Showing papers by "Aderemi A. Atayero published in 2017"

Calibrating the Standard Path Loss Model for Urban Environments using Field Measurements and Geospatial Data

Abstract: Path loss model is essential to achieving a successful cellular network planning and deployment. Despite the benefits derived from models that have become standard and are widely adopted, the actual applicability of these models depends on the local ambient characteristics of the environment. This means that environments that substantially differ from those used to create the models will not be adequately characterized, and so the resulting cellular planning fails to some extent. Therefore, the models used may substantially benefit from calibration to ensure fitness with the actual measurements collected over a given area. This paper presents a calibration procedure based on the Standard Propagation Model (SPM), and applies to the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. In particular, signal strength data were collected along four routes in residential areas, and the results were then processed using the ATOLL network planning tool. Overall, we find that, after a proper calibration, the SPM provides a much better fitness, achieving average Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Standard Deviation (SDE) values of 5.40 dB, 6.90 dB and 4.29 dB, respectively, which are significantly better than the reference values without calibration (18.32 dB, 21.55 dB and 11.34 dB, respectively).

Standard Propagation Model Tuning for Path Loss Predictions in Built-Up Environments

Abstract: This paper provides a simple optimization procedure using ATOLL planning tool for Standard Propagation Model (SPM). Measurement campaigns were conducted to collect Received Signal Strength (RSS) data over commercial base stations operating at 1800 MHz. The prediction accuracy of widely used models were assessed. The models provided high prediction errors. The optimization procedure involves the use of Digital Terrain Model (DTM), clutter classes, clutter heights, vector maps, scanned images, and Web Map Service (WMS). A Logarithmic weighting function was used to calculate the weight of the clutter loss on each pixel from the pixel with the receiver in the direction of the transmitter, up to the defined maximum distance. The approach has proven promising by achieving high accuracy and minimizing the prediction errors by 47.4%.

Ransomware: Current Trend, Challenges, and Research Directions

Abstract: Ransomware attacks have become a global incidence, with the primary aim of making monetary gains through illicit means. The attack started through e-mails and has expanded through spamming and phishing. Ransomware encrypts targets’ files and display notifications, requesting for payment before the data can be unlocked. Ransom demand is usually in form of virtual currency, bitcoin, because it is difficult to track. In this paper, we give a brief overview of the current trend, challenges, and research progress in the bid to finding lasting solutions to the menace of ransomware that currently challenge computer and network security, and data privacy.

A Cloud-Based Intelligent Toll Collection System for Smart Cities

Abstract: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems may be adopted by city managers to combat the problems of long vehicular queues, fuel wastage, high accident risks, and environmental pollution that come with the use of traditional or manual toll collection systems. In this paper, an intelligent system is developed to eliminate long vehicular queues, fuel wastage, high accident risks, and environmental pollution in a smart city based on seamless interconnections of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), and web and mobile applications that run on an Internet of Things (IoT)-Enabled cloud platform. A ZigBee WSN is designed and implemented using an Arduino UNO, XBee S2 radios, an XBee Shield, and a Seeduino GPRS Shield. For vehicle owners to make toll payments, view toll historical data, and get toll news feeds, a web application and a mobile application are designed and implemented based on Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Javascript and Hyper Text Pre-processor (PHP). The mobile application is deployed using an Android platform. A cloud platform was also developed to provide business logic functionalities by using PHP as a scripting language, and MySQL as the database engine driver. Deployment of the developed ETC system in smart and connected communities will drastically minimize the challenges of long vehicular queues, fuel wastage, high accident risks, and environmental pollution in urban centers.

Cost-Effective Medical Robotic Telepresence Solution using Plastic Mannequin

Abstract: Robotic telepresence is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution that has a huge potential to address the problem of access to quality healthcare delivery in rural areas. However, the capital and operating costs of available systems are considered to be unffordable for rural dwellers in emerging economies. In addition, most of these communities are not even connected to the power grid. In this paper, the authors reduced the cost of engaging a robotic telepresence solution for rural medicare by using plastic mannequin and solar photovoltaic technology. An IP camera was fixed in each of the eye sockets of the plastic mannequin. These cameras are connected to a mini-computer embedded in the plastic mannequin. A Wi-Fi module establishes an Internet connection between remote physicians and rural heathcare facilities. The system is powered by a solar photovoltaic energy source to guarantee power availability. Another unique feature of this solution is that it gives the patient a better impression of the physical presence of a physician. Comparative cost analysis with robotic telepresence available in the market showed that our system is more affordable. This development will increase the adoption of robotic telepresense in rural telemedicine.

