Mobile banking has become a bulging feature in banking operations in Nigeria as more and more banks are accepting this technology to provide the growing population of their clients with fast, accessible, reliable, and quality services. However, there are numerous problems associated with mobile banking: non-committals and non-reversal is the utmost. In this paper, a few scenarios such as Debit without dispense, Debit without Committal, and Debit without credit were considered. Information has it that it takes some banks 24hrs to 72hrs or more to reverse failed transactions, and some bank customers have forfeited their money through this means. The problem therefore can be narrowed to outright failures due to timeout in the network during committals into a database or failures to resolve transactions since there should be no gain without a loss or vice versa. A controller bridge was developed to mirror or sniff mobile transactions from bank to bank; internally (bank A to A) or externally (bank A to B), ascertain the success (full committals) of the transactions, or initiate a resolution if a transaction fails. The Waterfall software development model was adopted for use. The software bridge was tested by simulation using mockup data. The system was developed with PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript (Ajax and jQuery), and Bootstrap framework. The implementation was done on a local host with two different browsers housing the banks and the bridge residing in any of them. The results in time concerning sniffing, confirmation, and resolution were outstanding. Implying that, the bridge can improve transactional resolutions faster than ever. Banks should be encouraged to adopt or integrated this new committal bridge into their existing system so that failed transactions can be resolved within a minutes.
Page(s): 01-15 Date of Publication: 28 March 2023
Download PDF
This study presents the Design and Construction of a Digital Bidirectional Visitor Counter (DBVC). The DBVC is a reliable circuit that takes over the task of counting number of persons/visitors in the room very accurately. Depends on the number of visitors, when the number of visitors reach the maximum required, the number will show on display board to indicate that the Hall is full. When somebody enters the Hall then the counter is incremented by one (+1) and when any one leaves the room then the counter is decremented by one (-1). The total number of persons inside the Hall is also displayed on the (P10 Display board). The microcontroller is used for detecting an entry or exit action and computing the figures (addition and subtraction) to acquire accurate results. It receives the signals from the sensors, and this signal is operated under the control of embedded programming code which is stored in ROM of the microcontroller. The microcontroller continuously monitors the Ultrasonic Receivers. When any object pass through the Ultrasonic Receiver’s then the Ultrasonic Rays falling on the receivers are obstructed. The obstruction occurs under two circumstances, either you obstruct sensor 1 (i.e. outside the building) before sensor 2 (i.e. which is inside the building) this shows that you are entering the building or you do it the other way round, which is obstructing sensor 2 before sensor 1 to indicates an exit movement. This obstruction is sensed by the Microcontroller, computed and displayed by a P10 Displayed board.
Page(s): 16-22 Date of Publication: 28 March 2023
Download PDF
This study investigated the performance of normal-concrete with fine waste plastic particles replacement against sulphuric acid attack by determining the workability, reduction of compressive strengths of cured specimens, and water absorption of waste plastic-concrete when exposed to sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Waste plastic was incorporated as a partial replacement for fine aggregate at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. A total of one hundred and twenty cubes were cast, and they were cured in water for up to 56 days. The first 60 cubes underwent a compressive strength test at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, whereas the remaining 60 cubes were cured in water for 28 days and later exposed to a 5% solution of sulphuric acid, and then tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Compressive strength test, water absorption test and Slump test were performed according to BS EN 12350-2 (2009), BS 1881-122 (2011), and BS EN 12350-2 (2009) respectively. According to the test result, the workability (slump) of waste plastic–concrete increases with an increase in waste plastic replacing fine aggregate in the mix. The compressive strength of waste plastic concrete shows an increase in strength with an increase in curing days even at and the incorporation of a higher percentage of waste plastic. The percentage increase of waste plastic in the mix yields more resistance to sulphuric acid. The research has shown a reduction in the weight of concrete with an increase in the percentage of waste plastic and an exposure period, while an increase in water absorption was observed. To increase concrete’s resistance against sulphuric acid attack, it is concluded that an optimum replacement of fine aggregate with waste plastic in concrete production should be limited to 5% replacement
Page(s): 23-31 Date of Publication: 01 April 2023
Download PDF
Various studies have demonstrated the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience as abilities that teachers should possess in order to be effective. It has even been shown that there is a significant positive connection between EI and resilience. This study aimed to investigate the levels of emotional intelligence and resilience of English teachers in Vietnam. It further sought to confirm the connection between EI and resilience. Through snowball sampling, 11 Filipino and 16 Vietnamese English teachers were selected to be the respondents of this study. The Schutte emotional intelligence test was used to measure the respondents’ EI while the Brief Resiliency Scale was utilized to measure their resilience. The findings showed that 40.74% of all the respondents had moderate EI scores while 59.26% had high EI scores. In addition, the results found that the Vietnamese, the females and those without a romantic partner had higher EI. However, these differences were not statistically significant. In terms of resilience, 7.4% of all the respondents had low resilience scores, 70.27% had moderate resilience scores while 22.22% had high resilience scores. The results showed further that the Vietnamese, the males and the respondents with a romantic partner had higher resilience. However, these differences were not statistically significant. A low positive relationship between the respondents’ EI and resilience scale scores was found but this relationship was not statistically significant. The findings of this study were unable to confirm the connection between EI and resilience among the respondents.
