Edge Detection: A Collection of Pixel based Approach for Colored Images

The existing traditional edge detection algorithms process a single pixel on an image at a time, thereby calculating a value which shows the edge magnitude of the pixel and the edge orientation. Most of these existing algorithms convert the coloured images into gray scale before detection of edges. However, this process leads to inaccurate precision of recognized edges, thus producing false and broken edges in the image. This paper presents a profile modelling scheme for collection of pixels based on the step and ramp edges, with a view to reducing the false and broken edges present in the image. The collection of pixel scheme generated is used with the Vector Order Statistics to reduce the imprecision of recognized edges when converting from coloured to gray scale images. The Pratt Figure of Merit (PFOM) is used as a quantitative comparison between the existing traditional edge detection algorithm and the developed algorithm as a means of validation. The PFOM value obtained for the developed algorithm is 0.8480, which showed an improvement over the existing traditional edge detection algorithms.Comment: 5 Page

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Optimization Design and Development of Sensing Coil and Analog Signal Conditioning Electronics for Fluxgate Magnetometer Sensor

The design of fluxgate magnetometers is typically a nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem. Different objectives often conflict with each other, and sometimes an optimal Fluxgate Magnetometer Sensor (FMS) performance is difficult to achieve. The sensitivity of the sensor decreases with an increase of noise level while trying to reduce the sensor dimension. Hence, there is need for a systematic optimization approach for FMS design to find its optimum performance. The combined modified multi-objective Firefly Optimization Algorithm (FOA) and systematic optimization approach is suggested to improve FMS’s design in this research by simultaneously optimizing the sensitivity and noise of a FMS while the sensor core, pick-up coil, and detection circuit are minimized. The developed model allowed improved sensitivity of 86.65%, reduction of noise level by 59.97% while still keeping the sensor size small by 14.29%. Keywords: Fluxgate magnetometer sensor, noise, sensitivity, firefly optimization algorithm. DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/10-4-03 Publication date:May 31st 201

Optimization Design and Characterization of Helmholtz Coils

Earth’s magnetic field data from ground-based magnetometer observatories are important for studies related to geomagnetic storm. The absence of earth’s magnetic field data observatories results in a complex mysterious phenomena of the geomagnetic storm and remains as unexplained one. Magnetometer is used to monitor and record the earth’s magnetic field data at the geomagnetic observatory. It is also used to measure the three components of the field such as the horizontal component (H), the declination component (D), and the downward component (Z). Fluxgate magnetometer is contributing to the ongoing extensive research work dedicated to explanation of some of the complex phenomena related to the geomagnetic storm and solar terrestrial system. In order to examine the magnetic field sensing of a fluxgate sensor, a large area with uniform magnetic field is required. The advantage of having a large area is that it will allow easy access of the sensor during measurement. A laboratory design and characterization of Helmholtz coils is a better choice when Helmholtz coil with larger areas that are available in the market are very expensive. This paper presents the optimization design of Helmholtz coils to create magnetic fields, which could be used to null the earth’s magnetic field, calibrate magnetic sensors, and used for other experiments in which a controllable amount of uniform magnetic field is required. DOI: 10.7176/JIEA/9-4-05 Publication date:June 30th 201

Application of Firefly Optimization Algorithm to the Design and Characterization of Helmholtz Coils for Magnetic Field Sensor Calibration

This paper presents the application of Firefly Optimization Algorithm (FOA) to the design and characterization of Helmholtz coils to create homogenous magnetic field needed for calibrating magnetic field sensors and used for other experiments. Magnetometer is used to monitor and record the earth’s magnetic field data at the geomagnetic observatory. Earth’s magnetic field data from ground-based magnetometer observatories are important for studying geomagnetic storm. The absence of earth’s magnetic field data observatories results in a complex mysterious phenomenon of geomagnetic storm and remains as unexplained one. Fluxgate magnetometer is contributing to the ongoing extensive research work dedicated to the explanation of some of the complex phenomena related to geomagnetic storm and solar terrestrial system. In order to examine magnetic field sensing of a fluxgate sensor, a large area with uniform magnetic field is required. The advantage of having a large area is to allow easy access of the sensor during magnetic field measurements. A laboratory design and characterization of high quality Helmholtz coils is a better choice when Helmholtz coil with larger areas that are available in the market are very expensiv

Women's role in reproductive health decision making and vulnerability to STD and HIV/AIDS in Ekiti, Nigeria

An exploratory study of women’s role in reproductive decision making in Ekiti shows that women in the state are increasingly taking active decisions on matters affecting their daily lives. More women than ever before believed that they could take decisions on family size, when to have a baby and choice of spacing period. The cultural barrier against short postpartum abstinence appeared to have diminished and sex during lactation was not considered a major cultural and religious taboo. Knowledge of contraception has become universal in recent years, and the majority of women take decisions on the method and timing of family planning. All women who used family planning considered their decision in this regard very important. The ability of women to take decisions on these issues may not only enhance their bargaining power but also reduce their vulnerability to STDs including AIDS from diseased or high-risk partners

Internal Control System and Quality Audit Work

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported that the backward development in the Nigeria banking sector is attributable to the weaknesses in the internal control systems and poor audit work of the banks. This has clearly pointed out the picture of how fraud has penetrated in the financial strength of Nigerian Banks. In a nut-shell, the damage which this menace, called fraud has done to the banks is innumerable and needs urgent attention. Therefore, the attempt to put an end to this economic degradation, gave rise to the topic of this research study the internal control system and quality audit work in the banking sector in Nigeria with Access Bank PLC as a case study. However, this study verifies the conception that an effective and efficient internal control system has a greater influence on the quality of audit work. Data captured for this study, were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The descriptive analysis involves the use of tabulation and percentages. While the inferential statistical method involved the use of the chi-square. This study reveals that internal control system has a great influence on the operations of the bank and consequently on their quality audit work. Base on the above point, it was recommended that a good internal control system should be employed by the management of every organization. Keywords: Internal control, fraud, audit quality, banking secto