Showing papers by "Rivers State University of Science and Technology published in 2009"
TL;DR: Higher concentrations of crude oil has adverse effect on fungal diversity while enhancing the population of a fewer fungi, a reverse of the decreasing order of fungal counts of these same soils.
Abstract: The effect of various concentrations of crude oil on fungal populations of soil was investigated for a period of 18 weeks using standard methods. Total fungal counts ranged from 26 to 143 × 10 2 cfu/gsoil while counts of petroleum-utilizing fungi ranged from 2 to 102 × 10 2 cfu/g soil. Analysis of variance and randomized complete block design of counts of total fungi and petroleum-utilizers showed high significant difference between the control and the oil treated soils at p 0.5 % > 1 % > 3 % > 5 %. This order of fungal diversity is a reverse of the decreasing order of fungal counts of these same soils. This showed that higher concentrations of crude oil has adverse effect on fungal diversity while enhancing the population of a fewer fungi.
94 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the flavonoids possessed significant immunomodulatory activities which depend on methylation especially at position 3.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used data from the Livestock/Veterinary Department of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Port Harcourt, from 2003 to 2005 to determine the average blood yield per animal species.
Abstract: Data on all the registered slaughter slabs in Rivers State was obtained from the Livestock/Veterinary Department of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Port Harcourt, from 2003 to 2005. Rumueme slaughter slab was used as a case study. The total number of cattle and goats inspected and slaughtered was monitored for a period of 6 weeks. From this the actual average daily slaughter figures from which blood waste potential of the abattoir was quantified and annual projection made from it. Three categories of cattle and goats were sampled and slaughtered. Average blood yield per animal species was determined. The percentage shortfall observed at Rumueme was used across the records of all the slaughter slabs in the State and projections made from it. Results showed that 7727 cattle and 4049 goats were slaughtered annually at Rumueme and 181,770 cattle and 237,300 goats were slaughtered annually in Rivers State. Results also showed that 2461,633–2518,000 kg of blood waste was generated annually in Rivers State. I...
43 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the use of venture capital (VC) financing for small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) development in Nigeria by comparing the economic value added (EVA) of VC-backed SMEs and those of non-venture capital-based SMEs.
Abstract: This study examines the use of venture capital (VC) financing for small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) development in Nigeria by comparing the economic value added (EVA) of venture capital-backed SMEs and those of non-venture capital-backed SMEs. Three independent variables were specified namely: Equity finance, management support, and technical support, and the following tests were conducted: paired t-tests for significance of the differences in dependent and independent means, f-test for significance of R2 and t-test for significance of individual regression coefficients. 120 sets of questionnaire were administered, 60 for each category of SMEs, and a stepwise procedure followed the first response in order to maintain balanced responses between venture capital and non-venture capital-backed SMEs. Each set of questionnaire retrieved was checked for adequacy and completeness and if not, fresh questionnaires were sent out, ensuring that the objective criteria set out were met. It was found that VC financed SMEs clearly outperformed non-VCfinanced SMEs, and that the distinctive performance is the effect of management support by venture capitalists in their portfolio SMEs. The study concluded that given this positive trend in enterprise sustainability, VC-backed SMEs will contribute more to society in terms of taxes to government, provision for corporate social responsibility, and staff welfare. Finally, it was recommended among other things that more incentives for VC investments should be offered to encourage greater participation.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of customer focus and competitor focus on marketing performance of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria was assessed using regression analysis through the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of customer focus and competitor focus on marketing performance of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted an exploratory design‐ six measures of marketing performance is used to capture the customer‐focus and competitive‐focus of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria. Data were collected from key informants using a research instrument. Returned instruments were analyzed using regression analysis through the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.Findings – The paper validated the existing instruments for measuring customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance. The paper also finds a strong positive relationship between the three constructs.Practical implications – Two major implications are identified in this paper, one to scholars on the investigation of the link between customer focus, competitor focus and marketing performance in two different ...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of emotional intelligence on the marketing effectiveness of the organization has been investigated and a 31-item survey questionnaire was developed and 108 corporate organizations in Nigeria were selected from the 2007 edition of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Gazette as a sample for this study.
Abstract: Purpose – While much empirical work has centered on marketing effectiveness, the generalizability of its relationship to emotional intelligence in the Nigerian context has been under‐researched. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of emotional intelligence on the marketing effectiveness of the organization.Design/methodology/approach – A 31‐item survey questionnaire is developed and 108 corporate organizations in Nigeria are selected from the 2007 edition of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Gazette as a sample for this study. Hand delivery survey is conducted from key informants in the organizations. Returned instruments are analyzed using non‐parametric correlation through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Findings – The results of the study validate the instruments on emotional intelligence and the earlier instruments for marketing effectiveness and find a strong association between emotional intelligence and marketing effectiveness of corporate organizations in the Nigeria...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of biostimulation and phytoremediation on the reclamation of a petroleum-contaminated soil was evaluated in a controlled field conditions.
Abstract: Biostimulation, supplemented with phytoremediation was employed in a study aimed at evaluating the effect of both treatments on the reclamation of a petroleum-contaminated soil. Petroleum contamination of soil was simulated under controlled field conditions, biostimulation of indigenous microbes through the addition of N–P–K fertiliser and tillage was then utilised for remedial treatment.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the trend of maternal mortality ratio in the hospital as it transits from a General through a Specialist to a Teaching hospital was determined, and the MMR was highest as a Specialist hospital due to limited manpower and inadequate facilities to properly manage the rising number of referred obstetric emergencies.
Abstract: Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. The study was to determine the trend of maternal mortality ratio in the hospital as it transits from a General through a Specialist to a Teaching hospital. It was a retrospective review of maternal deaths at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, over its 5 year transition period (January 2004 to December 2008). There were 7146 live births and 60 maternal deaths giving an overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 840/100,000 livebirths. The MMR rose from 411 to 1137/100 000 live births as a specialist hospital, with a decline to 625/100 000 as a Teaching hospital. Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia was the leading cause (29.63%) of maternal death. MMR was highest as a Specialist hospital due to limited manpower and inadequate facilities to properly manage the rising number of referred obstetric emergencies. Adequate preparations should be made before upgrading a hospital, to enable it cope with the challenges of managing referred obstetric emergencies (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4]:67-72).
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the levels and enrichment factors of heavy metals in soils of southern Nigeria that have received significant impact of crude oil spillage were presented. But the results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metal in the examined soils fitted into levels found in agricultural soils except for cadmium.
Abstract: The study presents the levels and enrichment factors of heavy metals in soils of southern Nigeria that have received significant impact of crude oil spillage. The results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the examined soils fitted into levels found in agricultural soils except for cadmium. Heavily impacted sites showed elevated levels of heavy metals compared to less impacted sites and background levels. The mean enrichment factors for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn were 37.3, 2.8, 14.4, 14.0, 0.77, 5.4, and 1.27 for topsoil and 37.5, 1.30, 7.81, 1.59, 4.12, and 1.28 for subsoil, respectively. This clearly indicates that there is gradual build-up of heavy metals in these soils as a result of the oil spillage and related anthropogenic activities in this area.
23 citations
TL;DR: The exotic cocks were twice as efficient in sperm production as the local birds and there was a 23.90% loss in exotic and local birds respectively with the use of homogenization method.
Abstract: The daily spermatozoa production was studied in 20 each of sexually matured barred Plymouth Rock and Nigerian indigenous breeds of domestic fowl using both the histometric and testicular homogenate methods. The exotic cocks were significantly (p < 0.01) heavier than the locals with the respective values of 2.11 +/- 0.05 and 1.58 +/- 0.02 kg. The exotic also had larger (p < 0.01) gross testicular weight (21.58 +/- 1.46 vs. 12.56 +/- 0.91 g), paired testicular parenchymal weight (20.47 +/- 0.40 vs. 11.96 +/- 0.82 g) and paired tunica albuginea (1.11 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.11 g). The total length and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were also significantly influenced (p < 0.01) by breed. The volume percent occupied by seminiferous tubules though higher in the exotic birds showed no statistical significance. Daily sperm production obtained from histometric method was highly influenced by breed with 2.41 +/- 1.17 x 10(9) and 0.76 +/- 0.71 x 10(9) for exotic and local cocks, respectively. The daily sperm productions calculated on the basis of homogenization-resistant spermatids were 1.85 +/- 0.22 for exotic and 0.73 +/- 0.11 for locals. Although, the difference in DSP values based on both methods was not statistically significant there was a 23.24 and 3.90% loss in exotic and local birds respectively with the use of homogenization method. On the whole, the exotic cocks were twice as efficient in sperm production as the local birds.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the environmental and health impacts of abattoir wastes due to unhygienic disposal methods and inadequate slaughtering facilities as it affects some physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of Woji Creek and its environs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental and health impacts of abattoir wastes due to unhygienic disposal methods and inadequate slaughtering facilities as it affects some physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of Woji Creek and its environs.Design/methodology/approach – The study involved the choice of five sampling stations for two different seasons: wet and dry. Standard methods were adopted for field and laboratory studies.Findings – Water samples from station 2 (discharge point station) showed higher concentrations of turbidity, phosphate, biochemical oxygen demand, faecal coliform count for both dry and wet seasons, while dissolved oxygen values were lower at this station than in the other study stations. Water samples were slightly acidic (6.49‐6.70) for the five stations sampled during the study period. At the upstream station, the water had lower levels of turbidity, temperature, phosphate, nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, faecal coliform count, but the value...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored techniques that will increase these strength properties by modifying the material, using rubber latex, through rubberization and hence, improve the strength of the flexible trafficked surface when in contact with vehicles.
