A DEEP LEARNING MODEL FOR ELECTRICITY DEMAND FORECASTING BASED ON A TROPICAL DATA

Electricity demand forecasting is a term used for prediction of users’ consumption on the grid ahead of actual demand. It is very important to all power stakeholders across levels. The power players employ electricity demand forecasting for sundry purposes. Moreover, the government’s policy on its market deregulation has greatly amplified its essence. Despite numerous studies on the subject using certain classical approaches, there exists an opportunity for exploration of more sophisticated methods such as the deep learning (DL) techniques. Successful researches about DL applications to com¬puter vision, speech recognition, and acoustic computing problems are motivation. However, such researches are not sufficiently exploited for electricity demand forecasting using DL methods. In this paper, we considered specific DL techniques (LSTM, CNN, and MLP) to short-term load fore¬casting problems, using tropical institutional data obtained from a Transmission Company. We also test how accurate are predictions across the techniques. Our results relatively revealed models appropriateness for the problem

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS OF SMALL RICE THRESHERS IN NIGERIA

An assessment of existing rice thresher designs and products available within Nigeria and neighbour-         ing countries was carried out. The impetus for the study is the concern that low and poor quality of         local rice in Nigeria may be due, in important measure, to lack of appropriate and affordable small        threshers. On this basis, a reconnaissance work in Five Local Government Areas in Ogun State,    Erin        – Ijesha in Osun State, Igbimo in Ekiti State; Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, Makurdi in Benue State as well        as   Kura  -  Kano   and   Tundun   Wada   areas   of   Kano   State   was   carried   out.   Based   on   the   farmers’        evaluation   and   assessment   of   existing   rice   threshers   available   in   Nigeria,   the   study   recommended        three prototype small threshers that are pedal and petrol engine driven. The pedal operated thresher        was recommended for those with farm hectarage of less than 2. For threshing freshly harvested rice at        very   high   moisture   content,   the  IITA/WARDA   small   plot   spike-tooth   thresher   which   has   a  threshing        capacity of about 100kg/h was found to be appropriate for the small – scale farmers provided some         little modifications in the area of capacity and mobility were carried out while the multi-crop thresher of        the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan with a capacity of about 250kg/h        was recommended for those with farm hectarage of more than 5ha.&nbsp

Data-driven optimal planning for hybrid renewable energy system management in smart campus: a case study

Academic and research institutions need to be at the forefront of research and development efforts on sustainable energy transition towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 7. Thus, the most economically feasible hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) option for meeting the energy demands of Covenant University was investigated in this study. Several optimal combinations of energy resource components and storage which have significant potentials within the university campus were modeled on HOMER software in grid-connected mode. The daily energy consumption data of Covenant University were measured using EDMI Mk10E digital energy meter for a whole year. Data for analyzing renewable energy potentials for several years were sourced from the NASA database through the HOMER platform. Significantly, due to the fluctuating price of diesel fuel in Nigeria, sensitivity analysis was carried out for each combination using diesel fuel prices ranging from 0.3 $/litre to 1$/litre. The results of each projected combination which gave 32 simulation scenarios, were analyzed comparatively using eight important system performance indices which cover economic, technical, and environmental impact assessment with and without battery energy systems. The results of the comparative analysis showed that the PV-Diesel-Grid-BESS HRES is the best configuration for meeting the Covenant university load demands in terms of credible reduction in the net present cost and cost of electricity. However, deployment of the wind energy system is economically infeasible at the study site, while the diesel generator should be strictly a backup

Mechanical and opto-electrical response of embedded smart composite coating produced via electrodeposition technique for embedded system in defence application

The emergence of nanocomposite particulate with the increasing demand for opto-electrical properties for defence application has necessitated this study. In this work, an attempt was made to develop Zn- CeO2/Zn-CeO2-Al2SiO5 thin film composite on A356 mild steel using electrodeposition technique. The developed coating was attained in 2 V for 10 min at a constant current density of 1.5 A/cm2 and pH of 4.5. The mass concentration of Al2SiO5 was varied, ranging from 0 to 15 g. The composite coatings were characterized using Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/ EDS). The corroding properties of the coated and uncoated sample were examined through potentiodynamic polarization technique via Autolab PGSTAT 101 Metrohm potentiostat/galvanostat with NOVA software of version 2.1.2 in 3.65% NaCl. The electrical characterization was carried out using voltageammeter meter and Keithley 2400 series source meter application tester. The opto-electrical investigation was done using a solar simulator with maximum intensity of 1000 W/m2 under an air mass of 1.5 at a working intensity of 750 W/m2. The outcome of various test and characterizations revealed that the electrodeposited Zn-CeO2/Zn-CeO2-Al2SiO5 possessed good stability, improved microstructural qualities, better electrical conductivity and outstanding corrosion resistance

Rural-urban differences on the rates and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria: further analysis of the Nigeria demographic and health survey, 2013

Background This study investigates and compares the rates and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within one hour of birth in rural and urban Nigeria. Methods Data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) were analyzed. The rates of EIBF were reported using frequency tabulation. Associated factors were examined using Chi-Square test and further assessed on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The rates of EIBF were 30.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.0, 32.6) and 41.9% (95% CI 39.6, 44.3) in rural and urban residences, respectively (p < 0.001). The North-Central region had the highest EIBF rates both in rural (43.5%) and urban (63.5%) residences. Greater odds of EIBF in rural residence were significantly associated with higher birth order (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.10, 1.60), large birth size (AOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10, 1.60), and health facility delivery (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.23, 1.72). Rural mothers in the rich wealth index, not working and whose husbands obtained at least a secondary school education had significantly higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding. Regardless of residence, greater odds of EIBF were significantly associated with non-cesarean delivery (Rural AOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.84, 6.62; Urban AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.60, 3.80) and living in North-Central (Rural AOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34, 2.52; Urban AOR 4.40, 95% CI 3.15, 6.15) region. Also, higher odds of EIBF were significantly associated with living in North-East (Rural AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05, 2.08; Urban AOR 3.50, 95% CI 2.55, 4.83), South-South (Rural AOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11, 2.10; Urban AOR 2.84, 95% CI 2.03, 3.97) and North-West (Urban residence only AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.54, 2.80) regions. Conclusions Rural-urban differences in the rates and factors associated with EIBF exist in Nigeria with rural residence having significantly lower rates. Intervention efforts which address the risk factors identified in this study may contribute to improved EIBF rates. Efforts need to prioritize rural mothers generally, (particularly, those in rural North-West region) as well as mothers in urban South-West region of Nigeria

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

Background The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population. Methods EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. Findings Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5–2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62–0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16–1·59), representing a 50% (42–58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1). Interpretation In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease. Funding Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council

Patient's needs and preferences in routine follow-up after treatment for breast cancer

The purpose of the study was to analyse the needs of women who participated in a routine follow-up programme after treatment for primary breast cancer. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a postal questionnaire among women without any sign of relapse during the routine follow-up period. The questionnaire was sent 2-4 years after primary surgical treatment. Most important to patients was information on long-term effects of treatment and prognosis, discussion of prevention of breast cancer and hereditary factors and changes in the untreated breast. Patients preferred additional investigations (such as X-ray and blood tests) to be part of routine follow-up visits. Less satisfaction with interpersonal aspects and higher scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scale were related to stronger preferences for additional investigation. Receiving adjuvant hormonal or radiotherapy was related to a preference for a more intensive follow-up schedule. There were no significant differences between patients treated with mastectomy compared to treated with breast-conserving therapy. During routine follow-up after a diagnosis of breast cancer, not all patients needed all types of information. When introducing alternative follow-up schedules, individual patients' information needs and preferences should be identified early and incorporated into the follow-up routine care, to target resources and maximise the likelihood that positive patient outcomes will result

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND: The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population. METHODS: EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. FINDINGS: Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5–2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62–0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16–1·59), representing a 50% (42–58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1). INTERPRETATION: In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease. FUNDING: Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council