HCME: An Environment-Friendly I.C. Engine Fuel

The study revealed that Hura crepitans oil is a good candidate for Hura crepitans methyl ester (HCME) production. Two steps (esterification and transesterification) production stages influenced the high yield of HCME. Three possible experimental runs were performed in each step, the best of the three conditions were 1.45 (% v/v) for H2SO4 conc., 5:1 for methanol/oil molar ratio, 40 min for reaction time which gave 1.06 % for FFA in the first step, in the second step, 92.70 %(w/w) of HCME was obtained at 0.55% KOH, 5:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, 60 oC temperature and 30 min reaction time. The produced HCME had fuel properties which satisfied both ASTME D6751 and EN 1424 standards. The fatty acid profile of the HCME revealed the dominant fatty acids were linoleic (64.50%), oleic (17.54%) and palmitic (12.70%). Exhaust emissions from an internal combustion (I.C.) engine revealed that there is 60% decreased in CO, 58% decreased in NOx, 60% decreased in HC, 39% decrease in smoke opacity and 42% decreased in BSFC at B20, respectively. Flue gas temperature increased by 12% at B20, 45% increased in BTE at B50 when compared to pure diesel (AGO). Hence, it can be concluded that B20 (20% HCME + 80% AGO) will provides the best emission reduction at the lowest cost

The Incidence of Extended-Spectrum Beta- Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Bacteria in Salad Vegetables in Ondo City, Nigeria

Staff PublicationAim: This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria in salad vegetables in Ondo City, Nigeria. Study Design: An experimental study design with randomized sampling. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was carried out in the Department of Biological Sciences of Wesley University, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Samples of cucumber, carrot, green pea, green beans, sweet corn and cabbage were analysed on appropriate agar medium. Pure isolates were identified by biochemical tests and confirmation was done by the use of API 20 E and API 20 NE in accordance with standard procedures. ESBLs screening was carried out using the double disk synergy test. Data were statistically analyzed using MedCalc statistical software (version 17.2). Results: Total viable bacterial counts (TVBCs) ranged from 1.1 × 103 to 7.1 x 105 cfu/ml; total coliform counts (TCC) ranged from 1.2 x 102 to 3.9 x 103 cfu/ml while total faecal counts (TFC) ranged from 0 to 2.9 × 102 cfu/ml. There were statistical differences in mean TVBCs of the samples (P 0.05). One hundred and sixty (166) isolates obtained from the samples were identified as Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcesens and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. At least one member of all bacterial species, except S. saprophyticus, produced ESBL. Conclusion: This study revealed that salad vegetables could be a vehicle for the spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria which translates to a threat to public health around the world as salads are loved and consumed by all categories of people globally

Farmers’ Perception towards Organic-based Vegetable Produc-tion in Ilaro Agricultural Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria

It is well established that organic farming is a production system that sustain the health of the soils, ecosystems and people. This study assessed the small-scale farmers’ perception towards organic based vegetable production in Ilaro agricultural zone of Ogun state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 85 respondents for the study. Data were obtained using a structured interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that the mean age of the respondents was 30 years and 48.2% of the respondents were married. The major determinants of organic based vegetable production were information from extension agents (18.8%) and consumer’s requests (17.7%). Also, the respondent’s major perceived effect of organic vegetable production were; organic vegetable is environmentally friendly ( ̅χ=4.32) and free from any synthetic chemical ( ̅χ=4.10). There were significant association between educational status (χ2=1.923, df=5, p<0.05) and perceived effect of respondents. Also, there was positive and significant relationship between sources of information of organic vegetable production (r = 0.235*, p< 0.05), age (r = 0.195**, p< 0.05), and perceived effect of respondents. It was concluded that organic based vegetable production is a panacea for sustainable agriculture

Optimization of Process Parameters for the Carbonization of Flamboyant Pod Bark (Delonix Regia)

This study investigates the carbonization of flamboyant pod bark (FPB) for the purpose of production of effective activated carbon from the agricultural residue. Central Composite Design (CCD) under the Response Surface Methodology was employed to combine the selected process parameters [Temperature (300 - 600 0C) and Time (30 - 65 mins)] for the carbonization. FPB were collected within the fields of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, mechanically cracked, crushed, washed with distilled water and sun-dried for seven days before eventually subjecting to carbonization, after which the resultant yields were determined and the statistical analysis was evaluated. The maximum (45.45%) and minimum (11.82%) yields were obtained at Run 1 (3000C/30 mins) and Run 11 (6000C/ 65 mins). The quadratic model equation is given as Yield = 23.27 - 3.48A - 4.38B - 2.81A2 + 0.19B2 + 0.11AB and the R2 value for the model equation is 0.9705 while the adjusted as well as predicted R2 values are 0.9459 and 0.8578, respectively. The numerical optimization by the Design Expert (6.0.8) software suggested minimum yield of 12.89%, (600 0C/ 65 mins) at desirability of 0.941. This research has indicated the suitability of using CCD for the optimization of process parameters for the carbonization of Flamboyant Pod Bark

Assessment of Urban Infrastructure Quality and User Satisfaction in Low Income Residential Neighbourhoods in Minna, Nigeria

This study assessed urban infrastructure quality and the level of user satisfaction with urban infrastructure in low income residential neighbourhoods in Minna, Nigeria. Five (5) neighbourhoods were selected for the study, and a total of 250 housing units were sampled. Questionnaire was administered on households that fell within the sample and used to retrieve relevant data. This was followed with an observatory study of the entire study area. Simple descriptive statistic, frequency distribution, Kruskal wallis (H) test, Pearson's correlation, and Relative satisfaction index (RSI) were used to analyse collected data at different levels in the research. Analyse-it ® v4.5 statistical software for Microsoft excel was used to carry out all statistical analysis. Seven (7) components of urban infrastructure were identified to sustain residential properties in the study area and the varied conditions of each of these infrastructure was presented. The overall quality of urban infrastructure was established based on cumulative weighted scores of respondents rating of urban infrastructure quality in their respective neighbourhoods. Total weighted scores of 600 and below signified a general poor quality of urban infrastructure in the affected areas. A correlation coefficient of 0.853 indicates a strong positive relationship between drainage conditions and the condition of access roads, among others, while low RSI for access roads (1.972), drainage systems (1.456), waste disposal (1.712), security (2.632), water supply (1.372), electricity supply (1.52), and neighbourhood cleanliness (1.688) indicate a very low level of user satisfaction with urban infrastructure in the study area. Over 50% of respondents described the management of urban infrastructure in their neighbourhoods as being poor. The study recommend that efforts by the concerned authorities should be intensified towards the provision and proper management of urban infrastructure in urban areas.Keywords: Infrastructure quality, residential neighbourhood, urban infrastructure, usersatisfactio

MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF STREAM WATER FOR DOMESTIC USE IN RURAL AREAS: A CASE STUDY OF IJEBU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OGUN STATE. NIGERIA

This study aimed at evaluating the microbial quality of stream water sources for domestic purposes by rural communities in Ijebu North Local Government to determine their fitness for human consumption. The evaluated streams include Erilobinla, Imosun, Okenugbo, Odoralamo, Odoye, loji,  Mamu and Tekunle oga. Physicochemical parameters were determined; pour plate method using selective media were employed to determine the enteric bacteria present in water samples. Bacterial isolates were characterized adopting the standard methods, and isolates were further subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity testing using the disc diffusion technique. The result of physicochemical parameters showed that temperature value varied from 25 - 290C, pH varied from 7.30 - 8.50, and total dissolved solid (TDS) of samples were not in agreement with WHO standards. Two of the eight streams analysed had odour, three had taste and two had colour . The total bacteria count revealed that Erilobinla stream water had the highest total bacteria count of 9.0 x 104 cfu/ml while Okenugbo and Odoye had the lowest total bacteria count of 1.0 x 101 cfu/ml. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter species, Salmonella species, Klebsiella species, Proteus species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial sensitivity testing showed that these organisms were resistant to some antimicrobials. In conclusion, most of the stream waters are unsafe for drinking as they are of low quality thresholds. Thus, the stream waters require further purification to ensure suitability for human consumption and there is urgent need for provision of potable water to prevent outbreak of waterborne diseases.Â

Prevalence of Vaginal Pathogens Associated with Genital Tract Infections in Ogun State, Nigeria

Staff PublicationAims: The occurrence of vaginal pathogens associated with genital tract infections [GTIs] was investigated in this study. Study Design: Over a three-month period, 106 High Vaginal Swab [HVS] samples were obtained from women with genital tract infections [GTIs] within the ages of 15 – 50 years attending In- and Out- patients clinic at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria and percentage frequencies of isolates were determined comparatively. Place and Duration of Study: Collections of samples were made at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State while microbiological analyses on samples were carried out at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital [OOUTH], Sagamu, Ogun State, between August and November, 2011. Methodology: Samples were screened for the presence of vaginal pathogens using conventional microbiological techniques. Potato dextrose agar [PDA] was employed to isolate and enumerate Candida species. Chocolate agar was used for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrheae, while Columbia agar base in 10% CO2-enriched atmosphere was employed for the isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis. Microscopic examinations of smears were carried out to determine the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis. Paired sample t-test was employed to analyze results statistically. Results: Candida species recorded the highest prevalence of 58 [54.7%], followed by Trichomonas vaginalis 27 [25.5%], Gardneralla vaginalis 12 [11.3%], while Neisseria gonorrhea recorded the least prevalence of 09 [8.5%]. Among the Candida isolates obtained, Candida albicans had the highest prevalence of 39 [67.2%], followed by 11 [19%] Candida tropicalis, 6 [10.3%] Candida parapsilosis while the least occurred was Candida krusei with 2 [3.5%]. Results also showed that the incidence of Candida species was highest within the age group of between 21 and 30 years except Candida tropicalis which recorded highest incidence within the age range of 15 – 20 years. Statistical analyses established that there was no significant difference between the incidence of Candida sp and other vaginal pathogens. Conclusion: Vaginal pathogens are directly associated with genital tract infections and this is on the high side among women in the developing world like Nigeria. This calls for commitment to routine evaluation and appropriate intervention in antenatal clinics

Challenges of Utilizing Agricultural Information Sources by Small Scale Farmers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This paper discusses the challenges of utilizing agricultural sources by small-scale farmers in Nasarawa State of Central Nigeria.  Poorly trained extension workers contribute significantly to inadequacy of interpersonal communication strategy which lent cognizance to the use of mass media support in conducting information dissemination to farmers in the area.  It was discovered that mass media strategy in the absence of education, material resources, appropriate infrastructure and technical skills was unlikely to eradicate inaccessibility and ineffective information utilization among rural farming community.  There is need for extension managers to improve both the quality and quantity of their extension personnel through continued staff recruitment and training. Keywords: Inter-personal channels; mass media, dissemination of information, persuasion, Johari windows, process of communication