Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research

7-15

Authors: O. Abu, M.A. Emeje

Hepatitis B is a global threat as approximately one third of the world’s population has serological evidence of past or present infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 350–400 million people are chronic HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) carriers. The objective of this study is to simulate the dynamics of HBV transmission under two different partnership structures and different interventions and predict the prevalence of HBV virus. A graph was generated under two scenarios: first, the node-degrees obey the power law distribution and secondly, the node-degrees are each restricted to having one link (partner). In either case, it is assumed that the partnership durations follow Weibull distribution. The results show that behavioural change from multiple partnerships and effective condom usage are the best strategy for the control of HBV prevalence in a heterosexual population. Therefore, efforts should be directed at creating awareness on the importance of monogamy and use of condoms.

43-50

Authors: O. Abu, M.A. Emeje

Hepatitis B is one of the leading infectious diseases of human. Approximately one third of the world’s population has serological markers of past or present infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 350–400 million people are chronic HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) carriers. The objective of this study is to simulate the effects of household contacts on horizontal transmission dynamics of HBV. A graph was constructed, where a population is divided into household cliques and each member of the household is connected to some members of the global community by the mechanism of the random graph. The playing out of HBV transmission was simulated for various sizes of household cliques. The results show that the level of prevalence increases with the size of the household clique. Thus, the effect of the size of household clique on horizontal transmission of HBV is significant.

69-77

Authors: O. Abu

The objective of this study is to predict the prevalence of HIV prevalence in a heterosexual population through complex graphs. A heterosexual population together with the partnership connections is described by a complex graph. We considered two scenarios; first a situation where individuals have the numbers of partners distributed according to a power-law distribution and secondly a situation where individuals are restricted each to one partner. In each case, the partnership durations are described by Weibull distribution and the effects of condom use are investigated. The results show that monogamous forms of relationship and effective condom use are the best strategy for the control of HIV prevalence. Therefore, behavioural change from multiple partnership and unprotected sex is crucial for the control of HIV/AIDS.

91-101

Authors: Nyam DD, Kwon-Ndung EH, Wuyep AP

The evaluation of the phylogenetic diversity of Acha (Digitaria sp.) was carried out among thirty accessions collected from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area (LGA) in Bauchi State; six LGAs of Plateau State and Jaba LGA of Kaduna State and assessed during the cropping seasons of 2012, 2013 and 2014 for their degree of relatedness. The randomized complete block design with three replications was employed for the morphological analyses. The phenotypic and genotypic characters for the different accessions revealed that the genotypes expressed variability in genetic diversity for the morphological traits. A high level of variability existed between the accessions with respect to plant height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, days to maturity and a 1000 seed weight. Principal component one (PC1) contributed 87.1%, 78.3 and 91.5% in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively of the total variation. Some of the accessions which were identified as Digitaria iburua, took the longest number of days to maturity and had the heaviest 1000 seed weight with an average at 0.72g. Those that were identified as Digitaria exilis, despite its early maturity date of an average of 132 days had an average 1000 seed weight of 0.62g. One of the accessions identified as D. barbinodis had the least number of days to maturity at 130 days and a mean 1000 seed weight of 0.51g. Correlation analyses revealed a highly significant and positive correlation between yield and the yield components. Dendrogram analyses across years show that two distinct clusters separated the accessions into two morphotypes: Digitaria iburua group and D. exilis group. D. barbinodis, a different species was found to be highly related to the D. exilis group. The traits in the 2012 planting season were separated between the 96.79 to 93.59%, this was observed to be between the 100 and 94.62% and, the 99 and 96% for 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons respectively, indicating that there were no traits that were 100% similar. The results study shows that the genotype had more variability in genetic diversity for plant height, leaf length, days to maturity and 1000 seed weight in the three-year field trials implying that selection for taller accessions, longer leaf length, wider stem girth and broader leaf width could lead to higher yields in Acha.

114-124

Authors: Karoui MF, Souissi R, Ayadi M

The main FSSW overlapped process parameters focused in this study: plunge rate (0.133, 0.366, and 0.45) mm/s, higher dwell time (5, 10 and 15) s and lower rotational speed (653, 1280 and 1700) tr/mn. Friction stir spot welding aluminum alloy sheet 2024-T3 with 1.6 mm thickness was the aim. Specimen’s lap-shear tests were realized to describe how failure mode was developed in the interface joint. In the present work, two fracture modes was investigated, the total pull out nugget failure mode and the mixed pull out- shear nugget failure mode. In two types under lap shear loading conditions, failure initiated by destruction of ZAT, in the first mode the failure propagates continued along joint surface to pull out the total circumference nugget formed by the ZATM and SZ. In second failure mode failure propagates along joint surface to pull out firstly the front mi- circumference nugget near front lower sheet surface; and continued to shear the rest circumference nugget. The multiple regressions, the pull out nugget and the pull-out-shear nugget, the micro-hardness profile of the welds exhibited a W-shaped appearance and the minimum hardness was measured in the heated affected zone.

135-141

Authors: Faruk ÇAĞLAK

In this study, Cellular Neural Network (CNN) method was applied to the map of gravity anomaly of Marmara Region Thrace-Ergene Basin. The CNN method that is frequently used in electronic engineering is used in Geophysical Engineering to distinguish between regional (effect of deeper structures) and residual (effect of near-surface structures) anomalies. By using the CNN technique and mapping the gravity anomaly maps of the Thrace-Ergene basin, discontinuity boundaries were determined. In this way, it is aimed to reveal many faults in the region. The deep seismic records of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) in this region were compared with the CNN output from the map of gravity anomaly and a good fit was observed.

159-173

Authors: Ukpaka CP, Nkoi B, Nkakini SO

Investigation was carried out to demonstrate the reliability analysis of generator components functional parameters of various companies’ products used in servicing or repairing of failed generator components in Nigeria. The generator components influenced by rotational motion was considered during the studies, which include bearing, shaft, shaft pulley and fan belt. In this research work the Monte Carlo model of reliability tools and techniques was applied for evaluating reliability, unreliability, availability as well as in the determine number of failure (NF), corrective time per failure (CTPE), mean time between failure (MTBF), failure rate (FR), loss time per year (LTPY), gross margin, scrap disposal cost and breakdown maintenance cost. Key results of this research work show that reliability of components decreases with increase in utilization time. In comparison, the minimum bearing reliability values were obtained as: 51.4% for company A, 60.7% for company B, 71.7% for company C, D and 84.6% for company E respectively. From the comparison, these results revealed that the generator components from company E have the highest reliability for bearings compared to other companies. The investigation revealed the mechanism of evaluating the functional parameters of generator components in terms failures and the financial implication.

179-189

Authors: Ukpaka CP, Nkoi B, Olungwe GI

In this work, the aim is to carry out reliability analysis of generator shaft components of various companies used in Nigeria. The generator shaft components were analyzed using Monte Carlo model of reliability tool and techniques for evaluating reliability, unreliability, availability and to also determine number of failure (NF), corrective time per failure (CTPE), mean time between failure (MTBF), failure rate (FR), loss time per year (LTPY), gross margin, scrap disposal cost and breakdown maintenance cost. Key results of this research work show that reliability of components decreases with increase in utilization time. In comparison, the reliability and unreliability values were within the range of 71.7% to 13.5% and 28.3% to 86.5% for company A, B and D whereas 84.6% to 36.7% and 15.4% to 48.7% for company C and E respectively for half a year to three years of studies. From the comparison, these results revealed that the generator shaft components from company C and E has the highest reliability and is better than other shaft products used by other companies. This sought of analysis will aid the user in decision making on the make of generator shaft to buy. The benefits of the result of this research work is to provide generator end users with sound engineering options when considering buying a generator shaft from manufacturers with emphasis on reliability, quality of spare components, availability with low failure rates, affordable, easy to replace at minimal maintenance cost and time.

197-201

Authors: Darius P.B. Yusuf, Christopher A. Kukwi, Bello S. Adekunle

The proposed optimization model to power generation and scheduling is considered in this paper. The value or price cut-off for buying or selling electricity generation is determined. The data obtained from the bureau of statistics were modelled as a non Linear Programming problem (polynomial of second degree). The Matlab software is used to generate an optimal solution from which a fair price λ is obtain, sometimes called shadow price. Specifically, the value of the Lagrange multiplier λ is the rate at which the optimal value of the objective function f changes if you change the constraints (Crow 2003) [1]. It is found that in Nigeria, the true cost of electricity production is not reflected in the consumer tariff, to be cost-reflective and provide financial incentives for urgently-needed increased investments in the industry. These investments, in turn, lead to a significant and continuous improvement in the quantity of energy and quality of service enjoyed by the consumer.

207-212

Authors: J. C. Ozota, C. Ukpaka

This research work presents the rainfall intensity duration frequency (IDF) models for considered Omoku City in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government of Rivers State in Nigeria which were developed by application of least square statistical technique of analysis. The rainfall information of Federal College of Education (Technical) metrological station Omoku was used in developing the models. It was sourced from the Port Harcourt office of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority. Seven rainfall (IDF) models were generated, seven models were generated using the Chow’s type equation of power model for a durations of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 240, 300, 360 minutes and a frequency of 1.3, 1.5, 2.5, 3, 5, 7.5, 15 years were evaluated using Weilbull ranking method. The first seven models relates the rainfall intensities and durations for a given frequency (return periods). The coefficient of correlations obtained was positive and of high values, it ranged from 0.9153 to 0.8855, this indicates a good curve fitting. These models developed from this research work are very useful in predicting rainfall events and in designing other water resources engineering related works.

220-232

Authors: Susi A. Miceli-Montesinos, Ma. Neftalí Rojas-Valencia, Carolina Orantes-García, Daisy Escobar-Castillejos, HugoGuillén-Trujillo, Celestino O. Rodríguez Nava

The objective of this work, that belongs to the field of alternative options for drug pollutants degradation, is to design an integrated system of anaerobic reactor and constructed wetland to eliminate paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) and diclofenac (2-[2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl]aceticacid) residues contained in contaminated waters. The integrated system of anaerobic reactor and constructed wetland consisted of a water tank supplying wastewater to a biodigester through a feed tank, a constructed wetland home to two species of plants Cyperus alternifolius and Typha angustifolia, and a treated water collection tank. The parameters were analyzed pursuant to NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, while diclofenac and paracetamol were analyzed through capillary electrophoresis. The results showed a 90% biodegradation of the organic material in the effluent. In the biodigester, the average biodegradation reaction speed was Kt = 4.9 days-1±0.870; with p˂ 0.05. The drugs were not detected in the effluent from the wetland, and thus the integrated system of anaerobic reactor and constructed wetland represents an alternative for removing pollutants from municipal wastewaters.

238-244

Authors: Asaad F. Khattab, Yonis A. Ismail Alkikani

Soya bean oil was used to prepare four type of alkyd resins. Phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, isophthalic acid, maleimide and phthalimide of dodecyl benzene have been used in preparing the alkyd resins. Acid value, Solid content, Viscosity and Gardner color are physical properties have been measured for the prepared alkyd resins. The results indicate that the physical properties of the prepared alkyd resin were depended on the type of the used diacid.

251-262

Authors: Gamal H. Elsaeed, Abdelazim M. Ali, Neveen B. Abdelmageed

In this study, the effect of positive step located at the end of the stilling basin (end step) and baffle block on the flow characteristics downstream the radial gate of the Assuit Barrages physical model was investigated. These characteristics include the main parameters of the submerged hydraulic jump, the vertical velocity distribution along the bed, the velocity decay, and the stability of bed protection downstream the apron of the stilling basin. Three different shapes of the end step and five different shapes of baffle block were tested. The physical model was built at the Hydraulics Research Institute, Delta Barrage, Egypt. The used flume has 1.0 m wide, 26.0 m long and 1.20 m deep. The flume side walls are made of glass with steel-frames to allow visual investigation of the flow patterns and stability of bed protection. Different designs of sluiceway stilling basin are examined to obtain a near optimum stilling basin design which gives the best velocity distribution along the stilling basin, minimum velocity near the bed, minimum scouring potential, the shortest length of submerged hydraulic jump, efficient energy dissipation, study characteristics submerged hydraulic jump and the stability of river bed protection. The study carries out in case submerged hydraulic jump takes place downstream the gate.

269-275

Authors: Mehmet ALTUNSOY, Orhan ÖZÇELİK, C. Bertan GÜLLÜDAĞ

In this study, the element contents of two seperate Pliocene aged coal units (from Ilgın and Karapınar coal fields, Konya Basin, Turkey) have been compared. First of these areas, The Karapınar area is east of Konya, and the second area (Ilgın) is west of Konya city (Turkey). Both areas are analyzed for their main and trace element enrichments and compared. In the Karapınar area; pre-Neogene basement rocks comprise Jurassic-Cretaceous units. These units are overlain by Neogene fluvial sediments and lacustrine deposites. Coals are found in the lacustrine sediments. In the Ilgın area; the pre-Neogene rocks are made of Paleozoic-Mesozoic metamorphic rocks and crystalline limestone. Coal bearing sediments lie unconformably on the Mesozoic-Paleozoic rocks. The Pliocene coal bearing units are made of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and claystone. When Karapınar coals are compared to the average universal coal content, high element values are found for As, Cs, Ni, Sr, U and V. In the case of Ilgın, Ti, Cs, Rb, Ta, Th, As, Nb, La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm are above average. Only As and Cs are the enriched elements in both areas. Lithologic differences of the areas are the cause of the variations of the element enrichments.

284-292

Authors: A.V. Zabolotsky, L.M. Axelrod

T An approach to mathematical modeling of cracks appearance and growth in brittle structural materials, used in conditions of thermal load is proposed. For example, technical ceramics and refractory materials. The proposed algorithm is based on a combination of finite element and cell automata methods. An element (automat) inner structure influence on the result of material destruction simulation is considered. The fracture pattern predicted by this method generally coincides with actual damage of the model object (RH-degasser snorkel) under operating conditions.

297-304

Authors: H.M. Balami, A. O. Yusuf, J.M. Orverem

Soft set theory initiated by Molodtsov is an important mathematical tool that deals with uncertainties about imprecision and vagueness. Research on soft ideals of ring has been carried out by other researchers. In this paper, we discuss on some properties of soft ring ideals and idealistic soft ring. We state and prove some important theorems and propositions on soft ring ideals and idealistic of soft ring that has not been studied by other researchers.

312-319

Authors: Gomaa M. Dawod, Magdy M. Hosny

With the broad spread of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) utilization in geomatics and engineering surveying in Egypt in the last two decades, a precise geoid model becomes an essential demand. This paper investigates the possibilities of using global or local geoid models for height conversion in engineering activities. It has been found that most Global Geopotential Models (GGMs) could not depict the gravitational field over Egypt with a precision level less than 0.20 meter. On the other hand, recent available local geoid models still suffer from several factors and their accuracy still in the range of 0.10-0.15 meters. Precise surveying projects necessitate a more-accurate geoid model. As a result, the Survey Research Institute (SRI) has initiated a national collaborative effort to develop a centimeter-level hybrid geoid model for Egypt. So, three new geodetic networks; namely GNSS, levelling, and gravity, will be established on a national basis with first-order geodetic specifications and a reasonable grid spacing. The project aims to develop a national geoid model with a few-centimeter accuracy in the first phase, which can be modified later to achieve the one-centimeter accuracy level. Status of geodetic infrastructures and geoid modelling in Egypt, along with the projected geospatial activities are presented in details in this paper.

333-336

Authors: Xiao Hongming, Zhang Huilong, Chen Wenjing, Li Rui

BIM, the Building Information Modeling, is based on the relevant information data of the construction project, to establish the three-dimensional building model, and simulate the real information of the building through the digital information simulation.

351-356

Authors: Figen TAŞCI DURGUT, Mehmet Recai DURGUT*, Birol KAYIŞOĞLU

Economical value of squash, which is cultivated widely at Trakya region, increasing day by day. However, either its yield or product quality at squash cultivation cannot be reach sufficient level yet, because of using low quality seeds and using unsuitable mechanization technics. Insufficient mechanization level cause to loss of manpower and time especially at harvesting stage. This study aims to develop new technology for squash harvesting which can meet the optimal needs. For achieving this aim we tried to determine physical (dimension properties, weight of 1000 seed) and mechanical properties of squash (peel puncture, rupture and split force). As a result of this study; mean weight of squashes was determined as 881.7 g, squash dimensions (thickness-width-length) were determined as 112.46 - 112.98 - 147.15 mm and sphericity rate was determined as 85.41. Also total amount of seeds obtained from one squash was 230.4 and weight of 1000 seeds were 214.9 g. Mean peel puncture force measured as 60.30 N and peel rupture force measured as 18.96N. Also split force was measured as 168.8N at experiments.

363-367

Authors: Haitham Hameed Radhi, Mohammed Sadeq Salman 2, Karim Qassim Hussein

The project aims are to design, build and implement an e-commerce website to end traditional commercial transactions. This project enables users to access the site through the Internet using many applications such as a personal computer, Smartphone or I Pad to buy any of the cosmetics available at any time. Any place where you do not attend to the electronic body promoting the products, which provides a shortcut for timing, cost and transport.

374-379

Authors: Aboothar Ha. Al-Edhari, Abdullah Sh. Sardar, Sharma Ma. Al Regawi

This study examines the taxonomic significance of leaves epidermis for the some Carex L. species in Iraq , comprising diagnostic anatomical feature obtained from abaxial leaf epidermis micro morphology , the results of observations show that the characters studied (long cell length in stomatal & non stomatal Length , Stomata Length & Number) are different between taxa under study . Euclidean genetic distance values & Cluster analysis of species are investigated in this study.

396-400

Authors: I Kocaman, HC Kurc

This research was carried out to evaluate the sufficiency of existing ventilation and lighting systems of the water buffalo barns in Thrace region of Turkey with regard to animal welfare. As a result of this research, it was found that 61.3% of the barns had a ventilation chimneys, total cross-sectional areas of the ventilation chimneys varied among the barns and ranged from 0.25 to 5.2 m2. Based on animal welfare, this value should be between 0.45 and 11.8 m2 according to barn capacity. The window areas for natural lighting had great difference among the barns and the percentages of window area depending on barn floor area were calculated between 0.66 and 4.80%. When the region's climatic characteristics and animal welfare are taken into consideration, this value should be at least 7.5% of the barn floor area. 94 % of the barns had artificial lighting but the artificial lighting values per unit floor area (1 m2) were found between 0.2 - 2.3 W. This value should be in the range of 4-6 W / m2.

411-420

Authors: Chukwu LI, Anedo EO1, Agugo BAC

Field experiments were conducted in 2014 through 2015 to investigate yield response trends of sweetpotato and cassava in a rotational cropping sequence under one-time application of five rates (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1) of composite manure (M) and four rates (0, 200, 400 and 600 Kg ha-1) of NPK fertilizer (F) on a southeastern Nigerian (SEN) degraded Ultisol. The treatments were replicated thrice and arranged in a randomised complete block design. The results showed that neither M nor F application alone, except their combinations, significantly affected sweetpotato yields. Maximum sweetpotato root yield (15.9 t ha-1) was obtained with combined application of 4 t ha-1 M and 400 Kg ha-1 F (M2F2), which significantly out-yielded the control by 103.1%. In contrast, the treatments had significant (P <0.001) residual main and interaction effects on cassava root yields. Similarly, combining M and F at their highest rates (M4F3), also maximised cassava yields (57.69 t ha-1) and significantly out-yielded the control by 89.9%. The results suggests that though M4F3, which also produced the 3rd best-performing sweetpotato yield (14.83 t ha-1) that is comparable to those of M2F2, may be the technical optimum for sweetpotato and cassava production on the degraded SEN Ultisol under rotational cropping system, other lower rates such as M3F1 and M3F2which produced equally exceptionally high cassava yield (> 50 t ha-1), could also be recommended on economic consideration and environmental benefits.

435-438

Authors: Shougi Suliman Abosuliman

This case study examines systems engineering models applicable to different domains. The basics and principles of systems engineering are applicable within the different domains; however, each domain or industry requires variations of the basic principles relevant to the project or system being developed. Similarly, the baseline for systems engineering processes does not change, but is adapted for each domain. These domains examined include: • defence, aerospace • telecommunications • transport, including commercial aircraft and high technology buses • resource management, including facilities and radioactive disposal • environment • legal system The system elements examined are project life cycle, system functions, system architecture, and requirements drivers. The case objective is to identify variations in system engineering elements and procedures price competition, regulations and standards, technological change and different user requirements [1].

446-453

Authors: Wenwei Shen, Xinying Peng, Chenkai Gao, Liang Xu, Qianwen Yin

Smart growth (SG) is an approach for sustainable urban development. We conduct the case study with SG. First, we select two mid-sized cites from two different continents, i.e. Geneva and Wellington, and collect the data for both cities in recent years. Second, we analyze the ten principles of SG and the three E’s of sustainability, select a series of indicators of the impact on SG. We do comparative analysis between the two cities. Then, we apply the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model to build a SG comprehensive evaluation system. Finally, we use entropy method and AHP to determine the weight of indicators at all levels, and give the comprehensive SG-entropy score of two cities. Our study may help promote sustainable urban development.

466-470

Authors: Hassan Haruna, Olasunkanmi Basiru Aremu, Esan Martins Taiwo, Zubair Abdul Sunday

The paper investigated the perception satisfaction of higher education students with a view to foster quality entrepreneurship training in salvaging the challenge of unemployment in Nigeria. The study identified the concepts of entrepreneurship skills training; assess the satisfaction of students on the concepts of entrepreneurship skills training and the strategies to foster quality entrepreneurship skills training in higher education institutions. Information was gathered through the analysis of data obtained from administered questionnaires received from students in some selected polytechnics in the South West Region. Relative importance index (RII) was used as evaluation tool to rank the outcome. The study reveals that acquisition of skills and ideas for the sake of creating employment for one-self and for others; entrepreneurship skills training has offer satisfactory ideas for creating employment for one-self and for others; entrepreneurship training centers should be provided with the adequate materials, tools and equipment as well as human capacity were ranked highest. The study however, recommends that successful entrepreneurs should be invited to share their experience to the students about entrepreneurship; the entrepreneurship training should be properly oriented to the field of studies of the students.

477-482

Authors: Xu-dong ZHU, Zhong-liang LU

China reported a total of 159,032 cases of occupational diseases, including 138,939 cases of pneumoconiosis, accounting for 87.37%, during the six years of 2009-2014, the current pneumoconiosis is still the most serious occupational disease in China, coal mine pneumoconiosis is called "invisible killer." Coal mine pneumoconiosis not only endanger the health and life safety of miners, caused a huge economic burden to the coal mine, but also related to the social harmony and stability brought great international pressure. This paper based on the brief description of the characteristics of coal mine pneumoconiosis in China, and puts forward the relevant countermeasures according to the actual situation of China's coal mine pneumoconiosis prevention and treatment.

489-492

Authors: I. Tursunov

The effect of uniaxial compression along the [111] direction on electrophysical parameters of Si alloyed with Ni has been studied as a function of the conductivity type and compensation degree. The results have thus shown that in all the specimens we investigated resistance decreased with the applied pressure. The studies on the Hall effect indicate that for n - Si samples the density of current carriers increases and mobility decreases. Thus, for p — Si < Ni > samples the effect of tensor resistance strengthes, mobility increases, and density increases insignificantly with the compensation degree. Variations of this sort are connected with the shear deformation which is manifested at Ni impurity levels and, in turn, with variations in energy gap between deep levels and allowed zones due to uniaxial compression.

500-505

Authors: Hassan Haruna, Umar Ibrahim Yakubu, Ayegbokiki Sunday Tunde, Esan Martins Taiwo

The study investigated the modern construction skills required of Blocklaying, Bricklaying and Concreting Work Craftsmen in Building Construction Industry in Niger State, Nigeria. In the study, skills improvement needs in the use of advance tools and equipment; the skills improvement needs in bonding walls unit; the skills improvement needs in plastering and rendering wall finishes and the skills improvement needs in the production of concrete structures were determined. Data for study was obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire. A sample of 66 blocklaying, bricklaying and concreting work craftsmen and 40 building professionals were randomly selected in building construction industry in the three geo-political zones of Niger State, Nigeria. Mean statistics and standard deviation tools were employed to analyze the data related to the four research questions. The findings revealed that three items out of the thirty items were accepted as the highly required modern construction skills; twenty six items were established as the required modern construction skill while, one item was moderately required as the modern construction skills. It was therefore recommended that National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) should consider inclusion of the identified skills in the curriculum. Building construction industry should organize workshop for their craftsmen on the areas where skills improvement are needed. Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and National Institute of Building (NIOB) should organize workshops and seminars that will expose the craftsmen to the modern skills required in the industry.

514-520

Authors: Chen James A, Lagasi Joseph E, Uloko Josiah O

A lot of research work has been done worldwide in the direction of utilizing various industrial wastes in the soil stabilization technique. However, from the available literature it is found that little research has been done to compare their effect on shrink-swell soils. This paper therefore presents the results of a laboratory study undertaken to investigate and compare the effect of waste Ceramic dust (WCD) and Waste Quarry dust (WQD) on the geotechnical properties of shrink-swell soil. The laboratory tests carried out on the natural and stabilized soils includes Atterberg limits, Compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and swell pressure. For conducting different tests, the soil was mixed separately under the same conditions with WCD and WQD from 0 to 30% at an increment of 5% by dry weight of the soil. Mixes were prepared and the above mentioned tests were conducted on the samples/mixes according to the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials. From the analysis of the test results it was found that the liquid limit of the soil decreased from 67% to 35% when WCD was added from 0 to 30% and from 67% to 27% when WQD was increased under the same condition. The result of free swell characteristics of the investigated soil revealed a decrease in swell from 111% to 45% and 111% to 40% for WCD and WQD respectively. The soaked CBR increases from 1.6% to 4.1% when WCD was increased from 0 to 30% and from 1.6% to 4.5% when WQD was added in the same manner. Based on the analysis of the study, it can be inferred that both materials gave satisfactory results however; WQD shows more potentials than WCD on the Geotechnical properties of Shrink- Swell soils.