Abstract:The extraction of alumina and iron oxide from Aku clay by hydrochloric acid leaching was carried out. The raw Aku clay was calcined and both samples were characterized to determine and compare their physicochemical properties, and then analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the metallic ions present in the clay. Both raw and calcined clay samples were leached by mixing each sample with adequate amount of hydrochloric acid of required concentration. The leached liquor was then collected and filtered using Whatman filter paper; after which 5mls of the filtrate was then withdrawn and analyzed using AAS to determine the amount of alumina and iron oxide present. SEM image taken before and after acid treatments revealed some cracks in the residual clay; indicating that leaching was effective and successful. The results obtained showed that Aku clay contained an appreciable amount of alumina and iron oxide.

Keywords:Aku Clay, Leaching, Alumina, Iron Oxide, Hydrochloric Acid.
Title:COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ALUMINA AND IRON OXIDE EXTRACTED FROM AKU CLAY BY HYDROCHLORIC ACID LEACHING
Author:MBAH-IROULO, E. R., EGBUNA, S. O., MBAH, G. O.
ISSN 2394-7349
International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science
Novelty Journals

Abstract:Studies were carried out on the production of alkyd resin from castor and soybean seed oils respectively. Castor and soybean oils extracted from their respective seeds were refined to remove any unwanted materials and then characterized to determine their physicochemical properties such as acid value, iodine value, saponification value, etc. The results showed that the relatively high iodine content of soybean  makes it naturally a suitable vegetable oil for the synthesis of quality alkyds, while the low iodine content of castor oil indicated that it is a non-drying oil and therefore not suitable for the production of quality alkyds. In this present study, castor oil was severely dehydrated to increase its degree of unsaturation as indicated by its high iodine content after dehydration; thus making it suitable for the synthesis of quality alkyds. Monoglyceride method was used in the synthesis of medium oil alkyd resins of 50% oil length from appropriate amount of glycerol and each oil via alcoholysis, followed by addition of phthalic anhydride by esterification. The produced resins were characterized using standard methods, tested for their coating properties such as drying time, chemical resistance, solubility in different solvents, etc. The resins were equally analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine their structural functionalities. The results obtained showed that both soybean and dehydrated castor oil modified resins have desirable qualities, though soybean oil modified resin has preferred coating properties.

Keywords:Alkyd Resin, Soybean Oil, Castor Oil, Monoglyceride Method, Esterification.
Title:COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ALKYD RESINS PRODUCED FROM CASTOR AND SOYBEAN SEED OILS
Author:S.O. EGBUNA, C.S. ANINWEDE
ISSN 2394-7349
International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science
Novelty Journals

Abstract:Root knot nematodes are microscopic, wormlike animals that live in the soil and feed on the roots of plants. They are highly pathogenic to cowpea causing severe damage and yield loss. To manage nematodes, chemical nematicides proved effective but their hazardous effects on environment, high cost and non-availability at the time of need necessitates the search for safer and cheaper alternative control measures. Screen house experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of Cassia siamea leaf powder in the management of Meloidogyne incognita on cowpea. Four different doses viz. 25, 50, 75 and 100g of the leaf powder were separately mixed with 4kg of soil in a 25cm diameter plastic pot. Non-amended pots served as control. Cowpea seeds were sown in each pot and each seedling was inoculated with about 3000 freshly hatched juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with five replications. Result of the study showed that all the treatments significantly (p<0.0001) reduced root galls, nematode population and improved growth and yield of cowpea. Although all treatments were effective in reducing root galls and nematode population, a gradual decrease in nematode population and number of galls was observed with each increase in the level of amendment. The highest nematode population (733.34) was recorded in the control plants while the plants treated with 100g C. siamea leaf powder recorded the lowest nematode population (146.67) representing 80.00% reduction as compared to the control plants. Similarly, the highest number of galls (107.75) was recorded in the control plants whereas the plants treated with 100g dose of the amendment recorded the lowest number of galls (21.50) representing 80.05% reduction as compared to the control.

Keywords:Cassia siamea, Cowpea, Management, Meloidogyne incognita and Root gall.
Title:ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT OF ROOT KNOT NEMATODES (MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA) ON COWPEA
Author:Alhaji Modu Bukar, Kefas Kilara Maina, Musa Dahiru Minta
ISSN 2394-7349
International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science
Novelty Journals

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of various project management strategies on the performance of air cargo handling projects. More specifically, the study explored the following objectives: to determine the influence of risk management strategies on the performance in air cargo projects; to determine the influence of procurement management strategies on the performance of air cargo handling projects; to determine the influence of acceptable deliverables on the performance of air cargo handling projects; and to determine the influence of project design strategies on the performance of air cargo handling projects. The study delved into four theories that underpin the subject including multi-level theory; agency theory; project performance and contingency; and goal setting theory. The study employed the use of descriptive research design accompanied by structured questionnaires which were administered to a population of 129 staff members at Swissport Kenya. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, regression, ANOVA and β-coefficients. The data was presented in the form of tables, figures and charts. According to the results, all the independent variables had a strong correlation with the dependent variable. The study also found that acceptable deliverables is the most important factor in determining the performance of air cargo handling projects at JKIA. This factor was then followed by procurement management, project design and risk management, respectively. The study concluded that Swissport Kenya had implemented effective risk management; procurement management, project design and acceptable deliverables measure in its operations. The study recommended that the company should establish an air cargo risk handling database; improve its management of its air freight supply chain; maintain a comprehensive knowledge database of the markets in which it operates; and remove paper based verification of the documentation in favour of digital ones. Finally the study found that there has been little research done on specific air cargo handling operations in Kenya given that the majority of the research has focused on horticultural importation dynamics within the aviation industry.
Keywords: Cargo handling, Planning, Performance, Project Cost, Project Quality, Project Leadership Competencies, Project Management, Project Risk, Strategy, Total Quality Management, Variations, Procurement, WBS.
Title: INFLUENCE OF OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR CARGO HANDLING PROJECTS AT JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – NAIROBI, KENYA
Author: FELIX OMONDI OCHOLA, DR. SUSAN WERE
ISSN 2394-7349
International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science
Novelty Journals