bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Factors Affecting Food Productivity Improvement in Kalimantan Using Nonparametric Spatial Regression Method
Authors: Sifriyani Sifriyani , Suyitno Suyitno , N. A. Rizki.
Published: October 2019

Problems of Food Productivity in Kalimantan is experiencing instability. Every year, various problems and inhibiting factors that cause the independence of food production in Kalimantan are suffering a setback. The food problems in Kalimantan requires a solution, therefore this study aims to analyze the factors that influence the increase of productivity and production of food crops in Kalimantan using Spatial Statistics Analysis. The method used is Nonparametric Spatial Regression with Geographic Weighting. Sources of research data used are secondary data and primary data obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Statistics Agency. The total area used is 56 regencies/cities in Kalimantan. The results show that there are 13 factors affect food productivity in Kalimantan. These factors are the number of agricultural business households, the number of workers in agriculture, the amount of rice production, rice field area, rice field harvest area, irrigation network area, area of each region, total area based on altitude class, area based on slope/slope class, economic growth rate, Gross Regional Domestic Product, Regional Development Index and Population Density. The best model is obtained using the geographical weighting of the Gaussian kernel function with the cross-validation value 5,65. The criteria for the goodness of the model with the number of knots 3 and order m = 1 have R2 value of 97,19% and the value of AIC is 2,43.
A liberdade de crença como direito fundamental: uma discussão acerca da reparação do dano espiritual ao direito ao projeto de pós-vida nas aldeias da terra indígena Capoto-Jarina
Authors: Nogueira Pedrosa Morais Márcio Eduardo Senra , Tavares Costa Rafaela Cândida , Duarte Silva Bárbara Martins
Published: October 2019

A liberdade de crença é um direito fundamental, conforme ressalta o inciso VI do artigo 5º da Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil de 1988. Decorrente desse direito fundamental é a sua proteção, tanto em nível nacional, quanto internacional. O estudo, bibliográfico-teórico, amparado em jurisprudências internacionais, legislação e documentos, aborda a possibilidade da indenização por danos espirituais ao direito ao projeto de pós-vida, questão que se relaciona com a liberdade de crença, uma das liberdades constituintes do princípio da liberdade religiosa. Conclui-se pela necessidade de se inserir legislativamente, no ordenamento Brasil, a indenização por danos espirituais ao projeto de pós-vida.
Analyze causes and results of VNG examinations in patients with vertigo and balance disorders in the private ENT practice
Authors: Polaczkiewicz Laura , Olszewski Jurek
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The aim of the study was to attempt to analyze the most common causes leading to dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders according to gender and age.
Material and methods: Analysis of medical records and evaluation of VNG tests were performed on 608 patients of the private ENT practice “VERTIGO” in Opole between 2011 and 2017, including 404 women and 204 men. The patients’ age was in the range from 18 to 85 years, average age 49.88 years.
The following parameters were taken into account in the analysis: the result of the subjective examination and the basic ENT and otoneurological examination, videonystagmographic examination, hearing assessment (tonal and impedance audiometry) and imaging tests (head MRI/CT and cervical spine x-ray), assessment of doppler ultrasound examination of vertebral arteries flow.
Results: In examinations patients dizziness and vertigo were more common in women (66.45%) than men (33.55%), the most numerous was group of patients over 60 years, i.e. 30, 76%, systemic ver-tigo predominated (61.02%). Hypertension was the most common chronic disease in the entire popu-lation of patients with dizziness, vertigo and balance disorder and its frequency increases with age, which translates into an increase in the frequency of non-systemic and mixed dizziness reported by patients. The frequency of lipid metabolism disorders increases statistically significantly with age, while thyroid dysfunction as well as migraines and frequent headaches are significantly more com-mon in women reporting dizziness, vertigo and balance disorder than in men. In doppler ultrasound examination, while with age the frequency of bilateral disorders in vertebral artery flow increases significantly. The percentage of individual diagnoses in the examined patients was as follows: ves-tibular disorder (35.86%), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (18.9%), mixed vertigo (16.12%), cervical vertigo (5.42%), Méniére's disease and its suspicion (5.1%), vertigo and dizziness of central origin (3.78%), vascular vertigo (2.8%), vestibular neuritis (2.3%), post-traumatic dizziness (1.32%) and the cerebellopontine angle tumors (0.16%). In the VNG study: in visual-oculomotor tests an in-crease in the percentage of pathology with age between 51 and 60 years old.
Conclusions: The structure of diagnoses made in private practice differs from public health care. This results from the fact that the patient with acute symptoms first goes or is transported to the hospital emergency department. The second reason is the cost of diagnostics in the private sector which is not affordable to every patient.
Primary hyperparathyroidism on the example of a 33-year-old female patient with parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Łach Jarosław , Dyaczyński Michał , Buczkowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

