Isaac Bamgboye and Oyebola I. Adejumo
The study aimed to focus on the effect of the processing parameters on the physicochemical properties of oil from roselle seed.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to focus on the effect of the processing parameters on the physicochemical properties of oil from roselle seed.
Design/methodology/approach
Fine and coarse samples of the ground roselle seeds were conditioned to the moisture contents of 4.4‐10.4 per cent and 5.14‐11.14 per cent. Oil was expressed at applied pressures of 15‐37.5 MPa with 7.5 MPa interval using hydraulic oil extractor for between 10‐40 min. at increment of 10 min. and at the heating temperatures of 80, 90, 100 and 110°C over a period of 15‐30 min. at an increment of 5 min. All the physicochemical properties were determined using AOAC and AOCS methods [AOAC, 1984; AOCS, 1994].
Findings
The free fatty acid, peroxide values and the colour intensity of the oil were affected by the processing parameters; while saponification value, viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index and the iodine value of the oil were not affected by the expression parameters.
Originality/value
Processing parameters were found to affect the quality attributes of free fatty acid, peroxide values and the colour intensity of the oil.
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S.O. Jekayinfa and A.I. Bamgboye
Direct energy utilization in nine palm‐kernel oil (PKO) mills located in Southwestern Nigeria was analyzed. The mills were stratified into small, medium and large‐scale…
Abstract
Direct energy utilization in nine palm‐kernel oil (PKO) mills located in Southwestern Nigeria was analyzed. The mills were stratified into small, medium and large‐scale categories, based on their modes of operations and production capacities. Evaluation of energy usage was carried out in the seven readily defined unit operations namely: palm‐nut drying, palm‐nut cracking, palm‐kernel roasting, palm‐kernel crushing, PKO expression, PKO sifting and PKO bottling/pumping. PKO extraction rates in the three mill categories were evaluated. The average PKO extraction rate for small, medium and large mills were 48.45 percent, 42.68 percent and 36.24 percent, respectively. The total energy expenditure in small, medium and large‐scale PKO mills were 350.89MJ/tonne, 230.70MJ/tonne and 181.74MJ/tonne, respectively. This suggests that the unit energy requirement for PKO output decreases as mill capacity increases. The four most highly energy‐intensive operations identified were palm‐nut cracking, palm‐kernel roasting, palm‐kernel crushing and PKO expression, altogether accounting for 95.29, 92.14 and 93.65 percent of total energy used in small, medium and large‐scale mills, respectively.
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In Nigeria, local fabricators of agro‐processing equipment have designed and manufactured various improvised versions of imported bread‐baking machines without due ergonomic…
Abstract
Purpose
In Nigeria, local fabricators of agro‐processing equipment have designed and manufactured various improvised versions of imported bread‐baking machines without due ergonomic considerations. Also, most of the processes of bread baking in Nigeria largely involve manual materials handling, which continues to represent a major loss source in the work place. The manual operations besides being uncomfortable are characterized by low output and unhygienic products. A study was therefore conducted in three southwestern states of Nigeria with the purpose of evaluating the energy requirements and man‐machine relationships in bread‐baking operations.
Design/methodology/approach
The study, which lasted over one year, involved the use of three fuel sources namely, firewood, electricity and cooking gas during bread baking operations. Questionnaire and physical measurements were employed for data collection from 50 bakeries randomly selected within the study area. The data points include the environmental and body temperatures, anthropometrical data, bio data, injury data, metabolic and production measurements.
Findings
The results of the study revealed that bread‐baking with wood as energy source required the highest energy (6.15 kJ/min) compared with 3.37 kJ/min and 1.52 kJ/min obtained with gas and electricity as sources of energy, respectively. The cost of energy per kg of baked bread was 7.58 with cooking gas followed by 6.05 for electricity and 5.05 for wood in that order. The average baking rate (BR) using firewood, gas and electricity as energy sources were, respectively, 11.92, 17.97 and 20.58 kg/h. Analysis of metabolic data showed moderate (not to a lethal level) increase in the subjects' body temperatures, blood pressures and heart rates after bread‐baking operations.
Originality/value
The study suggests that bread‐baking operations could be categorized as a light grade work and that the use of electricity as energy source is the most appropriate in terms of bread‐BR and unit energy requirement.
