Jozac Publishers [JP] (former JFP Publishers) (E-Journals)
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Cultural transmission and textile technology in SouthEastern Nigeria: A batik textile exploration
Full text linkIgbo culture possesses messages encapsulated in its cultural symbols and motifs. Effectively engaging younger generations through evidence-based research is crucial for harnessing the full potential of these messages in national development. Through textile design technology, particularly in the realm of batik, one explores the rich cultural symbols and motifs to characterise Igbo apparel. This approach not only fosters cultural transmission but also ensures that these traditions are preserved and passed down, creating a meaningful connection between the past and present. Exploration of the possibility of preserving and transmitting the cultural significance of Ugwumagala and Ego kiri kiri using batik textiles constitutes the purpose of this study. Practice-led studio research approach that allows researchers to incorporate their creative practice was used. Results showed that Ugwumagala, which means chameleon, symbolises lots of virtues expected of leaders, such as caution, ease of adaptation to any situation among the Igbo people, who are almost the widely travelled ethnic groups in Nigeria and found in different parts of the world. This animal, being unpredictable and changeable, symbolises flexibility, as one could hide one\u27s true colours to blend with the prevailing environment for safety, to socialise with every person in society. Also, Ego Kiri Kiri motifs are derived from indigenous traditional Igbo currency—Okpogho (Manila) and cowries collectively called Ego Kiri Kiri used in Igboland in the olden days. It symbolised wealth, and its excavation portends good fortune/omen in the future. Conclusively, this study has shown the potential of textile technology, while further research is recommended
Molecular phylogenetics of selected Ganoderma lucidum from Abuja environs: An Insight into Local and Universal Relatedness
Full text linkGiven its increasing commercial relevance in the nutraceutical market, driven by the growing demand for antitumor and immune-boosting natural products, Ganoderma lucidum has been extensively explored for its vast therapeutic potential. Its reported wide distribution globally, alongside high morphological variations, is of significant research interest. The conspicuous taxonomic ambiguity in this mushroom, owing to its species plasticity, leads to misidentification and evolutionary complexity within the species. This has given rise to various premises regarding its origin, evolution, and the influence of multiple factors on its multifaceted existence. This study investigated the preliminary evolutionary relationship and plausible origins of local Ganoderma lucidum strains from Abuja, Nigeria, using a simple phylogenetic analysis. In this work, we carried out a molecular phylogenetic analysis of ten selected specimens of G. lucidum from Abuja environs to determine their evolutionary relatedness within and among specimen sequences from other geographical locations of the world. Molecular characterization techniques were used to generate DNA sequences of the Abuja samples. Additional sequences from Nigeria, India, China, Korea, and Europe were retrieved from the NCBI. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree construction were conducted using Clustal-W and MEGA XI, respectively. The resulting Neighbor-Joining tree revealed significant inter-regional phylogenetic clustering of the taxa, with a few overlapping clades present between them. It also revealed a strong bunching of the Nigerian-Abuja strains with their somewhat closer association to the European strains. This study provides a baseline for further molecular investigations, suggesting geographical location as a key factor in G. lucidum species variation.
