International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research

Production of cooking gas through electrochemical decomposition of organic matter

Rodolphe N’Dedji Sodokin — 2024-01-08

In recent decades, the use of electrochemistry has increased exponentially. Electrochemistry has demonstrated their effectiveness in the cleaning of manufactured effluents and the decomposition of complex hydrological compounds for water treatment. Looking at the efficiency of the technology in the decomposition of organic matter, one wonders if it is not capable of doing more than just the de-pollution and treatment of water. Of course, there are other uses of electrochemistry, but in the literature, it is understood that it is used more for water treatment and de-pollution. This work is a review of the literature to identify the major works in electrochemical decomposition of organic matter to see to what extent this technology can be used for methane production (cooking gas) using pasty organic matter. The list of works appearing in this review is not exhaustive, but it is sufficient to give a clear idea of the technology, its progress and, above all, the challenges it faces. This review opens the way to other applications of electrochemical decomposition to meet today's energy challenges.

An integrative review of laboratory accidents among metallurgical technicians: Types, causes, effects and prevention strategies

Chika Oliver Ujah — 2024-01-08

Prevention, they say, is cheaper, easier and better than curing. It is from this maxim that this study was conceptualized. Metallurgical laboratory accidents are an issue of great concern because it not only affect the productivity and economic growth of an organization but also the physical, mental, and entire wellbeing of the victim. This study was aimed at reviewing the types and causes of metallurgical laboratory accidents, their effects, and their preventive measures. It was concluded that if the identified preventive measures are strictly adhered to, the prevalence of such accidents would be curtailed tremendously.

Interpersonal communication skills and proactive stance to life’s puzzles among children: A review

Bolanle Oyundoyin — 2024-01-08

This research article dealt with interpersonal communication skills among children and proactive stance to life’s puzzles. A review of related literature was performed to examine interpersonal communication, interpersonal communication skills, interpersonal communication and a proactive stance in conflict resolution, and the development of communication skills in children in a puzzled world. The study noted that children should be allowed and guided appropriately to express themselves clearly and assertively; parents should follow up on their children regularly and should build on teachers' efforts at home. Parents should also allow teachers to do their job of teaching, counselling, and rewarding positively (praise, commend) or negatively (punish) based on the circumstances; teachers should use a child-centered approach in order to make the class lively, interesting, and engaging for children. In addition, they should show empathy and try to be close to the children as much as possible to curb the actions of the loquacious ones and help the shy or withdrawn children to come out of their shells as they prepare for the task ahead in a challenging but essential milieu as they mature and are integrated into the system. The government should implement better incentives and policies to encourage teachers to contribute to the growth and positive development of the child through remuneration and promotion that are timely and in line with their quota.

Enhancing reduced risk of obese patient exposure to COVID-19 attack through food and nutritional adjustment

Patience Abosede Olunusi — 2024-01-08

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major global challenge. There are several risk factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19, including age, gender, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary diseases. Among these factors, patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obesity have the highest mortality rates. This paper aims to review how adjusting food and nutrition can help reduce the risk of obese patients contracting COVID-19. Various literature sources were examined, including studies on the genetics of obesity and the consequences it can have, such as diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, cancer, trauma, and infection. Consequently, the role of nutrition in reducing the risk of obese patients being exposed to COVID-19 was described. It is recommended that obese patients strictly adhere to a diet that includes adequate and balanced food intake in order to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.

Assessment of psychological treatments and its affordability among students with post-traumatic stress disorder: A scoping review

Amos Nnaemeka Amedu — 2024-01-08

PTSD is a common mental health disorder among students across the globe that manifests after encountering traumatic events. This study explored the nexus between poverty and PTSD among students. This review employed a scoping review lens to examine the nexus between PTSD and poverty among students. Literature search was conducted in online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar. This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-SCR) for study selection and data extraction. Poverty is a significant factor that predisposes individuals to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing a traumatic event, as determined by this review. In addition, this review discloses that psychological treatments such as Trauma Focused Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural therapy for PTSD, narrative exposure therapy among others have been identified as effective for treating PTSD; however, the cost of treatment has been found to be unaffordable among poor individuals. This study also revealed that there is a dearth of empirical studies that focus specifically on students' PTSD and Poverty or studies conducted in educational settings with reference to PTSD and poverty. In light of this, this study recommends that feature research should investigate the relationships between PTSD and poverty among students.

Self-motivation and study ethics as predictors of undergraduate students’ academic achievement in a Nigerian university

Jumoke I. Oladele — 2024-01-08

Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine self-motivation and study ethics as predictors of academic achievement among undergraduates in a Nigerian University. The study employed the correlation research design in the quantitative approach. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 320 students out of which 228 students consented and participated in the study. The instrument for the study was a researcher designed questionnaire which was piloted and subjected to a test of internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis, and the overall reliability coefficients of 0.887 was obtained. The questionnaire was administered to the respondents through online mode using Google form. The data was gathered within a period of two (2) weeks. A WhatsApp research group was created through which the google form link was shared for effective dissemination. Data was collected was analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency and percentage to present the respondents demographic information of respondents while mean and standard deviations was used to answer research questions The study hypothesis was tested using multiple regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 29.0. The study findings revealed that self-motivation significantly predicted students’ academic performance based on which a conclusion was reached.

Intervention measures for proper food intake and healthy living amongst 5-12 years old children in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Obiageli Ann Ezeonyia — 2024-01-08

This study examined, from the perspective of health professionals, the potential benefits of intervention measures promoting proper food intake and healthy living among children aged 5 to 12 years. Survey methodology was utilized for this study. The entire health staff of the Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria, comprising 291 individuals, comprised the study population. 165 respondents constituted the study's sample. A structured questionnaire using a four-point rating scale—Very High Extent (VHE), High Extent (HE), Low Extent (LE), and Very Low Extent (VLE)—with values of 4, 3, 2, and 1 was the instrument for data collection. For data analysis pertaining to the research questions, mean and standard deviation were utilized. A mean score of 2.5 represented the decision level. Results revealed that campaigns opposing excessive cassava flakes consumption could help to reduce the risk of eye problems and cancer in children, prevent inadequate nutrient intake, decrease the likelihood of obesity, and promote healthy growth, among others. Effective campaigns against improper food intake should be spearheaded by churches, community-based groups and organizations, and conducted in collaboration with families, particularly parents.

Teachers’ feedback practices, students’ engagement and academic adjustment: Moderating effects of gender

Amos Nnaemeka Amedu — 2024-01-08

This study developed a structural path model that explained economics students’ academic adjustments using teachers’ feedback and students’ engagement, taking cognisance of the moderating effects of students’ gender. This study used a correlational research design. Through random sampling, 150 participants were recruited for this study. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires on teachers’ oral and written feedback, students’ engagement, and academic adjustments. Model fitness tests were established using Partial Least Square statistical tools. Research questions were answered using path diagrams and path coefficients. The study revealed that the most meaningful recursive structural model that explains students’ academic adjustment in economics as moderated by their gender is a model involving teachers’ feedback practices and students’ engagement. This study revealed that the combined effects of teachers’ oral and written feedback and students’ academic engagement accounted for 93% of variations in students’ academic adjustment. Similarly, teachers’ feedback practices accounted for 85% of variations in students’ academic engagement. Finally, students’ gender was a significant moderator of the relationship between teachers’ feedback practices, students’ engagement, and academic adjustments. This study is significant because it is the first of its kind to develop a structural moderating effect of gender on the relationship between teachers’ feedback practices, students’ engagement, and academic adjustment. This study recommends that economics teachers use feedback that stimulates students’ engagement to enhance academic adjustment. In addition, school administrators should train and retrain economics teachers on effective and sufficient feedback practices for enhancing students’ academic adjustment.

Strategies for enhancing gender equity among railway workers in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria

Kemi Priscillia Ogbonna — 2024-01-08

The study determined the strategies needed for enhancing gender equity among Railway workers in Lagos State South West Nigeria. The design of the study was descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 482 and the sample size was 217 consisting of 112 senior and 105 junior staff of Nigerian Railway Corporation Ebute-Metta Lagos. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using mean. Findings revealed that the strategies for promoting gender equity are creating an inclusive gender diverse working environment, identifying and preventing gender biases, treating all staff equally, putting equality policies in place, among others. Findings also indicated that the challenges to enhancing gender equity included gender biases, not giving proper value to women’s work among others. Findings also showed that some of the ways of reducing challenges to enhancing gender equity included treating all workers with respect and considering, offering mentorship program, organizing focus group discussions, encouraging diversity program, and supporting women in more senior roles. It was concluded that Interventions such as gender analysis, functional and adult literacy and kicking against office female harassment are needed for enhancing gender equity. It was recommended that awareness should be created by government at all level on the need for equal right for men and women in workplaces, more emphasis should be placed on the need to inculcate gender equity education into the curriculum for secondary and tertiary institutions.

