Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research

1-3

Authors: Matthew N O Sadiku, Sarhan M Musa, Sudarshan R Nelatury

Terahertz technology is an exciting area of research for those interested in high frequency electromagnetic systems and related disciplines. This paper presents an introduction to terahertz technology and its applications. The goal of the paper is to acquaint engineers and scientists to this emerging field.

15-22

Authors: Mustafa Kemal Bilici, Ahmet Irfan Yükler, Memduh Kurtulmuş

The effect of important welding parameters and tool properties that are effective on static strength in friction stir spot welds of polymer sheets were studied. Different tool pin profiles with different pin length and pin angle were used to fabricate the joints. The tool rotational speed, tool plunge depth and dwell time were determined welding parameters. All the welding operations were done at the room temperature. Lap-shear tests were carried out to find the weld static strength. Weld cross section appearance observations were also done. From the experiments, the effect of pin profile, pin length, pin angle and tool rotational speed on friction stir spot welding formation and weld strength was determined.

34-40

Authors: Yahya Bozkurt, Mustafa Kemal Bilici, Serdar Salman, Hamit Özkan Gülsoy

This study aims to investigate the effect of aging parameters on wear behaviour of SiCp reinforced AA2124 aluminum metal matrix composite. Aging behaviour and microstructure characterization of AA2124/SiC/25p composite was performed under the aging temperatures of 180, 185 and 190 °C for various dwelling time ranging from 0 up to 100 hours. Wear tests were perormed on a pin-on-disc wear tester using an alloy steel pin and disc of hardness 63 HRC for 160 rpm and 10,20,30 N load. The microstructure was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hardness, energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were also performed to evaluate the characteristics of aged AA2124/SiC/25p composite. SEM observations of the worn surfaces cracks as the mechanism in the as aging conditions. The results show that the hardness and wear rate values of as-received composite were considerably improved up to two third by the ag¬ing AA2124/SiC/25p composite.

50-54

Authors: Dillip Kumar Behera, Kampal Mishra, PL Nayak

In this research programme in situ Polymerization technique was used for the preparation of Polyaniline (PANI)/ MMT nanocomposites where the aniline monomer is allowed to polymerize in presence of HCl. Then Nanocomposites were characterized by various techniques like FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, TGA and TEM. The Electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites were also measured. FTIR analysis provided an evidence for the formation of nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the clay was almost exfoliated in between the polymer matrix. A delayed onset of thermal degradation by as much as 70 °C in case of PANI / MMTindicates that the incorporation of MMT increased the thermal stability of the composites.

62-72

Authors: Hussein A Kazem, Miqdam T Chaichan

Peak demand for electricity at Sultanate of Oman have been forecasted to increase from 2,773 MW in 2007 to about 4,634 MW in 2013, and power shortages are supposed to occur soon if current trends continue. One of the Omani government's future aims is to focus on the environment and to determine how to utilize renewable energy in the country. The administration and power organizations in Oman cooperate with global energy organizations that work in renewable assets to create power. The three most crucial components in selecting new vitality sources are that they should be: locally accessible, renewable, and ecologically agreeable. Sun oriented energy satisfies these prerequisites. The level of solar power density in Oman is among the most elevated on the planet. It is allowed to gather, renewable for as long the sun is sparkling, and it doesn't hurt nature. This paper outlines the design and examination of an ideal framework with a reasonable burden to supply electrical power to Omani individuals in the desert region. This electric power will help them socially, instructively, and financially. This project was supported by the Research Council of Oman. Besides the different configuration parameters influence the execution of the PV framework, for example, solar radiation, temperature, orientation, and expense have been taken in thought. The advance of these parameters utilizing HOMER programming has been made amid the exploration stage to accomplish an ideal and viable configuration of sun-powered PV frameworks.

78-84

Authors: Nurliyana Athirah Mohd Noor, Ang Kean Hua, Owi Wei Ping

Research framework becomes an important guideline as starter phase to a particular research study. Research framework involve with introduction that have connection with issues and problems statement, methodology will concentrate on methods involve in collecting data, result with discussion part are involve with analysis data in producing result and discussion towards the result in solving the issues and problems, and conclusion will be highlighted on the summary of finding for the research. Based on this study, the research conducted in a smaller scale that only concentrated on university perspective. However, this research study can be enhance and develop into larger scale which involve with national perspective in managing the waste cooking oil, and indirectly help to control pollution in environmental perspective.

92-99

Authors: Man Kyu Huh

This study is to investigate the river ecosystem and the riparian vegetation on the Songji River at three regions. The riparian areas of both the river banks are dominated by mixed sediment and the vegetation is composed of herbs, shrub, and trees. The low water's edge vegetation and flood way vegetation at upper region of the Songji River were naturally formed various vegetation communities by natural erosion. Land use in riparian zones at upper area was partly bush or grassland as natural floodplain. Whereas, land uses in riparian zones river levee at middle and low areas were arable land, urban, residential mixed. Left and right riparian areas at upper area were distributed Pinaceae vegetation (Pinus densiflora, and Pinus rigida) and Fegaceae vegetation (Castanea crenata, Quercus dentata, and Quercus variabilis). Left and right riparian areas at middle region were distributed Polygonaceae, Cruciferae, Onagraceae, and Compositae vegetation. There were occurred in Equisetum arvense, Persicaria sieboldi, Trifolium repens, Oenothera odorata, Phragmites japonica, and Zoysia japonica at low region. According to the existing phytosociological data, 27 families, 65 genera, 71 species, 9 varieties, 21 associations, and 13 communities have been identified.

106-110

Authors: Olusegun A Adelodun, Titilola O Obilade

The study identified the variables that tend to affect educational performance among adult learners. The population for the study consisted of students of Lagos State University, Ojo (Ilesa Study Centre). A sample of 1035 students was purposively selected from Modules IV and V students. Three research instruments were used for the study namely, a questionnaire and two inventories. Data collected was analyzed using multivariate statistical programme (factor analysis). The total variance explained by the initial eigenvalues using principal component analysis revealed eight factors (with eigenvalues greater than one) that accounted for almost 60 percent of the total scale variance. Seven factors were identified to affect educational performance. These were: Circumstances, Parental Authority, Socio-Economic Label, Self Concept, Training Environment, Health Characteristic and Socio-Economic Characteristic. These identified constructs shall be the basis for our further determination of the links among the various constructs, and also useful for gaining insight into the structure of our multivariate data.

118-125

Authors: Okolo Chidiebere C, Ezechukwu OA, Anakwenze Uche, Tagboh Peter I, Icheke Linus E

In this paper, the development of electrical porcelain insulators based on local clays has been investigated. Test samples were made by varying the quantities of silica and feldspar required to form a mouldable plastic body with each clay sample. The clay samples were bisque fired to 900°C and glazed before it was fired to 1250 °C after air-drying. Electrical properties such as electrical resistance were determined for each test sample that survived the high temperature. The composition for optimum properties from Ekwulobia and Iva Valley clays each is at composition 3 of 60% clay, 25% feldspar and 15% silica; while for Nawfija clay, the composition for optimum properties was 50% clay, 30% feldspar and 20% silica. Then, the snail shell was grinded into a powdered form to be used as an additive. The snail shell additive was added to the sample composition 3 (clay 60%, feldspar 25% and silica 15%) from each location in five compositions as stated in table 3.3. The electrical resistance was tested. Porcelain insulators containing 50-70% clay, 20-30% feldspar and 10-20% silica were found to possess requisite properties that make them suitable for domestic production of porcelains insulators from the clays studied.

131-135

Authors: David B Oke, Samson G Okunlola

Analysis of slider crank mechanism was done and set of equations were derived and solved and the solutions were converted to Qbasic computer programming. The results obtained are precise and accurate when compared with graphical and analytical solutions. Furthermore, the approach saves time when compared to the time spent on obtaining solution with graphical and analytical methods. It also eliminates the possibilities of errors if the simple rules are known and strictly adhered to; it reduces the high skill requirement by the other methods. Finally, it guarantees the accurate result of velocity and acceleration in the mechanism. This study is limited to slider crank mechanism. It is recommended that similar computer programming analysis should be carried out on other mechanisms.

142-148

Authors: Norjumawati Sabran, Ang Kean Hua, Owi Wei Ping

Mangrove is important as habitat, provide food source, maintain ecological quality, and contribute economic value to human perspective. Nevertheless, mangrove forest resources are threatened, destroyed and exploited due to lacking of conservation awareness and concern, which the area are develop asindustrial, housing and agricultural activities. This research study through research framework are carry out in investigate, defined and determine the attitude of local communities in conservation towards mangrove forest. This research is concentrate at Sarawak area, which involve with quantitative approach through questionnaire methods in collecting data. The contribution through research results, findings, and discussion will become initiative in conserve the mangrove forest resources. Conclusion will be react as summary towards all findings and conclude the achievement of objective in the research study.

157-161

Authors: Lawal Abdu Daura

The Electricity generation potential of Municipal solid waste in Kano is presented in this paper. The composition analysis of municipal solid waste from four major solid waste disposal sites (dumpsites) within Kano municipality was conducted and energy content of the solid wastes were determined using empirical model equation based on proximate analysis. The energy content of the solid wastes from the four dumpsites were determined as 2185.56 kcal/kg (9.144 MJ/kg), 2132.73 kcal/kg (8.923 MJ/kg), 2322.21 kcal/kg (9.716 MJ/kg) and 2419.35 kcal/kg (10.125 MJ/kg) for Court road, Maimalari, Hajj camp and Ubagama waste dumpsites. Based on the energy content of the municipal solid waste, the electricity generation potential show a total of 805,579.68 kWh/day of electricity can be generated by incineration, with the dumpsites having the potentials to generate 198,973.68 kWh/day, 215,538.24 kWh/day, 258,400.56 kWh/day and 132,667.20 kWh/day for Court road, Maimalari, Hajj camp and Ubagama dumpsites respectively.

