The Litmus Test of R2P: An Analysis of the Legality and Legitimacy of Military Intervention in Libya

The intervention in Libya in 2011 was the first litmus test the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect. The doctrine is an extension of responsibility on states to ensure adequate protection of civilian population under threat of attack. Sovereignty under the new doctrine comes with the responsibility. The crux of the paper is the analysis of the legality and legitimacy of the military intervention in Libya. It is the contention of the author that the intervention does not conform with the stated objective spelled out in the United Nations Resolution 1973 which was basically to take measures that will protect the vulnerable population under threat of attack in Libya. Among other things, the author argues that the intervention was overstretched in order to fulfill the ulterior motive of regime change. The paper argues that the principle of the Responsibility to Protect was subordinated and the western powers could not exhaust all peaceful measures before opting for the use of force as provided in the Charter of the United Nations. It is the contention of the author that regime change was instead pursued to guarantee the interest of the western powers in the oil-rich state of Libya. Secondary sources such as books, peer review articles, newspapers and magazines were utilised

Spectrally efficient Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) techniques for future generation mobile systems

With the expectation of over a 1000-fold increase in the number of connected devices by 2020, efficient utilization of the limited bandwidth has become ever more important in the design of mobile wireless systems. Furthermore, the ever-increasing demand for higher data rates has made it necessary for a new waveform design that satisfies not only throughput demands, but network capacity as well. One such technique recently proposed is the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) which utilizes the distance-dependent power domain multiplexing, based on the principles of signal superposition. In this thesis, new spectrally efficient non-orthogonal signal techniques are proposed. The goal of the schemes is to allow simultaneous utilization of the same time frequency network resources. This is achieved by designing component signals in both power and phase domain such that users are precoded or preformed to form a single and uniquely decodable composite signal. The design criteria are based on maximizing either the sum rate or spectral efficiency, minimizing multi-user interference and detection ambiguity, and maximizing the minimum Euclidean distance between the composite constellation points. The design principles are applied in uplink, downlink and coordinated multipoint (CoMP) scenarios. We assume ideal channel state with perfect estimation, low mobility and synchronization scenarios so as to prove the concept and serve as a bound for any future work in non-ideal conditions. Extensive simulations and numerical analysis are carried to show the superiority and compatibility of the schemes. First, a new NOMA signal design called uplink NOMA with constellation precoding is proposed. The precoding weights are generated at the eNB based on the number of users to be superposed. The eNB signals the precoding weights to be employed by the users to adjust their transmission. The adjustments utilize the channel state information estimated from common periodic pilots broadcasted by the eNB. The weights ensure the composite received signal at the eNB belongs to the pre-known constellation. Furthermore, the users precode to the eNB antenna that requires the least total transmit power from all the users. At the eNB, joint maximum likelihood (JML) detection is employed to recover the component signals. As the composite constellation is as that of a single user transmitting that same constellation, multiple access interference can be viewed as absent, which allows multiple users to transmit at their full rates. Furthermore, the power gain achieved by the sum of the component signals maximizes the sum rate. Secondly, the constellation design principle is employed in the downlink scenario. In the scheme, called downlink NOMA with constellation preforming, the eNB preforms the users signal with power and phase weights prior to transmission. The preforming ensures multi-user interference is eliminated and the spectral efficiency maximized. The preformed composite constellation is broadcasted by the eNB which is received by all users. Subsequently, the users perform JML detection with the designed constellation to extract their individual component signals. Furthermore, improved signal reliability is achieved in transmit and receive diversity scenarios in the schemes called distributed transmit and receive diversity combining, respectively. Thirdly, the constellation preforming on the downlink is extended to MIMO spatial multiplexing scenarios. The first MIMO scheme, called downlink NOMA with constellation preforming, each eNB antenna transmits a preformed composite signal composed of a set of multiple users’ streams. This achieves spatial multiplexing with diversity with less transmit antennas, reducing costs associated with multiple RF chains, while still maximizing the sum rate. In the second MIMO scheme, a highly spectrally efficient MIMO preforming scheme is proposed. The scheme, called group layer MIMO with constellation preforming, the eNB preforms to a specific group of users on each transmit antenna. In all the schemes, the users perform JML detection to recover their signals. Finally, the adaptability of the constellation design is shown in CoMP. The scheme, called CoMP with joint constellation processing, the additional degrees of freedom, in form of interfering eNBs, are utilized to enable spatial multiplexing to a user with a single receive antenna. This is achieved by precoding each stream from the coordinating eNB with weights signalled by a central eNB. Consequently, the inter-cell interference is eliminated and the sum-rate maximized. To reduce the total power spent on precoding, an active cell selection scheme is proposed where the precoding is employed on the highest interferers to the user. Furthermore, a power control scheme is applied the design principle, where the objective is to reduce cross-layer interference by adapting the transmission power to the mean channel gain

Assessment of the Relationship between Design and Performance in Infectious Diseases Isolation Facility of Nigerian Hospitals

The high and continuous spread of infectious disease such as Corona virus (COVID-19) has affected public health globally. The preparedness of hospitals in the face of this situation is a problem in the Nigerian context, hospitals were faced with the problems of lack of viral containment spaces to isolate suspected cases and treat the infected patients. This research aims at assessing the relationship between design and performance in infectious disease isolation facility of Nigerian hospitals with a view to a framework for setting-up of infectious disease isolation facility in Nigerian hospitals. The research objectives are as follows: (1) To determine the relationship between design and performance of infectious diseases isolation centres in Nigerian hospitals, (2) To determine the perception of medical practitioners in the performance of infectious diseases isolation centre of Nigerian hospitals and (3) To develop a framework or a model for the setting-up of IDIC in Nigerian hospitals. The above objectives were achieved through the employment of quantitative research design approach. This method uses survey questionnaires, about 35 were distributed for the whole sample population, reliability test was conducted, the hypothesis was tested and found significant at P < 0.05 confidence interval. A correlation analysis was conducted. Simple statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean and frequencies of the analysed data The result of quantitative analysis were presented in frequency tables and pie charts from SPSS v21 analysis output. The result shows that there is a positive relationship between design and performance i.e. the more accurate and satisfying the design is, the higher the result or outcome and performance from the end-users

Serum Glucose Level of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats Treated With Glutathione Complex

Antioxidant plays an important role in preventing the progression of diabetes mellitus (DM) complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of glutathione complex in Alloxan induced diabetic rats. Thirty albino rats (weighing 120-130g) were divided into six groups of five rats each: Group one serves as normal control, group two served as diabetic control while Group three, four and five were diabetic and administered with 2.4mg/kg body weight, 3.6mg/kg body weight and 4.8mg/kg body weight respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 4 weeks on daily basis. Serum glucose level was measured at an interval of three days throughout the period of the experiment. Results obtained showed that administration of Glutathione Complex to diabetic rats caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum glucose level compared to diabetic control. These results suggest that administration of Glutathione Complex to diabetic rats may help reverse the complications of diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Alloxan, Diabetes, Glucose and Glutathione Complex DOI: 10.7176/ALST/84-03 Publication date: December 31st 202

Book Chapter Review: Hate Speech and Nigeria’s Struggle for Democratic Consolidation: A Conceptual Review

Disinformation and hate speech or dislike are not new to Nigerian polity. However, since the internet revolution in recent decades, 2015 is seen as the year Nigeria “finally woke up to the threat of disinformation and the way internet technologies are secretly and subtly used to undermine democracy” (White & Elliott, 2018, p.5). Since then, whenever national, state or local council elections approach, Nigeria experiences tense and difficult times – chaos, crises, conflicts, media propaganda, hate comments and false information climax thereby exposing the heightened political horse-trading, war against systemic and widespread corruption, debilitating poverty, weak institutions, threats of secession, etc. that are already nibbling at the country’s fragile peace and unity. Because of the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and the attendant ‘relative’ democratisation of access and participation, election times in Nigeria should ideally be the time for the free flow of genuine, verified political information and tolerance. However, like in many other African countries, it is during these times that Nigeria wrestles with the rise in ethnic politics, regionalism and smear campaign that often escalate to the extent of threatening the country’s political framework. Using a critical review of extant literature, this chapter provides further understanding on the impacts and processes of fake news and hate speech in Nigeria especially during political activities. Keywords: Disinformation, Fake news, Hate speech, Nigerian democratic process DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/87-01 Publication date: January 31st 202

Architecture and Infectious Diseases: Setting-up a Multipurpose Isolation Facility in Nigerian Hospitals

The high and continuous spread of infectious disease such as Corona virus (COVID-19) has affected public health globally. The preparedness of hospitals in the face of this situation is a problem in the Nigerian context, hospitals were faced with the problems of lack of viral containment spaces to isolate suspected cases and treat the infected patients. This research aims at exploring the design requirements and configurations of a multipurpose infectious disease isolation centre in Nigerian hospitals with a view to develop a framework for setting-up of infectious disease isolation facility in Nigerian hospitals. The research objectives are as follows: (1) To identify the functional spaces in isolation centres of Nigerian hospitals, (2) To determine the principles of configuration and design considerations in setting up of isolation centres in Nigerian hospitals and (3) To develop a framework or a model for the setting-up of IDIC in Nigerian hospitals. The above objectives were achieved through the employment of a qualitative research approach. An in-depth interview was conducted, the data was analysed using the thematic coding analysis. Results from qualitative analysis were reported in tables and narrative report, content analysis was also conducted. The result of the analysis reveals that an isolation centre should be zoned into four parts, namely: (1) Triage, (2) Green zone (safe zone), (3) Yellow zone (Semi-safe) and (4) Red zone (danger zone). The suspect bay should be in single rooms and that no more than one suspected patient should be in the same room. There is need for a molecular laboratory in the facility. There is need for negative pressure rooms for respiratory infections. The use of high efficiency particulate Air-condition (HEPA) is necessary for decontamination of indoor air before discharge. There is also a need for large open space to cater for watery diseases like cholera

Prevalence of Vaginal Candidiasis among Pregnant Women with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Maiduguri

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidiasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and clinical features associated with abnormal vaginal discharge and C. albicans infection in pregnant women.METHODS: High vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological characteristics were collected from 400 pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge at booking clinic of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software.RESULTS: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was 31.5%. The frequency of abnormal vaginal discharge was 183 (45.8%) among those aged 20-24 years, 291 (72.8%) in multipara, 223 (55.8%) in those with Primary education and 293 (73.2%) in unemployed. Vulval pruritus 300 (75.0%) was significantly related to abnormal vaginal discharge (P<0.001). The prevalence of C. albicans was 41%. The frequencies of Vulval itching, Dyspareunia and vulval excoriation among those with candidiasis were 151 (50.3%), 14 (56.0%) and 75 (75.0%) respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy was high in this study and C. albicans was the commonest cause. It is recommended that a pregnant woman complaining of abnormal vaginal discharge be assessed and Laboratory diagnosis done in order to give appropriate treatment. Erratum Note: Ibrahim SM, Mohammed B, Yahaya M, Audu BM, Ibrahim HA on the article ”Prevalence of VaginalCandidiasis among Pregnant Women with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Maiduguri” on Page Nig. J. Med2013. 138-142. Should read: Ibrahim SM, Bukar M, Mohammed Y, Audu BM, Ibrahim HM

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women in Maiduguri, North‑Eastern Nigeria

Objective: This study determined the prevalence and socio‑demographic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge.Study Design: Descriptive cross‑sectional study.Setting: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.Materials and Methods: Vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological risk factors were collected from 400 consecutive pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi‑square (χ2) and Fisher’s exact tests while P < 0.05 was considered significant at 95.0% confidence level.Result: The prevalence of BV among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge was 17.3%. Age 20‑24 years, multigravidity, lack of western education and unemployment were associated with increased prevalence of BV. Yellowish, watery vaginal discharge (P = 0.001) was associated with BV. Dysuria, dyspareunia and lower abdominal tenderness were associated with BV (P = 0.001). Fifty three (77%) of patients had BV during the second trimester compared to 6 (9%) who had it in the 1st trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.012).Conclusion: The high prevalence of BV in this study may necessitate adequate screening of pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in order to give appropriate treatment and avoid complications associated with it.Key words: Bacterial vaginosis, pregnancy, vaginal discharg

Role of Computer in Instruction, Assessment and Administrative Delivery of Education Goals in the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Information and Communication Technologies have come to transform and reshape the school structures, curriculum, pedagogies, assessment and evaluation. Despite these advantages, very few institution of learning in Nigeria have been able to explore the inherent benefits of ICT to the fullest. The quest to attain Educational ends in response to the fast changing Society has indeed become a great challenge to the Nigerian Curriculum. Instructional delivery is the bridge between understanding and assimilation of knowledge. It is no longer news that developed Nations have moved from Desktop Computing Technology to what is now known as Cloud and Automated Computing and recently Computer Based Test (CBT). Improving the instructional delivery method requires whole lot of work. To this effect, this paper focuses on the ways to transform the Traditional driven methods of instructional and administrative delivery which in all ramification inactive. There are barriers hindering wholesome ICT integration in the University of Maiduguri such as inadequate power supply, lack of fund to equip schools, leadership focus and direction. Perhaps when the Universities, Government and stakeholders surmount these barriers, then we can propel to that paperless classroom. The paper further demonstrates how instructional delivery via computer transforms the thinking and impact on learners and general administration of Schools. It reflects on some of the impact and challenges of using CBI, CAI, CBT and recommends an optimum solution to the adaptation and use of the new Technologies to improve learning, evaluation and administrative delivery in the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Keywords: Instructional Delivery, Administrative delivery, Computer Based Instruction,Computer Based Tes