Journal For Family & Society Research

Brain Re-Engineering Concept & Reimagination: Strategy for Promoting Ethics, Values & Inclusivity in Food Chain Security

2024-07-15T09:21:21+00:00

It is projected that the demand for food will surge by 70%, which aligns with rapid population
growth. Research findings from a UN study indicates that about 9.9% of global population
still goes hungry, so the thought of feeding almost 10 billion persons is still anticipated as
daunting. With environmental changes hard to predict, we must turn to innovation in
agriculture technology. Their importance in tackling this issue cannot be over emphasized.
Hence, the concept of brain re-engineering and reimagination which underscores it as a
prospective strategy for enhancing nations through women empowerment, youth
engagement, among other areas on food chain security initiatives when practiced ethically,
valuably and inclusively, in order to unlock transformation in an economy. It emphasizes on
harnessing the potential of the women and youths by redirecting their energy and innovative
capabilities towards modernized food chain practices which much have some touch of
inclusivity, ethics and value. Through this, it aims to foster a generation of leaders in food
chains to drive the needed transformation as it were

Social Media Use and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Body Image Dissatisfaction among Young Adults in University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2024-07-15T09:32:51+00:00

Constant interaction with peers and exposure to online and offline media can influence one's
apparent discontent with one's body parts. Such body discontentment has currently
generated a lot of research interest demanding further exploration. Using a cross-sectional
design, this study investigated the predictive role of social media use and self-esteem on
body image dissatisfaction. The sample comprised of 542 (25.6% male and 74.4% female)
young adults in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose ages ranged from 18-29 years (M
= 21.84, SD = 2.77). They were recruited using convenience sampling technique. Social
Networking Usage Questionnaire (SNUQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a combination
of the Appearance Evaluation (AE) and the Body areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), subscales
of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire–Appearance Scales were used to
measure social media, self-esteem, and body image dissatisfaction, respectively. The results
of multiple regression analysis showed that social media use was a significant positive
predictor of body image dissatisfaction (β= .56, p<.001) while self-esteem was not. These
results suggest that unchecked use of social media might lead to adverse consequences and
a harmful approach to body care.

Concept Maps for Elasticities of Demand and Supply: Online Resources for Economics Students

2024-07-15T09:44:05+00:00

Online resources are gaining momentum across the education setting due to technological
advancement and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in the use of different
tools and strategies in providing educational resources for today’s technology-driven
learners. Technology-based learning resources tend to capture learners’ interest in this
digital age. Therefore, this study provides concept maps as online resources for Economics
students.A concept map is a knowledge representation in the form of a graph comprised of
boxes connected with labeled arcs showing the relationships among concepts and ideas. The
study was an exploratory survey study with two objectives constructing online concept
maps and determining students’ views on the constructed maps. The area of the study was
Nsukka Local Government Area. The population was 2,389 SS2 Students from the 32
secondary schools in Nsukka LGA. The sample size was 120 SS2 Economics students using a
simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a rating scale
titled ‘Rating Scale on Concept Maps for Elasticities of Demand and Supply
(RSCMEDS)’.Mean scores and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Findings
showed that students’ views on the constructed online maps were positive. The students
were of the view that the online resources suit their digital need (mean = 3.09) and that the
resources are easy to read and understand (mean = 2.90). The researcher believes that the
online concept maps resources will serve as better alternative to traditional lecture method
used mainly in schools. And thus, they will help to promote students’ interest and
achievement in learning the mapped contents in Economics.

Effects of Sun Drying, Shade Drying, Blanching and Cooking on the Nutrient Composition of Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa)

2024-07-15T09:48:20+00:00

The study determined the effect of sun drying and shade drying on the nutrient composition
of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Two kilograms of fresh turmeric rhizomes were purchased
from a local market (Ogige) in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The samples
were trimmed and thoroughly washed under running water to remove debris, peeled, and
thinly sliced. The sample was divided into two portions. The first portion was sundried
while the other portion was shade dried. The two samples were processed into powder and
packaged in a well-labeled airtight container for analysis. Association of Analytical Chemists
and other analytical methods were used to determine the nutrient composition of the
samples. Data were analyzed with Statistical Product for Service Solution (version 22) using
ANOVA and Duncan's New Multiple Range test at P<0.05. The findings of the study
revealed that the sun-dried sample had the highest value for carbohydrate (55.51%), ash
(8.03%), and moisture (18.50%) while shade dried sample had the highest protein (8.61%)
and fat (7.21%). The raw shade-dried sample had the highest values for Beta carotene (20.10
mg/100g) and Vitamin C (3.60mg/100g), while the boiled sun-dried sample had the highest
values for potassium (40.82mg/100g), iron (9.79mg/100g) and calcium (595.7mg/100g).
Therefore, sun-drying and shade-drying processing methods on the turmeric should be
encouraged as they conserve more nutrients.

