Journal of Engineering Research and Technological Innovations
The Journal of Engineering Research and Technological Innovations (JERTI) is a peer-reviewed scholarly publication of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. JERTI provides a dynamic platform for disseminating cutting-edge engineering research and innovative technological developments across various disciplines. It invites contributions from academics, researchers, and practitioners to promote knowledge sharing and advancement in engineering and technology. ISSN: 3093-0863
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kwara State University, Malete
It is with great pleasure that we present Volume 1, Issue 2 (2026) of the Journal of Engineering Research and Technological Innovations (JERTI). This issue marks an important milestone in the growth of the journal, reflecting the increasing confidence of the engineering research community in JERTI as a credible platform for disseminating high-quality scientific and technological contributions. One of the most significant achievements of this issue is the publication of seventeen (17) peer-reviewed articles, representing a remarkable increase from the four (4) articles published in our inaugural issue. This growth is an encouraging indicator of the journal's expanding visibility, the dedication of our editorial team, and the confidence authors have placed in our rigorous peer-review and editorial processes. The papers published in this issue span five broad engineering domains, underscoring the multidisciplinary scope of JERTI. The Agricultural, Bioresources, Biomedical and Food Engineering section presents studies on environmental quality, agricultural processing technologies, food preservation, and machine development for agricultural applications. These contributions demonstrate how engineering innovations continue to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability. The Chemical, Industrial, Petroleum and Production Engineering section features research addressing operational challenges in the petroleum industry through advanced simulation techniques, highlighting the growing role of computational tools in enhancing industrial efficiency and decision-making. The Civil and Geotechnical Engineering section forms a substantial part of this issue, with contributions covering sustainable construction materials, geotechnical engineering, hydrocarbon-contaminated soil remediation, soil infiltration assessment, cementitious composites, and the economic implications of alternative construction materials. These studies collectively advance knowledge in resilient infrastructure development while promoting environmentally responsible engineering practices. The Computer, Telecommunications, Software, Electrical and Electronics Engineering section explores contemporary developments in communication systems, renewable energy technologies, battery charging systems, and machine learning applications for next-generation wireless networks. These papers illustrate the continuing convergence of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy systems in addressing modern engineering challenges. Finally, the Water Resources and Environmental Engineering section presents research on wastewater treatment technologies, soil microbial dynamics following effluent treatment, and integrated assessments of water quality, sanitation infrastructure, and WASH practices. These studies reinforce the critical role of engineering solutions in safeguarding environmental quality and promoting public health. Collectively, the articles published in this issue demonstrate the diversity of engineering research and its relevance to addressing local and global challenges. They also reflect the increasing emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, resource efficiency, and evidence-based engineering solutions across multiple disciplines. The Editorial Board expresses its sincere appreciation to our authors for entrusting JERTI with their scholarly work, to our reviewers for their diligent and constructive evaluations, and to our Section Editors for their commitment to maintaining the high academic standards of the journal. We also acknowledge the invaluable support of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Kwara State University, whose commitment continues to strengthen the journal's development. As JERTI continues to grow, we remain committed to publishing original, impactful, and ethically conducted research that advances engineering knowledge and contributes meaningfully to industrial development and societal progress. We invite researchers, academics, and industry professionals worldwide to continue partnering with us in this mission. We trust that the articles in this issue will provide valuable insights, stimulate further research, and inspire innovative engineering solutions for the benefit of society. Prof. Samson Olalekan Odeyemi Managing Editor Journal of Engineering Research and Technological Innovations (JERTI)
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Engineering Research and Technological Innovations https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Soil Infiltration Rate in Oye-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti of Nigeria
Soil infiltration, the process by which water penetrates the soil's surface and flows downward, is a crucial hydrological factor affecting agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and water resource management. Despite their significance, Ekiti State lacks localized data on soil infiltration rates, which makes it difficult to develop sustainable land use and water management plans. This study evaluates infiltration behavior across four sites with diverse soil textures in Oye-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti, using field infiltration tests and laboratory geotechnical analyses. The research finding deduce that infiltration rates initially increase as the soil dries and becomes more receptive to water, reaching a peak as the soil begins to saturate, Peak infiltration rates ranged from 3.4 cm/hr to 6.9 cm/hr, with Site III having the maximum rate, Accumulated infiltration rates over 60 minutes varied from 22.6 cm to 63 cm, with Site IV showing the highest rate. Soil properties like specific gravity, moisture content, particle size distribution, and Atterberg limits were analysed and correlated with infiltration rates. The study concluded that infiltration rates significantly influence soil performance in Ekiti State.
