Inadequate Power Supply Research Articles

PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION POLICY IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

This study focused on the privatization and commercialization policy in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria, within the period 2012-2020. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the privatization and telecommunication industry on the nation’s economy. The paper utilized the secondary source of data and desk analysis in discussing the paper. The paper highlighted some challenges facing the Nigerian telecommunication industry in its new era which amongst others include, inadequate power supply, and transmission infrastructural challenges. In a cross examination of the policy under review, the paper discovered amongst others that, privatization and commercialization in Nigerian telecommunication industry have affected the economy positively. Also, the paper revealed that the deregulation of the telecommunication industry has provided a huge boost in the growth of the industry. In terms of employment opportunities, the study revealed that, the privatization and commercialization of the telecommunication has improved the employment rate in Nigeria. The paper therefore concluded that privatization and commercialization of the telecommunication industry has opened up new frontiers for communication and expanded the economic base of the economy. The paper recommended amongst others that the government should continue to create a conducive environment for the telecommunication industry to flourish.

UTILIZATION AND BARRIERS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICTs) IN FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION LIBRARIES IN THE NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA

The aim of this study is to assess the extent of utilization and barriers to ICTs in the libraries of the seven Federal Colleges of Education in the north-western part of Nigeria. The study employed a survey research design and a stratified random sample. A sample size of 400 was determined through the Taro Yamane Formula from the target population of 23,890 (libraries staff, teaching and non-teaching staff, and NCE students). Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the mean and standard deviation scores. Findings indicated a moderate extent of utilization of ICT services available in the federal colleges of education libraries in the northwest of Nigeria. Also, the study observed the presence of insufficient ICT facilities, a lack of provision for internet connection, insufficient funding, inadequate power supply, a lack of well-trained personnel, and inadequate ICT facility maintenance in the college as barriers to ICTs in libraries. On this note, the authors recommend the need for sufficient ICT facilities, internet connections, funding; power supplies, trained personnel; and facility maintenance to allow for greater utilization of ICTs in libraries.

Profitability Analysis of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production in Edo State, Nigeria

The continuous importation of fish portends a colossal loss of foreign exchange reserved to Nigeria which requires urgent attention to boost fish production. It is against this backdrop that this study analyzed the profitability analysis of catfish production in Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically describe the production characteristics of the catfish farmers, estimate the input and output quantities of catfish, determine the profitability and identify the constraints associated with catfish production in the study area. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select a total of 468 catfish farmers from the study area. Data collection was achieved through the administration of structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and 4-Point Likert-type scale. The results revealed that the farmers in the study area used more of personal savings (58.12%), family land (59.40%) and local feed (82.48%). Stocked more at juvenile stage (70.30%) and produced average output of 4859.51kg per production cycle. The results also showed the average total cost incurred and revenue realized were N 543.67 and N 752.56 per kg fish respectively. The catfish production was profitable with average gross margin, net profit and return per naira invested of N224.35, N208.90 and N1.38 per production cycle respectively. The major constraints faced by catfish farmers were high cost of food (3.96), lack of capital (3.65) and lack of inadequate power supply (3.51) are very serious constraints among others. Since the catfish production was profitable, the farmers should be encouraged to combat these constraints and expand their holdings to boost production.

COVOX: Providing oxygen during the COVID-19 health emergency

We introduce an autonomous oxygen concentrator that was designed in Peru to fight the oxygen shortage produced worldwide as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oxygen concentrators represent a suitable and favorable option for administering this gas at the patient’s bedside in developing countries, especially when cylinders and tubed systems are unavailable or when access to them is restricted by lack of accessories, inadequate power supply, or shortage of qualified personnel. Our system uses a pressure swing adsorption technique to provide oxygen to patients at a flow rate of up to 15 l/min ± 1,5 l/min and a concentration of 93 % ± 3 %, offering robustness, safety and functionality. The quality measurements obtained from the validation process demonstrate repeatability and accuracy. The complete design files are provided in the source file repository to facilitate oxygen concentrator production in low and middle income countries, where access to oxygen is still a major problem even after the pandemic. Oxygen is part of the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines and is perhaps the only medicine that has no substitute. This device can provide a reliable supply of oxygen for critically ill patients and improve their chances of survival.

Socio-Economic Importance of Solar Energy Application in Poultry Production System

Solar energy is a renewable, inexhaustible and affordable form of energy that could help mitigate climate change in poultry production systems. Its application as an emerging technology in poultry production systems is not common among the Nigerian poultry farmers. This paper presents a survey of poultry farms in Enugu State, Southeast, Nigeria. The purpose of the survey was to ascertain the status of solar energy application in Poultry production systems in the state. A survey was conducted on the methods farmers use in poultry day-old chicks brooding technology. A total of 60 poultry farms were selected at random for the survey. Data was collected using a 25 structured questionnaire items. It was observed that two types of poultry brooding methods were in use by the poultry farmers. These were conventional method (the use of fossil fuel and electric power), and non-conventional method (the use of solar energy) respectively. Survey results showed that out of 60 respondents 25% and 65% used kerosene, and combined electric/kerosene brooding methods in their brooding operations respectively. Only 10% of the respondents have used solar energy technology in their poultry brooding operations. The average mortality rates were 22.38%, 12.17% and 2.97% for kerosene, combined electric/kerosene, and solar energy respectively, while US$474.54, US$2,456.34 and US$49.1, were the respective average energy cost implications for each brooding methods eight times in a year. Solar energy was observed to have the lowest mortality rate and the least energy cost implications among the rest. Further response from the farmers showed inadequate power supply, greenhouse gas emission, fire outbreak and low profit margins characterized kerosene, and the combined electric/kerosene usage while solar energy application was observed to be environmentally and user friendly with low mortality rate and low energy cost. Solar energy utilization therefore appears the most attractive option because of the advantages it has over others. Its use in poultry brooding production will improve and enhance environmental air quality, healthy chicks’ production with higher profit margins. Its wide application in poultry production in Enugu State, Nigeria however, demands sensitization and educational awareness among the stakeholders.

A STUDY ON CONSTRAINTS FACED BY THE BANANA GROWERS IN THE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF BANANA

The present study is a pioneering venture aimed to study the constraints faced by the banana growers in production and marketing of banana. The study was undertaken in one block of Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. By resorting to proportionate random sampling method, 120 farmers were selected as respondents. The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The farmers had experienced constraints in production and marketing of banana growers. The finding will be of great use for the planners, policy makers, extension specialist, administrators, sociologies and welfare economist while formulating entrepreneurial behavior by designing training programmes and strategies for development of banana production. The production constraints experienced by the farmers in production of bananas were labor scarcity, high labor cost, non-availability of good quality suckers, inadequate power supply, high cost of inputs, inadequate water supply during summer, insufficient credit facilities, pest and diseases attack. Fixation of price by commission agents, lack of cold storage facilities, improper weighing procedures, perishability of the banana, price fluctuation and inadequate transport facilities were the marketing constraints expressed by the respondents. KEY WORDS: Banana, Entrepreneurs, Production, Marketing, Constraints

Self-Powered Water Disinfection System Acheving a Novel Oxidation-Assisted Electroporation Mechansim with Rotational Triboelectric Nanogenerator

In world, one of three people lack reliable access to clean water and water-borne diseases resulting from pathogenic microbescontaminated water remain a great threat to public health. Disinfection is an effective drinking water purification method; however, the most commonly used water disinfection method, chlorination, is limited by carcinogenic disinfection byproducts formation. Alternative methods such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and membrane filtration suffer from drawbacks such as pathogen regrowth, low throughput, and intensive energy/chemical consumption. In addition, the methods have a limited disinfecting capacity and may be inadequate during a crisis like in cases of a severe epidemic outbreak, such as coronavirus disease 2019. Here, we report a rapid, self-powered water disinfection system for both bacterial and viral inactivation based on a novel oxidation-assisted electroporation mechanism powered by a supercoiling-mediated rotational TENG (S-TENG) that converts the periodic hand stretching/releasing into high-speed rotation. Owing to a rational design of the S-TENG that yields an ultrafast rotation (≈7500 rpm), we successfully overcame the insufficient output limitations of TENG caused by the low-frequency stimuli ambient energy harvesting. The S-TENG with sufficient voltage and current output can generate an NW-enhanced localized electric field and oxidative species simultaneously, and therefore achieving high disinfection efficiency. More than 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses were inactivated at a high flux of 15 m3 h–1 m–2. Our work presented an efficient enlarged demonstrator wherein 1 L of natural water can flow through the whole system within 1 min solely driven by gravity, and achieve complete disinfection, confirming the feasibility of this method for water disinfection in areas with an inadequate power supply. Figure 1

Assessment of the adoption of 3D printing technology for construction delivery: A case study of Lagos State, Nigeria

