Design and characterisation of fluidised bed cooling towers

This thesis discusses the operating characteristics and design of fluidised bed cooling towers (FBCT), which may be used to cool hot water for industrial purposes. Limited data exist for such a three-phase fluidised bed acting as a cooling tower. This motivated some early workers to investigate its usefulness in cooling tower applications and they showed that the FBCT produces heat and mass transfer rates much higher than in conventional fixed-bed towers. Despite this advantage, the FBCT has not been commercially exploited to date. An extensive experimental study is presented using up-to-date instrumentation to determine the thermal and hydraulic characteristics with a view to establishing a design criteria for full-scale FBCTs. Experimental tests were performed to account for the effect of the plenum chamber and the spray zone region upon the thermal performance of the FBCT. Data analysis was performed so that the effect of the fluidised bed alone as well as the plenum chamber could be known. A prototype was designed and built incorporating nine calibrated Platinum Resistance Thermometers for fluid temperature measurements with one located just below the fluidized bed itself while another was positioned below the plenum chamber to measure outlet water temperatures. Two differential pressure transducers and an electronic water flowmeter were used to measure air pressures and water flow rates respectively. All instruments were connected to a data-logger linked to a personal computer. Two different software packages were written and installed on the computer, to automatically retrieve experimental data from the rig during test runs and to automatically process the retrieved variables for analysis. Nine independent variables were measured in order to determine the tower thermal-hydraulic performance. Water and air flow rates ranged from 0.5 - 5 and 0.5 - 4 kg/s m2 respectively giving liquid/gas mass flux ratios that ranged from about 0.1 - 6. The inlet hot water temperature ranged from about 25 - 55°C while the inlet air wet-bulb temperature averaged about 18°C. Four different spherical packing arrangements were studied at static bed heights that ranged from about 25 to 400 mm. The spray nozzle height from the distributor grid ranged from 400 - 1500 mm. Data analysis was performed for thermal-hydraulic performance using both dimensional analysis and the Merkel approach. A least-square multiple regression analysis carried out on dimensionless and dimensional groups that resulted from this analysis showed that correlations derived are in good agreement with other experimental data. Correlations were derived for the prediction of the bed air pressure drop and hence the power requirement, the tower thermal performance, the minimum fluidisation velocity, and the expanded bed height. Correlations used to design a full-scale FBCT are presented. Novel work included measurements of local radial and axial temperature variations within the fluidised bed. Thermal performance decreased as the liquid/gas mass flux ratio was increased while it increased as the particle size was decreased. High density particles gave a higher bed air pressure, and hence a higher power requirement than low density ones. Minimum fluidization gas velocity was independent of the static bed height. Expanded bed height increased as the liquid and gas mass fluxes were increased. Thermal performance was found to increase when the effect of the plenum chamber was included in the analysis as compared to the fluidised bed itself. Methodological criteria for the design of a full scale FBCT have been developed. Design analysis suggests that FBCTs can be several times smaller in size than conventional cooling towers, and that they may operate with a similar or lower power requirement than the latter

A Review of Leadership Styles and Models of Educational Management: How Does it Inform School Leadership Practices?

The 21st century has witnessed great interest in educational leadership partly because of the widespread belief placed on the quality of leadership in bringing significant progress to student and school improvement outcomes. This broadens the recognition and need that schools need effective and efficient leaders and managers if they are to provide the best possible outcomes. This article reviews six model of educational management (formal, collegial, political, ambiguity, cultural and subjective) and nine related leadership styles (Managerial, Emotional, Transformational, Distributed, Transactional, Postmodern, Contingency, Participative and Moral). The main purpose of this article was to establish a linkage leadership styles and models and educational management and how such a linkage can inform school leadership practices for continuous school improvement plans. The linkage does focus on the role educational leadership can play in meeting the challenges facing educational institutions today. The article concludes that the relevance of the linkage will greatly depend on the organizational context and applicability depends on the event, the situation and members within the school. The validity of this linkage will also depend on the following considerations: size of the institution; structure of the organization; nature of the leadership process; availability of resources and external environment

Law No. 2005/006 of 27 July 2005 Relating to the Status of Refugees in Cameroon: An Additional Hurdle or a Major Step Forward to Refugee Protection?

Cameroon adopted a law defining the legal framework for refugee protection in July 2005, which entered into force in November 2011. This article examines the Act’s rights framework and the process of refugee status determination under it, and analyses those rights guaranteed by the Act to asylum seekers and recognized refugees. Particular attention is directed at understanding the compatibility between the 2005 refugee law and international refugee and human rights instruments to which Cameroon has acceded. In so doing, this article argues that the guarantees of 2005 refugee law have not yet been fully implemented in Cameroon. As a way forward, the article will proffer recommendations to strengthen the enforcement of the 2005 refugee law. The methodology adopted for the purpose of this research is a doctrinal method. The doctrinal research involves the analysis of statutes, case laws, text books, articles, opinions of jurists and internet materials. Keywords: Refugees, asylum seekers, Cameroon, international refugee protection, the 2005 refugee law, Refugee Convention, OAU Convention, UNHCR