Mimo Optimization Techniques and Their Application in Maximizing Throughput for 3GPP HSPA

Abstract: The world is going digital by the day and the need for digital data communication such as high definition video streaming, web browsing and machine to machine communication due to internet of things (IoT) are on the increase continually, such applications require high data rate to deliver them and without increase in bandwidth which is an expensive resource constant. Also in order for 3G cellular system operators to compete favorably in the mobile data market with new competing technologies such as WIMAX, LTE etc especially in the future explosive IoT market and to preserve their investment a cost effective way is to utilize the Multiple Input and Multiple Output antenna system otherwise called MIMO to obtain the needed high data rates. In this paper we looked at the various data rate optimization techniques of MIMO and their applications in 3G networks. Using a drive test we conducted investigation and compare the impact of MIMO on the throughput of legacy Rel. 99, HSDPA and HSPA+ Rel. 9. The result of our investigation shows that while Rel. 99 offered a 0.403Mbps in the uplink, HSUPA offered 1.335Mbps with HSPA+ showing a throughput of 10.950Mbps. Likewise throughput in the downlink is 0.244Mbps, 1.041Mbps and 35.370Mbps for Rel. 99, HSDPA and HSPA+ respectively showing a progressive increase as the number of transmit antenna increases at the base station.

C-BRIG: A Network Architecture for Real-Time InformationExchange in Smart and Connected Campuses

Abstract: Education at all levels is one of the major driver of sustainable development in any nation. The number of institutions of higher learning and enrollment in Africa has continued to increase significantly over the last few years. However, the needs of the knowledge society is still yet to be met due to challenges of overcrowding, infrastructure deficiencies, and inadequate access to international knowledge. In this paper, we developed a robust network architecture that enables real-time information exchange within and among connected campuses using connections of local networks and mobile applications. Campus Bridge Information Grid (CBRIG) is a novel initiative that meets the information and social needs of staff, faculty, and students of tertiary institutions in developing nations. The expanded version of CBRIG named i-Spider Information Grid (i-SPIG), will facilitate real-time information exchange among university campuses that are already on the C-BRIG platform. The proposed framework will help in boosting the productivity of every member of the university community, and foster research collaborations and social interactions among several institutions that are physical separated but digitally connected

Smart Weather Station for Rural Agriculture using Meteorological Sensors and Solar Energy

Abstract: Access to short term weather forecasts is still limited in local communities of Africa. Unlike short term forecasts, seasonal forecasts based on global and regional climate models do not give localized and timely information relevant to farmers’ needs. This paper presents a cost-effective, solar-powered automated weather station as a veritable system for weather forecasting that is relevant to solving agricultural decisions in rural communities. The developed system significantly reduced the cost of obtaining accurate, localized scientific weather information by interfacing various meteorological sensors to microcontrollers. On-site users can access the weather information via the LCD unit on the system while the data is sent to out-of-site user through Short Messaging Service (SMS) of mobile communication system. This approach will effectively ensure food security in arid and semi-arid African countries.

Statistical Evaluation of Quality of Service Offered by GSM Network Operators in Nigeria

Abstract: The need for reliable connectivity places a serious challenge on mobile network operators, even as the number of connected things are expected to increase exponentially by 2020. In order to ensure the readiness of Nigeria to adopting emerging wireless technologies in smart cities, it becomes necessary to assess the level of compliance of mobile network operators to best international practices. In this paper, the Quality of Service (QoS) offered by GSM network operators in Nigeria was examined. Significant difference in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Airtel, Etisalat, Glo, and MTN was tested using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). In addition, Tukey Post hoc test was carried out to determine the extent of the variations among the four mobile network operators. Relative to the quality targets set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), analysis results show that all the mobile network operators maintain a good QoS across board. Nevertheless, the QoS offered to GSM subscribers in Nigeria significantly vary from one mobile network operator to another.

