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The effects of periwinkle shell reinforcement in a grey cast iron metal matrix composite (using powder metallurgy)
Get PDFGrey cast iron is widely used in various engineering applications because of its cost
effectiveness and beneficial properties. However, due to the presence of graphite in its
microstructure its capacities are limited. Various engineering methods such as
compositing are researched into that may minmize these limitations and give the metal
a wider scope of application. In this project, periwinkle shell reinforced grey cast iron
composites were manufactured using the powder metallurgy method. The weight
percentage of periwinkle shell in the composite was varied in the following pattern: 5 %,
10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %. The manufactured samples were subjected to various
tests namely: wear test, hardness test, tensile test, impact test and compressive test. It
was observed that the reinforcing grey cast iron with periwinkle shells improved the
wear rate, tensile strength and impact toughness of the matrix but has adverse effects
on its hardness and compressive strength
Appraisal of Universal Design Strategies for Enhancing Social Inclusion in The Development of Sporting Facilities
Get PDFSporting facilities are essential components of public recreational infrastructure for engaging in physical
exercise, participating in sporting games, or witnessing sporting events. To design sporting facilities, an important
consideration is to ensure that individuals of diverse abilities can fully participate and enjoy sporting events. One
way this can be achieved is through the application of universal design ideology in the development of sporting
facilities. The aim of universal design is to create products, services and environments that are accessible, usable,
and accommodating for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This paper presents an appraisal of
universal design parameters, in order to provide insight on specific design strategies suitable for fostering social
inclusion in sports facility development. The research is a literature review paper that relied on secondary sources to
gather data. The data were content analysed using thematic approach and the findings descriptively presented in
themes, with the aid of a plate, table and figures. The review revealed themes, trends, technical details, challenges,
and success parameters for achieving social inclusion through the application of universal design strategies in the
creation of sporting facilities. The study aligns with the 11th target of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that
promotes developing safe communities and cities to be resilient, inclusive and sustainabl
Prospects, Challenges and Solutions for Achieving Sustainability in Implementing Green Architecture Strategies in High-Rise Buildings: A Review
Get PDFDue to the escalating concerns over climate change and environmental degradation, the
adoption of green architecture principles in high-rise buildings has become imperative. This study examined
existing literature on green architecture with a view to determine prospects, challenges and solutions of
implementing green architecture features within the context of skyscrapers to achieve sustainability. The
study is a review paper that relied on secondary sources to gather data from 43 articles. The data were
content analysed using thematic approach and the findings descriptively presented in themes, with the aid
of figures and tables. The findings underscored the potential of green architecture to address pressing
concerns related to climate change and environmental degradation. The review revealed that incorporating
green architecture principles in high-rise buildings offers significant potential for reducing energy
consumption, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing occupant’s well-being. However,
conflicting priorities, operational inefficiencies, and the potential pitfalls of green building initiatives pose
significant hurdles to implementing green architecture strategies in high-rise buildings. Also, the scale and
complexity of skyscrapers which demand innovative solutions and careful considerations that are not
oftentimes fully envisaged in the planning and design stages, is also a challenge. The study suggests
fostering communication among stakeholders and advocates for widespread adoption of green building
practices towards enhancing sustainability in the development of high-rise buildings
Review of Structural Integrity Concerns in High-rise Buildings in Coastal Regions
Get PDFThe construction of high-rise buildings in
coastal regions has become increasingly popular, posing
significant challenges to structural integrity due to the
unique environmental conditions. This review aimed to
identify the prevalent structural integrity issues and
remedial actions for safer, more durable, and sustainable
coastline high-rise structures. A literature review was
conducted, revealing that high-rise structures along
coastlines are vulnerable to issues such as base design,
material corrosion, coastal erosion, seismic forces, wind,
and earthquake loads. Corrosion-resistant materials, base
isolation systems, and the application of resilient design
concepts were found to be viable remedial actions to
lessen the impact of these issues. The findings
demonstrate the crucial importance of designing,
constructing, and maintaining high-rise structures while
considering the unique environmental characteristics of
coastal areas. The resilience and durability of these
structures can be enhanced by implementing resilient
design concepts, base isolation systems, and
corrosion-resistant materials. The results have significant
implications for the design, construction, and maintenance
of high-rise buildings in coastal regions, emphasizing the
need to account for potential natural hazards
Users’ Satisfaction Level with Universal Design Strategies: A Case Study of Barracuda Beach Resort, Eti-Osa, Lagos
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the
satisfaction level of users with universal design
strategies implemented at Barracuda Beach Resort,
in Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Nigeria, with the notion of
pinpointing areas for improvement, towards
promoting inclusivity in the establishment of leisure
facilities in the study area. The research is a case
