Realizing the value of developing learners’ English language skill in the present global context, this study aims at exploring situational variables responsible for the exclusion of Fundamental English language course from the undergraduate syllabuses of Barishal University, Bangladesh and finding out teachers’ and learners’ perception towards this course. This empirical research gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from two important stakeholders of this institution- students and teachers. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaire studies both from students and teachers and qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the teachers. Quantitative data revealed that 89.47% students considered it a useful course as 80.26% students and 66% teachers believed it helped them to develop their communicative skill in English. Though 71.43% teachers opined that learners past achievements in English was not sufficient to pursue higher education, 80.52% student respondents held students already having sufficient command was the main reason behind the exclusion. On the other hand, the main reasons behind exclusion identified by the teachers were the traditional course content, students’ low satisfaction level, credit limitation, no qualitative change in students’ communication skill and limited budget of the authority. However, the qualitative data revealed instead of omission, some timely modifications in the course content and teaching strategies would have been more beneficial for the students. Therefore, this study will provide fresh insights for Barishal University authority and teachers, who are involved in curriculum development, in designing an effective curriculum by considering the situational factors which contributed to the exclusion of Fundamental English course and by addressing learners needs and perceptions regarding this course.
Page(s): 01-11 Date of Publication: 29 May 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10501The participation of women entrepreneurs in public procurement has become a policy area of interest in developing countries. This is not an exemption for Uganda’s case as pressure keeps mounting on the government for more transparent, inclusive and gender sensitive procurement processes. This paper investigated women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement in Kampala, Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and used a mixed methods approach, in which 168 survey respondents and 12 key informants representing various associations and agencies responsible for procurement were reached. Findings revealed that the majority (88%) of the women entrepreneurs were knowledgeable about public procurement methods based on their marketing strategies and 60% were aware of solicitation mainly through newspapers. Another 72.2% admitted that they had participated in bidding processes. However, up to 88% were oblivious of public procurement quotas that can enhance their opportunities in public procurement. This study shows that whereas women entrepreneurs may be knowledgeable about source selection, they need to be sensitized about the existing quotas for women and other vulnerable groups and other empowering measures. Also, this study recommends increased representation of women on the contract awards committees to ensure that the reserved quotas are adhered to in the awarding of contracts.
Page(s): 12-23 Date of Publication: 31 May 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10502Background One of the greatest health issues in the world is colorectal cancer. It was formerly believed that this illness only affected residents of industrialized nations; however, recent research has shown a growing prevalence in underdeveloped nations. The majority of individuals in Nigeria report their cases at a stage when curative resection is not feasible; hence, increasing understanding and awareness of early symptoms as well as early detection techniques and screening tools have been highlighted as crucial for greater success. Aim This study elucidated the awareness, knowledge, and risk factors of colorectal POLYPS among studied adults aged 40–65 years of age in Imo State, Nigeria. Methods The sample of the study comprised a thousand (1000) adults drawn through a multistage sampling selection method and included urban and rural dwellers in selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection for awareness, knowledge, and risk factors for colorectal POLYPS. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 17 was used for analysis. Results Findings showed that more than half of the respondents (62.5%) were aware of colorectal POLYPS; however, factors such as lack of funds (34.8%), inaccessibility to screening services (24.0%), absence of screening facilities (24.5%), and passive behavior towards screening service providers (31.8%) in healthcare centers affected regular screening among participants. Respondents possessed good knowledge of colorectal POLYPS, although there is a need for thorough sensitization on the risk factors of colorectal POLYPS, especially lifestyle behaviors. People who smoked more cigarettes per day were found to be more likely to develop colorectal POLYPS (AHR 1.878; 95% CI 1.018–3.463; P = 0.044) than those who smoked less (AHR 1.811; 95% CI 1.003–3.270; P = 0.049). The study found that subjects with both smoking and drinking habits had a significantly higher risk for colorectal POLYPS (AHR 2.073; 95% CI 1.196–3.593; P = 0.009) than non-smokers and those who drank fewer alcoholic drinks. Conclusion Relevant educational and screening interventions are required to promote early detection and management of colorectal POLYPS among adults in Imo State, Nigeria.