Concept of performance contracting –Kenyan scenario/experience

The paper explores the development of the concept of performance contracting (PC) in supporting public sector reforms in Kenya; it further explores the contextualization of the concept in the Kenyan scene and its implementation.  Design/Methodology/Approach – This article is informed by a literature review on performance contracting initiatives, and their implementation and applications across diverse settings in Kenya. Design/Methodology/Approach – This article is informed by a literature review on performance contracting initiatives, and their implementation and applications across diverse settings in Kenya. Findings – Sustaining performance gains derived from the PC is central to improving public sector service delivery in Kenya and concerted efforts must be made to inculcate sustainability, while continuously improving public offerings. Originality – Paper sheds further light onto how the current Performance contracting initiatives in public service departments and their implementation. Type of paper: Literature Review Key Words: Performance contracting initiatives, Continuous Improvement, Public service delivery

Challenges in the implementation of performance contracting initiative in Kenya

The paper explores the challenges faced in the implementation of the concept of performance contracting (PC) in the public sector in Kenya; Design/Methodology/Approach – This article is informed by a literature review on performance contracting initiatives, and their implementation and applications across diverse settings in Kenya. Findings – Challenges faced in the PC approach are discussed. Sustaining performance gains derived from the PC is central to improving public sector service delivery in Kenya and concerted efforts must be made to inculcate sustainability, while continuously improving public offerings and at the same time addressing the challenges. Originality – Paper sheds further light onto the challenges faced in the implementation of the current Performance contracting initiatives in the public service departments. Key Words: Performance contracting initiatives, Continuous Improvement, Public service delivery

Challenges in the Implementation of Performance Contracting Initiative Inkenya

The paper explores the challenges faced in the implementation of the concept of performance contracting (PC) in the public sector in Kenya; Design/Methodology/Approach – This article is informed by a literature review on performance contracting initiatives, and their implementation and applications across diverse settings in Kenya. Findings – Challenges faced in the PC approach are discussed. Sustaining performance gains derived from the PC is central to improving public sector service delivery in Kenya and concerted efforts must be made to inculcate sustainability, while continuously improving public offerings and at the same time addressing the challenges

PARENTING STYLES AND ADOLESCENTS’ BEHAVIOUR IN CENTRAL EDUCATIONAL ZONE OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Transitional period or stage of physical and psychological human development creates in the adolescents a feeling of tension between dependency on their parents and the need to break away. Tension and behaviour disorder, disagreement increases as friends demonstrate a greater impact on one another, new influences on the adolescents that may be in opposition to parents’ values. All these conflicts create in parents mixed feelings and makes parenting a complex task, with specific parenting practices which are less important in predicting child well-being. Base on this the researcher was interested in investigating parenting styles and its influences on adolescents’ behaviour. Null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Review of literature was carried on accordingly. A sample of 627 respondents was selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was adopted. The hypothesis was tested under a 0.05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that parenting styles significantly influence adolescents’ behaviour. Recommendations were made based on the result; that parents and adolescents should maintain cordial relationship and interaction to guide against behaviour misconduct and family conflict, leading to depression, anxiety, aggression and worries on the growing person

Correlates of day school/adult learners and students academic performance: implication for counselling in Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to identify those challenges that hinder the day schools students/adult learners the opportunity to learn information, master new skills and improve old ones. The academic performance of day school secondary students’ grades and adult learners in Nigeria were influenced by factors such as, socioeconomic status, the quality of the home environment, parental involvement,societal aspirations and the school factor continue to influence the course of school achievement. To this, the writer critically looked at the challenges before the school and society and discuss how the values and expectation of the government, school/home can programme its activities for the projection and effective teaching and learning conditions for academic growth. On this, possible counselling implications were made to help improve the academic performance of day secondary school students and adult learners in Nigeria

Gender Issues, Family / Societal Role, Implication for Counselling In Nigeria

The main purpose of this study is to determine gender issues, family/societal role, and implication for counselling in Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The stratified and simple random sampling techniques were adopted. The simple random technique was used to select the sample for the study. The research instrument, which was the questionnaire, comprised twenty (20) items, all of the Likert-type 4-point scale. The validity was determined by three experts in educational measurement, research and evaluation. It was affirmed that the entire instrument was suitable for measuring what it purported to measure. Using the split-half reliability method, the reliability index of the instrument was found to be 0.73. The result of the analysis revealed that gender issues significantly influenced family role. The result also indicated that gender does not significantly influence societal norms or roles. Based on the finding of the study it was recommended among others that the family (parents) should revisit and redress the issues of gender on its cultural and traditional bases, and also remove the stigmatization spill on women and the girl child. Government policy on gender issues should make meaningful development aimed at increasing the productivity of human resources. Keywords: gender issues, family/societal role,  implication, counselling, Nigeri

PARENTING STYLES AND ADOLESCENTS’ BEHAVIOUR IN CENTRAL EDUCATIONAL ZONE OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Transitional period or stage of physical and psychological human development creates in the adolescents a feeling of tension between dependency on their parents and the need to break away. Tension and behaviour disorder, disagreement increases as friends demonstrate a greater impact on one another, new influences on the adolescents that may be in opposition to parents’ values. All these conflicts create in parents mixed feelings and makes parenting a complex task, with specific parenting practices which are less important in predicting child well-being. Base on this the researcher was interested in investigating parenting styles and its influences on adolescents’ behaviour. Null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Review of literature was carried on accordingly. A sample of 627 respondents was selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was adopted. The hypothesis was tested under a 0.05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that parenting styles significantly influence adolescents’ behaviour. Recommendations were made based on the result; that parents and adolescents should maintain cordial relationship and interaction to guide against behaviour misconduct and family conflict, leading to depression, anxiety, aggression and worries on the growing person