Criminal Sanctions for Copyright Infringement: the Half of a Yellow Sun Copyright Piracy

This article examines the provisions of the Nigerian Copyright Act stipulating sanctions for copyright infringement. Copyright is said to be infringed when a person exercises one or the entire array of rights exclusively owned by the author of a work without permission. This article argues that irrespective of the jurisprudence of copyright, the unwholesome act of piracy remains largely undefeated sequel to the massive illegal reproduction of the most expensive indigenous film ever made in Nigeria ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ on the streets of Lagos which are being sold on wheelbarrows. This article applies the principles of law and economics to determine whether the Nigerian Copyright Act is economically efficient to deter pirates from engaging in their appalling activity. The monetary sanctions put in place by the principal statute governing copyright in Nigeria as well as the Criminal Code is in no way strict to deter intellectual pirates and abate piracy. This article concludes that the need for a reform is eminent. Stricter sanctions and public enlightenment on copyright infringement must be put in place to stamp out piracy and increase the value of intellectual creations. Keywords: Copyright Infringement, Nigerian Copyright Act, Piracy, Half of a Yellow Sun, Criminal Sanctions

A Lotka-Volterra Non-linear Differential Equation Model for Evaluating Tick Parasitism in Canine Population

This research employs a modified version of the Lotka-Volterra non-linear first-order ordinary differential equations to model and analyze the parasitic impact of ticks on dogs. The analysis reveals that fluctuations in pesticide effects significantly influence tick populations and the size of the canine host. The study also uncovers that alterations in the size of the interacting species can lead to both stable and unstable states. Interestingly, in a pesticide-free environment, a decline in the inter-competition coefficient catalyzes an increase in the sizes of both interacting species. This increase, although marginal for the tick population, contributes to overall system stability. The findings underscore the utility of the Lotka-Volterra non-linear first-order ordinary differential equations in modeling the parasitic effect of ticks on dogs. To protect pets, particularly dogs, from the harmful effects of tick infestation, this study recommends the appropriate and regular application of disinfectants

The Study on the Corrosion Behaviour of Welded and Unwelded Medium Carbon Steel in Sodium Chloride (Nacl) Solutions

The research work was based on the study of the corrosion behaviour of the welded and un-welded medium carbon steel in sodium chloride solutions. The Sodium chloride solutions used are 1ml, 2ml, 3ml and 4ml for both welded and un-welded medium carbon steel in NaCl. The experiments were conducted in two ways, the weight loss analyses of measurements and using the electrochemical analyzer workstation to determine the potential dynamic of the samples. The samples for the weight loss measurements were prepared from rolled products obtained at the foundry shop. Two medium carbon steel materials were sourced with different chemical compositions as sample A and B. The materials were prepared to accommodate the experiments for the determination of welded and un-welded medium carbon steel. A total of sixty-eight (68) samples were produced, prepared and used for the weight loss measurements /analyses the experiments. Thirty-four of the samples each were prepared for both the welded and un-welded experiments. All the samples were produced and prepared through the use of various machining processes with the use of a lathe machine for planning, milling. Thirty-four (34) of the sample preparation were further welded in readiness of the experiments. Sixty -eight breakers were sourced for and used. Ten (10) other samples were used for the determination with the use of the electrochemical analyzer. The chemical compositions of the medium carbon steel were determined with the use of SPECTRO Analytical Instruments. A metallurgical inverted optical microscope was used to determine the microstructures of the materials. The Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDS was used to determine the morphologies of the materials. The thirty-four of the samples were welded this process was performed to determine the effects of welding on the material surrounding the weldments. These materials were made into sizes with the use of power hacksaw (i.e. 2cm by 2cm). Other materials were prepared to 1cm x 1cm thickness from the same materials. The Tafel plot experiments and that of the open Circuit Potential Time (OCPT) were carried out with the use of Electrochemical Analyzer/ Workstation. The Medium carbon steel materials were exposed for fifty-four (54) days, with an interval of 3days. The corrosion rates analyses were determined and the graphs of the corrosion rates (mm/yr.) and other parameters were used plotted against No of days exposed

Bulk Raw Materials Handling and Blending Techniques of Sinter Plant: A Case Study of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Kogi State, Nigeria