Integrative Nutritional, physicochemical, and bioactive profiling of Sesamum radiatum seeds: A Potential Healthy Food Source
Full text linkSesamum radiatum, a neglected relative of commercial sesame (S. indicum), holds significant potential as a source of nutritious seeds and oil. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of seeds from Nigeria, revealing a rich nutritional profile featuring high crude lipid (31.9%) and fiber (29.8%) content, alongside substantial mineral levels such as calcium (7.92 mg/g). Oil yield was substantial (32.0%), with favorable physicochemical properties including a high iodine value (192.9) and smoke point (224 °C). The oil demonstrated potent concentration-dependent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 6.94 mg/mL). Crucially, GC-MS analysis revealed a unique fatty acid profile dominated by 10,13-octadecadienoic acid (41.77%), alongside linoleic (16.98%) and palmitic (6.17%) acids. Spectroscopic characteristics (UV-Vis and FT-IR) provide a distinct fingerprint for quality control. These findings underscore that S. radiatum is not merely an understudy to its commercial cousin but a valuable resource in its own right, with promising applications for the food, nutritional, and healthcare industries aimed at leveraging novel and sustainable plant oils
In-vivo antimalarial and anti-oxidative properties of methanol and ethylacetate stem bark extract from Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) infected with Plasmodium berghei
Full text linkCalotropis procera, a commonly utilized traditional medicine in Nigeria, is reputed for its antioxidant and antimalarial properties. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, toxicological, and antiplasmodial effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Calotropis procera utilizing a rodent model to assess their suppressive, prophylactic, and curative effects against malaria, as well as to evaluate their safety profile. An antioxidant activity of 0.25 mg/ml was revealed by the DPPH assay, which revealed a robust antioxidant capacity that was higher than that of Vitamin C at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. Locke\u27s method was used to evaluate acute toxicity. Additionally, toxicity assessments revealed a relatively non-toxic profile with no observed fatalities even at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg, indicating that it is relatively non-toxic based on Lorke\u27s toxicity scale. The antimalarial efficacy of the extracts was assessed in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, a model organism for malaria. The methanol extract demonstrated significant antimalarial activity without inducing adverse effects at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. Both the methanol stem bark extract and the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited curative and suppressive activities, although with minimal prophylactic effects. The results suggest that Calotropis procera extracts hold promise as potential sources for new and innovative malaria treatments. Further investigations are needed to clarify the precise mechanisms of action and to develop safe and effective therapeutic formulations
Interdisciplinary collaboration and digital dissemination of health posters in Sub-Saharan Africa: Supporting SDG 4 and SDG 8
Full text linkMedical posters, also known as health posters, are a visible part of institutional health communication. They support face-to-face interactions between healthcare workers and patients, offering public access to health information beyond the confines of private consultations. In multilingual and low-literacy societies across Sub-Saharan Africa, these multimodal texts play a crucial role in health education. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining surreptitious observational and ethnographic sampling of 130 posters in public spaces (hospitals, airports, markets, and government offices) with analysis of previous quantitative findings. This mixed-methods study examines how health posters are designed and displayed in the Nigeria and Ghana landscape. While previous statistical findings show that 87% of respondents rely on health posters to improve their health, many posters are poorly designed: they are wordy, grammatically incorrect (for example, "after 2 week"), placed in dimly lit or obscure areas, or buried under overlapping notices. These flaws make them difficult to read and undermine their purpose. The study highlights a lack of collaboration between health professionals, linguists, communicators and designers in the production process. This affects clarity and misses an opportunity to create jobs for young people. By integrating expertise from different fields and embracing digital tools, health poster campaigns can become more effective and inclusive. Such efforts directly support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) through informal learning and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by generating employment in design, translation, and dissemination
Visual narratives and linguistic framing: A multi-modal discourse study of newspaper coverage on the CBEX Ponzi Scheme in Nigeria
Full text linkThis study explores the media\u27s portrayal of the CBEX Ponzi scheme in Nigeria through a multimodal discourse perspective. It aims to analyse how semiotic elements in The Sun and Punch newspapers combine to communicate messages about the CBEX Ponzi scheme, interpret these messages, evaluate their influence on audiences, and examine the socio-cultural implications of the framing strategies used in the coverage. Using Kress and van Leeuwen\u27s (2006) visual grammar theory, the research examines a selection of ten images and accompanying texts from the two major Nigerian newspapers, published between April 15th and April 25th, 2025. The analysis indicates that media outlets frequently employ sensational imagery and emotionally charged language to amplify perceived socio-economic risks and victimisation associated with Ponzi schemes. Nonetheless, there is often insufficient focus on the systemic factors that facilitate these financial frauds. This framing tends to evoke strong emotions in viewers while offering limited critical discussion of regulatory or structural issues. Ultimately, the paper advocates for more balanced and nuanced media portrayals that go beyond sensationalism, thereby promoting greater public financial literacy and enabling individuals to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes.
A study on factors influencing parenting styles on the academic performance of students
Full text linkThis research utilised a quantitative methodology with a descriptive survey design to examine the influence of parenting styles on the academic achievement of junior high school students in the Aowin Municipality of Ghana. The population consisted of around 2,520 final-year public junior high school pupils in the area. A multistage probability selection strategy was employed to pick a representative sample of 252 pupils, constituting 10% of the population, utilising simple random and proportional sampling techniques to ensure equity and representativeness. Data were gathered through standardised questionnaires administered to students, evaluating their judgements of authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles, in conjunction with their end-of-term examination scores. The instruments\u27 validity was affirmed by specialists, and reliability was determined by pilot testing, resulting in acceptable Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Data analysis utilised SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics to encapsulate demographic and academic information, and multiple regression analysis to investigate the correlation between parenting approaches and academic success. The results demonstrated that authoritative parenting favourably affects student achievement, whereas authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful methods correlate with inferior outcomes. The study suggests that parenting profoundly influences academic achievement among Ghanaian junior high students and underscores the necessity of supportive, communicative, and disciplinary parenting methods. The conclusions indicate that policymakers and educators ought to advocate for parenting programs that emphasise authoritative tactics and urge the incorporation of parenting education into school counselling services. The study promotes culturally customised treatments to improve academic performance, calling for additional research on the impact of cultural values on parenting and student success within Ghanaian settings
Relational factors influencing teacher coverage of senior high school mathematics syllabus in Savannah Region of Ghana
Full text linkThe study investigated factors affecting the coverage of the Senior High School Mathematics Syllabus in Ghana’s Savanna Region, emphasizing the syllabus’s role as a critical educational tool that outlines responsibilities, content, student expectations, and assessment methods. Using a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 96 mathematics teachers (76 male, 20 female) from five Senior High/Technical Schools, along with head teachers overseeing academics. Data revealed that only 60.4% of the mathematics syllabus was covered in the region. Key factors contributing to incomplete coverage included teacher competency, teaching methods, time management, attitudes of teachers and students, and availability of resources. Through factor analysis, 19 variables were reduced to seven key factors: teacher and student interest, institutional factors, teacher attitudes, pedagogical approaches, resource availability, time constraints, and unfavorable classroom conditions. Further analysis highlighted specific issues, such as teacher absenteeism, students’ lack of interest in mathematics, student laziness, and weak foundational knowledge in mathematics, as significant barriers to syllabus coverage. The study concluded that these relational factors significantly hinder effective syllabus completion. To address these challenges, it is recommended that educational stakeholders in the Savanna Region take proactive measures to reduce teacher absenteeism, enhance student engagement, and improve foundational mathematics skills. By tackling these issues, stakeholders can improve syllabus coverage, ensuring better educational outcomes for students in the region
Coping styles and relapse rates among patients with substance-induced psychotic disorders
Full text linkSubstance-induced psychotic disorders (SIPDs) are marked by high relapse rates, presenting ongoing challenges to mental health recovery. While considerable research has explored clinical and pharmacological predictors of relapse, the role of psychological variables particularly coping strategies has received less attention. This study investigated the relationship between coping styles and relapse frequency among patients diagnosed with SIPDs in Nigeria. Participants were 252 inpatients and outpatients (63% male), aged 20–59 years (M = 38.26; SD = 8.41), drawn from two Neuropsychiatric hospitals in southern Nigeria. They completed the Brief-COPE Inventory and provided relapse history data obtained through clinical records and self-report. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS v22.0. Results revealed that the multiple regression model was statistically significant, F(3, 248) = 33.89, p < .001, accounting for approximately 29% of the variance in relapse frequency (Adjusted R² = .28). Problem-focused coping significantly predicted lower relapse frequency (β = –.21, p = .003), indicating a protective effect. Avoidant coping significantly predicted higher relapse frequency (β = .37, p < .001), identifying it as a key risk factor. These findings suggest that coping mechanisms, especially avoidant strategies, significantly influence relapse risk among individuals with SIPDs. The study emphasizes the need for psychosocial interventions that promote adaptive coping as part of relapse prevention strategies in clinical settings
Parameter setting and feature mismatch in a Yoruba-English bilingual child
Full text linkLanguage acquisition studies on bilingual children within the African context are rare. Furthermore, studies based on parental diaries of children’s development have the advantage of providing details that other methods will miss. This paper presents an analysis of the speech of a bilingual child acquiring Yoruba and English concurrently. Data were collected from age two years, four months and two weeks (2;4.2) to three years, eight months and two weeks (3;8.2). The pattern observed was that the matrix language of the subject, code-named BM, switched between Yoruba and English, an indication that she might not be distinguishing between the two languages at this stage of her language acquisition. Grammatical themes of head position, null preposition, wh-questions, yes/no questions, finite/non-finite clauses, serial verb constructions and feature mismatch all present data in support of the conclusion that the child was still trying hypotheses, developing the grammars of the two languages, and was also in the process of working out the distinctions between them