David O. Omole

Learning analytics for smart campus: Data on academic performances of engineering undergraduates in Nigerian private university

Empirical measurement, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of learning outcomes in higher institutions of developing countries may lead to sustainable education in the region. In this data article, data about the academic performances of undergraduates that studied engineering programs at Covenant University, Nigeria are presented and analyzed. A total population sample of 1841 undergraduates that studied Chemical Engineering (CHE), Civil Engineering (CVE), Computer Engineering (CEN), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Information and Communication Engineering (ICE), Mechanical Engineering (MEE), and Petroleum Engineering (PET) within the year range of 2002–2014 are randomly selected. For the five-year study period of engineering program, Grade Point Average (GPA) and its cumulative value of each of the sample were obtained from the Department of Student Records and Academic Affairs. In order to encourage evidence-based research in learning analytics, detailed datasets are made publicly available in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file attached to this article. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions of the academic performance data are presented in tables and graphs for easy data interpretations. In addition, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison post-hoc tests are performed to determine whether the variations in the academic performances are significant across the seven engineering programs. The data provided in this article will assist the global educational research community and regional policy makers to understand and optimize the learning environment towards the realization of smart campuses and sustainable education.

Estimation of longitudinal dispersion co-efficient: A review

Abstract Accurate determination of longitudinal dispersion coefficient in rivers or streams is necessary for pollution control and management. This can be achieved through tracer studies and has proven to be a reliable method for measuring pollution spread. However, tracer studies practise which is expensive, time gulping and requiring large labour input have been substituted with empirical approaches thereby reducing the applicability of the dispersion coefficient models generated. This study reviews the various models derived as well as methods associated in the collection of tracer concentration data (measurement) existing in the literature. A sustainable approach to this study was identified and research needs were also listed.

Consumption of sachet water in Nigeria: quality, public health and economic perspectives

Demand for drinking water is met by different methods in different parts of the world. Water packaging into polyethylene sachets (as a form of water vending) has assumed an innovative status which has spread from its origin in Nigeria to other West African countries. This research examined the factors that birthed this product and the problems associated with sachet-packaged water (SPW) by reviewing relevant literature. In addition, 11 SPW samples were randomly procured from Oshodi/Isolo-Ota Expressway in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria, and analysed for contaminants. The analysed parameters include turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and sulphate, which were found to be within the safe limits of the Standards Organisation of Nigerias (SON) 5 NTU, 500 mg/l, 50 mg/l and 100 mg/l respectively in all the 22 SPW samples. Other tested parameters such as pH, hardness, cadmium and iron, however, were found to exceed the SON limits of 6.5–8.5, 150 mg/L, 0.003 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L respectively in some of the samples. It was concluded that in spite of the challenges associated with SPW, the product has export potential and could be a water supply solution in water-stressed situations such as refugee camps around the world.

Learning attributes of summa cum laude students: Experience of a Nigerian university

Abstract In this project, 276 students at a private university in Nigeria completed a survey concerned with their personal attributes and study dispositions. First class (summa cum laude) students were compared with third class (less successful) students. Differences were not found in their goal setting habits, and declaration of healthiness. The third class students indicated higher levels of participation in sporting activities. The first class students reported higher levels of spirituality and Bible reading. When asked about their use of basic study skills, the two groups reported fairly similar levels, but then they diverged strongly on deeper learning approaches, with the first class students reporting higher levels of deep study strategies.

Appraisal of access to safe drinking water in southwest Nigeria

The importance of developing effective water supply services is universally recognised as a basis for improving the overall health of the population. This study ascertained the quality of water supplied by a water treatment scheme in southwest Nigeria. One hundred and twelve samples were collected during the wet and dry seasons. Tests on physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were conducted. Statistical analysis of variance was carried out on the results of the test. The effectiveness of the treatment processes on the parameters considered showed that the aeration, sedimentation and filtration processes were 70.13% effective in colour removal; sedimentation and filtration processes were 94.78% effective in turbidity removal; sedimentation and filtration process were 28.84% effective in the removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and 9.88% effective in the removal of total solids (TS); the disinfection and filtration processes were 100% effective in bacterial and coliform removal. The treatment system was found to be 71.38% effective in pollutant removal.

Learning analytics: Dataset for empirical evaluation of entry requirements into engineering undergraduate programs in a Nigerian university

In Nigerian universities, enrolment into any engineering undergraduate program requires that the minimum entry criteria established by the National Universities Commission (NUC) must be satisfied. Candidates seeking admission to study engineering discipline must have reached a predetermined entry age and met the cut-off marks set for Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and the post-UTME screening. However, limited effort has been made to show that these entry requirements eventually guarantee successful academic performance in engineering programs because the data required for such validation are not readily available. In this data article, a comprehensive dataset for empirical evaluation of entry requirements into engineering undergraduate programs in a Nigerian university is presented and carefully analyzed. A total sample of 1445 undergraduates that were admitted between 2005 and 2009 to study Chemical Engineering (CHE), Civil Engineering (CVE), Computer Engineering (CEN), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Information and Communication Engineering (ICE), Mechanical Engineering (MEE), and Petroleum Engineering (PET) at Covenant University, Nigeria were randomly selected. Entry age, SSCE aggregate, UTME score, Covenant University Scholastic Aptitude Screening (CUSAS) score, and the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of the undergraduates were obtained from the Student Records and Academic Affairs unit. In order to facilitate evidence-based evaluation, the robust dataset is made publicly available in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file. On yearly basis, first-order descriptive statistics of the dataset are presented in tables. Box plot representations, frequency distribution plots, and scatter plots of the dataset are provided to enrich its value. Furthermore, correlation and linear regression analyses are performed to understand the relationship between the entry requirements and the corresponding academic performance in engineering programs. The data provided in this article will help Nigerian universities, the NUC, engineering regulatory bodies, and relevant stakeholders to objectively evaluate and subsequently improve the quality of engineering education in the country.

