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Volume 6 Number 7 July 2020

Usability Engineering, Human Computer Interaction and Allied Sciences: With Reference to its Uses and Potentialities in Agricultural Sectors—A Scientific Report


Authors: P. K. Paul ; R. R. Sinha ; Pappachan Baby ; K. S. Shivraj ; Bashiru Aremu ; S. Mewada
Pages: 71-78
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/sr.67.71.78
Abstract
Human Computer Interaction is actually responsible for the designing of the computing technologies keeping in mind the aspects of Interaction. Some of the fields viz. Man-Machine Interaction (MMI), User Experience Designing, User Experience Design, Human Centered Designing etc and importantly all these systems and technologies  are  dedicated to the designing of interface of various tools and systems such as computers, laptops, electronic systems, smart phones etc. Information Technology field is growing rapidly and there are various technologies  are increasing viz. Big Data Management, Cloud Computing, Green Computing, Data Science, Internet of Things (IoT), HCI, Usability Engineering etc. Usability Engineering is gaining as a field of study as well and dedicated in creation of the higher usability and user friendliness of the electronic tools and products. In this field few aspects and technologies are most important and emerging viz. Human cognition, behavioral Research  Methods, Quantitative techniques etc for  the development of usability systems. Designing, implementation, usability even in multimedia material viz. audio-video may also practice in the Usability Engineering and allied fields. Wireframes including few other prototypes are required in maintaining of the better and healthy man and machine interaction. As the field is growing therefore, it is applicable in other sectors and allied areas and among these agriculture is important one. In agricultural sector different applications of information technologies are increasing and among this Usability Engineering and HCI are important one. In pre production and also in post production; directly and indirectly this technology is emerging and growing. This paper talks about the basics of this technologies and also its current and future technologies with reference to academic potentialities of this branch in Agricultural Informatics programs.

Concentration Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Kolo Creek Niger-Delta Nigeria


Authors: Uzoekwe S. A. ; Ikpesu T. O.
Pages: 62-70
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/sr.67.62.70
Abstract
The ecological risk assessment of 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in water and sediments of Kolo creek, Niger Delta Nigeria was assessed the samples were collected from November, 2018 to June, 2019 from seven locations (A-G) along the creek. The samples were extracted using standard methods and analyzed using gas chromatography (model: HP5890 S). The concentrations of the PAHs in the water and sediment samples ranged between 0.000 - 9.239 µ/L and .002 – 374.35µg/Kg respectively. All the compounds analyzed were detected in all the sampling places, even area far from the flow stations. Hence, the urban runoffs, sewage discharges, and agricultural activities are implicated. Four rings hydrocarbon were present in higher concentration when compared to other PAHs in all sampling sites, with benz (a)anthracene having the highest values in both matrixes. Similarly, lower molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were present in lower concentrations in all sampling sites and they are known to exhibit higher lethal toxicity than the larger PAHs. HMW were present in high concentrations than LMW and are persistent in the environment as a result of their increase resistance to oxidation, reduction and vaporization as molecular weight increases. Similarly, The PAFs of the investigated creek is less than 5%, suggesting existences of minor ecological risks that are insignificance. However, the TEQs detected in high molecular weight showed that there is possibility of cancer to those who may be exposed to the bottom sediment. The indices measured in this habitat may put more pressures to the aquatic organisms and cause drastic changes to their ecosystem which may lead to species extinction.

Volume Fractions of Tantalum Carbides Deduced from the Ta Contents in the Matrix of Three 1250°C–Aged Cobalt–Based Alloys; Comparison with Thermodynamic Calculations


Authors: Patrice Berthod
Pages: 53-61
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/sr.67.53.61
Abstract
Some superalloys for service at high temperature under stresses are strengthened by tantalum carbides. Their creep resistance depends on the quantity of TaC and this is the reason why it is often important to control the volume fraction of these carbides in the microstructure. Metallographic preparation followed by electron imaging and surface fraction measurements by image analysis is a frequent way for that. Another possibility is to deduce the mass fraction of TaC, and after their volume fraction, from the chemical composition of the matrix when the alloys are only double–phased, on the {matrix + TaC} type. In this work three alloys – chemically designed to be made exclusively of matrix and TaC – were elaborated and isothermally exposed to an elevated temperature for a duration long enough to allow the alloys being at their thermodynamic equilibria. The chemical compositions of the alloy and of its matrix were measured and the results allowed evaluating their TaC mass fractions which were converted in volume fractions. The obtained TaC fractions were compared to results issued from thermodynamic calculations. Good agreement was found for the three alloys, and this allowed to exploit the used software and thermodynamic database to explore further the microstructures at the same high temperature, notably to know the conditions on the Co, Ni, Cr, Ta and C contents to keep the {matrix + TaC} structure and to avoid any possible partial melting.