The Second International Adaptive and Sustainable Science, Engineering and Technology Conference

Frontmatter

Age-Related Changes of the Muscles and Human Body Systems

Abstract

With increasing age, we become progressively weaker. At some stage, the loss of muscle power is such that it drops below a certain threshold and causes mobility limitations and a reduced quality of life, the ‘disability threshold’. Part of this is due to a loss of muscle mass, but also the maximal power generating capacity per unit of muscle mass is reduced. But are muscle weakness and death inevitable? Is it all maybe because we become less active in old age? Would maintaining our activity levels help maintain muscle function and even open the possibility to live eternally? While there is no doubt that resistance exercise increases the power generating capacity even in the oldest and frail old, the gains appear to be less in old age, and in some cases, exercise even leads to further muscle weakness rather than gains in strength!

There is evidence that sedentary behaviour during the day has a negative impact on many health parameters. Overall, it appears there is a progressive, and apparently irreversible, ageing process. The good news is, however, that regular exercise and other interventions or lifestyle changes can capitalise on the adaptability of physiological systems and delay the decrement of our functional capacity below a ‘disability threshold’.

Hans Degens

The Need for Adaptable and Sustainable Science, Engineering, and Technologies for Trans-generational Global Coexistence

Abstract

The pivotal role that science and engineering play in our world today cannot be overemphasised. In fact, the transformation that science and technological innovations has brought to different aspects of human existence is enormous. This is because science and engineering has the turned the whole world into a global village where communication, transportation, exchange of goods and services among others have become simplified to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Thus, this chapter x-rayed the prime place of adaptable and sustainable science, engineering and technology (ASSET) with the aim of harnessing its multifaceted applications (benefits) for enhancing peaceful human co-existence in a changing world order.

Isaac Busayo Oluwatayo

Path Loss Prediction of 5G in the 24.25–27.5 GHz Band Based on Machine Learning

Abstract

Millimetre-wave 5G signals require accurate path loss predictions due to the low spectral and energy efficiencies of pre-5G networks. This paper proposes a hybrid machine learning technique comprising an environment classifier that determines the propagation environment using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in the TensorFlow machine learning framework and a path loss model using the XGBoost model. The results of the evaluation demonstrate the model’s exceptional accuracy in predicting path loss for the 5G n258 standard (24.25–27.5 GHz) band. Through extensive training and testing using a carefully constructed dataset, the model achieves a root mean square error (RMSE) under 1 dB when compared with the empirical 26 GHz band measurements. Moreover, the machine learning model demonstrates a low computational latency with the parameter sweep predictions of 0.23 s, yielding a 99.65% decrease in execution time compared with the conventional methods.

Zaid Abedeen, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias, Muhammad Ijaz, Umar Raza, Stephen Alabi, Liangxiu Han

Establishment of the Anammox Wastewater Treatment Process in a Lab-Scale Expanded Bed Biofilm Reactor with ABDite®

Abstract

The anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox), a biological wastewater treatment (WWT) process, has the benefit of converting wastewater ammonia and nitrite to nitrogen gas. While Anammox has been conducted in various bioreactors that use various biomass support medium, this process has not been investigated with the expanded bed biofilm reactor (EBBR) that has been used successfully for total nitrification. This research investigated the ability of the lab-scale EBBR and the ABDite^® growth support medium originally designed to grow aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) to be adapted for the Anammox WWT process. Experiments conducted included chemical analysis to determine ammonia and nitrite concentrations removed from the EBBR, scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of biofilms formed on the ABDite medium, molecular biology analysis (DNA extraction, Sanger sequencing and BLAST, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify key bacterial groups. Results obtained from physical observation, chemical, SEM, and molecular biology investigations revealed that (i) the Anammox WWT process was established in the EBBR and the ABDite^® medium supported the development of Anammox bacterial biofilm for the first time. (ii) The EBBR-Anammox process achieved a nitrogen removal rate of 6.1 KgN m⁻³ d⁻¹ from a loading rate of 9.8 KgN m⁻³ d⁻¹ with 80–100% nitrogen removal efficiency. (iii) SEM analysis detected the cauliflower-like structure characteristic of Anammox bacteria biofilm. (iv) Anammox bacteria genera (Candidatus Brocadia, Kuenenia, and Jettenia), AOB (e.g., Nitrosomonas), and other bacterial communities were identified with molecular biology techniques.

