bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implementation of Think Pair Share (TPS), Think Talk Write (TTW), and Problem Based Instruction (PBI) Learning Model on StudentS’ Mathematics Learning Outcomes
Authors: Kusuma Arie Purwa , Rahmawati Nurina Kurniasari , Putra Fredi Ganda , Widyawati Santi
Published: March 2020

This study aims to find out between TPS, TTW, or PBI learning models thatprovide the best learning outcomes. The research method used is quasi experimental. The data analysis technique used is the one-way variance analysis of equivalent cells. Based on the hypothetical test, it is obtained that Fobserved > Fcritical (4.12 > 3.114) which means H0 is rejected. It can be concluded that the students’mathematics learning outcomes based on the application of TPS, TTW, and PBI learning models are not the same. Itcan be seen from the average score of each model that is 72.60 for TPS, 78.45 for TTW, and 65.19 for PBI. It appears that the average scoreof the TTW model is the highest among the rest, and the average score of the TPS model is higher than the PBI model. It can be said that the TTW model provides better mathematics learning outcomes than the TPS and the PBI model and the TPS model provides better mathematics learning outcomes than the PBI model. In short, the TTW Learning model is the most effective to be used in learning the circle material.
Analysis of Pop-Up Book and Biology Virtual Reality Video toward Students’ Habits of Mind
Authors: Rakhmawati I , Priadi M A , Yolida B , Marpaung R R
Published: March 2020

Low reading interest in high school students and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) are still not well integrated into learning. This is due to the lack of interesting biology textbooks and students’ habits in using gadgets for entertainment such as social media and games. For this reason, a solution to these problems is the development of pop-up books and virtual reality (VR) videos. This research uses the Research and Development method adapted from Borg and Gall by involving media and content experts for feasibility testing. The pop-up book and VR video evaluation were then carried out, the results showed feasibility without revision of 67% and some product revision suggestions. The results also showed the product responses to habits of mind (HoM) which included in the excellent category (3.7) from 100 students and 30 teachers even though preliminary test with a sample of high school graduates was still in the good category (3.2). Also, aspects of creative thinking are best between self-regulation and critical thinking. So, the implications of this research are pop-up book and VR videos are suitable as learning media also very good for improving students’ ha bits of mind.
Student’s mathematical literacy: case study in an implementation of PISA type problem-based worksheet context of statistics data of Lampung province
Authors: Widyastuti W , Wijaya A P
Published: March 2020

This research aimed to describe student’s mathematical literacy in an implementation of Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA) type problem-based worksheet context of statistics data of Lampung Province. This research was conducted on 18 junior high school students of SMPN 21 Bandar Lampung and 18 junior high school students of SMPN 9 Bandarlampung in academic year 2019/2020. The respondents were choosen randomly which has high, medium, and low mathematical ability. Data were collected using test of mathematical literacy which adopted from PISA 2015 measurement. Data analized using Wilcoxon test in 5% significancy level. Based on research result, it was concluded that there is a significant difference between student’s final mathematical literacy and student’s initial mathematical literacy abilities his conclusion indicated that implementation of PISA type problem-based worksheet context of statistics data of Lampung province affected student’s mathematical literacy ability.
Education Quality Management: A Way Forward to Promote Sustainable Development Goals by Encouraging Wellbeing’s and Discouraging Inequality Among the Societies
Authors: Jermsittiparsert K
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to promote sustainable development goals through education quality management. The role of wellbeing and inequality was also considered. To attain the objective of this study, a survey was preferred. Survey questionnaires were distributed among the universities of Thailand. Total number of 382 survey questionnaires were used in survey. Partial Least Square (PLS) was preferred to analyse the collected data. Findings proved that education quality management has positive role to promote sustainable development goals in Thailand. In addition, it is found that education quality management has positive role to enhance wellbeing and decrease inequality among the society which ultimately effect positively to promote sustainable development goals. Increase in wellbeing increases the sustainable development goals, however, increase in inequality decreases the sustainable development goals. Therefore, government of Thailand should focus on university education quality management to promote sustainable development goals by encouraging wellbeing’s and discouraging inequality among the society.
Your money or your life? The carbon-development paradox
Authors: Steinberger Julia K , Lamb William F , Sakai Marco
Published: March 2020

The relationship between human health and well-being, energy use and carbon emissions is a foremost concern in sustainable development. If past advances in well-being have been accomplished only through increases in energy use, there may be significant trade-offs between achieving universal human development and mitigating climate change. We test the explanatory power of economic, dietary and modern energy factors in accounting for past improvements in life expectancy, using a simple novel method, functional dynamic decomposition. We elucidate the paradox that a strong correlation between emissions and human development at one point in time does not imply that their dynamics are coupled in the long term. Increases in primary energy and carbon emissions can account for only a quarter of improvements in life expectancy, but are closely tied to growth in income. Facing this carbon-development paradox requires prioritizing human well-being over economic growth.
Design and fabrication of a shredder
Authors: Oladejo A E , Manuwa S I , Onifade T B
Published: March 2020

