bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Differential Evolution Algorithm for Optimal Placement of UPFC for Improved Voltage Stability
Authors: Mustapha Musa , Musa B. U. , Beniskeikh U. A.
Published: February 2022

The Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is one of the versatile and most effective Flexible AC transmission System (FACTS) devices which can provide full dynamic control of a transmission line parameters, bus voltage, line impedance and phase angle for improved system security. However, the extent that performance of UPFC can be brought out; it’s greatly dependents upon the location of the device in the system. The present work is a Differential Evolution (DE) based algorithm for optimal placement of the UPFC device under steady state (normal, moderate and critical) conditions and is aimed at voltage profile enhancement of an interconnected power system. The proposed method is applied on an IEEE 14-bus power system which is demonstrated through MATPOWER simulation tool. The results obtained indicate that DE is robust based on the facts that the voltage profile was kept within the acceptable limit. Installing UPFC in the optimal location determined by DE can significantly enhance the security of power system through improvement of bus voltage limit violations.
Parametric Design for Purged Submerged Arc Welding on Strength of Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Sailender Mamunuri , Reddy G Chandra Mohan , Venkatesh S
Published: February 2022

Low carbon steel is most widely used materials in the industry for moderate and service requirements. For strong and continuous weld, submerged arc welding (SAW) is widely used process in fabrication industry. It has inherent advantages like deep penetration, smooth bead, reliability and high quality. It is prominent with large number of process parameters, which act together in an intricate manner and subsequently influence the output performance. So, it is important to select process parameters for maintaining the required quality. In the present work, parametric optimization of main parameters, such as open circuit voltage (OCV), wire feed rate (WFR), welding speed (WS) and nozzle-to-plate distance (NPD) and thereby to study influences on the weldment strength. Experiments are conducted using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. The study is made through  conducting experiments in ‘purging with gas’ condition and compared with traditional ‘as weld’ experiments. The performance measure of control levels to select is made from S/N ratio. Through ANOVA, significance of the parameter and their contribution is calculated. The correlations between process parameters and performance outputs are established using Regression Analysis. Mathematical models are developed; checked for their adequacy using F-test and determined quantitatively, same presented graphically. These models are validated by confirmation tests and the predicted results are within the limits.
Rheological Properties of Selected Granites Form Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Authors: Alao David , Blaize Jubril
Published: February 2022

Abstract— Granites are sourced for construction aggregates viz, rock flour, crushed stones. They are also cut and polished for floor and wall tiles and other building accessories. Larger pieces of granites are used as surcharge materials to stabilize construction sites like petrol-filling station. In Nigeria, granites are sought for completion of road pavements and airport run ways. Varieties of granites having different textural characteristics and mineralogical composition are found on the Jos Plateau Nigeria. This paper presents data of engineering/rheological investigation of selected granites from Jos Plateau, The Jos-Bukuru and the Ropp complexes were studied and sampled between 2003 and 2006. Selected granite samples were cut with diamond studded saw blades into cubes (size 40mm x 40mm x 35mm). The cubes were subjected to imaxial/compression with the mechanized and computerized UTM machine model 50KN. The specimens were compressed to failure, marked by cracks/partings on the specimen surface(s) several rheological parameters viz, stress @ peak, load @ peak, strain @ peak and others were measured and recorded by another computer. The data collected are presented as tables and graphs in this report. The specimens exhibit data which show that they represent materials good for engineering construction and concrete aggregates. The granites may be classified by Deere and Miller criteria as high or very good for construction works.
A Two-Stage Method to Optimize The Milk-Run System
Authors: Aksoy Aslı , Öztürk Nursel
Published: February 2022

In this competitive manufacturing environment, material transportation is an important topic for researchers and practical applications.  This study presents a real life example of an automotive equipment manufacturer problem. The manufacturer has several depots to serve 54 milk-run suppliers and complained about the fluctuations of milk-run vehicles between work days and depots. The aim of this study is to develop a systematic approach to make milk-run system more stable for manufacturer. Therefore the systematic approach which consists of, the milk-run route optimization with mixed integer linear programming model, container loading heuristic to increase the utilization of milk-run vehicles and time interval assignment heuristic to avoid coincidence of milk-run vehicles at the depots, is suggested to get over existing problems of a manufacturer.
Server Consolidation Schemes in Cloud Computing Environment: A Review
Authors: Hosseini Shirvani Mirsaeid , Ghojoghi Aidan
Published: February 2022

Cloud computing is a new paradigm which deliver computing resources as utility. Datacenters as cloud infrastructure encounter with several issues such as power management for the sake of economic viewpoint. Researches show that high rate of power wastage in large scale datacenters is related to sprawl resource usage making low utilization. More recently, server consolidation techniques have been developed to maximize resource utilization in at least used number of physical servers. This technique is applied in virtualization environment which allows physical servers to host several operating systems and related applications. Server consolidation approach abstracts system under study into NP-hard bin-packing problem. Several works have been done in literature to solve server consolidation problem. This paper analyses the papers and compare them with parameters derived from research context. Commonalities and differences are argued. Then, open issues and challenges are concluded to work in future.
Multiobjective Optimization in Micromachining of Aluminum (Al 7075) using Taguchi Technique
Authors: Kathavate Vaibhav Sanjay , Adkine A.S.
Published: February 2022

In present scenario, the demand for precise micro components in the field of aerospace, mechanical, optics, electronics and biotechnology is increasing. This current work aims for optimization in micromilling of Al 7075 material using Taguchi robust technique. This work is carried out under three stages; experimental work, modelling and multiobjective optimization. Initially, micromilling experiments are carried out by constructing taguchi L9 orthogonal array keeping spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut as controlled process variables, while results are analyzed using MINITAB 15 software for the responses Metal removing rate and Surface roughness. Regression Model replicating MRR and Surface roughness is created. To optimize all responses, Taguchi signal to noise ratio is used. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is done and multiobjective optimization results are predicted. It was found that for the optimized conditions of MRR and surface roughness spindle speed should be kept 2600 rpm, feed rate 600 mm/min and depth of cut should be in the range of 0.07 mm. From ANOVA it can be anticipated that feed rate is the most influencing factor which contributes 65% followed by spindle speed 18% and depth of cut 10%. It can be said that metal removing rate is adversely affected by feed rate while surface roughness is influenced by spindle speed.
Speckle Reduction in SAR Images by Using Homogeneity NeighShrink
Authors: Bonny Sarungbam , Jina Chanu Yambem
Published: February 2022

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image suffers from severe artifacts caused by speckle noise which is multiplicative in nature. Some of the adaptive filters such as the Lee filter, the Frost filter and the Kuan filter are the well known speckle filters. These filters adapt the filter coefficients based on the pixels within a fixed moving window. Though it removes speckle noise well in the homogeneous regions, it leaves noise in the heterogeneous areas to preserve the edges and fine details or smoothes the edges to remove the noise in this area. In order to reduce the speckle noise with the preservation of edges, a new method based on wavelet analysis and adaptive mean filtering is proposed in this paper. A comparative study with other methods show that proposed method is better in preserving edges and fine details while reducing the speckle noise.
A Survey on Data Integrity Methods in Cloud Storage
Authors: G. Anil Kumar , Poornima A. S.
Published: February 2022

Cloud computing offers different kind of services to the end user, so that end user can store the data and access it on demand where ever they need it. Now days IT industries are outsourcing their data by storing it remotely in cloud for reducing the load on local storage there by reducing the hardware, software and maintenance cost. In spite of these benefits, the major problem with data storage is that there is no guarantee of data consistency and integrity, which has become a major hurdle for using the services offered by cloud. So this paper surveys existing schemes that proves data integrity and retrievability.
An Optimal Economic Dispatch Algorithm for Large Scale Power Systems with Cogeneration Units
Authors: Chiang Chao Lung
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes an optimal economic dispatch algorithm for large scale power systems with cogeneration units. A hybrid differential evolution with multiplier updating (HDE-MU) is introduced to solve the combined heat and power economic dispatch (CHPED) problems. The hybrid differential evolution (HDE) has the ability to efficiently search and actively explore solutions. Multiplier updating (MU) is introduced to avoid deforming the augmented Lagrange function (ALF), which is adopted to manage system constraints of the CHPED problem. The proposed HDE-MU integrates the HDE with the MU. A practical CHPED system with two cases of a basic case and a large case is employed to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has the better performance in comparison with the previous methods, and the proposed HDE-MUhas the effectiveness when applied to the large scale CHPED operation of power systems.
Software Power Measurement of ARM Processor Based Embedded System
Authors: Kulkarni V. A. , Udupi G. R.
Published: February 2022

Energy consumption is very crucial for battery powered Embedded Systems. In recent times, embedded system functionalities are increasing by many folds. But the battery technology is not advancing in the same pace. This necessitates the need to reduce energy consumption of battery powered embedded applications. The total energy of a typical embedded system is due to energy of software and hardware components. Once we know the total energy, we can estimate battery life accurately. Conversely, various measures can be taken to increase battery life. This paper presents measurement based approach to find energy cost associated with ARM instructions.
The Impact of Social Marketing on Public Behavior
Authors: Bach Christian , Alnajar Enas Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Abstract— Social marketing utilizes the traditional commercial marketing strategies to influence public behaviors effectively so as to bring about greater social/public good. While similar to commercial marketing, social marketing does not attempt to maximize profit or sales, rather the goal of social marketing campaigns is to change a behavior in the society which will benefit the overall public such as persuading people to use only efficient lighting so as to conserve energy or persuading more individuals to use seat belts. To this end, it is crucial for social marketers to ensure that they use effective marketing plans and strategies such as the 4 Ps of the marketing mix in combination with other factors such as policies and partnerships in order to make the social marketing program or campaign a success. To this end, this paper explored how social marketing can have a significant impact on public behavior if social marketing campaigns are deployed keeping in view traditional marketing strategies and plans.
Low Cost Arduino Based Voice Controlled Pick and Drop Service with Movable Robotic Arm
Authors: Mostaque Shaikh Khaled , Karmakar Bishal
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the designing and implementation of low cost Arduino based Robotic Arm with ability of picking and placing the object as instructed by human voice. The robot also contains a feature of detection of object by itself through sonar technique before proceeding voice commands. Such a system can be helpful in enabling users to do works in industry or mining applications without risking their lives and bringing more perfection. The user just has to own a Smartphone which is present in almost every ones hand and the robot. The voice instruction can be transmitted to robot via Bluetooth interface with Android Apps. Arduino Mega works as the brain that controls the arm and makes decision before grabbing any object.
Performance Analysis of Continuity Equation and Its Applications
Authors: Towhiduzzaman Md.
Published: February 2022

This study has been focused on the Continuity Equation and its applications. A continuity equation illustrates the conveyances of some quantity. Principally, it is uncomplicated as well as powerful when applied to a conserved quantity.  Contrarily, it can be generalized to apply to any extensive capacity. In this respect, firstly, it has been analyzed on the Basic Hydrodynamics and the Continuity Equations. It has also been demonstrated on the applications of Continuity Equation in which one can find out the different continuities for different areas of taps at different heights. Besides, there is a comparison also on the Theoretical Flow Rate and Experimental Flow Rate of fluid under the sluice gate by using Continuity Equation and Bernoulli Equation. So, it can be experimented here on the Theoretical Flow Rate and Experimental Flow Rate to make a good agreement on the subject matters.
A Study Report of New Product Development Effect On the Business Industry
Authors: Shalabi Faisal Khalid , Bach Christian
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is analyzing the impact of new product development among several critical areas such as, market, strategy and profitability. New product development plays significant role in the company’s successful level. This data study is valuable for all companies who are seeking to accomplish their best goal with the new product development principle. In addition, the data results show how the new product development affect directly on the support and control the innovation. The comprehensive data survey evaluated by other members who in relation with new product development in their work fields.
Least Squares Dummy Variable in Determination of Dynamic Panel Model Parameters
Authors: Okeke Joseph Uchenna , Okeke Evelyn Nkiruka
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the small sample performance of the Least Squares Dummy Variable (LSDV) estimator of the dynamic panel data models for period, T, greater than the cross sections, N and its large sample performance in the direction of T as N remains finite, and compares it with the performance of the instrumental variable- generalize method of moments (IV-GMM) estimators  using the properties of root mean squares error(RMSE) of the model , root mean squares error of the autoregressive term ? (RMSE?), the bias of  ? (bias?) and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) with the motive of ascertaining the usefulness of the LSDV estimator in determining the parameters of a dynamic panel model as T? and finite N, for which it is regarded as consistent.
Outline of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Parab Manasi Ramakant
Published: February 2022

This paper gives in depth knowledge of what happens in logistics and supply chain industry and how it works. The complete understanding of theory and work that is carried out in the supply chain process and the innovations made. The paper gives details about how transportation, time and raw material form the basic part of supply chain industry and its importance to carry out the process within decided time. The data focusses on the inventory, transportation details and timely delivery of the final product to the clients. This model is used to carry out the product delivery to the customers all over the world in good condition and in the stipulated time span. The topic gives a brief idea of how supply chain works and how the products are transferred to their respective destinations.
Brief Overview of E-commerce
Authors: Baviskar Shrikant Bhalchandra
Published: February 2022

The study focuses on the various aspects viz. strategy, trust, security and benefits which are interrelated with the e-commerce in different ways. These aspects elaborate how they can impact on the e-commerce business in the positive way or in the negative way. This topic is widely considered on the online platform where these factors play a vital role. The motivation to write this paper was coming from the growth in the internet users and the wide range of people preferring online purchase rather than going in shop. This paper will able to provide the knowledge in the e-commerce era.
Cloud Computing in Managing Big Data
Authors: Mungai Terry
Published: February 2022

