Uniosun Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences
UNIOSUN Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences (UJEES) is a high quality open access peer reviewed international research journal. It is the official publication of the Faculty of Engineering, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. The Journal Publishes online version. UJEES publication includes theoretical, practical and empirical paper in all areas of engineering and environmental sciences with interest not limited to the following fields: Building, Civil, Geotechical, Structural& Highway Engineering Chemical, Industrial, Materials, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Petroleum & Production Engineering Computer, Telecommunications, Software, Electrical & Electronics Engineering Agricultural, biosystems, bioresources, biomedical, food, environmental &water resources engineering Urban Planning and Development, Architecture and Construction, Rural and Community Development, Realestate and property management PUBLICATION FREQUENCY. The UNIOSUN Journal of Engineering andEnvironmental Sciencesispublished biannually. Issue 1– March Issue 2– September
Anthropometric and Biochemical Assessment of Yahauri Spice Meal-Based Diet on Selected Tissues of Female Wistar Rats
Feed, anthropometric and biochemical assessment of Yahauri spice meal-based diet on selected tissue of female Wistar rats was evaluated in the present study. Yahauri spices comprises ablend of eleven spices which were dried, pulverized and compounded into animal feeds at inclusion levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% inclusion levels. Thirty-five rats were grouped into seven and were fed on basal (control) diet, the five inclusion levels of the spice and standard group respectively. The Feed intake {FI}, Feed Conversion Ratio {FCR}, Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Body Weight Gain {BWG}, Body Mass Index {BMI}, Liver and kidney function indices and enzymes were estimated using standard methods. Results of FI, FCR, PER, BWG and BMI of rats fed on the spice diet compared favourably (p > 0.05) with the control and the standard drug at all inclusion levels. Likewise, the liver and kidney function indices as well as the liver enzymes also had no significant difference (p > 0.05) in those fed the diet inclusion when compared with the control. Overall, Yahauri spice might improve the nutritional status at the inclusions levels used and it is relatively safe.
Design Assessment of Flow Reactors for the Production of 1,000,000 tons per year of Ethyl Acetate from Esterification Reaction of Acetic Acid and Ethyl Alcohol
The economic importance of ethyl acetate as a feed material utilized in industries for the production of plastics, solvents, rubber, inks and other useful chemicals utilized domestically and industrially necessitated this research as it considered the design assessment of flow reactors (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor and Plug Flow Reactor) for the production of 1,000,000 tons per year of ethyl acetate from the esterification of acetic acid and ethyl alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The flow reactors design models were developed from the first principle of mass and energy balance and the steady state performance models were simulated in MATLAB at same initial feed and operating temperature of 298.15 k and 343.15 k with fractional conversion range of XA . The design assessment of the flow reactors performance was based on the yield of ethyl acetate and energy efficiency of the process. At maximum conversion of 0.95, the CSTR and PFR volume was 80.880 m3 and 15.277 m3 respectively with a percentage difference of 34.1 % while the quantity of heat generated per unit volume of the CSTR and PFR was 158.526 j/sm3 and 839.254 j/sm3 respectively with a percentage difference of 34.1 %. The comparative analysis of the design results showed that more yield of ethyl acetate is produced in the CSTR as shown in the reactor volume while the PFR performed better in terms of energy efficiency and conservation as shown in the quantity of heat generated. The study showed that both reactors (CSTR and PFR) are suitable reaction media for esterification process but the choice of reactor depends on the designer’s need.
Design and Implementation of Quadcopter Avionic System
In recent years, quadcopters have become valuable tools for solving complex human challenges across sectors such as security, agriculture, and land surveying. By serving as an alternative to human involvement in hazardous or labor-intensive tasks, quadcopters offer substantial versatility and efficiency. Specifically designed for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL). Quadcopters employ a four-motor configuration that provides agile and stable flight control. This flight control is achieved through fine-tuned adjustments of pitch, yaw, roll, and throttle, with each motor operating at variable speeds to execute precise maneuvers. A sophisticated combination of avionics and control systems, including the flight controller, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), Global Positioning System (GPS), compass module, and power distribution board, ensures seamless operation and accurate response to flight commands. This study provides a detailed examination of the fabrication, configuration, and programming processes involved in constructing a quadcopter capable of autonomous flight.
Performance Evaluation of Selected Deep Learning Models on Sentiment Classification of Online Movie Reviews
The analysis of a movie's sentiment in the movie review can help understand audience's opinion and predict it's success. In this study the performance of prevalent Deep Learning (DL) models (Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)) was compared to analyse the sentiment in reviews of online movies. This helps in identifying an effective technique for analysis of movie reviews' sentiment and in selecting the best-suited model for practical applications. This research utilized a structured dataset which was sourced from Kaggle as the experiment data for this research. It provides a structured foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of these models in identifying sentiments accurately. The adopted DL models were simulated in Python programming environment where recall, F1- score, accuracy, and precision are the considered metrics. The result of this was that CNN did perform much better than RNN and LSTM. The best performance was achieved on the CNN model of 84.85% accuracy, 82.47% precision, 88.81% recall and an F1-Score of 85.52% showing more capability for sentiment classification. The RNN scored 84.18% accuracy, 84.40% precision, 84.16% recall, and 84.28% F1-Score, while the LSTM achieved 84.51% accuracy, 84.83% precision, 84.34% recall, and 84.59% F1-Score. This result advocates that CNN is a more reliable DL model for analysis of movie reviews' sentiment, offering enhanced recall and dependability in real-world applications.
Synthesis of Biomass-Derived Sulphonated Heterogeneous Bifunctional Catalyst-Ce-OrP-SO3H for Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil
This study uses a bifunctional catalyst made from orange peel-derived porous activated carbon enriched with SO3H and impregnated with calcined eggshell to optimise biodiesel production utilising waste cooking oil. The catalyst was characterised using SEM/EDX, XRD, BET, and FTIR techniques. The optimisation of biodiesel production was assessed through response surface methodology based on central composite design (RSM-CCD), considering factors such as temperature, catalyst loading, reaction time, and methanol-to-oil ratio. The optimal conditions were 2% catalyst loading, a 6:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 60 °C reaction temperature, and 60 min reaction time, resulting in an 87.5% FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) conversion. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis showed both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the biodiesel.