study that adopted quantitative research approaches
to collect, analyse and present data, with purposive
sampling as the sampling method. A sample size of
44 was derived from the number of rooms of the
resort which is 50. Data was obtained with a
structured questionnaire from 31 respondents made
up of staff and guests. The data were analysed by
descriptive and inferential statistics using statistical
product and service solutions software (SPSS). The
findings were presented descriptively in themes with
tables. The results indicated that while most of the
users were satisfied with the universal design
strategies implemented at the resort, a small number
of them expressed uncertainty on their satisfaction
level, while a few signified dissatisfactions with
provision of different means of access. Suggestions
made include: raising awareness on the significance
and benefits of incorporating universal design strategies into the planning of recreational facility
and enforcing accessible design guidelines in the
development of resorts to ensure usability for all
individuals, particularly individuals with disabilities, thereby promoting social inclusivity in
leisure facility development. The research provides
a blueprint for developing resort settings that
prioritize the needs of all user groups ensuring they
are secure, safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable
in line with the objective of the 11th target of the 17
sustainable development goals
Users’ Satisfaction with Design Strategies for Enhancing Customers’ Experience in Selected Restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria
Get PDFRestaurants are spaces that no longer exist for dining alone, but where people visit for pleasurable activities. The design of a restaurant plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming ambiance, optimizing functionality, and enhancing the dining experience. This study examined users’ satisfaction with design strategies for improving customers’ experience in selected restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria, to identify areas that require an uptrend toward developing viable eateries that meet users’ expectations in the study area. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data was gathered by observation from four selected restaurants and 676 patrons across the selected restaurants with a close-end structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by content analysis and with Statistical Product Service Solutions software. The results were presented descriptively with the use of tables and figures. The findings revealed that the users are largely affected by: lighting; walls, floors, and ceiling material selection; and colour design. The study recommends that designers create a pleasant atmosphere by prioritizing: effective lighting arrangements; thoughtful interior and exterior colour schemes; quality interior layouts; and carefully selecting finishing materials for walls, floors, and ceilings, to create an ambiance conducive to patrons’ comfort. The study findings are beneficial for improving users’ experience
Inhibitory effect of expired glavox tablets on A36 carbon steel for optimized service life
Get PDFThis research delves into the potential of expired Glavox tablets, containing Amoxicillin and
Clavulanic acid, as environmentally friendly substances to inhibit corrosion on A36 carbon steel in
solutions of1MHCl and 3.65 wt% NaCl. The findings from weight loss experiments in1MHCl
indicated a decrease in the corrosion rate, dropping from 1.24mmy−1 for untreated specimens to
0.17mmy−1 for specimens treated with 7.5 ml of Glavox solution. Similarly, in the 3.65 wt% NaCl
solution, the corrosion rate reduced from 0.98mmy−1 to 0.23mmy−1 with the same concentration
of inhibitor. Electrochemical assessments conducted in the HCl medium unveiled alterations in the
corrosion potential (Ecorr) from−0.48Vto−0.35 V, and a decline in the corrosion current density
(icorr) from 3.2mAcm−2 to 0.42mAcm−2, indicating a blend of inhibitory characteristics. Within the
NaCl medium, Ecorr transitioned from−0.45Vto−0.30 V, while icorr decreased from 2.9mAcm−2 to
0.57mAcm−2. Studies on adsorption affirmed the robust adsorption capacity of Glavox on the steel
surface, aligning well with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The formation of a
barrier of protection on the inhibited samples was revealed by SEM/EDS examination of the surface
morphology. The outcomes propose that expired Glavox tablets exhibit efficacy as corrosion
inhibitors in acidic and saline settings, attaining an inhibition efficiency of up to 86%, predominantly
through adsorption and the formation of a protective film
The rheological and filtration properties of black seed (Nigella Sativa L.) ester as a base fluid in drilling fluid
Get PDFThe unceasing utilization of diesel oil, the regular base fluid, as the base fluid of drilling
mud has brought about severe ecological worries and regulation because of its poisonousness,
non-biodegradability, and similarity issues. Notwithstanding, drilling more
complex wells is turning out to be progressively significant in satisfying the world’s
need for oil and gas, bringing about increased commercial synthetic-based fluid importation.
In light of the ecological worries associated with the usage of diesel-based
drilling fluids as well as reducing commercial synthetic-based fluid imports, black seed
oil (BSO) was utilized to make an ester for a new ecologically safe drilling fluid. This
research explored the potential use of black seed ester in formulating oil-based muds
with standard additives. It compares its qualities to that of diesel following a thorough
mud check on the mud samples to evaluate the rheological properties and the impact
of aging at test temperatures of 86°F, 120°F, and 150°F. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectrometry technique affirmed that BSO ester is a natural compound. About the flow
properties, the kinematic thickness at 40 °C of the biodiesel is 4.31 mm2/
s and is higher
than that of petroleum diesel, which is 3.52 mm2/
s. Densities for the ester and diesel
oil-based mud tests were 7.9 ppg, 7.8 ppg, 7.3 ppg, and 6.8 ppg, respectively, at 70/30,
75/25, and 80/20, oil–water-proportion (OWR), as utilized in the mud formulation. The
prepared mud was aged for 24 h under static conditions to guarantee total hydration.
