Investigation of Thermal Properties of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca ) and Mfang Aya (Thaumatococcus daniellii) as Thermal Radiation Insulator

Thermal properties of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and Mfang Aya (Thaumatococcus daniellii)) were determined using the steady state method. In this study the mean thermal conductivity of Musa paradisiaca was found to be 0.0374 Wm-1K-1 with a mean bulk density of 200.0 kg/m3 while Thaumatococcus daniellii shows a mean thermal conductivity of 0.0427Wm-1K-1with a mean bulk density of 287.0 kgm-3. The mean specific heat capacity of Musa paradisiaca was obtained as 2606.5 Jkg-1K -1 for density range of 0.146-0.237kg/m3 while mean specific heat capacity of Thaumatococcus daniellii is 1041.9 Jkg-1K-1for density 0.211-0.365kg/m3 and the heat transfer models for the material are also obtained. The thermal properties values obtained show similarities with other local materials which previously have been observed to be good thermal insulators, hence Musa paradisiaca and Thaumatococcus daniellii are encouraged to be seen as potential thermal insulators. Keywords: Thermal properties , Musa Paradisiaca, Thaumatococcus daniellii, Thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and bulk density

Thermal Properties of Clay Soil from Uruan River Bank in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Clay soils are widely used in Akwa Ibom State for various purposes that require cooling. It is made into pots for storage of drinking water and as walling material. Clay soils are used as a potential thermal insulator for shelters and there is need for the thermal properties of the clay sample to be investigated. The thermal properties of clay soils from selected parts of Akwa Ibom State have previously been investigated but clay from other parts are yet to be investigated; hence this study investigates the thermal properties of clay soil from Uruan local government area of the state. The result shows that the clay has a mean thermal conductivity of 0.393 Wm-1K-1; mean bulk density of 1.69 ×10-3 kg/m3; mean thermal diffusivity of 1.98m2s-1 and mean thermal resistivity is 2.55 mkW-1. The results show that the clay from Uruan, Nigeria has the lowest absorptivity compared to the clay samples from the areas studied so far.  The temperature predictor model also shows that the clay presents the least temperature value during the highest daytime of between 13 hours and 14 hours. The resistivity and thermal conductivity compares better with the values for kaolin obtained elsewhere showing that the clay sample from Uruan local government area, Nigeria contains kaolin. Keywords: Clay, thermal properties, Uruan, conductivity, resistivity     

Entrance Surface Air Kerma for Chest X-ray Examination in some Diagnostic Radiologic Facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study evaluated patient doses in diagnostic radiology facilities in Akwa Ibom State. Patient doses were evaluated using equations and software. One thousand five hundred and forty one (1541) patients took part in the study. Eight hundred and six (52.3 %) were female while six hundred and thirty five were male patients. Sixty  percent (60 %) patients were of mean  age group below 50 years, and 40 % of the patients were of mean aged above 50 years, their mean body thickness  range between 6.5-8.0 Kg/m, their height range between 1.5-1.7 cm and mean body mass range between 43.2-82.0 Kg. The ESAK value obtained from the software ranged between (0.38-1.69) mGy for male and  female ESAK ranged (0.37-1.69) mGy while  0.015 – 0.091mGy for male nd 0.015- 0.095 mGy for female were obtained from equation. This study shows that, 6 facilities representing 66.6 % of the facilities recorded mean ESAK values that are within the UK range while only 3 facilities representing 33.3 % recorded ESAK higher than the UK range but within the Montenegro and Serbian range.  Mean ED (mSv) values obtained for the examinations in the different facilities show ED ranges of (0.03-0.12) mSv. The differences in mass and height of patients affect the ESAK value from equation because body thickness of the patient depends on body mass and height. Other reasons for this dose variation are chiefly human factor

Portfolio Analysis Models: A Review

This study, which is qualitative in nature, examined the concept of portfolio analysis with focus on business portfolio analysis. Four portfolio analysis models: Boston Consulting growth-share matrix, General Electric industry-attractiveness matrix, Shell directional policy matrix, and Arthur D. Little strategic condition matrix, were discussed in terms of their nature, characteristics, relevance and strategic implications to marketing and management. The limitations of each of these strategic tools were expounded and some newer variants of portfolio analysis models that emerged as a result of these limitations were briefly discussed. The study revealed that each of the four portfolio models has its own merits and demerits and none can be said to be superior as their proponents had advanced.  Instead, each can be applied depending on the need of the organization and the environment in which it operates and they could sometime be employed in an integrative manner. It also revealed that the newer variants though theoretically sound are not popular in marketing and management literatures and in practice.  The study concluded that most of the criticisms leveled against these strategic tools are as a result of the misplaced role these tools are expected to play.  Portfolio analysis, the study concluded is not to dictate or recommend strategic decision but to provide strategists with the data needed to making informed decision. Keywords: Portfolio analysis, Boston Consulting growth-share matrix, General Electric industry-attractiveness matrix, Shell directional policy matrix, Arthur D. Little strategic condition matri

Approximate Solutions of the Non-Relativistic Schrödinger Equation with Inversely Quadratic Yukawa plus Mobius Square Potential via Parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov Method

