AN IMPROVED CRYPTO-STEGANOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE FOR DATA HIDING USING MODIFIED LEAST SIGNIFICANT BIT AND RIVEST SHAMIR ADLEMAN ALGORITHMS

This study is aimed at developing an improved LSB technique by overcoming the standard LSB technique's high imperceptibility and transparency, especially in JPEG and BMP formats which are the characteristics of a truly secure and reliable security technique for remote data transmission. The standard LSB was modified to create a balance between the algorithm's exploration and exploitation stages so as to improve quantity solution in detecting high energy coefficient (optimal wavelet coefficient) of DWT and to resolve conflicting requirements of different parameters and properties of digital images. The techniques achieved improved Average difference, Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Image Fidelity and Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC), indicating a higher quality measurement between the original and compressed images using different formats

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION OF 4G WIRELESS NETWORK HANDOFF DECISION

This paper presents the technical analysis and simulation of 4G wireless network handoff decision. The integration of numerous new technologies into 4G services which provide faster wireless internet access, makes 4G technology an extremely complicated technology. Vertical handoff poses a great challenge in communication channel and this contributes to unbearable life for subscribers. The method used involves the handoff process for inter-nodes handoff, together with matching network loads using three phases of operation. The performance of the four handoff algorithms was optimized, compared and evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink. The results obtained shows that at 6ms of time to trigger, the results of the proposed handoff algorithm had the highest optimized ratio value of 18225.701 and also, at 1 beta level, the proposed algorithm had the lowest optimized ratio value of 9255.701. Again, at 1.5 alpha level, the proposed algorithm had the highest optimized ratio value of 3012.701. The experimented results produced the minimum handoff delay of 1000.701 when compared with the other three algorithms. In conclusion, the results realized have improved the handoff decisions in order to achieve a reliable signal strength in wireless network

OPTIMAL ROUTE DETERMINATION FOR POSTAL DELIVERY USING ANT COLONY OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM

There are a lot of optimization challenges in the world, as we all know. The vehicle routing problem is one of the more complex and high-level problems. Vehicle Routing Problem is a real-life problem in the Postal Delivery System logistics and, if not properly attended to, can lead to wastage of resources that could have been directed towards other things. Several studies have been carried out to tackle this problem using different techniques and algorithms. This study used the Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm along with some powerful APIs to find an optimal route for the delivery of posts to customers in a Postal Delivering System. When Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm is used to solve the vehicle routing problem in transportation systems, each Ant's journey is mere “part” of a feasible solution. To put it in another way, numerous ants' pathways might make up a viable solution. Routes are determined for a delivery vehicle, with the objective of minimizing customer waiting time and operation cost. Experimental results indicate that the solution is optimal and more accurat

A NON-LINEAR FILTERING APPROACH TO RIDGE AND FURROW SEGMENTATION OF FINGERPRINTS

Ridge and furrow segmentation or ridge extraction is an important processing step in automatic fingerprint identification; as its success simplifies the task of tracing the most distinguishing features of the print, the ridge ends and bifurcations. In this work, a new method for ridgeextraction in fingerprints is proposed. The method uses normalisation, local histogram equalisation, median filtering and global thresholding to segment the fingerprint foreground into ridges and furrows. The result obtained shows that the new algorithm is robust to image noise. It is also less computationally demanding when compared with an earlier ridge detection scheme

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN VAPOUR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

The essence of refrigeration systems cannot be overemphasized especially in this part of the globe. Perishable items are to be preserved for some periods before usage while human comfort should also be also be paramount since we are in the northern hemisphere of the globe. The device hat doe this uses refrigerants as working fluids which are traditional harmful to human beings through depletion of the ozone layer. Majorly Ozone layer protects the earth from warming which could lead to flooding. Common economical refrigerants like CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) have been discovered to be harmful to the earth. This article therefore, experimented the quantity replacement of CFCs with Liquefied Petroleum Gas in various mixes. The LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) used consists a mixture of propane and butane in the ratio 6:4 by mass. The blend of the two refrigerants were shaped essentially by blending at least two single-part refrigerants, the GWP (Global Warming Potentials) of a refrigerant mix is the mass-weighted normal of GWPs of individual parts in the mix. That is, to compute the GWP of a mix, one essentially adds the GWP of the singular parts with respect to their (GWP (LPG) x M (LPG)) + (GWP(R-134a) x M(R-134a)) = GWP (blend). From the evaluated GWP of the 6 different % mass composition, the % mass of (100%/0%) was the only refrigerant to adhere to the preferred GWP<150. The mass composition of blend (100%/0%) LPG/R-134a was first performed. In-order to achieve this, 8kg of each of the refrigerant was used. The blend was formed in an empty cylinder which was measured as 2482g with the aid of a digital beam balance, by gradually injecting LPG into the empty cylinder till the mass percentage of the 2000g entered, making the mass read as 4,482g (i.e., 2482g of the empty cylinder + 2000g of LPG). Based on the above observations, it could be inferred that the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of mixed refrigerants blends was higher than that of R-134a indicating that each of the blend exhibit higher performance. The experiment discovered that LPG could be used in the place of R134a without affecting the operation efficiency of a vapor compression refrigeration system. The study concludes that LPG offers the best alternative when the COP and flammability are combined as performance metric

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF PALM KERNEL FIBRE ASH ON THE COMPRESSIVE EARTH STABILISED BLOCK

Pursuing cost-effective, sustainable building materials remains imperative, particularly for addressing housing deficits in developing nations like Nigeria. This study investigates the influence of one agricultural by-product, palm kernel fibre ash (PKFA), on the compressive and flexural strengths of compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs), aiming to identify optimal proportions for enhanced block strength. Through systematic testing, variations in flexural and compressive strengths are evaluated across different percentages of PKFA replacements (ranging from 0% to 100%). The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of the PKFA reveals complex crystal structures with various mineral phases, shedding light on the ash's composition and potential structural implications in CSEB production. Results demonstrate a noteworthy impact on the mechanical properties of CSEBs with PKFA incorporation. Flexural strength exhibits improvements with low percentages of PKFA replacement, peaking at certain levels before declining at higher substitution rates. Compressive strength, similarly, showcases enhancements up to a certain replacement percentage, beyond which a decline is observed. The findings suggest an optimal range of PKFA replacement that augments the strength of CSEBs without compromising structural integrity. The study underscores the potential viability of PKFA as a substitute for cement in CSEBs, offering insights into the optimal replacement percentages for enhanced block strengt

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF ASBESTOS FREE BRAKE PAD USING CASHEW NUTSHELL

A brake is a mechanical device used in controlling the speed of a moving vehicle using a frictional material and dissipates the absorbed kinetic energy as heat to the surroundings. A new brake pad composition has been developed with the Cashew Nutshell (CNSL), Silicon Carbide (SC), Steel Dust (SD), Carbon Black (CB), Epoxy Resin and Hardener (ERH). Five different samples of varying constituents were made with two different sieve sizes for each sample was investigated. The result showed that sample D of the 100 μm with composition 55g of (CNSL), 15g of (SC), 10g of (SD), 5g of (CB) and 15g of Epoxy resin and hardener had the best properties. The Brinell hardness value, Coefficient of Friction, Porosity, Ash content, Density and Wear rate were 75.65, 0.3528 1.925, 45.6, 1.521 kg/m3  for 100 μm and 1.17  respectively. These values are acceptable, though the 75μm samples fared better in many of the test results but lacked in the aspect of density when compared with the other sieve grades.  This shows that Cashew Nutshell can be used as filler in the production of eco-friendly brake pads

