bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cashew Nut Shell Pyrolysis Liquid: As a Source of Sustainable Energy and a Precursor in many Chemical Industries
Authors: Fombu A H , Ochonogor A E , Olayide O E 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
20 g cashew nut shell (CNS) was pyrolyzed in a fixed bed pyrolysis reactor at a temperature of 700 °C, heating rate of 100 °C/min, and time of 45 minutes. The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) obtained was 61.3 %. Proximate and ultimate analyses, viscosity (cp), density (g/ml), pH, FT-IR, and GC-MS were carried out on the liquid. The results from the GC-MS and FT-IR analyses showed that the liquid consist mainly of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The GC-MS analysis showed the different compounds present in this liquid and their relative abundance. From analyses, the liquid had an ash content of 0.06 %, sulphur content of 0.30 %, density of 0.992 g/ml, and a pH of 4.3.
The effects of catalyst and co-digestion on the performance of biogas yield
Authors: Ofomatah A C , Okoro G I , Ezekoye V A , Agbogu A , Ezekoye D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study presented the effects of catalyst and co-digestion on the performance of biogas production. Rabbit dung and plantain peels were used as feedstock materials while clay, KOH and NaOH were used as catalysts. The experiment was divided into five setups. The slurry stayed in the digester for 45days. The digester temperature fluctuated around 35-47°C while the pH varied from 6.8-7.8. The result of the analysis revealed that the gas produced has high methane content values from 69.75 – 72.38% with low CO2 concentration values from 7.16 - 15.41%. Total volume of biogas were noted to be 74L, 31.9L, 125.5L, 112.4L and 55.8L for each sample. The physicochemical properties revealed that the TS varied from 3.63% - 4.20%, while VS varied from 3.17% - 3.78%. The TOC ranged from 2.18% - 4.79% while the nitrogen content ranged within 0.195% - 0.352%, Crude fibre ranged from 3.15 – 3.81%. Ash content ranged within 3.21 – 4.50% and moisture content varied between 82.47 – 90.05%. The COD and BOD were also obtained. The calorific values of the samples obtained ranged from 17,600 – 20,184KJ/kg. The phosphorus content was between 0.25% and 0.40% while potassium was between 0.15 and 0.37% on average.
Utilization of agricultural waste in the production of charcoal briquette blend as alternative source of energy
Authors: Nwankwo C I , Onuegbu T U , Okafor I F , Igwenagu P C 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study assessed the utilization of agricultural wastes in the production of charcoal briquette blend as alternative source of energy by using mixture of waste materials. The briquettes were produced by mixing varying compositions of carbonized biomass (cassava stem charcoal) and uncarbonized biomasses (pawpaw straw and cashew leaves) at the ratios of 0:100, 20:80, 80:20 and 100:0 using cassava starch binder. Proximate analyses, elemental analysis, combustion and gas emission analysis of the briquettes were determined using standard methods. The results obtained are in the following ranges: volatile matter (47.60 to59.54%), the ash content (3.70 to 23.89%), moisture content (31.80 to 45.56%), fixed carbon (0.11 to 1.01%), calorific values (16,059 to 21,012 kJ/kg), and the amounts of fuel elements ranging from (38.6 to 64.8% carbon, and 0.1 to 1.1% Sulphur). The CO and CO2 ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 g/MJ and 0.01 to 0.28g/MJ respectively. It was observed from the results that the production of briquettes from agricultural wastes is economical because it involves conversion of waste to wealth, providing an alternative and renewable source of energy to man and at the same time minimizing the environmental nuisance which makes the environment unclean.