Parathyroid hyperactivity is the state of over-production and PTH secretion [1]. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is parathyriod adenoma - about 80% of cases, the remaining are parathyroid hyperplasia around 15%cases [2] [3], and in 1-5% of cases, cancer [2] [3] [4] [5]. The disease is diagnosed inabout 40 people in 100,000 [5] [6] [3] [7]. The most common cause of adenoma is the mutation in gene MEN 1. Less than 5% of cases are chronichyperparathyroidism, which is a component of the MEN 1 MEN 2a endocrine adenocarcinoma syndrome [1]. Excess PTH in the body leads to increased mobilization of calcium from the bones, and henceincreased osteolysis, what also increases the absorption of calcium from thedigestive system, as well as an increased amount of phosphate excretion in the urine. Clinical picture of the disease is multiform and often runs in a latent form. Most often the diseaseoccurs in the form of osteoporosis, chronic recurrent kidney stones, and is also commonpyelonephritis on the basis of urolithiasis. The disease may be accompanied by: dysphagia, abdominal pain, metallic taste in the mouth, persistent constipation. In addition, from the systemnervous: dizziness and headaches, disturbances of consciousness. Arrhythmia the form of additional contractions and paroxysmal tachycardia. Osteolysis, osteoporosis and pathological fractures [1]. The purpose of this article is to bring closer to the reader case of 33 years old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism on the adenoma.
A METHOD OF DECISION SUPPORT FOR THE SELECTION
OF LUBRICANTS FOR REFRIGERATION COMPRESSORS
ON THE BASIS OF TRIBOLOGICAL TESTS
Authors: GÓRNY Kasper
Published: October 2019

The article presents a simple and clear decision support method for use when selecting lubricants for
refrigeration compressors on the basis of tribological tests. The Bellinger method has been chosen. Moreover,
the article shows the process of decision support for the selection of lubricants for various mechanisms of
the mixing lubricating oil with refrigerant. For the mixing mechanism of a simultaneous intermolecular
diffusion and natural convection, the mixture of polyester oils and R134a was selected, whereas, for the mixing
mechanism of intermolecular diffusion alone, it was the mixture of mineral oils with R290 that was selected.
There were simulations of several decision-making situations due to the decision maker’s attitude, such as
economic, qualitative, and balanced. In each variant, the importance of particular criteria was subjectively
assigned trying to reflect the decision maker’s attitude. The presented analysis indicates that the lubricity
properties of oils and refrigeration mixtures must be taken into account; otherwise, disregarding them can
have serious operational consequences. The decision on the selection of the proper lubricant for refrigeration
compressors should be preceded by tribological tests allowing one to assess lubricity properties of oils and
their mixtures with a refrigerant.
Acquisition and Management of Data for Translational Science in Oncology
Authors: J. FitzGerald Thomas , Bishop-Jodoin Maryann , Laurie Fran , Hanusik Richard , Iandoli Matthew , Karolczuk Kathryn , Kessel Sandra , Prior Fred , Saltz Joel , Sharma Ashish , Knopp Michael , Rosen Mark , Xiao Ying , Followill David , Michalski Jeff , Elaimy Ameer , Shen James , Lee Peter , Cicchetti Maria Giulia , Moni Janaki
Published: October 2019

Oncology clinical trials provide opportunity to advance care for patients with cancer. Bridging basic science with bedside care, cancer clinical trials have brought new and updated scientific knowledge at a rapid pace. Managing subject data in translation science requires a sophisticated informatics infrastructure that will enable harmonized datasets across all areas that could influence outcomes. Successful translational science requires that all relevant information be made readily available in a digital format that can be queried in a facile manner. Through a translational science prism, we look at past issues in cancer clinical trials and the new National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute initiative to address the need of database availability at an enterprise level.
Usage-Based and Universal Grammar-Based Approaches to Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Hua Tan Kim , Shojamanesh Vafa
Published: October 2019

The theoretical controversy that surrounds the acquisition of a second or foreign language is seemingly unending. Though there are dissensions in the literature, past studies had indicated that scholars tended to fall into two groups of schools of thought, the usage-based and the universal grammar-based approaches in second language acquisition. This paper reviews the literature of recently published findings in scholarly papers and contrasted the varied views of how second language can be acquired. Empirical evidence of both views are contrasted and discussed. Included in the discussion are environmental variables such as types of input and the length of input and non-environmental variables that are innate in learners.
Escritas em português por surdos(as) como práticas de translinguajamentos em contextos de transmodalidade
Authors: Lima Hildomar José de , Rezende Tânia Ferreira
Published: October 2019