Comfort Anyanwu, Devine Akhidime, Mike Dempsey, Louise Melling

Development of Compact Design Formulae for Aperture-Coupled MPA for Satellite Communication Applications

Abstract

Closed-form equations are presented for designing aperture-coupled microstrip antennas to ensure impedance matching with the feed network with a low return loss over a wide frequency band. The features like compactness, integrability with printed circuits, shielding of the radiating patch from the radiation emanating from the feed structure, etc. make these antennas as array attractive for present-day satellite communication in fields like high-speed video streaming, mobile computing, and communications.

Amit Ghosh, Swarnadipto Ghosh, Dipankar Saha, Samik Chakraborty, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Stephen Alabi

A Comparative Analysis of Different Polygon-Shaped Slotted Anisotropic Unit Cell for Holographic Metasurface Application

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study between different slotted anisotropic meta unit cell having various polygon architectures to extract the variation of surface impedance (Z_surf) based on the structural parameters. A systematic way for extracting the Z_surf using the transverse resonance method is proposed. A closed-form mathematical relationship has been established to make a nonlinear mapping between Z_surf and each parametric variation of the different polygon-shaped unit cells.

Swarnadipto Ghosh, Dipankar Saha, Ayona Chakraborty, Samik Chakraborty, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias

Theoretical Analysis and Design Equation of Rotated Dual-Split Elliptical Split Ring Resonator (RDS-ESRR)

Abstract

In this article, a detailed theoretical analysis for the calculation of fundamental mode of resonance for rotated dual-split elliptical split ring resonator (RDS-ESRR) has been proposed. A mathematical comparison between the theoretical and simulated resonance frequency has been displayed in this report. A closed-form empirical relationship has been proposed to estimate the sweeping of fundamental mode of resonance on the variation of multiple electrical parameters of the proposed ESRR structure. Both the equivalent circuit model and numerical equivalence have been performed in this article.

Dipankar Saha, Swarnadipto Ghosh, Ayona Chakraborty, Samik Chakraborty, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias, Stephen Alabi

Rectifier and Reconfigurable Impedance-Matching Network Analysis for Wireless Sub-6 GHz 5G/Wi-Fi 6/6E Energy Harvester

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of different rectifier configurations using the SMS7630 Schottky diode in RF energy-harvesting applications. This study focuses on achieving maximum power transfer between the antenna and the rectifier by employing a reconfigurable impedance-matching circuit. The designed impedance-matching circuit successfully achieved a reflection coefficient (S11) below −10 dB across a range of frequencies from 1.5GHz to 5.6GHz. The performance and effectiveness of the rectifier designs and the impedance-matching circuit were evaluated using Advanced Design System (ADS) software. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach in optimising power transfer efficiency for RF energy-harvesting systems within the specified frequency range.

Fanuel Elias, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Stephen Alabi, Dipankar Saha, Samik Chakraborty, Swarnadipto Ghosh, Mfonobong Charles Uko, Muhammad Ijaz, Umar Raza

A DC-50 GHz SPDT Switch for 5G Wireless Applications

Abstract

A broadband high-isolation single pole double throw (SPDT) switch based on a 0.15 μm gate length indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) pseudomorphic high electron transistor (pHEMT) is reported. The SPDT switch is composed of four shunt-stacked FET units on each branch with two FETs in series for increased voltage handling capability. The switch is designed to operate at the frequency range of DC-50 GHz with less than 3 dB insertion loss and more than 40 dB isolation, for X-band and K/Ka band frequency applications.

