bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on developing a methodology on Low Carbon Management System
Authors: Kim Kyungshin , Lee Hosun , Song Kiwook , Ahn Joongwoo
Published: April 2024

This study aims at developing a methodology on Low Carbon Management System. Carbon management is to minimize the risk regarding carbon emissions and to find economic opportunity through carbon management. Low Carbon Management System is the activity that is to set up the enhancement target to reduce the Green house gas generating from the process, and production. Green house gas is directly related to Energy reduction because it is generated by fuel usage, vehicle service and electricity usage. Therefore Low Carbon Management System is directly related to Energy Management System that is focused on energy efficiency and energy enhancement. Low Carbon Management System in this study is based on European Standard EN 16001 which provides a comprehensive set of controls designed to help the company establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy efficiency. It takes the form of the requirements and the guidance intended to assist supplier reduce both cost and carbon emissions by helping them develop and implement an energy management system. It also includes policy and objectives that take into account legal or other requirements and information about their energy aspects. The objective of this study is to enable suppliers to take a systematic approach to the continual improvement of their carbon emissions through establishing Low Carbon Management System.
Recycling Technologies of Spent Liquid Crystal Display; A Review
Authors: Yoo Kyoung Keun , Hong Hyun Seon , Cho Bong Gyoo
Published: April 2024

Liquid crystal display has substituted for cathode ray tube (CRT) and has been widely used in small electronic equipments, and It is expected that the amount of spent liquid crystal display (LCD) increases in future. There is increasing concern about the loss of valuable. resources and the contamination of surrounding environment because the most of the spent LCD has been incinerated and landfilled due to incomplete recycling technologies and system for the spent LCD. The present article suggest the development direction of recycling technology of spent LCD summarizing policy and technologies for the recycling of spent LCD.
Research about the management of CCS control with specific consideration of Life Cycle
Authors: Kang Hun , Park Ki Hak , Hwang Yun Bin , Kim Jun Beum
Published: April 2024

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technique for trapping CO2 as it is emitted from large point sources, compressing it, and transporting it to a suitable storage site where it is injected into the ground. CCS system can attribute to the reduction of CO2 and currently many projects in the world are commercializing. In South Korea, many researches are concentrated upon the CO2 capture processes in CCS system. In this study, we evaluated environmental impact of CCS infrastructure system, which has CO2 capture, transportation and storage stage using life cycle assessment (LCA). Also we assessed the costs for each CCS stage operation with scenarios. As a result, the global warming impact in a system without CO2 capture process was 9.64E+04g CO2-eq and a system with CO2 capture process had 1.45E+05g CO2-eq. About 1,368 kJ/ton CO2 energy is required for CO2 capture and it could remove 90% of occurred total CO2 from electricity generation.
The result of life cycle cost analysis shows that the cost of 500MW size electricity generation and CCS system is 1,045 million US dollar and the operation cost per year is 154~267 million US dollar. As a result of the life cycle costing, current value of 20 years total cost is 4,236 million US dollar. For the future dissemination of CCS system, the database of the quantified environmental impacts and cost analysis in each stage (capture, transport and storage) should be updated and constructed regularly.
Environmental Strategy for Sustainability of Tire Industry Using Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint
Authors: Kwak In Ho , Park Ji Hyoung , Lee Young Seol , Seol So Yeong , Kang Kyung Kyu , Kim Jong Yune , Sin Ho Hyun , Jang Sun Mi , Yang Seong Ryong , Lee Sang Shin
Published: April 2024

As the importance of environmental strategy is gaining weight, a number of tire manufacturers are quantifying the environmental aspect of a product in order to reduce the environmental impact of the product and devise an environmental strategy for the product. In this study, the environmental impact of Passenger Car Radial(PCR) tire and Truck Bus Radial(TBR) tire was quantified using Life Cycle Assessment(LCA) and Carbon Footprint which are the two of the main methods for assessing environmental impact. Life cycle in the LCA was divided into 6 categories: raw material extraction and production phase, transportation phase, product manufacturing phase, distribution phase, use phase, disposal and recycle phase. As a result, it was found that the use phase had the highest environmental impact, and the tread showed especially high environmental impact among all parts. This study suggests a direction for environmental strategy for a product in each phases of the LCA method by analyzing case studies and utilizing the LCA and Carbon Footprint assessment done by major tire manufacturers.
Benefit analysis of environmental and economic aspects on Photovoltaic and Wind power applying LCA and LCC methodologies
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

