Post-harvest technology change in cassava processing: a choice paradigm

Open Access Article; Available online: 27 Jan 2020This study employed a choice model to examine the factors influencing the choice of post-harvest technologies in cassava starch processing, using a sample of five hundred and seventy (570) processors in the forest and guinea savanna zones of Nigeria. In addition, the profitability of various post-harvest technologies in the study area was assessed using the budgetary technique while the impact of improved post-harvest technology on processors’ revenue and output was analysed using the average treatment effect model. Sex of the processor, processing experience, income, and cost of post-harvest technology, the capacity of post-harvest technology and access to credit amongst others significantly influence the choice of post-harvest technologies. Although the use of improved post-harvest technology comes with a high cost, the net income from its use was higher than the other types of post-harvest technologies, suggesting that the use of improved techniques was more beneficial and profitable. In addition, using improved post-harvest technology had a positive and significant effect on output and income. These findings shows that investment in improved post-harvest technologies by cassava starch processors and other stakeholders would increase income, thus, improving welfare

Does institution type affect access to finance for cassava actors in Nigeria?

The cassava system in Nigeria is developing, with increasing attention to its potential positive outcomes. However, credit access is a major problem in expanding productive activities of the different actors across the value chains of cassava products. This study investigates the extent of access to credit by cassava actors with respect to the different financial institutions in the country using data obtained from a sample of 168 actors, including producers, processors, marketers, fabricators and end users. The study found that commercial banks had the highest disbursement rate (88.0%) despite higher interest rate charged, while government banks had the least (73.6%). Processors (79.5%) and marketers (79.4%) had highest credit access rate while fabricators (67.5%) had the least. Regression results revealed that cassava actors that patronized commercial banks particularly those who are medium scale had access to higher amount of credit. However, female actors and those using cooperative banks secured lower credit amount. In line with the results, Nigeria should champion private-sector-led credit provision through appropriate policies aimed at improving the capacity of the institutions. Financial institutions should be strengthened for better credit access by the cassava actors, and hence improve their productivity

Synthetic Sacks as Reinforced Fibers in the Thermosetting Composites

This study was carried out to investigate the preparation of thermosetting polymeric blend consisting of three adhesive types, namely: epoxy, polyvinyl formal (PVF) and unsaturated polyester. Both of epoxy and PVF were used as a matrix-binder at fixed weight. Whilst unsaturated polyester was used at different weights and added to the matrix so as to produce prepared epoxy-PVF-unsaturated polyester blend. Several experiments were performed at different operating conditions, mixing speed and time at room temperature to identify the most favorable operating conditions. The optimum mixing speed and mixing time for the prepared blend were 500rpm and 5 minutes respectively. <br />Solid wastes-synthetic sack fibers from high volume, low cost, renewable fiber sources have been used as environmentally friendly alternatives to reinforcing fibers in composites. Many mechanical and thermal tests were carried out of the prepared blend at different weighted ratios. The optimum weighted ratio of the prepared blend for the untreated samples was characterized by the hardness and bending deflection properties and it was 0.40w/w, while for impact strength and thermal conductivity properties was 0.20w/w respectively. At these optimum weighted ratios of untreated samples with sack fibers, the maximum values of hardness and impact strength properties were 95 shore and 2.25J/cm2 respectively. On the other hand, the minimum bending deflection and thermal conductivity properties values were found to be 4mm and 0.01094W/cm.oC respectively. They showed the best bonding forces and physical interaction between two concentrations of matrix and unsaturated polyester adhesives. <br />Treated samples of sack fibers reinforced composites at their optimum weighted ratio showed better fiber-matrix interaction as observed from the experimental results leading to enhance and improve the mechanical (hardness, impact strength, and bending deflection) and thermal (thermal conductivity) properties when compared to the untreated sample. These improvements in treated samples with two layers of sack fibers were predominant

Onion Cultivation System and Spatial Distribution Centers in Tahoua Region/Niger

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Onion farming is the main irrigated crop that contributes to the economy of the Tahoua region, Niger. There are two factors that promote the outstanding potentialities of onion cultivation in Niger: the best productive variety “Violet Galmi”, and it is well adapted to storage. It is produced during both growing seasons which creates a permanent local supply of onions all year. Much of the producing areas are not accessible by road, which inhibits the marketing network. Farmers are in need of an improved transportation system in order to further develop onion production. The Violet of Galmi is grown by all the onion producers of Niger. This onion has a major importance in the socio-economic life of the Nigerien population. The consumers appreciate its cooking qualities and spicy taste. It also has a commercial advantage in the local and the sub-regional markets

Effects of lattice variations on confinement in photonic crystal microcavity using green tensor method

Electric field distribution in and around the 2D PC cavity was calculated for different lattice parameters using the Dyson formulation of the Green tensor. The results demonstrate the sensitive effects of structural variation of the photonic crystal on the effectiveness of field confinement in the cavity

Cultural Differences in Advance Directives Relating to End of Life Decision Making