O universo sociolinguístico da pessoa surda se caracteriza como um espaço fronteiriço entre línguas de base epistemologicamente visual, as línguas de sinais, e de base oral, como no caso do português. Essa fronteira sociolinguística é ao mesmo tempo bi/plurilíngue e multimodal e, por isso, as pessoas surdas estão imersas em constantes e contínuos processos de translinguajamento e transmodalidade, isso é, em trânsito entre línguas (sinais e orais) e entre modalidades linguísticas (visuoespacial e oral-auditiva). O objetivo dessa discussão é refletir as práticas linguísticas que pretendem normalizar (tornar normal) a pessoa surda por meio das práticas linguísticas expressas em português escrito, impondo, para isso, o padrão linguístico que tem como base a norma considerada culta do português falado por uma minoria de pessoas ouvintes. A partir disso, problematizar as concepções de linguagem e as ideologias linguísticas coloniais subjacentes ao exercício de poder, por meio da linguagem, dos povos historicamente subalternizados, especificamente, a comunidade surda. Verifica-se que as práticas sociolinguísticas translinguajadoras e transmodalizadoras das pessoas surdas rompem com a lógica do eurocentrismo científico de que a língua da pessoa surda é deficitária, possibilitando, assim, promover a decolonialidade do poder, do saber e da linguagem no processo de letramento em português para a comunidade surda e assegurar seus direitos linguísticos.
Ensino de Português a Surdos em São Tomé e Príncipe: de um paradigma de exclusão até à inclusão
Authors: Palha Sebastião , Mineiro Ana
Published: October 2019

RESUMOEm São Tomé e Príncipe e até 2013, os surdos não iam à escola em virtude de, segundo os professores, não “aprenderem nada”. Isolados, sem outros pares para comunicar, sentiam-se desprotegidos e párias numa sociedade que não os acolhia.Em 2013, em virtude das missões humanitárias de otorrinolaringologia foi detetada esta situação e proposto um projeto de inclusão educativa. A partir de um projeto de emergência linguística onde a Língua Gestual de São Tomé e Príncipe nasceu, foi criada uma turma piloto integrando os alunos do 1º ciclo numa turma de surdos na escola regular. Neste processo foi elaborado um manual de português para surdos onde, partindo da Língua Gestual de São Tomé e Príncipe se iniciou um processo de implementação da literacia.Neste artigo pretendemos entrelaçar os dois projetos, mostrando e discutindo as opções científicas e pedagógicas tomadas para que da exclusão se tenha conseguido a inclusão
A educação de surdos como uma importante esfera das Políticas Linguísticas para a Língua Brasileira de Sinais: o Decreto nº 5.626/05 em foco
Authors: Piconi Larissa Bassi
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho volta-se para análise da intersecção entre as Políticas Linguísticas e Políticas Educacionais para surdos no Brasil a partir do reconhecimento oficial da Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) no país. Considera que a maioria das pessoas surdas adquire as línguas de sinais no contexto institucionalizado/educacional, portanto, fora do contexto familiar, o que confere aos espaços educacionais/institucionais uma importante esfera das Políticas Linguísticas. Isso porque os espaços institucionalizados são mais sensíveis ao gerenciamento, controle e padronização de valores e normas acerca da língua e seus usuários. Também, eles são centrais na discussão em torno do direito linguístico dos surdos no país. Nesse contexto, esse trabalho analisa, a partir de referenciais teórico-metodológicos da Análise Crítica do Discurso (FAIRCLOUGH, 1992, 2003; VAN LEEUWEN, 2008), o Decreto de regulamentação da Lei da Libras (Decreto no 5.626/05) a fim de identificar as relações que se constroem entre as políticas oficiais para essa língua e aqueles que existem no mundo a partir dela. Ao longo da análise, foi possível identificar como o Decreto, ao trazer as políticas educacionais ao centro da política linguística oficial para a Libras, aproximou diferentes demandas que se apresentavam na esfera pública no mesmo momento histórico, evidenciando movimentos de luta em torno dos sentidos para a educação bilíngue e inclusão na tentativa de estabelecer um consenso acerca de modos legitimados de perceber, conceber e reconhecer a educação dos surdos no Brasil.
Gestão das águas na Bacia Hidrográfica do Médio Paraíba do Sul: o Comitê e a participação do Poder Público, Usuários e da Sociedade Civil
Authors: Coelho Camila Riquete , Paiva Roberta Fernanda da Paz de Souza , Freitas Welington Kiffer de
Published: October 2019

A gestão participativa e descentralizada dos recursos hídricos contribui para a tomada de decisão baseada nos interesses e saberes das partes interessadas, tornando-a mais justa e democrática. No Brasil, os Comitês de Bacia Hidrográfica são, desde a Lei nº 9433/97 (Lei das Águas), os espaços nos quais o Poder Público, os usuários e a sociedade civil interagem e discutem sobre um interesse comum – o uso da água e os conflitos gerados por ele, deliberando sobre a gestão hídrica de forma compartilhada. Pretendeu-se, no estudo, analisar a formação, composição e atuação do CBH-MPS na Região Hidrográfica III do estado do Rio de Janeiro, que abrange 19 municípios e cerca de 1.019.562 habitantes, assim como a participação dos diversos segmentos sociais nos processos decisórios de gestão da água. Para isso, foram analisadas as atas das reuniões plenárias ordinárias e extraordinárias, listas de presença, resoluções e regimento do Comitê no período de 2011 a 2016. No geral, todos os segmentos compareceram de forma significativa às reuniões plenárias, porém o segmento mais presente e participativo é a sociedade civil, com maior participação e intervenções nas reuniões. Concluiu-se que o CBH-MPS está avançando no desenvolvimento e implementação da PNRH, principalmente no exercício da gestão participativa. A participação dos convidados nas reuniões e intervenções e a criação de grupos de trabalho e câmaras técnicas indicam que o comitê vem buscando melhorar o nível de informações compartilhadas nas reuniões, fortalecendo e democratizando as decisões.
Teaching Staff Productivity an Hinge on Information and Communication Technology (ICT): A Case Study of Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State
Authors: Osagie Maxwell Scale Uwadia , Ijeoma Onoseta-Ogbole Doris , Omoigberale Oboh Stephen , Chizimenu Ogbewi Sonia , Fidelis Okhuomaruyi Amas , Ebatamehi Eigbe Godwin , Rita Ononose Enuwamagbe , Joyce Ehikhamen
Published: October 2019

