L.E. Yahaya, O.M. Aliyu, L.A. Hammed and S.O. Aroyeun
The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical characteristics of yellow and red apples cultivars of cashew. This is with a view to harnessing the quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the physicochemical characteristics of yellow and red apples cultivars of cashew. This is with a view to harnessing the quality attributes of the different cultivars of cashew. Parameters investigated include pH, refractive index, specific gravity, vitamin C content, juice astringency, chlorophyll and juice yield.
Design/methodology/approach
The methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) are employed in assaying the physicochemical properties, while the astringency is determined spectrophotometrically according to standard methods.
Findings
Results showed that percentage juice yield increases linearly with maturity for both cultivars. A maximum of 79.5 per cent is obtained for the yellow apple cultivars, while 74.1 per cent juice yield is obtained in the red apple cultivar. The pH ranged from 3.73‐4.5 and 3.64‐4.55 for red and yellow apple cultivars, respectively, with a marked fall between seven and eight weeks after pollination (WAPo). Specific gravity and refractive index are of the order 0.999‐1.007 and 1.34‐1.89 for both selected samples. Highest refractive index is obtained in red and yellow cultivars at seven and eight WAPo. The changes in ascorbic acid followed a linear pattern and the maximum values of 249.5 mg/100 ml and 185.5 mg/100 ml are obtained for yellow and red apple cultivars, respectively. Meanwhile, the juice astringency level decreased steadily with maturity and at the ninth WAPo, values obtained are 0.47 and 0.86 mg/100 ml tannin for yellow and red apple cultivars, respectively. Generally, pH, astringency, refractive index, juice content, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents showed marked variations between six and eight WAPo, confirming physiological maturity and ripening in the crop species.
Originality/value
Cashew farmers and industrialists will know the best time to harvest the crop when the quality is at its peak.
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Salwa H El-Sabbagh and Nivin M. Ahmed
This paper aims to express in detail the rheological, morphological and thermal properties of unpigmented and pigmented styrene-butadiene rubber composites with new prepared…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to express in detail the rheological, morphological and thermal properties of unpigmented and pigmented styrene-butadiene rubber composites with new prepared inorganic pigment based on kaolin covered with a thin layer of calcium and magnesium oxides or mixed oxide of both together. These new pigments combine the properties of both their constituents (kaolin and metal oxides), which are a new trend in inorganic pigments called core-shell pigments. The pigments used for comparison are kaolin (K), CaO/kaolin (CaO/K), MgO/kaolin (MgO/K) and CaO.MgO/kaolin (CaO.MgO/K).
Design/methodology/approach
The different pigments were characterized using different analytical and spectrophotometric techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray and transmission electron microscopy, while rubber vulcanizates' rheological, morphological, swelling and thermal properties were examined using different standard and instrumental testing and methods.
Findings
The study revealed that there is a significant effect of the new prepared pigments on SBR properties, where the optimum pigment loading was 40 phr for CaO/kaolin, while it was 2.5 phr for MgO/kaolin. Studying the effect of different ratios of oxides on kaolin (5, 10 and 20 per cent), different loadings of these pigments ranging between 2.5 and 40 phr were done for each pigment. These modified kaolin or core-shell metal oxide/kaolin pigments imparted new and improved reinforcing properties to SBR vulcanizates.
Research limitations/implications
No research limitations were found.
Practical implications
Core-shell MgO/kaolin pigments are eco-friendly and can replace other expensive pigments that are usually used as fillers in the rubber industry with less expenses and comparable efficiency.
Originality/value
These new pigments are cheap and efficient and can be used in different fields other than rubber.
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Sampson Kofi Kyei, William Iheanyi Eke, Godfred Darko and Onyewuchi Akaranta
This study aims to synthesize pigment and resin from agro-wastes and use them in the formulation of eco-friendly surface coatings.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to synthesize pigment and resin from agro-wastes and use them in the formulation of eco-friendly surface coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
The pigments and resin were synthesized through a chemical modification of agro-wastes. The pigments were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and were screened for their antimicrobial activities. The physicochemical characteristics of the cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL)-modified resin were evaluated. These precursors and other natural additives were used to formulate surface coatings, and their drying and adhesive properties were evaluated using international testing methods.
