Assessment of the water quality parameters in relation to fish community of Osinmo reservoir, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Physicochemical indices of water body changed seasonally and this necessitated an investigation to assess the water quality parameters of Osinmo reservoir in relation to its fish species. The water quality parameters were measured using standard methods. Results obtained show that the reservoir is alkaline in nature with dissolved oxygen  concentration (1.8-7.2 mgl-1) and alkalinity (64 CaCO3 mgl-1-108 CaCO3 mgl-1) which were within the optimum range for growth and survival of fish. Four families of fish comprising eight species were encountered. The sex-ratio of five species which were statistically different (P<0.05) indicatedreproductive efficiency populations while other fish species whose sex-ratio differed insignificantly (P>0.05) revealed a growing population. The  well-being of the fish species was adequate as observed in the least meancondition factor of 0.666±0.057 in C. gariepinus and the highest mean of 2.000±0.242 in S. galilaeus. The productivity of the reservoir can be  improved through proper management of the water body.Keywords: Water quality, fish abundance, diversity, fish biometrics, sex-ratio, condition factor

Why royalties ? Evidence from French distribution networks

Working paper GATE 2011-02This empirical note deals with the contractual design of relationships in distribution networks. In the framework of agency theory, I study the royalty rate as an incentive device for the upstream firm in maintaining brand-name value, using recent French data to estimate probit models. The results are consistent with the analytical framework

The effect of communication media on the uptake of agricultural innovations in selected states of Nigeria

Open Access Article; Published online: 21 Sep 2022Purpose Poor uptake of agricultural innovations on weed management practices is a major factor responsible for low productivity. This paper examines how communication media can help improve farmers’ adoption behaviour. Methodology A sample of 725 Nigerian cassava farmers, exposed to agricultural innovation on weed management practices from varying sources, were asked, through a structured questionnaire, to indicate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cassava weed management. The responses were compared with a sample of 190 cassava farmers who were not exposed to the information (control group). The data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, analysis of variance, and multivariate probit regression. Findings Farmers exposed to the agricultural innovation in weed management practices indicated more positive behaviour (57.7%) towards improved weed management practices than the control group (26.8%). The mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and behaviour of the farmers exposed to the innovation through demonstration was significantly higher than for other sources. Practical implications On-farm demonstrations as a means of communication will enhance the uptake and effectiveness of agricultural innovation on weed management practices. Theoretical implications Findings on the influence of communication media on improved weed control and agronomy are significant, given that there is little well-documented data on how communication media enhances technology and innovation adoption in arable crop farming. Originality/value This study generates important data that reinforces the imperatives of communication and media choices, and further underpins the debate that technology alone cannot lead to uptake by farmers but needs to be communicated

Preliminary Study on the Potassium content of Nigerian Bananas and the Methanolic Extraction, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Studies of Oils from Banana Peels

Banana is eaten all over the world by all sections of the population. It is known to contain potassium and it has been suggested that it could serve as a source of potassium. Recently, a valuable chemical component, a lectin, called BanLec, was isolated from banana fruit and found to possess anti-HIV-1 activity. However, the peels of banana are thrown away as rubbish and farmers are known to use them as feed for their animals. It is therefore necessary to determine the potassium content of some Nigerian bananas and to also extract the oils from their peels. The components of the extracted oils are to be determined and tested for their biological activity. The potassium content of five (5) varieties of Nigerian bananas (Dwarf Cavendish AAA GP; Lady Finger AA GP; Dwarf Chinese Double; Double Dwarf Senorata AA GP; Giant Cavendish (Williams) AAA GP and Dwarf Red AAA GP) was determined using flame photometer. The potassium content varied from 0.15 mg/g (Dwarf Red) to 1.80 mg/g (Lady Finger). Compared to the value of 358 mg per 100 g reported in the literature, these values are very low and considerable lower than the RDA of 4700 mg. The conclusion is that Nigerian bananas will not be a viable source of potassium for candidates with potassium deficiency. A report on the methanolic extract of oil from their peels is given. Two (2) of the five (5) varieties were chosen and methanolic extraction of oils from their peels was undertaken. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis, which revealed the presence of the following of steroids, saponin and terpenoids, anthraquinones and tannins. A report is also given on antimicrobial studies of the methanolic extracts, which revealed that the oils were effective against some bacteria

Determination of the effect of quantity of maize cobs and shelling speed on the performance of a maize sheller

Arable farming of maize is the most common of all crops in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most often, the processing is done domestically using manual effort, but on few occasions some part are done visiting commercial mechanized processors. This work presents the evaluation of the performance of a maize sheller scaled for domestic use. Three set of maize input (2kg, 3kg and 5kg) were each tested at different shelling speed of 2500 rpm, 2600 rpm and 2800 rpm respectively. The output parameters measured were; shelled maize, unshelled maize, cylinder loss and spilled loss. Subsequently, shelling capacity, cylinder loss (%) and spilled loss (5) were determined. It was however discovered that the 5kg shelling at 2600 rpm gave the highest shelling capacity at 24. This is in agreement with the assessment of the machine when 10kg maize was shelled at 2600 rpm

Franchisors' choice between royalties and fixed fees evidence from Brazil

In franchise contracts, the royalty rate and the fixed entrance fee are the main monetary clauses defining the payment scheme between the franchisor and the franchisee. In the traditional agency view, the presence of distant outlets leads the franchisor to choose a payment mechanism designed to provide incentives to the franchisee; that is, a low royalty rate associated with a high fixed fee. Based on a unique panel dataset, we provide evidence that, in the Brazilian context, spatial dispersion has the opposite impact, with interesting practical and research implications