OPTIMIZATION

The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to environmental concerns, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Thisstudy investigates the optimization of organic fertilizer production from neem leaves (Azadirachta indicd) and evaluates its efficacy on maize (Zea mays Ld) growth and yield. This research determined the impact of drying temperature on the nutrient composition of neem leaf powder and established the optimal application rate for maize cultivation. The findings demonstrate that drying temperature significantly influenced the fertilizer's nutritional quality. While potassium content remained stable, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations decreased markedly at temperatures exceeding 45°C, with losses exceeding 20% and 13%, respectively, at 65°C. Consequently, mild drying (< 45°C) was identified as the optimal processing parameter. In a field experiment using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the application of the optimized neem leaf powder at 120 kg ha -1 resulted in the most significant improvements, enhancing soil pH, organic carbon, and available NPK. This treatment also produced the highest maize grain yield of 4.58 t ha -1 , a 90% increase over the unfertilized control, alongside superior plant height and a reduced anthesis-silking interval. The study concludes that NEEM processed by means of air-drying represents a viable, sustainable organic fertilizer source capable of replenishing soil nutrients depleted by maize production, offering environmental and economic benefits for small-scale farmers in tropical agricultural systems.

The study examines the firm specific determinants of the performance of insurance firms in Nigeria over the period 2019 – 2023, using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and panel least squares regression techniques. A causal research design was adopted for the study. The firm specific factors considered in this study include firm size, capital adequacy, leverage, liquidity and firm age while insurance firm performance was proxy by return on asset. It adopts a multivariate panel least squares analysis for the estimation process. The finding of the study reveals that firm size, liquidity and firm age has a positive and insignificant effect on performance of insurance companies while capital adequacy and leverage has a negative and insignificant influence on performance of insurance firms. The study recommends among others that management of insurance firms should focus less on growing the size of insurance firms in Nigeria. Also, regulatory authorities should ensure that insurance firms comply strictly with capital adequacy set by the regulatory authorities.

Plaster of Paris (POP), known for its affordability and accessibility, exhibits potential as a phase change material (PCM) due to its capacity to store and release thermal energy during phase transitions. However, its efficacy hinges on various factors including particle size, mixing ratio, curing time, and temperature. This study delves into optimizing POP process parameters to enhance its suitability as a PCM, with a focus on thermal resistivity properties. Through systematic experimentation and analysis, we aim to pinpoint the ideal combination of process parameters to bolster thermal resistivity for applications in thermal energy management. Our research commenced with the fabrication of POP molds, where we tailored diverse formulations by adjusting ratios of POP cement, fiber, and water to achieve specific attributes. Subsequent exposure to controlled heat allowed us to meticulously gauge thermal resistivity using precise thermotesting equipment. Analysis of these data enabled us to derive meaningful
insights into material performance under varying conditions. By leveraging response surface methodology and statistical analysis, our investigation pinpointed the optimal blend of water, fiber, and POP cement for maximizing thermal resistance
in fiber-reinforced POP cast mixtures. The development of a predictive mathematical model facilitates accurate thermal performance forecasting across different process parameter configurations, facilitating informed decision-making in material selection and application.

This project presents the optimization of PV systems and development of optimization algorithms for optimizing the power output of a solar PV system. The aim of the project was to
investigate and understand the various existing optimization techniques and methods, then develop an algorithm that can optimize a Solar PV system. The optimization method used was MPPT (maximum power point tracking) and P&O algorithm, INC algorithm and Genetic algorithm were developed. Development and simulation of the optimization methods and developed algorithms was achieved with the use of MATLAB SIMULINK software. For this project, the output of the optimized system with the MPPT method trained with P&O optimization, INC algorithm and Genetic algorithm were compared with the output of an unoptimized system under different atmospheric conditions and then to each other. The results of the optimized system were compared with the result of the unoptimized system. From the result, it was found out that the optimized system has a better response, lesser error, better accuracy and tracking speed than the unoptimized system. At the end of the project, it became obvious for the need of optimization in PV system and the step-by-step process of developing an optimization algorithm was shown.

Optimization of process parameter to improve on weld joint quality has been at the centre of global research. Some optimization methods have produced welds of low strength and quality whereas , some have made remarkable improvements on the quality of welded joints. In this study, the SWARA-ARAS method was adopted to access its effect on the quality of the obtained welded joints. Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method was used to determine the geometric mean of weights for each of the output parameters that is the mechanical test and measurement results. Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) was applied to optimize these parameters by utilizing the weights generated by using SWARA. From applying the SWARA-ARAS method, weldment was found to possess the best input and output parameters.