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Author(s):
Editor in Chief.
Page No :
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African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research (Volume 8, Issue 2, Cover Pages)
Abstract
African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research (Volume 8, Issue 2, Cover Pages)
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Author(s):
Tenibiaje Mokolapo Oluwatosin.
Page No : 1-10
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Effects of Oxytocin (Oxt/OT) on Eating Behaviour of Albino Wistar Rats.
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt/OT) is a hormone, a neuropeptide, that is sometimes called curdle chemical hormone (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2015). It is one of the hormones produced in the hypothalamus, just like gonadotropic and vasopressin hormones.
The rats used for the study comprised twelve rats (6 males and 6 females). The rats were grouped into experimental and control groups. The drug used for the study was a drug concentration of oxytocin and a Non-Hydrated intravenous solution (NHIV solution). NH IV solution was used in order to reduce the concentration of the oxytocin drug so that it won’t be harmful to the rats. Before presenting food to the rats, the drug was administered once a day (early in the morning). The rats were grouped into three categories (lower, normal, and higher dosage groups). The drug administered to the rats was based on the grouping of the rats. The rats under lower dosage were given 0.5ml of drug concentration, the normal dosage was given 0.8ml of drug concentration, while the higher dosage was given 1ml of drug concentration. Weight checking was done before and after the study, in order to examine possible side effects of oxytocin on the weight of animals based on their rate of eating. The results were analysed using different statistical methods depending on the hypothesis stated. Hypothesis 1 was analysed using factorial design, while hypothesis 2 was analysed using an independent t-test method of research. The results analysed revealed that oxytocin has some significant effects on the eating behaviour of the albino Wistar rats. The result proved that oxytocin has a negative/side effect on eating behaviour, causing a reduction in craving for food in the rats.
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Author(s):
Magaji Da'u Aliyu, Magaji Sule, Yakubu Jafaru.
Page No : 11-31
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Assessing the Socio-Economic Impact of Climate Change and Poverty in Birnin Kudu Local Government, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study investigates the intertwined socio-economic impacts of climate change and entrenched poverty in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how climate change exacerbates existing poverty vulnerabilities, leading to decreased crop yields, reduced water availability, increased health risks, and heightened economic insecurity. The research found that climate change disproportionately affects the poorest households with limited adaptive capacity. Farmers and livestock owners face severe challenges due to unpredictable rainfall, increased temperatures, pest infestations, and declining land productivity, directly impacting income and food security. Water scarcity intensifies existing resource conflicts and further marginalises impoverished communities. The study also reveals a rise in heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and malnutrition, which compound the health burdens already faced by impoverished populations. These findings underscore the urgent need for climate change adaptation strategies that explicitly address poverty, including targeted social protection programs, improved access to resources and technology for vulnerable households, and strengthened public health systems.
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Author(s):
Eyitayo Adewale Adelakun (Ph.D.), Adegbola Thomas, Abiodun Omolara Adelakun.
Page No : 32-40
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Intercultural Competence as a Veritable Tool for Promoting Intercultural Dialogue in Contemporary Nigeria.
Abstract
In Nigeria, intercultural dialogue is inevitable for peaceful co-existence and mutual relationships among the citizens. The reason is that intercultural dialogue involves interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds and ethnic nationalities. To achieve constructive intercultural dialogue, it requires a sense of intercultural competence. Therefore, this study examines the role of intercultural competence in promoting intercultural dialogue, focusing on Nigeria's cultural diversity. The study explores the descriptive research method and draws data from the review of previous studies, while the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) was adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. The rationale behind the choice of this theory is rooted in the fact that intercultural dialogue requires intercultural competence and sensitivity. Through the theoretical framework, the study investigates different stages during intercultural dialogue and Engagement, challenges associated with intercultural dialogue, and the imperative of intercultural competence for intercultural dialogue. Acquiring intercultural competence will enable individuals to overcome some of the challenges associated with intercultural competence. The study discovers that intercultural competence is imperative for preventing communication problems, misunderstanding and conflict, fostering trust, collaboration, inclusion and social harmony, and professional relationships across cultural divides when people engage in intercultural dialogue.
