Showing papers in "International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies in 2013"

A Survey of Vehicular Ad hoc Networks Routing Protocols

Abstract: In recent years, the aspect of vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is becoming an interesting research area; VANET is a mobile ad hoc network considered as a special case of mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Similar to MANET, VANET is characterized as autonomous and self-configured wireless network. However, VANET has very dynamic topology, large and variable network size, and constrained mobility; these characteristics led to the need for efficient routing and resource saving VANET protocols, to fit with different VANET environments. These differences render traditional MANET's protocols unsuitable for VANET. The aim of this work is to give a survey of the VANETs routing mechanisms, this paper gives an overview of Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) and the existing VANET routing protocols; mainly it focused on vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication and protocols. The paper also represents the general outlines and goals of VANETs, investigates different routing schemes that have been developed for VANETs, as well as providing classifications of VANET routing protocols (focusing on two classification forms), and gives summarized comparisons between different classes in the context of their methodologies used, strengths, and limitations of each class scheme compared to other classes. Finally, it extracts the current trends and the challenges for efficient routing mechanisms in VANETs.

Interoperability in Healthcare: Benefits, Challenges and Resolutions

Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play significant roles in the improvement of patient care and the reduction of healthcare cost by facilitating the seamless exchange of vital information among healthcare providers. Thus, clinicians can have easy access to patients' information in a timely manner, medical errors are reduced, and health related records are easily integrated. However, as beneficial as data interoperability is to healthcare, at present, it is largely an unreached goal. This is chiefly because electronic Health Information Systems used within the healthcare organizations have been developed independently with diverse and heterogeneous ICT tools, methods, processes and procedures which result in a large number of heterogeneous and distributed proprietary models for representing and recording patients' information. Consequently, the seamless, effective and meaningful exchange of patients' information is yet to be achieved across healthcare systems. This paper therefore appraises the concepts of interoperability in the context of healthcare, its benefits and its attendant challenges. The paper suggests that the adoption of a standardized healthcare terminology, education strategy, design of useable interfaces for ICT tools, privacy and security issues as well as the connection of legacy systems to the health network are ways of achieving complete interoperability of electronic based Health Information Systems in healthcare.

Biodegradable waste to biogas: Renewable energy option for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Energy recovery from waste is not a new field of study, but its implementation continues to be a challenge in some Arab countries. Although there is abundance of useful waste in the urban markets, practices aiming at waste to energy conversion are still negligible. In the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so-called green markets are abundant with renewable energy potential, but the practical implementation of this potential is missing. Therefore the objective of this paper is the evaluation of waste generation in KSA for the energy recovery purpose, and to show that the conversion of green waste into biofuel is not only environmentally friendly but also financially rewarding. Since the result illustrate that the major portion of the waste generated is organic waste, anaerobic digestion is proposed waste to energy technology because of its feasibility for biodegradation of moist organic wastes into biogas. Diversion of waste into biogas and bio-fertilizer will ensure that it is treated in such a way that it becomes a useful product instead of harmful one. Furthermore as the policy makers and planners in renewable energy sector have intended for kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be "kingdom of sustainable energy" as well, hence they are needed to give special attention toward the largest Saudi Arabia's green market and should invest more to implement this plan.

Recognition of plants by Leaf Image using Moment Invariant and Texture Analysis

Abstract: This paper presents a simple and computationally good method for plant species recognition using leaf images. Recognition of plant images is one of the research topics of computer vision. The use of shape for recognizing objects has been actively studied since the beginning of object recognition in 1950s. Several authors suggest that object shape is more informative than its appearance properties such as texture and color vary between object instances more than the shape. Initially we have scanned leaf images which are two dimensional in nature and segmented the images by mathematical morphological segmentation and then extracted the high frequency feature of image. For removing the noise, the image has been converted into binary, than complemented and multiplied by filtered image. We quantitatively establish the use of texture for detection various leaf images of same tree that are difficult by other classical methods of image processing. Further we use Nearest Neighborhood classification method to classify plant leaf. In this paper we focuses mainly on image enhancement, image segmentation, high frequency feature extraction, noise remove from background, volume fraction, inverse difference moment, moment invariant and morphological feature such as area convexity.

Determinants of Capital Structure in Nigeria

Abstract: Capital structure represents one of the most discussed concepts in financial management. Capital structure refers to how a company finances its operations whether through shareholders equity-fund or debt or a combination of both. Various internal and external factors contribute to the choice of these sources of fund. The external factors include factors such as tax policy, capital market conditions and tax policy, among others. Meanwhile, the internal factors are those that relate to individual firm characteristics. This study examines the determinants of capital structure in Nigeria using the descriptive research design. The population comprised of the eighty-six manufacturing firms that are listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The sample firms were selected using the simple random sampling method. Secondary data obtained from the annual accounts of 24 randomly selected manufacturing firms for 10 years period culminating in 240 firm-year observations. The results of the regression analysis revealed that leverage (a measure of capital structure) has a negative relationship with firm size and tax on one hand and a positive relationship with tangibility of assets, profitability and growth on the other hand. However, only with tangibility of assets and firm size that significant relationship is established. It is recommended for future researchers to carry out similar studies in multiple sectors.

Analysis of Psychological Well-being and Turnover intentions of Hotel Employees: An Empirical Study

Abstract: Turnover intentions can be reduced if the employees feel the organization have met their needs, through improving of psychological well-being. Employees' psychological well-being must be fulfilled, to get their best performance. This study aims to find out the relations between psychological well-being (i.e. autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance and personal growth) and turnover intention of hotel employees. The subjects were 212 hotel employees in Medan, Indonesia. Data were collected using turnover intention scale and psychological well-being scale. The result showed negative correlations between psychological well-being and turnover intentions towards hotel employees. To find out the determinants of turnover intention, a stepwise regression method was used. Based on the stepwise method used, the two predictor variables were found to be of significance in explaining turnover intentions. The two predictor variables were autonomy and positive relations with others. The result of this study will contribute to the guide lines for the policy makers for implementation of better human resource policy and provide evidence in favor of managerial interventions aimed at enhancing employee well-being and, consequently, minimizing the negative effects of an actual turnover in Hotel employee. Implication of this study could help management understand how to reduce the turnover intentions based on the employee and organization needs.

Study of a Microstrip Antenna with and Without Superstrate for Terahertz Frequency

Abstract: In this letter, we proposed a comparative study of a rectangular Microstrip patch antenna at Terahertz (THz) frequency ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 THz with and without superstrate. First, the simulation was carried to a simple micro-strip antenna, was then added an upper layer (superstrate) by varying the height to improve impedance matching and optimizing the performance of the antenna. The matching bandwidth and the maximum radiation gain obtained are around 22.47 % (10.43 dBi at 0.6929 THz), respectively. The performance of the dielectric resonator antenna is simulated by electromagnetic simulator CST Microwave Studio.

Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing and Potassium Decomposing Strains and Study on their Effects on Tomato Cultivation

Abstract: Seven strains were collected for phosphate solubilizing and potassium decomposing activities from Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Shweziwa Biofertilizer Plant. When phosphate solubilizing activity of selected strains was qualitatively determined, all strains except from B1 strain, gave clear zone formation on NBRIP media. But when quantitatively determined by spectrophotometric method, all strains solubilized insoluble tricalcium phosphate. Among seven strains, Ps strain gave the highest soluble phosphate concentration (386 ppm). Potassium decomposing activity was also determined for qualitatively and quantitatively. For qualitative determination, potassium decomposing activity was screened for clear zone formation on potassium decomposing media. Among seven strains, B1 and Y strains cannot give clear zone around their colonies. But when determined by AAS method, all strains can decompose potassium mica by giving soluble potassium concentration. Y strain gave the highest soluble potassium concentration (8.45 ppm). Phosphate solubilizing and potassium decomposing strains were combined differently for four treatments to study their effects on tomato cultivation. Chemical fertilizer was also applied to compare with selected strains. Among all treatments, T-4 showed better result on total yield although yields were not significantly different.

