bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protracted cholera outbreak in the Central Region, Ghana, 2016
Authors: Issahaku Gyesi , Asiedu-Bekoe Franklin , Kwashie Samuel , Broni Francis , Boateng Paul , Alomatu Holy , Houphouet Ekua , Asante Afua , Ameme Donne , Kenu Ernest
Published: September 2020

Objective: On 24th October 2016, the Central Regional Health Directorate received report of a suspected cholera outbreak in the Cape Coast Metropolis (CCM). We investigated to confirm the diagnosis, identify risk factors and implement control measures.Design: We used a descriptive study followed by 1:2 unmatched case-control study.Data source: We reviewed medical records, conducted active case search and contact tracing, interviewed case-patients and their contacts and conducted environmental assessment. Case-patients' stool samples were tested with point of care test kits (SD Bioline Cholera Ag 01/0139) and sent to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Laboratory for confirmation.Main outcomes: Cause of outbreak, risk factors associated with spread of outbreakResults: Vibrio cholerae serotype Ogawa caused the outbreak. There was no mortality. Of 704 case-patients, 371(52.7%) were males and 55(7.8%) were aged under-five years. The median age was 23 years (interquartile range: 16-32 years). About a third 248(35.2%) of the case patients were aged 15-24 years. The University of Cape Coast subdistrict was the epicenter with 341(48.44%) cases. Compared to controls, cholera case-patients were more likely to have visited Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC) (aOR=12.1, 95%CI: 1.5-101.3), drank pipe-borne water (aOR=11.7, 95%CI: 3.3-41.8), or drank street-vended sachet water (aOR=11.0, 95%CI: 3.7-32.9). Open defecation and broken sewage pipes were observed in the epicenter.Conclusion: Vibrio cholerae serotype Ogawa caused the CCM cholera outbreak mostly affecting the youth. Visiting CTC was a major risk factor. Prompt case-management, contact tracing, health education, restricting access to CTC and implementing water sanitation and hygiene activities helped in the control.Keywords: Cholera outbreak, Vibrio cholerae serotype Ogawa, Cholera treatment center, Water sanitation and hygiene, Cape Coast MetropolisFunding: This work was supported by Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (GFELTP), University of Ghana
Analysis of meningitis outbreak data, Jaman North District, Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana
Authors: Dartey Bismark , Afreh Osei , Teviu Emmanuel , Khumalo George , Letsa Timothy , Issah Kofi , Opoku Samuel , Iddrissah Florence , Nortey Priscillia
Published: September 2020

Background: Descriptive analysis of meningitis outbreak in Jaman North districts of Brong Ahafo Region.Design: Descriptive secondary data analysisData Source: records of meningitis cases were extracted from case-based forms and line list.Main outcome measure: The source and pattern of outbreakResults: A total of 367 suspected cases with 44 confirmed were recorded from Jaman North during the period of January to March 2016. The mean age of those affected was 58 ± 13years. The case fatality rate was 0.82% and the proportion of males to females was 1:1.3 (160/207). The age group most affected was 15-29 years (54.7%) and the least was 45-49 years (3.0%). Streptococcus pneumoniae formed 77.3% of confirmed cases whilst Neisseria meningitides was 20.5%. Cases with Neisseria meningitides came from a border town in La Côte d’Ivoire.Conclusion: A protracted propagated meningitis outbreak occurred; and the predominant bacteria strain among confirmed cases was Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cases were mainly females and the most vulnerable group were people aged 15-29 years.Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, meningitis outbreak, Jaman North District, GhanaFunding: This work was funded by the authors. Author BKD was sponsored under CDC (Frontline FETP)-CDC CoAg 6NU2GGH001876.
Population Surveys of Endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Mahasheer National Park Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Kabir Muhammad , Shamas Urwah , Ahmad Shakeel , Awan Muhammad Naeem
Published: September 2020

The global distribution and population of the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) has declined but the species remains poorly studied in the Azad, Jammu and Kashmir area of Pakistan. This lack of information about the species limits the ability to adopt strategies for its conservation. This study was conducted in four selected sites of northeast Pakistan to estimate the population status of Egyptian vultures in the study area. Potential sites and colonies of the Egyptian vultures were first identified and then monitored using point count methods. We counted a maximum of 121 Egyptian vultures across the four sites that were surveyed in the study area. Conservation action at the State level is needed to help protect this vulture species of global conservation concern, and our results provide a baseline from which future monitoring can proceed.
Perception of School Management Committees on Community Participation in Education among Primary Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Bina Tieng’o Eliada Werungu
Published: September 2020