In these last years, the globe faces energy-related problems due to the rational use of resources, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and pollutants by the combustion of non-renewable resources. Furthermore, the international oil price has been rapidly increasing with depletion of fossil fuels. For mitigation of these problems, many projects are being planned to use of not traditional fuels and of renewable resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass in the world. Especially, solar and wind power have received particular attention as very important energy source of pollution free and unlimited new renewable energy. Many countries have introduced a policy to promote the installation of PV (Photovoltaic) and wind power systems in accordance with the reduction obligation of greenhouse gases in Climatic Change Convention. For this reason, the global demand for the PV and wind power system is increasing every year.
Korea has also established to national energy policy for PV and wind power system up to 47.1% of total renewable energy supply by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, the amount of electricity generation by PV system will increase from 812 GWh (2010) to 1,972 GWh (2030) and the amount of electricity generation by Wind power will increase from 1,073 GWh (2010) to 16,620 GWh (2030).
Thus, this study analyses the environmental impacts about PV system including sc-Si (single crystalline silicon) and mc-Si (multi crystalline silicon) PV system and wind power system throughout its life cycle. Added to this, economic impacts of target system are estimated based on the life cycle costing (LCC) method that consider total costs, which is capital cost, operation and maintenance (O&M) cost and decommissioning cost.
Carbon Footprint of Seeding Elution Control Type Coated Fertilizer using LCA and Its Comparison with Customized Fertilizer
Authors: Jung Soon chul , Lee Tae gyo , Jeong Jae woo , Huh Jin ho , Kim Yun seob
Published: April 2024

This study was developed in Dongbu Palm Hannong carbon emissions savings of Seeding Elution Control Type Coated Fertilizer(SECTCF) is a study to prove. So calculate to carbon emissions for the manufacturing phase of SECTCF and compared Customized fertilizers. In addition, when Crop planting are carbon emissions of SECTCF and customized fertilizers input were estimated and compared. Carbon footprint of SECTCF at the manufacturing phase was 0.8563 kg CO2 eq. kg-1. It 0.0906 kg CO2 eq. kg-1(12%) higher than customized fertilizers which was analyzed 0.7657 kg CO2 eq. kg-1. In addition, the carbon footprint of SECTCF and customized fertilizers for cultivation were 54.551 kg CO2 eq. 10a-1, 111.760 kg CO2 eq. 10a-1, respectively. This result leads to the conclusion that using the first fertilizer reduces 53.6% of carbon emission. The point of this study is to build practical base of low carbon agricultural strategy on the basis of SECTCF. For showing a correlation between SECTCF and another through additional study, we prove low carbon fertilizer effectiveness.
Development of Handy Vacuum Cleaner Eco-Designs by Performance, Usability, and Life-Cycle Assessments
Authors: You Taekho , Lee Jihyung , You Heecheon
Published: April 2024