The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment and Their Impact on Growth: Panel Data Analysis for AMU Countries

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) and empirically examine their effects on the growth of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) countries. This relationship has largely been analyzed in the economic literature. The results are mixed, some of the theoretical and empirical studies have shown that there is no positive relationship between FDI and economic growth, while others have found that FDI affect positively and significantly the long-run economic growth. Indeed, AMU countries have developed in recent years, an economic policy aimed at promoting the development of their economy. In these economies, FDI is considered as a key factor towards progress in economic sectors. This type of external funding has shown an increasing trend over time; however, the achievements of AMU countries in attracting FDI are still low compared to their potential and their performance to attract more foreign investments. In this paper, we use a dynamic panel system GMM estimator to study the determinants and the growth effects of FDI in three Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia) during the period 1980-2010. Our empirical investigation suggests that, under particular economic and financial conditions, such as the adoption of an export promotion trade regime, restoring international competitiveness and diversification of exports, foreign direct investment affects positively the growth rate in the long run and improves the economic situation in AMU countries.

Web Document Clustering Using Cuckoo Search Clustering Algorithm based on Levy Flight

Abstract: The World Wide Web serves as a huge widely distributed global information service center. The tremendous amount of information on the web is improving day by day. So, the process of finding the relevant information on the web is a major challenge in Information Retrieval. This leads the need for the development of new techniques for helping users to effectively navigate, summarize and organize the overwhelmed information. One of the techniques that can play an important role towards the achievement of this objective is web document clustering. This paper aims to develop a clustering algorithm and apply in web document clustering area. The Cuckoo Search Optimization algorithm is a recently developed optimization algorithm based on the obligate behavior of some cuckoo species in combining with the levy flight. In this paper, Cuckoo Search Clustering Algorithm based on levy flight is proposed. This algorithm is the application of Cuckoo Search Optimization algorithm in web document clustering area to locate the optimal centroids of the cluster and to find global solution of the clustering algorithm. For testing the performance of the proposed method, this paper will show the experience result by using the benchmark dataset. The result obtained shows that the Cuckoo Search Clustering algorithm based on Levy Flight performs well in web document clustering.

Literature Review of Automatic Multiple Documents Text Summarization

Abstract: For the blessing of World Wide Web, the corpus of online information is gigantic in its volume. Search engines have been developed such as Google, AltaVista, Yahoo, etc., to retrieve specific information from this huge amount of data. But the outcome of search engine is unable to provide expected result as the quantity of information is increasing enormously day by day and the findings are abundant. So, the automatic text summarization is demanded for salient information retrieval. Automatic text summarization is a system of summarizing text by computer where a text is given to the computer as input and the output is a shorter and less redundant form of the original text. An informative pr

The examination of factors affecting e-learning effectiveness

Abstract: Technology information has increased dramatically in the last years and has contributed to the growth in technology delivered instruction as an important learning and education method. In this perspective, many academic researches considered the importance of e-learning effectiveness.Although the existing models of e-learning effectiveness has improved our understanding of how online training can support and enhance learning, most of published models do not take into account the importance of the relationship between social presence and interaction. Thus, this study develops preceding investigation by extending a model of e-learning effectiveness which adds social presence to other studied variables including computer self efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, interaction between trainer and trainees, and e-learning effectiveness. Moreover, the model includes the possible relationships between independent factors. In this case, the present research seek to identify the influence of computer self efficacy, ease of use, perceived usefulness, interaction, and social presence on e- learning effectiveness. Furthermore, this study considers the possible influences between individual characteristics, perceptual characteristics and environmental characteristics.Using data from 410 employees, the conceptual model was validated through a Tunisian context. Results indicate the importance of interaction, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social presence on e-learning achievement. E-learning achievement, in turn, influences e-learning transfer.

Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate Nanoparticles Containing ICD-85 (Venom Derived Peptides)

Abstract: Sodium alginate is one of such biodegradable polymers, which has been extensively exploited for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) for controlled delivery of several therapeutic agents. ICD-85 (venom derived peptides) has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer activity. In this report sodium alginate nanoparticles employed to improve upon its effectiveness. ICD-85 loaded NPs were prepared by ionic gelation method and were characterized by the particle size, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and in vitro release studies. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. TEM revealed ICD-85 loaded NPs to have spherical shapes with a size of approximately 200 nm. The zeta potential of the ICD-85 loaded NPs was estimated as

Effect of Machining Parameters on Surface Roughness in Machining of Hardened AISI 4340 Steel Using Coated Carbide Inserts

Abstract: Turning of hardened steels using a single point cutting tool has replaced the cylindrical grinding now as it offers attractive benefits in terms of lower equipment costs, shorter set up time, fewer process setups, higher material removal rate, better surface quality and elimination of cutting fluids compared to cylindrical grinding. In order to obtain desired surface quality by machining, proper machining parameters selection is essential. This can be achieved by improving quality and productivity in metal cutting industries. The present study is to investigate the effect of machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed and depth of cut on surface roughness during dry turning of hardened AISI 4340 steel with CVD (TiN+TiCN+Al2O3+ZrCN) multilayer coated carbide inserts. A full factorial design of experiment is selected for experimental planning and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been employed to analyze the significant machining parameters on surface roughness during turning. The results showed that feed (60.85%) is the most influencing parameter followed by cutting speed (24.6%) at 95% confidence level. And the two-level interactions of feed-cutting speed (F*V), depth of cut-feed (D*F) and depth of cut-cutting speed (D*V) are found the significant effects on surface roughness in this turning process. Moreover, the relationship between the machining parameters and performance measure i.e. surface roughness has been modeled using multiple regression analysis.

A Comparative Study on Tensile Behaviour of Plant and Animal Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract: The potential applications of natural products which are commonly used in the preparation of natural fiber reinforced composites are explored. The increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials and the need for cheaper fibers which increase the desirable mechanical properties forces to search for the natural products. The products that are abundantly available and are not efficiently used are taken in the study. Rice straw and chicken feather are one among the commonly available natural products of agricultural industry and poultry industry respectively which are considered as waste. These materials are disposed causing negative impact to the environment. Composite samples are prepared using untreated, uneven rice straw and chicken feather fibers using general purpose polyester resin matrix. The tensile behavior of the samples prepared with different volumetric proportions of the matrix and fiber were analyzed. The studies show an increase in the fiber loading decreases the tensile strength till an optimum fiber proportion. The tensile strength of rice straw fiber reinforced composites shows a decreasing trend till 40% of fiber volume and then increases. Similar behavior is observed in chicken feather fiber reinforced composites. The hybrid composites (rice straw and chicken feather combination) show an increasing trend till 30% of fiber volume and then decreases for 40% and again it increases.

Design of an H-shaped Microstrip Patch Antenna for Bluetooth Applications

Abstract: In this paper, a design of small sized, low profile patch antenna is proposed for BLUETOOTH applications at 2.4GHz frequency with coaxial feeding technique. The patch is H-shaped and different parameters like return loss, VSWR, gain along two directions, radiation pattern in 2-D and 3-D, axial ratio, E and H Field Distributions, Current Distributions are simulated using Ansoft HFSS. The measured parameters satisfy required limits hence making the proposed antenna suitable for BLUETOOTH applications in 2.4GHz band.

Robust Image Watermarking in Frequency Domain

Abstract: The spreading out of internet these days has raised the worth of digital media all over the planet. Digital watermarking has been a boon to digital media world as it endows various benefits like authentication, copy control and rights management of digital media. Digital images a category under digital media can be watermarked either in time domain or in frequency domain. The goal is to produce an efficient, secure and invisible watermarked image using digital watermarking thereby improving the quality and increasing the robustness of watermarked image. Here, digital image is watermarked using wavelet transforms which is an efficient multi-resolution frequency domain techniques. The low frequencies of wavelet decomposition of the carrier image which is a color image is watermarked with a color logo shuffled using a chaotic map technique. Embedding process is highly secured as chaotic map technique shuffles the watermark in order to confuse any unauthorized person who tries to modify or remove the corresponding watermark. The Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) of watermarked image has proved that the original image and the watermarked image are visually indistinguishable by human observers. Robustness is checked well by extracting the original watermark perfectly without any degradation in the original image.

Species Composition and Relative Abundance of Mosquitoes in Swat, Pakistan

Abstract: A comprehensive survey of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) was conducted in Swat Pakistan, from April to September during 2000. The survey involved the sampling of both, adult and immature stages of mosquitoes, and recovered a total of 21 species in five genera. Sampling of adult mosquitoes involved Pyrethrum spray collections, Man-biting collections, and Animal-biting collection. Immature stages of mosquitoes were collected from variety of habitats including springs, irrigation channels, rice fields, marshes, temporary pools, construction pools, agriculture pools, river margins, ditches, waste water drains, wells and tree holes. During the study most of the species built up their populations in June, July and August, while a few increased their populations in September. During the survey of immature stages, from a total of 138 samples taken, Cx. quinquefasciatus showed maximum frequency of occurrence (recovered from 48 samples) followed by An. maculatus (17 samples), Cx. pseudovishnui (14 samples), An. annularis and An. stephensi (13 samples each), Cx. bitaeniorhynchus (11 samples), An. splendidus (5 samples) and Cx. theileri (4 samples). The rest of the species occurred infrequently. The observations on habitat specificity of different species of mosquitoes showed the rice fields as the most favorable site for mosquito breeding (harboring 12 species) followed by river margins (five species) and temporary pools and springs (four species each). During this study Ae. aegypti was recovered from tyres in Mingora; it was not reported earlier from Swat.

Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Anti-Bacterial Studies of the Ethanolic Extract of Citrus Senensis (Linn.) Peel against some Clinical Bacterial Isolates

Abstract: Citrus senensis peel has many medicinal properties and is widely used against various ailments, such as colic, upset stomach, cancer, diuretic, cormunative, immuno

Screening and antibacterial activity analysis of some important medicinal plants

Abstract: The screening and study of five different plant specimens belonging to different families for phytochemical constituents was performed using generally accepted laboratory technique for qualitative determinations. The constituents screened were saponins, combined anthraquinones, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, steroids, xantho proteins, couramins, alkaloids, quinones, vitamin C. The distribution of these constituents in the plant specimens were assessed and compared. The medicinal plant studied were Acalypha indica, Camellia sinensis, Plectranthus amboinicus, Curcuma longa, Rauvolfia tetraphylla. All the plant speciemens were found to contain terpenoids, xantho proteins, couramins and vitamin C. They also contain Saponins (except Curcuma longa), Combined anthroquinones (except Acalypha indica, Camellia sinensis, Curcuma longa) flavonoids (except Acalypha indica, Camellia sinensis), Carotenoids (except Acalypha indica, Curcuma longa), and steroids (except Plectranthus amboinicus, Rauvolfia tetraphylla) Quinones were found in one out of the five specimens. Some of the medicinal plant seemed to have potential as source of useful drugs. Though the one percent extracts of all the plants showed some degree of antimicrobial activity, it was significant in Acalypha indica, Camellia sinensis, Plectranthus amboinicus, Curcuma longa, and Rauvolfia tetraphylla. The extract of Camellia sinensis and Acalypha indica was most effective against Enterobacter faecalis (ZI = 3 cm and ZI = 1.7cm) and Camellia sinensis and Acalypha indica was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus (ZI = 2.1 cm).

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Brassica Napus L. Genotypes

Abstract: This research work was carried out at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during crop season year 2011-12. The objectives were to study the genetic variability and correlation among different traits in Brassica napus L. Data were recorded on agronomic and quality traits. The breeding material comprised 8 genotypes of Brassica napus L. These genotypes were evaluated in replicated trial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for most of the traits. Non-significant differences were, however, observed among the genotypes for primary branches plant-1 and pods plant-1. Genotype 1 was found superior for most of the traits i.e maximum oleic acid content etc. Correlation analysis presented highly significant positive phenotypic correlation of plant height with pods main raceme-1 and pod length seed yield exhibited significant positive phenotypic correlation with pods plant-1, protein content and moisture content. Similarly significant negative phenotypic correlation of oleic acid content with oil and erucic acid content was also observed. From the results it can be concluded that Genotype 2 can be used for developing superior genotypes for seed yield, seed pod-1 and protein content while Genotype 7 can be used for yielding high oil content. The significant and positive correlation of seed yield plant-1 with pods plant-1 and protein content was important in making indirect selection for seed yield.

