Design analysis of an existing acha (digitariaexilis) dehulling machine

An existing acha dehulling machine was improved upon by re-designing. The performance of the existing dehulling machine was first evaluated to determine the required modification. Improvements were undertaken in the cylinder speed, cylinder-concave clearance, hopper slope and opening, cylinder type and fan speed. The physical properties, terminal velocities of acha and the acha chaff, velocity of air required for the cleaning were determined and used to re-design the machine. Major component parts were designed using relevant engineering design principles The modified acha dehuller had cylinder speed, cylinder-concave clearance, hopper slope, hopper hole opening and fan speed of 2800 rpm, 10 mm, 57o, 10 mm and 2800 rpm respectively as against the existing dehuller values of 934 rpm, 20mm, 67o, 20 mm and 934 rpm respectively. Terminal velocities of acha and the acha chaff, velocity of air required for the cleaning determined were 3.96 m/s, 1.9 m/s and 2.5 m/s respectively. Keywords: acha, dehulling machine, fonio, performance, terminal velocit

Social perspective of planning in construction: The UK experience

The demand for improvement in the UK construction industry and the dissatisfaction from end users has been a subject of debate over many years. These challenges have been attributed to the industry's fragmentation and the use of rational approach in the planning and execution of construction projects. However, in recent times, the need to replace the rational approach in planning of construction projects with a more social approach has been emphasised. The aim of this study is to establish the basis of the current rational or technical approach to planning in construction and to evaluate how it can be improved through social conversations such as the Last Planner System (LPS) of production control and collaborative planning (CP). Based on extensive critical literature review, in addition to demonstration project review, the findings indicate that the current rational approach to planning in the construction industry is based on the Rational Comprehensive Model (RCM); which is responsible for the unimpressive performance of the industry. The study went further to evaluate the potentials of the five elements of the LPS in improving the current approach to planning. This was further supported with the UK experience from the Construction Lean Improvement Programme (CLIP) demonstration project reports. The study reveals varied practices with regard to the use of LPS and collaborative planning in the UK. In view of this, the study recommended that further empirical study should be conducted in order to expose the current practice to enable improvement, such as developing a framework for implementing the LPS and CP in the UK construction industry. The study concludes that the practical application of these social conversations will assist construction organisations in delivering more predictable and reliable projects with improved value for the client

Proximate analyses and mineral compositions of the pulp and seeds of Adansonia digitata (Baobab fruit)

The proximate and mineral compositions of the pulp and seeds of Adansonia digitata (baobab fruit) were evaluated. The pulp contained 27.60±0.36% moisture, 1.53±0.04% crude protein, 1.45±0.05% ether extract, 5.73±0.25% ash, 91.25±0.29% carbohydrate, 341.63±10.13 kj/100g calorific value and 1.94±0.03 mg/100ml vitamin C. The seed contained 15.07±0.51% moisture, 10.01±0.45% crude protein, 17.83±2.89% ether extract, 2.67±2.89% crude fiber, 6.33±0.15% ash, 53.16±0.58% carbohydrate, 618.61±3.20 kj/100g calorific value. The pulp and seed of were rich in Na, K, Ca, Mg which were significantly different (p< 0.05) except that of phosphorus that was insignificant. Na content ranged from 78,500± 1.00 to 89,000±1.32; K (14,500±0.500 to 10,533± 503); Ca (35.2±0.82 mg/l) and magnesium (16.17±0.76 to 22.60 ±0.36 mg/l). It was concluded that the pulp of Adansonia digitata is an important source of vitamin C, while the seed is a potential source of edible oil, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium.Keywords: Baobab, Adansonia digitata, seed, proximate composition, minerals

Assessment of water quality at selected Nigerian mining site

The Physicochemical characteristics of water samples from three streams (NS, WS and AS) in the mining area of Eggon Hills, Nasarawa State, Nigeria were analysed. The values obtained were compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible standards in drinking water. The values obtained for pH, conductivity, chloride, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and hardness were within the limits specified by the WHO. From the results, Water bodies coded as WS had the highest pH, while NS had the least. Bicarbonate concentrations in mgL-1CaCO3 were found to be 2.50 for NS which are the highest, 1.94 for WS and 1.08 for as the least. Bicarbonate is the major contributor to alkalinity. The low level of hardness is evident of the fact that calcium and magnesium concentrations in the samples were low.Keywords: Hardness, water quality, mining site, alkalinity, Nigeria

Gender roles and challenges of village chicken keeping among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Production of village chickens is largely in the hands of the rural farm families in Enugu State, Nigeria. Local chicken keeping has been neglected by research and development. This affects women more than men, and may further limit the participation of women in village chicken keeping. Gender roles and challenges faced by village chicken farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria were examined. Multistage sampling technique was utilized in selecting 100 respondents. Structured interview schedule and observations were used in collecting the data for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean scores were used in analyzing the data. The majority (93.0%) of the respondents were females. Construction of chicken house was carried out by men; while women were involved in feeding, disease control and marketing of chickens. Perceived challenges to village chicken keeping include: diseases (=2.98), poor growth rate (=2.94), predators (=2.94), high mortality (=2.56), inadequate veterinary services (=2.33) and inadequate extension services (=2.26). Provision of adequate housing facilities and mounting of vaccination and treatment campaigns are essential in reducing mortalities in village chicken