As the world becomes technologically advanced, so has the collection and accumulation of big data. With this comes the perceived vision that cloud computing will become inevitable in the near future. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate ways and means of how Cloud Computing in Managing Big Data can be advantageous in storing, analyzing and extracting useful information. The outcome is seen to favorably impact sustainability of enterprises while at the same time facilitate executives with the ability to making predictive decisions in business models and improving customer satisfaction.
Industrial Design and Simulation of a JIT Material Handling System
Authors: Ezema Chukwuedozie Nnaemaka , Okafor Eric C. , Okezie Christiana C.
Published: February 2022

A JIT Material Handling System attempts to manufacture products from start to finish by rearranging the factory floor layout away from batch production toward a product layout using flow lines. One of the most accepted JIT production methods used in this work is known as the Kanban system. Kanbans are used to operate a pull system of material control that links all supplying operations to a final assembly line. The ultimate goal of this system is the conversion of raw materials at the Juhel Oral Drug Process plant into finished products with lead time equal to processing time. The flows in the manufacturing model include: the flow of materials, the flow of information, and the flow of cost. These flows create the value streams. Components of the value stream can be value-add or waste, depending on the operating conditions. The simulation model developed in this research work is based on the single-card pull system developed at the Drug Process Plant. This model consists of three blocks (workstations) where there is a buffer located between two workstations. In this model, the material moves according to the Kanban rule. If Kanbans arrive and the material is available, the workstation starts processing the material. This research demonstrates that the design of the JIT system can significantly affect key manufacturing performance measures. JIT implementation cannot provide significant benefits if setup time and variability remain high as well as if the company is not able to optimise the production facilities by product mix. Based on the result from this work, JIT is not based upon rigid concepts. Therefore, successful implementation depends largely on the company’s ability to identify problems, creativity and efforts. The application of single-card pull system coupled with the use of the trigger point results in simpler mechanisms for operating the system.
Violence Resisting Transforming Robot with Ability of Obstacle Detection
Authors: Karmakar Bishal
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the design; Mechanism and implementation of Automatic Law enforce Transforming Robot with the ability to resist violence automatically or manually as instructed by the operator. The robot also contains a specialty of detection of protesters by sonar technique before activating water thrower system. The robot consists of two hands and one of those is carrying water thrower system. Any kind of anti-violence devices can be added in these two hands. With this, any violence can be cool down or any internal attack can be turned down which eventually is hard and dangerous for law enforce officers. For its transforming structure, it can easily be transported, helpful to use in both mode and can be addressed as non-threatening design for public. Arduino Uno performs as the brain that controls the whole body structure.
Architectural Variety of Hospitals in Relation to Feedback Effects of Health-Care Centers on Human Emotions
Authors: Sami Sania , Daroudi Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2022

As one of requirements of human life is health and hygiene, so, some places should be forecasted for these affairs to being true. Hygiene and health will be divided to physical and mental branches which researchers states that if mental health is provided, physical health can be easily available and finally, human can easily take his course during treatment which obtain healthy life. It finally causes creating great works and massive movements in human life. One characteristics of a good medicinal center is easy and rapid access, so that patients can have access to these centers with minimum time.Doing studies and data collection and information evaluation is of the basics of designing and requires a full research design. The present study is to provide a comprehensive cognitive understanding of all those involved in architectural design for hospital building and patients. Besides, studying and collecting all available written and verbal references, principles and optimized guidelines of designing an efficient hospital were extracted in order to meet medicinal and psychological needs of patients.
Influence of Soil Properties and Composition, and Applied Hydraulic Pressures on Sample Quality of Pusan Clays
Authors: Konni Ganapathi Rao
Published: February 2022

Obtaining  good quality samples from soft marine clay deposits is a challenge and it is being seen that the sample disturbance is inevitable even though lot of research has suggested using more sophisticated samplers, sampling methods, and special care being taken while handling and transportation of the samples. Hence, author doubt that apart from the above, there could also be other parameters playing critical role on the sample quality. Therefore, in the current study, sampling tube geometry is maintained same, especially angle of cutting edge and area ratio which are found to be key influencing factors and hence its impact on the current study is ignored. In the current study in order to assess the other contributing factors behind the additional sample disturbance, a special attention is given to find out other possible parameters that could also influence the sample quality. As a result of this study, it is found that the soil properties such as; silt and sand content in the soil, clay fraction, hydraulic pressure applied to penetrate the sampler, rigidity index of the soil, initial void ratio, plasticity index, and unit weight of the soil also contribute to sample disturbance. Since these properties, except hydraulic pressure, are soil inherent properties, there is always a certain minimum degree of sample disturbance associated with these soil inherent properties depending on the magnitude of these parameters. Unfortunately, the soil properties cannot be changed and thus a minimum sample disturbance is inevitable.
Thermodynamic Evaluation of PTC based Organic Rankine Cycle for Power & Cooling
Authors: Gupta Devendra Kumar , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Naveen
Published: February 2022

