Comparative analysis of calorific values of selected agricultural wastes

Energy used for domestic application are expensive and beyond the reach of the rural poor. An alternative energy source is therefore a welcome development. This research work was aimed at determining the calorific values of Corn cob, Rice husk and Sawdust agricultural wastes materials. Standard method of calorific value determination involving the use of Bomb Calorimeter was adopted. From the investigation, the calorific value of Rice husk, Sawdust and Corn cob are 2938.86 Kcal/kg, 3155.30 Kcal/kg and 3227.78 KcaI/kg respectively. The agricultural materials were further subjected to briquetting and the calorific values determined to be 2092.48Kcal/kg, 2379.76Kcal/kg and 2923.36Kcal.kg for Rice husk, Sawdust and Corn cob briquettes respectively. The agricultural wastes met the minimum standard calorific value which range from 1500cal/kg – 1670Kcal/kg. The selected wastes have calorific values in the following decreasing order: Corn cob> Sawdust> Rice husk; and the corresponding briquettes is in the order: Corn cob>Sawdust >Rice husk. The selected wastes however, have lesser calorific values when briquetted. If agricultural wastes are used in place of firewood, this development will minimize deforestation which leads to desert encroachment and soil degradation.Keywords: Agricultural waste, calorifuc value, corn cob, Rice husk and saw dus

Particle size effects on combustion properties of hardwood charcoal

Fish morphormetric parameters namely; length, thickness, width at several points and weight were determined as a prelude and were used to design the furnace-dryer for investigating the effects of hardwood-charcoal particle size on five of its combustion properties under natural convection.  The tests were in a dryer at zero load.  One-factor experiment at five levels of the charcoal sizes of 10, 20, 28, 37 and 50 mm were used to study four of the properties namely, burn-out time (BOT), burning rate (BR), peak temperature (PT) and the time it takes for the temperature to peak (TTP).  For the fifth property which is temperature gradient (TG), a 5×14, two-factor experiment was used.  The above charcoal particle sizes form one factor while time after igniting the coal at 20-minutes intervals at 14 levels form the second factor.  Each experiment was replicated three times. Temperature readings were taken by calibrating and using a digital multi-meter (MASTERTECH MS8209), at 11 cm spacing interval along the height of the chamber.  Charcoal particle size in the range of 10 to 50 mm investigated has linear relationships with the combustion properties of BOT, BR, PT and TTP with high R2 values.  The relationship of PT and BOT were directly proportional while that of BR was inversely proportional.  Based on the principle of least temperature gradient along the height of the chamber, charcoal in the particle size range of 38 to 50 mm gave a more uniform temperature. Thus for a control requiring uniform temperature in the dryer it would be advisable to use charcoal of 38 to 50 mm particle sizes

Criteria for the Extraction of Fish Oil

The effect of pre-treatment of mackery (Scomber scombrus) on oil recovery and quality was investigated. Fish oil was extracted using the screw expeller press after heat pre-treatment of the fish sample. The effect of cooking temperatures and cooking times was evaluated. It was observed that the oil yield has a positive relationship with cooking temperature. The oil yield increased with increasing cooking temperature at all the cooking times investigated and also increased with increasing cooking time from 5-15 minutes and then decreased for 20 minutes cooking time at all the cooking temperatures investigated. The results revealed that a highest yield of 22.8 % was obtained when the fish was treated at 90 0C cooking temperature for 15 minutes. The lowest oil yield of 16.5 % was obtained for the conditions of 60 0C cooking temperature and 5 minutes cooking time. Analysis of oil quality indices (e.g. colour, specific gravity, refractive index, free fatty acid value, saponification value. iodine value, peroxide value, unsaponifiable matter and microbiological analysis) of oil extracted by non pre-treatment and heat pre-treatment indicated that mackery oil from both processes has comparatively similar fatty acids composition. In addition, mackery fish oil was extracted by heat pre-treatment and mechanical press had lower lipid oxidation compared to several standards

