2017 Research & Innovation Day Program

A one day showcase of applied research, social innovation, scholarship projects and activities.https://first.fanshawec.ca/cri_cripublications/1004/thumbnail.jp

Attempted Suicide and the Law in Nigeria: Lessons from Other Jurisdictions

Suicide is defined as a self-inflicted injury that results in death. However, attempted suicide is a self-inflicted injury that will result in death. Suicide has been part of human history since antiquity. According to the World Health Organisation, over 700,000 suicides occur around the world each year. For every successful suicide, there are at least 20 failed attempts.The recent suicides of Nigerians, particularly members of the academic community, serve as a reminder that suicide is a complicated and growing epidemic in the country. However, due of the stigma attached to it, its prevalence is typically underreported in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation estimates that Nigeria has 9.5 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide. Furthermore, for every suicide, there are at least 20 suicide attempts.The law in Nigeria regarding attempted suicide appears to be inconclusive and ambiguous. This article tries to shed light on Nigerian law enforcement's efforts to combat the threat of attempted suicide. It will also conduct a comparative examination of existing laws on attempted suicide in other jurisdictions and give recommendations. Keywords: attempted suicide, death, criminal law, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/141-03 Publication date: April 30th 202

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) And The Settlement of Matrimonial Disputes in Nigeria

Matrimonial disputes have, in the wake of a regulated system of dispute resolution, been predominantly resolved through litigation which is largely inconsiderate of the emotional and psychological needs of the parties to the marriage relationship. In essence, the ‘resolution’ of matrimonial disputes has evolved to mean the complete dissolution of the marital relationship; or any other pronouncement by the adjudicator which would allow the aggrieved party to take a leave, whether definite or indefinite, from the matrimony. Remedies provided under extant laws include divorce, annulment and judicial separation. These remedies usually engender a perpetual feeling of hostility between the parties, and invariably, obligations imposed by the adjudicator are typically fulfilled not out of cordiality but under the threat of a sanction for failure. Flowing from the foregoing, there has arisen the need for other effective means of settling matrimonial disputes outside half-hearted attempts at reconciliation. This study examined the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the settlement of matrimonial disputes, using Nigeria as a case study. It analysed the various causes of matrimonial disputes, remedies and the enforcement thereof. It also discussed the alternative modes of dispute resolution applicable to matrimonial disputes. These were done in order to advocate for the deliberate application of ADR to Matrimonial disputes. Relying on the doctrinal method of research, the study found that while the Nigerian Matrimonial Causes Act encourages reconciliation, collaborative divorce and divorce arbitration have also been applied in matrimonial disputes in other jurisdictions. The study also revealed that, while these methods do not guarantee reconciliation, they certainly engender privacy of the proceedings as well as cordiality between the parties, thereby protecting them from some of the emotional and psychological trauma inherent in litigation. The study concluded although recourse to courts may be inevitable, using ADR for resolving matrimonial disputes is becoming increasingly expedient. Keywords: Matrimony, disputes, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, settlement DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/14-1-07 Publication date: April 30th 202

In vitro evaluation of the interaction between methanol extract of lichen (Ramalina farinacea) and tetracycline against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

Antimicrobial interaction studies between methanol extract of lichen (Ramalina farinacea (I) ach. (Fam: Ramalinacea) and tetracycline, against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. Preliminary antimicrobial properties of the extract were evaluated. Antimicrobial interaction studies between the methanol extract of lichen in combination with tetracycline against strains of S. aureus I, J and K was carried out using checkerboard method. The preliminary antimicrobial screening revealed that the extract was effective against S. aureus J and K. The interaction of lichen methanol extract with tetracycline against S. aureus strain I at ratios 8:2, 7:3, 6:4 and 4:6 was not significantly different, while ratios 9:1 and 3:7 showed antagonism. However, the combination ratios of methanol extract and the antibiotic against S. aureus J shows synergism (8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6 and 1:9), while ratios 9:1, 3:7 and 2:8 exhibit indifference. Interaction of the methanol extract and tetracycline against strain K at ratios 8:2, 6:4, 4:6 and 1:9 showed synergism, while ratios 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7 and 1:9 were not significantly different in their interactions. This shows that, in the treatment of infections caused by strains I, J and K of S. aureus, the combination of the methanol extract of lichen (R. farinacea) and tetracycline can be used.Key words: Antimicrobial, checkerboard, combination ratio, minimum inhibitory concentration, strains

Determination of Tort Liability in the Deployment of Artificial Intelligence Technology

Technology inventions have been able to impact positively on our society in a number of ways. Irrespective of the positive impacts recorded there are attendant challenges often created by these technologies inclusive of questioning established traditional laws. National legislatures have tried to live up to their responsibilities of amending existing laws or enacting new ones where necessary to address such challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) brings about special challenges to the extant law on liability, contractual and non-contractual, due the special feature of ability to learn from data from its environment and act autonomously even outside the pre-existing algorithms created by its maker. The opacity, autonomy and self-learning abilities complicate the challenges created by AI particularly to the law. This paper takes a critical look at the regimes of regulation of Artificial Intelligence under the European Union and the United States of America, which are the frontline occupiers in responding to technology developments through laws, regulations and policies. This is in a bid to establishing reasonable bases of apportioning blames in torts committed by AI driven devices. The paper suggests, as a general rule, strict liability for torts committed by AI devices to compensate the wronged parties as such devices cannot assume legal personhood to be liable under the traditional tort law. Keywords: Tort, Artificial Intelligence, Liability, European Union, United States of America DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/141-04 Publication date: April 30th 202

Hypoglycaemic activity of Telfairia occidentalis in rats

The hypoglycaemic activity of the ethanolic extract of leaf of Telfairia occidentalis was evaluated in normoglycaemic and alloxan–induced diabetic rats. This activity was compared with that of glibenclamide and that of a mixture of glibenclamide and extract. Blood glucose was measured by a glucometer. The extract produced significant reduction in blood glucose level at 2 hrs in normoglycaemic rats, and at 2 and 4hrs in diabetic rats after a single oral dose of 250mg/kg. The reduction in blood glucose level produced by the sub-acute administration of extract on the 5th, 10th and 15th day were comparable to that of glibenclamide.These results suggest that the leaves of Telfairia occidentalis possess hypoglycemic activity in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats and this could be beneficial in the ethnotherapy of diabetes mellitus. Key words: Telfairia occidentalis; Glibenclamide; Hypoglycaemic activity; Alloxan-induced diabetes. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources Vol. 2 (1) 2005: 36-4