Mfonobong Uko, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias, Dipankar Saha, Swarnadipto Ghosh, Muhammad Ijaz, Samik Chakraborty, Andrew Gibson

Multi-Radio Frequency Antenna for Sub-6 GHz 5G Carrier and Data Link Margin Enhancement

Abstract

One notable feature of 5G/5G+ technologies different from previous mobile generations, such as LTE, is their ability to operate in a frequency range above 6 GHz. However, these higher-frequency bands are more susceptible to environmental conditions, hence the need for antennas with more directive properties and higher gains to mitigate and compensate for path loss. Various challenging scenarios present challenging design considerations for 5G and future 6G antenna designs such as 5G new radio (NR) sub-6 GHz (3.3–5 GHz), 5G NR mmWave (24–30 GHz), MIMO, and adaptive beamforming capabilities. This paper presents and analyses a wireless communication link budget of a novel planar multiband monopole antenna for sub-6 GHz 5G new radio (NR) frequency band applications, small satellites (including nanosatellites/CubeSat), smart IoT devices, and radar. The proposed antenna device consists of four monopole elements printed on an FR4 substrate, with a ground slot and a ground patch that operate with three different gain (dBi)/resonance (MHz) of (3.16, 3050), (4.52, 3420), and (5.43, 5380) and bandwidths of 868 MHz (2932–3800) and 664 MHz (5115–5819), respectively.

Sunday Enahoro, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Andy Gibson, Kin Kee Chow, Helen Ji, Khaled Rabie

Multiband Monopole Antenna Design for Sub-6 GHz 5G Internet of Things Applications

Abstract

Monopole antenna plays a vital role in mobile Internet of Things (IoT) applications because of its low cost, low form factor, and size. The SWaP-C (size, weight, and power-cost) constraints of mobile Internet of Things (IoT) device poses extra challenges for antenna designers. These challenges are due to the expected large-scale integration of various multifrequency transceiver subsystems such as 5G new radio (NR) sub-6 GHz (3.3–5 GHz), 5G NR mmWave (24–30 GHz), adaptive beamforming, and 4x4 multiple-input multiple-output capabilities presently challenging design considerations for 5G antenna development. This paper proposes a novel multiband planar monopole antenna for 5G sub-6 GHz NR frequency bands for mobile handsets, smart Internet of Things devices, and small satellites (including nanosatellites/CubeSats). The gain (dBi)-resonance frequency (MHz) responses of the proposed antenna are (1.86, 960), (3.6, 1910), (1.74, 2440), and (3.16, 3050) with bandwidths of 854–1043 MHz, 1673–2559 MHz, and 2932–3800 MHz.

Sunday Enahoro, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Andy Gibson, Kin Kee Chow, Helen Ji, Khaled Rabie

Novel Techniques for 5G/6G Power Amplifier Operation Constraints Mitigation for Satellite-Cellular Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the constraints and mitigation strategies imposed on a radio frequency power amplifier (RF PA) design for satellite-cellular wireless communication. Novel wideband single-stage class AB PA design for 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) user equipment (UE) has been proposed. This is based on a 0.25 μm GaN on SiC HEMT technology at sub-6 GHz 5G. This range targets the n77, n78, and n79 5G new radio (NR) bands of interest mandated by the third-generation partnership project (3GPP). Our systematic simulation design approach applies careful impedance matching network tuning to address the challenges of 5G multiband/multi-standard PA operation. The proposed PA demonstrates a baseline class-AB ideal peak efficiency of 58%. The input return loss is less than −10 dB for the whole band. A substantial peak output power of 34 dBm is for FWA UEs. The gain compression is also 2.7 dB and the compressed power gain at peak PAE is 9.1 dB. It maintains a flat small signal response gain response with a modest in-band ripple less than 3 dB. Moreover, the PA has a stability factor of 2.6 accounting for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable performance in real-world conditions within an additively manufactured electronics technology.

Arslan Altaf, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Muhammad Ijaz, Andy Gibson, Peter H. Aaen

Deep Learning-Enabled Smart Wearables to Assist People with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dynamic Environments

Abstract

This work aims to explore the possibilities of using a robotic emotion recognition model to help people with autism spectrum disorder improve their social skills. An OAK-D lite camera and Lenovo IdeaPad L340 Gaming were used to run a Python algorithm to estimate emotions in a stage neural network hybrid deep learning system. The data was gathered from 30 Manchester Metropolitan University engineering students.

Results showed that the idea of robotic emotion recognition works, but the algorithm could be improved, resulting in better accuracy with the hardware also due for enhancement. However, the project can expand to other areas, such as public security and mood monitoring services and combine it with other indicators, such as heart rate sensors and rapid movement detection.

