Moisture sorption isotherms describe the relationship between moisture content and water activity in food. In this study, adsorption and desorption isotherms for baobab fruit pulp powder was investigated. Static gravimetric method for adsorption and desorption over the range of temperature (27-42 oC) and water activity (aw) (0.10-0.80) was used. The experimental data were compared with four recommended models in the literature for food sorption isotherms (GAB, modified Oswin (MOE), modified Henderson (MHDE), and modified Chung-Pfost (MCE). Equilibrium moisture contents decreased with increase in temperature at all the water activity levels studied. The differences between the adsorption and desorption curves were significant at p<0.05 and the hysteresis loops were affected by temperature. GAB model was found to be suitable for predicting the moisture sorption isotherms for baobab fruit pulp powder. Results obtained from this study showed the relationship between temperature and water activity as it affects the shelf life of baobab fruit pulp powder.

This paper presents Hausa WordNet (HWN), a lexical resource for Hausa language. The HWN extracts knowledge from a conventional Hausa dictionary and adopts a substructure of English and Hindi WordNet as it groups words based on different categories. The HWN Introduces pronunciation and the use of close class categories (CCC) to address the problem of missing pronunciation and coverage from existing WordNets. HWN is evaluated in comparison with existing WordNets (English and Hindi). The performance results show that HWN performs better in terms of pronunciation and CCC.

A high resolution aeromagnetic data of southeastern part of Sokoto basin comprising (sheet 28), (sheet 29), (sheet 50) and (sheet 51) was subjected to spectral depth analysis using Oasis Montaj and interpreted in order to determine its hydrocarbon potentials of the area. The study area covered latitudes 12° 00'-13° 00'N and longitudes 4° 30'-5° 30'E with an estimated total area of about 12100 km2. Qualitative interpretation was done by visual inspection of the total magnetic intensity (TMI) map, regional and residual maps. NW and SE main trends was observed in the TMI. The 3-D surface map also showed a linear depression with sedimentary accumulation trending E-W. Spectral depth estimates revealed two depth sources with the deep sources ranging from 0.76 km to 2.46 km, while the shallow depth sources ranges from 0.450 km - 0.967 km. High sedimentary thickness of over 2.46 km was observed around Shagari and Dange at the Northern part of the study area. The area of maximum sedimentary thickness could serve as a possible reserve for hydrocarbon accumulation.

This work is aimed at interpreting the Aeromagnetic data over Malumfashi area of Northwestern, Nigeria to delineate structures responsible for emplacing mineral deposits in the area. The Aeromagnetic data was interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively using Oasis montaj version 6.4. First vertical derivative, Analytical signal, Source Parameter Imaging (SPI), Potent dyke analysis and Euler deconvolution interpretation techniques were applied in the study. Analytic signal map revealed The qualitative interpretation applied helps enhance linear features at the expense of deep intrusive bodies like lineaments and fault zones which trend Northeast Southwest (NE- SW) in the study area and also indicated distinct pattern of magnetic signatures independent of magnetization direction with amplitude ranging from 0.01 – 0.30 nT/m. The upward continuation performed at 2 Km sharpened clearly the edges of the anomalies of geological interest. Depth obtained by SPI ranged from 161.142 to 576.339 m, this gives approximate depth to source of magnetic signatures in the area. Deep-seated and shallow bodies are observed in the Western and Eastern parts respectively of the area. The depth obtained for the potent dyke analysis is approximately 1000 m with susceptibility value of 0.0100 SI signifying Marble. The relative strike angle of the Dyke Model is (-56.2 degrees), this depth value for potent Dyke analysis agrees considerably with the depth values obtained for Euler deconvolution having a depth range of 149.2 to 1155.5 m. Conclusively, it is suspected that those linear features trending northeast southwest in the area are the potential structures for the emplacement of mineral deposits such as marble.

Water resources are a favorable guarantee for the economic and social development of a region. Utilization efficiency of water resources is of great significance for formulating rational water resources strategy. In this paper, a gray target model is weighted by the synthesized integration weight method which combines the order relation and the entropy weight. Through the construction of evaluation index system for sustainable utilization of regional water resources, the comprehensive evaluation of water resources utilization in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in 2016 was carried out. The results show that: (1) the water consumption structure of Beijing and Tianjin is relatively balanced, while Hebei Province shows typical characteristics of agricultural cities. The agricultural water footprint accounts for more than 90% of the total water footprint, followed by residential water, industrial water and ecological water. (2) In 2016, the total water footprint of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region showed a distribution pattern with Beijing as the center, surrounded by all sides, and the distribution pattern of the center was high and low. The sustainable utilization level of water resources concentrates on the middle and poor grades, and there is still room for improvement.

This paper utilizes weak-form variational principle to determine the nonlinear natural frequencies of highly clamped rectangular isotropic plates. The energy functional was formulated using weak-form variational statement on the integral function of the plate problem. The displacement functions were developed based on static deflections of orthogonal beam network. The algebraic expression for stress function was determined using direct integration process on compatibility equation. The amplitude of deflection which influences the geometric nonlinearity of the plate was determined using integration process on energy functional based on static equilibrium equations. The stiffness and mass matrices were developed from the expressions of energy functional based on dynamic equilibrium equations. The nonlinear natural frequencies were numerically computed. The validation of the results using the results from previous work found in literature shows satisfactory convergence, with an error of 0.034%. Conclusively, weak-form variational principle gives satisfactory approximation to nonlinear vibration analysis of rectangular isotropic plates.

Recently, cultural way of life of nomadic societies have been challenged by active forces of globalization and urban transformation in the Arab world and, namely, in the State of Qatar. The adaptable practices of the Nomads in the city are seen through modern manifestations, representing a counter process of urban growth that is more local-oriented, inward and responsive to socio-cultural way of life of indigenous societies. This research study attempts to contemplate the aspects of urban transformation of the nomadic society in Qatar through the investigation of a specific urban element: the tent. The question of the research revolves around the following: How does the tent as a unit of investigation evolve responding to the behavioural, spatial and socio-cultural transformations of the nomadic society in Qatar? Through field study and participatory observation, the unit of investigation is studied. Remarkable reference to the Bedouin cultural way of life establishes the basis for the construct of a national identity in Qatar, not only to the sub-cultural tribal communities but also the whole society with its diverse components. This strategy is expected to be socially sustainable, ensuring the ability of the Qatari society to face the challenges of the urban future in a resilient and peaceful way.