Findings
It was observed that the curing of the CNSL-modified resin depended on time and temperature. The pigments exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and had high melting points, affirming their stability. The chemically modified precursors successfully yielded surface coatings with acceptable drying times and adhesion to the base substrate.
Practical implications
The use of agro-wastes as the main components of the surface coatings implies waste valorization, a reduction in production costs and the creation of job opportunities for sustainable development. To increase the chemical, physical, corrosion resistance and antimicrobial qualities of paint compositions, chemically modified peanut skin extracts and CNSL can be used as pigments and resins, respectively. This could be a green approach to achieving the targets of Sustainable development goals 11 and 12.
Originality/value
The paper outlines a prospective approach to use unwanted waste (peanut skin, cashew nutshells) and other natural additives as industrial raw materials. These novel surface coating precursors are cost-effective, readily available, eco-friendly and could replace conventional precursors.
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Architecture influences people and the environment from the past, present and the future. Nevertheless architecture and design quality is viewed as subjective, and benchmarks to…
Abstract
Architecture influences people and the environment from the past, present and the future. Nevertheless architecture and design quality is viewed as subjective, and benchmarks to achieve consensus are necessary for design or evaluation of buildings. This paper establishes architectural design criteria for design quality of multi-storey housing buildings. A set of the criteria was established with literature review, an operational definition and survey on qualified persons or architects in the professional practice of architecture. The literature reviews identified seven concepts for architecture and design quality, and the operational definition translated this architectural design quality to measurable and observable cases and variables. The survey collected these variable data from a purposive sample of 95 respondents, and these data were examined by statistical analysis. The results of the descriptive statistics, inferential t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) and positive hypothesis testing verified that respondents in general agreed to these seven design concepts as architectural design criteria for design quality. These results established the first ever set of seven architectural design criteria which were ranked in descending order of significance as function, socio-culture, site context, cost, aesthetic of art, sustainability, and Feng Shui. These architectural design criteria can be applied to the design or evaluation of multi-storey housing buildings for the good of people and the environment.
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Hoong Sang Wong and Chen Chen Yong
This chapter provided systematic and comprehensive analysis on trawl fisheries management and conservation measures in the Straits of Malacca. Detailed analysis is conducted on…
Abstract
This chapter provided systematic and comprehensive analysis on trawl fisheries management and conservation measures in the Straits of Malacca. Detailed analysis is conducted on Malaysian fishery management framework particularly domestic country's trawl fishery status, legal structure, input-control strategies, ecosystem protection plan, pollution, law enforcement, and complementary measures that designed to reduce and prevent overfishing in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Malacca Straits. Gaps and challenges found in existing trawl fisheries literature are presented followed by recommendations for improvement in the management and conservation of trawl fisheries.
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Rabe Yahaya, Thomas Daum, Ephrem Tadesse, Walter Mupangwa, Albert Barro, Dorcas Matangi, Michael Misiko, Frédéric Baudron, Bisrat Getnet Awoke, Sylvanus Odjo, Daouda Sanogo, Rahel Assefa and Abrham Kassa
African agricultural mechanization could lead to a mechanization divide, where only large farms have access to machines. Technological solutions such as scale-appropriate machines…
Abstract
Purpose
African agricultural mechanization could lead to a mechanization divide, where only large farms have access to machines. Technological solutions such as scale-appropriate machines and institutional solutions like service markets offer hope for more inclusive mechanization. Two-wheel tractor-based service markets combine both technological and institutional elements, but there is limited research on their economic viability and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
We analyze the economic viability of two-wheel tractor-based service provision based on data from service providers in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe. We also examine the institutional framework conditions for such service providers based on qualitative interviews with these service providers and stakeholders such as machinery dealers, spare parts providers, and banks.
Findings
Two-wheel tractor-based service provision is economically highly viable, largely due to multifunctionality. Post-production services such as threshing and transportation are particularly lucrative. However, the emergence and economic sustainability of service providers can be undermined by bottlenecks such as access to finance, knowledge and skills development, access to fuel and spare parts, and infrastructure problems.