Przemyslaw Danowski, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias, Muhammad Ijaz, Umar Raza, Raul Ochoa Carbrero

Downlink Power Budget and Bit Error Analysis for LoRa-Based Sensor Node-to-Satellite Link in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Frequency Bands

Abstract

In this paper, the downlink power budget and bit error analysis for LoRa-based sensor node-to-satellite link in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands is presented. The study evaluated the path loss, rain attenuation, operating carrier to noise ratio (C/N), link margin, bit error probability (BER), and the feasibility of wireless communication for the downlink of five selected frequencies (0.45492 GHz, 0.9233 GHz, 2.433 GHz, 5.821 GHz, and 24.021 GHz) in the ISM frequency bands. The EGS (AJISAI) geodetic satellite with NORAD ID of 16,908 and orbital height of 1480.33 km was used for the case study with the earth station sensor node located at Akwa Ibom State Universality main campus at Mkpat Enin with longitude of 7.761340 and latitude of 4.625907. The satellite link has a slant range of 3374.8 km, and the simulation results show the free space loss increases with frequency from 156.2 dB at 0.45492 GHz to 190.6 dB at 24.021 GHz. Also, the rain attenuation, Ap, increases with frequency; for percentage (p) exceeded rain intensity of 0.01%, Ap increased from 0.00534 dB at 0.45492 GHz to 96.09238 dB at 24.021 GHz. Again, for any given value of p, the value of C/N decreases with frequency; for p = 0.01%, C/N decreased from −10.36 dB at 0.45492 GHz to −143.67 dB at 24.021 GHz. On the other hand, for any given frequency, C/N decreases with p; for f = 24.021 GHz, C/N decreased from −10.36 at p = 1.0% to −196.47 dB at p = 0.003%. Furthermore, for the frequency of 0.45492 GHz and 0.9233 GHz, the link margins are positive; hence wireless communication is feasible.

Anietie Essien, Ubong Ukommi, Emmanuel Ubom

Evaluation of Energy Consumption and Battery Life Span for LoRa IoT Multisensor Node for Precision Farming Application

Abstract

In this paper, evaluation of energy consumption and battery life span for a long-range (LoRa) Internet of Things (IoT) multisensor node for precision farming application is presented. The energy consumption model consists of analytical expressions for the determination of the average current drawn per cycle, the energy consumed per cycle, and the battery life span. The case study multisensor node has five sensors for capturing data on the temperature, relative humidity, CO₂, soil moisture, and light. A program written in Visual Basic for Application (VBA) was used for sample numerical computations for the case study multisensor node operated with bandwidth of 125 KHz, transmitter power of 10 dB, cycle time of 540,000 ms, and spreading factor of 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7. The results show that the average current drawn per cycle increases with increase in the spreading factor, the energy consumed per cycle increases with increase in the spreading factor, while the battery life span decreases with increase in the spreading factor. Furthermore, for the spreading factor of 12, the active states took about 43.89% of the cycle time and consumed 46.76 5% of the total energy per cycle, whereas, the sleep state took 56.11% of the cycle time and consumed about 53.24% of the total energy. In all, the idea presented in this paper is relevant for researchers that are working on modeling the energy consumption in multisensor nodes which are popularly used nowadays in smart system design.

Oduoye Israel Olufemi, Ubong Ukommi

Vibration Analysis for Predictive Maintenance and Improved Machine Reliability of Electric Motors in Centrifugal Pumps

Abstract

Vibration can be used as a means to detect failure in nonstationary machines including centrifugal pumps whose functions greatly depend on the behavior of the electric motors attached to it. This work measured the vibration of two pumps in four directions and studied its relationship. One of the pumps was replaced with a bad motor bearing, and measurements were retaken in the four directions. The time domain analysis results showed a remarkable increase in the vibration intensity with the bad bearing. The measurements when compared with acceptable vibration standards showed unacceptable values which showed that faults could be detected through vibration. Using intuition which could be derived from long-time vibration testing and also deductible from other researches, predictive maintenance planning can be developed to improve system reliability and reduce or prevent downtimes. The work succeeded in driving attention to the effective use of vibration studies in predictive and preventive maintenance drives of electrical devices.

