Review of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse in Nigeria: Implications for 21st Century Counsellors

Child and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) represent sexual abuse with children and adolescents, and it remains a global concern.  Though prevalent in Nigeria, there is still a dearth of research on its prevention, treatment and disclosure, causing a threat to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); a threat to the education of young children; a threat to the psychosocial functionalities of children and adolescents and ultimately weakening the strength of the nation. This paper reviewed the literature on child sexual abuse in Nigeria. The focus was to identify research gaps which could lead to further researches as a way of bringing the menace to its much-reduced form, if not complete eradication.  Nigerian-authored, peer-reviewed papers cited in International Journals were examined. Reports from international and local NGOs and U.N. agencies were also considered.  Findings from the review indicate there are fewer published studies on sexual abuse of children compared to the magnitude of the problem in Nigeria. It is mostly underreported, and not many authors explored the causes, effects, and possible strategies to prevent non-disclosure. Nation/region-wide surveys or studies on CSA in Nigeria are also very scarce. Not much on the roles of the counselling profession as a way of helping to prevent, create awareness, as well as providing psychosocial healing for CSA victims in Nigeria has been explored. In the light of fulfilling SDGs, it is recommended that researches that can inform proper counselling in this area, be conducted. Also, the need for nationwide or region-wide surveys which will throw to light the current realities of CSA in Nigeria so that a well-directed approach to its eradication can be explored was emphasized. Furthermore, the need for stricter and well-enforced policies that respect no persons, tribe or religion was also noted

Leaching of Trace Elements in Enugu Coal: Effect of Acid Concentration

The effect of acid concentration on the trace elements composition of Enugu sub-bituminous coal from Onyeama Mine was investigated by leaching the coal using nitric acid (HNO3) of 0.5M, 1.0M, 1.5M and 2.0M concentrations. The amount of trace elements (in ppm) present in the filtrate from the leaching process were determined using Varian AA240 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer with cathode lamps of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). Optimum leaching condition of the trace metals were obtained using 2.0M HNO3 solution for 1 hour and 75µm particle size which resulted in the detection of As(1.363ppm), Cu (1.413ppm), Cr (0.764ppm), Cd (0.146), and Pb (1.942ppm). 2.0M concentration of nitric acid has proven to be very effective in the leaching of trace metals in Enugu coal. Result of the SEM analysis shows that the porosity of the coal residue was increased and this provides strong evidence that significant amounts of inorganic elements were removed. Onyeama coal, therefore, contains large proportions of silica, calcium carbonate, and dolomite, as well as some elements such as aluminum, iron, and potassium, and other trace metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, copper

A computational fractional order model for optimal control of wearable healthcare monitoring devices for maternal health

The post-COVID-19 landscape has propelled the global telemedicine sector to a projected valuation of USD 91.2 billion by 2022, with a remarkable compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% from 2023 to 2030. This paper introduces an analytical wearable healthcare monitoring device (WHMD) designed for the timely detection and seamless transmission of crucial health vitals to telemedical cloud agents. The fractional order modeling approach is employed to delineate the efficacy of the WHMD in pregnancy-related contexts. The Caputo fractional calculus framework is harnessed to show the device potential in capturing and communicating vital health data to medical experts precisely at the cloud layer. Our formulation establishes the fractional order model's positivity, existence, and uniqueness, substantiating its mathematical validity. The investigation comprises two major equilibrium points: the disease-free equilibrium and the equilibrium accounting for disease presence, both interconnected with the WHMD. The paper explores the impact of integrating the WHMD during pregnancy cycles. Analytical findings show that the basic reproduction number remains below unity, showing the WHMD efficacy in mitigating health complications. Furthermore, the fractional multi-stage differential transform method (FMSDTM) facilitates optimal control scenarios involving WHMD utilisation among pregnant patients. The proposed approach exhibits robustness and conclusively elucidates the dynamic potential of WHMD in supporting maternal health and disease control throughout pregnancy. This paper significantly contributes to the evolving landscape of analytical wearable healthcare research, highlighting the critical role of WHMDs in safeguarding maternal well-being and mitigating disease risks in edge reconfigurable health architectures

Permanence, Temporality and the Rhythms of Life : Exploring Significance of the Village Arena in Igbo Culture

The village arena (or ‘square’ or ‘Otobo’ in Nsukka Igbo) is at the physical and socio-cultural centre of Igbo life, in southeast Nigeria. It is a space where intangible Igbo cultural heritage is played out, and also serves as a virtual museum where heritage materials are kept. The arena performs its roles in two very different ways: as a sacred space hosting initiation rites and religious rituals; and as a profane space for meetings and ceremonies. Either way, these uses see the arena transition between permanency and temporality, following routines and rhythms which themselves give the practices meaning and significance, and contribute to their inscription on the landscape. This paper explores the complexities associated with these village arenas with a particular focus on their socio-cultural, political, economic and religious functions through time, as well as the way those complexities are manifest in material cultures that serve to characterize the village arena