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ATANGANA – BALEANU FRACTIONAL MODELLING OF OLDROYD–B FLUID FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER IN A CAPILLARY TUBE
Get PDFIn this work, the fluid flow and heat performance of Oldroyd-B fluids, through a capillary tube, were analyzed by means of a fractional model based on the Atangana-Baleanu time-fractional derivative. The fluid motion is generated by an arbitrary pressure gradient of a continuous function of the time. Analytical solutions for the velocity and temperature fields were obtained using the Laplace transform and the finite Hankel transform. In order to obtain the physical behavior regarding the velocity and temperature at the variation of the fractional parameters, material time, pulsation frequency effect and Prandtl number we carried out numerical calculations using MathCAD software and results were graphically presented. Numerical results obtained illustrated distinct behaviors of fractional order solutions when compared with classical model solutions. The fluid velocity and heat transfer performance in capillary tube can be controlled by regulating the fractional derivative parameter, relaxation, retardation time and Prandtl number which are very important in capillary devices. This fact can be an important in Biochip technology, thus making it possible to use this analysis technique extremely effective to control bioliquid samples of nanovolumes in capillary fluidic devices used for biological analysis and medical diagnosi
Investigating the Thresholding Effect and Fingerprint Transformation Using Cross-Correlation Similarity Matching
Get PDFThis research presents a cross-correlation similarity matching method to study the fingerprint transformation and thresholding impact. This work directly compares the impact of various transformations (rotation, translation, elastic deformation, and scaling) on the fingerprint matching performance at different threshold values, in contrast to the standard minutiae-based systems. In order to compare the template positions of the two fingerprints using plots, the cross-correlation similarity matching of fingerprints first selects suitable templates in the primary fingerprint and then uses template matching to assess the impact of each transformation on matching accuracy, FRR, and FAR in the secondary print. The findings highlight the potential of thresholding in developing reliable and practical fingerprint recognition systems.
A Review of Interpretation of Airborne Geophysical Data for Hydrocarbon, Geothermal Energy and Minerals Prospecting over Middle Benue Trough Nigeria
Get PDFThis paper focuses on the review of the interpretation of airborne geophysical data for hydrocarbon, geothermal energy, and mineral prospecting over the Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria by previous researchers in the field of geophysics and other geosciences. The objectives of the research include: to reveal the significance of aeromagnetic data interpretation for geothermal energy and mineral exploration, to determine the potency of spectral analysis techniques for geophysical data interpretation, and to determine the gap in geophysical techniques previously used in the area. Based on the reviewed papers, it was observed that Oasis Montaj software plays an imperative role in the area of aeromagnetic data, aero radiometric data, and aero gravity data interpretation using spectral analysis with different techniques for the identification of potential zones for hydrocarbon maturation sediment, geothermal energy, and minerals. There is possibility of hydrocarbon deposits occurrence, geothermal energy, and minerals at the Middle Benue Trough based on the research findings of the previous researchers. In order to achieve this, there is need to put more effort in the integration of geophysical techniques at the Middle Benue Trough to get detailed information about the hidden targets
Evaluating the Extent of Implementation if Basic Science Programme in Junior Secondary Schools in Nasarawa State
Get PDFThe investigation was designed to evaluate the extent of implementation of basic science programme in Junior Secondary Schools in Nasarawa state. Specifically, the study intends to find out whether the curriculum content of the Basic Science Programme are taught to the students as specified, the availability, adequacy and extent of utilization of facilities, the quality and quantity of teachers and the performance of students in the Basic Science Programme in Junior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (JSSCE) in the state. Evaluating the extent of implementation of basic science programme involves the collection of data and the use of data to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality of new science programme. A total of eighteen Junior Secondary Schools were sampled and questionnaires were administered to both teachers and students to collect the data. The result of the study revealed these findings. Basic science programmes in Nasarawa state Junior Secondary Schools are being implemented to a large extent, facilities available for the implementation of Basic Science Programmes are not adequate and there is a significant different between the mean perception of rural and urban teachers on the extent of the implementation of the basic science programme curriculum in Nasarawa state. It has been proved in the course of this study that there is no significant difference in the mean achievement scores of male and female students in basic science achievement test for junior secondary School students in Nasarawa state. It has also been proved that Nasarawa state has enough qualified teachers that can enhance the implementation of the basic science programme in junior secondary schools. Furthermore, it has been proved that the facilities available for the implementation of basic science programme are inadequate and underutilized. Recommendations were proffered to enhance the effective implementation of basic science programmes in Nasarawa state.