FREQUENCY AND VOLTAGE RESPONSES OF GAS-FIRED DISTRIBUTED GENERATION SYSTEM TO LOAD

Research has shown that addition of loads to a distributed generation (DG) system operating either in stand-alone mode (SAM) or grid-connected mode (GCM) has impacts on its operations. This paper analyzed the voltage and frequency responses of the DG when operated in stand-alone and grid-connected modes under load variations. Mathematical equations showing the characteristics of the DG under varying loads with the two modes were developed. The equations were modeled using MATLAB in Simulink environment. By applying gradual and sudden loads using 2MW DG and an 11kV distribution grid network, the frequency and voltage responses under the two modes were calculated. The results showed that with gradual load addition from 10 to 100 % loading, the output frequency varied from 49.72 to 49.27 Hz (-0.56 to -1.46 %) for SAM while it varied for GCM from 49.90 to 49.44 Hz (-0.20 to -1.12 %). Output voltage varied from 376 to 232.9 V (-6.0 to -41.78 %) for 10 to 100 % load respectively for SAM while it varied from 387.7 to 268.3 V (-3.08 to -32.93 %) for GCM. For sudden load additions, the output frequency variation was between 49.39 to 49.25 Hz (-1.22 to -1.5 %) for 25 to 100 % load for SAM while that of GCM was between 49.51 to 49.43 Hz (-0.98 to -1.14 %); voltage variation was 271.7 to 190 V (-32.08 to -52.5 %) for 25 to 100 % load respectively for SAM while that of GCM was 294.2 to 219.9V(-26.45% to -45.03%). The results revealed that the frequency with gradual and sudden load additions for SAM and GCM varied outside the operational limit of 49.75-50.25 Hz () except in the case of 10 % load under gradual load addition in GCM. However, the frequency and voltage variation are less in GCM than SAM with gradual and sudden load addition

A DUAL-TRIGGER SMART HAND WASHING MACHINE

Hand washing is simple and effective in preventing the transmission of infection and sickness in various contexts, including the home, workplace, childcare facilities, and hospitals. It is important to note that contaminated surface like tap heads and manually operated hand sanitizer pose threat to the users of such facility and as such has constituted a global concern due to the emergence of diseases that can be easily transmitted. Hence, this project presents a low-cost automatic hand washing machine with a temperature sensor and counter, triggered by an Ultrasonic sensor and Laser-Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) trip wire that puts ON or OFF the pump and counting at the same time.  The system design was done in two levels, the 3D model and circuit diagram design: firstly, the 3D model design was done with Autodesk Inventor 2017 while the circuit diagram design was done using Fritzing software and simulations performed for both levels. The system was fabricated and evaluated; the result obtained revealed reliable water dispense since the water flow can be activated by either an ultrasonic or laser-LDR sensor, a strong frame at a threshold weight of 166.6 N, and reliable temperature measurement.  The uniqueness of this work is that it combines automated temperature measurement, hand-washing, and counting systems in a single device. Temperature measurement and hand-washing help to prevent disease spread while the counting system assists in recording the number of people using or entering a facility to aid the practice of social distancing as means of curtailing the spread of the diseases

EFFECT OF MAGNETIZED IRRIGATION WATER AND SEEDS ON GERMINATION, WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND YIELD OF COWPEA CULTIVARS

The effects of magnetized irrigation water and cowpea seeds on germination, water use efficiency (WUE), and yields were investigated under transparent garden. Irrigation water was treated with neodymium and round-bar magnets with magnetic fluxes of 112.74 mT and 107.15 mT. Water was applied at 1.50 litres per day for 3-day intervals at 2 plants per bucket. Cowpea cultivars (C1= TVX-117, C2= IAR-48, and C3 = Ife brown) were stimulated within magnetic fields of fluxes 27.32 mT and 18.54 mT before planting. Four experiments and one control were replicated five times randomized using factorial design. The neodymium-treated water only (T1), neodymium-treated water and seeds (T2), round-bar treated water only (T3), round-bar treated water and seeds (T4), and non-treated water and seeds (Tc). The germination indices revealed that four magnetic treatments performed better than the control with significant differences at p<0.05 (R2 = 0.9598). Cowpea yields showed that there was a significant difference at p=0.0006 (p<0.05, R2 = 0.9599). There were no significant differences in WUE for all the treatments as R2 = 0.01830 was closed to zero at p<0.05. This study concluded that magnetized water and/or seeds improved growth rate, WUE, and cowpea yield compared to the control