Military Spending and Development

This paper considers the link between arms spending and economic growth for developing countries, in particular whether high spending on arms is likely to have a negative effect on economic growth and what benefits that might be gained by reducing it. The literature is complex and difficult to summarize, with studies differing theoretically, in the empirical methods they use, in the coverage of countries and time series, and in their quality and significance. Nevertheless, the paper argues that the empirical analyses suggests that there is little or no evidence for a positive effect on economic growth and that it is more likely to have a negative effect, or at best no significant impact at all. Thus, reducing arms and military spending need not be costly and can contribute to, or at the very least provide the opportunity for, improved economic performance in developing countries.Military Spending; Development; growth

Biblical Criticism in the Contemporary Homilectic Praxis

Biblical criticism had been a tedious task over the years tailored towards unveiling the locus of meaning and theological significance of a selected biblical text. The exegetes undertook a systematic process and critical methods to interpret a text for the comprehension of the contemporary readers or hearers in order to avoid heretical teachings as a result of misinterpretation. These methods exhumed under the umbrella of hermeneutics and exegeses of sacred books include textual or lower criticism, source or higher criticism, literary criticism with other sub-methods that emanated from it. This paper through a historical approach explained the various methods and tools of biblical criticism that could be relevant in contemporary homiletic praxis if properly harnessed. The paper discovered the Bible as an indispensable library and holy book to humanity that attracted global attention of scholars and theologians in the development of critical and systematic methods of interpretation known as biblical criticism. These critical tools illuminate the knowledge of an exegete for effectiveness in homiletic practicum. The paper recommends that the acquaintance with biblical criticism would give better insight in understanding Old Testament religion and theology. Nevertheless, biblical criticism should be conscientiously studied in order to be equipped for theological education and to avoid heretical teachings as a result of misinterpretation of the scriptures. A good knowledge of Biblical criticism helps to provide balanced comprehension in homily preparation and to abrogate he obliviousness of hermeneutical theories and the Sitzim Lebenof a biblical text

Organisational cynicism and self-efficacy predicting professionalism among teachers in Oyo State, Nigeria

The 21st century teachers have been affected by globalization, technological innovation and diversity in workplace thus affecting their professionalism. Teachers who develop unconcern attitudes and suffer neglect are likely to have their performance at work affected. Therefore, this study examined organizational cynicism and self-efficacy as predictors of professionalism among teachers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted while purposive sampling technique was used to select one Local Government Area for the study. Data were collected from 300 teachers using validated scales and analysed using t-test of independent means and multiple regressions analysis to test three hypotheses at a p < 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that organizational cynicism and self-efficacy significantly influenced professionalism among teachers. Also, organizational cynicism and self-efficacy jointly and independently predicted professionalism among teachers. Finally, organizational cynicism and self-efficacy independently predicted professionalism among study participants. The study concluded that organisational cynicism and self-efficacy are strong predictors of professionalism among teachers. Therefore, government agencies and other stakeholders should work together to improve teachers’ professional skills

Influence of Role Model and Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Intention among Undergraduates of the University of Ibadan

Self-employment is taking centre-stage among university undergraduates as white collar jobs are hard to come by after graduation. Empowering students for self-employment has therefore become imperative. This study aims to investigate two predictors of entrepreneurial intention: role model and self-efficacy among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan. Cross-sectional survey design using three instruments: Role Model Scale, Self-efficacy Scale and Entrepreneurial Intention Scale were used to collect data from 200 conveniently sampled undergraduates (male: 105; female: 95). Data were analyzed using zero-order correlation, t-test of independent samples, and standard multiple regressions analysis. The results showed a significant positive correlation between entrepreneurial intention and role model. Male students reported higher entrepreneurial intention than their female counterparts. Furthermore, role model and self-efficacy jointly predicted entrepreneurial intention. Finally, role model independently predicted entrepreneurial intention. However, self-efficacy did not independently predict entrepreneurial intention among the undergraduates. The study concluded that role model, self-efficacy and gender tend to be influential factors in entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduates of the University of Ibadan. The study recommended that the university authority should intensify courses on entrepreneurship and invite seasoned entrepreneurs to come and give lectures on entrepreneurship to prepare students for careers after graduation. &nbsp

INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION AMONG MINISTERS OF GOD IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Emotional exhaustion occurs when there is intense demand in workplace. The rate at which Ministers of God exhibit emotional exhaustion has been on the increased over the years. This study investigates the influence of personality traits, church-related stress, gender and age on emotional exhaustion among Ministers of God in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto research design using three instruments: Big Five Personality Scale, Church-related Stress Scale, and Emotional Exhaustion Scale to conveniently sample 202 (Males 167, Female 35) Ministers of God. Three hypotheses were tested using standard multiple regressions and t-test of independent sample mean at level of significance. The result revealed that personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, neuroticism and conscientiousness) and church-related stress jointly predicted emotional exhaustion among Ministers of God in Lagos. Also, agreeableness, neuroticism  and church-relatedstress  independently predict emotional exhaustion among Ministers of God. However, gender and age did not influence emotional exhaustion among Ministers of God. The study concludes that personality traits and church-related stress are excellent predictors of emotional exhaustion among Ministers of God in the study population. It is recommended that Ministers of God should develop effective coping and problem solving techniques so as to manage both marital affairs and church activities to reduce emotional exhaustion

