bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student use of a quantum simulation and visualization tool
Authors: Zaman Ahmed Shaeema , Weidner Carrie A , Jensen Jesper H M , Sherson Jacob F , Lewandowski H J
Published: September 2022

Knowledge of quantum mechanical systems is becoming more important for many science and engineering students who are looking to join the emerging quantum workforce. To better prepare a wide range of students for these careers, we must seek to develop new tools to enhance our education in quantum topics. We present initial studies on the use of one of these such tools, Quantum Composer, a 1D quantum simulation and visualization tool developed for education and research purposes. In particular, we conducted five think-aloud interviews with students who worked through an exercise using Quantum Composer that focused on the statics and dynamics of quantum states in a single harmonic well system. Our results show that Quantum Composer helps students to obtain the correct answers to the questions posed, but additional support is needed to facilitate the development of student reasoning behind these answers. We also show that students are able to focus only on the relevant features of Quantum Composer to achieve the task.
Overdamped and underdamped Langevin equations in the interpretation of experiments and simulations
Authors: Tóthová Jana , Lisý Vladimír
Published: September 2022

The Brownian motion (BM) is not only a natural phenomenon but also a fundamental concept in several scientific fields. The mathematical description of the BM for students of various disciplines is most often based on Langevin’s equation with the Stokes friction force and the random force modeling Brownian particle (BP) collisions with surrounding molecules. For many phenomena, such a description is insufficient, as it assumes an infinitesimal correlation time of random force. This shortcoming is overcome by the generalized Langevin equation (GLE), which is now one of the most widely used equations in physics. In the present work, we offer a simple way of solving this equation, consisting of its transformation into an integro-differential equation for the mean square displacement of the BP, which is then effectively solved using the Laplace transform (LT). We demonstrate the use of this method to solve both the standard Langevin equation and the GLE for the BP in an external harmonic field. We analyze the cases of overdamped (when frictional forces prevail over inertial forces and the BP mass is considered zero in the equation) and underdamped (inertial effects are not neglected) equations. We show under what conditions an overdamped solution can be used instead of complicated solutions of the underdamped equation. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of the LT on a microscopic approach to the derivation of the GLE. Graduate students are offered several problems in which the internal shortcomings of the overdamped Langevin equations manifest themselves.
Prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of the polarization of light
Authors: Aykutlu Işıl , Ensari Ömer , Bayrak Celal
Published: September 2022

It is seen that the polarization of light, which has a wide applications in daily life and modern techniques, is not understood. A detailed investigation of prospective teachers’ conceptual understandings and misconceptions on the polarization of light can be a guide for both teaching the subject and revealing students’ conceptual understanding of electromagnetic waves. This study aims to determine prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. Using qualitative research methods, it was realised with the participation of 20 prospective teachers. Participants were asked five open-ended questions to determine their conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. These open-ended questions include polarization explanations and drawings. After first coding, eleven of them were interviewed. Findings indicate that participants have incorrect or insufficient conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. Participants’ explanations and drawings showed that prospective teachers thought of polarization as losing magnetic field, propagating in a single direction, and collecting beams of light. Based on the results obtained in the study, it is believed that prospective teachers’ conceptual difficulties about the polarization of light stem from not having completely understood the electromagnetic structure of light and the function of polaroids. Based on the results, explaining the limitations of each light model, using three-dimensional simulations, and inquiry-based teaching are suggested.
Energy partitioning in N2 microwave discharges: integrated Fokker–Planck approach to vibrational kinetics and comparison with experiments
Authors: Altin M , Viegas P , Vialetto L , van de Steeg A W , Longo S , van Rooij G J , Diomede P
Published: September 2022

This work investigates energy transfers between electrons, vibrational and translational degrees of freedom and their effect on dissociation mechanisms in a N2 microwave plasma in the pressure range between 50 and 400 mbar. A novel self-consistent 0D plasma chemistry model describing vibrational kinetics via the vibrational energy equation and the Fokker–Planck approach is developed. It is used to simulate conditions achieved experimentally, providing good agreement with measured values of vibrational and gas temperature and electron density. Above 100 mbar, energy efficiency of dissociation increases with power density, due to the significant contribution of collisions between vibrationally excited N2 and electronically excited molecules. Energy transfer to vibrations is maximum at low power density and low pressure due to reduced gas heating.
Bending of optical solitonic beams modeled by coupled KMN equation
Authors: Mukherjee Abhik
Published: September 2022

The dynamics of (2 + 1) dimensional optical solitonic beams modeled by coupled Kundu Mukherjee Naskar (KMN) equation are discussed by deriving one bright and one dark soliton solution. The arbitrary bending of solitonic beams of this coupled system has been described by exact curved soliton solutions having an arbitrary function. Such exact analytical results on the bending of solitonic pulse in a bimodal optical fiber system may pave new research directions in this field.
Micromagnetic study of magnetization reversal in inhomogeneous permanent magnets
Authors: Yang Zhi , Chen Yuanyuan , Liu Weiqiang , Li Yuqing , Cong Liying , Wu Qiong , Zhang Hongguo , Lu Qingmei , Zhang Dongtao , Yue Ming
Published: September 2022

Macroscopic magnetic properties of magnets strongly depend on the magnetization process and the microstructure of the magnets. Complex materials such as hard-soft exchange-coupled magnets or just real technical materials with impurities and inhomogeneities exhibit complex magnetization behavior. Here we investigate the effects of size, volume fraction, and surroundings of inhomogeneities on the magnetic properties of an inhomogeneous magnetic material via micromagnetic simulations. The underlying magnetization reversal and coercivity mechanisms are revealed. Three different demagnetization characteristics corresponding to the exchange coupling phase, semi-coupled phase, and decoupled phase are found, depending on the size of inhomogeneities. In addition, the increase in the size of inhomogeneities leads to a transition of the coercivity mechanism from nucleation to pinning. This work could be useful for optimizing the magnetic properties of both exchange-coupled nanomagnets and inhomogeneous single-phase magnets.
Positon and hybrid solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg–de Vries equations
Authors: Yuan Feng , Ghanbari Behzad
Published: September 2022

Solving nonlinear partial differential equations have attracted intensive attention in the past few decades. In this paper, the Darboux transformation method is used to derive several positon and hybrid solutions for the (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg–de Vries equations. Based on the zero seed solution, the positon solution and the hybrid solutions of positon and soliton are constructed. The composition of positons is studied, showing that multi-positons of (2+1)-dimensional equations are decomposed into multi-solitons as well as the (1+1)-dimensions. Moreover, the interactions between positon and soliton are analyzed. In addition, the hybrid solutions of b-positon and breather are obtained using the plane wave seed solution, and their evolutions with time are discussed.
Deep inelastic scattering with proton target in the presence of gluon condensation using holography*
Authors: Tahery Sara , Wang Xiaopeng , Chen Xurong
Published: September 2022

We study the deep inelastic scattering (DIS) of a proton-targeted lepton in the presence of gluon condensation using gauge/gravity duality. We use a modified

background where the modification parameter c corresponds to the gluon condensation in the boundary theory. First, by examining the electromagnetic field, we establish that a non-zero c can increase field magnitude. Our aim is to obtain the acceptable value of c for this scattering. Our method is based on setting the mass of the proton as an eigenvalue of the baryonic state equations of the DIS to find the acceptable value of the parameter c on the other side of the equations. Therefore, in the second step, we calculate wave function equations for the baryonic states where the mass of the proton target requires a value contribution of c as

. Proceeding with the electromagnetic field and baryonic states, we derive the holographic interaction action related to the amplitude of the scattering. Finally, we compute the corresponding structure functions numerically as functions of x and q, which are Björken variables and the lepton momentum transfers, respectively. Comparing the Jlab Hall C data with our theoretical calculations, our results are acceptable.
HT Lyn and IR Lyn: Two Semi-detached-type Near-contact Binaries with Stable Orbital Period
Authors: Meng Zi-Bin , Wang Hong-Wei , Yu Yun-Xia , Hu Ke , Xiang Fu-Yuan
Published: September 2022

We presented the first photometric and orbital period investigations for two near-contact binaries: HT Lyn and IR Lyn. The light-curves solutions derived from both our ground-based and various surveys’ observations suggested that HT Lyn and IR Lyn are two semi-detached-type near-contact binaries with the secondary and primary components filling the Roche lobe. Combining the eclipse timings derived from several surveys’ data and our observations with those reported in the literature, we modified the orbital periods and revealed that their orbital periods were stable for the last two decades. The absolute physical parameters were well determined by using the empirical relations and the Gaia-distance-based method. Similar to other near-contact binaries, the primary components of HT Lyn and IR Lyn are evolving at the main-sequence stage, while their less-massive secondary components show the over-sized and over-luminosity features and should be more evolved than their primary ones. Combining the stable orbital period with the semi-detached configurations, we infer that the two near-contact binaries may be just located in the critical phase and evolving from the current semi-detached phase to the detached or contact one.
Energy loss of α-particle in the non-equilibrium plasma of deuterium mixed with lithium
Authors: Fu Zhen-Guo , Gao Jing-Li , Mo Chongjie , Liu Hao , Wang Zhigang , Wang Cong , Kang Wei , Zhang Ping
Published: September 2022

The stopping power of compressed and highly ionized deuterium (D) plasma mixed with lithium (Li), in which the electron and ion temperatures are non-equilibrium (i.e.,