The burden and assertion on the quality of teaching staff in an academic institution have recently become a discussion nationwide and this is owned to the claim of a possible huge resources committed to the education sector without commensurate results. The cry for the integration of Information and Communication Technology into school learning curriculum has further raised the hope of people on maximum productivity of teaching staff in tertiary institution. However, this seems to be eluding because, institutions on yearly basis produced students who are not ICT oriented, thereby, leaving the general public with question of teacher’s productivity. In this paper, a survey was conducted to ascertain the level of ICT compliance on teaching staff productivity and in addition, review was carried out to know if ICT has direct impact on teaching quality as well as proffer possible solutions that could aid smooth delivering of teaching methodology (that is ICT compliance). From the analysis, it was observed that most of the respondents agreed that ICT role has tremendous impact on the quality of teaching staff productivity. The standard value of 2.41 mean showed clearly that the respondents calculated value which is 2.66 empirically demonstrated that the majority of the respondents are in agreement that ICT plays a tangible role in the teaching staff productivity.
Students Mathematics Interest in Senior High Schools: Empirical Evidence from Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Arthur Yarhands Dissou
Published: October 2019

The relevance of students’ academic interest in mathematics is of great concern to stakeholders in education. The present study models students’ interest in mathematics (SIM) using mathematics facility (MF), mathematics connection (MC), teacher motivation (TM) as well as instructor quality and availability (IQA). The study randomly selected 1500 students from 10 senior high schools from the Ashanti region of Ghana; however, 1,263 of the participants fully participated in the study. These participants were made to respond to validated self-administered questionnaires with alpha-reliability of 0.74, 0.69, 0.70, 0.699 and 0.68 for SIM, MC, MF, IQA and TM respectively. Findings from the study showed that MC, MF, IQA and TM explain 71.6% of the variance in students’ interest in mathematics. The study further found that approximately 15% of variability in teachers’ ability to connect mathematics to real life problems is attributable to availability of mathematics facility as well as instructor quality and availability. The study finally found that availability of mathematics facilities for teaching and learning explains 12.4% of instructor quality in teaching mathematics. The study concluded that students’ interest in mathematics is influenced significantly by the teachers’ ability to connect mathematics to real life and the immediate environment, availability of mathematics facility, teacher motivation as well as instructor quality and availability. The study recommended for mathematics educators to take into account the influence of these factors and integrate them in the delivery of mathematics in high schools.
Path Coefficient Analysis, Character Association and Variability Studies in Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes Grown in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Michael Ubi Godwin , Onabe Maria Bisong , Eni Kalu Success
Published: October 2019

The success of any selection process is greatly enhanced by using appropriate selection indices. The knowledge of the relationship among various traits affecting grain yield is imperative to arrive at potentially effective selection index. The study was carried out to unveil the different attributes of genetic variability, the type of interrelationships among the various traits affecting yield. Fifteen local and improved maize inbred lines were crossed to three tester varieties to develop 45 test cross progenies. The parents and crosses (63 entries in all) were evaluated in two different locations with three replications at each location using the Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data generated was recorded for the quantitative traits evaluated and subjected to statistical analysis for estimation of various variability parameters namely GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance alongside computing genotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis to unveil the direct and indirect effects of the various traits studied. The analysis of variability parameters evaluated revealed the presence of significant variability for all the traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter showed high GCV estimates, with high heritability. The genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grain/row and grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100 seed weight, ear length, kernel rows/ear and grains/row had highest significant correlation with grain yield. The path coefficient analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100 seed weight followed by grains/row, kernel rows/ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100 – seed weight, kernel rows/ear and grains/row. The inferences of the results of the present study and their possible implications in maize breeding have been revealed.
Wong-Zakai Method Applications for Explicitly Solvable Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Şengül Süleyman , Merdan Mehmet
Published: October 2019

In this study, three Ito stochastic differential equations with multiplicative noise are investigated with Wong-Zakai method. The stochastic differential equations are also analyzed by Euler-Maruyama, Milstein and Runge Kutta stochastic approximation methods. The relative errors of these three methods are compared and the performance of Wong-Zakai method is shown alongside numerical results.
Assessment of Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Manafa Patrick O. , Onyenekwe Charles C. , Igwe Anselem C. , Mbachu Nancy A. , Chukwuma George O. , Chukwuanukwu Rebecca C. , Manafa Vera I. , Nwene Kenneth E. , Ibeh Nancy C.
Published: October 2019

Aim: To assess the role of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

Study Design: This is a case-control study designed to evaluate the levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity with glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in pre-eclamptic. One hundred (100) participants were randomly selected to include fifty pre-eclamptic (test), twenty-five (25) healthy pregnant normotensive women (control A) and twenty-five healthy non-pregnant normotensive women (control B).

