Godfrey Okoye University

This study investigates the influence of WhatsApp on the voting behaviour of University of Nigeria, Nsukka students during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. The agenda setting theory guided the study and ex post facto cum survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through questionnaire administered to 400 students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The data for the research were analysed using frequency counts and percentage. Findings indicate that political campaign on WhatsApp influenced voter turnout among University of Nigeria, Nsukka students during the 2023 presidential election. The study recommends that voter education on various student WhatsApp platforms could enhance voter turnout during elections.

Targeting key proteins in inflammatory pathways can be an effective strategy for developing new anti-inflammatory therapies. This study focused on molecular docking of 3-diazo-1-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one against key molecular targets such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E 2 (PDE) synthase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor. 3D Structures of COX-2 (PDB ID: 5IKR), NMDA receptor (PDB ID: 5EWJ), PGE-Synthase (PDB ID: 4AL1), TNF-α (PDB ID: 5MU8), and IL-1β (PDB ID: 4G6J) were obtained from protein databank. The 3D format of 3-diazo-1-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one and standard anti-inflammatory drug were downloaded from PubChem database in SDF file. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina Software. The 2D diagrams and the 3D (surface) views of the protein-ligand interactions renderings were done using Discovery studio software and Pymol software respectively. The Physicochemical, lipophilicity, solubility, pharmacokinetics and Lipinski drug-likeness of the compound and standard drug were determined using SwissADME Server. The docking results revealed that 3-diazo-1-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one exhibited strong binding affinity towards COX-2 (-7.2 kcal/mol). ADME-T analysis revealed that the compound possess favorable ADMET profiles indicating good oral bioavailability, metabolic stability and low toxicity. It was concluded that 3-diazo-1-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one could be a useful candidate for further development into an anti-inflammatory drug.

Antibiotic prescription pattern is described as a written directive from the physician to the dispenser on how the medication should be administered in order to ensure infection controlled. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotics prescription pattern among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Teaching Hospital for over an eighteen months period and a comparative in vitro evaluation of the mostly prescribed antibiotics during antenatal care was also done. Fifty urine samples were collected from pregnant women visiting the same hospital for comparative analysis. Early morning midstream urine samples collected from the pregnant women were cultured on MacConkey and blood agar. The biochemical tests include urease, oxidase, indole, catalase, citrate tests and gram staining. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was also determined. A total of three hundred and four (304) patient prescriptions were evaluated, antibiotics prescribed were amoxicillin 93(27%), ampicillin/cloxacillin 15(4%), amoxicillin-Clavulanate 83(24%), ampicillin 3(0.9%), cefpodoxime 11(3.2%), cefixime 5(1.4%), cefuroxime 10(2.9%), erythromycin 28(8.2%), ofloxacin 7(2.0%), levofloxacin 11(3.2%), ciprofloxacin 6(1.7%), clarithromycin 1(0.3%), azithromycin 10(2.9%), clindamycin 1(0.3%), nitrofurantoin 21(6.1%) and metronidazole 39(11.3%). For the in vitro studies, seventy one (71) isolates were identified as follows E.coli 17 (24%) followed by Klebsiella spp 14(20%), Stapyhlococcus spp 13(18%), Streptoccocus spp 12 (17%), Proteus spp 9(13%), and Pseudomonas spp 6 (8%). The findings of in vitro study confirmed that some of the antibiotics prescribed namely ampicillin/cloxacillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefixime and cefuroxime did not provide infection control which may be due to inappropriate prescription or drug misuse.