Doping FePSe3 with Mg and Ca ions: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Ouserigha Collins E. , Benjamin Ayibapreye K. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The electronic and structural characteristics of FePSe3 doped with Mg and Ca were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) computations as implemented in the Quantum Espresso simulation package. The electronic conductivities of several Mg doped FePSe3 and Ca doped FePSe3 alloys were assessed in terms of density of states (DOS) and band structure. At the Fermi level, the electronic states of alloys such as, Fe1Mg1P2Se6, Fe2P2Se5Mg1, Fe1Ca1P2Se6 and Fe2P2Se5Ca1 suggest that they are non-metallic. While the electronic states of Fe2P1Mg1Se6 and Fe2P1Ca1Se6 are metallic. The alloys Fe1Mg1P2Se6 and Fe1Ca1P2Se6 have robust diffusion, according to structural analysis. Because of its shorter bond length of 2.67 Å, the Fe1Mg1P2Se6 alloy has the strongest ion diffusion into FePSe3. It also has the highest band gap of 1.62 eV, followed by Fe1Ca1P2Se6 at 1.50 eV. As seen in the alloys Fe1Mg1P2Se6 and Fe1Ca1P2Se6, the divalent ions Mg2+/Ca2+ prefer insertion into the Fe site of FePSe3. These alloys are potential materials for Magnesium ion batteries (MIB) and Calcium ion batteries (CIB) due to their stability and electronic conductivity.
Waste to energy conversion: a perspective from adult learners in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Ugwuoke N J , Obiozor E E , Osagie A O , Chuke N U , Anyanwu-Amunde A E , Nkemjika O 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The study identified waste categories that can be turned into energy, energy conversion techniques, and ways that these techniques could support a circular economy in South East Nigeria from the viewpoint of adult learners. In the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. The study was directed by three research questions and two hypotheses. There were 67731 adult learners in the population. The study included a sample size of 605 participants. Mean, t-test, and Pearson correlation were used to examine the data, which was collected using questionnaires. The results showed that wood, sawdust leaves and bark of trees, paper and cardboard, food remains like vegetable stock, yam peels, among others, were the types of waste that can be converted to energy. The study found out that combustion technology, gasified technology, and anaerobic digestion, among others, were some of the waste to energy conversion techniques. The study also noted that waste to conversion techniques foster circular economy. The paper recommends that the government should display political will by designing and enacting laws that facilitate the development of indigenous waste-to-energy conversion technology. This way, even at the household level, these technologies will be inexpensive and accessible.
Development of refractories for the pyro-processing (heat-based) industry in Nigeria through the evaluation of mixtures of Enugu Iva-Pottery clay, Nsu-clay and palm kernel shell waste
Authors: Agbo Sunday C , Odewole Olufemi A , Ojo Francis K , Alum Ogechi L , Akpomie Kovo G , Ofomatah Anthony C , Chukwuemeka-Okorie Helen O , Ani Julius U , Onu Caius C 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The energy demand is on the global increase as the world economy is increasing steadily. Hence, the need to develop energy-saving technology with local raw materials and abundant waste materials becomes paramount. The mixtures of Enugu Iva-pottery clay, Nsu clay and PKS were evaluated to improve the quality of locally produced refractory for pyro-processing industries. The chemical and mineralogical composition of the PKS and the clay were determined. Eight recipes were made by varying PKS with quartz from 5 to 35% and produced by the wet pressing technique, then fired to 1200 °C and 1300°C respectively. The mechanical properties were determined by the Modulus of Rupture test, also, the bulk density, linear shrinkage, total shrinkage, apparent porosity, water absorption and thermal efficiency tests of the produced refractories were ascertained.
The recipe with 15% PKS sintered well at 1300°C and gave the best optimum results of 1.76g/cm3 bulk density, 6.49% linear shrinkage, 21.384% apparent porosity, 20 cycles of spalling tests at 1300 °C. The results comply well with the standards of refractory properties. The PKS additives have shown significant improvement in the properties of the locally produced refractories and waste control; hence, can promote sustainable development of the local pyro-processing industry.
Adsorptive performance of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of cadmium (II) and lead (II) ions
Authors: Chukwuemeka-okorie H O , Ani J U , Agbo S C , Odewole O A , Ojo F K , Alum O L , Akpomie K G , Ofomatah A C , Aralu C C 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study has Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized from the leaf extract of Costus Afers via a green approach. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) showed excellent adsorption capabilities towards Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions. ZnO NPs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The formation of ZnO NPs was confirmed by the absorption band at 825cm−1 and 747cm−1. The XRD and SEM analysis show the high purity and hexagonal structure of ZnO NPs with a crystallite size of 83.56 nm. A batch adsorption experiment was employed to examine the process parameters such as the effect of the initial pH of the solution, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent mass, and contact time on the sequestration efficiency of Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions. The equilibrium isotherm models were studied using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm provided the best fit for the adsorption process with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.988 and 0.986 for cadmium and lead (II) ions respectively, indicating a monolayer surface on ZnONPs. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model presented a good fit for the adsorption of Cd (II) and Pb (II) ions on zinc oxide nanoparticles giving a correlation coefficient of 0.989 for Cd and 0.996 for Pb suggesting that chemisorptions are the rate-determining step.
Assessment of the Damage Incurred by biodiversity and ecological degradation via HEC-HMS simulations and of Stream Flow Assessment and Analysis (SAAS).A case study.
Authors: Agashua L O , Ogbiye A S , Oluyemi-Ayibiowu B D , Igibah E C , Ihimekpen I N , Wasiu J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Findings on the quality of River Ikpoba samplings is an essential matter because water resources management coupled with hydro-chemical interfaces is of the essence, especially for monitoring and discovering of surface-water contaminants origins. Thus, River Ikpoba samplings were scrutinized using Stream Flow Simulation Model (SFSM) and Multivariate Statistical techniques. Runoff occasion due to land use change shows increase in curve number at peak runoff of 11.60m3/s, while the maximum rainfall is greater in the circumstances up to 141.0 mm. All though the year, not only that envisaged medians always greater than the mean monthly scrutinized, but the anticipated minimum temperature is also bigger, i.e. even more unadventurous prognosis of temperature result in warmer climate scenario in the study region. As the computed runoff occasion p-value (0.998) is greater than the significance level alpha=0.05, one cannot reject the null hypothesis H0. Hence, it was concluded that the simulated flow data are closely related to the observed flow data. Likewise, an increase in curve number (from 74.58 to 79.99) resulted in a corresponding increase in outflow (from 8.00cms to 10.350cms) was observed. Indicating, with increasing curve number, the peak discharge and direct runoff volume also increases proportionately.
Assessment of Pollution Status of River Ajali in Enugu State Using water quality index
Authors: Alum Ogechi L. , Akpomie Kovo G. , Ofomatah Anthony C. , Chukwuemeka-Okorie Helen O. , Ani Julius U. , Agbo Sunday C. , Odewole Olufemi A. , Ojo Francis K. , Abugu Hillary O. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The physico-chemical and microbial examination of Ajali River in Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, South-eastern Nigeria, were carried out to assess the characteristics of the water for potability. Water samples were collected from three sampling points, including the one close to the brewery effluent discharge into the river and two different points that were affected by non-point sources. Altogether, eighteen samples were collected for two years during the dry, early and late rainy seasons. The physico-chemical, as well as microbial analyses of the samples, were determined following the standard methods. Significant spatial and seasonal variations (p<0.05) were clear for some physico-chemical parameters such as pH, phosphate, and sodium. Mean values of the Water Quality Index (WQI) were: dry season (104.23±9.75); early rainy season (113.22±8.78) and the late rainy season (102.58 ± 11.15). All the values are above 100 showing that the calculated WQI in all the seasons is not good however after the addition of lime, boiling and filtering to increase the quality.
Investigation on the physicochemical properties of Nru clay deposit and its industrial application
Authors: Odewole Olufemi A. , Ojo Francis K. , Alum Ogechi L. , Akpomie Kovo G. , Ofomatah Anthony C. , Chukwuemeka-Okorie Helen O. , Ani Julius U. , Agbo Sunday C. , Omeje Emmanuel E. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The utility of Nru clay for industrial application, which was taken from the Nsukka local government area in Enugu State, Nigeria, is assessed in this study for its physical and chemical properties. The clay was investigated chemically which showed SiO
2 51.2%, Al
2
O
3 18.3% as the predominant constituents while other metallic oxides such as Fe
2
O
3 5.3%, MgO 2.2%, Na
2
O 1.8%, CaO 1.4%, K
2
O 1.3% and MnO 0.7% were present in considerable proportion. The physical and mechanical analysis acknowledged a range in the linear shrinkage (4.17 - 6.25%), total shrinkage (7.8 - 10.2%), apparent porosity (36.92 – 26.58%), apparent density (2.59 - 2.37 g/cm3), bulk density (1.63 - 1.74 g/cm3), water absorption (22.64 – 15.33%) and modulus of rupture (6.70 – 9.15 kg/cm2) with an increase in firing temperature from 900°C to 1200°C. Nru clay can withstand heat without melting or deforming at temperature up to 1200 °C and exhibited reasonable plasticity with a modulus of plasticity of 1.42. We can infer from our investigation that Nru clay is a potential raw material for industries in the production of ceramics, high melting clays, fired bricks, and paints. Alternatively, the clays’ properties can be tailored to achieve superior physical and mechanical properties by enhancing them with additives. Therefore, it can be employed to cushion the exorbitant cost of importing clay minerals from other nations.
