Global Journal of Social Sciences

Empirical Evidence Of Push Factors And Obstacles Of Conference Attendance Among Academics In University Of Calabar

2025-03-14T09:00:17+00:00

An essential aspect in the career life of academics is the need for continuous learning through seral avenues of professional development. Conferences remains one of the routine and constant mechanism employed by academics to learn, interact, socialize and collaborate with their counterparts within and outside the country. Despite, its relative importance and role in the career progression of academic some academics still find it difficult to participate in conferences. Those who do are sometimes motivated by reason other than core academic ones. This study assessed the push/pull factors and challenges of conference attendance among Nigerian academics in University of Calabar. To achieve the purpose of this study two research questions where formulated. Relevant literature was reviewed. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the population of the study comprised of all lecturers in university of Calabar. Eight hundred and fiftyone (851) were randomly selected as sample for the study. ‘Academic Staff Conference Attendance Survey’ (ASCAS) was used as instrument for data collection after being subject validity and reliability test, the instrument yielded Cronbach’s Alpha reliability estimates ranging from .70-.84 across the variables. The data collected was analyzed using percentages, charts and percentage rank. The results emanating from the study showed that the push factors for conference attendance include learning new knowledge, learning from experts, as a criterion for academic staff assessment and promotion appraisals, networking and collaboration for research and grant. On the other hand, lack of funds and institutional support were identified as prominent factors hindering academics participation in conferences. It was recommended that; government institutions should increase financial support for conferences attendance.

Unsung Heroes: The Private And Public Troubles Of Family Caregivers In Ghana’s Mental Health Landscape

2025-03-14T09:06:51+00:00

Background: The role of family caregivers (FCs) in the care for persons with mental illness is akin to numerous challenges. These challenges stem from dominant cultural beliefs which have shaped individual perceptions about mental illness.

Aims: The study explored the personal, social, economic and health challenges that family caregivers face while caring for relatives with mental illness at the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in Ghana. The symbolic interactionism perspective served as the theoretical lens for the study.

Methods: Guided by the qualitative research design, the study purposively selected and interviewed 15 family caregivers with mentally ill relatives at the facility.

Results: The study revealed that the roles of family caregivers casted a shadow on their personal, social and economic lives since they wallowed in chronic stigmatisation, social discrimination, social exclusion, negative labelling and financial constraints. FCs avoided social events to swear off public ridicule ensuing from their roles as caregivers.

Conclusion: Caring for persons with mental illness places an enormous burden on family caregivers in every facet of their lives. The combined impact on their personal wellbeing, financial stability, social relationship, coupled with lack of family support, highlights the urgent need for better support systems.

Employees Compensation And Organizational Productivity In Calabar South Local Government Council, Cross River State, Nigeria

2025-03-14T09:17:00+00:00

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between employees compensation and organizational productivity in Calabar South Local Government council of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve this purpose, one null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. This design was considered appropriate because the researcher had no direct control of the independent variables. A sample of two hundred and forty (240) staff were randomly selected for the study. This selection was done through stratified random sampling technique. Employment Compensation and Organizational Productivity Questionnaires was the main instrument used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to validation and reliability using trial test and Cronbach Alpha method to obtain the reliability coefficient which ranges from. 80 to .90.

Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was the statistical tool adopted to test the hypothesis under study. The hypothesis was subjected to testing at 0.05 level of significance with relative degrees of freedom. The result of the analysis revealed that employees compensation significantly related to organizational productivity. Based on the finding of the study, it was recommended that the employees compensation should be reviewed periodically upwards to enhance productivity.

Staff Performance Appraisal And Occupational Effectiveness Among Staff Of Calabar Municipality Council, Cross River State, Nigeria

2025-03-14T09:30:01+00:00

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between staff performance appraisal and occupational effectiveness among staff of Calabar Municipality Council of Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose, one null hypothesis was formulated to direct the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample of two hundred and forty (240) staff were randomly selected for the study using stratified random sampling technique. Performance Appraisal and Occupational Effectiveness Questionnaire (PAOEQ) was the main instrument used for data collection.

Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was the statistical tool adopted in testing the hypothesis under study. The hypothesis was subjected to testing at 0.05 level of significance with relative degrees of freedom. The instrument was subjected for validation and reliability using trial test and Cronbach Alpha method which ranges from .78 to .88.

The result of the analysis revealed that, staff performance appraisal significantly relates with occupational effectiveness among staff of Calabar Municipality Council. Based on the finding of the study, it was recommended among others that staff performance appraisal should be done periodically to ascertain their performance as relate to their occupational effectiveness.

Trade Openness And Co2 Emission: Evidence From Nigeria

2025-03-14T10:59:28+00:00

This study embarked on an empirical investigation of the impact of trade openness on CO2 emission in Nigeria. The findings here indicate a nuanced relationship between trade openness, GDP, population, and CO2 emissions in Nigeria. We specifically observe that, trade openness which is the explanatory variable of utmost interest has a marginal positive impact on CO2 and NO2 emissions but reduces CH4 emissions. The results further reveal the unique perspective on sectoral dynamics in CO2 emissions. Fuel-related emissions are driven by rising income levels (YPC) and population growth (POPR), showing that economic and demographic expansion increase energy demand. On the other hand, trade flows (TRDF) have a smaller positive impact on fuel emissions, indicating limited influence. In manufacturing, emissions are strongly tied to industrial output (YMAN), with nearly proportional effects. These results fail to conform to traditional narratives and emphasize the complexity of emissions drivers in a diversifying economy. Similarly, the sectoral analysis highlights the role of economic activities in shaping emissions patterns and the need for targeted mitigation strategies.

