The Contributory Effect of Latency on the Quality of Voice Transmitted over the Internet

Deployment of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is rapidly growing worldwide due to the new services it provides and cost savings derived from using a converged IP network. However, voice quality is affected by bandwidth, delay, latency, jitter, packet loss e.t.c. Latency is the dominant factor that degrades quality of voice transfer. There is therefore strong need for a study on the effect of Latency with the view to improving Quality of Voice (QoV) in VoIP network. In this work, Poisson probability theorem, Markov Chain, Probability distribution theorems and Network performance metric were used to study the effect of latency on QoS in VoIP network. This is achieved by considering the effect of latency resulting from several components between two points in multiple networks. The NetQoS Latency Calculator, Net-Cracker Professional® for Modeling and Matlab/Simulink® for simulating network were tools used and the results obtained compare favourably well with theoretical facts

Geological and Geochemical Characterisation of Pegmatites around Olode, Southwestern Nigeria

Olode is prolific in terms of pegmatites, occurring in different ways as large intrusive bodies, as veins and dykes, discordantly intruding the host rocks of mica schist, gneiss and granite. This study is aimed at the geological and geochemical characterisation of pegmatites around Olode. Field investigation was undertaken to determine the occurrences and relationships of the pegmatites with the host rocks. Fresh pegmatite samples were studied petrographically and geochemically. Two main lithologically and chronologically different groups of pegmatites were distinguishable in the study area. These were the tourmaline pegmatites associated with the Older Granite rocks and the NE-SW trending beryl-bearing pegmatites typically occurring as dykes, hosted by the mica schist. Results of the geochemical analysis showed variations in the chemical compositions of the two varieties of pegmatites, reflecting their mineralogical differences, but with common peraluminous provenance. The discrimination plots of Cs and Rb versus K/Rb have classified most of the beryl-bearing pegmatites as mineralised, with mean K/Rb ratio of 85, and the tourmaline pegmatites as barren. The Olode pegmatites have emanated from a common source, a higly mineralised magma, and their differences in chemical composition and occurrences have resulted from fractional crystallisation of the parent magma and varied evolutionary trends. Keywords: Olode; Pegmatites; Beryl-bearing; Tourmaline; Mineralised

Teletraffic Modeling of Cdma Systems

This paper presents teletraffic modeling of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems that enabled the analysis of such systems capacity. Analytical tools aided by software model that assisted in analysis of the system performance, capacity estimation, dimensioning and design of CDMA networks were achieved. This work, therefore, focused on modeling telephone traffic for analysis of CDMA cellular network capacity. We developed an analytical expression for blocking probability and consequently that for the determination and analysis of the capacity of CDMA networks. The analyses of obtained results showed how interference determined the capacity of CDMA networks and therefore proved that the capacity was not hard limited, but depended on predetermined quality of service for the network. Also, the result showed how the capacity of the network, in terms of number of subscribers, can be estimated for CDMA networks. Graphical results generated from the blocking model showed the effect of variations in interference parameters on CDMA capacity. The Erlang capacity from the model was adapted into Erlang B formula to estimate capacity in terms of channels, and the number of subscribers a typical CDMA sector could accommodate

Optimized Remote Network Using Specified Factors As Key Performance Indices

This paper discuss the implementation of an optimized remote network, using latency, bandwidth and packet drop rate as key performance indicator (KPI) to measure network performance and quality of service (QoS). We compared the network performance characteristics derived on the Wide Area Network (WAN) when using Fiber, VSAT and Point-to-Point VPN across the internet respectively as the network infrastructure. Network performance variables are measured across various links (VAST, Fiber and VPN across the internet) and the corresponding statistical data is analyzed and used as base-line for the optimization of a corporate network performance. The qualities of service offered on the network before and after optimization are analyzed and use to determine the level of improvement on the network performance achieved

BIM-based software for construction waste analytics using artificial intelligence hybrid models

The Construction industry generates about 30% of the total waste in the UK. Current high landfill cost and severe environmental impact of waste reveals the need to reduce waste generated from construction activities. Although literature reveals that the best approach to Construction Waste (CW) management is minimization at the design stage, current tools are not robust enough to support architects and design engineers. Review of extant literature reveals that the key limitations of existing CW management tools are that they are not integrated with the design process and that they lack Building Information Modelling (BIM) compliance. This is because the tools are external to design BIM tools used by architects and design engineers. This study therefore investigates BIM-based strategies for CW management and develops Artificial Intelligent (AI) hybrid models to predict CW at the design stage. The model was then integrated into Autodesk Revit as an add-in (BIMWaste) to provide CW analytics. Based on a critical realism paradigm, the study adopts exploratory sequential mixed methods, which combines both qualitative and quantitative methods into a single study. The study starts with the review of extant literature and (FGIs) with industry practitioners. The transcripts of the FGIs were subjected to thematic analysis to identify prevalent themes from the quotations. The factors from literature review and FGIs were then combined and put together in a questionnaire survey and distributed to industry practitioners. The questionnaire responses were subjected to rigorous statistical process to identify key strategies for BIM-based approach to waste efficient design coordination. Results of factor analysis revealed five groups of BIM strategies for CW management, which are: (i)improved collaboration for waste management, (ii)waste-driven design process and solutions, (iii)lifecycle waste analytics, (iv) Innovative technologies for waste intelligence and analytics, and (v)improved documentation for waste management. The results improve the understanding of BIM functionalities and how they could improve the effectiveness of existing CW management tools. Thereafter, the key strategies were developed into a holistic BIM framework for CW management. This was done to incorporate industrial and technological requirements for BIM enabled waste management into an integrated system.The framework guided the development of AI hybrid models and BIM based tool for CW management. Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model was developed for CW prediction and mathematical models were developed for CW minimisation. Based on historical Construction Waste Record (CWR) from 117 building projects, the model development reveals that two key predictors of CW are “GFA” and “Construction Type”. The final models were then incorporated into Autodesk Revit to enable the prediction of CW from building designs. The performance of the final tool was tested using a test plan and two test cases. The results show that the tool performs well and that it predicts CW according to waste types, element types, and building levels. The study generated several implications that would be of interest to several stakeholders in the construction industry. Particularly, the study provides a clear direction on how CW management strategies could be integrated into BIM platform to streamline the CW analytics

Managing and Improving Upon Bandwidth Challenges in Computer Network

Managing the bandwidth of a computer network is always faced with great challenges. This research was necessitated by the urgent need to manage the University network currently experiencing congestion in both the local LA� and on the internet backhaul with a view to improving network performance and reduce the huge recurrent on the WA� link. However, there exists various ways that have been deployed towards solving these problems. In this paper we examined existing bandwidth management, effect of limited bandwidth on the network performance and profound solutions of techniques that enhanced or improved the bandwidth efficiency. Also, included in this research work are the studies of the effect of limited bandwidth on work load, type of protocol used and the effect of network congestion on the quality of service of a Wide Area �etwork (WA�). By comparison, from the modeling of the effect of work load and limited bandwidth on the throughput of a wide area network based on experimental simulation and real time simulation scenarios, some observations were made and recommendation of solutions were given from the analyzed results

Automation of Academic Libraries in Nigeria: Issues and Practices

The paper is on the library as information organization helping the parental body to realize the network of goals, objectives and targets. It added that for library functions to be done efficiently, the services must be automated. The paper describes automation as application of technology to produce and deliver goods and services with minimum human intervention. The work looks into library automation, overview of automation in Nigerian academic libraries. It expands on issues and practices of library automation in Nigeria academic libraries giving an insight into two universities- University of Jos Library and Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University. The paper gives the challenges to automation in academic libraries in Nigeria as inadequate planning, budget-cut, shortage of technology, erratic power supply, shortage of competent manpower and non-ICT LIS curriculum. The conclusion is that automation is inevitable in the 21st century library services, as such Nigerian academic librarians should strive to automate the services in their libraries

Suitability of Using Agbarha Clay for Drilling Mud Formulation in Oil and Gas Industry

In this research, a locally sourced clay from Niger-Delta Agbarha clay deposit formation was processed and treated to meet up with API standard specification for drilling fluid. Clay concentrations of 17.5 g, 21.0 g and 24.5 g of the local mud (Agbarha clay) and foreign Bentonite mud was prepared and analyzed using a standard measuring techniques. Laboratory analyses of the Properties of the Sample Mud (Agbarha clay) was compared with that of API Numerical Value Specification before and after beneficiation. The result shows that sample mud Weight, Apparent Viscosity (cp), Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point, Gel Strength (10 sec), Gel Strength (10min) showed values lower or a little short of API minimum numerical value standard while pH, Sand Content and ―n‖ factor give a values that are higher than thatof standard API minimum numerical value after aging for 48 hrs without beneficiation. Therefore, there is a need to beneficiate this local mud sample (Agbarha clay) to meet that of API standard specification. After beneficiation with 5g Hydroxyl Ethyl Cellulose (HEC), the sample mud sand content remains the same; Mud weight, Apparent Viscosity, Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point, Gel Strength(10sec) Gel Strength (10min), ―n‖ factor increased, pH of the mud sample reduced; all to values within API numerical value specification for standard drilling mud. Based on this research, Agbarha clay can therefore be recommended for formulation of drilling mud and can also serve as a substitute to foreign Bentonite mud. This will conserve foreign exchange, generate more employment and also enhance Nigerian local content development in the drilling component of oil and gas industry

Marketing Strategy: A Tool for Library and Information Services Delivery by Academic Libraries in Southwest Nigeria.

Adoption of marketing concept into information oriented organizations such as academic libraries has become imperative especially with the proliferation of information technology where libraries are no longer seen as the sole custodian of knowledge. This study therefore aimed at investigating the need for marketing strategy as tool for library and information services delivery by academic libraries using the various technology driven facilities. The survey research design was adopted for the study. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 6 libraries from federal, state and private owned universities in South Western Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used in selecting the sample size consisting of 148 librarians and library officers in the institutions. Data were gathered using questionnaire and the findings revealed that face to face approach and use of the notice boards are the most common methods used in these libraries. Though some marketing strategies are already in use, services like indexing and abstracting which is even an ancient strategy is giving way for new technologies. Likewise, database searching, network and rich site summary, and email alerts which are the commonest of all are yet to be fully embraced. It was revealed that adopting marketing strategies in service delivery has enhanced the image of these libraries and has boosted library professionals’ self actualization. However, challenges such as inadequate skills and lack of funds among others constitute threats to effective use of marketing strategies in library service delivery

MARKETING OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES IN TWO MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

The study assess the impact of marketing strategies in two medical institutions in Lagos State. It provides a direct test of applicability of marketing strategies that would enhance better services for the benefit of library patrons in a competitive and technologically driven environment. Data was collected from two libraries selected for this study. A total of 25 questionnaires were distributed to professionals in the two libraries. Returned questionnaires were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The result shows that majority of the respondents strongly agreed with the statement indicating positive attitude towards marketing, while very few respondents strongly disagreed with the issue of marketing in library services. Patron survey, library website, developing new services and advertising were ranked as the highest ways of marketing libraries whereas, Mailings/Newsletters, attracting new patrons and maintaining a patron database were ranked low. The relevance of this study confirmed the nexus between marketing and library and information services. It also provides with the aim of providing actionable intelligence data to justify library services as an indispensable part of any institution which helps to maximize information services to users in a more efficient and effective manner