Comparative Study on Adsorption Kinetics of Heavy Metals in Produced Water Using Banana Peel and Luffa Cylindrica Derived Activated Carbon

This paper investigates the potentials of activated carbon (AC) derived from Banana peel and Luffa cylindrica biowaste for the removal of heavy metals such as zinc, copper, nickel, and iron from produced water. Activated carbon was obtained by carbonizing adsorbents (Banana peel and Luffa cylindrica), using an impregnation ratio of 1:3 of H3PO4 for 24 hrs. The experimental runs were conducted using the batch adsorption method, where produced water was treated using a 2 g adsorbent dosage for 2, 4, and 6 hours of contact time. Adsorption kinetics were analysed using both the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order model equations. The results show that Luffa cylindrica-derived AC achieved up to 85.7, 88.3, 54.7, and 52.2 % removal in Zn, Cu, Ni, and Fe, respectively, while banana peel AC led to 85.4, 70.7, and 35.2% removal in Zn, Cu, Ni, and Fe., respectively. Kinetic data indicated that pseudo-first-order best described Zn, Cu, and Fe adsorption (R² > 0.76) on both adsorbents, while only Fe adsorption on banana peel AC fitted well with pseudo-second-order (R² = 0.9998). These findings suggest the potential of these low-cost, sustainable biosorbents for effective treatment of produced water

Enhancing Data Transmission In Satellite Network Using Ann Based Technique

The rapid expansion of global communication systems has placed increasing demands on satellite networks, particularly in terms of data transmission efficiency, reliability, and adaptability. Traditional satellite communication methods often face challenges such as bandwidth limitation, signal attenuation, noise interference, and latency, which hinder optimal data transfer. To address these challenges, this study proposes the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based techniques for enhancing data transmission in satellite networks. The ANN model is designed to learn and adapt to dynamic channel conditions, mitigate the effects of noise and fading, and optimize modulation and coding strategies for improved throughput. Simulation results demonstrate that the ANN-based technique significantly enhances data transmission performance by reducing bit error rates, minimizing packet losses, and achieving higher spectral efficiency compared to conventional methods. The proposed approach also shows superior adaptability to varying atmospheric and network conditions, thereby ensuring reliable communication in real-time scenarios. This study underscores the potential of ANN-based intelligent methods as a robust solution for next-generation satellite communication systems, paving the way for improved connectivity, enhanced bandwidth utilization, and greater system resilience. The results obtained were the conventional packet loss to enhance data transmission in satellite network was3%. On the other hand, when an ANN based technique was integrated into it, it simultaneously reduced it to2.7% and the conventional low carrier to noise to enhance data transmission in satellite network was 8dB. Meanwhile, when an ANN based technique was incorporated into it, it spontaneously increased it to 9.6dB. Finally, the percentage enhancement of data transmission in satellite network when an ANN based technique was imbibed into the system was25%

Effectiveness of Coconut Fiber as a Drilling Mud Additive

The potential of powdered coconut fiber derived from mature coconut husks, as a natural additive in water-based mud (WBM) formulations is evaluated in this study. Coconut fiber was processed and sieved to obtain different particle sizes using mesh sizes of 10µm, 20µm, and 40 µm. The processed fibers were used as replacement for barite and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the formulation of drilling mud. Experimentally, the WBM properties evaluated were pH, mud weight (MW), gel strength, plastic viscosity (PV), apparent viscosity (AV), yield point (YP), fluid loss, and filter cake thickness. The results for mesh size 10µm are pH=7, MW=8.7ppg, PV=6cp, 10min Gel Strength=21, AV=25cp, YP=38lb/100ft, n= 0.93, K=0.57, filter cake=1.3mm, for meshed size 20µm; pH=8, MW=8.7ppg, 10min Gel Strength=35, PV=17cp, AV=35cp, YP=36lb/100ft, n= 0.74, K=0.70, Filter Cake= 0.9mm, and for meshed size 40µm; pH=8, MW=8,7ppg, 10min Gel Strength=29, PV=25cp, AV=32.5cp, YP=15lb/100ft, n=0.76, K=0.67, Filter Cake= 2.0mm. These aforementioned data indicate that powdered coconut fiber substantially improves the gel strength, suspension capabilities, and filtration control of the mud. Natural additives such as coconut fiber can be used as replacement for standard WBM by increasing mud performance, reducing fluid loss, and can be useful in promoting sustainability goals