Electrokinetic–Adsorptive Remediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil: Trade-Offs Between Strength, Durability and Fabric Evolution
Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is a promising technique for treating hydrocarbon contaminated soils; however, its implications for soil engineering behaviour are not fully understood. This study investigates the combined effects of electrokinetic transport and carbon-based permeable reactive barriers (charcoal and activated carbon) on contaminant removal, soil fabric evolution, and geotechnical performance. Crude oil contaminated soil with an initial total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration of 78,600 mg/kg was treated under an electric gradient of 1 V/cm. Removal efficiencies of 81.4% and 84.6% were achieved for charcoal and activated carbon, respectively, with the latter showing faster remediation. Significant improvements were observed in compaction characteristics and bearing capacity, with California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increasing from 6.7% to 35.9–46.1%. However, remediation resulted in increased plasticity and very low durability under wet–dry cycling, indicating high susceptibility to moisture-induced degradation. These changes are attributed to removal of hydrocarbon coatings and subsequent particle aggregation, leading to reorganisation of soil fabric and enhanced soil–water interaction. The results reveal a fundamental trade off between contaminant removal and engineering performance: while electrokinetic remediation improves short term strength, it simultaneously increases plasticity and reduces durability. The findings highlight the need for post treatment stabilisation to render remediated soils suitable for structural applications.
An Integrated Assessment of Sanitation Infrastructure, WASH Practices, and Water Quality in Omu-Aran, Nigeria
Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and practices are vital for public health and environmental protection. This study investigated sanitation infrastructure, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) knowledge and practices, water quality and associated health implications in Omu-Aran, Nigeria. A total of 423 respondents were surveyed using a structured questionnaire, water samples from a well, borehole, and stream were collected during the dry and rainy seasons of 2025 and analysed for pH, trace metals (cadmium, copper, and iron), and nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate). Findings revealed inadequate sanitation infrastructure, with 42.5% of the respondents relying on pit latrines and 30.83% practicing open defecation, and 56.67% lacked adequate waste disposal services. High malaria (56.67%) and typhoid (17.5%) prevalence reflect the health hazards of poor WASH conditions. All water sources exhibited highly alkaline pH (8.13-10.80). While trace metals were generally lower in stream water, iron (0.33-5.26 mg/L) and cadmium (0.0035-0.50 mg/L) exceeded WHO recommended limits across all sources, posing significant health risks. Nitrate and phosphate in stream water indicate nutrient enrichment and eutrophication risk. Omu-Aran’s WASH infrastructure and water quality are in a critical state, requiring urgent interventions including improved sanitation infrastructure, community-led maintenance, and household water treatment practices to safeguard public health.
Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
Comparative Empirical Analysis of Downlink Scheduling Algorithms with Emphasis on the User Satisfaction – Based Scheduler
The increasing demand for mobile broadband services and multimedia applications has intensified the need for efficient radio resource management in Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Downlink packet scheduling plays a critical role in allocating limited radio resources among multiple users while satisfying diverse Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. However, existing scheduling algorithms exhibit varying performance under heterogeneous traffic conditions, making it difficult for a single scheduler to satisfy diverse user requirements simultaneously. This study presents a comparative empirical analysis of selected LTE downlink scheduling algorithms with emphasis on providing insights towards the development of a user satisfaction-based scheduler. Four representative algorithms were evaluated: Modified Exponential Rule (MEXP) and Enhanced Fair Earliest Due Date First (EF-EDDF), which represent unified scheduling approaches, as well as Downlink Scheduling Algorithm with Imperfect Channel Quality Indicator (DSA) and Enhanced Exponential Rule (EnEXP), which represent differentiated scheduling approaches. Simulations were conducted using the LTE-Sim platform under a single-cell LTE environment with heterogeneous traffic consisting of Video, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Constant Bit Rate (CBR) services. Performance evaluation was based on packet delay, packet loss ratio, throughput, and Jain’s fairness index. Results show that differentiated schedulers perform better for delay-sensitive multimedia traffic, while unified schedulers exhibit superior performance for non-real-time traffic. The findings provide useful insights towards the development of a user satisfaction-based scheduler capable of improving fairness, QoS delivery, and overall user experience in LTE networks.
