Changes in some nutritional components of Vigna racemosa as influenced by hydrothermal processing techniques

Vigna racemosa is an underutilised hard-to-cook legume in Southwest Nigeria. The seed of V. racemosa was subjected to varying degrees of hydration levels (0%, 10%, 25%, 50% 75% and 100%) before treatment with four hydrothermal techniques, atmospheric boiling, atmospheric steaming, pressure boiling and pressure steaming. The highest percentage reduction of 65.56% in cooking time was achieved at a 100% hydration level when the seeds were processed by boiling at elevated pressure. All the hydrothermal techniques had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the protein content of the seeds. Hydration of the seeds to 100% followed by boiling at elevated pressure caused the least reduction in the protein and mineral element contents. The seed is a good source of important nutrients that are not degraded beyond the levels necessary to meet physiological needs after processing. Widening the scope of utilisation of this legume seed will make critically important nutrients such as protein more available for the teeming populations in developing countries at affordable prices, and thus, alleviating the problem of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

Ecological risk factors of soil-transmitted helminths infections in Ifedore district, Southwest Nigeria

Background Soil-Transmitted Helminths are a group of parasites that cause gastrointestinal infections in humans and require the soil to develop into their infective forms. Ecological factors such as soil temperature, soil pH and rainfall patterns are, however, important determinants for the successful transmission of soil helminths as they play a major role in their abundance and survival in the soil. The study investigated the ecological factors influencing the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths in Ifedore district, Southwest Nigeria. Results Out of the one hundred and ninety-two (192) soil samples from the study area, one hundred and fifty-two 152 (79.2%) were positive for the presence of soil helminths’ larvae and ova. Higher occurrence of soil helminths was recorded during the rainy months (n = 416) than during the months with no records of rainfall (n = 290). Sandy soil had the highest number of soil helminths 285 (40.4%), while clay soil recorded the least 88 (12.5%). Soil temperature showed negative correlations with the occurrence of Ancylostoma duodenale (r = − 0.53) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (r = − 0.36), while soil conductivity showed positive correlations with the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides (r = 0.28) and A. duodenale (r = 0.34). Conclusion It is evident from the study that ecological factors played a significant role in the occurrence and abundance of soil-transmitted helminths. This research is important for predicting and monitoring soil-transmitted helminthiasis in endemic countries, and to devise effective control measures.

Socio-Economic Challenges Affecting Construction Women Labourers (WCLs) in The Nigerian Construction Sector (NCS)

Women constitute about half of the population of Nigeria and thus a critical mass in the human capital of the country. They make significant contributions to social and economic development of the society, yet they are never appreciated nor supported by public or private institutions. Recently there have been a growing number of women in construction labour work in the Nigerian Construction Sector (NCS) - an area hitherto exclusively preserved of the male folks. This study investigates aspects of social and economic conditions of women construction labourers (WCLs) in Ondo State Southwest Nigeria. Convenience and Snowball sampling were used to sample 101 WCLs. Simple descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. The result indicates that most WCLs are low in education and skills hence they mostly participate in supportive roles that are energetic. The WCLs are exposed to multiple risks due to poor Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), welfare and social protection of Nigerian Construction Contractors (NCCs) in the informal construction sub sector of the NCS. The study recommends for the improvement and enforcement of HSE standards, welfare package and training in the NCS.

Skill Acquisition

The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which skill acquisition would influence economic development in Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted in the study. The population of this study comprised all the students of government technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria. The reliability of the instrument was estimated using Chronbach's Alpha reliability method. The data collected for this study was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study revealed that skill acquisition program has a positive and significant effect on the ability of students of technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria to be self-reliant at graduation; skill acquisition program has a positive and significant effect on the ability of students of technical colleges in Southwest Nigeria to produce goods for local consumption. It was also recommended based on the study that the various government parastatals should review, standardize, and expand the curricula of all skill acquisition schemes in Nigeria among others.

ICT Waste Management in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

The study focused on assessing the management of ICT wastes in three federal university libraries in Southwest, Nigeria, namely Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all library personnel in the three libraries. Using purposive sampling technique, a questionnaire was administered on eight library personnel from each of the three libraries. The study discovered that the libraries generate high-to-moderate levels of ICT waste, and several methods were available for managing such waste. It was also revealed that they experience several challenges relating to ICT waste management in the libraries. The study recommends the need to provide documented policy, infrastructure, and funding for ICT waste management. The study is original in the sense that empirical data generated by this study may assist policy makers in drafting ICT waste management policy, specifically targeting university libraries.

Challenges Facing Undergraduates in the Use of Electronic Information Resources in Universities in Southwest Nigeria

This study aims at identifying the challenges facing undergraduates in the use of electronic information resources (EIR) in a university in Southwest Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The population for the study comprised 85,526 registered undergraduate student (2018/2019) academic session in the federal and state universities in Southwest Nigeria. The sample for the study was 398. Proportionate sampling techniques were used to draw the sample. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection from the respondents based on a four-point scale rating. The findings revealed high cost of access, power outage, information overload, lack of proper maintenance, funding of library services, among others. Based on the findings, the study recommended provision of alternative sources of funds, constant maintenance of e-resources, and first year students should be introduced to computer training, among others.