Engineering and Technology

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Comparison of SWAT and HEC-HMS model performance in simulating catchment runof
(Journal of Applied Water Engineering and Research, 2023) Sempewo, Jotham Ivan; Twite, Daniel; Nyenje, Philip; Mugume, Seith N.
Globally, surface water sources are important sources of drinking water and knowledge on their availability and sustainability is important for their protection. Such studies in data-poor regions are very limited. This paper compares the performance of SWAT and HEC-HMS in the event and continuous modeling of rainfall–runoff in two tropical catchments, a low laying and a mountainous one. Model calibration and validation were done using observed streamflow data at Busiu station for Manafwa and at Sezibwa falls for Sezibwa for the period 2000–2013. The results were compared based on objective functions and also the t-test was used to test the statistical significance of the difference in performance. The results show that HEC-HMS performed better than SWAT in Manafwa catchment (p = .003 and p = .000 during calibration and validation, respectively) while in Sezibwa the difference in model performance was not statistically significant (p = .63) although, during calibration, HEC-HMS performed better (p = .01).
Effectiveness of Technological Options for Minimizing Production Risks Under Variable Climatic Conditions in Eastern Uganda
(African Crop Science Journal, 2014) Kansiime, K.M.; Shisanya, A.C.; Wambugu, K.S.
This study employed the Just and Pope stochastic production frontier to assess the effectiveness of farmerpreferred technologies in reducing production risk related to climate variability in Eastern Uganda. Data for this study were obtained from 315 households, 9 focus group discussions and 23 key informants drawn from Mbale, Pallisa and Sironko districts. Results show that farmers employed a number of technologies/practices strategically in response to seasonal variations in climatic conditions. Most of the technologies showed significant positive impacts on mean yield, but had different risk-reducing effects on yield. Changing sowing dates and crop varieties, soil bunds, compost manure, cover crops, crop rotation and intercropping showed significant (P<0.05) riskreducing effects on yield. However, their effects varied across agro-ecological zone, except soil bunds and compost manure whose use consistently exhibited both yield-increasing and risk-reducing effects across all the agro-ecologies. Farmer perceptions of technology effectiveness, to some extent, agreed with econometric evidence from this study. Study results have two implications: firstly, the need to develop and disseminate location specific adaptation technologies to reduce production risks, instead of blanket recommendations of similar adaptation measures across locations; and secondly, the need to focus not only on the technical aspects of technologies, but also the social dimensions such as perceptions of smallholder farmers of technology effectiveness, if adoption and retention of adaptation technologies is to be enhanced. Development and research organisations promoting adaptation options should involve farmers in technology evaluation so as to recommend the most feasible options given farmers’ situations and local perceptions.
Component-based Development of Software Language Engineering Tools
(International Journal of Computing and ICT Research, 2011) Ssanyu, Jackline; Kees, Hemerick
In this paper we outline how Software Language Engineering (SLE) could benefit from Component-based Software Development (CBSD) techniques and present an architecture aimed at developing a coherent set of lightweight SLE components, fitting into a general-purpose component framework. In order to give an impression on our development style, in this paper we demonstrate how to compose a syntax highlighter from a set of available SLE components using the NetBeans environment. Developing SLE tools as lightweight components that fit into general-purpose frameworks has advantages over the usual trend in which SLE tool development is towards large special-purpose frameworks. It facilitates incorporation of language processing tasks into all kinds of applications and makes SLE techniques available to occasional or first-time users with little effort.