Needs for eco-friendly product design have increased as environmental regulations and public awareness have raised. The present study was performed to develop eco-friendly product design concepts by comparing performance, usability, and environmental impact assessments of two handy vacuum cleaners. Performance measurements of the vacuum cleaners such as suction area, suction power, noise, and electric power were collected. Usability assessments of the vacuum cleaners such as feeling of grip, easiness of cleaning, easiness of recharging were surveyed using a 5-point scale(l: very dissatisfied and 5: very satisfied). Finally, an LCA on the vacuum cleaners was performed, showing the use phase of vacuum cleaner had the highest environmental impact among the product life cycle stages. Eco-friendly product design concepts were proposed based on the assessment results of performance, usability, and LCA. The proposed eco-friendly product design concepts can reduce about 8 kg·CO2-eq./EA for handy vacuum cleaner.
The study for national greenhouse gas emissions of Poultry, Deer, Domestic goat utilizing low lover local statistical annual report
Authors: Lee Guen-Young , Yeon Sung-Mo , Lee Kun-Mo
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from five livestock included Poultry, Deer and Domestic goat in cities/provinces in Korea.
Precedent studies concerning GHG emissions in agriculture in Korea were mostly calculated from livestock and plants in fields respectively. The GHG emissions from livestock were calculated including only enteric fermentation and livestock manure management.
For implementation of national policy of GHG reduction, a policy of GHG reduction for livestock sector should be formulated on GHG emissions reflecting operating status of livestock facilities. However, GHG emissions from each type of livestock included the whole process – feed intake, enteric fermentation, farm operations, livestock manure management – are not calculated yet in Korea.
In this study, we have secured national statistical resources, materials concerning operation of livestock facilities and emission factors for each type of livestock, and calculated GHG emissions from five livestock – hens, broilers, ducks, deer, domestic goats – including the whole process of operating of livestock facilities in order to construct basic data for a future policy of GHG emissions in livestock sector.
We have calculated the GHG emissions from five livestock by using municipal statistics reports, national statistical resources, energy statistics, Korea Feed Association. The result shows there are some provinces of which the GHG emissions much larger than other provinces and those are increasing from 2001~2012.
The development of Benchmark Indicator and Reduction Potential Assessment on Greenhouse gas of Building Types
Authors: Lee Hankyung , Kim GeongGu , Kim YoonMi
Published: April 2024

The building sector contributes about 25.2% on greenhouse gas emissions in our country. Especially, this building sector would be more important in terms of emission amount and reduction potentials based on the expert's opinions. The purpose of this study is to make the benchmark(BM) indicator of greenhouse gas of several types of buildings. Benchmark indicator could be important baseline for allocation of carbon reduction, and helpful for policy makers in central and regional governmental agencies. For this study, the basic data is from the National Building Energy Management System, which integrated the energy data(electricity, gas, steam etc) and building data of all buildings in our country. We've considered the types of building and construction year to make a unit for BM. The regional scope is limited on Seoul city, because of data handling problem. As a result of this study, we've developed the 36 types of BM on Seoul city, and try to calculate the reduction potentials on GangNam-Gu and GwanAk-Gu in efficient way.
A Comparative Study on the Environmental Performance of Phthalate PVC Plasticizers throughout Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Kim Hyoung Seok , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) on two types of phthalate plasticizer, DOP( Di-Octyl Phthalate or DEHP (Di-Ethyl Phthalate)) and DINP (Di-Isononyl Phthalate), is conducted in this study. The reference flow is defined as DOP(0.346 kg) and DINP(0.360 kg), the amount of required to produce PVC 1kg, respectively.
The life cycle impact assessment is carried out for 6 impact categories such as POCP (Photochemical Oxidant Cretion Potential), ADP (Aboitic resource Depletion Potential), AP (Acidification Potential), EP (Eutrophication Potential), GWP (Global Warming Potential) and ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential). Then, the characterization results (indicator profile) are normalized by using the normalization references developed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). The normalization results show that both DOP and DINP have relatively significant effect of ADP and GWP when the normalized value of DINP are slightly larger than these of DOP. On the other hand, DOP shows larger impacts than DINP for POCP, EP and ODP by 176.9%, 109.9%, 219.4%, respectively.
Comparative analysis on carbon footprint of the packaging film by the printing frequency
Authors: Kim Myeonghwa , Hwang Yoon-young , Kim Ik
Published: April 2024

