Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research

15-23

Authors: Umeh Maryrose N., Aguh Sunday P., Nwakoby John Oguejiofor

In manufacturing industries production scheduling is always a key to the company’s economic growth and profitability. It defines the appropriate timing system for production. It also establishes just-in-time system of the company under study. In this research work, the researcher makes use of 36x75x40 size of foam product which was analyzed using response surface, integer programming and linear programming optimization tools to optimize the production output of the product. The result shows that maximum production output of the product using response surface, integer programming and linear programming were 1854 units, 2160.0 units and 2172.7 units respectively over any given monthly production. The results were recommended to the case company for optimum use in scheduling their monthly production output.

31-43

Authors: Onyewuchi R.A., Ugwu S. A.

Litho-structural mapping of Udi and Okigwe area was done with the aim of carrying out geological interpretation of the area using Landsat 5 enhanced thematic mapper (ETM+) imageries. The objectives of the study include: mapping of geomorphic and hydro-geomorphic attributes, delineation of surface linear features, classification of land cover and discrimination of lithologic units. The obtained landsat data was digitally processed and enhanced to produce single band images, band ratios, colour composites, and classified images complemented by digitized geologic map for the study area. IDRISI 32 software modules were used in transformation and enhancement of the data to produce band ratios and colour composites respectively. Results revealed the topography of the study area to be predominantly low-lying and sparsely elevated features with heights of 10 and 539 metres respectively. The elevated features are interpreted as Awgu-Okigwe escarpment and Awka-Orlu cuesta. The low-lying areas are underlain by plains and river drainage channels. Similarly, the lithology of the study area falls between clay/shale and sandstone members. Isolated occurrence of limestone is suspected around Umuahia and environs. The interpreted lithology was based on the dendritic and trellis drainage patterns observed in the area. Short and long surface linear features delineated from the study area revealed dominant structural trend of NE-SW direction. This trend is a suspected continental extension of oceanic Chain and Charcot fracture zones. Heavy lineament density is observed around Ogbabu, Ihube, Leru and Lokpaukwu areas which are interpreted as suspected zone of sedimentary/magnetic basement contact. In addition, such areas suggest a tectonically active zone. Land cover of the study area is classified into: bare soil, sparse and forest vegetation. These vegetations can support farming and logging activities. However, some sections of the study area are flood and erosion prone, based on the permeable and impermeable nature of its lithology.

52-61

Authors: Nwankwo CN, Odesanmi AO, Ugbena GK

Reservoir Characterization which entails the understanding of the subsurface reservoir plays an important role in the exploration and exploitation processes of the oil and gas industry in that it gives room for optimum recovery of hydrocarbon at a minimized cost. This research work is aimed at evaluating the formations, estimating the reservoir properties that can be used to characterize the reservoirs and calculating the hydrocarbon reserve of a field located in the Niger Delta region. This was accomplished by identifying and computing reservoir properties and estimating the volume of hydrocarbon using available 3-D seismic and well logs data. A well- to- seismic tie was carried out using the checkshot data in order to relate the horizon tops identified in a well with specific reflections on the 3-D seismic section. The petrophysical analysis carried out on three reservoirs of interest show that porosity values for reservoir G300, H100 and H400 vary respectively across the well from 0.24- 0.32, 0.29- 0.32 and 0.25- 0.31; permeability values vary from 241.27mD- 9188.83mD, 457.95mD- 1690.39mD and 618.34mD- 1487.56mD; water saturation values vary from 0.17- 0.34, 0.22- 0.29 and 0.23- 0.27 and the values of volume of shale vary from 0.05- 0.09, 0.05- 0.09 and 0.10- 0.13. Two horizons corresponding to the tops of two reservoirs G300 and H100 and several faults were mapped across the seismic section. Seismic grids were interpolated to generate time structure map which in turn was used to generate depth structure map by developing a velocity model that converted time to its corresponding depth. From the maps, an anticlinal structure was observed at the center of the field. Petrophysical models were generated for two reservoirs using structural framework and geostatistical techniques. The volumetric analysis carried out revealed that the volume of hydrocarbon in place for reservoir G300 was estimated at 62,739,256.3 barrels and that of reservoir H100 was 38,808,7 08.4 barrels. The result confirms that the productive capacity of the field is high and re-assuring.

