Timely and reliable packets delivery over Internet of Vehicles (IoVs) for road accidents prevention: a cross-layer approach

With the envisioned era of Internet of Things (IoTs), all aspects of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will be connected to improve transport safety, relieve traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, enhance the comfort of transportation and significantly reduce road accidents. In IoVs, regular exchange of current position, direction, velocity, etc., enables mobile vehicles to predict an upcoming accident and alert the human drivers in time or proactively take precautionary actions to avoid the accident. The actualization of this concept requires the use of channel access protocols that can guarantee reliable and timely broadcast of safety messages. This paper investigates the application of network coding concept to increase content of every transmission and achieve improved broadcast reliability with less number of retransmission. In particular, we proposed Code Aided Retransmission-based Error Recovery (CARER) scheme, introduced an RTB/CTB handshake to overcome hidden node problem and reduce packets collision rate. In order to avoid broadcast storm problem associated with the use of RTB/CTB packet in a broadcast transmission, we developed a rebroadcasting metric used to successfully select a vehicle to rebroadcast the encoded message. The performance of CARER protocol is clearly shown with detailed theoretical analysis and further validated with simulation experiments

Numerical Study of the Thermal Efficiency of a School Building with Complex Topology for Different Orientations

In this work a numerical model that simulates the thermal behavior of a building with complex topology and evaluates the indoor thermal and air quality, in transient conditions, is used for a school building thermal project. The program calculates the building surfaces solar radiation field, the building's temperatures, the internal environmental variables, and the occupant's comfort levels. Initially, after the numerical model is validated, the software is used to evaluate the school building's thermal response for four different orientations, either in winter or summer conditions. The work then aims to identify uncomfortable spaces in order to propose, as an example, several solutions that could be introduced for each orientation, that would improve the thermal comfort and air quality levels to which the occupants are subjected, and decrease the building's energy consumption levels. The information obtained from this study could be used to help a designer choose which thermal systems and solutions function best for a preferred school building orientation

CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE SOIL AND PLANTS AROUND WASTE DUMPSITES IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Aims: The purpose of this project is to find the concentration of heavy metals in the topsoil and the plant around the waste dumpsite from Enugu municipal solid disposal sites. Methodology and Results: There was a collection of soil samples from four designated public municipal solid waste dumpsites in Enugu metropolis. The soil samples were collected at 10m intervals from the centre location point of each dumpsite at a constant depth. The sample collection design include centre (0 m) of the dumpsites, 10, 20, and 30m. However, the control sample was 65m away from the centre of dumpsites at the same depth. Plant samples were taken just at the centre (0m), and control measures were at 65m distance away from each dumpsite. The Goat grasses harvested were taken to the lab to determine and analyse heavy metals intake from the soil. These samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA320N) model. On the average, high concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Pb found in the soil samples collected at the centre of the dumpsites were 141.70, 121.5, 75.53, 70.33 and 64.53 mg/kg respectively. The results were statistically analysed and had significant effects between the samples (p < 0.05). Conclusion, significance, and impact study: The heavy metals studied were within the acceptable or permissible limit by WHO and FAO. However, the plant intake of zinc at Presidential that was beyond the maximum permissible level of 163.45 mg/kg Zn compared with FAO and WHO standard of 50 mg/kg

Assessment of water quality in Canaanland, Ota, Southwest Nigeria

In this study, water points in Canaanland, Ota, and nearby Iju River were analyzed for biological and physicochemical properties including heavy metal content. Water quality parameters examined were pH, alkalinity, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (Do), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr). All the water samples were slightly acidic (5.96 – 6.54) except the bottled/ sachet Hebron water and Iju River water. The results were compared against drinking water quality standards laid by World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water (NSDW). The potable water samples were within the standards for consumable water and so are considered safe for human consumption. The surface waters, on the other hand, have high levels of total dissolved solids, conductivity and salinity. The BOD of the effluent water showed that the water was contaminated and the use of the water for domestic purposes by the inhabitants could lead to hazardous side effects

Determination of physicomechanical properties of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) from South Eastern Nigeria