Influence of Workplace Happiness on Organizational Commitment among Healthcare Workers in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional research design investigated factors influencing organizational commitment among healthcare professionals. Respondents comprised 397 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and administrative staff in public hospitals in Ibadan. Respondents were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaires. Participants’ ages ranged from 25 to 64 years, with a mean age of 41.58 (SD = 9.90). Results showed that workplace happiness significantly influenced affective organizational commitment (��� (395) = − 2.993, ��� < 0.01, ��� = −.30). Similarly, workplace happiness significantly influenced normative commitment (��� (395) = − 2.603, ��� < 0.01, ��� = −.26). However, there was no significant influence of workplace happiness on the continuance dimension of organizational commitment (��� (395) = − 1.898, ��� =.058).  Findings suggest workplace happiness is crucial for fostering affective and normative commitment.  Healthcare organizations should enhance workplace happiness through supportive environments, recognition, and open communication to strengthen affective and normative commitment.&nbsp

Digital Learning, Digital Economy and Digital Money in Nigeria: The Emerging Criminology of Nexus

The emerging criminological nexus across the digitalisation of learning, money and economy has generated mix reactions across development lines. While some clime examples developed world see it totally as a way to go, some developing countries see it as a threat to their culture and subsistent economy. Little wonder the concept of digital learning via Open distance education aimed at taking learning to the door step of all learners are still suffering despise despite the flexible accessible lifelong promise it holds for all who seek knowledge without discrimination. Rather than embrace it as a connector that anchor the seamless digital money and economy, in some clime crimes of various shades have emerged to subvert the entire essence of that drives knowledge economy. These drawbacks have not taken away the fact that digitalisation has come to stay. The list anyone can do is to embrace its capability to navigate cashless society, digital economy and quality of life. Looking ahead, the landscape of digital skills is expected to evolve continuously. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain will reshape the skills needed. The emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation becomes paramount in this ever-changing environment. Essentially, the narrative of the Nigerian digital economy is incomplete without acknowledging the pivotal role of digital skills as product of ODL. They are not merely tools for employment but catalysts for innovation, empowerment, and national progress. Embracing digital learning is not just an option but a prerequisite for a thriving cashless future and a crucial step towards creating a digitally skilled population out of open and distance learning education

Improving Constant Power Supply By Integrating Solar To The Microgrid Using Intelligent Based Ultracapacitor

The increasing demand for reliable and sustainable power supply has led to the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, into micro grids. However, the intermittent and variable nature of solar generation poses significant challenges to maintaining a constant power supply. This study proposes an intelligent-based ultra-capacitor system to enhance the performance and stability of solar-integrated micro grids. By employing intelligent control algorithms, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) or Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLC), the ultra-capacitor is optimized to manage energy storage and delivery efficiently. The intelligent controller dynamically responds to fluctuations in solar output and load demand, ensuring seamless energy balancing, voltage stability, and reduced response time. Simulation and modeling results demonstrate that the integration of intelligent ultra-capacitors significantly improves the reliability, power quality, and continuity of supply within the micro grid. This approach offers a viable solution for addressing the limitations of conventional energy storage systems, paving the way for smarter and more resilient distributed energy networks. The conventional Solar irradiance variability that causes power failure in integration of solar to the micro grid was 43%. On the other hand, when an intelligent based ultra-capacitor was integrated into the system, it instantly reduced it to37.2% and the conventional Faults in distribution lines that causes power failure in integration of solar to the micro grid was9%. Meanwhile, when an intelligent based ultra-capacitor was inculcated into the system, it simultaneously reduced to7.8%. Finally, with these results obtained, the percentage improvement in constant power supply by integrating solar to the micro grid when an intelligent based ultra-capacitor was integrated into the system was 1.2%

Democratic Governance and Educational Development in Nigeria Focus on Ebonyi State (2015-2024)

This paper examines democratic governance and educational development in Nigeria. Focus on Ebonyi State (2015-2024). The research objective was to ascertain how democratic governance had influenced education in Ebonyi State. The population of the study was 1,503 with a sample size of 316. The descriptive survey research design was applied because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. Both primary and secondary sources were used to elicit data which were analysed by means of simple percentages, frequencies and mean scores, while the chi-square statistical tool was applied in the test of hypothesis. With chi-square value (280.87) > critical value (2.733) democratic governance has not significantly influenced educational development in Ebonyi State. The study, therefore, recommended that Ebonyi State government should endeavour to employ the funds budgeted for education in the state to that purpose so as to exterminate illiteracy, ignorance and poverty in the state. This goal can be achieved through effective democratic governance