66-74

Authors: Khalil M Thabayneh, Lilia A Mashal, Adnan M Arar, Fida M Buss

samples used in Palestine and Jordan and then calculates the doses resulting from those samples for smoker peoples. To investigate whether the tobacco itself is a potential source of radon, the concentrations were measured in 49 different local tobacco, cigarettes and narghile tobacco samples using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The results showed that the total concentrations of radon and thoron in local tobacco and cigarettes used in Palestine ranged from 32.8 to 154.6 Bqm-3, with an a total average value of 89.5 Bqm-3, and from 56.9 to 150.9 Bqm-3, with an a total average value of 100.0 Bqm-3, respectively. The total concentrations of radon and thoron in cigarettes and narghile tobacco used in Jordan ranged from 53.6 to 200.1 Bqm-3, with a total average value of 108.0 Bqm-3, and from 38.3 to 194.7 Bqm-3, with a total average value of 89.0 Bqm-3, respectively. The annual effective dose and the lung cancer cases per year per million person were calculated for all samples. The results showed that the radon concentrations and the resulting doses emerged from several investigated samples were higher than the safe limits recommended by the World Health Organization in some aspects. Therefore, health risk due to radon is possible.

86-92

Authors: Furkan Aydin, Halil Ibrahim Kahve, Mustafa Ardic

Recently, food and packaging industries have been joining efforts to reduce the amount of food packaging materials. Edible food and coatings have become popular in the food industry, because they produce less waste, are cost effective, and offer protection after the package has been opened. The use of edible films in food products seems new, but food products were first covered by edible films and coatings many years ago. Chitosan films are examined under four headings. These are carbohydrate films, lipid films, protein films and complex films. Lipid compounds contain neutral lipids of glycerides. Lipids are commonly added to food coatings to impart hydrophobicity. Lipids are mainly used for their efficiently as a water-vapor barrier in edible films. The structure, degree of saturation, chain length, physical state, shape and dimension of crystal and distribution of lipids into the film influence the functional properties of the film. Wax and glycerides are examples of lipid based films.

107-110

Authors: M. N. O. Sadiku, S. R. Nelatury, S.M. Musa

Wireless and big data are hot research topics in the communication and information community. Wireless technology has grown tremendously reaching across the globe and touching almost everyone on the planet. Big data refers to large data that is generated in complex systems and is growing rapidly and expanding in all science and engineering. Wireless big data integrates the traditionally separate two areas. This paper provides a brief introduction to wireless big data.

122-136

Authors: Hasssan H. El-Tamaly, Ayman Yousef Nassef

The wind farm must be installed at a site having suitable wind speed. This site may be far from the load. Then the wind farm must be connected to the load centers via transformer station to raise the voltage to the required values for transmission through long AC transmission line. There are some problems faces the interconnection between wind farm and load centers. Some of these problems are the way of wind turbine connection inside the farm, the collection point, the design of the transformer station and the design of overhead transmission lines. This paper introduces the most suitable methods for connecting the wind turbines to the collection point, the design of the transformer station and the AC overhead transmission lines according to the produced power from the wind farm. The most suitable methods have been applied on a wind farm installed at Gabl El-Zeat site which located on suze Gulf of Red sea, Egypt by using computer program based Matlab.

146-151

Authors: C. Pamukcu

The systematic and rigorous study of the cutting process in natural stones, using diamond abrasives, to provide an understanding of the relationships between machine, tool, workpiece and cutting parameters and naturally the resultant and evaluation factors comprising geometrical forces, wear, machined face and chips of the blade, offers the possibility of optimising stone sawing operations. In this study, some empirical formulae and chip removal model were developed which takes into consideration the distribution of synthetic diamonds on the tool surface and also the different mechanisms of cutter-edge wear. Besides, the influence of diamond grit size and concentration were investigated in order to provide facility and practical view for frame and circular stone sawing processes.

165-171

Authors: O. Abu, S.E. Onalo

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of vaccination and treatment alongside the human contact interaction on the epidemiology of tuberculosis diseases. We constructed a graph that represents a population and their interconnectedness. The node-degree sequence obeys a Poisson distribution and the graph was generated by the mechanism of configuration model. The transmission dynamics of tuberculosis disease was simulated under different coverage of vaccination and treatment. The results show that effective combination of vaccination and treatment as a strategy is the best for the control of tuberculosis disease. Therefore, more concerted effort should be directed in this line to eradicate this menace.

177-186

Authors: Isak Karabegović

In 2010 German government continued with the strategic plan named ‘’High-Tech Strategy 2020’’ with an emphasis on scientific and technological development. Under the title ‘’Industry 4.0’’they are promoting reform and modernization of production in all industry branches by introducing digital technology, which depends on a number of new and innovative technological achievements. Their intention is to integrate production processes at all stages of formation and use of the product with the use and application of ICT and digital technology. The modernization and automation of production processes include advanced sensors and intelligent robots configured independently so as to monitor and participate in the development of products. In addition, technologically advanced countries like USA, UK, Japan, Sweden and others have accepted and introduced digital technology in production processes with the aim of creating intelligent automation, and intelligent factory of the future. China is faced with competition from ASEAN countries and Central Asia, which have cheap labour market. This weakens the export demand from China to the EU and USA, as evidenced by the ‘’Report on the Global Innovation Index 2015’’.In response to the ‘’Industry 4.0’’, the Government of China created the strategy ‘’Made in China 2025’’, which promotes the relationship between information technology and industrial production, introduces the optimization of production processes, increases the ability to innovate in the industry including ICT, industrial and service robots, high technology machine tools, new materials, etc. China is relatively weak compared to the technologically developed countries in the world in regard to innovation and newer technologies, so it focused on industrial modernization in key sectors: telecommunications, production of commercial aircraft and helicopters, agricultural machinery, medical devices, alternative energy, electric vehicles and materials. The implementation of the adopted strategy in China is creating new opportunities for the promotion of successful innovative and creative economy, which enables the transition from ‘’Great industrial economy’’ into ‘’Powerful industrial economy’’.

194-201

Authors: Nkem Udeani, Dauda Adamu Milila

Centuries before the discovery of synthetic dyes, natural dyes were the only dye open to mankind. Historically, the first synthetic dye was developed in 1856 and during the industrialization of textile production, the rate of synthetic dye production became enormous and as a result, the use of natural dye almost went extinct. However, the recent discovery of the harmfulness of synthetic dye towards the human body and its toxic effects on the skin enhanced the use and intense research on varying natural plants, animals, minerals and insect secretions as colourants for textile substrates. Of all, plants – bark, roots, leaves and flowers is the most explored and experimented. Sorghum bi-colour L (Guinea corn) is one of such plants. In this study therefore, the liquid extract of sorghum bi–colour L was optimized using different alkalis and its potentials as fabric dye was analyzed through exhaustion method using cotton and linen fabrics. Hot and cold water extraction method was used to determine the best method of extracting the dye. The results show that cotton to an extent showed high level of absorbency than linen and hot water extract is a better method of dye extraction. The colours obtained ranged from lilac to brown hues.

210-216

Authors: Enwuso A. Igwe, Kemejika I. Amadi-Oparaeli

The present study focused on determining changes that will occur in the life of a flexible pavement with respect to fatigue when submerged in moisture over a period of time under repeated traffic loads and varying frequencies of loading. The study was simulated in the laboratory by using asphalt concretes for analysis which is believed to have associate behaviour with flexible pavements under similar conditions. The study thus revealed that under moisture the tensile strains in the pavement layer increased considerably continuously between Day 0 – Day 5 submergence in moisture. Alternately, the increase in strains resulted in considerable and continuous decrease in pavement stiffness between Day 0 – Day 5 submergence in moisture. On the overall, this resulted in significant and continuous decrease in pavement fatigue therefore a reduction in the life of the pavement between Day 0 – Day 5 submergence in moisture. In summary it is concluded that moisture has a damaging effect on flexible pavement life when under submergence over a period of time.

221-227

Authors: Yang Xiao-juan

In this paper, we propose a nonconvex variational model to Poisson noise removal. An efficient iterative algorithm based on the augmented Lagrangian technique is proposed. Numerical experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

238-243

Authors: Nguyen P.D. Nguyen, Tran D. Khanh

The Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been in the wild for thousand years but its precious gene pool has been eroded day by day in the innovation period and current deforestation situation. Therefore, research on the role of ecological factors on Amauroderma genus (black lingzhi) is indispensable for predicting its diversity or declining of mushroom species. The understanding about the impact of ecological factors on the appearance of Amauroderma genus is the foundation for conservation and propagation of precious gene of such genus. Hence, this study was focused on evaluate five ecological factors including temperature (to), humidity (m), elevation (h), and light intensity (l) and occurrence frequency (density) which have caused impacts on appearance of of Amauroderma genus in Central Highland of Vietnam. The results revealed that 02 ecological factors important to the occurrence frequency and distribution of mushroom species in Amauroderma genus expressed through following equation: Frequency apprears^2 = -167.788 + 3.2837*doam+sqrt (height).The elevation of 200-800m and the humidity larger than 90% are the most suitable for the growth and development of mushroom species in Amauroderma genus. This study has provided very useful information for further conservation and propagation the precious genetic resource.

