Internet and Telecommunications Companies\u27 Provision of Customer Information to the Government

The strategy of the National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program is to incorporate the private sector into the bulk data collection of customers information, yet there is little legislative and judicial oversight. As a result, internet and telecommunications companies participated, placing at risk protected privacy interests of their customers. Using policy feedback theory and narrative policy framework as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this qualitative, case study was to explore how the federal government gains compliance of the internet and telecommunications industry to engage in information sharing with NSA during post 9/11, 2001 terrorists\u27 attack. Secondary data were collected about internet and telecommunications companies through document analysis, corporate records, and credible news sources. These data were compiled as raw data and developed into codes, which led to categories and eventually developed into themes. Findings indicate that private companies participated for three main reasons: first, an interest in preserving national security, second, they believed they had limited or no liability, and third, profit-making. At the same time, the participants expressed concerns that the government gained compliance via the use of coercion, influence, and persuasion. The positive social change implication of this study includes recommendations to public policy practitioners/evaluators that it is necessary to include private sector analysis in a comprehensive review of public policy because inter-dependencies of the private-public sector guarantees effective public policy implementation/ assessment

Reprocessing of Regional 2D Marine Seismic Data of Part of Taranaki Basin, New Zealand Using Latest Processing Techniques

This study employed the use of various newly developed seismic data processing techniques which were unavailable as at the time (1986) of acquisition of the regional 2D marine seismic data (TRV 434) of part of Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, to reprocess the data in order to improve the volume as well as the quality of subsurface information derivable from the data which remain one of the vital sources of information for preliminary insight for petroleum prospect evaluation of the basin.The reprocessing operations attenuated various unwanted signals associated with the seismic data, F – K transform filter filtered out low frequency noise including swell noise while other noise types embedded in the seismic data were attenuated using Time Variant Omsby-Bandpass filters. Predictive deconvolution attenuated water bottom multiples as well as other periodic unwanted signals. True amplitude recovery technique restored lost reflection energies and made deeper reflections visible. Post and Pre-Stack Time Kirchhoff migration (PSTM) techniques appropriately repositioned dipping reflection events to their appropriate locations in time and space. Diffraction curves were collapsed to improve data resolution of both the shallow and deep reflection events. The reprocessing activities generally increased the illuminating strength of the TRV 434 marine seismic data to image the subsurface of the surveyed part of Taranaki Basin which presented complex subsurface geology in terms of structures and rock association.

Prior substance use, depression and gender as determinants of self-harm urges in prison inmates: A study of Uyo Prison

This study examined prior substance use, depression and gender as determinants of selfharm urges in prison inmates. It was a survey utilizing ex-post facto design. A total of 183 male and 29 female inmates from Uyo prison participated in the study. Their mean age was 34.4years. Multi-stage sampling method was used. The t-test results {t (210)=2.89, p<.01} showed that inmates who used psychoactive substances before imprisonment reported higher self-harm urges than those who did not use. Also, inmates with high depressive symptoms reported higher self-harm urges than those with low depressive symptoms {t (210)= 4.21, p<.01}. The interaction of prior substance use and depression was significant, Wilks Lambda = .72, F (1, 210) = 19.02, p = <.01, partial eta squared = .17. A post-hoc test was conducted using LSD to show multiple comparison effect. Furthermore, the t-test results {t (210)= 2.60, p<.01} showed that female inmates reported higher self-harm urges than their male counterparts. The findings of this study have implications on the involvement of psychologists and other mental experts in the management of the prison system.Keywords: Self-harm urges, prior substance use, depression, gender, prison inmate

GEOCHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL COMPOSITION OF ISHARA SANDSTONE DEPOSIT, SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA.