Comparative Analysis of Engine Efficiency and Emission Using Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Spark Ignition Engines
The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with growing concerns about climate change, air pollution, and energy security, has highlighted the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Spark Ignition Engines (SIEs), which are widely used in vehicles, are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Therefore, exploring alternative fuels that can reduce the environmental impact of SIEs while enhancing their efficiency is crucial. This study investigates the performance and efficiency of a Spark Ignition Engine (SIE) when powered by Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) separately, evaluating Key parameters analyzed include torque, power output, thermal efficiency, volumetric efficiency, brake mean effective pressure (BMEP), and fuel consumption. Experimental tests and simulations were conducted to compare engine performance under varying conditions. The results indicate that LPG delivers superior thermal efficiency and lower emissions than PMS, supporting its viability for cleaner energy applications. The study underscores the potential benefits of LPG-powered.
Optimization of Pigment Production by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Strain A2J2 Isolated from Soil for Promising Application in Textile and Food Industries
Torularhodin is a β-carotene -compound from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and it not only exhibits superior antioxidant properties with strong scavenging activity of peroxyl free radicals but also has other beneficial effects, including improvement of neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment and anti-cancer activity. The present study aimed to optimize culture conditions in pigment production by R. mucilaginosa for potential application in textile and food industries. The yeast was isolated from soil and identified by morphological, biochemical, and sequencing of the internal transcribed sequence (ITS) region of 18S rRNA. The pigment produced was identified and characterized with a UV-visible spectrophotometer and Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The isolate was optimized with growth parameters and metals for pigment production. The isolated yeast was identified as R. mucilaginosa strain A2J2. The isolate produced different shades of pigment with various λmax in the presence of 4 μg/mL of K2Cr2O7, HgCl2, KCN, and PbCl2, with incubation temperature of 25°C, and pH 7.0 for 4 days. The results from this study revealed the feasibility of sustainable production of different shades of pigment from torularhodinproducing R. mucilaginosa strain A2J2, which could be promising used in textile industries as tie and dye and in food industries as an additive.
Influence of Pretreatment and Temperature on Vitamin C Content of Dried African Star Apple Fruit
The African star apple (Chrysophyllum africanum), a tropical fruit widely consumed for its sweet pulp has been found to be a rich source of vitamin C. Due to its seasonal nature and high spoilage rate, which contributes to environmental waste, processing is essential to make it available off-season. The fruits were washed, sorted, deseeded, and diced into 2 mm pieces, after which four selected pretreatment techniques [hot water blanching (80 ℃ for 3 min), steam blanching (100 ℃ for 1 min), salt solution (1:25 w/v), and sugar solution (60 ºBrix)] were applied. Untreated samples were used as control samples. All samples were then dried using an oven dryer and an electric dehydrator at temperatures of 45, 55, 65, and 75 ℃, monitored at intervals until a constant weight was achieved. Throughout the experiment, the vitamin C content of the samples were measured using standard methods, similarly, the effect of pretreatment and drying temperature on the rate of vitamin C degradation was thoroughly assessed throughout the drying process. Significant differences were noticed in vitamin C retention across all pretreatment techniques employed. The vitamin C content of the fruit dropped from 56.38 mg/100 g in the fresh fruit to as low as 7.08 and 7.17 mg/100 g after oven drying and electric dehydration, respectively. Steam pretreatment at 55 ℃ yielded the best results in terms of vitamin C retention. Therefore, steam pretreatment has the potential to preserve the quality of dried fruits.
Evaluation of Settlement and Bearing Capacity of Three Selected Buildings in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
This study assessed the geotechnical properties of soils at three locations with distressed buildings in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria. The aim was to identify possible geotechnical causes of structural impairments and ongoing deterioration, which led to occupant evacuation. Three buildings, labelled A, B, and C, were analyzed. Disturbed soil samples were collected from four corners at foundation depths to evaluate soil properties and their potential effects on structural performance. Index properties, including grain size distribution, moisture content, and specific gravity, were determined for soil classification. A triaxial test was conducted to determine cohesion and internal friction angles, while Terzaghi’s equations were used to estimate bearing capacities. Consolidation tests were performed to compute both immediate and final settlements, providing insights into soil behavior under load. Results showed moisture content ranging from 2.02% to 16.04%, with the lowest in sample C4 (2.02%) and the highest in B4 (16.04%). Specific gravity values ranged between 2.55 and 2.65. Soil classifications were A3 (AASHTO) and SP (USCS), indicating poorly graded sands. Mean bearing capacities for buildings A, B, and C were 102.05 kN/m², 90.54 kN/m², and 96.25 kN/m², with standard deviations of 41.35 kN/m², 26.65 kN/m², and 48.39 kN/m², respectively. Final settlements averaged 0.3 cm, 0.24 cm, and 0.34 cm, with standard deviations of 0.09 cm, 0.06 cm, and 0.2 cm. Building C exhibited higher variability in settlement and bearing capacity, suggesting greater susceptibility to further structural distress. A correlation of -0.43 between bearing capacity and settlement confirmed that lower capacities correspond to increased settlements. The study emphasizes the importance of proper soil investigations and strict adherence to geotechnical recommendations during construction to prevent failures.
