abundance of microplastics across all the sampled locations. In the dry season, microplastic abundance was significantly high in Badagry at 71.4 ± 6.2 particles/L, and 3241.5±1069.5 particles/kg in the surface water and sediment respectively, whereas the fish species from Epe recorded the maximum microplastic presence at 34.7±9.4 particles/fish. In the rainy season, the microplastic load was predominant in the surface water and sediment from Badagry at 130.9 ± 7.0 particles/L and 5946.3 ± 543.7 particles/kg respectively, while high microplastic load (98.9 ± 35.8 particles/fish) was recorded in the fishes from Epe. Oreochromis niloticus accumulated the highest number of microplastics (38.2 particles/fish) in the dry season while Gymnarchus niloticus accumulated more (101.8 particles/fish) in the rainy season. Fibre was the predominant microplastic shape at 83% in surface water, 54% in sediment, and 61% in fish, with polyethylene, polychloroprene, and polyvinyl alcohol being the pre-eminent plastic polymer found. SOD activity and MDA levels were significantly higher in MP-laden fish tissues than in MP-free samples across both seasons (p ≤ 0.05). Stunted gill lamellae and degenerated necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the gill and liver of microplastic-contaminated fishes, respectively, while the stomach tissues showed no visible lesion. Cytochrome P450 gene was up-regulated as against the housekeeping ꞵ-actin gene in the contaminated fish liver. The microplastic load was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Biomarker responses in the fish species were also statistically higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. This study establishes an association between microplastic load in fish tissues and toxicological effects, calling for urgent measures to check microplastic contamination. However, further investigation is necessary to elucidate the risks and impact of chronic microplastic exposure on public health via the consumption of microplastic-contaminated fishes
Nanoparticle Fate and Transport in the Environment
Get PDF“Nanoparticle fate and transport in the environment” is a topic that explores
the behavior of nanoparticles, which are extremely tiny particles at the
nanoscale, in natural environments. It focuses on understanding how these
nanoparticles are dispersed and transported and ultimately interact with the
environment. This field of study examines the potential impacts of
nanoparticles on ecosystems and human health, considering factors such as
their movement in air, water, and soil, as well as their tendency to accumulate
in specific locations. Researchers in this area aim to gain insights into the
environmental fate of nanoparticles and develop strategies to mitigate any
adverse effects associated with their presence in addition to investigating the
various factors that influence the dispersion, distribution, and ultimate
destination of nanoparticles in the environment. Understanding the fate and
transport of nanoparticles is crucial for assessing their potential impact on
ecosystems, human health, and the overall environment
Nanochitosan Synthesis, Optimization, and Characterization
Get PDFThe strategic exploration of optimizing nanochitosan for fisheries and
aquaculture signifies a comprehensive effort to elevate its effectiveness in
tackling the daunting productivity challenges confronting the fisheries sector.
Translating laboratory-scale synthesis to large-scale production is a common
hurdle. Maintaining the same properties and performance of nanochitosan at
a larger scale requires careful consideration of the production process and
conditions. Achieving consistent and reproducible synthesis methods for
nanochitosan is also challenging. Variations in raw materials, reaction
conditions, and equipment can lead to differences in the properties of the
nanochitosan produced.This chapter presents promising optimization
strategies that leverage on precise control over synthesis methods, utilizing
sophisticated techniques such as acid hydrolysis, ionic gelation,
nanoprecipitation, and various advanced approaches. Within these intricate
processes, nanochitosan is carefully tailored to manifest specific properties
that prove advantageous for diverse applications within aquaculture.
Parameters like particle size, stability, and surface modifications are rigorously
scrutinized during the optimization process, ensuring that nanochitosan
assumes multifaceted functionalities. These functionalities encompass but are
not limited to drug delivery mechanisms, prevention of diseases,
enhancement of fish feed mixtures, and purification of water resources. The
optimization process represents a nuanced understanding of the intricate
interrelationship between the properties of nanochitosan and the stringent
requirements of aquaculture practices. This depth of comprehension is
indispensable for formulating solutions that are not only efficient but also
sustainable, thus contributing significantly to the advancement of fisheries and
aquaculture practices on a global scale
Enhanced Biogas Production from Human and Agro-Waste: Waste to Wealth Initiative
Get PDFHigh population spikes have been projected for developing countries in the nearest future. This
development is a source of concern as there are no visible futuristic economic agenda to douse
the menace of population growth in a dying economy. This paper is a blueprint for standalone
energy users and the built industry to improve energy generation using sustainable materials, i.e.,
human and agro waste. This research examines two popular agro waste i.e., plantain peel and
Siam leave. The concept of bio-digester septic tank design (BDSTD) was also discussed. Biogas
from plantain-faecal (PF) had a higher cumulative production than biogas from Siam-faecal (SF)
because plantain biomass aids initial bio-digestion of the faecal samples due to its inherent
chemical components which are important to breaking undigested food component in the faecal
mass. In this wise, the chemical component in Siam biomass cannot easily break undigested food
components in the faecal mass. However, SF creates a better enabling environment for microbial
growth that could lead to about 400% biogas generation over PF and 160% biogas generation
over pure faecal (TF). Despite this feat, the caveat for improved daily gas production rate in SF
is hinged on pre-processing of the faecal mass. With the aid of machine learning, it was revealed
that higher retention time could be a natural way of pre-processing needed by the Siam biomass.
This concept led to the design of the BDSTD which was technically hinged on cross-sectional
partitions. Plantain biomass is recommended for four partitions BDSTD design as there would be
shorter retention time in the overflow chamber while the Siam biomass is recommended for > 4
partitions BDSTD designs
ADOPTION OF GREEN RETROFITTING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Get PDFThe construction industry across the globe is setting green building technology as a standard for its products. To this end, measures have been taken to bring existing structures to acceptable standards of compliance, this is the essence of green retrofitting technology. This research work studied the imperatives of adopting green retrofitting technology in the Nigerian construction industry. It assessed the awareness of green retrofitting technologies among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry, assessed the green retrofitting technologies used by professionals in the Nigerian construction industry, identified the areas of application of green retrofitting technologies in buildings and determined the challenges to adoption of green retrofitting technologies among professionals in the construction industry. The study hypothesized that there is no significant difference in the awareness of construction industry professional of the various retrofitting components. A well-structured questionnaire was administered face to face and electronically via Google Forms on 102 samples consisting of construction professionals in selected private and public sector organizations in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. These samples were selected using cluster sampling technique and interviews were also conducted on 15 willing respondents to determine the areas of application of green retrofitting technologies. The retrieved data were analyzed using mean scores while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was conducted to test the hypothesis, and the results of the interviews were analyzed descriptively by categorizing responses into various groups based on their similarities. The results obtained were presented in tables and charts and necessary interpretations and inferences discussed. The research work showed that the respondents are sufficiently aware of the existence green retrofitting technologies, especially those of the electrical and enclosure categories while there was low level of awareness in the mechanical and renewables categories. It was further observed that electrical retrofitting components are the highest ranked components used in the Nigerian construction industry, however, most renewables and mechanical components have not been satisfactorily employed in the Nigerian construction industry. The survey further showed that limited knowledge, cost, skills gap, reluctance to adapt and poor infrastructure are the major factors limiting the adoption of green retrofitting technology in Nigeria. It was recommended that government should provide more enabling environment for training and education aimed at familiarising professionals in the construction industry on new and emerging technologies in the global community, also, individual professionals in the construction industry were advised to invest in personal development towards getting abreast of information on new and emerging technologies globally, and professional bodies were advised to sponsor training courses, workshops and seminars on new and emerging technologies for the benefit of their members and professionals were advised to encourage their prospective clients on the use of green retrofitting technologies in their development projects
SIMULATION OF CARBOHYDRATE PRODUCTION USING CO2 CAPTURED FROM FLUE GASES WITH ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION TOOL
Get PDFThe Earth’s global temperature requires urgent attention in order to reduce it to well below 2 °C, as stipulated by the Paris Agreement. This research models a process for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gases, and producing carbohydrates using post-combustion captured, adaptable to existing plants. A feed flue gas basis of 10 tons per day (300 °C, 10 bar) was considered. The capturing technique modelled achieved a CO2 recovery of 96 % and a CO2 purity of 93 %, meeting regulatory targets above 90 %. Based on thermodynamic equilibrium and phase equilibria calculations, the Aspen simulation of the carbon capture process via pressure swing adsorption revealed an energy requirement of 0.163 MJ per kg of CO2, compared to 0.7 MJ per kg CO2 reported by Nikolaidis, Kikkinides, and Georgiadis (2017). Conventional monoethanolamine (MEA) absorption processes for CO2 capture typically require over 4 MJ per kg CO2 (Ferrara et al., 2017). The process utilised a pressure swing adsorber (PSA) for CO2 capture, followed by the direct conversion of CO2 to saccharides (glucose, galactose, and fructose) in an artificial photosynthesis reactor. Varying the feed water flow rate from 20 kg/hr to 50 kg/hr reduced the glucose to galactose mass selectivity from 75:100 to 66:100. Varying the pressure of the artificial photosynthesis reactor (APR) from 0 to 40 bar increased the glucose to galactose mass selectivity from 72:100 to 78:100. Varying the reactor temperature from 0 °C to 320 °C decreased glucose yield from 33.1527 kg/hr to 1.6516 kg/hr, while galactose yield increased from 0.0045 kg/hr to 31.5056 kg/hr. Optimisation revealed a maximum glucose yield of 0.6824 kg per kg CO2 (1:5.9998 molar basis), with an efficiency of 99.996 % at 0 °C, 31.741 bar, and 40 kg/hr water flow rate. The artificial photosynthesis reactor required 17,255.9375 kJ per kg of glucose (3,108.7607 kJ/mol), efficient compared to the theoretical standard enthalpy of formation, 2,802.5 kJ/mol. Optimising galactose yield demonstrated 0.6797 kg per kg CO2 (1:6.0187 molar basis), comparable to the theoretical stoichiometry of 1:6, at 500 °C, 17.7763 bar, and 44.857 kg/hr water flow rate. The reactor required 20,454.6394 kJ per kg of galactose (3,681.8351 kJ/mol). The condensation reactor predominantly produced sucrose (31.4993 kg/hr), regardless of conditions, indicating thermodynamic favourability. Polysaccharide synthesis was infeasible due to the non-convergence of simulations, likely due to the absence of biological catalysts necessary for complex polymerisation reactions. This research highlights the potential and limitations of CO2 conversion processes to valuable biochemicals, providing a basis for future experimental investigations
ENHANCING THE ANTICORROSIVE AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF POLYURETHANE COATING USING 4-NITRO-O-PHENYLENEDIAMINE COUPLED WITH APTMS-SiO2
Get PDFThe research explores the synthesis and properties of polyurethane-urea coatings derived from castor seed oil (CSO), Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (4NPD) as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based polymers. Given the increasing environmental concerns and the need for biodegradable materials, this study focuses on utilising renewable plant biomass materials, particularly non-edible vegetable oils, to produce environmentally friendly polymeric coatings. The experimental approach involved the synthesis of poly(epichlorohydrin-triol) (PECH-triol) and its subsequent reaction with CSO and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to form polyurethane. The inclusion of 4NPD and APTMS-SiO2 aimed to enhance the attendant properties of the resultant coatings. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to characterise the synthesised materials. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) confirmed the successful incorporation of 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine 4NPD and APTMS-SiO2 into the polyurethane matrix. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystallinity of the coatings. The salt spray test shows that the more the nanomaterial, the higher it resists corrosion. The water contact angle demonstrates that the 3% APTMS-SiO2 is more hydrophobic than the others, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated their thermal stability. Furthermore, antimicrobial tests showed significant activity against various bacterial and fungal strains. It is hereby concluded that 4NPD enhances the coating strength and adhesives. It was also observed that PUU-ASiO2 with 3% ASiO2 show a more substantial effect on the attendant property of Polyurethane-urea coatings
ANDROGEN LEVELS IN NIGERIAN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS AND IN SILICO SCREENING OF POTENTIAL INHIBITORS OF SRD5A2 ENZYME
Get PDFGlobally, cancer has been recognized as the second most common disease occurring in various
organs of the body. Prostate cancer (PC) is among the most prevalent cancer types. It is
reportedly the most common form of male cancer in men of African descent, having the highest
susceptibility rate. Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are among
several risk factors associated with PC risk and progression. They have been well-established
to have an essential role in PC development, even at advanced stages. Dihydrotestosterone
(DHT), a more active androgen, has been linked to PC development and progression due to its
ability to bind the androgen receptor (AR) and initiate its signalling. The steroid 5-alphareductase
type-2 (SRD5A2) enzyme, which transforms testosterone into DHT, has been
targeted in hormonal therapy for PC using finasteride. However, side effects, including sexual
dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases, have been associated with the
treatment, thereby indicating a need for novel and safer SRD5A2 inhibitors. This study was
aimed at determining the levels of circulating androgens (Testosterone and DHT) among
Nigerian prostate cancer patients and identify potential drug targets against these androgens.
Testosterone and DHT levels were determined using an ELISA assay. A systematic review was
performed to identify previously reported plants as SRD5A2 inhibitors, including their
phytoconstituents. Thirty-four phytoconstituents from nine medicinal plants were selected and
evaluated alongside the standard SRD5A2 inhibitor (finasteride) by employing in silico
techniques, including molecular docking, pharmacokinetic prediction, and toxicity profiling.
Among the bioactive compounds evaluated, gamma-oryzanol showed the highest binding
affinity with SRD5A2 with a binding energy of -11.6 Kcal/mol comparable to the finasteride.
Its pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles were also predicted to be better than finasteride,
suggesting its therapeutic potential in drug development for PC treatment. However, further
studies should be conducted on gamma-oryzanol to ascertain its toxicity compared to
finasteride. We also recommend that additional studies be carried out to evaluate the expression
of the SRD5A2 gene in Nigerian PC patients, as this would help establish a personalized
treatment for this population
INVESTIGATION OF PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE-ENHANCED DELTAMETHRIN TREATMENT ON Anopheles gambiae IN OTA, OGUN STATE
Get PDFMalaria remains a significant global health burden, with an estimated 247 million cases and 619,000 deaths in 2021. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region. The primary vectors are female Anopheles mosquitoes, and their control is increasingly challenged by resistance to insecticides such as organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. This study focuses on the role of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in enhancing the efficacy of deltamethrin (a pyrethroid) in Ota, Ogun State. PBO is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, which detoxify pyrethroids in resistant mosquitoes. Two to five-day-old female mosquitoes that had not been fed blood were exposed to 0.05% deltamethrin alone and deltamethrin with 4% PBO according to WHO standards. The Knockdown resistance (kdr) genes were also genotyped to identify resistance mutations. The result showed that Anopheles gambiae exhibited significant resistance to deltamethrin alone (7.5% mortality). However, the addition of PBO increased deltamethrin efficacy, resulting in an 80.7% mortality rate. The increased susceptibility of the sample population to pyrethroids when used alongside PBO suggests the likely involvement of metabolic resistance. Kdr genotyping revealed the presence of the L1014F mutation, indicating kdr-West resistance. These findings suggest that incorporating PBO into vector control strategies could improve pyrethroid effectiveness and contribute to better malaria control