Archives

Volume 7 Number 3 September 2021

Traditional Variables and Umbilical Cord Management among Mothers in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria


Authors: Pauline Ekun Ekuri ; Levi Udochukwu Akah ; Effioanwan Irene Duke Nkere ; Stephen Ushie Akpa ; Itam Ben Edet
Pages: 152-157
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.152.157
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of traditional variables on umbilical cord management among nursing mothers in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State. Two research questions were answered in the study. The survey design was adopted for this study. The sample size of 748 nursing mothers that delivered within six months, currently obtaining postnatal health care services was drawn from a population of 1,068 nursing mothers in the area of study. “Traditional Variables and Umbilical Cord Management Questionnaire (CVUCMQ)” was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha method was used to analyse the data with reliability estimates for the variable ranging from .81 to .88. The first finding indicates that traditional beliefs affect neonatal umbilical cord management by nursing mothers. The second finding of this study shows the influence of traditional practices on neonatal umbilical cord management by nursing mothers in Southern Cross River State. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the impact of traditional beliefs and practices are the strong traditional variables that nursing mothers and health care workers must pay due attention to ensure effective delivery of quality patient care. The study recommended among others that there should be forums to address traditional rulers and their cabinets on the dangers of unhealthy traditional beliefs and practices surrounding umbilical cord management.

Financial Management, Motivation and the Teaching Effectiveness of Physical Education Lecturers in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria


Authors: Martina Ayibeya Apie ; Levi Udochukwu Akah ; Joseph Odey Ogabor ; Abosede Abimbola Usoro ; Joseph Upkong
Pages: 145-151
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.145.151
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the extent to which financial management and staff motivation associate with the teaching effectiveness of Physical Education lecturers in colleges of education in south-south Nigeria. Two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A 10 item questionnaire was structured to obtain data for the study. Ex-post Facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 69 physical education lecturers was used for the study, based on the census technique. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and independent t-test statistical techniques were used in testing the two hypotheses (where applicable). Findings show that financial management and staff motivation significantly affect Physical Education lecturers’ teaching effectiveness respectively. It was recommended among others that the Nigeria Government and college administrators should provide appropriate motivation and adequate fund for Physical Education Programmes.

Online Shopping in Kathmandu Valley: Users’ Knowledge, Challenges and Way Forward


Authors: Dipendra Karki ; Sashi Rana Magar ; Niranjan Devkota ; Seeprata Parajuli ; Udaya Raj Paudel
Pages: 135-144
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.135.144
Abstract
E-payment users are expanding all over the world as a result of globalization and improved ICT facilities. Nepal has a 63 percent internet penetration rate, with 3, 59, 12,019 people using mobile services. In order to identify issues and managerial solutions of online purchasing in the Kathmandu valley, for the study, a sample of 295 e-payment users was chosen. A descriptive data analysis was carried out using the survey method. The result revealed that 95 percent of users were aware of the use of an e-payment system in Kathmandu valley. 40.13 percent of users agreed that they faced challenges while using the e-payment system. Some of the major challenges are slow internet penetration, an ineffective legal framework, a low literacy rate, and traditional payment methods. Similarly, improving security, reinforcing government policies, providing adequate internet access, and promoting digital literacy can be used to address issues with the e-payment system. The findings revealed that while 95% of e-payment users are aware of online payment systems, there is still room for improvement for the remaining 5%.

Trade Openness and the Development of Informal Economy in Enugu State, Nigeria


Authors: Idoko Cordelia Ozoemena ; Ohabuenyi Jonas ; Ozor Adanne Chioma
Pages: 126-134
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.126.134
Abstract
This study examines the neoliberal thesis which contends that trade openness could support the economic recuperation and development of the peripheral states. Particularly, it reviews the current trade regimes in Nigeria with a view to understanding how they impacted the livelihood of informal economy operators in Enugu state. The study argues that the dismantling of Nigeria’s territorial borders through various trade policies of government negates the development of the informal economy in Enugu state by stifling the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMES) and leading to a general decline in the income and wellbeing of small scale business operators. It notes that trade openness is a ploy by the western capitalist states to perpetuate their dominance in the international political economy to the detriment of peripheral states, whose productive forces are still at a rudimentary stage. The theoretical foundation of the study was situated within the prismatic compass of Dependency theory while triangulation of data, involving review of official documents and other relevant literature as well as the use of questionnaire was deployed in this study. From the findings, the study recommends that Nigeria should reappraise its trade policies to stimulate the development of the informal sector and enhance the wellbeing of the indigenous entrepreneurs.

School Administrators' Instructional Supervision, Psychosocial Assistance, and Professional Support as Determinants of Teacher Job Performance in Elementary Schools


Authors: Usen F. Mbon ; Festus O. Arop ; Ekpenyong E. Ekanem ; Victor O. Ebuara ; Emanghe E. Emanghe
Pages: 116-125
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.116.125
Abstract
Previous studies have assessed the relative effect of instructional supervision, psycho-social and professional support on teacher’s job performance in secondary or higher education. Little or nothing is yet to be known about the effect of these variables on teacher’s job performance at the primary education level. This study is the first to show the relative and cumulative effect of instructional supervision, psycho-social and professional support on teacher’s job performance in primary education. An ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study, with a sample of 965 teachers selected through the proportionate stratified sampling technique. Two instruments – the “Improvement Strategies Questionnaire (ISQ)” and the Teachers’ Effectiveness Scale (TES) were used for data collection. Findings showed a significant effect of all the independent variables partially and jointly on the job performance of primary education teachers. Based on this conclusion, policy implications are discussed, while it is recommended amongst others, that headteachers in primary school should ensure that they visit classrooms regularly to monitor the teaching activities of teachers. This would enable them (headteachers) to identify teachers with sound, average or weak pedagogical skills for service delivery; professional counsellors should be recruited and deployed to all primary schools to cater for the psychological and social needs of teachers and pupils; regular retraining programmes on the ethics of teaching should be organised for teachers from time to time to enable primary education teachers to acquire skills in line with the changing society.

Folk Games in Southern Khmer Culture in Vietnam


Authors: Pham Tiet Khanh
Pages: 108-115
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.108.115
Abstract
Folk games have long been viewed as a vivid picture reflecting people’s materials and spiritual life accumulated through multiple generations. Folk game, whether it serves as an entertainment activity in idle seasons, leisure time, or just jollity for children; is aimed at the solidarity and unity of the communities, villages, and the entire national solidarity. Folk games were once a page of precious memories imprinted on the homeland and villages, which nurtured people with good lifestyles and souls. Nevertheless, these days, the role of folk games is no longer blooming as before. The preferences and ways of entertainment of all classes of people, especially the youth, witness more or less changes. For the Khmer residing in the South of Vietnam, an ethnic group associated with the rice farming tradition, folk games in particular and folklore, in general, are of prime importance. This article presents the origin, gameplay and recognizes the cultural values of folk games in daily life and festivals of the Khmer people in the South to contribute to popularizing and preserving the beauty of Khmer culture in today’s society.

Features of Functioning of the Central Nervous System of the Residents of Moscow and Moscow Region


Authors: Fedorova Elena ; Kazakov Alexander ; Belyaev Dmitry ; Lapina Polina
Pages: 101-107
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.101.107
Abstract
The study focuses on the lability and adaptability of the central nervous system of residents of Moscow and Moscow region aged 65 and older. All examinees regularly practised various types of physical activity, such as Nordic walking, cycling, Qigong gymnastics, etc. The functional state of the central nervous system of the examinees was studied using the Psychophysiologist hardware-software system by determining simple visual-motor reaction (SVMR), complex visual-motor reaction (CVMR), reaction to a moving object (RMO). Based on the analysis of speed and stability of sensorimotor reactions in response to light stimuli and moving object we made an express-evaluation of the level of functional state of the central nervous system, sensorimotor reactions, quality of activity, balance of inhibition and excitation processes. As a result of the study, the optimal level of CNS functioning was registered in most of the examinees. Activation of the central nervous system in the majority of the examinees is at an average level, the average level of operative efficiency is noted. The results of the study indicate a shift in the balance of nervous processes in the examinees towards inhibition.

Technology “Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking” As a Resource for Developing Students' Self Skills


Authors: Tatiana Mikhailovna Kovaleva ; Elya Vanushevna Khachatryan
Pages: 92-100
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jssr.73.92.100
Abstract
At a time when the pace of changes in all spheres of human life is increasing and the future is predicted only tentatively, young people have to be prepared for their future life on the basis of analytical and critical thinking. The paper presents an analysis of the main ideas underlying the concept of using the technology “Reading and writing for critical thinking” by teachers in order to form some components of the self- skills competencies in their pupils: self-determination, independence, and self-organization skills. Teachers can use open learning technologies, including the technology “Reading and writing for critical thinking”, to develop these skills in their students. The choice of this particular technology is facilitated by the use of the basic principles of this technology (cooperation, mutual responsibility, rejection of possessing the truth, active communication, reflection), as well as a wide range of strategies and specific methods presented in it. The article also analyses the possibilities of using the technology “Reading and writing for critical thinking” in a tutor’s work. The authors have made an attempt to correlate each technological stage with a certain stage of the tutor’s activity: creation of an open educational environment, implementation of educational navigation, and scaling. The article is devoted to the characteristics of the textual educational environment as a condition of self-skills formation in students within the framework of individual and group tutorials with the use of the technology “Reading and writing for critical thinking”: openness, variability, abundance, lack of structure, provocativeness.