2024

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most important cereal crop worldwide. It contains starch, proteins, fibers, oils, and sugars. It plays a significant role in human and livestock nutrition. Nitrogen (N) is essential for crop growth and yield. The most common sources of nitrogen are NPK and urea. However, consistent usage of these inorganic fertilizers can have adverse effects on the soil which includes soil acidification, reduced soil microorganisms, alteration of soil PH, which in turn can affect the soil fertility. This has made it essential to utilize organic fertilizers like plant residues, which can improve soil fertility without causing damage to the soil. Chromolaena odorata (L.) shows promise in boosting plant nutrient levels as mulch. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the agronomic performance of maize fertilized with C. odorata. The trial was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times. The treatment involved the use of four rates of freshly cut C. odorata leaf residues (0, 1, 3, 5 kg m-2). The variables studied were plant height, cob yield, grain yield and stover yield. Maize plant height and cob, grain and stover yields increased with increase in the levels of C. odorata plant residues (0-5 kg m-2). Based on the present
study, C. odorata residues has potential for use as a mulch in improving maize yield and soil quality.

Pesticides, though not intended for aquatic environments, often contaminate water bodies, impacting water quality and aquatic organisms. Chlorpyrifos, a commonly used organophosphate insecticide, poses significant risks to freshwater ecosystems due to its potential endocrine disruptiveeffects on aquatic organisms like Clarias gariepinus. This study aims to explore the correlation between chlorpyrifos exposure and thyroid hormone parameters in Clarias gariepinus. Eight hundred(800)Juvenile Clarias gariepinus were acquired and acclimatized before exposure to controlled concentrations of chlorpyrifos. Muscle tissue samples were collected for analysis of thyroid hormones, including Thyroxine(Free T4), Triiodothyronine(Free T3), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(FT3), using standard techniques. Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly affected T3 levels in C.gariepinus (p<0.05). The control group exhibited the highest T3 level (0.90 ± 0.20), differing significantly from treated groups (CHL 1: 0.72 ± 0.11, CHL 2: 0.74 ± 0.12, CHL 3: 0.66 ± 0.11). Thyroid Stimulating Hormonelevels also showed a significant difference between control (0.70 ± 0.01) and treated groups (CHL1: 0.80 ± 0.10, CHL2: 15.76 ± 7.56). Additionally, T4 levels varied significantly across groups, with the highest in CHL2 (5.9 ± 3.73) and lowest in CHL1 (4.53 ± 1.22).Chlorpyrifos exposure alters thyroid hormone levels in Clarias gariepinus, indicating potential disruption of thyroid function. These findings underscore the ecological risks associated with chlorpyrifos contamination in aquatic ecosystems, warranting further research for informed mitigation strategies to safeguard both aquatic organisms and human health.

This project proposes a sustainable solution for sea water desalination through the utilization of water and air intercooling systems. The method aims to address fresh water scarcity on a ship by harnessing distillation method in evaporating sea water. The evaporated water is condensed and collected as fresh water leaving behind salts and impurities. The design incorporates efficient heat transfer mechanisms and innovative materials to enhance the distillation process while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact

This study investigated the assessment of the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) for adult learners in Benin metropolis. Four research questions were raised to guide the study.
A total of Four hundred and Sixty (460) participants were selected from four (4)Adult literacy centers in Benin. They were selected through Sampling technique . The major instrument used for this study was the questionnaire.
The questionnaire was designed and validated by experts in the Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education, University of Benin, Benin City. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, frequencies counts, and simple percentages. Findings of the study revealed that the effective utilization of ICT increases the level of participation of adult learners in the literacy programmes and assists the learners to meet their outlined goals and interests. It was further revealed that the lack of efficient technological instruments is the major factor for the failure other than the success of adult literacy programmes due to their lack of effectiveness. It was recommended that the government can provide incentives and vocational training centers that would help in improving the skills of the adults. Also the government needs to fund adult literacy programmes adequately in order for it to be more effective to the adult learners and also introducing new and updated technological facilities to improve the teaching and learning process.

The study was carried out to investigate the influence of instructional materials on the academic performance of junior secondary school students in English Language in Isoko-North Local Government Area of Delta State. With a comprehensive scope, the research endeavors to unravel various dimensions of this dynamic relationship. Firstly, the study seeks to ascertain the availability and adequacy of instructional materials within Junior Secondary Schools in the specified region. Through meticulous examination, it aims to identify the range of instructional materials currently accessible to students and educators alike. Furthermore, the research endeavors to probe deeper into the qualifications of English Language teachers within these schools, shedding light on the proficiency levels and qualifications required for effective teaching. Central to the investigation is the utilization of instructional materials within English Language classrooms. The study aims to scrutinize the extent to which teachers integrate these materials into their pedagogical practices and the impact thereof on students' academic performance. oreover, the research undertakes a comprehensive 8 analysis of the diverse types of instructional materials employed in English
Language classrooms, examining their differential effects on student learning outcomes. In addition to assessing the relationship between instructional material availability and academic performance, the study delves into students' perceptions of instructional material usage. By exploring students' perspectives, the research aims to gain invaluable insights into the efficacy of instructional materials in facilitating learning experiences. Furthermore, the study identifies and analyzes the challenges encountered by teachers in effectively utilizing instructional materials. By delineating these challenges, the research endeavors to propose innovative strategies aimed at optimizing the use of instructional materials to enhance students' academic performance. Through an exhaustive analysis of these multifaceted aspects, this research endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between instructional materials and student academic performance. Ultimately, it seeks to offer actionable insights and recommendations to enrich the quality of English Language instruction and elevate student learning outcomes in Junior Secondary Schools.