254-270

Authors: Vu V. Liet, Vu T.B. Hanh, Pham Q. Tuan, Nguyen V. Ha, Tran T.T. Ha, Hoang T. Thuy, Duong T. Loan, Nguyen V. Viet, Nguyen T. Duc, Nguyen T.N. Anh, Le M. Thao, Khuat H. Trung, Tran D. Khanh

Waxy maize (Zea mays L. var. certain) hybrid program has been established since 2003 at Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), began upon collection activity of waxy maize nationwide germplasm. During 2003 to 2012, total 160 accessions of local waxy maize were collected based on the four ecosystem regions includedNorth-West mountain (Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Son La province); North-east mountain (Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son and Lao Cai provinces); mountain region of North coastal Central (Quang Tri province) and Highland central (Dac Lak, Gia Lai and Lam Dong provinces).Along with the collected local waxy maize germplasm, the 36 exotic waxy maize germplasm was also imported, exchanged and commercial waxy maize hybrids in Vietnam market. Evaluation of waxy maize germplasm diversity and identified usefultraits like drought tolerance, diseases -resistance, eating quality, especially thinner pericarp thickness, anthocyanin content for utilization and maize database establishment in VNUA. Currently, the mostgrown commercial maize varieties are hybrids. However, some waxy corn varieties derived in themountainous regions of Vietnam, where most ethnic minority people are counties are open-pollinated varieties (OPVs). Therefore, the improved OPVs are pivotal properties in these regions. Two local waxy maize varieties wereselected by thefull-sibmethod toenhancepopulationsare Khau li and Xa li luot. The results indicated that the selection method has significantly help to improve the numerous traits of interest of this population such as plant height, yield components and fresh ear yield Khau li which are shown to be higher 0.61 ton/ha and Xa li luot is 0.67 ton/ha via three consecutive cycles. Development of the inbred line for the hybrid breedin gprogram in CRDI was initiate dby use of 43 domestic and 36 exotic germplasm for inbred waxy maize line development. During 2009 to 2016, it has generated and evaluated 1683 of inbred lines on the genetic diversity, eating quality, anthocyanin content, drought tolerance, GCA, SCA base on phenotyping traits and applying molecular breeding. Hybrid waxy maize breeding wassuccessfully generated withfour waxy maize hybrids are VNU16, VNUA 69, MH8 and HUA 601 which revealed high fresh ear yield good eating quality, while a purple waxy maize hybrid is NT141 with high-quality and high anthocyanin content. Five waxy maize hybrids were taken into Vietnam Nation Inspection and Testing Network from 2013; they were shown higher yield and quality to compare with the controlled variety. The integration between the use of domestic and exotic germplasm could be successfully improved the diversity of waxy maize germplasm and hybrid breeding for traits of interest such as high fresh with husk yield and good eating quality.

