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Spatial Distribution of Noise from Religious Houses in Rumu-Okwachi Community, Rivers State, Nigeria
No full textNoise from 12 religious structures was mapped in the Rumu-Okwachi community. Religious noise in residential settings is a growing concern. Noise levels for daytime religious activity were monitored before, during, and after religious sessions at 15 sample sites defined by superimposing 150-by-150-meter gridlines. The findings showed that during religious activities, the highest equivalent noise level (Leq) was 75.5 (dBA) at sampling point 13, whereas during religious non-activities, it was 63.3 (dBA) at point 7. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed p<0.05 that the average daily noise level differed across sample sites. The highest peak noise level (L10), intermediate noise level (L50), and background noise level (L90) were recorded on Sundays during religious events. The geographical distribution of Leq values at all sample sites verified the noise map\u27s prediction of higher Leq values during religious occasions, with Sunday having the highest Leq values of 69.2054 to 75.544. (dBA). The noise indices were compared to the WHO\u27s recommended noise exposure limit, which showed that during religious events, the Leq values were higher than the WHO\u27s recommended noise standard, with the maximum noise pollution level (NPL) being 96.17 (dBA). This suggests that residents of this neighborhood may experience bothersome noise levels
Redesigning Old Dhaka Central Jail into Urban Open and Social Interaction Space for People
No full textUrban open space is essential in an urban area. It helps to improve the general health and well-being of the residents. Dhaka is one of the fastest-growing cities globally but the numbers of urban open spaces in this city are decreasing day by day. Old Dhaka is the oldest and most densely populated area in the city of Dhaka. Here, people do not have minimum urban open space for social interaction and for creating a neighborhood. Old Dhaka Central Jail is an abandoned jail that is situated in the Chawkbazar area of old Dhaka; the jail is currently identified as a “Brown Field” in this area. Though the space is abandoned, the jail also has some historical structures and significance. This paper examined the way to convert the jail area into an urban open space for people to interact socially. A broad field survey and observation survey were done to develop morphological analysis and also a literature study was done to develop some strategies for spatial framework. The goal of this paper is not only creating open spaces but also proposing a process of preserving historic structures. The design has been conceptualized in a process that also solves many problems of the surrounding area
Daytime Vehicular Traffic Noise Analysis and Modeling at Selected Roads in Port Harcourt
No full textUsing linear regression techniques, the daytime vehicle traffic noise levels at four significant crossings in Port Harcourt were analyzed and predicted. These are the crossroads of Rumuokwuta, Agip, 1st Artillery, and GRA. These crossroads are often quite active with both traffic and pedestrian activity. The sound levels, relative humidity and wind speed along with temperature were all measured using a sound level meter, relative humidity meter, and anemometer, respectively. Data on traffic volume was also gathered throughout the sample period. This was carried out for a total of 10 hours each day beginning at 7 am throughout the course of three days at each site. For the different sites, noise indices including equivalent noise level (Leq), statistical measure (Ln), noise climate (NC), traffic noise index (TNI), and noise pollution level (NPL) were calculated. With the exception of the GRA junction, statistical analysis reveals that there is no change in the data recorded at the various times of the day (p>0.05). The estimated indices from all sites were compared, and there was no discernible difference (p>0.05). Agip had the lowest TNI at 44.04 dB(A), while Rumuokwuta junction had the highest at 49.7 dB(A). The maximum Leq of 74.9 dB(A) was observed at 1st Artillery while the minimum of 74.1 dB(A) was recorded at Agip. GRA junction recorded the maximum NPL as 76.99 dB(A), while Rumuokwuta had the lowest as 76.3 dB(A). A linear model idea for forecasting noise from independent variables, including the atmospheric conditions and traffic count, was calibrated using multiple linear regression modeling. The coefficient of determination was discovered to vary between 0.5 and 0.95 after dimension reduction by the plotting of standardized charts
Automated Dual-Source Squid Dryer with Image Processing Monitoring
No full textThe aim of this project was to develop and fabricate an indoor dual-source drying system that uses IoT to detect moisture during drying. By comparing traditional drying methods to their automated system, the researchers were able to save a total of 34 hours while effectively monitoring humidity and temperature in real-time using image processing techniques. Development and Evaluation of an Automated Dual-Source Squid Dryer with Image Processing Monitoring for Enhanced Drying Efficiency. The study was conducted in Brgy. Canlanipa, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, with a duration of 1 year. The study involved designing and developing an indoor dual-source dryer system with moisture detection through image processing monitoring, using Arduino Uno, Raspberry Pi 3b, sensors, and a motor. A working prototype was created, validated, and subjected to thorough testing using wet squid samples to evaluate its performance, leading to necessary adjustments and improvements based on feedback and test results. This study developed an automated dual-source squid dryer with image processing monitoring. The system demonstrated faster drying time (14 hours) compared to traditional methods (48 hours) while maintaining good quality. The indoor drying system proved advantageous, being weather-independent and achieving dry squid with 10% moisture content. The automated dual-source squid dryer with image processing monitoring achieved a shorter drying time of 14 hours, outperforming traditional methods that took 48 hours, while ensuring high-quality results. This highlights the system\u27s efficiency and dependability for indoor squid drying, unaffected by weather conditions
Strengthening Coastal and Maritime Security of India in the Indian Ocean Region: An In-depth Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities presented by Seabed Mining in India
No full textThis research paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of India\u27s coastal and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, specifically focusing on explicitly the challenges and opportunities associated with seabed mining in a kind of significant way. The legal framework governing seabed mining in India is primarily established by the “Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)” in a considerable way. This act grants the central government the authority to regulate and control mining operations within India\u27s territorial waters, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf, which generally is reasonably significant. The paper highlights the challenges posed by seabed mining, including potential environmental impact, adherence to basically international agreements and conventions, and technological and operational challenges. It explores the importance of conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and implementing mitigation measures to ensure sustainable mining practices in a big way. The steps taken to abide by the rules and regulations set by international organisations
Development of a Smart Air Quality Monitoring System Using Wireless Sensors
No full textWith the fast-growing urbanization and increased industrialization around cities in Nigeria, the quality of the air we breathe has become a paramount concern. There is a need for an accurate, real-time air quality monitoring system to monitor and evaluate the air quality we inhale. This article presents the development of a Smart Air Quality Monitoring System (SAQMS) utilizing wireless sensor technology. The SAQMS was designed to provide a comprehensive and intelligent solution for monitoring air quality index, including but not limited to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature and humidity. Leveraging wireless sensor nodes and advanced IOT, the system offers real-time data collection and analysis, enabling immediate response to environmental changes. Key features of the SAQMS include a network of wireless sensors (MQ 135 and DHT11) strategically deployed across targeted areas, data transmission through secure communication protocols, cloud-based data storage and processing, and a user-friendly interface for data visualization and interpretation. As we confront the challenges of air pollution and its impact on human well-being, the development of the SAQMS presents a significant step towards informed decision-making and a more sustainable future as the experiment shows our developed system can detect air quality in parts per million (ppm), with other environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity
Effects of Automobile Battery Wastes Disposal on Soil Health Indices
No full textThis study was designed to assess the impact of automobile battery waste disposal on the indices of soil health and fertility. Soil samples were collected from three major mechanic villages in Akure and Owo in Ondo State. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods while the heavy metal content was assessed using a spectrophotometer. Also, the microbial population was determined using the pour plate method and some biochemical tests. The results show that the soil sample from Owo had the least total bacterial count of 65.10x 105 CFU/g) while the sample from Akure 2 had the highest bacterial count of 185.50 x 105 CFU/g. The probable organisms isolated from the samples were Klebsiella spp, Escherichia spp, Staphylococcus spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Bacillus spp, Serratia spp and Enterobacter spp. There were significant differences between the physicochemical parameters of the contaminated soil samples and the uncontaminated control soil. The electrical conductivity of the contaminated soil samples (1.20, 0.92 and 0.38) was higher significantly (p<0.05) than the uncontaminated (0.21) soil sample. The pH values were acidic (4.57) compared with the control (7.42). Other indices like C, Ca. CEC and bulk density among others have values that were different significantly (P<0.05) between the contaminated soil and the control. In addition, the levels of heavy metals such as Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in the contaminated soil were significantly higher than in the control soil sample. The study confirms that the health indicators of the battery waste-receiving soil in the studied area are highly compromised therefore it may need remediation to reduce soil pollution
Quality and Image Processing Analysis versus Radiation Dose in Hip Radiographic Examinations
No full textAims: Evaluate the quality and processing of images in hip radiographic examinations.
Study Design: Six combinations of exposure techniques commonly used in clinical practice were used, keeping the voltage (kVp) value constant, varying only the current and time relationship (mA.s).