Library users’ attitudes towards Virtual Library and Information Services in Ugandan public and private universities
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2023) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
Technological advancements, innovations, research, changing user needs, and online education have significantly affected traditional libraries. The 21st-century has engendered library users who seldom visit physical libraries but rely on alternative sources of information like Google from their convenient locations. This implies that for libraries to effectively adapt to the technologically driven academic landscape, adoption of Virtual Library and Information Services (VLIS) is the most feasible approach for them to fulfill their mandate of information provision. However, despite the numerous benefits VLIS offers, such as timely and convenient access to a wide range of current electronic resources, its adoption, implementation and consumption remains limited. This paper gives a report of a study that was conducted to determine the attitude of library users and faculty towards VLIS at Makerere and Uganda Christian University (UCU) libraries. A pragmatic research paradigm with mixed methods approach was adopted to collect data from 394 library users, using a questionnaire while interviews were conducted with 8 library staff. Data were analyzed using the SPSS. Study findings indicated that VLIS is perceived highly in terms of enhancing users’ studies and significance in the core universities tasks. Users’ also exhibited interest in acquiring more VLIS knowledge and demonstrated their appreciation of VLIS. Conversely, users’ in using VLIS was rated poor. Recommendations included modification of the Open Distance and E-learning policies, integration of active links of e-resources in students’ reading lists, a media monitoring room, zero rating on all library websites and incorporation of IL into the university curriculum.
Library Staff Perceptions of Virtual Library and Information Services at Makerere and Uganda Christian Universities, Uganda
(Library Philosophy and Practice, 2025) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
This study, which was underpinned by the ServQual model aims to determine the perceptions of library staff of Makerere and Uganda Christian Universities on the provision of virtual library and information services (VLIS), the challenges faced and strategies for the enhancement of VLIS provision. A qualitative design was used to collect data from eight library staff who were selected through purposive sampling until data reached saturation. The findings indicated that majority of librarians exhibit poor perceptions towards VLIS; as manifested in their reluctance to participate in VLIS provision, their conservatism, which impedes acceptance of new VLIS and their failure to apply knowledge and skills obtained during trainings. Several librarians perceive VLIS negatively, viewing VLIS activities as extra work and leaving it to only a few colleagues. In line with the tangibility element of the ServQual model which stipulates appropriate equipment resonates with adoption of new technologies, the study recommends that librarians fully accept, adapt, and provide VLIS in order to remain indispensable in today’s technologically savvy academic environment. Despite the glaring wake-up call for libraries to fully embrace VLIS, it remained limited and the status of its provision not clearly known. This study presents librarians’ perceptions towards VLIS for its enhanced provision. Although some studies exist in the area of virtual library resources, not many have thoroughly examined VLIS, their perceptions, provision and challenges in both public and private universities. This study hence adds to the existing body of literature on how VLIS can be enhanced, especially in developing countries.
Librarians’ contribution to social change through information provision: the experience of Makerere University Library
(IFLA Library, 2014) Musoke, Maria G. N.; Namugera, Lydia
Makerere University Library (Maklib) holdings include a rich collection of data and information resulting from its multiple roles, namely: serving as Uganda’s National Legal Deposit unit since 1958, the National Reference Library since 1972, as well as its primary role of serving Makerere University academic community and managing its Institutional Repository. The institutional repository consists of the legal deposit materials and Makerere University institutional documents One of Makerere University’s strategic priorities is community outreach. To support this priority, Maklib conducts various outreach activities which have contributed to social development, for example: Annual Library day outreach since 2009, which includes school support through re-organisation of libraries, training of library staff and donation of books; a periodic health information digest has been produced through repackaging of current literature on topical health issues and distributed to over one thousand-five hundred health units in Uganda since 1997; health information literacy training workshops to equip health workers with skills to utilise information resources and improve the quality of health care provision in Uganda. This paper will share the experience of conducting the above outreach activities and their evaluation, which demonstrate the role of librarians in responding to societal needs. Furthermore, a Library Gender Sentinel Site Committee (LGSSC) was set up in 2004 at Maklib to address gender issues. Among other things, the LGSSC holds a week-long celebration before every International Women’s day and distributes information on the day’s theme to library users. Since 2012, a Mother’s space, where expectant library users take a break, was set up in the new Main Library building extension to provide a conducive reading environment. Maklib proactively collects feedback from library users about its services. This paper also shares the feedback about Maklib services which, among other things, confirmed that ‘Change is a fact of life’ and information accessed and applied leads to societal development.
Examining a new generation of service provision in a developing country: Opportunities and Challenges of Virtual Library Services in Universities in Uganda
(Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 2024) Namugera, Lydia; Bukirwa, Joyce; Okello-Obura, Constant
There is an overwhelming need for Virtual Library and Information Services (VLIS) due to the revolutionary and innovative use of the Internet, alternate information sources, evolving institutional policies and user needs, and potential disasters like the Covid-19 outbreak that prevented access to physical libraries. This study sought to identify benefits that both users and librarians derive from VLIS usage as well as setbacks limiting VLIS provision and utilization. Mixed methods with a pragmatic research paradigm were adopted. Data from library users and staff from 2 universities, one public and one private were gathered using surveys and interviews, respectively. 394 library users and 8 library staff made up the sample size. VLIS benefits included support with coursework, e-resource remote access, instant response to users' queries, notifications of new library additions, improvement in knowledge and skills, timely access to current information, and wide access to numerous e-resources. Challenges to VLIS entailed reliance on Google, unawareness, frustrations by requests to buy or subscribe to e-resources, poor Internet connectivity, limited Information Literacy (IL) skills, restricted access to e-resources, insufficient infrastructure, high cost of e-resources, poor attitude towards VLIS, lack of digital versions for local resources, and low concentration in virtual IL classes.
Bridging Gaps and Building Futures: Navigating Challenges and Harnessing Opportunities for Children’s Library Services in Eastern Uganda
(Global Journal of Arts Humanity and Social Sciences, 2024) Nalumansi, Mary; Kaddu, Sarah B.; Okello- Obura, Constant
Purpose: This research explored the prospects and difficulties in practicing literacy with children at the Nambi Sseppuuya Community Resource Centre in Jinja District – Uganda. Methods: The study incorporated a qualitative research concept. Interviews were conducted with some of the selected parents and with the librarians, and focus group discussions whereby 80 children aged between 6 and 13 years. Findings: The study established that there are multiple programs for children in the library including; training reading sessions, story-telling and formation of reading clubs. At the same time, a number of problems were revealed, such as insufficient financing, the lack of staff, the problem of security, and poverty affecting children‟s books‟ availability. The study also noted that reading is mostly initiated by parents when the child joins formal school making it hard for their early reading. Furthermore, because the education system puts much emphasis on examination performance, children are discouraged from reading for recreation. In the course of the research, the following possibilities were found useful for enhancing children‟s reading: Some teaching strategies which could help facilitate literacy are establishing a print-rich environment, offering multiple text choices, modeling appropriate readers, maintaining interest in reading, reading to children, sharing a good relation with teachers, promoting choral reading and last but not least, should encourage children. Practical implications: We need to learn strategies for addressing issues public libraries experience while effectively managing existing opportunities for promoting reading culture among children. Community libraries can benefit children‟s future literacy by funding reading programmes.
Learning While Producing Using Low Cost Technology Innovation: the Cost of Maize Mill in Uganda
(International Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 2014) Nahamya, Wilfred K.; Mukakanya, Abel M.
Quality education should prepare learners with competencies required in the world of work (WoW). Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates are expected to be fully prepared with no need for re-training. he Ministry of Education and Sports made eforts to institute remedial measures to address the inadequacies in competencies exhibited by the college graduates. Among the reforms was transformation of curriculum to competence based training. herefore, this paradigm shit in curriculum requires engineering technicians to design, develop and implement stipulated real life projects aimed at learning while producing using available low cost means. his conceptual paper shares the views on the innovations in technology of fabricating a maize mill implemented by Mechanical Engineering TVET trainees in Uganda.
