Jozac Publishers [JP] (former JFP Publishers) (E-Journals)
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Effect of different concentrations of garlic extract on dental plaque isolates obtained from patients attending Federal Medical Center Makurdi
Get PDFInstead of the traditional microbiological pathogens, the microbes that make up the mouth\u27s resident micro-flora are what cause oral diseases like dental caries/plaque and periodontal disorders. The aim of this study was determine the effect of different concentrations of garlic extract on dental plaque isolates obtained from patients attending Federal Medical Center Makurdi. Swap samples were collected from teeth of patients and were transported to the laboratory, analysis was done on different culture media and identification of isolates was done using the Bergy’s manual of determinative bacteriology, biochemical characterization was carried following standard microbiological methods. The antibacterial activity was done using agar well diffusion method in which the garlic extract was introduced in concentrate. Concentrations of 500 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, 125 mg/mL, 65.3 mg/mL and 35.5mg/mL were prepared and used for the susceptibility. The Isolates from results were Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus feacalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The effect observed was concentration dependent as all the graphs obtained shows a linear series, the lowest inhibitory concentration shows that 250mg/ml was the lowest concentration that inhibits each of the isolates in ethanolic garlic extract while 500 mg/mL was the minimum inhibitory concentration for the aqueous garlic extract. Oral hygiene was recommended in order to help reduce the accumulation of dental plaque which usually harbours primary microbes that colonize the teeth surfaces resulting to caries and periodontal diseases. The use of mouth wash containing garlic and or toothpaste incorporated with alicin was recommended as this can help reduce the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm thereby minimising the incidence of dental caries and periodontal diseases.
Social constructs of the coastal fante festival performance costumes and sculptural objects in Ghana: An indigenous knowledge system and practice
Get PDFThe focus of this qualitative case study was to explore the intricate relationship between Coastal Fante Festival performance costumes, sculptural objects, and the indigenous knowledge system and practices of the coastal dwellers, who reside in the central coastal regions of Ghana. To explore the social constructs of Coastal Fante Festival performance costumes and sculptural objects comprehensively, this study employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining ethnography, archival research, and artisan collaboration in the geographical context of Winneba and Cape Coast. The unstructured interview and direct observation were the instrumentations used for the data collection. The interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and visual data analysis tools garnered from sixteen (16) research participants using purposive (expert) and simple random sampling techniques allowed for a holistic understanding of the cultural, historical, and societal dimensions of these costumes and sculptural objects within the Central region coastal community, shedding light on their role as living embodiments of indigenous knowledge and cultural practice. The study revealed that these costumes hold profound cultural significance, symbolizing historical events, social identities, behaviour, codes and spiritual connections within the community. As a result of these social constructs, enculturation and inculturation were achieved, materialising cultural identity, defining mood (attitude), enhancing performer welfare, and addressing issues of history were addressed through performance costumes and sculptural objects. The generation should see these costumes with sculptural objects as a living embodiment of indigenous knowledge and cultural practice, enriching the understanding of Fante culture and its significance in a global context
Evaluation of the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and radical scavenging properties of the stem bark and leaves of Pterocarpus osun
Get PDFIntroduction: Medicinal plants have the capacity to scavenge free radicals due to their potential to stabilize harmful molecules, which contributes to oxidative stress that results in non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes. Methodology: Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and the aluminium chloride method respectively, were used to evaluate the total contents of phenolic and flavonoid of the Pterocarpus osun leaf and stem bark extracts. Purpose of study: The goal of the current investigation was to evaluate the total content of flavonoid, and total content of phenol present in methanol extracts of the leaf and stem bark of P. osun. Using the DPPH assay to measure the extracts\u27 capacity to scavenge free radicals, inhibition concentrations of 0.0625, 0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.00 mg/mL were noted. Results: The IC50s for the stem bark and the leaf extracts are 3.44, and 48.14 mg/mL, respectively. The amount of flavonoid in the stem bark was 2.32, and 1.50 mg quercetin/g extract for the leaf. The total phenolic content was 8.61 and, 6.61 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract for the stem bark and for the leaf, respectively. Conclusion: The results show that there is a correlation between radical scavenging properties and poly phenolics
The Nigerian image on the Nollywood screen
Get PDFThe Nigerian Image on the Nollywood Screen is that popular conception held of Nigerians, their institutions, and the nation through Nollywood films. Film is not only a form of art but also a tool for social Reformation, Transformation, and Decoloniality; as it expresses the feelings of humans and their ideas, seeks to liberate, make visible, and advance a distinct perception of the image of the creating society. The film of a Nation is a liberatory language for the future of the nation as it projects the identity of the nation to the world. The research examines and interrogates what image of Nigerians Nollywood projects to the world. Merton’s theory of functionalism provides a fulcrum for the work and the survey method of data collection was employed. A questionnaire was administered to 500 respondents from the East (200), West (200), and North (100) who watch Nollywood films. Nollywood films portray Nigeria in a good light in the areas of lifestyle and infrastructure, but, considered the state as a stronghold in occultic practices. The respondents perceive Nigeria’s image as developing (76.3%), technically advanced (53.2%), and as a state with rich cultural heritage (82.6%), and commended the exploration of Nigeria’s heroic past and cultural heritage (62.0%). The respondents submitted that their interest in the country’s affairs increased, the more they watched Nollywood films (50.1%), understanding of other cultures (75.1%). However, respondents perceive Nigeria as a society full of conflict (71.0%), supernatural (75.1%), and perpetrating all forms of violence (68.5%). It concludes that the image projected ties the country to the image as perceived by the Colonizers. It, therefore, recommends that Nollywood become a tool for decoloniality
Perceived impacts of acceptance, conversation and inheritance issues on relationships happiness among couples in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Get PDFConversation either verbal or non-verbal is an important aspect of a marital relationship that brings about marital happiness. This study sought to investigate the impacts of acceptance, lack of conversation and inheritance issues on relationship happiness among inter-and-intra ethnic relationships in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The researchers used descriptive research survey design. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The data for the study were gathered from inter-and-intra ethnic spouses who are above 20 years of age, have been married for 2 years to 60 years and with an academic background of Junior High School (JHS) and above. Ten (10) couples were used for the study. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the couples from the accessible population. Interviews were used to gather the data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Major findings of the study revealed that couples in inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic relationships were not happy with respect to their children inheriting their parents. It was therefore, recommended that couples in inter- and intra- ethnic relationships should be schooled to prepare a Will whiles living with the assistance of religious leaders and counsellors. Further, properties acquired during their relationship should be recorded in the names of their children to prevent uncertainty and conflicts after they are dead when the state employs the implementation of PNDC Law 111, 1985 of Ghana. It was also found out that, couples in both inter- and intra-ethnic relationships chose a common medium of expression. It is recommended that, couples from different backgrounds should use a common language for better understanding and to do away with suspicions in the relationships to bring about marital happiness
Robots over humans? The place of artificial intelligence in the pedagogy of art direction in film education
Get PDFDiscourses on artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of art direction have not gained enough attention, although its use is becoming more predominant in the rapidly evolving technologically driven filmmaking world. Largely, AI has taken over various aspects of the filmmaking process from pre-production, and production to postproduction. Apart from its major influence on the role of an art director, the incorporation of AI in filmmaking enhances the functions of producers, screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and animators. This qualitative paper approach rides on a rapid review design based on the selection of scholarly articles drawn from databases such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, IEEEX Xplore, and ACM Digital Library, using artificial intelligence, art direction, and filmmaking as vocabulary for search. It aims to outline the benefits of integration of AI in art direction pedagogy in film education. Also, it highlights the challenges and potential solutions of the integration of AI in art direction pedagogy in film education. The findings of this review show that AI enhances set design and simulates lighting in the creation of film worlds. Also, AI has the ability to create three-dimensional (3D) and realistic complex props rapidly. In addition, AI has the ability to analyze and generate design renderings in costume design and make-up efficiently. Notwithstanding, it brings to the fore that the integration of AI in teaching art direction poses some challenges such as awareness and understanding of tools, as well as ethical implications to data privacy and algorithmic bias. The paper recommends that educational institutions offering film art direction curricula should embrace this technology and equip teachers with the necessary training and support to teach them effectively. Also, the institutions must take measures to control ethical issues and data-driven policies
Information and communications technology (ICT) and academic excellence at the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
