School-wide publications
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/140
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Item Investigate the Radiation Safety Awareness Among Medical Workers at Government Hospital, Bo(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Background:** Radiation safety awareness among healthcare professionals was essential to protect both workers and patients in settings where ionizing radiation is utilized, such as government hospitals. This study focuses on assessing the level of radiation safety awareness among medical staff at the Government Hospital in Bo. **Methods:** Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews targeting a diverse group of medical workers, including doctors, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare personnel. **Results:** The results indicate considerable variation in radiation safety awareness across different professional roles, with significant gaps particularly noted among nursing staff. Although many participants acknowledged the importance of radiation safety, their understanding of specific protective measures and regulations was inconsistent. Awareness levels were significantly impacted by factors such as years of experience, educational background, and availability of training opportunities. The analysis showed a highly significant difference (p <.001) in awareness levels based on educational backgrounds, with a mean difference of 1.392 (95% CI: 1.32 to 1.46). Notably, a significant disparity (p <.001) existed between the awareness levels of doctors and nurses compared to lab technicians and other healthcare workers, with a mean difference of 3.223 (95% CI: 2.99 to 3.45). Overall, the total knowledge level was found to be low, with a mean score of 2. A mere 12.3% of respondents reported consistently adhering to safety protocols, and a considerable proportion of medical professionals displayed insufficient knowledge (58.1%) and inadequate practice (63.8%). Comparatively, a Swedish survey indicated that 59% of medical staff had "low knowledge" regarding X-ray radiation. **Conclusion:** The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive radiation safety training programs and the incorporation of radiation safety education into medical curricula to foster a stronger safety culture within healthcare settings. Implementing effective radiation safety workshops and conducting continuous assessments are recommended to enhance knowledge and compliance among medical workers, ultimately safeguarding healthcare personnel and patients from the risks associated with radiation exposure.Item Construction and Testing of Solar Drying System as an Alternative to Sun Drying(2025-02-12) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Background:** The traditional practice of sun-drying food grains has been utilised since ancient times, taking advantage of the sun as a primary energy source. However, sun drying presents challenges due to the relatively modest intensity of sunlight at the Earth's surface and the risks posed by pests and environmental factors. **Method:** This study involved the construction of a solar dryer measuring 4 ft by 2 ft, designed as a hygienic, environmentally friendly alternative to open sun drying. A comparative drying experiment was conducted using a 7.0 kg mass of pepper, which was dried simultaneously in the solar dryer and through traditional sun drying methods. During the five days, temperature and weight loss were measured at various intervals in both drying environments. **Results:** The data revealed that, on average, the temperature inside the solar dryer exceeded the ambient temperature by 25°C, representing a 46.1% increase. This significant temperature differential demonstrates the effectiveness of the solar dryer in enhancing the drying process. **Conclusion:** The findings indicated that the solar dryer provides a safe and clean method for food drying and considerably improves drying efficiency compared to traditional sun drying. This approach represented a promising alternative to food preservation practices.Item Novel Predictive Current Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine: DBC and FOC Algorithms(2026-06-15) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Introduction:** This work presents a novel predictive current control methodology for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). The study develops a dq-model of the PMSM in the rotor reference frame and establishes discretized motor models to facilitate the implementation of advanced control algorithms. The primary focus was on designing and evaluating a Dead-Beat Predictive Control (DBC) algorithm and comparing its performance with the conventional Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm, which was developed due to its technological maturity and similarities with predictive methods. **Methods:** A complete closed-loop control system for PMSM was constructed using MATLAB/Simulink, incorporating the DBC and FOC algorithms. The FOC relied on PI controllers, whose tuning was optimized through a first-principles tuning algorithm. Both control schemes aimed to ensure that the dq-currents accurately tracked their references, thus controlling speed, torque, and rotor position effectively. Additionally, Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) was implemented with an optimized switching sequence to minimize losses and harmonic distortion. The inverter switching strategy involved dividing the switching period into segments, applying zero and active vectors symmetrically, and analyzing the rectifier operation across different angle regions. **Results:** Simulation results demonstrated that both the DBC and FOC models effectively tracked current and speed references with minimal transients. The DBC exhibited a faster response, settling within approximately 0.12 seconds, 40% quicker than the FOC, which settled in 0.2 seconds without overshoot. During speed reversals, the DBC maintained sinusoidal phase currents with minor drops, and the d-axis current remained effectively at zero with deviations near 10^(-17). The system achieved a rapid speed response, reaching 500 RPM within 0.2 seconds, with the phase currents remaining balanced and sinusoidal. The FOC showed about 16% overshoot but still provided a very fast response, making it suitable for applications where rapid response is critical. **Conclusion:** The developed DBC and FOC algorithms successfully controlled PMSM, with the DBC demonstrating superior speed response and quicker settling times. Both methods maintained stable, sinusoidal phase currents and precise current tracking during transient conditions such as speed reversals. The simulation results validate that the proposed predictive control approach (DBC) offers improved performance over the conventional FOC, making it a promising candidate for high-performance motor control applications requiring fast dynamic response and minimal transient disturbance.