Fortune Jameson, Emmanuel Ubom, Ubong Ukommi

Preparation of Eco-friendly and Sustainable Adsorbent from Gmelina arborea Pulping Black Liquor and Preliminary Study on Its Potentials in the Treatment of Dye Effluents

Abstract

Pulping black liquors are effluents released during wood pulping. These effluents pollute both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The effluent contains greater percentage of lignin and small amount of degrading cellulose and hemicellulose monomers. In this research, Gmelina arborea wood was pulped using soda pulping process. Lignin was extracted from the black liquor effluent by acid precipitation at pH 2. The extracted lignin was oxidized using hydrogen peroxide. Soda lignin and its oxidized product were applied in the treatment of simulated dye effluents containing triphenylmethane anionic dye (phenol red) and cationic dye (gentian violent). The results revealed that soda lignin adsorbed greater percentage of phenol red, while oxidized soda lignin functions effectively in the adsorption of gentian violent. Hence, lignin which is presently discarded as waste material in the pulp and paper industry can be extracted and used as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable adsorbent in the absorption of anionic dyes and can also be oxidized and used in the adsorption of cationic dyes from textile effluents.

Aniekan E. Akpakpan, Itoro E. Udo, Okon E. Okon, Nyeneime W. Akpanudo

Scientific Analysis of Engineering Materials Derivable from Smart Electronically Calibrated Nonwoody Agricultural Waste for Production of Pulp

Abstract

The necessity for a self-dependent economy and the quest to develop more raw materials for chemical and agrochemical industries have expanded the frontiers of the researcher in the aspect of the engineering materials derivable from agricultural waste products, particularly from straws and other nonwoody waste products channeled toward the production of pulp for handmade and tissue papers for household and commercial usage, thereby boosting the economy and reducing importation and foreign dependence. In this study, two samples Zea mays straws and Luffa cylindrica described as agricultural wastes were used. These were obtained from the swamp region of Ikpe Anang River in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The samples were washed with water and cut into small lengths of about 2 cm and air-dried for 3 days to reduce moisture content before grinding to powder and stored in a container for further analysis. Scientific analysis of chemical composition in terms of ash content and fiber analysis including fiber length, fiber diameter, fiber lumen width, fiber cell wall thickness, runnel ratio, and flexibility coefficient were carried out. Thereafter, results showing characteristics of straws (physical parameters), solubility tests, bulk density, fiber characteristics, and variation in fiber characteristics in both samples were also examined and summarized as derived values for fiber characteristics. The results obtained show that the two plant straws had satisfactory fiber characteristics for pulp production for handmade and tissue paper.

Itoro Esiet Udo, Enefiok Okon Usungurua, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Perpetual Eze-Idehen, Joseph Pius Sam

VERD: A Proficient Algorithm for Selecting Cluster Leaders in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Energy conservation poses a significant challenge in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) due to the limited energy of sensors. Consequently, clustering has emerged as the most effective approach for achieving optimal energy utilization and prolonging the lifetime of sensors in networks. Establishing cluster leaders or cluster heads is essential in cluster sensor networks to handle the aggregation and transmission of data traffic from the cluster. However, the cluster head selection algorithm introduces instability to the network. VERD is a proficient cluster head selection algorithm that uses the node’s visibility index, node’s energy, received signal strength indicator, and distance from the sink to derive the eligibility index for a cluster head selection. To enhance efficiency, VERD considered a few sensors within a certain distance radius of the sink as independent. Independent sensors communicated directly with the sink, thereby reducing the load on the selected cluster heads. VERD was evaluated with HEEL, SEP, and PEGASIS algorithms, and its performance showed an appreciable improvement in the network’s energy conservation. Furthermore, while the WSN’s lifetime was extended by 36.65%, the network stability improved by an average of 46.08%.

Emmanuel Oluropo Ogungbemi, Kufre Michael Udofia, Philip Michael Asuquo, Kingsley Monday Udofia

Metasurface-Backed Polarization-Diversified Microstrip Patch Antenna for Biomedical Multi-communication Applications

Abstract

A uniform and homogeneous 4X4 array-based metasurface-backed polarization-diversified microstrip patch antenna (MPA) has been proposed to study the characteristics of human physiology and blood composition in at least three different frequencies [viz., GSM (2.27 GHz), WLAN (5.2 GHz), and X-band (8.78 GHz)] when used as an invasive or noninvasive sensor. It is capable of transceiving the information over the same commonly used frequency band(s). The proposed polarization-diversified antenna can accurately characterize the physiological changes of the behavior of biosamples/biofluids occasioned by their height dielectric constant and conductivity variations with three different frequencies yielding S11 < −10 dB.