A total number of eleven [11] sandstone samples were collected at Ishara Remo in Ogun state in order to classify the deposit of the Ise Formation asexposed in this area on the bases of its chemical and mineralogical make-up. Out of these, nine [9] samples were selected for both geochemical andpetrographic studies. Relative concentration of the major oxide groups – silica and alumina alkali oxides, iron oxide and magnesia has been used to classify the deposit. The result of the geochemical analysis on the selected samples shows that the classification agrees with parameters of log SiO2 / Al2O3 < 1.5and either of log K2O / Na2O or log FeTO3+ MgO /Na2O = 0. On the basis of these, the sandstone could be classified as sub-greywacke or rather low rank greywacke. The ratio of the alkali [Na2O / K2O] > 0 also shows that the sandstone deposit is immature. Moreover, quartz, feldspar and rock fragments were microscopically identified with quartz constituting less than 90% of the total mineral constituent, while feldspar constitutes less than 25% and rock fragments make up more than 15%. On the basis of this also, the deposit can equally be classified as greywacke

Actellic 2% dust as pesticide in feed ingredients: Effects on haematological and serum metabolites in growing rabbits

The study was designed to evaluate the tolerance, survivability, hematological and biochemical indices of weaner rabbits fed diet contaminated with varying levels of Actellic 2% dust. The effects of thepesticide on the clinical state of the animals were also appraised. A uniform diet was compounded from ingredients certified to be apparently pesticide residue-free. This diet was partitioned into 5 sub-diets.The first partition A had no residue, serving as control, while B, C, D, and E had 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04% inclusion of the Actellic 2% dust, respectively. A total of 20 rabbits of mixed breeds and sexeswere used in the experiment. The animals were balanced for breed, sex and weight in a completely randomized design experiment. Four animals each were placed on each treatment diets for 45 days which were preceded by 3 weeks of acclimatization. Blood was collected and analysed at the end of the experiment. Haematological parameters (PCV, WBC, RBC, ESR, platelets, MCV, MCH, MCHC) andbiochemical parameters (urea, serum protein, ALP, SGOT, SGPT, K+) were comparable in all groups and found not to be statistically (p >0.o5) influenced. Whereas heamoglobin, monocyte, eosinophil, Na+ andcreatinine were statistically influenced (P < 0.05). Only one mortality was recorded in treatment group with the highest dose. The results generally showed that weaner rabbits can tolerate the presence ofActellic dust in feed up to 0.03%. At this dose, the Actellic dust does not have much adverse effect on haematological and biochemical parameters. Higher concentration of 0.04% can result in manifestationof toxicity symptoms and sometimes death, such values are rarely naturally present in feeds. However, animals which are able to tolerate high values hardly manifest poor performances

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among First Responders: Role of Personality Traits and Category of Responder

This study explored the roles of Personality traits and categories of first responders in predicting Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among First responders in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria. A purposive sample of 128 male and female first responders cutting across Fire fighters, Policemen, Federal road safety corps and volunteers participated in the study which utilized a simple questionnaire in assessing the presence of PTSD symptoms and personality traits. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant independent influence of Neuroticism (β=0.19; t=2.06; p˂.05) on PTSD. Furthermore, fire fighters scored significantly higher (M= 32.52) on the symptoms of PTSD than other responders. The implications of these results for policies, provision of adequate paraphernalia to first responders and future research are highlighted and discussed. Keywords: Posttraumatic stress disorder, First responders, Personality trait

Reducing Self-Harm Tendency: The Efficacy of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy among Inmates of a Nigerian Prison

Self-harming has been reported among prison inmates globally; it often starts with the urges. Empirical evidences from developed countries have shown Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to be efficacious in reducing self-harm urges. There appears to be no evidence of the use of DBT in Nigeria either for research or therapeutic purposes. This study therefore tested the efficacy of DBT Nigeria. A total of 135 inmates randomly selected from Uyo Prison participated in the study which adopted pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. Inmates’ Self-Harm Urges Scale, modified DBT, and Diary Cards were used to gather data. Results showed that inmates who were exposed to DBT continuously reported reduced self-harm urges post-test and 3-months follow-up stages. They also showed lower self-harm urges at post-test and follow-up stages compared to those who did not participate in DBT. It was recommended that DBT be used as a psychological adjunct in prison inmates’ rehabilitation

