Social Science Research

Digital Divide and Access: Addressing Disparities in Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Health Information for Nigerian Rural Communities

Gloria Nneka Ono, Evelyn Chinwe Obi, Chiazor Chiaghana, Daniel Ezegwu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has globally been acknowledged to be a force to reckon with in improving diverse sectors of human endeavours. AI, being the most prominent example of digital technology, is acclaimed to have the ability to revolutionize communication and healthcare industries by providing information and healthcare services even to underserved communities. AI has thrown societies into an era where access to information, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, holds significant implications for social, economic, and political empowerment. AI in medical practice is still in the infancy stage in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The little adoption of AI in the Nigerian healthcare sector is majorly concentrated in urban communities. Rural Nigerians face significant challenges in accessing vital health information, particularly with the emergence of AI technologies causing disparities in AI health information access exacerbated by the digital divide. Despite the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare, rural communities are hindered by limited internet connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic constraints, and disparities in digital literacy. The paper therefore employed a qualitative research approach using systematic reviews to explore the multifaceted barriers preventing rural Nigerians from accessing AI-based health information and examines the implications of these disparities on healthcare outcomes and patient empowerment. Drawing upon existing literature and data, the paper proposes strategies to address the digital gap and promote equitable access to AI-driven healthcare information dissemination ensuring that rural populations are not left behind in the era of digital health innovation. It concluded that addressing the disparities is sure to improve healthcare outcomes and patient empowerment. The researchers recommended collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders in mitigating the divide and promoting equitable access to AI health information, thereby fostering a more inclusive and just society. The paper is anchored on Digital Divide Theory and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).

Impact of Leadership on Organisational Performance

Ifenna D. Ezeanya — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study discussed impact of leadership on organisational performance using a theoretical approach. Leadership and various styles of leadership were discussed such as transformational, transactional, and how they impact organisational performance. It also delve into the concept of organisational performance, examining different metrics and factors that contributes to it. The study observed that effective leadership is crucial in achieving optimal organisational performance. By understanding various leadership style and their impact on performance, organisations can implement strategies to improve their overall performance. Among other recommendations, it was suggested that Leaders should create vision and provide direction for their team while ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives. It then concluded leadership is crucial for any organisation to thrive, and effective leadership can lead to higher productivity, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, increased profitability.

Opinion Poll on the Use of Multilingual Marketing Strategy for Political Advertising in Nigeria

Chioma Ifeoma Agbasimelo, Chinyere Mercy Ignatius — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the use of multilingual marketing strategy for political advertising in Nigeria: A study of Nigerian Labour party 2023 political campaigns. This research employs a survey methodology to sample opinion from respondents of Nigeria citizen of voting age, the study is anchored on Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). Findings amongst others showed that audience are aware and were able to remember the Labour party political slogans as a result of the utilization of the multilingual marketing strategy in Political advertising, the study also finds out that the Nigeria voting audience really love it when their languages are being incorporated for political campaigns, particularly the all-round pidgin language widely used in Nigeria which was also deployed by the Nigeria Labour party for the 2023 political campaign. This, to a great extent, according to responses in this study gave structure to the Labour Party against the no structure campaign used by opposition Party and the study recommends that political parties and candidates consider linguistic diversity and the use of multilingual marketing as an essential component of their campaign strategies. Also, the study recommends that Political campaign messages should not be deceptive irrespective of the language used for the transmission.

Impact of Gravida and Level of Psycho-Education on Antenatal Anxiety

Chidozie Edwin Nwafor, Anuli Ojiako, Paschal Chukwuma Ugwu — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the relationship between psycho-education, and gravida on antenatal anxiety among three hundred and fifty (350) pregnant women recruited from fifteen public and private clinics in different Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria. The participants were selected within a six months data collection exercise. The ages of the participants ranged from 19 to 42 years with the mean age of 30 and standard deviation of 0.67. Data for study was collected with the Stirling Antenatal Anxiety Scale, modified Stirling Antenatal scale for the measurement of psycho-education and data on gravida was elicited from respondents by asking them their number of pregnancies carried. The correlational survey design and Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient statistics was utilized for data analyses. The results showed that Psycho-education significantly and negatively correlated with antenatal anxiety r = -.332, P<.01. Gravida did not correlate significantly with antenatal anxiety r = .058, P< .05. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that psycho-education should start before conception to prevent antenatal anxiety.