Over the years, the excessive use of agro-chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) have adverse effect on the soil health and lead to declining of crop yields and quality of products. The shredding of twigs will provide an alternative for the use of agro-chemicals. For this to happen, the twigs will first be shredded into small bits making it ready for transportation and further processing. This necessitated the development of a shredder machine. The machine consists of three-phase electric motor, bearings, structural frame, cutters, hopper, shredding unit, discharge chute, belt drive and shaft. Four cutters are mounted on the shaft, which rotate by a belt drive. The power from the electric motor is transmitted to the cutter shaft through a belt drive. Cut is made inside the shredding unit due to the effect of tensile, friction and impact effect in shredding process. The twigs get shredded and the small bits are collected at the discharge chute of the shredder. The performance of the machine was evaluated and test results showed that there was a correlation between the weight of the shredded twigs and the shredding time. The shredding operation was done at 4 different time intervals (4 minutes, 8 minutes, 12 minutes and 16 minutes) with the same weight of twigs (40 kg) and the weight of small bits of twigs collected increases with time. The machine is user friendly and recommended for farmers and medium scale entrepreneurs.
Energy efficiency and use of a parametric method for poultry production in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Adekanye T , Saleh A , Okunola A , Osavbie I , Jegede K
Published: March 2020

Analysis of input-output was done to investigate energy utilization pattern and efficiency in selected poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria. The poultry farms used for the study were grouped into three as group I (small), II (medium) and III (large) respectively based on number of birds. Energy used in chemicals, chicks, electricity feed, fuel, labour, and wood shaving as inputs and eggs, poultry meat and litter as outputs were determined. The result has shown that that diesel and feed accounted for the biggest proportion of all energy inputs in the farms. Energy consumption of the farms was found to be 28006.41, 26450.19 and 21894.39 MJ (1000 bird)−1, respectively. The energy output was 179766.54, 193670.10 and 223307.50 MJ, respectively (1000 bird)−1. Impacts of renewable and indirect sources of energy were greater than that of nonrenewable and direct energy. The rate of return to the scale was estimated at -0.04, suggesting that a 1% rise in each of the power inputs would result in a 0.04% reduction in the production. R2 was found to be 0.81 for the estimated model. Therefore, energy inputs (independent variables) can capture about 81% of layer yield variations in the poultry farms.
Effect of maize sweet potato intercrop over sole cropping system on weed infestation
Authors: Nayan G Z , Takim F O , Aremu C O , Okunola A A
Published: March 2020

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, during the 2018 cropping season. located at latitude 80 9’ 0 N and longitude 50 6’ 0 E of the southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications. The main plots were 2 trial sites (Site A and B), sub-plots consisted of intercropping pattern : T1: 2 seeds of maize + 1 vine of sweet potato, T2: 2 seeds of maize / 2 vines of Sweet potato, T3: 2 seeds of maize + 3 vines of sweet potato; T4: sole maize and T5: Sole Sweet Potato. Data collected on weed were estimated using a quadrat (25cm x 25cm) placed randomly at 5 positions within each sub plot at 3, 6, 9 and 12 WAP. All data collected were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P<0.05. Results showed that there was better grain yield of 1.89 t/ha intercrop of maize – sweet potato at ratio 2 : 2 of seeds / hill to vines / stand with better weed suppression and optimum tuber yield of 1.72 t/ha. Actual yield loss in the study was very high in the cropping system 2 seed of maize + 3 vine of sweet potato with -0.85 and in maize weed suppression percentage (%), 2 seed of maize +1 vine of sweet potato highly suppressed weed with 98.2% at 6 weeks after planting (WAP) and it showed 48% weed suppression in 2 seed of maize + 3 vine of sweet potato at 9 weeks after planting (WAP). Sweet potato weed suppression showed highest weed suppression of 37.2% at 3 weeks after planting (WAP) in 2 seed of maize + 2 vines of sweet potato. The highest competitive ratio occur in the cropping system 2 seed of maize + 1vine of sweet potato with 4.06 value. Maize showed the highest lnd equivalent value of 0.79 better than sweet potato and both maize and sweet potato combined had the highest land coverage in 2 seed of maize and 2 vines of sweet potato with 1.19 value. It is concluded from the study that the cropping system of 2 seed of maize + 1 vine of sweet potato gave the high response to weed suppression.
Design and development of a tomato-packaging container using Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastic sheets
Authors: Olanrewaju T O , Idah P A , Osunde Z D , Kovo A S
Published: March 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a vegetable crop reported as one of the most popular crops in the world. Producing tomatoes in many developing African countries is plagued with numerous postharvest challenges. Handling and packaging of harvested tomatoes is one of the main challenges faced in Africa. Packaging provides a means of ensuring safe delivery of a product to the ultimate user in a sound condition, at a minimum overall cost. In order to reduce post-harvest losses resulting from packaging and transportation of fresh tomato fruits, an alternative tomato-packaging container using Acrilonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastic sheet was developed. The drawing was produced using automated computer aided design (AUTO-CAD). The drawing was simulated using 3-dimensional solid works software. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was run on the software to determine the tolerable stresses on the base and handles, drop test, buckling test and stack test. Also, design calculations were done for aerodynamics requirement, heat stress, container thickness, packaging ventilations and ergonomics. The container was developed using vacuum forming method from ABS sheet. A compression test was carried out in the strength of materials laboratory. Results revealed that the packaging container can accommodate a maximum load of 0.903 kN, implying that 3 containers when filled with fresh tomato fruits can be stacked on one another. The developed tomato-packaging container is collapsible and easy to maintain by cleaning with water. Ultimately, the tendency of the plastic packaging container to be stacked on top of one another makes it better than the conventional baskets currently used for packaging and transporting fresh tomato fruits.
Effect of Drying Parameters on the Physical Properties of Extruded Fish Feed
Authors: Adedeji A E , Olalusi A P , Olayanju T M A , Erinle O C
Published: March 2020