TL;DR: This article investigated the pasting, color, and granule properties of starches produced from 39 different cassava varieties (36 varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease and three checks, TMS 3).
Abstract: This study investigated the pasting, color, and granule properties of starches produced from 39 different cassava varieties (36 varieties resistant to cassava mosaic disease and three checks, TMS 3
Posted Content•
TL;DR: The authors examines the human rights mandate of regional economic communities which exist among West African and African Arabic Countries such as - ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union), The League of Arab States; (AMU)The Arab Magreb Union and TCEN-SAD) the Community of Sahel-Saharan States.
Abstract: This paper examines the human rights mandate of regional economic communities which exist among West African and African Arabic Countries such as - ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States); WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU); The League of Arab States; (AMU)The Arab Magreb Union and TCEN-SAD) the Community of Sahel-Saharan States.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: To ensure safety in blood-transfusion practices, selection and screening of donors within the high-risk groups, especially individuals 21 to 30 years old, should be thorough and in accordance with the approved safety guidelines.
Abstract: Results: Prevalence rates of 1.7%, 2.1%, and 0.1% were obtained for HIV, HBV, and HCV, respectively. A breakdown of HIV prevalence gave HIV-1 (1.1%), HIV-2 (0.27%), and HIV-1 /2 (0.33%). From the 1,500 subjects tested, 357 (23.8%) belong to the Ijaw, 408 (27.2%) to Ikwerre, 201(13.4%) to Ogoni/Eleme, 75 (5.0%) Ekpeye and 459(30.6%) belong to the other ethnic groups. Other ethnic groups accounted for the highest prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Youths aged 21 to 30 constituted the highest number of HIV and hepatitis infections. Of the 23 subjects positive for HIV, 16 (1.2%) had HIV-1, 4 (0.3%) had HIV-2, and 5 (0.5%) had the HIV-1/2. Of the 1,500 subjects tested, 0.2% had HIV and HBV co-infection. Chi-square analysis indicated that age was a risk factor for the transmission of the three transmissible infections (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05 for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV, respectively). Gender had an influence on HIV and HBsAg (P < 0.05). There was also a positive association between the ethnic groups and the TTIs (χ2 = 18.136, P < 0.01 for HIV; χ2 = 2.785, P < 0.05 for HBsAg; and χ2 = 2.411, P < 0.05 for HCV). The 0.1% prevalence of HCV in this study occurred exclusively among nonnatives. Conclusions: This study has provided epidemiological data on some transfusion-transmissible viral infections in Port Harcourt and has identified some risk factors associated with it. To ensure safety in blood-transfusion practices, selection and screening of donors within the high-risk groups, especially individuals 21 to 30 years old, should be thorough and in accordance with the approved safety guidelines.
20 Apr 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the ISCST-3 model has been used to study the ground level concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), particulate matter less than 10.0 microns in diameter (PM10) and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
Abstract: The ISCST-3 model has been used to study the ground level concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), particulate matter less than 10.0 microns in diameter (PM10) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The purpose was to predict air quality effects from an integrated oil and gas project (IOGP) proposed for the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The emissions of 12 elevated point sources for criteria air pollutants were considered with eight different scenarios. Both natural gas-fired and diesel (AGO) fired equipment were considered for the identified emission sources. Five years of hourly meteorological observations were used in the prediction of the ground level concentration of the pollutants. The model outputs show a general maximum ground level concentration between 0.5 - 3.5 km, with easterly and north-easterly receptors having the greatest concentration. The pollutants emitted in the greatest concentration in their order of magnitude were CO, NOx and PM10. Maximum ground level concentration for 1, 8 an...
TL;DR: Patients’ perception of care correlated significantly with patients’ satisfaction, suggesting good staff-patient interaction and proper organisational behaviour could improve patients' perception of Care.
Abstract: Background: Patients’ perception of care is considered to influence their satisfaction with the service provided. However, this has received minor attention in radiography practice in Nigeria with no quantitative study from available literature search. Method: A total of 200 self-completion questionnaires were delivered to four radiology departments within the north-eastern states of Nigeria (50 to each centre). The questionnaires included questions on patient demographics as well as ordinal scales for patients to rate their care on various indices and a 10 visual analogue scale to rate their overall satisfaction, while an open-ended question was used to assess patients’ expectation of radiology staff. 142 questionnaires (71%) were returned. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Tests were two-tailed with p smaller than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: Patients’ perception of care correlated significantly with patients’ satisfaction. Conclusion: Good staff-patient interaction and proper organisational behaviour could improve patients’ perception of care.
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, a method of computer application using Visual-Basic programming language is suggested to detect the most catastrophic faults in rotor shafts of gas turbine engines that could lead to downtime.
Abstract: “MICE” is an acronym for Misalignment, Imbalance, Crack and Eccentricity. These form the most catastrophic faults in rotor shafts of gas turbine engines that could lead to downtime. This paper therefore enunciates steps to early detection of these faults and how they could be solved. A method of computer application using Visual-Basic programming language is suggested. A software, MICE, is used for the analysis. Results obtained compare favorably with those of similar works in this area and show that the software can be extended to other rotating equipment when their characteristics are known.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
TL;DR: This study indicates a modest correlation between absolute and CD4 lymphocyte counts of HIV-infected Nigerians and in conjunction with WHO staging and clinical status of patient in determining the optimal time to initiate therapy particularly in resource limited settings where other expensive methods of CD4 enumeration are unavailable.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
Few laboratories in resource-constrained countries can afford to perform laboratory-monitoring tests required for the implementation of HIV therapy. In this case control study, we have investigated the relevance of absolute lymphocyte count as a surrogate marker for CD4 lymphocyte count as a criterion for initiating HAARTin HIV-infected Nigerians.
METHODS
A total of 100 consecutive recruited HIV-infected, previously antiretroviral naive persons and 30 HIV-negative individuals blood samples were run for absolute lymphocyte and CD4 lymphocyte counts and results were compared by a model of linear regression analysis.
RESULTS
An overall modest correlation was observed between absolute lymphocyte count and CD4 lymphocyte (r = 0.51) and at CD4 lymphocyte threshold relevant for clinical management of HIV-infected; <200, 200-350 and >350 cells/microL (r = 0.41, 0.30 and 0.21) respectively. Mean absolute lymphocyte count of 1.60 +/- 0.77 x 10(9)/L, 1.88 +/- 1.11 x 10(9)/L and 2.04 +/- 0.54 x 10(9)/L was equivalent respectively to CD4 of <200, 200-350 and >350 cells/microL.
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates a modest correlation between absolute and CD4 lymphocyte counts of HIV-infected Nigerians and at CD4 lymphocyte count threshold significant for clinical management of HIV-infected. Absolute lymphocyte count can become a minimal inexpensive alternative to CD4 lymphocyte count in conjunction with WHO staging and clinical status of patient in determining the optimal time to initiate therapy particularly in resource limited settings where other expensive methods of CD4 enumeration are unavailable.
TL;DR: It may be concluded that Goldcrew has a marked negative effect on fish blood and therefore a need to observe restraint in its usage in order to simulate possible effects of clean-up operations in the aquatic environment.
Abstract: Selected hematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of the dispersant goldcrew were measured weekly for four consecutive weeks under a static renewal condition in order to simulate possible effects of clean-up operations in the aquatic environment. Hemoglobin (Hb) hematocrit (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCC), white blood cell count (WBCC), and platelet values were 15.40–13.58 g dL−1, 42.36–36.38%, 5.50–4.09 × 102 L−1, 6.22–6.62 × 102 L−1 and 362.87–283.0 × 109, respectively, from week 1 to week 4. Duration of exposure had a marked significance (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters except WBCC. Also, Hb, PCV, RBCC, and platelet had values of 15.80–13.27 g dL−1, 24.12–35.52%, 5.17–4.0 × 102 L−1, 5.69–6.85 × 109 L−1, and 395.25–227.25 × 10, respectively, from control to maximum treatment levels. Exposure concentrations have a significant impact (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters. It may be concluded that Goldcrew has a marked negative effect on fish blood and therefore a...
TL;DR: In this paper, the air quality of gaseous emissions from crude petroleum flames and fumes were monitored in a poultry house at 10 min intervals; from 10.10am-11.10 am daily for 14 days.
Abstract: Air quality of gaseous emissions from crude petroleum flames and fumes were monitored in a poultry house at 10 min intervals; from 10.10am–11.10am daily for 14 days. The crude petroleum burning was simulated in a metal burner, 22.86 cm high with a diameter of 17.80 cm and a thickness of 1.27 cm designed for the purpose. The micro-climate (ambient temperature, relative humidity and light intensity) of the experimental environment (poultry houses) was recorded. Results showed that the mean gaseous pollutants emitted before and during the experiments varied within the poultry house. Gases such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), methane(CH4) and carbon monoxide (CO) were higher in the brooding than finishing phase, while volatile organic carbon (VOC) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels were lower at the brooding than finishing phase. The values obtained in this study for 60 min (at 10 min intervals) are far higher than the values elucidated by the Federal Environmental Protection Age...
01 Dec 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of ICT in transforming the educational sector and contributions to the advancement of knowledge through teaching and learning is the rationale behind a study, which investigates the impact of ITC in transforming tertiary education in Nigeria.
Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionalized and globalized all aspects of human endeavor. The effects of ICT in transforming the educational sector and contributions to the advancement of knowledge through teaching and learning is the rationale behind this study, which investigates the impact of ICT in transforming tertiary education in Nigeria. The study identified three key areas in addressing the transformation: expanding the access to teaching and learning; improving the quality of education; and making it affordable in terms of cost and time. A mixed methodology approach was adopted which involved the use of questionnaires and unstructured interviews administered on students and lecturers, using a case study survey strategy. A novel sustainable ICT model termed guided transformation was developed.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the predictive variables of adoption of yam minisett technology among yam farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria Multi-stage, cluster, purposive and simple random sampling methods were used in selecting 252 yam owners as the sample size of the study An interview schedule was used in obtaining data from the respondents Results showed that adoption levels were 167 per cent for partial adoption, 186 percent for complete adoption, and 647 per percent for none adoption Results for test of hypothesis indicated that, four out of the six tested variables that had significant relationship with adoption explained
Abstract: This study examined the predictive variables of adoption of yam minisett technology among yam farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria Multi-stage, cluster, purposive and simple random sampling methods were used in selecting 252 yam farmers as the sample size of the study An interview schedule was used in obtaining data from the respondents Results showed that adoption levels were 167 per cent for partial adoption, 186 percent for complete adoption and 647 per cent for none adoption Results for test of hypothesis indicated that, four out of the six tested variables that had significant relationship with adoption explained about 893 percent (R2=08926) of the adoption variability of the respondents The best predictor of adoption was extension contact, with R2=03364 contribution This was followed by educational level, with R2=02440, income, with R2=01805 and farm size, with R2=01317 Efforts directed at improving extension contact, education, income and farm sizes of yam farmers were suggested for a higher adoption of the minisett technology among these farmers
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined critical challenges of small-scale poultry enterprise in Ido local government area of Oyo State and found that raw materials, capital, and basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and road are major requirement for effective poultry business in the study area and ranked the first position having 19.1 per cent.
Abstract: This study examined critical challenges of small‐scale poultry enterprise in Ido local government area of Oyo State. The primary data used for the analysis was generated through the use of personal interview, structured questionnaire and farm enterprises records. A random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents. Descriptive statistics and frontier model were used to determine the gross margin as well as the efficiency level; the data were further subjected to double log OLS analysis which was adopted for the study. The study revealed that raw materials, capital and basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and road are major requirement for effective poultry business in the study area and it ranked first position having 19.1 per cent. The result also revealed that the dominant age limit of the respondents in the study area of the broilers and layers enterprises were between 31‐40 with 50 per cent and 43.3 per cent respectively. The analysis on the frontier gross margin function model for broiler and layers enterprise was not significant; therefore result from OLS double log analysis was adopted for the study. The analysis in layers enterprise revealed that cost of transportation, cost of point of lay, cost of medication and cost of energy for brooding were positively related to the gross margin of the farmers, only medication and amount of money spent on energy were statistically significant at 5 per cent while cost feeding and money spent on labour had negative relationship and cost feeding was significant at 5 per cent. Small scale poultry farmers should increase quantity and quality of feed for the birds. Government should assist small scale poultry farmers by giving subsidising cost of feeding, medication as well as development of farm roads in the study area. * Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. E‐mail: ebimec2k4 @yahoo.com ** Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. E‐mail dataekine@ yahoo.co.uk Asia‐Pacific Journal of Rural Development Vol. XIX, No.2, December 2009
01 Dec 2009
TL;DR: The work proposed an optimization approach termed maxPenalty, which compared and returned the biggest of the four penalties of the helicopter pilot, which attempts to maximize the fitness and while minimizing the pilot workload.
Abstract: This work aims to develop an artificial intelligence for a helicopter pilot. That is, a system that learns to fly a helicopter the way a human pilot would. It draws on the benefits of using inverse simulation and genetic algorithms to model systems similar to human process. The goal is to define tasks for the helicopter and have the pilot find control settings that carry out those tasks. The inverse simulation technique generates the control inputs required for a desired set of motion outputs. Genetic algorithms (GA) generate feasible solutions to the inverse problem in which the helicopter's trajectory is defined as a set of way-points. The continuous controls encoding method was implemented in flying a longitudinal acceleration/deceleration maneuver. The helicopter pilot was formulated as a multi-optimization problem with four objectives imposed as penalties. The work proposed an optimization approach termed maxPenalty, which compared and returned the biggest of the four penalties. The GA attempts to maximize the fitness and while minimizing the pilot workload. The work shows some aspects of the GA-produced flight that are human-like, and the fact that humans do not move along precise trajectories.
TL;DR: Pioneer theorists in the academic fields of administration and management are known by certain appellations that are reflective of their contributions towards the history, evolution and development of the field as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Pioneer theorists in the academic fields of administration and management are known by certain appellations that are reflective of their contributions towards the history, evolution and development...
TL;DR: In this paper, a model based on Biot's theory for the deformation of a saturated porous body is presented for the stress and strain produced during drying of film cast on a substrate.
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: A total of 196 samples were collected at an oilservicing company (station A) and a control station of the New Calabar River during a 7 months investigation as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A total of 196 samples were collected at an oil-servicing company (station A) and a control station of the New Calabar River during a 7 months investigation. The samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters and mycoflora as to assess the impact of the company activities on the river. Generally, values of temperature, pH, BOD5, total organic carbon (TOC), chloride, sulphate, oil and grease were higher in station A than in the control. Analysis of variance using paired t-test showed significant difference in temperature, pH, transparency, DO, BOD5 and in total fungal count at P ≥ 0.01 and in TOC at P ≥ 0.05 between the stations. Heavy metal concentration for cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel and zinc were higher in station A which also showed a high tendency of eutrophication. Mean total fungal counts were up to x102.cfu/ml and the frequency of fungi isolated were Aspergillus (8.12%), Byssochlamys (1.98%), Candida (14.31%), Cephalosporium (6.73%), Cladosporium (6.09%), Fusarium (7.42%), Mucor (4.06%), Penicillum (9.99%), Rhizopus (8.07%), Saccharomyces (17.73%), Sporobolomyces (10.15%) and Trichoderma (5.35%). These fungal genera contain species that are potential pathogens. The high values of BOD5 and heavy metals and low values of DO and total fungal counts in station A is attributed to the activities of the oil servicing company.
12 Jul 2009
TL;DR: The effective applications of GNSS listed herein demand determination of unified accurate datum transformation which AFREF seeks to establish for each African nation and the entire Africa.
Abstract: The applications of GNSS in West Africa are enhanced by the objectives of the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) which is to establish an unified reference frame through the use of Space Geodesy Techniques, GNSS in particular, to tie various national and regional reference networks of Africa. The use of (INSS in West Africa, currently involving mostly the Global Positioning System (GPS) is for any operation that requires determination of accurate positions such as in the Oil/Gas and Solid Mineral Industry (Land and Deep Offshore exploration, prospecting/production, geohazard survey, pipelines laying/maintence, boundary demarcation, transportation, etc), mapping for socio-economic development, political/administrative boundary demarcation, geodynamics and natural hazard studies, commercial Air and Sea Transportation, the TV and Telecommunication industry, etc. The effective applications of GNSS listed herein demand determination of unified accurate datum transformation which AFREF seeks to establish for each African nation and the entire Africa. The 1st author's determination of 7 Parameters geodetic Datum Transformation in Southern Nigeria for The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) the accuracy analysis are discussed.