Elevation angle effect on slant path attenuation along earth-space paths: A Northern Nigeria perspective
Authors: Tyokighir Soo , Mom Joseph , Igwue Gabriel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the network planning and design of terrestrial and earth-space communication links, the slant path attenuation caused by rain and its associated strong winds is of interest. Rain causes severe link degradation to radio links by absorbing parts or the whole signal during propagation. This study predicts slant path attenuation by rain in three (3) Northern Nigerian zones using the International Telecommunications Unions (ITU-R) model for 10 to 40 GHz. The effect of specific attenuation, rain attenuation, and elevation angle on the received signal strength is analyzed. The ITU-R model suggests rain attenuation values ranging from 4.26 dB to 31.67 dB for Jaji, Wudil, and Potiskum. The results further indicate a decrease in rain attenuation with an increase in elevation angle up to 50.1° elevation for the three (3) monitored stations, which starts to decrease steadily after this threshold. Results from this study can aid the network engineer in anticipating network changes and planning fade mitigation techniques where necessary.
Comparing the impact of solar activities on rainfall under varying climates during the solar cycle 24
Authors: Obiegbuna C D , Orji O P , Enwelum C U 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A ten-year (2009 – 2018) data sets of rainfall and sunspot numbers obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological (NIMET) agency and Sunspot Index and Long term Solar Observations (SILSO) respectively were studied using correlation and trend analysis and their results were compared. Variations in annual and monthly rainfall in Port Harcourt and Sokoto stations during solar cycle 24 were observed. The results of the correlation between rainfall (RF) and sunspot numbers (SSN) showed that all the months in Sokoto correlated negatively as expected while half of the months in Port Harcourt were negatively correlated. Again, monthly RF/SSN correlation results in Sokoto were high except in March, August, and December with -0.1827, -0.1338, and -0.0.1653 respectively, whereas only January, March, April, and May in Port Harcourt had high correlations with -0.5309, 0.5773, -0.5499, and -0.6710. While trend analysis of SSN and RF in Sokoto showed a coincidence in the peaks of Sunspot numbers and rainfall in 2014, that between SSN and RF in Port Harcourt showed that RF peaked 3 years after SSN peak. The results suggest a possible effect of solar activity on climate change and also the impact of aerosols and atmospheric air contaminations in the solar activity – rainfall relationship.
Effects of abattoir effluent and dumpsite on the physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels of soil and water within ogbor hill, Aba.
Authors: Ofomatah A C , Chukwuemeka-Okorie H O , Ani J U , Agbo S C , Odewole O A , Ojo F K , Alum O L , Akpomie K G , Ugwu K E 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal concentrations of the soil and water in Ogbor Hill, Aba were examined in relation to the effects of abattoir effluent and dumpsite. Samples were taken from the water in a borehole, an abattoir, and a dumpsite. These samples’ physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal concentrations were identified. The results showed that the borehole water had nickel and iron at concentrations of 0.15±0.07 mg/kg and 0.18±0.09 mg/kg, respectively, but no copper or lead. Iron levels in soil samples ranged from 4990.87±41.88 mg/kg to 5087.24±72.18 mg/kg, whereas those in wastewater samples ranged from 69.91±12.36 mg/kg to 569.57±38.64 mg/kg. The wastewater samples’ pH levels ranged from 6.35±0.21 to 6.5±0.00. The conductivity varied between 344±0.41 and 13538±0.83 uS/cm. Turbidity varied from 1.05±0.07 to 35.8±0.28 NTU, while the chloride ranged from 189.57±2.13 to 528.95±5.02 mg/L. The ranges for the biochemical and chemical oxygen demands were 20±1.13 mg/L to 120±1.13 mg/L and 65.6 ±2.26 mg/L to 319.6 ±0.57 mg/L, respectively. The soil’s pH ranged from 5.75±0.07 to 8.45±0.07, and its nitrogen level varied from 0.35±0.01 to 0.44±0.01 %. Sulfur levels ranged from 0.03±0.01 to 0.05±0.01 %. These results demonstrate that the abattoir and the dumpsite have not adversely affected borehole water, but the opposite is true of soil, according to WHO (2004) guidelines.
Sustainable energy and environmental management practices in the recreation and tourism industries in Nsukka metropolis of Enugu State
Authors: Abbah O I , Igwe N J , Ogwo U 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Sustainable energy and good environmental management practices are potent factors that can be used to achieve clean energy and sustainable economic growth. This is a global problem that needs immediate action and intervention to reduce the adverse impact of climate change to humanity. This study investigated the sustainable energy and environmental management practices in the recreation and tourism industries in Nsukka metropolis of Enugu State. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 209 recreation and tourism service providers in Nsukka Metropolis. Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The instrument has a reliability coefficient of 0.81. Frequency and percentages were used to determine level of sustainable energy and environmental management practices, while phi coefficient was used to determine relationship between sustainable energy and environmental management practices. Findings showed that recreation and tourism possess very low level of knowledge of sustainable energy use. They however showed positive attitude towards sustainable energy through the adoption of energy saving devices like energy bulbs, solar PVs etc. There is strong positive relationship between knowledge of sustainable energy and environmental management practices. The researchers recommended that government should improve on its effort to create awareness of sustainable energy use and environmental management practices among the populace if the problem of climate change is to be abated.
Formulation of Palm Oil Based Fat Replacer and Its Application on Meat Analogue
Authors: Setyaningsih Dwi , Siregar Meilisa Syafrina , Pasaribu Pradinata Yopindo , Muna Neli 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Fat replacer is food ingredients used to mimic and replace animal fat in food products. The demand of low saturated fat in food products increase because of health concerns related to degenerative disease. Vegetable oil in a liquid state must be solidified to mimic animal fat by the emulsification process. This study aims to create and formulate fat replacer using palm olein and palm stearin as a source of unsaturated fatty acid. The formula was composed with vegetable oil concentration of 30% (K1), 35% (K2), 40% (K3), 45% (K4), and 50% (K5). A concentration of 15% fat replacers emulsion was added to make a meat analogue. Proximate analysis from all treatments showed that meat analogue has water content in the range of 53.90–57.56%, ash content of 2.87–3.10%, protein content of 9.04–15.32%, fat content of 13.22–19.13% and carbohydrate content of 2.35–2.53%. Oil concentration in fat replacer affected to the texture and sensory properties of meat analogue. The results indicate that the five treatments comply with the national quality standards for meat sausages.
Biopolymer manufacturing from pectin extraction of jackfruit waste to increase oil production in EOR
Authors: Perdana Restu Hamdi , Afdhol Muhammad Khairul , Erfando Tomi , Setiawan Chandra , Saputra Ilham Dwi , Adam Fatrio 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This research was conducted with the aim of making an alternative, nature-based biopolymer formed from the extraction of jackfruit peel pectin as a substitute for commercial polymers. The manufacture of this biopolymer is carried out by means of laboratory tests using conventional methods with a chemical extraction process on jackfruit skin. The raw material used is jackfruit skin (Artocarpus integer). Processing of jackfruit skin into pectin is carried out by several procedures such as extraction using citric acid, purification of pectin with 96% ethanol, FTIR characterization test, density test, viscosity test, shear rate test, and the effect of salinity. The FTIR test showed that pectin was formed after the extraction step, as evidenced by the structure of the pectin-forming groups which was similar to commercial pectin. The deposition of impurity particles contained in the pectin content is evidenced by the lack of optimal pectin to increase the viscosity of water. The increase in viscosity will occur as the concentration of pectin increases. Jackfruit pectin is able to survive in solutions that have high salinity, as evidenced by the higher the salinity of the solution, the thickening process continues.