Computer, Telecommunications, Software, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
A Review on the Strength Performance of Sisal Reinforced Cement Mortar Incorporating Rice Husk Ash and Steel Slag Powder as Cement Replacement
The environmental needs for cement production have been raising the demand for underground construction materials and researchers throughout the world continue to search for alternative materials that can help replace cement in part. A number of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs, including agricultural waste by-products such as Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and industrial by-products such as Steel Slag Powder (SSP) which contain a high level of silica in addition to calcium) are receiving considerable attention as an alternative to cement, primarily for their pozzolanic properties and availability. In this review, a systematic approach to review was decided due to the technical, quantitative, question-like nature which was focused on understanding the effects of the three additives on the structural performances of cement mortar. Literature search and data collection method were followed to obtain appropriate publications from online databases like Scopus, ScienceDirect and journals, etc. Sisal fibers which are derived from the plant Agave sisalana are used as natural biodegradable materials that, due to their high tensile strength, offer some of the strongest reinforcement. The combination of RHA, SSP and sisal fibers with other materials helps to reduce waste while preserving resources because both components have their own ability to improve mortar structural performance and durability. Previous studies show that pozzolanic mortar improves concrete structure lifespan by reducing permeability and enhancing chemical degradation resistance. This review investigates how various RHA and SSP ratios impact mortar compressive and flexural strength to support sustainable construction methods. The review also extensively demonstrates that RHA, SSP and sisal fibres provide environmentally sustainable solutions to replace cement and strengthen mortar production.
A Simulation-Based Assessment of Pipe Sticking Mechanisms in Extended-Reach Wells: Case Study of Niger Delta Fields
Stuck pipe remains a major contributor to non-productive time in drilling operations, especially within complex geological environments such as the Niger Delta. This study presents a comprehensive modelling and simulation analysis of pipe sticking tendencies using WELLPLAN, focusing on a highly deviated extended-reach well with a 17.5-inch surface hole section, 13⅜-inch casing set at intermediate depth, and an openhole interval drilled with water-based mud. The simulations incorporate actual field data, including well trajectory, casing program, drillstring configuration, formation pressure regime, and operational practices typical of Niger Delta development wells. The objective was to quantify the mechanical and hydraulic responses of the drillstring under varying operating conditions, specifically hook load, mud weight, and openhole friction factor, and to evaluate their individual and combined impacts on stuck pipe initiation. Results show that increasing hook load reduces the measured depth of the stuck point but concurrently decreases the apparent stuck weight due to elastic stretch of the drillstring, emphasizing the need to manage over-pull within safe mechanical limits. Variations in mud weight significantly affected both stuck point depth and stuck load, demonstrating the sensitivity of differential sticking to the balance between hydrostatic pressure and formation pore pressure. The openhole friction factor had a strong influence on sticking behaviour in lower-tension conditions, although its effect diminished at higher hook loads where axial stress dominates. The modelling also highlighted the importance of casing placement and hole geometry, revealing that inadequate standoff in the openhole section amplifies the potential for mechanical sticking, particularly during tripping and reaming operations. The study highlights the complex interplay among wellbore geometry, drilling-fluid properties, and operational parameters in the development of stuck pipe. The findings underscore the value of predictive simulation for optimizing drilling parameters, improving hole cleaning, guiding mud weight selection, and minimizing openhole exposure. This integrated approach provides a practical framework for reducing non-productive time and enhancing well integrity in deviated and extended-reach wells across the Niger Delta.
Chemical, Industrial, Petroleum and Production Engineering
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Lead Screw-Assisted Multi-Crop Slicing Machine for Selected Crops
The need for efficient and adaptable slicing equipment for heterogeneous agricultural produce remains a major challenge in small- to medium-scale agro-processing. This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a lead screw–assisted multi-crop slicing machine capable of processing cucumber, potato, and plantain with varying geometrical properties. The machine integrates a controlled feed mechanism with a rotary stainless-steel blade system to achieve uniform slicing across different crop types. Performance evaluation was conducted using slicing efficiency, percentage material loss, and throughput capacity under controlled operating conditions. Results showed that slicing efficiency ranged from 97.5–98.7% for cucumber, 95.8–96.4% for potato, and 95.7–97.9% for plantain. Corresponding percentage losses were 1.3–2.5%, 3.6–4.2%, and 2.1–4.3%, respectively. Throughput capacity varied between 96–120 kg h⁻¹ for cucumber, 72–96 kg h⁻¹ for potato, and 40–80 kg h⁻¹ for plantain, reflecting the influence of crop texture and geometry on machine performance. The relatively lower throughput observed for plantain was attributed to its higher resistance to cutting and larger size. The results demonstrate that the developed slicer achieves high slicing efficiency with minimal material loss while accommodating multiple crop types. This highlights its potential as a cost-effective and versatile solution for improving post-harvest processing efficiency. Further optimization of blade configuration and power transmission system is recommended to enhance throughput performance.
Agricultural, Bioresources, Biomedical and Food Engineering
Particulate Matter Deposition Inducing Heavy Metal Enrichment and Hydrochemical Degradation near a Cement Facility in North-Central Nigeria
Cement production is a major source of airborne particulate matter (PM) and trace metals that can compromise the hydrogeochemical quality of surrounding ecosystems. This study evaluates PM deposition, heavy metal accumulation, soil and water quality deterioration within a 10 km radius of a cement facility in North-Central Nigeria. Results reveal evidently elevated PM deposition along production corridors (up to 9,336 μg/cm2/day) and widespread exceedances of USEPA/NIS limits for Pb, Cd, As, and Hg across environmental media. Electrical conductivity (EC) shows a strong positive correlation with total dissolved solids (TDS, r = 0.85), while PM deposition is significantly associated with lead (Pb, r = 0.62), indicating linked pathways of particulate and ionic contamination. Collectively, cement-derived emissions drive soil alkalinization, aqueous ionic enrichment, and sustained atmospheric deposition, jointly accelerating hydrochemical degradation in the surrounding environment.
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
Performance Assessment of Coagulation and Ceramic Filtration of Tannery Effluent Using Hydroxyapatite/Kaolin-Based Materials
Tannery effluent remains a pressing environmental concern due to its complex composition and presence of hazardous contaminants. In this study, an approach employing chemical coagulation followed by filtration using hydroxyapatite (HAp)/kaolin-based ceramic materials was applied to treat tannery effluent. Aluminium sulphate served as primary coagulant and was introduced to the effluent at varying concentrations (75, 150, 225, 300, 375, 450, 525, and 600 mg/L). Samples were subjected to rapid mixing (10 mins), slow mixing (30 mins), and allowed to settle for 24 hrs. Post-coagulation, supernatant was filtered using three types of ceramic filters fabricated from: (i) pure kaolin, (ii) kaolin combined with HAp, and (iii) kaolin blended with HAp and starch. The performance of each filter was evaluated based on chromium removal efficiency and turbidity reduction. The kaolin, kaolin + HAp, and kaolin + HAp + starch filters achieved chromium removal efficiencies of 75.75%, 81.36%, and 84.03%, respectively. The optimum chromium removal (84.03% at pH 6.93, temperature of 24.9°C, with a corresponding turbidity reduction of 45.44%) was obtained using the kaolin + HAp + Starch filter. However, the treated effluent still exceeded regulatory limits for chromium in effluent, as established by required standards at 1 mg/L and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 0.02 mg/L. The kaolin/HAp/starch filter, which demonstrated an optimal flow rate of 29.17 mL/h, gave the most effective contaminant removal. These findings suggest that while HAp/kaolin-based ceramic filters show considerable promise for chromium removal in tannery wastewater, their performance must be further enhanced.
Performance Analysis of a Battery-Buffered Solar Charging System for Low-Power DC Loads
The rapid depletion of conventional energy resources and the growing demand for electrical power have increased the need for portable and sustainable charging solutions. Solar energy provides a promising renewable option for powering low-power electronic devices. This study presents the performance analysis of a battery-buffered solar charging system designed to supply regulated 5 V DC power for low-power loads. The system consists of a 12 V, 30 W solar photovoltaic panel for energy harvesting, a 12 V, 2 Ah rechargeable battery for energy storage, and a DC–DC buck converter for voltage regulation. Experimental tests were conducted under natural sunlight conditions to evaluate key performance parameters, including charging current, battery charging time, output voltage stability, and overall energy conversion efficiency. Results indicate that the solar panel delivered an average current of approximately 1.5 A under irradiance levels between 600 and 800 W/m². The battery reached full charge within about 2 hours, storing roughly 24 Wh of energy. The system maintained a regulated 5 V output with voltage variations within ±0.2 V at load currents up to 2 A. The overall system efficiency, calculated from the solar panel output to the regulated load output and accounting for losses in the charge controller, battery storage process, and DC–DC converter, was approximately 69%. These findings demonstrate that the proposed system provides a simple and reliable solution for portable low-power DC applications, particularly in off-grid environments where access to conventional electricity is limited.
Process Optimization of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Oil Extraction using a Semi-Automated Screw Expeller for Coating Applications
Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) oil is a renewable feedstock for eco-friendly coatings due to its high oxidative stability and bioactive content. Its industrial adoption in sub-Saharan Africa is limited by low extraction efficiency and variable quality. This study optimized oil recovery using a locally developed semi-automated expeller integrating microwave-assisted pre-treatment with mechanical pressing. A Box–Behnken design within Response Surface Methodology assessed the influence of moisture content (4–12%), microwave duration (2–4 min), feed rate (10–20 kg/h), and screw speed (20–60 rpm) on yield and oil quality. Models exhibited excellent predictive accuracy (R² > 0.99, p < 0.0001), identifying optimal conditions of 7.23% moisture, 2.93 min microwave exposure, 14.68 kg/h feed rate, and 39.65 rpm screw speed, producing 40.43% oil. The extracted oil demonstrated low acid (3.29 mg KOH/g) and peroxide values (2.25 meq O₂/kg), moderate iodine value (83.0 g I₂/100 g), high oxidative stability (6.5 h), thermal resistance (248.5°C), and retained unsaturated and bioactive compounds. The process improved yield, energy efficiency, and processing time, highlighting neem oil’s suitability for sustainable coatings and circular bioeconomy applications.
Assessment of Microbial Dynamics in Soil under Peroxide-Aeration Treated Cassava Effluent: Impacts on Soil Health and Potential Plant Productivity
This study assessed the impact of cassava processing effluent (CPE) treated via peroxide aeration on microbial soil dynamics, and its potential impact on plant productivity. Soil microbial counts, and soil respiration were examined under raw wastewater and peroxide-aeration combination treated effluent dilutions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The initial soil bacterial load in the soil of 3.20 x 108 CFU/g soil was increased to 8.90 x 108 CFU/g soil in raw wastewater, while dilutions using treated effluent exhibited modest increases from 6.55 to 6.69 x 108 CFU/g soil. The same pattern was observed in fungal populations, which increased from 3.00 to 64.00 x 108 CFU/g soil under raw wastewater and 18.6 to 19.00 x 108 CFU/g soil under dilution treatments. Soil respiration increased from 10.35 to 13.40 mg CO₂-kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ under the 50% dilution, indicating enhanced microbial activity. These results showed that reuse of cassava effluent can enhance soil microbial activities central to nutrient cycling and soil fertility. However, the highest microbial population and respiration under raw wastewater point toward the possibility of hazards such as microbial imbalance and toxic compounds like cyanide build-up. The moderate dilution levels, especially 50%, provided a compromise between stimulation of microbial activity and minimization of negative effects, which is aligned with sustainable agricultural management practice. It is concluded that careful dilution management of peroxide-aerated cassava effluent is key to maximizing soil health benefits while minimizing risks.
Prediction of Optimal Dosage of Rice Husk Ash in Blended Cement for Production of Hollow Sandcrete Blocks Using Response Surface Methodology
Rice Husk Ash (RHA) is a supplementary cementing material which is obtained through the combustion of rice husk. It is capable of replacing Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) up to 30%, depending on its degree of pozzolanic activity but it is deficient in early age strength development. Based on this, this study predicted the optimum replacement content of PLC with RHA for production of Hollow Sandcrete Blocks (HSB) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) at 90 days curing age of the HSB. HSB of sizes 450 x 225 x 225 mm, and 450 x 150 x 225 mm were produced using mix ratio 1:6 and 1:8, respectively. A total number of two hundred and eighty-eight blocks were produced and the properties (Density, Compressive Strength (CS), Water Absorption Capacity and Abrasion) of the HSB were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA of the models of the chosen variables (RHA fi neness and contents) indicate a signifi cant level at p < 0.0001 (which is lesser than 0.05) for all the responses (Density, CS, WAC and Abrasion). For sustainable use of RHA as substitute of PLC in HSB, 34% RHA content was predicted by the response surface methodology model.
Design And Analysis of a Solar-Powered E-Bike Charging System to Advance Innovation in Green Technologies
In the face of climate change and the urgent need for sustainable practices, higher education institutions play a critical role in driving innovation in green technologies. This paper presents an approach to the design of a solar-powered e-bike charging system tailored for university campuses. With rising concerns about environmental sustainability, the work focuses on reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean mobility solutions on university campuses. The design accommodates specifications for a 6 km radius surrounding the school, a two-day lifespan, and 100 electric bicycles. The experiment's findings indicate that the solar-powered e-bike design requires 99 solar panels with a capacity of 150 Wp, 9 SSCs with a capacity of 100 A, and three inverters with a capacity of 2,500 W. Simulations were carried out to assess energy efficiency, system capacity, and potential environmental impact. The results indicate that the proposed system can provide consistent, renewable energy for e-bike charging, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of campus commuting. Additionally, the design offers scalability and adaptability to other institutional settings, presenting opportunities for broader adoption. This paper highlights the potential of student-led innovation in driving sustainable infrastructure within higher education. It is projected that this device will reduce exhaust emissions by 7.62 tons of CO2 per year once it is entirely operated.
Economic Feasibility of Rice Husk Ash Blended Cement: Cost, Energy and Market Impacts in Nigerian Cement Production
Cement production contributes an estimated 7-8% of global CO₂ emissions, largely due to energy-intensive clinker manufacture. In addition, rising electricity tariffs in Nigeria and increasing cement demand highlight the urgency for low-carbon, cost-effective alternatives. Rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural by-product rich in amorphous silica, presents a viable supplementary cementitious material capable of reducing clinker use, energy consumption, and production cost. In this study, RHA sourced from a rice mill in Offa, Nigeria, was characterized using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and loss-on-ignition analyses to verify chemical suitability. Portland limestone cement clinker was partially replaced with 10-50% RHA, and grinding energy was measured across incremental batches and scaled to per-ton requirements. Cost modeling incorporated clinker price (₦97,500/ton), electricity tariff (₦209.50/kWh), and a conversion factor of 21 bags per ton, while sensitivity analysis evaluated clinker prices (₦82,500.00-₦120,000.00) and electricity tariffs (₦150-₦300/kWh). RHA exhibited strong pozzolanic characteristics (SiO₂ = 84.14%; Al₂O₃ = 3.35%; Fe₂O₃= 1.02%; 73.27% amorphous content). Grinding energy decreased significantly from 221.68 kWh/ton (M0) to 104.86 kWh/ton (M50). Production cost per bag declined from ₦6,854.38 for the control to ₦3,367.53 for M50, with corresponding reductions in estimated market price from ₦9,500 to ₦6,013. Long-term compressive strength improved at moderate substitution levels, with the M30 blend achieving 68.6 MPa at 360 days, outperforming the control (67.8 MPa). Sensitivity results indicated robust cost savings of ₦850.00-₦4,200.00 per bag across market conditions. Overall, RHA-blended cements demonstrate substantial economic and environmental advantages, confirming RHA as a feasible SCM for large-scale adoption in Nigeria.
Structures and Materials area of Civil Engineering
Cyberbullying Detection Using Linear Discriminant Analysis and Glove Feature
Because of the exponential rise in social media users, cyberbullying has developed as a form of bullying via electronic messages. Given the effects that cyberbullying has on its victims, it is critical to determine the best ways to recognize and stop it. The study used glove features and linear discriminant analysis to improve cyberbullying detection. The Twitter dataset was developed to help in algorithm development and evaluation. The high-dimensional data was projected into a linearly separable feature space that is ideal for downstream classifiers by using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) on the GloVe vectors. The Python environment is used to evaluate research experiments. A number of performance metrics were used, such as the F1 score, accuracy, recall, and precision. The findings show that the Support Vector Machine outperformed the other classifier methods, including Random Forest, SVM, Naïve Bayes, and K-NearestNeigbor, with an accuracy of 99.7%. Using the Twitter dataset, the study found that Glove Feature and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) perform better in extracting bullying tweets.
A Survey of Machine Learning Approach in Fractional Frequency Reuse in 5G Network
Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR) has emerged as a key interference mitigation technique for improving throughput and spectral efficiency in fifth-generation (5G) heterogeneous networks (HetNet), particularly in dense femtocell deployments. However, conventional FFR schemes rely on static or heuristic-based configurations that struggle to adapt to dynamic traffic patterns and complex interference conditions. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques have been increasingly explored to enhance the adaptability and intelligence of FFR mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of machine learning based approaches applied to FFR in 5G networks, with a focus on interference mitigation, throughput enhancement, and Quality of Service (QoS) improvement for cell-edge and indoor users. The study systematically reviews existing ML-driven FFR frameworks, categorizing them based on learning paradigms, network architectures, performance metrics, and deployment scenarios. Key findings reveal that reinforcement learning and deep learning methods are the most widely adopted due to their ability to operate under uncertain and time-varying network conditions. Furthermore, this survey identifies critical research gaps, including scalability challenges, limited real-time implementations, and insufficient consideration of heterogeneous traffic demands. By highlighting recent advances and open research directions, this work provides valuable insights for the development of intelligent, adaptive frequency reuse strategies for future 5G and beyond wireless networks.
Effect of Different Sugars on Mass Transfer and Cell Integrity of Osmo-Dehydrofrozen Garden Egg
Fast freezing methods like osmotic dehydrofreezing (ODF) have gained tremendous research interest worldwide. Meanwhile, plant cell structures are often altered when exposed to hypertonic sugar solutions during the ODF process. This study investigated the effect of different sugars on mass transfer, and cell integrity of garden eggs that were frozen using ODF. Garden egg slices, with dimensions of 1 × 1 × 1 cm, were pretreated with sucrose and glucose solutions in a water bath at osmotic solution concentrations and temperatures of 55 and 65oBrixand 30 and 35°C, respectively for 10 minutes. The treated and untreated (control) samples were frozen at -12 oC. The effects of the pretreatment on mass transfer indices, including water loss, solid gain, and drip loss, were observed using standard methods. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to study the effect of sugar-induced ice crystal imprints on the microstructure of optimized osmo-dehydrated frozen samples. The results showed that sucrose solution at 65 oBrix and solution temperature of 35oC significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreases drip loss by 91%, whereas glucose solution at the same premixes decreases drip loss by 28% when compared with the untreated samples. In addition, samples treated with sucrose solution showed lower water loss and higher solid gain and exhibited stable cells when compared with the samples treated with glucose solution and untreated ones. In conclusion, sucrose solution is the most suitable for the osmodehydrofreezing of garden egg for the food industry.