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Author(s):
Anyalewa Alan Ajonye, Chinelo Helen Ogwuche , Shimenenge Mary Yvonne Atime, Edward Agbo Omudu.
Page No : 41-63
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Social Media Use, Intimate Partner Violence and Marital Infidelity among Married Persons in Benue State, Nigeria.
Abstract
It is usually an expectation of couples to have a peaceful marital life for as long as they live. However, the relationship may not turn out to be as seamless as expected. This study examines the influence of social media use and intimate partner violence (IPV) on marital infidelity among married persons in Benue State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 867 respondents across four major locations in Benue State. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data, utilising simple linear regression and multiple regression techniques to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that social media use and intimate partner violence are significant predictors of marital infidelity, with social media use exhibiting a moderate positive influence (β = 0.262) and intimate partner violence demonstrating a stronger effect (β = 0.655). The model explained 71.3% of the variance in marital infidelity, with both predictors contributing significantly to the outcome (p < .001). Based on these findings, it is recommended that intervention programs focusing on responsible social media use and addressing intimate partner violence within relationships be implemented in the region. Couples should be encouraged to engage in counselling and communication strategies to foster trust and reduce the negative impacts of digital and abusive behaviours. Additionally, public policy and legal reforms targeting IPV protection are necessary to support individuals at risk and enhance marital stability.
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Author(s):
Sullah Reuben Lubem.
Page No : 64-79
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Contributions of Tiv Women Entrepreneurs to the Socio-Economic Development of Tiv Land.
Abstract
The study assessed the role of women entrepreneurs to the socio-economic development of Tivland. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the major entrepreneurial activities undertaken by women, the roles played by women entrepreneurs to socio-economic development, the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in and to proffer measures that can remedy the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Tivland. Questionnaires and focus group discussion were used to collect data from respondents while the collected data was analyzed quantitatively with the use of descriptive statistics and qualitatively by transcribing responses of discussants. 374 respondents were selected for the study for the study. The findings of the study revealed that agriculture, manufacturing, services and trading were the major entrepreneurial activities undertaken by women in Tivland. On the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the socio-economic development of the study area, the study found poverty alleviation, employment, community development among others as the major contributions of women entrepreneurs to the socio-economic development of Tivland. Challenges such as poor access to credit facilities, low literacy level, lack of finance, poor government support, family constraints and gender gaps were found to be the major challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the study area. The study therefore recommended acquisition of managerial skills and training, granting women access to credit facilities, government support, family support and joining financial support associations as measures that can ameliorate the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the study area.
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Author(s):
Ekanem Asukwo Ekanem (Ph.D.), Dangana Faith Ekwaseh, Baba Mohammed.
Page No : 80-97
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President Mohamed Bazoum’s Political Leadership and Military Intervention in Niger Republic.
Abstract
This study on “President Mohamed Bazoum’s Political Leadership and Military Intervention in Niger Republic,” aimed at explaining how President Mohamed Bazoum’s political leadership triggered military intervention in Niger Republic. Ex Post Facto design that depended on the judgmental sampling technique was adopted in the study. Secondary sources (books, journal articles, conference papers, monographs and internets materials) of data collection were sourced from Nigerian libraries and internet. These documentary data were subjected to content validity before analyzed qualitatively into the study. Notwithstanding the fact that environmental theory has deepened knowledge on the fundamentals for military intervention in Niger Republic, the study identified corruption, economic hardship, insecurity, self-interest and infrastructural deficit as factors that were responsible for the forceful removal of President Mohamed Bazoum on 26th July, 2023. The coup d’état has resulted in food insecurity, inflation, termination of infrastructural projects, border closure as well as sanctions by Economic Community of West African States. France has recalled its Ambassador and withdrew all military assistance including troops from Niger Republic. United States and European Union have stopped budgetary and development assistance to Niger Republic. The military junta has entered into security partnership with Mali, Burkina Faso and Wagner Group. Possibility of future coup d’état is undoubted; according to findings. In order to avert counter coup, the study recommends adoption of non-military approach to insecurity in Niger Republic, provision of essential public services, establishment of anti-graft agencies, as well as entrenchment of constitutional order. These measures should receive immediate attention, if the present military government hopes to survive.
