Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Kinetic modeling of Biogas Production from Catalyzed Goat Dung
No full textThe process of anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective economic and environmentally friendly method due to its features such as reducing the volume of waste, destroying pathogens, consuming less energy, and producing biogas rich in energy and fertilizer. This study was conducted on a pilot scale with a reactor volume of 3 L in 40 days under mesophilic condition 33 ±2 oC. The anaerobic digestion is a process widely recognized as an interesting alternative for the treatment and stabilization of residual organic substrates. In this present work anaerobic digestion process of goat dung was analyzed for 40 days under mesophilic condition and three process parameters (substrate dosage, pH and feed/water ratio) were studied. This research showed that the optimal conditions for biogas production from goat dung were dosage at 500g, pH at 7.3 and feed-to-water ratio at 1:4, (yield of 505 ml, 500 ml and 250 ml respectively) at time 40 days. The modified Gompertz model was the most accurate and better described the anaerobic digestion process correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9990)
Assessment of the Nutritional Composition, Microbiological and Sensory Attributes of Maize-based fortified food with Peanut and Carrot Blends
No full textThis research assessed the nutritional composition, microbiological and sensory attributes of maize-based fortified food with peanut and carrot blends. A total of six composite flour samples were formulated using varying ratios of maize, peanut, and carrot: (MPC1) 100% maize flour (control), (MPC2) 90% maize, 5% peanut, and 5% carrot, (MPC3) 80% maize, 15% peanut, and 5% carrot, (MPC4) 70% maize, 20% peanut, and 10% carrot, (MPC5) 60% maize, 25% peanut, and 15% carrot, and (MPC6) 50% maize, 30% peanut, and 20% carrot. The proximate, mineral, vitamin, antinutrient, and functional properties of these fortified food samples were assessed using established methodologies. The proximate analysis revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, and energy content of the fortified samples, with values ranging from 1.63% to 3.80%; 3.08% to 44.43%; 2.39% to 15.16%; 3.58% to 7.04%; 2.34% to 3.80%; and 381.75 to 432.52 KJ/100g, respectively, as the supplementation of peanut and carrot flours increased. Conversely, the carbohydrate content decreased from 86.98% to 27.64%. The mineral content of the fortified samples also showed a significant increase (p<0.05) with higher levels of peanut and carrot flour supplementation. The findings of this study indicated a statistically reduction (p<0.05) in the antinutrient profiles of the fortified food samples. Additionally, the vitamin content significantly increased (p<0.05) with the addition of peanut and carrot flours. The overall viable counts were significantly low, and there were no detectable coliform or fungal counts. Although, the result of sensory evaluation indicated that the control sample was more organoleptically acceptable than the substituted samples, incorporating these nutrient-rich and functional ingredients in the production of maize-based cereals may broaden the application of peanut and carrot flours in the creation of various cereal types and other cereal-based food items
Proximate Composition and Microbial Properties of Cookies produced from Blends of Wheat Flour, Roasted Bambara Nut Flour and Mushroom Flour
No full textCookies produced from blends of wheat flour, roasted bambara nut flour and mushroom flour with 100% wheat cookies as control were evaluated for proximate (Moisture carbohydrates, crude fiber, fat, protein, and ash) and microbial properties (Bacterial count, fungal count and coliform count) using standard methods. The control had the highest moisture content of 10.58% and was significantly different from other samples. The fat ranged from 5.74 - 9.04, ash 3.10 - 5.71, fibre 3.11 - 6.08% and carbohydrate 55.38 - 64.90%. The sample with 65% wheat, 19.40% roasted bambara nut and 15.52% mushroom had the highest value for fat, protein, fiber and ash. The microbial analysis showed that the total viable bacterial count ranged from 2.29 - 4.54 CFU/g, fungal count ranged from 2.19 - 3.10 CFU/g. There was no coliform count in the control and sample 1(67.89 % wheat, 18.25 % roasted bambara nut, 13.86 % mushroom). The results of the cookies sample analyses demonstrate that the combination of wheat, roasted Bambara and mushroom yields a highly nutritious product. However, adherence to proper hygienic conditions during preparation is crucial to maintaining the cookies quality