Introduction The utilization of emergency departments (EDs) for managing psychiatric emergencies has significantly increased in the United States because of the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders. This study examined national case volumes and sex disparities in ED visits for psychiatric emergencies using data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Methods This retrospective analysis included adult ED visits for psychiatric emergencies identified using relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. Primary endpoints included national case volumes by sex. Hospitalizations with age < 18 years and those with missing data on sex were excluded. Secondary endpoints included inpatient mortality, ED and inpatient costs, admission rates, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), and number of procedures. Results In 2021, there were approximately 143.5 million ED visits in the United States, with 7,978,490 of these being for psychiatric emergencies. The most common presentations were substance abuse and intoxication (5,119,086 (64.2%)), severe bipolar disorder (1,912,670 (24%)), and anxiety or panic attacks (1,015,486 (12.7%)). Approximately 3,997,223 (50.1%) were women, and 3,981,267 (49.9%) were men. Men were older (mean age: 45 versus 43 years; P<0.001), were more likely to be uninsured (712,647 (17.9%) versus 497,658 (12.5%); P<0.001), and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (CCI ≥ 2: 792,272 (19.9%) versus 643,552 (16.1%); P<0.001). More men than women presented to the ED with acute substance abuse or intoxication (3,196,945 (80.3%) versus 1,922,142 (48.1%)), bipolar disorder with or without psychosis (958,275 (24.1%) versus 954,395 (23.9%); P<0.001), and suicidal ideation (267,638 (6.7%) versus 208,989 (5.2%); P<0.001). More women than men presented with severe depression (455,683 (11.4%) versus 441,921 (11.1%)), anxiety and panic attacks (615,572 (15.4%) versus 402,108 (10.1%)), acute stress reaction (35,975 (0.9%) versus 23,888 (0.6%)), eating disorders (3,997 (0.1%) versus 27,869 (0.07%)), and a history of abuse (21,164 (0.53%) versus 19,569 (0.49%); P<0.001). Women had lower mortality rates (27,980 (0.7%) versus 63,956 (1.6%); P<0.001), lower mean ED costs (adjusted mean difference (AMD): $1,189; P<0.001), fewer in-hospital admissions (1,211,158 (30.3%) versus 1,453,162 (36.5%); P<0.001), and a higher number of prolonged hospitalizations (1,442,998 (36.1%) versus 1,194,380 (30%); P<0.001) compared with men. Conclusion This study highlights significant sex disparities in ED utilization for psychiatric emergencies. Men more frequently present with substance abuse and severe comorbidities, leading to higher healthcare costs and inpatient admissions. Women, while more likely to present with anxiety and depressive disorders, incur lower costs and have better overall outcomes.

MAXI J1535−571 outburst was dramatic and the accretion flow exhibits spectra-temporal characteristics related to one another. In this study, MAXI J1535−571 data observed by SWIFT/BAT (Swift/Burst Alert Telescope) and MAXI/GSC (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image/Gas slit camera) was analyzed. The physical and phenomenological models that explains the components of the accretion flow were adopted in fitting/modelling the data in XSPEC v12.10.1f. The accretion flow characteristics and photon index–Quasi-Periodic Oscillation frequency (Γ–vQPO) relation were determined, and their correlations were statistically significant. The resonance condition in the range of (0.5076– 1.2481) ± 0.0802 indicates that the components of the accretion flow timescales are comparable and this suggests the presence of QPO. The components of accretion flow rates are anti-correlated and this suggests that they could interact at varying distances and change the distribution of energy spectral indices in the post-shock region/Compton cloud. The photon index–QPO frequency is tightly correlated with a coefficient of 0.97. Hence, the variations/fluctuation of accretion flow rates seem to be the underlying physical processes/mechanisms responsible for the origin of Γ–vQPO relation in the hard-intermediate spectral state.

The investigatory framework of cybercrime is as essential as the legal and institutional framework governing cybercrime. This article argues that an effective investigation process is fundamental to the effective prosecution of cybercrime offences. Cybercrime investigation involves digital forensics, intelligence gathering, lawful interception, and use of communication data and internet networks. At its core, cybercrime investigation necessitates a comprehensive cybercrime investigation framework backed by a legal framework that ensures effective evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. This article evaluates the cybercrime investigation structure in Nigeria and highlights the gaps in Nigeria’s regulatory framework. It identifies the challenges that hinder Nigeria’s successful investigation and prosecution of cybercrime offences. The study adopts a comparative methodology by juxtaposing cybercrime investigation in Nigeria with the law and practice in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK has a robust cybercrime investigation framework, strengthened by its Cyber Security Strategy 2022. The findings show that, unlike the UK’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000 and the Investigatory Powers Act, 2016, the Nigerian Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and other laws, are silent on essential investigatory initiatives, steps and specialised powers. The study proposes a practical cybercrime investigation framework to implement Nigeria’s effective prosecution of cybercrime offences.

