Volume 12, Issue 11, November 2024 Edition - GSJ Journal Publication


Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Survey of the Wild Edible Fruits of Kamwe People of Northern Nigeria []


The study was aimed at conducting an ethnobotanical survey of the wild edible fruits of Kamwe people of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Northern Nigeria between November 2023 to August 2024. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the wild edible fruits and their ethnomedicinal importance to the natives of the study area. The survey showed that, a total of twenty-seven (27) wild edible plant species belonging to fifteen (15) families of plants were present in the eight selected wards of the study area. These plants include: Adansonia digitata, Annona senegalensis, Azanza garckeana, Balanites aegyptiaca, Bombax costatum, Borassus flabellifer, Cordia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Dialum guineense, Diospyros mespiliformis, Ficus citrifolia, Ficus cyathistipula, Ficus platyphylla, Grewia mollis, Haematostaphis barteri, Hyphaene thebaica, Nauclea latifolia, Parkia biglobosa, Pittosporum angustifolium, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Ximemia americana, Ziziphus mauritiana, Ziziphus abyssinica and Ziziphus spina-christi. Their Kamwe names were documented and these wild edible fruit plants were used as a remedy against ailments like Malaria, headaches, diarrhoea hypertension, gastro-intestinal problems and menstrual pains. These trees are underutilized as the serve not only as a source of food (fruits) but also used for treatment of various diseases.

Student-Athletes Involvement in Sports and Their Academic Performance []


Student-athletes are individuals who actively participate in sports while pursuing their academic education. These students exhibit a unique balance between their athletic commitments and academic responsibilities. Their involvement in sports can have both positive and negative impacts on their academic performance, and it is an area of great interest and concern for educators, coaches, and parents. The study employed the descriptive survey method and the instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire, which provided a quantitative method of data gathering expressed in numerical terms. The result showed that student-athletes had good time management skills and prioritized their tasks to complete schoolwork and assignments on time. The student-athletes performed better in the classroom developed impressive time management skills, felt motivated to complete their school, were motivated to attend classes, and experienced a smoother transition into the student lifestyle. The study provided a unique perspective on student-athletes. It shows that students can have better academic performance despite their tight schedule in sports. Hence, this study concludes that those student-athletes who prioritize and set goals to manage their learning are more likely to experience academic success.

Main factors influencing international students’ perception of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as destination image []


Abstract This study examines the various factors that influence international students' perceptions of the destination image of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) , with key focus on personal background characteristics, information acquisition channels, social network influence, and region-specific factors. The study explores how these variables interact to shape students' expectations and decision-making regarding the GBA as a premier destination for cultural exchange and learning in China and the rest of the world. The aim is to help the government and relevant agencies gain a deeper understanding of the needs, preferences and concerns of international students in order to promote the internationalization process. This study examines the various factors that influence international students' perceptions of the destination image of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), with a key focus on personal background characteristics, information acquisition channels, social network influence, and region-specific factors. The study delves into how these variables interact to shape students' expectations and decision-making processes regarding the GBA as a premier destination for cultural exchange, higher education, and professional development, both within China and globally. By analyzing the cognitive and affective together with the overall dimensions of destination image, the research uncovers the role of educational resources, infrastructure, technological advancements, cultural diversity, and government policies in shaping students' perceptions of the region. The study highlights how personal background characteristics such as academic discipline, country of origin, and cultural background influence students' expectations, while information acquisition channels, including social media platforms, university websites, and peer networks, shape their pr-arrival perceptions. Moreover, it explores the impact of social networks and peer influence in reinforcing or altering initial perceptions of the GBA, especially in terms of emotional connections and practical expectations related to living and studying in the region. The aim of this research is to assist the Chinese government and relevant agencies in gaining a deeper understanding of the needs, preferences, and concerns of international students. By identifying key factors that influence students' decision-making, the study seeks to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting the internationalization of the GBA, enhancing its appeal, and addressing existing gaps in student experience. It also provides actionable recommendations for enhancing the international visibility and attractiveness of the Greater Bay Area, ultimately positioning it as a leading destination for higher education, technological innovation, and cultural exchange in China and globally.

DESIGN OF GEOSPATIAL-DATA SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT IN MBEYA CITY []


The solution described in the study uses a customized geospatial data model to improve urban accessibility. The study was carried out in Tanzania's Mbeya Region, one of the country's 31 administrative regions. Tanzania's Mbeya City is a small, undeveloped city with few parks and walking sides. Tunduma Road is the sole major route that leads into and out of the city. Specifically designed to meet the needs of those people with mobility challenges, the system incorporates comprehensive accessibility information for both pedestrian and building settings. Through the use of a dynamic database, the system enables users to submit up-to-date information regarding barriers and accessibility elements found in walking sides. The study contributes to easier navigation in urban areas for people with mobility challenges and encourages city planners to make physical improvements in areas that lack friendly accessibility of a path.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UPTAKE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AMONG COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN RURAL AREAS OF GASABO DISTRICT, RWANDA []


The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every human being worldwide. The uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is a major strategy for reducing hospitalizations, deaths and virus transmission. This study was to determine the factors associated with uptake of Covid-19 vaccine among community members in rural areas of Gasabo District, Rwanda. Benefits of this study had a wider public health impact for decision makers in order for future plan for preventing the community against Covid-19. The study used the analytical cross-sectional design with quantitative and qualitative approaches. It involved the multi-stage random sampling of community members aged 18 years and above in rural areas of Gasabo District, Rwanda. The target population was 59905 included all citizens of three sectors (Nduba, Rutunga, and Gikomero). The sample size was 288 persons including 249 citizens and 39 local leaders. The questionnaire and interview were used for data collection. The researcher measured the validity and reliability with the Cronbach Alpha coefficient to ensure sufficient enough that the instrument was consistent for the research. The binary and multivariate logistic regression approaches were used, and quantitative analysis was performed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 26.0. The frequencies and percentages were used for data interpretation. The ethical clearance and authorization were pursued and obtained from Mount Kenya University and Gasabo District. About uptake of Covid-19 vaccine, the level of uptake of Covid-19 vaccine showed basing on the responses, 93.2% of respondents responded that they have been taken at least 2 or 3 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. If no vaccine, 2.4% of participants responded that they didn’t think the vaccine was effective, 1.6% participants didn’t have enough information about the vaccine, and 2.8% didn’t take vaccine because of their culture and religion. About attitude towards Covid-19 vaccine, on that vaccination is an effective method to reduce the risk of seriousness of Covid-19, the 73.5% strongly agreed. On that Covid-19 can cause death, the 59.8% agreed. The 70.3% strongly agreed that they had willingness to be vaccinated as the reason of protecting their health and communities. The overall score was 4.34 confirmed that there was a positive attitude towards Covid-19 vaccine among community members of rural areas. About factors associated with uptake of Covid-19 vaccine among community members, the gender, religion, education level, and occupation were statistically significant with p value= .000 with uptake of Covid-19 vaccine. The level of uptake of Covid-19 vaccine showed basing on the responses of the first question asking “Have you taken Covid-19 vaccine?” the 93.2% of respondents responded that they have been taken Covid-19 vaccine which concluded that 93.2% of citizens took vaccine, the 40.6% of respondents took 2 doses while 52.6% of respondents took 3 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. The study recommended that Ministry of Health should conduct mobilization aiming to increase the uptake of Covid-19 vaccine and attitude towards Covid-19 vaccine among community members of rural areas.