Deities in a Changing Igbo Society: Ndi Nsukka, 1960-2016

Okonkwo Christopher Eze 국립민속박물관 2018 International Journal of Intangible Heritage Vol.13 No.-

Deities have always been an important factor in the socio-politicallife of the Nsukka people, defining and regulating inter-personaland inter-group relations. In other words, the institution ensuredthat there were cordial relationships not only at the horizontalbut also at the vertical levels of society. Deities were, therefore,believed to have provided Nsukka - and the entire Igbo - withan ultimate vision of themselves and the world. This institutionthat hitherto promoted peace and harmony among the peoplethrough its impartiality in administrating justice and arbitration,has, in recent years, been faced with relentless attacks fromorganised religion – particularly from Christianity. Unfortunately,this aspect of Nsukka history has been neglected, uninvestigatedand unharvested. As a result of this, our knowledge of thishitherto time-honoured institution is patchy and distorted. Thisstudy explores this neglected area so as to broaden and enrichour knowledge of the history of the Nsukka people. The year1960 is chosen as the commencement date for this study fortwo obvious reasons. It witnessed Nigeria’s independence whichwas expected to have ushered in a cultural rebirth that wouldencourage Nsukka people to reorganise their violated godsor battered deities. With the establishment of the University ofNigeria, Nsukka in 1960, numerous Christian sects ‘invaded’ anddrew huge numbers of converts from the indigenous people. Theyear 2016 marks the end of the study because of the landmarkevents which culminated in two young men committing suicideapparently at the instance of a deity. Apart from depleting thenumbers of traditionalists, some misguided and overzealousChristian converts, under spurious guises, have blatantlydestroyed and burnt some effigies of sacred deities. Ironically,some of these apostates have had recourse to return to thesedeities in times of challenges and troubles. Such patronageof deities would seem to have sustained their relevance in thelives of the traditionalists in the Nsukka cultural zone. Ratherthan disappearing, as claimed by the universal religions, deitieshave continued to soldier on in Nsukka, just as they have doneelsewhere in Igboland. The focus of this study is to examine thecontinued relevance of these deities in this age of Christianityand westernisation.

FROM THE COPENHAGEN ACCORD TO THE PARIS AGREEMENT: REACHING CONCORD ON A SINGLE DOCUMENT

( Theodore Okonkwo ) 고려대학교 법학연구원 2017 Korea University Law Review Vol.21 No.-

The Accord de Paris, popularly known as the Paris Agreement, Paris Climate Accord or Paris Climate Agreement, which was concluded on December 12, 2013, marks the first accomplished climate action within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that has determined to deal with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020. This article appraises the Paris Agreement. First, it juxtaposes the Paris Agreement in the background of the 2009 Copenhagen Accord and the 2010 Cancun Agreements. The article then provides analytical standpoint and brief discussion of existing scholarly literature in the field. It addresses the United States withdrawal from the Agreement. Finally, it examines in detail the outcome and key features of the Agreement. The article concludes with a thought on the likely future and prospects of the Paris Agreement and whether the parties to the Accord possess the political will to tackle the climate change impacts.

Pattern of Sexual Dimorphism in Garcinia kola (Heckel) Plantation

Henry Onyebuchi Okonkwo,Godwin Ejakhe Omokhua,Uzoma Darlington Chima 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2022 Journal of Forest Science Vol.38 No.4

A study was designed to investigate the pattern of sexual dimorphism in a plantation of Garcinia kola. Twenty trees were randomly selected for the study and have been observed to flower regularly. A total of 100 inflorescence were randomly collected from the crown of each tree and 500 flowers randomly assessed within the period of four (4) flowering seasons. Floral sex assessment was done visually and with a hand magnifying lens; floral morphometric measurements (i.e. pedicel and perianth length and breadth), inflorescence length, and breadth) was taken using a veneer caliper; number of flowers per inflorescence and inflorescence per twig was counted; while, data analysis was conducted on excel using analysis of variance and pairwise t-test comparison. Four floral sexes were identified in the G. kola plantation studied which were unisexual male flowers, unisexual female flowers, cosexual unisexual male flowers, and cosexual hermaphrodite flowers. Three tree sexes were identified viz: inconstant male, invariant female, and cosexual trees. The plantation was significantly sexually dimorphic in floral sex and phenotypic traits (i.e. pedicel and perianth size), and as well as sexually dimorphic in tree sex and reproductive phenotypic traits (i.e. inflorescence size, number of inflorescences per twig, and number of flower bud per inflorescence). The sexual system of the plantation was therefore trioecious with features suggestive of evolving dioecy through the gynodioecious pathway.

