PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ENERGY-SAVING BULBS IN SELECTED NIGERIAN LOCATIONS WITH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELLING

The performance evaluation of energy-saving bulbs in the Nigerian market is crucial in assisting energy auditing, which is beneficial to producers and consumers of electricity. Specifically, the high-power bills issued monthly by Electricity Distribution Company in most parts of Nigeria have made Nigerians in our various domestic homes embrace the latest lighting technology that consumes less energy.In this study, lighting system data were obtained from twenty-four households from different geographical zones in Nigeria. The performance evaluation of compact fluorescent light(CFL) bulbs was investigated and the observation was predicted with artificial neural networks (ANN) to enhance informed policy formulation and decision-makingResults showed that CFL bulbs givehigh-quality light that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. ANN predicted the observation with high accuracie

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF HYBRIDIZED WIND/PV ENERGY SYSTEM FOR POWERING TELECOMMUNICATION MAST IN LAGOS SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Power delivery micro-grid of hybridized wind and solar system installations keep growing worldwide. There is a great economic advantage in the use of cleaner renewable energy for power generation in the telecommunication industries, especially in remote areas. This studyanalyses the effect of three wind speed fluctuationsor levels on a hybridizedwind energy system’s electricity production for a typical three (3) BTS telecommunication mast using Hybrid Optimization Model for Energy Resources (HOMER)PRO software in Lagos south-western Nigeria as a case study. The economic implication of energy at the different wind speed levels investigated was also derived. From the obtained results, a wind speed of 4, 4.22, and 5 m/s gave an annual electric production of 39,950, 39,050, and 39,250 kWh and energy cost of 195, 192, and ₦175, respectively. This result is useful for the techno-economic operation of hybridized wind/solar system powered by three (3) BTS telecommunication masts

MODELLING AND OPTIMIZATION OF COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE OF LOWER TEMPERATURE CYCLE OF TWO-STEP REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

The coefficient of performance (COP) of a single-stage refrigeration system is low, thus there is a need for two-step refrigeration systems when there is a desire to have an evaporator temperature that is below -25 oC. The COP of the lower temperature cycle of the two-step refrigeration systems is a function of the COP of the refrigeration systems.This research aimed at optimizing COP of the lower temperature cycle of two-step refrigeration systems using eco-friendly refrigerants.Thermodynamic analysis of these refrigeration systems was performed by varying seven operating parameters. R-134a was used in the high-temperature cycle (HTC) and R-23 was used in the low-temperature cycle (LTC). The coefficient of performance of the lower temperature cycle (COP.REF[LTC]) of the refrigeration systems was optimized using Half Factorial Design of Design-Expert 12.0.1. The influence of the condensing temperature (TC,HTC),evaporating temperature (TE,HTC), cascade temperature difference (∆TCAS,DIFF), evaporating temperature (TE,LTC), superheating temperature (TSUP,LTC), sub-cooling temperature (TSUB,LTC), and refrigerant mass Flow rate (ṁHTC)was investigated on the values of COP.REF[LTC] of the refrigeration systems. The highest value of COP.REF[LTC] (18.1) was obtained under optimum conditions of the 30 TC,HTCoC , -40 TE,HTCoC, 0 ∆TCAS,DIFFoC, -50 TE,LTCoC, 0 TSUP,LTCoC, 20 TSUB,LTCoC and 0.01 ṁHTC kg/s.The study revealed that all the factors having interaction with TC[HTC] and TE[HTC] have a great influence on the value of COP.REF[LTC

Control and prevention of biodeteriation caused by termites (Isoptera

The paper reviewed the control measures against damage caused by termites. The objective was achieved using baseline published literature and data. This is particularly important because of the ever present destructive effect and presence of termites in every area of life worldwide. Multiple effective measures, ranging from chemical treatments to independent pest management procedures were identified. The right choice and application of termite preventive and control measures will be a great reprieve to stakeholders all over the world.Keywords: Damage, Control, Termites

Persistent alveolar soft-part sarcoma with liver metastasis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Alveolar soft-part sarcomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that metastasize commonly via vascular routes to the lungs, bones, lymph nodes and brain, causing morbidity and mortality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case describing metastasis to the liver reported from Nigeria.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 57-year-old man of the Urhobo ethnic group of Nigeria presented with a persistent mass in his left calf. It was initially diagnosed as soft-tissue sarcoma, and its associated systemic effects lead to his death before a histological diagnosis could be obtained.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Alveolar soft-part sarcoma with metastasis to the liver can occur in our region (northeast Africa), and a high index of suspicion is required to make an early diagnosis, followed by prompt surgical excision with clear margins in order to prevent mortality.</p

Clinico-pathological profile of sinonasal masses: an experience in national ear care center Kaduna, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The presence of a mass in the nose and paranasal sinuses may seem to be a simple problem; however it raises many questions about the differential diagnosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinico-pathological profile of sinonasal masses in our environment</p> <p>This is a retrospective analytical review of all the patients with sinonasal masses that presented to the national ear care center, Kaduna over a six year (2003-2008) period. Their biodata, clinical profile and histological diagnoses were analyzed.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>A total of 76 patients were analyzed, age range 5 to 64 yrs with a mean age of 33.3 yr median and modal age of 35.00 (SD = 13.1 ± 1.5). Majority of the patients were in the age groups 21-50 yrs. There were 34 male and 42 female with M: F ratio of 1:1.2. The main presenting symptoms are nasal blockage 97.4% and rhinorrhea 94.7%. It was bilateral in 34 (44.7%), left side in 24(31.6%) and right side in 18(23.7%) patients. The commonest clinical diagnoses were simple nasal polyp 47(61.8%) and antrochoanal polyp 10(13.2%). About 59 (77.6%) were benign, 2 (2.6%) were malignant and 15 (19.7%) were lost to follow up. The commonest histological diagnosis is simple inflammatory nasal polyp in 28 (36.8%) patients and the least was nasal capillary hemangioma 2 (2.6%). About 55(72.4%) patients had surgical treatment.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea are the commonest symptoms of presentation, simple inflammatory nasal polyp is still the commonest histological pattern seen in our environment, and surgery is still the best modality of treatment for benign tumor thus the need for advocacy for early recognition and referral to the ENT surgeon.</p

Molecular identification of adenoviruses associated with respiratory infection in Egypt from 2003 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Human adenoviruses of species B, C, and E (HAdV-B, -C, -E) are frequent causative agents of acute respiratory infections worldwide. As part of a surveillance program aimed at identifying the etiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Egypt, we characterized 105 adenovirus isolates from clinical samples collected between 2003 and 2010. METHODS: Identification of the isolates as HAdV was accomplished by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and confirmed by a set of species and type specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR). RESULTS: Of the 105 isolates, 42% were identified as belonging to HAdV-B, 60% as HAdV-C, and 1% as HAdV-E. We identified a total of six co-infections by PCR, of which five were HAdV-B/HAdV-C co-infections, and one was a co-infection of two HAdV-C types: HAdV-5/HAdV-6. Molecular typing by PCR enabled the identification of eight genotypes of human adenoviruses; HAdV-3 (n = 22), HAdV-7 (n = 14), HAdV-11 (n = 8), HAdV-1 (n = 22), HAdV-2 (20), HAdV-5 (n = 15), HAdV-6 (n = 3) and HAdV-4 (n = 1). The most abundant species in the characterized collection of isolates was HAdV-C, which is concordant with existing data for worldwide epidemiology of HAdV respiratory infections. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three species, HAdV-B, -C and -E, among patients with ILI over the course of 7 years in Egypt, with at least eight diverse types circulating

Community perceptions of malaria and vaccines in the South Coast and Busia regions of Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years in Kenya. Within the context of planning for a vaccine to be used alongside existing malaria control methods, this study explores sociocultural and health communications issues among individuals who are responsible for or influence decisions on childhood vaccination at the community level.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This qualitative study was conducted in two malaria-endemic regions of Kenya--South Coast and Busia. Participant selection was purposive and criterion based. A total of 20 focus group discussions, 22 in-depth interviews, and 18 exit interviews were conducted.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Participants understand that malaria is a serious problem that no single tool can defeat. Communities would welcome a malaria vaccine, although they would have questions and concerns about the intervention. While support for local child immunization programs exists, limited understanding about vaccines and what they do is evident among younger and older people, particularly men. Even as health care providers are frustrated when parents do not have their children vaccinated, some parents have concerns about access to and the quality of vaccination services. Some women, including older mothers and those less economically privileged, see themselves as the focus of health workers' negative comments associated with either their parenting choices or their children's appearance. In general, parents and caregivers weigh several factors--such as personal opportunity costs, resource constraints, and perceived benefits--when deciding whether or not to have their children vaccinated, and the decision often is influenced by a network of people, including community leaders and health workers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study raises issues that should inform a communications strategy and guide policy decisions within Kenya on eventual malaria vaccine introduction. Unlike the current practice, where health education on child welfare and immunization focuses on women, the communications strategy should equally target men and women in ways that are appropriate for each gender. It should involve influential community members and provide needed information and reassurances about immunization. Efforts also should be made to address concerns about the quality of immunization services--including health workers' interpersonal communication skills.</p