Assessment of the Perception of Malaria Prevention among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Obiozara Health Center Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State
Get PDFMalaria infection during pregnancy remains a serious public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, threatening the wellbeing of mothers, fetuses, and newborns. In Nigeria, it remains a leading cause of maternal mortality. This study investigated the perception of malaria prevention among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Obiozara Health Center, Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 200 respondents (pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Obiozara Health Center, Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State). The study revealed a high level of awareness about malaria prevention among pregnant women, with 89.9% acknowledging that malaria during pregnancy is dangerous and preventable. The most commonly adopted preventive method was the use of mosquito coils and sprays (53%), followed by sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (96%), clearing bushes (35%), and destroying stagnant water (24%). However, a few respondents relied on ineffective or incorrect practices such as eating well, avoiding sunlight, or drinking herbal mixtures. The major challenges identified in malaria prevention were economic and behavioral factors, including the inability to afford mosquito nets (16%) and discomfort associated with sleeping under them (22%). Based on these findings, the study recommended improving the affordability and comfort of malaria prevention methods by promoting locally suitable mosquito nets and encouraging consistent use. It also suggested targeted community education to dispel misconceptions about malaria causes and prevention
Enhancing the Power Conversion Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells through Natural Dye Optimization: An Electrical Engineering Perspective
Get PDFThis study evaluates the electrical performance of dye‑sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated with six natural dyes and a commercial ruthenium reference (N719). Using engineered datasets that mirror typical laboratory outcomes, we analyze charge transport, interfacial resistance, and photovoltaic metrics (Jsc, Voc, FF, PCE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) parameters and ultraviolet-visible absorption characteristics are presented alongside IV and Nyquist analyses. Statistical testing (one‑way ANOVA and pairwise comparisons) demonstrates that while N719 retains superior mean PCE (~8.3%), certain natural dyes such as Blackberry and Red Cabbage achieve competitive PCEs (≈3–3.6%) with lower charge‑transfer resistances than other naturals. Regression and correlation analyses show PCE is driven predominantly by Jsc and FF, with Rct exerting a strong negative influence. We propose engineering interventions including nanostructured TiO₂, co‑sensitization and optimized redox electrolytes to close the gap between natural dyes and commercial standards. This work frames natural dyes within an electrical‑engineering optimization path for low‑cost, sustainable DSSCs
EFFECT OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF TWO VARIETIES OF PALM KERNEL ANDSHELL ON THE COEFFICIENT OF SLIDING FRICTION OF A LOCAL FABRIC
Get PDFThe frictional properties of a material are useful in designing equipment for crop processing and storage. The effect of moisture content of two varieties of palm kernel and shell on the coefficient of sliding friction of a local fabric was determined. An oven drying method at 105 oC was used to determine the moisture content according to ASAE Standards. The moisture content of dura and tenera varieties were 17.4 and 18.2 % (w.b.) which were individually adjusted to 9, 13 and 17 % by adding 76.3, 39.8 and 3.3 g; and 82.3, 46.4 and 10.6 g distilled water respectively. The angle of repose apparatus was used to determine the coefficient of sliding friction of palm kernel and shell of dura and tenera varieties on the two faces of local fabric. The coefficient of sliding friction for dura kernel and shell on the two faces of a local fabric ranged from 0.384-0.655 for 9 %; 0.484-0.706 for 13 %; and 0.462-0.695 for 17 %. The coefficient of sliding friction for tenera kernel and shell on the two faces of a local fabric ranged from 0.660-0.947 for 9 %; 0.711-0.852 for 13 % and 0.611-0.902 for 17 %. The moisture contents of dura palm kernel, tenera palm kernel and tenera palm shell had significant effect (p<0.05) on the coefficient of sliding friction on face A and face B of the local fabric but moisture content of dura palm shell had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the coefficient of sliding friction
INFLUENCE OF HEAVY METALS ON THE GROWTH OF TWO COMMON WEEDSHyptis suaveolens AND Sida acuta IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE
Get PDFAn assessment of the influence of heavy metals on the growth of two common weeds Hyptis suaveolens and Sida acuta in soils of polluted areas and an unpolluted soil (control) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was carried out. Soil samples were collected in three replicates from an automobile workshop site (AWS), refuse dump site (RDS), and unpolluted soil (UPS) in Lafia. The growth of each plant was monitored in an interval of two weeks for a period of 8 weeks. The heavy metals investigated in the soil include Cu, Pb and Zn using digestion process and atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal analysis revealed that AWS recorded highest concentration (0.71 mg/kg) while UPS recorded the least concentration of Pb (0.28 mg/kg) respectively. RDS had the highest concentration of Cu (0.61 mg/kg), while UPS had the highest concentration of Zn (0.19 mg/kg). It was observed that Hyptis suaveolens grew better on RDS and the growth parameters were seen to be significantly different from AWS and UPS. The AWS recorded least growth parameters which is likely due to the high level of metal concentration in the soil. Similarly, Sida acuta grew better on RDS and the least in AWS. The use of weeds which are not consumed by humans and animals should be encouraged in phytoremediation in order to prevent the effects of waste-related problems in the environment
WEIGHT AND HEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF WISTAR RATS ADMINISTERED WITHOCHRATOXIN A AND AFLATOXIN B1 CONTAMINATED HERBAL MEDICINES
Get PDFThis study was carried out to investigate the effect of mycotoxin contamination of herbal medicine preparations on the weight and hematological properties of Wistar rats. Five Wistar rats each weighing about 141 g were separately administered with two powdered herbal medicines, Agbo typhoid and Agbo rashes contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) respectively. Different amounts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 g) of the herbal medicine powders were administered to the rats by mixing with commercial feeds, while the liquid extracts (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05 μg/mL) obtained from the contaminated herbal powders were administered orally using oral cannulas. A total of 105 Wistar rats were used. The rats were weighed for a period of two weeks and assessed for hematological effects of the administered toxicants. Results showed that significant weight decline occurred in animals administered with the different mycotoxins, with highest weight loss (23.21 g) obtained in Wistar rats administered with 0.01 μg/mL of AFB1. Both AFB1-contaminated herbal medicines and AFB1 extracts from contaminated herbal medicines caused significant decreases in PCV and Hb levels, while OTA-contaminated herbal medicines and OTA extracts from contaminated herbal medicines also caused significant decreases in PCV, RBC and Hblevels when compared to the normal rats (P≤0.05). The findings of this study suggest the need to improve processing, handling, and storage of herbal medicines in order to prevent contamination with mycotoxigenic fungi which produce OTA and AFB1 capable of causing significant health challenges to consumer
Products of Nilpotents in Partial Transformation Semigroups using Digraphic Paths and Chains
Get PDFIn this paper, we investigate the factorization of singular partial self-maps on a finite set into products of the least number of nilpotent elements. This research demonstrates that the semigroup of such maps can be expressed within a union of nilpotent-generated sets, specifically up to the third power. Some of our key findings include the determination of the nilpotent rank and the nilpotent depth for these maps, which vary based on whether the set size is even or odd. Additionally, this study surveys the relationship between these results and Stirling numbers, leveraging the Vagner Theorem and digraphic representations. We also examine stable quasi-idempotents, which correspond to specific digraphic paths and chains, providing further insights into the structure of partialtransformation semigroups.