Perceived Effect of Post-pandemic Experiences on Student’s Academic Stress and Mental Health: A Case Study of Social Science Education Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2024-07-15T09:58:56+00:00

The study investigated the perceived effect of post-pandemic experiences on students’
academic stress and mental health: A case study of Social Science Education students of the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The study adopted a descriptive design. The sample size
consists of 165 (26 male and 139 female) students. The study was guided by four research
questions and two null hypotheses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
The instrument was validated by three experts from the Departments of Social Science
Education and Science Education of the University of Nigeria. The Cronbach alpha
coefficient was 0.76. Data were analyzed using mean, while the null hypotheses were tested
with a t-test at p ≤ 0.05. The result showed that the students experienced class extension
beyond school hours (x̄ =3.60), missed lectures (x̄ =3.54), inadequate time to study materials
(x̄ =3.52), and frequent and congested lectures (x̄ =3.50), among others. On the perceived effect
on mental health, the study found that students experienced tense feelings severally during
class presentations due to lack of time to prepare (x̄ =3.27), frequent panic after the pandemic
due to academic work overload (x̄=3.22), feelings of disinterest in academic activities
(x̄ =3.21), among others. Results from the hypotheses show that significant gender difference
was found in the perceived effect of post-pandemic experiences on students' academic stress
but not on their mental health. The study recommended among other things that students
should employ effective and positive strategies in managing their activities to reduce the
occurrence of academic stress and mental health challenges.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Microbes in Locally Fermented Food Condiments Sold in a Selected Market in Enugu State

2024-07-15T10:06:02+00:00

The microbiological assessment of three commonly consumed Nigerian fermented food
condiments, ogiri (Ricinus communis), ukpaka (Pentaclethra macrophylla), and okpei (Parkia
biglobosa), sourced from different vendors in Nkwo-Ibagwa market, Nsukka, was
conducted to ascertain their quality. The objectives of the study were to identify microbial
contaminants and their total viable count, compare the total viable count of
microorganisms, isolate and identify the Gram’s characteristics of the microorganisms in
the samples using established protocols. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard
deviation) and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the presence
of fermentative bacteria such as Bacillus coagulance, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus varians,
Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus fermenti, Lactobacillus caesi, and Micrococcus luteus.
Pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus
saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klbsiellaoxytoca were also detected. Notably, ogiri
and ukpaka samples had both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, whereas
only gram-positive microorganisms were found in okpei samples. The total bacterial counts
ranged from 1.5 x 106cfu/g to 1.2 x 109cfu/g, with ogiri exhibiting the highest total coliform
count and okpei the lowest. There was a significantly different mean total viable count of
microbes in okpei (4.1x106cfu/g) compared to ogiri (6.6x108cfu/g) and ukpaka
(3.8x108cfu/g). The study highlights the potential health risks, including poisoning and
gastroenteritis, faced by consumers of these condiments. Consequently, it advocates for
enhanced hygiene practices among processors and traders to mitigate cross-contamination
and ensure consumer safety.

Influence of Social Media Use on the Eating Behavior and Food Preferences of Undergraduate Students in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

2024-07-15T10:18:08+00:00

This research evaluated the influence of social media use on the eating behaviors and food
preferences of undergraduate students in the University of Nigeria. Four objectives and two
hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive and correlational research designs was adopted
for the study for a population of 39,295 students. Multi-stage sampling technique was used
to select a sample of 368 students. Data was collected using structured questionnaires
validated by three experts. Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean,
standard deviation, and chi-square. The result revealed that the majority (73.1%) of the
respondents make occasional use of social media applications with WhatsApp (96.2%),
YouTube (84.8%), Gmail (83.7%), Facebook (78.5%) and Instagram (72.8%) being used by
many of the students. The less common applications were Skype (10.6%), Tumblr (14.1%),
and Reddit (14.7%) among others. The respondents’ eating behaviours showed that more
than a third (35.1%) of them were emotional under eaters and those with hungry eating
behaviour were 26.6%. A greater proportion (26.6%) of the students preferred snacks, 26.1%
preferred dairy, 25.8% preferred fruits and very few (3.0%) preferred vegetables. Findings
further showed that the frequency of social media use was not significantly associated with
the eating behaviours and food preferences of the students. The study recommended that
the University authority should provide nutrition education that will foster a healthier
campus environment.