283-290

Authors: Ugwu Kenneth Chikwado, Oluka Sylvester Ike, Agu Samuel Obiora

The wind oscillatory turbine was designed, fabricated and tested. The fabricated turbine generate electricity independently with a rigid chassis structure which converts the linear motion of the wind energy to electricity without using huge moving parts. It consists of oscillatory blade, rack and pinion, springs, chain, shafts, rotor, coil, generator, ladder, casing, etc that assembled together on a rigid frame stand. The wind moves the turbine blade into oscillatory movement and the springs at both sides increases the movement. The to and fro movement will be converted to rotational movement via the rack and pinion through the chain and a shaft. The rotational shaft transfer the force generated to the generator for converting the mechanical force into electricity. Wind is a natural phenomenon that is related to the movement of air masses caused primarily by the differential solar heating of the earth's surface. Seasonal and location variations in the energy received from the sun affect the strength and direction of the wind. Power from the wind depends upon the swept area of the turbine blades and the cube of the wind speed. The developed machine was tested at 10 meter, 20 meter and 30 meter respectively of meteorological height of Enugu town over the studied period, which was 2016. It was discovered that most of the rated power variations happened within the months of December and August whereas January and August for wind speed variations. The only deviation was at 10meter height where variation of speed came on January and July; also variation of power came around November and August. The result was as expected since difference in wind speed distributions may be related to the difference in altitude and season. It was also gathered that the height of the turbine affect the performance of the developed machine.. The developed machine generated the highest annual average power of 500watt at 30 meter height and the lowest annual average power of 325.05watt at 10 meter height. The highest annual average speed of 6.04m/s was extracted by the machine at 30meter height and the lowest annual average speed of 4.4m/s was got at 10meter height. The ANOVA for the effect of height on the rated power from the turbine show that F calculated was greater than the F table at 5% probability level. This means that the treatment or effect means are not statistically equal and one of the treatment means is different from one or more of the remaining treatment.

295-310

Authors: O. Abu, S.E. Onalo

In this paper, a mathematical model of hepatitis B virus transmission dynamics, incorporating vaccination and treatment as control parameters is presented. Using published values of the model parameters, the stability properties of the disease-free and the endemic equilibrium states were numerically investigated. The numerical results show that if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the disease-free equilibrium state is locally and asymptotically stable. The numerical results also show that the endemic equilibrium state is locally and asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is above one. The numerical results further show that the disease-free (respectively the endemic) equilibrium state is globally and asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is less than (is greater than) unity. Finally, this study suggests that effective vaccination and treatment in combination guarantees eradication within the shortest possible time.

319-330

Authors: Tahir ALTINBALIK, Tolga KABAK

Pressure vessel cylinders find wide applications in many areas such as thermal and nuclear power plants, process and chemical industries, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber. A hyperbaric chamber is a specific pressure vessel. A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is designed to meet a number of criteria regarding safety and ease of use. In human medicine, HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) is most widely known for the treatment of decompres¬sion sickness for divers and more recently for a variety of medical conditions.The objective of this research work is to compare the design of the HBO cabin for divers, using two approaches called ‘design by analysis’ (DBA) and ‘design by formula’ (DBF). For this purpose determination of sheet thickness of 5 main and important parts of a chamber was performed. These are, main body, torispherical head, doors, medical lock outside wall and porthole flange. Firstly, the required material thicknesses were calculated by the empirical formulas according to AD 2000 Merkblatt pressured vessels standard and then results were examined by the SolidWorks analysis module. AD2000 MB formulas include high safety factors. Then, the SolidWorks analysis was repeated with the safety factor of 3 and the new sheet thickness values for the chosen parts were determined. Finally, cost analysis was done. It is shown that the thicknesses suggested by authors are more reliable than those presented numerically. For material thicknesses suggested by authors, weight and the total cost of the HBO chamber has been reduced by %55.

342-350

Authors: J. Sunday, A. A. Abada, A. A. James

A first derivative method for the integration of first-order oscillatory problems is derived in this research. The integration is carried out within a two-step interval. The method of collocation and interpolation of power series basis function was adopted in deriving the method. The method derived was tested on some sampled oscillatory differential problems to verify its reliability. The results obtained in terms of the point wise absolute errors show that the first derivative method developed approximates the exact solutions closely. The method derived was also tested for zero-stability, consistency and convergence.

356-362

Authors: R. El-Araby, E. Abdelkader, G. El Diwani, Hussien A. El Sayed, S.I. Hawash

Preparation of upgraded palm biodiesel using heterogeneous catalyst (Zn Al2 O4) at batch and continuous processes is investigated. The present study is an attempt to establish the possibility of use upgraded palm biodiesel as a blend component with jet A-1 at various volumetric ratios of (3, 10, 15 and 20 %) to prepare a new bio jet fuel specified physicochemical properties within the limits of jet A-1 standards. Regarding product from batch process at 300 ºC for 3 hours reaction time, the bio fuel with 3, 10 and 15 % upgraded ester content had almost similar characteristics with jet A-1 aviation. The physicochemical properties of binary blend (3 %) were: kinematic viscosity, density, high heating value and freezing point are 1.65 mm2/s, 0.802 g/l, 46.56 MJ/Kg and -28 ºC respectively. GC/MS results indicate that the % composition of hydrocarbon range (C8- C16) in various binary blends are 97.3, 95.5, 92.4 & 90.48 % for binary blends (3, 10, 15 & 20 %) respectively while that of jet A-1 was 99.8%. While upgraded palm biodiesel produced from continuous process by hydro cracking procedure at 450 and 500 ºC in presence of hydrogen at 60 bars and 2 ml/L liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) improved the freezing point of 3 % blend to -43 ºC without any additive and -52.5 ºC using 0.4 % of organic additive . Also % composition of hydrocarbon range (C8- C16) reached about 98 %.

371-376

Authors: K.S. Madhavan

Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a field has grown and adapted to the changing times. Strong AI or the very fact that machines can exhibit human like intelligence still remains a controversial & distant dream. But the gap between strong AI and weak AI has been converging. A mathematical proof for this has been rendered by Schapire [2] who concludes that the notions of strong and weak learning are equivalent by training them through boosting algorithms. Noted experts in the field Kurt Gödel, Noam Chomsky and Roger Penrose [3] have said that strong AI is impossible. Well this is a matter of continuous debate with Ray Kurzweil, the futurist, pointing out that the Singularity is near. In fact present day machine learning algorithms can do a whole lot of things that were not possible in the past including occupations like nursing, teaching manifested through robotics. Genetics, Nanotechnology and Robotics are the mainstay for knowledge boosting algorithms in future. There is a large class of algorithms in AI based on computational intelligence or soft computing. Some are connectionist, simulating the human cognitive processes which can be largely grouped under the term Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), yet others are evolutionary like Evolutionary Strategy based Genetic Algorithms. This paper is focused on prediction of power of induced draft fan in a thermal power plant based on a variety of independent features amounting to 33 which was reduced to 10 by feature selection using Evolutionary Strategy.

383-391

Authors: M.A. Fouad, M.A. Badr, Z.S. Abd El-Rehim, Taher Halawa, M.M. Ibrahim

Smart grid system is presently considered a reliable solution for the expected deficiency in the power required from future power systems. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of some economical parameters such as the change in inflation rate, diesel fuel price, purchase, and selling price of electricity, on the cost of energy generated from the system. In addition to these parameters, the effect of the expected increase in Photovoltaic (PV) efficiency as stated in recent reviewed researches is also investigated. The study also illustrates the cash flow diagram for on-off grid system. The results showed that the effect of grid connection increased Net Present Value (NPV) from $14528 of off-grid system to $18106 of on-grid system, decreased Cost of Energy (COE) from 0.316$/kWh; for off-grid system, to 0.266$/kWh for on-grid system. The investigation of the effect of inflation rate showed that the increase in inflation rate from 3% to 7% causes an increase of 9% in the Net Present Cost decrease of 7% in COE (from 0.287 to 0.21$/kWh). At higher grid selling price (0.1125 $/kWh) & lower purchase price (0.088$/kWh) grid cost, Minimum Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost Of Energy (COE) happened. The recorded increase in the NPV of the micro-grid due to increase in PV efficiency, hence PV output; was 15% for an increase of 45% PV efficiency.

397-408

Authors: Anietie N. Okon, Daniel T. Olagunju

In Nigeria, oil shale deposits are abundantly located mostly in Benue, Bornu, Adamawa, and Ebonyi States; and there are also potentials for shale gas in the Niger Delta region. The richest deposits, the mid-cretaceous oil shale deposits, which exist in the Lokpanta area of the Abakiliki anticlinorium, a depocentre in the Lower Benue trough, are estimated to contain 5.76 billion tonnes with a recoverable hydrocarbon reserve of about 1.7 billion barrels of oil. Development of this resource has not been undertaken in the past because accessible supplies of conventional hydrocarbons have been available at a lower development cost. However, with depleting supplies of the conventional hydrocarbons, as the nation’s future energy needs are enormous, it is important to examine the feasibility of supplementing our conventional hydrocarbons deposits with synthetic fuels derived from oil shale and other convertible fossil fuels. The purpose of this study therefore, is to evaluate the economic viability of embarking on the Abakiliki oil shale mineral ventures. Thus, the various oil shale development methods: Room and Pillar, Chamber and Pillar, Sublevel stoping, and Sublevel stoping with backfilling were considered. Additionally, the estimated annual operational expenses for each method and the estimated capital investment and operating cost for a 50,000 barrel-per-day processing plant were considered. Then, stochastic approach (i.e., Monte Carlo simulation) was used to determine the economic viability of embarking on the Abakiliki shale project. The net present value, discounted payback period and capital ratio were the criteria used to measure the relative advantages of the development methods and operating alternatives. The obtained results indicate that Room and Pillar method provided a better economic alternative for the development of the Abakiliki shale deposit.

