Election Violence and Voter Turnout in 2019 General Elections: What Role for Political Parties?

This study examines the incidence of electoral violence and its resultant effects on voter turnout in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, with the role of political parties as the focal point of discussion. A review of election data shows; voter turnout has been on the decline from 69% in 2003 to 35% in 2019. While a handful of factors could be responsible, the study ascribes its prevalence to the antic’s political parties (incumbent and opposition) and politicians who deliberately deploy violence as an electoral strategy. To account for the relationship between, political parties, electoral violence and voter turn-out, the study builds on theories of voter mobilization in and advanced and emerging democracies. Against this, it concludes in the absence of enduring party-voter relations in Nigeria, political parties and politicians alike, resort to vote buying, mobilization of political thugs and in other times deployment of state coercive apparatus to intimidate opponents all of which culminates into electoral irregularities which has the potency to instigate electoral violence. This in turn has in amongst others adversely affected voter turn-out as rightly observed over five electoral cycles

THE SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE OF “JEEDOâ€AMONG ELDERLY WOMEN IN BAUCHI EMIRATE OF NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract Population ageing has been identified as one of the most potential crises across the globe that requires urgent attention.  One of the most crucial issues related to this development is the issue of the quality life of older adults. The study describes a spiritual practice among elderly women that has stood the test of time, referred to as Jeedo. The study uses participatory research methods and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that, the Jeedo has been practiced for over two hundred as system of spiritual devotion and getting closer to Allah (SWT) in preparation for death. The practice has eventually expanded into a formidable network of elderly women who are devoted to the service of the society and mutual help within them. It is recommended that, with empowerment sensitization and change of attitude the Jeedo can be modelled across the eastern Nigeria and beyond.        Â

A Systematic Review of Cryptocurrency Scholarship

AbstractPurpose – The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systemic review of extant cryptocurrency research in order to identify important features of these studies and to provide directions for future cryptocurrency research. Methodology - The Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique (SQAT) was used to identify and review relevant peer-reviewed journal articles that investigated various facets of cryptocurrency.Findings – 54 journal articles were identified from 12 high-quality databases. The findings of the review revealed that most of the studies took place in Europe, North America and Asia, while Africa has been largely ignored. The main focus of cryptocurrency articles has been on a call for regulation of cryptocurrency without much work done on how to mitigate its vulnerability to the financing of terrorism and as a tool for money laundering. Finally, most cryptocurrency articles adopted a single research method – survey. There is a need for future studies to combine a variety of methods so as to gain additional insight into the issues of cryptocurrency’s vulnerability, risk identification and mitigation, regulation and acceptability.Research limitations - The use of limited but high quality academic databases means that some articles were not considered for this review.Originality/value – This study is one of the few studies to conduct a systematic review on a phenomenon which has the potential to transform the global financial landscape. Keywords – Cryptocurrency, Systematic review, Regulation.JEL Classification – G23, G38

Developing A Nigerian Local Government Through Economic Gardening: A Roadmap

Economic Gardening is an innovative economic development strategy whereby local businesses are fostered and encouraged, and the skills of local workers are upgraded. Since its inception in Littleton, Colorado in 1989, this concept has been put forward by various scholars as a viable and more sustainable economic development strategy than the traditional business attraction strategy. Various implementation experiences have provided further evidence of its effectiveness in improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of a community. This paper charts a roadmap for the development and future implementation of an economic gardening strategy for a Nigerian local government whose officials have shown an interest in adopting such a strategy. A seven-step process was adopted from a review of economic gardening scholarship: 1) Working hand-in-hand with local government officials and other stakeholders, 2) Identifying the community’s assets, 3) Developing a collaborative effort amongst all stakeholders, 4) Developing a clear and transparent operating agreement, 5) Identifying the key targets for services, 6) Developing an effective way to deliver these services, and 7) Communicating regularly with the community so as to gain and retain their support. A lack of political will and a lack of adequate infrastructure were identified as the two biggest obstacles to the successful implementation of the economic gardening strategy in the local government. The first obstacle was mitigated by the fact that it was the local government officials who approached our team to develop the strategy, whilst the second obstacle was mitigated by a proposal for the development of a solar farm within the local government via a public-private partnership with an international solar firm. It is hoped that a successful implementation of this strategy will improve the lives of the inhabitants of the local government and serve as an example for other Nigerian local governments

An investigation into the tension lap splices

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of lap joint length on structural performance under ultimate load using both nonlinear numerical analysis and laboratory experiments. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models were employed for the numerical simulations, which were carried out using LUSAS software. A typical four-point bending system was modelled in order to analyze the impact of lap length. In total, 24 cases of lap length were studied across three concrete grades: C30, C45, and C60. The study also examined the influence of beam depth, shear link spacing, and concrete grade on lap joint performance. In order to validate the reliability of the 3D model, experimental data from RC beam test specimens were used

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of the Root Extract of Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A. Rich.) Wild & R.B.Drumm

