Rheological Modeling of the Effects of Adulteration on Nigerian Honey

Honey was serially diluted with different percentages of glucose, fructose and water and each was analysed rheologically at room temperature of 27°C. Pure honey exhibits thixotropic time-dependent rheological behaviour, the behaviour of glucose and fructose solutions in water (a Newtonian solvent) tends towards near Newtonian. The rheological profiles of pure and adulterated honey samples were determined using RV DV-III Ultra Programmable Rheometer at low rates of share. A Structural Kinetic Model was developed which provided good correlations with the rheological data. The new model was used to classify samples using their average molecular weights as one of the distinguishing parameters. Also the order of the kinetics in the new model suggests the number of active components in the “honey” undergoing deformation as 3. Carreau-Yasuda model was also improved upon to provide an independent assessment of average molecular weight of samples.

The Influence of Organic Manure and Biochar on Cashew Seedling Performance, Soil Properties and Status

A nursery experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria to evaluate the impact of manure on cashew seedlings. Treatments consisted of biochar, compost, combination of biochar + compost and a control. Treatments were applied at rate of 0 g (control), 5 g compost, 5 g biochar and 2.5 g each of biochar and compost combination into 5 kg soil in pots, laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experiment was monitored for four months in the greenhouse. Data were collected on number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, soil nutrient composition and nutrient uptake, all analyzed using analysis of variance. The treated soils were also assayed on Potato Dextrose Agar for associated mycoflora. The study showed that the soil PH, N, P, K, Ca and Mg were equally enhanced significantly relative to the control, while Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Beauverie, Penicillium, Lasiodiplodia and Rhizopus cultured treated soils shows that Trichoderma harzianum and Beauverie bassiana were significantly higher in combination of biochar and compost treated soil and posed that their bio-control potential is coupled with soil fertility enhancement characteristics. The results also indicate that stem girth and number of leaves were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different with respect to applied treatment at the first month after treatments application. The leaf area was not enhances with the application of biochar. Combination of biochar + compost significantly enhanced number of leaves and stem girth at the 4th and 12th weeks after planting. Similarly leaf K and P uptake were significantly (<0.05) increased by the application of organic compost and biochar irrespective of whether combined or not compared to the control seedlings. The effect of biochar and compost on cashew leaf Ca and Mg uptake were not significantly different from the control but had a higher value relative to the control. It could therefore be recommended that addition of compost and biochar for sustainable production of cashew seedlings in the nursery be embraced by prospective cashew farmers and seedlings distribution in Nigeria.

A Simulation Study on the Performances of Classical Var and Sims-Zha Bayesian Var Models in the Presence of Autocorrelated Errors

It is well known that a high degree of positive dependency among the errors generally leads to 1) serious underestimation of standard errors for regression coefficients;2) prediction intervals that are excessively wide. This paper set out to study the performances of classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR models in the presence of autocorrelated errors. Autocorrelation levels of (-0.99, -0.95, -0.9, -0.85, -0.8, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99) were considered for short term (T = 8, 16);medium term (T = 32, 64) and long term (T = 128, 256). The results from 10,000 simulation revealed that BVAR model with loose prior is suitable for negative autocorrelations and BVAR model with tight prior is suitable for positive autocorrelations in the short term. While for medium term, the BVAR model with loose prior is suitable for the autocorrelation levels considered except in few cases. Lastly, for long term, the classical VAR is suitable for all the autocorrelation levels considered except in some cases where the BVAR models are preferred. This work therefore concludes that the performance of the classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR varies in terms of the autocorrelation levels and the time series lengths.

On the Performances of Classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR Models in the Presence of Collinearity and Autocorrelated Error Terms

In time series literature, many authors have found out that multicollinearity and autocorrelation usually afflict time series data. In this paper, we compare the performances of classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR models with quadratic decay on bivariate time series data jointly influenced by collinearity and autocorrelation. We simulate bivariate time series data for different collinearity levels (﹣0.99, ﹣0.95, ﹣0.9, ﹣0.85, ﹣0.8, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99) and autocorrelation levels (﹣0.99, ﹣0.95, ﹣0.9, ﹣0.85, ﹣0.8, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99) for time series length of 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 respectively. The results from 10,000 simulations reveal that the models performance varies with the collinearity and autocorrelation levels, and with the time series lengths. In addition, the results reveal that the BVAR4 model is a viable model for forecasting. Therefore, we recommend that the levels of collinearity and autocorrelation, and the time series length should be considered in using an appropriate model for forecasting.

Entry qualifications and academic performance of architecture students in Nigerian Polytechnics： Are the admission requirements still relevant？

The competence of fresh graduates of architecture has been continuously criticized by the industry for inadequate knowledge. This is often blamed on the poor standard of education evidenced by poor performances in professional and degree/diploma examinations conducted by various schools of architecture in the country. Although, factors responsible for the scenario are wetl documented in the literature, most of these works are based on testimonial and circumstantial evidences relating to management of architectural education only. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entry qualifications and the performance of architecture students in Nigerian Polytechnics with a view to determining the relevance of current admission policy to architectural education in Nigeria. Data were obtained from official records in the Department of Architecture in four randomly selected polytechnics in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Pearson Product Moment Corretation （r） was used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal weak relationship between the two variables （physics and mathematics）. This is contrary to the expectations of most schotars and policy makers who opine that studentst proficiency in these subjects would enhance their performance at higher LeveLs. The paper traces the contradiction to the poor handling of public examinations and misconception of architecture as being pure science. It holds that if these requirements are still relied upon for the admission of students into schools of architecture, wrong candidates wouldcontinue to gain entry into the profession. The paper concludes by recommending certain measures that are capable of reversing the trend.

Second to Fourth Digit Ratio(2D:4D) as a Predictor of Adult Circulating Sex Hormones and Overweight/Obesity in Ado-Ekiti Nigeria

The ratio of the second-to-fourth digit length（2D：4D）has been shown to be sexually dimorphic,with males having lower mean than females and the ratio relates to masculinity and femininity in adults.2D：4D is influenced by digit growth pattern which is related to the ratio of prenatal androgen to estrogen levels in the later part of the first trimester.

Short Term Forecasting Performances of Classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR Models for Time Series with Collinear Variables and Correlated Error Terms

Forecasts can either be short term, medium term or long term. In this work we considered short term forecast because of the problem of limited data or time series data that is often encounter in time series analysis. This simulation study considered the performances of the classical VAR and Sims-Zha Bayesian VAR for short term series at different levels of collinearity and correlated error terms. The results from 10,000 iteration revealed that the BVAR models are excellent for time series length of T=8 for all levels of collinearity while the classical VAR is effective for time series length of T=16 for all collinearity levels except when ρ = -0.9 and ρ = -0.95. We therefore recommended that for effective short term forecasting, the time series length, forecasting horizon and the collinearity level should be considered.

Anti-Oxidant Status of Male Adults with and without Prostate Cancer in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Recent studies show increasing prostate cancer incidence in Nigeria. Significant correlations identified between diet and prostate cancer occurrence, indicate that low antioxidant status could contribute to the aetiology of prostate cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study determined selected antioxidants (lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol) status of 10 (Experimental group) and 17 (Control) male adults with and without PC, recruited from the Urological Section of the Surgical Out-patients’ Department, University College Hospital and the General Out-patient Clinic of the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Demographic characteristics were assessed using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Daily antioxidant intakes were assessed and analyzed using 24-hour dietary recall, and an adapted version of the food database “Total Diet Assessment”. Serum lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: The mean age of the PC and the control (72.8 ± 6.2 years and 59.8 ± 4.8 years) was significantly different (p = 0.001). Mean daily lycopene intake (1408.4 ± 233.2 μg) of the PC was significantly lower (P = 0.030) than the controls (3862.3±316.2μg). The mean serum lycopene (19.8 ± 13.2 ng/ml), beta-carotene (43.6 ± 26.0 ng/ml) and retinol (362.2 ± 304.3ng/ml) of the PC were significantly lower (p = 0.008, 0.040 and 0.033 respectively) than the values (70.8 ± 49.8 ng/ml, 57.6 ± 47.7 ng/ml and 395.4 ± 275.6 ng/ml respectively) of the controls. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the dietary lycopene intake (r = -0.396, p = 0.041) and serum lycopene (r =-0.502, p = 0.008) with PC;while a significant positive association was observed between dietary intake of retinol with PC (r = 0.394, p = 0.042). Conclusion: The study has revealed low anti-oxidant status, and an inverse association between lycopene status and prostate cancer in the elderly men.