The paper focuses on thermodynamic evaluation (first and second law) for PTC based organic Rankine cycle with single ejector (EORC) and organic Rankine cycle with double ejector (DEORC) using refrigerant R141b as working fluid and Therminol VP1 as heat transfer fluid. Thermal energy storage tanks are used to store the PTC heat, which provides the continuous net power output and cooling during insufficient solar radiation. The thermodynamic evaluation is carried out to evaluate the performance of PTC field based EORC & DEORC system which produces power and cooling simultaneously. Parametric analyses of EORC and DEORC show that inlet temperature and pressure of turbine at various extraction ratio has the significant effect on first & second law efficiency and cooling to power ratio of this system. It is also found that, annual average energy output of EORC and DEORC is 4710.57 MWh and 5104.97 MWh respectively while annual average exergy output of EORC and DEORC is 3893.86 MWh and 3436.27 MWh respectively.
Tide Height Calculation by Using the Nesting Surge Model
Authors: Towhiduzzaman Md.
Published: February 2022

In this study, a doubly nested tide-surge model was established for the coastal region of Bangladesh. This model can be applied in coastal Belt Tide Height Calculation. A uniform grid model is being converted to the region between 210 N to 230 N and 890 E to 900 E in a  grid resolution. The model equations were solved by semi-implicit finite difference technique. An appropriate tidal condition over the model domain could be generated in the sea level to be oscillatory. To the northeast corner, the Meghna River in Bangladesh discharge and rainfall distribution was taken into account. The results of Nesting Surge model are found to be a reasonable agreement with those observed data from Bangladesh inland water transport authority (BIWTA). So, the Tide Height Calculation is a significant matter here to be discussed.
Surface Electromyography Signal Collecting Strategy for Artificial Hand Controlling Purposes
Authors: Kadhim Abdul-Sahib N. , Abdul-Sattar Mohammed M. , Falah Hasan S.
Published: February 2022

Surface electromyography technique is presented for muscle activation detection and intuitive control of prostheses or robot arm. This research aims to develop a strategy for collecting EMG signal in order to be used as input control for an artificial hand. Methodology of this research composed of, collecting EMG signal using clinical device to choose the best position. Collect the signal using myoware muscle sensor depending on these positions locating above with determining the threshold value for each position. The test was done on a healthy female person and an amputee person, a number of three position were used by the clinical myotrace 400 each positon composed of four channels i, four channel location were chosen from the three position that were used by the myoware sensor on the forearm in addition to two locations on the ulna, while the amputee included only two locations on the ulna. The locations obtained from the myotrace targeting muscles ( extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorium sublimis, brachioradialis, flexor carpi ulnaris). The threshold values obtained were on a range of 150-320 that consider a non-sensitive. For the amputee the threshold values were the from 150-220  for both the healthy arm and the amputee arm which consider a weaker values.
Development of A Propagation Path Loss Prediction Model for Mobile Communication Networks Deployment in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Lasisi Hammed
Published: February 2022

Path loss, a major parameter in the analysis and design of the link budget of a telecommunication system, could be explained as the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave as it travels through space, over a distance. Path loss prediction models are therefore vital tools in cell planning, cell parameter estimation, frequency assignments and interference evaluation. This paper reports on the development of a path loss prediction model that describes the signal attenuation between transmitting and receiving antennas as a function of the propagation distance and other parameters for Osogbo, Nigeria. The model is extensively useful for conducting feasibility studies for signal prediction, coverage optimization and interference analysis during the initial phase of network planning in the study area and other areas with similar environmental and propagation characteristics.
Embedded Communication System in a Local Meteorological Station in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Odubanjo Oduwole Funmilade , Babatunde Peter , Aluko Tolulope Olaide , Jimoh Oluwaseyi Emmanuel , Adebayo Timileyin Philip
Published: February 2022