The integrity and efficient operation of pipelines are critical for the safe transportation of oil, gas, and other fluids. Traditional pipeline monitoring methods often fall short in providing comprehensive and real-time data essential for proactive maintenance and risk management. This project explores the integration of smart technologies in pipeline pigging systems to enhance pipeline monitoring and management. Smart pigging involves the use of intelligent inspection tools that traverse the pipeline, collecting high-resolution data on internal conditions, including corrosion, cracks, and other anomalies. By leveraging advanced sensors, data analytics, and real-time communication technologies, smart pigging systems offer unprecedented insights into pipeline health, enabling predictive maintenance and timely interventions. The implementation of these systems can significantly reduce the risk of leaks and ruptures, thereby ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency. This study reviews the latest advancements in smart pigging technology, examines case studies of successful implementations, and discusses the challenges and future directions in the field of smart pipeline monitoring. In summary, the implementation of smart pipeline monitoring using pigging systems has delivered substantial benefits in terms of anomaly detection, maintenance optimization, operational efficiency, safety, and environmental protection. The device was fully tested and proven to perform optimally by taking temperature readings of the pipeline and converted it to pressure through the use of a programmable microcontroller. Pipeline leaks and failures can easily be detected by this prototype model when there is an increase and decrease in the flow rate of the fluid

With a variety of EOR methods explored, the discovery is in tune with Low-salinity water Injection (LSW) as a promising enhancement of the rate at which oil is recoverable from the reservoir. However, the comprehensive understanding of the principal mechanism directing this technique, has not been fully harnessed, causing the difficulty of creating the most favourable salinity condition, and the ionic formation, required for the injected solution. However, a wider school of thought holds that, the driving mechanism in LSWI of the carbonate’s reservoir, is vast. Though, the modification in wettability is seen as the primary mechanism driving oil to a more recoverable state, with most literature review proving this, how it works is up for a good intelligent discuss. This literature attempts to reviews a variety of working states of LSWI, from studies, field investigations, as well as individual recommended mechanisms affecting the oil–rock–brine contact interfaces. Furthermore, the uniqueness of this project, is to provides an extensive evaluation of previous treatises, on LSWI in carbonate reservoirs, the analyses, applications, as well as achievements that have given ground for a mastery of the difficulty of the multicomponent systems and the potential benefits it has on the oil production industry.

Ce travail commence par la biographie et les livres de l’auteur nous rapprochant de l’esprit et de l’expérience de l’auteur et donnant un résumé et une analyse du livre. Le deuxième chapitre nous introduit au féminisme en vue générale, l’histoire et la théorie du féminisme et le but du féminisme discutant du mouvement du féminisme jusqu’à ce jour Le troisième et dernier chapitre aborde le thème du féminisme dans le livre “le Baobab fou” de Ken Bugul, l’anti-féminisme et la quête d’identité. Enfin les conclusions qui donnent un résumé du travail et un point de vue personnel et général sur le sujet

Virtual reality (VR) has become a mainstay with it’s increasing application in diverse fields. The use of head-mounted display (HMD) provides a more immersive computer generated world when compared to other video formats. It is therefore essential to understand the effects of VR on oculomotor function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of VR on oculomotor function. A total of 29 participants with mean age 24.41 ± 1.98 comprising 14 males and 15 females, who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. The clinical accommodative and vergence measurements linked to the oculomotor system that were of interest in this study were collected before and after watching a 3D movie with a VR-HD for 45 minutes. The Baseline measurements were analyzed using the One-Sample t test. The Paired- Samples t test was used to compare the mean values of the baseline measurements with those recorded after the virtual reality. The study revealed significant change in AOA in the right eye (p=0.005), no significant difference in the left eye (p= 0.199) and other accommodative measurements (p=0.076 and p=0.725 for NRA AND PRA respectively). PFV break at near showed a significant difference (p=0.003) but there was no significant difference for other vergence measurements’ break components (p=0.414 and p= 0.257 for NPC and NFV ). There
was no significant difference for vergence measurements’ recovery components (p= 0.191 for NPC, p= 0.361 for NFV and p= 0.561 for PFV). In conclusion VR-HMD was found to have significant effect on certain occulomotor functions.

This project proposes a sustainable solution for sea water desalination through the utilization of water and air intercooling systems. The method aims to address fresh water scarcity on a ship by harnessing distillation method in evaporating sea water. The evaporated water is condensed and collected as fresh water leaving behind salts and impurities. The design incorporates efficient heat transfer mechanisms and innovative materials to enhance the distillation process while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact