bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of Grease Dispensation for Heavy-duty Mining Excavators
Authors: Simons Anthony , Wireko Richard , Addy Cyrus
Published: February 2022

This work deals with improvement of the control of lubricant dispensation for automatic centralized lubrication system on heavy-duty mining excavators. The method adopted toachieve this includes analysis of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the existing system. Subsequently, modifications were made on the system. Mechanical and electrical components were selected to control dispensation of lubricant whilst electronic components were selected to interact via communicating electrical signal to electrical components. Grease manifold block and current regulating solenoid valve were selected to work with a grease control module that communicates with a motion logic control module through a control area network connected to excavator joystick and pedal. Lubricant savings of 60.80 cm3/min (0.0608 litres/min) which amounts to annual savings of $ 62,102.09 per annum, can be made with the proposed modification in a typical mining excavator.
Influence of the Drop Volume and Applied Magnetic Field on the Wetting Features of Water-based Ferrofluids
Authors: Suciu Barenten
Published: February 2022

In this work, the influence of the drop volume and applied magnetic field on the wetting features of water-based ferrofluids, is experimentally investigated. Firstly, water drops with volume in the range of 0.1–100 micro-liters are placed, by using micro-pipettes, on bare and coated acrylic plates, to gain reference data concerning the contact angle. Then, drops of water-based ferrofluid, with the volume ranging from 1 to 10 micro-liters, are set on bare acrylic plates, which are placed into the uniform magnetic field created, in normal direction to the plate, by using permanent magnets. Since the ferrofluid drops are elongated along the magnetic field, the contact angle increases at augmentation of the magnetic flux. Besides, when a critical magnetic flux is exceeded, ferrofluid drop loose contact with the plate and jumps towards the magnet. A heuristic equation to predict the fluctuation of the liquid surface tension versus the drop volume, and also versus the ratio of the applied magnetic field energy to the kinetic energy of the magnetic particles dispersed into the water-based ferrofluid, is suggested.
Sudanese Oil Field Production Performance by Nodal Analysis Technique
Authors: Elbrir Fatima A.
Published: February 2022

The study has evaluated production performance of oil well by using nodal analysis for entire production system. The goal of this study is to analysis one of the Sudanese oil field using nodal analysis and to review the field completion strategy for the respective field. The study starts by collecting the data from oil Company and takes the X Field as case study. The X field consist of 18 well and four of them were selected for theanalysis namely X NW-1, X NW-2, X NW-3 and X NW-4. Operating pressure for each well are 2409, 2455, 2550 and 2420 psia, and operating flow rate are 3925.4, 1110.4, 2255.7, and 1387.2 STB/D respectively. Wellfl modeling used for this task, which permits the production optimization of oil well using the concept of nodal analysis.

Several sensitivity analyses were conducted in order to get the production forecast. If assumed thatthe depletion in the pressure occur within 1 year, the pressure reduced to 2000 and 1000psia for each well; as can be seen, the production reduced rapidly inXNW-2 and XNW-4. However, 1000psia the production becomes zero for the four wells.
InPAs Alloys Use for Electrical Engineering in Hard-radiation Environment
Authors: Khutsishvili Elza , Kekelidze Nodar , Qamushadze Tengiz , Chubinashvili Zurab , Kobulashvili Nana , Kekelidze Georgy
Published: February 2022

Effective functioning of electronics in high- radiation environment requires developing of novel semiconductor systems with radiation-tolerant properties. In given work, in search of semiconductor materials with immunity to radiation, investigations have been focused on InPxAs1-x alloys. Investigating of electrical and optical characteristics and physical processes, flowing in heavily irradiated InPxAs1-x alloys under high fluences of high-energy electrons and fast neutrons, let us create new generation of radiation-resistant semiconductor materials for electrical engineering application in hard-radiation environment.
Enhanced Fusion Mechanisms Towards Synthesizing Superheavy Elements
Authors: Bolivar Nelson Enrique , Vasilev Ivaylo T.
Published: February 2022

In nature all of the heavy elements are produced by nuclear fusion reactions, mostly in supernova explosions and neutron star collisions, so, this is to date the only known and proven mechanism to produce heavy elements in usable quantities. In this work we approach a difficult challenge, namely, the possibility of fusion of heavy elements, taking as a test case the heaviest observationally stable element - ²³?U, showing that it is feasible, at least in principle with the help of existing technologies. The main idea behind is to show that fusion of lighter - than z=184 - nuclei is conceptually viable examining the tunnel effect assisted by an auxiliary field that will produce a Sauter like effect, and this is the pathway to explore the synthesis of elements higher than z=118. The production of theoretical untested elements like Unoctquadium-184 or close Z species could open a new chapter in the physics of super-heavy elements, and leads to a deeper understanding of nuclear decay channels and stability conditions. Nuclear fusion of heavy elements will open the breach to produce neutron rich elements, so we may obtain a deep insight into the physics of the island of stability. This work will review basic aspects of fusion physics related to the assisted fusion mechanism. An enhanced fusion perspective is found generalizing the work of [1] to space dependent fields and the cases of ²H, ¹??Pd and ²³?U are presented for several test fields. A final section reviewing laser confinement fusion actual experiments capable of achieving the required energies is also reported.
Evaluation of Diethyl Ether (DEE) as a Renewable Transport Fuel in Sudan
Authors: Karar Mohamed Yagoub Alkhalil , Mustafa Hamid M. , Hago Eltjani EL.
Published: February 2022

This study was conducted to investigate physicochemical properties, copper corrosion test and test the diesel engine performance of diethyl ether diesel blend fuel. With aid of distillation characteristic, the blends percentage were selected as DEE5%, DEE10, DEE15 and DEE20%. Stabinger Viscometer apparatus was used to determine the Kinematic viscosities, Digital Density Analyzer was used to determine the densities. ASTM D 4737 – 03 Test Method are used to determined calculated Cetane index. Copper strip corrosion device was used to determine corrosiveness of copper from diesel and DEE diesel blends. A single cylinder, four stroke diesel engines, mounted on a moving frame was used to conduct the engine test. From the study result we found that that blends physicochemical properties improved with diethyl ether ratio increased in the blends. While Cetane Index increased with diethyl ether ratio increased. At the higher load, the best result of Break thermal efficiency found at DEE10%, where at the low load, the best mechanical efficiency found at DEE5%, DEE15% and DEE20 and at the higher load, the best mechanical efficiency found at DEE20%, on other hand at the low load, the best specific fuel consumption found at DEE15%, While at the higher load the best specific fuel consumption found at DEE10%. Due to availability of diethyl ether in Sudan, diethyl ether can be used up to 10% in diesel blend with no further changed in diesel engine design, and this can be contributed to overcome the diesel fuel crisis in Sudan, but further information and studies are needed for diethyl ether transportation and blending facilities, beside study the effect the addition of diethyl ether on diesel price.
Recent Advances in Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering of Carbon Dioxide for Combustion Diagnostic. (Article Review)
Authors: Misoi Henry , Tanui Josephat , Wanjiru Patrick
Published: February 2022

The rising climatic degradation due to the emission of greenhouse gases is leading to emergence of clean combustion technology, oxy-fuel combustion to minimize the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in combustion. Nitrogen molecules are used as probe molecule in laser-based combustion diagnostic in nitrogen rich air combustion. However, with the introduction of oxy-fuel combustion, carbon dioxide becomes the dominant molecule and has to be considered as probe molecule in combustion diagnostic. A detailed knowledge about thermodynamic properties: temperature, pressure and species concentration are necessary in optimization of combustion and minimizing the emission into the atmosphere. The non-intrusive spectroscopic measurement techniques are the most accurate methods to determine the combustion properties. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the recent advances made in application of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering of carbon dioxide for development of models for thermometry. However, there is no sufficient empirical data of time-domain S-branch Raman linewidth dependence on temperature that has been determined for pure-rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering of carbon dioxide and its mixtures for development of models for thermometry.
Physico-Mechanical Properties of Plaster of Paris (Gypsum Plaster) Reinforced with Paper Pulp
Authors: Ngaaje Ngwe Nnoko
Published: February 2022

The study was carried out on the physico-mechanical properties of plaster of Paris (Gypsum plaster) reinforced with paper pulp in order to improve the weight of plaster paste and to obtain materials of lighter weight that solve problems such as poor flexural strength, and crack propagation. To do this experiment, the considerable basis of a standard of 2 kg of plaster of Paris was taken as the test sample. Gradually plaster of Paris was substituted with paper pulp paste in a water basin in proportions K0, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5 and K6 representing the different percentages of 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% of mixture respectively. After the above observations, the following parameters on fresh and hardened samples were tested: the start time of reaction, and end time of hardening, consistency, the flexural and compressive strength, shrinkage, and apparent density. At the end of these tests, it was determined that, the incorporation of small amounts of paper pulp (2 kg samples) into the plaster paste improves its flexural properties. But from k0 to k6, properties related to bending and compression began to gradually fall which is a consequence of the augmentation of the amount of paper paste in the plaster paste. The presence of paper pulp in the plaster of Paris paste increases the time of hardening of the plaster cement from one proportion to another, reduces the workability of the mixed paste, significantly solves the problem of removal, the apparent density drops when waste paper paste is increased in the mixed plaster.

Because of its light weight, low density, its acceptable Mechanical properties, these new materials are recommended for exploitation in the manufacturing of popular lightweight construction finishing like panels for ceiling or walls, staff works and other applications.
Target Tracking Using Reinforcement Learning and Neural Networks
Authors: Koroveshi Jezuina , Ktona Ana
Published: February 2022

Target tracking is a process that may find applications in different domains such as video surveillance, robot navigation and human computer interaction. In this work we have considered the problem of tracking a moving object in a multi agent environment. The environment is a rectangular space bounded by walls. The first agent is the target and it moves randomly in the space. The second agent should follow the target, keeping as close as possible without crashing with it. It uses sensors to detect the position of the target. The sensor readings give the distance and the angle from the target. We use reinforcement learning to train the tracker to detect any change in the movement of the target and stay within a certain range from it. Reinforcement learning is a form of machine learning in which the agent learns by interacting with the environment. By doing so, for each action taken, the agent receives a reward from the environment, which is used to determine positive or negative behaviour. The goal of the agent is to maximise the total reward received during the interaction. This form of machine learning has applications in different areas, such as: game solving with the most known game being AlphaGO; robotics, for design of hard-to engineer behaviours; traffic light control, personalized recommendations, etc. The sensor readings may have continuous values, making a very large state space. We approximate the value function using neural networks and use different reward functions for learning the best policy.
Comparative Performance of the ARIMA, ARIMAX and SES Model for Estimating Reported Cases of Diabetes Mellitus in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Obi C. V. , Okoli C. N.
Published: February 2022

This study examined the performance of the ARIMA, ARIMAX and the Single Exponential Smoothing (SES) model for the estimation of diabetes cases in Anambra State with the following specific objectives: to fit the model to the data, to determine the best fit model for estimating diabetes mellitus cases and forecast for expected cases for period of five years. The secondary data used for the study is sourced from records of Anambra state Ministry of Health. The Akaike information criterion is adopted for assessing the performance of the models. The R-software is employed for the analysis of data. The results obtained showed that the data satisfied normality and stationarity requirements. The finding of the study showed that ARIMA model has least value of AIC of 1177.92, following the ARIMAX model with value of AIC=1542.25 and SEM recorded highest value of 1595.67. The findings further revealed that the ARIMA has the least values across the measures of accuracy. More so, five years predictions of the cases of diabetes mellitus were obtained using the models under study. From the results of the findings, ARIMA model proved to be best alternative for estimating reported cases of diabetes mellitus in Anambra state. Based on the findings, we recommend there is need for medical practitioners /health planners to create awareness and inform patients about the possible related risk factors of death through early diagnosis and intervention.
Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) with Different Application: A Systematic Mapping
Authors: Khan Sarah
Published: February 2022

It is very essential to develop the design and structure of Real time operating system (RTOS) exclusively if we are using this for some special tenders. There any researches believed that (RTOS) are conventional approach to designing devices (RTOS) are used to facilitate to implement different criteria and projects such as time to constrained products, the clustering, the fire alarm system, the wireless sensors powered by renewable energy sensors powered, the stability integrated modular Avionics (IMA) and the alternative programs. In this research, several publications have investigated to perceive the performance of RTOS. These study emphases on a review of RTOS in different criteria and projects to evaluate their performance on different Oss and computing platforms. In this publication data is collected comprehensively factors. In this paper, statistics and results helped in implementation of a more engrossed technique towards the implementation and improvement of RTOS. This paper, highest RTOS are clustering and performance for all applications, white alternate programs measured as least important.
Strengthening Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders and Building Beams with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets
Authors: Hussein Herish A. , Razzaq Zia
Published: February 2022

The effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) retrofitting and concrete type on the flexural strength of prestressed concrete I-section girders used in bridges and beams in buildings is investigated. Non-linear moment-curvature relationships are predicted using an iterative algorithm for both non-retrofitted and CFRP-retrofitted prestressed concrete girder and beam cross-sections with various concrete types. Two different CFRP-retrofitting schemes are analyzed for comparing their effectiveness. It is found that although non-retrofitted beam section exhibits greater ductility, the use of CFRP retrofitting in both tension and compression regions simultaneously results in a significant increase in flexural strength. It is also found that the higher the ultimate concrete strength, the higher is the influence of CFRP-retrofitting on increasing flexural strength.
Thermal Analysis of the Effects of Multifaceted Conditions on Performance of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Oni Taiwo O. , Ojo Ayotunde A. , Uguru-Okorie Daniel C. , Akindele David O.
Published: February 2022

A shell-and-tube heat exchanger which was subjected to different flow configurations, viz. counter flow, and parallel flow, was investigated. Each of the flow configurations was operated under two different conditions of the shell, that is, an uninsulated shell and a shell insulated with fiber glass. The hot water inlet temperature of the tube was reduced gradually from 60 oC to 40 oC, and performance evaluation of the heat exchanger was carried out. It was found that for the uninsulated shell, the heat transfer effectiveness for hot water inlet temperature of 60, 55, 50, 45, and 40 oC are 0.243, 0.244, 0.240, 0.240, and 0.247, respectively, for the parallel flow arrangement. For the counter flow arrangement, the heat transfer effectiveness for the uninsulated shell are 2.40, 2.74, 5.00, 4.17, and 2.70%, respectively, higher than those for the parallel flow. The heat exchanger’s heat transfer effectiveness with fiber-glass-insulated shell for the parallel flow condition with tube hot water inlet temperatures of 60, 55, 50, 45, and 40 oC are 0.223, 0.226, 0.220, 0.225, and 0.227, respectively, whereas the counter flow condition has its heat transfer effectiveness increased by 1.28, 1.47, 1.82, 1.11, and 1.18%, respectively, over those of the parallel flow.
Effect of the Addition of Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash on the Compaction Properties of a Granular Material Type Hydraulic Base
Authors: Landa-Ruiz Laura , Márquez-Montero Sabino , Santiago-Hurtado Griselda , Moreno-Landeros Victor , Mendoza-Rangel José Manuel , Baltazar-Zamora Miguel Angel
Published: February 2022

In the present investigation 8 soil samples were studied, with additions of 5 and 7% of addition of sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), Portland Cement (PC) and combinations of these in different proportions. The characterization and classification of the study soil was carried out, determining the Natural Humidity, Granulometric Curve, Consistency Limits, soil classification according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and AASHTO compaction. The results show that the use of the SCBA is viable to significantly improve the physical properties of the granular soil type Hydraulic Base, The partial substitution of SCBA for PC according to the results can be considered that it would contribute to more durable and therefore economical roads. In addition to contributing to the reduction in cement consumption, which would imply a decrease in the release of CO2 into the atmosphere due to the manufacture of Portland Cement.
Problems in Electric Systems Caused by Harmonics and Solution Proposals
Authors: Metin Kemal , Ceylan Huseyin , Demirkesen Ertugrul , Canatan Kadir , Hizli Mikail
Published: February 2022

Together with globalization, factories, companies and even countries can survive by competing with their rivals. Nowadays, technological superiority is one of the most important factors determining competitive power. This situation causes the result of rapid change and development of technology. Due to improvement in technology, humanity dependence on electricity is increasing day by day. Many new devices get in our lives, and both the continuity and quality of electricity comes across as an important issue. Different researches are carried out to make the energy more qualified and efficient. In terms of the stability of the used electrical devices, it is important to keep the harmonic amount in electrical energy under a certain value. Besides this, these unwanted harmonics cause additional energy losses in the energy system and negatively affect energy efficiency, which is an economically important problem. In this exercise, the problems in electrical systems, the damages in electrical devices caused by harmonics have been researched and various solution suggestions have been developed for this problem.
The Choke as a Brainbox for Smart Wellhead Control
Authors: Okafor Stanley I. , Amadi Azubuike H. , Abegunde Mobolaji A. , Ajienka Joseph A.
Published: February 2022

This project uses production data to generate well-specific correlations for GLR, BSW and sand concentration which are used for predictions. A software has been developed to effect a smart control algorithm. This results in a bean up or bean down operation depending on the current flowing conditions and constraints. Excel programming environment was used to write a code that constantly takes in measured data points, models the behavior of the individual data sets with bean size and controls the choke if the parameters of interest go above a predetermined cut-off. The software was also equipped with an inverse matrix solving algorithm that enables it to determine the choke performance constants for any set of initialization data. A set of data from field X were supplied and the choke performance constants; A, B, C, D and E, were found to be 10, 0.546, 0.0, 1.89 and 1.0 respectively. In addition to that, data from subsequent production operations were entered and the software was able to control the choke size to ensure that production stays below set constraints of 500, 80 and 10 in field units for GLR, BSW and sand concentration respectively. From this, it can be concluded that the software can effectively maintain the production of unwanted well effluents below their cut-offs, thereby improving oil production and the overall Net Profit Value (NPV) of a project.
Comparative Cleaning Stages in Recovery of Copper and Cobalt from Tailings using Potassium Amylxanthate as Collector
Authors: Muanda Meschack Mukunga , Omalanga Pele Pascal Daniel , Mitonga Vanessa Mwambaie
Published: February 2022

Copper and cobalt demand is projected to be increased from here to 2050 and the challenge is to find treat economically minerals which contains those metals. Several tailings from oxide ores throughout the word contain good grades of copper and cobalt that should be recovered by froth flotation. This paper investigates the recovery of copper and cobalt through reprocessing of spiral classifier tailings by determination of specific reagents dosage. The flotation behaviours of malachite and heterogenite were studied through many roughing and cleaning flotation tests in order to recovery most of copper and cobalt. The effect of specific reagents was be varied and others parameters were kept constant. The highest recoveries of both copper and cobalt in rougher concentrate were respectively 82.51% and 72.51% with grades of 12.52% and 0.99% respectively. However, the cleaner concentrate was 24.54 Cu% and 1.38% Co with recoveries of 69.26 % and 40.7% respectively. It was concluded that the reprocessing of spiral classifier tailings through froth flotation is benefit because it recovers most of desired metal and reduces the risk of their presence on environment through.
Rational Analysis of Thimi White Clay Deposits of Bhaktapur District, Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh , Dhakal Madhusudan , Duwal Nirjan , Adhikari Narendra M. , Joshi Susan
Published: February 2022

Clay deposits become one of the natural mineral sources used abundantly as cost-effective raw materials for various industrial productions in recent years that use depend mainly on their quantification done by rational analysis. The rational analysis is a reliable and optimization method for the quantitative determination of all mineralogical components and structural formulae of the clay minerals that furnishes all their properties. However, no work reports the aspect of the quantitative analysis of the clay minerals deposited in Nepal. Considering the facts, the present work targeted to carry out the rational analysis of a bulk (BC), fine (FC), and HCl-activated Thimi white clay (FCHCl) sample specimens to explore its potential uses in all industrial sectors, based on their chemical and mineralogical analysis data. Vermiculite, K-mica minerals with feldspars and quartz as assessors confirmed qualitatively in the Thimi white clay sample specimens, and their quantification of all the mineralogical components and their ionic structural formulae successfully estimated at present. The quantitative amounts of the iron-bearing vermiculite and K-mica minerals are increased with decreases of the quartz and Na-mica in the fine clay particles compared to the bulk clay sample. Acid-activated fine clay particles would apply as a suitable raw material for the quality production of white-wares on an industrial scale.
Reducing Uncertainties in Hydrocarbon Volumetric Estimation: A Case Study of Fuba Field, Onshore Niger Delta
Authors: Fubara Franklin , Ajah Nnamdi J. , Igweajah Jude U. , Yinka Olayinka , Abdulsalam Abdulmaliq , Mogaba Paul
Published: February 2022

Reducing uncertainties to the barest minimum before reserve estimation aids in making a better decision regarding field development. This study analyses uncertainty in hydrocarbon reserve estimation in Fuba Field using both scenario-based deterministic and stochastic methods. Two hydrocarbon reservoirs (A and I) were selected and mapped. Depth structure maps revealed fault supported collapsed crestal closures for both reservoirs. Uncertainty analysis was conducted using low case (P90), base case (P50), and the high case (P50) reservoir properties. On average, porosity, NTG and Sw are 31%, 89%, 10%, and 24%, 84%, 23% for A and I reservoirs. Hydrocarbon volumes recorded for the high case, base case, and low case using a deterministic versus stochastic approach are 30.52 MMSTB, 12.46 MMSTB, 4.57 MMSTB, and 18.52 MMSTB, 13.59 MMSTB, and 9.40 MMSTB for reservoir A, 58.87 MMSTB, 10.94 MMSTB, 1.51 MMSTB, and 25.56 MMSTB, 14.59 MMSTB and 7.63 MMSTB for reservoir I. While the base case was similar for both methods (stochastic and deterministic), there is a huge difference in the low and high-case hydrocarbon volumes recorded in both methods. This change could be attributed to the reservoir bulk volume with (>85%) with little contribution from oil saturation and porosity. Cross plot analysis confirms that bulk volume is the main control of the estimated stock tank original oil in place (STOIIP). Hence, a slight alteration in bulk volume will significantly affect the estimated STOIIP. It is recommended that bulk volume be given most attention when conducting reservoir simulation as this will increase simulation time, reduce simulation cost, and provide more accurate simulation results.
Non-Combustion ?He Powered Propulsion
Authors: Bolivar Nelson Enrique , Vasilev Ivaylo T.
Published: February 2022

One of the biggest hurdles nowadays rocket propulsion is the large use of fuel. The amount of fuel and the burning efficiency defines how long the rocket engine can work which intimately limits the range and the load capacity of the rockets and spaceships. This according to the Newton third law is unavoidable - in order to move forward you need to leave something behind. There have been several attempts in the past to create an engine which doesn't use fuel in the common sense, like the M drive, but so far all of them were unsuccessful. In this article we attempt to explore a novel principle, a recycling cycle of fuel, by optimizing parametrically a system that uses ?He phase transition.
Application of Augmented Water Flooding Using Ultrasound Energy to Improve Oil Recovery
Authors: Hassan U. , Adamu M. B. , Bukar I. , Muhammad M. A.
Published: February 2022

The application of ultrasound energy in improving oil recovery is an emerging technique, it has been tested in laboratories and some field applications in different parts of the world. In this study, Nigerian crude oil of 4.21 cSt viscosity and sandstone rock samples were tested using a designed and constructed experimental rig. The rig is an analogue of a standard core flooding set up and works on the principle of fluid flow in porous media. Furthermore, a modeled equation was developed to better understand the effects of power and time on the volume of oil recovered at a constant ultrasound frequency.  Results obtained show a positive impact in the recovery of residual oil during waterflooding with the assisted ultrasound energy. About 2-fold increase in the recovery of oil was observed when the ultrasound energy was applied to augment the waterflooding process. Model equations developed were found to be adequate because the adjusted and predicted R-squared values show reasonable agreement (R-adjusted = 0.9993, R-Predicted = 0.9974).
Development of a YAMUGAG-20 Wireless Exploder for Safe Disposal of Military and Civil Explosives
Authors: Na'inna A. M. , Yakubu M. B. , Mohammed A. , Uzuazor P. A. , Abdullahi A. Y. , Goje U. H. , Audu A. , Gana I. N.
Published: February 2022

YAMUGAG-20 Exploder is a Radio Frequency (RF)-based wireless exploder system designed and constructed specially for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to overcome the challenges associated with the existing wired exploders used for the disposal of unserviceable ordnances. The Exploder system has three main parts namely, the master transmitter unit, the master receiver/slave transmitter unit, and the slave receiver unit. Each of these units is made up of transceiver module, microcomputer and power source. The microcomputers were programmed using C and C++ programming language of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software. The exploder is portable and easy to operate. For a typical demolition exercise, the operation of the exploder is such that signals are relayed from the master transmitter unit to the master receiver/slave transmitter unit onto the slave receiver unit to initiate an electric detonator leading to the detonation of the unserviceable ordnances. Functionality, range, power consumption, and system reliability tests were conducted on the exploder to establish its performance and efficiency. The results obtained from the tests indicated that the exploder transmitting at a frequency of 2.4GHz performed satisfactorily up to a range of 1000 meters. Therefore, the exploder has the potential of not only meeting the demolition demands of the NAF but can also be applied for other nonmilitary purposes like mining and related activities.
Investigation of the Ultraviolet Irradiation on Blend Films of PS/PCL
Authors: De Moraes Segundo João de Deus Pereira , De Moraes Maria Oneide Silva , Levy Catarina Barbosa , Brito Walter Ricardo
Published: February 2022

In this work, an investigation was carried out on the effect of ultraviolet light on different films. Polystyrene (PS), poly (caprolactone) (PCL), and blended films of PS/PCL were produced. Ethyl acetate (AE) was used as a solvent, and PS and PCL solutions were prepared by dissolving 250 mg in 2.5mL of AE under mechanical stirring at room temperature. The blended solutions of PS/PCL (PS:PCL) were prepared with different mass proportions, such as 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 into 2.5 mL of EA. The solutions were dripped with 500 µL on a glass substrate, and the films were produced with mechanical rotation of N=2000 RPM for 15 seconds using a Spin coater. The films were submitted to ultraviolet light for t=60 minutes and morphologically analyzed by optical microscopy, chemically by IR spectroscopy, and superficially by contact angle and wettability; this last analysis also investigated the effect of ultraviolet light at t=0, t=30, and t=60 minutes. The exposure of ultraviolet light on the films affected its morphologies. IR spectra showed that the photodegradation increased for larger PCL amounts into the blend. The contact angle measurements showed that after exposure to ultraviolet light, the hydrophobicity of the films increased. Therefore, the presence of PCL in the polymer mixture promoted the photodegradation of the PS/PCL films, making it attractive for developing new packaging.
Comparative Evaluation of Probability Distribution Models of Flood flow in Lower Niger Basin
Authors: Ologhadien Itolima
Published: February 2022

The choice of optimum probability distribution model that would accurately simulate flood discharges at a particular location or region has remained a challenging problem to water resources engineers. In practice, several probability distributions are evaluated, and the optimum distribution is then used to establish the quantile - probability relationship for planning, design and management of water resources systems, risk assessment in flood plains and flood insurance. This paper presents the evaluation of five probability distributions models: Gumbel (EV1), 2-parameter lognormal (LN2), log pearson type III (LP3), Pearson type III(PR3), and Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) using the method of moments (MoM) for parameter estimation and annual maximum series of five hydrological stations in the lower Niger River Basin in Nigeria. The choice of optimum probability distribution model was made on five statistical goodness – of – fit measures; modified index of agreement (Dmod), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), Nash – Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Percent bias (PBIAS), ratio of RMSE and standard deviation of the measurement (RSR), and probability plot correlation coefficient (PPCC). The results show that GEV is the optimum distribution in 3 stations, and LP3 in 2 stations. On the overall GEV is the best – fit distribution, seconded by PR3 and thirdly, LP3. Furthermore, GEV simulated discharges were in closest agreement with the observed flood discharges. It is recommended that GEV, PR3 and LP3 should be considered in the final selection of optimum probability distribution model in Nigeria.
Prediction of Fracture Pressure in Niger Delta Deep Offshore
Authors: Ajayi Kehinde E. , Amadi Azubuike H. , Ola Victor D. , Obonin Raphael E. , Achara Nnaemeka
Published: February 2022

During drilling operations, it is essential to keep the wellbore pressure within the maximum value of the fracture pressure and minimum value of the pore pressure of the formation. To handle this challenge, the fracture pressure of the formation must be known as it is significant to determining the mud window design. This study developed a correlation that could predict the formation fracture pressure in the Niger Delta deep offshore field. Two different fields were considered for this model named Field 1 and 2. From these fields, fracture pressure data were gotten from 21 wells during leak off test (LOT) at different casing shoe depths. While carrying-out the analysis of data, assumptions were made that the formations throughout the Niger Delta basin obeys the principle of horizontality. Also, that the fracture pressure at same depth is uniform with the pressure at other location in the Delta. Scatter plot was used as the tool for the data analysis. A line of best fit was drawn to arrive at the correlation. This correlation has an R2 coefficient values of 0.9969. In conclusion, the correlation gotten from this study for predicting fracture pressure has shown to align with some data sets from the Niger Delta fields with very little variation. This can be used for planning of further drilling operations in the Niger Delta to make it easier, faster and more economical.
Extraction from Oily Sludge of Paraffinic Hydrocarbons with Gasoline as Solvent
Authors: Ze Bilo’o P. , Ngassoum M. B.
Published: February 2022

From hazardous wastes produced in Petroleum Refineries, the most generated in large quantities is oily sludge. The use of gasoline for the extraction and characterization of paraffinic hydrocarbons from oily sludge was realized. The experimental design was applied to realize the extraction while the gas chromatographic method helped in the characterization of the paraffinic hydrocarbons. The results of extraction and characterization showed that the Ratio Solvent/Sludge has positive effect while Temperature and Contact time have negative effects on the effectiveness of the extraction process. 14825 ppm is the highest concentration obtained through experimental conditions of Contact time = 30 min, Temperature = 40°C, and Ratio = 6:1. 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane (Pristane) is the compound having the highest concentration (2373 ppm) followed by 2-Methylhexadecane with a concentration of 848 ppm.
A GIS-based Assessment of the Vulnerability to Potential Pollution of the Alluvial Aquifer of Aousja-Ghar El Melh (North-East of Tunisia) Using the Parametric Method DRASTIC
Authors: Ouerghi Sarra
Published: February 2022

The phreatic aquifer of Aousja-Ghar El Melh (governorate of Bizerta, northeast of Tunisia), has a great economic weight as it is tightly linked to irrigation and domestic consumption. The aquifer area is found mostly in agricultural zones where more and more chemical fertilizers are being used. Such chemical fertilizers, alongside industrial zones discharges appearing for the last 25 years, put at risk ground waters quality. The DRASTIC method has been applied to study the extent to which the aquifer has been affected by generic pollutants. This method hinges on GIS techniques. The result suggests a map with evidence for three degrees of vulnerability: low, moderate, and high. Evidence shows the predominance of moderate vulnerability in most of Aousja-Ghar El Melh aquifer, which occupies an area of 45%. Low and high groundwater vulnerability occupy 28% and 27% of the total surface of the studied area, respectively.
Quantification and Analysis of Uncertainties in Parameters of Rotors Supported by Bearings
Authors: Da Costa Caio C. O. , Da Costa Cesar
Published: February 2022

Rotating unbalance is one of the most important critical parameters that causes operational failures of rotating machinery. The uneven distribution of mass on the structure of the rotors creates heavy spots, which must be eliminated to avoid generating excessive stress on the rotor bearings. The main objective of this work is to perform the uncertainty analysis on rotating machine systems supported with rolling bearings. A computational procedure is implemented to achieve this objective that can qualitatively represent the main behaviors and parameters of rotating machines. Further, methods of uncertainty quantification are applied to verify the behavior of the system given the probability density functions of the input parameters. One of the most commonly used methods is the Monte Carlo method, which requires thousands of simulations to produce accurate results. This method is used to obtain means and standard deviations of the system responses, given the means and standard deviations of the inputs. In our work, Monte Carlo simulation has been successfully used as a reference stochastic solver to evaluating the variability of the dynamic responses.
A Developed Sensor for Color Identification, Sorting and Counting Automation Control System
Authors: Yu Hong , Pyankov Alex , Perla Marcus
Published: February 2022

Knowing how to manipulate the data from environment to automation control systems in industry can innovate and improve a quality of the products effectively. In plastic manufacturing, there is a need of automated control system that can recognize color and sort, count and sequentially control processing since the certain quantity of color billets mix into a batch in order to produce desired colorful products. In this paper, a color recognition sensor based on the principle of LEDs energy harvest corresponding actuator has been designed. The derivational voltage due to red, green and blue color shift in color recognition, sorting and counting automation control system is measured as a signal input of the controller that works with the reflected light properties such as the reflective harmonic energy. Sequentially, the automation control system with human machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) will monitor the quantity of diversity color products in intuitive and remote supervisory, customization or adjustments in automation processing. Furthermore, the designed device will integrate into artificial intelligent (AI) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Properties of Anti-spalling Self-compacting Mortars - An Approach Towards Multifunctional Building Composite
Authors: Khan Sher Baz , Tahir Hamza
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the micro structural studies of self-compacting mortars by the addition of PP, Nylon and Jute fibers and the amount of Gypsum formed. The amount of all fibers in the proposed mix was limited to 0.5% by weight of the mortar. Four types of mortars one of which was reference mortar and other three mortars contained PP, Nylon and Jute fibers of amount 0.5% by weight, respectively. The workability of the self-compacting mortars was monitored by Mini Slump Flow diameter test. From the results it was found that more compacted microstructure and less amount of Gypsum formation occurred for mortar samples containing PP fibers as compared to control mortar and mortar samples containing Nylon and Jute fibers respectively.
Sounding Rocket Preliminary Design
Authors: Zosimovych Nickolay
Published: February 2022

This article aims at studying sounding rocket (SR) class, or those vehicles launched from the earth and carrying out various experiments at high altitudes. After the end of their mission, rockets should deliver a payload to a given point or to give range.
In general, design tasks are divided into direct and inverse ones. This paper focuses on direct designing tasks. In this respect, the set values are maximum range, payload mass and restrictions on the sounding rocket construction. As a result, a SR general design technique is proposed. This technique includes selection of the SR initial parameters, the number of stages, the relative weights of the fuel components, the specific thrust of the engines for each stage and the initial transverse load on the SR.  After selecting the fuel composition, engine design features and rocket as an object, the starting mass can be represented as a complex mathematical function. Moreover, predetermined maximum range, rocket payload, selected fuel components, structural design, materials, design parameters allow for a definite SR weight determination. Finally, overall and power characteristics of the SR are proposed within this technique. Such characteristics are accepted as design parameters.
Comparative Analysis of Microwave and Electric Arc as a New Method in Weed Control
Authors: Sahin Hasan
Published: February 2022

The increase in the demand for organic production and the adverse effects of chemicals used in agriculture have brought non-chemical weed control methods to the fore. Among these methods, the most studied ones are microwave and electric arc methods. It has been determined in studies that microwaves and electric current, when applied at the correct power level and for sufficient time, biologically inactivate weeds, all kinds of unwanted plants and seeds. In this study, the mortality rates caused by microwave energy and electric current (arc) methods in some plants applied under laboratory conditions were compared. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of microwave and electric arc methods depends on the selected current, voltage, power level and exposure time. It is thought that the electric arc method is easier and more economical in terms of application in the field than the microwave method. Another purpose of this study is to remind agricultural policy makers and decision makers of the importance of alternative weed control methods and to ensure that they make policies in this direction.
Enhancing OEE as a Key Metric of TPM Approach-A Practical Analysis in Garments Industries
Authors: Uddin Md. Mahraj , Sakaline Golam , Khan Mohammad Muhshin Aziz
Published: February 2022

Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector has been the biggest earner of foreign currency for Bangladesh since the last few decades. Garments industries have been playing a major role in redefining the infrastructure and economy as well. Todays’ world of competition brings both opportunities and challenges in this sector. Productivity, efficiency of these industries can be achieved through implementation of perfect maintenance strategy and design. This paper aims to enhance the existing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) for the pitfall areas in the plant. After examining the current loophole, the research focused on improving OEE factors by adopting a hybridized Total Maintenance (TPM) scheme. To achieve a better outcome, the company agreed to implement the recommended plan appropriately. The OEE has been upgraded from about 57% to 69% due to the proper management and execution of the proposed TPM model. The result has provided an indication of maintaining sustainability to achieve the world class benchmark and founded a solid basis to implement the exploratory TPM model in the plant
Numerical Modeling of a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Test
Authors: Aljohani Ahmad R. , Othman Ramzi , Almitani Khalid H.
Published: February 2022

In this work, a one-dimensional simplified model was developed to predict stress, strain, and strain-rate in high strain rates Hopkinson pressure bar experiments, namely, between 500-5000/s. To this goal, a one-dimensional model for Hokinson bar tests was developed based on analyses of wave propagation in bars and assuming the specimen is under equilibrium during the test. The numerical tool implemented using Matlab and validated regarding experimental data. This new model will be very helpful in designing the specimens for split Hopkinson bar tests and also in the interpretation of the experimental raw data.
A Review of Cloud-Based Malware Detection System: Opportunities, Advances and Challenges
Authors: Aslan Ömer , Ozkan-Okay Merve , Gupta Deepti
Published: February 2022

Cloud computing has an important role in all aspects of storing information and providing services online. It brings several advantages over traditional storing and sharing schema such as an easy access, on-request storage, scalability and decreasing cost. Using its rapidly developing technologies can bring many advantages to the protection of Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) from a variety of cyber-attacks, where IoT, CPS provides facilities to humans in their daily lives. Since malicious software (malware) is increasing exponentially and there is no well-known approach to detecting malware, the usage of cloud environments to detect malware can be a promising method. A new generation of malware is using advanced obfuscation and packing techniques to escape from detection systems. This situation makes almost impossible to detect complex malware by using a traditional detection approach. The paper presents an extensive review of cloud-based malware detection approach and provides a vision to understand the benefit of cloud for protection of IoT, CPS from cyber-attack. This research explains advantages and disadvantages of cloud environments in detecting malware and also proposes a cloud-based malware detection framework, which uses a hybrid approach to detect malware.