This study focused on the perceptions of school committee members on the importance of community participation in education among public primary schools in Rorya District. The study employed a mixed research methods design which included structured questionnaires and focus group discussions to be able to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaires were validated by the experts in the field, and the pilot study was conducted in order to establish the acceptable reliability. As a result, a Cronbach’s Alpha of above 0.7 was established in each variable. The study revealed that community participation was not making a meaningful impact in education among public primary schools for Rorya District; the role played by the community was ineffective and therefore, inadequate to provide sustainability in public primary. The challenges community participation faced were mainly due to the factors related to the inadequate capacity of the SMCs to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Therefore, the study concluded that the SMCs have limited knowledge: of the importance of engaging community in education; of the role played by community in education; and the challenges community faced in engaging in education for public primary schools in Rorya District; further the study revealed that there was a positive relationship between the perceptions of the SMCs on the role played by the community and their perceptions on the challenges they faced as pertained to participation in education. The study recommends that the local government should raise awareness among the SMCs and the community for effective engagement in education.
Perceptions of Block- Release Students on Causes and Effects of Stress at a State University in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chademana Samkeliso
Published: September 2020

This study sought to establish perceptions of block- release program students on the causes and effects of stress. A qualitative approach and a case study design were adopted. Sixty-three participants, (30 female and 33 male) doing a Master of Education degree in Psychology, at a state university in Zimbabwe were purposefully selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using an open-ended, self-administered questionnaire and were thematically analysed. Results for the study indicated that block- release students perceived themselves as experiencing stress. The perceived stressors were revealed as, shortage of accommodation, shortage of learning resources, packed time-tables, and work-overload. The effects of stress were revealed as academic failure, poor quality assignments, immorality, violence, insomnia and persistent headaches. Recommendations were made.
Effect of Computer Assisted Instruction on Pre-Service Teachers’ Conceptual Change of Chemistry Concepts at St. Ambrose College of Education in Bono Region, Ghana
Authors: Osei Kwabena James , Samlafo Vitus , Appiah-Twumasi Eric , Kwasi Acheampong Mark
Published: September 2020

The study examined the effect of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on pre-service teachers' performance in reaction rate concepts. The research employed the quasi-experimental design of a one group pretest-posttest type. A sample of one hundred and fifty (150) pre-service teachers were selected from an accessible population of level hundred (L100) students from the St. Ambrose College of Education at Dormaa Akwamu in the Bono Region of Ghana. Reaction Rate Concept Test (RRCT) was used to gather data for the research. Percentages and Means were used to answer research questions. The results show that the CAI strategy has a positive effect on pre-service teachers' performance on reaction rate concepts. The study again shows that the use of CAI can improve learners' performance in science and can help learners in high-level cognitive performance. CAI strategy proved to be an effective conceptual change teaching strategy in science. Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that science teachers should adopt the CAI and other ICT related strategies in teaching for improved learning outcomes in Chemistry.
Relationship between Contextual Factors, Psychosocial Factors and Hygienic Practices of Tribes in Liberia
Authors: Kpoeh Henry Eementary
Published: September 2020

This study determined the relationship between contextual factors, psychosocial factors and hygienic practices of the tribes of Liberia. Data were collected from six randomly selected tribes from three regions in Liberia. Convenient, stratified and random sampling techniques were employed to survey 390 household heads who were aged 15 years and above. A correlational design was used and data gathered were analyzed utilizing inferential statistics. Majority of the respondents were males aged 40 years and above and of the middle and high income category. Regression analysis revealed self-efficacy, social environment and cognitive factors as predictors of hygienic practices in terms of disposal of wastes, while self-efficacy, cognitive, policy implementation and cultural identity predicted handwashing. Additionally, social environment, self-efficacy, physical environment, cognitive and policy implementation predicted bathing practices. Respondents who had high income, high educational attainment and of the tribes C and E had a better practice on waste disposal. Those with high income and of the tribes D and C had a better handwashing practice, while those who had high income and of the A and E ethnic groups exhibited better bathing practices.
Diez años de mejoras en la salud y los hábitos de las generaciones nacidas entre 1945 y 1969 en España
Authors: Spijker Jeroen
Published: September 2020

Los estudios de salud y de las tendencias de comportamiento en salud generalmente se basan en tasas ajustadas o específicas por edad en un momento determinado. Por el contrario, la perspectiva de cohorte o generación de nacimiento no es tan utilizada. Este hecho no permite observar si, a edad igual, las condiciones de salud de la población mejoran o empeoran entre las cohortes más recientes. Para cubrir este vacío, en este número de Perspectivas Demográficas, examinamos la evolución del estado de salud de las generaciones nacidas en España entre 1945 y 1969. Los resultados muestran que los indicadores de salud se han mantenido relativamente estables con tendencia a mejorar entre los años 2006-07 y 2014-17 a pesar de haber experimentado una crisis económica y haber cumplido 10 años más. Ahora bien, la evolución ha sido desigual en función del nivel de instrucción, la situación ocupacional y el sexo. La salud de los hombres con trabajo y más formación, así como la de las mujeres nacidas en los años sesenta, no se vio afectada por los cambios económicos. Por otro lado, los más desfavorecidos son los hombres con menor nivel de instrucción nacidos entre 1945 y 1959 a medida que llegan a la edad de jubilación y las mujeres con trabajo y bajo nivel de instrucción, probablemente debido a su doble carga. El estado de salud de las mujeres ocupadas es siempre peor que el de los hombres, independientemente de su nivel educativo
La vulnerabilidad de las provincias españolas a la covid-19 según su estructura por edad y de co-residencia: implicaciones para el (des)confinamiento
Authors: Esteve Albert , Permanyer Iñaki , Boertien Diederik
Published: September 2020

