Jozac Publishers [JP] (former JFP Publishers) (E-Journals)
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Impact of citizen participation in catalysing sustainable development in Bungoma County, 1950-2022
Full text linkCitizen participation in development has existed since the colonial period with the establishment of community development schemes that encouraged African participation in colonial economic development. After independence in 1963, citizen engagement in development was encouraged through development programs and policies that aimed at achieving sustainable development. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of citizen participation in catalyzing sustainable development in Bungoma County, 1950-2022. The study adopted a qualitative approach which employed a historical research design based on participatory development theory. The study used quota and purposive sampling techniques to select one hundred and sixty respondents. Primary data was collected through archival sources, oral interviews, focus group discussions, and qualitative questionnaires. Secondary data was collected from books, journals, newspapers, and selected websites. Data was analyzed and presented thematically. Study findings revealed socio-economic transformation and psychological satisfaction as results of citizen participation in promoting sustainable development. Improved agricultural activities, improved transport systems, creation of employment, and economic empowerment led to improved standards of living. Improved health and education infrastructures were achieved as well as promoting a sense of ownership. The study concluded that citizen engagement in sustainable development led to social, economic, and environmental transformation of the society
Tiger nut and vocal folds healing education: Epithelization and histological investigations
Full text linkThis study investigated lead (Pb) metal intoxication and the ameliorating effects of tiger nuts and vitamin C (Vit C) on the vocal folds as a means of vocal education for theater performers. Lead is a component of paints, batteries, water pipelines, and lubricants for agricultural equipment and automobiles. It enters the body through plant-based edibles, lead-contaminated air, and water. Its versatility and ability to withstand corrosion, its residential and industrial applications, ignite public health concerns to humans and animals as it bioaccumulates. The antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties of Tiger nuts informed this study. Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats, 150-200 g body weight, were categorized into six groups (n=6) for the study. Control (Distilled water only), Lead (40 mg/kg only), Low Tiger Nut + Lead (TN 5 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), Medium Tiger Nut + Lead (TN10 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), High Tiger Nut + Lead (TN 20 mL/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg), vit C (200 mg/kg) + Pb (40 mg/kg). All administrations were done through oral gavage for 14 days. Thereafter, the rats were weighed, sacrificed, and vocal folds dissected out for histological analysis. In comparison to the control and other treatment groups, the Lead group (Pb) had squamous epithelial metaplasia, hyperplasia, ulceration, and mucosal inflammation of the vocal fold. Epithelization in the Tiger Nut-treated group increased with dose, while the vitamin C group (vit C), had considerable amelioration. In conclusion, tiger nut and vitamin C have beneficial effects on vocal fold healing following lead intoxication
Optimising workspaces for employee productivity: A contemporary analysis of commercial banks in Bamenda, Cameroon
Full text linkIn commercial banks globally, there is a prevailing misconception that employee productivity is linked primarily to compensation packages. However, this study investigates the impact of workplace factors, specifically, the physical environment, psychosocial dynamics, policy environment, and work-life balance, on employee productivity in commercial banks, with a focused case study on Bamenda, Cameroon. The main objective is to assess how these workplace factors influence employee productivity in commercial banks in Bamenda. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 130 employees across the various commercial banks existing in Bamenda, Cameroon, through structured questionnaires. The analysis employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, revealing that the physical work environment and work-life balance significantly enhance employee productivity, with coefficients of 0.302 and 0.197, respectively, and p-values of 0.004 and 0.041. Psychological environment and policy environment did not exhibit significant effects, with coefficients of 0.077 (p = 0.377) and -0.045 (p = 0.177), respectively. The model demonstrated an R² of 0.243, indicating that approximately 24.3% of the variation in employee productivity can be explained by these factors. The findings emphasise the necessity for commercial banks to prioritise improvements in workplace conditions and cultivate a supportive work-life balance to optimise employee performance. It is recommended that management should focus on enhancing the physical workspace and promoting policies that facilitate a healthier work-life balance, and fostering a culture that enhances employee satisfaction and productivity
