https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/issue/feed International Journal of Scholarly Practice 2024-11-25T08:50:52+00:00 Open Journal Systems <p>International Journal of Scholarly Practice (IJSP) is a peer reviewed journal published by <strong>EdinBurg Journals &amp; Books.</strong> It covers publications and papers in the fields of Learning, Academic Research, Technology, Information Science, Business, Economics, medicine, Engineering, Law, and Social sciences. It is reviewed by the <strong>EdinBurg Editorial Board</strong> through the Double-Blind peer review process. The journal aims to promote and support scholarly work on emerging research trends in various fields. This journal has been globally indexed and with papers from all over the world.</p> <h3>Submission Email: <a href="mailto:manuscripts@edinburgjournals.org">manuscripts@edinburgjournals.org</a></h3> <h3>Online Submission: <a href="https://edinburgjournals.org/online-submissions/">https://edinburgjournals.org/online-submissions/</a></h3> https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/277 African Representation in White Films from 1985-1997 2024-05-22T12:15:42+00:00 Atenya Gichuki paulatenya@gmail.com <p>This paper analyzes the representation of African characters in white films from 1985-1997. During this period, many Hollywood films were produced that depicted African characters in various roles. However, the question arises as to whether these representations were accurate and fair or whether they perpetuated negative stereotypes of Africans. Through a qualitative content analysis of six selected films produced between 1985-1997, this paper explored the ways in which African characters were portrayed in white films. The films were selected using purposive sampling, and it used thematic analysis to get the findings. The paper used Postcolonial theory that examines how power dynamics between colonizers and colonized people influence cultural representation, including media representation. This study examined the representation of Africans in six films: "Amistad"(1997)," "A Far Off Place"(1993)," "The Power of One"(1992)," "Sarafina!"(1992)," and "Out of Africa"(1985)." and "The Power of One". The films were analyzed through a postcolonial theoretical framework to explore power dynamics and cultural representation. The findings revealed that the portrayal of Africans in these films was mostly through a lens of victimization, perpetuating stereotypes of Africans as primitive and inferior. It is based on the understanding that colonialism is not just a historical phenomenon but also has lasting effects on contemporary societies.</p> 2024-05-22T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scholarly Practice https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/303 Distribution of Illegal Activities and Tree Species Poaching in Aberdare Ranges, Kenya 2024-06-25T11:11:38+00:00 Redempta Njeri Nduguta n.njeri@edinburgjournals.org Prof James Biu Kung’u j.kungu@edinburgjournals.org Dr Mwangi Kinyanjui m.kinyanjui@edinburgjournals.org <p>Globally, forest loss in mountains is rapidly increasing. The main drivers of this loss are attributed to agriculture, forest fires, and commercialization of forest products. The objective of this study was to understand the distribution of illegal activities and affected tree species in Aberdare ranges. This was achieved by using data collected by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Aberdare Joint Surveillance Unit (AJSU) routine ecological monitoring. WRTI and KWS collected data during elephant surveys in 2017 and 2021 while AJSU collected data during routine monitoring that was continuously done on a priority basis from 2017 to 2021. All data on illegal activities collected from 2015 to 2021 from both sources was collated to make one data set of 955 records. The data was analysed to determine the vulnerable tree species based on the frequency of times a tree species was affected by illegal activity. The data was further analysed using ArcMap 10.8 and R software to determine the relationship between roads, fences, guard outposts, and illegal activities. The results showed that illegal logging (47%, n=449), snaring (18.7%, n=179), charcoal making (14.7%, n=140), firewood collection (9.3%, n=89), and fence damage (4.1%, n=39) were the top five most frequent illegal activities in Aberdare ranges. Other activities recorded were honey harvesting, 2.1%, n=20; disposed waste, 1.3%, n=12; encroachment at 0.8%, n=8, Cannabis sativa cultivation at 0.5%, n=5, burnt areas at 0.4%, n=4; cut grass, fishing, tobacco farming each at 0.3%, n=3; and abandoned motorbike at 0.1%, n=1. The overall distribution showed that those illegal activities happened within Forest Reserves as compared to the National Park. Out of the 244 records that had data on affected tree species, <em>Juniperus procera, Arundinaria alpina, and Podocarpus latifolius/glacilior </em>were the top three vulnerable trees to illegal logging with a frequency of 46%, 17%, and 10% respectively. Information acquired from the study is crucial for the protection of the Aberdare ecosystem. The data will also be useful in meeting legal obligations related to natural resource protection. Understanding the patterns and extent of illegal activities is also important for effective law enforcement and prevention of biodiversity loss.</p> 2024-06-25T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scholarly Practice https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/373 Optimizing Creative Processes with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Strategic Imperatives for African Filmmakers and Graphic Designers in the Evolving Digital Landscape 2024-09-30T10:16:11+00:00 John Geofrey Mugubi mugubi.john@gmail.com Franklyne Mudulia Manono f.manono@edinburgjournals.org <p>In the modern epoch, technological innovation, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has deeply infiltrated various industries. The fields of film and graphic design, pillars of the creative industry, have not remained untouched by this technological renaissance. Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a vital tool for filmmakers and graphic designers, promising to expedite the creation process and bolster efficiency. This technological marvel aims to alleviate the burdens of mundane tasks, thus liberating creatives to devote their energies more fully to the essence of artistry. Despite its potential, there exists a pervasive apprehension within the creative community, a fear that AI might supplant human roles. African filmmakers, in their quest to craft films of high calibre that are both cost-effective and efficient amidst myriad challenges, find AI a potential ally. AI harbours the capacity to elevate the work of African filmmakers and graphic designers, enabling them to realize visionary projects on par with those produced by leading production companies. Utilizing a multifaceted analytical framework, this article endeavours to dissect the application of AI in the Creative Sector. It aims to illuminate how African filmmakers and graphic designers can harness AI within their creative processes, thereby optimizing efficiency, saving time, and positioning themselves competitively in an industry characterized by its rapid pace and exceptional standards.&nbsp;</p> 2024-09-30T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scholarly Practice https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/380 Physical Familiarity in Kenyan Animation Character Design: Recreating Selected Characters in Super Sema 2024-10-16T20:26:30+00:00 Clinton Kihima Kanyangi Kihima.clinton@ku.ac.ke Dr. Beneah Shapaya b.shapaya@edinburgjournals.org Prof. John Mugubi j.mugubi@edinburgjournals.org <p>It is widely appreciated in film, television studies, and animation that a character serves as a means of telling a tale to the viewer in the media in which they appear. However, a character must be first relatable to convey the story. Consequently, this paper looks at the familiarity of characters in the Kenyan animation series <em>Super Sema</em>. The study was conducted in two phases, with the first phase aimed at determining whether the characters presented in the series elicited familiarity in a Kenyan child audience. The phase found that the degree of familiarity for the characters of the selected series was low. The study then moved to the second phase, where it recreated the characters to improve the characters’ familiarity based on views and adjustments raised by the child audience. The study was guided by Expressionism Theory, Audience Reception Theory, Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, and Semiotics Theory.</p> <p>The study used <em>Super Sema</em>, a Kenyan animation series, as the main film for this study. The series was selected since it is one of Kenyan animation series with a sustained plot and characters. A total of 4 main characters from the film were used in the study: Sema, MB, Tobor, and Babu. To achieve the intended objective, the researcher used school-going children (male and female) aged between 7-11 years. The participants were first shown the characters; then once the degree of familiarity was established, adjustments were made to the characters to improve their familiarity. A total number of 283 students were engaged in both focus group discussions and individual interviews, across five selected Kenyan schools. This study was qualitative as it examined the selected texts in depth, birthing further discussions and conclusions.</p> <p>This research looked at the degree of familiarity achieved by the child audience using the alternative character design approach. Most participants noted familiarity with the recreated characters and a significant number cited that familiarity is a key concern when watching television, films, and animations. Different reasons have been discussed to justify their statements. The study also noted that child audiences have a critical eye when engaging with characters on the screen, and as such, the character designers have a role in ensuring that the preferences of the audiences in terms of familiarity are achieved.</p> 2024-10-16T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scholarly Practice https://edinburgjournals.org/journals/index.php/Internationa-Journal-of-Scholarl/article/view/405 Digital Tools and Platforms for Enhancing Community Participation: A Review of Global Practices 2024-11-25T08:50:52+00:00 Jhanet Sebunya jsebunya@gmail.com Atenya Gichuki paulatenya@gmail.com <p><strong>Purpose</strong>: The purpose of this paper is to review global practices in the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance community participation. It specifically aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in promoting inclusive and equitable engagement, while identifying key practices, challenges, and lessons from global experiences.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: The study employs a qualitative research approach, systematically reviewing literature sourced from academic journals, reports, and case studies.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The findings indicate that digital platforms—such as social media, e-governance tools, and participatory budgeting systems—have effectively enhanced citizen engagement, especially in developed regions. However, challenges such as the digital divide, low digital literacy, and limited infrastructure continue to impede participation, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The paper concludes by recommending the expansion of digital infrastructure, the promotion of digital literacy programs, the design of inclusive platforms, and the strengthening of community-based participation. Additionally, it calls for future research on emerging digital trends and the influence of digital inequality in underserved regions.</p> 2024-11-25T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scholarly Practice