A Survey of Noise Pollution in Ado-Ekiti Metropolis Using Mobile Phone

Noise is considered as the most pervasive pollutant, it constitutes the most disturbing among the city pollutants and is a serious urban crisis in Ado Ekiti metropolis. Noise pollution was monitored at five different locations in Ado-Ekiti, the capital town of Ekiti State of Nigeria. The study was done using a Virtual Instrument;a Sound Pressure Level mobile application installed on a mobile phone. The equivalent noise level using A-weighting was taken every fifteen minutes in each location between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm and the LAeq,T of each location was calculated. Maximum LAeq,6h of 105.40 dB was obtained in marketplace between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm while the minimum value of LAeq,6h obtained for a residential area in the same period is 69.51 dBA. The residents are exposed to average noise levels of 75 - 98 dB (A) or more every day which is higher than the recommended value of 60 dBA by WHO. This is very dangerous to the health of the people in these areas, and the results obtained in this study are useful as reference and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented for urban areas in Nigeria.

Gross alpha and beta activities and trace heavy elemental concentration levels in chemical fertilizers and agricultural farm soils in Nigeria

The gross alpha (α) and beta (β) activities and trace heavy elemental concentrations have been determined in Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium (NPK) fertilizers samples used for agricultural purposes in Nigeria. Cultivated farm soil samples from two regions (north and south) in the country and samples of phosphate rocks were also analyzed for gross α and β radioactivity and elemental concentrations. The beta activity concentration in the NPK (15-15-15) fertilizers was found to vary from 2410.0 ± 80.0 Bq·kg–1 to 4560 ± 140.0 Bq·kg–1, between 1340.0 ± 70.0 Bq·kg–1 and 1440.0 ± 70.0 Bq·kg–1 in the Single Super phosphate fertilizers while in the farm soil it ranged between 360.0 ± 40.0 Bq·kg–1 to 570.0 ± 50.0 for the north samples and 200.0 ± 50.0 to 230.0 ± 20 Bq·kg–1 for the south samples. The alpha activities in the NPK fertilizers was found to vary from 20.0 ± 10.0 to 90.0 ± 20.0 Bq·kg–1, in the SSP it varied from 60.0 ± 20.0 to 100.0 ± 20.0 Bq·kg–1 while in the soil samples it varied from 8.0 ± 6.0 to 40.0 ± 10.0

Performance Evaluation of Dry Season Okra under Sawdust and Trash Mulch Cover Treatments in Southwestern Nigeria