The Impact of Public Spending on Research and Development on Productivity in the Agricultural Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines public agricultural research and development spending on agricultural production growth in sub-Sahara Africa. The data used for the research were obtained from the United States Development of Agriculture (USDA), World Bank database and Agricultural Science and Technology Indicator (ASTI). The objectives of the study include the following; 1) to assess the impact of public agricultural R&D investment on crop yield growth across Sub-Saharan African countries. 2) to evaluate the effect of public agricultural R&D spending on total factor productivity (TFP) growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The statistical tools employed for the study were descriptive statistics and panel unit root test using Levin-Lin-Chu, Breitung, and Im-Pesaran-Shin unit root tests. The findings show that the crop yield variable was found to be non-stationary, implying trends or persistent shocks over time. It shows a positive and significant effect of R&D on yield. The differenced values fluctuated around zero, confirming improved stationarity. Similarly, the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) Index was established to be stationary, suggesting short-term fluctuations around a stable mean and making it a suitable dependent variable in evaluating R&D impacts. Hence, TFP and R&D are stationary which shows substantial positive correlation, supporting productivity enhancement via public R&D. The study recommends examining the role of private agricultural R&D and its interaction with public investments in enhancing productivity

Experimental Evaluation on Suitability of African Oil Bean Husk as a Fluid-Loss Control Agent in Water-Based Drilling Mud

Filtrate loss determines the efficiency of drilling mud. Research on the suitability of African oil bean husk (AOBH) as a fluid loss control additive for water-based drilling mud (WBM) is presented in this article. AOBH was crushed into particle sizes of 63 µm, 125 µm, and 250 µm. The morphology and chemical properties of AOBH were studied with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and a Phenom Prox model of the Scanning Electron Microscope energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). WBM samples containing the various sizes of AOBH as fluid-loss control additives were prepared. Samples containing industrial-grade additives (Grel Alphatex) were prepared. Basic mud tests were carried out on samples. Comparisons of results from the various samples were made. Rheology of mud samples was modeled with the Power Law Model and Herschel-Bulkley Models. Results show that AOBH contains mainly carbon and asphaltic compounds. Mud tests show that the performances of AOBH and industrial grade are comparable. Filter cake thickness was 2.3 mm–2.9 mm for AOBH-additives mud but 2.3 mm for industrial-additives mud. Filtrate loss was 2.3 ml–3.3 ml for AOBH-additives mud but 2.3 ml for industrial-additives mud. The apparent viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 28-29.5 cp, but 29 cp for industrial-additives mud. Plastic viscosity for AOBH-additives mud was 22-23 cp, but 22 cp for industrial-additives mud. The yield point for AOBH-additives mud was 12-15, but 14 for industrial-additives mud. Use of AOBH did not affect the final gel strength. Both models show that the efficiency of the mud containing AOBH in cleaning the hole increased as the grain size of AOBH reduced. The chemistry of AOBH shows that it is biodegradable and eco-friendly

Treatment of Oilfield Produced Water Using Biosorptive Methods

This study investigated activated carbon from Banana peel and Luffa cylindrica biowaste for treating produced water. Banana peel and Luffa cylindrica waste were pretreated with alkaline of 5% NaOH concentrations to obtain Samples A and B respectively. Activated carbon was obtained by carbonizing another portion of adsorbents, using an impregnation ratio of 1:3 of H3PO4 for 24 hrs to obtain Samples C and D. The experimental runs were conducted using the batch adsorption method, where PW was treated using 0.15, 1, 1.5, and 2 g adsorbent dosage for 2, 4, and 6 hours. The results of the study showed that the concentration of TDS in PW after treatment achieved 66.2 %,76 %, 62.5 %, and 59.5 % reduction for sample A, sample B, sample C, and sample D, respectively. The TSS concentrations were found to reduce in decreasing order, reducing from 26.7 % to 21.2 % for samples A to D. Also, there were general reductions in the heavy metals’ concentrations in PW. Sample A led to 81.40% decrease in Zn, 68.8 % in Cu, 72.7 % in Ni, and 52.2 % in Fe. Similarly, sample B led to 70.9 %, 86.1 %, about 100 %, 4.6 % decreases in Zn, Cu, Ni and Fe, respectively. Sample C led to 85.7%, 88.29 %, 54.7 %, 52.18 % reductions in Zn, Cu, Ni, and Fe, respectively, while Sample D followed a similar trend with 89.1% decrease in Zn, 85.4% in Cu, 70.7 % in Ni, and 35.2% in Fe. It could be concluded that activated carbon adsorbents have better adsorption capacity than the modified adsorbent for the treatment of produced water in the reduction of TDS, TSS, and heavy metals