RELIGIOSITY AND COPING SELF-EFFICACY AS PREDICTORS OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIVORCE AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Divorce has a pervasive effect on married people's lives as it affects them physically, psychologically and spiritually. Studies have shown that divorce rates remain intractable in our modern society. This study, therefore, investigated how religiosity and coping self-efficacy affect attitudes towards divorce among married couples in Ibadan, Nigeria.  An ex-post facto research design using a cross-sectional survey was adopted. A purposive sampling technique was used to select six communities in Ibadan North Local Government in Oyo State. Data was collected using a-structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables, religiosity (α=0.96), coping self-efficacy (α =0.98) and attitude towards divorce (α =0.70). Data were analyzed using a t-test for independent mean and multiple regressions at a p<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that coping self-efficacy significantly influenced attitude toward divorce t(293) =-5.6, p< 0.05). Also, religiosity and coping self-efficacy jointly predicted attitude towards divorce [R2 =0.12, F (2, 293) = 20.24, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, coping self-efficacy independently predicted attitude toward divorce (β= - 0.36, p < 0.05). However, religiosity did not significantly predict attitude towards divorce (β=0.04, p > 0.05). The study recommends that marriage councillors and clergymen should be actively involved in developing coping self-efficacy among potential couples and dissuades them from a negative attitude toward divorce

Personality Traits, Perceived Stress and Social Network as Predictors of Alcohol Addiction among Youths in Ibadan, Nigeria

The challenge of alcohol use among youths  has been on the increase and the problems are manifested to the individual, the family and the society at large. One such problem is alcohol addiction which has been investigated using different predictors with varying results. Therefore, this study re-examines personality traits, perceived stress and social network as predictors of alcohol addiction among youths in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional survey design while data was collected from 384 youths (males 282, females 102) using validated questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using zero-order correlation, t-test of independent samples and multiple regressions analysis. Four questions were tested and the results were accepted at a p < 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that personality traits (r = 0.168, p < 0.05) and social network (r = .057, p < 0.05) positively correlated with alcohol addiction while perceived stress negatively correlated with alcohol addiction [r = - 0.029, p < .05]. Also, the result revealed that perceived stress significantly influenced alcohol addiction among youths (t [383] = 0.213, p <. 0.05). However, social networks did not significantly influence alcohol addiction among youths in Ibadan (t [382] = .026, p >. 05). Finally, the results showed the combined effect of personality traits, perceived stress and social network as joint predictors of alcohol addiction among youths in Ibadan [R2= .125, F [5, 378] = 10.771, p < .05). The study concluded that personality traits, perceived stress and social network are good predictors of alcohol addiction among the study participants. The study recommended that mental health workers should carried out personality profiling, used stress therapy and design targeted adverts to help youths who are suffering from alcohol addiction

RELIGIOSITY AND COPING SELF-EFFICACY AS PREDICTORS OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS DIVORCE AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Divorce has a pervasive effect on married people's lives as it affects them physically, psychologically and spiritually. Studies have shown that divorce rates remain intractable in our modern society. This study, therefore, investigated how religiosity and coping self-efficacy affect attitudes towards divorce among married couples in Ibadan, Nigeria.  An ex-post facto research design using a cross-sectional survey was adopted. A purposive sampling technique was used to select six communities in Ibadan North Local Government in Oyo State. Data was collected using a-structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables, religiosity (α=0.96), coping self-efficacy (α =0.98) and attitude towards divorce (α =0.70). Data were analyzed using a t-test for independent mean and multiple regressions at a p<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that coping self-efficacy significantly influenced attitude toward divorce t(293) =-5.6, p< 0.05). Also, religiosity and coping self-efficacy jointly predicted attitude towards divorce [R2 =0.12, F (2, 293) = 20.24, p < 0.05]. Furthermore, coping self-efficacy independently predicted attitude toward divorce (β= - 0.36, p < 0.05). However, religiosity did not significantly predict attitude towards divorce (β=0.04, p > 0.05). The study recommends that marriage councillors and clergymen should be actively involved in developing coping self-efficacy among potential couples and dissuades them from a negative attitude toward divorce

Questioning the rise of gelatinous zooplankton in the World's oceans

During the past several decades, high numbers of gelatinous zooplankton species have been reported in many estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Coupled with media-driven public perception, a paradigm has evolved in which the global ocean ecosystems are thought to be heading toward being dominated by “nuisance” jellyfish. We question this current paradigm by presenting a broad overview of gelatinous zooplankton in a historicalcontext to develop the hypothesis that population changes reflect the human-mediated alteration of global ocean ecosystems. To this end, we synthesize information related to the evolutionary context of contemporary gelatinous zooplankton blooms, the human frame of reference forchanges in gelatinous zooplankton populations, and whether sufficient data are available to have established the paradigm. We conclude that the current paradigm in which it is believed that there has been a global increase in gelatinous zooplankton is unsubstantiated, and we develop a strategy for addressing the critical questions about long-term, human-related changes in the sea as they relate to gelatinous zooplankton blooms