T

e

≠

T

i

), to the injected α-particles is studied. Wide ranges of temperature (0.5–10 keV) and density (1–500 g cm−3) of D–Li mixing plasmas are considered. The numerical results show that, in the temperature equilibrium state, the change ratio of stopping power (denoted by η) increases positively with the increase of the fraction of Li (denoted by x
Li). However, in some non-equilibrium dense plasma states, η may increase negatively with the increase of x
Li. The corresponding nonlinear response of η to x
Li may become more (less) remarkable if

T

i

>

T

e

(

T

i

<

T

e

)

, which suggests that the collective excitation in the stopping power of D–Li mixing plasmas in which

T

i

>

T

e

(

T

i

<

T

e

) will be enhanced (suppressed) due to the non-equilibrium temperature effect. As a result, the change ratio of deposition depth of α-particles (denoted by χ) for the non-equilibrium case of

T

e

>

T

i

rather than

T

i

>

T

e

seems to be closer to that of equilibrium cases. Furthermore, our results show that more than 60% of energy of injected α-particles is deposited into the electron species, and the energy deposited into the electron component (E
e/E
0) is a monotonic decay function of x
Li. In addition, relative to the equilibrium results, we find that E
e/E
0 will slightly increase (decrease) when

T

i

>

T

e

(

T

e

>

T

i

). The findings and analysis in this work indicate that the non-equilibrium implosion with

T

e

>

T

i

may be more controllable than that with

T

i

>

T

e

, which may be useful for the advanced development of fusion propulsion systems, in which DLi is a potential fuel option.
Exploring the advantages of using artificial agents to investigate animacy perception in cats and dogs
Authors: Abdai Judit , Uccheddu Stefania , Gácsi Márta , Miklósi Ádám
Published: September 2022

Self-propelled motion cues elicit the perception of inanimate objects as animate. Studies usually rely on the looking behaviour of subjects towards stimuli displayed on a screen, but utilizing artificial unidentified moving objects (UMOs) provides a more natural, interactive context. Here, we investigated whether cats and dogs discriminate between UMOs showing animate vs inanimate motion, and how they react to the UMOs’ interactive behaviour. Subjects first observed, in turn, the motion of an animate and an inanimate UMO, and then they could move freely for 2 min while both UMOs were present (two-way choice phase). In the following specific motion phase, the animate UMO showed one of three interactive behaviours: pushing a ball, a luring motion, or moving towards the subject (between-subject design). Then, subjects could move freely for 2 min again while the UMO was motionless. At the end, subjects were free to move in the room while the UMO was moving semi-randomly in the room. We found that dogs approached and touched the UMO(s) sooner and more frequently than cats, regardless of the context. In the two-way choice phase, dogs looked at the animate UMO more often, and both species touched the animate UMO more frequently. However, whether the UMO showed playing, luring or assertive behaviour did not influence subjects’ behaviour. In summary, both species displayed distinctive behaviour towards the animate UMO, but in dogs, in addition to the physical contact this was also reflected by the looking behaviour. Overall, dogs were more keen to explore and interact with the UMO than cats, which might be due to the general increased stress of cats in novel environments. The findings indicate the importance of measuring multiple behaviours when assessing responses to animacy. The live demonstration using artificial agents provides a unique opportunity to study social perception in nonhuman species.
Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev model with an extra diagonal perturbation: phase transition in the eigenvalue spectrum
Authors: Wu Shuang
Published: September 2022

We study the SYK model with an extra constant source, i̇.e. a constant matrix or equivalently a diagonal matrix with only one non-zero entry λ
1. By using methods from analytic combinatorics (Flajolet and Sedgewick 2009 Analytic Combinatorics (Cambridge University Press)), we find exact expressions for the moments of this model. We further prove that the spectrum of this model can have a gap when

λ

1

>

λ

1

c

, thus exhibiting a phase transition in λ
1. In this case, a single isolated eigenvalue splits off from SYK’s eigenvalues distribution. We located this single eigenvalue by analyzing the singular behavior of a supercritical functional composition scheme. In certain limit our results recover the ones of random matrices with non-zero mean entries.
The Use of Rice Husk as Soilless Medium to Grow Capsicum Chinense: Effect of Biochar and Irrigation
Authors: Raphael O. D. , Aniobi M. M. , Aremu C. O.
Published: September 2022

This study experimentally investigates the potential of using amended substrate as a planting medium component to improve rice husk and saw dust used in producingCapsicum chinensecrop. The biochar is produced from a locally fabricate plyrosis kiln, this is then incorporated into rice husk and substrate at 30% and 50% (vol.) respectively to grow (Capsicum chinense), in black buckets. The responses of plant growth to the percentage of biochar in substrate mixtures are different across the line of treatment. TheCapsicum chinense, were grown in amended substrate (A-30% biochar, b-rice husk (Ab) and B-50% biochar, b-rice husk (Bb)) with different treatment level of I60, I80, I100and I120. The I100Bb and I120Ab treatment recorded the highest value of plant height, which is 21.9 cm for the both of them. The amended substrate Bb produced a widest momentous stem diameter in all the treatment levels than in substrate Ab with a value of 1 cm. In addition, broader leaf area index was observed in the amended substrate Ab than in Bb. Biochar application also enhanced plant height, stem diameter, plant fresh, weights and yield components of pepper plant. Moreover, biochar application improved the efficiency of irrigation water usage. Therefore, biochar amendment could be an effective option to improve substrate media, which affects plants.
Structural Evaluation for Groundwater Within the Crystalline Basement of Ilorin, Nigeria, Using Multisensory Data Techniques
Authors: Fatoye Oluwaseun Victoria , Olasehinde David Ayodeji , Olatunji John Adebisi , Olasehinde Olufemi Dapo , Abioye Oluwaseyi M. , Olasehinde Peter Ibikunle
Published: September 2022

Within the hard rock terrains, stream channels are suspected to be controlled by fractures and joints. In the same light, the topographic lineaments and the lineaments observed from the aeromagnetic anomalies are expected to reflect the structural trends within the complex. This study has therefore adopted multi-data sets results first on a regional scale to depict the structural fabric of Ilorin Sheet 223 and then at the chosen location of the University of Ilorin Main Campus, which is made up of the Basement Complex rocks. From the remote sensing map of Ilorin Sheet 223 structural trends have been divided into two: the NE-SW and the NW-SE structural trends. The aeromagnetic anomalies divide the rocks types into metamorphic (low-to-medium magnetic intensity) and igneous (high magnetic intensity) rocks. The resistivity data interpretation reveals the weathered basement at the University of Ilorin ranges from 5m to 20m. The radial sounding results reveal the structural trend to be NW-SE and NE-SW with the interconnection of joints. The radial sounding shows the rock type in the University of Ilorin Campus to be quartzitic, clayey and igneous as judged from the near hexagonal and elongated shapes of the polygons. The results reveal a good agreement between the trends of fractures derived from the radial vertical electrical sounding and that from the lineament maps. Areas with low bedrock resistivity, thick overburden, presence of two or more interconnected fractures, and high co-efficient of anisotropy indicate intense fracturing and thus, indicate areas of high groundwater potentiality and good water quality.
Use of Nicotiana Tabacum, Jatropha Curcas, and Ficus Exasperata for Treatment of Pus-Producing Bacteria
Authors: Nwinyi Obinna C. , Olawumi Damilola E. , Oziegbe Olubukola
Published: September 2022

The knowledge of orthodox medicine on the medicinal effects of plant extracts has continued to be a major booster to our modern healthcare delivery for over 80% of the world’s population, especially in the developing world. In this study, we examined the leaf extracts activities of Nicotiana tabacum, Jatropha curcas, and Ficus exasperate on common pus – producing bacteria that occur during secondary infection of open wounds. The initial plant extracts were extracted using methanol via the cold extraction method. The obtained extracts were fractionated via solvent –solvent extraction in the following solvents ethyl acetate, hexane, and distilled water. Preliminary studies carried out revealed that only Nicotiana tabacum was effective at inducing inhibitions on the selected clinical isolates, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The antimicrobial assay of the chosen plant was done by agar well diffusion method using 20.0 mg/ml and 40.0 mg/ml concentrations of the selected plant extract. The selected concentrations (40.0 mg/ml and 20.0 mg/ml) exhibited different degrees of zones of inhibition. The mean zones of inhibition ranged between ca. 6.0 −14.5 mm. From the obtained result, Streptococcus species were the most inhibited. In addition, the Nicotiana tabacum ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant inhibitory effect when compared to other fractions such as hexane and aqueous fractions. Thus it is evident that ethyl acetate might be the best choice for extracting the bioactive components from tobacco.
Core-shell Architecture Strategy of Improving the Electrochemical Performance of the Li-rich Layered Oxides: A Review
Authors: Ajayi Samuel O. , Ajanaku Kolawole O.
Published: September 2022

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) serves as power supply for suitable electronics and stationary electrical systems (storage) as a result of their outstanding combination of extraordinary densities (power and energy). The cathode constitutes an integral part of LIBs and its property determines the performance of the battery. The layered lithium-rich oxide (LLO) is unique and favourable cathode materials for LIBs as a result of its high capacity compared to conventional cathode materials such as LiNiO2etc. However, they demonstrate several performance limitations such as low first cycle efficiency and poor cycling stability thus, limiting their practical applications. Therefore, this review discussed a core-shell architecture strategy of enhancing the electrochemical performance of the LLOs materials for LIBs.
A Brief Review on Emerging Indoor Chemical Pollutants
Authors: Anake Winifred U. , Nnamani Esther A.
Published: September 2022

