PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT (OPC) WITH COCONUT HUSK ASH (CHA) IN SANDCRETE BLOCK PRODUCTION

Egbe O. Francis¹, G.L. Oyekan², Ezugwu O. Maryann¹.

¹Department of Civil Engineering, Igbinedion University, Okada.

²Department of Civil Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka.

E-mail: francisegbe@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

This research was conducted to develop new kinds of pozzolana from Agricultural wastes using Coconut Husk Ash (CHA) as a case study. Some experiments were conducted to determine the properties of CHA, mortar and sandcrete blocks having a certain percent replacement of Cement by this ash. Tests conducted include: Consistency test, moisture content test, slump test and compressive strength test. In addition, densities of the OPC/CHA sandcrete blocks were also determined.To determine the compressive strength, 150 x 225 x 450mm hollow sandcrete blocks were cast, cured and crushed for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% CHA replacement levels. Test results revealed that the compressive strength of the OPC/CHA sandcrete blocks increases with age and decreases as the percentage of CHA increases. The highest strengths at 28 days that met the NIS specification for non-load bearing sandcrete blocks were 4.19N/mm², 3.66N/mm² and 2.53N/mm² for 0%, 5% and 10% CHA respectively. The NIS specification for non-load bearing sandcrete blocks (150 x 225 x 450mm) is 2.5N/mm²_, hence this indicates that the replacement of cement with coconut husk ash in sandcrete blocks is relatively possible not exceeding 10%. The study therefore arrived at an optimum replacement level of 10%.

Keywords: Coconut Husk Ash (CHA), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), sandcrete blocks, compressive strength.

ANALYSIS OF HYDROCARBONS RELEASED THROUGH HYDROPYROLYSIS OF ASPHALTENES OBTAINED FROM LOW TEMPERATURE CARBONIZATION COAL TAR

Ivwurie, W. & Appi, T.S

Department of Chemistry,

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

Email: wivwurie@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

The asphaltenes prepared from low temperature carbonization coal tar were subjected to hydropyrolysis to determine the percentage yield of hydrocarbon from this process. Open column chromatography carried out on the asphaltene hydropyrolysate gave a percentage recovery of 96 %, suggesting that this process is a veritable tool for the release of bound hydrocarbons in asphaltene matrix.

Keywords:  Asphaltenes, Hydrocarbons, Hydropyrolysis

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CRUDE LIPASE FROM SPROUTED HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (SORREL) SEEDS

Lawan Bala Buratai^{1, *}, Malgwi David Saidu¹, Ali Abdulrahman Ali¹, Mohammed Adamu Milala¹, Hadiza Kubura Lawan²

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

²Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Email: lawanburatai@gmail.com

Abstract

Lipases (triacylglycerols acylhydrolase, EC. 3.1.1.3) are part of the family of hydrolases that act on carboxylic ester bonds. Lipase enzyme was isolated from sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds and characterized. The seeds were sprouted, dried at room temperature, ground to powder and homogenized in phosphate buffer to extract the crude enzyme. Lipase activity was determined using egg yolk as substrate. The activity of the enzyme was found to value with optimum pH 6.0 and temperature, 37°C, while the activation energy was 10.2 kJ/mol. The K_M and Vmax were 1.70 mg/ml and 3.92 µmol/ml respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by mercury in form of HgCl₂. Preliminary kinetic data for the lipase have been obtained and it could be useful in assessing its overall suitability in industrial and domestic uses.

Keywords: Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Seed Lipases, Sprouting, Germination

INFLUENCE OF BRADYRHIZOBIUM JAPONICUM, MYCORRHIZA AND POULTRY MANURE ON NODULATION, NITROGEN UPTAKE, GROWTH AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX L.) UNDER MANURE APPLICATION

^1*Adigun M.O., ²Babalola O.A & ³Abiola I.O.

^1*Department of Biological Sciences, Crawford University, Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State,

²Department of Soil Science & Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

³Crop Production Technology Department, Federal College of Forestry, Jericho, Ibadan

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effects of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, mycorrhiza fungi and poultry manure on nodulation, growth and yield of soybean under manure application. Four types of treatments were used (poultry manure, Bradyrhizobium inoculation, mycorrhiza and Single Super Phosphate) and were added to each experimental sub-unit. Different rates of poultry manure were added 0 t ha^-1, 5 t ha^-1 and 10 t ha^-1 and left for two weeks to decay while Rhizobium inoculation comprises of inoculated and un-inoculated, the plot was sub-divided into 36 units and arranged in randomized completed block design. Leaf area, number of leaves, plant height and canopy diameter were determined at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 Week After Planting. Number and weight nodules, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root were determined at the 6^th and 8^th weeks after planting and grain yield were determined at harvest. Soil samples were also collected before and after planting for laboratory analysis. The poultry manure used was also analyzed for the amount of N: P: K present. Rhizobium inoculation with addition of mycorrhiza fungi significantly increased the nitrogen fixation of the soybean and also helps the plant to withstand or tolerate water stress. Combination of Brad+Myc+5PM had effect on leaf area of plant. Myc+5PM had significant effect on stem girth of soybean and combination of Brad+Myc+5PM significantly increased the height of plant. The application of SSP helps to provide phosphorus to the plant. The 5 kg\ha and 10 kg\ha of poultry manure and mycorrhiza fungi significantly affects and improves the growth, nitrogen uptake and yield of soybean. Bradyrhizobium also helps in effective nodulation of the soybean.

Keywords: Nodulation, Rhizobium, Nitrogen fixation, Water stress, Soybean, Yield.

EMPIRICAL DISTRIBUTION AND MODELLING OF SPOT PRICES OF NIGERIA CRUDE OIL

J. F. Ojo and R.O. Olanrewaju

Department of Statistics,

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

E-mail: jfunminiyiojo@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This paper attempts to provide a suitable time series model for daily West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Spot prices for Nigeria crude oil having determined the appropriate probability distribution for the series. The identified probability distribution for the series formed an integral part of the model. Two thousand eight hundred and eighty (2880) sample points of the daily returns of the WTI Spot prices from June 14,2005 to October 17,2016 were considered. Sixty-one (61) probability distributions were fitted to the series. Generalized Error Distribution (GED) emerged as the ideal distribution that explained the abstraction of reality for the return series due to its smallest test statistic(0.04337, 9.1145, and 158.62) for  Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Anderson-Darling and Chi-Squared, respectively, from  all the considered distributions goodness-of-fittests. The Generalized Auto Regressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) volatility model with GED as the error term (GED-GARCH)was used to capture the leverage effects. GED-GARCH(1,1)with minimum Akaike Information Criteria(AIC),Bayesian Information Criteria(BIC),and Hannan and Quinn Information Criteria(HQIC) calculated tobe (7.573, 7.583, 7.577), respectively, was found better to explain the fluctuation characterized by the WTI Spot prices. It was discovered that 19.2% of the present variance shock(either positively or negatively) was realized in succeeding period, and that the volatility clustering was the major leverage effects expect for years between 2007 and 2008; and 2014 and 2015 that experienced sharp deviation of leverage effects. The study concludes that GED is the appropriate distribution. We recommend GED-GARCH for modeling Spot Prices of Nigeria crude oil because of its ability to capture fluctuation inherent in Spot prices of Nigeria crude oil.

Keywords: Crude Oil Spot Prices, Leverage Effect, Volatility Clustering, Generalized Error Distribution, West Texas Intermediate.

PROTOTYPE GEOMETRIC SOLUTION FOR LAND RESOURCE MAPPING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS A TOOL FOR EFFICIENT PROPERTY SEARCH AND GOOD UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES

¹P. E. Udosen, ²E. E. Antia & ³I. P. Udoh

Department of Computer Science,

Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Email: ¹peacepoly9@gmail.com,²ekemini.antia@yahoo.com, ³paulinyene@gmail.com,

Abstract: Problems concerning the optimal use of land resources and improved land management are important all over the world. Since automation has greatly increased the ability to handle masses of data the challenge is to develop a good and comprehensive computer-based Land Information System (LIS). Information related specified land units is the cornerstone of Land Information System, since data concerning ownership and other property rights, boundaries, areas, land uses, market and assessed values, building, habitations, etc. are all interrelated. Land Information System is devoted to the problem of developing efficient information systems based on such land units and have proven knowledge of establishing Land Information System mainly based on experiences gained from integrating existing Cadastres, Land Register and Valuation Systems. This research paper aims to introduce a prototype Geometric Solution for Land Resource mapping and information management system as a tool for efficient property search and good utilization of resources.

Keywords: Land, Information, System, Property, Database, Estate

ANTIDIARRHOEAL EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LEAVE EXTRACT OF CARICA PAPAYA IN WISTAR STRAIN ALBINO RATS

Zanna M, Shettima A.Y, and Daja A;

Department of Biochemistry,

University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Email: modu4zanna@gmail.com

