Metric Distance Ranking Technique for Fuzzy Critical Path Analysis

In this paper, fuzzy critical path analysis of a project network is carried out. Metric distance ranking technique is used to order fuzzy numbers during the forward and backward pass computations to obtain the earliest start, earliest finish, latest start and latest finish times of the project’s activities. A numerical example is presented with a detailed step by step solution. The results of the numerical example presented are in agreement with published results in literature using other fuzzy ranking technique.© JASEMKeywords: fuzzy, metric distance, critical path method, total floa

Flowshop Scheduling Using a Network Approach

In this paper, a network based formulation of a permutation flow shop problem is presented. Two nuances of flow shop problems with different levels of complexity are solved using different approaches to the linear programming formulation. Key flow shop parameters inclosing makespan of the flow shop problems were obtained without recourse to the traditional approach of using Gantt charts. The linear programming models of the flow shop problems considered were solved using LINGO 7.0. The present technique has been shown to be very effective and efficient.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i2.1

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection among pregnant women receiving ante-natal care in a traditional birth home in Benin city, Nigeria

Background: A good proportion of pregnant women patronize traditional birth homes in Nigeria for ante-natal care. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors, and susceptibility profile of etiologic agents of urinary tract infection among ante-natal attendees in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria.Methods: Clean-catch urine was collected from 220 pregnant women attending a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria. Urine samples were processed, and microbial isolates identified using standard bacteriological procedures. A cross-sectional study design was used.Results: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0%, significantly affected by parity and gestational age (P<0.05). Mixed infection was recorded among 13(10.7%) pregnant women, and was unaffected by maternal age, parity, gravidity, gestational age, and educational status. Irrespective of trimester Escherichia coli was the most prevalent etiologic agent of urinary tract infection, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The flouroquinolones were the most effective antibacterial agents, while Sulphamethoxazole-trimetoprim, Amoxicillin, Nalidixic acid, and Nitrofurantoin had poor activity against uropathogens isolated.Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary tract infection among pregnant women was 55.0% and significantly affected by gestational age and parity. The most prevalent etiologic agent observed was Escherichia coli. With the exception of the flouroquinolones, aminoglycoside, and Amoxicillin-cluvanate, the activity of other antibiotics used on uropathogens were poor. Health education of the traditional birth attendant and her clients by relevant intervention agencies is strongly advocated.Keywords: Urinary tract infection, pregnancy, orthodox birth center, traditional birth center, Nigeri

A Mathematical Model for Predicting Output in an Oilfield in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

In this paper, a multiple linear regression model was developed for forecasting crude oil production volume in an oilfield in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Data of crude oil production volume and six significant parameters affecting crude oil volume were collected for a two year window. A six variable linear model was developed. The significance of each regression coefficient at   in the six variable model was subjected to further analysis. The regression coefficient screening process resulted in a two variable model for predicting oil field output. The resultant model was found to have greater utility in predicting oil field output as it produced less residual. The present model can be of invaluable use to the oil field manager.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.1

Prevalence and determinants of low birth weight: the situation in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: The traditional birth attendant delivers majority of pregnant women in Nigeria.Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors for delivery of low birth weight (LBW) neonates in a Traditional Birth Home (TBH)in Benin City, Nigeria.Methods: A total of 780 pregnant women who received ante-natal care at a TBH and live singletons born to them were recruited for this study. Venous blood was collected from all pregnant women at onset of labour, and haemogblobin concentration determined using standard method.Results: The prevalence of low birth weight was 6.3%, and was significantly affected by maternal age (P =0.039), gestational age (P=0.019), maternal height (P = 0.001), marital status (P = 0.015), and time of registration (P = 0.016). Being in a polygamous union, was significantly associated with the prevalence of LBW (OR = 13.640; 95%CI: = 6.148, 30.261; P = < 0.0001). Maternal anaemia was identified as a risk factor for the delivering of LBW neonates (OR = 2.797; 95% CI = 1.555, 5.029; P = 0.0001).Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight was 6.3%. Intervention by appropriate agencies is advocated to reduce LBW in TBHs in Nigeria.Keywords: low birth weight, risk factors, TBH, Nigeria.

Design of 0.67hp gasoline generator pistons

Piston is an important internal combustion engine component that works with other engine components to withstand severe stresses and high temperature that are generated in the combustion chambers. Pistons are subjected to a very high mechanical and thermal load which results from extreme pressure cycles and huge forces of inertia caused by extremely high acceleration during the reciprocating motion. The 0.67hp generator piston designed had the values of parameters to be: 51.00mm Piston stroke; 48.85mm piston bore diameter; 3.66kw brake power; 4.87kw indicated power; 11.63Nm engine torque; 3.22mm piston thickness and 9.44cm3 clearance volume. The piston parameter values calculated were found to be in accordance with the recommended range of values in the design and operating data for internal combustion engines. Keywords: Piston design, machine parameters and internal combustion engines

In Search of Communication

This thesis examines the work included in Usman Oladeinde’s MFA thesis exhibition. The goal of this thesis paper is to explore major themes such as communication, identity, change, centeredness, landscapes, and language. These paintings present Arabic letter forms transformed into illegible shapes which are painted on landscape backgrounds, often depicting an aesthetic of textual elements receding into space. All these works are inspired by the Qibla, which is represented in the abstract and painted using acrylic media. Occasionally image transfers are mounted on the painted surface. Visual representations like mine are communicative without forcing the viewer to one specific idea. I paint to connect with history, spirituality, and family. These shapes represent memory and centeredness. Influenced by identity, I am inspired by the duality of landscapes - struggle and ease, chaos and calm

ANALYSIS OF FLOW IN A CONCENTRIC ANNULUS USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

This work presents the computational modelling of the velocity distribution of an incompressible fluid flowing in a cylindrical annulus pipe, using the finite element method. The result shows that the velocity distribution increases from the boundaries until midway between the boundaries where it was maximum. Also, the velocity increases as the viscosity decreases. The results obtained were compared with exact second order differential equation solution. The results obtained were highly accurate and converges fast to the exact solution as the number of elements increases. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i2.1

Metric Distance Ranking Technique for Fuzzy Critical Path Analysis

In this paper, fuzzy critical path analysis of a project network is carried out. Metric distance ranking technique is used to order fuzzy numbers during the forward and backward pass computations to obtain the earliest start, earliest finish, latest start and latest finish times of the project\u2019s activities. A numerical example is presented with a detailed step by step solution. The results of the numerical example presented are in agreement with published results in literature using other fuzzy ranking technique

Prevalence of Malaria and Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending a Traditional Birth Home in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malaria and anemia among pregnant women attending a traditional birth center as well as the effect of herbal remedies, gravidity, age, educational background and malaria prevention methods on their prevalence. Methods: Blood specimens were collected from 119 pregnant women attending a Traditional Birth Home in Benin City, Nigeria. Malaria parasitemia was diagnosed by microscopy while anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL. Results: The prevalence of malaria infection was (OR=4.35 95% CI=1.213, 15.600; p=0.016) higher among primigravidae (92.1%). Pregnant women (38.5%) with tertiary level of education had significantly lower prevalence of malaria infection (p=0.002). Malaria significantly affected the prevalence of anemia (p<0.05). Anemia was associated with consumption of herbal remedies (OR=2.973; 95% CI=1.206, 7.330; p=0.017). The prevalence of malaria parasitemia and anemia were not affected by malaria prevention methods used by the participants. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malaria infection and anemia observed in this study were 78.9% and 46.2%, respectively. Higher prevalence of malaria infection was associated with primigravidae and lower prevalence with tertiary education of subjects. Anemia was associated with consumption of herbal remedies. There is urgent need to control the prevalence of malaria and anemia among pregnant women attending traditional birth homes