The increase in internet use, interconnectivity, and affordability of data have intensified online harms, including cyberstalking on social media platforms and online generally. Victims of cyberstalking suffer severe harm, such as mental health issues, long-term psychological trauma, stigmatisation, depression, low self-esteem, job loss, fear and suicide. The Nigerian Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015 made cyberstalking a crime under section 24 of the Act. However, the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice ruled that section 24 (1) the Cybercrime Act of 2015 violates the right of freedom of expression and information. This paper evaluates the argument that the Cybercrime Act of 2015 violates free expression, a fundamental human right in the Nigerian Constitution vis-a‑z the Nigerian Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) 2024. The findings reveal that the repealed provisions of section 24 of the Nigerian Cybercrime Act do not clearly define the offence of cyberstalking or stipulate the parameters or elements of the offence. Although, the amended provisions of section 24 make some improvement in protecting freedom of expression in Nigeria it does not fully ensure digital rights and press freedom. This paper canvasses for the further reform of section 24 of the Cybercrime Act to align with the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens and offers recommendations for better protection for victims of cyberstalking in Nigeria.

Abstract The many universities across the world that promote internationalisation together with global citizenship education overtly or covertly orient their students around particular global citizenship values. Neoliberal and liberal humanist perspectives on global citizenship have historically dominated global citizenship education. The neoliberal ‘global competitiveness’ model promotes the values Achievement and Power, and the humanist ‘global rights and responsibilities’ model promotes the values Benevolence and Universalism. The critical perspective has emerged to challenge these dominant approaches. Inter alia, the critical perspective has argued against the prescription of certain values (or homogeneity of values) and for value pluralism that is open-ended. We investigated the extent to which these different perspectives on global citizenship values correspond with patterns in the value priorities among students from across the world. With data from the World Values Survey, we tested for homogeneity of values among students and assessed whether either global rights and responsibilities or global competitiveness values are dominant. There is no clear evidence of students’ values converging as either global rights and responsibilities or global competitiveness. These findings suggest that a critical perspective on global citizenship education, which acknowledges value pluralism, is better suited to work with differences in student value priorities by creating opportunities in dialogical non-prescriptive ways for the conceptualisation of multiple global citizen selves.

The study set out to investigate whether transparency can mitigate the negative effects volatile capital flows have on growth using cross-section panel data from 21 sub-Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2019. Using the IVQR model, the study finds that at 75th quantile, poor growth performance in SSA is explained mostly by the volatility in debt net inflows compared to other categories of capital, while portfolio net inflow contributes most significantly to the low-level growth for low and medium income countries. Focusing on the interaction between transparency and capital net inflows, the study finds evidence that transparency reduces most of the negative effects of the volatility in debt net inflow compared to other categories of capital inflow. Thus, the study provides evidence that transparency can reduce the negative effects of volatile capital inflows on growth by a significant amount, which varies depending on the type of capital inflow. The implication is that the extent transparency dampens the negative impact of volatile capital flows depend on both the capital type and the level of income of the country concerned. Regarding FDI and FPI, transparency is most effective in reducing volatility of the flow for low income countries, while for debt flows transparency penalizes the volatility of flows for high income countries. On this basis, it recommends that central banks should adopt transparency as a policy tool, particularly in SSA economies with probably low initial transparency to help mitigate the harmful effects of large and volatile capital inflows.

Land degradation caused by factors such as climate change and pollution is among the prominent environmental challenges currently confronting the world; this has resulted in poor soil quality leading to loss of soil fertility as well as loss of biodiversity. In order to address the adverse implications of climate change and improve food productivity and ecosystem function, it is necessary to minimize land degradation and rehabilitate marginal or degraded lands. This can be achieved through monitoring soil quality, including identifying soil health indicators to detect changes caused by both natural processes and human activities such as changes in land use, pesticide application, and fertilizer use. Monitoring of soil quality can provide valuable information on soil health and ecosystem functioning. Despite the importance of soil monitoring indicators, certain limitations have been observed. In recent times, biotechnological strategies for monitoring soil quality have gained increasing attention in evaluating the soil’s chemical, physical, and biological features as it has allowed for a more efficient and accurate soil quality analysis. Current developments in biotechnology have necessitated the need to explore the prospect of incorporating biotechnological approaches in the monitoring of soil quality. This includes soil enzymes, microbial biomass, diversity, and activities, nano biosensors, metagenomics, etc. The application of biotechnological approaches as sustainable means of monitoring soil quality for possible reclamation of marginal lands forms the basis of this chapter.