Page(s): 32-43 Date of Publication: 05 April 2023
Download PDF
Countries that invest in sporting clubs have not only performed well in sports, but identified talent and nurtured athletes. Zimbabwe has been no exception, sporting clubs and academies were established. This paper sought to establish grassroots sport challenges that coaches encounter in an attempt to educate, inspire and mobilise young athletes. The study is grounded on Tinning, Kirk and Evans (1993) and Green’s (2005) Pyramid Sport Development Model in trying to understand issues of grassroots sport in Bulawayo. The study adopted a mixed method research design. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted to collect views and perceptions of club administrators and coaches. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data that sought to establish the role of clubs in the development of grassroots sport.Ten participants, comprising of two females and eight males were recruited. All the participants were aged between 30- 40 years at the beginning of the study. Participants were voluntarily selected while anonymity and confidentiality was ensured. Findings from the interviews indicate that grassroots sport development appear to be influenced by availability of facilities and equipment, human and financial input, attendance, and parental support among other issues. From the study, 80% of the participants indicate lack of facilities and equipment in the clubs. On the other hand, (70%) of administrators’ point at the closure of youth clubs as a factor of participation. The recommendations put forward were that the government injects a special fund to resuscitate youth clubs. Sound grassroots sport development programmes and structures are likely to influence performance at Olympic Games.
Page(s): 44-52 Date of Publication: 05 April 2023
Download PDF
Solar activity has a significant impact on the ionosphere, which can lead to adverse effects on the performance of high-frequency (HF) communication systems. Solar discharges cause expanded ionization, resulting in signal propagation that can cause disturbances. During a solar maximum, the ionosphere experiences even more dramatic changes due to the increased solar emissions, such as coronal mass discharges and solar flares. The ionosphere is ionized by solar radiation from the Sun, producing free electrons and ions, which can be measured through Total Electron Content (TEC) observations. TEC observations have become an essential tool for understanding the ionosphere’s structure and variations. The relationship between solar activity and the ionosphere is complex and dynamic, requiring ongoing research and monitoring to improve our understanding and predict potential impacts on high-frequency communication systems. By understanding the effects of solar activity on the ionosphere, we can better mitigate the risks to these systems and ensure their continued operation. This investigation led us to a better analysis of HF communication from the perspective of Bangladesh. Maximum usable frequency (MUF) is taken into the consideration for improving the performance of HF propagation. So that four different locations were used to take data that represents all the major parts of the country. In this context, TEC observations play a critical role in helping us to comprehend the ionosphere’s behavior and the effects of solar activity on it over Bangladesh.
Page(s): 53-59 Date of Publication: 05 April 2023
Download PDF
In view of castor oil as non-toxicity and good di-electric properties which can be used as dielectric fluid inside transformer. Castor oil, a polar liquid dielectric of vegetables origin is studied. This paper presents a description of frequency domain dielectric response technique with the physical and mathematics background. The measurements were made using the L-C-R meter connected by co-axial cable and signal generator. Relative permittivity of castor oil was determined at frequency ranging from 25Hz to 150 KHz and temperature ranging from 270C to 1000C. The data obtained have been statistically analysed. It was observed that the real part of the relative complex permittivity was frequency independent. It also shows that there is a slight deviation between complex permeability of the oil sample and temperature increases compared with the result of typical transformer oil.
Page(s): 60-66 Date of Publication: 07 April 2023
Download PDF
This review paper highlights about the Industrial hemp (fiber type) used as a plant based building construction material, Hempcrete. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an emerging food and fibre crop. It is a non-drug variety of Cannabis sativa with low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of less than 0.3 per cent. The use and performance of hempcrete suggested that hempcrete can be considered as an environmentally friendly material. In a first of its kind in India, an architect couple, Namrata Kandwal and Gaurav Dixit have built a house made of using hemp fibre- hempcrete in Uttarakhand state, India. Industrial Hemp (fiber-type) is both an agricultural and industrial commodity and stem supplies both cellulosic and woody fibers. Hempcrete is a construction material made from hemp fibres, lime and water. Hemprete showed a negative carbon footprint making it a suitable material in the construction industry. This composite, hempcrete breathes, as well as having a good thermal and acoustic-insulation properties. However, hempcrete does have several key drawbacks that make it less than ideal as a building material. In addition to poor mechanical performance, hempcrete also has a high capacity to absorb and retain water. Therefore, future in detail study is warranted for the commercialization of hempcrete as a building material.
Page(s): 67-78 Date of Publication: 07 April 2023
Download PDF
The soil textures, soil settlements, soil water-holding capacity, and elevation angles are parameters for landslides in the Province of Iloilo. They are usually triggered during heavy rainstorms, causing severe property damage and sometimes causing casualties. This experimental study aims to determine how these parameters are factors for landslides and flood monitoring and uses three methods to provide ease and continuity of measurements. The Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy analysis for soil textures, the Imhoff cone for the settling and water-holding capacity of the soil, and an improvised apparatus to test how the slopes affect the transportation of soil materials. FTIR Soil analysis reveals that contents of clay and organic matter directly affect soil water-holding capacity due to the larger surface area. The smaller particle sizes, such as clay, have a larger surface area leading to a higher water-holding ability. A landslide-prone zone has a lesser settling time except for the sand that settles fastest due to larger masses. An angle of 20 degrees has more mass movement too much higher slopes like 55 and 85 degrees. The increase in height or angle of the elevation decreases stability, leading to less mass movement. Less mass movement leads to the conclusion that there are rare landslides in the very high slope range due to fewer vibrations or soil movements caused by human activities and being compact or stable. This study is crucial for forecasting and preventing geohydrological processes and developing better landslide warning strategies to mitigate risks and reduce socioeconomic damage.
Page(s): 79-92 Date of Publication: 08 April 2023
Download PDF
The need to improve on the basic applications on already existing binary and ternary thin films led to the development of compound material of CuCdPbS2O4 alloyed thin films through the simultaneous combinations of CuS, CdO and PbS thin films derived from their different precursor materials. CuCdPbS2O4 alloyed thin films have been fabricated on 76mm x 26mm x 1mm commercial-quality glass microscopic substrates using dual solution synthesis(DSS) from aqueous solutions of precursor materials of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydrated copper sulphate (CuSO4), cadmium chloride (CdCl2), lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) and thiourea in which aqueous ammonia solution was employed as complexing agent. The samples were annealed at the temperatures, of 100 ᵒC, 150 ᵒC, 200 ᵒC, and 250 ᵒC. The crystallographic studies were done using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD patterns of CuCdPbS2O4 alloyed thin films of samples A and B have diffraction peaks at 2θ=12.89 ᵒᵒ and 2θ=24.93 ᵒ. The grain sizes of samples A and B are 89.690nm and 62.733nm respectively. The deposited film compound with chemical formula CuCdPbS2O4 has dickite structure with monoclinic crystal system. Sample A, B, C and D have low optical transmittance in the ultraviolet region, high in the visible and high in the near infrared regions of electromagnetic spectrum. The two samples, have average direct wide band gap of 3.91±0.05eV. The films can be found useful in cold and heat mirror applications, active layer in various types of solar cells, liquid crystal displays, flat panel displays for optoelectronic applications, gas sensor, photovoltaics, photoconductive cells and photo-electrochemical sensing devices.
Page(s): 93-101 Date of Publication: 08 April 2023
Download PDF
Hybrid power systems based on new and renewable energy sources, especially solar PV and Diesel Generator are an effective option to solve the power-supply problem for remote and detached areas from the national grids. Hybrid renewable set-up indicates that various combinations based on the renewable sources could be applied simultaneously to play energy in the form of employed in an off-gird supporting with diesel generator and battery energy storage system as backup systems. In this paper, solar PV/Diesel Generator/battery bank/converter have been simulated and optimized for the rural area of Albasa village among the woreda of Metekel Zone in Benshangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia. Based on the design of hybrid system Primary load demand of the village was 279kWh/day, peak load of 67kW, deferrable energy is about 29kWh/day, and deferrable peak load of 1.9kW with COE $0.010/kWh were involved during optimization of the power system. Well known freeware HOMER and programmable logic controller modeling tool have been used to design optimal off-grid system and energy management system respectively. Solar PV was considered as primary sources to supply electricity directly to the load and to charge battery bank when there were excess energy generation. However, either in peak load times or low generation of primary sources storage battery bank discharged and Diesel Generator could also be used as a source. The load has been suggested for residential loads and deferrable load. During design of this power system set-up, the simulation and optimization was done based on the load demand, climatic data, economics of integrated system components and other parameters in which the total NPC and levelized COE have to be minimized to select economically feasible and technically capable hybrid power system. Furthermore; a programmable logic controller modeling is also modeled to compare the possible potentials available and take a decision. The decision of programmable logic controller modeling is based on the instructional rules written on it.
Page(s): 102-112 Date of Publication: 08 April 2023
Download PDF
In ancient history, messages were hand-delivered using a variety of methods, including runners, homing pigeons, and riders on horseback. Before the introduction of mechanized courier services, foot messengers physically ran miles to their destinations. However, over the years, the employed methods have changed for the better, but not optimal enough. As in a traveling salesman problem, a delivery agent has a set of cities to visit, a set of parcels or goods of variable weight, a medium of movement, etc, with the specific objectives to minimize the cost of visiting the cities vis-a-vis the constraints. The problem was reduced to a graph problem and handled by linear programming. The researcher developed a model or a scenario whereby courier mail or goods can be delivered by touring cities, using the constraints available in courier services as in the traveling salesman problem. object-oriented design model was adopted for use. The researcher had to develop a platform, including the Google map tool to view the entire route spread depending on where the courier man intends to visit. The weight of the parcels, location for which the parcel(s) is to be delivered, medium of transport, amount to be paid, longitude, and latitude were also considered to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the dispatch. HTML was used to design the interface while javascript was used to code the system. The result of the study was very revealing as there were indications of the fact that dispatches were anticipated faster by 46% than before. The minimal cost was efficient enough with better optimality and the visual effects on graphs, gave encouraging perceptions for users.
Page(s): 113-129 Date of Publication: 08 April 2023
Download PDF
The radiation exposure rate (ER) in lecture halls in Niger Delta University (NDU) Bayelsa State Nigeria has been evaluated and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) determined, including the corresponding annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE). The exposure rate was measured using Radalert 100XTM Device which uses a Geiger muller tube to detect radiation in the Four (4) Lecture Halls in the university. The highest average indoor ADR, AEDE and ELCR of: 463.280nGy/h, 2.270msv/y and 7.900×10-3 respectively were reported in Hall 1 code named LH1. Comparatively Hall 4 (LH4) had the lowest values of ADR 226.20nGy/h, AEDE 1.110msv/y and ELCR 3.880 x 10-3. The organ evaluation shows the teste with reported value of 1.490msv/y and the ovaries 0.570msv/y. These values are higher than the world average as submitted.