418-424

Authors: Oluwatosin S. Obaseki, Joseph A. Olugbuyiro, Dilip K. De, Olasunkanmi R. Kesinro

Natural dye-sensitized solar cells, also known as Grätzel cells are considered to be non-toxic and low cost solar cells useful for electrical energy generation. Anthraquinones, flavonoids, and chlorophyll among others are phytoconstituents necessary for good photosensitization in these solar cells. Seven plants were randomly selected from tropical environs, Ota, Nigeria. Preliminary screening was carried out on them via chemical detection assay for secondary metabolites known for exhibiting chromophores at useful UV-visible regions. The phytochemical screening proved that three plant species were promising, namely: Mangifera indica leaf, Syzygium samarangense leaf, and Bougainvillea spectabilis flower. Successive extraction via cold maceration was carried out on each of the selected plants with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol based on polarity scale. The partitioned extracts were subsequently subjected to UV-visible spectral detection for useful chromophores. The ethyl acetate fraction of the dyes had the highest concentration of activity of compounds. M. indica had UV absorptions at 272 nm, 317 nm, 410 nm, and 665 nm, indicating the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids and chlorophyll. S. samarangense had UV/visible absorptions at 317 nm, 410 nm, 431 nm, and 665 nm, indicating the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids and chlorophyll. B. spectabilis had UV/visible absorptions at 407 nm, 470 nm, and 665 nm, signifying the presence of flavonoids and chlorophyll. The UV-Vis results showed that M. indica leaf, S. samarangense leaf and B. spectabilis flower absorb photons in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, hitherto fulfilling an important criterion for their use as sensitizers in Grätzel cells.

434-443

Authors: Ngah S. A., Ekpebegh U.N.

The study investigated the water supply sources in Old Umuahia semi-urban district in AbiaState, Nigeria. Emphasis was on the quality and quantity of available water sources. Some socio-economic considerations such as family sizes,proximity of source, quality and quantity of water actually used per day as compared with quantity required per day were all evaluated. Water supply shortfall was hence evaluated and quantified. Different sources of water in use were evaluated. They include motorized boreholes, springs, streams, commercial water vendors and harvested rainwater. The study showed that the majority of residents had bread winners who were civil servants (48%) with an average family size of 5-8 people. Most people practice conjunctive water use of water combining more than one source with comparative advantages. 89% of the people depend on water boreholes for their drinking water supplies. Available hydrogeological data from the area were reviewed. The area was found to be underlain by a prolific aquifer capable of sustainably supplying the area. Water samples were collected from the different water sources and analysed for concentration of key physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, salinity, total alkalinity, copper, iron, manganese, sulphate, chromium, colour and zinc. The results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards for domestic water supply. From the results, water in the area was found to be acidic with pH values ranging from 4.9 to 5.15 (mean value, 5.02). All the other physico-chemical parameters showed values that plot within the limit of acceptability of WHO standards except for two boreholes sources, two streams sources and samples from the commercial water vendors whose water samples indicated serious bacteriological contamination. Supplies from groundwater sources are of highest quality. Since the area is underlain by aquifers with excellent water yielding properties, the study recommended the development of water supply in the area mainly from groundwater sources. This will require additional hydrogeological studies to determine the number, location and depths of new boreholes to serve the domestic water demands of the inhabitants of the area. Existing four boreholes are grossly inadequate to meet and sustain the domestic water needs of about 8000 people who presently inhabit the area. Similarly, people should be discouraged from using the water from commercial water vendors for domestic purposes. This will drastically reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases in the area.