This paper reports the experimental investigation of the agronomic performance of okra under various quantities of both sawdust and trash mulches. The location of the field was the research farmland of the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti Nigeria;Lat 6?N and Long 16?E. The experimental design used was complete randomized design with 6 treatments on both specimens. The experiments were repeated the following year on the same plot but with transposed plot allocation. Soil moisture loss from uncovered plot was with the highest value dropping to less than 2 per cent. It was followed by that of trash plot and the lowest loss was on sawdust mulched plot. The number of leave formed by okra on sawdust, trash and no mulch plots was 43, 36 and 27 respectively while maximum girth diameter was 37 mm in both trash and sawdust covered plots but okra plant on control plot attained only 26 mm diameter. Fruit yield were almost similar to trash and sawdust mulched okra having 7.5 and 7.6 Tonnes/Ha respectively while control plot recorded 5.2 Tonnes/Ha. The ash content of dry matter of sawdust, trash and no mulched plants was 0.25, 0.20 and 0.17 kg respectively. It was concluded that sawdust could perform as much as the traditional trash materials commonly used in Southwestern Nigeria. Also, sawdust was a good material for conserving soil moisture.

Geoelectric Evaluation of Groundwater Potential and Vulnerability of Overburden Aquifers at Onibu-Eja Active Open Dumpsite, Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria

Electrical resistivity method was used to assess groundwater potential and vulnerability of overburden aquifers at Onibu-Eja active open dumpsite, Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Eighteen Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points and five 2-D imaging profiles established in five traverses at the periphery of the dumpsite were surveyed and analysed. The subsurface comprised of thin topsoil (resistivity 65 - 998 Ωm);heterogeneous weathered layer with resistivity 63 - 333 Ωm and thickness 0.7 - 8.5 m;weathered basement (resistivity 31 - 1253 Ωm and thickness 0.7 - 27.0 m) and fractured/fresh basement (resistivity 36 - 6213 Ωm). The 2-D inverse model of the profiles delineated low resistivity values ranging from 5 to 100 Ωm at a depth range of 10 - 20 m along traverses TR1-TR3 which is attributed to leachate percolation close to the dumpsite. The weathered basement was inclined relative to the dumpsite. The total overburden thickness varies from 6.9 to 33.7 m, with 20 and 40 m generally recommended as productive for groundwater abstraction in Southwestern Nigeria occurring in 61% of the area. Further, about 85% of the weathered layer resistivity values fall within medium groundwater potential (100 - 250 Ωm) and high groundwater potential (>250 Ωm). The ranking of groundwater potential as a function of saprolite (weathered basement) resistivity showed that 72% of the study area is characterized by optimum weathering (20 - 100 Ωm) and is classified as good groundwater potential. Fractured basement covered <30% of the study area. The evaluation of aquifer protective capacity has helped to classify the area into moderate, weak and poor protective capacities with moderate protective capacity zone covering 72%.

Slope Stability Analysis of Itakpe Iron Ore Mine, Itakpe, Nigeria

The slope stability of the Itakpe Iron Ore Mine has been carried out using computer software, ROCKPACK III. One hundred and twenty three dip and dip direction values were obtained using compass clinometer. The Itakpe Iron Ore Mine was divided into four benches;241 - 258 m, 263 - 275 m, 276 - 286 m and 308 - 312 m. Joints along the discontinuities were mapped. The data obtained were analyzed using ROCKPACK III. The results indicate that the discontinuities within the critical zone are potentially unstable and can lead to planar failure. The Markland test carried out for wedge failure indicates that the intersection of the discontinuities does not fall within the critical zone hence there cannot be any wedge failure of the slope within the level 241 - 258 m. The presence of discontinuities that plot within the toppling critical zone indicates that there is potential toppling failure on the slope at the 276 - 286 m level. In addition, the toppling failure test shows the absence of discontinuities that plot within the toppling critical zone and this indicates the absence of poten-tial toppling failure of the slope at the 308 - 312 m level. The result of the study will be useful to the man-agement of the Itakpe iron ore mine in having a proper understanding of the failure mechanism of the slopes.

Design and Implementation of a Portable Computer Based Induction Motor Supervisory System

The aim of this research paper is to monitor an inductionmotor (single or three-phase) while working or running using a portable computer. Parameters measured include supply voltage, stator coli temperature and casing temperature. For the temperatures of both stator and casing, temperature sensors were used. The sensor senses the temperature and sends its output to the analogue to the digital integrated circuit for further processing. The supply voltage is also moni-tored by a circuit and integrated circuit. The project on completion was tested and the parameters displayed on the portable computer. The objectives of the project are: The supply system can measure the following parameters: supply voltage, stator coil temperature, casing temperature. Display the data on the PC screen with the possibility of settings to establish range, limits and alarm indicators when these are exceeded. The program should be able to save data of the log entry with time on a dedicated file as record for future analysis.

Applying Project Based Learning to Flipped Bloom Taxonomy for Deep Understanding in Control Systems

The peculiar nature of control theory as a course that cut across a lot of major engineering disciplines calls for a look into how its learning can best be done without students feeling like they are wasting their time.This paper takes a look at control theory as subject cut across various engineering field and has a wide background that students must really be comfortable with.Its wide application and background pose a huge challenge to the teaching of control.It goes further to look into traditional method of teaching,Project-Based Learning Blooms Taxonomy.It then proposes applying Flipped Bloom Taxonomy to Project-based learning for a deep understanding of control systems.

Efficiency test of modeled empirical equations in predicting soil loss from ephemeral gully erosion around Mubi,Northeast Nigeria

A field study was carried out to assess soil loss from ephemeral gully(EG)erosion at 6 different locations(Digil,Vimtim,Muvur,Gella,Lamorde and Madanya)around the Mubi area between April,2008 and October,2009.Each location consisted of 3 watershed sites from where data was collected.EG shape,land use,and conservation practices were noted,while EG length,width,and depth were measured.Physico-chemical properties of the soils were studied in the field and laboratory.Soil loss was both measured and predicted using modeled empirical equations.Results showed that the soils are heterogeneous and lying on flat to hilly topographies with few grasses,shrubs and tree vegetations.The soils comprised of sand fractions that predominated the texture,with considerable silt and clay contents.The empirical soil loss was generally related with the measured soil loss and the predictions were widely reliable at all sites,regardless of season.The measured and empirical aggregate soil loss were more related in terms of volume of soil loss(VSL)(r^(2)=0.93)and mass of soil loss(MSL)(r^(2)=0.92),than area of soil loss(ASL)(r^(2)=0.27).The empirical estimates of VSL and MSL were consistently higher at Muvur(less vegetation)and lower at Madanya and Gella(denser vegetations)in both years.The maximum efficiency(M_(se))of the empirical equation in predicting ASL was between 1.41(Digil)and 89.07(Lamorde),while the M_(se) was higher at Madanya(2.56)and lowest at Vimtim(15.66)in terms of VSL prediction efficiencies.The M_(se) also ranged from 1.84(Madanya)to 15.74(Vimtim)in respect of MSL predictions.These results led to the recommendation that soil conservationists,farmers,private and/or government agencies should implement the empirical model in erosion studies around Mubi area.

Effects of processing parameters of Roselle seed on its oil yield

The effect of the processing parameters of Roselle seed on its oil yield was investigated.The seeds were ground and classified into two particle sizes(fine and coarse)using ASAE Standard S319.3.The samples were conditioned by adding calculated amount of distilled water to different moisture levels from the initial moisture levels of 4.4%and 5.14%respectively,(fine,4.4%,6.4%,8.4%and 10.4%and coarse samples 5.14%,7.14%,9.14%and 11.14%w.b.).The samples were heated at different temperatures of 80,90,100 and 110℃over a period of 15,20,25 and 30 min,expressed at 15,22.5,30 and 37.5 MPa using hydraulic oil extractor for 10,20,30 and 40 min.Oil yield increases by 5%-6%with an increase in the processing parameters of pressure up to 30 MPa,temperature of 100℃and decreased beyond these points.Oil yield increased by 7%-8%with an increase in moisture content.Finely ground samples were found to have higher yield than coarsely ground samples at the different processing parameters.Processing parameters were found to affect the yield of oil from Roselle seeds.