The modified simple equation method for solving nonlinear Phi-Four equation

Abstract: In this article, the modified simple equation method has been implemented to construct the new exact travelling wave solutions to nonlinear evolution equations. This method is very easy, direct, concise and simple to implement as compared with other existing methods. As an application, this method has been successfully implemented to construct the new exact travelling wave solutions to nonlinear Phi-four evolution equation. Since, the homogeneous balancing principle has been used, so we can claim that this method can be applied to other nonlinear partial differential equations or nonlinear evolution equations where the homogeneous balancing principle is satisfied.

Rectangular Ring Microstrip Patch Antenna for Ultra-wide Band Applications

Abstract: The printed antenna is one of the best antenna structures, due to its low cost and compact design. In this paper, we present a new approach to improve the radiation effectiveness and the performance of antennas by miniaturization of the size. Indeed, we have studied the performance of ultra wideband antenna which consists of a ring-shaped patch. This study was made for the whole frequency band of UWB ranging from 2.5GHz to 9.4GHz and the geometry of the antenna and the results were obtained using the simulation software CST Studio microwaves. The detailed design and the results are shown and discussed in this paper.

Cultural eutrophication of Lonar Lake, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract: Lonar is one of the youngest Lake and is unique in the world for its alkalinity and salinity of the water. But its alkalinity, pH and salinity go on decrease day by day. An attempt has been made to examine environmental analysis of Lonar Lake. Objective: This papers aims at improving the water quality in the lakes from hyper-eutrophic to minor eutrophic conditions. Methods: The physical and chemical parameters were analyzed as per APHA. Results: It is found that major Spirulina species of algae was found in lake water. This species Spirulina having medicinal value for human body. This species occupied the Lonar lake water phytoplankton about 90.0% and above. Rests of 10 % are other members of Chlorophyceae, Cynophyceae and Bacillariophyceae also found in this lake. Lonar lake water was found to be very rich in mineral nutrient contents. No fish species was recorded in the same water body. Conclusions: Hence this World heritage lake should be preserved for its alkalinity and salinity. Use of agrochemicals on crater floor; nuisance of tourists; sewage disposal in the lake; constructions on the crater rim; etc. are some of the problems requiring attention. The lake urgently needs to take immediate protection from pollution and save and preserve for future generations.

Literature Review of Automatic Single Document Text Summarization Using NLP

Abstract: In the time of overloaded online information, automatic text summarization is especially demanded for salient information retrieval from huge amount electronic text. For the blessing of World Wide Web, the mass of data is now enormous in its volume. Researchers realized this fact from various aspects and tried to generate an automatic abstract of the gigantic body of data from the commencement of the last half century. Numerous ways are there for characterizing different approaches to passage recapitulation: extractive and abstractive from single or compound document, objective of content abridgement, characteristic of text summarization, level of processing from superficial to profound and sort of article's content. A significant pr

Larvicidal Activities of Different Parts of Artemisia vulgaris Linn. against Culex quinquefasciatus Say. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract: The plant Artemisia vulgaris is a perennial weed, belongs to the family Asteraceae, and locally known as Tarkha in Dir and Swat regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K.P.K), Pakistan. The present study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activity of methanol extracts of roots, stem and leaves of Artemisia vulgaris against Culex quinquefasciatus. The 3rd and 4th instars larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed for 24 hours to various concentrations (50, 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) of methanol extracts of different parts of Artemisia vulgaris. The leaves extract resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) mortality when compared to the mortality caused by the root and stem extracts. The LC50 value for roots extract was 9141.0 ppm, stem extract 2224.2 ppm and leaves extract 803.2 ppm. The findings of the present study presented the methanol extract of the leaves of Artemisia vulgaris as a good source of preparations for pest control especially mosquito control.

New slotting technique of making compact octagonal patch for four band applications

Abstract: An improved but simple four band octagonal patch with new slotting technique of making a compact patch antenna is presented, which is suitable for C-band, X-band, Ku-band and K-band applications. This compact microstrip antenna realized by changing the geometric shape, obtained by inserting small circular slots in a new way. The simulation has been performed by simulation software GEMS version 7.71.01 and using Taconic TLY-5 dielectric substrate with relative permittivity 2.2 and height 1.588mm. The simulated return losses are obtained -16.50dB, -17.25dB, -39.22dB and -30.75dB at 7.49GHz, 10.89GHz, 15.70GHz and 20.10GHz respectively. Therefore, this antenna can be applicable for C-band, X-band, Ku-band and K-band applications respectively.

Petrophysical Properties Evaluation for Reservoir Characterisation of SEYI Oil Field (Niger-Delta)

Abstract: This paper presents results of a study conducted to determine and evaluate the petrophysical properties of "SEYI" oil field, Niger delta with a view to understand their effects on the reservoirs hydrocarbon prospect and oil productivity of the field. The evaluated properties include porosity, permeability, fluid saturation, net / gross thickness and mobility which are all inferred from geophysical wire-line logs. A suite of wire-line logs comprising of gamma ray, resistivity, spontaneous potential and density logs for four wells from 'SEYI' oil field were analysed for reservoir characterisation of the field. The analyses carried out involves delineation of lithologies, identification of reservoirs and fluid types, wells correlation and determination of petrophysical parameters of identified reservoirs. Seven reservoirs namely: A, B, C, D, E, F and G were delineated with their tops and bases at depth from 2396m to 3429m. Their analysis indicate the presence of hydrocarbon in all the reservoirs. Computed petrophysical parameters across the reservoirs gave porosity as ranging from 0.22 to 0.31; permeability 881.58md to 14425.01md and average hydrocarbon saturation of 41.44%, 20.29%, 30.82%, 37.92%, 51.20%, 91.97% and 85.11% for reservoir A, B, C, D, E, F and G respectively. These results together with the determined movable hydrocarbon index (MHI) values (0.05 to 0.75) of the reservoir units suggest high hydrocarbon potential and a reservoir system whose performance is considered satisfactory for hydrocarbon production.

Dodonea Viscosa Linn: Its Medicinal, Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties

Abstract: Herbal medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind. Herbal medicines have great importance in maintaining the health of every person. Demands of Herbal medicines are increasing in both developed and developing countries due to growing recognition of natural plants being lesser or of no side effect, easily available in surrounding place with low cost. Different parts of the plant have different active constituents and these active constituents may vary in their extent of activity and concentration. Most of active principles are existing in leaves, flower, fruit, bark, root and seeds of the plant. Certain herbs have become popular over the last twenty years, but herbal medicine is still poorly understood by the public, medical practitioners and the media. Nigeria is not left behind most of the world in this endeavor of utilizing herbal medicine. Dodonea viscosa is often used traditionally to treat many diseases like fever, cold, malaria, rheumatism, aches, toothaches, headaches, indigestion, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, dysmenorrheal and irregular menstruation. The plant is reported to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, phytosterols and volatile oil. This review was aimed at describing the medicinal uses, phytochemical components and other important aspects of the plant.

Detection of Heart Diseases by Mathematical Artificial Intelligence Algorithm Using Phonocardiogram Signals

Abstract: An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm has been developed using Mathematical formula to diagnose heart disease from Phonocardiogram (PCG) signals. Auscultation, the technique of listening to heart sounds with a stethoscope can be used as a primary detection technique for detecting heart disorders for the past years. But now the Phonocardiogram, the digital recording of heart sounds is becoming very popular technique as it is relatively inexpensive. Four amplitude parameters of the PCG signal are extracted by using filter technique and are used as input. PCG signals for three types of heart diseases such as Tachycardia, Bradycardia and Atrial fibrillation were used in this paper to test the accuracy. These disease types that affect the electrical system of heart are known as arrhythmias, cause the heart to beat very fast (Tachycardia) or very slow (Bradycardia), or unexpectedly (Atrial fibrillation). After the signals are filtered and the parameters are extracted, the parameters are fed to the AI algorithm. Classifications of heart diseases are carried using the AI algorithm by comparing the extracted parameters. Here comparison is done using Min Max method. The developed mathematical artificial intelligence algorithm is implemented in MATLab using Simulink and the simulation results proved that the developed algorithm has been shown to be a powerful technique in detection of heart diseases using PCG signals.