Development of a Laboratory Airbag Model to Cushion the effect of Vehicle Tyre Burst While in Motion

The incessant rate of traffic accident as a result of tyre burst on our roads from the motor vehicle necessitated the development of this airbag to cushion the effect of tyre burst. The development of this laboratory airbag model is such that the airbag is incorporated into the rim (i.e. on the rim, inside the tyre).  This allows the vehicle balance for some time until the driver is able to maneuver and park the vehicle safely.  The frame of the airbag model was made of 0.5 mm ply wood cut into six (6) pieces and to form the box. A hole was drilled at the front to give space for motor to be used as a prime mover. The shaft produced from a 30 mm diameter mild steel rod was machined on a lathe machine to 25 mm diameter and cut to length of 10 mm. The calculated resultant stress upon impact was 83.96 MPa. The contact area and airbag thickness was 0.258 m2 and 2.8 mm, respectively. A mini inflator was selected and actuated with the aid of an infrared sensor; it took less than six (6) seconds to actuate the shape airbag. The laboratory model was powered by a DC source and tyre burst signals were transmitted wirelessly through a control system

Effect of Extraction Methods and Storage Time on the Yield and Qualities of Neem Seed (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Oil

The effects of extraction methods and time of storage on the yield and qualities of neem seed oil were investigated. Three extraction methods: cold water, hot water, and n-hexane were used while the extracted oils were stored at room temperature for six months. The yield, chemical properties, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the fresh and stored oils were evaluated at every two-month interval using standard methods. The results showed that n-hexane gave the highest oil yield (62 %), followed by hot water (49 %), and cold water (42 %). The chemical properties ranged as follows; peroxide value: (7.02–25.56, 6.30–26.76 and 8.99–24.16 Meq/kg), saponification value: (133.95–245.26, 114.09–288.09 and 141.11–250.12 mg KOH/g oil), iodine value: (51.69–6.98, 56.73–7.88 and 54.87–9.51 mg/wij’s) and acid value: (18.01–55.99, 11.34–85.12 and 14.62–56.88 mg KOH/g oil) for cold water, hot water, and n-hexane respectively. The qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, triterpenoid, and steroid contents. Conclusively, the extraction methods and storage time affect the yield and qualities of the extracted neem seed oil, while the chemical and phytochemical results revealed that the extracted oils were good for both medical and industrial applications. Keywords:  Neem seeds, oils, extraction methods, storage time, chemical and phytochemical propertie

Effect of analytical extraction methods and storage time on the quality of Moringa seed oil

The effect of extraction methods and storage time on the quality of moringa seed oil was investigated. Cold water, hot water, and n-hexane extraction methods were used while the extracted oils were stored at room temperature for six months. The chemical properties, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the oils were determined using standard methods. The n-hexane had the highest yield of 56%, hot water 40%, and cold water 30%. The chemical properties ranged as follows: peroxide value: (12.98–22.50, 10.36–33.12 and 9.12–23.93 Meq/kg), saponification value: (189.01–160.23, 222.17–122.72 and 184.17–110.82 mgKOH/g), iodine value: (65.17–14.37, 60.49–16.25 and 59.46–16.84 mg/wij’s) and acid value: (14.58–74.14, 12.99–78.07 and 17.96–46.19 mgKOH/g), respectively for cold water, hot water, and n-hexane. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. Moringa olelifera seed oils are good sources of alternative oil for both commercial and industrial applications

Mediating Influence of Islamic Microfinance on Agricultural Antecedents and Agribusiness Performance in Jigawa State, Nigeria

The object of research is the relationship between farm technical know-how (FTK), farmers' cooperatives (FC) and agribusiness performance (ABP) in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Despite the importance of the agribusiness in terms of economic growth and development of Jigawa state, yet, the agribusiness performance is decreasing in the state. The findings from the sector revealed inconsistency due to that this study is motivated to includes Islamic microfinance as a mediating variable on the relationship between the study variables.The study seeks to establish a relationship between agricultural antecedents and Agribusiness Performance. Also, to explore the mediating impact of Islamic microfinance on the relationship between agricultural antecedents and Agribusiness Performance in Jigawa state, Nigeria.The study used a quantitative approach with 320 questionnaires and analysed by Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through Smart PLS software.The findings of the study indicated that there is a positive relationship between farm technical know-how, farmers' cooperatives, and agribusiness performance. Similarly, Islamic microfinance was found to mediate the relationship between farm technical know-how, farmers' cooperatives and agribusiness Performance. The study recommended that Jigawa state government decision-makers, agribusiness associations and farmer cooperatives should consider use of Islamic microfinance as a solution to the problems of Agribusiness Performance through which poverty reduction and unemployment can be solved. In relation to this, Islamic micro-financial institutions should provide more opportunities to support agribusiness activities