El día 11 de marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud calificó a la enfermedad del coronavirus (covid-19) como una pandemia global. Desde entonces, las cifras de infectados y muertes por esta enfermedad no han dejado de crecer en todos los países de mundo, entre ellos España, uno de los más afectados y vulnerables por su nivel de envejecimiento. Los países afrontan esta emergencia sanitaria con desigualdad de recursos y políticas, pero una estrategia ampliamente utilizada ha sido el confinamiento de la población en sus hogares y la adopción de medidas de distanciamiento social. El coronavirus puede infectar a gente de todas las edades aunque la severidad de los síntomas y la letalidad aumenta rápidamente con la edad (WHO 2020). Consecuentemente, la estructura por edad de la población –el porcentaje de personas jóvenes y ancianas de una población– y las pautas de co-residencia –la estructura por edad de los hogares– son factores clave que condicionan la vulnerabilidad de las poblaciones a la covid-19, así como las estrategias para mitigarlo (Dowd et al. 2020). En este número de Perspectives Demogràfiques analizamos cómo la estructura demográfica y de los hogares condicionan la vulnerabilidad a la covid-19 para el conjunto de España y sus provincias.
Safe Surgery. Degree of Knowledge of Anesthesiologists in the Accredited Hospital of Brazilian Health System (SUS)
Authors: Imbelloni Luiz Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Background: Safety is one of the fundamental criteria for ensuring the quality of patient care. In a survey conducted by the WHO with data from 56 countries, resulting in two million deaths and seven million complications, half of which were considered preventable The objective of the study is to analyze the knowledge of anesthesiologist about the implantation of the protocol of safe surgery in Brazilian public health case system Hospital.

Methods: A prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional exploratory descriptive study was conducted with 50 anesthesiologists from the hospital between July and August 2019, through a structured questionnaire on the knowledge of the safe surgery protocol. Data were analyzed descriptively by the quantitative method through the use of the R 4.1.0 software.

Results: The questionnaire was answered by 35 anesthesiologists and 15 anesthesiologist’s residents. Of the total, 64% knew the safe surgery protocol. The results showed that 98% of the physicians had experienced an error, 76% marked the site to be operated on, 98% check the material to be used, 98% had surgery suspended after the anesthetized patient and 34% did not know the protocol. Of the anesthesiologists who answered the questionnaire, 98% know that the hospital is accredited, but only 52% know the name of the body that performed the accreditation, 76% never received training and 58% feel motivated to comply with the protocol. Only 24% report incidents.

Conclusions: We believe that there is a difference between the imaginary and the reality in completing the protocols for safe surgery, requiring everyone to have adequate training.
Data Balancing untuk Mengatasi Imbalance Dataset pada Prediksi Produksi Padi
Authors: Akbar Khafid , Hayaty Mardhiya
Published: September 2020

Padi adalah salah satu hasil tanaman pangan di Indonesia yang merupakan salah satu makanan pokok. Tingginya permintaan untuk produksi beras telah mengakibatkan sejumlah daerah di Indonesia membuat lumbung padi dengan setidaknya delapan daerah, yang salah satunya di Jawa Timur. Kebutuhan untuk memproses data terkait pasokan makanan, terutama beras, merupakan salah satu faktor penting untuk mengantisipasi tingkat permintaan di masa depan. Langkah yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini untuk mencapai hasil yang diharapkan adalah dengan melakukan proses penambangan data yaitu mengumpulkan data, preprocessing data, mengimplementasikan algoritma pada data yang ada, dan mengevaluasi hasil. Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menggunakan dua algoritma klasifikasi untuk menguji keakuratan data balancing, yaitu Naive Bayes dan CART. Proses balancing yang dilakukan oleh peneliti menggunakan metode balancing data dengan algoritma SMOTE. Dengan langkah-langkah yang peneliti lakukan di atas menghasilkan akurasi algoritma Naive Bayes dengan data sebelum menyeimbangkan 43,8% dengan nilai AUC 0,373 dan setelah menyeimbangkan data menghasilkan akurasi 39,06% dengan nilai AUC 0,475. Untuk algoritma CART, nilai akurasi sebelum menyeimbangkan data adalah 47,67% dengan nilai AUC 0,391, kemudian akurasi yang dihasilkan setelah saldo data untuk algoritma CART mencapai 55,73% dengan nilai AUC 0,492. dengan demikian menunjukkan pengaruh keseimbangan dan ketidakseimbangan data terhadap kinerja algoritma klasifikasi Naive Bayes dan CART.
On Seemingly Unrelated Regression and Single Equation Estimators Under Heteroscedastic Error and Non-Gaussian Responses
Authors: Afolayan Rasaq B , Banjoko Alabi W , Garba Mohammad K , Yahya Waheed B
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the efficiency of Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) estimator of Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) compared to robust MM-BISQ, M-Huber, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimators when the variances of the error terms are non-constant and the distribution of the response variables is not Gaussian. The finite properties and relative performance of these other estimators to OLS were examined under four forms of heteroscedasticity of the error terms, levels of Contemporaneous Correlation (Cc) with gamma responses. The efficiency of four estimation techniques for the SUR model was examined using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) criterion to determine the best estimator(s) under different conditions at various sample sizes. The simulation results revealed that the SUR estimator (FGLS) showed superior performance in the small sample situations when the contemporaneous correlation ( ) is almost perfect ( =0.95) with the gamma response model while MM-BISQ was the best under low contemporaneous correlation. The relative efficiencies of MM-BISQ, M-Huber and FGLS estimators over the OLS are respectively 89%, 71%, and 14% in a small sample 30) and 49%, 32% and 1% in large sample sizes  under gamma response model. The study concluded that MM-BISQ and M-Huber estimators are the most efficient estimators for modeling systems of simultaneous equations with non-Gaussian responses under either homoscedastic or multiplicative heteroscedastic error terms irrespective of the sample size.Keywords—, Contemporaneous correlation, Feasible Generalized Least Square, Heteroscedasticity, Homoscedasticity, Seemingly unrelated Regression.
Ergonomic Evaluation of IAR Manually Operated Groundnut Roaster
Authors: Okaiyeto Samuel A , Oji Nathaniel , Unguwanrimi Yakubu A , Sada Abba M , Ogijo Samuel I , Jonga John B
Published: September 2020

