http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/107 2026-06-14T10:01:13Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31611 Title: Value-Added Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Seed Candy Quality Prediction Authors: Salihu, O.A.; Olorunsogo, S.T. Abstract: Sesame seed candy is a type of candy that is made by combining sesame seeds and either sugar or honey. These ingredients are then formed into a bar or ball shape through pressing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of storage duration and influence of three packaging material on the quality of value-added sesame seed candy. Sesame seed candy samples were packaged in different materials, including Aluminum Foil Laminated Pouches (AFLP), Low Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE, 400 gauges), High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE, 700 gauges) and stored for 60 days at room temperature. Proximate analysis, sensory analysis and microbial analysis of the samples were carried out every 5 days. The storability analysis of the sesame seed candies shows that both storage duration and packaging material has influence on the total plate count with p-value less than 0.0001. The longer the duration of storage the more the growth of bacteria. The mold count is only affected by the packaging material. Based on the experimental result, aluminum foil laminated pouches are the best material to package the candy and it will still maintain some of its vital qualities over a period of time. 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31609 Title: Essential Mineral Elements Profile of Selected Foods commonly consumed in Nigeria necessary for Machine Learning operation. Authors: Durojaiye, Abdulwahab Ismail; Olorunsogo, Samuel Tunde; Adejumo, Bolanle Adenike; Babawuya, Alkali; Muhamad, Ida Idayu Abstract: Dietary mineral contents are essential nutritional elements with utmost importance which greatly contributes to both human and animal wellbeing to maintain sound health. It also assists plants to flourish adequately especially during growth. Deficiency in any of the essential micronutrients can result to life-threatening circumstances. In this study, essential elements (Ca, Fe, K, Na and Se) of two varieties of rice (NERICA 1 and FARO 59), two varieties of beans (pod borer resistant (PBR) and IT07K-318-33), plantain (Musa paradisiaca spp), Marabel irish potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), beef (Bos taurus) and chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) commonly consumed in various forms were evaluatedto ensure seamless supervise machine learning operation for the calibration of a non-destructive equipment. Association of official analytical chemist (AOAC) standard experimental procedure was adopted and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to obtain reference data of mineral contents for both raw and cooked samples of the selected food products. The experimental results revealed high values of 18.72mg/kg, 2.56mg/kg, 30.92mg/kg, 19.94mg/kg and 1.64mg/kg in Ca, Fe, K, Na and Se respectively across the food combinations. The result trend was observed with lowest spread of mineral values of 1.57mg/kg, 0.02mg/kg, 2.54mg/kg, 0.88mg/kg and 0.04mg/kg in the above trace elements sequence respectively. Generally, the results cascade within the daily acceptable limit for consumption as prescribed by food regulatory agencies and hence, fit and reliable for use as reference data for machine learning training for a non-destructive tool. 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30037 Title: Electrochemical Characterization of Stainless-Steel Mesh and carbon-felt Electrodes for Enhanced Power Generation in Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells Authors: Simeon, Meshack Imologie; Alaka, C. Amarachi; Daniel, Peter; Adeniyi, COlalekan D. Abstract: Terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy production, leveraging microbial metabolism to convert organic matter in the soil into electricity. Crucial to MFC performance is selecting electrode materials, which directly interface with electroactive microbes for electron transfer. This study conducts a comparative analysis of surface-modified stainless-steel mesh (SMS) and carbon felt (CF) electrodes in terrestrial MFCs, evaluating their performance metrics and impedance spectroscopy. The SMS electrode, fabricated using the pasting and reinforcement process, demonstrated superior performance with a maximum power of 859 µW compared to the 234 µW power of the commercially available CF electrode. This better performance of the SMS electrode was attributed to its pseudocapacitive behavior, enhancing internal charge storage capacity and overall MFC efficiency. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a substantially higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) in the CF electrode, impeding electron transfer processes. Conversely, the SMS electrode exhibited lower Rct and improved diffusion characteristics, facilitating efficient electron transfer and mass transport. Notably, the Rct of the CF electrode was over 40 times higher, while its diffusion coefficient was approximately six times greater compared to the SMS electrode. These findings underscore the importance of tailored electrode materials in optimizing MFC performance and highlight the utility of impedance spectroscopy in elucidating the complex electrochemical processes within MFC systems, thereby guiding future advancements in sustainable power production for terrestrial MFCs. 2024-04-24T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29526 Title: Production of solid biofuel via hydrothermal carbonization of wood shavings: influence of biomass-to-water ratio and carbonization temperature on the fuel characteristics of dried hydrochar Authors: Aliyu, Mohammed; Iwabuchi, Kazunori; Itoh, Takanori Abstract: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is recognised as a low temperature and efficient method for the conversion of biomass to solid biofuel. In this study, the effect of process temperature and biomass-to-water ratio (B/W) on the fuel properties of hydrochar produced from wood shavings was investigated. HTC was conducted in an autoclave using reaction temperature of 230 °C and 260 °C for 20 minutes with B/W ratio of 0.11 to 0.43. The produced hydrochars were characterised by the mass yield (MY), higher heating value (HHV), proximate and ultimate properties. The results showed that the properties of the hydrochars improved with increasing process temperature and B/W ratio. The higher heating value (HHV) increased to 26.74 MJ/kg as the severity of the reaction was increased to the process temperature of 260 °C. Also, the atomic H/C and O/C ratios of hydrochars carbonised at 230 °C and 260 °C were closed to the regions of a peat and lignite on the plotted van Krevelen diagram. Hence, the produced hydrochar has a promising potential as a sustainable solid biofuel for energy application. 2025-01-16T00:00:00Z