Reproductive Maturity Onset and Tree Size in a Garcinia kola (Heckel) Coastal Humid Tropical Climate Plantation

Henry Onyebuchi Okonkwo,Olubunmi Ayokunle Koyejo,Joseph Okechukwu Ariwaodo,Nsien Iniobong Bruno 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2023 Journal of Forest Science Vol.39 No.2

Little is known of the life history of Garcinia kola; the objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the fruiting age and tree size of the species in a coastal humid tropical climate plantation condition. A total 103 trees were used in the study viz; 80 ten-year-old trees at reproductive maturity onset and 13 thirty-year-old trees with several cycles of reproduction that constitute two independent variables. Data collected were age of onset of flowering and size at reproductive maturity onset. Relative size at reproductive maturity onset (RSOM) was estimated as size at reproductive maturity onset (SOM) divided by asymptotic maximal size (AMS). Data analysis was conducted using pairwise t-test and principal component analysis (PCA). Reproductive maturity onset (flowering) was recorded in the ten-year-old stand eight (8) years after planting. Mean size at reproductive maturity onset (SOM) was height 5.32±1.7 m, dbh 0.11±0.03 m, total number of branches was 29.6±7.3, crown depth 5.24±1.05 m, crown diameter was 4.78±0.7 m, branch diameter 0.098±0.01 m, leaf length 0.13±0.02 m, leaf breadth 0.37±0.01 m, twig length 0.35±0.11 m and leaf per twig 6±0.84 and asymptotic maximal size (AMS) was height 19.85±0.76 m, dbh 0.95±0.09 m, total number of branches 62±5, crown depth 18.83±0.7 m, crown diameter 12.5±1.64 m, branch diameter 0.5±1.6 m, leaf length 0.16±0.023 m, leaf breadth 0.45±0.12 m, twig length 0.37±0.11 m and leaf per twig 19±7.5. Pairwise t-test analysis showed there was significant differences between SOM and AMS in all growth factors except leaf length, leaf breadth, and twig length. Highest relative size at reproductive maturity onset (RSOM) was recorded in leaf length 0.82, twig length 0.82, and leaf breadth 0.80, while, the lowest was branch diameter 0.11. Four components out of the total of eleven were extracted to explain the relationship in RSOM: Principal component one (PC1) explained 37.23%; PC2 26.4%, PC3 22.73%, and PC4 13.64%.

Impact of polystyrene microplastic exposure on lipid profile and oxidative stress status of male and female Wistar rats

Udoka Chukwudubem Nnoruka,Chinedu Joseph Okonkwo,Ifenna Ilechukwu,Chioma Joy Okonkwo,Donatus Chuka Belonwu 환경독성보건학회 2022 환경독성보건학회지 Vol.37 No.3

Microplastics (MPs) are currently global environmental pollutants, and their associated health risks cannot be ignored. However, research on MP toxicity in mammals is limited. We investigated the effects of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) particles on the lipid profile and oxidative stress markers of Wistar rats. Two forms of PS-MP-pristine polystyrene and Styrofoam microplastics-particles of diameter <5 mm were used in this study. Each form was separately incorporated into rat feed in varying proportions of 1, 5 and 10%. A total of seventy rats (thirty-five male and thirty-five female rats) were used for this study and were separately distributed into seven groups of five rats each. The rats were then randomly assigned to a control group which received normal rat feed and water and six (6) test groups which were fed varying percentages (1, 5 and 10) of polystyrene microplastics diet for a period of 90 days. The rats were sacrificed under mild diethyl ether anesthesia 12 hr after cessation of treatment and blood was collected for lipid profile and oxidative stress analyses. Results obtained showed that oral exposure to microplastics caused decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the rats. In contrast, there were no significant changes in oxidative stress parameters in the rats following microplastics exposure. Atherogenic indices in the PS-MP exposed rats differed according to gender. These results indicated that PS-MP dietary exposure may lead to dyslipidemia and male rats had higher cardiovascular risk.

