Investigation on modification of cassava starch using active components of ginger roots (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Effects of ginger grates at concentrations of l, 5 and 20 g per 150 g of cassava starch suspension in 200 ml of water at room temperature were investigated in order to evaluate the potentials of active components of the ginger in modifying pasting and some physicochemical properties of the starch. Pasting properties of the ginger modified cassava starch showed high peak viscosities (487.58 - 420.25 RVU) compared to low peak viscosity (392.33 RVU) of the native starch. The modified starch was characterized with low set back viscosities (64.14 - 57.05 RVU) in relation to native starch with high set back viscosity (66.58 RVU). Similarly, the ginger modified starch was characterized with low gelatinization time (3.45 - 3.36 min) compared to the native starch with high gelatinization time (3.5 min). Ginger modified starch showed high swelling power (12.9 - 9.5) and solubility indices (11.3 - 15.6%) compared to native starch with low swelling power (8.9) and solubility index (3.1%). Therefore active components of ginger root can be used as natural modifying agents for cassava starc

Enhancement of agronomical values: upstream and downstream opportunities for starch and starch adjuncts

Majority of the starch crops harvested in the tropical African countries are wasted to post-harvest losses, while minority are consumed locally with insignificant quantity being processed for down stream applications, with no evidence for up stream process applications. Consequently, the naturalresources are under utilized but deserve value enhanced utilities. In view of these necessity, this review pooled together information on tropical agricultural starch crops endowment with respect to types, present status of utilization, possibility for value enhancement and illustrations on prospects for utilization of value-added starch based products and adjuncts in food and non-food products with view to provoke interest on enhancement of agronomical benefits of tropical African countries starch crops

Production, characterization and application of banana (Musa spp) flour in whole maize

Pasting properties of flour from six varieties of matured green banana (Musa spp) fruits identified as Gross michel (GM), Dwarf Cavendish (DC), Cavendish (CA), Lacatan (LA), Poyo (PO) and Red skin (RS) were determined. Flour of CA, used in formulation of banana–whole maize meal was assessed organoleptically for binding and mouth feels qualities. Peak viscosity ranged from 434.75 – 837.17 RVU; break down viscosity, 115.42 – 487.92 RVU; final viscosity, 355.00 – 504.92 RVU; set back viscosity, 70.17 – 426.25 RVU; gelatinization time, 3.94 – 4.56 min; and gelatinization temperature, 64.35 – 67.55°C. Statistical analysis (P = 0.05) of sensory scores of different formulations of flour-whole maize meal showed an improvement of binding property and mouth feel of the composite food product. This simple method of processing banana, its pasting profile and application in food product reported in this study will serve as a means of utilization and extension of shelf life of mature banana fruit

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POOR SPECIFICATION ON BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

This paper examines the effects of specification on building collapse in Nigeria. The study became necessary due to the ugly cases of buildings collapsing in the country over the years. In doing so, the study begins with review of relevant literature on the concept of specification, as well as the factors associated with building collapse. The need for specification in building construction projects was enunciated upon. Other factors that culminate in building collapse, such as load types; man-power; technical skills, etc. are discussed herein. The study further examines identifies and documents cases of building collapse in Nigeria to identify the causes and factors responsible for the collapse. Interviews were conducted with practicing professionals in the construction industry. This was done to obtain professional insights and experiences used as part of the data in the research. Findings from this study highlights consequential role of poor specification in causing building collapse, loss of lives and properties. This paper concludes with identifying the relevance of specification in ensuring adherence to appropriate materials and construction methods for structural stability. Recommendations are given to guard against poor specifications that result in the collapse of buildings, properties and ultimately loss of lives

Phytochemical screening and application of extracts of selected plant foods in preparation of enhanced sensorial and healthier image yoghurt

Extracts of four indigenous plant foods namely: Chrysophyllum albidum (Cal), Curcuma longa (Clo), Tetracapidium conophorum (Tco) and Piper guineese (Pgu) were screened for phytochemical endowment in order to gain insight to their pharmacological potentials with concomitant propensity for pro-lactic acid fermentation. The extracts were used in the formulation of substrate for preparation of modified yoghurt. Physicochemical and sensory properties of the modified yogurt were assessed in comparison to plain (unmodified) yogurt. Assessment revealed the presence of phytochemicals of therapeutic importance with pro-fermentation values principally, flavonoids, saponins, sugars and peptides in Clo and Cal. Alkaloids dominant extract exhibited anti-fermentation effects. Modified yoghurt preparations using Clo and Cal with respect to water (in place of extract) were characterized with improved quality. Titratable acidity (x10-2 g/ml); 140, 50, 45 and relative reducing power (x10-3 g/ml) of 9.53, 9.56, 1.38 were found for Clo – plain yoghurt (YOG) and YOG respectively. Comparatively to YOG, the extracts conferred assorted sensorial (P = 0.05) qualities with Clo - YOG most preferred. The extracts of the indigenous plant foods can be used to enhance the physical and healthier image of yoghurt.Key words: Plant foods extract, phytochemicals, yoghurt, physicochemical properties, healthier image, sensorial characteristics

AN ASSESSMENT OF DETERIORATING URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS ALONG THE BUFFER ZONE OF THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO-EKITI, NIGERIA

The rate of population growth and rapid urbanization all over the world has made housing problem a global issue, confronting both the developed and developing countries although with varying degree of severity. The aim of this research work is to assess the housing conditions in terms of overcrowding, inadequate infrastructural facilities, physical conditions of the buildings, surrounding environmental quality and socioeconomic characteristic of the residents, along the buffer zone of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti. The area was digitized through Google map. Housing and population survey revealed a total population of 1860 inhabitants in the area. According to Neuman (1991), larger population permits smaller sampling ratio for equal good samples. Therefore 10% of the 1860 people were sampled given 186 copies of questionnaire that were administered; while data analysis utilized simple descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that, the presence of illegal occupants has implications for infrastructure and services, with inadequate sanitation facilities, overburden public utilities, and the absence of essential amenities creating environmental challenges for both residents and the host institution. Policy measures were recommended based on research findings to improve on the development planning of the area. Keywords: Buffer zone, Population, Housing conditions, Illegal occupants, Overcrowding. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/15-3-04 Publication date: May 30th 202

Techno-economic analysis of electricity and heat production by co-gasification of coal, biomass and waste tyre in South Africa

Abstract: South Africa has large deposit of coal that supports about 95 % of electric power generation in the country. The fuel is fast depleting, though the current reserve may serve for the next century. However, the emissions from the coal projects huge threat to the environment. Similarly, the country has abundant solid wastes that can be co-gasified with coal to H2 enriched syngas for clean energy production. A 5 MW combined heat and power plant was studied using different coal-to-solid waste ratios including 1:1, 3:2, and 4:1 with feedstocks costing, and without feedstock costing. The lower heating value of the fuels, determined from a model equation was applied to estimate the annual feedstocks requirement and the feed rate..

Influence of storage conditions and packaging materials on some quality attributes of water yam flour

The study investigated some quality attributes of water yam flour stored in three packaging materials [high and low density polyethylene and plastic container] under different storage conditions [relative humidity (36%, 56%, 75% and 96%), temperature (25±2, 35±2 and 45±2 °C)] for 24 weeks. The functional properties, proximate composition and microbial load of the samples were evaluated at 4 weeks interval. Significant differences (p<0.01) were observed for proximate composition, functional properties and microbial load of the samples during storage. The interactive effect of storage conditions and packaging materials was significant (p<0.01) on proximate composition and pasting properties (except trough viscosity). The yam flour samples were still shelf stable after the 24 weeks of storage

Prediction of emissions and profits from a biomass, tyre, and coal fired co-gasification CHP plant using artificial neural network: Nigerian and South African perspectives

Abstract : The local sourcing of feedstock for energy generation will reduce costs in the power plant, and promote energy sustainability. Most times, potential investors in this area show interest about understanding the profitability of the business because, the information boosts the confidence of the investors in the project, and gives them the opportunity of making a short and long term plans about the business. The emissions arising from the energy plant is an important aspect of the venture that requires proper attention, otherwise the costs of emission control may consume a greater part of the profit, hence rendering the business un-viable. Nigeria and South Africa (SA) have abundant biomass (e.g. corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, & pine saw dust) coal and tyre that can be used as fuel in an energy plant. A 10 MW CHP plant was fired with coal and biomass, and tyre obtained from Nigeria and South Africa (SA) respectively, at ratios of 1:1, 3:2, and 4:1 to study the emissions and profits in the plant. An empirical model was employed to estimate the annual amount of feedstock and feed rate required for the plant, after which, an artificial neural network (ANN); LevenbergMarquardt algorithm was used to predict the emissions and profits in the plant for 20-year- investment period with feedstock costing (WFC) and without feedstock costing (WOFC). The profit obtained from the South African feedstock, WFC and WOFC; produced about 45.18 % and 36.83 % ($3,900,000.07 and$3,179,184.49) higher profits than the Nigerian feedstock, but the CO, NOX, & SO2 emissions from Nigerian feedstock were lower than that of SA. The findings from this study could be used as a platform for decision making by potential investors and stake-holders, and further research and development in the area

PARTUM AND POST-PARTUM BEHAVIOURS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF DOES AND KIDS

Seventeen West African Dwarf does housed intensively were used for this study. Does were naturally mated and pregnancy was confirmed by non-return to oestrus. The predicted parturition date was calculated. Two days to the predicted date of parturition, the does were closely monitored until the day they actually kidded. The behaviours of the does (duration of parturition, and latency to groom kids) and the kids (latency to stand) were recorded. Data were subjected to independent T-test of SPSS statistical package. The mean duration of parturition in WAD does was 9.5±2.65 min and the latency of kids to stand was 10.5±3.45mins. Duration of parturition was greater (P&lt;0.05) in the 1st than 2nd parity does. A significant negative correlation was established between parity and duration of parturition (r =-0.635, P˂0.05). Kids from 1st parity does stood up earlier (P&lt;0.05) compared to those from the 2nd parity does. A positive correlation was established between parity and the latency of the kids to stand (r = 0.598, P˂0.05). In conclusion, the duration of parturition and latency of kid to stand were not affected by the sex of the kid delivered, however WAD does groomed female kids earlier than the male kids.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp