Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
Not a member yet
5579 research outputs found
Sort by
SECURING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CYBERSPACE: IN THE LIGHT OF THE CYBERIZATION OF OWNERSHIP, TRADE, AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS
No full textThis research adopts the black letter methodology in assessing the exercise of, and protection of human rights in cyberspace. The exercise of rights in cyberspace is a consequence of the cyberization process spearheaded by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Consequently, the adoption of various aspects of reality, into digitalized formats, has not only created another dimension for transacting, executing rights, and performing economic, political and social functions; it has correlatively created a new epicenter for criminal acts and abusive practices. On that account, the State’s responsibility to protect, now possesses a cyber-dimension that is jurisprudentially embodied in cyber laws and cyber security regulations. Thus, this research adopts a five-paradigm approach for assessing security concerns as well as the exercise of rights in cyberspace. Hence, emphasis is placed on the protection of ownership and exclusive rights; ensuring the legality of activities executed on cyber platforms as well as the proscription of criminality; the legitimacy of administrative activities executed on the internet; ensuring the functionality of cyber platforms; and right to access in cyberspace. Reference is also made to the economic dimension of cyber-security. Thereby urging States to take unilateral and multilateral stepstowards guaranteeing human rights in cyberspace. This research also emphasizes on the imperativeness of ensuring that cyber laws and regulatory strategies adopted by governments are pragmatic and advanced enough, to cope with, or to tackle the challenges, complexity, efficiency, progress and accelerated development of cyber-technology
HARNESSING INNOVATION: THE INTERPLAY OF PATENTS, TECHNOLOGY, AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ACCELERATING THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION
No full textThe clean energy transition necessitates a paradigm shift in innovation, leveraging patents, technology, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to drive sustainable development. This paper employs a doctrinal research methodology, analyzing statutory frameworks, judicial precedents, and scholarly literature to explore the interplay between intellectual property, technological innovation, and clean energy. The study examines the role of patents in promoting clean energy innovation, facilitating technology transfer, and enhancing the development of renewable energy systems. It also investigates the impact of ICT on energy efficiency, smart grids, and sustainable energy management. Through a critical analysis of existing legal and policy frameworks, this research identifies challenges and approaches arising from the integration of ICT and clean energy technologies. The findings of this study underscore the need for a balanced approach to intellectual property rights, one that balances the interests of innovators with the imperative of promoting sustainable development. The paper proposes policy recommendations to enhance the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, leveraging ICT and patents to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy
HOSTILE WITNESS AND THE PATH TO JUSTICE
No full textProper evaluation of adduced evidence is the ancient path to justice in every court proceeding. Receiving admissible evidence involves the production of witnesses and the tendering of documents where necessary. When a witness gives evidence against the interest of the party that called him, the court may declare him a hostile witness for the purposes of cross-examination. This work explores the circumstances that could lead to a witness being declared hostile and the effect on the evidence provided. Employing a doctrinal research methodology, this paper analyzes various works and case laws on the subject. The work finds that while declaring a witness hostile may not affect the evidence received in some jurisdictions, diligent evaluation of a witness before they are called is essential in the search for justice
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMER RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) which is modelled after the South African Competition Act, established two institutions for the purposes of enforcing its provisions. These are the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT). It saddled them with the responsibility of promoting competition in the Nigerian market by eliminating monopolies, prohibiting abuse of a dominant position and penalizing other restrictive trade and business practices. The FCCPA is applicable to all commercial activities within, or having effect in Nigeria; and in order to ensure a cordial relationship and guard against power tussle between sector- specific regulators and the FCCPC, the Act mandates the FCCPC to negotiate agreements with sector specific regulators having competition and consumer protection competence to co-ordinate as well as harmonise the exercise of jurisdiction over competition and consumer protection matters within the relevant industry or sector. This paper identifies various ways by which FCCPA, Tribunal and Commission protects the rights of consumers, particularly by protecting them from unfair terms of contracts especially in relation to interactions between the service providers and the consumers. The approach to be adopted will be doctrinal method of legal research with references to the FCCPA as well as other legal writings in position papers delivered at seminars, workshops and conferences; journals and textbooks and relevant case law. The paper is relevant in this contemporary time in Nigerian history because several Nigerians have complained of arbitrary inflation of prices by traders and service providers, and the traders in turn blame foreign exchange and fuel crises for their reckless and indiscriminate actions
PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC INTEREST AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