Design review on indoor environment of museum buildings in hot-humid tropical climate

Ogwu, Ikechukwu,Long, Zhilin,Okonkwo, Moses M.,Zhang, Xuhui,Lee, Deuckhang,Zhang, Wei Techno-Press 2022 Advances in computational design Vol.7 No.4

Museum buildings display artefacts for public education and enjoyment, ensuring their long-term safety and the comfort of visitors by following strict indoor environment control protocols using mechanical Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems to keep the (environmental) variables at a fixed comfort level. Maintaining this requires constant supply of energy currently mostly sourced from the combustion of fossil fuels which exacerbates climate change. However, a review on the effects of the indoor environmental variables on museum artefacts as well as museum visitors revealed that there is no specific point at which artefact deterioration occurs, and that there are wide ranges of conditions that guarantee the long-term safety of artefacts and human comfort. Visits to museum buildings in hot-humid tropical climate of Nigeria revealed that strict indoor environmental practices were adopted. Even when appropriate micro-climatic conditions are provided for artefacts, mechanical HVAC systems remain necessary for visitor comfort because almost no consideration is given to natural ventilation. With the current global push towards energy management, this paper reviewed passive environmental control practices, architectural design strategies, and discusses the adaptation of double skin façade with jali screens, and the notion of smart materials, which can satisfy the range of requirements for the long-term safety of artefacts and levels of human comfort in buildings in hot-humid tropical climate, without mechanical HVAC systems. This review would inspire more discussions on passive, energy efficient, smart and climate responsible popular architecture, challenging current thinking on the impact of the more accepted representative architecture.

28-GBd 32QAM FMF Transmission With Low Complexity Phase Estimators and Single DPLL

van Uden, Roy G. H.,Okonkwo, Chigo M.,Haoshuo Chen,de Waardt, Hugo,Koonen, Antonius M. J. IEEE 2014 IEEE photonics technology letters Vol.26 No.8

<P>As spatial division multiplexed transmission systems employing few mode fibers (FMFs) rely heavily on digital signal processing (DSP), the impact of computational complexity should be considered. A key DSP process block is the carrier phase estimation (CPE), which consists of a phase estimator and digital phase locked loop (DPLL) per output. In this letter, a low complexity phase estimator is proposed, and the common-mode laser frequency offset is exploited to reduce the number of DPLLs. The combination of a low complexity CPE and single DPLL is experimentally demonstrated for a 28 GBd six-channel transmission over a 41.7-km FMF, carrying up to 32 quadrature amplitude modulation. Thereby, the nonlinear tolerances for the proposed CPE scheme are shown to perform similarly as the more computationally complex conventional CPE scheme.</P>

Optimum Boiling Duration and Its Effect on Nutritional Quality and Acceptability of Mechanically Dehulled Unfermented Locust Bean Seeds

Abiola Folakemi Olaniran,Clinton Emeka Okonkwo,Oluwakemi Christianah Erinle,Akinyomade Oladipo Owolabi,John Olusegun Ojediran,Tajudeen Adeniyi Olayanju 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.25 No.2

