Assessment of the nutritional quality of smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria

This study examined the nutritional quality of smoked Catfish Clarias gariepinus obtained in three different markets in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria for a period of three months. Proximate compositions of smoked Clarias gariepinus were determined. The highest protein content (49.27 ± 2.59) was recorded in smoked fish obtained from Baddegi market and was not significantly different from that of other sampling sites (P>0.05), while the least protein (46.68 ± 0.52) recorded from Central market also shows no significant differences (P>0.05) from other sampling sites. Similar results were obtained for the fat, the differences in proximate composition of smoked fish in Lapai markets were not significant (P>0.05). The ash content of smoked fish in Efugwaja, Central and Baddegi markets showed significant differences (P<0.05) and these were also exhibited within the months. Sensory evaluation of smoked fish revealed that the taste was significantly different (P<0.05) in all the three market samples, while that of colour, texture and appearance were not significant (P>0.05).There was a significant different (P<0.05) in two minerals, Potassium and Sodium from Baddegi and Efugwaja markets. This study therefore recommends smoked method as one of the preservative process to maintain a longer shelf life for Clarias gariepinus for both commercial and domestic purpose, and still retain its nutritional qualities.Keywords: Smoked fish, Clarias gariepinus, Proximate composition, Fats, Protein, Ash content

Length-weight relationship of Hepsetus odoe in Lapai - Agaie Reservoir, Niger State, Nigeria

Study on the length-weight relationship (LWR) of Hepsetus odoe in Lapai-Agaie Reservior, Niger State was carried out between April 2016 and August 2016. One hundred and twenty samples, which comprised of 70 males and 80 females were used for this study. These were collected from fishermen that use gillnet. Females were bigger than males though did not show any significant difference (P<0.05). Length-weight (b) values showed that males (b = 2.6), females (2.7) and pooled (b = 2.7) exhibited negative allometric growth pattern hence, length and weight did not grow at the same proportion. There was positive correlation (r) between length and weight of males (r = 0.74), females (r = 0.78) and pooled (r = 0.85). It is recommended that similar study should be done for dry season, other aspects of the biology of the fish should be studied and water quality assessment through determination of physico-chemical parameters to know the pollution status of the reservoir should also be carried out. This would go a long way to better managed Hepsetus odoe and other fish species in the reservoir.Keywords: Growth pattern, Hepsetus odoe, length-weight relationship, reservoir, Niger stat

A Didactic Note for Laboratory Determination of Local Acceleration of Gravity

We describe a laboratory experiment in which the local acceleration of gravity, g, was determined. This work is primarily one utility of a theory for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. It involves measurement of impact time between two metallic bodies. The setup consists of a thin copper wire suspending a pendulum metal bob. The wire was passed over into connection with a chosen resistor in series with an electrolytic capacitor. The latter connected to a larger metallic body. At a determined height, the bob was allowed to make an impact with the larger metallic body to induce an electric current of which voltage was recorded by means of a voltmeter connected across the electrolytic capacitor. Errors due to oscillations in the conventional pendulum experiment were avoided because only one impact was allowed for every set of readings. Interesting common analyses were found sufficient for calculations of standard errors on g. Keywords: Didactic, local acceleration of gravity, conversion of mechanical energy, collision time, capacitor, pendulum bob, impact time, error calculation PACS: 01.40.-d, 01.50.Pa, 01.40.J-, 01.40.gb, 01.30.l

Unsteady magneto hydrodynamic poiseuille oscillatory flow between two infinite parallel porous plates

Alfred studied on the steady Magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) Poiseuille flow between two infinite parallel porous plates in an inclined magnetic field. The case of steady Poiseuille flow without oscillatory to extend the existing work. The study examines the unsteady MHD Poiseuille oscillatory flow between the two infinite parallel porous plates in a magnetic field. The motion of two dimensional unsteady oscillatory flow of viscous, electrically, conducting, incompressible fluid flowing between two infinite parallel plates at constant pressure gradient was examined. The analytical expression for the fluid velocity obtained was expressed in terms of Hartmann number. The effects of the magnetic inclinations, Hartmann number, suction/injection and pressure gradient to the velocity are presented graphically. It was discovered that the increase in the Hartmann number and suction/injection leads to the increase in the velocity

Modeling and simulation of transient flow characteristics in a producing gas well

Modeling transient flow characteristics in a producing gas well has been a problem long over in natural gas industry due to parameter changing during operation. In the past, authors concentrate on application of correlations and steady state approach, but most of their works does not give satisfactory results because the used applications neglect the transient aspect leading to premature closure of most wells. Many existing models are proposed to correct these anomalies using simplified governing equation ignoring the transient aspect of the flow characteristics. A one-dimensional transient compressible model comparing the conservation of mass, momentum and energy has been presented to investigate the transient behavior of flow characteristics in a producing gas well staged at different inclination due to environment change. The model is solved numerically using the implicit Steger-Warming flux vector splitting method (FSM). The work investigates flow characteristics along depth of the well using different wellbore diameter of 0.073m, 0.0883m, at different time and different thermal conductivities. It shows that transient occurs due to the temperature difference between the produced gas and the flow environment while gas pressure increases due to difference between wellbore pressure and reservoir pressure. The result of this work reflect gas flow law and the characteristics of heat transfer in formation

Determinants of Firm Growth: The Case of Sachet Water Firms in Minna, Nigeria

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on the profitability of Sachet Water Firms (SWFs) in Minna. Design/methodology/approach: This was done through the use of personal interviews for the collection of qualitative data from owners/managers of SWFs. The population of the study included all the 165 SWFs in Minna and the sample size was 10 which was determined by interview saturation point. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the transcribed audio recordings of the interviews conducted. Findings: Findings revealed that there is an EI deficit in Minna, which has led to increased expenses on the provision of alternative EI by SWFs and has increased their operational costs thereby reducing their profitability. Research limitations/implications: Firstly, with thirty-six states in Nigeria, the findings of this study, covering the Capital of only one of the States (Niger) cannot be generalized for the entire country, rather it must be taken within the context of the region covered. Secondly, only one industry out of many that make up the Nigerian economy is selected for investigation. Thirdly, the researcher was faced with the negative attitude of some respondents who were not willing to participate in the research or provide the needed data for analysis. Lastly, not all the SWFs in Minna were included in the study, only those that have operated for up to three years were included. Future studies can bridge these research gaps by carrying out research in other parts of Nigeria on the same subject matter. Practical implications: Findings of this study would be of help to the existing SMEs in Nigeria, particularly the SWFs in further understanding the complexities of the infrastructural challenges militating against their growth and how to overcome them. Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the nexus between EI and the general performance of SMEs. Paper type: Research paper

Dietary supplement using cockroach meal: impact on growth indices and biochemical responses in hybrid catfish

Globally the need to substitute fishmeal with other animal protein sources in the fish diet has gained more attention; which is occasioned by the increasing cost of fish. A 12-week trial was conducted to ascertain the growth indices and biochemical response of hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus(♀) and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (♂)) fed cockroach meal supplement. A total of 800 hybrid catfish were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments (Diet A- control feed), Diet B (50 % cockroach and 50 % fishmeal), Diet C (100 % cockroach meal) and Diet D (100 % fishmeal). Each treatment was replicated with 35 fish per experimental pond in a completely randomized design. Progressive weight gain was determined bi-weekly. At the end of the study period, fishes were randomly sacrificed for proximate compositions and plasma biochemical analyses (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin) using standard protocols. The study revealed that growth parameters (Weight gain, Average weight gain, Protein efficiency ratio, Feed Conversion rate, Specific growth rate and Survival rate (SR) were influenced by the dietary treatments (p>0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded in Diet 1 (8847.73±292.65 g) > Diet 2 (7816.33±121.71 g)>Diet 3 (7811.67±566.08 g) >Diet 4 (7022.00±44.193 g). Similarly, the best feed conversion ratio was found in fish fed Diet A (10.12±0.01),>Diet B, C and D had the same values of 0.11 g respectively. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in plasma biochemical indicators measured when compared to the control (Diet A). Thus, indicating that all the fish were healthy and had normal physiological activities. Cockroach meal can therefore, be used as a feed supplement without having any adverse effect on the growth and well-being of hybrid catfish fingerling

Determinants of Firm Growth: The Case of Sachet Water Firms in Minna, Nigeria

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure (EI) on the profitability of Sachet Water Firms (SWFs) in Minna. Design/methodology/approach: This was done through the use of personal interviews for the collection of qualitative data from owners/managers of SWFs. The population of the study included all the 165 SWFs in Minna and the sample size was 10 which was determined by interview saturation point. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the transcribed audio recordings of the interviews conducted. Findings: Findings revealed that there is an EI deficit in Minna, which has led to increased expenses on the provision of alternative EI by SWFs and has increased their operational costs thereby reducing their profitability. Research limitations/implications: Firstly, with thirty-six states in Nigeria, the findings of this study, covering the Capital of only one of the States (Niger) cannot be generalized for the entire country, rather it must be taken within the context of the region covered. Secondly, only one industry out of many that make up the Nigerian economy is selected for investigation. Thirdly, the researcher was faced with the negative attitude of some respondents who were not willing to participate in the research or provide the needed data for analysis. Lastly, not all the SWFs in Minna were included in the study, only those that have operated for up to three years were included. Future studies can bridge these research gaps by carrying out research in other parts of Nigeria on the same subject matter. Practical implications: Findings of this study would be of help to the existing SMEs in Nigeria, particularly the SWFs in further understanding the complexities of the infrastructural challenges militating against their growth and how to overcome them. Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the nexus between EI and the general performance of SMEs. Paper type: Research paper

An innovative method for building electricity energy management in smart homes based on electric vehicle energy capacity

The surging demand for electricity, fueled by environmental concerns, economic considerations, and the integration of distributed energy resources, underscores the need for innovative approaches to smart home energy management. This research introduces a novel optimization algorithm that leverages electric vehicles (EVs) as integral components, addressing the intricate dynamics of household load management. The study’s significance lies in optimizing energy consumption, reducing costs, and enhancing power grid reliability. Three distinct modes of smart home load management are investigated, ranging from no household load management to load outages, with a focus on the time-of-use (ToU) tariff impact, inclining block rate (IBR) pricing, and the combined effect of ToU and IBR on load management outcomes. The algorithm, a multi-objective approach, minimizes the peak demand and optimizes cost factors, resulting in a 7.9% reduction in integrated payment costs. Notably, EVs play a pivotal role in load planning, showcasing a 16.4% reduction in peak loads and a 7.9% decrease in payment expenses. Numerical results affirm the algorithm’s adaptability, even under load interruptions, preventing excessive increases in paid costs. Incorporating dynamic pricing structures like inclining block rates alongside the time of use reveals a 7.9% reduction in payment costs and a 16.4% decrease in peak loads. In conclusion, this research provides a robust optimization framework for smart home energy management, demonstrating economic benefits, peak load reduction potential, and enhanced reliability through strategic EV integration and dynamic pricing

The impact of rural residence and HIV infection on poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes in a large urban hospital: a retrospective cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment is essential to effective TB control. TB-HIV coinfection, social determinants and access to services influenced by rural residence can affect treatment outcome. We examined the separate and joint effects of rural residence and HIV infection on poor treatment outcome among patients enrolled in a large TB treatment centre in Kano, Nigeria. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a cohort of patients with TB enrolled in a large urban TB clinic in northern Nigeria, from January 2010 to December 2014. Poor treatment outcome was defined as death, default or treatment failure. We used Poisson regression to model rates and determine the relative risks (and 95% confidence intervals, CI) of poor treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Among 1381 patients included in the analysis, 28.4% were rural residents; 39.8% were HIV-positive; and 46.1% had a poor treatment outcome. Approximately 65 and 38% of rural and urban residents, respectively, had a poor treatment outcome. Rural residents had 2.74 times (95% CI: 2.27-3.29) the risk of having a poor treatment outcome compared to urban residents. HIV-positive patients had 1.4 times (95% CI: 1.16-1.69) the risk of poor treatment outcome compared to HIV-negative patients. The proportion of poor treatment outcome attributable to rural residence (population attributable fraction, PAF) was 25.6%. The PAF for HIV infection was 11.9%. The effect of rural residence on poor treatment outcome among HIV-negative patients (aRR:4.07; 95%CI:3.15-5.25) was more than twice that among HIV-positive patients (aRR:1.99; 95%CI:1.49-2.64). CONCLUSION: Rural residents attending a large Nigerian TB clinic are at increased risk of having poor treatment outcomes, and this risk is amplified among those that are HIV-negative. Our findings indicate that rural coverage of HIV services may be better than TB services. These findings highlight the importance of expanding coverage of TB services to ensure prompt diagnosis and commencement of treatment, especially among rural-dwellers in resource-limited settings