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Holy Rosary Hospital waterside, Onitsha, Anambra state. Nigeria. The study lasted for 13 months.

Methodology: One hundred women (50 pre-eclamptic, 25 pregnant normotensives and 25 non-pregnant normotensives) aged 25-40 years were recruited for this study. Blood samples were collected from the participants for the estimation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities using spectrophotometric methods. Blood pressures were measured using accosson sphygmomanometer. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at p < 0.05.

Results: The TAC was significantly higher in the pregnant normotensives (p< 0.05) compared with the pre-eclamptic and non-pregnant normotensives. There was no significant difference in the MDA in pre-eclamptic compared with pregnant normotensives and non-pregnant normotensives (p>0.05). A significant difference was observed in the SOD and GPx activities in the pregnant normotensive and non-pregnant normotensives compared with pre-eclamptic. A positive correlation was observed between the blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) and the activities of TAC, SOD and GPx in pre-eclamptic. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between MDA levels and SBP (r = 0.019) while a negative correlation (r = -0.225) existed between MDA and DBP.

Conclusion: Diminished ability of antioxidants to scavenge free radicals may affect the onset of pre-eclampsia and therefore possible prognostic tool in its management.
Performance of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties under Different Soil Amendments
Authors: Santo Kwadwo Gyasi , Sarkodie-Addo Joseph
Published: October 2019

Studies were carried out at Offinso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to assess root quality of cassava grown with application of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 and NPK 23-10-10 fertilizers. The experimental design was a 2 x 6 factorial, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of two cassava varieties in combination with five inorganic and/or organic fertilizer formulations and a control with no fertilizer. The parameters measured were starch content, poundability, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of cassava roots. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the Genstat Statistical package. The results of the study indicated that Bankyehemaa produced higher starch content (29.86%) than the Nkabom variety. Fertilizer application increased starch content with the combined application of poultry manure and NPK 23-10-10 treatment recording the highest treatment effect (30.40%). Both the organic and inorganic fertilizers applied increased starch content of cassava roots. Poundability was not also affected by both variety and fertilizer application. However, roots treated with NPK 15-15-15 only and poultry manure alone were very poundable (3.0). Variety significantly affected only nitrogen and phosphorus contents of cassava roots. Bankyehemaa had higher content (0.72%) of nitrogen than Nkabom, while Nkabom recorded higher content (1.05%) of phosphorus than Bankyehemaa. Generally, application of fertilizer significantly affected root contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, potassium and phosphorus contents were reduced by the organic fertilizer (poultry manure). The NPK 15-15-15 treatment produced higher potassium (9.37%) and phosphorus (1.36%) contents of roots than the other treatments. The highest nitrogen content of roots (0.78%) was observed in the combined application of poultry manure and NPK 23-10-10 treatment.
Prediction and Appraisal of Solar Radiations and Its Intensity in South East Geopolitical Region, Nigeria
Authors: Arinze Victor Ogunoh, , Innocent Eteli Digitemie, , Patrick Sunday Aguh,
Published: October 2019

This research work shows the variability of solar parameters. The parameters that are solar radiation, sun intensity and temperature were optimized and predicted in other to investigate its influence in Permanent site of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, South Eastern part of Nigeria. The research was conducted for the period of five days, 6:00am to 6:00pm daily on 6th to 10th December, 2017. Measuring the intensity of solar radiation is one of the directions used at an investigation of solar power and necessary for the implementation of photovoltaic systems in a particular geographical 'area. Instrument used for measuring the solar radiation is solarimeter which is based on the thermal or photovoltaic principles. The device harness two main components for measuring solar radiation, namely- direct radiation and diffuse radiation, with sensors based on the photovoltaic principles. The research tends to optimize and to develop the intended sun intensity and solar radiation principles and properties of the environs. From the optimization results, the maximum sun intensity of the geographical area is 957.620 w/m2 while the minimum sun intensity of the area is 2 w/m2. However, the maximum temperature of the geographical area is 39.4˚С while the minimum temperature of the geographical area is 18.8˚С. The average sun intensity of the case study is 356.644 w/m2. The optimization technic employed will ensure the efficiency of solar radiation, sun intensity and temperature variability of the geographical area in the study as a key to climatic issues and solar systems manufacturing.
Determination of an Outdoor Path Loss Model and Signal Penetration Level in Some Selected Modern Residential and Office Apartments in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: O. A. Akpaida V. , I. Anyasi F. , I. Uzairue S. , I. Idim A.
Published: October 2019

