Dispersion Engineering and Disorder in Photonic Crystals for Accelerator Applications

The possibility of achieving higher accelerating gradients at higher frequencies with the reduction of the effect of HOMs, compared to conventional accelerating structures, is increasing interest in the possible use of Photonic Crystals (PC) for accelerator applications. In this paper we analyze how the properties of the lattice of a PC resonator can be engineered to give a specific band structure, and how by tailoring the properties of the lattice specific EM modes can either be confined or moved into the propagation band of the PC. We further go on to discuss the role of disorder in achieving mode confinement and how this can be used to optimize both the Q and the accelerating gradient of a PC based accelerating structure. We also examine the use of high disorder to give rise to Anderson Localization, which gives rise to exponential localization of an EM mode. Discussing the difference between the extended Bloch wave, which extends over the entire PC, and the Anderson localized mode

The 'War' of Appropriate Pricing of Petroleum Products: The Discourse of Nigeria's Reform Agenda

This study focuses on the newspaper coverage of the debate on the pricing of petroleum products (petroleum, diesel, kerosene, etc.) in Nigeria. It seeks to examine, specifically, the discursive constructions of economic development with particular concern for the reform agenda in the country's petroleum sector. In doing this, the paper tries to analyze and characterize the debate on the increase in the prices of petroleum products in the country between 1999 and 2004; following on the heels of World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)-driven reforms. It further situates the analysis of the debate within the history and politics of oil and development in the country with particular concern for the 'angles of telling' of the participants. Using the framework of critical discourse analysis (CDA), the paper attempts to show the ideological elements in the discourse of socio-political development in Nigeria as constructed by the different sociopolitical groups and concludes that the different angles of telling result from different underlying issues of identity and power

“PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”: EXPERIENCES OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DOCTORAL STUDENTS

This study amplifies the voices of international women doctoral students through their shared experiences in their doctoral program. Although studies acknowledge the significance of exploring the experiences of women doctoral students, there remains a dearth of literature documenting the experiences of international women doctoral students in China. Participants were made up of purposefully sampled international women in their PhD program in a public university in Northeast China. Using open-ended questions, in-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with the participants. The findings indicate that although participants perceived their experience at this university as being transformative, they however also expressed their personal struggles of learning as women in a PhD program. The implication of this study for future research and policy is further discussed.  Article visualizations

APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL ETHICS IN ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTING OF BANKS

The importance of financial ethics and its application in financial reporting of banks cannot be ignored as it assists in building public confidence and fostering professionalism. However, the non-compliance and conformity with Nigerian Financial Regulatory Authorities prudential guidelines in the preparation of financial statements lead to incomplete or false information. The objective of the study is to examine the application of financial ethics in annual financial reporting of banks. The study employed primary and secondary data and stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used in which 20 questionnaires were administered to respondents. ANOVA and chi-square were in analysis and the findings revealed that there are significant unethical practices in the preparation of financial reports of banks in Nigeria. The study recommends that more emphasis and attention should be given to ethical standards in all banks and banks should give out clear reports of their financial activities to the regulatory authorities

Effective Staff Relationships as An Impetus for Growth in 21st Century Church

Effective staff relationships is a stimulus to church developmental growth in all facets of church life. It is expedient that each church and religious organizations should imbibe because of its benefits that cannot be overemphasized. This paper considers the necessity of staff relationships for growth in the 21st Century church by exploring into the biblical perspective of staff relationships. The necessity of staff relationships was also consider, such as it enhances mutual encouragement both personal and spiritual; it facilitates and improve the workforce; it promotes growth in all facets; teamwork, delegation and supervision are enhanced; it is problem-solving; it is enjoyable and broaden staff understanding, and building a Christlike attitude and relationships are not exempted. The possible challenges in staff relationships were also considered, such as staining, denting and destroying each other reputation and integrity. Mistrust and lack of sincere commitment among staff members. Inattentive to staff voices, preferential treatment and rivalry. Lack of recognition, motivation and appreciation of staff. The unconducive atmosphere and lack of openness and the spirit of cooperation. Excessive use of power and social stratification; and unforgiving spirit. The paper concludes that staff relationships are inevitable in contemporary churches and religious organizations. Healthy staff relationships should be built and encouraged for efficiency, growth, productivity and fulfilment of the primary purpose of multi-staff both between the volunteer staff members, non-ministerial staff and ministerial staff. Keywords: Effective, Staff Relationships, Impetus, Growth DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/48-02 Publication date:March 31st 2020

Analysis of carbon stock density in protected and non- protected areas of Guinea Savanna in Niger State, Nigeria

Quantification of carbon stock has gained major attention in international climate change mitigation and adaptation negotiations. However, poor knowledge of the quantity of carbon stock in respective ecosystems is one major challenge in estimating carbon stock in developing countries. This study is aimed at estimating and comparing carbon stock density of protected (forest reserve) and non-protected (parkland) areas of guinea savanna in Niger state. The research methodology includes field survey inventory, biometric measurements and laboratory analysis. At each of the 45 sampling plot locations, Carbon stock was measured from six pools viz above ground tree, undergrowth, dead wood, litter, root and soil. within a quadrat sampling plot of 500 m2. Four fixed size square frames encompassing 1m2 was used for the undergrowth (shrubs and grasses) and litter. Composite soil samples (for organic carbon) and undisturbed samples (for bulk density) were taken from each of the 1m2 subplot quadrants at two depths (0-15cm and 15-30cm). Soil organic carbon concentration was estimated in the laboratory using Walkley-Black method. The findings of the study revealed that in terms of carbon stock in respective pools, in both protected and non-protected areas, soil pool was the highest, followed by tree and undergrowth; while litter, dead wood and root were the least in carbon stock. The average aggregate carbon stock density in the protected area is 118.2 Mg ha-1 which is greater than 69.3 Mg ha-1 recorded in the non- protected area. It was also observed that there is significant difference in carbon stock density between the forest reserve and parkland study sites where t (43) = 18.34, p < 0.001). The study concludes that if savannas were to be protected from fire, grazing and anthropogenic disturbances, most of them would accumulate substantial carbon and the sink would be larger; with a view to mitigating climate change effect.Keywords: Carbon stock, climate change, density, guinea savanna, mitigatio

Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Study Technology Mode Of Instruction And Lecture Method On The Academic Performance Of University Students In Nigeria: Implication For Academic Staff Capacity Development.

The lecture method is probably the most prevalent and only method some university lecturers often employ in the training programs leading to the preparation of Nigerian graduates. In recent times the quality of graduates in Nigeria has necessitated a second look at this predominant method of preparation. Since the lecture method is predominantly teacher – centered and mostly leaves the learners as passive participants, only to take notes and probably ask questions after the lecture delivery if and when time permits, the need has arisen to look for alternative ways of graduates’ preparation that will be all inclusive. There is a need for a method that will shift the attention to the learners, while the lecturers play the role of facilitator of learning. One of the methods that can promote these all inclusiveness is Study Technology. It is to this end that this study envisages answering the question: “what will be the effect of study technology mode of instruction and lecture method on the academic performance of university students in Nigeria

COLLECTIVE EFFECTS IN THE DESORPTION PROCESS INDUCED BY Hn+ CLUSTERS NEAR THE BOHR'S VELOCITY

The emission yield of the positive ions Cs+ and H+ from CsI bombarded by 600 keV Hn+ clusters, has been correlated with the energy deposited by these particles. Above the BOHR'S velocity, vo, the concept of equipartition between close and distant collisions could apply while below vo, collective effects are still observed (distant collisions). The same power relationship between the emission yield and an "efficent" mean stopping power for the cluster is pointed out within the whole investigated velocity range

Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicology Studies of the Copper (Ii) Complex of Sodium Barbitone

Complexation of sodium barbitone with Cu(II) has been studied. The complex formed was characterized using physical and spectroscopy studies. In the structural characterized complex, Infrared spectra suggest bidentate coordination of the ligand through one carbonyl oxygen, NaO+ oxygen and two carbonyl oxygen of acetate. Electronic spectra revealed octahedral geometry of the complex. Toxicology study was carried out by investigating the effect of the ligand and its complex on cardial muscle, kidney, liver and lung of Sprague dawly rats. Keywords: Sodium barbitone, metal complex, toxicology study, Sprague dawly rats, Cardial muscl

Effects of Fibre-Enriched Diets on Tissue Lipid Profiles of MSG Obese Rats

In order to investigate the influence of some fibre-enriched diets on tissue lipids in an animal model of obesity induced by the administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG), obese rats were fed diets containing 30% of Acha, Cassava, Maize and Plantain for five weeks and weight gain, feed intake and lee index were recorded. The lipid profiles of plasma, erythrocytes, kidney, heart and liver as well as hepatic 3- hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity were measured. The diets significantly (p < 0.05) reduced weight gain and lee index in the obese rats. Obesity-induced increase in plasma and erythrocytes lipid levels was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by these diets. MSG-induced obesity also resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in hepatic cholesterol level which was reduced by the diets. MSG-obesity was characterised by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipids in kidney and this was reversed by the diets except Maize which did not reverse the increased cholesterol level. Only Acha reversed the obesity-induced increase in heart cholesterol and phospholipids. The increased activity of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase associated with obesity was also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by the diets. In conclusion, dyslipidemia associated with MSG-induced obesity could be attenuated by consumption of fibre-enriched diet