Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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AI AUTHORSHIP/INVENTORSHIP THROUGH THE LENS OF THEORETICAL JUSTIFICATIONS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
Get PDFThe role of intellectual property (IP) law in incentivising innovation through the protection of the creations and inventions of the human intellect cannot be overemphasized. Artificial intelligence (AI), as an emerging technology, has had a significant impact on practically all sectors of society, including the field of intellectual property law. Its impact is felt in various fields of intellectual property law, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, designs, and image rights, among others. AI is increasingly testing the limits and provisions of national and international intellectual property laws. In recent times, the IP laws on authorship, creation, and inventorship, in particular, have been re-examined in the light of AI-generated works and the question of whether AI (a non-human entity) can be recognized as such for its creations, which are potentially protectable by IP Laws. This paper will examine the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property rights. It examines whether AI authorship or inventorship can be supported by the theoretical justifications of intellectual property protection. Can these justifications be used to advance the legal recognition and protection of AI as an inventor, author or otherwise
Variations in the Adoption and Use of Different Family Planning Methods and Implications: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in Nigeria
Get PDFDespite concerted efforts by all stakeholders to increase acceptability and access to modern family planning (FP) methods, the adoption and usage of family planning methods have remained low, particularly in developing countries which place stringent conditions on achieving SDGs. Therefore, there is the need to understand variations in the adoption and use of FP and their implications to speed-up interventions in the right direction. The study used cross-sectional data collected between June and August 2022 in 2,817 households with 6,641 males and females of reproductive age successfully interviewed. Univariate, bivariate, and binary multivariate logistic regression model were used to model traditional and modern FP usage. Awareness was shown to be approximately two-thirds (62.8%) among respondents with main source of information being radio. Major methods of awareness are condom and pills. In terms of significant others’ support enjoyed, 43.5%, 38.5% and 39.5% enjoyed their mother, mother-in-law, and community support, respectively. Religion, region and parent’s parity were significant predictors of traditional method usage. Living in the North-Western region, increase in education, being gainfully employed, increase in years of marriage and exposure to media increase the use of modern methods of FP, whereas living in the rural areas (AOR = 0.76; CI = 0.58-1.00) and partner FP approval (AOR = 0.64; CI = 0.48-0.85) significantly reduce usage. Diverse variations have been identified in the adoption and usage of FP. To improve utilisation, appropriate education and accurate information through radio and mass media must be provided in rural areas and regions where FP usage is low
Effect of Exchange Rate on Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between exchange rates and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria from 1981 to 2021. Employing a Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) regression analysis, the study reveals a significant positive correlation between exchange rates and FDI. Conversely, the study finds a positive but statistically insignificant association between trade openness and FDI. Finding on interest rates (INTR coefficient: -0.104) indicates a negative relationship with FDI, lacking statistical significance. Similarly, inflation rates (INFR coefficient: 0.012) exhibit a positive yet statistically insignificant link with FDI. Notably, the study highlights a substantial and statistically significant negative relationship between human capital (HC coefficient: -77.787) and FDI, signifying the importance of human capital development in attracting foreign investment. In summary, the research findings indicate a substantial impact of exchange rates on FDI in Nigeria. It suggests that policymakers should proceed with caution to avert possible depreciation of the exchange rate, which could deter foreign investors. Furthermore, adopting a comprehensive strategy for macroeconomic stability could foster a more conducive atmosphere for foreign investment
Efficacy of Digital Pricing Strategies on Customer Buying Decisions in the E-Commerce Industry: A PLS-SEM Approach
