CEJSIS
CEPRES Journal of Science and Innovative Studies
CEJSIS publishes original research, reviews, and short communications across applied science, engineering, mathematics, and innovation studies with a focus on African contexts and sustainable development.
Haemoglobin Polymorphism from Two Populations of West African Dwarf Goat in Western Nigeria
Haemoglobin Polymorphism in West African Dwarf (WAD) goat populations from Oyo and Ogun State was investigated using cellulose acetate electrophoresis system. Five milliliters (5ml) of blood sample were collected through jugular vein into a heparinized bottle from 60 WAD goat, comprising of 30 goats from each population. The result showed different band of alleles of haemoglobin which were counted and score accordingly, Data generated were analysed using Tool For Population Genetic Analysis (TFPGA) software. The result of the analysis revealed two alleles HbA and HbB controlling three genotypes HbAA, HbAB and HbBB. Frequency ranged between 0.217 and 0.500 for HbA with an average of 0.359 while it ranged from 0.500 to 0.783 for HbB allele with an average of 0.41. Test for Hardy-Weinberg’ Equilibrium was not significant (p < 0.05) for the two populations. Observed and Expected heterozygosity (HO and HE) ranged from 0.333 to 0.435 with an average of 0.384 and from 0.348 to 509 with an average of 0.428. The gene diversity (D) ranged between 0.340 and 5.00 with a mean of 0.470. The Wright F statistic analysis revealed FIT, FST and FIS value as 0.261, 0.138 and 0.148 respectively indicating and inbreeding population with moderate genetic diversity.
Demographic Variables, Types of Concerns and Online Disclosure in Online Counselling Relationships among Students of a Nigerian University
This study investigated the online disclosure, types of concerns and demographic variables in online counselling relationships among students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The study adopted the research survey method. The sample for this study comprised 200 online counselling platform users among students of the university. Questionnaire was used in collecting data for this study while frequency counts, percentage and Chi-Square were used in analysing the data. Result from this study showed that most of the respondents (60.5%) exhibited moderate level of online disclosure, while 22.0% and 17.5% exhibited low and high levels respectively. Result further showed that 56% and 44.0% of the respondents discussed social-personal and academic related issues respectively. Result of this study also showed that types of concerns and students’ demographic variables have no relationship with online counselling disclosure. The study concluded that none of the students’ demographic variables and types of concerns had significant relationship with their online disclosure in online counselling relationship.
Perception of Health Risks of People Living in Close Proximity to Infectious Disease Centres and Their Willingness to Relocate
People in residential and commercial structures have encroached too closely to infectious disease treatment centres over time. This may pose great risks. This study investigated the knowledge and perception of health risks of people who live and work in close proximity to infectious disease treatment centres, using Ebola isolation centre as a case study. Survey instruments were administered to 285 participants through purposive and convenient sampling. Male, 133 (46.7%) and female, 152 (53.3%) participants from 18 years to 70 years responded to the survey. Perception of health risks increased with knowledge and did not significantly differ due to educational attainment of participants. Respondents living closest to the Ebola isolation centre expressed higher willingness to relocate than those living in locations farther from the Ebola centre (X2 (2, N = 285) = 7.50, p < .01). Caution is required when constructing isolation centres near residential and workplaces with uninfected people.
De-Racialization of the Liberian Constitution: A Precondition for Post-Conflict Cultural Diversity, Race Relations and Democracy
The 1986 Constitution of Liberia, Chapter IV, Citizenship Article 27 states: (a) All persons who, on the coming into force of this Constitution were lawfully citizens of Liberia shall continue to be Liberian citizens. (b) In order to preserve, foster and maintain the positive Liberian culture, values, and character, only persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent shall qualify by birth or by naturalization to be citizens of Liberia. In my opinion, the above statement has a profound racial connotation. Therefore, this study is strongly advocating for the de-racialization of the Liberian Constitution. For Liberia to be democratically and culturally conscious in race relations and diversity in its naturalization process, the constitution must be de-racialized. Based on many historical factors, the Liberia’s citizenship laws are explicitly racist, and sexist. For instance, the 1847 Liberian Constitution was written through American colonial instructions, the architect of the Liberian State formation. Of course, one can allude that the 1847 Constitution was based on vengeance against white experience of enslavement of Free African American Hegemony Authorities in Liberia. Following the enactment of the First Constitution of 1847, the 1933, 1955, 1984 Constitution of Liberia repeated “only person of negro descent can become citizen and owned properties in Liberia”. Therefore, the struggle for the eradication of the racist Liberian aged-old constitution requires like-minded Liberians and the political institutions to intervene in the de-racialization of the Liberian Constitution.
Determinants of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Production in Liberia: Case Study of Margibi County
Liberia is well known for the consumption of vegetables. However, the nation depends on importation from neighboring countries especially during lean seasons. It has always remained food self-insufficient for decades. There are steps to be taken to become food self-sufficient including in vegetable production. This paper investigates into the factors that determine production of okra in Margibi County of Liberia. Data were collected through the use of well- structured questionnaire and observations. A total of 124 small scale okra farmers were selected using multi stage sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cobb Douglas production function. The results show that labour, herbicides, seed quantity and use of improved okra varieties were significant factors for increased production of okra. Farmers that cultivated improved okra varieties were more productive than those that cultivated local seed varieties. It was recommended that all the above inputs should be used optimally; cultivation of improved varieties should be promoted; and credit services should be extended to small scale farmers for improved farm productivity.