This article involves the site specific determination of an outdoor path loss model and Signal penetration level in some selected modern residential and office apartments in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. Measurements of signal strength and its associated location parameters referenced globally were carried out. Propagation path loss characteristics of Ogbomosho were investigated using three different locations with distinctively different yet modern building materials. Consequently, received signal strength (RSS) was measured at a distance d in meters, from appropriate base stations for various environments investigated. The data were analyzed to determine the propagation path loss exponent, signal penetration level and path loss characteristics. From calculations, the average building penetration losses were, 5.93dBm, 6.40dBm and 6.1dBm outside the hollow blocks B1, solid blocks B2 and hollow blocks mixed with pre cast asbestos B3, buildings respectively with a corresponding path loss exponent values of, 3.77, 3.80 and 3.63. Models were developed and validated, and used to predict the received power inside specific buildings. Moreover, the propagation models developed for the different building types can be used to predict the respective signal level within the building types, once the transmitter – receiver distance is known. The readings obtained from the developed models were compared with both the measured values and values computed using some existing models with satisfactory results obtained.
Forward Error Correction Using Turbo Codes for Multimedia Data
Authors: Subramanya M. , Khuteja Shaiesta , C. Varun Kumar K. , Srilatha S. , V. Srividya B.
Published: October 2019

The swift growth in multimedia technology of wireless network has made it mandatory for the efficient transmission across erratic channel. The transmission of encoded video using error control techniques is grabbing a great attention, since it works over the recovery of the lost data and errors in the bit frames which occur as a result of congestion and physical channel fading. Turbo codes are attracting researchers because of their efficient performance. The Turbo code is made up of analogous concatenation of two Recursive Systematic Convolutional (RSC) coders parted by a  non-uniform interleaver. For different code rate and information block lengths greater than 104, these codes are capable of achieving low Bit-error rates (BERs) at SNRs within 1dB of Shannon’s limit. Turbo codes will assist to employ Viterbi decoders. More the number of iterations, higher is the error correction capacity and hence Turbo codes act as an elucidation for obtaining large coding gains.
Gilbert-Cell Mixer for WiMAX Applications
Authors: Ray I. Gomez Frederick
Published: October 2019

Differential implementation is becoming highly popular in Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) design, notably for its high immunity to common-mode noises, acceptable rejection of parasitic coupling, and increased dynamic range. One RF front-end building block that is usually designed as a differential circuit is the mixer. This paper presents a design, study, and optimization of a differential mixer, more specifically the Gilbert-cell mixer (also known as double-balanced mixer) implemented on a direct-conversion architecture in a standard 90 nm Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process. Operating frequency is set to 5GHz, which is a typical frequency for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) receiver. Impedance matching was necessary to design and fully optimize the mixer design. The direct-conversion Gilbert-cell mixer design ultimately achieved conversion gain of 11.463dB and noise figure of 16.529dB, comparable to mixer designs from past research and studies.
Reliability Assessment of a Base Transceiver Station Using 2-Parameter Weibull Distribution Method
Authors: Idiapho Onoriode K. , Odinikuku William E.
Published: October 2019

About 80% interruptions of cellular network availability occur due to power outage on BTS stations and reliability analysis of these systems is yet to receive exhaustive studies. Most network providers solely depend on generating power on their BTS sites using diesel generators since the grid power is least reliable, but the frequency of power outages from the diesel generators is alarming, hence, the need to analyse the reliability of these generators and their maintenance routine in relation to the site availability.

In this study, the reliability of a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) is assessed by analysis of data obtained within a period of six months from four BTS sites used as case study using 2-parameter Weibull failure distribution method. The failure times of each BTS site were rank-ordered and the estimates of Weibull parameters θ and β were obtained from Weibull least-squares plots.

The Weibull plots for the four BTS sites had a good index of fit which shows that a strong linear relationship exists. The value of the shape parameter (β) was found to be between the range of 1< β < 3 for all the BTS sites studied. This means that the probability density function is skewed and the failure rate of the BTS sites is increasing. The reliability of each BTS site was successfully computed. The reliability of the four BTS sites was found to be increasing as their values of scale parameter, θ increases. From the results obtained, BTS site RV0144 had the highest reliability while BTS site RV0248 had the lowest reliability.
An Improved Logistic Function for Mapping Raw Scores of Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ)
Authors: Olatubosun A. , Olabisi Patrick O.
Published: October 2019

