2024

Access to reliable and sustainable electricity remains a significant challenge in many rural areas worldwide. In addressing this issue, off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a promising solution due to their environmental friendliness, scalability, and decreasing costs. This paper presents the design and implementation of an off-grid PV system tailored for optimal utilization in rural areas. With the aim of addressing the energy needs of a modern 2-bedroom apartment located in a rural community, this study emphasizes the development of a self-sustaining PV system capable of providing reliable electricity access independent of the traditional grid infrastructure. The design process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the energy needs and resource availability of the target rural community and in this case a 2-bedroom apartment. This assessment includes factors such as household electricity consumption patterns, local climate conditions, solar irradiance data, and geographical characteristics. Utilizing this data, the system's components are sized appropriately to meet the community's energy demands reliably. Since, our system will be independent of the traditional grid infrastructure, we made sure that our system will be able to sustain the energy requirement of the two-bedroom residential for an average of 19 hours, this led us to the following system requirement of 15,975W solar panel capacity, 915.2Ah battery capacity and a 4KVA inverter capacity, this translates to using 32 solar panels with each rated 500W, 16 batteries each 12V. The core components of the PV system include photovoltaic panels, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, and distribution systems. Each component is carefully selected based on efficiency, durability, and compatibility to ensure maximum system performance and longevity in rural settings. Furthermore, the implementation phase involves the installation and integration of the PV system into the 2-bedroom apartment. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were established to track the performance and impact of the PV system over time. In line with our study, we came to discover that the optimal tilt angle of solar panel in the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus (test location) was 20° which is in line with the reference angle of 0o to 42˚. A DC load test was carried out on the implemented PV system, resulting in a short circuit current of 1.45A and an open circuit voltage of 13.75V. Additionally, a charging test revealed that it took 6.86 hours to charge a 100Ah, 12V battery using a 200W solar panel operating at a voltage of 13.72V. Simulation of the proposed PV system was obtained using the PVSYST simulation software, from the simulation we discovered that the system produces an annual energy of 14,341kWh/year with a performance ratio of 0.515, the daily input/output graph also show variability which is connected to the irradiance and seasonal variations.

The study investigated challenges of teaching English language in rural areas using Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. The design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey method.

Four (4) research questions were raised for the study. The population of this study consisted of all the secondary school teachers in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of sixty (60) teachers were purposively selected as the sample size from eight (8) secondary schools in the LGA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. The research instrument used was validated/ by experts in the Department of Educational Foundations. Data collected from the survey were statistically analysed. After analysis, results were displayed on tables showing frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations of responses, including the decisions made.

Based on the findings, it was discovered mother tongue interference affects rural students' pronunciation of certain English words and comprehension of English language; there is not enough provision of school facilities for the/ adequate teaching and learning of English Language
in rural areas, etc.

Some recommendations were made afterwards. It was recommended that students should be
made aware of the differences in the phonological, orthographical, vocabulary and grammatical
patterns in English and their mother tongue; government should provide adequate, spacious
classes with adequate equipment and school facilities in order to meet the needs of the learners
and their aspiration, etc.

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals, such as nickel, cadmium, mercury, and oxidative stress status of tomatoes sold in local markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Fresh tomato samples were brought from Uselu and Ikpoba Hill market in Benin City. The samples were oven-dried at 105°C for 24 hours and grinded to powder. The powdered samples were dissolved in deionized water, filtered through Whatman filter paper, and the volume was made up to 25 ml using 10 ml of 98% nitric acid. The resulting solution was analysed for the presence of heavy metals using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
(AAS, Perkin Elmer model 2130). The results showed that the nickel concentration present fresh tomato samples obtained from the two markets ranged from 0.13 mg/kg to 0.16 mg/kg, while
the cadmium concentration ranged from 0.11 mg/kg to 0.13 mg/kg. However, when compared to
W.H.O standard, the heavy metal concentration was slightly above the recommended value of
0.10 mg/kg. Also, oxidative stress analysis showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD) value
ranged from 3.02 U/g to 3.48 U/g, Catalase (CAT) value ranged from 0.08 U/g to 0.10 U/g, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) value ranged from 4.96 U/g to 5.73 U/g, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) value ranged from 0.50 U/g to 0.64 U/g respectively. These findings were indicative of environmental pollution due to industrial and vehicular emissions and also the mode of handing and processing of the samples. Although the heavy metals detected in this study are not beneficial to man and plant, low concentration can prove detrimental to health.

Revenue generation in the nucleus and the path to modern development. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of revenue generation on the development of local Government Areas. The researcher used primary and secondary methods of data collection to generate the needed data. The data obtained through questionnaire was presented in tables and expressed in simple percentages. The following were some of the findings which included poor development of the areas, lack of basic social amenities to the rural people and lack of revenue to maintain the existing infrastructures. The researcher therefore recommended that the local government should provide basic amenities of high quality. By doing so, the people's interest would be geared towards giving their maximum support to the local government which would lead to the development of the rural area.

The study examined the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on manpower development in Nigeria; A case study of Enugu North Local Government area. Enugu state. The existence of life in the universe is to expand in all ramification of human endeavors both in the management of existing resources as well as creation of new ones. Man by nature is adventurous and as such, will always thrive to succeed.

Background: Hand hygiene is a critical preventive measure in healthcare ,reducing the transmission of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).Despite its importance ,compliance among healthcare workers remains inconsistent ,particularly in resource -constrained settings. Objective: To assess the knowledge,practice,attitude,andcompliancetowardshandhygieneamonghealthcare workers in Oluku community, Benin City. Methodology: Across- sectional study was conducted among 116 healthcare workers from public and private Facilities in Oluku community. Data was collected using structured questionnaires addressing knowledge, practice, compliance, and factors influencing hand hygiene. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, with significance set atp<0.05.
Results: The study included 116 health care workers, with females comprising 65.5% and the majority aged between 31-40years(40.5%). Knowledge of hand hygiene was high, with 81.0% demonstrating good knowledge, predominantly obtained through workshops(85.3%). Good hand hygiene practices were reported by 85.3%, with 54.3% consistently adhering to the WHO’s five moments of hand hygiene. Compliance was highest a fter exposure to body fluids(93.1%) and lowest before patient interaction(50.9%). Alcohol- based hand sanitizers were regularly used by 87.9%, and 94.0% washed hands with soap and water. Factor s affecting compliance included the unavailability of soap(59.5%), lack of reminders(57.8%),and busy s chedules(51.7%). Public facility workers exhibited higher adherence compared to private facility workers(p<0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed good knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare worker s in Oluku community ,but compliance with key protocols was sub optimal. Addressing barriers could enhance adherence and reduce HCAIs.

Quantum computing represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in computation, promising exponential speedup over classical computers in solving certain problems. This project delves into the realm of quantum computing, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its principles, applications, and implications. The introductory chapter sets the stage by delineating the motivation and objectives of the study. Following this, the literature review offers a historical overview and examines key concepts in quantum mechanics, classical computing limitations, landmark quantum algorithms, recent advancements, and existing challenges. Methodologically, a qualitative approach is adopted, integrating literature review, experimental data, and simulations. Ethical considerations are carefully accounted for throughout the research process. Results and findings are then presented, encompassing analysis of experimental data or simulation outcomes, comparison of classical and quantum computing performance, and implications for the field. This project serves as a foundational resource for understanding quantum computing, offering insights into its current state, potential applications, and future trajectories. It contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding quantum computing, guiding future research endeavors and technological advancements in this transformative field.

The aim of this project was the design, fabrication, and testing of an easy-to-operate and affordable small-scale palm oil clarifier fit for farm use. This was accomplished by the design and selection of materials for the manufacture of the individual components of the clarifier, the production of the working drawings, and fabrication. A performance test, in terms of oil recovery rate, was carried out on the clarifier. On average, we had 91.30% and 91.54% oil recovery rates. Comparatively, these rates are within the range of the results from industrial and more automated systems with large-scale farms, which typically strive for recovery rates between 90% and 95%

Urban development projects rely heavily on accurate and detailed mapping to ensure efficient planning and management of resources. This study focuses on producing a comprehensive digitized map of Iyekogba Housing Estate, situated in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim of this project is to create a detailed map that encompasses all essential features, landmarks, and amenities within the estate. Achieving this aim involves the use of advanced mapping techniques to generate precise spatial data that can support informed decision-making in urban planning and development initiatives. The methodology employed in this project involves the use of Oscar Tersus GNSS equipment to acquire survey data (X, Y, Z coordinates) of the entire estate. Subsequently, the collected data is processed using various software applications, including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel. These software tools enable the integration, analysis, and visualization of the survey data, leading to the creation of a detailed map that accurately represents the spatial characteristics of Iyekogba Housing Estate. The results of the project are presented in accordance with the specified objectives. Firstly, the detailed map reveals the well-organized layout of individual plots (buildings) within the estate, indicating a planned development approach. Also a perimeter plan was created using AutoCAD to accurately define the boundary of Iyekogba Housing Estate. According to the perimeter plan analysis, the estate occupies an area of 510,538.983 square meters with a perimeter of 3,083.53 meters. Furthermore, a contour map was generated using ArcGIS to visualize the topographical characteristics of the study area. The contour map illustrates the elevation variations across the estate. In conclusion, this project successfully achieves its aim of producing a detailed map.

This study entailed the production of ginger powder and analysis for selected phytochemicals and minerals element constituents. Examined phytochemicals were flavonoid, saponin, glycoside, phenols, alkaloid, tannin, coumarin, quinones and steroids while selected mineral elements analysed were iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and sodium. The ginger rhizomes for this study were obtained from New Benin Market, Edo State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used for processing the ginger powder. Specifically, the presence or absence of the selected phytochemicals was determined. Findings indicated that for fresh ginger rhizomes, the examined minerals are of the following values: Fe (1.00mg/L), Mg (0.75mg/L), Ca (0.50mg/L), Zn (0.80mg/L), K (19.7mg/L) and Na (2.2mg/L). For the processed ginger powder, the obtained values for the examined mineral constituents are: Fe (1.60mg/L), Mg (1.08mg/L), Ca (0.30mg/L), Zn (1.20mg/L), K (61.1mg/L) and Na (11.4mg/L). Based on findings from this study, ginger powder is a good source of the examined food minerals.