Colloidal Quantum Dot Based Photonic Circuits and Devices

Colloidal quantum dots have desirable optical properties which can be exploited to realize a variety of photonic devices and functionalities. However, colloidal dots have not had a pervasive utility in photonic devices because of the absence of patterning methods. The electronic chip industry is highly successful due to the well-established lithographic procedures. In this thesis we borrow ideas from the semiconductor industry to develop lithographic techniques that can be used to pattern colloidal quantum dots while ensuring that the optical properties of the quantum dots are not affected by the process. In this thesis we have developed colloidal quantum dot based waveguide structures for amplification and switching applications for all-optical signal processing. We have also developed colloidal quantum dot based light emitting diodes. We successfully introduced CdSe/ZnS quantum dots into a UV curable photo-resist, which was then patterned to realize active devices. In addition, passive devices (devices without quantum dots) were integrated to active devices via waveguide couplers. Use of photo-resist devices offers two distinct advantages. First, they have low scattering loss and secondly, they allow good fiber to waveguide coupling efficiency due to the low refractive index which allows for large waveguide cross-sections while supporting single mode operation. Practical planar photonic devices and circuits incorporating both active and passive structures can now be realized, now that we have patterning capabilities of quantum dots while maintaining the original optical attributes of the system. In addition to the photo-resist host, we also explored the incorporation of colloidal quantum dots into a dielectric silicon dioxide and silicon nitride one-dimensional microcavity structures using low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. This material system can be used to realize microcavity light emitting diodes that can be realized on any substrate. As a proof of concept demonstration we show a 1550 nm emitting all-dielectric vertical cavity structure embedded with PbS quantum dots. Enhancement in spontaneous emission from the dots embedded in the microcavity is also demonstrated

Historical Context of Counterterrorism Measures in Nigeria: The Need for Restorative Justice

Many approaches have been adopted to address the problem of terrorism in Nigeria, but none seems to be very effective in totally eradicating terrorism and its despicable effects on the safety and well-being of the people. To prevent the prevailing cycle of retribution and violence, the author makes a case for the employment of restorative justice principles and practice in responding to terrorism. Restorative justice is a contextualized and negotiated justice system that seeks to restore a sense of harmony and well-being among all those affected by the harmful act. All the primary stakeholders to the conflict, namely the victims, offenders, the affected community and relevant governmental agencies must actively participate in the definition of the harm, and the search for a resolution acceptable to all concerned. This article examines the military, criminal justice and conciliatory counterterrorism models employed by various government administrations in Nigeria starting from the 1980’s until the present time. It theoretically analyzes restorative justice and Amalatocracy, as alternative measures to countering terrorism in Nigeria. Relying on secondary data from open-source historical documents, existing literature, various government sites and other databases, it concludes that a combination of synchronized policies that suits the national circumstances of Nigeria could be effective. The findings emphasize the need for government leaders, policy makers, and researchers, to support the adoption of the tenets of restorative justice in countering terrorism. Keywords: Terrorism, Restorative Justice, Amalatocracy, Counterterrorism, Re-integrative Shaming, Repressive Measures, Retribution, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-4-08 Publication date:May 31st 2021

Critical Analysis of Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Acts of 2011 and 2013 (Amendment) and Implications on Human Rights

Terrorism is defined as acts of violence or threatened use of violence against a target population in an attempt to achieve political, religious or socio-economic objectives. Nigeria is presently experiencing what is considered its worst security situation since the 1967–1970 civil war due to the surge in terrorists’ activities. As a result, the Nigerian government has strategically developed measures including the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011 and its Amendment Act of 2013 to end the scourge of terrorism. This study examines the legal frameworks for the prevention of terrorism in Nigeria vis-a-vis the principles of fundamental human rights outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the International Human Rights Laws. It significantly highlighted the lack of balance between the provisions of security and protection of human rights as evidenced in the Acts. Some irreconcilable approaches border on charges punishable by death sentences, life imprisonment, search and arrest without court warrants, detention of terrorism suspects, deprivation of citizenship, interception of communications, proscription of organizations, and excessive powers accorded to government agencies. Some provisions of the Acts are found to be incompatible with Nigeria's constitutional provisions on human rights and international human rights obligations. Among others, this study recommends the need to address excessive punishments, undue powers of government agencies, and the lack of clarity in the definition of terrorism in both the Principal and the Amendment Acts and strive to balance the protection of human rights and the provision of security in Nigeria. Keywords: Terrorism, Human Rights, Terrorism Prevention Acts, Nigeria Constitution, International Human Rights Law DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/109-04 Publication date:May 31st 2021