Users involvement in the electronic health information systems development process in Uganda: what is missing in relation to requirements gathering and analysis
(Oxford Open Digital Health, 2024) Akello, Christine Kalumera; Nabukenya, Josephine
User involvement in the electronic health information systems (eHIS) development process is crucial for gathering and analysing requirements that accurately reflect user needs. This is because their involvement is linked to the gathering and analysis of requirements that align with user needs. However, several studies reveal that there is still limited user involvement during these crucial phases, leading to the development of ineffective and inefficient systems that do not reflect user needs. Thus, this study explored how users were involved in the requirements gathering and analysis phases during eHIS development, with an aim of identifying the missing elements that hindered the design of more effective and effective eHIS. A cross-sectional survey, encompassing secondary and primary users, explored their involvement in the requirements gathering, analysis and design phases, using both open-ended and close ended questionnaires. Respondents (n = 140) were purposively selected from 20 organizations in northern and central Uganda. Data were cleaned and analysed using Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed a dominant use of a top-down approach, favouring the capture of high-level requirements at the Ministry of Health level, and among implementing partners. However, less attention was given to gathering and analysing requirements from facility-level users. Even when collected, primary users reported that their opinions and recommendations were often ignored/disregarded, resulting in eHIS designs with usability-related challenges. This study underscores the critical need for active user involvement in the early stages of eHIS development to ensure alignment with user needs and work practices.
Assessing Users Involvement in Analysis and Design Tasks of Electronic Health Information Systems: Experiences, Challenges, and Suggestions to Optimise Involvement
(Journal of Health Infomatics in Africa, 2019) Akello, Christine Kalumera; Bbosa, Francis Fuller; Nabukenya, Josephine
Background: User requirements play a vital role in the development of usable EHIS. For developers to design better quality, relevant and safer EHIS that meet user needs, they are required to actively engage stakeholders especially in the analysis and design tasks of its development life cycle. This is because they provide context appropriate solutions based on their needs. However, in most cases developers ignore health stakeholders’ input especially during these tasks due to varying perspectives and expectations, complexity, high cost, and variability in time to complete the tasks. This has resulted into various challenges including difficulty in capturing and interpreting user requirements in an effective and efficient manner, poorly designed and unusable systems, unsatisfied user needs, and high maintenance costs. This study thus aimed at assessing users’ involvement in the analysis and design tasks when developing EHIS with a view to understand their experiences, challenges, and suggestions to optimise their involvement. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional survey to investigate and describe the level of user involvement and challenges faced in the analysis and design tasks of the EHIS development process. A total of 36 health practitioners from 13 Key health institutions located in Uganda were selected as respondents. Results: The study revealed that majority of the respondents was involved in EHIS development, with a few involved at analysis and design tasks. Increased costs associated with data collection, followed by lack of consensus in clarifying, articulating and defining user requirements were recorded as the biggest challenges faced by users at requirements gathering, analysis and system design tasks. Regards suggestions to optimising users’ involvement in EHIS development tasks, the study reported that users were very much interested in being involved at all tasks of EHIS development, and consultation of users was paramount in order to incorporate all their needs in EHIS. Conclusions: The results from the study demonstrate the value of user involvement at the analysis and design tasks of EHIS development cycle. User involvement offers benefits in form of reduction in costs, improved productivity due to users easily arriving at a common consensus and positive growth in user attitudes. The researchers intend to incorporate suggestions that emerged from this study to conduct long-term evaluations of existing EHIS and investigate how users’ involvement changes over time.
Factors Promoting the Use of ICT Hardware in University Libraries in Two Nigerian Regions
(Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 2022) Achugbue, Edwin Iroroeavwo; Ahimbisibwe, Kasiisi Benjamin; Odong, Patrick; Azih Adaeze Chioma
Rationale of Study – This paper examined the factors promoting the usage of ICT hardware in university libraries in two Nigerian regions. Methodology – The study adopted a survey type of descriptive research design. The population of the study is 512 librarians from 41 university libraries in two Nigeria regions were used for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and the data were analysed using linear regression. Findings – The study revealed that knowledge, anxiety and librarian attitude are factors promoting the usage of ICT hardware in university libraries in two Nigerian regions. Implications – From the study findings, it was recommended that librarians should be trained on the job to have a robust knowledge of ICT equipment usage to enable them to remain relevant in university libraries. University management and librarians should ensure that working environments are ICT friendly. This will reduce anxiety among librarians expected to render library services through ICT hardware. Finally, librarians should be encouraged to approach ICT facilities in university libraries positively. Originality – The study has provided information on the factors that will influence or promote the use of ICT hardware in university libraries in two Nigerian regions.