Get PDFThere is a global realization of the importance of technology in driving modernization, change, and development. The adoption of technology, particularly information communication telecommunication (ICT) has permeated almost every sphere of modern society, including the educational sector. While some universities in Nigeria have made inroads in the deployment and adoption of ICT for teaching and learning, others are lagging. However, efforts at the deployment and adoption of ICT and digitizing its operations in teaching and learning seem to be at an appreciable level at the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State. Hence, this study assesses the impact of ICT on achieving academic excellence at the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State. Specifically, the study examines the appreciation of the use of technology by both staff and students, its availability and impact on qualitative teaching and learning and the academic performance of students in the university. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collected from the institution. The quantitative data were presented and analyzed in tables, frequency counts and percentages. The Chi-Square (X2) was adopted to statistically test the postulated hypotheses. The quantitative data were explained in the content. The study revealed that the adoption of ICT in the process of teaching and learning has enhanced academic excellence at Federal University Wukari. The paper recommends amongst others that the school should partner with ICT companies to provide ICT facilities like Computers, and projectors among others, to the staff and students at a subsidized rate. The cost should be infused into the tuition fees of the students and deducted from the salaries of the staff on an installment basis. Also, the required facilities, especially, power, that will enhance the use of these ICT in the University should be provided by the university management
Perception in implementing English as a medium of instruction: A phenomenological study in Upper Secondary Levels S. Y. 2022-2023
Get PDFThis study focuses on the perception of Senior High School learners in implementing English as a medium of instruction. The goal is to assess how the students appreciate the use of English as a medium of instruction and how willing they are to have the instruction in full English. The researcher examines the students using an interview to gather data on how the learners are ready in having a full English class in specific subjects. The study promotes the importance of the English language in developing the learner\u27s academic and personal growth. This targeted the informants that have experiences in limited use of a second language in class discussion and how it impacts their progress in mastering the English language. The problem of this study is how mixed languages developed a gap in the learning process of the learners that also hinders them to practice the second language. Based on the conducted study, the students prefer to have a second language as a medium of instruction despite the challenges they encounter such as in communicating with other people, constructing sentences, conceptualizing ideas, and the like. The reason behind the willingness of the students was they believed that for them to learn the language, practicing it should be the best option. This study is conducted to address the phenomenon that concerns the vocabulary and communication of the learners in using English and effectively encourage its benefit that they can take advantage of in the future
Woodcutter, “Fake It till You Make It”: Exploring communicative strategies used by higher education students
Get PDFThe term "woodcutter" (also known as "melet" or "meletary") was used to describe someone who, when confronted with a difficult question, attempts to solve it in his or her own distinctive manner. As a result, the motto "Fake It Until You Make It" is linked to the student’s communicative expression. This phenomenological inquiry study explored the communicative strategies higher education students use. There were ten (10) key participants who were highly involved in this research: five (5) for in-depth interviews and five (5) for focus group discussion. The findings revealed the following communicative strategies used by the students: question terminating; topic shifting; and strategic answering. When it comes to the students’ application of communicative strategies in the classroom, the following themes are generated: lack of knowledge; uncomfortable situations; and getting called on by the teacher. Furthermore, based on the study’s findings, these are the essential themes formulated when asked about the factors influencing their communicative strategies: having no preparation, having anxiety, and being humiliated in front of classmates. With this, the school and the teachers must help achieve students\u27 communicative competence in English by providing training on communicative strategies and creating an English-speaking environment (organizations such as Debating Club, English Club, etc.) and especially in the classroom, thereby officially showcasing communicative competence but with a friendly, safe, and accessible environment where mistakes are okay and open to positive correction with teachers and peers
Breaking the chains, bridging the gaps: Giving a voice to persons with disabilities
Get PDFThe day-to-day experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs) are twice as burdensome due to the social exclusion they face. PWDs are confronted with dilemmas such as inadequate education, employment declination, and healthcare rejection, which make them marginalized individuals. PWDs struggle to fit in the classroom due to a lack of improvements to accommodate their specific demands. PWDs frequently experience discrimination even before they are permitted to join the workforce. Moreover, the demands of people with disabilities are frequently overlooked or ignored because of the paucity of healthcare facilities and equipment in the country. Some initiatives to address these problems have been made; however, proper implementation has been overlooked and is still underway. By doing this, we allow individuals with disabilities to gain assurance and a sense of togetherness