Curbing Examination Malpractice in Secondary Schools in Nigeria through Moral Education

The study was designed as a survey into the act of examination malpractice among secondary school students in Nigeria. Examination malpractice has been seen as a cankerworm which has eaten deep into the fabric of all examination in Nigeria. The researcher however, has designed the teaching of moral education as an effective means of curbing the menace hence the problem is a moral issue. The study therefore revealed various ways by which the teaching of moral education could solve the menace of examination malpractice in Nigeria. Keywords: Curbing, Examination, Malpractice, Moral Education

Moral Decadence among Nigerian Youth and the Role of Parents and Schools: A Study On Urban Secondary School Students In Ebonyi State

Moral decadence among Nigerian youths and the role of parents and teachers is a search for the role parents and teachers could play in reduction and elimination of moral decadence among youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The area of the study is Abakaliki the capital of Ebonyi State. The population of the study is 300 teachers selected out of 845 teachers in the area. Simple random sampling technique was used for selection of the teachers. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data and mean used for data analysis. The results revealed among others that parents and teachers are capable of remoulding and shaping of youths moral behaviour; hence their active participation in character formation is required. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to remedy the situation Keywords: Moral decadence, Nigerian youths, Causes, Categories, Curbing strategy

Assessment of fertility status of soils under land use types in Egbema Area, Imo State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to investigate fertility status under four different land use types (oil palm plantation, pineapple orchard, cassava cultivated land and fallow land use system) in Umuekem, Ohaji/Egbema of Imo State, Nigeria. Composite samples were collected from various depths (10-15cm, 15-30cm, 30-45cm) across these land use patterns and analyzed in the laboratory using the standard procedure. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. Results obtained showed significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in silt-clay ratio, bulk density, total porosity, water holding capacity, soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, TN and ECEC across the four land use types studied. The soils were predominantly loamy sand surface and sandy clay loam in the subsoil exception of pineapple orchard with sandy loam topsoil over sandy clay loam subsoil. The silt clay ratio (SCR) showed ranges of 0.10-0.30, 0.10-0.36, 0.07 – 0.30, and 0.06- 0.20 in land use types of oil palm plantation, pineapple orchard, cassava cultivated land and fallow land respectively. The bulk density ranged of (1.61 – 1.77 g/cm3) for oil palm, (1.34 – 1.58 g/cm3) for pineapple (1.42 – 1.49 g/cm3) cassava and (1.45 – 1.48 g/cm3) in forest land use system. The soils of the four land use types were generally acidic. The mean values of soil pH (H20) were oil palm plantation (5.11), pineapple orchard (5.03), cassava cultivated land (5.35) and fallow land (5.40). The soil pH recorded low variation in all the land use types. The organic carbon and total nitrogen recorded high variation (>52.57% < 85.67%, >79.19 < 95.77) in all the different land use types. Calcium-magnesium ratio (Ca: Mg) recorded high variation (37.36%) in forest land use system, low variation (18.77%) in pineapple orchard and moderate in cassava (27.51%) and oil palm plantation (28.23). The low Ca: Mg ratio inhibits uptake and causes Ca deficiency thereby resulting in low fertility status of the soil. C: P recorded high variation (≥ 53.77% ≤ 77.73%) in all the studied land use types. O.C correlated positively and highly significant with available phosphorus, ECEC and T.N. The findings also indicated that bulk density correlated positively with ECEC and percentage base saturation. It is recommended that land use approach should be adopted for effective and sustainable management of the soil fertility. Keywords: Fertility status, Soils, Land use type

The Contribution of SARM1 to axonal degeneration in CNS inflammatory disorders

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in demyelination and axonal loss. Efficiently targeting mechanisms of axonal degeneration in MS has the potential to reduce disability but remains an unmet need. Prior research has identified the protein sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1) as a critical factor that promotes axonal destruction in the program of axonal degeneration known as Wallerian degeneration. SARM1 inactivation reduces axonal degeneration in a variety of contexts including traumatic and toxic injury, but it remains unknown to what extent SARM1 is involved in axonal degeneration triggered by CNS inflammation. METHODS: To test the hypothesis that SARM1 inactivation will reduce the burden of axonal degeneration associated with CNS inflammatory disorders, we first induced mice to have EAE and compared inflammation (CD3) and axonal damage (SMI-31/32, Beta APP) as compared to healthy control mice. We then studied experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Sarm1 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. We used mice hemizygous for the Thy1-YFP transgene to study axonal damage. Degenerating axons were identified by focal swelling or fragmentation. Beta-APP was also used as a marker of axonal injury. RESULTS: EAE mice had greater inflammation and axonal injury as compared to healthy mice. Sarm1 KO mice are susceptible to developing EAE, with incidence comparable to WT littermates. Analysis of YFP+ axons and Beta-APP showed that Sarm1 KO mice had axonal damage reduced compared to WT littermates. CONCLUSION: Sarm1 is highly expressed in the brain. Preliminary data suggest that SARM1 inactivation may minimize axonal degeneration in CNS inflammatory disorders such as EAE. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefit

How Does Ethnicity Influence Entrepreneurship Opportunity Formation Amongst Immigrant Entrepreneurs In Dublin?

In today’s world, entrepreneurship is considered an engine of growth and government policies shape the ecosystems and environments that facilitate entrepreneurial activity (Minniti, 2008). Thus, entrepreneurship is of increasing importance to policy makers and academic researchers due to its influence on economic growth. There has been a significant change in migration patterns over the last half century and the rate of immigration between countries has increased dramatically in recent years. This has also resulted in a dramatic increase in the rate that immigrants engage and practice entrepreneurial activities in their host countries. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on the value and the processes of immigrant entrepreneurial activity. An increasing area of interest within immigrant entrepreneurship theory is the role of ethnicity. For example, studies by Brett (2002), Fenton (2010) and Guibernau and Rex (2010) have identified that ethnicity plays an important role in the nature of entrepreneurial activity undertaken by immigrants. However, within each of these studies, what has not been studied is how ethnicity influences entrepreneurship opportunity formation from an immigrant entrepreneurship perspective. It is this gap in the literature that this thesis is seeking to address. This thesis reviews literature in the areas of entrepreneurship theory, entrepreneurial opportunity formation, immigrant entrepreneurship and ethnicity. Through the reviewed literature, a framework was established which served as a basis for analysis of the data generated through the primary research. The primary research took place in Dublin which involved in-depth interviews with 1st Generation immigrant entrepreneurs from four different countries (Brazil, Nigerian, Poland and Pakistan). The selection criteria for these ethnic groups was underpinned by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) report in 2016, which recognised that these are the biggest immigrant communities in Ireland. Each of these groups was represented by 5 participants who identified 4 themselves as immigrant entrepreneurs with a functioning business in Dublin. The rationale for the sample size was underpinned by past phenomenological studies where sample sizes numbering from 3 to 10 were used (Dukes, 1984; Edwards et al., 2006; Edwards, 2006; Lester, 1999; Padilla, 2003; Polkinghome, 1989; Porter; 1999). Similarly, Creswell and Poth (2017) show that participants in a phenomenological study are much narrower (e.g. 5-25). The data was prepared for analysis using NVivo software and was subsequently analysed manually, while the investigation undertaken used Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis of the data identified a number of interesting patterns and ideas that were unrecognised by previous research studies based on the reviewed literature. One of these was the discovery made of ‘enablers’ and ‘threats’ as multifaceted impacts of ethnicity on immigrant entrepreneurial practices. Another finding was that the concept of ethnicity as a genetic component (Afa’anwi-Ma’abo-Che, 2016; Kennedy, 2018) had direct, indirect and remote influence on participants in the study. To enable future researchers to build from this work, a new model was developed which is presented in detail in the latter stages of this thesis. This is the primary contribution to academic knowledge that the thesis makes. The thesis makes an additional valuable theoretical contribution by proposing a more robust definition for entrepreneurship opportunity formation, which is believed to have met the criteria in Low and MacMillan (1988). The thesis advances existing knowledge by highlighting that entrepreneurial ethnocentric ideas, behaviours and attitudes are uniquely identifiable in the career choices of the participants. However, the limitations to this work are also recognised and proposals are offered regarding future research opportunities

Teachers’ Perception on the Dimensions of Moral Decadence among Secondary School Students in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study deals with teachers’ perceptions on the dimension of moral decadence among secondary school students in Ebony state of Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey designed which aimed at finding teachers’ perception on moral decadence among secondary school students. Ebonyi is the area of the study. Population of the study comprised all the Christian religious teachers in the area which is estimated at 322. 200 CRS teachers were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondent and mean and standard deviation were used to analyse data. The study revealed that there are many forms of decadence among secondary school students in Ebonyi, the causes of the decadence were revealed as well as possible strategies for restoring the problem. Based on the above findings recommendations were made to restore good morals among students. Keywords: Teachers’ Perception, Dimensions, Moral, Decadence