The Institutionalisation of Information Security Management Practices in selected Organisations in Uganda
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2023) Ahimbisibwe, Benjamin K.; Nabende, Peter
he study aimed at examining the extent to which information security management practices were institutionalised in corporate organisations. Evidence shows that failure by organisations to entrench the information security management practices (ISMPs) into organisations’ structures opens the gateway for attacks, threat actors and information breaches to cause harm to information assets with ease. The study explored the phenomenon in its social setting hence the adoption of descriptive research design as the research methodology. The institutional theory was adopted as a new dimension in examining information security management in organisations. This theory suggests that control gears like coercive, normative, mimetic and management commitment could be used to effectively entrench security guidelines in organisations. Methodical scrutiny of the institutionalisation process: development, implementation and maintenance, and evaluation were also carried out. The researcher relied on human experience to make sense of the institutionalised processes. Extant literature was reviewed, and survey questionnaires were developed based on the eleven ISMPs and administered to purposively selected respondents from the two organisations. The eleven ISMPs covered include state of information security policy, asset management, secure information sharing, supply chain security, access management, network security controls, portable and removable media security, remote access security, protective monitoring of information systems, implementation of information security back-ups, and security accreditation by professional bodies. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Findings indicate that organisations have not fully incorporated all the eleven ISMPs covered as best practices and standards. Based on the results from the field, answers to the research questions were partly realised. Recommendations like the implementation of ISMPs to check deficiencies identified, customisation of security guidelines to protect information assets and institutionalisation of security practices at all levels were suggested. Overall, the study was a positive step towards the institutionalisation process of ISMPs in organisations
Existing Human factors Risks in Eastern Africa Aviation Operation: Focus on skill Risks and Aeromedical factors. A Cross-sectional Study
(Student's Journal of Health Research Africa, 2022-09-30) Nassimbwa, Florence; Twesigye, Charles K.; Asio, Santa M.
Aviation safety in the Africa region has continued to be a concern for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the industry as a whole. ICAO’s 2012 accident statistics show that Africa had an accident rate of 5.3 per one million departures with 3% of the worldwide traffic distribution. A study set out to examine the existing human factors risks in the region’s aviation operation with a particular focus on skill and aeromedical risks exist in the Eastern African region.
Techno economic analysis of refractance window drying of fruits:
(International Journal of Scientific Advances, 2021-10) Namayengo, M. Faith; Mutumba, Raymonds; Aliga, Alex; Muyonga, John H.
Uganda produces a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs with much of it going to waste because of limited post-harvest processing methods. Refractance window drying technology (RWDT) has a potential of producing high quality dried food products from fruits, vegetables and herbs. A techno economic analysis (TEA) was conducted to compare the processing potential of a new hybrid RWD model to existing fruit drying technologies in selected districts of Uganda. Technical and economic data was collected using in-depth interviews with small and medium scale dried fruit processors, farmers and exporters. Comparisons of the technical and economic parameters of the currently used dryers and the hybrid RWD were done to ascertain the competitiveness of hybrid RWD in the local market. Economic analysis was conducted using the cost benefit analysis and payback period tools. Findings indicated the solar box dryer was the commonest and cheapest dryer at USD. 163, while the UNIDO solar hybrid dryer model was the most expensive at USD. 58,378. The UNIDO solar hybrid dryer (USHD) had the highest loading capacity of 1,250 Kg compared to the hybrid RWD and solar box dryer that both had a loading of 30 Kg of whole pineapple per batch. The throughput for the different dryers was found to be 60 Kg, 7.5Kg and 0.5 Kg for the USHD, RWD and solar box dryers respectively for a 10-hour production cycle. The drying time for the solar box dryer was 48 hours compared to 2 hours for the hybrid RWD and 10 hours for the USHD for pineapple flakes per batch. Additionally, the hybrid RWD presented more opportunities for producing a variety of high-quality dried products, including fruit dices, powders, leather and flakes. A recommendation is made for design modification for the hybrid RWD to increase effective drying surface area and throughput. Keywords: Refractance window drying; technoeconomic analysis; fruit dying; loading capacity
Wearable Glass Beads for in Vivo Dosimetry of Total Skin Electron Irradiation Treatments
(Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017-11-13) Nabankema, S.K.; Jafari, S.M.; Sylvander, S.R.; Crowe, S.B.