Voice service being the major offering of telecommunication networks, its level of Quality of Service (QoS) largely determines the performance of these networks. This work evaluated the state-of-the-art Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) objective model for perceptual estimation of the quality of transmitted speech signals. Perceptual estimation of the quality of speech is predominantly done by subjective techniques and the results presented as Mean Opinion Scores (MOS), which has a scale from 1 for poor quality to 5 for excellent quality. Despite constraints of the subjective approach to perceptual speech quality estimation, its scores serves as the basis for correlating quality scores from objective techniques for speech quality estimation. Original or reference speeches were recorded using professional studio equipment and software, and guided by provisions of ITU-T P.830. The speeches were transmitted over three mobile wireless networks. A speech database consisting of 64 original (32 male and 32 female) and 192 transmitted speeches was developed. Reference speeches and their corresponding transmitted (network-degraded) speeches were tested on the PESQ model to estimate their quality scores. The raw PESQ quality scores are within the scale range of -0.5 and 4.5. They were mapped to the MOS scale for linear comparison of the scales. Study of PESQ model showed several shortcomings, some of which have been improved upon by previous researchers. Evaluating PESQ mapping function (in ITU-T Rec P.862.1) showed the need for better coverage of the MOS scale. Analysis of solution for the logistic growth function was done and parameters were optimised which resulted in the development of a new robust logistic mapping function. The raw PESQ quality scores were mapped using the developed mapping function as well as two known standard mapping functions, namely: ITU-T P.862.1 and Morfitt and Cotanis mapping functions. The mapped scores known as PESQ MOS-listening quality objective (PESQ MOS-LQO) obtained with the three functions were tested using ANOVA at a significant figure of . The developed logistic mapping function offered a quality score coverage of 98.6% of the MOS scale. This was evaluated against the two known standard mapping functions and the developed function offered improvement of 11.8 and 4.9% over and above their 86.8 and 93.7% coverage of the MOS scale respectively. At the significance level of , an F-value of 60.6042, a critical-F of 3.04, and a p-value of 4.61721E-21 were obtained. With p < 0.05, the Null Hypothesis was rejected, and the critical-F value being less than the F-statistic value confirmed the rejection. Therefore, the data distribution of at least one of the functions has a different mean and belongs to a separate population of performance.
A Computerized Boundary Element Algorithm for Modeling and Optimization of Complex Magneto-Thermoelastic Problems in MFGA Structures
Authors: Fahmy Mohamed Abdelsabour , Al-Harbi Saleh M. , Al-Harbi Badr Hamedy , M. Sibih Alanod
Published: October 2019

Aims: The aim of this article is to propose a boundary integral equation algorithm for modeling and optimization of magneto-thermoelastic problems in multilayered functionally graded anisotropic (MFGA) structures.

Study Design:  Original research paper.

Place and Duration of Study: Jamoum laboratory, January 2018.

Methodology: a new dual reciprocity boundary element algorithm was implemented for solving the governing equations of magneto-thermoelastic problems in MFGA structures.

Results: A numerical results demonstrate validity, accuracy, and efficiency of the presented technique.

Conclusion: Our results thus confirm the validity, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed technique. It is noted that the obtained dual reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM) results are more accurate than the FEM results, the DRBEM is more efficient and easy to use than FEM because it only needs the boundary of the domain needs to be discretized.
Assessment of Aquifer Vulnerability Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis around Akure Industrial Estate, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adebiyi A. D. , Ilugbo S. O. , Bamidele O. E. , Egunjobi T.
Published: October 2019

This study is aimed at evaluating of aquifer vulnerability in a typical basement complex environment of Akure industrial estate, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria. A multi-criteria model is developed for achieving this aim; the vulnerability model which is based on topsoil resistivity, longitudinal conductance, thickness of layer overlying aquifer, and hydraulic conductivity of each sounding point across the study area is successfully used to evaluate the aquifer vulnerability of the area for future groundwater development programme in the area. Geophysical investigation involving vertical electrical sounding is carried out across the study area. A total of thirty one (31) vertical electrical soundings (VES) data were acquired using Schlumberger array with maximum half-current electrode separation of 100 m. Three to five geoelectric layers were delineated across the study area. The curve types obtained are the A, H, K, KH, HA, AA, QHA and KHA.The map of topsoil resistivity, longitudinal conductance, thickness of layer overlying aquifer, and hydraulic conductivity were generated and synthesized to producing the vulnerability map. The vulnerability map shows that the area is characterized by five zones; very low, low, moderate, high and very high. The mid-western, southeastern and closure at the northern part of the study area are delineated to be very low to low vulnerable zones, followed by the eastern and part of the western and central part of the study area which are categorized as moderate vulnerable zones, and finally the southern and northern part of the study area which are characterized by high and very high vulnerable zone.
Compressive Resistance of Groundnut Kernels as Influenced by Kernel Size
Authors: Uyeri C. , Uguru H.
Published: October 2019

