LAUTECH Journal of Engineering and Technology (LAUJET)
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ADOPTING GENETIC ALGORITHM AS A SMART OPTION IN DEVELOPING AN INTELLIGENT DATA LOGGER FOR SETTLING CASH DISPENSE ALTERCATION
Get PDFThe customers of Nigerian banks are regularly faced with the issue of delay in reversing debited funds when dispense errors occur. These customers in some cases wait for days, weeks and months to get their reversal and sometimes they are never reversed. 24 hours auto reverse of debited funds only occurs in one out of hundreds of transactions made by customers which makes the existing system unreliable and inefficient. In order to improve the present system and get rid of the manual method of filling out the dispense dispute form at the banking hall, an intelligent data logger for resolving cash dispense disputes in banking industry using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was developed. The data for the system was collected through the application of questionnaires and personal interviews of bank staff and customers. The GA optimization methodology was applied for automating the reversing of debited funds with an online user interface that speedily resolves the issue of debited funds in microseconds. The automated platform developed was tested on a real-life application of cash transaction and optimized result achieved. The achieved results were validated using Genetic Algorithm’s fitness function on a MATLAB application while the dispense dispute e-form was developed and validated on the sublime text web application. The significant results obtained from the sampled banks indicated an optimized performance efficiency of 97% in resolving delay in reversing debited funds on dispense dispute
OPTIMIZATION AND MODELLING OF BIO-OIL YIELD FROM THE PYROLYSIS OF JATROPHA CURCAS SEED USING OPTIMAL DESIGN AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Get PDFBetter quality and quantity of pyrolysis products from biomass can be obtained by regulating the input parameters of the pyrolysis process. Pyrolysis of Jatropha Curcas seed mixed with alumina catalyst was carried out in a fixed bed reactor to study the effects of temperature, time, and particle size on bio char and bio-oil yield. The bio-oil yields were optimized using the Optimal Design (OD) under the Combined Methodology of the Design-Expert Software (12.0). The input and output parameters were modeled and validated using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) based on 40 experimental data generated by the OD. The optimum bio-oil yield of 15.6 wt. % was obtained at 650 °C, 30 min, and 1 mm particle size. The Correlation Coefficient (R2) of the model for the bio-char and bio-oil yield under the OD were 0.998 and 0.996, respectively. The optimized ANN architecture employed the in-built Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm in MATLAB software. Random division of the data into training, validation and testing sets followed 70:15:15 percentage proportions with 15 hidden layers. This resulted in the minimum Mean Square Error (MSE) of 2.15e-05 and (R2) of 0.96394 for the bio-oil yield. The FTIR spectra indicated that bio-oil contained phenols, esters, and acids compound while its Gas Chromatography analysis showed the presence of pyrrolidine, pyrimidine, and aldehydes. These properties signified the bioenergy and biochemical capabilities of the pyrolytic oil obtained. The prediction accuracy indicates that both the ANN and OD can be deployed for accurate prediction
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF PALM KERNEL FIBRE ASH ON THE COMPRESSIVE EARTH STABILISED BLOCK
Get PDFPursuing cost-effective, sustainable building materials remains imperative, particularly for addressing housing deficits in developing nations like Nigeria. This study investigates the influence of one agricultural by-product, palm kernel fibre ash (PKFA), on the compressive and flexural strengths of compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs), aiming to identify optimal proportions for enhanced block strength. Through systematic testing, variations in flexural and compressive strengths are evaluated across different percentages of PKFA replacements (ranging from 0% to 100%). The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of the PKFA reveals complex crystal structures with various mineral phases, shedding light on the ash's composition and potential structural implications in CSEB production. Results demonstrate a noteworthy impact on the mechanical properties of CSEBs with PKFA incorporation. Flexural strength exhibits improvements with low percentages of PKFA replacement, peaking at certain levels before declining at higher substitution rates. Compressive strength, similarly, showcases enhancements up to a certain replacement percentage, beyond which a decline is observed. The findings suggest an optimal range of PKFA replacement that augments the strength of CSEBs without compromising structural integrity. The study underscores the potential viability of PKFA as a substitute for cement in CSEBs, offering insights into the optimal replacement percentages for enhanced block strengt
EFFECT OF TILLAGE METHODS ON SOIL PHYSICAL AND STRENGTH PROPERTIES UNDER AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS PRODUCTION IN A SANDY-LOAM ENVIRONMENT
Get PDFAmaranthus hybridus (African Spinach) production is a common vegetable in many southwestern parts of Nigeria. Many farmers grow it for its high source of protein and vitamins under different soil conditions without taking into consideration the tillage method that best gives the highest yield. A field study was conducted on a sandy loam soil in the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin. Nigeria during the raining season of 2017 to investigate the effect of tillage methods on soil physical properties, penetration resistance and shear strength under Amaranthus hybridus production. The experiment was a completely randomized design with three replications. Tillage methods were disc plough (DP), disc harrow (DH), combination of disc plough and disc harrowing (DPH) and zero tillage (ZT). Soil physical parameters investigated during the growth stages of the crop were soil bulk density, soil moisture content, penetration resistance, shear stress and total porosity. Average bulk density for DP, DPH, DH and ZT were 1.33, 1.30, 1.25 and 1.50 g/cm3 respectively. Shear stress increased with depth in all the plots. Maximum values at the 14-21 cm depth were 132, 104, 166 and 16 mPa for DP, DPH, DH and ZT respectively. The average penetration resistance on the DP, DPH, DH and ZT at the 14-21cm depth were 84.3, 82, 178 and 97 kPa respectively. Amaranthus hybridus yield was highest on the DPH plots with an average weight of 10 stands weighing 108g. Disc ploughed + harrowing was the best tillage practice considering the soil physical properties, penetration resistance and shear stress of the plots for the optimum yield of Amaranthus hybridus on the sandy loam field
OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF UNIFIED POWER FLOW CONTROLLER ON POWER SYSTEM FOR VOLTAGE STABILITY ENHANCEMENT USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK TECHNIQUE
Get PDFThe desire for an enhanced power transfer capability and quality of electricity delivered to the customers has led to emergence of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS). This work compares power system voltage stability with and without compensation. The compensation is done by optimal placement of Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. The algorithm to implement the stabilizing processes employed Newton-Raphson-based load flow equations in MATLAB R2018a environment. The stability of Nigerian 330 kV, 30–bus network was assessed before and after the implementation of UPFC and UPFC-ANN controlled. The results obtained without compensation showed: New Haven, Onitsha, Gombe, Jos, Kano and Calabar with voltage magnitude of 0.9003, 0.9468, 0.6608, 0.8141, 0.8138 and 0.9319 p.u, respectively violated the statutory limit of 0.951.05 p.u and total active power loss was 218.76 MW. With UPFC on bus Calabar, the total active power loss reduced to 200.85 MW, while buses New Haven, Gombe, Jos and Kano produced voltage magnitude of 0.9130, 0.6608, 0.8141 and 0.8138 p.u, respectively, still constrained. ANN based UPFC placement on bus Gombe - the most critical bus with Voltage stability index (VSI) of 0.9252, the voltage magnitude of buses New Haven, Onitsha, Gombe, Jos, Kano and Calabar enhanced to 0.9533, 0.9552, 1.0481, 1.0399, 1.0425 and 1.0081 p.u, respectively and total active power loss reduced by 28.81% compared with 8.19% reduction with UPFC. The study revealed ANN controlled UPFC is suitable and appropriate for improving voltage stability and reducing power loss on power system
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HYBRID AND STANDALONE TECHNIQUES ON WEB APPLICATIONS BASED CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING ATTACKS
Get PDFCross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of malicious scripts that are broadcasted on the web applications through Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP). There are three categories of XSS: persistent, reflected, and Document Object Model DOM-based (Document Object Model). In the persistent attack, the malicious code is stored into the database and execute on every browser that loads the infected webpage. For the reflected attack, the user is tricked into submitting a form that sends malicious code to the victim’s browser, while DOM-based attack is done by manipulating the user’s DOM environment, which does not affect the HTTP response and the web server but the client side of the affected user. To shield users against data theft, this research targets to improve the detection accuracy of cross-site scripting attacks in web applications. The dataset underwent pre-processing. Pearson Correlation technique was used to choose sixty correlated features of sixty-eight features for the research. The efficacy of the CNN-LSTM hybridized approach and their standalone were demonstrated and evaluated using accuracy criteria. Experimental results recorded 99.87% for both hybrid and LSTM approaches respectively with margin of 0.1 lower than CNN, but higher in terms of other metrics, implying that all the approaches can be used for the detection of cross-site scripting attacks
ANALYSIS OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE
Get PDFThe ever-increasing reliance on information systems for a competitive edge has thrust information security to the forefront of organizational priorities. This strategic concern arises from the widespread adoption of information systems across organizations, underscoring the imperative of safeguarding information in the face of complex systems and rapid technological advancements. This study focuses on the critical success factors analysis of information security management performance. The study investigates the relationships between information security controls, top management support, security awareness and training, and the performance of information security management. A theoretical model was proposed and tested empirically using survey data obtained from 119 IT personnel in high-tech firms across the Lagos metropolis. The results indicate significant positive relationships between information security management performance and the following factors: information security controls (r = 0.699**, P < 0.01), top management support (r = 0.751**, P < 0.01), and security awareness and training (r = 0.778**, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the study reveals that information security controls are significantly determined by top management support (r = 0.901**, P < 0.01), security awareness and training (r = 0.579**, P < 0.01), and IT competence (r = 0.451**, P < 0.01). Moreover, the study demonstrates that business alignment has a strong direct effect on an organization's IT competence, with a significant path coefficient (r = 0.318**, P < 0.01). The findings emphasize the criticality of information security controls, top management support, security awareness and training, and IT competence in achieving effective information security management. Enhancing these factors in organizations improves information security practices and safeguards valuable assets
CHARACTERIZATION OF CALCINED PAWPAW DRIED LEAVES ASH AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AS HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Get PDFThe increasing global demand for energy has fueled a search for sustainable and renewable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Biodiesel, produced through transesterification of triglycerides, stands out as a promising candidate. This study explores the potential use of calcined pawpaw dried leaves ash (CDPLA) as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. Pawpaw residues, often overlooked, are rich in bioactive compounds with various applications, and this study aims to harness their potential in the biodiesel production process. Calcination of dried pawpaw leaves at different temperatures (500-900 °C) resulted in CDPLA, which was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The chemical analysis revealed a significant composition of CaO and SiO2 in the CDPLA, indicative of its potential catalytic activity. The XRD patterns suggested phase transformations, with Ca(OH)2 and SiO2 identified as major components. FTIR analysis further supported the presence of functional groups associated with CaO, highlighting the potential use of CDPLA as a biodiesel catalyst. The study emphasizes the environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature of bio-derived catalysts, with pawpaw residues offering an abundant and sustainable source. The research demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing CDPLA as a heterogeneous catalyst in transesterification reactions for biodiesel production. The findings contribute to the growing interest in bio-based catalysts, showcasing the potential of agricultural residues in addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable energy practices
ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENT OF DEPOSITION AND RESERVOIR QUALITY OF WELL TMG C-2 IN THE WESTERN NIGER DELTA
Get PDFThis research revealed the reservoir quality and the nature of the depositional Environment of the study location in order to have an accurate field development and reservoir update. The objectives are to interpret logs of gamma ray, porosity and permeability, to determine depositional environments from the log motifs, identify reservoir sands, reservoir depth and thickness. Based on the log responses (signatures) of the well that shows the funnel and bell shapes, the major two sand bodies B and C studied in the well TMG-C2 were deposited in shallow marine environments. Sand B was deposited in Fluvial, shoreface and tidal environments. Fluvial environments occurred towards the western portion of the field capping a shoreface environment at the bottom of the well. Sand C was deposited in shoreface and tidal environment (shallow marine environment). Predominantly shoreface environment was capped with minor tidal channel. Tidal environment occurred at the bottom edge of the well capping shoreface. The average effective porosity ranges between 18.64% to 20.8% and permeability between 226.5 to 300.5 millidarcy, which shows that the sands have moderate to good reservoir quality. The facies and the reservoir quality model, show a good sand development with better porosity and permeability while area with poor sand development have lower reservoir quality. The effective porosity and permeability variation suggest possible changes in depositional processes such as change from laminar to turbulent flow and change in sediment source leading to variation in sorting and porosity
EFFECT OF MAGNETIZED IRRIGATION WATER AND SEEDS ON GERMINATION, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND YIELD OF COWPEA CULTIVARS
Get PDFThe effects of magnetized irrigation water and cowpea seeds on germination, water use efficiency (WUE), and yields were investigated under transparent garden. Irrigation water was treated with neodymium and round-bar magnets with magnetic fluxes of 112.74 mT and 107.15 mT. Water was applied at 1.50 litres per day for 3-day intervals at 2 plants per bucket. Cowpea cultivars (C1= TVX-117, C2= IAR-48, and C3 = Ife brown) were stimulated within magnetic fields of fluxes 27.32 mT and 18.54 mT before planting. Four experiments and one control were replicated five times randomized using factorial design. The neodymium-treated water only (T1), neodymium-treated water and seeds (T2), round-bar treated water only (T3), round-bar treated water and seeds (T4), and non-treated water and seeds (Tc). The germination indices revealed that four magnetic treatments performed better than the control with significant differences at p<0.05 (R2 = 0.9598). Cowpea yields showed that there was a significant difference at p=0.0006 (p<0.05, R2 = 0.9599). There were no significant differences in WUE for all the treatments as R2 = 0.01830 was closed to zero at p<0.05. This study concluded that magnetized water and/or seeds improved growth rate, WUE, and cowpea yield compared to the control