A Framework for Electronic Toll Collection in Smart and Connected Communities

Abstract: —The number of vehicles plying the highways keeps growing at a steady pace, leading to high maintenance costs. Toll collection was introduced as a means of raising funds for road maintenance, but the traditional method is usually slow and is prone to cause vehicular traffic congestion on the highways. In this paper, a framework was proposed for Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) in smart and connected communities. The main components of the intelligent system architecture are the wireless sensor nodes, web and mobile applications, and a cloud platform. The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) enables vehicle detection and classification, and establishes a communication link to the back-end of the system. The central database and the web server are hosted in the Cloud while a mobile application is used for electronic transactions, subscription renewal, notification of toll payments, and for tracking toll payment history. In addition, a web dash board is provided for efficient toll administration. The implementation of this system will improve the toll collection efficiency in terms of speed and flexibility. Overall, the contribution of this work extends the frontier of WSNs to the domain of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

A Framework for a Smart Campus: A Case of Covenant University

Abstract: Energy conservation encourages economic growth by redirecting wasteful spending to more productive activities. Energy savings can be used to increase consumption in the broader economy. A more efficient use of energy resources not only conserves this vital resource towards future consumption but also inhibits the excessive exploitation of non-renewable energy resources. The objective of this paper is to develop a suitable framework for an IoT-enabled energy conservation system for an emerging smart community such as Covenant University. A strategic interconnection of sensor networks and energy management systems integrated with the campus IT infrastructure was considered. This energy conservation cyber-physical system is expected to significantly improve energy efficiency in the University and increase energy savings. The scalability of this model will improve energy management in larger communities and cities in Nigeria, a country currently swamped with energy challenges.

Occupancy Controlled Lighting System for Smart Buildings

Abstract: Efficient utilization of the limited available energy in developing countries is a practical solution to the present challenges facing the power sector in the region. Automation of lighting systems in both residential and industrial buildings is one of the strategies for energy efficiency towards a sustainable economic development. In this paper, the authors developed an intelligent lighting system using occupancy control. The prototype consists of an Arduino uno microcontroller, Infrared module, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), relay, buzzer, and a light bulb. The infrared module senses human presence in a room and transmits a corresponding electrical signal to the Arduino. The relay was connected to the Arduino to act as the control unit. The programmable microcontroller was also used to keep track of the number of people in the room while the information is displayed on the LCD. The system achieved a significant energy saving by switching ON the light bulb only when it is really needed. A large-scale implementation of this smart application in residential and office buildings will encourage energy efficiency, making electrical energy available for other areas which are yet to be connected to the power grid. Aderemi A. Atayero, Victor Ademu-Eteh, Segun I. Popoola, Temitope O. Takpor, and Joke A. Badejo

Integrating Automated Fingerprint-Based Attendance into a University Portal System

Abstract: Student learning and academic performance hinge largely on frequency of class attendance and participation. The fingerprint recognition system aims at providing an accurate and efficient attendance management service to staff and students within an existing portal system. The integration of a unique and accurate identification system into the existing portal system offers at least, two advantages: accurate and efficient analysis and reporting of student attendance on a continuous basis; and also facilitating the provision of personalised services, enhancing user experience altogether. An integrated portal system was developed to automate attendance management and tested for fifty students in five attempts. The 98% accuracy achieved by the system points to the feasibility of large scale deployment and interoperability of multiple devices using existing technology infrastructure.

Smart Vehicular Traffic Management System using RFID Technology

Abstract: Public places are often characterized with incessant traffic congestion, especially during special occasions and events, as large number of automobiles attempt to use the same parking lot concurrently. This usually result in confusion and dispute, auto crashes, waste of time and resources, and release of more carbon into the ecosystem. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology offers effective solution for distant object identification without requiring a line of sight. In this paper, the authors developed an intelligent, cost-effective, and eco-friendly park management system for scalable traffic control using RFID and Solar photovoltaic (SPV) technologies. Pre-registered and visiting vehicles are assigned tags to access designated parking lots. However, large-scale implementation of the technology for intelligent park management requires a stable power supply with no threat to our ecosystem. SPV-powered UHF RFID readers transmit vehicle information via wireless data links to a host system application at the SPV-powered central database management system for further processing. This system will ensure effective traffic control during peak periods in order to avoid crashes, save time and resources, and as well save our planet.

Massive MIMO Channel Characterization and Modeling: The Present and the Future

Abstract: One of the technologies aimed to provide large increase in data rate, enhanced spectral efficiency, transmit power efficiency, high sum rates, and increase link reliability for the fifth generation network (5G) is the massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna system. The projected benefits of massive MIMO depend on the propagation environment. However, due to the non wide-sense stationarity properties of massive MIMO, small scale characterization (SSC) is not enough for modeling its propagation channel as the spatial domain is also required. Giving consideration to the dynamic adaptation of the elevation angles which is not captured in 2D channel models will open up new possibilities for 3D beamforming which will introduce considerable performance gains for 5G network capacity enhancement. In this paper therefore, we review the various non wide-sense stationary channel parameters for characterizing massive MIMO channel particularly in the 3D plane and their methods of measurement, All through the discussion, we identified outstanding research challenges in these areas and their future directions.

Digital Speed Control of DC Motor for Industrial Automation using Pulse Width Modulation Technique

Abstract: Precise speed control is an important requirement for efficient industrial automation. Direct current (DC) motors have been extensively used for this purpose. The conventional method employs analog circuits to control the speed of the DC motor by varying the voltage of the armature while the field voltage is kept constant. In this paper, a digital speed control of DC motor using pulse width modulation technique was implemented by replacing analog circuit with an Atmel AT89S52 microcontroller circuit. An experimentation of the design showed that the DC motor can run forward motoring, forward regeneration, reverse motoring and reverse regeneration. This digital approach proved to have increased precision and greater control efficiency. Thus, a centralized control of several motors can also be achieved

Free Energy Generation using Neodymium Magnets: An Off-Grid Sustainable Energy Solution for Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Energy is pivotal to almost all of the challenges and opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the grid-based power generation capacity is grossly insufficient and unreliable to meet the increasingly growing energy demands in the region. Low incomes and exorbitant cost of energy make energy unaffordable for citizens, despite the availability of renewable resources. Low-income countries can readily harness the cost-effectiveness and the availability advantages offered by free energy option to meet the continuously growing energy demand in the region, without any adverse effect on the environment. In this paper, we designed and developed an affordable neodymium-based free energy generator that operates continuously without depending on any external source. The repulsive force between the neodymium magnets produce a torque which serves as a prime mover for rotor blades. The energy generated is transferred to a charge controller connected to the battery bank. The battery supplies the inverter with a direct current (DC) input voltage for electricity generation in alternating current (AC) form. The generated electrical power is distributed to consumers. The results of prototype testing shows that this energy option is affordable and it is not subject to climatic conditions. Therefore, this alternative energy source is a potential off-grid solution to the energy challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.

Development of a Power-harnessing Smart Shoe System with Outdoor Navigation

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) and the world of Smart Systems are ushering in an era where people, machines, devices (e.g. sensors) and processes are all interconnected and able to interact seamlessly with one another. Business and IT leaders predict they will see an increase of more than one-third (33%) in revenues from the use of smart technologies over the next five years. Smart system is the future of technology with so many different applications to it. We present in this project a system developed for a more convenient outdoor navigation. It involves the development of a power harnessing smart shoe to aid navigation and reduce the dependency of individuals on maps i.e. the need to constantly look at the maps for direction rather than focusing on the road. The project uses the Arduino UNO microcontroller as the brain box of the designed system. The microcontroller was programed to achieve the various tasks needed in this project. The smart shoe is fitted with piezo-electric crystals which are pressure sensors generating the power required for the system, a Bluetooth module to interface with the mobile application which was programmed specifically for the shoe, and also vibrator motors which act as the output signal that is felt by the user to help inform them which way to turn. This project proffers solutions to the setbacks in navigation of the user with accuracy and focus.

Is There a Link between Air Pollution and Economic Growth

Abstract: As the reality of global warming becomes more severe on our environment, policy responses to reduce carbon emission have been created, debated and even deployed in some areas. Although Africans are not directly responsible for the severity of the climate change today, it has become necessary for the continent to join the campaign to save the planet from global warming. It has been debated that these new environmental policies may slowdown economic prosperity in developing nations. However, there is insufficient empirical evidence to back this assertion. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between air pollution and economic growth in Nigeria. Secondary data was obtained predominantly from World Bank World Development Indicators. An IBM Watson Analytics approach was used in analyzing the data. The result showed that air pollution variables had both negative and positive influence on the economy. A smart city framework was developed to guide measurement and analysis of air pollution data for informed decision making. The paper recommends that air quality sensors be deployed to all possible pollution generation machineries for real time data generation, analysis and policy response to control pollution.

A Survey on Traffic Evacuation Techniques in Internet of Things Network Environment

Abstract: Objectives: System capacity has become a major concern while machine-to-machine (M2M) traffic evacuation has become a paramount interest due to the traffic congestion as well as overloading at the radio access and core network of the human-to-human (H2H) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication framework of the 5G network. We therefore review the various solutions to the evacuation of M2M traffic with the aim of eliminating the said congestion. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We review various technologies including the low range radio technologies, and the long range wide area technologies available for internet of things (IoT) traffic otherwise called M2M traffic for decongesting the network and alleviating the M2M communication degradation effect on H2H communication. We also considered the application of massive MIMO in Heterogeneous networks for massive evacuation of the M2M traffic leading to greater separation of the H2H and M2M traffic and the eventual reduction of the network congestion. Findings: The application of massive MIMO for backhauling in macro cells for M2M traffic evacuation and which also provides 40 per cent capacity improvement via small cells placed indoor in a spatial densification heterogeneous network (HetNet) was considered as a good option for solving the above problems. Application/Improvement: A comprehensive survey on the use of the various techniques for traffic evacuation was not presented in the literature which we achieved in this paper.

Plastic Mannequin-Based Robotic Telepresence for Remote Clinical Ward Rounding

Abstract: Mobile robotic telepresence is a potential solution to addressing the problem of access to quality healthcare delivery in rural areas. Despite the availability of this system in its different forms, the capital and operating costs are unffordable for people living in rural areas, particularly in emerging economies. In this paper, the authors reduced the cost of mobile robotic telepresence solution for remote ward rounding using plastic mannequin and solar photovoltaic technology. An IP camera was fixed in each of the eye sockets of the plastic mannequin. These cameras are connected to a mini-computer embedded in the plastic mannequin. A Wi-Fi module establishes an Internet connection between remote physicians and rural healthcare facilities. In addition, most of these communities are not even connected to the power grid. Therefore, the system is powered by a solar photovoltaic energy source to provide a cheap and reliable power system. Another unique feature of this solution is that it gives the patient a better impression of the physical presence of a physician. This development will increase the adoption of robotic telepresense for remote clinical ward rounding in developing countries

Smart Assistive mHealth System for Medication Adherence in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract: Cognitive impairment in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease often times require medication management to prevent forgetfulness due to the diversity of medication involved in the treatment. Traditional interventions to mitigate non-adherence to medication have been largely unsuccessful. However, the programmability and intelligibility of modern electronic systems and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be exploited to solve this problem. In this paper, we designed and developed an intelligent assistive mHealth system to facilitate medication adherence in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This system achieve medication adherence by creating an audiovisual alert for the user with ‘memory loss’ disability to take the right doses of medication at required frequency. The drug prescriptions are keyed in by the physician and the medication schedule is stored in the non-volatile memory of the system. At the set time, the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) unit shows the drug to be taken in the right dosage. The buzzer in the electronic device provides a sound effect to get the attention of the patient. In any case of non-adherence, the system automatically sends a text message to the physician via SMS using the integrated GSM modem and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in the system. This system can be miniaturized into a wearable device for optimal performance

FirstSteps: A mHealth Tool for Children Registration and Monitoring

Abstract: The right of every child to survive, live healthy, have a voice and be educated begins with being uniquely identified immediately at birth. This paper details the development of a mHealth tool, coined FirstSteps, which incorporates an extensive registration platform for children under age five into a functional mobile child healthcare application. Considering diversity and cultural practices, FirstSteps adopts features (such as schedule setup for vaccination, doctor’s appointment, recording child growth at various developmental stages) which can be deployed in sub-Saharan Africa and complements them with child registration records, one of the vital need of the region. It is expected that this will aid in achieving significant birth/child registration thereby providing quality data useful for reduction of high mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa.