bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALL SCALE FISH FARMING IN NIGER STATE
Authors: Adeniji O B , Tsado J H , Tologbonse M 
Published: April 2024

Â This study examined economic analysis of small scale fish farmers in Niger state, the objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of small scale fish farmers, the inputâ€“output relationship, the profitability as well as to identify constraints faced by fish farmers. A total of 60 respondents were purposely selected from three local government areas, from two agricultural zones namely zone I and II. Structured questionnaire was administered in line with the objectives of the study. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression analysis. Four functional forms were tried but the double log function was chosen as the lead equation. The profitability was determined using gross margin and net farm income analysis. The gross margin and net farm income were N129, 564.37 and N 126, 574.24 per stocking period (6 month) respectively. The result of the regression analysis reveals that pond size, fingerlings, capital input cost and farm size were statistically significant in determining efficiency of resource used while feed cost and labour were not significant, pond size, labour and capital input cost were underutilised. There was an over utilization of fingerlings, feed cost and farm size since the allocative efficiency is less than unity, farmers income can be enhanced if they decrease the use of these resources.This study examined economic analysis of small scale fish farmers in Niger state, the objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of small scale fish farmers, the inputâ€“output relationship, the profitability as well as to identify constraints faced by fish farmers. A total of 60 respondents were purposely selected from three local government areas, from two agricultural zones namely zone I and II. Structured questionnaire was administered in line with the objectives of the study. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression analysis. Four functional forms were tried but the double log function was chosen as the lead equation. The profitability was determined using gross margin and net farm income analysis. The gross margin and net farm income were N129, 564.37 and N 126, 574.24 per stocking period (6 month) respectively. The result of the regression analysis reveals that pond size, fingerlings, capital input cost and farm size were statistically significant in determining efficiency of resource used while feed cost and labour were not significant, pond size, labour and capital input cost were underutilised. There was an over utilization of fingerlings, feed cost and farm size since the allocative efficiency is less than unity, farmers income can be enhanced if they decrease the use of these resources.Â Keywords: economics, small scale, fish farming, Niger state
DETERMINANTS OF YOUTHâ€™S PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES: CASE STUDY OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Omotesho K F , Adara C , Ogunlade I 
Published: April 2024

The study examined the patterns and determinants of youthsâ€™participation in the Commercial Agricultural Development Programme in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from all 239 registered participants of the programme via the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Probit Regression Model were the tools for data analyses. Most of the respondents (86.4%) were between 31 and 40 years of age, male (89.7%), married (85.3%) and had a tertiary level of education (82.6%). Only 40.76% of the respondents participated actively in the programme.Â About half of the respondents (49.5%) were full-time farmers, 28.8% worked a minimum of 5 days a week on the farm and worked an average of 6 hours per day. The socio-economic determinants of participation were age, educational level, marital status, years of experience and nature of participation (p<0.01). The study concluded that the level of participation of youths in the Programme was low and influenced by participantsâ€™ age, marital status, and level of education, experience and nature of participation. The study recommends that the program should focus more on graduates of tertiary institutions. The existing participants who are not graduates and future non-graduate recruits would require closer guidance and monitoring for performance.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, PHYSICAL AND SENSORY QUALITIES OF ACHA-GUAVA FLOUR BLEND BISCUITS
Authors: Ayo J A , Ayo V I , Johnson R G 
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the chemical, phytochemical composition, physical and sensory qualities of acha-guava flour blends and biscuit.Â Flour blends were produced by substituting guava flour into acha flour at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 %. Proximate, chemical (vitamin, vitamin and phytochemical) composition, pasting functional properties of the flour blends and the physical and sensory qualities of the produced biscuits were determined.Â The carbohydrate and protein decreased from 81.60to 77.30 and 8.32to 7.70%, respectively while the moisture, fat, fibre and ash content of the flour blend increased from 8.08to 8.44, 1.28to 2.63, 0.21to 2.5and 0.20 to 1.62%, respectively, with increase in the added guava flour (5-25%). Water absorption, foaming, and swelling capacity of acha-guava flour increased from 2.35to 2.83, 4.13to 7.65 and 5.75to 7.74ml/g, respectively while the bulk density and oil absorption capacity decreased from 0.89to .85/cm3 and 2.10 to 1.81 ml/g respectively, with increase in the added guava flour (5-25%). The peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity, and setback decreased from 2336.83 to 1107, 1535to 935, 801 to 172, 3719.8to 1863, and 2186.0 to 928RVS, respectively, with increase in the added guava flour. Iron, carotenoid, vitamin C and total phenol increased from 4.0 to 25.0ppm, 5.36 to 14.17, 1.94 to 7.96, and 0.22 to 0.86mg/100g respectively, while phosphorus decreased from 1110.10 to 814.3ppm with increase in percentage of added guava flour. There was an increase in break strength and spread ratio of the biscuit from 1.35 to 2.64kg and 4.53 to 5.15, respectively, as a result of the increase in level of guava-flour substitution. The reverse was observed for the thickness, diameter, volume and weight of the biscuit which decreased from 0.88 to 0.60cm, 4.34 to 4.13cm, 13.05 to 8.00cm3, and 11.50 to 10.70g respectively. The average means scores of colour, texture, taste, odour, crispiness, and general acceptability of the biscuits ranged from 4.60 to 7.65, 5.50 to 6 to 6.85, 6.10 to 7.45, 5.80 to 6.85, 5.55 to 6.85and 6.20 to 7.95. The sample, 95:5 % acha-guava blends is the most preferred and acceptable with average mean score of 7.95 with corresponding increment of 0.28, 2.22, 79.38, and 1.3% of ash content, protein, fat and crude fibre, respectively.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER-AİDED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MONİTORİNG GRAİNS STORED İN METAL SİLOS
Authors: Olorunfemi B J , Mogaji S A , Olorunfemi D F , Idowu A K 
Published: April 2024