Mycoremediation: An Insight to Cleanup of Pollutants
Over the years, there has been a rise in the release of pollutants into the environment. Pollutants from heavy metals, synthetic dyes, and plastics pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Mycoremediation involves the use of fungi for degrading or neutralizing contaminants within the environment. Mycoremediation, employing fungi to degrade or neutralize contaminants, offers a sustainable and effective solution to this environmental challenge. Several processes such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biovolatilization utilise fungi's ability to adsorb, accumulate, and transform pollutants, offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions for environmental cleanup. They also possess specific enzymatic systems that alter them to break down complex pollutants into less harmful forms. Complex pollutants like dyes, heavy metals and synthetic plastics are changed into less toxic forms. Enzymes such as Lacasse, Peroxidases, Cutinases and Lipases are secreted by some fungal isolates that help in the remediation of toxic pollutants. Various fungal species, from the genus Penicillium, Pleurotus , Trichoderma, Fusarium, Zalerion, Lasiodiplodia , Papiliotrema, and Aspergillus have been identified for their ability to remediate pollutants efficiently. Mycoremediation processes are cost -effective and environmentally friendly cleanup solutions. This paper reviews the potential of mycoremediation in addressing heavy metal, dye, and plastic pollution, highlighting its significance as a sustainable alternative to conventional cleanup methods.
Implementation and Construction of a 1 Kva Inverter Using C++ Programming Language
The increasing demand for reliable and efficient power conversion systems has led to significant research in inverter technology. However, many existing inverter systems lack optimized control mechanisms and efficient energy conversion, leading to power losses and reduced performance. This study addresses these challenges by implementing and constructing a 1kVA inverter using C++ programming for enhanced control and efficiency. The system is implemented using an Arduino Nano and supporting circuitry, programmed to effectively manage power conversion from a 12V DC source to a stable 220V AC output. The inverter supports loads up to 560W and features a low-battery alert system for improved energy management. Experimental results demonstrate its capability to reliable power for household and small-scale applications. Future improvements may include enhanced MOSFET configurations and advanced battery management for greater efficiency.
Dielectric Spectroscopy Technique for the Detection of Black Seed Oil Adulterated with Sunflower and Palm Kernel Oil
Black seed oil is famous for its medical efficacy against some life-threatening diseases. Owing to its high commercial value, sharp practices among traders have introduced cheaper oil samples as adulterants to raise their profits. This study explored the use of dielectric spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive and eco-friendly method for detecting adulteration in black seed oil (BSO) with palm kernel (PKO) and sunflower oil (SFO) as adulterants. Dielectric properties of pure black seed oil and its blends with palm kernel oil and sunflower oil were measured over a frequency range of 10Hz to 1MHz using impedance analyzer. The results showed significant differences in the dielectric spectra of pure black seed oil and adulterated samples. The procedure successfully detected adulteration levels as low as 5% palm kernel and sunflower oil in black seed oil. The capacitance value of BSO exceeds those of PKO and SFO. Therefore, the disparity in capacitance values was successfully used in discriminating levels of adulterant in the oil. As the temperature rises, the capacitance values of the BSO, SFO and PKO equally rise. But, all the samples maintain lower capacitance values than BSO. These results showed that the capacitance of the oil samples varied with temperature and the value for capacitance of the desired sample-BSO, is always higher at low and high temperatures. The distinguishing factor of capacitance can always be used to detect adulteration of the BSO by any oil. Dielectric spectroscopy offered a promising alternative to other expensive and highly technical methods for detecting adulteration in edible oils, with advantages in speed, simplicity, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly.
Development and Characterisation of Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Epoxy composites, in their pure form, generally lack strength, but this limitation can be overcome by integrating carbon fibre, a resource often discarded after fruit harvesting. The addition of carbon fibre, a sustainable and eco-friendly material, offers considerable potential to enhance the strength and resilience of the resulting composite. This study investigated the potential of reinforcing epoxy with carbon fibre to create high-strength composites. Carbon fibre, a sustainable and eco-friendly material, was added to epoxy in varying volume percentages (0-20%) using a hand lay-up method. The results showed that the epoxy composite reinforced with 20 vol.% carbon fibre exhibited superior mechanical properties, including increased hardness (55 BHN), impact strength (5.1 J), and thermal stability (15.0% mass residue). The composite also displayed a well-distributed fibre arrangement with minimal agglomeration and voids. These findings demonstrate that reinforcing epoxy with 20 vol.% carbon fibre can significantly enhance its properties, making it suitable for high-strength applications. The use of carbon fibre, a renewable alternative to fossil fuel-based products, offers environmental benefits and a sustainable solution for composite materials.
Classification of Leukemia Cancer Data using Correlation Based Feature Selection Model: A Comparative Approach
The abundance of data obtained from microarray experiments presents challenges related to the number of variables and the presence of random fluctuations. Despite the efforts that had been made by previous researchers, emphasizing how data mining aids the implementation of models to facilitate informed prediction, gaps are evident which requires improvement over the earlier models. Dimensionality reduction techniques, such as Correlation Based Feature Selection (CBFS), are good candidate solutions to these problems by selecting pertinent features for categorization. This research implements a model for classification of leukemia cancer using CBFS with Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Decision Tree (DT), and Ensemble classifiers. The evaluation of the performance of these machine learning models was carried out using sensitivity, specificity, precision and accuracy. The findings indicate that the CBFS+DT model outperforms the other models in terms of sensitivity (96.75%), specificity (97.18%), precision (97.56%), accuracy (96.75%), and F1 score (96.97%), while also exhibiting a decreased computational time (0.4336). This demonstrates the efficacy of CBFS in improving classification accuracy and reducing computing load. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of CBFS in cancer research and underscores the importance of carefully choosing the most pertinent variables to enhance classification outcomes
Design and Construction of Furnace with Temperature Measurement Device Suitable for Small Scale Industries
This research presents the design and construction of a furnace integrated with a temperature measurement device, tailored for small-scale foundry industries. The project aims to solve the problem encountered by small-scale foundries, include the need for precise temperature control during metal casting processes. The furnace will help to optimal energy utilization, and ease of operation while ensuring accurate monitoring of operating temperatures. The furnace design incorporates locally available materials, making it accessible to small-scale industries. It utilizes a fuel-efficient combustion system, capable of melting ferrous and non-ferrous metals with high thermal efficiency. It inculcates a refractory-lined chamber for heat retention, a durable outer shell for structural integrity, and a simple fuel delivery mechanism compatible with solid, liquid, or gas fuels. To ensure precise temperature control, the system includes temperature measurement device with a digital display unit for real-time temperature readings, allowing operators to monitor and adjust furnace operations effectively. This innovation helps to prevent overheating, conserve energy, and maintain the desired material properties during the casting process. Performance testing of the furnace demonstrated its ability to achieve melting temperatures up to 1,500°C with consistent thermal stability. The temperature measurement device proved reliable, with an accuracy of ±2°C, meeting the requirements of small-scale foundry operations. The project provides a costeffective and efficient solution for small-scale foundries. This work highlights the potential of combining traditional foundry techniques with modern temperature measurement technologies to address the needs of small-scale industries, fostering innovation and growth in the sector.
