The creative director and re-interpretation of the text: A performance of James Ene Henshaw's A Song to Mary Charles as paradigm

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Theatre and Cultural Education as Panacea for Nigeria’s Fractured Peace: Ofo na Ogu as Paradigm

Ofo na Ogu are Igbo cultural concepts that symbolize righteousness and uprightness. They are used in Igbo Sociocultural and religious discourse to stake claims of innocence hence the aim of this work is to examine the appropriation of these cultural motifs in Igbo literary drama and theatre. How can a creative use of these motifs serve as a unifying force for a nation at the throes of disintegration? Can the invocation of these symbolic objects help in the attempt to ensure high moral standards, especially in public offices? These and some others will be the issues which this paper will be attempting to address

Critical appraisal of dabigatran in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of dabigatran to warfarin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease comprised of two conditions: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. VTE is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an annual incidence estimated at 1–3 cases per 1,000 individuals. This incidence increases with age from 0.1 per 1,000 in adolescence to eight per 1,000 in those 80 years of age and older. As the proportion of patients 65 years of age and older expands, the number of patients presenting with VTE will also increase. Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of VTE treatment. Traditionally, vitamin K antagonists have been used to minimize the risk of thrombus extension and for secondary prevention. Unpredictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, routine monitoring, drug–food and drug–drug interactions, and potentially severe adverse events have all been cited as barriers to optimal care. Dabigatran has been proposed as a suitable alternative to warfarin therapy in the treatment of VTE. Therefore, a critical appraisal of dabigatran’s safety and efficacy is necessary to determine its role in therapy. Conclusion Dabigatran remains an alternative to warfarin therapy for the treatment of VTE. However, dabigatran also has distinct disadvantages that warrant consideration. Clinicians must ensure that drug characteristics align with patient characteristics to optimize patient outcomes

Comparative Analysis of Expenditures of Male-Headed and Female-Headed Cassava-Based Farm Households in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria

The study analyzed expenditures of male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: describe socio-economic characteristics of male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households in the study area; analyze budget share and expenditure elasticity in male-headed and female-headed cassava based farm households and analyze determinants of expenditure in male-headed and female-headed cassava-based farm households’ in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selection of 70 male-headed and 70 female-headed cassava-based farm households, from whom data were elicited using structured and pre-tested questionnaire that was self-administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budget shares and expenditure elasticity analysis and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression model, The budget shares and expenditure elasticity analysis revealed that Marginal Budget Share (MBS) was higher than the Average Budget Share (ABS) in expenditure items of shelter, health, clothing, education and utilities in male-headed cassava farm households. Similarly, the MBS was higher than the ABS for some expenditure items (shelter, health, education and utilities) in female-headed farm households. The result of OLS multiple regression estimation revealed that expenditures in male-headed cassava farm households were influenced by age, level of education attainment, household size and income. While, expenditures in female-headed cassava farm households were influenced by farm size, age, educational level and access to credit. Special recognition should be made in providing for clothing expenditure in both male-headed and female-headed households to alleviate poverty and improve the living standard of women in farm households. Keywords: Expenditure, Male-headed households, female-headed households, Cassava, Farmer

ICT Competence and Use of Digital Library by Post Graduate Students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the relationship between ICT competence and the use of digital library by postgraduate students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted a Correlation design. The population of the study comprised 1800 postgraduates in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 210 Postgraduates. Four specific objectives, four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A structured questionnaire was designed for data collection. Simple Linear Regression was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result obtained revealed a significant relationship between internet browsing competence and use of digital library, the strength of relationship was (R = .841); Electronic Database competence and use of digital library, the strength of relationship was (R = .713); Social media (LinkedIn & Pinterest) competence and use of digital library, the strength of relationship was (R = .890); and content sharing competence and use of digital library the strength of relationship was (R = .820). From the findings, the study concluded that there is a significant relationship between ICT competence and the use of digital library among postgraduate students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study recommends among others that effective steps should be taken to encourage the postgraduate students to utilize the electronic databases so that the huge sum invested in subscribing for these databases will not be a waste. It was further recommended that library management should organise a training workshop on the importance of electronic databases, its uses and how to filter search by keywords. IAUE Digital library should lecture users on the importance of information sharing, through the use of Pinterest, LinkedIn and content sharing as they are the heavy hitter of information promulgation

Use of Networking Apps and Knowledge Sharing among Librarians in University of Port Harcourt

The study investigated the use of networking applications for knowledge sharing among librarians in University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The purpose was to identify the types of networking apps used, the extent of use, perceived benefits, and problems associated with the use of networking apps for knowledge sharing. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised the total of 25 librarians (both practicing & teaching staff). Structured Questionnaire was used as primary instrument for data collection. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics of arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The study however identifies email apps, whatsapp, facebook app, instagram app, zoom app, and tweeter app as the types of networking apps used for knowledge sharing, but only few persons used linkedin app and skype app. The study also shows that email apps, whatsapp, facebook app, instagram app and tweeter app were used frequently due to some identified benefits to include ease of use, cost effectiveness, speed of access and retrieval, automatic storage and preservation, external and internal communication and collaboration amongst others. In spite of these overwhelming benefits, high cost of networking devices/subscription, lack of interest, lack of skills, inadequate internet access, fear of criticism and others still militate against the use of networking apps for knowledge sharing among librarians. The study thus recommends adequate capacity building on the use of emerging networking applications for knowledge sharing for all librarians to keep pace with new media. Also, the culture, enthusiasm and the willingness to share knowledge using networking apps should be developed among librarians

RAMSWay Safe Path

RAMSWay promotes safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a series of safe walkways connecting key locations, such as classroom buildings, gyms, libraries, residence halls, and parking decks, on Virginia Commonwealth University’s sprawling urban campus. RAMSWay paths are designed to be consistent with the theoretical framework referred to as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). CPTED suggests that altering the physical design of communities or areas in which people congregate can deter criminal activity. CPTED-compliant landscaping and lighting, security features (e.g., cameras, ERTs phones), and increased police presence on the paths promote the sense of safety. Further, increased foot traffic provides safety in numbers, consistent with VCU’s current Bystander Intervention initiative. VCU branded RAMSWay aluminum signs will designate walkways on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, showing pedestrians a preferred route. When traveling on RAMSWay, members of the VCU community will have more opportunities to interface with VCU Police, pass by ERTs phones, and share the route with fellow students, faculty, and staff. By using the path, we all help do our part to promote safety on our campus. Existing organizations and communication platforms, such as VCU University Relations, Student Government Association, VCU Mobile and LiveSafe, will promote the use of RAMSWay to the VCU community. RAMSWay will be executed in coordination with VCU Police and VCU Facilities

Youth Education and Intercultural Interaction as Panacea to Ethnic Conflict: Theatre to the Rescue

It is obvious that broad world view provided by education can douse tension, discrimination, reduce hate speech and minimize aggression. Education is a weapon of mass instruction and has been powerful enough to push ignorance to the background. More so, it has become a prime function of education to illuminate the world with ideas and in its nature to unite the world through inventions and technological developments. Arguably, education has also introduced strange norms and vices especially among youth circles. But, because habits are hard to modify, the onus falls on the theatre that thrives on burlesques, parody, polar attitudes and modification of character to use the stage effectively for correction and preservation. Methodically, this paper x-rays selected theatre performances that have tried to reduce ethnic conflicts in Nigeria using the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO) as theoretical backings. Through role playing on stage and in the classroom, the paper redirects the attention of the youth and government towards reorientation and sustainable values. The findings reveal that theatre has the capacity to influence minds and can engineer behavioral change which by extension ensures peaceful co-existence and sustainable developments. Thus, the paper recommends that History, Culture and Youth Education be incorporated in the secondary school curriculum. Also, if theatre performances with topical themes are sponsored for the benefit of the youths, it will increase tolerance. The research concludes that performing youth education in the classroom, at grass root level and public spaces will subtly promote nation building and integration

The mythological phenomenon of death in Esiaba Irobi's The fronded circle: A metaphor for governance in Nigeria

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Umuada (Women) and Conflict Management in Isuokoma, Nigeria

Conflicts manifests in different levels and forms. The major actors in conflict are often men and youth. Unfortunately, the ladies suffer rape and loss of their husbands and sons, whenever conflicts escalate. This study highlights the role of Umuada Isuokoma in the Ojiegbe Ezza and Mgbalukwu-Obeagu Isu conflict. The study which used random sampling to gather interviews found that the conflict started in the eve of colonialism in Nigeria in 1910 and continued intermittently till 2007. It had devastating impact on communal development in the area, which forced women not only to pray but engage in widespread consultations that led to the resolution of the crisis. The study recommends multi-dimensional development of Isuokoma and the empowerment of Umuada Isuokoma through think-home philosophy.Keywords: Umuada, conflict, peace, development and Isuokom