Originality/value
This is the first study on the economics of two-wheel tractor-based service provider models. Past studies have focused on large four-wheel tractors, but two-wheel tractors are different in many aspects, including regarding investment costs, repair and maintenance costs, capacity, and multifunctionality.
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Nura Sani Yahaya, Mohd Razani Mohd‐Jali and Jimoh Olajide Raji
This study examines the role of financial development and its interaction with corruption in the environmental degradation of eight Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000–2014.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the role of financial development and its interaction with corruption in the environmental degradation of eight Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000–2014.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes Pedroni cointegration and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) techniques for the estimation of the models.
Findings
The results of the cointegration test reveal that there exist long-run relationships among the variables in the model with the interaction of financial development and corruption, and in the model without interaction. The FMOLS estimates show that in the former model, the interaction of financial development with corruption is positively significant in determining the level of environmental degradation in those countries. Moreover, in the latter, financial development, trade openness, and corruption have a positive effect on their environmental degradation
Research limitations/implications
Unavailability of data, the study was limited to only eight Sub-Saharan African nations
Practical implications
The finding that financial development and its interaction with corruption have an adverse effect on the environments of the Sub-Saharan African countries implies the need to focus on how efficient credits are being allocated in those countries. For better management of environmental quality, this may require the implementation of policies that enhance credit allocation to users with energy-efficient technology and appliances that promote the quality of environments. In addition, stringent policies could be embarked upon to curtail all acts of corruption in the region for an efficient credit allocation and a better environment in the development of Sub-Saharan African society.
Originality/value
The dearth in empirical studies on the Sub-Saharan African countries motivates this study. In particular, little is known about the interaction effect of corruption and financial development on the environmental degradation of those countries, as the work on this is limited in the existing literature.
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Muftau Olaiya Olarinde and Zakari Abdullahi Yahaya
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of institutions and policies on growth convergence in Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of institutions and policies on growth convergence in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses different methods of panel modelling on a panel of 50 African Countries covering a period of 1990-2014.
Findings
The results confirmed the presence of conditional convergence among countries in the region. On the average, technology accumulation and fiscal policies indicators are positive function of growth, while human resources, monetary policies indicators and ineffective institutions partly necessitated by poor level of development negatively impact growth. The study concludes, though traditional growth variables and policies are imperative in achieving growth in income, they remain insufficient in an environment characterize by extractive and absolutist institutions. Therefore, institution remains the link that bridges the gap in between proper mix of resources and policies.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the results, policy-makers in the region should allocate certain percentage of their resources (on a sustainable basis) towards building a qualitative institution. Also, future studies on Africa should be focused on the rate at which poor level of economic development determines the quality of institutions which in turn impacts the level of growth in income.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the existing literature on institutional convergence with particular focus on African countries using system GMM to capture the endogeneity among the series.
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Rusya Iryanti Yahaya, Norihan M. Arifin, Roslinda Nazar and Ioan Pop
The purpose of this paper is to study the flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid, Cu–Al2O3/water, past a permeable stretching/shrinking sheet. The effects of Brownian motion…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid, Cu–Al2O3/water, past a permeable stretching/shrinking sheet. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are considered here.
Design/methodology/approach
Similarity transformations are used to reduce the governing partial differential equations to a system of ordinary (similarity) differential equations. A MATLAB solver called the bvp4c is then used to compute the numerical solutions of equations (12) to (14) subject to the boundary conditions of equation (15). Then, the effects of various physical parameters on the flow and thermal fields of the hybrid nanofluid are analyzed.
Findings
Multiple (dual) solutions are found for the basic boundary layer equations. A stability analysis is performed to see which solutions are stable and, therefore, applicable in practice and which are not stable. Besides that, a comparison is made between the hybrid nanofluid and a traditional nanofluid, Cu/water. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number of the hybrid nanofluid are found to be greater than that of the other nanofluid. Thus, the hybrid nanofluid has a higher heat transfer rate than the other nanofluid. However, the increase in the shrinking parameter reduces the velocity of the hybrid nanofluid.
Originality/value
The present results are original and new for the study of the flow and heat transfer past a permeable stretching/shrinking sheet in Cu–Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid.