bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Soda Ash/Lime Dosage for Underground Water Treatment in Makurdi
Authors: Utsev Terlumun Joseph , Okah Peter
Published: February 2022

The research work is on determination of optimum dosage of soda ash and lime in treating underground water in Makurdi metropolis. In carrying out the work, samples of borehole and well water from five different locations of the study area were analyzed to ascertain the level of hardness and subsequently, determine the optimum values of soda ash (Na2CO3) and lime (Ca(OH)2) that will reduce the water hardness. The locations were, North Bank, Wurukum, Wadata, High Level and Kanshio. The raw water hardness level range from 80mg/l to 200mg/l averagely, which is above WHO (2005) drinking water standards of 75mg/l to 100mg/l. After treatment, the pH was found to range between 6.8 - 7.8, while the hardness obtained ranged from 76mg/l to 100mg/l and 20mg/l to 80mg/l for borehole and well water respectively, which is slightly within the WHO (2005) standard.  The optimal dosage of Na2CO3 and Ca (OH)2 were determined to be 2.4 ml each with a positive correlation of 0.90. It is recommended that, soda ash be used for the treatment of underground water hardness for safe drinking, while lime be used for other domestic purposes for cost effectiveness.
Suitability of Lemna Trisulca (Duckweed) in Water Purification
Authors: Utsev Terlumun Joseph , Jude Uungwa Shachia , Okah Peter
Published: February 2022

The research was aimed at studying the effectiveness of duckweed as a coagulant/disinfectant in the treatment of water and wastewater. Water sample was obtained from River Benue and duckweed was harvested near a residential area in Makurdi Town, Nigeria. Laboratory experiments were carried out using dosage, pH, temperature, initial concentration and Flocculating Speed as variables for both disinfection and coagulation. Results obtained revealed that, the optimum conditions with respect to disinfection (bacteria load removal) were; Dosage=0.4ml, pH=9, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=300µm and Flocculating speed=90rev/min, with highest percentage removal of 91% and 82% for the filtrate and powder respectively. For coagulation (turbidity and suspended solid removal), the optimum conditions were; Dosage=0.2ml, pH=5, Temperature=30°C, Initial concentration=633FTU and Flocculating Speed=90rev/min with the highest percentage removal at 84.3% and 80.4% for duckweed filtrate and powder respectively. It is recommended that, duckweed filtrate and powder should be used in water purification for drinking and greywater respectively.
Evaluation of Collision Potential at Four- Legged Unsignalized Intersection Using Traffic Conflict Technique
Authors: Ibitoye Biliyamin Adeoye , AbdulWahab Rasheed , Bamidele Abigael
Published: February 2022

The counting of traffic conflict allows the estimation of accident potential at a particular location such as at-grade intersection. The objective of this paper is to examine the evasive action of driver occurs with some frequency at Shao intersection which may result in potential accident. This paper applied traffic conflict techniques to evaluate collision potential at unsignalized intersection located at Shao. The morning and evening peak traffic flow was captured using a video camera for seven days and then analyzed by playing back the video on daily basis. The 100 sample size of observed conflict was based on 95% confidence level, 5% permitted error and the proportion of the vehicles that were involved in a specific conflict for the observed traffic flow. The conflicts identified were compared with volume counts at minor approach. The daily peak hour approach traffic volumes were found to have a close relationship with the percentage values of conflict on the two minor approaches. It also showed that rear end collision accounted for more than 70 percent of traffic conflicts and it correlated well with the traffic volumes on WB and EB approaches.
Effects of Fuel Additives on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Adebayo A. , Awogbemi Omojola
Published: February 2022