The innovations of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) encouraged the application of 3D printing technology to complement and subsequently replace the conventional construction method. This study assessed the awareness, application, drivers and barriers to the adoption of 3D printing technology for construction with a view to enhancing faster and sustainable construction process. Primary data were obtained with the use of structured questionnaires which were self-administered to medium and small-sized construction firms/contractors in Lagos State. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that the awareness and application levels of the technology are still very low. The findings showed that there exist statistically significant differences (0.039 ≤ p ≤ 0.017) in 6 drivers for the adoption of 3D printing technology, which is influenced by the client’s demand and desire. The study further established that inadequate power supply limits the adoption of 3D printing in the Nigerian construction industry. Implications are indicated by the findings on drivers and barriers of the technology which could help the construction industry in developing countries towards capability improvement for better adoption of 3D printing innovation and enhanced sustainable construction process.

Sustainable Power Supply: A Catalyst for Economic Development In Nigeria

This paper focuses on the sustainable power supply and ways to enhance it that will culminate into economic growth now and even in the future, it highlights the importance of sustainable power supply as catalyst to economic development and examines the works of some experts in the area. It also discusses the Nigeria’s under development as a contribution of the inadequate and unsustainable power supply to it, stressing sustainable power supply as a tool for “Economic Growth and Development,” which seems to be mirage presently. The paper having examined the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as an option for achieving sustainable power supply in Nigeria, it then concluded that Nigeria as a country should encourage the implementation of energy mix involving conventional and renewable technologies to increase power supply that will achieve rapid economic development and generate employment capabilities for its teeming youths, thereby reducing insecurity and other crimes related vices. Keywords: Sustainable power supply, energy mix, renewable technique, Economic growth

Adoption of Information and Communication Technology: a Strategy For Promoting Lecturers’ Effectiveness in Nigerian Universities

Information Communication and Technology has become a global requirement to replace the traditional teaching methods with a technology-based teaching tools and facilities at all levels of education. It is on this premise that this study examined adoption of ICT as a strategy for promoting lecturers' effectiveness in Nigerian universities. To this end, the concept of information and communication technology with relevant theories and models were examined. Concept of lecturers’ effectiveness, usefulness of ICT and their challenges were critically examined. The challenges include inadequate power supply and poor funding. The study concludes that the importance of ICT in Nigerian universities cannot be underestimated, hence the need for integration of ICT for effectiveness of lecturers. The study suggests that adequate ICT facilities should be provided for lecturers to be efficient and effective in terms of teaching, research and community development.

Integrated AHP-TOPSIS under a Fuzzy Environment for the Selection of Waste-To-Energy Technologies in Ghana: A Performance Analysis and Socio-Enviro-Economic Feasibility Study.

Energy recovery from waste presents a promising alternative for several countries, including Ghana, which has struggled with unsustainable waste treatment methods and an inadequate power supply for several decades. The current study adopts a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making approach for the selection of an optimal waste-to-energy (WtE) technology for implementation in Ghana. Four WtE technologies are evaluated against twelve selection criteria. An integrated AHP-fuzzy TOPSIS method is applied to estimate the criteria’s weights and rank the WtE alternatives. From the AHP results, technical criteria obtained the highest priority weight, while social criteria emerged as the least important in the selection process. The overall ranking order of WtE technologies obtained by fuzzy TOPSIS is as follows: anaerobic digestion > gasification > pyrolysis > plasma gasification. The sensitivity analysis indicates highly consistent and sturdy results regarding the optimal selection. This study recommends adopting a hybrid system of anaerobic digestion and gasification technologies, as this offers a well-balanced system under all of the evaluation criteria compared to the standalone systems. The results of the current study may help the government of Ghana and other prospective investors select a suitable WtE technology, and could serve as an index system for future WtE research in Ghana.

Towards the Development of an Enhanced Certificate Verification System for West African Institutions

The current approach adopted for certificate verification in Nigeria and most West African countries rely on paper-based documentation, which makes the process extremely unreliable and clumsy, as employers need to contact the issuer of a certificate to confirm that the award is legitimate and up to date. Several researchers and vendors have come up with different approaches to using blockchain technology. However, preliminary surveys reveal that the adoption of blockchain technology could be hindered by an inadequate power supply, poor ICT infrastructure as well as poor funding. Therefore, this research explores the enhancement of the current solution to guarantee credibility and sustainability. Thus, this research seeks to propose an enhanced certificate verification system for higher educational institutions in West Africa. Keywords: Certificate, Verification, System, West Africa, Institutions, Nigeria Journal Reference Format: Nwaocha, V.O. & Oloyede, A. (2022): Towards the Development of An Enhanced Certificate Verification System for West African Institutions. Journal of Behavioural Informatics, Digital Humanities and Development Research. Vol. 8.No. 3, Pp 79-85 Available online at https://www.isteams.net/behavioralinformaticsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/BHI/V8N3P7

Microbial Disinfection with Supercoiling Capacitive Triboelectric Nanogenerator

AbstractWater‐borne diseases resulting from pathogen infection are especially challenges in areas with inadequate sanitation and power supply. Here a novel disinfection system is developed for bacterial and viral inactivation in water using a self‐powered supercoiling‐mediated rotational triboelectric nanogenerator (S‐TENG) as a power source to drive a new oxidation‐assisted electroporation mechanism. Owing to its rational design, the S‐TENG achieves an ultrafast rotation (≈7500 rpm), therefore it enables a simultaneous nanowire‐enhanced localized electric field and generation of oxidative species resulting in high disinfection performance: >99.9999% microbial inactivation at a high flux of 15 000 L h‐1 m‐2. An integrated S‐TENG‐powered disinfection prototype using an enlarged electrode (area of 50 cm2) achieves complete disinfection when the gravity‐driven natural water flows through the whole system at a high rate (1 L min‐1). This rapid, self‐powered water disinfection method is a potential solution for urgent water disinfection needs during disasters and pandemics, and water disinfection in areas with inadequate power supply.

A preliminary experimental study of a novel incorporation of chilled ceiling with phase change materials and transparent membrane cover

Abstract This study presents an experimental investigation into a novel incorporation of chilled ceiling with transparent membrane cover and phase-change material (PCM) to form a new type of PCM chilled ceiling panel. The membrane cover is infrared transparent to facilitate radiant cooling, but serves as a barrier of convection to avoid moisture condensation for applications in humid climate regions. As reliable electricity supply is still not accessible to millions of people, especially in sub-Saharan and South Asian countries where these countries also face the combined problems of high cooling demand and inadequate power supply, the use of solar energy would help to overcome these problems. To address such problems, the proposed PCM chilled ceiling can be applied along with a solar photovoltaic (PV) directly driven vapour-compression cooling system. Electricity generated by the photovoltaic (PV) panels drives the variable speed direct current (DC) compressor for cooling production, while excessive cooling is stored in the PCM packs for use at night. The variable speed compressor can adjust to match fluctuation in solar radiation and hence increases the utilization of solar energy. A small-scale experimental setup was prepared using a mini DC compressor refrigeration system. Integration of salt hydrate type PCM in chilled beam and chilled ceiling, respectively, and application of transparent membrane cover in chilled ceiling were tested to verify the proposed design.

Untapped potentials of Agricultural Biotechnology in Nigeria

The field of biotechnology has witnessed a significant achievement over the past decades. Although biotechnology always sparked a great deal of ethical criticism, the advancement has continued to offer an opportunity to address several social and economic challenges. The potentials of biotechnology remain underexploited in several fields in Nigeria. This review highlighted some untapped biotechnologies that represent an ample scope of biotechnology application used for the genetic improvement of plant and animal populations, conservation of genetic resources, and diagnosis of plant and animal diseases. Factors such as insufficient of funds to procure facilities, inadequate power supply, lack of sufficient trained manpower, lack of political will to support biotechnology has been limiting biotechnology's potentials in Nigeria. Therefore, it was recommended that attention should be given to biotechnology research and development to complement existing expertise in the national biotechnology sector towards maximizing its potentials.

Implementation of modular MPPT algorithm for energy harvesting embedded and IoT applications

The establishment of the latest IoT systems available today such as smart cities, smart buildings, and smart homes and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are let the main design restriction on the inadequate supply of battery power. Hence proposing a solar-based photovoltaic (PV) system which is designed DC-DC buck-boost converter with an improved modular maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The output voltage depends on the inductor, capacitor values, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) switching frequency, and duty cycle. This paper focuses on the design and simulation of min ripple current/voltage and improved efficiency at PV array output, to store DC power. The stored DC power will be used for smart IoT systems. From the simulation results, the current ripples are observed to be minimized from 0.062 A to 0.02 A maintaining the duty cycle at 61.09 for switching frequencies ranges from 300 kHz to 10 MHz at the input voltage 48 V and the output voltage in buck mode 24 V, boost mode 100 V by maintaining constant 99.7 efficiencies. The improvised approach is compared to various existed techniques. It is noticed that the results are more useful for the self-powered Embedded & Internet of Things systems.