A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage Bags, Sealed Jericans, Azaradirachta Indica (Neem) and Actellic in Cowpee Preservation

The research work made a comparative analysis between four different methods of preserving cowpea grains for the purpose of determining the most effective. Two purposes and two research questions guided the study. Materials such as dry clean cowpea grains, Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS) bags, Jerican with lid, Dried leaves of Azaradirachta Indica (NEEM), Actellic (storage chemical), sacks, weighing balance and string/twine. The study was conducted using five different methods which include the use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage  (PICS) bags; use of Jerican with lid; use of dried leaves of Azaradirachta Indica; Spraying cowpea grains with diluted Actellic before bagging and bagging dry clean cowpea grains directly without any treatment. The five different set up were kept under the same condition. The use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags and sealed Jerican proves to be the most effective methods. They both recorded 100% effectiveness as the same weight 50kg was maintained at the pre and post experimental period. This was followed by the use of Azaradirachta Indica leaves with 95.12% and the use of diluted Actellic with 91.22% respectively. The control method recorded the least weight percentage of 49.44. Useful recommendations such as the need for massive production of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags for distribution to farmers at subsidized rates, need for sponsoring of extension workers/agents for induction training/conferences by both the state and federal governments and use of campaign medium to encourage farmers to make use of sealed containers like Jericans, clay pots among others were proffered. Keywords: Comparative Analysis, Purdue, Azaradirachta Indica, Actellic and Preservatio

The Determinants Of Job Satisfaction Among Registered Nurses

This study empirically examines the determinants of registered nurses' job satisfaction. Our results indicate that the most satisfied nurse is a young CRNA who is female, married, and not in a union. The profile of the least satisfied nurse is a staff nurse who is male, non-married, unionized, and earns a low salary and works many hours

Relationship between Self-Esteem, Academic Procrastination and Test Anxiety with Academic Achievement of Post Graduate Diploma In Education (PGDE) Students in Delta State University, Abraka.

In order execute this study, three research questions were raised and three null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Correlational-descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The entire population of 43 PGDE students were studied without sampling. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Abu-Ghazal’s Academic ProcrastinationQuestionnaire and Suinn’sTest Anxiety Questionnaire with reliability coefficients of .92, .83 and .86 were used as instruments for the study.Achievement scores obtained in Educational Statistics and Introduction to Special Educationwith permission of the Head of the Department, Educational Foundations, Delta State University, Abraka,were collected and used to determine the academic achievement of PGDE students.Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed a positive and significant relationshipbetween self-esteem and academic achievement among PGDE students. The study discovered a negative and significant relationship between academic procrastination and academic achievement. Also, the study disclosed a negative and significant relationship between test anxiety and academic achievement. The study concluded that, PGDE students must design time management strategies in order to create a balance between their professional life and postgraduate studies in order to attain optimal academic performance. It was recommended among others that management of universitiesrunning post-graduate programmes should implement flexible assessment and evaluation techniques in measuring the academic success of PGDE students in order to reduce the negative effects of test anxiety and academic procrastination on their academic engagements

Relationship between Leadership Styles and Productivity of Vocational and Technical Lecturers in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study was designed to determine the relationship between leadership styles and productivity of vocational and technical lecturers in tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised and four hypotheses were tested for the study at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted correlational research design. The entire population of 132 vocational and technical educators in public tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria was studied without sampling. Leadership Style Questionnaire (LSQ) and Lecturers’ Productivity Questionnaire (LPQ) were used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument which yielded coefficient of 0.89 for LSQ and 0.76 for LPQ.  The researchers administered the instrument with the help of four research assistants using direct method to the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correction statistics with SPSS version 23.0. Findings of the study revealed that there is a negative and significant relationship between autocratic leadership style and VTE lecturers’ productivity. Findings also revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between democratic, transactional and transformational leadership styles and VTE lecturers’ productivity. The null hypotheses raised for the study were rejected. The study concluded that Deans and Heads of Department must switch from one leadership style to another in order to monitor the academic leadership function of lecturers in line with the academic performance of students in vocational and technical education. The study recommended among others that vocational and technical education lecturers should not abuse the conducive working environment created by Deans and Heads of VTE Department as that may lead to organizational breakdown and swift application of rigid style of leadership &nbsp