Purpose-based career coaching as a strategy for increasing employability of graduates: A survey study

Mkpoikanke Sunday Otu — 2024-01-08

This study investigated teachers’ and counsellors’ perception of a purpose-based career coaching as a strategy for increasing employability of graduates in Nigeria. The design employed to conduct this study was a cross-sectional survey design that featured desk research and sensitivity workshop. The participants were 100 teachers and 100 counsellors from South-East region of Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in this study. Purpose-based Career Coaching and Employability Questionnaire" (PCCEQ) was used to collect data, while descriptive and inferential analysis were used to analyse data. The results obtained revealed that the knowledge level of the teachers and counsellors increased through the sensitivity workshop with respect to the use of purpose-based career coaching as a strategy for increasing employability of graduates. In addition, with a slight significant difference, the perception of both teachers and the counsellors was high in terms of application, workability and effectiveness of the purpose-based career coaching. Gender did not have any significant contribution or influence on the participants’ perceptions. Therefore, the conclusion reached in this study is that teachers and counsellors perceived purpose-based career coaching as effective, applicable and workable strategy for increasing employability of graduates in Nigeria.

Determination of shelf life of instant melon (Citrulluscolocynthis) soup powder for working-class mothers in Lagos, Nigeria

Kemi Priscillia Ogbonna — 2024-01-08

The study developed and determined instant melon (Citrulluscolocynthis) soup powder’s shelf life for working-class mothers in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted research and development design. The population for the study was 2,077. The sample size for the study was 341. This consisted of three groups made up of 25 lecturers, 192 mothers working in banks and 124 mothers working. Seven sets of instruments were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions. Findings of the study indicated that the shelf life determinants included free fatty acid (FFA), moisture content and total viable count measured over a period of 22 weeks. From the analysis, FFA content slightly appreciated over the weeks; from 0.60 at the start to 0.7 5 at 4weeks; 0.86 at 8weeks; 0.95 at 12 weeks; 1.70 at 16 weeks and 4.06 at 22 weeks. The analysis showed that the moisture content of the developed melon soup powder slightly decreased over the weeks; from 9.41 at the start to 9.30 at 4 weeks; 9.00 at 8 weeks; 8.82 at 12 weeks; 8.60 at 16 weeks and 8.30 at 22 weeks. The total viable count (TVC) of the developed melon soup powder increased over the weeks. At the start of the experiment, the TVC of the developed melon soup powder was 8; TVC increased to 10 at 4 weeks; 14 at 8 weeks; 15 at 12 weeks; 18 at 16 weeks and 29 at 22 weeks.

Hair growth promotion skills for hair dressers and nutrition requirements for hair growth of females in Abia State, Nigeria

Priscilla Nnenna Ezema — 2024-01-08

The study focuses on hair growth promotion skills for hair dressers and nutrition requirements for hair growth of females in Umunneochi local government area (LGA) of Abia State. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the practices that promote human hair growth, assess the importance of human hair growth, determine the effect of poor nutrition on hair and identify the skills of hairdressers to promote hair growth. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Population for the study was 2,800. Sample for the study was 200 using a multistage sampling techniques involving simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using mean. The result of the study examined six practices that promote human hair growth, six importance of human hair, eight effects of poor nutrition on hair and eleven hairdressers’ skills were identified. It was suggested that adolescents and mothers should be encouraged to eat recommended diets to suit their age; they should maintain a good hairdresser; and they should consult a dermatologist at regular intervals and follow their advice.

Awareness and utilization of e-learning technologies among vocational and technical education students

Calister L. Nwadi — 2024-01-08

The study investigated the awareness and utilization of e-learning technologies among vocational and technical education (VTE) students. A descriptive survey research design was used for this study, and the population consisted of 551 VTE students. A simple random sample of 62 VTE students was selected. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha analysis, and the reliability index was found to be within the acceptable limit of 0.70. An online survey using Google Forms was used to collect the data. The study tested two null hypotheses using binary logistic regression models based on age, department level of study, and devices owned. The data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, and mean. The major findings from the data analysis indicated that VTE students had an awareness and utilization rate of 84.8% for the e-learning website, 75.6% for Google Classroom, and 60.6% for smart boards and video conferencing. However, 24.4% of the students were still unaware of the Moodle Learning Management System and the Canvas e-learning platform at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Based on these findings, it is recommended that VTE students receive proper training to effectively utilize the e-learning technologies available to them, which would aid in fostering creativity and innovation.

Nutritional knowledge and cultural food beliefs on dietary practices of pregnant women

Raffy O. Jembi — 2024-01-08

The paper assessed the nutritional knowledge and cultural food beliefs on dietary practices of pregnant women in Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study consisted of all registered pregnant women in seven (7) antenatal clinics in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. A sample size of 270 was drawn using proportionate sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and the Chi-square test of association. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of nutrition and dietary practices, χ2 (2) = 78.201, p<0.05. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between cultural food beliefs and dietary practices, χ2 (1) = 1.151, p>0.05. The finding also showed that cultural food beliefs do not influence the dietary practices of pregnant women. The study recommends that the government and health agencies should continuously train health workers on nutritional issues, particularly on how to enhance the nutritional knowledge of expectant pregnant women prior to conception. This will help potential mothers improve their dietary practices.

Influence of peer relationship on self-consciousness and social adaptation of school-aged children

Ezinne J. Nwauzoije — 2024-01-08

This study aimed to assess the influence of peer relationships on the self-consciousness and social adaptation of school-aged children in the Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used, with a population of 60,780 (29,968 males and 30,812 females). A multi-stage sampling method was employed to select 602 school-aged children from 58 schools in the Local Government Area, forming the sample for the study. For data collection, the study used questionnaires. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that more than half of the respondents (62.6%) showed moderate social adaptation, particularly when they were with their families (mean score of 4.53±2.31). The majority (76.6%) had low peer relationships, while 80.6% had high self-consciousness. The mean scores for peer relationships, self-consciousness, and social adaptation differed between male and female respondents. Females had higher peer relationships and social adaptation. The mean score for peer relationships was higher among students in private schools compared to those in public schools. A moderate positive relationship was found between peer relationships and social adaptation at a significance level of p<0.05. It is recommended that governmental and non-governmental organizations organize programs to facilitate peer relationships and social adaptation among school-aged children. Furthermore, teachers and parents should be educated to provide support to children in these areas.

The Influence of mothers' occupations on children's upbringing: A survey research

Calister L. Nwadi — 2024-01-08

This study investigated the influence of mothers' occupation on children's upbringing in the Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu State. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the feeding, clothing, academic, and health practices adopted by mothers in Enugu State. The study utilized a survey research design, focusing on the Udenu Local Government Area. A sample of three hundred respondents was used, and data was collected through questionnaires. The instrument was face validated by experts from the Department of Home Economics and Hospitality Management Education at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. To ensure reliability, a trial testing was conducted, resulting in a Cronbach alpha reliability estimate of 0.87. Data analysis involved frequency count and percentages. The findings revealed limited mother care in terms of children's feeding, clothing, health, and academic upbringing, which was attributed to the negative influence of the mothers' occupation. Recommendations were made to enhance children's upbringing, including an increase in maternity leave to allow mothers to spend quality time with their children.

Analysis of consumers' preferential behavior on local textiles (tie-dye and batik) in Ogun State, Nigeria

Olayinka Joy Shobowale — 2024-01-08

This study analyzed consumers' preferences for local textiles, specifically Tie-dye and Batik, in the Itoku Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Itoku markets were purposefully selected due to their high sales of Adire and Batik. One hundred and fifty respondents were randomly selected from two markets in Itoku. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means. T-test was used to analyze differences in preference between tie-dye and batik. The results (t = -7.97, P = 0.003) showed a significant difference in consumers' attitudes towards tie-dye and batik. It was also found that the factors influencing consumers' preferences significantly affected both Adire and Batik (t = -4.11, P = 0.001). Further analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the factors responsible for consumers' preferences between tie-dye and batik (t = 0.008, P = 0.940). Thus, a good number of the respondents preferred tie-dye to batik, just as there were a good number of them who also preferred batik to tie-dye, regardless of factors such as aesthetic values, design patterns, color combinations, durability, attractiveness, production cost, and selling prices.