Groundnut roasting for oil extraction is a common practice among local women in Nigeria. As a result of this a manually operated groundnut roaster was developed in the Institute of agricultural Research (IAR). This machine requires human power to operate. In this study, ergonomics analysis was carried out considering a view of differences in energy expenditure on this machine using two women as subjects. A hand ergometer was used to calibrate the two subjects. From the results obtained, the roaster consumes an average of 3250J/m and 3400J/m from subjects A and B respectively. Keywords— Ergonomics, Groundnut roaster, Energy, Women, Ergometer
A Real Time Image Processing Bird Repellent System Using Raspberry Pi
Authors: Arowolo Oluwole , Adekunle Adefemi A , Ade-Omowaye Joshua A
Published: September 2020

Rice is one of the most consumed foods in Nigeria, therefore it’s production should be on the high as to meet the demand for it. Unfortunately, the quantity of rice produced is being affected by pests such as birds on fields and sometimes in storage. Due to the activities of birds, an effective repellent system is required on rice fields. The proposed effective repellent system is made up of hardware components which are the raspberry pi for image processing, the servo motors for rotation of camera for better field of view controlled by Arduino connected to the raspberry pi, a speaker for generating predator sounds to scare birds away and software component consisting of python and Open Cv library for bird feature identification. The model was trained separately using haar features, HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients) and LBP (Local Binary Patterns).Haar features resulted in the highest accuracy of 76% while HOG and LBP were, 27% and 72% respectively. Haar trained model was tested with two recorded real time videos with birds, the false positives were fairly low, about 41%. This haar feature trained model can distinguish between birds and other moving objects unlike a motion detection system which detects all moving objects. This proposed system can be improved to have a higher accuracy with a larger data set of positive and negative images. Keywords—Electronic pest repeller Haar cascade classifier, ultrasonic
Impact of Cutting Environments on Sustainable Machining of H13 Tool Steel Alloy
Authors: Balogun Vincent A , Edem Isuamfon F , Bassey Etimbuk B
Published: September 2020

The use of electrical energy and coolants/lubricants has been widely reported in mechanical machining. However, increased research and process innovation in high speed machining has brought about optimised manufacturing cycle times. This has promoted dry machining and the use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). This work understudies the impact of different cutting environments in machining H13 tool steel alloys at transition speed regime with emphasis on sustainable machining of the alloy. To achieve this, end milling tests were performed on AISI H13 steel alloy (192 BHN) on a MIKRON HSM 400 high speed machining centre using milling inserts. After each cutting pass, the milling insert was removed for tool wear measurement on the digital microscope. The electrical power consumed was measured with the Fluke 435 power clamp meter mounted on the three phase cable at the back of the machine. It was discovered that MQL has a promising advantage in terms of tool life with 25 minutes of machining, net power requirement of 10% when compared to dry cutting, and environmental benefits when machining H13 tool steel alloy. This work is fundamentally important in assessing the environmental credentials and resource efficiency regime for green machining of H13 tool steel alloysKeywords— H13 tool steel, green machining, process optimization, tool life, cutting environments, energy consumption
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Tomato Packaging Container using Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Plastic Sheets
Authors: Olanrewaju Taofiq O , Idah Peter A , Osunde Zinash D , Kovo AbdulSalam , Lawal Akeem O
Published: September 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the world’s major fresh and processed fruit and is the second most important vegetable crop after potato worldwide. Manual harvesting is commonly done which results in poor handling and huge postharvest losses. To reduce postharvest losses, an alternative tomato packaging container was developed using Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastic sheet, and its performance was evaluated. The ABS plastic sheet was cut, fixed to the plastic holder, placed on top of the oven, and heated to soften. The softened plastic was then gently placed on the mould, and a vacuum pump was switched on till the plastic takes the shape of the mould. The container was subjected to a compression test using Dennison Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to determine the maximum bearable load. The containers were filled with fresh tomato fruits, and the farm gate weight, market weight, damaged weight, transit weight loss was measured using a weighing scale while the bruised area was measured using mathematical expressions. Results revealed that the developed baskets could accommodate a maximum compression force of 904 N, which implies that five baskets of fresh tomato fruits can be stacked on top of one another with minimal bruise damage and percentage damaged weight of 20 cm2 and 5% respectively. The tendency of the plastic packaging container to be stacked on top of one another with minimal postharvest losses makes it better than the conventional baskets currently used for packaging and transporting fresh tomato fruits.Keywords - Tomato, postharvest losses, packaging container, bruise area
Flood Frequency Analysis of River Niger, Shintaku Gauging Station, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibeje Andy O
Published: September 2020