Usage of Social Media Tools by Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) in selected Academic Libraries in South-West, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine the awareness and use of social media tools by Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) in selected academic libraries in South-west, Nigeria and the challenges they face in the use of social media technologies. Descriptive survey was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised 217 library and information professionals from 10 selected academic libraries in south-west, Nigeria. A total enumeration technique was used to cover all the library and information professionals, 136 respondents filled and returned the questionnaire, given a response rate of 62.7%. The questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The findings show that majority of LIPs possessed a high level of awareness in the use of social media tools. The study also revealed that social network tools were highly used by LIPs in the academic libraries studied and the types of social media used by LIPs was also revealed. The major challenges faced in the use of social media include inadequate power supply, lack of Internet access and time constraints. The paper recommended that to enhance the use of social media by LIPs, there is need for constant awareness of the importance of social media tools to LIPs and libraries in effective service delivery, LIPs should be ready to learn, unlearn and be learned in the use of social media and University libraries should provide enabling environment such as Internet connectivity, power supply and policy to guide LIPs in social media usage.

A cost-benefit analysis of implementing a 54 MW solar PV plant in a South African platinum mining company: A case study

A reliable and secure supply of energy is a prerequisite for adequate output and economic growth – especially in a platinum mining company. With exponential tariff increases, inadequate power supply leading to power cuts, and a carbon tax introduction, this study compared the costs with benefits by implementing a 54 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. Two scenarios were compared over the same 20-year period in a case study of a South African platinum mining company operating in the platinum belt of Rustenburg. The first scenario was grounded upon the decision to proceed with the conventional manner of sourcing electricity from Eskom, South Africa’s power utility. The second scenario assessed the implementation of a 54 MW solar PV plant. The findings reveal that the company could generate 2 439 753 MWh of clean energy over 20 years with an investment of ZAR 910 857 920, giving a ZAR 563 205 994 (11%) carbon tax saving and a ZAR 5 614 426 335 (10%) reduction in electricity costs. Further, installing the solar PV plant could reinforce the company‘s dedication to protecting the environment and creating job opportunities through the employment of staff to install and maintain the plant.

CONSTRAINTS ON FISH PREFERENCE AND CONSUMPTION PATTERN IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Fish is one of the main key ingredients on global menu consumed by rich and poor people. This study examined constraints associated with fish preference and consumption pattern in Lagos State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 112 respondents for the study. Data were collected on types of fish preferred, respondents’ income, constraints and forms of fish consumed using a structured questionnaire. Frequency counts, percentage, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to analyze the data. Result revealed that the most preferred frozen, fresh and processed fish were Mackerel (x̄ = 1.46), Clarias spp (x̄ = 0.85) and fried fish (x̄ = 1.38), respectively. Most of respondents’ income (30.4%) fell between N10,001 to N20,000. Inadequate power supply (x̄ = 1.69), high cost of fish (x̄ = 1.58), and poor income (x̄ = 1.56) were some of the constraints that affected fish consumption in the study area. Mackerel (94.5%), fried fish (74.9%) and Gymnarchus niloticus (37.8%) were the most consumed form of frozen, processed, and fresh fish respectively. Result of PPMC showed that relationship exists between consumers’ income level (ᵡ2 = 0.008; r = 0.398; and P≤ 0.05) and consumption of fish. Also, there exists a difference (P≤ 0.05) in the consumption pattern of fish between rural and urban consumers (t = -2.109; df = 109; and P = 0.037). The study concluded that consumers’ income level and access to power supply posed great challenge to consumption and preference for fish in the study area. Government should intensify effort in providing stable power supply.

The Effect of Electricity Supply on the Performance of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in Nigeria: A Case Study of Calabar South and Calabar Municipality of Cross River State

This research work analyzed the comparative study of the effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality,using small and medium scale businessmen and women as well as power holding company staff. The objectives of this study to analyze the comparative study of the effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.The survey research design was adopted and a twelve (12) item structured questionnaire was used to obtain a sample size of 248 small and medium scale business owners and power holding staff randomly selected from the population. The results of the study revealed that there is a significant effect of electricity supply on the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality. The results further revealed that insufficient electricity supply significantly affect the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.The study concludes that there are enormous difficulties being experienced by businesses in Cross River State and other parts of Nigeria due to inadequate and unreliable electric power supply. Thus an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity imposes costs and therefore constrained firms’ operational performance as firms suffer high overhead cost due to the deficient electricity supply from the national grid. The study recommends that the Nigerian government needs to consider the issue of power supply reliability very seriously by facilitating both private and public investment in electricity infrastructure.