Nanocoating Photovoltaic Solar cell (PVC) for Solar Cell Efficiency Enhancement
Generating clean energy is still a global desire. Photovoltaic Solar cell (PVC) may ameliorate this concern but for some drawbacks like cost, corrosion, durability and sustenance of efficiency. Nanocoating the conducting surface of PVC may have significant effects on its efficiency. This research work therefore reports the synthesis of Moringa oleifera leave extractmediated zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) used to enhance the efficiency of a solar cell by nanocoating. The ZnO NPs were characterized for functional, structural, compositional, morphological properties using XRD, EDX, FTIR and SEM. The green-synthesized ZnO NP-coated solar cell exhibited improved efficiency, increasing from 7.00% to 12.00%, likely due to enhanced solar absorption from ZnO NP coatings on the conducting surface. Hence, coating the conducting surfaces of solar cells with ZnO NP enhances efficiencies
Yorùbá Verb Sense Disambiguation using Semantic Similarity between Case Sentences of a Sense Inventory
The development of a word sense disambiguation component of a machine translation (MT) system is faced with many challenges. One of these is the incidence of contextual tonal variation in the Yorùbá language which makes the use of statistical based approach highly expensive for resolving lexical ambiguity in the language. This study examined the procedures underlining the resolution of lexical ambiguity in the context of Yorùbá-to-English MT system and developed a knowledge based approach which makes use of path-based similarity measurement between two instances of an ambiguous word to determine its right sense. This model achieved an accuracy of 96.1% for transitive verbs, 90.2% for intransitive verbs, with an overall accuracy of 94.6%, which is comparable with the high-performing supervised WSD, and a coverage of 69.3%. This study suggests a method that can be used to address ambiguity resolution in other low resource languages.
Computational Investigation of Energy Generation by Vertical Axis Wind Turbine using Highway Wind Turbulence
With increase in world’s population and economic development, there has been larger energy demand in recent times, experts predict that by 2050 the global energy increase nearly 50% compared with 2020. According to the same source, there will be energy demand increase by 1.3% per year, this increase in energy demand has also resulted to increase in global warming with CO2 emission because a substantial of the energy generated is from the fossil fuel. One promising avenue in this quest for sustainability is the deployment of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) for energy generation along highways but the operational performance and efficiency of VAWTs represent critical challenges in the field of renewable energy, their efficiency and operational reliability have remained subjects of concern, they often face challenges related to self-starting in region with inconsistent or lower wind speed conditions. The main objective of this work is to analyze the performance of VAWT and come up with optimum parameter for our design. Parametric studies were carried out using Computation Fluid Dynamics with ANSYS fluent and structural analysis with Fusion 360. We found out that symmetrical airfoils (have a moment coefficient (Cm) close to zero or with a small variation with angle of attack. In contrast, asymmetrical airfoil (S1223 in this case) has variable moment coefficient values with changes in angle of attack making it less stable and potentially requiring additional control mechanisms to manage the turbine’s orientation.
Residents’ Attitude: A Sign for Public Infrastructure Longevity in Osogbo, Nigeria
The notion that government property is nobody‟s property particularly accounts for the nonchalant attitude of the public. Hence, this study examines spatial analysis of residents‟ attitude to public infrastructure in different residential areas of Osogbo, Nigeria. Multi-sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 214 household heads for the survey. The attitude of residents was measured through a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The mean of RPAI for Osogbo was 3.04. It implied that residents in Osogbo were occasionally involved with a positive attitude towards public infrastructure. In low, medium and high residential densities, the RPAI indices were 3.32, 2.86 and 2.91 respectively. In Osogbo, residents ranked adequate security on available infrastructure as their most valued attribute, with an RPAI of 3.66. The prominent negative attitude was the use of public school premises as toilets. Other resident‟s negative attributes higher than the mean index in Osogbo included improper and careless construction, vandalism of public infrastructure and disposal of solid waste on road junctions. The study concluded that residents‟ attitudes both positive and negative, varied in the different residential densities. Also, the attitudes of residents towards infrastructure were influenced by the importance attached and satisfaction derived from the public infrastructure. This study recommends that law enforcement agencies should conduct constant monitoring by utilising modern technology devices and organising enlightenment programmes for residents regularly. Likewise, necessary punishments should be meted out on reckless residents as regards infrastructure vandalism.
Artificial Intelligence in Photovoltaic Technologies – Review of Prospects
This article considered integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Photovoltaic (PV) technology, with emphasis on integral effects towards optimizing electrical energy generation in seamless in existing grids. Focusses are AI's pivotal role in forecasting, troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, and overall system management. AI's precision enhances grid integration, schedules energy efficiently, and mitigates power fluctuations, thereby promoting grid stability. It proves instrumental in the swift identification and resolution of potential malfunctions, streamlining maintenance processes, and reducing downtime for a more reliable PV system. The implementation of predictive maintenance introduces a proactive dimension, predicting component failures in advance to minimize disruptions and extend system lifespan. Optimal management, encompassing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and battery storage optimization, utilizes AI algorithms to dynamically adjust operational parameters, maximizing energy generation and grid stability. Despite challenges such as data availability, computational cost, and algorithm interpretability, AI presents vast opportunities in the PV domain. Tailored AI solutions for specific PV systems promise heightened accuracy and effectiveness. Furthermore, edge computing and decentralization offer reduced latency, enhanced data privacy, and decentralized decision-making. The seamless integration with other renewable energy sources facilitates coordinated grid management and maximizes overall renewable energy utilization. Nevertheless, AI emerges as a transformative force propelling PV system towards heightened efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness with a view to unlocking the full potential of solar energy for a sustainable future
Significance of Multiple Slip and Induced Magnetic Field on Unsteady MHD Nano-Fluid Stagnation-Point Flow over a Stretching Wedge
This study investigates the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a nano-fluid over a stretching wedge, emphasizing the effects of multiple slip conditions and induced magnetic fluid dynamics. The presence of slip at the boundary is modeled to account for non-local effects, enhancing the understanding of fluid behavior in micro- and nano-scale applications. The governing equations are formulated and solved using numerical techniques to analyze the flow characteristics, heat transfer and induced magnetic fields. Results reveal that the inclusion of multiple slip conditions significantly alters the velocity and temperature profiles, while the interaction between the magnetic field and the nano-fluid properties leads to variations in the flow stability and thermal conductivity. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing industrial processes involving magnetically controlled nano-fluids with potential applications in cooling systems, material processing and biomedical devices.
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Cholera Control Strategies in Resource-Limited Regions Adebayo,
Cholera, a major public health concern caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, remains a pressing issue in remote regions of Nigeria, particularly during the dry season when access to clean and treated water is scarce. We seeks to develop a robust model to better understand the rapid transmission of cholera in these areas and assess the effectiveness of various intervention strategies, including public health education, antibiotic treatments, improved water treatment practices, and enhanced environmental sanitation. This addresses the existence and uniqueness of the model, its positivity and boundedness properties, and calculates the basic reproduction number, ( ) 0 R , which serves as a critical threshold for disease dynamics. Specifically, when ( 1) 0 R  , the disease spread will diminish over time, while ( 1) 0 R  indicates sustained transmission. Both local and global stability analyses of the model were conducted, alongside a sensitivity analysis to identify key parameters influencing disease control. Furthermore, numerical simulations utilizing the homotopy perturbation method were employed to evaluate the specific contributions of control measures in reducing cholera transmission. The findings offer critical insights into designing effective interventions, particularly by enhancing access to safe water and implementing targeted public health strategies, to curb cholera outbreaks in resource-limited settings.
A Novel Mathematical Model Evaluating the Impact of Saturated Treatment Response, Vaccination and Anti-Biotic Resistance on Transmission Dynamics of Typhoid Fever
This research presents a novel mathematical model for evaluating typhoid fever transmission, incorporating treatment response, vaccination, and antibiotic resistance. By integrating these factors, the model provides insights into disease control. We analyze the impact of saturated treatment response, vaccine efficacy, and antibiotic resistance management. A qualitative study confirms the model’s epidemiological soundness through uniqueness, positivity, stability, and boundedness analyses. Sensitivity analysis, based on the reproduction number, identifies key parameters influencing disease progression. Using next-generation matrices, we establish that ( 1) 0 R  ensures disease-free equilibrium stability, while ( 1) 0 R  leads to instability. Numerical simulations via the Homotopy Perturbation Method highlight the importance of high vaccination coverage for herd immunity. Findings stress the need for integrated strategies, including vaccination, improved treatment, and responsible antibiotic use. The study concludes that treatment saturation, vaccination, and antibiotic resistance are key considerations for effective typhoid fever control.
Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Forming Activities of Red Pigment of Talaromyces marneffei Strain SA2a on Multidrug-Resistant Burkholderia sp.
Burkholderia are Gram-negative bacteria found in moist environments, soil, and water, where they can survive for months. These bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics of choice in treating Burkholderia-associated infections and diseases. This study aims to evaluate the activities of red pigment of Talaromyces marneffei on multidrug-resistant Burkholderia sp. Pigment producing fungus was obtained from microbial culture collections and it was properly identified by sequencing of the 18S rRNA partial sequence. Red pigment from the fungus was extracted with ethyl acetate and characterized with a UV-visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, and GCMS. Antibacterial activities of the pigment were determined on multidrug-resistant Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates with agar well diffusion method. Antibiofilm formation was evaluated in 96-well microtiter plates and antioxidant properties were also determined. The molecular characterization identified the fungus as Talaromyces marneffei strain SA2a. The ethyl acetate efficiently extracted the pigment, and UV-visible identified the red pigment as purpuride at a wavelength of 512nm. The FTIR revealed the functional group as alkanes, esters, and carbonyl groups, and the GCMS showed the prominent compounds in the pigment as Ethanol, 2-nitro- (m/z 91.07), Bis(n-propylthio)methane (m/z 164.3), Acetic acid (m/z 60.05), and Purpuride (m/z391.5). The pigment demonstrated good inhibitory potential on 18(90%) of the B. pseudomallei and 11(85%) of the B. cepacia complex isolates at 200mg/mL-12.5mg/mL with zones of inhibition around the wells. The pigment prevented biofilm formation with 25 - 96% biofilm inhibition on B. pseudomallei and 19 - 94% on B. cepacia complex isolates. The crude pigment showed 48.22% DDPH scavenging activities at the lowest concentration of 100mg/mL, 11.37±0.04 FRAP content at 100mg/mL and 11.58±0.01 ABTS at 100μg/mL. The result of this study suggests that the pigment of Talaromyces marneffei could be a promising alternative therapy in treating Burkholderia infections. Further research is required to show these potential applications in pharmaceutical industries for drug production.
Characterisation and Optimisation of Cassava Cortex and Cow Bone- Reinforced Polymer Composite: A Review
The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has highlighted the need for alternative reinforcement materials in polymer composites, as traditional synthetic fibres pose significant environmental concerns. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the characterisation and optimisation of cassava cortex and cow bone-reinforced polymer composites, which have emerged as promising sustainable materials. The review examines the physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of these composites, including the influence of fibre content, fibre orientation, and fibre-matrix interfacial bonding on their overall performance. Various optimisation techniques, such as chemical treatment of fibres, incorporation of coupling agents, and hybridisation with other reinforcement materials, are discussed to enhance the properties of these composites. The potential applications of cassava cortex and cow bonereinforced polymer composites in various industries, including construction, automotive, and packaging, are also explored. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge in this field, this review aims to stimulate further research and development of these sustainable materials, ultimately contributing to the creation of more environmentally friendly products.
Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Rice Husk and Coconut Fibre Epoxy-Filled Composites for Automotive Application
Sustainable materials are exploring natural fibres like coir fibres and rice husks as reinforcements in polymer composites due to their high tensile strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. This research developed and characterized coir fibre and rice husk-reinforced epoxy composites, and evaluated their mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties. Coir fibres and rice husks were extracted, washed, sun-dried, and treated with sodium hydroxide, forming composites using a hand layup process. The samples underwent rigorous testing for tensile, flexural, impact, and thermal stability using various techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of natural fibre-reinforced epoxy composites. Treated RH composites exhibit increased water absorption at smaller particle sizes of 425 μm and 600 μm, while treated coir composites demonstrate enhanced water absorption at 1180 μm larger particle sizes. Coir/RH blend composites show consistent water absorption across all particle sizes. The results showed that untreated coir and RH composites exhibited higher flexural strength and impact energy, while 425 μm smaller particle sizes were more effective at reinforcing the composite. Treatment improved hardness in coir composites and thermal stability but reduced impact energy in RH composites. The optimal particle size for maximising impact energy was 425 μm for RH composites. Water absorption tests revealed that treatment increased water absorption in RH composites at smaller particle sizes, while treated coir composites showed the highest water absorption at 1180 μm. Coir/RH blend composites absorb water consistently across all particle sizes. Coir and RH composites that have not been treated have higher flexural strength and impact energy. Treatment improves coir hardness but reduces RH impact energy. The study has significant implications for the development of advanced composites, especially in the automotive and construction sectors.
Impact of Secondary Users density and Clustering Strategies on Detection of Performance of Spectrum Sharing System
Accurate spectrum hole detection is essential for cognitive radio networks to avoid interfering with primary users. However, channel impairments often hinder accurate detection of spectrum hole. This paper examines an energy-efficient cooperative spectrum hole detection method that relies on multiple secondary users and clusters to improve detection rates. The study uses an eigenvalue detector in a combined Rayleigh and log-normal fading environment, employing majority and OR fusion rules for local and global sensing, respectively. Simulations in MATLAB R2023a demonstrate that increasing the number of secondary users and clusters enhances detection probability and spectral efficiency, while reducing sensing time.
Application of an Expert System for Quality Control Management in Food Industry: A Case Study of Water Processing Industry in UNIOSUN
This study developed an expert system for quality control management in the water processing industry. The system integrates advanced algorithms and industry expertise to provide real-time recommendations for water treatment and quality control. A comprehensive knowledge base was developed through a review of industry guidelines, expert opinions and scientific literature. The expert system features a user-friendly interface and accurately evaluates water quality, flagging samples outside acceptable ranges. A case study involving the analysis of 10 water samples demonstrated the system's effectiveness in ensuring water quality within safe limits for human consumption. The expert system has the potential to enhance quality control management in the water processing industry, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and safeguarding consumer health.
Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Thermal Parameters on Glass- Fiber Reinforced Composite
The study investigated the effect of thermal parameters on the glass fiber reinforced biocomposite produced. The materials used were locally sourced within Adeleke University campus, Ede, Nigeria. The reinforced bio-composite was produced by mixture of prepared bamboo, PET and glass fiber powders, with epoxy resin serving as the bonding agent. Each of the powdered bamboo, PET and glass fiber was sieved using three different screen sizes of 250, 425, and 600 μm, respectively. The samples produced were subjected to sintering process and the heat distribution within the composite was measured using type-k thermocouple and digital thermometer. The results show reveal that the quantity of heat decreases with addition of glass fiber and increase in the particle size of the reinforced bio-composite. Also, the specific heat capacity of the composites decreases with increase in particle size and addition of glass fiber. Likewise, the thermal conductivity increases with increase in particle size of the reinforced composite but reduces with addition of glass fiber. Similarly, the thermal diffusivity of the reinforced bio-composite decreases with increase in particle size however it increases with the addition of glass fiber. Therefore, the presence of glass fiber and the particle size have significant effect on the thermal parameters of the reinforced bio-composite.
Evaluating the Effects of Landscape Elements Quality on User Preferences in Selected Tourist Centers in Southwest Nigeria
Assessing the quality of landscape elements and their integration into the natural environment is crucial for understanding their aesthetic and functional influences on visitor experiences in tourist centers. This study evaluate the quality of landscape elements and their influence on user preferences at selected tourist centers in Southwest Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of proposing design considerations for a well-standard landscape hotel. Primary and secondary data were used in this study. Relevant information were obtained from the staff of the tourist center and visitors. The sample size was obtained from frequently used tourist center hotels. Six tourist hotels were purposively selected, one from each state in Southwest Nigeria. The selected hotels combined hotel facilities and landscape features. The total number of visitors to the tourist center hotel was 2,520 from which 13.7% representing 345 respondents were selected using the accidental sampling technique for questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics that comprised frequency count, mean, likers scale, and index were used to examine users’ perceptions of the quality of landscape elements; and how the quality of landscape elements influences users’ preferences. The results indicated that 16 variables out of 21 identified had indices that are above the average of 4.21 UPQLEI (Users’ Perceptions of the Quality of Landscape Element Indices). These encompass building colour, quality of lighting, accessibility features, quality of pathways and walkways, driveways, vegetation, compost bins, statues and sculptures, and building form. They had UPQLEI values of 3.88, 3.87, 3.85, 3.81, 3.80, 3.77, 3.74, 3.74, 3.72, and 3.71, respectively. The study concluded that the effects of landscape element quality on user preferences are very high. The study recommended that well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing vegetation are crucial for attracting tourists and enhancing their overall experience. Overall, the study emphasizes the critical role of landscape elements in shaping user preferences for tourist destinations.
Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Biofilm Forming Streptococcus mutans Associated with Dental Caries in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has been implicated as the primary microbial pathogen associated with dental caries. The financial and economic burden, together with loss of productivity experienced due to dental caries, are of significant concern. This study aims to isolate S. mutans from decayed teeth and dental plaque samples obtained from government hospitals and their surrounding areas. S. mutans was isolated and presumptively identified with morphological, biochemical, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of species-specific primers for S. mutans. The isolates were tested for their ability to produce biofilm and the presence of biofilmforming genes (glucosyltransferases (gtfB) and (gtfC)). The susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics of choice was carried out with Kirby Bauher disc diffusion methods. A total of ninety-six (96) S. mutans isolates were isolated and presumptively identified with morphology and biochemical tests. Sixty-three of the isolates (66%) were identified as S. mutans with specie-specific gene with a band at 1272 bp. Biofilm assays indicated that 53 of the isolates (84%) were biofilm formers, while 43 (68%) were strong biofilm formers. The biofilm genes 47 (75%) had the gtfB gene and43 (68%) possessed the gtfC gene were detected in the isolates. All the isolates were resistant to penicillin G and clindamycin and some were susceptible to piperacillin, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin. In addition, some of the isolates were resistant to Ampicillin while some were susceptible to Ampicillin. These findings suggest that imipenem, piperacillin, and ciprofloxacin could serve as best control methods for dental caries infection.
Survey of Possible Thermoelectricity in a, B and y Phases of HINiPb Half-Heusler Compound by First Principle Approach.
The three phases of half-Heusler alloys were examined via density functional and Boltzmann transport approach. Perdew-Burke-Ernzhof Projector Augmented Wave (PBE-PAW) within the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) technique was employed in this study. The quantum simulations affirmed phase as the most stable phase with least total energy and direct band gap energy of 0.1eV at points . Transport properties such as: electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, figure of merit and power factor as function of holes concentrations were analysed at temperature range of 300K to 1000K for and Phases of HfNiPb half-Heusler alloys. Little variation was recorded in the lattice parameter for the three phases. The figure of merit revealed p-type semiconductor systems. We observed high value of figure of merits at temperature 800K (0.65), at 1000K (0.58) and average value at 300K(0.45) for beta( ) phase. This study revealed HfNiPb is a promising thermoelectric material with the computed Seebeck, and dimensionless figure of merit’s data.
First- Principles Exploration of Structural, Electronic and Thermoelectric Properties of VRhSi Half-Heusler Compound .
This study probed into theoretical analysis of structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of half-Heusler VRhSi compound within the framework of Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) using Perdew-Burke-Errnzerhof for solids (PBEsol) based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). The optimized lattice parameter (5.65Å), volume (6.67a.u3), pressure (161KBar) and pressure derivative (3.99) were calculated using third order Birch-Munaghan Equation of State. This material has an indirect energy band gap of 0.28eV as expressed by electronic structure. Thermoelectric properties as a function of electrons and holes concentrations at various temperatures 300K, 500K and 800K were examined from the semi-classical Boltzmann Transport equation. This study revealed p-type semiconductor VRhSi half-Heusler compound with high power factor, Seebeck coefficient, electronic fitness function and figure of merit as a suitable material for thermoelectric functionalities.
BER Evaluation of an Enhanced Maximal Ratio Combiner over Time-Varying Nakagami Fading Channel
Wireless communication system has found worldwide acceptability as a backbone of modern digital transformation, enhancing connectivity, efficiency and transformation. However, the system is characterized with severe multipath propagation effects that degrade its performance. Maximal Ratio Combiner (MRC), as one of the techniques being used to address this problem is associated with poor performance in a time-varying channel due to increase in delay time as transmission data rate increases. Hence, in this paper, enhancement of MRC is carried out to improve its performance in a time-varying channel by reducing error rate using Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) transmission technique and the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the enhanced MRC scheme is analytically derived and employed as performance metric. The multiple copies of the received signals at varying paths „L‟ (2, 4) are combined using Conventional MRC (CMRC). The transmitter then selects the appropriate coding rate and constellation size for another transmission slot based on the obtained channel gain through ACM transmission technique. Mathematical expressions using Probability Density Function (PDF) of a time-varying Nakagami fading channel for Bit Error Rate (BER) is also derived. The proposed technique is simulated using MATLAB R2021a. The results obtained revealed that, the enhanced MRC scheme shows a lower BER, which indicate a significant gain in sound quality. Therefore, the proposed technique suggests a practical application in improving next-generation wireless network.
Assessment of Volumentric Shrinkage and Hydraulic Conductivity of Lateritic Soil – Corn Cob Ash Admixure as Liner Materials
A lateritic soil was treated with an agro-industrial waste—Corn Cob Ash (CCA)—using the West African Standard (WAS) compaction energy, with CCA content varied up to 12% in 3% increments. The test specimens were prepared at -4, -2, 0, 2, and 4% of optimum moisture content (OMC), extruded from the compaction mould, air-dried in the laboratory until no significant volume change was observed, and then tested for permeability using a falling head permeameter. The effects of CCA on the soil-CCA mixtures were assessed in terms of volumetric shrinkage and hydraulic conductivity. Results show that volumetric shrinkage decreased with increasing CCA content, reaching a minimum at 6% CCA, while hydraulic conductivity was lowest at 9% CCA, after which permeability slightly increased. Additionally, moulding water content significantly influenced volumetric shrinkage and hydraulic conductivity, as specimens compacted below OMC exhibited higher shrinkage and permeability, while those compacted above OMC initially showed lower shrinkage but increased void ratios, leading to higher permeability upon drying. These results indicate that not more than 6% and 9% CCA are optimal for reducing volumetric shrinkage and hydraulic conductivity, respectively. The findings suggest that CCA can be used as a sustainable stabilizer in soil modification for waste containment barrier materials.
Drone (UAV) for Monitoring Traffic Light Violation
Numerous Nigerian cities have begun to experience expansion and modern development, this has resulted to rapid increase in population density which gives rise to the urgent requirement for smart solutions to cope with the demands applied to the infrastructure of cities especially in the area of traffic regulation and safety of road users. This study proposes an intelligent, autonomous Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) traffic monitoring and policing system to combat traffic violations. In this paper, the shortcomings of traffic policing and emergency response handling systems was investigate. An intelligent, autonomous UAV-enabled solution was proposed and developed. Several scenarios of traffic monitoring and policing system were considered in the simulation: traffic light violations and accident detection, mobile speeding traps and automated notification, congestion detection and traffic rerouting, flagged stolen vehicles, pending arrest warrants and vehicle tracking using UAVs, and autonomous emergency response handling systems. The results of the simulated system were presented and discussed.
Development of an Intrusion Detection System Using Mayfly Feature Selection and Support Vector Machine Algorithms
Numerous security strategies have been used to control the threats associated with computer and network security. Methods such as access control, software and hardware firewall restrictions, and the encryption of private information. Nevertheless, these methods are insufficient because they all have serious drawbacks. As a result, using additional defense mechanisms, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), becomes crucial. This research developed an effective intrusion detection system using mayfly feature selection and support vector machine algorithm. The SVM classifier achieved an accuracy of approximately 99.9% the precision is 99.75% sensitivity 100%, Fscore 99.87% While the training time display an average time of 1.4630sec. The results of this study suggest that security professionals and researchers should consider adopting ensemble methods like AdaBoost, especially when combined with robust base learners such as SVM, in the development of intrusion detection systems for IoT networks
Cooking Fuel Cost Comparison and Preferences among Electricity Consumers In Nigeria
This work investigates the electricity consumers’ fuel preferences for cooking through online sharing of questionnaire. It also compared the cost of using three fuels for cooking through experimentation and created equations to serve as templates for cost comparison. These templates were used to compare cost of cooking fuels for selected States in Nigeria. The fuels considered are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene and electricity. The results obtained from the analysis of the responses show that higher percentage of respondents prefers to use LPG for cooking because they feel it is cheap and readily available. Many of the respondents don’t like to use electricity because it is considered to be expensive and not readily available. However, contrary to the believe by many respondents, the results of the experiments showed that electricity is the cheapest of all the three fuels considered and LPG is the most expensive for the location and time of study. The results comparing the pre and post economic reforms costs of the cooking fuels for selected States of the country are also presented.
Investigation on the Causes of Failure and Repair of Manual Water Pump
Manual water pumps are crucial in providing reliable water supply, particularly in rural communities where electricity supply is unavailable. However, their frequent failures and subsequent need for costly repairs have often resulted in community frustration and abandonment. This study investigates failure of manual water pump systems, encompassing experiments such as tensile strength testing, optical microstructural analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis, weight loss trials, and water quality assessment. The outcome of the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) for the New and Old Pipe Samples was 392.57 N/mm2 and 371.22 N/mm2 respectively. Optical microstructural analysis reveals that older galvanized pipes have larger grain sizes, potentially increasing susceptibility to corrosion. XRF analysis uncovers differences in elemental composition between old and new galvanized pipes, particularly higher zinc concentrations in the old pipes, suggesting more effective galvanization. Weight loss experiments demonstrate accelerated corrosion rates in old pipes, underlining the impact of aging and the need for corrosion protection measures. Water quality analysis indicates stable element concentrations (Na, Mg, Mn) but slight variability in iron levels, raising concerns about potential contribution of corrosion to water pollution. By investigating the factors contributing to pump malfunctions and improving maintenance practices, this study contributes significantly to the global effort to combat the water crisis. Furthermore, the selection of suitable materials for pump installations is explored to mitigate corrosion-related challenges, particularly concerning galvanized pipes.
Evaluation of Concrete Incorporated with Waste Plastic and Tyre Rubber as Partial Replacements for Fine Aggregate
The improper disposal of waste plastic and tyre rubber significantly contributes to environmental pollution; however, these materials can be repurposed for use in construction. This study investigates the impact of partially replacing fine aggregates with recycled plastic and tyre rubber waste on the strength properties of concrete. Concrete samples were prepared with 0, 5, 10, and 15% replacement of fine aggregates using plastic waste, tyre rubber waste, and a combination of both, while maintaining a constant water-cement ratio of 0.5. The samples, cast using 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm size cubic moulds were tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days. Results revealed that increasing the percentage of waste replacement improved workability and compacting factor but reduced compressive strength. At 28 days, compressive strength ranged from 10.83 N/mm² to 8.28 N/mm² for plastic waste, 12.83 N/mm² to 5.67 N/mm² for rubber waste, and 12.02 N/mm² to 9.10 N/mm² for the combined waste, compared to 15.80 N/mm² for the control mix. The findings indicate that 5 to 15% of all waste-based mixtures exhibited lower strength than the control, rubber waste contributed to higher strength than plastic, while the combined waste mixtures displayed intermediate strength. At 5% of plastic and rubber (12.02 N/mm2) is higher than 10% and 15% (11.74 N/mm2 and 9.10 N/mm2) respectively. It also clearly showed that as the percentage of the plastic and rubber fibres increased from 10% upward the compressive strength of the concrete decreased. This study highlights the potential of using recycled waste materials in concrete, particularly for low-bearing structural applications, promoting sustainable construction practices and environmental conservation.