The Silent Crises: Unveiling Young Women’s Perspectives On Unsafe Abortion In The Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

2025-03-23T18:11:35+00:00

Background: Unsafe abortion, as a reproductive health issue, has been widely reported as posing a significant danger to the health of young women worldwide.

Objective: Using the theory of planned behaviour as a lens, the study explored the knowledge and attitudes of young women on unsafe abortion practices in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana.

Methods: Guided by the interpretivist philosophy, the researchers employed an exploratory design utilising data collected from 21 participants through in-depth interviews.

Results: The study revealed that, aborters had little knowledge on safe abortion given that the first point of contact were their sexual partners, friends and guardians who ultimately influenced their decision to engage in unsafe abortion. The study also discovered that education, financial problems, religion and age were the major reasons why young women went for unorthodox abortion method.

Conclusions: The desire to further education and to avoid stigmatisation stood out as major reasons why young women opted for unsafe abortion methods. The study recommended the need for stakeholder institutions like the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, Ministry of Health, Government of Ghana and related non-governmental organisations to intensify and widen enlightenment on safe abortion practices to the general populace.

Nationalism And Proxy Wars In The Russian- Ukraine Crisis

2025-03-23T18:19:20+00:00

The assertion by states over authority in regions critical to their perceived absolute and eternal power are often viewed as threats to sovereignty. Such claims can sometimes aim to protect cultural heritage or, at other times, transform into geopolitical obsessions. Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents both an effort to preserve its historical heritage and a manifestation of geopolitical ambition. This study therefore examines the complex interplay of nationalism and geopolitical strategies in the Ukrainian crisis. The study uses the qualitative approach for data analysis. It relies on upon, data gathered through secondary sources, and is reinforced with the argument on the new nationalism theoretical framework of analysis to explore Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The paper recognizes the strategic position of Ukraine for both Russia and the West but argued that the country was, caught between European cultural influence and Soviet legacy, which over the years has been exploited by the “West” to construct artificial nationalist barriers aimed at excluding Russia from Europe's political sphere. Ukraine's ability to navigate between two competing states' security is contingent upon its dominance over several states. The social orientation desired by Ukrainian society is the primary determinant of who will wield this authority. The state(s) that have influence over Ukraine's geopolitics can exert security pressure on the opposing state(s). Thus, Ukraine's geopolitical location serves as the focal point of Eurasian security. Consequently, a competition for survival has arisen, resulting in a debilitating impact, where Russia's intense focus on geopolitical matters is utilized and implemented through many identities. The primary objective is to establish a distinct “Western” Ukraine that is clearly separated from Russia, aligns with European nationalism, and maintains its historical dynamics. Consequently, the war has transformed into a battleground where Ukrainians demonstrate their European identity as a nation. How these events will unfold will depend on how the Ukraine government face Trumph’s proposition to end the war.

metaphysical significance and transcultural impact of the sacred cosmic sound 'om' (ॐ) in hinduism and beyond: a comprehensive analysis

2025-05-12T14:13:47+00:00

The sacred cosmic sound "Om" (or " ॐ ") is one of the most profound and universally recognized symbols in Hinduism, embodying the essence of the universe and ultimate reality (Brahman). This research explores the origins, metaphysical significance, and contemporary relevance of Om within Hinduism, as well as its influence in other religious traditions and modern spiritual practices. The study is rooted in an analysis of primary Hindu scriptures, including The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas, supplemented by secondary scholarly interpretations. The findings reveal that Om serves as the primordial sound from which the universe originates, as well as a central symbol in Hindu philosophy, representing the infinite, self-realization, and the connection between the finite and the infinite. The fourfold structure of Om, as detailed in the Mandukya Upanishad, is explored in relation to different states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and transcendence—highlighting its integral role in meditation and spiritual practices aimed at achieving moksha (liberation). Furthermore, the study examines the adoption of Om in Buddhism, Jainism, and global spiritual traditions, underscoring its transcultural resonance and contemporary relevance in practices such as yoga and mindfulness. The research also addresses the gap between the ancient spiritual interpretations of Om and its modern applications, suggesting that a deeper understanding of its metaphysical and scriptural roots can enrich contemporary spiritual practices. This study contributes to both academic and interfaith dialogues, offering a comprehensive analysis of Om’s profound significance across religious and philosophical contexts.

Working Experience And Staff Attitude As A Determinant Of Utilization Of Ict Among Library Staff In Universities In Cross River And Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria

2025-05-12T14:18:21+00:00

This study investigated the influence of Staff working experience and Attitude as a determinant of the utilization of ICT among library staff in university libraries in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria. To carry out this study, two objectives and hypotheses (years of working experience and Attitude of staff) were formulated to guide the research. The Literature was reviewed according to the variables formulated for the study. E-post facto research design was utilized for the study. A sample of 461 respondents was drawn from six university libraries using the purposive (census) sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled, Influence of Staff attitude and working experience on Utilization of Information and Communication Technology for Library services (ISAWEUICTLS)’ was used as the main instrument for data collection. The reliability coefficient ranged from 0.75 to .88 and was established through Cronbach’s Alpha method. The hypotheses were tested at .05 alpha levels. The data analysis techniques used were One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and independent t-test. The results of data analyses revealed that years of working experience (F=13.269) and staff attitude (t-2.257) significantly influenced utilization of ICT by library staff in the university libraries. Based on these findings, it was recommended that library management/ parent institutions should embark on aggressive training and retraining of staff especially those staff that were employed before the emergence of ICT with special reference to utilization of ICT for provision of services in the libraries. The study equally recommended that Library staff should be trained on the job, through attendance in seminars, conferences and workshop so as to be able to handle professional related duties like internet skills, mastery of library software and other technical skills.