No full textThis study investigated prosocial behaviour and academic interest as predictors of academic achievement in Chemistry among secondary school students in Awka South Local Government Area. The study is guided by three research questions and three postulated research hypotheses. Participants were drawn from 10 randomly selected secondary schools in Awka South LGA. 260 Participants were selected through a simple random sampling technique consisting of 130 boys and 130 girls. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Two research instruments were used in the present study, they are Prosocialness Scale (PS) and Academic Interest Scale for Adolescents (AISA). Analysis of data was conducted using the multiple regression statistic. Results indicate that prosocial behaviour and academic interest account for 24.4%% of variance in academic achievement (R = .494, R² = .244, F (2, 257) = 41.47, p < .001) indicating a strong joint prediction. Independently, prosocial behaviour significantly and positively predicts academic achievement in chemistry (β = .239, P < .05). Similarly, academic interest significantly and positively predicted academic achievement in Chemistry (β = .417, P < .05). Relative to research findings, it is recommended that teachers should receive professional development since they have a significant influence on students\u27 prosocial behavior and academic interest. Schools should thus fund professional development initiatives that give educators the tools they need to inspire students, foster inclusive learning environments, and encourage group projects. Training sessions could concentrate on employing student-centered teaching methods, controlling group dynamics, and encouraging intrinsic drive
RE-IMAGINING CHEMISTRY EDUCATION FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AMIDST ECONOMIC MELTDOWN: IMPACT OF DISCOVERY METHOD ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES
No full textThis study investigated the impact of discovery learning method (DLM) on students’ learning outcomes in chemistry, in light of technological advancement and economic meltdown. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Using a quasiexperimental research design. The population consists of all SS2 chemistry students in the twenty-nine (29) government owned senior secondary schools in Ogidi education zone in Anambra State. A sample size of 164 SS2 students was randomly selected from four coeducational secondary schools in two local governments in the area. Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT), developed by the researchers, was used as the instrument for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using the Kuder-Richardson formula 20. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.82. While the research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, the null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance using two-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that DLM has a significant impact on students’ academic achievement and knowledge retention in Chemistry, with a statistically significant gender impact on students’ achievement in Chemistry in favour of males. Furthermore, the discovery method does not have any statistically significant gender impact on students’ knowledge retention in Chemistry. Conclusions and recommendations were, however, made. 
Antidepressant, antianxiolytic and antiepileptic effects of Mojeaga herbal remedy®in albino miceRaymond
No full textThe Mojeaga herbal remedy is made up of several herbs, including Alchornea laxiflora, Pennisetum purpureum, and Sorghum bicolour. It is primarily used to treat anaemia, boost immune system function, and provide antioxidant effects. The aim of this work is to investigate the antidepressant, anti-epileptic, and anxiolytic effects of the Mojeaga herbal remedy®. The forced swim test and the tail suspension test in mice were employed to examine the antidepressant effect. Pentylenetetrazol and strychnine-induced seizure models were used to assess the anti-epileptic activity, while the elevated plus maze was used to evaluate anxiolytic activity. Mojeaga extract at 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time when compared to the control (P < 0.05) in the forced swim and the tail suspension tests. In the elevated plus maze, diazepam (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the open arm, the number of open arm entries, and the percentage of open arm entries when compared to control (P < 0.01). At doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, the herbal remedy® did not significantly protect against strychnine- or pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. Diazepam (10 mg/kg) provided 25% protection against strychnine-induced convulsions and 50% protection against seizures caused by pentylenetetrazol. The study suggests that the herbal remedy Mojeaga has antidepressant-like properties, but it lacks anxiolytic and antiepileptic properties
Acetate attenuates lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in male wistar rats
No full textDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which contribute to lipid peroxidation. Although previous studies have shown a link between lipid peroxidation and diabetes, the potential therapeutic role of acetate remains unclear. This study examined the effects of sodium acetate on lipid peroxidation, glucose homeostasis, and oxidative stress in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.
Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 5). Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.), and rats with blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after 72 hours were considered diabetic. The groups included control, diabetic untreated, acetate-treated (200 mg/kg, p.o.), metformin-treated (100 mg/kg, p.o.), diabetic + acetate, and diabetic + metformin. Treatments were administered daily for 21 days. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (MDA, FFA, GSH, GPx) were analyzed using standard biochemical assays.
Sodium acetate treatment significantly reduced elevated fasting glucose (≈ 35%), MDA (≈ 40%), and HOMA-IR values compared with diabetic controls (p < 0.05). Also, sodium acetate significantly improved lipid profile and antioxidant enzyme levels (MDA, FFA, GSH and GPx).
These findings suggest that sodium acetate may augment the effects of standard anti-diabetic drugs by attenuating lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus
Noise and Oil Viscosity Characterization and Modelling for Petrol-Gas-Converted Generator
No full textThe modification of petrol generators to operate on dual-fuel systems such as petrol-gas offers advantages in fuel efficiency and emission reduction, but it also introduces new challenges in maintenance, particularly in noise behavior and oil degradation. This study presents a comprehensive characterization and modelling of noise levels and oil viscosity in a petrol-gas-converted generator under various load conditions and operational durations. Experimental data were collected using a digital sound level meter and a Brookfield viscometer at intervals over a 60-hour runtime. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed in MATLAB using a feedforward backpropagation architecture with a 70:15:15 training-validation-testing split. The ANN model achieved high predictive accuracy, with R² values of 0.9 for prediction of for oil viscosity based on noise level. The results demonstrate that ANN-based modelling provides a reliable approach for forecasting the operational variables on petrol-gen-converted generators. These findings offer a valuable tool for predictive maintenance and performance optimization in hybrid-fuel power systems