Bulk raw materials handling plant and sintering plant preparatory plants are established to receive, blend, stockpile, prepare and supply specified grades of raw materials for smooth operations of iron making plant (Blast furnace), steel making plant (Basic oxygen converter) and lime Plant(calcinations plant). The study discusses bulk raw materials handling and some general problem of scientific analysis and documentation of basic equipment details, stockyard facilities, bulk materials transport systems and sinter processes, for the general knowledge and operational procedures of these plant for effective and efficient operational processes for optical results. Iron ore concentrate supplied from the mines to some extent fluctuate in their chemical composition as a result of the nature of the deposit with various factors controlling beneficiation processes and addition of metal-bearing materials collected as a waste product from the Rolling Mills, Blast Furnace and Sinter Plant which must be recycled through Iron ore concentrate stockyard. The part of the sinter mixture is melted at a temperature about 1300-1480 ° C and a sequence of reactions shaping the sinter cake to be loaded into the blast furnace to produce iron from a pig

Technology usage and employee behaviour: controversies, complications, and implications in the Nigerian business environment

Organizations are among the key units of the society. An organization comprises of several people including employees. The behaviour of employees determines the performance and efficiency of the organization. Technology is an important factor that distinguishes one organization from the other. Employee’s acceptance, rejection, and adaptability to technology being used determine to a great extent how organizations will thrive in a business environment. The drive of technology usage is to ensure that work processes are made easier, faster and to improve the organization’s economic efficiency. In addition, technology usage greatly influences employee behaviour. The aim of this paper is to find out how technology usage affects employee behaviour and vice versa. It is important to understand that in order to improve employee’s usage of technology incorporated into the organization, individual behaviour of employees must be examined cum their attitude. The results of the study indicate that employee behaviour mainly affects technology usage, promotes individual learning, increases efficiency and effectiveness, and improves organizational performance. The paper therefore recommends periodic review of organizational policies and in addition, procure hardware and software to guide against hackers and scammers to avoid losing those important informatio

Prognostic Role of Androgen Receptor in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Study

Background: Androgen Receptor (AR) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for AR-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, conflicting reports regarding AR’s prognostic role in TNBC are putting its usefulness in question. Some studies conclude that AR positivity indicates a good prognosis in TNBC whereas others suggest the opposite, and some show that AR status has no significant bearing on the patients’ prognosis. Methods: We evaluated the prognostic value of AR in resected primary tumors from TNBC patients from six international cohorts {US (n=420), UK (n=239), Norway (n=104), Ireland (n=222), Nigeria (n=180), and India (n=242); total n=1407}. All TNBC samples were stained with the same anti-AR antibody using the same immunohistochemistry protocol, and samples with ≥1% of AR-positive nuclei were deemed AR-positive TNBCs. Results: AR status shows population-specific patterns of association with patients’ overall survival after controlling for age, grade, population, and chemotherapy. We found AR-positive status to be a marker of good prognosis in US and Nigerian cohorts, a marker of poor prognosis in Norway, Ireland and Indian cohorts, and neutral in UK cohort. Conclusion: AR status, on its own, is not a reliable prognostic marker. More research to investigate molecular subtype composition among the different cohorts is warranted

Web-based collaborative care intervention to manage cancer-related symptoms in the palliative care setting

Background—The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a collaborative care intervention to reduce depression, pain and fatigue and improve quality of life. Participants—A total of 261 patients with advanced cancer and 179 family caregivers were randomized to a web-based collaborative care intervention or enhanced usual care. The intervention included (1) a website with written and audiovisual self-management strategies, bulletin board, and other resources; (2) visits with a care coordinator during physician appointment every two months; and (3) telephone follow up every two weeks. Primary patient outcomes included measures of depression, pain, fatigue, and health related quality of life. Secondary outcomes included Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, Natural Killer (NK) cell numbers, and caregiver stress and depression. Results—At baseline, 51% of patients reported one or more symptoms in the clinical range. For patients who presented with clinical levels of symptoms, and were randomized to the intervention, reductions in depression (Cohen’s d=0.71), pain (Cohen’s d=0.62), and fatigue (Cohen’s d=0.26) and improvements in quality of life (Cohen’s d =0.99) were observed when compared to the enhanced usual care arm at 6-months. Reductions in IL-6 (phi=0.18), IL-1β (phi=0.35); IL-1α (phi=0.19); IL-8 (phi=15) and increases in NK cell numbers (phi=0.23) were observed when compared to enhanced usual care arm at 6-months. Reductions in caregiver stress (Cohen’s d=0.75) and depression (Cohen’s d=0.37) were observed at 6-months for caregivers whose loved one was randomized to the intervention arm. Conclusions—Integration of screening and symptom management into cancer care is recommended

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030