The language of conflict: a semiotic analysis of Yorùbá songs
Full text linkThis study investigates the role of language in propagating conflict through a semiotic analysis of Yorùbá songs, looking at Yorùbá proverb, political songs, and religious songs, uncovering the fundamental power elements, belief systems, and implications that shape the talk of hardship. This research accedes that language could be pivotal in sustaining struggle if misused and reveals how language, images, and social references are utilized to develop, propagate, and arrange conflicts. This study uses semiotics as its hypothetical establishment to investigate and decipher struggle-related Yorùbá precepts, political songs, and religious songs. This study uncovered the hidden power of designs, belief systems, and implications that impact our cognizance of contention and correspondence. Through a basic verbal expression, this study reveals how language is utilized to make and propagate conflict, furthermore, it pinpoints open doors for more useful and serene correspondence methodologies. The study\u27s discoveries highlight the significant impacts of language on friendly attachment, uncovering that delicate language can diffuse strains and advance tranquil goals. This exploration outlines the huge impact of language on struggle acceleration and de-heightening, focusing on the significance of smart correspondence in building a more agreeable and serene society. By selecting words cautiously, we can establish a climate that empowers grasping, compassion, and valuable compromise, prompting more grounded, tougher networks.
A transitivity analysis of Adichie’s Zikora and Kafka’s A report to an academy
Full text linkThe research recognises that prose fiction forms a significant source of data for stylistic investigations. The study aims to examine transitivity features in Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Zikora’ and‘ A Report to an Academy’ by Franz Kafka. The research recognises that the short stories have not attracted much linguistic research interest over the years. In doing so, it applies Systemic Functional Linguistics by Halliday as an analytical tool to explore 20 clauses with reference to system networks in general and the transitive system in particular. The study first identified the independent clauses in the text. Subsequently, it randomly chose 20 clauses for the analysis of transitivity patterns. The analysis pays attention to participants, process, and circumstances in the clauses. The research discovered that the material process is more frequent than other process types in Adichie’s ‘Zikora’, with an equal number of material and mental processes in Kafka’s A Report to an Academy. This choice helped the former in presenting actions of the characters rather than giving a mere narration about their mental preferences, while the latter created a balance between doing and mentalising
Exploring Ahidjo\u27s impact on the federated state of East Cameroon from 1961 to 1971: An analysis of historical events
Full text linkThis paper examined the influence of Ahmadou Ahidjo\u27s governance on the federated state of East Cameroon from 1961 to 1971. As the inaugural President of Cameroon, Ahidjo significantly impacted the political, social, and economic development of East Cameroon during this critical period. The research endeavored to provide a comprehensive understanding of his influence by analyzing key historical events, including the consolidation of power, centralization of authority, and the implementation of various policies. The study investigated the strategies employed by him to establish his authority in East Cameroon and the enduring repercussions of his governance on the region\u27s socio-political landscape. This was accomplished through meticulous archival research and document analysis, which facilitated a thorough evaluation of both primary and secondary sources. Ultimately, the research aimed to offer fresh insights into Ahidjo\u27s leadership in East Cameroon and to elucidate the lasting effects of his rule on the federated state’s development
Cultural hybridity and marginality in selected contemporary Yorùbá films
Full text linkYorùbá films have developed over time owing to westernisation and technological advancements. Due to this development, contemporary Yorùbá films are easily accessible through the internet and social media. However, the cultural contents of these films remain questionable due to influences from the Western world. Studies have identified the portrayal of Yorùbá culture, history, and folklore in Yorùbá films with less emphasis on the way contemporary Yorùbá films have hybridised various cultures and possibly marginalised the Yorùbá culture as a result of westernisation and civilisation. Therefore, this study was aimed at analysing cases of cultural hybridity and marginality in selected contemporary Yoruba films. The qualitative research approach, using document analysis, was adopted in the study. Four purposively selected films (Jagunjagun, Anikulapo, Agesinkole, and Elesin-Oba) were analysed thematically and interpreted using the theories of Cultural Hybridity and Cultural Marginality. Findings revealed that the selected films portray the hybridisation of Yorùbá culture with other cultures, while marginalising the Yorùbá culture in many cases. The paper argued that the filmmakers’ quest for global acceptance and profit-making is responsible for this hybridisation and marginalisation. Therefore, it was concluded that the economy remains at the centre of film-making in Nigeria, irrespective of the cultural interest of both the film-makers and the audience
