Knowledge-based and integrated monitoring and diagnosis in autonomous power systems

A new technique of knowledge-based and integrated monitoring and diagnosis (KBIMD) to deal with abnormalities and incipient or potential failures in autonomous power systems is presented. The KBIMD conception is discussed as a new function of autonomous power system automation. Available diagnostic modelling, system structure, principles and strategies are suggested. In order to verify the feasibility of the KBIMD, a preliminary prototype expert system is designed to simulate the KBIMD function in a main electric network of the autonomous power system

A knowledge-based approach to improving optimization techniques in system planning

A knowledge-based (KB) approach to improve mathematical programming techniques used in the system planning environment is presented. The KB system assists in selecting appropriate optimization algorithms, objective functions, constraints and parameters. The scheme is implemented by integrating symbolic computation of rules derived from operator and planner's experience and is used for generalized optimization packages. The KB optimization software package is capable of improving the overall planning process which includes correction of given violations. The method was demonstrated on a large scale power system discussed in the paper

Mathematical Modeling of the Solvent Extraction of Palm Kernel Oil from Palm Kernel

The model for the solvent extraction of palm kernel oil from palm kernel was generated for the process at varying particle sizes of palm kernel, temperature of extraction, duration of extraction and mass of palm kernel respectively using Least Square Linear Equation. Petroleum ether was used as solvent to carry out the extraction in a soxhlet apparatus. The percentage oil yield was determined for every extraction carried out. The experimental results obtained showed that percentage oil yield decreases with increase in particle size and mass, but increases with increase in the temperature and duration of extraction. The characterization of the extracted oil was also done to determine its physiochemical properties, which revealed palm kernel oil as a non-drying oil. Statistical analyses of each variable studied and its corresponding oil yield was carried out followed by the modeling of the extraction process for each parameter using least square linear equation. The interpretation of the model developed revealed a model which was significant in the variations obtained from the experimental results

An Appraisal of Manpower Adequacy of MIS Units in Managing Information in Nigeria Universities

This study examines the adequacy of manpower capacity of MIS units for managing information in Nigeria universities. It specifically evaluates the adequacy of manpower in terms of quantity, quality and composition in the universities. To achieve this, the study used multistage sampling technique to arrive at scientific sample for the study. Consequently fifteen (15) universities were sampled for in-depth analysis. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from two groups of respondents; ‘Information Providers’ and ‘Information Users’ upon which this analysis depends. Resultant data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bar chart and Pearson Chi-Square. The study found that there is inadequate manpower quantity that cut across various categories of ICT professions. The specific areas of deficiency reported include Skills, competence and experiences of key MIS staff. It also found that available manpower does not reflect all categories of ICT profession. The study recommends upward review of Manpower capacity. Employment of MIS staff should be based on merit, requisite skill and competence. It also recommends training and retraining of existing staff to improve their performance. Keywords: Manpower adequacy, MIS, information management and universit

Urban Development And Housing Demolition In Abuja City: The Benefits Of Adopting The Principles Of Sustainability

In the last thirty years, Abuja the Federal Capital of Nigeria has experienced rapid urbanisation in a formerly agrarian community. The city has been developing prior to the emergence of the master plan, which is influenced by the rapid rate of construction. The critical need of vital infrastructure for the ever-increasing population in Nigeria’s capital has led to an increase in informal settlement and demand for more housing and other associated services. The present city differs from its initial master plan so far, as there is a real spatial segregation between low and high-income groups. And it’s relegates the low income earners to informal settlements which do not meet people’s basic needs. This journal paper critically analyses the impact of different planning policies and the schemes under which the city has been expanding, which includes housing demolitions to maintain the master plan. This result shows a clear demonstration that the policies regarding the demolition of informal settlements are not the best solution to the Abuja master plan and it is socially/economically unsustainable but rather there are potential benefits in the adaptation of sustainability principles in the urban development of Abuja city

A Global Review of the Emerging concepts of Sustainability Assessment and Sustainability Indicators in Urban Neighbourhood

Urban neighbourhoods are coherent socio-spatial units which reflect the ever-changing nature of society in physical form and alongside the basic unit of urban form which is a key element of urban planning. Neighbourhoods are perceived as the key to achieving sustainability and social justice (Castrignano and Landi, 2013). Also neighbourhoods has the potential to be seen as the future of urban spaces tackling problems linked with the modern world which includes climate change, globalisation, population increase, rapid urbanisation and social ills linked with increased population diversity and mobility and pressure on the natural environment (McGuire, 2013). As towns transform into urban environment it becomes very vital that this urban area develops in relation to sustainability principles which can be measured through the use of sustainability indicators and assessment concepts. Sustainability assessment and its indicators are tools that help make, suggest, support and implement decision-making in order to achieve sustainable development which can be used in urban planning within various socioenvironmental contexts. Existing sustainability assessment tools have focused more on building’s assessment rather than developing neighbourhood sustainability assessment methods. Sustainability assessment in general has emerged as a vital decision and support process in the development of assessment methods. The emergence of these methods is in response to a growing environmental crisis including a vast socio-economic inequality in global development