Swarnadipto Ghosh, Dipankar Saha, Ayona Chakraborty, Samik Chakraborty, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias

Experimental Analysis of Useful Manufacturing Materials Embedded in Agricultural Wastes for Paper Industry Applications

Abstract

In this study, two agricultural wastes, namely, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) fruit fibres and palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) seed hairs, were used and were, respectively, obtained from Uyo and Oron Local Government Areas, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for pulp and paper manufacturing. The samples were washed with distilled water, air-dried for 2 days, and then conveyed to the Chemistry Laboratory, University of Uyo, for further analysis. Thereafter, an experimental analysis as per water and alkaline solubility was carried out, together with physical property classification including cellulose and hemicellulose content, and fibre characteristics comprising fibre length, fibre diameter, lumen width, cell wall thickness, runnel ratio, and flexibility coefficient were carried out. The results obtained generally and specifically for cellulose content (75% and 87%, respectively, for the aforementioned test samples), flexibility coefficient (50% for both), and Runkel ratio (0.5 for both), which are the most important paper properties and were within standard range, showed that the two agricultural wastes had satisfactory fibre characteristics for pulp and paper production and other several manufacturing applications.

Enefiok Okon Usungurua, Itoro Esiet Udo, Daniel Edet Essang, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Perpetual Eze-Idehen

Improving the Perception of Moronic Systems Whether Human or Self-Driving Vehicles Using Intelligent Agents: A Review

Abstract

Moronic systems refer to systems that are incapable of intelligent decision-making due to a lack of advanced cognitive capabilities. These systems have not been updated to meet current standards, and machines that lack intelligent perception are the implication of these systems. By using intelligent agents, the perception capabilities like decision-making and overall performance of moronic systems can be enhanced. The intelligent agents can provide real-time data analysis and decision-making capabilities that can help identify potential hazards and avoid accidents. They can be utilized in human-inspired moronic systems to support healthcare decision-making and advance emotion recognition in a variety of applications, including gaming, mental health monitoring, and human-robot interaction. In this review, we explore the latest research and advancements in intelligent agents for improving the perception of moronic systems. We discuss their application in self-driving vehicles and human-inspired systems. Also, we explore the latest research and advancements in intelligent agents for improving the perception of moronic systems, including their application in self-driving vehicles and human-inspired systems.

Fakhra Riaz, Faisal Riaz, Asma Jabeen, Umar Raza, William Holderbaum, Sidra Kouser, Saeid Jamali

Design and Carbon Credit Evaluation of a Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Power System for Campus Streetlight: Case Study of the University of Uyo Main Campus, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

In this paper, the design and carbon credit evaluation of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (SPV) power system for campus street light, a case study of the University of Uyo main campus at Nsukara Offot in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is presented. The campus streetlight has a total path length of 3.45 km, a daily energy demand of 144.96 kWh with 1717.2 kWh/m² yearly solar irradiation on the horizontal plane, and a mean ambient temperature of 24.9 °C. The SPV power system design and determination of the energy yield are done using PVSyst simulation software. The results show that the SPV has yearly energy yield of 51.6 MWh, with performance ratio of 76.9%. Also, a maximum energy yield of 5462 kWh occurred in the month of January, while the lowest energy yield of 3401 occurred in the month of July. Furthermore, the CO2 emission reduction value is 48.0912 tons per year, and this amounts to carbon credit of 1322.51 USD, which is equivalent to 1,005,106.08 Naira. In essence, over one million Naira carbon credit is realized by the installation of the grid-connected SPV power system for the campus streetlight.

Iniobong Edifon Abasi-obot, Eduediuyai Ekerette Dan, Mfonobong Umoren

A Reconfigurable Load-Modulated Balanced 9-GHz Power Amplifier Design for Radar Applications

Abstract

In the last two decades, radar has been increasingly utilized in new vertical industries and commercial and government sectors as object detectors due to advanced process technologies and efficient designs. Power amplifiers (PAs) implemented in these radar systems play a crucial role in the system’s function, capabilities, and limitations. Linearity, gain, and efficiency are important PA performance metrics at higher output power levels. This paper proposes the load-modulated balanced amplifier (LMBA) design as an efficient PA architecture to meet stringent radiation-prone space and terrestrial use case requirements. A gate GaN-on-SiC WIN transistor was utilized to design a 9-GHz LMBA PA. It was biased at a gate voltage of −2.6 V and drain voltage of 28 V. The PA achieved an output power of >33 dBm and a gain output of >9 dB at a PAE of >55%.

Joseph Christopher Skippings, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Fanuel Elias, Andy Gibson

UCoD: Ensemble BERT for Hierarchical Classification of the Urdu Disinformation Corpus

Abstract

Online disinformation poses a growing threat, requiring fact-checking and detection/prevention measures. To address this, we propose a hierarchical classification approach using the DistilBERT and XLM-RoBERTa ensemble architectures on the Urdu Corpus of Disinformation (UCoD). Our ensemble outperforms other models like RNNs, LSTMs, k-nearest neighbors, random forests, and quadratic discriminant analysis, achieving a weighted F1 of 68.7 on UCoD. These results confirm the advantage of ensembles for imbalanced corpora, supporting the use of deep learning techniques in combating disinformation.

Umar Farooq, Omer Beg, Faisal Riaz, Saeid Jamali, William Holderbaum, Umar Raza

Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals Due to Dietary Intake of Edible Fishes Obtained from Qua Iboe River, Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

This study assessed the level of five trace metals (Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb) in the muscles and gills of five different fish species (Oreochromis niloticus (ON), Pseudotolithus typus (PT), Caranx hippos (CH), Ethmalosa fimbriata (EF), and Polydactylus quadrifilis (PQ)), water, and sediments collected from Qua Iboe River, Ibeno local government area. Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The samples were digested with aqua regia (HCl and HNO₃; 3:1) and analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Pb. The results obtained showed that chromium accumulated more in the gills than in the muscles and zinc accumulate much in the muscles than in the gills. Zn concentrations in the examined fish muscles ranged from 3.44 to 507.0 mg/kg dry weight. The mean Zn concentrations in the gills of fish species ranged from 1.03 to 20.70 mg/kg. The observed levels of Cu in the water samples analyzed in this study were above the permissible limits. On a general note, all the computed hazard index (HI) values for adults in the muscles, gills, water, and sediment were mostly below unity. In conclusion, all the hazard quotient (HQ) values calculated for adults consuming both the muscles and gills analyzed were all below unity indicating low or no toxic risks.

Uwem U. Ubong, Akanimo D. Akpan, Ifiok O. Ekwere

Evaluation of Standalone Solar Photovoltaic Power System with Load Scheduling for Automated Teller Machine Gallery

Abstract

In this paper, PVsyst simulation-based evaluation of standalone solar photovoltaic (SSPV) power system with load scheduling for automated teller machine (ATM) gallery is presented. The gallery with 10 units of ATMs is located at latitude of 4.621393 and longitude of 7.763904. The ATM gallery has average daily energy demand of 608.4 kWh without load scheduling and 533.7 kWh when load scheduling is implemented. The study site has mean daily average global irradiation on the horizontal plane of 5.05 kWh/m²/day and mean daily ambient temperature of 26.13 °C. According to the PVsyst simulation results, a worst-case loss of load probability of 0.3% occurred in the month of February with a total of 2-hour loss of load duration. Also, the highest missing energy of 25 kWh occurred in the month of January and December. When the load scheduling is not employed, the annual energy demand is 222,400 kWh with energy supply to the load being 222,192 kWh. However, with load scheduling, the annual energy demand reduced to 195,569 kWh, while the available energy to the user still remains 222,192 kWh. In all, with the adoption of load scheduling, a 24-hour ATM service is guaranteed all through the year. The ideas presented in this study are useful for the design of solar power system for users with dispatchable load.

A. Umoren Mfonobong, Eduediuyai Ekerette Dan, Nseobong Okpura

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