Keywords: Military, Intervention, Niger, Sahel, State, Region, Leadership, Democracy, Theory, Sanction.
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Author(s):
Akinpelu Tomiwa.
Page No : 98-113
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The Predictive Influence of Self-Efficacy and Socioeconomic Factors on the Physical and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents and Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease.
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited disorder of haemoglobin, is associated with severe physical and psychological burdens, both of which are influenced by a wide range of cognitive and socio-environmental factors. The current study aimed to establish the predictive influence of self-efficacy and family socioeconomic factors on the physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with SCD. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving a sample of 116 AYAs with SCD, aged 16 to 24, recruited from two health facilities in South-West Nigeria. Participants completed assessments of SCD self-efficacy using the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) and HRQoL using the physical and mental component summary measures of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Family socioeconomic factors and socioeconomic status were evaluated using a Family Socioeconomic Status Scale adopted for the study. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant joint influence of self-efficacy and socioeconomic factors on both physical and mental HRQoL, accounting for 64% variance in physical HRQoL and 66% variance in mental HRQoL. All evaluated variables, except home sanitation, independently predicted physical HRQoL, while all variables, except education and occupation, independently predicted mental HRQoL. Family possession, family-specific factors, and home sanitation were the most significant socioeconomic predictors of both physical and mental HRQoL. Moderation analysis indicated that socioeconomic status significantly moderated the influence of self-efficacy on mental HRQoL but not on physical HRQoL. The study highlights the need for exploring comprehensive and multi-faceted approaches in the management of SCD that go beyond medical treatment to address the broader social and psychological factors that influence physical and mental HRQoL.
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Author(s):
Iso Sophia O..
Page No : 114-125
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Effect of Aerobic Dancing Programme on Physiological Components of Female Undergraduate Students in the University of Calabar.
Abstract
The study investigated the effect of aerobics dancing programme (ADP) on physiological components of female students in University of Calabar. Three research questions were raised with their corresponding hypotheses. Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The population was made up of 1226 female undergraduate students in University of Calabar out of which sample of 60 was derived using a multistage sampling technique. Standardized instrument utilized in arriving at the collation of data was digital sphygmomanometer for the measurement of resting heart rate (RHR), resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) and resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) respectively. Research questions raised were answered using mean while the hypotheses were tested using the Normalised gain analysis . The results indicate that there is a significant reduction in the RHR (=0.14), RSBP (=0.08), and RDBP (=0.12). It is concluded that aerobic dance performed 30–45 min, 3 days · week –1 for 2 weeks with a music of high tempo of 132-140bpm metronome beat significantly improves physiological functions of students, although to a low normalized gain. Based on the results obtained, it recommended that ADP should be incorporated in the secondary education curriculum. Also, individuals should take part in aerobic dance 4 to 5 days in a week in other to enhance potency and effectiveness of the aerobic dancing programme in eliminating cardiovascular risk factors.
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Author(s):
Collins Ikeokwu Nwafor.
Page No : 126-135
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Religious Reactions to Suicide Cases in Nigeria: A Netnographic Study.
Abstract
Death by suicide elicits reactions depending on one’s perception of the phenomenon or affiliation with the victim. In Nigeria, various motifs characterise the reactions to the news of suicide deaths. Some of these reactions are based on religious sentiments and cultural taboos ascribed to such death. There is, however, a dearth of studies that examine the reactions or comments over the news on death by suicide, for most available research only focuses on the impact of this reportage. This study investigated the religious sentiments in the reactions to deaths by suicide as reported on digital media. A netnographic method was used, where 13 social media platforms and online newspaper sites were consulted to collate reports of death by suicide. The comments (164) to these reports were thematically categorised to determine their religious/theological outlook. These reactions were classified under the following themes: prayer to God, the role of God in tragedy, judgment and sin, and worldly and supernatural forces. These help us to see that there are Nigerians who still hold and mediate their thoughts within a theological, religious, and/or spiritual lens in the face of a growing number of suicides among young people and adults.