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Lateef Adeleke Adeniyi, Gbenga John Oladehinde, Abiola Stephen Oladipupo, Peter Oluyemi Adesoye and Sikiru Akintunde Folorunso
This study evaluates the quantity and composition of solid waste produce in secondary schools and assesses level of environmental consciousness and management activities. This is…
Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the quantity and composition of solid waste produce in secondary schools and assesses level of environmental consciousness and management activities. This is aimed for the present and future planning of high schools' environment as well as integrating the system into urban waste management.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used primary and secondary data to realize its purpose. Primary data was obtained through measurement of actual waste generation and questionnaire administration. Secondary data was the official information obtained on the schools selected. The primary data collected was analysed with descriptive statistical method such as percentage, mean cross measures of central tendency, frequency distribution and cross tabulation.
Findings
The study established that a total of 375.6 kg of solid waste is generated in the selected schools and daily per capita waste generation is 0.56 kg. Paper material is the waste component with the highest quantity and 88.5% of waste produced is recyclable. Thus, solid waste generated in secondary schools if carefully managed with suitable management options has potential for promoting circular economy and sustainable development. The paper recommends environmental education for stakeholders in secondary schools and waste segregation culture should be enforced in every secondary school.
Originality/value
The paper builds on the reasons for poor environmental quality in secondary schools in developing countries and revealed unscientific means by which resources are wasted and the environment is mismanaged through low understanding of solid waste.
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Cathrine A. Oladoyinbo, Adenike Mercy Abiodun, Mariam Oluwatoyin Oyalowo, Irene Obaji, Abisola Margaret Oyelere, Olufunke Opeyemi Akinbule and Abimbola Abosede Sobo
This study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes among artisans in Ogun State, Nigeria. Evidences suggest increasing prevalence…
Abstract
Purpose
This study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes among artisans in Ogun State, Nigeria. Evidences suggest increasing prevalence, incidences and morbidity of diabetes and HTN in Nigeria. However, the purpose of this study is to plan and prioritize effective intervention programs, there is need to provide data on the prevalence and risk factors for HTN and diabetes among local groups.
Design/methodology/approach
In total 300 apparently healthy artisans who have never been diagnosed of diabetes or HTN were randomly selected from five communities. A structured questionnaire was used in obtaining information on the personal characteristics of the respondents. An adapted dietary habit and lifestyle questionnaire were used to assess the dietary habits and lifestyle of the respondents. The WHO global activity questionnaire was adapted and used to gather information on the physical activity level of the respondents. Random blood glucose, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard instruments. Chi-square (χ2), correlations and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant determinants of diabetes and HTN.
Findings
Mean age was 34.8 ± 9.9 and prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 1 and 4.7 per cent, respectively, while HTN and pre-HTN were 48.0 and 30.3 per cent, respectively. About half (55.7 per cent) of the respondents skip at least a meal daily and 31 per cent snack daily. Most (61.4 per cent) consume alcohol and 65.7 per cent engage in high physical activity. Abdominal obesity was significantly higher among women (p = 0.004). Using the chi-square analysis, age, abdominal obesity and educational status were factors found to be significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.002; p = 0.007; p = 0.004) while age, gender, abdominal obesity and alcohol consumption had significant association with HTN. Although not statistically significant, respondents were 0.8, 1.0 and 1.1 times more likely to be diabetic with increasing body mass index, waist circumference (WC) and age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.78; confidence intervals (CI): 0.51-1.18; OR = 1.04; CI: 0.89-1.21; OR = 1.06; CI: 0.96-1.18, respectively). Abdominal obesity was significantly associated with HTN (OR = 1.08; CI: 1.03-1.13; p = 0.001). Also, older respondents were 1.1 times more likely of becoming hypertensive (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.02-1.11; p = 0.003). Increased risk of diabetes and HTN was found among respondents with increasing age and WC.
Research limitations/implications
This study was cross-sectional in design; it cannot be used to establish a cause-effect relationship between diabetes, HTN and the observed variables (anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits and lifestyle risk factors). Because of the few numbers (1 per cent) of respondents identified to be diabetic several important risk factors could not be included in the model.
Practical implications
An understanding of the risk factors associated with diabetes and HTN among sub-groups in the population will help to plan effective interventions targeted at specific groups.
Originality/value
The findings of this study show the associated risk factors for diabetes and HTN among artisans in Ogun State.
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Abraham Aboneh and Gangadhar Mahesh
Small and medium contractors (SMCs) play a significant role in socioeconomic development. Their strong links with other sectors of the economy have a multiplier effect on any…
Abstract
Purpose
Small and medium contractors (SMCs) play a significant role in socioeconomic development. Their strong links with other sectors of the economy have a multiplier effect on any country’s growth. However, the construction business, especially for SMCs, is not an easy business as several roadblocks affect their sustenance. This study aims to examine the factors affecting the sustainable competency of SMCs emerging from the business environment in which the Ethiopian construction industry (CI) operates.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was conducted to identify 39 factors arising from five core sources (i.e. government policies, regulatory frameworks, industry networks, competitive bidding culture and construction technology and innovation). A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather industry stakeholders’ perceptions of the identified factors, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
Findings indicate 37 significant factors affecting sustainable competency arising from five sources, and the top factors from their respective sources were unfavorable financial policy; unfavorable economic regulatory framework; lack of trust between parties in the industry; inability of SMCs to compete with bigger construction companies; and poor linkages between CI and research and development institutions. Furthermore, factor analysis identified 12 components, and the top ones were competition and uncertainties in the supply chain; unsuitable bidding environment; and ineffective industry networks.
Originality/value
The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on the factors affecting the sustainable competency of SMCs in the Ethiopian CI. They also indicate priority areas of competitiveness improvement and have implications for decision-makers.
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Mohammed Nasiru Yakubu and A. Mohammed Abubakar
Academic success and failure are relevant lifelines for economic success in the knowledge-based economy. The purpose of this paper is to predict the propensity of students’…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic success and failure are relevant lifelines for economic success in the knowledge-based economy. The purpose of this paper is to predict the propensity of students’ academic performance using early detection indicators (i.e. age, gender, high school exam scores, region, CGPA) to allow for timely and efficient remediation.
Design/methodology/approach
A machine learning approach was used to develop a model based on secondary data obtained from students’ information system in a Nigerian university.
Findings
Results revealed that age is not a predictor for academic success (high CGPA); female students are 1.2 times more likely to have high CGPA compared to their male counterparts; students with high JAMB scores are more likely to achieve academic success, high CGPA and vice versa; students from affluent and developed regions are more likely to achieve academic success, high CGPA and vice versa; and students in Years 3 and 4 are more likely to achieve academic success, high CGPA.
Originality/value
This predictive model serves as a classifier and useful strategy to mitigate failure, promote success and better manage resources in tertiary institutions.
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Adeleke Isaac Bamgboye and Oyebola I. Adejumo
The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical properties of oil produced from Roselle seeds.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical properties of oil produced from Roselle seeds.
Design/methodology/approach
The oil was produced from the seeds by mechanical expression and the physicochemical properties of the oil determined using the AOAC methods.
Findings
The values of the physicochemical properties of oil from Roselle seed are saponification value 126.2, iodine value 111.2, viscosity 22.5 cp, refractive index 1.4472 and specific gravity 0.9558. The peroxide value varied between 6.0‐9.3 and 5.9‐9.0; and free fatty acid, 0.435‐2.300 and 0.510‐3.311 for fine and coarse samples, respectively. These values compared favourably with standard values, indicating that the oil extracted is edible.
Originality/value
The properties are useful in determining the suitability of the oil from the Roselle seeds as edible oil or for other industrial purposes.
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– The purpose of this paper is to predict academic outcome in math and math-related subjects using learning approaches and demographic factors.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict academic outcome in math and math-related subjects using learning approaches and demographic factors.
Design/methodology/approach
ASSIST was used as the instrumentation to measure learning approaches. The study was conducted in the International University of Vietnam with 616 participants. An exploratory factor analysis, reliability, and correlation tests were performed before multiple regression analyses were carried out using SPSS 20.0. t-Tests to further discover relationships between learning approaches and demographic factors were also conducted.
Findings
Females are more inclined to strategic approach, but not deep or surface by comparison with males. There is no relationship between parental education and learning approaches. Students with math preference in high school have tendency to use deep and strategic approach, but stay away from surface in higher education. Surface approach and admission mark have relationships with academic outcome; but gender, parental education, and math preference in high school do not have.
Research limitations/implications
This model can explain only 15.5 percent of the variation of academic outcome. In addition, it may not be applicable to predict academic outcomes of subjects which are not math related.
Originality/value
Surface approach has negative impact on academic outcome in math or math-related subjects, but the opposite is true for admission mark. Additionally, deep and strategic approach have no relationship with academic outcome.