169-174

Authors: Aladeitan Yetunde M, Akinyede Opeyemi M

The goal of an oil field development project is to accelerate the hydrocarbon production and maximize recovery at the lowest cost. Optimizing the production of oil from thin oil rims reservoirs poses a major challenge in the oil and gas industry as a result of the coning tendencies which in turn limits the ultimate recovery from the reservoir. Successful oil rim development requires careful management of a wide range of subsurface uncertainties and generally lengthy study efforts are needed to assess technical and economic feasibility. Optimal well design is very important so as to get as much oil from the thin oil rim reservoir as possible. Reduced oil or gas production and increased operating expenses all lead to reduced revenues. In this study a comparison will be made between vertical and horizontal well to ascertain the design that produces results in higher oil recovery and lower water and gas coning. The results show that advantages of reduced water coning into the well bore for the horizontal well in comparison to the vertical well is time dependent and the cumulative oil produced in the use of the horizontal well is far higher than oil produced using the vertical well.

181-186

Authors: Awe OI, Owoeye FT, Odunlami SA

Aluminum and its alloys are of economic important because of their low cost lightness and good corrosion resistance at moderate temperature. Aluminum metal is a soft, lightweight, malleable metal with an appearance varying from silvery to dull gray, depending on the surface roughness. The main objective of this work is to investigate effect Aluminuim samples on corroding media. The samples for weight loss tests were prepared in accordance to the procedure recommended by ASTM G.1. The aluminum samples of three different thicknesses 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5mm were cut into square sizes of 5 cm by 5cm. These samples were cut from the parent materials with the help of shears, while a steel rule and scriber were used for the dimensioning. Twenty-four (24) samples were prepared from each of the Aluminium thickness for both media (1, 2 and 3 molars for acidic and alkalinity media) making a total of one hundred and forty four (144) samples.The samples were measured before and after immersion for specific exposure time. The corrosion rates in acidic medium increased generally with an increase exposure time while the corrosion rate in alkalinity decreased with an increase in exposure time that is as corrosion rate in acidic medium ascended, the alkalinity declined. It was noticed that the corrosion rates in both molarities reacted in an opposing way as corrosion rate in acidic medium increased it decreased in alkalinity medium. It was also observed that the both molarity and thickness of Aluminium samples had significant impact on the corrosion rates; increase in thickness reduced corrosion rate. It can then be concluded that corroding medium of acidic had the more impact (corrosion rate) on Aluminium samples most especially 3 molars on the least thickness of Aluminium than its alkalinity counterpart.

198-203

Authors: Omar Faroque, SM Al-Amin Sheikh

Power is very essential to develop economy and increase the standard of living in a country. Proper management, choice of fuel for a country depending on availability of that fuel in the country will make the power industry more economical and profitable. By constructing carbon emission lesser abruptly in electrical power industries the world economy may be kept stable. This paper is made to produce power from coal by efficient power engineering management. This paper is prepared based on secondary data and descriptive in nature. Carbon based fuels are more available, also less expensive and profitable to use in power industries than other resources. Solar PV required large area, also are not yet efficient and most of the people do not know how to use properly. Therefore, making solar PV efficient and less expensive like other conventional resources, it may be a solution.

210-218

Authors: Odelugo Lilian Ngozi, Adiela UP, Ijomah Azubuike Kelechi

Bioturbation is the reworking activity by organisms in and around sediment surfaces and is a natural day to day and important process in the marine environment. This process brings about disruption and alteration to primary sedimentary lithologies, though commonly overlooked in the areas of reservoir quality assessment. In other to assess the effect of these reworking activities on reservoir quality (porosity and permeability), two core samples of approximately 32ft, recovered from the Miocene interval of the parallic Agbada Formation, located in the South-eastern offshore Niger Delta were subjected to conventional core/thin section analysis. The resulting datasets containing digital core images. petrophysical plug data and thin section reports. The results showed dominance of bioturbated lithofacies with the spread of the ruziana and Skolithos ichnofacie associations. It was revealed also that the cleaner sandstone facies have the best reservoir quality while the more bioturbated intervals of the entire cored sections had porosity and permeability values slightly higher than their rarely-lowly bioturbated counterparts.