Most locust bean processing is still carried out locally in Africa. Dehulling is one of the major challenges encountered in traditional processing of locust bean seeds. Boiling time prior to dehulling is vital for nutritional status of locust bean. Hence, this study explored the influence of boiling duration before dehulling on the nutritional quality of mechanically dehulled locust bean seeds. The samples were subjected to four different boiling durations (1∼4 h) and the resulting effects on the overall acceptability, proximate composition, mineral content, and pH were evaluated. Locust beans boiled for 2 h and dehulled at the speed of 398 rpm gave the highest crude protein content, crude fiber, crude fat, and ash content. The pH ranged from 5.48 to 5.77, while boiling improved the mineral content ranging from 0.25∼0.48 ㎎/100 g (potassium), 16.80∼28.00 ㎎/100 g (calcium), 3.85∼6.73 ㎎/100 g (sodium), and 40.00∼52.40 ㎎/100 g (magnesium). The tedious labour during dehulling of locust bean seeds can be reduced at 398 rpm dehulling speed without adversely affecting the slightly acidic status and nutritional quality; thus enhancing quality and overall acceptability. Adoption of boiling raw locust bean seeds for 2 h under pressure prior to dehulling is a valuable procedure to eliminate long hours of boiling and tedious labour during local and industrial production.

Chemical analysis and in silico anticancer and anti-inflammatory potentials of bioactive compounds from Moringaoleifera seed oil

Apeh Victor O.,Asogwa Emeka,Chukwuma Felicia I.,Okonkwo Obiora F.,Nwora Florence,Uke Rosemary 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2022 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.22 No.1

Breast and prostate cancers are the first and second most leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women and men respec- tively. Today lots of drugs are available for treatment but their adverse effect, potentially distressing toxicity only add to patient discomfort and limits their use. Identification of novel sources for developing new anticancer drugs with little or no side effect is imperative. In vitro antioxidant activities crude and degummed Moringa oleifera seed oil were determined using standard methods. Fatty acid and phytosterols were identified through GC–MS. Molecular docking studies was performed to investigate the binding interactions between natural compounds and five various anti-cancer drug targets. Also the proteins were docked to standard inhibitors and the binding affinities were determined. Molecular interactions between proteins and ligands were viewed with discovery studio 4.5. The binding energy was compared with the known inflammatory, breast and prostate cancer inhibitory drugs namely: exemestane, talazoparib, pictilisib, thalidomide and Z-IETD-fmk. Crude oil exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than the degummed oil. Minerals and vitamins were reduced after degumming. Phytosterol showed that β-Sitosterol is the predominant phytosterol which was higher in the degummed oil. β-Sitosterol displayed the best inhibitory activity against the standard inhibitors except Z-IETD-fmk; while oleic acid exhibited poor binding energy when compared with the standard inhibitors except thalidomide. β-Sitosterol played a promising role against breast and prostate cancer protein targets and hence can act as a template for further studies as cancer drug candidates.

Application and Acceptability of Microbiomes in the Production Process of Nigerian Indigenous Foods: Drive towards Responsible Production and Consumption

Abiola Folakemi Olaniran,Osarenkhoe Osemwegie,Ezekiel Abiola Taiwo,Clinton Emeka Okonkwo,Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo,Moses Abalaka,Adekunbi Adetola Malomo,Yetunde Mary Iranloye,Ogenerobor Benjamin Akpor,Olu 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.28 No.2

In Nigeria, the use of microorganisms for food product modulation, development, and commercialization through biotechnological innovations remains unexplored and unaccepted. The microbiome-based sustainable innovation in the production process of Nigerian indigenous food requires a vigorous drive toward responsible consumption and production. The production process of locally fermented beverages and foods culturally varies in terms of fermentation techniques and is characterized by the distinctiveness of the microbiomes used for food and beverage production. This review was conducted to present the use of microbiome, its benefits, and utility as well as the perspectives toward and mediatory roles of biotechnology on the processing of locally fermented foods and their production in Nigeria. With the current concerns on global food insecurity, the utilization of modern molecular and genetic sciences to improve various rural food processing technologies to acceptable foreign exchange and socioeconomic scales has been gaining attention. Thus, further research on the various types of processing techniques for locally fermented foods using microbiomes in Nigeria is needed, with a focus on yield optimization using advanced techniques. This study demonstrates the adaptability of processed foods locally produced in Nigeria for the beneficial control of microbial dynamics, optimal nutrition, therapeutic, and organoleptic characteristics.