453-463

Authors: Sanja Michael Mutong’wa, Anthony J Rodrigues, Samuel Liyala

The analysis of partial least squares utilizing Structural Equation Modeling is well known as a second generation technique .Its true that , this technique has not been fully utilized in the field of research to handle complex data analysis in simulation and modeling by a number of researches globally. Such has been experienced in universities within African continent and specifically Postgraduate students particular in Kenya . PLS handled by SEM is considered not friendly by a number of scholars hence it has taken a low profile trend. This research aimed at analyzing partial least squares on Multiple group model comparison. Research underpinned a Delone & Mclean theory, attention is directed towards multiple group comparison of Six constructs with 36 split path diagrams. Data was adopted from the public sector from a PhD Thesis. Findings indicated that: Multiple group modeling comparison indicated that: Technical operation skills had positive significant difference on IFMIS applicability; Group Comparison yielded a lower ratio index meaning it fitted well. Information Quality model performed equally well in terms of Model Ratio Index. In terms of Goodness of fit comparison it indicated good results above the threshold. Level of IT Infrastructure delivered results of poor goodness of fit,which was not significant and had a higher ratio Index above 5, indicating a poor model fitting. All in all Partial least squares on Multiple Group Modeling Comparison was successfully utilized in measuring and analyzing the constructs of Delone & Mclean Theory. In conclusion all the five models were optimum and indicated an effective measure on IFMIS applicability, apart from Level of IT Infrastructure. Study contribution include:Techniques on Partial least squares by Structural Equation Modeling using by Splitting models Comparison, analysis by AMOS, Ratio indices. Study recommends further investigation of New Techniques for Analysis: Bootstrapping and Nested comparison.

471-474

Authors: Zhen Wei, Zhongliang Lu, Hongli Wang, Dingling Zhang

In this paper, we discussed the methods and the existing problems of the direct measurement of gas pressure in the underground coal seam, it is necessary to design a kind of intelligent coal seam gas pressure tester to solve the problem of relying on the personnel to observe the pressure, to realize the automatic recording and storage of the data. Besides, it can improve the accuracy of results and lessen the labor intensity of workers, which is of great significance to achieve the digitalization and automation of gas pressure measurement.

482-487

Authors: Ette Harrison Etuk, Pius Sibeate

Monthly distribution of household kerosene (HHK) in Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2015 experienced a sudden jump as from January 2013. It is believed that this increase was caused by the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry of Nigeria in January 2012. This is an intervention case with January 2013 as the point of intervention. It is being speculated that what is responsible for this is the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. The pre-intervention distribution is adjudged stationary and follows an ARMA(1,1) model. Post-intervention forecasts based on this model are computed and the difference between these forecasts and their corresponding actual observations is modelled to obtain the intervention transfer function. The overall intervention model is observed to generate forecasts that agree closely with the original data. Intervention measures may therefore be based on this model.

498-505

Authors: Cheikh Thiam, Alassane Diene, Youssou Traore, M. S. Ould Brahim, Aliou Diouf, Ould Mohamed Bah, Issa Diagne, Gregoire Sissoko

In this article, we present a study of heat distribution in a multilayer in dynamic frequency modulation under influence of extrinsic parameters such as, exciting pulse, the thermal exchange coefficient in front and back faces. The device in question consists of a kapok layer sandwiched between two coatings of raw earth. This study presents the temperature variation and the quantity of thermal flow per square meter under the effect of the exciting pulse and the thermal exchange coefficient.

520-527

Authors: K.A. Abed, Nahed A. El Mahallawy, Mohammed H. Sorour, Mahmoud A. El-Bayoumi, Yomna O. Mostafa

Polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) are widely used in diverse fields such as biomedical and numerous water treatment applications as ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltraton (NF). Tuning of surface morphology and mechanical characteristics is essential for successful performance, which is related to the target application. In this paper, microwave (MW) irradiation has been utilized as a post-treatment technique for the tuning of the above mentioned characteristics. Investigations are centered on variation of the saline bath containing different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (1-4 wt%) as an external heat transfer medium at a specific temperature and duration. The MW irradiated HFMs have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and numerous mechanical testing parameters. Investigations in the above mentioned range indicates that at 2% sodium chloride solution concentration unique properties prevailed, where it showed a decrease of 16.13% in wall thickness and a minimum surface roughness value with 19.22% decrease when compared to the untreated HF membranes. Also, it showed highest break stress increase of about 8.8% and highest break strain increase of about 17% as well as highest tensile modulus increase of about 25.9%. In general MW post-treatment confirmed the possibility of tuning surface morphology and mechanical properties using a specified saline concentration providing the intended degree of modification to cope with the targeted application.