Preliminary Physico-Chemical Investigation of Local Binding Agents in Mineral Salt Licks Production for Ruminants

Investigation of the minerals, anti-nutrients as well as compactness and hardness of mineral saltlicks produced using cement, termite mound and clay mud as binders were compared with a commercial lick in a completely randomized design of four treatments and three replicates each was conducted. The sodium content of commercial salt lick (treatment 1) was significantly higher (

Immigration and sentencing: does geograhical region of citizenship influence sentence longevity?

A large volume of sentencing research has examined the effects of offender characteristics on sentencing outcomes. Most of this research has focused on offender race/ethnicity. Despite the growth of immigration debates in the United States, there is limited knowledge on the role played by citizenship status. The current study builds upon that body of sentencing literature by going beyond the examination of the legal status of offenders to explore whether sentencing outcomes vary according to geographical location of citizenship. Specifically, federal sentencing data is used to assess whether the length of sentence for non-US citizens convicted of drug trafficking is influenced by the geographical region of the offender country of citizenship. Findings revealed that defendants from Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East/North Africa and the South/Central American regions were treated more severely than defendants from the Mexican region. However, once control variables were added the sentence imposed upon offenders from the Mexican region was harsher than sentences given to defendants from the Caribbean region. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed

Students and Teachers’ Views of Difficult Areas in Mathematics Syllabus: Basic Requirement for Science and Engineering Education

The research investigates teachers and students’ views of difficult areas of mathematics syllabus which is a special requirement for engineering education in Nigeria using Ogbomosho South Secondary Schools in Oyo State as case study. The population of the study consisted of all the mathematics teachers and all the senior secondary III students in all the 18 Secondary schools in the Local Government Area. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 15 mathematics teachers and 180 Senior Secondary school III Students. Two self designed questionnaires were developed to elicit information for the research questions. Appropriate hypotheses were raised based on the research questions. These questionnaires were validated and their reliability ensured. The data gathered were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, t-test and Chi-square. The results of the analyses revealed that both teachers and students, qualified and unqualified, experienced and less experienced teachers have the same views of difficult areas in teaching and learning of mathematics in the secondary schools. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that for engineering education to advance, teachers should endeavour to improve themselves academically, be more committed, proactive in their dealings, and see their job as service to humanity; school authorities should have more time schedule for mathematics on the time table, qualified mathematics teachers should be posted to all schools, appointment of mathematics teachers should be purely on merit and should not be politicized. Curriculum planners should be up and doing in planning for teaching of mathematics with appropriate instructional materials. Keywords: Teachers, students, perceptions, mathematics, curriculum, hypotheses, T-test, Chi-square, Evaluation, Recommendation

Long-range persistence of daily rainfall in south-western Nigeria

The study analysed the long-range persistence of daily rainfall over south-western Nigeria for the baseline period (1991–2020) and two future periods, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100, representing the mid and late century, respectively. Using the IPSL-CM6A-LR model, the future long-range persistence was estimated for two socio-economic pathways (SSPs), SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, based on the rescaled adjusted range and modified rescaled range analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that the Hurst exponent is generally expected to be within the range 0.5<H≤1, implying that future daily rainfall is projected to vary between moderately persistent and strongly persistent, with some randomness (H=0.5) expected during the late century under SSP5-8.5. Information on the expected future long-range persistence of rainfall can serve as a useful forecasting tool to enhance sustainable water resources and agricultural management

The relationship between higher rates of COVID-19 and infrastructure on First Nations Reserves in Manitoba

In this study, I conducted an ecological analysis at the community level to examine the association between COVID-19 case rates and socioeconomic with infrastructure characteristics in 22 First Nations and 27 non-First Nations communities in Manitoba. I analyzed the association between COVID-19 case rates and socioeconomic variables using linear (bivariate and multivariate) regression and spatial analyses. The data on COVID-19 rates up to June 01, 2021, was obtained from the Government of Manitoba public COVID-19 data portal. The infrastructure and socioeconomic data were obtained from publicly available datasets, including the 2021 Statistics Canada population census database, the Government of Canada database on Indigenous peoples and communities, Government of Manitoba Regional Health Authorities. Information on the geographical coordinates of the communities was from the Canadian Geographical Names Database (CGNDB). The simple linear regression showed COVID-19 case rates in Manitoba were significantly associated with the community rates for (a) unsuitable housing (standardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.65, coefficient of determination [R2]= 0.42, p < 0.05), (b) average household size (β = 0.60, R2 = 0.36, p < 0.05), (c) major repairs in housing needed (β = 0.55, R2 = 0.30, p < 0.05), (d) access to a service centre (β = - 0.45, R2 = 0.21, p < 0.05), (e) proximity to a hospital (β = - 0.56, R2 = 0.31, p < 0.05), (f) median after-tax income (β = - 0.50, R2 = 0.25, p < 0.05), and (g) college degree or higher (β = - 0.47, R2 = 0.22, p < 0.05). There was no significant association between COVID-19 rates and high school degree ((β = - 0.45, R2 = 0.21, not significant). Unsuitable housing was the only statistically significant variable in the multivariate regression (β = 1.59, p < 0.05), and the multivariate model accounted for 58% of the variance observed in the COVID-19 rates. The maps showed that First Nations in northern Manitoba suffered the most from high COVID-19 rates. Pandemic interventions and post-pandemic policies should ensure every community has adequate standard housing, equal access to hospitals, basic income, educational opportunities and road access, particularly in First Nations.May 2023Mino Bimaadiziwi

Implementation of ISO19650 based framework for asset management in logistics centres for a major food retailer

Dissertação de mestrado em Modelação de Informação na Construção de Edifícios BIM A+A relevância da informação tem acelerado a par da importância das profissões que envolvem dados, com a gestão da informação a assumir um papel central. Para a indústria AECO (Arquitectura, Engenharia, Construção e Operações) BIM representa dados (geométricos e não geométricos) e verifica-se, em muitos casos, que os dados originados na construção são pouco ou nada utilizados durante as fases de exploração dos edificios e na manutenção dos mesmos. Com base nesta realidade é de grande importância investigar a gestão de ativos e sua integração com BIM. Esta pesquisa aborda o tema através de pesquisa estruturada quanto á utilização passada e presente da metodologia BIM na gestão de ativos e manutenção. A pesquisa também aponta a questões em torno da implementação da norma ISO-19650 para as indústrias de operações e manutenção, pelo desenvolvimento duma estruturação que identifica e lista os requisitos de informação relevantes aplicáveis (OIR, AIR e EIR), bem como o nível de informação necessário. A revisão de literatura aponta a que há poucos casos de implementação na área da gestão de ativos com recurso a BIM. Verifica-se que os gestores de manutenção e ativos procuram casos de sucesso verificáveis para convencer proprietários e/ou investidores nas vantagens da adoção de BIM. Ao definir os requisitos de informação para a operação e manutenção de ativos utilizando os dados recolhidos no caso estudado, esta dissertação contribuiu para o aprofundar de conhecimento na implementação da referida gestão. Uma vez que a gestão com recurso à integração BIM é ainda nova nas operações e manutenção, há pouca pesquisa verificável no tema, como já apontado. Para melhor percebermos o nível de implementação BIM em operações e manutenção, o autor estudou sistematicamente o processo de gestão de ativos da logística do maior retalhista alimentar em Portugal, SONAE MC. O objetivo desta pesquisa é criar uma estrutura de trabalho para a implementação dum sistema de gestão de ativos baseado na norma ISO-16950 e que será aplicável a um ‘site’ real da empresa. Esta dissertação também procura utilizar a capacidade de visualização e exploração isométrica BIM, dando à equipa de gestão uma nova ferramenta que garante informação geométrica e que permite melhorias no planeamento das intervenções de manutenção, resolução de problemas e uma intervenção que se prevê mais rápida e produtiva. Como parte da implementação da norma ISO-19650 esta dissertação explorou ainda a modelação direcionada à gestão de ativos, pelo estudo da importação e exportação de dados COBie no sistema (CMMS) da empresa (IBM MAXIMO), em paralelo com a integração desses dados COBie num ‘plugin’ de visualização BIM (Autodesk Forge), que foi instalado no ambiente de gestão existente. Este processo permitiu a reengenharia do sistema de gestão de ativos na logística SONAEMC, permitindo um processo único, sequencial, poupando tempo e garantindo uma organização mais eficaz dos dados e exploração dos mesmos no processo de gestão.In recent times, the relevance of information has grown in prominence with roles involving data or information management taking centre stage. For the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) industry BIM represents data (geometric and non-geometric). The data from construction has been put to little or no use in the operation and maintenance stage. Based on this proposition it is of great value to investigate BIM-asset management integration. This research approaches the subject by carrying out structured research into the past and present use of BIM methodology in asset management. It also highlights issues around ISO-19650 implementation for the operations and maintenance industry, by developing a framework that promotes the creation of relevant ISO 19650 information requirements documents (OIR, AIR and EIR) and level of information need. The literature review reveals that there is a lack of case study implementations in the area of BIM-asset management. Asset managers generally require verifiable data from case studies to convince building owners and investors to adopt BIM. By defining the information requirements for operation and maintenance using the data collected from the case study, this dissertation has contributed to increased knowledge in BIM- asset management implementation. Since BIM- asset management integration is still new in the operations and maintenance areas, there is little verifiable research on this topic. To understand the status of BIM implementation in the operations and maintenance fields, the author systematically studied the logistics operations asset management process of the largest food and consumer goods company in Portugal, Sonae MC. The objective of this research is to create a framework for the implementation of an ISO 19650 compliant BIM based asset management system, for the case study in which such system will be applicable for a chosen existing facility. This dissertation also aims to use BIM visualization capabilities to provide the asset management team with tools containing both geometric and other asset relevant information and that will allow for improved maintenance planning, better problem solving and faster reactive maintenance response times. As a part of the ISO 19650 implementation process, this dissertation explored subjects on modelling for asset management purposes, importing and exporting COBie data in a Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) IBM Maximo. Alongside COBie data integration, a BIM viewer plugin (Autodesk Forge) was installed within Maximo asset management environment. This implementation process allowed the reengineering of the asset management system in Sonae MC, namely simplifying the existing workflow, saving time spent uploading individual asset information and improving the overall information storage and management process.Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Programme – ERASMUS+ European Master in Building Information Modelling BIM A

Objective localisation of oral mucosal lesions using optical coherence tomography.

PhDIdentification of the most representative location for biopsy is critical in establishing the definitive diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions. Currently, this process involves visual evaluation of the colour characteristics of tissue aided by topical application of contrast enhancing agents. Although, this approach is widely practiced, it remains limited by its lack of objectivity in identifying and delineating suspicious areas for biopsy. To overcome this drawback there is a need to introduce a technique that would provide macroscopic guidance based on microscopic imaging and analysis. Optical Coherence Tomography is an emerging high resolution biomedical imaging modality that can potentially be used as an in vivo tool for selection of the most appropriate site for biopsy. This thesis investigates the use of OCT for qualitative and quantitative mapping of oral mucosal lesions. Feasibility studies were performed on patient biopsy samples prior to histopathological processing using a commercial OCT microscope. Qualitative imaging results examining a variety of normal, benign, inflammatory and premalignant lesions of the oral mucosa will be presented. Furthermore, the identification and utilisation of a common quantifiable parameter in OCT and histology of images of normal and dysplastic oral epithelium will be explored thus ensuring objective and reproducible mapping of the progression of oral carcinogenesis. Finally, the selection of the most representative biopsy site of oral epithelial dysplasia would be investigated using a novel approach, scattering attenuation microscopy. It is hoped this approach may help convey more clinical meaning than the conventional visualisation of OCT images

Automatic recognition of micro-expressions using local binary patterns on three orthogonal planes and extreme learning machine

A dissertation submitted in fullment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, September 2017Recognition of micro-expressions is a growing research area as a result of its application in revealing subtle intention of humans especially under high stake situations. Owing to micro-expressions' short duration and low inten- sity, e orts to train humans in their recognition has resulted in very low performance. The use of temporal methods (on image sequences) and static methods (on apex frames) were explored for feature extraction. Supervised machine learning algorithms which include Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Extreme Learning Machines (ELM) were used for the purpose of classi- cation. Extreme learning machines which has the ability to learn fast was compared with SVM which acted as the baseline model. For experimentation, samples from Chinese Academy of Micro-expressions (CASME II) database were used. Results revealed that use of temporal features outperformed the use of static features for micro-expression recognition on both SVM and ELM models. Static and temporal features gave an average testing accuracy of 94.08% and 97.57% respectively for ve classes of micro-expressions us- ing ELM model. Signi cance test carried out on these two average means suggested that temporal features outperformed static features using ELM. Comparison between SVM and ELM learning time also revealed that ELM learns faster than SVM. For the ve selected micro-expression classes, an av- erage training time of 0.3405 seconds was achieved for SVM while an average training time of 0.0409 seconds was achieved for ELM. Hence we can sug- gest that micro-expressions can be recognised successfully by using temporal features and a machine learning algorithm that has a fast learning speed.MT201

Informal settlement intervention and green infrastructure: exploring just sustainability in Kya Sands, Ruimsig and Cosmo city in Johannesburg

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Witwatersrand, 2016This thesis is concerned with the relationship between informal settlements and green infrastructure. It uses the concept of just sustainability to explore the ways green infrastructure can contribute to more just and sustainable informal settlement interventions. The study draws on a case study design, with three low-income areas in Johannesburg serving as case studies. The first, Kya Sands, is an informal settlement that has not experienced substantive intervention. The second, Ruimsig, is an informal settlement that has experienced in situ intervention through reblocking. The third, Cosmo City, is a green-field housing development where households from informal settlements were relocated. The thesis utilised qualitative methods (semistructured interviews, transect walks, focus group discussion) for data collection across the case studies. These were supplemented by a quantitative component for data collection in an individual case and in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants. The three cases reveal how the low-income residents in these areas derive a range of ecosystem services from natural ecosystems. A range of ecosystem disservices also came to the fore. In Ruimsig settlement, reblocking involved spatial reconfiguration that created opportunities for greening. Co-producing the in situ intervention involved some processes and outcomes related to equity and inclusion but also included situations that were exclusionary. Relocation from informal settlements into a new housing environment in Cosmo City formally created spatial opportunities for greening and reduced dependency on the natural ecosystem for certain basic resources. However, the course of events leading up to relocation and postoccupancy trajectory of green spaces reveal shortfalls in relation to justice and incognisance on socio-ecological and socio-economic realities at the planning stage. Juxtaposition between the cases of Ruismig and Cosmo City shows that in situ intervention can fulfill more principles of just sustainability in comparison with relocation. This thesis argues that careful assessment of the relationship between poor households living in informal settlements and green infrastructure — their interaction with natural ecosystems should influence the approach to informal settlement interventions. The cases reveal that achieving just sustainability in relation to green infrastructure in informal settlement intervention is not straight-forward, but not impossible. Progress towards just sustainability in the form of improvement in quality of life and in the environment requires navigating (with foresight rather than hindsight) the intricacies and dynamics obtainable in contexts into which informal settlements are embedded.MT201

EFFECT OF LITHIUM COATING ON THE IMPURITIES AND SHIELDING EFFECT OF PLASMA ON THE RESONANT MAGNETIC PERTURBATIONS FIELD IN THE STOR-M TOKAMAK PLASMA

Effects of lithium coating of the chamber wall on the impurities in the STOR-M tokamak plasma were studied in this thesis work. Impurities have been identified as one of the major concerns since the beginning of tokamak plasma research, as they enhance the radiation losses and prevent plasma from being heated to a desired high temperature. The radiation losses are primarily due to line radiation from incomplete stripped impurity ions. Impurities are introduced into the plasma from the walls of the tokamak due to plasma-wall interactions, and the type of impurities observed in a tokamak is partially determined by the kind of material used for the tokamak chamber wall and the gases absorbed in the wall. In the STOR-M tokamak, inner surface walls are made of bare stainless steel, and the major impurities observed are from carbon and oxygen. The emission lines from these impurities are in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are CIII which is observable at 464.74 nm, CVI at 529.05 nm, and OV at 650.02 nm. Before the chamber was coated with lithium, the intensities of the impurity lines were measured and then compared to the intensities after the lithiumization of the chamber wall. The intensities of the impurity lines were recorded during the stable period of plasma before and after the lithium coating using a spectrometer and an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. It was observed that the intensities of the impurities reduced during the discharges immediately after the lithium coating. Further experimental analysis revealed that the freshly coated lithium caused plasma density to decrease, and increase after 300 plasma discharge shots. It was also found that after 600 and 900 plasma discharge shots, lithium coating does not appear to play any role in the reduction of the impurity intensities, but repetitive plasma discharge cleaning may be responsible for the decrease in the impurity intensities. In another experiment, an internal radial magnetic probe array was used to investigate effects of plasma and tokamak chamber wall on resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) field applied externally to plasma. An internal magnetic probe array was used to measure the magnetic field at four radial locations at plasma edge after the application of RMP current. The plasma response magnetic field measured was subtracted from the vacuum field measured when RMP current was fired without plasma. The time delay caused by the plasma and tokamak chamber wall to the RMP field was also studied by calculating the difference between the RMP current waveform peak time and the magnetic field waveforms peak times in plasma. It was observed that RMP field in vacuum was 50% larger than the RMP field in plasma, and the penetration time of the RMP fields decreased as they penetrate through the vacuum wall into the plasma. The RMP field was found to travel faster in plasma than in vacuum