Glass beads have recently been proposed for use as radiation therapy dosimeters. Glass beads have a number of characteristics that make them suitable for in vivo skin dose measurements, including an ability to be worn on a string, and therefore avoid possible patient discomfort that may result from the use of adhesives. In this study, their use for in vivo dose measurements in total skin electron irradiation treatments has been tested. First, the dosimetric properties of cylindrical beads with a 3mm diameter were characterised using electron fields produced by a linear accelerator. The mean individual bead reproducibility was demonstrated to be within 3%; and a batch variation of 7% was observed. The beads were shown to have a linear dose response, and both dose rate and beam energy independence, within the measurement uncertainty. Phantom measurements were then performed for a total skin electron irradiation beam arrangement, and results compared against optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters at five anatomical sites. For a majority of measurement locations, agreement within 3% was observed between the two dosimetry techniques, demonstrating the feasibility of glass beads as in vivo dosimeters for total skin electron irradiation; though further investigation may be needed to minimise uncertainty in results.
The drivers and barriers influencing the commercialization of innovations at research and innovation institutions in Uganda: a systemic, infrastructural, and financial approach
(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2024-10-22) Jjagwe, Ronald; Kirabira, John Baptist; Mukasa, Norbert; Amanya, Linda
Research and innovation (R&I) institutions must commercialize their innovations to remain competitive in a knowledge-based economy. While R&I institutions in Uganda have the potential to drive socioeconomic development, a clear understanding of the commercialization pathway is lacking. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the systemic, infrastructural, and financial factors that drive and hinder the commercialization of innovations at R&I institutions in Uganda. This study offers the first comprehensive examination of the systemic, infrastructural, and financial dimensions influencing innovation commercialization within Uganda's R&I ecosystem, presenting new empirical evidence on the prioritized barriers and drivers as perceived by key stakeholders. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study uniquely combines quantitative surveys with qualitative case studies and key informant interviews, enabling a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted drivers of and barriers to innovation commercialization in Uganda. The study employed the Delphi technique to identify consensus among key informants. The findings highlight the urgent barriers to address, including fragmented R&I ecosystems, inadequate support infrastructure, such as technology transfer offices, and significant gaps in innovation financing. These issues underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions. Based on our findings, we recommend the establishment of a national innovation fund, enhancement of public private partnerships for R&D infrastructure development, and formulation of a cohesive national policy framework to streamline commercialization processes at R&I institutions. This study provides policymakers with a data-driven foundation to craft targeted interventions aimed at removing the identified barriers, thereby catalyzing the commercialization of innovations in Uganda's R&I institutions.