This paper offers an examination of end of life decision making in Western and African cultures. While Western medical practice focuses on individual rights, autonomy and self-determination, African societies emphasize communitarian values. It argues that “advance directives” in Western medical practice put so much emphasis on the autonomy of the patient that as a result, they are inconsistent with African traditional morality. The paper further argues that contrary to Western medical practice, the African practice of making decisions on behalf of an incompetent patient is based on African conception of death and dying and African communal values. The paper concludes by stressing that in spite of the value of “advance directives” in Western medical practice, they can be criticized based on the problems of precedent autonomy and atomistic individualism respectively

Exploring the Vital Role of Quality Assurance in Ensuring Accessible Services and Resources in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

This paper explores the role of quality assurance in ensuring accessible services and resources in academic libraries in Nigeria. Accessible services and resources are essential for creating learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all users. However, Nigerian academic libraries face several challenges in achieving this goal. This paper identifies common challenges, such as limited resources, lack of awareness, and technological barriers, which hinder the provision of accessible services. It also examines the consequences of inadequate accessibility measures, including limited access to information and exclusion of certain user groups. The research will also focus on quality assurance measures that are specific to accessibility. These measures may include ensuring physical accessibility by providing ramps, elevators, and accessible furniture, as well as investing in assistive technologies such as screen readers and magnifiers. Through a comprehensive analysis of the challenges, consequences, and strategies, this research aims to provide valuable insights for academic library administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders in Nigeria. By implementing effective quality assurance measures, Nigerian academic libraries can enhance their services and resources, thereby creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all users. Also, to address these challenges, the paper discusses strategies and best practices for implementing quality assurance in academic libraries. This includes institutional commitment, collaboration, staff training, and comprehensive accessibility policies. Moreover, specific quality assurance measures for accessibility are highlighted, such as ensuring physical accessibility and investing in assistive technologies. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders, including library administrators, staff, governing bodies, and disability service offices, are crucial for promoting accessibility and quality assurance. This paper provides insights into the importance of quality assurance in ensuring accessible services and resources and offers recommendations for future research and improvement in this area. Keywords: Quality assurance, accessible services, accessible resources and academic libraries,. Word count: 28

Anterior Scleral Regional Variation between Asian and Caucasian Populations

Purpose: To evaluate the anterior scleral shape regional differences between Asian and Caucasian populations. Methods: The study included 250 Asian eyes and 235 Caucasian eyes from participants aged 22 to 67 years (38.5 +/- 7.6). Three-dimensional (3D) corneo-scleral maps were acquired using a corneo-scleral topographer (Eye Surface Profiler, Eaglet Eye BV) and used to calculate sagittal height. For each 3D map, the sclera (maximum diameter of 18 mm) and cornea were separated at the limbus using an automated technique. Advanced data processing steps were applied to ensure levelled artefact-free datasets to build an average scleral shape map for each population. Results: Statistically, Asian and Caucasian sclerae are significantly different from each other in sagittal height (overall sclera, p = 0.001). The largest difference in sagittal height between groups was found in the inferior-temporal region (271 +/- 203 mu m, p = 0.03), whereas the smallest difference was found in the superior-temporal region (84 +/- 105 mu m, p = 0.17). The difference in sagittal height between Caucasian and Asian sclera increases with the distance from the limbus. Conclusions: Asian anterior sclera was found to be less elevated than Caucasian anterior sclera. However, the nasal area of the sclera is less elevated than the temporal area, independently of race. Gaining knowledge in race-related scleral topography differences could assist contact lens manufacturers in the process of lens design and practitioners during the process of contact lens fitting

Toxic Effects of Low Concentration of Cyanotoxin (Microcystin¬-LR) on Mice and Study of Protective Efficacy of the Antioxidants Vitamins (C&E) and Capparis spinosa L. Root Extract

In this study the protective efficacy of vitamin C&amp;E and  ethanolic  extract roots of C.spinosa against toxic effects of algal toxin (Microcystin –LR) in mice  were done .Results showed significant decreasing p≤0.05 in values of hemoglobin (HB) and packed cell volume  (PCV) reach to 7.77 and 27.23 g/l in blood of mice treated  with  low  concentration of cyanotoxin (MC-LR = 0.15 ug/kg/day) compared with control group which reach to 12.21 and  40.22 respectively. Significant increasing were showed in some liver enzymes  ALT,AST and ALP when exposed to toxin only  which reach to 68.80 , 167.85 and 274 U/l respectively compared with control group , While groups treated with vitamins and extract showed non -significant differences with control group in values of blood parameters and enzymes. Histopathological  changes in liver  when group treated with toxin only represented by pyknotic hepatocyte , hypertrophy , binucleation  , infiltration of lymphocyte, karyolysis. While  kidney showed hypertrophy of cell glomerular arterioles , metaplasia of squamous epithelial tissue of bowman capsule wall in to cuboidal, hypertrophy of renal tubules cells , hyperplasia , also results showed the important role of vitamin C&amp;E and root extract of C. spinosa to keep the normal values of blood parameters and prevent histological changes as control group. Keywords: Algal toxin ( Microcystin-LR) ,  protective efficacy of  Vitamin C&amp;E  ,  C.spinos