Commercial catfish feed is sometimes manufactured through extrusion, usually are of high moisture content which cannot be stored or transported without it being damaged, hence, the need for effective drying of fish feed. Fish feed was formulated, mixed, extruded (single screw extruder), dried (mechanical convective dryer) and evaluated upon to examine the impact of the drying parameters (air drying temperature and air-drying velocity) and some physical properties of the fish feed. Five levels of drying air temperature (40° C, 50° C, 60° C, 70° C and 80° C) and three levels of drying air velocity (1.0 m/s, 1.5 m/s and 2.0 m/s) were used during the drying experiments. The final moisture content reduces with increase in drying air temperature and drying air velocities. The drying temperature does not significantly affect the unit density and porosity. Bulk density reduces with increased drying air temperature and drying air velocity. The extrudate porosity increases with drying air temperature. The drying air velocities does not significantly affect the sinking velocity and porosity. The optimum floatation time is from the feed dried at 1.5 m/s drying air velocity and 80oC drying air temperature.
Effect of Supplemental Irrigation Interval and Mulching on Hydrothermal Properties of an Alfisol Cropped with Cucumis sativus
Authors: Abegunrin T P , Awe G O , Onofua O E , Ojediran J O
Published: March 2020

Irrigation and mulching are important soil management practices for sustainable food productions. Different irrigation and mulching treatments could however affect soil hydrothermal properties and hence the soil productivity. This study evaluated the effect of drip irrigation interval and mulching type on selected hydrothermal properties of an Alfisol cropped with Cucumber (Cucumis sativus). A field experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, was conducted with split-plot arrangement having irrigation interval as the main-plot and mulching material as the sub-plot. Three irrigation intervals: two days per week (D2), four days per week (D4) and six days per week (D6); and two mulching materials: plastic (M1) and spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) (M2) were applied. There were nine (9) treatment combinations which gave a total of 27 plots. Soil physical properties of soil water content (SWC), bulk density (BD) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) were monitored during the growing cycle. Thermal conductivity, resistivity, diffusivity and volumetric specific heat of the soil were measured. There was no significant difference in thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric specific heat, under the irrigation intervals. The cucumber yield under the mulch treatment was in the order of M1 > M2 > M3. The Cucumis sativus yield was highest under M1 and D4 (11629.63 kg/ha) and lowest in M3 and D2 (3362.22 kg/ha). The mulching treatment had significant effect on the soil temperature, SWC, BD and yield while the irrigation treatment had no significant effect on the soil properties considered.
Impact of small hydropower developments on rural transformation in Nigeria
Authors: Imo E E , Olayanju A , Ibikunle F A , Dahunsi S O
Published: March 2020

Rural transformation in Nigeria constitutes a major problem. Over the years rural development has not been given priority attention and this is where about seventy percent of the estimated Nigeria population of 180 million resides. The problem has largely been identified as government non-sustainable policy action towards rural transformation. However, the recent Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017 – 2020) of the Nigerian administration seem to address this imbalance by directing governance largely towards the rural dwellers. The paper highlights the importance of small hydropower technology in driving rural economy thereby reducing rural-urban migration.
Effects of operating pressure, lateral length and irrigation period on the fuel consumption of a centrifugal pump in a pressurized drip irrigation system
Authors: Onwuegbunam D O , Nayan G Z , Olayanju T M A , Onwuegbunam N E
Published: March 2020

The fuel consumption rates of a centrifugal water pump was evaluated with respect to varied system operating pressures and lateral lengths and irrigation period in a pressurized drip irrigation system (PDIS). The fuel consumption rates were found to vary among the operating pressures. The highest fuel consumption rate (1.04 l/hr) was obtained at 206.84 KPa while the least (0.43 l/hr) was obtained at 103.42 KPa. The differences in fuel consumption with respect to operating pressures were statistically significant but not significant with respect to lateral length. It was concluded that PDIS with pressure compensating emitters produce uniform EU irrespective of undulating terrains where uniformity of application can be adversely affected by gravitational effects.
Compaction characteristics and penetration resistance of poultry-litter-amended agricultural soils
Authors: Okunade D A , Raphael O D , Adesina A M , Adekalu K O
Published: March 2020

Compaction characteristics and penetration resistance of five southwestern Nigeria agricultural soils amended with poultry litter were investigated. Poultry litter was added to the soil samples at four moisture levels of 6, 9, 12, 15 % weight basis to raise the organic matter content to 2, 4 and 6 % dry mass basis and then later subjected to three levels of compaction blows (5,15 and 25 blows) using a standard proctor hammer in a cylindrical mould. Dry densities and the corresponding moisture content were measured at the different compaction loads. Penetration resistance was measured using the cone penetrometer. Results show that dry bulk density increased with increase in compaction load (5 to 25 blows) from 1.78 to 1.91, 1.68 to 1.88, 1.36 to 1.52, 1.48 to 1.70, and 1.47 to 1.78 gcm-3 but reduced with increasing poultry litter levels (0-6% weight basis) from 1.91 - 1.90, 2.08 - 1.99, 1.74- 1.71, 1.88- 1.78and 1.96- 1.82 gcm-3 for Apomu, Egbeda, Iwo, Oba and Ondo soil series respectively. The penetration resistance reduced with increased load from 50.1- 44.5, 46.8- 44.0, 49.6- 44.0and 39.5- 36.1 N for Egbeda, Iwo, Oba and Ondo soil series respectively. The soil behaviour was not affected by the differences in soil series. These results show that soil compaction, litter application and penetration resistance are interrelated in their influences on soil dry bulk density and moisture content.
Determination of Physiographic Characteristics of an Ungauged Watershed in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Olla O O , Adeniran K A , Kasali M Y , James D
Published: March 2020

Watershed characteristics such as basin length, shape, area, stream order, drainage density and steam density are some of the factors affecting various aspects of runoff. This research work presents the determination of some physiographic and geological factors of a small catchment in North Central Nigeria. The perimeter of the catchment was delineated with the aid of a Global Positioning System (GPS) using the co-ordinate of the concrete dam located at Elerinjare community and software such as Google Earth and Arc GIS were also utilized. The catchment was found to include some local communities among which are Okanle, Fajeromi, Amodu-Asungbolu, Igberi, Arugbo, Irapa and Basanyin. The total Basin Area for the catchment determined using ArcGIS, was found to be 61.115 km2, with the total length of the catchment as 13.598 km. Other catchment characteristics determined include the catchment drainage density, found to be 0.656; this is an indication of the drainage condition within the catchment; higher drainage densities are expected where the soils are easily eroded, or relatively impermeable, with steep slopes and scanty vegetation. The average length of overland flow within the basin is indirectly proportional to the drainage density within the watershed, it was determined to be 0.62/km for this catchment. The stream density/stream frequency was found to be 0.245/km2. Some of the factors determining the shape of the basin were also determined; these include the circulatory ratio, elongation ratio and compactness coefficient, found to be 0.327, 0.649 and 1.749/km, respectively. This study reveals the physical/hydrological characteristics of this watershed that will lead to hydrological modeling of the watershed for water resource utilization for the communities located within the watershed.
Effect of runoff management and soil conservation practices on the growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays) in a sub-humid agro-climatic zone of Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Okunade D A , Adekalu K O , Gowing J W
Published: March 2020

Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in a completely randomized design with five soil-water conservation (SWC) treatments: Contour bunds (CT); Infiltration pits (IP); Mulched plots (ML); Tied ridges (TR); and the Conventional practice (CP), which served as the control. Four (4) levels of soil moisture replenishment [50% (Full Replenishment), 25% (½), 12.5 % (¼), and 6.25 % (1/8)] after depletion to 50% of Field Capacity (FC) were considered as supplementary water application from an in-situ RWH system. Measurements of soil moisture in the soil profile, plant growth parameters and yield at harvest were made. Results showed that maize yield and WUE varied amongst the SWC practices and within the years from the experimental plots with substantial yield improvements. The TR and CT gave better yields compared with the ML and IP of the same year. The 50 and 25% replenishment levels under TR and CT also gave better yield and WUE compared with other levels of replenishment. Biomass yield for the 2008-2010 planting seasons recorded higher values in TR, IP and CT compare to the control experiment, while the moisture retention ability was better in TR and slightly lower in CT of the same year. In 2011 soil moisture replenishment, the 50% gave the highest yield in a TR, followed by the CT and ML treatments. The TR gave the best WUE for the 50% and in all cases the CP gave a comparatively low efficiency. The study concluded that the methods of soil moisture conservation practice is an effective way to increase water availability for higher crop yields; but a combination of the supplementary, in-situ RWH system could produce better results in terms of enhanced yield and mitigate against the adverse effect of short duration intra-seasonal drought.
Effect of coir fibre and clayey soil on the strength of unglazed roofing tiles
Authors: Atoyebi O D , Orogbade B O , Olayanju T M A , Okunola A A , Oyetayo A J
Published: March 2020