Page(s): 24-40 Date of Publication: 04 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10503The study investigated the influence of teachers’ background training and utilization of ICT facilities on students’ academic achievement in mathematics in secondary schools in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. The ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The sample of the study consists of three hundred and thirty (330) SS2 students randomly selected from eight (8) secondary schools from four (4) Local Government Areas in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. The instruments that were used for data collection were the Teachers’ Questionnaire on Background Training and Utilization of ICT and Students’ past results in Mathematics. The face and content validities of the Teachers’ Questionnaire were determined by a panel of three, two science educators from Delta State University and one expert from measurement and evaluation from Delta State University. The researcher determined the reliability of the Teachers’ Questionnaire by administering the instrument to 10 mathematics teachers in a school in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State that is outside the area of coverage of the study and the data obtained was subjected to Cronbach Alpha. On analysis, a reliability coefficient value of 0.81 was obtained. The data analysed for the study were collected by administering the Questionnaire to the teachers that participated in the study and the students’ past results in mathematics was also collected by the researcher from the Office of the Principal of each selected schools. The Questionnaire along with the students’ achievement scores were analysed using Means, Standard deviations, t-test, Regression Analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The major findings of this study are summarised as follows; (i) there is a significant difference between the mean achievement scores of mathematics students taught by teachers with background training in Education and those taught by teachers with background training in Pure Science. (ii) there is a significant difference between the mean achievement scores of mathematics students taught with the utilization of ICT facilities and those taught without utilization of ICT facilities. (iii) there is a significant relationship between teachers’ background training and the utilization of ICT facilities in teaching mathematics students. It was concluded that teachers who have background training in education and teachers who utilizes ICT facilities in teaching mathematics influences students’ academic achievement in mathematics positively. Recommendation and suggestion for further study were made based on the findings of the study.
Page(s): 41-49 Date of Publication: 04 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10504This paper adopts two magnetic filtration techniques to enhance the Aeromagnetic maps of Nkalagu and Abakaliki regions of lower Benue trough, Southeastern Nigeria. This aim is to enhance the effectiveness of the map in characterizing the study area. Upward continuation (UPC) and reduction to magnetic equator (RTE) filters were applied to sufficiently improve the interpretation of the aeromagnetic data of the area in terms of recognition and understanding depth continuation and discrimination between shallow and deeper magnetic sources within the study area. The total magnetic intensity and reduction to the equator showed variations in anomalies. The variations were invariably related to magnetic susceptibility, depth, degree of strike, lithology or basement complex rocks harboring varying amounts of magnetic minerals.
Page(s): 50-56 Date of Publication: 04 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10505This paper investigated Virtual Learning and Undergraduate Students’ Academic Achievement in Mathematics during Covid-19 Lockdown in Ibadan, Oyo State. The study adopted One-group pretest-posttest Quasi-Experimental design. The population for this study was two hundred and eighty (280) First-year students in the faculty of Basic Medical and Applied Science, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. Sample for the study comprised Fifty (50) students who participated in the virtual learning in Applied Mathematics coded MTH 112 during COVID-19 Lockdown. The instrument for the study was Forty (40) objective questions optioned A to D on Applied Mathematics Achievement Test (AMAT). The instrument was validated and tested for reliability with reliability coefficients of 0.71. Student t-test statistics was used to test the Hypotheses generated at 0.05 level of significance. Hypothesis one revealed a significant difference in the achievement of students in Applied Mathematics when exposed to virtual learning, t-calculated (21.328) was greater than t-table (1.985). Hence hypothesis one was rejected. Hypothesis two also revealed a significant difference in the achievement of male and female students in Applied Mathematics in favour of male students, t-calculated (20.050) was higher than t-table (2.011). This infers that the male students achieved better than female students in AMAT when exposed to virtual learning. Hence, hypothesis two was also rejected. The study concluded that, Virtual learning encourages students’ achievement in Applied Mathematics and recommended virtual learning to be adopted especially where physical classroom is constrained.
Page(s): 57-63 Date of Publication: 09 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10506Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the major health problems in the world. It used to be thought that it is a disease of people in developed countries, but recent studies has shown increasing incidence in developing countries. In Nigeria, most patients present cases late when curative resection is impossible. In order to achieve higher success, it becomes essential that knowledge and awareness for early symptoms and detection methods and screening tools have to be identified. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns and types of colorectal polyps among adults aged 40 – 65 years of age in Imo State Nigeria. Methods: The sample of the study comprised one thousand (1000) adults drawn through a multistage sampling method, and included both urban and rural dwellers from the selected communities in Imo State, Nigeria. These were screened for Fasting Occult Blood Test (FOBT). Out of the, 40 (4. 0%) of the subjects found to be positive, a further random selection was used to select 20 (50.0%) for virtual colonoscopy for detection of colorectal polyps. Results: Findings showed that there was evident in the low prevalence of colorectal polyps (20%). Also, there was a significant association between the patterns of colorectal polyp and awareness of colorectal polyp among the participants (p= 0.001; X2= 7.153). Conclusion: There are different types of colon polyps with differing tendencies to become malignant and abilities to predict the development of polyps to cancer. It is important to recognize families with members who have genetic conditions causing polyps because some of these conditions are associated with a very high incidence of colon cancer, and the cancer can be prevented if discovered early.
Page(s): 64-78 Date of Publication: 09 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10507Different schools of thought believed the Indian almond has antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potentials, however, there is paucity of information on the ability of this plant to carry out its antidiabetic properties. This study therefore seeks to determine the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond on the liver of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Three groups of Wistar rats were used in this study, a normal control, a diabetic control, and a treated group (5 per group). Rats in the normal group were administered distilled water orally per day, rats in the diabetic group were intraperitoneally injected with 150mg/kg body weight of alloxan and administered distilled water orally per day, while rats in the treated group were intraperitoneally injected with 150mg/kg of alloxan and treated orally with 600mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond per day for 21days. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond to the diabetic rats caused a significant decrease in the level of blood glucose, activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin (p< 0.05) and a significant increase in the level of total protein and albumin (p< 0.05) when compared with the control groups. The results obtained from this study suggested that the aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond possesses antidiabetic activity and could be used for the management of diabetes and liver damage associated with its metabolic consequences.
Page(s): 79-87 Date of Publication: 12 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10508The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of COVID 19 on women in savings groups in rural Zimbabwe using Umzingwane district as a case study. The study adopted a sequential explanatory research design with the view of using mixed research approach. Data was gathered using questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaires were administered to 300 female savings group members and interviews administered to 40 committee members of savings groups in ward 3, 4, 5 and 14 of Umzingwane district in Zimbabwe. The study revealed that the COVID 19 pandemic reduced the ability of the savings groups members to generate income leading to low contributions, poor loan repayments and low levels of emergency funds. The study through Chi Square test found that there was a relationship between the marital status of female savings groups members and their ability to make regular contributions, with mainly married female members being able to make regular contributions. Chi Square test also revealed that ownership of a smartphone was not related to the ability of female savings groups members to regularly attend group meetings. The study also revealed that the measures that were adopted by savings group to ensure that female savings groups members continued to participate in savings groups were loan rescheduling, use of Whatsapp platform as a means of conducting meetings, acceptance of mobile money payments to collect contributions and loan repayments and assigning committee members to visit group members so as to collect contributions and repayments and to check on the members who were always absent. The study recommends that savings groups members should be taught to have diversified sources of income so as to be resilient to the effects of disasters such as COVID 19. The government and development agencies should link savings groups to formal banking so as to have access to diverse financial services which will make them resilient to the effects of disasters.
Page(s): 88-97 Date of Publication: 12 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10509Four hundreds eighty-six (486) university students investigated the opinions of Turkish University Students on Quality of University Education and Higher Education Council. Mostly public universities (%64.2), and they are from 34 different universities; 486 university students with an associate degree, undergraduate and graduate and postgraduate university students between the ages of 18-65 filled out the questionnaire (Tuncer 2023). There were ten questions about the Higher Education Council’s (YÖK) thoughts, university rectorate appointment and election, university, and academic autonomy. In addition, with a question about the most important critical or essential for university students, the perception of student problems was tried to be learned. As 4 out of 486 students did not complete most of the questions, they were eliminated and the evaluation was made on 482 students (Tuncer 2023) (This study was produced from the data of A.Murat Tuncer’s PhD thesis). Out of all students 62.3% women, 91.2% were single, and 57.9% of the students lived on family assistance. 61.1% of the students live on less than 3000 TL per month. 24.5% live in the dormitory, and 56.8% living with their own family. 89.1% of students assessed the performance of the Higher Education Council as not working well. 14.6% of the students considered the universities are free in Turkey. 42.5% of university students perceive university free as academic, financial, and administrative, 36.5% of the students want the university rector to be elected by voting in which all components of the university, namely students, faculty members, and administrative staff, will participate together. 80.6% of the students think that there is no equality in access to education in our country. Although the majority do not have an opinion on whether to enter the university with an exam or not, 40.6% of the students have a favorable view of the baccalaureate-style general examination test at the end of high school.43.7% of the students do not find it appropriate to give scholarships based on their exam scores. Regarding the quality of university education, 38.5% of the students are neither good nor bad, 34.9% find it high quality and 26.6% find it poor quality. The beginning of most critical problems mentioned is missing problems and the colorlessness of social life. It was also evaluated whether the students were from private and public universities and whether there were significant differences in the answers given according to the years in the university.
Page(s): 98-108 Date of Publication: 14 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10510Although Spiritual Intelligence enjoys recent recognition in research as a human potential to live a meaningful and fulfilled life even amid uncertainties and distress, no known study has been done among young people especially seminarians in Nigeria. Thus, this study uses the correlational research design to explore the relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological distress among the seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Nigeria. The objectives are to determine the seminarians’ levels of spiritual intelligence, their levels of psychological distress, and the relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological distress among them. Forty-nine (49) major seminarians from the Catholic Diocese of Aba were recruited using the census method. Data collection was done through questionnaires delivered to each participant on google forms. Two standardised instruments – the Integrated Spiritual Intelligence Scale (ISIS-45) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used to assess the participants’ spiritual intelligence and psychological distress respectively. SPSS (version 26) aided the data analysis. The results showed that the seminarians had an average spiritual intelligence level (n = 49, M = 72.1%, SD = .42) and an average psychological distress level (n = 49, M = 55.8%, SD = 6.46). The Pearson correlation showed a weak positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological distress among the participants. There was no significant relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological distress among the seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Aba (r = .066, p = .653). The findings provide an increased understanding of the relationship between spiritual intelligence and psychological distress among the population studied. The study suggests the need for more investigation into the value of spiritual intelligence and the necessity of its improvement for seminarians as young people and as future leaders who will need to have the necessary resources to guide others in their wellbeing in a distressed country like Nigeria.
Page(s): 109-117 Date of Publication: 14 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10511Microalgae are aquatic organisms that can function as bioindicators of surface water quality. The concentration of chlorophyll a can be measured to determine the level of microalgae abundance in a body of water. Measurement of the dry weight of microalgae biomass is another method that can be used to determine the abundance of microalgae in a body of water. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In measuring chlorophyll concentration, the presence of other compounds besides chlorophyll which can absorb light spectrum at certain wavelengths (wavelengths of 665 nm, 645 nm, and 630 nm) causes the measured absorbance value to be greater than it should be. The level of turbidity due to the content of suspended particles in water is a problem in the dry weight measurement method. Determination of the dry weight of biomass based on the chlorophyll concentration approach is the subject of this study. The results of simple linear regression analysis showed that the concentration of chlorophyll a and the dry weight of microalgae biomass in treatment A had a fairly strong positive correlation (Ra = 0.870), the tendency of which was to follow the linear regression equation Y = 302.35x + 17.121. Determination of dry weight based on the chlorophyll concentration measurement approach can be applied to water samples with suspended solids content that tends to be constant and inert (does not produce substances that can react with organic solvents during the chlorophyll extraction process). In addition, based on the results of data processing it can be concluded that the effect of the content of other suspended particles in the water samples did not show a statistically significant effect.
Page(s): 118-127 Date of Publication: 18 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10512I. Introduction Online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic has become an issue in Indonesia (Supena et.al., 2021). The issue of online learning has also developed into an international issue that is a necessity and necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic (Fernandez, 2021; Thapa et.al., 2020; Murphy, 2020; Demuyakor (2020).). Based on the policy of the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia through Circular Letter No. 4 of 2020 regarding the Implementation of Education Policies during the emergency period of the spread of Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19), namely using online learning. In the process of adapting new learning habits during the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the things that is necessary for the adaptation process in learning is the existence of teaching materials and online learning tools that use attractive and easily accessible media for students. As a solution to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, educators are required to design learning devices and media as innovations by utilizing online learning tools and media.
Page(s): 128-135 Date of Publication: 20 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10513This paper interrogates women-talk in selected salons in parts of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria through the Ethnolinguistic framework to determine perspectives towards gender equity/inequality in a bid to propose way forward, and within the salon space and hair value. The research is largely quantitative and data collection on observatory participant basis. Secondary data on gender equity was also obtained through literature. True equity lies in achieving the intended societal impact of gender equity which is for the individual to be genuinely liberated and free to function optimally. The different postures and perspectives of the Yoruba woman present with issues in terms of gender equity and desires that should not be overlooked in the design of policies meant to liberate them within their respective contexts. Gender equity needs to be clearly defined within the context of peoples and their cultures.
Page(s): 136-148 Date of Publication: 24 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10514Managing complex environmental problems such as flood disaster require up to date technology. Much of these disasters can be prevented and reduced through the use of technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing as well as questionnaire administration. The spatial analytic capacity of GIS is employed to carryout hydrological analysis such as drainage network, DEM, Slope, flow direction and accumulation, stream order. Also land use and land cover analysis was done to examine the changes in land cover pattern across the study area. Different datasets were extracted from satellite imagery (landsat TM and OLI) of the Study area. ArcGIS 10.8 and Idrisi Terrset were used for the land cover change spatial analyses. The results from image analysis revealed that built-up area have been increasing significantly in the area due to increasing population pressure, it increases from 11.70%, 9.74% and 13.15% in 1990 to 18.12%, 16.05% and 19.37% in 2021 for Ankpa, Bassa and Oguma (Dekina) respectively. The flood risk vulnerability map reveals that about 15.44% (835.73 km2) and 15.81% (856.25 km2) of the study area have very high and high susceptibility to flooding inundation, respectively. The vulnerable zones are located on the lowest part of the plain which is responsible for the high flood vulnerability experienced in this area. It can be deduced that the magnitude of the flood hazard of a given area is a function of both the distance to the river and the elevation of the area in question. The result of the questionnaire analysis indicates that 67.55%,65.96% and 61.48% strongly agreed that shallow drainage channels in Ankpa, Dekina and Oguma are the major drainage challenges in the study area while 65.70%, 56.73% and 56.46%, strongly agree that several homes are destroyed when drainage fail and 56.20%, 63.32%, and 57.26% strongly agree that availability of social services is responsible for the increase population upsurge to urban centers. It is believed that the result of this research can be used as a means of regulating development along the plain and also serve as a decision support when making policies relating to drainage and flood management around urban centres.
Page(s): 149-162 Date of Publication: 24 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10515The entire globe is heated and faces immense annihilations that no single country can vouch to be truly free from. Though, conflict is an intrinsic and inevitable part of human existence, the nature and volatility of conflict experienced in Nigeria brought with it a quantum of warning signs which predominantly is not noticed or ignored. This study examines the Nigerian security sector as regards the disregard for available early warning signs of conflict in the polity which ordinarily form a whole ‘Early Warning System’ (EWS) of Conflict. The study employed historical method of analyzing data generated from both primary and secondary sources. A hundred key informants were systematically stratified and interviewed in each of six geopolitical zone of the country making total of 600 respondents while simple percentage frequency count and other statistical tools were used to analyze the derivatives in order to consolidate the mixed methodology. Findings show that significant early warning signs (EWS) precede most conflicts unawares and when the conflict signs are visible, we are not enlightened or informed to respond correspondingly let alone taking preventive actions. Also, government is complacent in the direction of conflict prevention policies and advocacy etc. The author therefore recommended an apt conflict prevention and management model which, if mainstreamed, would network all the security architectures hence, enhance security in the nation by fully engaging all the security operatives. It will ensure citizens’ rights and privileges while dignifying the nation in the international scene.
Page(s): 163-185 Date of Publication: 26 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10516Background: The process of making tofu in the home industry has the risk of exposing high heat to the environment. This heat comes from the process of boiling soybeans in high temperatures and for a long time. The heat that exposes workers will encourage excessive sweating and cause dehydration. Dehydration is a condition experienced by the body when losing fluids. The body needs fluids containing electrolytes to replace electrolytes lost due to dehydration. For this reason, it is necessary to supplement drinking water to overcome dehydration by choosing drinks that have the potential to reduce dehydration, namely those that have high electrolytes, including mineral water and isotonic beverage. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the type of drinking water on dehydration status in tofu industry workers. Method: Quasi-experimental with time series design. the sampling technique, used a total of 40 workers using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The provision of mineral water and isotonic beverage were given on different days with a break of one day. Drinking water was given for 3.5 hours of work, with an intensity of 200 ml every 30 minutes. Measurement of dehydration status using urine color standards and subjective complaints of dehydration. Measurement of dehydration status was performed after administration of the intervention. Data analysis used the Friedman test. Results: Dehydration status on pre-treatment, 100% of workers were dehydrated, after giving mineral water as many as 97.2% of workers were dehydrated while after giving isotonic beverage as much as 85.8% were dehydrated. The Friedman test showed a value of p = 0.001. Conclusion: There is a significant effect of the type of water on dehydration status.
Page(s): 186-192 Date of Publication: 29 June 2023
DOI:10.51244/IJRSI.2023.10517