Effects of Non Indigene Discrimination on Contemporary Nigerian Society: Christian Religious Knowledge Perspective

This paper was designed to look into the non-indigene discrimination that migrated into Nigerian society from European countries. Non indigene saga is a new trend that has threatened the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria as a pluralistic nation. The paper further explores the causes, forms and effects of non indigene discriminations. It also considered the role of religion as a stabilizer of the social problem that has eaten deep into the socio-cultural life of Nigerian society

Impact of Nigerian Home Video/Movie Industry on the Moral Behaviours of Secondary School Students in Ebonyi State of Nigeria

Impact of home video/movie industry on the moral behaviour of secondary school students is a search for the impact of home video in moral upbringing of school children. The study adopted a survey design approach of investigation: The area of study is Ebonyi State and the population comprised all the 322 CRS teachers in the state. 200 teachers were selected out of 322 teachers in the government owned secondary schools using purposive sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents and mean used to analyze data obtained. The result revealed that Nigerian video/movie has negative impact on the moral behaviour of school children in Ebonyi State and the impact could be ameliorating through effective teachings of Christian moral education among others. Based on the findings, recommendations wee made on how to direct the usage of home video so that it will influence students’ life positively. This forms the major contribution of the study. Keywords: Impact, Nigerian Home Video, Moral Behaviour

Removal of Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions by grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Mesocarp Biomass

The surface characteristics of Citrus paradisi (grapefruit mesocarp biomass) on the biosorption of Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution were studied adopting a batch reactor technique. The dried  grapefruit mesocarp biomass was characterized using phytochemical screening and Fourier Transform  Infra – Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The results of the characterization revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides. Furthermore, the FTIR spectrum pattern of the biomass  showed broad and sharp absorption peaks indicating the existence of functional groups like – OH, C=O, C-H, C-O, N-H, etc. The biosorption process was found to be pH, time and concentration dependent. The rate of biosorption was higher in Ni (II) ion than Pb (II) ion. The result of the  equilibrium modeling showed that the biosorption process fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm equation indicating a muiltilayer biosorption. The mechanism of the biosorption process followed pseudo – second – order kinetic model equation with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999 for Ni (II) ion and 0.991 for Pb (II) ion  respectively. Thermodynamic parameters determined showed that the biosorption of Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions on the surface of the biomass was an exothermic and spontaneous process. The rate of biosorption was found to decrease with increasing temperature. The results showed that the dried grapefruit mesocarp biomass was efficient and effective in the biosorption of Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions and is recommended to be applied in wastewaters.Keywords: Citrus paradisi, biosorption, metal ions, characterization, mechanism

Heterogeneous mixtures for synthetic antenna substrates

Heterogeneous mixtures have the potential to be used as synthetic substrates for antenna applications giving the antenna designer new degrees of freedom to control the permittivity and/or permeability in three dimensions such as by a smooth variation of the density of the inclusions, the height of the substrate and the manufacture the whole antenna system in one process. Electromagnetic, fabrication, environmental, time and cost advantages are potential especially when combined with nano-fabrication techniques. Readily available and cheap materials such as Polyethylene and Copper can be used in creating these heterogeneous materials. These advantages have been further explained in this thesis. In this thesis, the research presented is on canonical, numerical and measurement analysis on heterogeneous mixtures that can be used as substrates for microwave applications. It is hypothesised that heterogeneous mixtures can be used to design bespoke artificial dielectric substrates for say, patch antennas. The canonical equations from published literature describing the effective permittivity, ε_eff and effective permeability, μ_eff of heterogeneous mixtures have been extensively examined and compared with each other. Several simulations of homogenous and heterogeneous media have been carried out and an extraction/inversion algorithm applied to find their ε_eff and μ_eff. Parametric studies have been presented to show how the different variables of the equations and the simulations affect the accuracy of the results. The extracted results from the inversion process showed very good agreement with the known values of the homogenous media. Numerically and canonically computed values of ε_eff and μ_eff of various heterogeneous media were shown to have good agreement. The fabrication techniques used in creating the samples used in this research were examined, along with the different measurement methods used in characterising their electromagnetic properties via simulations and measurements. The challenges faced with these measurement methods were explained including the possible sources of error. Patch antennas were used to investigate how the performance of an antenna may be affected by heterogeneous media with metallic inclusions. The performance of the patch antenna was not inhibited by the presence of the metallic inclusions in close proximity. The patch measurement was also used as a measurement technique in determining the ε_eff of the samples