This research investigated the effects of addition of ethanol to gasoline with the aim of improving the performance and emission characteristics of Spark Ignition (SI) engine. Four samples of gasoline-ethanol blend were prepared, namely 100% ethanol, 100% gasoline, 95% gasoline + 5% ethanol and 90% gasoline+10% ethanol, and were labeled sample A, B, C and D respectively. Physicochemical analysis was carried out on the four samples while sample B, C, and D were used to run a single cylinder, two stroke, air cooled SI engine to determine the performance characteristics of the engine at four engine speeds of 800rpm, 1000rpm, 1200rpm, and 1400rpm. An exhaust gas analyzer was used to analyze the exhaust emission to determine its constituents at no load. The research concluded that blending gasoline with ethanol not only improved the performance of the engine, it also yielded a friendlier emission. It also solves the problem of sole dependence on petroleum products to run SI engines with its attendant cost and environmental implications.
The Necessity for a Sustainable Transport System in Beirut: The Case Study of Corniche El Mazraa Arterial
Authors: Gerges Najib Nicolas , Omran Mazen , Saad Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Corniche El Mazraa Road, one of the major arterial of Beirut – the capital city of Lebanon – is characterized by severe traffic congestion spreading over extended peak periods during the day.  This is jeopardizing the transport system risking of halting the functionality of the city in addition to economic and environmental losses.  The authors examined a number of mitigation measures to improve the traffic condition along Corniche El Mazraa Road.  The only solution that could result in tangible improvements in the traffic conditions, in such an urban dense environment, is the introduction of a reliable public transport system.
High Order Chirp Rate Shift Keying Modulation Using the Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Sud Seema
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we discuss an improved demodulation scheme using the Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) for a modulation scheme employing chirp rate shift keying (CrSK). CrSK in conjunction with the FrFT enable very high order, e.g. more than 32-ary modulation schemes to be achievable with good bit error rate (BER) performance, even in the absence of coding, thereby overcoming limitations of traditional schemes including phase shift keying (PSK) or QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation). By using an FrFT-based demodulator, we expand our demodulation degrees of freedom from a single (e.g. frequency) axis to an entire time-frequency domain, called the Wigner Distribution (WD). We show how the proposed demodulation scheme using the FrFT improves over past approaches by more than 7 dB, enabling us to achieve close to 4-ary performance with a 32-ary modulation scheme. This enables future systems to operate at 5 bits/s/Hz bandwidth efficiency, enhancing bandwidth utilization for future generation, high data rate, applications, such as internet.
PV Solar-Optimal Maximum Power Search using a Modified P&O Technique
Authors: Ebrahim Mohamed Salama , Sharaf Adel M. , Atallah Ahmed M. , Emarah Adel Sedky
Published: February 2022

Smart Grid- PV system interface requires power electronic converter interface and robust optimal controller to ensure maximum solar energy utilization. This paper presents a new Controller based on an optimized search algorithm for maximum power point tracking controller performance using a modified Perturb and Observe P&O Algorithm for a smart grid connected PV DC-AC interface system. The modified P & O method is based on dividing the change of the power into three distinct zones with assigned zone- duty cycle ratio of the Chopper converter (D) has an initial preset value. The feasibility of the proposed method is easily implemented using proportional plus integral and fuzzy logic controllers. The controllers are assumed to control the active output power through adjusting of the dc bus voltage as well as the reactive power given to the ac smart grid network. Digital simulation results of a comparison with conventional P&O approach reflects the fast conversion and dynamic superiority of the new algorithm even under both uniform and partial shading conditions. Furthermore, the active and reactive output powers are regulated at the inverter interface with smart grid.
Alternative Fuel Use in Iraq: A way to Reduce Air Pollution
Authors: Kadhem Jafaar A. , Reza Khalid Sadiq , Ahmed Wahab K.
Published: February 2022

The Iraq air is polluted highly by pollutants emitted from automobiles and trucks as well as power stations. This pollution resource is well known it is the burning of oil and natural gas. Iraq has been subjected to a series of wars and economic blockade for more than 40 continuing years. The war and blockade conditions have affected all the country's infrastructure causing huge deterioration in the services provided to Iraqi citizens. The Iraqi refineries as well have been subjected to major destruction and reconstruction several times. Unfortunately, the reconstruction in Iraq conditions was not in appropriate level, and for that reason we find the Iraqi gasoline and diesel are one of the worst fuels in the world. All reports demonstrated that the Iraqi gasoline contains high levels of sulfur (500ppm), as well as high levels of lead compounds to increase octane. The Iraqi diesel contains sulfur up to 1 to 2.5% of its weight which makes it the worst globally.In Iraq there are many alternative fuels that generate better engine performance and emit lower exhaust pollutants while improving fuel consumption. This paper reviews some of the Iraqi experimental work during the past ten years and the available results about using gaseous fuels such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and hydrogen. In addition, the study focus on the use of some additives to gasoline and diesel, such as alcohols and biofuels to reduce the effects of sulfur associated with these types of fuel. The Iraqi research works have found many solutions and alternative methods of operation to eliminate the various engines emitted pollutants. The role has now come to the decision makers to legislate the laws and decisions necessary to switch to new types of alternative fuels.
Bacillus Cereus Biodegradability of Phosphorus and other Heavy Metals in Nigeria’s Agbaja Iron Ore
Authors: Obot Obotowo W. , Anyakwo Charles N.
Published: February 2022

