European Journal of Technology

IOT Monitoring Systems in Fish Farming Case Study:” University of Rwanda Fish Farming and Research Station (Ur-FFRs)”

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: Fish farming refers to the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish. It involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions. The purpose of this research is to provide a solution to the fish farmer by developing an application that would be easy to monitor water quality during the fish farming process. This will help the fish farmers to intervene timely, and therefore increase their production. The design and implementation of IoT Monitoring Systems in Fish farming helps to observe the farming system remotely by using different sensors for the water parameters. The research focused on developing a system for real time monitoring of culture tank water quality as a proof of concept and testing the basic functionalities of the system.

Methodology: The research adopted the Rapid application methodology, which was deemed best due to its iterative approach to applications development as it also delivers systems faster at a lower cost in time-constrained projects. This methodology was suitable for our research given the time constraints in developing the application. Secondary data was used to determine the water quality aspects that require monitoring. Interviewing the operators of the culture tank also provided information on what should be incorporated in the model. by developing an application that would be easy to monitor water quality during the fish farming process. The application dashboard is the graphical user interface that the users shall use to interact with application components.

Findings: This research proposes a solution, which is a real-time culture tank (hatchery) water quality-monitoring model, which utilizes a web application that shall be adopted by the staff of the University of Rwanda Fish Farming and Research Station and farmers. The model utilizes the IoT concept, which enables information gathering about water quality through the corresponding sensors. The status of the water quality aspects shall then be relayed on a real-time basis through a cloud platform. The farmer can then act based on the information provided, or the model can act on the farmer's behalf based on predetermined actions. The model's data can be extracted and analysed in a variety of different ways.

Recommendations: This research contributed in developing a technological solution for real time monitoring water quality aspects of culture tank (hatchery) that can be adopted by fish farmers in Rwasave Fish Farming and Research Station by providing them with real time data whenever they are within or away from the culture tank (hatchery) site. This helps to eliminate or minimize the risk of losing fish and wastages due late interventions.it was validated by supervisors of the project.

Alarming Increase in Electronic Gadget Usage among Students during a Layer of the Global Pandemic

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: This study aims to determine the association between the usage of electronic gadgets on students’ physical health and cognitive skills. As COVID-19 indicated extensive use of technology, the main outcome of this study is to intervene in the impact of electronic gadgets either positive or negative on student life.

Methodology: Over 01 year (Feb 21 to Jan 22), this Quantitative- Analytical Cross-sectional study was conducted at Indus University of Health and science, Korangi Crossing, Karachi. Students of three academic departments of the university participated in the study i.e., Indus College of Allied Health Sciences, Indus College of Physical Therapy, and College of Nursing. Sample size of 170 with the margin of error as 4.6% and 95% confidence level. Both male and female age group between (16 to 35) active user of social media and electronic gadgets was enrolled in study from any discipline (nursing, allied health, biosciences, medical technology etc.). Any person with mental and physical disorder previously diagnosed or under any psychological treatment or medication was not included in the study

Findings: 35 participants (20.5 %) average time spent on a smartphone is 1 to 4 hours and 135 participants (79%) average time spent on a smartphone is more than 4 hours. Statistical significance was found for cervical pain & fatigue with more time spent on a smartphone.

Recommendations: The present study highlights one public health issue because nowadays exposure to electronic gadgets is increasing day by day and in our society, youth are getting high exposure.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Chatbot Technology: A Study on the Current Advancements and Leading Innovations

Farhan Aslam — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact on various industries, and one prominent domain where its influence is evident is in chatbot technology. Chatbots, computer programs designed to simulate human conversation, have evolved significantly through the advancements in AI, becoming more sophisticated and intelligent. This research paper aims to explore the current state of AI-powered chatbot technology, focusing on the latest advancements and leading innovations. The study delves into the application of natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, machine learning models, and deep learning techniques in chatbot development to gain insights into their capabilities and limitations. The research also highlights leading innovations in AI-powered chatbot technology, such as virtual assistants and voice-enabled chatbots. These conversational agents have transformed various industries, providing innovative solutions to virtual reference services and customer-company interactions. The study delves into the contextual understanding and personalized responses that chatbots can provide, offering tailored interactions to meet users' specific needs and preferences. Furthermore, the integration of other technologies, including speech recognition and sentiment analysis, enhances chatbot capabilities, improving user satisfaction and engagement. However, while AI-powered chatbots have enhanced user experiences, customer satisfaction, and efficiency in industries like customer support and service, they also raise potential ethical and privacy concerns. Medical chatbots, in particular, pose legal and ethical challenges that require careful management and the development of appropriate ethical frameworks. Understanding the advancements, innovations, and impact of AI on chatbot technology is essential for recognizing the potential benefits and challenges these systems present. By addressing ethical and privacy concerns, chatbots can responsibly shape the future of human-computer interactions, further contributing to the broader understanding of AI's role in transforming industries and enhancing user experiences.

Characterisation and Performance of Nigerian Kaolin and Metakaolin in Geopolymer Synthesis

Maria Kaka Etete Enoh, Ekanem Benedict Agbonko, Milliscent Orok Ededet — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0300

This study is aimed at characterising and understanding the mechanical and microstructural behaviour of natural and calcined kaolin clay for geopolymer applications. The clay samples obtained from Kaduna State, Northern area of Nigeria, were calcined within the temperature range of 700 and 900^oC and are represented by MK7, MK8 and MK9. The raw kaolin and metakaolin were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To produce geopolymer binders, the precursors were reacted with a 1:1 combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution and a precursor to activator ratio of 1.2 was suitable for preparation. The compressive strength of the samples was determined at three testing age of 7, 14 and 28 days. From the results obtained, the kaolin-based geopolymer generally had a long setting time and testing was impossible at the 7-day testing age. The compressive strength of other samples however, increased with increase in the calcination temperature. The values obtained at the maximum testing age of 28 days for all samples fall between 5.1 -14.9 MPa. The scanning electron microscope morphology of the produced binder, show the presence of air trapped in the paste which may have reduced the strength value. Vibrating samples before setting can improve the performance of the geopolymer binders by removing most of the trapped air. Geopolymers produced from this study based on strength obtained, can be used in less critical areas of the construction industry.