Characterization of ceramic waste aggregate concrete

Abstract There is a growing interest in using waste materials such as ceramics as alternative aggregate materials for construction. While other ceramic product wastes such as sanitary wares and electrical insulators have been extensively investigated, not much findings are available on ceramic wall and floor tiles wastes. Thus, the current study focuses on the mechanical characterization of waste ceramic wall and floor tiles aggregate concrete. Ceramic wastes sourced from construction and demolition wastes were separated from other debris and crushed using a quarry metal hammer. Ceramic tiles were sieved into fine and coarse aggregates in line with standards. Other materials used were gravel, river sand, cement and potable water. Workability of the fresh concrete was checked through slump test, and concrete cubes of 150 mm dimensions and cylinders of 100 mm × 200 mm were cast in the laboratory. After 24 h of casting, the concrete samples were demolded and were cured by immersion in water tank at temperature of 22 °C. The compressive and split-tensile strengths of the hardened concrete samples were determined after curing them for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. Results showed that both the compressive strength and split tensile strength increased appreciably with the curing age than the conventional concrete.

Development of a Water Treatment Plant for Heavy Metal Adsorption

Advantages of adsorption method for the removal of heavy metals from drinking water are abundant in literature. However, there is little information on the practical application of this knowledge at domestic level. Middle and high income earners can afford more expensive heavy metal treatment technologies. Low income earners, however, are often exposed to heavy metal contaminated water. This study, therefore, demonstrates how a cheaply fabricated water treatment plant (WTP) can be used with discarded automotive tire (DAT) to remove metals from drinking water. Drinking water samples from borehole and river sources which were slightly acidic and contained metals such as chromium, aluminum, manganese, calcium, zinc and copper was placed in the WTP. Crushed DAT was added to the water and stirred at a rate of 110 revolutions per minute for ten minutes at room temperature. Results show that the use of DAT in the WTP improved pH by 8-9% while TDS improved by 41-27% in ground and surface water samples respectively. Also, copper, chromium, aluminum, and manganese improved by as much as 46%, 5.5%, 50% and 25% respectively in some water samples. The paper concludes by recommending that other adsorptive materials can be tested for use in the WTP.

A laboratory assessment of the effect of varying roughness on dissolved oxygen using error correction method

Abstract Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is an important parameter to be monitored as far as water quality of rivers and streams are concerned. On the other hand, in rivers and streams, varying roughness occurs naturally but their contributions to DO availability is yet unknown. This paper examines the effects of varying roughness of different sizes and arrangement patterns on DO and also reveals how Error Correction Methodology as a modelling technique can be applied in river studies rather than using the traditional ordinary least square method with velocity (V), Froude number (Fr), roughness coefficient (K) and dispersion coefficient (d) captured as explanatory variables. The findings of this study revealed that roughness coefficient (K) had no effect on DO i.e. negative relationship with coefficient value of −0.796, with corresponding t-statistics (t = 0.615) suggesting its non-significance. In addition, Froude number (Fr) and dispersion coefficient (d) also showed negative relationships respectively (−77.71 and −2.039) with DO but with sharp significance as revealed by the corresponding t-ratio (t-ratio = −2.75 and −4.08). Thus, the study suggests that dispersion coefficient or its dimensionless number as a variable is important and should be included in the modelling, otherwise, the spread of pollutants (BOD) in the transverse and vertical directions rather than their single centre point values are essential to improve the outcome of DO and reaeration coefficient (k 2) modelling.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS WASTEWATER RESOURCE

Vast volumes of freshwater can be conserved if the practice of re-using wastewater is encouraged. In this study, the quality of wastewater from the Covenant University campus was assessed to determine its suitability for landscape irrigation purposes. The university uses a constructed wetland (CW) method in treating both its black-water and grey-water (wastewater). An estimated 874,081 litres/day of wastewater was generated and treated as of 2013, with nearly all of this volume discharged without being re-used. To assess the suitability of the wastewater for reuse, duplicate grab samples of treated effluent from the CW and from the grey water outlet were assessed for physical parameters such as pH, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Salinity, Conductivity were analysed using handheld Hanna multi-meter instrument (model HI2040). Also, chemical parameters such as Nitrate, Nitrite, Lead, Nickel, Cadmium, Zinc and Copper were tested using Palintest photometer (model 8000). Moreover, total coliform was checked, using standard laboratory methods. Results indicated that none of the tested parameters exceeded the specified limits by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for wastewater reuse. Thus, the treated wastewater in Covenant University was found to be a valuable resource for multiple purposes that can add value other than outright discharge. Thus, it was recommended that appropriate infrastructure be put in place to harness and reuse treated wastewater coming from Covenant University.