Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment (AZOJETE)
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Modelling of a Real-Time Aerial Surveillance System for Quadcopter Application Using Machine Vision
No full textUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant traction for real-time surveillance applications such as object tracking and search-and-rescue missions. A key enabler of these capabilities is the integration of a real-time, highly accurate object detection system. While available two-stage detectors like R-CNN, Fast R-CNN, Faster R-CNN, and Mask R-CNN achieve high detection accuracy and precise localization by dividing the image into regions and classifying each region, they are often slow, complex, and resource-intensive, making them unsuitable for real-time applications. To address this limitation, this research utilizes a Darknet-based YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once, Version 3), a state-of-the-art algorithm for real-time object detection in videos, live feeds, and images. Leveraging a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), YOLOv3 efficiently learns features and predicts object locations and class probabilities in a single pass, ensuring high-speed and reliable detection. A real-time aerial surveillance system for quadcopter application using machine vision is proposed. The training dataset, obtained from the internet and self-taken images from a camera, was manually annotated into three critical categories: suspect, bandit, and weapon. The dataset was subsequently divided into training and testing subsets. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system achieves outstanding detection accuracy, with an overall mean average precision ([email protected]) of 93.82%, precision of 94%, and recall of 83%. Compared to a ResNet-50-based Faster R-CNN model, the YOLOv3-based approach outperformed, achieving success rates of 0.81 for the Bandit class and 1.00 for both Suspect and Weapon classes. This research improves drone-based AI for real-time object detection in security systems, enhancing efficiency and adaptability. It also creates specialized datasets, including a tailored bandit dataset, to support future UAV security research
Modeling Thermal Death Time (D – Value) Of Bacillus Cereus in Acha (Digitaria Exilis) Starch Flour
No full textThis study investigated thermal death time (D – value) of Bacillus cereus in acha starch flour, with the aim of providing thermo-bacteriological data that would enhance the safety of acha starch flour. The data would therefore serve as a guide to potential food processors, engineers and scientists thereby promoting the starch usage in food development and formulation beyond its present status. Acha starch was prepared, stored under hygienic conditions and sterilized in an autoclave prior to its thermal treatments. The sample water activity (aw) was then adjusted, and the value confirmed via the aw meter. Design Expert 13 for window was used for the experimental lay-out, comprising three inactivation temperatures and aw values with all experiments conducted in triplicate. The Bacillus cereus thermal destruction characteristics were obtained by plotting number of survivor (CFU/g) against time and corresponding D-value was determined. The D-values obtained were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Turkey’s posthoc test (Design-Expert 7.00) for Window and fitted into a linear equation representing the dependent and independent variables. The D-value ranged from 20.4 to 12 min. as water activity and destruction temperature changed from 0.55 and 92.1 °C to 0.65 and 80 °C, respectively. The interactive effects of water activity and destruction temperature on natural logarithm of D-value of Bacillus cereus in acha starch flour was linear. The maximum D-value was observed at 80 °C temperature when the water activity was 0.55. This study, therefore, provides valuable thermo-bacteriological data that could be employed as a guide to potential food processors, scientists and engineers in order to improve consumption safety of the product
Integrating Bands Algorithm Estimation on Water Turbidity Variation in Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa
No full textWater resources remain the most essential need for both human and ecosystems sustenance. Continuous check of both surface and ground water quality remains a welcome approach globally to secure water safety and fitness for different purposes. This study aims to examine the effect of turbidity concentration on water quality of Hartbeespoort dam using remote sensing and Arc GIS. Study objectives examined the present situation of the dam water, access complete one year (2023) data of the water quality variations as weather changes. Remote sensing and Arc GIS application was utilized for this study with the use of Landsat 8-9 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIR). NSMI mapping of turbidity showed high values range of 2.054 high concentration in the month of October, in February, 6.171 in June and 8.273 in October, 2023. NDTI (Normalized Difference Turbidity Index) mapping equally recorded high value of 2.194 in the month of October. The regression analysis utilizes Linear, Exponential and polynomial equation to examine seasonal variation of turbidity in Dam water. The result revealed a strong correlation such as (NDTI in Linear regression analysis records (????2 )= 0.54 while NSMI in linear regression records ( ????2 )= 0.35. The value derived from NDTI and NSMI algorithm confirmed the capacity of band combination indices in retrieving suspended sediment in form of turbidity using Landsat 8-9. These study findings also punctuate the effectiveness of Landsat 8-9 satellite imagery in evaluating turbidity concentration especially in situations where in-situ data is not available
An Enhanced Aquila Optimizer-Based Distributed Generation Framework for Harmonic Mitigation
No full textThis research work presents an improved Aquila optimizer-based distributed generation system for solving power quality problems. This is particularly important for mitigating the harmonics presence in a radial distribution system (RDS). The radial distribution network (RDN) was modeled in the presence of the nonlinear load (NLLD) and nonlinear distributed generation (NLDG). RDN provides a simple, cost-effective structure with a single power source that can be analyzed with a simplified forward/backward sweep load flow algorithm, making it easier to determine the optimal size and location of active power filters to mitigate harmonics and improve voltage quality. An improved Aquila optimization algorithm was then used to optimally size and place active power filters (APFs) in the adaptive RDN to control the harmonics, ensuring that the harmonics present in the system do not exceed IEEE-519 of 1992 standard limits. The results obtained from the developed scheme were presented and compared with the results obtained when Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimizer (AGWO) and Aquila Algorithm (AO) were used. THD and fitness function were used as the performance