An investigation into the capacity of Bacillus cereus to degrade some of the heavy metals found in Nigeria’s Agbaja iron ore was carried out in the laboratory for 10 weeks.  As obtained iron ore from Agbaja community in Kogi State of Nigeria was crushed and sieved to select 0.50/0.25mm particle size.  Bacillus cereus was one of the microorganisms identified after culturing a portion of the crushed iron ore in suitable media overtime.  Some control samples were also set up that did not contain either the microbes and/or ore samples.  At weekly interval, samples were removed and analyzed to obtain ammonium phospho-molybdate precipitate which was titrated with 0.1 N-HCl to determine the amount of phosphorus (P).  Liquid samples were analyzed for heavy metals concentration using UniCam Solaar 969 AA spectrophotometer.  Findings reveal that the microbes degraded 58.18% P and in the process accumulated some of the heavy metals: 82.17% Cu, 100% Cd and Fe, 8.12% Zn and 68.42% Pb.  The pH of the media remained entirely basic attaining 9.63 at the end of the investigation.  The log of microbial density which maximized in the 3rd week at 7.498 cfu/ml (colony forming unit/milliliter) showed serious decline by the 10th week to 4.763 cfu/ml.  It is possible the microorganisms may have had a low degradation capacity as a result of heavy metals over-accumulation, especially that of Pb, known to be highly poisonous above certain concentrations.  Recommendations include a further study of the broth media mixture with samples and microorganisms as findings may enhance an efficient metabolic wastes management and a sustainable microbial degradation of iron ore samples.
Implementation of Particle Swarm Optimization Technique for Enhanced Outdoor Network Coverage in Long Term Evolution Network in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akande Olukunle Akinyinka , Nosiri Onyebuchi Chikezie , Kemdirim Agubor Cosmas , Reginald Okpara Chinedu
Published: February 2022

This paper describes the development of optimized model for urban outdoor coverage in Long Term Evolution (LTE) network at 2300 MHz frequency band in Port Harcourt urban region, Nigeria. Signal attenuation and fluctuation remain amongst the major channel impairments for mobile radio communication systems. This arises as a result of model incompatibility with terrain and Line of Sight (LOS) obstruction of the channel signals. Some path loss models such as Okumura-Hata, COST 231, Ericsson 999, Egli and ECC-33 models were evaluated for suitability and compared with the modified model for the environments. The models were based on data collected from LTE base stations at three geographical locations in Port Harcourt namely- Rumuokoro, Eneka and Ikwerre roads respectively. The simulation was implemented using MATLAB R2014a software. The modified model was further optimized with some selected parameters such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The results obtained gave rise to 3.030dB for RMSE and 0.00162dB for MAE respectively. The results obtained from the PSO optimized model demonstrated a better performance which is suitable for cell coverage planning and smooth handoff processes.
Performance of Anthill Soil Replaced Concrete in Sulfate Solutions
Authors: Kamau John , Ahmed Ash , Hirst Paul , Kangwa Joseph
Published: February 2022

Durability of concrete is defined as its ability to resist any form of deterioration, allowing it to retain its original form and quality after it has been exposed to the environment of its intended use. Sulfate attack causes concrete to lose its compressive strength through the decomposition of the products of hydration of cement. Pozzolanic reactions from Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) help in resisting the sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) attack. This work investigated the potential use of Anthill Soil (AHS) to improve the performance of concrete in sulfate aggressive environments. An AHS replacement of 30% (per cent) by the weight of cement was used to make concrete test bars and cubes. The 0% replacement also referred to as the control was used as the point of reference from which all performances were measured. The specimens were immersed in 5% Na2SO4, 5% magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and 5% mixed solution of Na2SO4 and MgSO4. Elongation measurements were taken over a period of 9 months, whereas compressive strength tests, which were used to work out the Strength Deterioration Factors (SDFs) and visual observations for surface deterioration were carried out at 9 months. From the results, AHS specimens that were immersed in the Na2SO4, MgSO4 and mixed Na2SO4 and MgSO4 solutions performed poorly in elongation compared with the control specimens, but had lower SDFs in the Na2SO4 and mixed solutions of Na2SO4 and MgSO4. The surface deterioration of AHS specimens in the MgSO4 solution was worse than that of the control specimens but was similar to that of the control in the mixed sulfate solution of Na2SO4 and MgSO4. The SDF results highlight the potential of using AHS with an advantage in Na2SO4 and mixed Na2SO4 and MgSO4 environments.
Predicting Building Energy Consumption using Engineering and Data Driven Approaches: A Review
Authors: Shabani Aulon , Zavalani Orion
Published: February 2022

Rapid growth of world population has higher impact on increasing buildings energy consumption. Therefore, improving energy consumption is an important concern for building engineers and operators. Energy management through forecasting approaches as one of most effective methods is in focus of this paper. Review of most elaborated methods is in our focus, where we investigate two main directions of energy prediction approaches. First category of approaches focuses on engineering methods mainly very reliable on building early operation stages and design phase, meanwhile second category go through data driven methods. Existing research works focused on these two models are introduced emphasizing advantages and relevant applications of methods.
A Simplified Method for Instruction Level Energy Estimation for Embedded System
Authors: Kulkarni V. A. , Udupi G. R.
Published: February 2022

Embedded systems are used extensively in all spheres of life. Size, cost and power are the major issues in design and marketing of these products. In embedded system, the processor has to perform given task repeatedly. Power optimization need to be achieved not only at hardware level, but also at software level. Because software power contributes substantially in overall power consumption of embedded system. In this paper, a simplified method for instruction level energy estimation is presented for ARM Cortex M4 processor. Results obtained are compared with micro benchmark programs. The result shows less than -2% error in energy consumption estimation.
Environmental Degradability of Nigerian Long Bamboo Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composite (NLBFRPC)
Authors: Ovat Friday Aje
Published: February 2022

There has been increased interest in development of composite materials with relevant mechanical and chemical properties for use in industrial and domestic applications. Not much has been done in the area of their response to the practical environment that their applications are found. In this present study the pest and chemical resistance of the Nigerian long bamboo fibre and reinforced composite on exposure to practical environment with particular respect to the soil was investigated. Natural fibre has emerged as a renewable and cheaper substitute to synthetic materials such as glass, carbon and aramid, which are used as reinforcements. The long bamboo fibre was extracted using maceration method. The fabrication of the composite was carried out using Bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (BADGE) as the matrix and the long bamboo fibre as reinforcement. Tests were carried out to determine the effect of environment on degradation of the composite and the long bamboo fiber. The composite showed significant resistance to pest infestation or attack while the long bamboo fiber showed susceptibility to the soil and its moisture condition thereby decomposing completely after a period of time. Therefore the material developed can be used in aquatic craft applications with strong dependence on its mechanical properties.
Spectral Efficiency Analysis of GSM Networks in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Elechi Promise , Alalibo T. A.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the technique of multiplicity was used to analyse GSM network capacity in Nigeria. An evaluation of Enhanced stochastic knapsack was used as an approach for resource sharing in multiservice by adopting the Erlang Loss Model in analyzing the SMS capacity. The offered traffic that is Lost Traffic based was used to dimension the system resources. To actualize this work, measurements were conducted in Benin City and Port Harcourt to determine the best signal characterization of the southern part of Nigeria. Based on the measurement data, a model was developed to predict the traffic intensity of the region. Comparisons were carried out on the different types of frequency hopping and the variant DFH based power was applied in improving the spectral efficiency of the network. The results showed that the spectral efficiency increased, as the number of cell per cluster decreased. The optimal value of the number of cell in the cluster caused reduced interference, since the reduced interference could allow the users to achieve higher rates.
Chemical Evaluation of the Glass Making Potentials of Silica Sand Deposits Along Cross River in Cross River State, South–East of Nigeria
Authors: Anaekwe Nicholas Ogbonna , Hassan Yusuf Mi kailu
Published: February 2022

Analytical techniques such as X–ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) coupled with statistical package for multivariate analyses were used to characterize silica sand deposit obtained along Cross River in Cross River State, South Eastern Nigeria. Samples were collected from five locations along the river which include: Ikom-Okuni, Obubra-Ofumbogha, Abi-Ediba, Biase-Agwagune and Etung-Effraya. The results of analyses revealed that silicon dioxide (SiO2) forms the predominant metal oxide in the entire samples followed by iron oxides (Fe203), sodium oxide (Na20). Other Oxides such as aluminum oxide (AI2O3), potassium oxide (k2O) etc were also present. Further beneficiation of the silica sand samples gave increased silica dioxide content across all the samples and increase and decrease of other metal oxides. The acid demand value (ADV) and pH value of the silica sand determination revealed a moderately low ADV and neutral pH value of all the samples. A correlation between the mean values of SiO2 and Fe2O3 in all the samples across all the sampling locations showed an inverse relationship between SiO2 and Fe2O3. Furthermore, comparison using population t – test of observed mean of SiO2 and Fe2O3, with their observed minimum standard (90.52%, 0.005%) shows that the silica sand samples from Ediba and Agwagune can be used as a source of SiO2 for glass making due to their high SiO2 and low levels of Fe2O3 content.
Performance of Class F Pulverised Fuel Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Ternary Concrete Mixes
Authors: Kamau Jhon , Ahmed Ash , Hirst Paul , Kangwa Joseph
Published: February 2022

Cement is the most utilised material after water, and the processes that are involved in making it are energy intensive, contributing to about 7% of the total global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). Energy efficiency can however be achieved by using Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) such as Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) which demand less process heating and emit fewer levels of CO2. This work examined the advantages of substituting cement using PFA and GGBS in ternary (2 SCMs) concrete at steps of 0%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. It was found that PFA increased the workability of GGBS, whereas GGBS improved the strength of PFA. The densities of the resultant concrete were below those of the 0% replacement as well as those of individual binary (1 SCM) concretes. The tensile strengths of the ternary concrete were lower than those of the binary concretes, whereas the gains in compressive strengths over curing time were higher at lower replacements for the ternary concrete compared with the 0% replacement and the binary concretes, but lower at higher replacements. The findings indicate that PFA and GGBS could be used together to improve the properties of concrete where each falls short.
Using Electric Current as a Weed Control Method
Authors: Sahin Hasan , Yalınkılıc Mehmet
Published: February 2022

Weed struggle has an important place in agricultural production. The widespread use of chemicals in this struggle is due to its easy applicability, its short-term results, and its economic efficiency. However, the negative effects of these chemicals on the environment and human health have been recognized, and the interest in non-chemical struggle methods has also increased. One of the non-chemical methods of struggle is using electric energy. In this work, which is carried out by passing the electric current through the plant, it is aimed that ended the vital activity of weed (cress), as a result of electric current flowing through it. The experimental setup prepared for use in operation consists of a voltage regulator with 1-300 V steps and copper conductors which will contact the plants. In the experiments, weed seeds germinated under suitable conditions were placed on the board to complete the electric circuit and the circuit was completed by passing current through the plants that the copper conductor tips contacted. As a result of the experiments, plants were observed to lose their vitality about 70% when 100 volts of electricity was applied over the body for 300, 420 and 540 seconds. On the other hand, when electric energy was applied as 200 volts and 300 volts for 300, 420, and 540 seconds, respectively, the vital activity of the plants close to 100% was ended.
Study of Superficial Layers Obtained by Selective Transfer in the Friction Couples
Authors: Ilie Filip
Published: February 2022

In the friction process of two materials and in the presence of some proper lubricants, the wear process manifest itself as a material transfer from an element of the friction couple on the other, process specific to the selective transfer mechanism. The selective transfer can be sure achieved in a friction couple if there is a favorable energy, the relative movement and if in the friction area is a material made by copper and the lubricant is adequate (glycerin).The selective transfer mechanism is characterized by the physicochemical processes, which take place in the contact zones of the friction couples, and which to allow the selective transfer of some elements of the materials from a surface to the other, forming a thin superficial layer with the superior properties at wear and friction. This is a condition for any friction couple of high efficiently and a normal self-adjusting phenomena. The forming of this layer on the contact surfaces makes as fiction force to be reduced. It is in closely related to the structure formed by the selective transfer, between the metallic friction surfaces and with the properties these surface layers metallic. The most important parameters concerning the physical state of the superficial layers are micro-tensions, the structure and its modification on friction surfaces, the structure defects as well as the way of distribution of the additions and of the alloying elements from alloy. The purpose of the present paper is research these parameters by the structural analysis with X-rays, as the research method of the thin superficial layers.
A Knowledge-Based Demand Side Management: Interruptible Direct Load Approach
Authors: Apena Waliu Olalekan
Published: February 2022

The study focussed on managing electrical energy supplied to consumers from distribution end through initial knowledge on data acquisition and embedded system.  It was achieved by controlling the inductive loads at the consumer premise. The study re-shaped the load and energy demand curve by cycling customers’ inductive loads which are prone to drawing high currents such as air conditioner and water heaters.  Data from power utilities were gathered and analysed using tools to generate waveform pattern for energy consumption.  Mathematical models for air conditioners and water heaters were derived in order to remotely control the appliances with the aids of embedded system implemented on the consumer premise.
Induction Motor Starting Analysis and Start Aided Device Comparison using ETAP
Authors: Osita Oputa , Obi Patrick Ifeanyi , Onwuka Ifeanyichwukwu Kalu
Published: February 2022

The starting period of induction motor is characterized with high starting current and the bus on which the motor is feeding from experiences voltage dip, this causes some problems to loads connected to that particular bus. Different techniques are used to either reduce the motor in-rush starting current or the bus voltage dip or both. Four different methods are considered in this paper using ETAP simulations and the mode of comparison are the starting current; reductions in bus voltage dip, starting torque, and energy savings. However, the paper did not state that any method is preferred over the other, it only points out the characteristics of the various methods, the user is to make his starting aid choice based on what he wants to achieve.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Feedback and Load Compensation Techniques in Controlling the Disturbed State of Nominal-T Configuration
Authors: Ale Thomas Olabode
Published: February 2022

Stability of Power system is the ability of a system, for a given initial operating condition, to regain a state of operating equilibrium after being subjected to a physical disturbance, with most system variables bounded so that practically the entire system remains intact. This research work stated clearly the effectiveness of the feedback and load compensation techniques in stabilizing a disturbed state of a medium transmission line using a Nominal-T configuration network. In order to achieve the set objectives, Osogbo - Akure transmission line data was obtained from Akure 132kV transmission substation.  This configuration was modeled into transfer function and state space models, the compensator circuit which happens to be the phase lag circuit was also modeled. The transfer function model contained the line parameters extracted from this transmission substation logbook. A state space model was obtained from the transfer function model with a code written in MATLAB environment. The effectiveness of these compensation techniques were compared. The result revealed that load compensation technique offered a perfect compensation to unit step disturbance and unit impulse disturbance. While feedback compensation technique provides perfect compensation to unit impulse disturbance only.
Risk of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Contamination by Risk Metals from the Soil of Iraq
Authors: Ismael Dalaram S. , Vollmannová Alena , Musilová Janette , Timoracká Mária
Published: February 2022

The aim was to evaluate the influence of the grown locality on risky metal intake from the soil to the chickpea seeds. The research was realised in three different localities of Iraq (Harer, Erbil, Ankawa) using the same chicpea cultivar. In all soil samples the determined total content of Co, Ni, Cr, and Cd exceeded the limit values (by 45% - 87%, 196% - 302%, 57% - 132% and 500% - 810%, respectively). In one locality (Harer) also the Cu content by 2% exceeded maximal allowed value given by the legislative. In all sample sites also the maximal available soil content of mobile Pb forms was by 5% - 265% exceeded. Despite of extremely high soil contents of Co, Ni, and Cr the investigated chickpea seeds are from the point of these risky metal contamination  safe. All determined values of heavy metal contents are lower than hygienic limits. Only Cd and Pb amounts in seeds of chickpea from Iraq exceeded the limit value given by legislative. Based on our results we could suppose that chickpea can be risky food if it is grown in the soil with enhanced amounts of Pb and Cd.
Noise and Interference Suppression in Sonar Echoes Using the Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Sud Seema
Published: February 2022

The Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) enables separation of signals from noise and interference by utilizing the entire time-frequency space. Signals are filtered by rotating to a new time axis ‘ta’, with rotational parameter ‘a’, selected using some metric such as mean-square error (MSE) between a desired signal-of-interest (SOI) and its estimate. The FrFT has been applied to numerous problems, but it is most suited for applications such as sonar and radar, when the time-frequency distribution of the SOI and the undesired environment are different. It can greatly outperform the conventional fast Fourier Transform (FFT), which is solely a frequency domain method (a=1), as well as conventional time-based MMSE adaptive filtering (a=0). In this paper, we present a simple FrFT-based algorithm that separates sonar echoes of a desired SOI, e.g. a chirp, from the cluttered background, which could be noise or interference (i.e. another signal). We exploit the fact that we can find the best time axis ‘ta’ in which the SOI becomes a tone, or close to it, with the FrFT, enabling easy notching (zeroing) of the clutter. By searching for the tone peak and notching everywhere except the peak, we can successfully and easily remove the clutter. This algorithm is robust because clutter typically does not correlate with the signal in the FrFT domain, and thus does not impair our ability to estimate the peaks and notch the clutter. We compute the MSE between the true transmitted signal and the received echo with and without this algorithm as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and show that 5 dB reduction in MSE is possible with the FrFT.
Thermal Properties of UPE-PMMA Blend Reinforced by ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Farhan Fadhil K. , Al-Ramadhan Zainab , Abd-Al Hussein Widad A.
Published: February 2022

In this study, thermal analysis properties (Heat Transfer) have been studied for UPE-PMMA polymer blend reinforced with x-ZnO where x is (0wt%, 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt%, 4wt% and 5wt %). Ultrasonic dispersion technique used to prepare the nanocomposites specimens follow with cold casting technique using Teflon molds at standard conditions. C - Thermosensor (TC i) technique was used to measure the heat transfer properties such as; (thermal conductivity, thermal effusivity, thermal diffusivity, heat capacity and thermal resistance). Results show that the values of conductivity, effusivity and diffusivity are increased by succession of weight percentage of fillers. While a heat capacity and thermal resistance results show that the values are decreased progressively by succession of weight percentage of fillers. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to aid interpretation results of thermal analyzer and to show the distribution of nanoparticles in polymer matrix.
An Investigation of Internal Corrosion of Oil and Gas Transporting Carbon Steel Pipes in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria
Authors: Obot Obotowo W. , Anyakwo Charles N.
Published: February 2022

Internal corrosion of carbon steel pipes of oil and gas Companies in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria using coupons and ER probes is presented. Corrosion mechanisms for the lines vary with the fluid type and operational parameters. Aqueous corrosion with, in some cases CO2 corrosion additive, erosion corrosion and elevated temperature oxidation are corrosion mechanisms implicated in the pipes. No H2S-induced corrosion was observed for all the lines investigated. They act separately or synergistically to exacerbate the corrosion attack.  Application of inhibitors of the amine group drastically lowered the corrosion rates. Effective inhibition regime had in an instance markedly lowered the corrosion rate of a line from 42.7080mpy to 1.3447mpy. The ER probes incorporation offered a comparative corrosion monitoring alternative and provided insight into the real time conditions of the lines over prolonged periods of times. The exercise proved very useful in determining the corrosion status of the pipes and helped to determine the lines that should require immediate maintenance intervention to obviate possible ugly incidents of breakouts and ruptures.
Growth and Biomass yield of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Seedlings as Influenced by Different Rates of Vermicompost
Authors: Ashraf A. N. , Zulkefly S. , Adekunle Salisu Monsuru , A. Samad Mohd Yusoff
Published: February 2022

The effect of palm oil mill effluent vermicompost on growth and vegetative traits of oil palm seedlings was evaluated. Different rates of vermicompost 10 g, 20 g and 30 g and 20 g of an NPK blue fertilizer as designated control was used. The experiment was conducted over a period of 120 days. Growth and vegetative traits like plant height, girth size, total dry weight (TDW) and root: shoot ratio (RSR) and foliar nutrient data were collected. Noticeably, the vermicompost and the NPK blue fertilizer were at par in stimulating the growth of the oil as shown in the plant height and girth size. The total dry weight (TDW) and Root: shoot ratio (RSR) showed that the vermicompost especially the higher rates significantly performed equal and positively affected the plant biomass. The nitrogen content was apparent in the plants grown with the highest rate of the vermicompost 30 g and the fertilizer with a significant effect on the leaf chlorophyll content. The results showed that the vermicompost particularly the higher rates were as suitable as the fertilizer with respect to the growth and vegetative traits.
A Review of the Use of Corncob Ash as a Supplementary Cementitious Material
Authors: Ahmed Ash , Kamau John
Published: February 2022

It has been argued that cement is the most energy intensive and expensive material in concrete. It has also been suggested that energy efficiency could be achieved by using Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), which require less process heating and emit fewer levels of CO2. This paper reviewed studies from different authors on the possibility of using Corn Cob Ash (CCA) as a SCM. The review targeted studies that had applied the quantitative method, with validity and reliability based on empirical data from laboratory experiments. The review covered workability, density, compressive and tensile strengths, gain in strength over time, water absorption and chemical resistance of CCA-replaced concrete. From the findings, it can be concluded that CCA could be used as an effective SCM to replace cement in concrete, with the benefit of a reduction in CO2 emissions that are associated with the production of cement and a mitigation on environmental nuisance that is attributed to the throwing away of corncobs and CCA in landfill, while at the same time improving the properties of wet and hardened concrete.
Heavy Metals and Refractory Organic Compounds in Khartoum State’s Groundwater Resources
Authors: Hassan Ihab , Elhassan Basheer M. , Mustafa Mustafa Abbas
Published: February 2022

Groundwater has many characteristics that make it preferable as water supply. But once becomes contaminated, its location and low rate of replacement with fresh water makes it difficult to return it to its pristine state. Toxic and organic chemical pollutants pose threat to the safety of water resources in Khartoum. Contamination of the river Nile system leads to contamination of groundwater resources.Present study aimed to evaluate the current chemical quality of Khartoum state groundwater resources in terms of its heavy metals and refractory organic content. A comparison of the obtained result with national and international standards was also carried out.To realize the objective of this study, a quantitative analysis of nine samples collected from three boreholes named A (Dar Alsalam block (21) ), B (Alkaadarow Almadaris) and C (Alazhari block (15)) during three seasons; autumn, winter and summer were investigated. Heavy metals concentrations (Pb, Cr, Cd and Fe) were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP- AES). For refractory organic compounds, TOC and BOD5 tests were carried out, the ultimate value (BODu) was calculated as 1.7 BOD5 and then the difference between TOC and BODu was estimated as the concentration of refractory organic compounds.The result showed that groundwater boreholes were safe with respect to cadmium, iron and chromium pollutants, but they contain high levels of lead and refractory organic compounds. The concentrations of lead exceeded both national and international permissible levels which are expected to be due to infiltration of poorly treated sewage and some industrial effluents or from the process of recharging groundwater by contaminated surface water. Since there are no treatment processes in water supply treatment plants targeting the removal of these pollutants, populations consuming this water are expected to be exposed to many health hazards.
Design and Fabrication of a 1.5GHz Microwave Low Noise Amplifier with Suitable Low-noise and High Gain Characteristics
Authors: Ndukwe Cherechi , Ozioko Oliver , U Okere A
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the design, simulation and fabrication of a low noise amplifier with high gain of 1.5GHz. In communication systems, there is always difficulty in distinguishing the received signal from noise at very low signal powers. A low noise amplifier (LNA) is an effective and low-cost way of enhancing this signal quality through signal amplification at the receiver. In this work, LNA simulation and a novel design was carried out using the N76038A field effect transistor (FET). To ensure it is stable over a wide range of frequencies, the input and output stability of the transistor were plotted over its operating frequencies (0.1 GHz to 18 GHz). Constant gain and noise figure circles were plotted and the source impedance properly chosen. The input network was matched to the source impedance and conjugate matching used to match the output. The schematic was converted to microstrip and produced on a printed circuit board. Testing was carried out using the vector network analyser (VNA) and matching errors then corrected by calibration process. The fabricated LNA has a gain of 13.76dB and noise figure of 1.57dB which is in close agreement with a simulation result of 14.25dB and 1.56dB respectively.
Effect of Utility Voltage Distortion on the Performance of Different Control Strategies for Shunt Active Power Filter
Authors: Soliman Ahmed Mohammed Attiya , El-Sayed Salah Kamal , Mehanna M. A.
Published: February 2022