Adolescent students’ nutritional knowledge in boarding schools and strategies for improving their nutritional status

Osasona Foluso Adedoyin — 2024-01-08

This study investigated adolescent students’ nutritional knowledge in boarding schools and potential strategies for improving their nutritional status in the Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The researcher used purposive sampling to select three government colleges and private college boarding schools in the Ido-Osi Local Government area. The sample consisted of 80 boarding house students. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and the statistical analysis involved frequency and percentages. The findings revealed that a good percentage of the boarding school students have good nutritional knowledge. The majority of students believed that both the Federal and State Government, as well as schools, parents, and communities, should work together to improve the food system in order to combat nutritional challenges in boarding schools. Thus, the study recommends that the Government, parents, schools, and communities collaborate to address any nutrition issues among adolescent students in boarding schools. This could involve initiatives such as establishing school gardens and providing support to local farmers, among other strategies. Future research should aim to enhance our understanding of adolescent students' nutritional knowledge in boarding schools and develop effective strategies to improve their nutritional status. This will contribute to the overall health and well-being of these students during their critical developmental years.

Freehand cutting technique in dressmaking as an entrepreneurial skill among secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Peace Jack — 2024-01-08

The present study investigated freehand cutting technique in dressmaking as an entrepreneurial skill among secondary school students for sustainable development in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The researcher employed a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The population for the study included all students in eight government secondary schools in Rivers State. A sample of 25 students was randomly selected from each of the schools, resulting in a total of 200 respondents. The researcher created a self-made questionnaire. The results emphasized the importance of teaching freehand cutting technique in dressmaking in secondary schools, as well as the need to provide Nigerian youths with training in various skills, such as creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship skills, managerial experience, and record keeping.

Utilization of cassava/soybean composite flour in biscuit making

Uchechukwu Daniel Kalu — 2024-01-08

Cassava and soybean flour were used to produce biscuits in different ratios in an attempt to substitute or replace wheat. Composite flour, made from a combination of cassava and soybean flour, was processed into biscuits using varying proportions. The ratios ranged from 10% to 50% soybean flour and 90% to 50% cassava flour. The proximate evaluation revealed that including 20% soybean flour in the cassava flour, making up 80% of the mixture, resulted in a significant level of protein and other nutrients that closely compared to those found in 100% wheat flour. The protein and fat content increased significantly as the proportion of soy flour increased, leading to a corresponding decrease in the carbohydrate content of the analyzed biscuit samples. This study demonstrates that a blend of 80% cassava flour and 20% soy flour produced biscuits with good nutritional quality. The sensory evaluation and overall acceptance of the product showed no significant difference between the 80:20 blend and the control (100% wheat).

Impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning: Perspectives of South African university lecturers

Christian Sunday Ugwuanyi — 2024-01-08

This study sought the perspectives of South African lecturers on the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. In this study, 28 university teachers in three South African provinces were interviewed using a qualitative research method and phenomenological case study design. Utilizing a series of verified interviews, qualitative data were gathered. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data that were gathered. According to the study's findings, faculty members in the field of education viewed COVID-19's plan to allow them to work from home as a bad development since it left them psychologically spent and had a detrimental impact on their ability to teach and learn. Additionally, the study participants claimed that the distractions brought on by household duties caused working from home to impair their academic output. In conclusion, COVID-19 had a detrimental influence on efficient teaching and learning in South African universities. In order to prevent a repeat of this unfavorable effect of COVID-19 in the future, it was advised that a suitable online learning platform be set up.

Attitude and electricity-saving behaviors among household users of electricity in Nsukka, Nigeria

Chinyere Theresa Ogbuanya — 2024-01-08

Household electricity consumption rates are increasing globally. However, saving electricity can decrease energy use, avoid wastage, and save financial resources for households. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine how attitude influences electricity-saving behaviors among household users in Nsukka District, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A research question with corresponding null hypotheses was formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Stratified random sampling was used to select 400 household users, consisting of 206 females and 194 males. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. The questionnaire was validated by three experts and tested for reliability using the Cronbach alpha method. It contained respondents' personal data (biodata and demographics) and 28 items on attitudinal factors. The data obtained were analyzed to determine mean responses, and t-tests were used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study found that gender does not influence the attitude of household users towards electricity-saving behaviors. It is recommended that government and non-government bodies organize training programs for household users of electricity to improve their attitude and promote more electricity-saving behaviors.