We study Schrödinger equation for inversely quadratic Yukawa plus Mobius square potential using the generalized parametric form of Nikiforov-Uvarov method. We obtain energy eigenvalues and the corresponding normalized wave function expressed in terms of the hypergeometric functions. Three special cases of this potential have been discussed. Numerical values of the energy eigenvalues are also computed for various states. Keywords: Approximate solutions, Schrödinger equation, Nikiforov-Uvarov method, inversely quadratic Yukawa potential, Mobius square potentia

Determination of Radioactive Elements Concentrations in Soils of Selected Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

A determination of radioactive elements concentrations in soils in selected parts of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria were carried out by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. The soil analysis was conducted at the Nigeria Nuclear Research Reactor (NIRR – 1) at center for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Twenty elements that include short lives, intermediate lives and long lives radioactive elements were detected in soil samples used for the analysis. The obtained radionuclides includes  Na, Ti, V, As K, Mn, Sb, Fe, Dy, Pa, Mg, Sc, Yb, Ce, Co, Sm etc. The results show that INAA of soil samples of the area under investigation gave concentration of 20.05+ 0.60ppm for K, 9.36+ 0.79ppm for Na, 5.73+ 0.50ppm for Fe, 5.38+ 0.62ppm for Cr, 4.24+ 0.25ppm for As and 3.65+ 0.32ppm for Sb, etc. Comparison of the result from this with other studies show difference in the number of elements obtained which is attributed to the difference in the geology of these areas. Keywords: Soil, INAA, concentration, Radionuclides and NIRR-

Towards Sustainable Smart Living: Cloud-Based IoT Solutions for Home Automation

In recent times, the realm of home automation systems has garnered significant attention, thanks to the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology. The concept of a smart home, essentially an application of the Internet of Things (IoT), leverages the power of the internet to oversee and employ household appliances through a sophisticated automation infrastructure. Nevertheless, challenges persist within the existing home automation systems, such as constrained wireless transmission reach, a deficiency in backup power management, and the substantial financial outlay involved. Addressing these limitations, our study introduces an economical and resilient solution that combines cloud based IoT with an uninterrupted power management system, making a cutting-edge home automation prototype. This system relies on a microcontroller unit, specifically the ESP-32, which functions as a Wi-Fi-enabled gateway for connecting a variety of sensors and transmitting their data to the Blynk IoT cloud server. The data assembled from a multitude of sensors, including vibration sensors and voltage detectors, becomes readily accessible on users' devices, be it smartphones or laptops, irrespective of their geographical location. The system is further strengthened by a set of relays that link the ESP-32 with household appliances, allowing for centralized control. Structurally, the design uses a control box that can be seamlessly integrated into a real home environment, offering the means to both monitor and govern an array of household devices. This IoT-based home automation solution not only efficiently manages internet-connected appliances but also provides an effective emergency power management system, enabling remote initiation and deactivation of backup generators. It represents a innovative leap in the evolution of home automation systems, steering in convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness

Interactions of Axion Photons in Magnetised Media

We have compared between the standard model and generational model of particle physics. By means of a special Lagrangian function we consider the interaction of photon axions in both magnetic field and magnetic medium. We also present a polynomial in powers of the external magnetic field with even and odd powers .... DOI: 10.7176/APTA/83-01 Publication date: February 29th 202

Assessment of Soil to Cassava Transfer Factor of Radionuclides in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Background: This research was conducted to estimate the activity concentration level of 40K, 238U and 232Th in soil and cassava and determine the transfer factor from soil to cassava in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: These were examined using gamma spectrometry and considering a lead-shielded 3 x 3inch coaxial type Sodium Iodide Thallium doped detector. Results: The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th are 45.49 ± 4.28 BqKg−1, 3.15 ± 0.77 BqKg−1 and 0.56 ± 0.06 BqKg−1 respectively in soil samples and 134.08 ± 11.59 BqKg−1, 3.89 ± 0.93 BqKg−1 and 0.81 ± 0.09 BqKg−1 correspondingly in cassava samples. The mean transfer factor of 40K, 238U and 232Th from soil to cassava are 3.44 ± 0.75, 1.94 ± 0.32 and 1.34 ± 0.54 respectively. Peak values of the TF were noted as 8.52 for 40K at U18, D18, 25.58 for 238U at U12, D12 and 5.71 for 232Th at U11, D11. Conclusion: The activity concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the area are lower than the world average values. Consequently, it will not pose any radiological hazard if consumed. The high value of Transfer factor is attributed to the richness of the organic matter in the soil and may indicate high ability to transfer radionuclides in the soil to food crops but from the concentration information, these radionuclides present in the soil are low as well as annual effective doses. There is no radiological risk of ingestion

Vitamin Enhanced Waters and Polyphenol Rich Beverages Analyzed for Antioxidant Capacity and Antioxidants/Calorie

The purpose of this study was to analyze polyphenol rich beverages (vitamin enhanced waters (VEWs), fruit juices and berry juices) to determine free polyphenol concentrations and free polyphenols per Calorie based on a serving size. The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent was used in a colorimetric assay based on a catechin standard. Fruit and berry juices contained, on average, more than eight-times the concentration of free polyphenols when compared to VEWs. When Calories per serving were taken into consideration, fruit and berry juices contained more than twice the free polyphenols per Calorie