Unraveling the complexities in ineffective policing in Africa

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined complexities in ineffective policing: A synchronization of job resources, role clarity and job embeddedness among police personnel. A total number of 117 served as participants for the study. They were selected through probability sampling (stratified sampling technique). In the study, 57 were females and 60 were males with age range of 20 to 56 years. The mean age was 29.18 and standard deviation of 4.13. Three instruments were used in the study. The instruments were global job embeddedness scale, job resources scale, and role clarity scale. Correlational design and hierarchical multiple linear regression were used in testing the variables in the study. The study observed that organizational support of job resources, growth opportunity and role clarity did not predict job embeddedness, whereas advancement of job resources predicted job embeddedness. Thus, there is need for the organization to sustain and improve police personnel support strategies in order to inspire them.

Framing of President Bola Tinubu’s One-Year Leadership administration in selected Nigerian Newspapers

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the framing of President Bola Tinubu’s one year leadership administration in selected Nigerian newspapers. The study was anchored on framing theory. The content analysis research method was utilised. Two newspapers; The Nation and Vanguard newspapers were used. The study discovered that the framing of President Bola Tinubu’s one year leadership
administration in selected Nigerian newspapers was dominated by straight news stories and photographs. It was also found that the majority of the stories on President Bola Tinubu’s one year leadership administration in selected Nigerian newspapers were reported in a positive direction. This study concludes that the most dominantly used frame in the coverage of President Bola Tinubu’s one year leadership administration in Nigeria is persuasive, while the least frame is the indifference frame. The researchers recommended that newspapers should strive to report political stories in a more detailed manner, using feature format. The feature format will enable Nigerians to know what the President has achieved so far and other activities in the presidency.

Moderating Effects of Religiosity on the Relationship between Traumatic Deployment Experiences and Suicidal Behaviours among Military Veterans in North East Nigeria

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Studies have shown that exposure to traumatic experiences, such as wars and other life-threatening events can increase risk of suicidal behaviors, whereas participation in religious activities and certain religious beliefs can reduce risk. However, despite the increasing rates of suicidality among Nigerian military personnel and their high affinity to religious beliefs and practices, it still remains unclear the mechanism through which religiosity operate in moderating the relationship between combat experiences and their reported suicidal behaviours. The current study examined the moderating effects of religiosity on the relationship between traumatic experiences and suicidal behaviors in 325 military personnel who were returnee combatants in the North-Eastern Nigeria.
The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and participants who met inclusion criteria were purposively sampled across three randomly selected states that make-up the North East zone. Participants responded to five standardised measures assessing combat experiences, moral injury, social support, religiosity and suicidal behaviours. Bivariate and Multivariate analyses using Pearson correlation and Hierarchical regression were utilized to test the main and moderating influence. Results indicated a strong positive association between traumatic experiences and suicidal behaviors. Likewise, moral injury correlated positively with suicidal behaviours, while religiosity was found to be inversely associated with suicidal behaviors. Result further indicated a significant interaction between religiosity and traumatic experiences in their effect on suicidal behaviors. These findings suggest that religiosity may play a role in reducing the risk of traumatic experiences-induced suicidal behaviors among military veterans and therefore recommend incorporation of psychospiritual intervention as a veritable tool for suicide control in military veterans.

Emerging Artificial Intelligence Techniques in the Production of Jagun Jagun Movie.

Adanma Vivian Obiora, Chinonso Chinaemerem Adikuru — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As the world of technology continues to speedily grow, particularly in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the film industry has also begun incorporating AI into all aspects of the filmmaking process, transforming the way in which films are made and seen. AI-driven tools are also influencing the film production phase, making the process more efficient. The evolution of AI in movie production can be said to be encompassing at every stage of production depending on the readiness of specific film industry to embrace it. Hence, this study aims to examine how film producer applied AI techniques in the production of Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) movie. This study is anchored on Diffusion of Innovation theory and adopted textual analysis to examine whether there are manifests of Al applications in the movie scenes and establish if those manifests communicate meaning to the production. Findings acknowledge the application of AI techniques in the movie production and the techniques added meaning to the scenes involved but the AI application is still in its very early days as the movie is dominated by techniques that revolve around computer generated imagery (CGI) and visual effects. As AI continues to permeate various departments in filmmaking, the importance of cross-training cannot be overstated in Nigerian film industry by understanding the capabilities and limitations of these techniques is crucial for the Nigerian film industry, from directors and producers to editors and sound engineers.

