FOLKSONGS, PARODY AND GLOBAL MUSIC: INTERROGATING THE MUSIC COPYRIGHT QUESTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE IN NIGERIA

This essay examines folksongs and its links with communities and cultures.  It is this relationship which makes it look as a property of all. In this work, we reflected on metamorphosis of folksongs into parody and the height it has reached in Nigeria. It examines the new age of digitalisation which ought to be a blessing in Nigeria but looks more of a threat to intellectual property and its associated economic gains. It concludes that there is an urgent need to step up some substantive areas of property law to accommodate modern realities.Keywords: Folksong, Parody, Polyglot, copyright infringement; performers’ rights

Impact of Noise on Hearing Amongst Commercial Motor Bike Riders in Benin- City, Nigeria.

The ambient noise level and noise-induced hearing impairment (NIHI) in 200 motorbike riders from six motorbike parks were evaluated. All were males aged between 20- 62 years. Subjects were sampled using a cluster sampling technique. Parameters measured were environmental noise using the noise meter (peters) and hearing function using an audiometer (amplaid). A control group of 150 males was selected from amongst the staff of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and students of University of Benin after informed consent was obtained. The mean ambient noise for motor bike riders was 90 \ub110 dB a level significantly (x=0.000), higher than the International Standard Organization (ISO) standard of 60dB. That for control group was 50 \ub1 10dB. While there was no NIHI in control group, a significant hearing impairment for both air conduction (AC) and Bone conduction (BC) was observed in the study group. Unlike previous observations AC and BC impairment were predominantly in the left ear. Development of both AC and BC impairments increased with period of exposure. Environment noise impacts adversely on hearing and is a risk factor in commercial motorbike riders. Development of NIHI is significantly higher in the left ear than right unlike in other occupations

Laryngeal and miliary tuberculosis a rare combination

Background: Both laryngeal tuberculosis and miliary tuberculosis are rare disease in adults. The combination of laryngeal and miliary tuberculosis is equally rare. Aim: This case is reported so as to raise awareness of this rare clinical combination of laryngeal tuberculosis and miliary tuberculosis in our tuberculous patients and also to highlight the management. Case Report: A 40-year old long distance driver presented with hoarseness and stridor. Histopathological study of the laryngeal tissue obtained at biopsy showed evidence of laryngeal tuberculosis. Management include antituberculosis chemotherapy and surgical intervention. The chest radiograph revealed miliary shadows (seed-like lesions) in both lung fields. Conclusion: Laryngeal tuberculosis requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. The management involves a multidisciplinary approach involving the physician, surgeon and the histopathologist. Keywords: Laryngeal tuberculosis, Miliary tuberculosisPHMJ Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 171-17

Entrepreneurial Traits and the Distribution of Poultry Farm Entrepreneurs in Delta State, Nigeria

The authors attempted to ascertain the entrepreneurial potential of poultry farmers in Delta State using farmers’ scores in six entrepreneurial traits measured on a five-point Likert scale. The study covered the population of 275 poultry farmers in the State. The objectives were to ascertain the level of entrepreneurial traits of Poultry farmers and to determine the distribution of poultry farm entrepreneurs by category, namely; low, average and high potential, across the three agricultural zones. The hypotheses tested were that entrepreneurial traits of poultry farmers were not above average and that there was no significant variation in poultry farmers’ entrepreneurial potentials across the three agricultural zones. Primary data were collected using copies of a structured questionnaire. By using analysis of variance and test of differences between a test value of 3.4, major findings were that poultry farmers were above average in three entrepreneurial traits but with significant variation across the zones; that entrepreneurial potential was generally below average, finally, that the three categories of poultry farm entrepreneurs were randomly distributed across the zones. The authors concluded that while there may not be any inherent biases in drawing sample of poultry farmers across the State for development projects purposes, there may be differences in cost implications for farmers’ entrepreneurial development