Experimental Validation of Multiphase Flow Models and Testing of Multiphase Flow Meters: A Critical Review of Flow Loops Worldwide

Around the world, research into multiphase flow is performed by scientists with hugely diverse backgrounds: physicists, mathematicians and engineers from mechanical, nuclear, chemical, civil, petroleum, environmental and aerospace disciplines. Multiphase flow models are required to investigate the co-current or counter-current flow of different fluid phases under a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions and in several different configurations. To compliment this theoretical effort, measurements at controlled experimental conditions are required to verify multiphase flow models and assess their range of applicability, which has given rise to a large number of multiphase flow loops around the world. These flow loops are also used intensively to test and validate multiphase flow meters, which are devices for the in-line measurement of multiphase flow streams without separation of the phases. However, there are numerous multiphase flow varieties due to differences in pressure and temperature, fluids, flow regimes, pipe geometry, inclination and diameter, so a flow loop cannot represent all possible situations. Even when experiments in a given flow loop are believed to be sufficiently exhaustive for a specific study area, the real conditions encountered in the field tend to be very different from those recreated in the research facility. This paper presents a critical review of multiphase flow loops around the world, highlighting the pros and cons of each facility with regard to reproducing and monitoring different multiphase flow situations. The authors suggest a way forward for new developments in this area

Case report: retrieval of an intra-uterine contraceptive device penetrating through the wall of the rectum

A Copper T intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is a commonly employed method of reversible contraception for women. Its use has been associated with complications such as bleeding, perforation and migration to adjacent organs or peritoneum.Uterine wall erosion and subsequent perforation by an IUCD is not unusual; however the subsequent intraperitoneal migration, to and perforation of the rectum is uncommon. We present a case of 31-year-old female with an IUCD migrating through the uterus possibly into the peritoneal cavity and subsequently eroding into the posterior rectal wall. It was removed easily without complications through the rectum during an examination under anesthesia.Keywords: Intrauterine contraceptive device, perforation, migration, rectu

Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes of elective and emergency caesarean deliveries

Background: Caesarean delivery (CD) is a procedure which poses a major public health concern to Obstetricians. The outcome of emergency and elective caesarean delivery largely depend on the maternal and or fetal conditions. The study compared maternal and fetal outcomes in both elective and emergency caesarean delivery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This was a six-year retrospective study of pregnant women who underwent caesarean delivery at the University College Hospital. Information was extracted from their medical records using a proforma. Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes of elective and emergency caesarean deliveries was done. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 6,854 women had caesarean delivery (CD), mean age was 28.85 ± 5.62 years and ranged from 15-48 years. A higher proportion (85.5%) had emergency CD in which majority were unbooked (80.4%) with the commonest indication as prolong obstructed labour while repeat caesarean delivery (57.6%) was the commonest indication for elective CD. Haemorrhage, puerperal sepsis, wound infection, anaemia, blood transfusion, urinary tract infection, and admission into intensive care unit were more among those with emergency CD and all were statistically significant (p<0.05). Low birth weight stillbirths and admission into special care baby unit were also higher among the fetus of those who had emergency CD, and these were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Women with postdated pregnancy had twice the chance of having emergency CD (OR= 2.15, 95% CI= 1.71-2.72). Conclusion: Maternal and fetal complications were more among women with emergency caesarean delivery and prolong obstructed labour was the main indication thus it is expedient to educate pregnant women and the community on complications of pregnancy and labour to prevent or  promptly intervene when necessary to reduce adverse maternal and fetal outcomes

Machine learning methods for sign language recognition: a critical review and analysis.

Sign language is an essential tool to bridge the communication gap between normal and hearing-impaired people. However, the diversity of over 7000 present-day sign languages with variability in motion position, hand shape, and position of body parts making automatic sign language recognition (ASLR) a complex system. In order to overcome such complexity, researchers are investigating better ways of developing ASLR systems to seek intelligent solutions and have demonstrated remarkable success. This paper aims to analyse the research published on intelligent systems in sign language recognition over the past two decades. A total of 649 publications related to decision support and intelligent systems on sign language recognition (SLR) are extracted from the Scopus database and analysed. The extracted publications are analysed using bibliometric VOSViewer software to (1) obtain the publications temporal and regional distributions, (2) create the cooperation networks between affiliations and authors and identify productive institutions in this context. Moreover, reviews of techniques for vision-based sign language recognition are presented. Various features extraction and classification techniques used in SLR to achieve good results are discussed. The literature review presented in this paper shows the importance of incorporating intelligent solutions into the sign language recognition systems and reveals that perfect intelligent systems for sign language recognition are still an open problem. Overall, it is expected that this study will facilitate knowledge accumulation and creation of intelligent-based SLR and provide readers, researchers, and practitioners a roadmap to guide future direction

Utilization of vast Nigeria’s bamboo resources for economic growth: a review

Bamboo is recognized as an industrial raw material globally and has tremendous potentials for the economic development of the nations. This paper reviewed the potentials of the abundant Nigeria’s bamboo resources used for house construction, household items, biofuel, charcoal, pulp and paper, irrigation and drainage pipes, textiles materials, chemical and pharmaceutical products. It also reviewed the challenges facing the development of the bamboo industries. The policy makers lack the general understanding of the industrial potentials of bamboo. Despite the vast bamboo resources and species in the nation, the Nigerian government has not fully recognized the importance of bamboo and its role as a substitute to wood in major applications and how it can boost the economy. Recommendations highlighted for the harnessing of the resources included National Bamboo Policy and Nigerian Bamboo Producers development. A bamboo inventory of quantity, quality, species and distribution across the nation must be provided. Government should also promote of bamboo tenure system and incentives to encourage its cultivation among local farmers.Keywords: Bamboo, resources, industries, economic developmen