Effect of Processing Methods on the Sensory Property and Micronutrient Compositions of African Spinach and Fluted Pumpkin Leaves

2024-07-15T10:28:40+00:00

This work assessed the effect of processing methods on the sensory properties and
micronutrient content of African spinach and fluted pumpkin leaves. Using an experimental
study design, six samples of each of the vegetables were processed into squeezed, blanched,
fresh-dried, squeezed-dried, and blanched-dried, with the fresh leaves as the control. These
samples were subjected to mineral and vitamin analysis while sensory evaluation was
performed on egusi soup cooked with processed vegetables using standard methods. The
result of the sensory evaluation indicated that squeezed pumpkin (SP) and squeezed African
spinach (SAS) were the most preferred in terms of general acceptability with scores of
8.50±0.26 and 8.50±0.25 respectively. Squeezed dried Pumpkin (SDP) and blanched dried
African spinach (BDAS) were the least accepted, with a score of 5.35±0.58 and 5. 29±0.34
respectively. Higher concentration of Beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, sodium,
potassium and magnesium) were found in the fresh control. Blanching, squeezing, and
drying significantly (p<0.05) decreased the micronutrient content of the vegetables. The
findings of this study showed that squeezing can be an alternative method to blanching and
drying for processing African spinach and fluted pumpkin for egusi soup, in terms of
acceptability. Direct air-drying of pumpkin and African spinach (DP and DAS) preserved
most of the micronutrients, therefore, dried shelf-stable products can be used to ensure food
security.

Evaluating the Clothing Interest and Mental Health of Undergraduate Students in the University of Nigeria

2024-07-15T10:48:31+00:00

The study determined the relationship between clothing interest and undergraduates' mental
health at the University of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was
employed for the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 696
undergraduates from five faculties in the university. Three specific objectives guided this
study. Clothing Interest Questionnaire and Mental Health Continuum short form were used
to collect data. The instruments were validated by three lecturers in the Department of Home
Science and Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The instruments were reliable with
Cronbach alpha values of 0.78 and 0.86 respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS
version 23.0. Frequency, percentage, and Chi-square were used for data analysis. Results
showed that 61.5%of the respondents had an interest in clothes that make them unique, 54.6%
were interested in clothing for appearance enhancement, 54.3% had an interest in clothing for
experimenting, 59.1% had interest in clothing for security, and 65.7% of the respondents had
an interest in clothing that conforms to fashion in vogue. The respondents could belong to
more than one clothing interest category. A greater proportion (69.5%) of the respondents had
poor mental health. The finding showed that clothing interests for Security (χ2 = 15.49, p =
.000) and Uniqueness (χ2 = 12.0, p = .002) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with positive
mental health. Clothing interests in appearance, experimenting, security, and fashion were not
associated with mental health (p≥0.05). Although the mental health of the respondents was
generally suboptimal, it was not mostly associated with their clothing interests. Mental health
services such as counseling services and support groups should be made readily available to
the students.

Assessment of Coping Strategies Adopted by Parents of the Children in Kwara State School for Special Needs

2024-07-15T11:12:56+00:00

Parents of children with special needs have to deal with unique challenges that require
special strategies to cope with. Therefore, this study assessed coping strategies among
parents with children with special needs in Kwara State. Five research objectives were raised
and translated to research questions. A stratified random sampling technique was used in
selecting a total of 100 respondents from the study area. The instrument used was a
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a mean, standard deviation. The findings of the
study revealed that parents of special needs children face different challenges associated with
parenting, such as financial implication (x̄ =1.50), accessibility of suitable school (x̄ =1.63), and
securing appropriate educational resources (x̄ =1.73). Some coping strategies they adopted
include learning about the child's special needs from child healthcare providers (x̄ =2.34),
praying and believing in the child (x̄ =2.69), cooperating with school staff on special need
education (x̄ =2.38). It can be concluded that parents adopt adequate coping strategies that
effectively manage their special needs children and greatly influence the academic and social
outcomes of their special needs children. It was recommended that the government should
provide funding to local community centers to create and maintain support groups for
parents of children with special needs.