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Radiodiagnosis Laboratory of the Radiology and Medical Physics graduation courses at the Franciscan University (UFN), as part of the research developed during the Image Processing course in the second semester of 2023.
Methodology: Image acquisition and radiation dose measurement were performed using clinical radiographic equipment and a model resembling hip anatomy, along with a dosimetric system to quantify radiation dose at the entrance surface (ESAK). The captured images were digitized through a computerized radiography (CR) system, enabling quantitative analysis using histograms and Regions of Interest (ROI) in anatomical structures relevant for diagnosis. Signal and noise values were evaluated, allowing the determination of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and radiographic contrast (CR).
Results: The results revealed significant differences among the various techniques employed. Some images displayed lower SNR, ranging from 8.14% to 15.60%, yet with higher CR, varying between 5.48% and 22.29%. Remarkably, one technique (70 kVp with 16 mA.s) demonstrated the best cost-benefit relationship, reducing radiation exposure by 48.7% (from 6.32 to 3.24 mGy) with minimal reduction in SNR, less than 10%, and a 5.47% increase in CR.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance for radiology professionals seeking imaging techniques that guarantee high diagnostic quality with minimal patient exposure. Prioritizing safer and more effective radiological practices is essential for delivering quality healthcare services
Awareness and Attitude of Social Studies Teachers on the Use of Social Studies Apps for Teaching
No full textThis study aimed at assessing the awareness and attitude of social studies teachers on the use of social studies apps for enhancing students learning. It is a descriptive survey with a population of fifty social studies teachers from twenty-two public secondary schools in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The entire population was used as the sample for this study. A total of five objectives, five research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The Instrument used for data collection was a 52-item questionnaire titled: “Teachers’ Awareness, Attitude and Perception Toward the Use of Social Studies App (TAAPTUSSA)”. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated using the Cronbach Alpha method of internal consistency with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.83. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while an independent sample t-test was used to analyze hypotheses one and two, and Pearson Product Moment correlation (PPMC) was used to analyze hypothesis three. Findings revealed that Social Studies teachers are not very conversant with social studies apps, but the teachers have a positive attitude towards utilizing social studies apps for teaching. A positive but weak correlation exists between social studies teachers’ awareness level and their attitude toward the use of social studies apps. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Rivers State Government should organize seminars to raise the level of awareness of social studies teachers on the existence of apps that can be used for teaching the subject. Workshops should also be organized by the Government to assist these teachers to learn how to use these apps. Above all, social studies teachers should develop a positive attitude towards the use of social studies apps in the classroom. There seemed to be a scarcity of studies covering all the variables in the study area; this study could therefore be regarded as one of the first in the study area to demonstrate empirically that the adoption of social studies apps can be used to enhance students’ learning
Dermatomyositis: A Case Report and Review of a Rare Autoimmune Inflammatory Disease
No full textDermatomyositis is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease of unknown etiology and rare occurrence worldwide. It is an immunologically mediated idiopathic inflammatory disease in which damage to small blood vessels contributes to injury and inflammation of muscle and skin. Dermatomyositis belongs to a heterogeneous group of three autoimmune rheumatological diseases termed idiopathic inflammatory non-suppurative myopathies, with polymyositis and inclusion body myositis as other component diseases.
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis typically show characteristic clinical features of autoimmune inflammatory diseases and association with autoantibodies, HLA-DR genotype, and other autoimmune diseases. While it is known that inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases, its role in inclusion body myositis remains unclear. Overlapping forms of inflammatory myopathies that are poorly differentiated and defy a precise classification have also been identified. However, the clinical response to steroids and other immunosuppressive agents may help distinguish the subtypes of inflammatory myopathies from one another.
Dermatomyositis is further described as a multisystemic rheumatologic disease presenting with muscular and cutaneous symptoms. It is associated with malignancy in 20 – 25% of patients. Dermatomyositis occurs in children and adults, with a higher incidence observed in women. Diagnosis is usually made from clinical manifestations, elevated blood enzymes, autoantibody testing, electromyography (EMG), and muscle biopsy. The diagnosis, however, remains challenging in third-world countries. There is no known cure for dermatomyositis. However, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents, and intravenous immunoglobins are routinely used for treatment.
The index patient in this review is a 22-year-old Afro-Caribbean woman whose presentation met the probable-to-definite criteria for diagnosis based on the Bohan and Peter Classification Criteria. This article is a case report and a detailed review of the autoimmune inflammatory disease known as dermatomyositis that can be used to teach about the disease condition