Agricultural waste based roofing materials can be useful in the construction of farm structures and green buildings. This study evaluated the transverse breaking strength, flexural strength and Water Absorption properties of concrete roofing tile replacing the conventionally used sisal fiber which provides transverse strength with coir fiber and plaster sand with clay soil. Five roofing tile samples of different mix design were produced. The result attained for the flexural test and transverse breaking strength for all roofing tile samples at 28 days test showed that roofing tile replace with 100% coir fiber can also be used commercially although it is not as strong as the roofing tile with 100% coir fiber. The result attained for water absorption was within the acceptable value according to ASTM C1492.
Reliability analysis of reinforced concrete beam using varying properties
Authors: Aladegboye O J , Opeyemi D A , Atoyebi O D , Akingbonmire S L , Ibitogbe E M
Published: March 2020

In this article, the reliability analysis data of simply supported reinforced concrete beams are presented. Beams are structural elements that are very important in all kinds of structures namely high rise buildings, frame structures, load bearing buildings, timber structures and farm structures. The investigation was done using first order reliability method (FORM) with varying parameters such as depth, length and characteristic concrete strength. The safety index and probability of failure from the reliability of the simply supported beam with varying properties was given. The result of the model investigated shows that the formal deterministic way of measuring safety such as in factor of safety and load factor failed to put into consideration uncertainties in design like depth, length, characteristic strength etc. and therefore not consistent.
Effect of crumb rubber aggregate on the performance of cementitious composites: A review
Authors: Adesina A , Atoyebi O D
Published: March 2020

The increasing use of cementitious composites for different infrastructure constructions has led to an increase in the consumption of raw materials such as aggregate which is a major component in cementitious components. In order to reduce the huge strain posed on the natural sources of aggregate, and continually meet the increasing demand of aggregates to produce cementitious composites; the use of recycled products such as crumb rubber as aggregate in these composites is a viable alternative. However, as the properties of crumb rubber differ from those of conventional aggregate, it is paramount to understand how the incorporation of crumb rubber affects the performance of the cementitious composites. Therefore, this paper presents an overview of how the use of crumb rubber as aggregate affects the performance of cementitious composites in terms of its mechanical, durability, thermal and insulation properties. Conclusions from this paper showed that crumb rubber content in cementitious composites can be optimized to achieve desired properties. Also, the use of crumb rubber as aggregates in cementitious composites reduce significantly the embodied carbon and cost of the composite.
A descriptive and inferential analysis of on-street parking volume in Nigeria –A case study of Ibadan
Authors: Atoyebi O D , Jegede S L , Olayanju T M A
Published: March 2020

Urbanization is a term used for capturing the process by which a rural settlement transforms into the urban way of life. It is associated with development and civilization. A multitude of push and pull factors is causing a rapid growth in Nigeria’s process of urbanization. Observations from urban centres in Nigeria have outlined various threats faced due to urbanizations such as the risk of environmental hazards, health hazards, and so on. The intense urbanization in Nigeria has further generated urban traffic crises among city dwellers. This traffic exist in different forms but majorly in the road transportation systems. The study analyzes and generate inferences on the stationary vehicular traffic count which was carried out at three areas in the third Africa largest city–Ibadan. Factors such as time point, routes and six (6) categories of vehicles plying the routes were taken into consideration to check whether or not there is a significant difference within each factors. Routes across the study locations with hectic traffic were discovered, such as Efunsetan to MRS and Ososami to Liberty at Challenge, Iwo Road to Abayomi at Gate, First Bank to Ogunpa at Dugbe. Sensitization of road users, strict law enforcement and construction of spaces for stationary vehicles were some of the recommendations made to reduce traffic.
Effect of Guinea Corn Husk Ash on the Mechanical Properties of Lateritic Concrete
Authors: Odeyemi S O , Atoyebi O D , Ayo E K
Published: March 2020

Materials in Nigerian building construction are scaling great heights in prices, demanding every stakeholders in the industry to research into alternatives in indigenous materials and agricultural wastes for rural infrastructural development. This research was aimed at investigating the effects of guinea corn ash on mechanical properties of lateritic concrete as partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The lateritic concrete was investigated for its workability, porosity, compressive strength and corrosion resistance at varying water-cement ratios with different percentages of Guinea Corn Husk Ash (GCHA). Central composite method was used to obtain an optimal combination that would give the highest compressive strength for the lateritic. The optimal combination was found to be 20% GCHA and 80% OPC at 0.51 water cement ratio. This combination gave a porosity of 14.59%, slump height of 2.75 mm and a compressive strength of 18.78 N/mm2. This is higher than the control compressive strength of 17.61 N/mm2 by 6.64% obtained at 0.7 water-cement ratio. Therefore, guinea corn husk ash can be used as a replacement for cement in lateritic concrete.
Strength evaluation of different cement brands in the production of inter locking paving stones
Authors: Gana A J , Amodu M F , Orogbade B O , Ashinetiang U J
Published: March 2020