Effective communication among units of a system is very essential because it determines the reliability of such a system. A local meteorological station has a target of atmospheric data acquisition, processing and output hence it is an embedded system with different units. Embedded communication among these units was facilitated and made effective by ESP8266 microcontroller a 32-bit Tensilica L106 running at 80MHz system clock equipped with 802.11 IEEE standard Wi-Fi protocols such as TCP/IP stacks. Full duplex data communication was adopted between the Access point server (station mode) and the client mode. The ESP8266 (station) reads all the sensors attached to it identifies the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the clients before processing its request. The data transmission between the client and the server (station) is through HTTP application. Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) communication was implemented on the ESP8266 client sending the received data to the user computer. The computer uses RS232 logic while the ESP8266 uses TTL logic. USB/UART Bridge, FTD232 IC was adopted to connect ESP8266 with the output device (computer). The data received was viewed on the personal computer. These embedded communication routes and connections were adopted in a local meteorological station in Lagos.
Optimization of Stir Casting Process Parameters to Improve the Hardness Property of Al/RHA Matrix Composites
Authors: Durowoju Mondiu Olayinka , Agunsoye Johnson Olumuyiwa , Mudashiru Lateef Owolabi , Yekinni Adekunle Adetayo , Bello Solomon Kola , Rabiu Taiwo Olugbenga
Published: February 2022

The development of inexpensive materials reinforced metal matrix composites has become an important area of research interest in Material Science and its growing rapidly in various engineering fields. Therefore, the need for optimization becomes necessary in developing a composite material when different process parameters are to be used simultaneously. This is an efficient method to design a metal matrix composite with reliable and predictable mechanical properties which will be highly beneficial to the manufacturing industry. The application of trial and error method for the design of process parameters is found to be highly costly, time consuming and difficult to achieve desired products with optimum properties. In this study, composites of aluminium alloy reinforced with locally available inexpensive rice husk ash (RHA) was developed by stir casting method. In the manufacturing of the composites of Al/RHA, a three factor historical data (HD) model was used to design the experiment. The factors considered are weight fraction (5%, 10% and 15%), particle size (150 µm, 300 µm and 600 µm) and stirring time (10 mins, 20 mins and 30 mins) at stirring speed of 140 rpm, while hardness is the major response. Response surface methodology was used in this study to investigate the effect of the casting parameters for the performance of the Al/RHA composites. The Vickers hardness test was performed on the composite specimens. The hardness test revealed that the particle size, weight fraction and stirring time have their effect on the hardness of the composite. Highest hardness was obtained at 150 µm particle size, 15% weight fraction and stirring time of 30 mins. This study attempts to establish the trend between processing parameters with hardness of composite.
Assessment and Modeling of GSM Signal Propagation in Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Orike Sunny , Elechi Promise , Ekanem Iboro Asuquo
Published: February 2022

High quality of service is a paramount concern in wireless networks. One of the strategies in achieving optimal performance is to use wireless empirical models to predict wireless link quality factors such as path loss and the received power in any given transmission domain with irregular terrain. The primary goal of this study is to develop a radio wave propagation model for Uyo metropolis. An assessment was carried out in three major roads within the city of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, to determine the quality of GSM signal reception by measuring the signal field strength, magnetic field strength, and power density of the base transceiver stations. The measurements were carried out using radio frequency electromagnetic field strength meter over a distance of 2000 meters from the base stations. The results of the measurements were analysed and a path loss model was developed for Uyo using linear regression model. Three empirical models: Okumura-Hata model, COST-Hata model, and Egli model were also applied in predicting the path loss in Uyo and the results obtained were compared with the developed model for Uyo metropolis. The comparison showed that Route D model had a better comparison factor with the developed model while the Okumura-Hata and COST-Hata were almost the same with more loss as the distance increased. In all the measurements, the standard deviation was between 3.31 dB and 3.36 dB.
Gompertz Equation’s First and Second Derivatives for Kinetics Analysis of Batch Dark Fermentation on Bio-Hydrogen Production.
Authors: Barrera-Quintero Vladimir , Davila-Gomez Jose Angel , Rizo Acosta Pavel , Hernandez-Rojas Maria Elena , Baez-Pimiento Sandro
Published: February 2022

Based on results of different works carried out under the project of hydrogen and sustainable energies of the Department of Energy and the perspective shown by Bergues et al [6], concerning the presentation and interpretation of results obtained by Aleman [21], Sandoval and Yanez [10] and Morales and Argueta [22]; it is established a rigorous method for the analysis of the results obtained using as a model the Gompertz equation, and its first and second derivatives as indicators, that focuses on dark fermentation bio-hydrogen production, from the perspective of the conversion of the product –i.e., not of reagents–, for purposes of its maximization and operation control.
Analyzing the Turbulent Flow Characteristics by Utilizing k-? Turbulence Model.
Authors: Hossain Md. Safayet , Hossain Md. Ishtiaque , Pramanik Somit , Ahamed Dr. Jamal Uddin
Published: February 2022