Assessment of the Constraints of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato Production in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was on constraints of orange flesh sweet potato production in the Awka South local government area of Anambra state. A multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of location and respondents. The data were collected from 100 orange flesh sweet potato small holder farmers. The primary instrument used for data collected was structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Majority of the farmers are male (75.0%), with average age of 47 years. Majority (60.0%) of the farmers are married, greater proportion (56.0%) of the farmers have 16 years and above farming experience, (65.0%) of the farmers had secondary education, (57.0%) of the farmers have 6 – 10 people in their households, and majority (72.0%) have a farm size of 11 plots and above. The coefficient (1.048) of the Farm size was positive and significant at 5% level of probability. Age, household size, education, extension contact and access to credit have a positive influence on orange flesh sweet potato production at a 1% level of probability. The model\u27s robustness, explaining 67.00% of profit variability, revealed the significance of these factors in shaping economic outcomes. Furthermore, the challenges faced by farmers, with their mean scores are as follows Low Capital (M = 3.10), far Distance from the Farm (M = 3.06), high cost of labor (M = 3.33), Attack of Pests and Diseases (M = 3.04), and Lack of Improved potato vines (M = 3.00). In conclusion, addressing these constraints through research and policy measures is crucial to enhancing the economic viability of orange flesh sweet potato production. The study recommended that there is need to improve the productivity of farmers by encouraging increased use of improved production technologies and availability of cheap credit to the producers. 
Extrusion Technology: Innovative Solution for Instant Food Production
No full textExtrusion technology is emerging as a preferred method in agro-food processing, leveraging mixing, forming, texturing, and cooking to develop innovative food products. Extrusion cooking is a high-temperature, short time process that effectively inactivates enzymes and minimizes microbial contamination. The preference for extrusion cooking stems from its ability to achieve high productivity while preserving nutrients more effectively than conventional cooking techniques. The food processing sector has come to rely on extrusion technology due to its numerous benefits, which surpass those of other processing techniques. As a cost-effective approach, it provides a flexible platform for processing various food products from different groups, enabling adjustment to ingredients and processing parameters. Extrusion technology is employed in the food processing industry for the manufacture of various food products, such as snacks, pasta, breakfast cereals, pet foods, supplementary foods, and textured foods. It is an economically viable method for recovering and reutilizing food processing by-products and residues, thereby reducing waste and enhancing food security. The adaptability of extrusion technology facilitates the development of nutritionally enhanced products and value-added products through the strategic combination of cost-effective raw materials. Extruded products exhibit reduced moisture content, extended shelf-life, and enhanced microbiological safety. This technology offers several advantages, including product versatility, superior quality, enhanced productivity, and minimized processing time
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION AND NET INTEREST MARGIN OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe study examined how corruption affects bank performance in Nigeria. It specifically, understudied the effect of CPI on NIM of DMBs in Nigeria. To achieve this, the study adopted the ex-post facto research design and collated secondary data spanning 1996 to 2022 for the error correction estimation. The findings from the analyses indicate corruption perception index (CPI) exerts a significant effect on the NIM of DMBs in Nigeria. This affirms the grease the wheel theory of corruption which posits that corruption spurs economic activity, hence corporate performance. Following this, the study concludes that corruption grease the corporate performance of DMBs in Nigeria. The study recommends the need to put in place internal control measures to curtail excessive corrupt practices in the banking industry that could derail their financial performance.
 
CREDIT MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COOPERATIVE THRIFT AND CREDIT SOCIETIES (CTCS) IN NJIKOKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE
No full textThis study focused on credit management and financial performance of cooperative thrift and credit societies (CTCS) in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State. The study was carried out to; identify the nature of credit management practices in CTCS in the study area, assess the influence of credit standards (collateral) on member loan repayment of CTCS under study and to explore the extent to which debt recovery techniques have on numbers of loan application of CTCS in Njikoka Local Government Area. Descriptive survey research design was used. The population of the study consists of 120 cooperative members of CTCS. 92 members were sampled using Taro Yamene’s formula. The data used was a primary data collected through structured questionnaire. The data collected was analysed arithmetic mean and the hypothesis was tested using Z-test with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that Credit management and financial performance of cooperative thrift and credit societies are effective in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra and that Low credit standards (collateral) have significant influence on member loan repayment of CTCS in the study area. The researcher recommends among others that Cooperative thrift and credit societies should enhance their payment reminder process to more advance form so as to help them in their loan recovery
FORENSIC ACCOUNTING IN FRAUD DETECTION AND PREVENTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW
No full textForensic accounting has been globally acclaimed to be a veritable tool in fraud prevention and detection in both public and private sectors. This paper reviewed the concepts of forensic accounting and fraud as well as empirical studies on the roles played by forensic accounting in fraud detection and prevention. Previous studies showed that both forensic accounting and fraud have no generally acceptable definitions. However, there is a common view with regards to the meaning of the concepts. It is also discovered that forensic accounting covers litigation support, investigative accounting, and dispute resolution. Literature further revealed that some authors classified fraud as internal, external, and mixed, while others classified it as financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation, and corruption. This paper also found out that forensic accounting plays an important role in fraud detection and prevention in both public and private organisations. This study therefore recommended that forensic accounting should continue to be used in order to detect and prevent fraud in organisations
WORKFORCE ATTRITION AND SUSTAINABLE RETENTION STRATEGIES IN MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES: TRENDS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE LITERATURE
No full textGlobally, retaining competent and experienced employees has been challenging for all forms of organisations and this has far-reaching implications for both the sustainability of organisations and economic growth. Tackling this issue is an urgent matter that the United Nations (UN) reiterates in their 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially under SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). This paper therefore adopts an exploratory research design to review workforce attrition and retention strategies in the context of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs. The aim is to provide synthesise insights from previous studies to identify patterns, trends, and themes to generate a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing employee retention and also applicable retention strategies for MSMEs. The study reveals that workforce turnover increases operational expenses and curtails organisational sustainability, which is particularly daunting for MSME with fewer resources. The findings highlight the increased exposure and vulnerabilities of MSMEs, due to their lack of capacity to deploy real retention strategies thus resulting in disadvantaged competitive positioning in the industries where they operate. Identifying attrition trends and the costs associated with them is critical to achieving sustainable retention, concludes the researchers. The study therefore advocates for the formulation and periodic review of policies by policymakers at all levels, with a particular focus on leveraging data analytics to support MSMEs in building the capacity required to retain a talented pool of manpower and enhance their Human Resource Management practices. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen MSMEs’ resilience and also improve their ability to retain skilled and experienced employees, align their practices with global developmental objectives, and ensure holistic and sustainable growth
FACTORS INFLUENCING SMEs VOLUNTARY TAX COMPLIANCE IN KADUNA
No full textThis study investigated the factors influencing SMEs voluntary tax compliance in Kaduna State. This study developed a model of SMEs taxpayers, which is underpinned by the theories of deterrence and social exchange. This study extends the current literature by investigating the direct effect of audit, service quality and trust in authority on voluntary tax compliance as the variables in the study. The main objective of the study is to investigate the factors influencing SMEs voluntary tax compliance in Kaduna State. The study administered questionnaires to a sample of 382 SMEs taxpayers operating in Kaduna state of Nigeria. SPSS was used to test the directional hypotheses. This study found that service quality and trust in authority have significant direct effects on Voluntary tax compliance, while audit was found to be insignificant on voluntary tax compliance. The findings of this study provide important insights to the tax authority, policy-makers and future researchers in understanding voluntary tax compliance of SMEs taxpayers. To curtail tax non-compliance amongst SMEs taxpayers in Kaduna state Nigeria, the tax authority should improve on its audit system and make the information about detecting tax evaders public to serve as a warning to potential evaders, provide quality services to taxpayers and build public trust in terms of professionalism or system base, which will lead to voluntary tax compliance.