Emotional Intelligence of Early Adolescent Students in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State: The Predicting Roles of Self- Efficacy and Locus of Control

2024-07-15T11:23:21+00:00

The study assessed how the emotional intelligence of early adolescents in Obio-Akpor local
government area, Rivers State is predicted by their self-efficacy and locus of control. Data
from 395 out of 29,058 respondents were obtained using descriptive and correlational
survey design following multi-stage sampling techniques. Four research questions and 3
null hypotheses guided the study. A structured questionnaire, emotional intelligence scale,
Levenson’s multidimensional Locus of Control Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were
instruments used for data collection. Cronbach alpha reliability index was used to calculate
the reliability of the instruments and scores of 0.83, 0.89 and 0.83 were obtained
respectively. The obtained data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 23 using descriptive
and inferential statistics at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that emotional intelligence and
locus of control levels among adolescents were low respectively. A high self-efficacy status
was however recorded among the respondents. Locus of control and self-efficacy predicted
emotional intelligence by 35%. Being a male or a female was associated with emotional
intelligence and self-efficacy in adolescents. In addition, being a border or day student was
associated with the adolescents’ emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy.
Emotional intelligence, locus of control, and self-efficacy differed based on the type of
school the adolescents attend. Based on the findings, it was recommended that education
programs targeted at enhancing the ability of adolescents to recognize and differentiate
feelings should be organized by schools and governmental and non-governmental
organizations.

Prevalence of Depression among Male Retirees in University of Nigeria, Nsukka: Relationship of Income and Age

2024-07-15T11:36:43+00:00

Depression is the most common and serious medical illness that negatively affects people’s
feelings, thoughts, and actions, and retired civil servants are not left out in this scourge. This
study investigated the relationship between income and age on depression among retired
male civil servants in a university community in Nigeria. Three specific objectives guided
the study. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the
study comprised 5000 retired staff members of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. A random
sampling method was used to select 350 retired staff. The instrument for data collection for
the study was the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) which showed acceptable Cronbach’s
alpha internal consistency (0.752). Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the
research questions while Chi-Square (ꭓ 2) statistics at 0.05 level of significance were used to
test the null hypotheses. Findings revealed that many (43.4%) of retired civil servants
experienced depression. The income level of respondents was significantly associated with
depression (ꭓ 2 =6.760, df = 2, p = 0.034). Retired civil servants who earned less than ₦50,000
experienced a moderate proportion (65.3%) of depression and retired civil servants who
earned between ₦50,000-100,000 and above ₦100,000 experienced a moderate proportion
(50.7%) and (51.2%) of depression respectively. The age of the respondents was not
associated with depression (ꭓ 2 = 3.765, df = 2, p = 0.152). The study concluded that the
prevalence of depression among retired civil servants was high. A recommendation was
made for the government to be paying the gratuity and subsequent pension of the retired
civil servants as at when due to check and avoid depression after service.

Awareness and Experience of Occupational Hazards among Hairdressers in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

2024-07-15T11:42:09+00:00

This study sought to determine the level of awareness of beauty salon workers regarding
their occupational hazards, the prevalence of experiencing the hazards, and the preventive
measures they take. The study employed the cross-sectional survey design and was guided
by five research questions. The sample was 188 salon workers selected from 80 salons within
Umuahia metropolis. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using
frequency tables, percentages, and weighted means. Two academics validated the
questionnaire, one in the Home Economics unit of the Department of Vocational Education
and one from the Measurement and Evaluation unit of the Department of Psychological
Foundations of the Abia State University, Uturu. A Cronbach’s alpha reliability score of 0.84
was obtained. The results showed a high level (3.04) of awareness of the hazards associated
with hairdressing occupation. The hairdressers also reported experiencing a feeling of
tightness in the chest (46.3%), sneezing (67.6%), and itchy or runny eyes (58%) because of
exposure to hair care chemicals. Other hazards they experienced were musculoskeletal
problems such as neck pain (73.4%), back pain (76.1%), and shoulder pain (64.9%) because of
long hours of poor work posture. The result further showed that the use of preventive
measures was poor (21.56%) It was recommended among others that local and national
health agencies should create more awareness among hairdressers about these hazards and
how to prevent them. They should also be enlightened about managing and improving their
work environment.