The widespread use of power electronics in industrial, commercial and even residential electrical equipment like non-linear loads causes deterioration of the quality of the electric power supply with distortion of the supply voltage and in order to mitigate this quality the shunt active power filter (SAPF) is the suitable and effective solution for harmonic elimination and reactive power compensation and lead to power quality (PQ) improvement, therefor an effective and accurate current control technique is needed in order for a SAPF where control algorithm is the heart for SAPF to perform this function and its dynamic performance is mainly depends on these control strategy. This paper proposes three different current control strategies (CCS) based on instantaneous power theory and generalized fryze theory which used for the generation or extraction of the accurate reference current signals which comparing with the actual signals through hysteresis current technique (HCT) to produce suitable gating signals for SAPF and discusses the performance for these controllers when the supply bus voltage is distorted with scope on the efficient control algorithm. Matlab / Simulink simulation results are presented to validate the control strategy and demonstrate the effectiveness of SAPF to provide mitigation of power quality problems for non-linear load to reach an acceptable value comply with recommended standards.
Internet of Things. E-Farming
Authors: Kote Dhonat
Published: February 2022

Agriculture plays a vital role not only in meeting the needs of people for food supply, but also in the economy of many countries. However, farmers face a number of challenges that arise as a result of unsustainable farm management. Orientation towards more sustainable forms should be a priority for all farmers and policy makers. IoT can significantly improve the farm management mode. Through the adoption of IoT farm productivity can be increased, a more sustainable resource management can be achieved and data can be stored and analyzed in order to make accurate forecasts for the future, etc. Agriculture is a very important part in the Albanian economy. This paper analyzes how the IoT can be adapted by Albanian farmers so that the farm's efficiency and effectiveness is improved.
A Comparative Study of the Fisher’s Discriminant Analysis and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Obi Jude Chukwura
Published: February 2022

The relative merits of Fisher’s Discriminant Analysis (FDA) over Support Vector Machines or vice versa, will remain a bone of contention among statisticians and the machine learning community. This line of thought may be owed to the fact that FDA is due to Fishers R. A., a statistician, whereas SVM is a credit to Vanik and his team of the machine learning. In order to give a clearer picture on the strength and weakness of both classifiers, they are compared in terms of the different theories behind each one. We also look into the ways regularization is carried out by each classifier, and further examine how FDA and SVM respond to lineartransformations. We conclude with examination of the behaviour of FDA and SVM on data, given different scenarios, and in high dimensions too. In the end, we clearly draw out the differences and similarities between the two classifiers, and further highlight features that make each classifier ideal for a given classification problem.
Application of Hydrological Computations in Predicting Rainfall Trends in Imo State of Nigeria
Authors: Obi Lawrence Echefulechukwu
Published: February 2022

This research employed the empirical method in its approach and workings. Empirical data were collected and various hydrological computations and graphs were engaged through the application of the collected data. The mass curve of rainfall, hyetograph, moving average of annual rainfalls and the computations of recurrence intervals were done by applying the Weibul formular. With computations and its analysis, the recurrent intervals of rainfall magnitudes were determined and rainfall pattern within Imo State were predicted.
The Necessity for a Sustainable Traffic Light System: The Case Study of el-Koura District Traffic Light System
Authors: Gerges Najib Nicolas , Fawaz Samer Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Traffic congestion is one of the major problems that Lebanon agonizes from. In this case study, the main objective is to provide a smart traffic light system that can reduce congestion in addition to all of its negative effects. The method used for design was the Webster Method. The results are very favorable. The system was optimized to reduce traffic light stops and idle running times provided that the drivers abide by the speed limit on the roadway and try to maintain a constant speed.
Synthesis and Characterization of B2O3Additive on Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites by Solid State Reaction Method
Authors: Gofur Abdul , Hossain Alamgir , Sikder Shibendra Shekher , Saha Dilip Kumar
Published: February 2022

Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites are well-known technological magnetic materials used for manufacturing of multilayer chip inductor and applications in various electrical devices. The work is focused on the persuade of substitutions and sintering additive B2O3 on structural, transport and electromagnetic properties of Ni-Cu-Zn ferrites. The composition Ni0.28Cu0.10Zn0.62Fe2O4 + x wt. % where x= 0.2 to 0.8 for V2O5 was prepared by using the solid state reaction technique sintered at 1200oC with 6 hours holding time. Lattice parameters of Ni0.28Cu0.10Zn0.62Fe2O4 + x wt. % Bi2O3 are slightly decrease with increase x content. The grain growth by increasing the additives Bi2O3 content inter diffusion as results after > 0.4wt. % Bi2O3 content abnormal grain growth. Curie temperature (Tc) decreases continuously with increase of doped Bi2O3 additives in ferrite samples. The magnetization process all the samples are soft magnetic behavior of magnetic materials. Initial permeability (µi) decreases with increasing doped Bi2O3 content in ferrite samples and hence the highest value of quality factor is found for x = 0.4 within the range 20 kHz to 2MHz. The µi shows the flat profile from 1 kHz to 4MHz indicating frequency stability for all the ferrite samples. The visible grain growth indicates the improved electromagnetic properties.  DC resistivity decreases with increasing temperature shows the semiconducting nature of the sample. With increasing the frequency, the dielectric constant is found to decrease continuously and remain almost frequency independent at higher frequency range.