Get PDFE-commerce is a vital component of global retail sustainability, expanding at a rate of 14% annually, fuelled by increased internet adoption (55%), with over five billion users worldwide. In Africa, e-commerce revenues have surged to $31.18 million, with Nigeria’s Business to Consumer (B2C) index hitting 53.2 points and boasting a 55% internet penetration rate in 2023, ranking fourth highest on the continent. The globalisation of markets has exposed ecommerce companies to economic downturns, compelling them to adopt strategic pricing approaches to ensure sustained profitability and competitiveness. Consumers have become more price-sensitive, emphasising the need for firms to accurately gauge pricing sensitivity to influence purchasing decisions effectively. This research explores how ecommerce stores utilise digital pricing strategies to impact the purchasing behaviour of Gen Z consumers in Nigeria. By employing an exploratory research design, the study utilised an online survey distributed through Google Form, targeting tech-savvy Gen Z consumers, who represent over 85% of the 384-sample size derived using the Borden sampling model. By being guided by the theory of planned behaviour, the PLS-SEM model indicates that special event pricing (0.433, 91.8% effect), sample product pricing (0.236, 85.0% effect), and loss leader pricing (0.236, 93% effect) significantly impact Gen Z’s consumer patronage (62.4%). Furthermore, product lining pricing (0.457, 93.7% high effect), captive pricing (0.161, 96.21% high effect), and optional pricing strategy (0.252, 96.0% medium effect) influence Gen Z’s online purchase satisfaction (67.2%). This underscores the importance of digital pricing strategies in shaping Gen Z’s online purchase behaviour. The research recommends the need for online stores to incorporate promotional and product mix strategies in business tactics; governments should monitor fair pricing practices, and online retailers should educate consumers about pricing strategies to foster informed purchasing decisions. The research acknowledges potential biases in data collection, stemming from unequal online access among Gen Z consumers, resulting in a partial representation of the diverse range of Gen Z behaviours across the continent, as various cultural, economic, and social factors can influence purchasing behaviours
The Impact of Monetary Policy on Agricultural Productivity and Food Prices in Nigeria: A Time-Series Analysis
Get PDFThe study examined the impact of monetary policy on agricultural productivity and food prices in Nigeria. The study covered the period of 29 years spanning from 1995 to 2023 which constitutes one hundred and sixteen observations. Data were extracted from the Central Bank statistical bulletin. The estimation technique used was Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). The results showed that exchange rates boost Nigeria’s agricultural output and food prices in the short and long term. The estimation showed that interest rates negatively affect agricultural productivity and food prices in Nigeria in the long run but positively affect agricultural sector growth in the short term. The estimation showed that money supply reduces agricultural productivity in the short and long term. However, the estimation showed that money supply impacts food prices positively in the short and long term. It was concluded that exchange rate increases or promotes export-oriented agricultural products but has a side effect on imported food or production input. High interest discourages agricultural technology investment due to higher operating costs, which lowers agricultural productivity and raises food prices. Increased money supply without agricultural investment lowers agricultural productivity and raises food prices. Policymakers should reduce exchange rate fluctuations and create a predictable environment for farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing practices. The government should increase agricultural credit, ensure low-interest loans, and control prices during inflation. To avoid food price inflation and boost agricultural productivity, part of the money supply should go to real sector productivity, particularly agriculture
Curbing Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: Copenhill, Denmark as a Blueprint
Get PDFReliability Analysis of a Typical 33kV Distribution Network Using MATLAB (A Case Study of Ile-Oluji 33kV Distribution Line)
Get PDFThe significance of a dependable and sufficient electrical power supply in societal development cannot be overstated. The distribution of electrical power holds a crucial position in the power system chain, representing the final stage where it reaches consumers. At this phase, various types of losses, including technical loss and theft, among others are associated. The Ile-Oluji community is situated in Ondo State, a south-western part of Nigeria, A region which is host to federal, state, local and private institutions. This community grapples with inconsistent power supply experiencing intermittent trips without a clear originating cause from components in the Ile-Oluji injection substation and its feeder in Ondo. This study analyses the power distribution patterns in this locality focusing on three primary elements (transformer, switch gear and supply line) extracting data on; failures, outage time, numbers of customers and total hours for the year 2019 to 2022. Reliability indices were employed to assess its performance utilising the MATLAB software. Codes were crafted to extract these indices; Availability, Failure rates, Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), Mean Time Between failure (MTBF), System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), and Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI). The results show that there is a strong relationship among the reliability indices. It is adduced that the lower the failure rate, the higher the availability of a system. It was concluded that the power system switchgear recorded the highest failure rate amongst the three elements with 0.037341 hrs/year followed by supply line with 0.022541 hrs/year and the transformer with 0.0148 hrs/year in 2022. In corollary, transformer has the highest availability of 0.94441 followed by supply line with 0.81681 and switchgear with 0.78004 in 2021, switchgear recorded the highest failure rates because it is responsible for executing both forced and planned outages
Production and Characterization of Ackee Apple (Blighia sapida) Seeds and African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seeds Oil Mixtures and their Biodiesel
Get PDFThis paper focused on the characterization of oils and biodiesels derived from Ackee apple seeds and African star apple seeds obtained from local markets. The oils from individual seeds and their mixtures at varying ratios were characterised for relative density, free fatty acid, acid, iodine, and saponification, which yielded 0.91 g/cm3, 1.06 mg-KOH/g, 2.12 mg-KOH/g, 38.36mg-iodine/100g, and 195.74 mg-KOH/g of ackee seed oil, respectively. And 0.89 g/cm3, 2.105 mg-KOH/g, 4.2 mg-KOH/g, 52.49 mg-iodine/100 g, and 227.7 mg-KOH/g of African star apple seed oil, respectively. The highest relative density of 0.9064 g/cm3 and free fatty acid of 3.73 mg-KOH/g were achieved from the mixture of ackee apple and African star apple seeds’ oils at 80 and 20%, respectively, while the highest saponification of 221.264 mg-KOH/g and iodine of 49.66 mg-iodine/100 g were obtained from the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Also, the oils extracted from the seeds, were subjected to a transesterification process to produce biodiesel. 144°C flash point, 206°C fire point, and 2.8°C cloud point were obtained from the biodiesel of the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Further analysis of the mixtures showed low volatility and high resistance to fire due to their high flash and fire points. The highest value recorded for the flash point is lower when compared with some other seed oils flash points; however this value is higher than the standard flash point for biodiesels .Highest boiling point of 64°C was attained at an oil mixture ratio of 60 and 40%, respectively. This value is too low compared to the normal boiling point range of 315-350°C for biodiesels, and the high acid values recoded for the mixtures make the oils inedible. The oils, however, have advantages over other edible seed oils as they will serve as valuable ingredients in the soap-making industries since they are not competing with food resource
Feasibility of Wind Energy Utilization for Sustainable Power Generation in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria's North-Central Region
Get PDFThe escalating energy demands across Nigeria, especially in remote rural areas, have outpaced the capacity of the national electricity grid, necessitating the development of independent and sustainable energy sources. Among the renewable options, wind energy stands out as a promising solution. This study focuses on assessing the potential of wind energy in Ilorin, located in Kwara State, within Nigeria's north-central region. Utilizing data collected from 2007 to 2021 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the research examines monthly average wind speeds at two specific coordinates in Ilorin, considering variations in air density. The study utilizes a 15-year set of monthly average wind velocities obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Headquarters in Abuja, measured at a height of 10 meters above ground level. By employing the 2-coefficient Weibull statistical model and extrapolation principles across different altitudes ranging from 150 to 900 meters above ground level, the study reveals distinct seasonal patterns of wind speeds ranging from 1.1 to 5.1 m/s in Ilorin. Furthermore, wind power density values ranging from 6.7 to 39.20 W/m2 are identified, with optimal wind attributes observed at altitudes exceeding 900 meters. These findings provide valuable insights for assessing the feasibility of wind energy utilization and designing efficient systems in Nigeria's north-central regions, aiding in the sustainable energy transition
Assessing the Impact of Media Stream Packet Size Adaptation on Wireless Multimedia Applications
Get PDFMultimedia applications constitute greater percentage of traffic in wireless networks. Thus, require investigation of factors influencing effective delivering of media contents in the future, which will include not only conventional multimedia broadcast, but also video streaming to users on demand while meeting the expected quality requirements. In this article, analysis of effect of media packet size adaptation on quality performance of multimedia application is presented. Experiments were performed using standard test media sequences. The encoded media streams at different packet sizes were transmitted over wireless channel at different channel conditions. The quality performance of received media streams were measured using Peak to Signal Noise Ratio (PSNR) software tool to assess the impact of media packet adaptation on quality performance of multimedia applications. A comparative quality performance under same poor channel condition, shows that small media packet size of 256 bytes recorded the highest received quality performance of 22.52dB, compared to the quality performance of 21.87dB for 384 bytes, 21.37dB for 512 bytes, 20.68dB bytes for 640 bytes and 19.47dB for 768 byes, respectively. The findings show media packet size and channel conditions have significant impact on the quality performance of wireless multimedia applications