A SOA-Based Framework for E-Procurement in Multi-Organisations

The lack of standard platform for application-to-application interaction between the procurement systems of subsidiary organisations of a multi-organisation limits transparency of procurement procedures, and uniformity in the procurement patterns and practices, even when there are cross-cutting concerns. In this paper, an SOA-based e-procurement framework is proposed for effective e-procurement in a multi-organisational context. The e-procurement framework leverages SOA's inherent capability for addressing problems of heterogeneity, interoperability and dynamic requirements. An empirical case study showed that the framework is effective for achieving the corporate goal of promoting transparency, and enhancing uniformity of corporate procurement management in a multi-organisational context

Effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor as replacement for maize on growth performance of broiler chicks in Kaduna state

The pressure on maize by feed industries and other industries has been increasing worldwide and maize has remained the major energy source in compounded diets of poultry ration which requires attention for alternative energy feed stuff for poultry due to cost and varying climatic changes. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor on growth performance of broiler chickens in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty five (225) Arbor acre chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatments after three days adjustment period using the complete randomized design (CRD) as follows, T1 - maize, T2 –Samsorg-14, T3 –Samsorg-40, T4 –Samsorg-17 and T5–KSV-15 in replacement for maize (T1) on the performance of broiler chickens. Each treatment had fortyfive (45) birds per treatment allotted into three (3) replicates containing fifteen (15) birds per pen, which lasted for four weeks. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant (P < 0.05) differences among treatments were compared using the Tukey`s test. The result at the starter phase showed that chicks fed T1 and T2 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in final body weight, average daily weight gain and had better feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain than birds fed T3, T4 and T5 diets. In conclusion total replacement of Samsorg-14 (T2) for maize (T1) in broiler chicks’ diet had no negative impact on performance at the starter phase, therefore Samsorg-14 can be incorporated in the diets of broiler chicks at 100%. Keywords: Broiler chicks, Sorghum varieties, growth performanc

Effects of feeding four varieties of Sorghum supplemented with Maxigrain® enzyme on haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler finishers

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding four varieties of Sorghum bicolor supplemented with Maxigrain ® enzyme on haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in Kaduna state, Northern guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Five diets were formulated for the broilers at both the starter and finisher phases namely T1 – Maize without 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme  supplementation, T2 –Samsorg-14 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme, T3 –Samsorg-40 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme, T4 –Samsorg-17 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme and T5 –KSV-15 supplemented with 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme in replacement for maize (T1) on the performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five (225), day old Arbor acre chicks were used and placed on a common diet and were randomly distributed on the fifth day into five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment group having forty-five (45) birds per treatment and birds were allotted into three (3) replicates of 15 birds in each replicate for eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, 9 birds per treatment were selected based on the average weight per treatment for hematological and carcass assay. The results showed that feeding different dietary treatments supplemented with or without 0.01 % Maxigrain ® enzyme to broiler chickens had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on haematological parameters and did not compromise the health as values were within normal range. Result showed that birds fed T1 and T4 were not significantly (P>0.05) different in terms of final body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and major carcass characteristics were significantly (P<0.05) different and had higher values than birds fed T2, T3 and T5 supplemented with Maxigrain ® enzyme

Iron toxicity tolerance in rice: Roles of Auxins and Gibberellins

Rice is subjected to high iron (Fe) levels in acidic lowland soils which results in disturbance of basic metabolism, several changes in physiological processes and as a consequence reduction in productivity. In response to Fe toxicity in soils, rice like other plants produce a number of hormones (also known as phytohormones), including auxins, gibberellic acids and cytokinins. These hormones are organic substances that regulates plant growth and development, and play important role in rice defence against Fe toxicity. These hormones are part of signal-transduction pathway that stimulates reactions for Fe toxicity responses. The biosynthesis, transport, redistribution and conjugation of these plant hormones in rice has been shown not only to reduce high Fe inside rice plant tissue, but also to alleviate the adverse effect of Fe toxicity. In the present review, we discuss the conditions that enhances Fe toxicity in rice, effects of Fe toxicity in rice and tolerance strategies to Fe toxicity in rice. A special attention has been paid on the role and mechanism of phytohormones in enhancing tolerance and overcoming Fe toxicity-induced adverse effect

DESIGN OF A LABORATORY POLYURETHANE FOAM RECYCLING MACHINE

with the aid of Auto Cad and Inventor software in such way that it can be operated both manually and electrically-in case of power outage. The machine was made up of a mixing chamber which consists of the hopper and mixing drum, and the mixing chamber was sustained by the machine frame. The machine has a compression chamber which consists of the presser, screw and moulding box. The heating chamber of the machine consists of the pressure pot, pressure hoes to enable passage of steam from the pressure pot into the moulding box. Design calculations of the vessels were done with appropriate machine design formula. The assembled parts was also coupled are presented. The design are dimensioned in millimeters (mm), except otherwise stated. Key words: machine, pulley, moulding, mixing chamber, hopper

Evaluation of the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of coconut shell ash reinforced aluminium (6063) alloy composites

Aluminium 6063/Coconut shell ash (CSAp) composites having 3-12 weight percent (wt%) coconut shell ash were fabricated by double stir-casting method. The microstructure, ultimate tensile strength, hardness values, density and corrosion behaviour in 0.3M H2SO4 and 3.5wt% NaCl solution of the composites were evaluated. The density of the composites exhibit a linear and proportional decreased as the percentage of coconut shell ash increases in the aluminium alloy. It implies that composites with lower weight component can be produced by adding CSAp. The microstructural analysis showed uniform distribution of coconut shell ash particles in the aluminium alloy matrix. Significant improvement in hardness and ultimate tensile strength values was noticeable as the wt% of the coconut shell ash increased in the alloy, although this occur at the expense of ductility of the composites as the modulus of elasticity of the composites decreases as the percentage of CSAp increases. Hence, this work has established that incorporation of coconut shell particles in aluminum matrix can lead to the production of low cost aluminum composites with improved hardness and tensile strength values. Keywords Coconut shell; Composite; Matrix; Aluminium 6063; Stir casting; Corrosion; Mechanical propertie

DESIGN OF A LABORATORY POLYURETHANE FOAM RECYCLING MACHINE

This work reports the design of a laboratory polyurethane recycling machine. This machine was designed with the aid of Auto Cad and Inventor software in such way that it can be operated both manually and electrically-in case of power outage. The machine was made up of a mixing chamber which consists of the hopper and mixing drum, and the mixing chamber was sustained by the machine frame. The machine has a compression chamber which consists of the presser, screw and moulding box. The heating chamber of the machine consists of the pressure pot, pressure hoes to enable passage of steam from the pressure pot into the moulding box. Design calculations of the vessels were done with appropriate machine design formula. The assembled parts was also coupled are presented. The design are dimensioned in millimeters (mm), except otherwise stated. Key words: machine, pulley, moulding, mixing chamber, hopper

Growth Performance Characteristics of Goats Fed Varied Levels of Poultry Manure in whole Cassava Plant Based Concentrate Diet

A 56-day feed intake, growth and digestibility trial was carried out to investigate the use of poultry manure as a fermentable nitrogen source in whole cassava plant-based concentrate fed to goats on basal Panicummaximum hay (9.18 % CP). Sixteen adult (2 years old; 12.48 – 16.72 kg initial body weights) West African Dwarf goats were blocked on the basis of body weights into four similar groups that were assigned randomly to four treatments. Treatments consisted of dried poultry manure that was included in a cassava-based concentrate at 0, 14, 18 or 22 % level. Average feed intake (g/W0.725 kg) was reduced (p < 0.05) in goats fed poultry manure at 22 % inclusion level when compared with the other dietary groups. Effects of poultry manure treatments on digestibility of dry matter or crude protein, nitrogen retention and body weight gain were significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded that poultry manure could be used to complement cassava leaf meal in cassava plant-based concentrates for the goats. The use of poultry manure as a source of fermentable nitrogen would promote activities of rumen microbial populations for efficient fermentation and reduce the constraints associated with collection and processing of cassava leaf in sufficient quantity for inclusion in the diet

Mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of treated pineapple leaf fibre reinforced polyester matrix composites...

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of treated pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) on the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of reinforced polyester composites. PALF was extracted from pineapple plant using wet retting method. Chemical treatment was carried out on it to hinder water content and enhances good adhesion between fibre and matrix. Both the matrix and the fibre were compounded using hand lay-up method at room temperature. The samples were prepared for tensile test, flexural test, hardness test and water absorption test. It was observed that as the fibre content increases within the matrix, there is corresponding increase in the ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity while there was decrease in the elongation at break. Flexural strength, flexural modulus and hardness properties of the developed composites increase linearly from 10 wt% to 30 wt% fibre loading and begin to decrease from 40 wt% fibre loading. The results of the water absorption test showed that the amount of water absorbed by the composite increased with increase in fibre loading