Page(s): 130-134 Date of Publication: 11 April 2023
Download PDF
Aimed at enhancing hydrocarbon exploration in the Niger Delta, Nigeria; structural interpretation of at Euchis field was undertaken by analysing the frequency attribute of the reservoirs therein. Schlumberger’s Petrel 2017 software was used for data processing and interpretation of the field’s Well logs. In order to facilitate the lithostratigraphic interpretation of the field, seismic-to-well tie was carried out using three dimensional 3D seismic data provided. Seismic attribute analysis and prospects identification were carried out for structural analysis. Lithostratigraphic interpretation shows that the Euchis field is predominantly characterized by sand-shale interbeddings. The frequency attributes map analysis indicated three distinct reservoirs with frequency ranges of ≈ -9 to 48 Hz, ≈ -9 to 51 Hz and ≈ -6 – 54 Hz respectively. Based on the inverse proportionality between the thicknesses of rock layers in the subsurface and peak frequencies of the seismic reflection, the lower frequency were delineated as indicators of hydrocarbon occurrence at the field. Lithologic correlation at the field showed that the occurrence of the Basin within the Euchis field fall within the depth range of 2500 m and 3360 m and the presence of intra-reservoir seals. The structural analysis revealed occurrences of normal, listric, regional and minor faults at various depths. The regional faults were observed to have cut across the three reservoirs, forming a conduit for hydrocarbon migration; whereas the minor faults serve as traps within the second and third reservoirs. The other faults were observed to have a predominant trend in northnorth-west south-south east direction
Page(s): 135-146 Date of Publication: 11 April 2023
Download PDF
Road Traffic accident has become a very common issue in Bangladesh. There are several reasons behind those accident. But the most common reasons are unfit vehicle and drunk driver. For that reason, we have developed this project which detects the drunk driver and checks the document like vehicle fitness certificate. We have developed this project based on microcontroller where the microcontroller gets the input from Alcohol and eyeblink sensor. Multiple sensors are installed on the steering wheel and adjacent to the driving seat which can detect the alcohol level from the breath of the driver and monitor the eyeblink. If the level of alcohol crosses a certain level and eyes remain closed for certain time the microcontroller will stop the engine ignition. A document checking algorithm is formulated in the microcontroller which checks the fitness validity of the vehicle. A GSM and a GPS module is also integrated with the system which shares the location of vehicle with related personnel and authority if any anomaly is found. Implementation of this idea in our country, certainly can reduce a large number of vehicle accident due to drunk driver and unfit vehicle and at the same time can increase government revenue.
Page(s): 147-154 Date of Publication: 14 April 2023
Download PDF
This study is a participatory action research that aims to enhance the reading levels of 16 Grade 6 pupils who were in frustration level while those who were in instructional and independent levels were not included in the study. These 16 pupils found difficulty to read text to make sufficient progress. Further, their word recognition levels tend to be below 92% accuracy while comprehension drops below 70%. Phil-IRI was used to identify the reading level before the intervention and after the intervention. The intervention program is called TaTiToRe (Take Time To Read) conducted for three weeks among theses 16 pupils. The intervention is composed of free reading, forced reading, and watching videos. After the three-week of TaTiToRe Program, these 16 pupils enhanced their reading level. Out of 16 pupils, 12 moved to instructional level which their word recognition is at 92% accuracy with 70% to 85% comprehension. While the other four (4) pupils jumped to independent level which means that they can already read text without help with 97%-100% accuracy while the comprehension level ranged between 90% to 100% accuracy.
Page(s): 155-160 Date of Publication: 14 April 2023
Download PDF
The study examined the membership commitment, heterogeneity and social capital within the membership of agricultural cooperative in Udenu Local Government Area. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the societies from which the samples were drawn. The main research instrument used for the collection of data was the questionnaire. The sample size used was 100. The result revealed that social capital influences sustenance of capacity for collective action, lowers transaction costs in contracting via trust, offers access information via networks of contacts, helps companies enhance their competitive advantage and promote performance, facilitates information exchange and resource flow and motivates product innovation. It was also revealed that gender of agricultural cooperative membership has no effect on social capital. Thus men and women have equal structural social capital, social connections and relationships with other members, and have equal extent of sharing information and resources that can improve their participation in economic activities in the cooperatives. Social capital diversity impact agricultural productivity and economic sustainability. Finally, it was revealed that social capital diversity enhances social responsibility by promoting the use of sustainable agricultural farming practices and thereby contributing to environmental sustainable development. The study recommended that attention to should be given on gender differences in social network formation.
Page(s): 161-170 Date of Publication: 18 April 2023
Download PDF