232-249

Authors: Essien Udo, Joseph Samuel,Umoh Eyoh

Lime and quarry dust were utilized for this laboratory stabilization experiments. The primary purpose was to evaluate the behaviour of Ekpuk residual soil on application of various percentages of lime and quarry dust and compactive effort on maximum dry densities and corresponding optimum moisture contents.When lime is added to fine-grained soil, cat-ion exchange takes place, with the calcium and magnesium in the lime replacing the sodium and potassium in the soil. The tendency to swell as a result of increase in moisture content is therefore immediately reduced. The plasticity index value of the soil is also reduced. Pozzolanic reaction may also occur in some resulting in the formation of cementing agents that increase the strength of the soil. When silica or alumina is present in the soil, a significant increase in strength may be observed over a long period of time. An additional effect is that lime causes flocculation of the fine particles, thereby increasing the effective grain size of the soil. The percentage of lime used for any project depends on the type of soil being stabilized. Four different residual soil samples from four distinct borrow pits were utilized for this investigation. Lime content varied from 2% to 8% while quarry dust content varied from 10% to 60%. The CBR values obtained at 6%/30%, lime/quarry dust stabilization ranged from 81% - 97% and 84% - 210% for measured and computed values respectively. For the UCS model formulation the lime content varied from 2% - 6% and quarry dust contents from 10% - 40%.Results obtained for measured and computed values ranged from 75KPa – 135KPa and 74 kg/m3- 139 kg/m3 for 7 days and88KPa – 132KPa and102KPa – 152KPa for 28 days curing duration. Finally multiple non-linear regressed models were developed to aid prediction and optimization of CBR and UCS parameters of Ekpuk residual soi at various levels of composite stabilization.

259-274

Authors: Kawekwune N, MN Oti

This paper examines the effects of Mud diapirism in ‘Odeiga block’ and its impact on sedimentation, reservoir development and hydrocarbon entrapment. The data available for this work include a 3D PSDM seismic volume, two wells Odeiga-1 and Odeiga-2 with high resolution biostratigraphic summary. Seismic mapping revealed presence of mass transport, turbidity and amalgamated channel complexes with some structural features folds, faults and mud-diapirs. The present and paleo-fairway maps of sands were generated with the aid of co-blended seismic attributes premised on well results. It was observed that the shale intrusion impacted on channel switching. Faulting and re-activation is believed to have been caused by gravity tectonics in the Deep Offshore Niger Delta. Furthermore, the interplay between hydrocarbon migration and entrapment within the vicinity of these major faults and mud-diapirs has also been investigated and no trap breach was detected within the studied interval. These combined structures comprising impervious shale plug(s) empierced with faults have good shale gouge ratio within their interface hence constitutes an efficient seal. This is validated through the final 3D framework model built around these combination traps. The findings from this research would boost prospectivity around similar structures which are abundant in most of the offshore acreages of the Niger Delta and would significantly increase reserves.

279-284

Authors: Joseph Amajama

The dynamics of air parameters: temperature, pressure and relative humidity on radio signal strength have been studied in the tropical city of Calabar – Nigeria. Mathematical models relating atmospheric radio wave refractivity with the weather parameters: air temperature, air pressure and relative humidity and atmospheric radio wave refractivity with signal strength have found application in the design of a signal stabilizer across an atmospheric channel, against weather fluctuations in regard air temperature, air pressure and relative humidity using a variable transmitter and a micro-controller. The controller functions to raise the output of a transmitter to counterbalance any loss in signal strength with fluctuations in weather and reduce output during favourable fluctuations to minimize amount of signal released into the atmosphere. If implemented, this may reduce health concerns (even though not truly established), radio wave interference (collision) due to excessive emission of signals to attain high power density as a result atmospheric impedance without quantifying the impedance and wastage of useful energy to transmit at high power density when unnecessary during favourable weather conditions. This design may not really answer quizzes on rain and wind. However, in regard to wind, since the transmission under study is omni-directional like most others in the broadcast universe, it is unwise to incorporate the idea of wind effect on radio wave propagation. None the less, it will be useful for uni-directional transmission, since the speed of the wind aids signal travel to some little extent if it is coursing parallel to the signal, but becomes detrimental when tangential or anti-parallel.

295-301

Authors: Mehmet Karaca, Ayse Gul Ince

DNA cytosine methylation is one of the most important epigenetic marks. To date a great number of software tools have been developed to detect, visualize or quantify DNA cytosine methylation data obtained from chemical treatment or enzyme converted genomic sequences and microarray data. However, there exist no software tools specifically identifying potential DNA cytosine methylation marks (CpG, CpHpG, and CpHpH) in promoters and gene bodies. Here we report several algorithms embedded in a novel software tool, EpiOne, to identify and locate potential cytosine methylation marks in annotated genomic DNA sequences. Algorithms also could be used to extract DNA sequences into promoter, exon, intron and UTR sequences. Algorithms of the EpiOne could be used to investigate relationships between some gene properties such as gene, exon, intron lengths and potential cytosine methylation marks and gene expression. Furthermore algorithms identify candidate genomic regions for primer binding sites or target sequences to be used in bisulfite sequencing studies, which is the gold standard in epigenetic research.

313-319

Authors: Shang Jia-Cui, Liu Jie, Liu Ya-Wei

Starch-lipid complex is endow with higher resistance to digestive enzymes than amylase alone, and the complex can combine more hydrophobic substances. In this work, thermostable α-amylase was involved to hydrolyze the starch as pretreatment. Then response surface methodology was used to explore the effects of lipid addition amount, stirring time and water bath temperature on complexing index (CI) of starch and soybean lecithin and established a mathematic model of optimal complex conditions. The results showed that the optimal lipid addition amount, stirring time, bath temperature were 3.5 %, 70 min and 89 ℃. Under the optimal conditions, the experimental CI was 51.4429, which was close to the predicted CI of 51.4763. The obtained regression model was fitting in good condition and had met the design requirements.

326-333

Authors: Osei Tutu Isaac, Ben Kwaku Banful, Stephen Amoah, Samuel Apuri, Emmanuel Amomba Seweh

A research study was conducted to determine the most appropriate stage of harvesting soybean, with minimal effects on seed quality characteristics. The field experiment was conducted at the Research fields of CSIR-Crops Research Institute at Fumesua, Kumasi Ghana (01⁰36'W; 06⁰43'N) with the treatment of harvesting soybean pods at physiological maturity, one and two weeks after physiological maturity. Physiological maturity was determined when 90% of the pods on the plant turned brown. The study revealed that soybean varieties harvested at physiological maturity recorded the highest seed yield as compared to other harvesting stages. Delaying harvesting by one and two weeks after physiological maturity resulted in seed yield loss of 49.4% and 63.2% respectively. Varieties harvested at physiological maturity registered high germination percentage, vigour and fat content while those harvested two weeks after physiological maturity had the lowest. Moreover, none of the varieties harvested at physiological maturity stage encountered shattering loss. However, varieties harvested one and two weeks after physiological maturity resulted in 20 and 31.22% shattering loss, respectively, of the total seed weight. The results obtained indicated that for good yield and seed quality, soybean pods should be harvested at physiological maturity.

339-345

Authors: Inemesit A Akpan, Idara N Obotowo

Cathodic protection of charred plantain peels oxide was investigated on mild steel surface in 0.1 M H2SO4 corrodent at 30 °C. The results showed that the plantain peels oxide is effective as cathodic protection agent on mild steel surface by sacrificial electron donation from electropositive metals present in the charred plantain peels. Further enhancement of the sacrificial protection was achieved by introducing a synergy or conjoint action when the protected metal was wrapped with aluminium foil. Inhibition efficiencies of 24%, 50.4%, and 73.3% were attained for mild steel coupon coated with paint only; coated with paint mixed with charred plantain peels and coated with paint mixed with charred plantain peels followed by wrapping with aluminium foil respectively. It is proposed that charred plantain peels oxide be included in paint formulation so as to induce cathodic protection and prolong the life span of the iron structure.

350-357

Authors: Oyelami S, Bolaji BO

The design and construction of a refrigerator as a test rig, in investigating the performance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which has zero ozone depleting potential and very low global warming potential, as working fluid in vapour compression refrigerating system as a possible alternative. The design was made with these assumptions:(a) steady state operation; (b) no pressure loss through pipelines,; (c) heat losses or heat gains from or to the system are neglected and of 75% isentropic efficiency. The following heat sources are considered: transmission load,qt= (A)(U)(∆T), infiltration load, qa= ma(ho – hi), product load, qpa= (m)(c)(∆T), specific heat given off by the product in freezing, qf = mLf,, quantity of heat given off by the product in cooling from its freezing temperature to the final storage temperature, qpb= (m)(c)(∆T), light Load, qL= Light rating(W) x Time(S). The total cooling load capacity of the refrigerator was obtained summing the various sources of heat into the refrigerated space, qTCL= qt+ qa+ qpa+ qf+ qpb+ qL. The total cooling load (QTCL) in watt is obtained to be 0.27302 kW. Considering 10% of safety factor, = 0.027302 kW approximately =0.300322 kW. This average load is referred to as Required Equipment Capacity (REC), which is used as a basis for component selection. The required equipment capacity obtained was 0.451 kW. The desired running time is 16 hours/day. The joints were properly welded. The major bought out components are: the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion device.