The study outlines a frequency distribution study on the highest annual flood statistics in Niger River located at Shintaku hydrologic Station for period of 58years. In order to determine the optimal model for highest annual flood analysis Generalised extreme value, Log normal, Gumbel maximum, Generalised Pareto and Log Pearson III, were tested. Based on error produced by criteria of goodness of Fit tests, the optimal model was determined. Results obtained indicated that Log Pearson type III was best to model maximum flood magnitude of Niger River at Shintaku station. The flood frequency curve was therefore derived using Log Pearson type III frequency distribution. Flood frequency curve showed that return periods of 50 and 100 years with the probabilities of 2% and1% respectively, yielded discharges of 15300m3/s and 15600m3/s respectively. These results were strongly influenced by their topographical, geographical and climatic factors. The findings of this work will be useful for design engineers in deciding the dimension of hydraulic structures such as spillway, dams, canals, bridges and levees among others. Future studies are required to include flood forecasting in the development of inundation maps for Niger River.Keywords—Return period, Frequency Distribution, Flood, Niger River, Flood Modeling
Effect of Iron Ore Tailings Particle Sizes on the Thermal Properties of Epoxy and Polypropylene Matrix Composites
Authors: Oyebode Johnson O , Mbagwu Vivian N , Onitiri Modupe A , Adewumi Olayinka O
Published: September 2020

Thermal properties of materials such as plastic matrix composite is one of the important parameters for determining their behaviour and relevant applications. This present work focuses on determining the thermal behaviour of epoxy and polypropylene (PP) matrix composite reinforced with iron ore tailings (IOT) particulates of sizes 150 µm, 212 µm and 300 µm at various loadings of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The thermal behaviour of the developed composites was investigated experimentally using a KD2 pro thermal analyser. The results obtained from the experiment showed that increasing filler loading in epoxy leads to increased specific heat capacity and thermal resistivity. The maximum values recorded for the thermal resistivity and specific heat capacity were 0. 592°C.m/W and 2.352 J/kgK respectively. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of values 0.168W/mK and 0.089 mm²/s respectively were the lowest obtained for the epoxy matrix composite. It was also observed that addition of IOT in PP had significant effect on the thermal properties of the PP composite. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were found to increase with increased particle loading compared to the pure PP sample; the highest value being 2.235 W/mK and 5.51 mm²/s for thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity respectively while low values of 0.05 Cm/W and 0.371 J/kgK was recorded for thermal resistivity and specific heat capacity. The presence of iron ore tailings reduces the thermal conductivity and diffusivity in epoxy but increases the conductivity and diffusivity in polypropylene. Keywords— Composite, Epoxy, IOT, Polypropylene, Composite, Thermal Conductivity
Geotechnical and Mineralogical Appraisal of Shale and Claystone Facies of the Maastrichtian Patti Formation, Bida Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Olusola J , Omotoso Oladele A , Agbelekale Adams , Adepoju Suraju A , Awe Ayodeji , Ajisafe Yemisi C
Published: September 2020

The need for construction materials in the rapidly developing areas around Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria cannot be overemphasized and this study was undertaken in line with this need. The study area, located about 60km from Abuja, is underlain predominantly by shales and claystones of the Patti Formation. These argillaceous rocks may offer locally sourced construction material if they meet certain specifications, however to date, there has not been a geotechnical study of these rocks. The geotechnical properties and the mineralogy of the shale and claystone were investigated to evaluate their suitability for civil engineering works. Particle size distribution, Atterberg  limits and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed on fifteen shale and claystone samples collected  from  three localities (along an approximately 25km transect) for determination of their geotechnical properties and mineralogical composition. Mineralogical data obtained show the samples are dominated by kaolinite with minor amount of montmorillonite. Quartz and minor amounts of microcline, rutile and anatase dominate the non-clay mineral fraction. Particle size data indicate high proportion of fines and they are well graded. The Atterberg limits indicate that the samples have average values of liquid limit of 51%, plastic limit of 23%, plasticity index of 29% and shrinkage limit of 13%. These indicate they are of medium compressibility, low to medium shrink/swell potential, marginal expansive rating and low permeability. High bulk specific gravity (average of 2.61) suggests the samples are inorganic and this is supported by the consistency limits values. Generally, the results indicate the shale and claystone can be useful as stabilizing materials in civil engineering works. In addition, the marginally expansive nature of the shale and claystone, low permeability and intermediate to high plasticity may make them suitable as road subgrade.Keywords— activity, Bida Basin, Gerinya, Kaolinite, plasticity, Patti Formation
Performance Evaluation of an Automatic Monitoring Device Developed for Grain Storage
Authors: Olanrewaju Taofiq O , Tenuche Sheidu S , Durojaiye Luqman O , Umar Aminu M
Published: September 2020

Grains are rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, fibres and oil. These components form daily constituents man in human diets and animal feed. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of grain crops in Africa, though, more than 60% of this is lost due to postharvest processing, whereas inadequate storage structures and inappropriate storage techniques cause about 45% damage to the produce. In Nigeria, huge losses occur in grains during storage based on traditional and intermediate methods being use, and the few modern structures used by the public sector are poorly managed. In order to reduce these losses, this study developed an automatic grain storage device which would monitor internal temperature and relative humidity of stored grains. The components of the storage monitoring device (SMD) including; temperature and humidity sensors, buck converters, Node MCU, Arduino IDE, H-bridge and fan were soldered and connected to perform the expected function. Readings from the SMD revealed that during storage, average temperature and relative humidity measured 34.4 oC and 63% respectively. A total weight loss of 4.1 kg (3.2%) at average moisture content of 13% was experienced. 2.3 kg and 1.8 kg of the entire weight loss were loss due to drop in moisture content and insect infestation respectively. The device was found to be effective because the slightest variations in parameters measured were indicative of the sensitivity and efficiency of the device.Keywords: Grain, storage, temperature, moisture content, automatic device
An Android Based Home Electrical Appliance Control System
Authors: Ehiabhili John C , Oke Aduragbemi O , Olubosede Olusayo , Olobatuyi Damilare O
Published: September 2020

Electric bulbs, television sets, fans and other home appliances are usually controlled largely with human effort using mechanical switches. However, over the past decade, there has been drastic improvement and advancement in consumer electronics and embedded systems. This has ensured a home environment where appliances can be connected and controlled using wireless technology and an Android smart phone. This study demonstrates the design of an automated system to assist and provide support in order to fulfill the needs of the physically disabled and elderly ones in controlling electrical appliances in homes. The heart of the control system is the wireless Bluetooth technology which provide remote access from a smart phone to a Bluetooth module and then to a control and switching unit. Bluetooth wireless connection enables the system to communicate with a Java application on an Android smart phone without cable. The user can easily touch on the phone screen to control the home appliances linked to the system. This method which requires minimal human effort is able to assist the disabled, sick and elderly people who have difficulties with locomotion. Thus, a control system has been designed which offer a low design, installation ease, quick response time and a user friendly interface in controlling home electrical appliances.Keywords - Android Phone, Bluetooth, Microcontroller, Relay and Switching
Preparation and Water Absorption Properties of Parinari polyandra Fruit Shell Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Odetoye Temitope E , Ashaolu Olaide O
Published: September 2020

— The need to protect the environment has led to renewed research interest in sustainable bio-based materials such as natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Parinari polyandra (Benth) fruit shell (PPFS) is a woody biomass residue that is scarcely explored. This work reports the use of parinari as the fiber reinforcement in epoxy resin matrix biocomposites. The biocomposites were prepared from 2mm sized particles using hand layup method and by varying fibre contents from 0 to 40 wt %. The biocomposites affinities for water were determined by short and the long term water absorption tests according to ASTM standards.  Water absorption capabilities of the biocomposites increased with increasing fibre contents while 10 wt% fibre content gave excellent moisture resistance property. The lowest water absorption of  0.01 and 0.2% for short term and long term tests respectively occurred in the 10 wt % filler content which compared very well with the control  at short term test. PPFS is hereby suggested as a suitable natural filler material for bio-epoxy composite with desirable water absorption resistance properties.Keywords— Agricultural waste, Biocomposites, Parinari, Water absorption, West Africa
Performance Characteristics of GE Frame 8 Gas Turbine Power Plant at Different Climatic Zones in Nigeria
Authors: Sanusi Yinka S , Ukanu John , Dandajeh Hamisu A
Published: September 2020

Climatic conditions such as the ambient temperature and relative humidity has been reported to affect the performance of gas turbines. Nigeria has three major climatic zones: the tropical rain forest, savanna zone, and swampy zone. The different climatic conditions at these zones will affect the performance of power plant. In this work, the performance characteristics of a 125 MW General Electric (GE) frame 8 gas turbine plant were studied at these zones. Sokoto, Lagos and Delta states were used as the representative states for the Savanna zone, Tropical rain forest, and swampy zone, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis of various components of the gas turbine was carried out using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. The model developed was validated using operating data of 2016 for a currently installed power plant located in Ondo state, Nigeria. The predicted and actual power generated were observed to follow the same trend. The maximum deviation between the predicted power generated using the model developed and actual power generated is less than 4%. Results further showed that when relative humidity was considered, the power generated from the modeled gas turbine was higher than the power generated when the relative humidity was neglected. By neglecting the effect of humidity, the power output from a GE frame 8 gas turbine can be under-predicted by about 2.3%.  This represents an average daily under prediction of about 65 MWh. The power generated by GE frame 8 gas turbine in the month of January was highest in Sokoto state, while the power generated in the months of April, July and October were highest in power plant located in Delta state. The power plant located in Delta state will generate 6,157 MWh and 1,244 MWh more power annually than power plants located in Sokoto and Lagos state, respectively.Kewords- Frame 8 gas turbine, Engineering Equation solver software, Performance characteristics, Nigeria, climatic zones
Evaluation of Two Global Rainfall Models for Water Resources Planning and Management in Nigeria
Authors: Oloruntade Ajayi J , Oguntunde Philip G , Mogaji Kehinde O
Published: September 2020

Given the sparseness of weather stations in Nigeria, there is an increasing need for alternative sources of rainfall data such as satellite measurements, numerical models and reanalysis. Nevertheless, the complexity of such data requires proper evaluation and validation. Therefore, this study evaluated two globally available rainfall products from Climate Research Unit (CRU) and University of Delaware (UNIDEL) using rain gauge data obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), over a period of twenty years (1980-1999) covering 24 stations. Time series plot and statistical tools were used to evaluate the products on annual, seasonal and zonal basis. The results show that the two products demonstrated comparable ability and sufficiently captured the spatial and temporal patterns of rainfall over the country. However, the products overestimated and underestimated during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Although, correlation was comparatively high between 0.3 and 0.8, but negative in few instances, mean bias error (MBE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were generally high depicting high random error. The performance of the products was best in the Sahel, followed by the Savannah and Forest zones, with UNIDEL showing better performance in most cases. Consequently, we recommend further studies to validate the present results on the use of gridded data in the country.Keywords— evaluation, CRU, UNIDEL, rain gauge, rainfall products
Pengaruh Terapi Akupresur Titik Sanyinjiao Terhadap Skala Dismenore
Authors: Tyas Januari Kristining , Ina Apolonia Antonilda , Tjondronegoro Probo
Published: September 2020

Masa pubertas adalah salah satu tahap perkembangan yang ditandai dengan kematangan organ seksual dan tercapainya kemampuan untuk bereproduksi, dimana salah satu ciri dari tanda pubertas seorang perempuan yaitu dengan terjadinya menstruasi pertama (menarche). Dimana saat remaja mengalami menstruasi tidak sedikit remaja merasakan nyeri haid atau dismenore. Berbagai cara dapat mengurangi dismenore saat menstruasi, salah satunya dengan terapi akupresur titik Sanyinjiao. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan adanya pengaruh terapi akupresur titik Sanyinjiao terhadap skala dismenore pada remaja putri. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain deskriptif analitik dengan pendekatan Cross Sectional. Populasi yang digunakan adalah siswi SMA Mardisiswa Semarang sebanyak 80 sampel, diambil dengan teknik Purposive Sampling. Pengukuran skala dismenore dilakukan dua kali yaitu sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan terapi akupresur titik Sanyinjiao dengan menggunakan lembar observasi. Uji statistik menggunakan Wilcoxon. Hasil uji statistik didapatkan hasil p<0.001 yang berarti ada pengaruh terapi akupresur titik Sanyinjiao terhadap skala dismenore (p<0.005).Kata kunci: dismenore; terapi akupresur titik Sanyinjiao
Kebutuhan Remaja Mempersiapkan Perawatan Kebersihan Menstruasi Di Daerah Pedesaan
Authors: Ratnawati Eka
Published: September 2020

Remaja mengalami perubahan pesat, baik secara biologis, psikologis maupun sosial dalam masa pubertas menuju ke tahap perkembangan dewasa. Perubahan yang paling mencolok dalam masa ini adalah terjadinya menarche. Remaja harus dipersiapkan untuk menghadapi menarche agar mampu melakukan perawatan menstruasi dengan benar. Remaja di daerah pedesaan banyak mengalami keterbatasan, terutama akses informasi yang benar tentang menstruasi dan perawatannya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui kebutuhan remaja untuk mampu melakukan perawatan kebersihan menstruasi di daerah pedesaan. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan  Purposive sampling yang melibatkan 7 orang remaja putri usia 10-14 tahun di Desa Simpar, Tretep, Temanggung. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Juni 2016 sampai dengan Januari 2017, melalui FGD. Analisis data dilakukan secara manual dengan content analysis. Muncul 6 tema dalam penelitian ini, yakni: 1) Remaja memerlukan informasi yang lengkap dan benar tentang menstruasi dan perawatan menstruasi, 2) Remaja memerlukan sumber informasi yang bisa diakses dengan mudah dan privasi, 3) Perlu pemilihan waktu yang tepat dalam penyampaian informasi, 4)  Remaja perlu bantuan awal saat mengalami menarche, 5) Tindakan responsif yang harus dilakukan saat terjadi menarche, 6) Remaja memerlukan fasilitas perawatan kebersihan menstruasi yang layak. Remaja di daerah pedesaan sangat memerlukan informasi dan penjelasan dengan lengkap dan benar dari orang terdekat (ibu) dan orang yang berpengaruh (guru) tentang perawatan kebersihan menstruasi dan tindakan yang harus segera dilakukan saat terjadi menarche. Proses penyampaian informasi ini harus dilakukan sebelum remaja mengalami menarche. Kata kunci: remaja; menarche; menstruasi; perawatan menstruasi
Estado del arte, optimización del modelo RLC y retos de fabricación de interconectores para alta frecuencia a base de nanotubos de carbono
Authors: Larruz-Castillo Irving , Pacheco-Sánchez Aníbal , Valdéz-Peréz Donato
Published: September 2020