Recently, there has been increased concern about emerging pollutants (EPs). Many EPs can be found in consumer products and are regarded as primary indoor contaminants. This review paper focuses on the overview of some emerging indoor chemical pollutants, their negative health effects, appropriate sampling methods, drawbacks associated with them, and the analytical techniques used. Some of the challenges identified during this review included the ease of access to affordable sampling equipment and analytical instruments. More sensitive and cost-effective sampling and analytical equipment should be made available to allow for continuous monitoring of these emerging pollutants, especially in low and middle-income countries.
Urban Upgrading in the Historic City Core of Abeokuta, Nigeria: A Case for Inclusive Policies Towards Heritage Preservation
Authors: Adenaike Folahan Anthony , Opoko Akunnaya Pearl , Fadamiro Joseph Akinlabi
Published: September 2022

The rapid urbanization, taking place in Southwest Nigeria in the last 40years has necessitated the need for regenerating the historic city cores of the region. The state governments and big private stakeholders determine the key narratives for the urban upgrades. Loss of patrimonial stock of indigenous buildings and communal cohesion in these enclaves after upgrading often lead to a complete loss of the socio-cultural heritage. The promotion of urban tourism, which is ideal for cities with heritage values, is thus made more challenging for these cities. This study examines the sensitive nature of upgrade programmes as it affects historic city centres. A review of instances in the area is concluded with a case study of the Abeokuta city core. The study was carried out using literature about upgrades in Southwest Nigeria and field studies that involved interviews and questionnaires in Abeokuta city core. The research discovered that while residents are aware of the programmes, they had no input in the planning and implementation, whereas, they appreciate heritage preservation and prefer to be carried along in the planning. The research concluded that more inclusive policy planning and project participation would have entrenched heritage preservation, stemmed the rate of gentrification, and produce more acceptable outcomes.
A Review of Sustainable Design Strategies for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in Public Buildings
Authors: Udomiaye Emmanuel , Ukpong Edidiong , Kalu Kalu Cheche , Odum Chris , Ibok U. Okon
Published: September 2022

Sustainable design strategies focus on architectural design considerations which assures the welfare, in addition to cohabitation of inanimate elements, and existing creatures that constitute the ecosystem. Sustainable architecture for public spaces, in addition to energy efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emission, needs to adopt approaches that lessen the effect of communicable diseases. Often, the primarily focus of architects is the aesthetics of buildings, there is no cognizant method for sustainable infection prevention and control mostly in the planning/production phase of public buildings. The paper aims to assess and identify how the public space can be safer in a pandemic from the vantage point of built environment professionals with the view of evolving strategies for policymakers with emphasis on the duties of the architect in mitigating the spread of viruses. The steps taken were to assess the relationship amongst environmental space and infectious diseases and propose practical steps to limit infection prevention and control (IPC) in public buildings. The paper is based on works of literature and consultations. The paper concluded that design approaches perform a substantial part in prevention and control of infections in public spaces, as well as healthcare facilities. Hence, sustainable design strategies may well be a remedy for mitigating the spread of coronavirus in public buildings.
Factors Militating against the Contributions of Co-operative Societies to Sustainable Housing Provision in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Baiyewu Olabisi B. , Olotuah Abiodun O. , Ibem Eziyi O.
Published: September 2022

The past housing policies in Nigeria recognised housing co-operatives as a viable way of increasing the production of housing units. This recognition necessitates the identification of ways through which improvement in the housing delivery of co-operative societies could be achieved. The study aims to identify the factors militating against the contributions of co-operative societies in the delivery of housing and the influence of these factors on housing provision in the study area to optimise their housing delivery output. A review of relevant literature revealed a number of factors that were tested with the use of copies of the questionnaire administered on the respondents whose total number from each of the 52 co-operatives that responded to the study, as determined by proportionate sampling, summed up to 418. The data collected were analysed with the use of IBM SPSS (version 20) software. Severity index and mean weighted scores were used to rank the factors identified. The study showed that ten out of the eleven factors identified in the literature have a significant effect on housing provision and were ranked as follows: opportunism, corruption and greed; high cost of building materials; difficulty in getting finance; difficulty in accessing affordable land; lack of provision for technical support; and limited access to technical services. Others are unavailability of training institutions, lack of provision for logical and administrative support, unskilled leadership and lack of adequate provision for beneficial legislative and policy framework. Categorical regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of these factors on housing provision components. The result showed that the unavailability of training institutions has the greatest influence on housing provision. In view of these findings, the study recommended the evolvement of policy statements that promote the mitigation of the ten factors; and that training institutions for members be made readily available to increase the housing production capacity of co-operative societies.
Impact of Energy Efficient Design Strategies on Users Comfort in Selected Mixed-Use Buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Sholanke A. B. , Alugah K. D. T. , Ademo J. A. , Adisa O. S.
Published: September 2022

Human comfort is a major criterion for mixed-use buildings to be habitable, leading to the usage of technologies such as HVAC and artificial lighting. These devices demand high electricity, causing a 25% rise in building greenhouse gas emissions. It is important for architects to develop energy efficient design strategies in order to maintain and improve user comfort in mixed-use buildings. This study investigated the impact of energy efficiency design strategies on users’ comfort in selected mixed-used building in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a view to identify areas for further improvements. The research adopted a quantitative approach. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data. The Statistical Product & Service Solutions software was used to analyse the data. The result was presented with the aid of texts, tables and graphs. The findings indicated that building orientation was one of the most important techniques, affecting each dimension of human comfort. This revelation suggests that when adopting energy efficiency measures, a building’s early design stage should focus on enhancing human comfort. The study recommended that professionals conduct critical analysis on buildings in the design stage to guarantee energy-efficient approaches used throughout the planning, design, and construction stages of mixed-use buildings. In order to create sustainable future designs, it is therefore necessary to recognise the significance of energy efficient design techniques on users’ comfort.
Users' Perception of Comfort Experienced in Academic Buildings of Selected Universities in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sholanke A. B. , Ekhaese O. N. E. , Faleti M. O. , Ukaigwe K. C.
Published: September 2022

In architectural design, the level of comfort experienced in the spaces created serve as one of the units of measurement in assessing a complete design. In a country tropical climate such as Nigeria, indoor environmental conditions are primarily influenced by many factors, including lighting, ventilation, indoor air quality, sound quality and building materials employed. This study investigated users’ comfort satisfaction level in relation to environmental design consideration factors in academic buildings of selected universities in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, with a view to identify areas for improvement towards making contributions that will help to improve users’ satisfaction in the development of academic environments. The study adopted a quantitative research method that used a structured questionnaire to collect data from 291 respondents, out of which 271 are students and 19 are lecturers. The users’ sample size was drawn from the Department of Architecture students and lecturers of two selected universities in the study area. The data were analyzed with the aid of Statistical Product and Service Solutions software and presented descriptively with the aid of tables. The results showed that majority of the respondents in the selected universities attested to the adequacy of the four environmental design consideration factors investigated, with the factors recording various levels of adequacies. In few areas were the factors were inadequate, the foremost reason was the inadequacy of the indoor air quality, followed by that of lighting before ventilation. Also, daylighting in classrooms and ventilation in offices was found to be inadequate in one of the universities, while the inadequacy of ventilation in offices in the other university was significantly high. The study recommended that building industry designers should pay more attended to means of achieving adequate indoor air quality, lighting and ventilation in academic buildings, without compromising achieving adequacy of sound quality found to be generally satisfactory. The study has implications for policy formulation, designs and researches that strive towards meeting users’ comfort satisfaction level in the development of academic environments.
Application of Passive Cooling Principles in Selected Hotel Buildings in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: James M. E. , Fulani O. A. , Azoji C. F.
Published: September 2022

This study was initiated in response to the high energy consumption connected with tourism-related activities. Air conditioning uses the majority of the energy required, typically exceeding 40%. Hotels in the tropics have higher average annual energy use intensity (avg. EUI) rates than those in the temperate zones; Regardless of the climate zone, the highest category hotels (i.e., five-star hotels) have a higher energy use index. When their efficiency is assessed and understood to ensure continuous improvement in their energy conservation, hotel buildings will make a much greater contribution to energy management. The objective of this paper is to investigate the extent to which Passive Cooling Principles were applied in hotel buildings in Nigeria, and the impact of these principles on the selected hotels; towards assessing the achieved level of energy conservation. The study is limited to selected hotel buildings in Nigeria; and they were studied in-depth to determine their compliance levels to passive cooling principles. Non-participant observation was carried out to obtain are objective data. As Lagos State houses a larger number of the five-star hotels in the study population, two of the selected case studies were from this location; and the last was from Abuja, which represented the North and Central Region of the country. The sampling technique used for this research is purposive sampling. The Five-Star hotels were selected based on their star rating according to set standards that have been identified in Literature; and they include prominent hotels in both Lagos and Abuja. The application rate of 64% also creates a basis for determining the minimum application rate targeted for the five-star hotel design carried out along-side this paper; which is 75%. This relays the extent to which Passive Cooling Principles are applied in hotel buildings in Nigeria; and also provides a benchmark for future researches and designers that intend to implement or study Passive Cooling Principles.
Urban Forestry and Its Impact on the Health of Residents of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
Authors: Omotoye O. T. , Aduwo E. B. , Okunlola P. O. , Anjorin T. O.
Published: September 2022

In every environment, the presence or lack of urban forests impacts the built environment. Urban forestry, a branch of Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI), refers to an urban framework in which individual trees and tree populations in urban settlements are cared for and also managed to promote the health and well-being of the occupants of the urban settlements. Urban forestry strongly posits that trees are an integral part of the urban setting. The urban forest is an urban green infrastructure system that largely contributes to multiple service sectors and functions in urban environments. Although the environmental advantages of urban forests have been realised, the essentiality of urban forests in learning environments and educational communities alike, few have been largely neglected in existing research. Therefore, this research paper aims to investigate the impact of urban forests on the mental health of residents of Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. Data for this research was collected through the use of structured questionnaires and field observation. The data collected was analysed through the use of the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results obtained from the analysis of collected data explicitly highlights the effects of urban forests in learning environments and their positive impact, on the mental health and overall wellbeing of the residents of the university community. This research endeavour recommended that more urban forests should be planned and put in place within built up environments to improve the stability of the eco-system and the overall wellbeing of the residents of that urban environment.
An Assessment of Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Nigerian Architects: Towards a Sustainable Management in Architectural Practice
Authors: Kwami H. I. , Hassan B. , Mustapha F.
Published: September 2022

Architecture is a profession and business outfit that is facing Management-related challenges at all levels. These problems manifest themselves in various forms ranging from inadequate curriculum coverage, insufficient literature, professional ineptitude, and leadership management competencies flaws to globalization challenges as well as low Architects population ratio among others. This paper assessed management-related knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by Nigerian Architects by using Relative Importance Index to determine areas that Nigerian Architects have competitive advantages or disadvantages. A structured survey questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was administered to 122 randomly selected Architects, while descriptive statistical analysis provided answers to the research questions and hypothesis. Findings of the paper revealed that Nigerian Architects have Management know how in Design, Time and Project Managements but are lacking in Maintenance, Property and Enterprise Managements to bring about Sustainable Architectural Practice. The result of the study also upheld the null hypothesis that Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Nigerian Architects does not depend on their Academic Qualifications but rejected the null hypothesis that Professional classifications of Nigerian Architects does not influence their Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The paper concluded that Nigerian Architecture curriculum and practice are deficient in essential management knowhow to bring about sustainable Architectural Management practice in the country. The paper, therefore recommends that curriculum and practice of Architecture be rich in management theories and practices for a Sustainable Architectural practice in the country.
Access to Healthcare through Renewable Energy on Female Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria
Authors: Folarin Esther M. , Osabuohien Evans S. , Okodua Henry , Okafor Victoria
Published: September 2022

In low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, agriculture is a vital component of development and poverty reduction. The native population of Nigeria suffers a slew of challenges that stymie agricultural productivity. One aspect is the low level of female agricultural productivity, which is likewise dependent on other factors. The present level of agricultural output in the Nigerian economy in line with the level of demand necessary to meet the desired expectation of the Nigerian populace will continually pose a threat to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially, SDG-2 (achieve food security through agricultural productivity). This reflects the possible relationship that renewable energy especially in the area of healthcare can have on female agricultural productivity, as considered in this study, which can be a major component of the total agricultural productivity of the Nigerian economy. Therefore, an improvement in female access to healthcare through the input of renewable energy is a possible determinant for an increase in total female agricultural productivity. Using wave 4 (2018/2019) of the Living Standard Measurement Studies, Integrated Survey on Agriculture, the impact of female access to healthcare on female agricultural output in Nigeria was investigated in this study (LSMS-ISA). In addition to other tactics, the study employs the propensity score matching technique for the other specified aims. The estimation result reveals that in Nigeria, there is a significant and positive association between female healthcare access made possible by renewable energy provision and female agricultural production.
Prediction of Wave Overtopping Characteristics at Coastal Flood Defences Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Systematic Rreview
Authors: Habib M. A. , O’Sullivan J.J. , Salauddin M.
Published: September 2022

The assessment of coastal defences requires reliable prediction of mean overtopping discharges and acceptable overtopping rates for defined design conditions, an process of increasing importance given that global and regional climate change and associated sea level rises are becoming more acute. Prediction of overtopping discharge is usually computed from physical, analytical, and numerical models. However, the ongoing development of soft computing techniques now offer potential for rapid, relatively simple, and economically attractive methods for predicting overtopping. The application of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms has become increasingly prominent in models for estimating wave overtopping at flood defences. Here we review ML methods as tools for accurate prediction of overtopping and overtopping parameters. A systematic review of 32 publications, published between 2001 and 2021 (last twenty years), underpinned Decision Trees and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as the most popular ML methods as analysis of wave overtopping datasets. A comparison of estimates of overtopping and overtopping parameters using these models with those from commonly used (empirical) prediction models, highlights the potential of ML methods for these applications. The review, however, highlights important limitations of the methods and identifies future research needs that may serve as an impetus for further development of these ML algorithms for wave overtopping, particularly in applications characterised by complex geometrical configurations.
Effects of Seagrass Vegetation on Wave Runup Reduction – A Laboratory Study
Authors: Manousakas N , Salauddin M , Pearson J , Denissenko P , Williams H , Abolfathi S
Published: September 2022

Increased intensity of extreme climatic events and natural hazards, combined with sea level rise due to global warming, has increased the vulnerability of nearshore and coastal regions to extreme flooding and erosion. The existing hard-engineered infrastructures for flood protection are mainly built from concrete with very high carbon emissions throughout their life cycle. In recent years, the application of nature-based solutions to tackle adverse climatic events has received attention. Nearshore vegetations such as salt marshes and mangroves have proven to attenuate incoming wave energy, thereby reducing wave runup and overtopping at coastal defences. The effectiveness of seagrass vegetation on wave runup attenuation remains less studied. The aim of this physical modelling study was to investigate the performance of prototype seagrass vegetations on wave runup reductions, for a wide range of wave conditions. Results of this study showed that the seagrass vegetation was effective in reducing wave runup on a ‘bare’ beach. It was found that the location of the vegetation patch within the surfzone and inner-surf zone can play a key role in wave energy dampening. The vegetation type, and packing density also play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of seagrass in wave energy mitigation.
The Impact of Eco-retrofitting on Coastal Resilience Enhancement – A Physical Modelling Study
Authors: Liu Nian , Salauddin Md , Yeganeh-Bakhtiari Abbas , Pearson Jonathan , Abolfathi Soroush
Published: September 2022

Recent climate change studies highlight that the sea-level rise and increase in intensity and frequency of extreme climatic events and storm surges will result in catastrophic wave overtopping events from coastal defences. Retrofitting of the existing seawalls provides great potentials for enhancement of the climatic resilience in coastal region through overtopping attenuation. With increasing attention towards sustainable and low emission solutions for improving the resilience of critical infrastructures to natural hazards, providing coastal protection service is no longer the only concern of scientists, but the environmental impacts of such interventions also started to be considered. This paper presents a laboratory-scale investigation of ‘eco-retrofitting’ approaches including vertipools and reef breakwater for their impact on mitigating overtopping from seawall. The laboratory tests were conducted on a vertical seawall with 1(V):20(H) smooth foreshore. Each test was consisted of approximately 1000 pseudo-random waves based on JONSWAP spectrum. Both impulsive and non-impulsive wave conditions were tested. The plain vertical seawall was taken as the reference case, that exhibited an overall good agreement with empirical predictions, when compared to EurOtop. The analysis of data highlights the significance of the tested eco-interventions in mitigating wave overtopping volume, with approximately 70% reduction of mean the overtopping rate.
Bromelain and Papain from Organic Residues of Ananas Comosus and Carica Papaya
Authors: Casas J J , Baldeón G P , Canales V N , Camargo S D
Published: September 2022

In Peru there are no minimization proposals for the large amount of organic waste discarded daily by economic activities such as in the case of the El Tambo food market. In the present work we use Ananas comosus and Carica papaya peels and seeds to obtain the enzymes bromelain and papain, using the protocol [1] with the following steps: obtaining the juice, enzymatic extraction with ethanol and NaCl, protein concentration and finally the enzymatic activity test is performed by coagulation. From 1 kilogram of residues, 0.3851g with ethanol and 2.123g with NaCl of lyophilized bromelain and 0.3172g with ethanol and 1.0032g with NaCl of lyophilized papain were obtained; it was observed that the treatments with NaCl allowed obtaining a greater amount of product. The tests showed that it is possible to obtain the enzymes from the peels of Ananas comosus and Carica papaya, which poses a possible alternative for the reuse of these residues as nutritional complements for food.
Mineralogy of agate gemstone in Quaternary deposits, Southeastern Basrah, Iraq
Authors: Soltan Basim H. , Mahdi Maher M.
Published: September 2022

A mineral-geological study was conducted for the dispersion agate that spread on the surface of the Dibdibba desert within the border of Basrah Governorate -Southern Iraq. The collected stones were studied using polarized microscopy, XRD and EDX- SEM techniques to determine their mineral and chemical composition. Five types have been distinguished: white, colloidal, banded, cluster, and fleshy. It is believed that these stones are part of the gravels that are included in the components of clastics Dibdibba Formation, it forming resulting of the erosion of the igneous and metamorphic rocks that related to Arabian Shield, which were moved by torrential waters and seasonal floods to long distances and cumulated in that area. Several mechanical operations affected these stones like crushing, sorting, and polishing which contributed to their appearance and exposure on the surface of the earth.