• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.137-144
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• 2015

Purpose: The high energy requirement of extraction of oil from jatropha seed and reduction of loss in oil content between whole seed and kernel of jatropha necessitate seed shelling. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the performance of a jatropha seed shelling machine based on seed moisture content. Methods: A shelling machine was designed and constructed for jatropha seed. The components are frame, hopper, shelling chamber, concave, and blower with discharge units. The performance evaluation of the machine was carried out by determining parameters such as percentage of whole kernel recovered, percentage of broken kernel recovered, percentage of partially shelled seed, percentage of unshelled seed, machine capacity, machine efficiency, and shelling efficiency. All of the parameters were evaluated at five different moisture levels: 8.00%, 9.37%, 10.77%, 12.21%, and 13.68% w.b.). Results: The shelling efficiency of the machine increased with increase in seed moisture content; the percentage of whole kernel recovered and percentage of partially shelled seed decreased with increase in moisture content; and percentage of broken kernel, machine efficiency, and percentage of unshelled seed followed a sinusoidal trend with moisture content variation. Conclusion: The best operating condition for the shelling machine was at a moisture content of 8.00% w.b., at which the maximum percentage of whole kernel recovered was 23.23% at a shelling efficiency of 73.95%.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.68-80
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• 2017

The invention of computers is one of the best things that have ever happened to mankind and undergraduate students can benefit immensely from the use of computers. However, observations have showed that in the present Nigerian society, there are a number of issues arising from unethical use of computers. Interactions with some undergraduate students revealed that a majority have fallen into the trap of unethical use of computers at one time or another. This seemingly alarming rate of unethical use of computers therefore calls for concern. A literature search has shown that awareness and perception of computer ethics have not been adequately researched within the Nigerian context. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine the awareness and perception of computer ethics by undergraduate students in a Nigerian university. Descriptive survey research method was used and the study population was comprised of 12,894 undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The multistage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 292 and the questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings showed that the level of awareness of respondents on issues associated with computer ethics was high (mean=45.19). A majority of the respondents had a favorable perception of computer ethics and the most prominent factor identified that could hinder adherence to computer ethics as noted by most of the respondents was the poor economic situation of the country. Part of the recommendations was that government at all levels should provide responsible and responsive leadership.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.30-48
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• 2016

The study tested a hybrid model with constructs drawn from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory in order to examine the moderating effect of productivity and relative advantage (RA) on perceived usefulness (PU) vis-à-vis electronic information resources (EIR) adoption in private university libraries in Ogun and Osun States of Nigeria. The descriptive research design was adopted in the study. The population consisted of 61 (55.0%) librarians and 50 (45.0%) library officers (totaling 116—100%) in Babcock University, Bells University, Covenant University, Bowen University, Oduduwa University, and Redeemer's University. Purposive sampling procedure was adopted after which total enumeration was used since the total population is small. The questionnaire was used for data collection. Of the 116 copies of the questionnaire administered, 111 (95.7%) were found usable. The instrument was structured based on a 4-point Likert agreement scale of Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics like tables of frequency counts and percentage. The findings revealed that productivity and relative advantage are significant moderators of perceived usefulness of EIR adoption in private university libraries in Ogun and Osun States, Nigeria.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.128-137
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was designed to elucidate the energy-utilization patterns for five methods of robo production. Methods: Robo (fried melon cake) was produced using five different methods, and the energy used for each unit operation was calculated using standard equations. The sensory attributes of the products were determined by panelists. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and analysis of variance at p < 0.05. Results: The energy demands for processing 2.84 kg of melon seed into robo (fried melon cake) using processes 1 (traditional method), 2, 3, 4, and 5 (improved methods) were 50,599.5, 21,793.6, 20,379.7, 21,842.9, and 20,429.3 kJ, respectively. These are equivalent to energy intensities of 1,7816.7, 7,673.8, 7,175.9, 7,691.2, and 7,193.4 kJ/kg, respectively. For the traditional process, the frying operation consumed the highest energy (21,412.0 kJ), and the mixing operation consumed the lowest energy (675.0 kJ). For the semi-mechanized processes, the molding operation consumed the highest energy (6,120.0 kJ), and the dry milling consumed the lowest energy (14.4 kJ). Conclusions: The energy-consumption patterns were functions of the type of unit operation, the technology involved in the operations, and the size of the equipment used in the whole processing operation. Robo produced via the milling of dried melon seed before oil expression was rated highest with regard to the aroma and taste quality, as well as the overall acceptability of the sensory evaluation, and required the lowest energy consumption. Full mechanization of the process line has potential for further reduction of the energy demand.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.218-224
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• 2016