Bidding Strategies for Winning Construction Bids in South Africa

The failure of small business managers to understand various bidding strategies leads to losing construction bids. The lack of management skills, limited access to markets, weak customer relationships, lack of appropriate technology, and government bureaucracy are problems small business managers face when preparing to bid for construction contracts. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore bidding strategies small and medium enterprise business managers use to win construction bids. The participants comprised 5 business owners of small- and medium-sized construction enterprises in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conceptual framework was the theory of constraints. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, direct observation, and company documents. The data analysis technique was the thematic analysis. The 7 themes that emerged from the data were basic bidding principles, factors of success, estimating accuracy, market conditions and competition, efficiency and specialization, highlight past projects, and technology. Business owners may use the results of this study to identify and implement new strategies for successful bids. The implications for positive social change include the potential to provide social services for residents of local communities through increases in tax revenues from growth in the local economies

The Recognition at Common Law of Nigerian Adoption Orders in the UK and the Role of the 1993 Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption in Nigeria: Learning from Re V (A Child) (Recognition of Foreign Adoption) [2017] EWHC 1733 (Fam)

As a non-contracting party to the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, Nigerian inter-country adoptions are not 'Convention' adoptions nor are they afforded ‘recognition’ in a straightforward way.  In the UK, an application to the High Court under the inherent jurisdiction for the recognition of a foreign order is the only route available to the applicants and remains the only route available for Nigerian adoption orders. This article argues that the benefits for Nigeria of acceding to the 1993 Hague Convention are far reaching, the default position of recognition at common law is not sustainable. The best interests and welfare of the Nigerian child demands a robust and protective practice of inter-country adoption and the recognition of foreign adoptions. Keywords: Intercountry adoption, recognition of foreign adoption, children rights, protection of children, Nigeria, Treaties, 1993 Hague Convention DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/98-18 Publication date:June 30th 202

The Impact of Human Capital Development on Economic Growth in Germany (1991-2018)

This paper examined the impact of human capital development on economic growth in Germany from 1991 to 2018, using time series data from the World Bank Indicator and the National Bureau of Statistics. In Germany, the service industry accounts for up to 85% of total employment, with a heavy focus on education, research, the cultural and creative sectors as well as health services. Despite being shrunk since reunification, the public sector continues to account for the vast majority of employment. The health services industry, which employs over 180 000 people in Berlin, is the most significant economic sector. As the most common type of organization in the private sector, small and medium-sized firms account for 80% of total employment in Berlin. Berlin's social structure is characterized by a significant migrant population, which is reflected in its economy. The goal of this research was to investigate the link between human capital indices (education and health) and economic growth. The ordinary least square regression analysis is used in this study to examine the impact of human capital development on German economic growth from 1991 to 2018. The empirical findings show that human capital development has a significant impact on economic growth, as measured by GDP. According to theory, the human capital development indicators of secondary school enrollment, primary school enrollment, gross capital formation, total labor, gross domestic product and life expectancy have a positive and statistically significant run long impact on Germany’s economic growth, implying that these indicators are critical in achieving growth in the German economy in the long run.  Life expectancy and gross capital formation, on the other hand, have a positive and statistically significant impact on Germany's economic growth in the short run. According to the study, the German government should ensure that adequate resources are allocated for human capital development in order to boost economic growth in Germany. Keywords: Human Capital, Economic growth, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Life expectancy DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-22-05 Publication date: November 30th 202

An Analysis of Nigerian Seaborne Trade (Dry Bulk) and the Demand for Transport.

The research project deals with the size, structure and trend of Nigerian International seaborne trade, although with emphasis on dry bulks. Facts and figures about the geographical distribution of the seaborne trade and its cargo type by packaging were presented for a 10 years research period (1996-2005) with comments on the trend of Nigerian’s seaborne trade over these years. The researcher was able to analyze these, with the aid of the expo-facto scientific research design using secondary data for the demand for transport within the various selected regions of the world. The result reveals that there were most frequent shipping routes between Nigeria-USA region, this was followed by the Nigeria-Asia region trading with larger volume. And demand for transport is therefore greatest within these regions