Primary school children’s experiences of school-based violence and perceptions of child-led child protection committees in Zimbabwe
Full text linkGlobally, children experience multiple forms of violence, including school violence, which includes bullying and corporal punishment. However, schools also hold potential to tackle violence, including through child-led child protection committees (CPCs). This study explored children’s perspectives on school violence, safety and their attitudes towards CPCs in Zimbabwe. We conducted 2 FGDs with 6 boys and 6 girls who were CPC members and 4 participatory ‘round robin’ workshops with 27 boys and 20 girls. Children cited various forms of school violence, holding mixed views on the acceptability of corporal punishment. For children, bullying appears to be the overarching concern. CPCs give some students a sense of authority, but the role and scope of CPC members is not well understood among children. Our study finds that despite legislative changes, acceptability of corporal punishment is still present among children in Zimbabwean primary schools. Bullying remains a key concern of children. We contribute new insights on the potential of CPCs to address forms of school violence such as bullying, however suggest there is a need to clarify the role of CPCs in intervening in violence
Negotiating the interpersonal metafunction in Bukusu Bible: A systemic functional grammar approach
Full text linkThe main thrust of this paper is to examine the meaning generated from Mark chapter 8:1-38 through the lens of Systemic Functional Grammar theory. The argument raised in this paper is that language comprises resources for constructing meaning through functional grammar. The objective of this study is to; investigate the mood categories that define interpersonal metafunction in Mark 8:1-38. The study is organized into context of events at the desert, after crossing the sea and Bethseida demonstrating that Systemic Functional Grammar theory is context specific. In view of this, interpersonal metafunctions in clauses organize messages into mood and residue components with the former occupying the initial clause positions while the latter taking the final position. Still the mood is parsed into the subject and predicator while the residue is organised into adjunct and complement. It is with the backdrop of this objective that the study found out that the language constructs mood through declarative and interrogative. In this study, Jesus fed 5000 people and healed the blind man as evident in declarative and interrogative mood. The contextual nature of the discourse at Bethsaida between Jesus and his disciples after feeding the multitude is constructed through declarative and interrogative moods. The messages of assurance and hope are revealed through declaratives when Jesus fed people. The study unveils aspects of doubt concerning sincerity of Jesus getting a meal to feed the multitude in the desert. The mood evident at Bethsaida revealed Jesus’s supernatural power to heal the blind
Green synthesis and characterization of ferrous nanoparticles using Psidium guajava (Linn.) leaf extract
Full text linkFerrous nanoparticles were produced using the aqueous leaf extracts of Psidium guajava as a dual reducing and stabilizing agent. A color shift from pale yellow/brown to dark brown/black was observed immediately after reducing ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution (1 mM) to FeNPs by mixing with plant extract (300 mL). The synthesized FeNPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy and FTIR. Ferrous nanoparticles (FeNPs) were successfully synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts of Psidium guajava as both reducing and stabilizing agents. A rapid color change from pale yellow/brown to dark brown/black indicated the reduction of FeCl₃ (1 mM) upon mixing with 300 mL of plant extract. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation via a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 360 nm, indicating Fe³⁺ reduction to Fe²⁺. FTIR analysis revealed key functional groups involved in nanoparticle stabilization and synthesis: C-O stretching (1154–1034 cm⁻¹; alcohols/ethers), alkane C-H (2923 cm⁻¹), alkene C=C (1648 cm⁻¹; flavonoids), and O-H stretching (3417 cm⁻¹; polyphenols/carboxylic acids). These phytochemicals primarily polyphenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids facilitated eco-friendly nanoparticle synthesis, offering a sustainable and nontoxic alternative for environmental and biomedical applications