Traditional methods of managing grain have not guaranteed against grain losses, instead losses ranges from 20-50 %. In this vein, this study engages a computer based system for monitoring stored grains in metal silos. For the study, functions were formulated to measure weight, deterioration index, temperature, laboratory parameters, and moisture for grain samples. Standards were formulated for quality of grain to be accepted into the silo bins and stock index per silo. Coding instructions were set with a high level programming language using Dream weaver platform and structural query language as database management system. The standard storage parameters for the different grains applied were; moisture content (≤ 12 %), insect damage (≤ 1 %), mould damage (≤ 1 %), hectolitre weight (68-75 kg/hl), colouration (normal), foreign matter (≤ 1 %) and year of harvest (≤ 1 year). Test samples of the stored grain were monitored and analysed at one of the National metal silo complexes using the developed package. The results obtained showed that total grain loss would be less than 1 %. There would be timely decision that saves cost,deter moulding and its antecedent losses. It is expected that the software developed will assist in good data management for grain storage to facilitate little or no grain losses during storage.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TOXICITIES IN OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM AND CABOFURAN ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CORCHORUS OLITORIUS INFECTED WITH ROOT- KNOT NEMATODE
Authors: Hinmikaiye A S , Izuogu N B 
Published: April 2024

A screen house potted experiment was conducted at the Teaching Research Farm of Kabba College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Kogi State, during the 2019/2020 cropping season to determine the comparative toxicities of (Ocimum gratissimum) and carbofuran on the growth and yield of Corchorus olitorius infested by root-knot nematode. The experiment consisted of six treatments including the control, all laid out in a Complete Randomized Design and replicated three times. All the pots were inoculated with 1000 eggs of juveniles root- knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) obtained from 50g of Celosia argentea infested root. The six treatments comprised three levels of Ocimum gratissimum including; 100ml, 150ml, and 200ml; two levels of Carbofuran applied at 1kg ai//ha (0.17g-1), 1.5kg ai//ha (0.26g-1) and the Control. All the treatments including the control were designated as TI, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. Initial nematodes populations were applied two weeks after planting and final nematodes population was analyzed eight weeks after planting. Extraction of nematodes eggs was carried out at Land Mark University Laboratory, Omu-Aran, Nigeria. Data gathered were those on plant height, number of leaves and fresh and dry weight (g) four weeks after planting from three randomly selected plants in each pot. The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), to determine the significance of variation among the treatments. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The result obtained from this study indicated that T5 carbofuran 0.26g-1 performed best out of all the treatments tested for plant height (cm), leave yield (g) and number of leaves per plant. This was followed by treatment T3 which is O.gratissimum at 200ml compared to the untreated control. Treatment T6 recorded the highest number of root gall index and final nematode population in the pot. Carbofuran application performed better compared to O.gratissimum extract at 0.26 g-1, because it reduced nematodes population faster than any botanicals. The environmental-friendly nature of Ocimum gratissimum added to its fair growth and yield performance in the study can be explored towards discouraging carbofuran whose detrimental effects on humans and other living organisms could be fatal.