Black seed oil (BSO) ester mud exhibited lower viscosity at all temperatures, aging
conditions, and shear rates analyzed, making it more suitable for oil-well drilling fluids
when compared with Diesel. BSO being a naturally occurring seed oil could be important
for drilling contractors and service companies due to its good ecological acceptability
and its applicability
Investigating the nexus of energy consumption, economic growth and carbon emissions in selected african countries
Get PDFThe study is focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, and 13. At the nexus of energy consumption,
economic growth, and carbon emissions, we investigated the interactive effect of energy consumption and
economic growth on carbon emissions for seventeen selected African countries using static panel estimation
techniques using annual data from 2000 to 2017. The result shows that an increase in energy consumption
positively affects economic growth and negatively affects carbon emissions. However, the impact of energy
consumption on economic growth is greater than its adverse environmental effect. We found that economic
growth (due to the energy transition in Africa) reduces or dampens the negative effect of energy usage on the
environment (indirectly, mitigating carbon emissions). A notable implication of our finding is that the transition
to renewable energy is moderating the adverse effects of increasing energy consumption and economic growth on
the environment. So, in applying the energy intensity theory to sub-Saharan Africa, a modification is proposed:
carbon emissions are directly proportional to the amount of fossil fuel energy consumed per unit of output. We
recommend the prioritization of economic growth and productive use of energy towards effectively reducing the
negative impact of energy consumption on the environment. Future studies could consider increasing the number
of countries, and, if data is available, an artificial intelligence experiment could be undertaken to check the
reliability of previous results. We also suggest that future studies consider investigating the persistence of
emissions using energy and growth as key independent and moderating variables
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-INSTANCE CONTINGENT FUSION ALGORITHM FOR THE VERIFICATION OF INFANT FINGERPRINTS
Get PDFBirth registration is a fundamental right for children, but approximately 237 million children below the age of 5 lack proper documentation, making them vulnerable to identity theft, newborn swapping, and child abduction. Traditional birth certificates are not reliable as they can be falsified or stolen. To address this issue, biometric birth registration, specifically using fingerprints, offers a digital identity that can last a lifetime. While other biometric traits like face, iris, palmprint, and footprint have been explored, fingerprints are the most widely accepted due to their ubiquity, ease of acquisition and widespread acceptance. However, challenges in infant fingerprint recognition include intra-class variation, the need for robust algorithms for low-resolution fingerprint images, and a lack of publicly available demographic infant fingerprint datasets. Therefore, this study aims to create a relevant dataset of infant fingerprints and develop a multi-instance contingent fusion algorithm to verify these fingerprints. The study involved obtaining fingerprints from 250 infants aged 1 day to 10 months using a fingerprint reader with a resolution of 500 ppi. The acquired fingerprints were pre-processed, and minutiae features were extracted using the MINDTCT algorithm. The extracted features of the enrolment and query fingerprints were compared using the BOZORTH3 matching algorithm, and a match score was obtained. This match score was compared to a threshold, with scores below the threshold resulting in the rejection of the infant's identity and scores above the threshold accepting it. The multi-instance contingent fusion algorithm was developed to accommodate situations where a baby's identity cannot be verified with one finger. It allows for verifying the baby's identity using a second finger. If both fingers fail to verify the identity, the match scores from both fingers are fused and compared to a predetermined threshold. The infant's identity is considered genuine if the fused score surpasses the threshold. Conversely, the baby's identity is only denied if the fused score falls below the threshold. The uniqueness of contingent fusion is that the match scores are only fused when neither of the two fingers can verify the infant's identity, thereby reducing computational complexity. The results show that for infants between 0 – 3 months old at the time of enrolment, without the multi-instance contingent fusion algorithm, the system generated verification accuracies of 34.1%, 35.71% and 11.9% for time-lapses of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months respectively, between enrolment and query fingerprints while the multi-instance contingent fusion algorithm generated verification accuracies of 73.8%, 69.05% and 57.14% for time lapses of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months respectively, between enrolment and query fingerprints. In conclusion, a dataset of infant fingerprints with a resolution of 500 ppi was developed, and the identities of babies older than 6 months were successfully verified with the fingerprint images acquired when they were younger than 6 months by employing the developed multi-instance contingent fusion algorithm. Longitudinal acquisition of infant fingerprint images and the inclusion of ancillary information, like gender and ethnicity, are therefore recommended to improve the accuracy of the verification system