Portland cement remains the most common type generally used throughout the world as a basic ingredient of concrete. Four brands of Portland cement commonly available in Nigeria were investigated through a series of tests conducted to determine their strength characteristics. The study evaluated different cement brands in the production of interlocking paving stones. This study appraised the engineering properties of four cement brands, Dangote 3X Portland Limestone cement, Dangote Falcon kiwi set Portland Limestone cement, Elephant Portland Limestone cement, and Elephant Supaset Portland Limestone cement using sampling to ensure equal representation of various cement brands. Mix ratio 1:4 was used to produce the interlocks and tests such as flexural strength and compressive strength were conducted on 7, 14, 21 and 28days. The flexural strength was conducted following IS 15658:2006 and the result ranges from 1.79 – 4.48N/mm2. Comparing the results of different brands of cement suggests recommended cement brands to be used in producing interlocks for Residential pathway/public pedestrian path, Residential driveways (light vehicles, commercial vehicles). The compressive strength result for the mix ratio 1:4 ranges from 5.44-15.91N/mm2 and Dangote Falcon had the highest compressive strengths of 15.27N/mm2 and 15.91N/mm2 a 28 and 21 days respectively indicating that it is stronger than other cement brands in the production of interlocking stones. Dangote Falcon and Elephant Supaset are recommended to produce interlocking paving stone on higher compressive and flexural strength.
Development of a mobile livestock loading ramp
Authors: Mijinyawa Y , Asiru A A , Olaogun S C , Adedokun R A M
Published: March 2020

An Adjustable Mobile Loading Ramp was developed to serve as panacea to the inadequacy of handling equipment along the cattle value chain in Nigeria. The Ramp is 2.7 m long and 1.0 m wide. Performance evaluation of the ramp was carried out based on the animal stress indicators i.e. pulse and respiratory rates measured before and after loading. For comparison, similar data were collected when loading was done manually at the Akinyele Cattle Market in Ibadan, Nigeria. The mean pulse rates (beats per minute) of animals before and after loading were 65.67 and 72.33 units respectively for the ramp as against 68.67 and 89 units for the manual method respectively. The mean respiratory rates (breaths per minute) before and after loading were 30 and 34.66 units respectively for the ramp compared to 29 and 45.67 units for the manual method respectively. Statistical analyses showed that there were no significant differences between the pulse and respiratory rates before and after loading of animals using the ramp. The manual method resulted in significant differences between the pulse and respiratory rates before and after loading. The use of the ramp eliminates many of the hazards associated with loading and unloading of animals onto transport vehicles.
Potential of using agricultural waste (orange peel) and empty water sachets/bags in the production of sound absorption panel
Authors: Saleh A , Ige H O , Akande F B , Yunusa S U , Atiku M M
Published: March 2020

Noise is an unwanted sound which is mostly produced by the machines, transportation systems, engines, aircraft, etc. Noise pollution is the third pollution resource that has greatly placed an adverse effect on the environment, human health economy. As a result, it became imperative to develop a sound absorption medium that could minimize the aforementioned effects. In this study, orange peels and sachet water bags were used to develop a composite material. The materials (i.e. orange peel and sachet water bags) were prepared into six samples (that is 280g of orange peels and 120g of sachet water bags respectively). These samples were transferred into a two-roll mill (compounding machine), where they were melted at about 150°C temperature before transferring them to a compressing machine which was already set at a temperature of 130°C. This procedure was repeated on the rest of the samples respectively. The composite panel was coupled together to form a box. Three speakers were connected to MP3 and inserted into the box. Test was carried out to check for the sound absorption of the composite using a sound level meter. Various readings were obtained which include: maximum and minimum readings at frequency weighing of “A” and “C” and the sound level drastically reduced after coupling the box, this indicates that the composite board is a good sound absorber. The reduction level of the noise should be quantified.
Genetically modified foods: pathway to food security
Authors: Olabinjo O O , Okunola A A , Olumurewa J A V
Published: March 2020

Currently, the demand of food far exceeds agricultural production in most developing countries including Nigeria as a result of unsustainable agricultural practices and environmental degradation. Increase in agricultural importation has subsequently increased the government’s expenditure and yearly budget, while also influencing the price of food in the nation. Therefore, a look into other sustainable food options to fight hunger and poverty in Nigeria is imperative. This study attempts to investigate how genetically modified food can help solve the numerous challenges of food security. The study revealed the shortfall in domestically produced food in Nigeria for instance, which is as a result of rapid population growth rate of 3.2% as opposed to food production rate of less than 1%. Advancement in genetic modification technologies has ensured the production of virus, stress-resistant crops and also disease resistant animals. Although these technologies are predominantly employed on plant than animals. Genetically modified foods employ biotechnological processes to alter inherent features of living organisms by replacing the natural gene sequence. Across the globe, several products modified and regenerated by genetic alteration have already been patented and certified by health institutes to be consumable. Foods such as rice, potato, corn, wheat, and soya ranks top in the list of products derived from Genetic Modified species. As research deepens in biotechnology, more uncertainties and controversies surround the consumption of GM products through cutting edge scientific research checked in legal framework, consumers will no longer react negatively towards GM foods.
Tensile and flexural behaviour of steel materials used in the construction of crop processing machines
Authors: Alhassan E A , Olasehinde D A , Musonda A , Odeniyi O M
Published: March 2020

This experiment investigated the mechanical properties of mild steel, galvanized iron and stainless steel when subjected to tensile and flexural loading. Work pieces of 54 samples were prepared having a gage length of 30 mm for material thicknesses of 1, 1.5 and 2 mm which was replicated three times. Properties such as peak force at break, elongation at break, stress, and strain of the materials were studied using a testometric M500-100AT Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The peak force obtained for mild steel was 2495.43, 4643.33 and 6215.67 N for 1, 1.5 and 2 mm respectively. The elongations of mild steel were 48.88, 54.77 and 56.11 mm for 1, 1.5, and 2 mm respectively. For stainless steel tensile strength analysis, the peak forces obtained are 9486.66, 9558.00 and 9522.33 N for 1, 1.5 and 2 mm respectively. The deformation of the material occurred at similar loads having stresses of 535.20, 583.51 and 486.88 N/mm2 for the thicknesses investigated. Similarly, the stress-strain relationship of the material ranged from 10131.20 N/mm2 to 12757.33 N/mm2 while the elongation amount of strain it can withstand before failure are 30.54, 38.64 and 47.74 mm. The bending strength for mild steel both at peak and at break increased as the thickness increases. Bending strength at peak are 364.50, 378.33 and 381.87 N/mm2 for 1, 1.5 and 2 mm respectively with 2 mm expectedly showing the greatest bending strength. Also, for stainless steel, the deflection of the different length of stainless steel at peak increased as the length increased unlike for mild steel with a reverse case. The deflection at break decreased as the length of the materials increases. The bending strength at peak and the bending modulus increased as the length of the material was increased, while at break the reverse was the output. From this investigation, it can be observed that stainless followed by mild steel have higher tensile and yield strength than galvanized iron. This explain the wide applications of stainless steel and mild steel in various crop processing machines constructions and other engineering uses that require high strength.
Awareness and willingness of youths to participate in agriculture among undergraduates in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Igbolekwu C O , Arisukwu O , Rasak B , Ake M , Onireti O M
Published: March 2020

Globally, youth participation in agriculture has been perceived as one of the vital keys for the revitalization of the economy of many countries. Several studies have focused on the different ways of encouraging youth participation in agriculture. However, little attention has been given to the awareness and the willingness of the youths to participate in agriculture. This study, therefore, examined, among other things the willingness of the youths to participate in agriculture especially among undergraduate. Functionalist theory was employed as the framework, while descriptive survey design was used. Structured questionnaire was administered on 200 students purposively selected from some private universities in Nigeria. The study revealed that majority (79.5%) of the respondents was aware of the need for youths to participate in agriculture. A majority (79.5%) of the undergraduates studied were not willing to participate in agriculture, (68.5%) of the respondents were also not willing to attend seminars to encourage youth participation in agriculture. Agriculture makes one dirty (50.5%) accounted for the major reason for the unwillingness of the undergraduates to participate in agriculture followed by laziness (25.0%). There is a need to reorient Nigerian undergraduates and the youths in general on the importance of their participation in agriculture.
Increasing the biogas yield of a floating drum anaerobic digester using poultry droppings with banana (Musa Paradisiacal) peels
Authors: Adeniran K A , Adeniran A O , Sanusi T J , Olasehinde D A
Published: March 2020

An anaerobic digester was used to generate biogas using poultry droppings and banana (Musa paradisiacal) peels. The digester was tested twice with a retention period of 35 days. The first test (control) was carried out with poultry droppings and water as the feedstock using a ratio of 1:2 kg. The second test was carried out using poultry droppings, water and banana (Musa paradisiacal) peels as the feedstock using a ratio of 1: 2: 3 kg. The temperature of the slurry in the bio-digester was monitored and recorded three times daily. The ambient temperature measured during the first stage of the study was between 21–34°C while the slurry temperature was between 21 and 39.3°C. For the second stage of the study, the ambient temperature measured was between 21 and 32°C while the temperature of slurry measured was between 19.8 and 38°C. Higher ambient temperatures during the first test were responsible for the slurry temperature. The total volume of biogas produced during digestion for the first test was 83.38 litres while 121.3 litres was generated during the second test. The study shows that the biogas yield of the anaerobic digester was increased when poultry droppings were mixed with banana (Musa paradisiacal) peels. Banana peels aided the digestion of poultry droppings in the digester.
Biodiesel production from Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (l) Moench) plant
Authors: Adejumo A O D , Ilori T A , Komolafe C A
Published: March 2020