Examining the Mediating Role of Institutional Quality on the Relationship between Trade Openness and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Hassan P. Abdullahi, Dambo Hussaini, Nnanna P. Azu — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the relationship between trade openness, institutional quality, and economic growth in Nigeria, addressing the critical question of how governance factors affect the country's trade-driven growth. Using Freedom House data for institutional quality and applying the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test along with the ARDL estimation technique, the research aims to assess both the short- and long-term impacts of trade openness on economic performance. Findings reveal that trade openness boosts economic growth by 0.64% to 0.66% in the short run but reduces it by 0.55% in the long run. Political rights consistently have a negative influence on growth, while civil liberties positively contribute 0.013% to short-term growth but are insignificant in the long term. Interaction effects between institutional quality and trade openness show mixed outcomes. The study recommended enhancing governance to balance short-term trade benefits with long-term sustainable growth and highlights the need for policy reform to address institutional weaknesses.

Individualism and Smartphone Use as Predictors of Work-Home- Interference among Married Women in Awka City, Anambra State

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated individualism and smartphone use as predictors of work-home-interference among married women in Awka City, Anambra State. A total number of two hundred and forty-five married women served as participant for the study: Their age ranged from 22 to 55 years with mean age of 43.45 and standard deviation of 8.96. Purposive sampling technique was used to select
the organizations and participants. Three instruments were employed in the study: Three-Component Individualism Scale, Smart Phone Usage Scale, and The Survey Work-Home Interference. The study adopted Correlation design and Multiple Linear Regression as appropriate statistics. The study revealed that individualism dimensions (autonomy and uniqueness) negatively predicted work home interference, while self-responsibility and smart phone use positively predicted work home interference among married women in Awka City, Anambra State. The following recommendation was made that married women should imbibe the spirit of collectivism in certain matters whether in the home or workplace instead of individualism; this will help in reducing work home interference.

Parental Awareness and Perception of Online Dating Activities of Children

Ekene Godfrey Okafor, Uchenna Patricia Ekwugha — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Online dating for children is risky as digital media devices saturate their lives. These digital devices, such as smart phones, iPhones, and tablets, are accessible to them and oftentimes provided by parents, notwithstanding the potential threats. With these devices, children get connected to the virtual world, are open to navigating the World Wide Web, and may access dating sites where they can form acquaintances with peers. In Nigeria, it has often been observed that child dren engage in a series of online activities, especially illicit relationship formations, sometimes without the knowledge of their parents, leading to severe negative effects. This paper interrogates the awareness and perception of parents about their children’s online dating activities. The study specifically focused on parents with children below the age of eighteen (18). This study adopted quantitative and qualitative research designs involving a survey and a focus group discussion. The sampling technique for the survey is accidental, while the sampling technique for the FGD is intended for parents exposed to internet-enabled gadgets. The parental mediation theory served as the theoretical framework of the study. The population of the study is a total of 19,074 parents who have children in the state government's public schools. A sample size of 500 teachers was selected based on the recommendations of Comrey and Lee (1992). The instruments for data collection are the questionnaire and the FGD Guide. The study found that the majority of parents strongly believe that their children do not make use of dating sites but use the Internet for a number of other reasons. However, few of the parents are ambivalent about their children’s use of online dating sites. However, they generally monitor their children’s internet use and are yet to experience or
observe their children making use of the dating sites. They are rather confident that their children are not patronizing these sites, as they are still too young to engage in dating activities. This paper concludes that even though parents are aware of the existence of dating sites, they need to be more conscious of their children’s use of the internet. As some parents are still ambivalent about their
children’s use of dating sites, this paper recommends that parental efforts in monitoring their children’s use of the internet should be intensified with a closer attention to their children’s use of dating sites and that children should be more enlightened on the dangers of patronizing dating sites at a young age. Schools, families, and churches may serve as better avenues for carrying out these
sensitization.

Psychological Correlates of Workers Empowering Behaviours

Gabriel A. Akinbode — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated psychological correlates of workers empowering behaviours (perceived leadership behaviours -interpersonal relations, emancipatory, autocratic, productive and patriotic), and organizational commitment variables-job identification, emotional involvement, job loyalty. The data were collected through questionnaires returned by a sample of 605 workers in public and private service organisations in Lagos metropolis of Nigeria. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses indicated that workers’ perceptions of their boss leadership behaviour are significantly related to their feelings of empowerment. As expected interpersonal relations, emancipatory and patriotic leadership behaviour was positively correlated with workers empowering behaviours: autonomy, participation and responsibility, respectively. Also, Job identification, emotional involvement, job loyalty were significant predictors of employees empowering behaviours: autonomy, participation and responsibility among the selected workers. Theoretical and Practical implications of the study are discussed in relation to the emerging trends in global human resource management.