Background: Butchering is often associated with high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). However, published work on the prevalence of WRMSDs among butchers in Nigeria is scarce. This is important because meat processing practices differ across geographical and cultural locations. This study was therefore aimed at analyzing WRMSDs among butchers in Kano metropolis. Methods: Sociodemographic and work-settings information was obtained from 102 male cattle butchers (age, $37.49{\pm}11.68years$) through survey. Information on the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders was obtained from the respondents using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Additional information on health seeking practices was also obtained using a pro forma. Associations between the prevalence of WRMSDs and each of the sociodemographic data and work settings were explored using Chi-square analysis. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The 12-month and point prevalence rates of WRMSDs among butchers in this study were 88.2% and 74.5%, respectively. Whereas lower back complaints (66.7%) were the overall and lower body quadrant's most commonly reported WRMSDs among the butchers surveyed, wrist/hand complaints were the leading upper quadrant's (45.1%) most commonly reported WRMSDs among the respondents. There were significant associations between age and majority of WRMSDs in the body regions. Only 23.3% of the 90 individuals who had WRMSD visited the hospital to seek redress for their WRMSD. Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSDs is high among butchers in Kano Metropolis. Few individuals with WRMSD utilize healthcare facilities. Age is a major risk factor in this setting.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.225-232
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• 2020

Chemical modification of wood is an effective method to enhance the biological durability of wood with no toxic effect on the environment. In this study, wood of Triplochiton scleroxylon was modified using acetylation techniques. A total of one hundred wood blocks, (each 20×20×60 mm) obtained from a 22-year old T. scleroxylon tree were conditioned and acetylated at 120℃ in a bioreactor containing acetic anhydride for 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes. The percentage weight gain of acetylated wood was determined. The untreated (control) and treated blocks were exposed to Pleurotus ostreatus (white rot fungus) and Fibroporia vaillanti (brown rot fungus) after which moisture content (MC) and weight loss (WL) was monitored for 16 weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05 level of significance. The percentage weight gain of acetylated wood samples increased with time from 10.4% (60 minutes) to 22.7% (300 minutes). MC of untreated blocks inoculated with Pleurotus ostreatus was significantly higher than those of Fibroporia vaillantii after 16 weeks exposure. There was no significant difference in the MC of the of the acetylated samples for the two fungi after 300 minutes reaction time. The WL of untreated blocks inoculated with Fibroporia vaillantii was higher than those of Pleurotus ostreatus, however, the two fungi showed no significant difference in the WL for the acetylated samples after 16 weeks exposure. Acetylation prevents moisture absorption and inhibition of fungi growth in acetylated wood compared to untreated wood, thereby enhancing the durability of Triplochiton scleroxylon.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제49권2호
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• pp.153-159
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• 2011

A total of 286 individuals from 3 selected communities (Areedi-Aje, Ipakodo/Ojokodo, and Ijebu-Igbo) of Ijebu-North, southwestern Nigeria were examined for Loa loa microfilaremia using finger prick blood smear, between December 2008 and March 2009. Rapid assessment procedure for loiasis (RAPLOA) was used to obtain information, from 187 Ijebu-Igbo residents, on adverse reactions experienced from retrospective treatments with ivermectin and history of eye worm. Only 33.9% of the respondents reported having had a history of eye worm while 33.2% had microfilaremia. The demographic factor of gender was not significant determinants of the prevalence (p>0.05) while age was significant (P<0.05). The highest prevalence of eye worm history and microfilaremia were recorded in 61-70 and 15-20 years of age categories, respectively. Ijebu-Igbo had 27.3% eye worm history, 32.1% microfilaremia, and the highest intensity of 140 microfilariae (mf)/ml. Ipakodo area had the highest eye worm history of 54.4% and the highest intensity of 420 mf/ml. Areedi-Aje had the highest occurrence of 45.2% microfilaremia and the highest intensity of 460 mf/ml. Predictably, Areedi-Aje and Ipakodo areas were high risk communities. The low intensity of L. loa infection with an insignificant (2.1%; P>0.05) adverse reactions from 187 subjects involved in the retrospective ivermectin administration confirmed that ivermectin delivery may be considered safe. The community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) programme was most probably responsible for the low prevalence and intensity.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.56-61
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• 2017