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of leaf powders of Senna mimosoides and Datura alba for the control of khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium on stored wheat grains. Twenty 0-3 days old unsexed adults of T. granarium were introduced into each cup containing 20g of grains and covered with muslin cloth to allow aeration and prevent exit or entry of insects. The powders were applied at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations to study mortality, repellency and seed weight loss. The experiment were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of 5 by 4 (5 treatments and 4 replicates) including standard and experimental controls under laboratory O conditions (28±2 C; 74±5% RH) for 28 days. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and means were separated using Turkey's post hoc test. Both powders showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols and tannins to which insecticidal properties can be attributed against T. granarium. There was an increase in mortality with the days of exposure in all concentrations with leaf extract of S. mimosoides + D. alba being more effective at 15% (1.25± 0.50) when compared with the control. Also, the powders of S. mimosoides + D. alba at various concentrations exhibited the highest repellency (90%) activity followed by those of S. mimosoides and D. alba separately. The seeds treated with cocktail of the powders gave the lowest seed damage, followed by that of S. mimosoides and D. alba when compared to the experimental control. The results indicated that powders used as sole or cocktail significantly (p<0.05) reduced insect populations and offered greater protection and high repellency compared to the control. Since S. mimosoides and D. alba powders are affordable for small farmers and environmentally safe, they ought to be promoted for use against khapra beetles. This is because they can be used as an alternative to synthetic pesticides in integrated pest management.

This study focuses on knowledge and attitudes toward media campaigns on gender-based violence against women in Southeast, Nigeria. To achieve this, the study examined the level of exposure, cognitive status as well as determinants of attitudes toward gender-based victimization. It was found that social economic facets like academic achievement, religion, cultural factors among others affect attitude toward gender based violence. It was recommended that a clear understanding of the relationship between dominant cultures and suppression of women should inform future campaigns on gender-based violence.

Te global pandemic forced young adults and their parents to be together. Tis situation has equally exposed the weaknesses in the child-parent relationship. Tis study aimed to investigate the role of social intelligence in the relationship between parenting style and Internet addiction during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Seven hundred and seventy-four were sampled from a public university in southeast Nigeria. Tey comprised 373 females and 401 males aged 17-28 years, with a mean age of 21.61. Te students responded to validated measures of parenting style inventory-II, the Tromsø social intelligence scale, and Young's Internet addiction test. Te moderated multiple regression analysis results indicated that permissive parenting and social intelligence signifcantly predicted Internet addiction. Social intelligence moderated the relationship between authoritarian parenting style and Internet addiction. Te moderation was that Internet addiction is signifcantly higher for individuals with low social intelligence and authoritarian parenting style than individuals with low social intelligence and higher authoritarian parenting style. Some implications of the fndings include engaging parenting styles to encourage more physical interactions and enabling an environment for growth. Also, adopting techniques to increase social intelligence will help students adjust to any parenting style that may infuence their psychological well-being.

The existing literature portrays the declaration of the independence of Biafra as a unanimous decision of the people of Biafra. While many leaders and personalities in Biafra supported the secession and some other decisions taken by the Biafran High Command, some others had reservations on that. Unfortunately, the existing literature in the Nigerian-Biafra war has not captured these silent voices. This paper intends therefore to capture these voices that have been neglected in the historiography of the war and situate them in proper historical perspective. The paper relies more on oral history of the war granted by some Biafran leaders who were actively involved in the war; it was complimented with books, monographs and other materials on the Nigerian-Biafran war. Available facts will be analysed using qualitative research methodology.

Since Nigeria’s restoration to democracy in 1999, the country has never faced the same level of internal security threat as it does now, including threats from Boko Haram rebels, herdsmen and bandits. This paper argued that the problem of internal insecurity in Nigeria is a symptom of a failed state and that this can be remedied by the adoption of the concept of new approach to security in international law which essentially entails enthroning a regime of human rights protection in the country. The paper discovered that in Nigeria the number of human rights recognised in each generation of rights is not exhaustive enough. The paper further found, among other things, that Nigeria’s Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rule, 2009 does not give effect to internationally-recognized Rights that are uncaptured or weakly captured in Nigeria’s municipal law. The paper utilised the doctrinal methodology.