metrics. All simulations were carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink environment R2022b. The THD values obtained during various periods of the day were presented and it was observed that high distortions were recorded between hours 11 to 13, with the highest distortion occurring at hour 12. To further analyze the efficacy of the developed approach after placement of the APF in the IEEE 69-bus network, the result of the THD obtained when the improved Aquila algorithm was used for the placement of the APFs were presented. It was observed that the THD values obtained for the entire 69-bus network were well within the IEEE standard limit. Further, the results obtained from the developed scheme were compared with those obtained when AGWO and AO were used for harmonic mitigation in the distribution system. It was observed that the THD values obtained by the developed scheme outperformed those obtained from the AGWO technique by 5.96%, 4.71%, 3.47%, 32.79%, 3.62%, 11.68%, and 30.25%, respectively, for the bus numbers that have higher distortion values, while it also outperformed the Aquila algorithm by 3.07%, 2.41%, 1.88%, 31.97%, 1.84%, 16.88%, and 25.98%, respectively. The developed approach provides a practical and computationally efficient solution for harmonic mitigation and can be extended to larger and more complex power systems for improved grid performance. 
Development of Rating Curve for River Ngadda
Get PDFAccurate river discharge estimation is critical for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure design, especially in areas where data scarcity is a major concern. This study addresses this issue by developing a rating curve for the Ngadda River in Borno State, Nigeria. The lack of continuous discharge data and reliable rating curves has historically hindered water resource project planning in the region. Leveraging stage-discharge rating curves and utilizing an optimization-based technique with Excel solver, curve parameters were calibrated to accurately depict the hydraulic relationship between river stage and discharge. The analysis of discharge data at Logojeri and Maiduguri gauging stations revealed seasonal changes in river flow, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring for effective water resource management. Correlation analysis between actual and predicted discharge confirmed the reliability of the developed rating curve, while uncertainty analysis revealed insights into potential errors associated with the discharge estimation. The developed rating curve which is for the two specific gauging stations (Maiduguri and Logojeri), provides a useful tool for converting stage data into discharge values, thereby assisting with water resource planning and decision-making. It is therefore urged for ongoing monitoring efforts and the installation of monitoring tools to modify and improve the developed rating curve's ability to capture the dynamic hydrological behavior of the Ngadda River
Simulation and Optimization of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for Energy Recovery in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Get PDFThis paper presents an analysis, modelling and simulation of Maiduguri municipal solid waste powered electricity generation plant using ANSYS. Determination of the waste’s combustion characteristics: physical, proximate and ultimate analyses using ASTM standard was carried out. Initial and boundary conditions were applied in respect of the materials and geometry in order to carry out a numerical calculation. The reduced scale physical model batch type MSW power generating plant was successfully constructed for use to validate the CFD analysis. The MSW was sorted, graded, sized and weighted before being fed into the designed batch type model incinerator to fire the boiler. The temperature and pressure of the steam generated were measured using digital thermocouples and pressure gauges so as to quantify the expected energy. A comparison of the simulated and experimental temperature results showed that while Area A had 1090. K, 1409.9 K and 1609.6 K, Area B had 1918.1 K, 1893.6 K and 1425.1 K, Area C had 1413.1 K, 1548.8 K and 1036.6 K during simulation against an average of 1641.9 K for Area A, an average of 1896.3 K for Area B and lastly for Area C, an average of 1641.9 K, using the batch type MSW incinerator. The R2 value of 0.979 was observed for 5 kg load, 0.994 for 4 kg load and 0.999 for 3 kg load, for Area A. For Area B, the R2 values range from: 0.992, 0.993 and 0.995 for 5 kg, 4 kg and 3 kg respectively. For Area C, the R2 values range from: 0.998 for 5 kg, 0.996 for 4 kg and 0.987 for 3 kg. The constructed municipal solid waste power plant generated 6.4 V, 6.6 V and 6.5 V for Area A, B and C respectively for 33 minutes. A mathematical equation for the calorific value was developed using ANSYS, Ms Excel and was found to compare favourably, for up to 87.5% with the Model, and 87.40% when compared to the Dulong Berthelot’s formula. The moisture content, the feed rate and the energy content of the MSW greatly affect the quantity of electricity generated from the municipal solid wastes of Maiduguri
Compressive Strength and Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete Cube Using Magnetized Water
No full textReport on cases of collapse of residential buildings and other structures are common in Nigeria which is normally due to structural failure, failure of the materials that were used for the construction and poor design. Buildings Collapse normally results to loss of lives and properties. The study was conducted to determine the effect of Magnetized Water (MW) on the Compressive Strength (CS) and Splitting Tensile Strength (STS) of Concrete Cubes (CC). MW is the water that has passed through magnetic field which could enhance proper hydration of concrete and improve the strength of CC. The CC was produced using sand (4.75 mm diameter), ordinary Portland cement, crushed granite (12 mm diameter) and MW. The mixing ratio of cement, sand and granite for the CC was 1:2:4 and water-cement ratio was 0.5. The treatments were T1 (concrete produced with Non-Magnetized Water -NMW and cured in MW treated for 1 minute), T2 (CC with MW treated for 1 minute and cured in NMW), T3 (CC with MW treated for 1 minute and cured in MW treated for 1 minute), T4 (CC with MW treated for 2 minutes and cured in NMW), T5 (CC with MW treated for 2 minutes and cured in MW treated for 2 minutes) and control T0 (CC produced with NMW and cured in NMW). CS and STS were determined after cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. The mean CSs after cured for 28 days T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T0 were 18.13, 22.00, 23.40, 19.07, 17.87 and 18.66 N/mm2, respectively. The mean STSs after cured for 28 days T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T0 were 1.33, 1.38, 1.59, 1.83, 1.21 and 1.32 N/mm2, respectively. MW increased the CS and STS by 25.40% and 37.57% of the concrete cubes, respectively. This shows that magnetized water is economical, simple and environmentally-friendly technology for the production of concrete cubes.  
Investigating the Energy Potential and Quantification of Bida Waste Landfill: A Case Study of Kutufani Dump Site
Get PDFWaste management has become a pressing global issue, with an increasing focus on sustainable solutions that not only mitigate environmental concerns but also harness valuable resources. Solid waste in various dump sites in Bida, Nigeria, present a significant environmental challenge, posing health risks to the community while emitting harmful greenhouse gases. Characterisation of Kutufani solid waste was carried out. The proximate and ultimate analysis of the waste samples were carried out. Results showed that 29.7 % of the waste to be composed of various types of plastic materials. Other categories of the waste is composed of paper, agricultural waste and textile materials. The proximate analysis of the waste was conducted and the highest moisture content of 6.36 % and volatile matter 43.16 % were obtained. The ultimate analysis results showed Nitrogen and Sulphur content to be within safe limits. The combined calorific values obtained were 25,771 kJ/kg (HHV) and 18,841 kJ/kg (LHV). The waste is suitable for conversion to energy with gasification or incineration process. 
Evaluation of on-Farm Drainage System in Nigeria: A Review
Get PDFDrainage involves the removal of the excess water on the farm to improve the aeration and trafficability of soils in regions characterized by seasonal high-water tables. There is no doubt that drainage is intrinsically linked to crop yield. A well-drained soil reduces water stress on crops and improves root development, which is required to increase crop yields and food production quality. Nigeria is committed to a national policy that ensures sustainable development based on proper management of the environment to meet the needs of the present and future generations. This demands positive and realistic planning that balances human needs against the potential that the environment has for meeting them. Management strategies must be implemented to achieve effective and efficient drainage systems. The existing on-farm drainage systems were evaluated and found ineffective and efficient; thus, modifications are required to improve the conditions at various locations in Nigeria.
 
A User Mobility Broadband Spectrum Aggregation Applications in LTE-Advance Heterogeneous Wireless Network Systems Using Real-Time Spectrum Selection Framework
Get PDFMobile user equipment can benefit from increased bandwidth and radio coverage of various access technologies through carrier aggregation and integration of heterogeneous networks. However, because of the mobility of user equipment, these technologies have increased the frequency of handoff scenarios, which results in low throughput and a high outage probability. In order to enable users to move between cells without losing connections, handover is an essential part of mobility management. However, no lone access mechanism can provide seamless and delay-free seamless interaction. As a result, the development of a suitable handover decision algorithm is necessary to ensure excellent service continuity and dependable user equipment access to the network at any location and at any moment. To confirm if various handover choice algorithms are effective in preventing communication failures and enhancing system performance. This research produced a mathematical model for the Real-Time Spectrum Selection Framework and Handover Decision Algorithm (RSSF-HDA). Additionally, mathematical models were extracted for comparison between the Multi-influenced Handover Decision Algorithm (MIF-HDA) and the Conventional Handover Decision Algorithm (Conv-HDA). A statistical comparative study was carried out using data from MTN drive-test readings at the Low-Cost housing estate located in Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos. According to statistical analysis results, the Real-Time Spectrum Selection Framework and Handover Decision Algorithm enhance system performance in terms of Cell edge Spectral Efficiency, and user throughput when compared with multi-influenced handover Algorithm and MTN field readings. For cell edge Spectral Efficiency at an average speed of 80km/s, RSSF-HDA gave a value of 1.52 bits/Hertz compared to MIF-HDA and MTN field readings with values of 1.37bits/Hertz and 1.33bits/Hertz respectively. For user throughput, inferred that there is no significant difference in readings of system throughput from the MTN field readings, MIF-HDA, and simulated RSSF-HDA which were 31%, 33%, and 34% respectively