Mechanical properties of agricultural materials are essential for the proper design and fabrication of harvesting, handling, and processing equipment/machineries. In this research, some compressive resistance (force, energy and deformation at rupture point) of two groundnut (SAMNUT 10 and SAMNUT 11) kernels were investigated in terms of kernel sizes. During the test, the groundnut kernels were loaded quasi-statically in the axial orientation at a compressive loading rate of 20 mm/min, using the Universal Testing Machine. Results obtained from the test showed that kernel size and groundnut variety had significant (P ≤0.05) effect on all the mechanical parameters studied. The force required for initiating the kernel rupture increased from 37.21 to 76.10 N for SAMNUT 10; and 30.10 to 64.19 N for SAMNUT 11, as the kernels size increased from small to large size. In addition, the energy absorbed by the kernel at rupture point increased from 0.021 to 0.054 Nm for SAMNUT 10; and 0.016 to 0.044 Nm for SAMNUT 11, for the small and large kernel sizes respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that SAMNUT 10 kernels had slightly higher compressive resistance values than the SAMNUT 11 kernels. Data obtained from this research will help to design and fabricate equipment used in handling and processing of groundnut kernels.
Design and Implementation of an Electric Cooker Control System as a Means of Preventing Domestic Fire Incidence
Authors: Akinwole O. O.
Published: October 2019

Open loop control system is the type without feedback, that is, no sensor sensing the control variable, hence works on time basis. The paper established the facts that the system will prevent ubiquitous fire incidences associated with electric stoves and other heating devices. It describes the application of simple electronics circuitries in designing the low cost Cooker Control Device. The building blocks of the unit were designed one after the other using preferred components available in the local markets. The project was wired on Breadboard. The board permits the design to be tested without employing soldering processes. The design enumerates some important construction precautions which are further accentuated with the inclusion of various tips on healthy soldering processes. It is believed that the unit will prevent fire incidences associated with electric cooker. Simple explanations given to drive home power electronics principles used and copious illustrations rendered will make the innovative and ingenuous enterprise interesting to power electronics enthusiasts and other professionals alike. The paper recommends incorporation of embedded system with Liquid Crystal Display in the future design improvement.
Novel Characterizations of the JK Bistables (Flip Flops)
Authors: Rushdi Ali Muhammad Ali , Ghaleb Fares Ahmad Muhammad
Published: October 2019

The JK flip flop is a flexible type of bistable elements that has extensive uses in digital electronics and control circuits. It is usually described by its characteristic equation or next-state table (used for analysis purposes) and its excitation table (used for synthesis purposes). This paper explores a variety of novel characterizations of JK flip flops. First, equational and implicational descriptions are presented, and methods of logic deduction are utilized to produce complete statements of all propositions that are true for a general JK flip flop. Next, methods of Boolean-equation solving are employed to find all possible ways to express the excitations in terms of the present state and next state. The concept of Boolean quotient is used to impose certain requirements so as to find particularly useful expressions of the excitations. Relations of JK flip flops to other types of flip flops are also explored. This paper is expected to provide an immediate pedagogical benefit, and to help facilitate the analysis and synthesis of sequential digital circuits.
A Review of Soil Dynamics in Traction Studies
Authors: Sedara A. M.
Published: October 2019

As the world population increases more than ever before and increasing demand on food, feed and fiber, and security, the number of off-the-road vehicles is rapidly increasing for agriculture, forestry, military, mining and construction industries. Many researchers have studied and still investigating traction as it relates off-road vehicles and publications abound especially from developed countries of Europe, America and others.  In our generation scientists are trying to put robotic vehicles on the lunar and Martian terrains. This trend makes the study of soil dynamics in traction a sine qua non in our tertiary and research institutions. In Nigeria there is a dearth of publications in this specialized area of study. This is a review paper and the purpose is to highlight some of the studies that have been conducted over the years, with a view to enlightening, encouraging, stimulating and challenging would be researchers. Trends in the development of soil bin with single wheel testers were reviewed including tractive and transport devices used in them. Traction parameters including motion resistance, measurement and data acquisition systems, traction predictive equations including wheel numeric and mobility numbers were also reviewed. Efforts made in the development of soil bin for soil dynamics research and further research interest at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) were highlighted.
Performance Evaluation of a Portable Ginger Slicing Machine
Authors: Abubakar I. , Yusuf D. D. , Muhammed U. S. , Zakariyah A. , Agunsoye J. K. , Habiba K. A. , Bashar Z. U.
Published: October 2019

The study aimed at evaluating the functional performance of a developed portable ginger rhizomes slicing machine. The study was conducted at various levels of impeller speed, impeller gang and slicing compartment in the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria between April 2018 and June 2018. A  factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used.  The indices for the performance evaluation were the Slicing Efficiency and Throughput Capacity. The machine was powered by one horse power petrol engine and ginger moisture content of 77.44%. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test the significance level of the experimental factors and their interactions; and those found significant were further subjected to Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for mean separations at (P = .05), respectively.  The results showed that, the ANOVA for all the factors evaluated and their interactions on Slicing Efficiency were highly significant at (P ≤ .01). However, the ANOVA for the factors evaluated on Throughput capacity were highly significant but interaction between type of compartment and speed of impeller was not significant at (P =.05). The mean Slicing Efficiencies for the cushion and spring compartments were: 63.5 and 50% while the mean Throughput Capacities were: 58.32 and 6.32 kg/h, respectively.