In this paper, the electric distribution network expansion planning problem (EDNEPP) was solved by a mixed binary integer programming (MBIP) formulation of the network, where the steady-state operation of the network was modelled with non-linear mathematical expressions. The non-linear terms are linearized, using piecewise linearization of the nonlinear expressions, so as to ensure the model computational compatibility with existing commercial optimization solvers. The linearized formulation is verified to ensure its solution optimality and degree of error deviation. The proposed network model formulation considers the alternatives of installation of new transformers of various capacities to reinforce already existing ones at substations of the network, choosing and construction of new substations given feasible locations, re-conductoring of existing feeders in the network, construction of new feeders given various conductor types alternatives, cost lost as a result of power interruption, and changes in the overall network topology. The cost of interruption would contain a cost term called 'cost of goodwill', which was brought into the model formulation, to measure the loss in confidence of consumers to distributors of power as a result of interrupted power supply, which is prevalent in developing nations. Two test systems of 23 and 54 nodes was used in showing the efficiency of the proposed network model formulation.

This research involves measuring maintenance productivity and seeks to measure how maintenance of equipment affects the overall productivity of the company. The Stewart Utility Concept was used along with a scaling factor. Performance measures were identified and their values were obtained. Five productivity ratios were employed to obtain the overall maintenance productivity. Results from the graphs showed that Equipment Availability was 78.32%; Emergency Failure Intensity Ratio was 28.4%; Maintenance Cost Component was 32.39/btl; Cost of Maintenance hour was N125, 081/hr; Routine Service Worked was 92.03% and Cost of Reduction was 5.32hr/N. The overall maintenance productivity of the period under review was fairly good though there is room for improvement. Average overall maintenance productivity was found to be 63.2%. This is an indication that there were evaluations and review of maintenance productivity within the period.

Huntington’s disease (HD) which usually affects the patients at middle age results from malfunctioning of the basal ganglia. It is characterized by cognitive impairment, involuntary movements, neuropsychiatric and psychological disturbances. Early motor signs of Huntington’s disease typically include the gradual onset of clumsiness, balance difficulties, and brief, random, fidgeting movements. A popular approach to solving symptoms arising from HD has been through the administration of drugs. But drugs debase human activities, thus the application of electroconvulsive therapy. This work proposes a genetic algorithmic (GA) simulation of chorea in HD patient as a pedestal for the design of a therapeutic device aimed at managing the phenomenon. Earlier efforts have led us to the formulation of such models in recent past. We also compared the GA model with our foremost effort: the electromechanical model, and we observe that the GA model adequately capture the physiological presentation of gait phenomenon in Huntington’s disease. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.37

The bane of optical network is multiuser interference as a result of codewords overlap from different nodes simultaneously transmitting. Transmission scheduling is a good interference avoidance scheme which helps prevent throughput degradation at high offered load in an optical code division multiple access local area network. Interference avoidance consists of state estimation and transmission scheduling. This work examines different scheduling algorithms and parameter variations. This work investigated the performance of three scheduling algorithms (Pure Selfish Scheduling, Threshold Scheduling and Overlap Section Scheduling) against the ALOHA CDMA and our novel Hybrid-Hybridized Overlap and Threshold Scheduling-HOT algorithms using the modified padded prime codeset. The performance of the scheduling algorithms are measured in terms of its normalized network throughput, packet error rate and the average number of codewords allow into the line against the normalized offered load. The analysis shows that under this condition, the Hybridized Overlap-Threshold scheduling perform best and has throughputs as high as the 52 % with nearly zero packet error rate while the nonscheduled algorithm produce a throughput as low as 10 % and very high error rate at maximum offered load. Overall, the Threshold Scheduling and HOT algorithm are head to head B 'Ladi Ogunwolu and performed best in terms of normalized network throughput, however the HOT scheduling is best in terms of the packet error rate. Analysis also shows that the throughput is not affected by changes in codeset length and the mean packet size but it is affected by changes in the codeset weight. The study also analyzes the performance of the network under a bimodal packet distribution and with the Prime code codeset family. Optical Orthogonal Codeset and the Prime codeset family are used in the study under the assumption of perfect state estimation; that all nodes have the same view of the network and the transmission lines and the distance between the nodes and the central star coupler is assumed to be zero. A novel hybrid Scheduling Algorithm, the HOT Scheduling which proved better than traditional Scheduling Algorithms is peddled here.

Ideally, teaching curricula are designed to exude some learning behavioural outcomes in students. When students are examined through oral, practical and or theoretical evaluation schemes in examinations, the primary objective is to measure the relative extent to which students can exude the desired behavioural outcomes. Thus it is important that appropriate means and expressions are employed in assessment to measure learning. Based on an averageoccurrence-rating scale, a set of Action verbs of the classical Bloom's taxonomy were used in this study in assessing the level of learning outcomes required in each of 21 Engineering Core Course examination-questions used. Rates were computed for Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation levels of the Bloom's Taxonomy. Marginalized One-Factor Statistical experiments and randomized two-factor Statistical experiments were designed using the rates computed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique was used to test within-and betweentreatments variations of the differences of means for the six Bloom's taxonomy levels using hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance for each of the experimental design scenarios. Analyzed results show significant differences in course ratings at different Bloom taxonomy levels and significances in differences in ratings of the taxonomy for different courses. Group tests of hypotheses on differences of mean-ratings for the courses show significance. The study brings to light the need for examiners in these courses to put more effort in upper levels of behavioural outcomes especially on Synthesis and Evaluation which are germane for training of good Engineers.