367-374

Authors: Lawrence O Osuman, Boma S Kinigoma, Baridor S Odagme

The Petroleum industry is mostly confronted with problems related to oilfield waste disposal generated from drilling and production of oil and gas wells. This study was carried out to examine the challenges in the methods of oilfield waste management in the Niger Delta region. This study gives a comparative economic evaluation of oilfield waste treatment method for decision making. Selecting the best treatment method for production operations will bring about maximum benefit and good return on investment. Sampling techniques were used in selecting 45 oil companies (drilling and Production) for the study by the use of questionnaires. 40 Properly filled questionnaires were sorted and the contents were analysed using descriptive statistics of tables, percentages and bar graphs. Different oilfield waste treatment and handling methods were assessed and evaluated on the basis of operational, environmental and economic point of view. Net Present Value (NPV). The result shows high level of negative environmental impact of oilfield waste management as a result of not improving on the methods already adopted and lack of enforcement in the regulation, exploration and production activities of the petroleum industry. Hence, this study recommends continuous modifications and improvement on methods adopted and enforcing the existing laws guiding the regulation of the industry activities.

383-391

Authors: Abdulaziz Yahya Algamdi, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, Milton Wainwright, Samir G Al-Solaimani

The site of the leather tanning factories in Riyadh industrial area is highly contaminated with Potassium dichromate, and the rate of chromium in the soil samples in this site are 183 mg kg-1, and this exceeds the allowable limits of the Lindsay method or standard (100 mg kg-1), and in the dischargeable wastewater is 3.4 mg L-1, which exceeds the allowable limits of the Jordanian Standard No. 202 f (2 mgL-1) for total chromium. A number of 9 bacteria species which are characterized as dichromate resistant bacteria have been identified. The bacterial isolates have been defined by the16S rRNA method, these are as follows: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Acinetobacter radioresistens, Acinetobacter venetianus, Ochrobacterum sp, Massilia niabensis and Leucobacter chromiireducens. All bacterial species in this study were shown to have high resistance to potassium dichromate Cr6+, with Acinetobacter notherradio resistants leading, followed by Acinetobacter ventianus, then comes Bacillus pumilus and B. cereus.

400-416

Authors: AMM Al-Naggar, MMM Atta, MA Ahmed, ASM Younis

Using data of mean performance of parents and their diallel crosses in prediction of their general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects could save breeder's time and effort. The objective of the present investigation was to test the validity of predictions of GCA and SCA effects from mean performance and/or heterobeltiosis for grain quality and yield traits under elevated plant density (D) combined with water deficit. Six experiments were conducted in two seasons, each represent one combination out of six, between 3 plant densities and two water regimes and included 6 inbred lines differing in tolerance to high plant density and their 15 diallel crosses. Combined analysis of data across years for each environment indicated that GCA was higher in magnitude than SCA variance for grain quality traits (grain protein content; GPC, grain oil content; GOC and grain starch content; GSC) and the opposite was true for yield traits (grain yield/plant; GYPP, grain yield/ha; GYPH, protein yield/ha; PYPH, oil yield/ha; OYPH and starch yield/ha; SYPH). The best inbreds in GCA effects were L53, L20 and Sk5 and the best crosses in SCA effects were Sk5 x L18, L20 x L53, L18 x Sd7 and L28 x Sd7 for GYPH, PYPH, OYPH, GYPH under stress and non-stress conditions. The results indicated that under all environments, especially the most stressed one, there are significant correlation coefficients between mean performance for studied yield traits of parents and their GCA effects, and between the mean performance of crosses and their SCA effects. But the mean performance for studied yield traits of crosses was not significantly correlated with their heterobeltiosis values, For studied yield and GSC traits, the heterobeltiosis crosses was not correlated with their SCA effects. These results concluded that GCA and SCA effects for yield traits could be predicted from mean performance of parents and crosses, respectively.

423-427

Authors: Odewumi TO, Okeniyi AG, Alli OO

Timbers are essential material for structural applications owing to their desirable physical and mechanical properties. This study investigates physical properties and solution absorption potential of some timber species that are in commercially use in Nigeria. Four timber species namely Ayin (Anogeissus Laocarpus), Teak (Teetona gradis), Mahogany (khaya ovoriasis) and Iroko (Milicia Excels) were observed to examine their rate of absorption of water in fresh and salty water, respectively. Thus, three different kinds of environment; dry, fresh water and saline (standard solution of inorganic salt, NaCl) were considered and the tests were performed over a varying period of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The absorption behavior of each timber species was monitored by the weight of each specimen taken at an interval of 7 days after immersion. The test results revealed the timbers having decreasing order of absorption of Iroko, Teak, Ayin, and Mahogany in terms of weight before immersion in both solutions. Hence, Teak timber absorbed least, followed by Iroko, Ayin and Mahogany, respectively.

435-441

Authors: O Abu, MA Emeje

Dengue fever is an important vector-borne disease. In this paper, a branching process model of dengue fever epidemics is presented. In this study, a retrospective analysis of a data set on reproduction numbers estimated by Chowell et al (2007) is carried out. To obtain the offspring distribution, we first fitted a Poisson distribution to the data set and subsets and secondly estimated the offspring distribution with a kernel density function. The model was simulated using both forms of the offspring distribution. The objectives are, first, to compare the solutions of the model for these two different offspring distributions and, secondly, to predict the disease spread in any population with the same scenario. The solution of the model with Poisson offspring distribution performs is the same as the solution of the same model with kernel offspring distribution to the nearest whole numbers. The results further reveal that any population with similar pattern of reproduction numbers has no guarantee of elimination of the disease at population level. However, elimination of the disease can be achieved in those localities of which their reproduction numbers are below one. Based on the findings of this study, it is therefore recommended that intervention measures such as vector killing be intensified in any supercritical area.

449-456

Authors: Mehdi Mazraei

Drought stress is one of the most important environ-mental factors in reduction of growth, development and production of plants. It can be said that it is one of the most devastating environmental stresses. Iran, with an annual rainfall of 240 mm, is classified as one of those dry regions. According to geographical location and topographic conditions, Iran has always been faced with drought over the last centuries, about 10 percent of the Iran’s areas have more than 500 mm of rainfall over the years and the rest have to be watered for the plants growth. Water shortage is a critical problem limiting maize growth through impact on anatomical, morphological, physiological and biochemical processes. The severity of drought damage depends on stress duration and crop growth stage.

461-472

Authors: Mohamed Farahat

This paper aims to study the architectural design of nuclear power plants (NPPs). It is also focusing on the requirements of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the design of nuclear power plants. Architects should be aware of the basics of nuclear facilities designs. Koeberg nuclear power plant in South Africa and Atucha nuclear power plant in Argentina have been chosen as examples. This paper presents design analyses for Koeberg nuclear power plant and Atucha nuclear power plant. These analyses include design theory (linear design and radial design) and positive & negative aspects of these designs. This paper is important as it reveals the need to study nuclear installations and give recommendations to the architects on how to deal with these vital facilities that have an increasing demand on the international, regional and national levels.

478-486

Authors: Mehmet Karaca, Ayse Gul Ince, Emine U Gocer, Adnan Aydin

Epigenetic regulations in cotton are poorly understood. In the present study bisulfite sequencing technique was used to assess the level and pattern of cytosine methylation in intronic and exonic regions of a fiber specific gene, GhMADS11, in different tissues (pollen grains, ovules, linter and lint fibers) and development stages of ovules at -1 day before anthesis, 5 and 10 days post anthesis (dpa) and lint fibers (20 and 25 dpa) of Pima 3-79, an extra-long staple cotton. Results revealed that intronic and exonic regions of GhMADS11 gene had different level and pattern of cytosine methylation. Among the tissues studied linter type fibers had the highest level of methylation while pollen grains had the lowest methylation. Exonic region of GhMADS11 gene in elongating lint fibers had the lowest level of DNA methylation while full elongated lint and linter fibers had the highest level of DNA methylation. Differential methylation level and pattern in GhMADS11 gene indicated that level and pattern of cytosine methylation may contribute valuable epigenetic effects on cotton fiber yield and quality.

495-498

Authors: Salihu Mohammed K

The overall goal of this work is to find the most suitable site in Mubi metropolis for optimal performance of solar devices. By using ENVI 4.5 software, thermal band 6.2 were used for the estimation of solar parameters (solar radiant, surface reflectance and surface temperature), from Landsat7 ETM+ imagery sensors acquire as a digital number (DN) range from 0 - 255 in thermal band, firstly the DNs was converted to radiance values (W/m2/sr/µm) using the bias and gain values specify to the individual pixel. Secondly the radiance was converted to surface reflectance, and the third process is to convert surface reflectance to surface temperature (Kelvin).This research reveals the most suitable site for solar station in Mubi town, and these areas are suggested because they have interested solar parameters in the whole season within year of the study, such areas are; Along Lokuwa Areas (10o15̍ 23.86̎ N, 13o16̍ 41.47̎ E), Near Gella Junction (10o15̍ 48.76̎ N, 13o16̍ 30.24̎ E), Along Shuwari Area (10o15̍ 63.84̎ N, 13o16̍ 12.51̎ E) and Kabban Area (10o16̍ 09.52̎ N, 13o15̍ 11.65̎ E). For efficient performance of solar station in other to achieved long last solution for effective used in our days to day’s activities.

506-510

Authors: Bui ThiNga, Philippe Lebailly

Chicken raising in Vietnam is still spontaneous, small scale, scattered, backward, low productivity, and especially faces many risks which would reduce the efficiency and profits of the farmers. This study aims to analyze risks and suggest some prevention solutions in the chicken raising in a case study of the Kim Dong district, Hung Yen province based on the questionnaire survey data of 40 representative chicken raising farmers. The results showed that, the most popular risks of input came from the high feed price (80%), and the easily engaged in diseases breed (72.5%). In the chicken raising period, they got the risks of diseases (90%), 35% had experienced with massive death. There were 80% farmers found difficulty or slow consumption, 70% was at risk of reducing or low output prices, and 65% responded that the market sometimes was distorted by the traders. The study suggests that, farmers need to have a strong cooperative to create a greater power in the negotiation with feed providing companies; select good prestige, ensured quality breed providers; reorganize their production process, regularly vaccinate, carefully monitored for early detection of epidemics, quarantine sick chickens from the flock, treat the diseases completely; update the market information to raise at the suitable production size. Government and local authorities should support them about market information so they can make the most appropriate and beneficial decision about production.

518-531

Authors: Oloro JO

The centrifuge method of capillary pressure determination is a unique method of capillary pressure determination in the laboratory in that the core plug is spun at discrete rotational speed which necessitate a force which pushes out fluid from the pores of the rock sample. In this paper the method was carried out by preparing the cores and saturate them with brine and crude oil and spun at a rotation speed ranging from 500RPM to 3000RPM, an interval of 500RPM using a centrifuge and the displaced fluid Vcoll is collected in the test tube inserted in the core holder and the capillary pressure was determined. As seen in fig 6 through to fig. 9, saturation decreases as capillary pressure increases and vice versa. The effect of core length on capillary pressure is shown on fig.10.0 .The longer the length of the core the higher the capillary pressure. Advantages of the centrifuge method are that; it is a rapid approach, and a full drainage and imbibition cycle are being complete in a matter of days. Centrifuges can also be operated at elevated temperatures (up to 150°).

539-542

Authors: R B Ogunrinde

In this paper, we investigate the convergence and stability properties of a one-step method for numerical scheme of ordinary differential equations is. We proved that the one step inverse polynomial method is stable and convergent.

558-564

Authors: Ngah SA, Abah EO

The Eneka dumpsite, Rivers State, Nigeria, has been in existence for over 20 years, which is long enough to impact the chemistry of the nearby shallow groundwater. An assessment of some heavy metals:chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), and some physico-chemical properties of shallow groundwater around Eneka dumpsite was carried out using American Society for Testing and Materials (2010) standard methods. Groundwater flowed in the NE-SW direction. Static water levels ranged from 1.61m – 2.11m. Water samples were collected from 4 sampling points-three boreholes and a hand dug well. One borehole was located upslope, which was used as control and the others downs lope. Groundwater samples were analyzed for the six heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and physico-chemical parameters including Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), temperature (T) and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were measured in-situ using a hand-held PCS Tester 35. pH values ranged from 4.36 to 6.2 which is below the WHO acceptable limit for drinking water. Average temperature of water was 28 °C. TDS values ranged from 13.6 to 527 ppm, water with TDS above 500 ppm is saline and not suitable for drinking. EC values ranged from 19.6 to 746µS. Cd and Pb concentrations were below detection limits for the AAS instrument. Ni concentrations were 0.08 and 0.09 which is slightly above World Health Organisation (WHO) limit of 0.07 mg/l but was not detected in two samples. Cu concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.04mg/l, Zn concentrations from 0.04 to 0.13mg/l. These concentrations are below those set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and WHO. All the water samples analyzed contained detectable concentrations of Cr (0.13 - 0.59mg/l), these concentrations are well above WHO acceptable limits for drinking water. It is recommended that people living SW of the dumpsite should monitor their water frequently for heavy metal contamination and low pH to determine if the water can be used for human consumption.

571-576

Authors: Oji A, Okonkwo C Scholastica

The fermentation of carbohydrate sources into ethanol and carbon dioxide has become increasingly important to both industrialized and developing countries because of its numerous uses especially in the food industry. This research paper is objectively focused on the possibility of quantifying the carbon dioxide produced from the fermentative growth of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and the probability of replacing the commercially imported baker’s yeast with freshly isolated yeast strains. An average yeast colony count of 1.25x107cfu/ml was formed after the inoculation of 0.1ml of freshly tapped palm wine from the oil palm specie (Elaeis Guineensis) under aseptic conditions. These colonies were tentatively identified as saccharomyces cerevisiae based on their colonial morphology, cellular characteristics and their abilities to ferment certain sugars. The gassing property of 3 pure yeast colonies were measured using the indirect method by inoculating them into a slant of potato dextrose agar in an Erlenmeyer flask and approximately 115ml of carbon dioxide was recorded in 2 days with rapid gas production obtained within the first 24 hours. Furthermore, the leavening property of freshly isolated yeast strains were been investigated by making a yeast solution with an average yeast colony of 5.00x107 cfu/ml and it was discovered that able it proofed a dough weighing 300g with a proof time of 8hours.