In-situ Regeneration of Spent Activated Carbon used for the Removal of Geosmin and Methyl-isoborneol (G-MIB) in Dwr Cymru Water Supplies

After repeated use, activated carbon becomes spent because of the adsorption of contaminants like trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol (geosmin) and methyl-isoborneol (MIB), pesticides, and natural organic matter, etc.. The adsorption capacity of the activated carbon needs to be replenished for activated carbon to be re-used as an adsorbent, thus regeneration is required. The common regeneration methods imply moving the activated carbon to dedicated facilities where it is regenerated using thermal and steam processes. These processes are energy-intensive, costly, and have a high carbon-footprint. Due to its strong oxidation power, ozone can potentially be used to regenerate activated carbon in-situ by removing the contaminants. This project evaluated the effectiveness of ozone in the regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC), focusing on the effect of ozone on the GAC physical and chemical characteristics. GAC was characterised through the iodine number, methylene blue number, Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurement (FTIR), and the pH point of zero charge to determine the change in chemical and physical properties of the GAC following ozonation. The results show that the pHpzc slightly decreased as GAC is treated with ozone (90 minute) from 9.92 pH to 9.52. However, the iodine and the methylene blue numbers decreased from 3.60 (virgin GAC) to 2.33 mmole/g (decrease of 35.18 %) and from 0.399 (virgin GAC) to 0.198 mmole/g (decrease of 32.27%) after 90 min ozone treatment, respectively. The effect of ozonation at lower exposure times was more beneficial since 30 minute ozonation yielded lower reductions in iodine and methylene blue numbers. The iodine and methylene blue numbers of the 30 minute ozonated samples yielded a decrease of 11.1% and 10.94%, respectively when compared with the virgin carbon adsorption capacity, which suggests exposure time goes through an optimum value. Although this result shows a reduction of the virgin GAC adsorption capacity, 30 minute ozonation of the spent GAC showed increased adsorption capacity of the spent carbon from 1.53 to 1.91 mmole/g, and FTIR analysis proved that the functional groups imparted by the adsorbed species had been fully removed after ozonation. Ozonation of GAC removes the adsorbed contaminants, while it also increases the amount of highly oxidised species, as seen in the FTIR data. This study has also evaluated a new analysis method based on fluorescence, which was able to determine the concentration of G-MIB before and after adsorption on GAC. Overall, this study shows that increasing the concentration of ozone used to treat activated carbon decreases the activated carbon’s adsorption capacity, thus optimisation of the ozone dose and contact time is required. Ozone regeneration of spent activated carbon removes most of the adsorbed contaminants present on the spent activated carbon surface, as evidenced by FTIR results. It can be concluded that ozone regeneration of spent GAC is an effective method for in-situ regeneration of GAC. However, further optimisation of the process is required

Applying the Diversity Map, a Visualization Technique, to the Protein Data Bank

In this research, the Diversity Map, a visualization technique created in the Metoyer research lab in Oregon State, is used to visualize the diversity of all the molecules deposited in the Protein Data Bank. Data was split into a period of three years from 1990 to 2010 and analyzed individually by Dr. Laura Hunsicker-Wang in the department of chemistry with a research focus in protein, and ten student participants with varying level of knowledge in chemistry. Results show that the Diversity Map is a powerful tool in understanding data from the Protein Data Bank and furthermore, has strong potential in being useful to the scientific community

Inhibitive effect of Irvingia Gabonensis leaf extract on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0m hydrochloric acid

This investigation utilizes leaf extracts as corrosion inhibitors and studies the inhibitive effect of Irvingia gabonensis leafextracton mild steel immersed in 1.0M HCl acid at ambient conditions. The phytochemical constituents responsible for the corrosion inhibition were determined by standard phytochemical methods. The chemicals detected were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tanins. The study was carried out using eleven (11) experimental setups, which consisted of: 1.0M HCl (control 1), 10ml, 15ml, 20ml, and 25ml extracts in 1.0M HCl and distilled water (control 2). The experiment was conducted using the weight loss/corrosion rate measurement technique and the results showed that the extract concentration and exposure time had effects on the corrosion rate, whilst the 25ml extract inhibited the most in the acidic medium.The results of the experiment with the two-factor ANOVA without replication indicated that the extract concentration had a more significant effect on corrosion rate than the exposure time. Having this in mind, the inhibitive effect of Irvingnia gabonensis (Africa mango or ogbono) leaf extract as an organic "green" inhibitor on mild steel corrosion in an acidic medium can be said to depend on the concentration of the extract for better effectiveness and inhibition efficiency. Therefore, Irvingia gabonensis leaf extract, with an inhibition efficiency of 67.14% on mild steel in a moderate acidic environment, can be recommended for use in commercial and industrial environments where mild steel material is required in service

Relación entre el cambio tecnológico, la digitalización y las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia la educación a distancia en institutos de Educación Superior de Lagos

The focus of this research is to investigate the relationship between learning flexibility, support services, and students' attitudes toward remote learning programs in Nigeria. A correlational research methodology is used, and 385 individuals drawn from a multi-stage sampling technique form the study's sample. The data collecting tool is a three-section questionnaire devised by the researchers. Experts validated the questionnaire, which was then administered once on a randomly selected sample to assess the internal consistency. The Cronbach Alpha formula produced values of .74, .77, and .78 for the three separate questionnaire constructs. At the .05 level of significance, two research questions were posed, and two related null hypotheses were investigated. The collected data is analysed using the Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation formulas. The findings show that there is a positive relationship between digital learning flexibility and students' attitudes toward distant learning programs (r =.439, Freq=476, p.05). There is also a favourable link between technology supports and students' attitudes toward distant learning programs (r =.339, Freq=476, p.05). It is thus recommended, among other things, that providers of distance learning programs guarantee high flexibility and quality learner support services to cater to the academic needs of learners with different characteristics, as this would improve students' positive attitudes and increase the enrolment of candidates in distance learning programs.El enfoque de este estudio es investigar la relación entre la flexibilidad de aprendizaje, los servicios de apoyo y las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia los programas de aprendizaje remoto en Nigeria. Se utiliza una metodología de investigación correlacional y se extraen 385 individuos con una técnica de muestreo de etapas múltiples para formar la muestra del estudio. La herramienta de recolección de datos es un cuestionario de tres secciones diseñado por los investigadores. Los expertos validaron el cuestionario, que luego se administró una vez en una muestra seleccionada al azar para evaluar la consistencia interna. El alfa de Cronbach produjo valores de .74, .77 y .78 para las tres construcciones de cuestionario separadas. En el nivel de significación de .05, se plantean dos preguntas de investigación y se investigan dos hipótesis nulas relacionadas. Los datos recopilados se analizan utilizando las fórmulas de correlación de producto-momento de Pearson, desviación estándar y media. Los hallazgos muestran que existe una relación positiva entre la flexibilidad del aprendizaje digital y las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia los programas de aprendizaje a distancia (r =.439, Freq=476, p.05). También existe un vínculo favorable entre los apoyos tecnológicos y las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia los programas de aprendizaje a distancia (r =.339, Freq=476, p.05). Por lo tanto, se recomienda, entre otras cosas, que los proveedores de programas de educación a distancia garanticen servicios de apoyo al estudiante de alta flexibilidad y calidad para atender las necesidades académicas de los estudiantes con diferentes características, ya que esto mejoraría la actitud positiva de los estudiantes y aumentaría la inscripción de candidatos para programas de aprendizaje a distancia

Human resource management practices and health and safety of employees in Saipem Offshore, EGINA UFR Project, Nigeria

The study focused on the link between Human resource management practices and health and safety management system within Saipem Offshore activities of EGINA UFR Project in Nigeria. The objective was to determine the empirical link between recruitment, training and compensation management practices, and Employees Health and Safety Management System (HSE.MS). The study was underpinned by the Human Capital, Resource Based View, and Person Fit Environment Theories. The population of interest consisted of Nigerian employees and sub-contractor personnel of Saipem Contracting Nigeria working in Saipem 3000 Vessel, Saipem FDS2 Vessel, Normand Maximus Vessel, Skandi Skansen and MSV Bourbon Evolution Vessels in EGINA UFR Project, Nigeria. A cross sectional survey research design was used to capture opinions of a sample of 125 respondents from a target population of 192 personnel. Primary data, collected by a self-administered structured questionnaire was summarized using descriptive statistics to establish the mean agreement with statements on human resource management practices adopted and Employee Health and Safety management system. The findings were presented using tables and regression results obtained with the aid of SPSS v.22. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the significance of the relationship amongst the log10 of predictor and outcome variable. The study provided empirically derived recommendations for HRM practitioners and academics for enhancing EHSE.MS by adoption of potent HRM practices within Saipem Offshore activities of EGINA Project in Nigeria, and beyond.Keywords: Human resource management practices, Employees health and safety management system, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limite

Entrepreneurial Intention: South African Youth’s willingness to start Tourism Business

Previous studies have recognised entrepreneurship as a tool capable of driving a nation’s economy. Objectives – This study explored tourism entrepreneurial intention of South African youth, and analysed relationships between entrepreneurship statements on the one hand, and entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial impact on the other hand. Approach – A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from simple-randomly selected 220 youth living in Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate data analyses yield information to address research objectives. Results – Significant proportion of the youth have entrepreneurial intention, these youth want to solve problems, are willing to pursuing their dreams, have internal locus of control, have positive outlook, have the ability to identify opportunities, and above all have strong sense of empathy. Implication - South African Department of Labour needs to develop an operational plan to provide business education, entrepreneurial skills, and relevant support that can empower the youth to start their own businesses. Value – This study validates the alignment of entrepreneurship roles to those of making a difference, innovation, leadership and self-belief, and shares a positive outlook for the South African economy if the enabling political and economic conditions are created

Women Tourism Entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Any way forward?

This study, done in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, sheds light into the challenges facing women entrepreneurs involved in tourism businesses and the opportunities they can harness in the tourism industry, with particular reference to some gender nuances. The study collected qualitative and quantitative data from respondents, and the data were analysed using content and descriptive analyses respectively. The challenges facing these women entrepreneurs identified by the study included lack of financial capital, low business capability, problem of size and scope, racial issues and traditional perceptions, and imperfect business location. Some opportunities for growth identified are local municipality support, internet marketing, and formation of business networks for self-support and training. This study recommends business skills training for women entrepreneurs in the areas of sourcing business funding, creating unique value proposition, product excellence, marketing capability, operational excellence and customer service. Although the study was conducted in a South African province, it has implications for women entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond

Organizational Policies on Personnel Training and Development: The Need to Increase Productivity in the Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions Beyond Covid 19

The performance of personnel in an organizational setting such as a university for future roles and responsibilities is dependent upon training and development. Thus, the training and development of personnel has become an invaluable asset in the accomplishment of organizational set goals around the world.  It is in this vein that this study examines the need to train and develop personnel with the view to increase their productivity in the Nigeria’s tertiary institutions beyond covid 19. The study adopts survey research design and three research questions were formulated to guide the study with the adoption of Exchange theory of Peter Blau as theoretical framework. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Among the findings, study concurs that training and development of personnel serves is bedrock for high productivity, consolidation and sustainability of organizational goals. In addition, the study reveals that workers through value addition can efficiently perform their jobs, gains spirited improvement and seek self growth. Furthermore, the study reveals that investment in training and development develop employees in their current jobs, prepares them for tomorrow’s opportunities and responsibilities and at the same time, transfers information and knowledge into practice with a view to enhancing organization usefulness and productivity. As a result of these findings, the study concludes that adequate manpower development in universities designed with a clear mission and vision, and well-articulated policy, and strategic plan, will improve the performance of personnel in achieving organizational set goals beyond COVID 19 epoch.  Based on this, the study recommends that since personnel are highly esteemed resource of organization, employers of labour should be conscious about training and development and the retention of employees. Finally, every organization should have personnel that can adjust swiftly in unpredictable business environments to achieve set goals for the increase of productivity and growth of the economy. Keywords: Training and Development; Retention of personnel; Organizational performance; COVID-19 pandemic DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-16-08 Publication date:August 31st 202