Design analysis of an existing acha (digitariaexilis) dehulling machine

An existing acha dehulling machine was improved upon by re-designing. The performance of the existing dehulling machine was first evaluated to determine the required modification. Improvements were undertaken in the cylinder speed, cylinder-concave clearance, hopper slope and opening, cylinder type and fan speed. The physical properties, terminal velocities of acha and the acha chaff, velocity of air required for the cleaning were determined and used to re-design the machine. Major component parts were designed using relevant engineering design principles The modified acha dehuller had cylinder speed, cylinder-concave clearance, hopper slope, hopper hole opening and fan speed of 2800 rpm, 10 mm, 57o, 10 mm and 2800 rpm respectively as against the existing dehuller values of 934 rpm, 20mm, 67o, 20 mm and 934 rpm respectively. Terminal velocities of acha and the acha chaff, velocity of air required for the cleaning determined were 3.96 m/s, 1.9 m/s and 2.5 m/s respectively. Keywords: acha, dehulling machine, fonio, performance, terminal velocit

In Vitro Comparative Acaricidal Efficacy of Azadirachtin A and Amitrax on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus Larvae

No Abstrac

A Retrospective Study of Common Diseases of Animals in a Private Clinic in Kaduna Metropolitan

Data from clinical records of ECWA Veterinary Clinic, Kaduna, were retrieved for diseases of livestock retrospectively over a period of 10 years (January1997 – December 2006). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that a total of 5296 cases were handled during the 10 year study period and 48 different disease conditions werediagnosed and treated. Of the 48 disorders, Helminthosis appeared to be the most common disease condition with 2177(41%) of all cases handled, followed by Piroplasmosis 771(14.2%), Myiasis 572(10.9%), Bacterial infections 538(10.7%), Ectoparasitism 318(6%), Canine parvoviral enteritis267(5.04%), Mange 242(4.7%), Traumatic injury 1 3 2 ( 2 . 5 1%) , S e p t i c emi a 8 0 ( 1 . 5%) a n d Dermatomycosis 40(0.55%). Other conditionshandled included Caudectomy 20(0.38%), hematoma 16(0.30%), castration 15(0.28%), canine distemper 11(0.21%), food poisoning, fracture, infectious canine hepatitis presenting 10 (0.19%) each. Othersinclude Orchidectomy 7(0.13%), pinnal ulcers 6(0.11%), malnutrition 5(0.09%), organophosphate poisoning and still were handled 4 (0.08%) times each, while Conjuctivitis and Orchitis were handled only 3(0.06%) times each. There are other 11 diseases grouped as A which appeared only twice each throughout the study totaling 22(0.42%) and other 13 diseases grouped as B appeared only once each totaling 13(0.25%). Canine species were the most presented of all animal species with 4413(83.3%), followed by bovine 383(7.23%), ovine 260(4.9%), caprine 170(3.2%), porcine 50(0.94%), feline 19(0.35%) and equine 1(0.02%). Lack of routine de-worming and location of the clinic is responsiblefor this outcome. The findings elucidate the relevance of private veterinary clinics in disease reporting.Keywords: Common diseases of livestock, Helminthosis, Piroplasmosis, ECWA Veterinary clinic, Kaduna Stat

Prophylactic effects of Ixora coccinea leaf on the haematological, biochemical, and atherogenic profile in male Wistar rats administered anticancer drug Cisplatin

Background & Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the prophylactic effects of hydroethanolic extract of Ixora coccinea leaf (HEICL) on Cisplatin (cis diamminedichloroplatinum-II, CDDP)-induced alteration in atherogenic, haematological, and biochemical profiles in male Wistar rats Experimental: Thirty male rats were assigned into 6 groups (n=5) in which groups A, B, C, and D received normal saline (0.2 mL), CDDP (10 mg/kg), HEICL at 200 mg/kg, and HEICL at 400mg/kg. Groups E and F received CDDP 10 mg/kg with HEICL at 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Results: The phytochemical analysis of the AEAC revealed the presence of some phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar, phenol, resin, and volatile oil. However, glycosides, steroids, and anthraquinone were absent. The Acute toxicity result indicated that HEICL has an LD50 above 5000mg/kg. CDDP caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the haematological parameters relative to the control but administration of CDDP with HEICL improved the parameters. CDDP caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), but a significantly (P<0.05) lower level of HDL. Treatment with CDDP and HEICL significantly (P<0.05) abrogated these CDDP-induced alterations. Similar ameliorative effects of HEICL were found in CDDP-induced alterations in atherogenic indices, such as Castelli's Risk Index I (CRI-1), Castelli's Risk Index II (CRI-II), Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) indices relative to the control. Recommended applications/industries: The above study suggests that HEICLmay be useful in treating heart conditions because it protects against CDDP-induced alterations in the haematological, lipid, and atherogenic parameters

DATA SECURITY: AN IMPLEMENTATION IN A PRIVATE CLOUD

ABSTRACT Data security is a critical concern in private cloud environments, where sensitive information is stored and processed. This research paper explores the implementation of data security in a private cloud using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithms. ECC offers strong security with relatively smaller key sizes compared to traditional cryptographic algorithms. The paper investigates the effectiveness of ECC in protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity within the private cloud setting. The research methodology involves a comprehensive analysis of ECC algorithms and their suitability for private cloud environments. A detailed review of recent scholarly articles, conference papers, and industry reports published within the last two years is conducted to gather up-to-date information on the topic. The analysis includes evaluating the performance, scalability, and resistance against known attacks of various ECC algorithms. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with implementing ECC in private cloud architectures, such as key management, computational complexity, and interoperability. It proposes solutions and best practices to address these challenges, drawing on the latest advancements in ECC research. The findings of this research paper indicate that ECC algorithms provide a viable solution for enhancing data security in private cloud environments. The smaller key sizes of ECC make it more efficient for resource-constrained cloud infrastructures, while maintaining a high level of security. The analysis also highlights the importance of proper key management and implementation guidelines to ensure the successful deployment of ECC in private cloud architectures. In conclusion, this research paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing an in-depth analysis of implementing data security in a private cloud using ECC algorithms. The findings and recommendations serve as a valuable resource for cloud service providers, researchers, and organizations seeking to enhance the security of their private cloud deployments. Keywords: Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Confidentiality, integrity, availability, Authentication, Encryption, EC

Comparative Analysis of Biodiesels from Calabash and Rubber Seeds Oils

Physicochemical properties of biodiesel from vegetable oils depend on the inherent properties of the oil-producing seeds. The purpose of this study is to investigate the physicochemical properties of biodiesels extracted from calabash and rubber seeds oils, as well as their combined oil mixtures with a view to ascertaining the most suitable for biodiesel production. Calabash and rubber seeds oils were separately extracted through the use of a mechanical press with periodic addition of water. Biodiesels were produced from each category of the oils by transesterification of the free fatty acid (FFA) with alcohol under the influence of a catalyst in batch process. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesels were investigated and comparatively analysed. The results obtained indicated an average of 1.40 wt% FFA for biodiesel produced from the purified calabash oil, which has a specific gravity of 0.920, pH of 5.93, flash point of 116 0C, fire point of 138 0C, cloud point of 70 0C, pour point of -4 0C, moisture content of 0.82 wt% and specific heat capacity of 5301 J/kgK. Conversely, the results obtained for biodiesel produced from the purified rubber oil showed an average of 33.66 wt% FFA, specific gravity of 0.885, pH of 5.51, flash point of 145 0C, fire point of 170 0C, cloud point of 10 0C, pour point of 4 0C, moisture content of 1.30 wt% and specific heat capacity of 9317 J/kgK. However, results obtained for biodiesel produced from the combined oil mixtures indicated an average of 19.77 wt% FFA content, specific gravity of 0.904, API gravity of 25.036, pH value of 5.73, flash point of 157 0C, Fire point of 180 0C, cloud point of 9 0C, pour point of 5 0C, moisture content of 0.93 wt% and specific heat capacity of 6051 J/kgK. Biodiesel produced from calabash seed oil is superior in quality to rubber seed oil, particularly in terms of its low FFA and moisture contents