En el siguiente documento se hace una revisión bibliográfica sobre las propiedades eléctricas de los nanotubos de carbono (CNT) en altas frecuencias y como han sido implementados como interconectores en diferentes dispositivos. Se muestran los resultados de dichas implementaciones y se analizan para su interpretación. De la bibliografía revisada, se selecciona un modelo RLC de interconectores con base en CNT y se hace un estudio del mismo. Se obtiene una función para la impedancia del dispositivo y utilizando los valores teóricos sugeridos para el modelo RLC, se extiende su análisis en altas frecuencias (<100 GHz). A partir de la representación matricial tipo ABCD de los componentes del circuito equivalente, se calculan las ecuaciones de los parámetros de dispersión (S) para este dispositivo. A partir de esta ecuación característica se realiza una optimización de los componentes del circuito RLC hacia una correcta descripción de los datos experimentales del dispositivo. Por último, se discuten los retos en la fabricación de interconectores con base en CNT.
Evaluación de sistemas eólicos en el Caribe
Authors: Becerra Guillermo , Hernández José , Osorio Edith , O. Aguilar Jorge , Vazquez Javier
Published: September 2020

El crecimiento económico de la población está ligado fuertemente con el consumo de energía, en los últimos años, el mencionado aumento se relacionaba también con las emisiones de CO2. Hoy en día, la principal transformación de energía se enfoca a la producción de electricidad, sin embargo, la transformación de energía eléctrica, mediante fuentes fósiles ha dejado una huella importante en el planeta. De las principales alternativas en años recientes, se ha dedicado gran potencial a estudiar y aprovechar la energía proveniente del sol, así como el uso del viento que finalmente es una transformación más de la absorción de energía solar. Por otro lado, el uso eficiente de la energía eólica tiene múltiples retos por resolver como fuente de generación eléctrica y, particularmente, en la Universidad de Quintana Roo se estudian diferentes vertientes, para lograr su uso con el mayor provecho de la mencionada fuente de energía limpia. En el presente trabajo se describen algunos modelos para la representación de aerogeneradores, experimentos mediante un túnel de viento con una turbina de viento y el recurso eólico local.
Medición de la eficiencia y temperaturas en un transformador tipo seco que alimenta a un rectificador trifásico no controlado
Authors: Alvarez-Salas José Antonio , Segundo-Ramírez Juan , Cárdenas-Galindo Víctor Manuel , Alvarez-Salas Ricardo
Published: September 2020

En este trabajo se presentan las pruebas que se realizaron en un laboratorio a un transformador tipo seco de capacidad de 5 kVA, el cual alimenta a un rectificador trifásico y una carga resistiva conectada en estrella. El propósito es evaluar el comportamiento de la eficiencia cuando en el transformador circulan corrientes no sinusoidales debido a la presencia del rectificador trifásico. Por medio de las mediciones de potencia se calculó la eficiencia en el transformador, de acuerdo a la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-002-SEDE/ENER-2014. Se presentan resultados y gráficas del comportamiento de la eficiencia. Con el rectificador trifásico en las terminales del transformador se produce una distorsión armónica de las corrientes en los devanados, lo que permitió analizar la modificación del factor K a medida que se incrementó la carga resistiva en el rectificador. Adicionalmente se realizan mediciones de temperatura en el transformador mediante dos termopares que se encuentran incluidos entre los devanados y su núcleo, se presentan gráficas comparativas de las mediciones de temperatura.
Modelado de Orden Fraccional de la dinámica de robots manipuladores de 1, 2 y 3 GDL
Authors: Ceron-Morales Israel
Published: September 2020

Este documento presenta el modelado de orden fraccional de la dinámica de robots manipuladores de 1, 2 y 3 grados de libertad (GDL). Se presenta la demostración de estabilidad del modelo de orden fraccional mediante el segundo método de Lyapunov. Se considera un parámetro físico básico, la inercia de masa de los eslabones empleados. Se utiliza el software Freecad para el diseño mecánico. Se simula el modelo dinámico y en el caso de los manipuladores de 2 y 3 GDL se presentan trayectorias en el plano (x, y) y en el espacio (x, y, z) respectivamente. Los modelos se programan en una tarjeta de desarrollo
basada en un microcontrolador, la ventaja de la tarjeta de desarrollo se encuentra en sus periféricos de salida debido a que cuenta con dos canales analógicos de salida, y estos se envían a un osciloscopio, los resultados obtenidos están de acuerdo con los modelos presentados.