Keywords: carbofuran, Corchorus olitorius, Ocimum gratissimum, root-knot nematode, yield
COMPARATIVE OUTPUT AND INCOMES BETWEEN USAID/MARKETS II PROGAMME CASSAVA FARMERS BENEFICIARIES AND NON-BENEFICIARIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Uzochukwu M C , Nwaobiala C U , Mbagwu G N 
Published: April 2024

This study compared the output and income levels of USAID/MARKET II cassava farmers’ beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, it estimated the output and income levels of USAID and non-USAID farmers from cassava farming and compared the output and income from cassava farming among USAID and non-USAID farmers in the study area. A three-stage random sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and eighty (180) respondents (90 USAID farmers and 90 non-USAID farmers). Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages and mean scores and inferential statistics (Z-test analysis). The result showed that mean cassava output of USAID farmers (58,405.56kg/ha) were higher than that of the non-USAID farmers (34,038.89kg/ha) as against mean cassava income of USAID farmers (N233, 855.6) and non-USAID farmers (N192, 986.7). The Z–test result revealed a significant difference in mean cassava output and income among USAID and non- USAID farmers at 5.0% level of probability. The study therefore recommends synergy between farmers, research institutes and agricultural intervention agencies to increase cassava output and income through farmers’ access to credit.

Keywords: comparative, output, income, USAID/MARKETS, cassava farmers
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALL-SCALE TOMATO PRODUCTION IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Tahir A D , Ghide A A , Ibrahim U S , Mohammed A G , Abba I Y 
Published: April 2024

This study focused on the economic analysis of tomato production in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the -socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, estimate the resource use efficiency in tomato production as well as describe the constraints associated with tomato production. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 tomato farmers in the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The result revealed that 68% were male with a mean age of 38, 40% had attained primary school with a mean household size of 9. 74% of the respondents were married, and 70% had access to credit. The respondents had mean farm size and farming experience of 2.5 and 12 respectively. The R2 was 79.8% and the F-ratio of 31.5 and statistically significant at 1%. The results revealed that fertilizer was statistically significant at 1% while farm size, labour, chemical and seed were positive and statistically significant at 5% respectively. The result also revealed that labour, fertilizer, chemical and seed were under-utilized. Major constraints faced by tomato farmers in the study area are inadequate fertilizer which was 96%, high cost of labour (94%) and lack of credit facilities (92%). The study concludes that production inputs such as seed, fertilizer, labour, and chemicals contributed to tomato output. Seed, fertilizer, chemicals and labour were under-utilized by the farmers. It is recommended that government should support tomato farmers by providing subsidized production inputs and credit.
Keywords: analysis, economic, production, small-scale, tomato
THE INCIDENCE OF PARASITOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE RUMINANT LIVESTOCK
Authors: Gabriel G O , Odumboni A A , Dandara G B 
Published: April 2024

This study's goal is to identify external, blood, and Gastrointestinal (G.I) parasites in the farm animals at the Nasarawa State University Research farm, in Lafia, Nigeria. Blood sample was collected through a cephalic vein using the needle and syringe, External parasites were hand-picked directly from the animal body with the aid of hand gloves. Faecal Sample were collected from 270 Cattle, 500 sheep and 700 Goats via their rectum, using clean, unused disposable hand gloves. These methods were utilized to detect Helminthic eggs and Coccidia oocysts: Haematocrit Centrifugation (HCT) were used to assess blood samples. Parasite prevalence was 85.19%, 85.71% and 74.00% in cattle, goats, and sheep, respectively. Ecto parasites count was 3.40%, for Amblyomma spp. 1.36% Boophlus spp and 0.68% fleas Blood parasites- B. motasi and B. ovis prevalence were found to be 4.08% and 14.97% respectively. Eimeria spp (32.79%) and Oesophagostomum spp (14.97%) were found to be the most frequent gastro-intestinal parasites.

Keywords: gastrointestinal parasites, blood parasites, external parasites, small ruminants,
large ruminants
Effect of Direct Attention Training on Aggressiveness among Healthcare Workers in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: John ML , Ogbaini CA , Ajao AG , Aboyewa AA , Aboyewa O.A. 
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the impact of direct attention training on aggressiveness of healthcare workers in Kogi State, Nigeria. Quasi-experimental design was adopted for this study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select forty-seven male and female health workers in Kogi State. The first stage of the multi-stage sampling process was the selection of two health care services: Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Ayinba and Peace Hospital Ayingba Kogi State. The second stage involved the identification of aggressive health workers using Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Forty-seven (47) health workers scoring 70 % or higher on the aggression assessment were identified as displaying aggressive behavior. The third stage involved the selection of health care services into experimental group using simple random sampling technique. Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Ayingba which comprised twenty-three (23) participants belonged to Group A and were given Direct attention training while Peace Hospital Ayingba with twenty-four (24) participants belonged to Group B (control group). The control group were not given any treatment during the study. Data collected for this study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed a significant impact of direct attention training on the aggressiveness of both the experimental and control groups among healthcare workers in Kogi State, Nigeria. The health workers in direct attention and control groups had mean scores of 92.07 and 91.02 respectively on aggressiveness. On exposure to treatment, those in the control group had higher posttest mean score of 86.91 than their counterparts in the direct attention group (mean = 50.72, SD = 5.81). Direct attention had significant effect on health workers’ aggressiveness in the experimental and control groups (F1, 27 = 208.350, P < 0.05). On the other hand, control group had the higher estimated marginal mean of 87.92 than those in the direct attention group with an adjusted mean score of 51.43. The study suggests that Kogi State should consider employing health psychologists to manage and control aggressive behavior among healthcare workers.
Enhancing English Learning for Special Needs Students through Technology
Authors: Ramadani Refik 
Published: April 2024

In the realm of educational instruction, teachers encounter a diverse array of students, each with unique learning styles and potential challenges. Among these learners are those with distinct needs, requiring tailored approaches to facilitate their academic progress. These students often encounter hurdles across various educational facets, necessitating personalized strategies to enhance their learning experiences and self-expression. Thus, the focus of this study is to investigate whether the integration of technological tools such as laptops and tablets, coupled with multimedia elements, can serve as effective motivators and engagement enhancers for students with specific learning requirements.
This qualitative study adopts an observational approach, examining the impact of technology integration on students with special needs across six primary schools in municipalities of Gjilan and Prizren, Kosovo. The primary objective is to gauge the efficacy of technology-assisted instruction, particularly in the context of English language learning. Through a four-week observation period, conducted twice weekly, the study aims to discern the differential outcomes between traditional instructional methods and those supplemented by technology applications.
The study results revealed that in technology-driven English language lessons, special needs students were more motivated to get involved in the lesson, worked together, and participated actively in the classroom activities.
Response of Potassium Humate as Foliar Sprays on Growth Parameters, Chlorophyll Content, Yield and Quality of Cowpea
Authors: Tathe Archana Sachin , Gode Sayali Avinash , Kolape Sampat Shankar 
Published: April 2024

Aim: Humic substances plays a vital role in soil fertility and plant nutrition. Application of humic substances within a fairly wide range of concentration are highly beneficial to plant root development. Humic acid is excellent foliar fertilizer carrier and an activator. The present investigation was conducted to study the response of foliar application of potassium humate extracted from good quality Farm Yard Manure (FYM), on growth parameters, chlorophyll content, yield and quality of cowpea.
Study Design: Completely Randomized Design with three replications and seven treatments.
Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in rabi 2021at the College of Agriculture, Karad, Maharashtra, India.
Methodology: Good quality FYM was used to extract potassium salt of humic acid. The extracted potassium humate was used as foliar application (at two different growth stages) at different concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) along with General Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (GRDF), comprising seven treatments that were laid in a completely randomized design with three replications.
Results: The results indicated that two foliar applications of potassium humate @ 400 ppm + GRDF (T6) to cowpea plants significantly increased growth parameters viz. average number of seeds per pod (18.0), 100 seed weight (9.59 g), seed yield (91.10 g pot-1) and dry straw yield (113.88 g pot-1), total chlorophyll content and protein content compared to absolute control (T1) and GRDF + water spray (T2).
Conclusion: The study concluded that foliar applications of potassium humate @ 400 ppm + GRDF significantly improved growth parameters, total chlorophyll, yield and protein content (21.42%) of cowpea seed under pot culture condition.
Assessment of Performance of Foliar Application of GA3 and NAA on Growth and Yield Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa. L) cv. Nashik Red (N-53)
Authors: Khadka Paratikshya , Paudel Chintamani , Jha Keshab K , Chauhan Anita 
Published: April 2024

In order to ascertain the assessment of performance of foliar application of NAA and GA3 on growth and yield attributes of Onion (Allium cepa. L). A field trial was conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm of Baba Farid Institute of Technology (BFIT), Dehradun, India, 2021–2022. Significant differences in results were observed. With nine treatments and three replications of each growth regulator—NAA and GA3—at various levels (50, 100, 150, and 200 parts per million—the research was set up in a Randomized Complete block design. The superior growth attributes like maximum plant height (47.38 cm) at 45 DAT, (51.01 cm) at 60 DAT and (54.04 cm) at 90 DAT, maximum number of leaves per plant (6.32) at 45 DAT and (8.84) at 60 DAT were recorded from the application of NAA 150 PPM (T3). The superior yield attributes like highest fresh weight of bulb per plant (60.12 gm), bulb polar distance (4.75 cm) and bulb equatorial distance (5.45 cm) were recorded from the application of GA3 100 PPM (T6).