Application of interactive software in classrooms: a case of GeoGebra in learning geometry in secondary schools in Uganda
(Springer International Publishing, 2024-10-09) Batiibwe, Marjorie Sarah Kabuye
The incorporation of subject-specific technologies in teaching and learning mathematics has been extensively investigated in different areas outside Uganda. The benefits are extensive, although the adoption of these technologies has been threatened by teachers needing help to apply them effectively for instruction. While this alone would aptly justify a comprehensive assessment of its applicability on the local scene, the post-COVID-19 era dynamics escalated its urgency and relevance. Thus, third-year pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge and aptitude to use GeoGebra in teaching and learning geometry were developed in this study. In addition, the consequence of using this software on students’ achievement in geometry was investigated using a quantitative research approach. Ninety-four third-year pre-service mathematics teachers completed a three-week intensive capacity-building workshop using GeoGebra. Their self-ratings on their technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) before and after the training were measured using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 406 students from four schools in Central Uganda participated in the quasi-experiment, with 199 and 207 students assigned to the experimental and control groups, respectively. Pre- and post-achievement tests were meted out to the students. While descriptive statistics showed a positive change in the teachers’ technological knowledge (TK), technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK), technological content knowledge (TCK), and TPACK, independent samples t -tests revealed a substantial difference in the post-test mean scores between the two groups since the experimental group students outshone those in the control group. These findings are consistent with global literature, and thus, schools in Uganda should adopt the use of GeoGebra through a continuous capacity-building approach, while considering the challenges and limitations associated with the software.
Unmasking biases and navigating pitfalls in the ophthalmic artificial intelligence lifecycle: A narrative review
(Public Library of Science, 2024-10-08) Nakayama, Luis Filipe; Matos, João; Quion, Justin; Novaes, Frederico; Mitchell, William Greig; Mwavu, Rogers; Hung, Claudia Ju-Yi Ji; Santiago, Alvina Pauline Dy; Phanphruk, Warachaya; Cardoso, Jaime S; Celi, Leo Anthony
Over the past 2 decades, exponential growth in data availability, computational power, and newly available modeling techniques has led to an expansion in interest, investment, and research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Ophthalmology is one of many fields that seek to benefit from AI given the advent of telemedicine screening programs and the use of ancillary imaging. However, before AI can be widely deployed, further work must be done to avoid the pitfalls within the AI lifecycle. This review article breaks down the AI lifecycle into seven steps—data collection; defining the model task; data preprocessing and labeling; model development; model evaluation and validation; deployment; and finally, post-deployment evaluation, monitoring, and system recalibration—and delves into the risks for harm at each step and strategies for mitigating them.
Modelling, simulation, and measurement of solar power generation: New developments in design and operational models
(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-06) Living, O.; Nnamchi, S.N; Mundu, M.M.; Ukagwu, K.J; Abdulkarim, A; Eze, V.H.U.
Abstract The discrepancy between the operating and design capacities of solar plants in eastern Uganda is alarming; about 35 % underperformance in solar power generation is observed. The goal of the current study is to minimize this disparity by improving the design models. Considering only cell temperature in the power generation model is responsible for the observed difference in design and operational solar power generated, the present study used a thermocouple to directly measure cell temperature, an anemometer to measure wind speed, and a solar power meter to measure irradiance. These extrinsic factors were used to modify the power generation model based only on cell temperature through the direct correlation of cell temperature, wind speed, and irradiance with solar power generation. Thus, the absence of extrinsic factors (wind speed and irradiance) in the design models is responsible for the colossal drop in solar power generated. Empirically, the missing extrinsic factors were used to transform the implicit solar power model into an explicit model. The development of a solar power generation model, multiple differential models, simulation and experimentation with a pilot solar rig served as alternate model for the prediction of solar power generation. The second-order differential model validated well with empirical solar power generated in Busitema, Mayuge, Soroti, and Tororo study areas based on RMSEs (0.6437, 0.6692, 0.2008, 0.1804, respectively), thus, narrowing the gap between the designed and operational solar power generated. Mayuge and Soroti recorded the highest solar power generation of 9.028 MW compared to Busitema (8.622 MW) and Tororo (8.345 MW), suggesting that it has a conducive site for installing future solar plants. The above results support the use of empirical explicit (triple) and second-order differential models for the design and operation of power plants.

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