Abstract

In the antidiarrheal activity evaluation, the aqueous leave extract of Carica papaya was found to be effective against castor oil – induced diarrhea in Wistar strain albino rats at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight, the fecal droppings decreased and percentage inhibition was 38.28%, 65.16 % and 23.94 % respectively which was dose – dependent and statiscally significant at (p < 0.05). The control group showed typical diarrheal signs with 0.00 % inhibition while the group given the standard antidiarrheal drug loperamide 5 mg/kg body weight was protected 100 %. In the intestinal transit of charcoal meal method, the percentage inhibition of the extract treated rats were 22.80 %, 35.74 % and 31.86%, the atropine sulphate (3 ml/kg) body weight treated group was inhibited by 55.60 % and the inhibition was not dose dependant. In the castor oil induced enteropooling method, the extract inhibited the intestinal fluid accumulation in rats by 28.57 %, 24.49 % and 2.04 % relative to the control group with 0.00% inhibition. The group given atropine sulphate had 89.80 % inhibition. The results of this study suggest that the aqueous leaves of Carica papaya has antidiarrheal effect, this might have justified its traditional use in the treatment of diarrhea.

Keywords Carica papaya Albino Rats, Castor oil, Diarrhea, and Loperamide

STUDIES ON THE PRODUCTION OF TANNASE BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.

Danjuma Isah, Aliyu Shugaba, Mohammed Adamu Milala

Department of Biochemistry,

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Email: isahdanjuma2003@gmail.com

Abstract: Tannase is produced in the presence of tannic acid by different bacteria, examples lactobacillus, staphylococcus aureus and yeasts, is an inducible extracellular microbial enzyme: This study assessed the production of tannase by staphylococcus aureus in submerged fermentation (SMF) with tannic acid as substrate. The staphylococcus aureus specie was isolated and maintained on nutrient agar. Tannase production by staphylococcus aureus was screened for 120hours (5days) post-inoculation. The crude enzyme was used to determine the effect of pH, temperature and stability (t_1/2). The pH, temperature and incubation period optima of tannase production were found at 6.0, 50C and 24hrs. Staphylococcus aureus exhibited highest enzyme activity of 3.81U/min conversion respectively after 24h incubation period with 2.0g tannic acid as substrate. The enzyme was stable at temperature of 50^oC for a period of 9hours. The half-life (t_1/2) value of enzyme was 3.17hours.From the result, tannase from staphylococcus aureus may be suitable and favorable for industrial application where operational temperature is 50^oC and below.

Keywords: Tannase, Tannic acid, Staphylococcus aureus, SMF

ADAPTIVE INDEGENOUS TECHNOLOGY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

¹Aliyu Mohammed Bisalla, ² Bashir Yahaya, ³Ahmed Tijjani Ashiru

¹Department of Arts& Ind. Design, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Lafia

²Department of Quantity Survey, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Lafia

³Department of Architectural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Lafia

E-mail: bisalla2003@yahoo.com

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to advance the position that technology is a very vital component of any nation or civilization. Technology is human resourcefulness in trying to solve the daily unfolding problems of his material environment and, to some extent, assess  the concept of adaptive indigenous technology for environmental sustainability, it relationship with visual arts (particularly in the casting technique, sculpture and ceramics) and how it can be adapted to enhance technological advancement in sustaining our environmentKeywords: Technology, Visual arts, Casting

EFFECTS OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON MILDSTEEL CORROSION INHIBITION BY ETHYL ESTER OF RUBBER SEED OIL

Offurum, J.C.; Dike M.C., Akuchie C.J., Nwaneri T.U. and Mbadike C.A.

Department of Chemical Engineering,

Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo-Ohaji

Email:  jullyengine@yahoo.com

Abstract: This research was anchored on the Effects of Process Parameters on Mildsteel Corrosion Inhibition by Ethyl Ester of Rubber Seed Oil. The research interest is traceable to the fact that rubber seed oil has recently gained a lot of attention in corrosion inhibition applications (probably due to its well established phytochemical characteristics). The seed oil was esterified after extraction and purification (degumming), in order to enhance its performance ability. Results of Corrosion Inhibition assessment showed that corrosion rate (with time) increased as concentration, temperature and dosage increased. For cases with inhibitors, the weight loss was least (1.8024g) at 10g/L concentration and temperature of 40^oC, but was highest (24.2275g) at 20g/L concentration and temperature of 60^oC; the same trend was found to apply in blank conditions as well. Similarly, the highest weight losses (at all reaction conditions) were witnessed at the highest dosage (70% stroke), within a given time, and vice versa. The R² values for all the cases fall between 0.7868 and 0.9922, indicating strong fitness of the data points. Generally, corrosion rate could be observed to be higher at blank cases than in cases with inhibitors; this shows that the rubber seed oil was able to inhibit mildsteel corrosion within the stipulated experimental conditions. Generally, the results obtained in this study suggest that ethyl ester of rubber seed oil has the capacity to inhibit mildsteel corrosion.

Keywords: Effects, Process Parameters, Corrosion Inhibition, Mildsteel, Rubber Seed Oil