32 research outputs found
Soap performance enhancement for high volume messaging / Ali Baba Dauda
No full textThe emergence of high-volume data exchange like business-to-business and computational sciences that are mission critical and always persist over time have exacted distributed systems and applications to be fast. SOAP is one of the best protocols using XML to exchange message but the XML is too verbose and slows the communication process. To this end, message exchange accumulates overhead and high response time resulting to slow communication and message lost during the transmission. Therefore, reducing the response time and overhead will enhance the communication process. To achieve this aim, LZ77 compression algorithm is modified to encode more symbols. The algorithm is then integrated into two Web services with HTTP and JMS bindings. The HTTP Web service as the benchmark and the JMS as the prototype Web service. For both Web services, the server holds provider, compressor and controller classes and the client contain consumer and decompressor classes. The client invokes the server to establish WSDL contract and communicate via the relevant protocol. Two messages formats, normal and compressed (modified algorithm) with the size ranging 1MB - 22 MB were generated and executed 50 times in both web services. The performance effects of the message formats for the Web services were recorded. The metrics of the Web services used are the payload overhead, server response time, client response time and compression/decompression overhead. The payload overhead, server response time and compression overhead were analyzed at the server side. While client response time and decompression overhead were analyzed at the client side. Average values of the metrics were calculated and the transaction response time is obtained as the sum of response times and the overheads at both endpoints. The metrics were plotted against the message sizes and the effects were analyzed. The findings demonstrated that the compressed JMS binding on SOAP messages recorded low response time and low overhead compared to the compressed HTTP binding. In the compressed HTTP binding, the internal process at the client side regularly claims memory while creating available space for incoming messages resulted in producing of spikes leading to high overhead. Out of the 50 executions for 12 transactions, compressed HTTP binding delivery failed 6 times, and compressed JMS binding failed 2 times. While for the normal HTTP binding delivery failed 5 times, and normal JMS binding failed 2 times. The overall findings observed that with the modified LZ77 algorithm, SOAP over JMS has proven to be better than the SOAP over HTTP. The SOAP (with the modified compression algorithm) over JMS is a good technique for exchanging high volume messages when low response time and guarantee of delivery are needed in the communication
Abubakar Dauda. — “They love us because we give them Zakāt.” The Distribution of Wealth and the Making of Social Relations in Northern Nigeria
No full textThis book is based on a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D at the Graduate School “Muslim Cultures and Societies” of the Freie Universität of Berlin. It is published as the twenty-third volume of the “Islam in Africa” series inititated by E. J. Brill in 2003. It is a good addition to this series, which had already made a considerable contribution to the understanding of Islam and Muslim societies in Africa. Its author, Dauda Abubakar, analyzes the p..
Finite element modelling of hot rolling of Al-3%Mg and the kinetics of static recrystallisation
No full textThe principal objectives of this work were (i) to investigate the effect of geometry on the through-thickness gradient in microstructure evolved during post-deformation annealing treatment of rolled AI-3%Mg slabs and (ii) to employ the finite element method and empirical equations characterising the rate of static recrystallisation to predict the gradient in the volume fraction recrystallised through the slab thickness. Geometry was characterised by the aspect ratio of the deformation zone. The finite element method was used principally to simulate the evolution and spatial distribution of process parameters namely the strain, strain rate and temperature of deformation through the rolled slab thickness. Standard metallographic techniques and quantitative metallography combined with optical microscopy under polarised light were employed to measure the volume fraction recrystallised. The geometric orientation of microbands developed due to hot deformation was also characterised. Rate-dependent, thermomechanical material constitutive data based on the hyperbolic sine and Voce type of flow stress/strain relationships were used as input in the two-dimensional finite element model together with a friction model based on the penalty method. Published empirical equations linking the rate of static recrystallisation and the process parameters were then employed to predict the measured volume recrystallised. Results indicated that gradients in microstructure occurred through the rolled slab thickness for all the slab/geometry and rolling conditions considered and that the orientation of microbands developed independent of the rolling reduction. The main conclusions drawn were that (i) geometry had a profound effect on the evolution of microstructure through the rolled slab thickness; (ii) the finite element method can be used as an effective tool in the prediction of through-thickness gradient in microstructure evolved in the post-deformation annealing treatment; and (iii) microband development was an important microstructural feature during hot rolling of AI-3%Mg, acting as potential nucleation sites for subsequent static microstructural transformation processes. (author)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN045785 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo
Availability of Instructional Materials on Students’ Academic Performance in Senior Secondary Schools in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State
No full textThis study examined the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools, Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. Two (2) objectives and a null hypothesis were used to determine the availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Borno state. Survey and Correlational design were used. The total population of the study was 1,236 teachers and 10,349 students out of which 371 teachers and 3,105 students were sampled through simple random sampling. SSCE results for five consecutive years of the 2014-2018 academic sessions were obtained for the study. Checklist and Pro-forma were used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient, frequency and percentage at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed a significant relationship between availability of instructional materials and students’ academic performance in senior secondary schools in Maiduguri Metropolis. The study also found that the instructional materials for teaching and learning are available. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government and other stakeholders should continue to support schools in the state with the necessary instructional materials needed for teaching and learning and School administration should emphasize the use of instructional materials to make learning easier
Optimisation, Simulation, and Characterisation of Mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis) Seed Oil Extract
No full textThe increasing demand for sustainable biofuel alternatives has encouraged the exploration of non-edible seed oils, with mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis) seed oil emerging as a promising candidate. This study investigates the optimisation of oil extraction from mahogany seeds using a combined response surface methodology (RSM) approach and process simulation. Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane as the solvent was employed, and the effects of extraction time, temperature, solvent/seed ratio, and particle size on oil yield were evaluated. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to develop a statistically significant model that accurately predicted oil yield based on the selected process parameters. Optimisation through RSM identified the optimal extraction conditions as 106 minutes extraction time, 68°C temperature, 5.05 ml/g solvent/seed ratio, and particle size of 1 mm. These conditions resulted in a maximum experimental oil yield of 58.9%, which agreed with the model's prediction of 61.17%. The extracted oil was characterised using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analysis revealed a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid (38.93%) and oleic acid (24.43%); other minor components, such as palmitic acid (0.34%) and stearic acid (2.74%), were also present making it suitable for biodiesel production.Furthermore, an Aspen Plus® model was developed to simulate the entire extraction process, including purification and solvent recovery. Sensitivity analysis and optimisation of the model led to 99.99% oil purity and complete hexane recovery, demonstrating the potential for sustainable and efficient oil extraction for the biodiesel production process. This study highlights the efficacy of combining experimental optimisation through RSM with process simulation for maximising oil yield and achieving high-quality oil suitable for biodiesel production
Effect of serialized messaging on web services performance
No full textMessage serialization is a format of messaging leveraging Web services to exchange data over the network. Serialized messages are processed at the server and sent as objects over the network to the client to be consumed. While, serialization process minimizes network bandwidth requirement but then incurs overhead at the communicating ends. This research contributes to the study of message exchange using HTTP across communication systems. The research identified the fundamental effect of serializing high-volume messages across network and the sources for the effects at the communication endpoints. The study utilized server - client SOAP Web services to identify the fundamental effect of serialization in the communication endpoints. SOAP messages were exchanged as XML messages over HTTP. Payload sizes (1MB-22MB) for serialized and normal messages were exchanged through the services. The message payload, overhead, and response time were monitored and measured. The overall result indicated that is more beneficial to serialized large payload than smaller one. Generally, the serialization and deserialization cost incurred at individual ends are slightly constant irrespective of the payload size. Also, the serialization and deserialization process is insignificant to the overall transaction as it delay is below 3% of the total overhead
Determinants of Firm Growth: The Case of Sachet Water Firms in Minna, Nigeria
No full textPurpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on the profitability of Sachet Water Firms (SWFs) in Minna.
Design/methodology/approach: This was done through the use of personal interviews for the collection of qualitative data from owners/managers of SWFs. The population of the study included all the 165 SWFs in Minna and the sample size was 10 which was determined by interview saturation point. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the transcribed audio recordings of the interviews conducted.
Findings: Findings revealed that there is an EI deficit in Minna, which has led to increased expenses on the provision of alternative EI by SWFs and has increased their operational costs thereby reducing their profitability.
Research limitations/implications: Firstly, with thirty-six states in Nigeria, the findings of this study, covering the Capital of only one of the States (Niger) cannot be generalized for the entire country, rather it must be taken within the context of the region covered. Secondly, only one industry out of many that make up the Nigerian economy is selected for investigation. Thirdly, the researcher was faced with the negative attitude of some respondents who were not willing to participate in the research or provide the needed data for analysis. Lastly, not all the SWFs in Minna were included in the study, only those that have operated for up to three years were included. Future studies can bridge these research gaps by carrying out research in other parts of Nigeria on the same subject matter.
Practical implications: Findings of this study would be of help to the existing SMEs in Nigeria, particularly the SWFs in further understanding the complexities of the infrastructural challenges militating against their growth and how to overcome them.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the nexus between EI and the general performance of SMEs.
Paper type: Research paper
Impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure on Profitability of Hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
No full textPurpose: This study aims to examine the impact of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on profitability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), focusing on hotels in Minna, Nigeria.
Methodology: Sequential Explanatory Mixed research method was adopted. Purposive Sampling Technique was used to obtain a sample size of 51 out of a population of 70 hotels in Minna for collection of quantitative data via questionnaires, while Simple Random Sampling Technique was used to select 10 interviewees for collection of qualitative data via interviews. Descriptive statistics was employed in analysing the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data.
Findings: Quantitative findings revealed that the available EI in Minna had a negative impact on the profitability of hotels, while qualitative findings also revealed that interviewees generally felt a poor impact of EI on the profitability of their hotels.
Practical implications: These findings would be useful to potential and practicing entrepreneurs in the hotel industry, policy makers and the academic community. It is recommended that government at all levels should formulate policies that will address challenges of the deplorable condition of EI in Nigeria.
Paper type: Research pape
INVESTIGATION OF FUMONISIN LEVELS IN MAIZE GRAIN COLLECTED FROM AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NIGERIA
No full textFungi cause kernel rots of maize grain in the field and in storage, and Fusariumis the most important genus of the field fungi. Strains of F. moniliforme and F. proliferatum produce toxic metabolites known as fumonisins. F. moniliforme is a frequent contaminant of maize grain in Nigeria, but information on fumonisin in maize grain in West Africa is only available from Benin. This study was undertaken to identify Fusarium spp. and determine the levels of fumonisin in maize grain from farmers’ stores in Nigeria. Maize grain samples from farmers’ stores in three ecological zones of Nigeria were analysed for mould contents using the direct agar plating technique and fumonisin contamination using analytical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods with detection limits of 20ng/g. The first sampling involved taking maize grain that was between one and four months in stores, while samples for the second survey were taken when the maize grain had been in stores for not less than six months. The predominant genera of fungi isolated in all the agro ecological zones were Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. In the maize grains stored for one to four months, the mean levels of fumonisins were 1.25, 0.91 and 0.78 ppm in the rain forest, Guinea savannah and Sudan savannah respectively. In maize grains that were stored above six months, the mean fumonisin levels were 0.71, 0.73 and 0.65 ppm respectively. These results revealed that maize grain consumers across all the ecological zones of Nigeria are exposed to the risk of fumonisin toxicoses. Furthermore since aflatoxins have been found to be unavoidable contaminants of Nigerian maize grain, this study could show that consumers are likely exposed to multiple mycotoxins, the interactive effect of which is still poorly understood, the synergistic or additive effect of mycotoxin combinations could be applied