This study attempts to illustrate the behavior of a fully developed turbulent flow by using k-? turbulence model. A two dimensional smooth bend channel is adopted for this experiment and water was chosen as working fluid. The Reynolds number was gradually increased to predict the diversity in turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), turbulent dissipation rate, turbulent intensity and eddy viscosity. Primarily the flow has been solved by employing three distinct k-? turbulence models namely, Standard, Renormalization-group (RNG) and Realizable model. After experimenting with ten different sample (from 74E03 to 298E03) of Reynolds numbers, each of these analyses explicitly showed that Standard k-? model gives much higher value of any aforementioned turbulent properties with respect to other two equation turbulence models. Later it’s been discovered that TKE obtained from Standard k-? model is almost same as Realizable k-? model (for Re=298E03, the difference is about 1.8%). It has been observed that the skin friction coefficient at the bend region obtained from different two equation models (Standard, Realizable and RNG k-? model and Standard k-? model) are almost similar to each other for each sample of Reynolds number. Quadrilateral elements were taken into consideration for grid generation in this analysis. Also, to decrease cost and to achieve further accuracy as well as reduced time consumption mapped faced meshing was utilized.
Inverse Square Law for Light and Radiation: A Unifying Educational Approach
Authors: Voudoukis Nikolaos , Oikonomidis Sarantos
Published: February 2022

Many concepts in the physics curricula can be explained by the inverse square law.  Point-like sources of gravitational forces, electric fields, light, sound and radiation obey the inverse square law. This geometrical law gives the ability of unifying educational approach of various cognitive subjects in all the educational levels.   During the last years we have been using engaging hands-on activities to help our students in order to understand the cohesion in Nature and to export conclusions from experimental data. The development of critical thinking is also stimulated by student‘s experimental activities. Teaching students to think critically is perhaps the most important and difficult thing we do as science teachers. In this paper three activities are described, which were executed by students. These activities are concerning the electromagnetic radiation and the main goal is to confirm the inverse square law. We used three activities entitled as: “Inverse square law-Light”, “Photometer construction” and “Radioactive source”.The significant motive for this work constituted the following question: “Is it possible to find lab activities which bring out unification and a non-piecemeal description of physical phenomena, helping students to think critically?”.
Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of Rock Mass using Back Analysis Methods and Comparison of Results with Empirical Methods
Authors: Bakhtiyari Ehsan , Almasi Ali , Cheshomi Akbar , Hassanpour Jafar
Published: February 2022

In this study, using the collected data from 4 slope failures in one of the central mines of Iran, the shear strength parameters of jointed and crushed rock masses using back analysis method are calculated and its results are compared with the values obtained from the empirical methods.  In this regard, firstly, the identification of failures is investigated and then geometrical and geological engineering parameters of slopes are collected and recorded by field survey. At this stage, using the Hoek-Brown criterion, shear strength parameters of the rock mass are estimated. Then, using appropriate software for slope stability analysis (limit equilibrium method software: SLIDE and numerical method software: FLAC), and assuming that safety factor is one, the shear strength parameters for sliding surfaces are determined. Finally, the results obtained from this analysis are compared with the results of the empirical methods and then suggestions are made to modify the input data of empirical method
Assessment of the Mechanical Properties of Some Selected Sandcrete Hollow Blocks in Kogi State
Authors: Quadri Ajibola Ibrahim , Ijesoh Lawrence Irobekhian
Published: February 2022

The current wave of the collapse of building structure all over Nigeria necessitates the need to carry out research on the mechanical properties of sandcrete hollow blocks. This study looks into the quality of blocks produced by block industries in Kogi state, Nigeria to ascertain its water absorption ratio, compressive strength and sieve analysis. In order to clarify these problems, the study is directed towards testing the strength properties of commercially produced sandcrete blocks; to verify whether the sandcrete block can be improved to achieve good quality in the building industries.  A Total of five block industries were visited and twenty samples were picked at random from each of the selected block industry and also, soil samples obtained for soil tests in the laboratory. The analysis of results obtained was compared with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS). The average water absorption rate of the sandcrete blocks for block industry D was found to be 12.5% higher than the 12% maximum requirement of the [9]. The average compressive strength values of the sandcrete blocks range between 0.64N/mm2 and 0.87N/mm2 which when compared with standard, was found to be below the minimum requirement of the [9]. Inadequate mix ratio was observed to be one of the factors of poor quality sandcrete block production in this area. The study recommends compliance monitoring by the various regulatory body to ensure good quality of sandcrete block production.
Logit Model of High Blood Pressure
Authors: Okeke Evelyn Nkiruka , Okeke Joseph Uchenna
Published: February 2022

This paper is focused on the logit model of high blood pressure. We discussed logit model in detail and applied it to a real life data of high blood and normal blood pressure of 126 individuals. The analysis generated a model for finding the probability of having high blood pressure and revealed that heartbeat rate followed by weight and then age are factors affecting high blood pressure with a concordant percentage of 95.4.
Factors to Determine Business Intelligence Implementation in Organizations
Authors: Moreno Saavedra Michael Smith , Bach Christian
Published: February 2022