Plant secondary metabolites have provided important bioactive principles for developing new lead compounds. Within their confinement, they exhibit unique chemical diversity, which influences their diverse biological properties. The Vitaceae family is known for its potent antioxidant and antibacterial phytoconstituents, among other biological properties. Cyphostemma adenocaule is one of the family members explored for its ethnomedicinal properties. This study undertook the evaluation of the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of the root extract of Cyphostemma adenocaule. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates & glycoside, saponins, and tannins. The methanol root extract had the highest activity in the DPPH assay, providing IC50 (50% inhibition) of 10.87µg/ml, followed by n-Hexane (IC50 74.10µg/ml) and chloroform (IC50 74.31µg/ml) extract. In the antibacterial assay, the chloroform extract was active against E. coli (24.00±0.15) and had moderate activity against Staph. aureus (12.5±0.18). The n-Hexane extract was completely inactive against the test organisms while the methanol extract showed poor activity against the test organisms. The present study adds to the existing literature on Cyphostemma adenocaule with scientific evidence into its biological properties

In vivo ameliorative effect of methanolic extract of Boswellia dalzielli Hutch (Mebdh) stem bark on Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases and ischemia that leading to high rates of mortalities. Conventionally, hyperlipidemia is managed using agents that facilitate the clearance of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TAG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) from the body. Despite the use of these drugs, the disease still remained a global burden that affects the quality of life. The current study was done to investigate hypolipidemic properties of the methanolic extract of Boswellia dalzielli hutch (MEBDH) stem bark in rodents. The phytochemicals of the MEBDH were screened and determined qualitatively before performing acute toxicity study to determine the LD50 of the extract. Twenty five male albino rats 2-3 months old (150-210) g were distributed randomly into five groups [Group 1: normal control received 200 μL normal saline daily for 3 weeks, Group 2: hyperlipidemic control induced by a single dose of Triton X-100 (150 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously, followed by oral administration of 200 μL normal saline daily for 3 weeks. Group 2 and 4: hyperlipidemic rats treated orally with MEBDH (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) respectively for 21 days. Group 5: hyperlipidemic rats treated with Simvastatin (5 mg/kg body weight) daily throughout the experimental period as positive control]. Administration of the extract did not cause any mortality regardless of the dose. However, the extract caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in TC, TAG and LDL-cholesterol levels in the treated rats. The decrease observed is significantly lower than that of untreated rats. In contrast, the level of HDL increased significantly (p<0.05) after treating the rats with the MEBDH stem bark. The extract of MEBDH possessed hypolipidemic agents and could be the potential substitute hyperlipidemic agents with side effect.Keywords: Albino Rats, Atherosclerosis, Boswellia dalzielli hutch, Coronary Heart Disease, Hyperlipidemia, Triton X10

Analysis of a mathematical model of the population dynamics of drug addiction among youths

Drug addiction amongst youths has been identified as one of the global menace that has affected negatively the development and productivity of young people which has come to stay from time pass to the present day and has resulted to various behavioural disorder such as criminality, psychiatric issues and death. In this paper, a 5 sub-class model is formulated to analyze the population dynamics of drug addiction among youths and the effect of addiction on their development and productivity towards contributing their quota to the human population. The model was developed using ordinary differential equations approach. It was determined that the basic reproduction number which is a vital tool for measuring the impact of drug addiction in human was obtained using the next generation operator method. Stability analysis was carried out and it was discovered that drug-free equilibrium exists and it was shown to be locally and globally asymptotically stable whenever effective basic reproduction number is less than one; and unstable whenever effective basic reproduction number is greater than one. It was discovered that drug abuse persisted among youths and are both locally and globally asymptotically stable whenever effective basic reproduction number is greater than one and unstable whenever effective basic reproduction number is less than one

Extensive central nervous system tuberculosis in ahypertensive, immunocompetentpatient: diagnostic challenges and imaging review. A case report

Extensive central nervous system tuberculosis is rare especially in immunocompetent adults. This is a case of a 43-year old female hypertensive, HIV-negative patient, who presented with on and off throbbing headache, dizziness and occasional blurring of six months. No other associated systemic symptoms. General, central nervous and other systemic examinations were remarkably within normal limit. Craniocerebral computed tomography revealed features of widespread central nervous system tuberculoma. Patient was successfully treated with directly observed anti-tuberculosis short course treatment for six months.Keywords: Hypertension, Central Nervous System Tuberculoma, Craniocerebral Computed Tomography, HIV-Negative, Directly Observed Anti-Tuberculosis Short Course Therap

Reinforced Concrete Design with Stainless Steel

In the design of reinforced concrete structures, the bond property is crucial. This is important for achieving the composite action between the two materials constituents, allowing loads to be efficiently transmitted. The higher strain hardening and ductility capacity of stainless steel over mild steel are one of its major benefits. International design codes, such as Eurocode 2, do not provide a separate design model for concrete structures with stainless reinforcing bars. The background paper to Eurocode 2 highlighted that there is no technical reason of why the Eurocode 2 design model cannot be used in conjunction with other types of reinforcement, provided allowance is made for their properties and behaviour. While this notion is valid when using a mild steel reinforcing bar, it produces erroneous results when a stainless reinforcing bar with a lap splice is used in a reinforced concrete section. Even though there has been a large number of studies on the behaviour of structure with stainless steel in recent years, most of it has been on plain stainless-steel members rather than reinforced concrete or stainless-steel reinforced concrete with lap splice. As a result, the purpose of this chapter is to evaluate and compare the behaviour of stainless and mild steel reinforced concrete with and without lap splices