Selected physical and mechanical properties of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) were studied at two moisture content levels of 13% and 20% (db). Compression strength characteristics were conducted under quasi-static compressive force at longitudinal and latitudinal (lateral) loading positions and the rupture forces, compressive strength, modulus of deformability, toughness, stiffness and force at bio-yield point determined as the mechanical properties at varying loading positions. Results indicated that volume (7.398 - 9.416 mm3), surface area (73.289 - 111.782 mm2), geometric mean diameter (9.18 - 11.68mm), and weight (0.872 - 1.055 g) of the velvet bean seed increased linearly with increase in moisture content. Also, the bulk density, specific gravity (0.118 - 0.112 g/mm3), sphericity (0.737 - 0.704) and aspect ratio (0.776 - 0.719) decreased linearly with increase in moisture content. These indicate that Velvet beans have wide size ranges and no single sample of the grains can effectively represent the other. In the case of the force-deformation characteristics, result indicates that the force and corresponding deformation to rupture of velvet bean seeds were found to vary from 525N, 5mm in longitudinal loading position to 800N, 7mm in lateral loading position at 13% moisture content and 131.25N, 3mm in longitudinal loading to 237.5N, 4.75mm in lateral loading at 20% (wb) moisture content. The bio-yield force, compressive strength, stiffness and toughness of the velvet bean seeds varied from 375 N, 14.412 N/mm2, 105 N/mm and 354.836 J/mm3respectively in longitudinal loading position to 475 N, 21, 961 N/mm2, 114. 286 N/mm2 and 756.961 N/mm2respectively in lateral loading position at 13% moisture content and 112.5N, 3.53N/mm2, 43.75 N/mm and 41.817 J/mm3respectively in longitudinal loading and 175 N, 6.388 N/mm2, 50 N/mm and 119.809 J/mm3respectively in lateral loading at 20% (wb) moisture content. Generally, the compressive strength of the velvet bean seeds is higher at lateral loading position than at the longitudinal loading position.Key Words: Physical Properties, Mechanical Properties, Velvet Bean, Moisture content, Loading Positions

The Roles of African Union Vis-A-Vis Human Security in Africa

The incompatibility of sub-regional blocs with the progress and unity of Africa brought about the call for a strongly unified instrument that would champion the course of a united Africa within the international system. As a result, the defunct Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established in 1963, mainly to ensure and assist liberation movements in Africa. The O.A.U. registered some modest successes but unfortunately, there were also significant failures and numerous problems that hampered its successes. The price of its failure, left Africa with many developmental and security challenges and it was the search to solve these problems of O.A.U that led to its metamorphosis into the African Union. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of African Union vis-à-vis human security in Africa. The study was historical and qualitative in nature and also involved the use of secondary data for analysis. The secondary data used were in form of books, journals and articles, both published and unpublished materials and internet sources that are related to the study. Based on the analysis, it was established that AU scored a number of successes during its early history especially in mediation, settling of border disputes and giving financial supports. The organization was also involved in the Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. The objectives and desire to bring about a virile peace and human security in African region brought about the transformation of OAU to AU but those objectives were clearly defeated. The study concluded that African governments failed to address key and specific values of human security and thus raising questions on the relevance of AU and it was recommended that African leaders should be more committed to the principles and objectives that underline the formation of the African Union. And also, they should incorporate all social structures within the region in achieving human security objectives

Political Participation and Socialization of Women in Nigeria: A Case of the Fourth Republic

In the contemporary world today, democracy has become the template upon which nation states achieve sustainable development and politics remain a core part of democracy whose etymology and tradition conceptualizes it as male dominated, specific to the public sphere and consequently, not women friendly. This study examined the political participation and socialization of women in Nigeria. It focuses on women in politics especially during the Fourth Republic. The study employed the theory of mirror representation to recognize the significance of women’s involvement in politics and promoting women in politics. The research methodology is termed qualitative and with the use of secondary data gathered from university libraries, news print and journals, articles, published and unpublished materials, the use of internet sources relevant to the study. It examined the theoretical status of women in the area of socialization and identified the problems women face in political participation in Nigeria. It was established that even though there was an increase in women participation in politics in the Fourth Republic, it is still below what is expected. It asserted that, there is a link between the nature of socialization the female gender acquires and the lack luster attitude towards political participation; it was also established that the low level of participation of women in politics was as a function of the environment. As a way of increasing the number of women in active politics, the study recommended that women should be enlightened about their political rights as this will put them at par with their male counterparts in active politics. The electoral system and procedures as well as the political system should be put in such a way that women will not feel restricted from getting involved or participating in the politics and governance of the country

Childhood and Adult Asthma: Phenotype- and Endotype-Based Biomarkers

The concept of asthma has changed from that of a single disease entity to that of a heterogeneous disease comprising several phenotypes linked to specific endotypes. Recently, significant progress has been made in disease classification into phenotypes and biologically distinct variants (endotypes). Classification of patients into endotypes has led to precision medicine in which specific biomarkers and appropriate individualized treatments have now been identified. Despite the ongoing classification of disease endotypes, the presence or absence of a T-helper 2 (Th2) molecular signature has resulted in the association of asthma endotypes with phenotypes so as to establish responders and non-responders to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. More importantly, biologic therapies predicated on disease endotypes may in future constitute a paradigm shift from the traditional pharmacologic treatments and lead to better prognosis in moderate-to-severe forms of the disease (in which they are presently used). This book chapter aims to discuss the current concepts on asthma classification and biomarker-based diagnosis

INTERNET FRAUD AND ITS EFFECT ON NIGERIA’S IMAGE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Internet fraud has become an increasing form of computer crime. This study investigated the effects of internet fraud on Nigeria’s image in international relations. The study adopted quantitative method and descriptive survey. Journals and materials from internet complemented the major sources. Findings showed that unemployment and poverty are major causal factors of internet fraud. The study concluded that, internet use by Nigerians has come with fraudulent acts, and this has put Nigeria under scrutiny and brought negative image in international relations. The study recommended that, government should enact a comprehensive law on internet fraud and empower graduates by providing employment

Survey of haemoparasitic infections among Fulani pastoralists in Rivers State

This investigation was conducted between March 2010 and November 2011, to determine the prevalence and transmission of haemoparasites amongst Fulani pastoralists in six communities of Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria- Ahoada – East, Elele, Eleme, Elelenwo, Oyigbo and Bori. 2mls of intravenous blood samples were collected from 593 Fulani pastoralists. Thick and thin blood smear techniques were utilized and thin film was stained with Delafield’s haematoxylin. Of the entire pastoralists sampled, 538(90.7%) were positive for different heamoparasites, showing 564 (78.2%) for Plasmodium falciparum, while 74(2.5%) were positive for microfilariae of human filariasis. The microfilariae recovered, showed prevalence of 27 (4.6) for Loa loa; 38(6.4%) for Mansonella perstans and 9(1.5%) for Wuchereria bancrofti. No Oncherca volvulus was recovered during the study. Differences in the prevalence of haemoparasitic infections varied significantly in the six communities (x2=14.6, df = 3, p>0.05). The prevalence of haemoparasites was higher in Elelenwo community, with 114(99.1%). Sex-related prevalence showed, 326(88.3%) in males and 172(76.8%) in females. The haemoparasitic infections among male and female Fulani pastoralists were statistically significant, males: (x2=145.1, df 4, P>0.05), females :(x2=92.9, df = 4 p>0.05). Infections of haemoparasites within age groups varied significantly (x2=26.9, df =3, p>0.05) with 21-30 years having the highest prevalence of 119(98.3%). A decline in prevalence was observed among 50 years and above age group. Multiple infections in males were 32(8.7%), while females were 8(3.6%).Thus, multiple infections were higher in males than females. No W. bancrofti was recorded in the females. Occupation-related prevalence was significant within the study populations (x226.9, df =3, p>0.05), and the highest prevalence recorded among the nomads, with 336(96.8%). This study examined the interacting factors enhancing the high prevalence of haemoparasitic infections and further suggests, the provision of social amenities by government and other medical agencies to reduce haemoparasitic burden among pastoralists.Keywords: Haemoparasites, pastoralist, microfilariae, prevalence, infections, vector