In this study, we deploy review centric research of User Satisfaction, Cost Reducing, and Time Optimization impacting decision making on whether to implement Business Intelligence in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review to examine the association between Business Intelligence and these three different factors. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the user’s satisfaction, cost reducing, and time optimization implications in order to choose Business Intelligence as a business tool. A comprehensive literature review of business intelligence created a theoretical foundation for this paper. Using the grounded theory, a model was developed and evaluated based on how User Satisfaction, Cost Reducing and Time Optimization impacts managerial decision-making using Business Intelligence. Using data from JSTOR and Academic Search Premier databases a new model is presented to encapsulate the highly dynamic interaction of user satisfaction, cost reducing, and time optimization with business intelligence to provide elements to consider the implementation of BI in a firm. This model highlights three key aspects that administrators consider in order to determine the possibility of taking Business Intelligence as an instrument in their daily duties. The theoretical model is limited to three factors only, which could be extended in future studies on this topic. Moreover, this model has been discussed using a theoretical perspective whereas practical contributions has been given less attention. This study provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of business intelligence to efficiently and flexibly help companies make the right decisions in real time, grasp business opportunities, and gain competitive advantage.
Analysis of Wind Effect on High-Rise Building for Different Terrain Category
Authors: Okafor Chinedum Vincent , Okolie Kevin Chucks , Cyril Mbanusi Echefuna , Okafor Chinenye Pamela
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzed the effect of wind loadings on high-rise building for different terrain categories. The wind speed and design wind pressure for the different terrain categories adopted for this study were calculated as per logarithmic wind profile equation and BS6399-2:1997 respectively. Also, the nodal displacement of a 3D high-rise building model with reference to the calculated design wind loads were performed using finite element analysis software(STADDPROV8I). From the result obtained, it was shown that Terrain category IV when compared to other terrain categories recorded lower wind speed and pressure from the ground to a height of about 10m. The writers also observed that at greater terrain category(TC4), the wind speed and pressure tends to be much higher at the top floors(10m-48m) of the high-rise building whereas, terrain categories (TC3, TC2, TC1) recorded lower wind speed and pressure at that same height(10m-48m). this disparity however was discovered to be due to a phenomenon known as gust effect. Also, the nodal displacement for the different terrain category (TC4, TC3, TC2 and TC1) on each floor of the high-rise building increased uniformly in respective pattern as the height of the 3D model increases.  In conclusion, the authors therefore remark “the greater the terrain category, the lowest is the wind speed in the roughness sub layer and the longer height it takes to reach gradient wind speed”.
Production and Characterization of Amorphous Aluminum-Copper Alloy for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Adetunji Olayide R. , Olukuade Muyiwa L. , Simka Wojciech , Sowa Maciej , Adesusi Olanrewaju Moses , Okediran Iliyas K.
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this research is to produce and characterize amorphous Aluminium copper (Cu) alloy for high strength applications. High grade of both Aluminium and copper ingots were charged to a ceramic mould and put in an electric furnace in the ratio of 13:1 of Al and Cu respectively. The furnace temperature was set at 1300oC and after melting, ingot casting was done using plastic mould with sprayed water to achieve rapid cooling. An amorphous metal or glassy structure was produced from the ingot by super cooling through preheating the cast rod to 600oC and rapid cooled by water quenching. The glassy alloy rods and Al control sample were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), tensile and impact toughness characterizations. The results showed SEM images of the Al-Cu alloy and pure Al samples. The ultimate tensile strengths for Al-Cu and Al samples were 399 and 330 kg/m2 respectively. Similarly, the impact strengths obtained were 27.3 and 26.4 J. It can be concluded that glassy phase Al-Cu alloy was produced with high ultimate tensile strength and impact toughness. The amorphous alloy produced is a good structural material for aerospace applications.
Influence of Chemically Synthesized Electro-Conductive Additive in the Positive Electrode on Electrochemical Performance of the Lead-Acid Batteries
Authors: Murali Gadipudi , Kosaraju Sreenivas , KSN Murthy , Mandava Jagadish
Published: February 2022

The basic objective of the present work is to study the effect of chemically synthesized polyaniline (PANI) as an electronically conductive additive on the positive active material properties and its influence on the performance, functional characteristics of lead-acid battery has been studied. The mechanisms contributing to the formation of both lead dioxide and additional conductive nanostructured cross-linking channels by the introduction of this additive is described. The structure and morphology of pure PANI and respective electrode samples have been studied using XRD (X-ray diffractometer) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images.