Drivers of Agricultural Productivity in Agriculture-Based Economy

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable response of GDP to shocks in AP in agriculture-based economy. Panel Least Squares revealed that consumer price index (p\u3c0.01), irrigation (p\u3c0.01) and machinery (p\u3c0.01) increased AP in agriculture-based economy. However, FERT decreased (p\u3c0.01) AP in agriculture-based economy. The study concluded that AP will grow in agriculture-based economy with an expansion in irrigation application, farm machinery and appropriate use of fertilizer. Therefore, improved irrigation infrastructure and farm machinery that will enhance smallholder farmer’s capacity for all-season cropping and appropriate application of fertilizer should be encouraged for increased agricultural productivity in agriculture-based economy

Psychological Trauma Following Disclosure of HIV Status to Significant Others in Women Living With HIV and AIDS

The impact of HIV and AIDS among African women has been devastating. Since the beginning of the epidemic, over 100,000 cases of AIDS have been reported among women, and 57% of these cases were among African women. New infections among women are increasing at a faster rate than new infections among men.  In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV positive women outnumbered HIV positive men. Gender inequalities in personal relationships, in the community, within the workforce, and in political circles affect women all over the world. Inequalities increase women’s vulnerability to poverty and vice-versa: both impact harshly on their ability to enjoy full human rights.   The research examined Psychological trauma women experienced following their HIV status disclosure to significant others. The study adopted descriptive qualitative method utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) as data collection methods. The study was conducted at the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), University College Hospital Ibadan. Because of the nature of the study, eighteen participants, all outpatient women of different categories were selected using purposive sampling. Only women who have experienced various negative consequences after disclosure of their HIV status participated in the study.   Findings revealed various negative consequences experienced by the participants after disclosing their HIV status to significant others. Three out of the eight married participants representing 37.5 % of married participants and 16.7% of the overall participants reported being sent away from their marriage by their husbands following disclosure of their HIV status. Three participants representing 16.7 % were relieved of their jobs because of their HIV status, 8 participants representing 44.4% reported various forms of verbal abuses from close friends, family members or health workers and 4 representing 22.2% faced family rejection following the disclosure of their HIV status. Further probing revealed that these women reported various type of psychological trauma, ranging from; regret for disclosing their status, worries about further stigmatization from those who may learn about their HIV status, low self esteem, and social withdrawer. Some have become economically grounded because of loss of jobs or withdrawal of social supports by love ones due to the disclosure of their HIV status.   From the findings of this study, it becomes clear that stigma and discrimination, rejection, isolation and other negative consequences may result from disclosing HIV status to significant others especially in women living with HIV &amp; AIDS. This has impacted negatively on the efforts at curtailing the spread of the disease, getting people to know their status and in adherence to treatment regimen. However, disclosure of HIV positive status can result in negative consequences such as mentioned above, it is widely recognized that PLWHAs could still benefit from disclosure and the participants in this study though regretted the consequences that followed their disclosure, they encourage others to disclose their status.   From these results, it is expedient to promote or design intervention and education programmes that can convey information to people at various levels on the need to stop the stigma and discrimination and other negative emotions that are currently being melted on people living with HIV &amp; AIDS. Furthermore, it becomes important that psychologists should put more efforts at improving the Psychological wellbeing of people living with HIV &amp; AIDS who may also be suffering from Psychological trauma following disclosure of their status. Appropriate Psychological interventions should be designed to ameliorate their suffering. Nigeria Government should formulate relevant laws that will protect People living with HIV &amp; AIDS from abuses.   Key word: Psychological Trauma, Disclosure, HIV Status, Significant Others, Psychological intervention