Purpose: High energy requirement and long cooking time are limiting consumption of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), a nutritious food. This study was performed to estimate energy and time demand by different methods of cooking pigeon pea. Methods: Pigeon pea (150 g) was soaked in 2.0 L of water at ambient temperature ($29{\pm} 2^{\circ}C$) to determine hydration behavior. Cooking experiments were conducted using aluminum and pressure-cooking pots. Efficiency of cooking was evaluated using four types of cooking appliances (kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric, and charcoal stoves). Normal (continuous heating until the food was satisfactorily cooked) and control (controlling the energy input to closely match the actual energy required) cooking were conducted. Energy requirement and duration of cooking were determined using standard procedures. Results: Soaking increased moisture content from 11.99 to 30.01% in 90 min, while water absorption rate decreased with soaking duration. In cooking 150 g of pigeon pea using kerosene stove, presoaked normal pressure-pot cooking method consumed the least energy (10 800 kJ) and time (205 min), while unsoaked normal cooking consumed the highest energy (18 450 kJ) and time (336 min). Using LPG stove, unsoaked normal cooking method required the highest energy (52 470 kJ), while presoaked control pressure-pot required the least energy (14 405 kJ). For electric stove, the lowest energy (15 560 kJ) and shortest duration (105 min) were recorded during control cooking of presoaked sample in the pressure-pot. Conclusions: Control cooking was not practicable using charcoal stove. Generally, kerosene stove consumed the least energy, while electric stove was found to have the shortest duration of cooking.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.193-200
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• 2016

Purpose: New low-cost oilseeds are needed to meet an ever-increasing demand for oil for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. African oil bean seed is a tropical crop that is underutilized and has high oil yields, but there have been no studies conducted on its mechanical oil expression up to now. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of moisture content and seed dimensions on mechanical oil expression from the seeds. Methods: Fresh oil bean seeds were procured, de-hulled, and cleaned. Initial seed moisture content, obtained in accordance with the ASAE standard, was 12% dry basis (db). The seeds were further conditioned by dehydration and rehydration prior to oil expression to obtain four other moisture levels of 8, 10, 14, and 16% db. The major diameter of the seeds was measured using digital vernier calipers, and the seeds were classified into size dimensions (< 40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, and > 55 mm). The oil yield and expression efficiency were obtained in accordance with standard evaluation methods. Results: The highest oil yield and expression efficiency (47.74% and 78.96%, respectively) were obtained for a moisture content of 8% db and seed dimensions of < 40 mm, while the lowest oil yield and expression efficiency (41.35% and 68.28%, respectively) were obtained for a moisture content of 14% db and seed dimensions between 51-55 mm. A mathematical model was developed to predict oil yield for known moisture content and seed dimensions, with a coefficient of determination $R^2$ of 95% and the confidence level of the predictive model of 84.17%. The probability of prediction F ratio showed that moisture content influence was more significant than seed dimensions. Conclusions: The higher the moisture content and larger the seed dimensions, the lower the oil yield from African oil bean seeds.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• 제4권3호
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• pp.43-56
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• 2016

Introduction. Inadequate methods for acquiring user education could affect the level of library user education possessed by postgraduate students, and ultimately influence the purposes of their usage of e-resources provided in their university libraries. Despite the global acceptance that e-resources are contributing to postgraduate student’s research work, however, it has been documented that there is low use of e-resources in university libraries in Nigeria among postgraduate students. This drift could have negative consequences on their overall development. Therefore, this study determined how influential library user education is on the use of e-resources by postgraduate students in Nigerian university libraries.Methods. A survey research design and multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select 2,726 from 54,578 postgraduate students from four faculties in 16 federal conventional universities in Nigeria. The data set was collected using a questionnaire and an interview schedule for e-resources librarians/system librarians and was analysed using percentage and Pearson’s product moment correlation.Results. The majority of the students were at the Master’s level (57.5%). The gender shows a ratio of 59.0% male and 41.0% female. Most Nigerian students enrol for postgraduate programmes in their thirties ‘30-39’ years. The use of e-resources by the postgraduates was low (weighted average of 2.45). The relationship between level of library user education and postgraduate students’ use of e-resources was positive, slightly strong, and significant (r = 318; df = 2284; p< .05).Conclusion. User education has positively inclined postgraduate students to the use of e-resources in their libraries. Therefore, libraries should employ all methods for acquiring user education for postgraduate students.