The effects of dietary treatment on the morphometrics and haematological characteristics in Clarias gariepinus

Fingerling of Clarias gariepinus have been reported to have an optimal protein requirement of 40%. Not much is known about the effect that varying this protein level has in the haematological characteristics (i.e packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) and on some landmarks measured along the fish's body. The haematological parameter are useful in assessing the effect of dietary treatment on leanness or robustness in the fish. The results of these experiment reveals that of the 17 landmarks measured on the bodies of the fish species fed dietary protein levels of no protein 11% (low protein), 29% (sub optimal) and 40% (optimal), only four of the landmarks show significant difference. Also, analysis of the haematological characteristics show significant difference in haematoant (PCV) and erthroycte count (RBC) in all the treatment

Serum total IgG and tetanus specific IgG in Nigerian human immunodeficiency virus infected primigravidae and the cord blood of their babies at birth

Background: HIV infection affects millions of women and children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Tetanus also causes significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Since the main effect of HIV is immunosuppression, there is potential for a negative influence the host immune response to tetanus in women with HIV.Objective: This case-control study evaluated the effect of HIV infection on maternal tetanus antibody production and neonatal tetanus antibody levels.Methods: Thirty registered primigravidae were recruited from the clinic;15 were HIV positive and 15 were HIV negative. Serum samples of maternal and cord blood were obtained from both groups at delivery. Maternal total IgG and cord blood tetanus-specific antibody were estimated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.Results: There was no significant difference in the total IgG level of HIV positive mothers compared with HIV negative mothers. No significant difference in the tetanus-specific IgG level in the cord blood of babies of HIV positive mothers compared with cord blood of babies of the HIV negative mothers.Conclusion: HIV infection did not significantly reduce total IgG production in Nigerian primigravidae. Tetanus-specific IgG levels were above protective levels in neonates of HIV positive mothers suggesting adequate protection.Keywords: Tetanus, Antibody, Pregnancy, Immunisation, HI

NUTRITIONAL STUDY ON THE SEEDS AND FRUITS OF THREE CUCURBITS IN SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA.

A comparative study was carried out on the nutritional contents of the seeds and fruits of Cucumis melo (L.),Lagenaria breviflora (Benth) and Citrullus lanatus (Thunb). Proximate composition, Vitamin C content and phytochemical analysis of air-dried, powdered epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the mature fruits were also carried out using standard procedures. Data on nutritional and phytochemical characteristics were collected andsubjected totwo - way analysis of variance (ANOVA)at p<0.05. Means were compared using LSD.Total sugar and vitamins C were detected in the other parts of the fruits except the seeds in the three Cucurbits. Percentage dry matter, fat, ash and crude protein were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the seeds than in the epicarp and mesocarp. Crude fibre was highest in the epicarp for C. melo(1.75 0.13), L. breviflora (1.85 0.07)and C. lanatus (2.18 0.07)

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENT OF THE SEEDS AND FRUITS OF THREE CUCURBITS.

A comparative study was carried out on the phytochemical cotent of the seeds and fruits of Cucumismelo(L.), Lagenariabreviflora(Benth) and Citrulluslanatus(Thunb). Phytochemical analysis of air-dried, powderedepicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the mature fruits were carried out using standard procedures. Data on phytochemical characteristics were collected andsubjected totwo - way analysis of variance (ANOVA)at p<0.05. Means were compared using LSD. Phytochemicals such as glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phlobatanin, anthraquinone and saponin were detected in the epicarp, mesocarp and seeds of the Cucurbits under investigation

Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Maikunkele Stream for Irrigation Purpose Using Water Quality Index

Abstract- The study is aimed at using water quality index (WQI) as a standard for determining the suitability of the surface water for irrigation purpose within the Maikunkele Fadama area in Niger State, Nigeria by monitoring five sampling points for five months. The samples were analyzed for includes nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), besides other general parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity). The WQI for the parameters under investigation were determined and values compared international standards. The mean temperature value ranged between 29.5 and 30.4oC, while pH values of 7.18 maximum and 5.95 minimum were observed for the study location. The electrical conductivity ranged between 174 and 274 μScm-1. The mean concentration of calcium ion ranged between 3.68 and 4.44 mgL-1. The concentration of Fe was 0.13 mgL-1 and 1.48 mgL-1. The minimum and maximum values of Zn are 0.01 mgL-1 and 0.17 mgL-1 respectively. The Maikunkele Fadama stream had WQI value ranging from 43.469 to 47.120 which fall under good water category, these also conforms to the results obtained from the analysis carried out. It is therefore concluded that the stream water feeding the Maikunkele Fadama farm is fit to be used as irrigation water for the study area as Fadama stream had WQI value ranging from 43.469 to 47.120 thus falling under good water category as far as water quality for irrigation purpose is concerned. Hence, the stream water feeding the Maikunkele fadama farm is fit to be used as irrigation water