Performance Optimization of an Improved Cassava Mash Sifting Machine
Mechanized cassava processing is important in improving food quality and reducing manual labour in rural and semi-industrial applications. The optimization of an improved cassava mash sifting machine using a general full factorial design (GFFD) to enhance its operational efficiency was investigated. In this research, the response variable (viz. sifting efficiency) was analyzed with respect to two critical operational factors: cassava mash mass and operational time. A 3² factorial experimental design with three replicates per treatment was used, resulting in 27 experimental runs. The experiments were conducted at the Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute (NSPRI), Port Harcourt Zonal Office. The machine was tested using mash masses of 30 kg, 60 kg, and 90 kg at operational times of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 hours. Data were subjected to statistical analysis, including two-way ANOVA, regression modeling, and response optimization using MINITAB 21 software. The results indicated that both mash mass and time of operation had significant effects (p < 0.05) on sifting efficiency. The optimal sifting efficiency was recorded at a mash mass of 30 kg and a time of 0.6 hours. The multiple linear regression model developed showed high predictive accuracy with R² = 99.10%, Adjusted R² = 98.54%, and Predicted R² = 97.45%. The optimization analysis also yielded a high composite desirability value of 0.991, validating the model’s reliability. This study for process of optimization in cassava mash sifting operations and offers a framework for improving mechanized food processing systems in developing regions.
Optimization of Some Operational Parameters to Improve Tractor Fuel Usage Efficiency
General Full Factorial Design (GFFD) methodology was used to optimize tractor fuel usage during ridging operations. The study assesses how fuel consumption per ridged area is affected by two important operational parameters: tractor forward speed and ridge height. A 72-hp tractor and a 6-disc ridger were used in the field tests, and a DFM 100CD fuel flow meter was used to gather data in order to guarantee accurate fuel measurement. Three forward speeds (5 km/h, 7 km/h, and 9 km/h) and three ridge heights (0.10 m, 0.20 m, and 0.30 m) were systematically evaluated; each combination was reproduced to guarantee statistical reliability. MINITAB 19 software was used for the statistical analysis and experimental design. ANOVA, main and interaction effects, residual diagnostics, multiple linear regression modelling, and model adequacy checks were among the analyses. The results showed that fuel consumption is greatly influenced by both forward speed and ridge height, with the lowest value (6.27 L/ha) recorded at a forward speed of 5 km/h and ridge height of 0.10 m. With r2, adjusted r2, and predicted r2 all hitting 100%, the created regression model demonstrated exceptional prediction performance, demonstrating the model's dependability. These conclusions were supported by optimization analysis employing composite desirability functions, which also offered a statistically sound framework for making decisions. According to the study's findings, choosing operational parameters to improve fuel efficiency in agricultural field operations can be successfully guided by GFFD
Design and Analysis of a Circular and Rectangular 3.5 GHz Patch Antenna for Wireless Application
This work presents the development and performance evaluation of rectangular and circular patch antennas designed for 3.5 GHz wireless communication applications. Both antenna structures were developed using FR-4, a low-cost dielectric material, offering a relative permittivity of 4.3 and a substrate depth dimension of 1.65 mm. The antennas were excited through a quarter-wave transformer and their behavior was examined through CST Microwave Studio. According to the obtained simulation results, the rectangular patch achieves resonance at 3.5 GHz, providing a value of −32.8 dB as the return loss, 1.04 as the VSWR, 115.6 MHz bandwidth, and a value of 7.06 dBi as the directivity gain. In comparison, the circular patch antenna achieves a value of −32.2 dB as the return loss, 1.05 VSWR, 110.28 MHz bandwidth, and a value of 6.92 dBi as the directivity gain. A performance comparison with existing 3.5 GHz antenna designs documented in existing research confirms that the proposed designs offer superior impedance matching and enhanced performance, positioning them as strong candidates for current wireless communication technologies