Several biological plants which substrates can be used in the production of biofuels have been identified in the world. Although most of these plants are used for food which may present a risk of food supply, but will also encourage production and utilization of such plant. Okra is a vegetable plant commonly grown throughout the tropics, especially in West Africa for its tender fruits and sometimes the leaves for soup, thus the necessity for investigating the energy potential of the whole plant (Seed, fruit, leaves, and stem) biomass. Okra is an easily cultivated plant which could yield high return to the farmer if utilize for energy (Biofuel) source. Two replicates of each sample at mass 100, 300 and 500 g, n-hexane volume 500, 750 and 1000 ml and drying time 1,2 and 3 hours were used. Fresh Okra plant was obtained from the field of Institute of Agricultural research and training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria and digested in a laboratory following a standard procedure to obtain ethanol then transesterified to produce biodiesel. The average volumes of diesel obtained from each part of the plant are 18.52, 19.62, 24.07, 28.18 ml for seed, fruit, leave and stem respectively. The overall best percentage of okra plant biodiesel production was 152.6 l / ton (time). Comparing the previously reported values for maize, carrot, cocoyam, cassava, sugarcane and iroko timber to 410, 100, 139, 150, 70 and 130 l / tonnes of biomaterial; shows that okra is also a promising biofuel substrate and future energy plant.
Evaluation of briquettes produced from maize cob and stalk
Authors: Ojediran J O , Adeboyejo K , Adewumi A D , Okonkwo C E
Published: March 2020

This study seeks to investigate the performance of maize cob and maize cob with stalk with a mix ratio 2:1; 200 g shelled maize cob: 100 g of maize stalk) briquettes as fuel source for domestic cooking. The two residues were individually chopped into small pieces using a hammer mill and 0.6 mm particle size was utilized for the purpose of this work. Cassava starch was used as binder with mix ratio of 2:1 (Residue to Binder). A briquetting mold was used and residues were compressed into briquettes using a manual hydraulic press. Performance tests showed maize cob with stalk briquettes performed better with a higher cooking efficiency (17.3 %), fuel efficiency (19.78 %) and low fuel consumption (0.97 kg/hr) and boiling time of 20 mins. These results were significant at 5 % level of significance. Maize cob briquettes had higher calorific value (17.8 MJ/Kg) and higher fuel consumption rate (1.3 kg/hr), but had lower cooking efficiency (10.28 %) and fuel efficiency (12.8 %) with a boiling time of 15 minutes. The smoke emission using the briquettes was highly reduced. The crop residues used significantly affect the performance of the developed briquettes. Maize cob with stalk briquette was preferred due to its high cooking efficiency, fuel efficiency and low fuel consumption.
Characterization of optimized activated carbon production from soyabeans pod
Authors: Olawale O O , Obayomi K S , Raphael O D
Published: March 2020

The experimental design was targeted at characterizing the optimized production of activated carbon from soyabeans pod through the means of phosphoric acid as an activating agent. The three parameters considered for the optimization process was impregnation ratio (0.5-1.5 M), activation time (60-120 min) and activation temperature (200-600 °C). The central composite strategy which is a feature of the RSM was utilized to achieve the optimal preparation conditions. The optimum conditions obtained for the good percentage of yield response was 1.06 M, 305.34 °C and 89.95 min. The ANOVA result gathered revealed that acid concentration has the most substantial impact on the response yield shadowed by activation temperature and activation time, respectively. Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were carried out on the samples. The raw and produced activated carbon from soyabeans pod BET surface region was 228.2 and 709 m2/g, respectively.
Extraction of castor oil from castor seed for optimization of biodiesel production
Authors: Obayomi K S , Bello J O , Ogundipe T A , Olawale O
Published: March 2020

This research was carried out to optimize biodiesel production from castor oil using 24 full factorial central composite design (CCD). Transesterification method was used for the biodiesel production from castor using KOH & NaOH were used as catalysts. Physico-chemical properties including density, kinematic viscosity, acid value, saponification value, iodine value and pour point. The results were determined both on the castor oil and biodiesel produced. The predicted optimum conditions for the production of castor oil biodiesel are; reaction time of 60 minutes at the temperature of 60°C, catalyst concentration of 3.5 g and a methanol/oil molar ratio of 5:1. The biodiesel yield was 99.76% and the result of the measured properties of biodiesel was compared with the international standards of EN14214 and ASTM D6751. The weight composition of the fatty acid and methyl ester were both determined by the Gas Chromatography (GCMS)