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

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

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..

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<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<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

Dynamics of Land Cover Change in the Anambra River Basin of Nigeria and Implications for Sustainable Land Management

Land cover change and its consequences such as environmental degradation and biodiversity loss pose significant global challenges, including in Nigeria’s Anambra River Basin. This study focuses on monitoring, predicting and understanding land cover changes in the basin from 1987 to 2018, with projections up to 2030. It explores the intricate relationship between population growth and land cover dynamics, aiming to contribute to sustainable land management practices and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. Using a combination of neural network classification and the CA-Markov model, the study analyses historical land cover data to identify significant transformations. Between 1987 and 2018, bare lands increased by 29%, vegetation increased by 14%, built-up areas increased by 128% and waterbodies increased by 10%, whereas there was a 58% decline in the extent of wetlands. The most significant transformation occurred in the wetlands, with a total of 1819.46 km2 being converted to various land cover types. The results demonstrate remarkable shifts characterised by rapid urbanisation, substantial wetland loss and a decline in vegetation cover. Expectedly, population growth is found to be closely linked to the expansion of built-up areas while negatively impacting other land cover types. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land management strategies that balance the demands of growing populations with the preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, the study provides future projections that offer crucial insights for decision-makers involved in land use planning, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

EFFECT OF FEED TYPE ON GROWTH, SPERMATOZOA PRODUCTION AND GONADO-SOMATIC INDEX IN GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatina marginata)

A study was conducted on the effect of feed type on growth, spermatozoa production and gonado-somatic index in giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata). Thirty snails (30) of weight range of 150 - 180g were used for this study. Ten snails (10) were assigned to each of the three feed types which included: Poultry layers mash (PLM), dried Pawpaw leaves (PL) and mixture of both Pawpaw leaves and Poultry layers mash (PLM+PL). Weight gain was monitored weekly. At the end of seven weeks, snails were dissected; visceral weight and ovo-testis were measured. Five (5) snails each per treatment were used for both histology and spermatozoa concentration estimation. Ovo-testis was processed for histology while little hermaphrodite duct was used for spermatozoa concentration. Results showed that feed type had significant (P<0.001) effect on sperm concentration. Snails fed on PL had higher sperm concentration, followed by those fed on PL+PLM while the least was found in PLM group. For live weight gain, those fed with PLM had the highest weight followed by those fed with PL+PLM while PL had least weight gain.  Results for gonado-somatic index showed that PL had the highest means while those fed on PLM and PL+PLM were not significantly different from each other. It was also found that snails fed with PL had high spermatogenic activity in the acini of snail ovo-testis while those fed with PLM+PL had medium activity and those fed with PLM had the least activity. The findings from this study suggest that pawpaw leaves have agents which promote spermatogenesis and can therefore be used as diet for breeding snails to enhance spermatogenesis.Â