The packaging market is increasing day by day, as packaging containers become more luxurious and more expensive, the cost and environmental burden of packing containers are increasing at the same time. In recent years, however, some companies have shifted toward lowering the number of prints while lowering the carbon footprint of products and reducing costs as a means of reducing the weight of containers or making packaging designs more simplified. In this study, the method of printing on packaging containers by using LCA and the comparative analysis of the carbon footprint according to the change of printing frequency and the appropriate alternative for reducing the carbon footprint of product. This study analyzes how the contribution of the carbon footprint according to the printing frequency of packaging containers using LCA. As a result, the total amount of the carbon footprint of one packaging container accounts for 67.5% of the total production process and 32.2% emissions from the production of packaging film. And the result of analyzing the carbon footprint from the production process by frequency, it is found that as the number of prints increases, the contribution from printing in the production process increases. We also assumed the situation of converting the fuel source from LNG to wood pellet boiler and compared the contribution of the carbon footprint of the printing process.
Revision Direction of Korea national LCI DB according to ILCD Entry Level requirement
Authors: Lee Joon Jae , Bang Hye Won , Kim Gyung Ho , Kim Ik
Published: April 2024

In Europe, PEF(Product Environmental Footprint) is be promoting for efficient use of resources. In order to calculate the PEF, only the LCI DB that satisfy the entry level requirement of the ILCD(International Reference Life Cycle Data System) Data Network should be used. The entry level requirement are divided into documentation, nomenclature, data quality assessment, methodology, and review. Most of them provide similar conditions to the national LCI DB(Life Cycle Inventory Database) construction method. In this study, the calcium oxide(CaO) that is national LCI DB was revised and supplemented to satisfy the entry level requirement of ILCD Data Network. As a result, documentation, data quality, methodology, and review could be supplemented to satisfy the entry level requirement, but there are significant differences in nomenclature so further analysis and research should be done.
An Objectives and Properties of Life Cycle Assessment Software Components
Authors: Huh Jin Ho , Lee Hong Gi , Lim Hyoung Ryul , Jung Hee Young
Published: April 2024

ESS, an energy storage system and electric power are preserved and used when necessary, thereby improving electric power use efficiency and supplying high quality electric power. In other words, although the electricity produced at the power station is stored in a large secondary battery, it is a system that transmits energy as needed to increase energy efficiency. The smart grid is a fusion combined technology that combines the meanings of intelligent (Smart) and electric grid (Grid), ICT technology is integrated into the conventional electric power grid, and small is managing individual energy consumption to reduce unnecessary energy , Next generation power grid that facilitates national energy management through demand management of power. With the recent climate change, in the situation that the demand for high efficiency energy is rapidly increasing, analyze the trend of technology and policies of the next generation ESS and smart grid which can maximize energy efficiency, and on future prospects Analysis results were presented.
Environmental assessment on expanded glass board using PEF method
Authors: Kim Ik , Suol Soyoung
Published: April 2024

짙은 미세먼지의 잦은 출몰과 폭염, 폭설 등 환경이슈가 우리사회의 뜨거운 감자로 떠오르면서 친환경에 대한 관심 이 증가하고 있다. 이와 같은 환경이슈에 더하여 글로벌에서 가장 이슈화되고 있는 환경이슈를 들면 기후변화(climate change)와 순환경제(circular economy)일 것이다. 특히 순 환경제에 대한 이슈화로 재활용과 재사용이 떠오르고 있 다. 즉, 지금까지의 선형경제(linear economy)에서 순환경 제로 전환함에 따라 폐기물 발생량을 줄이는 것과 함께 비 용절감도 이뤄 지속가능한 사회로의 전환을 유도하고자 하는 취지이다.
Study of eco-friendly management cases for ESG in companies
Authors: Ko Kwanghoon
Published: April 2024

Recently, the ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) has appeared in the economic management section of the media and company-related articles, and then ESG is recognized as essential, not optional in the management of companies. Firstly, the international regime and eco-friendly policies of many countries, such as Paris Climate Change Accord and Korea green new deal and etc. are being strengthened. Also, this eco-friendly activities of companies are recognized as an important factor in investment to investors. This case study is useful for establishing a eco-friendly management strategy to many companies, such as using renewable energy, enhancing recyclability of disposal products and carbon footprint assessment for life cycle of products. Therefore, for the company’s ESG, it is important that eco-friendly activities should be sustainable.
A Study on The LCA Curriculum to Train of Life Cycle Assessment Experts
Authors: Kwak In Ho
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to develop a systematic training program for nurturing experts in response to the increasing demand for life cycle assessment (LCA). In this study, in order to design a training model for nurturing life cycle evaluation experts, a current status survey was conducted on domestic and overseas LCA and LCI DB training courses, and problems and improvement measures were derived in the domestic curriculum. So the training curriculum was presented by dividing it into a beginner's education for future LCA implementation and an expert course for building LCI DB.
A Study on the Life Cycle Assessment of Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Hwang Yewon , Kim Donghyeon , Hur Tak
Published: April 2024

The development of green mobility and clean energy are the key point for carbon neutrality. Currently, as an alternative of fossil fuel, hydrogen is being produced from various technologies and fuel cell vehicle production is on the rise according to the policies such as hydrogen economy. The LCA is a technique for evaluating the environmental aspects and potential impacts on the life cycle of the product system. The life cycle of the fuel cell vehicle included the following stages: raw material acquisition, pre-manufacturing, manufacturing, WTW(Well-to-Wheel), maintenance, and EoL(End-of-Life). In the WTW stage, the environmental impacts of natural gas steam reforming hydrogen, COG(Coke Oven Gas) steam reforming hydrogen, petroleum refinery hydrogen, PEM(Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolysis hydrogen, and SOEC(Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) water electrolysis hydrogen were compared. As a result, the GWP values were identified in order of petroleum refinery hydrogen(3.67E+02 g CO2 eq./km), COG(Coke Oven Gas) steam reforming hydrogen(2.39E+02 g CO2 eq./km), natural gas steam reforming hydrogen(1.75E+02 g CO2 eq./km), SOEC(Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) water electrolysis hydrogen(8.34E+01 g CO2 eq./km), and PEM(Proton Exchange Membrane) water electrolysis hydrogen(8.31E+01 g CO2 eq./km). To improve the environmental performance of the vehicle with natural gas steam reforming hydrogen, the recycling scenario of CFRP(Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) was considered, and the recycling can reduce up to 1.6% of GWP impact.
Analysis of environmental impact reduction effects of unclassified thermoplastic waste recycling
Authors: Lee Jong Hyo , Hwang Yong Woo , Kim Doo Young , Park Young Su
Published: April 2024

This study conducted the environmental load comparative analysis between unclassified thermoplastic wastes incineration/landfill and recycled thermoplastic blocks manufacturing with considering the avoided burden effects of concrete bricks manufacturing by using the LCA methodology and quantitatively calculated the environmental advantages of recycling unclassified thermoplastic blocks manufacturing. As a result of the environmental impact assessment of the recycling unclassified thermoplastic blocks manufacturing, ODP was decreased by 1.49E-05 kg CFC-11-eq./unit, and the reduction ratio was 99.95% which implies removing most of all environmental impact. POCP also decreased by 1.64E+00 kg C2H4-eq./unit, and the reduction ratio was 99.88%. AP also was decreased by 2.30E+01 kg SO2-eq./unit, and the reduction ratio was 97.92%. EP also was decreased by 2.79E+00 kg PO43--eq./unit and the reduction ratio was 96.86%. The reduced amount of GWP also was 1.49E+03 kg CO2-eq./unit and the reduction ratio was 83.77%. But, ADP was decreased by 1.92E-01 kg Sb-eq./unit and the reduction ratio was 15.09% which is the least reduction effect among the six environmental impact categories. The results of this study imply that recycling unclassified thermoplastic wastes can eliminate most of all environmental impacts in the four categories (ODP, POCP, AP, and EP) compared to thermoplastic waste incineration/landfill. In particular, the reduction of CO2 emission can be visualized at the same level as the amount of annual greenhouse gas absorption of 634 pine trees or 421 oak trees. The implications derived from this study have a clear purpose as macroscopic basis data for the necessity of recycling waste thermoplastics and business strategy, and this suggests the possibility of derivative research through a more sophisticated data collection process in future research.
A Long-Awaited Triumph: Africa Embarks on the Rollout of the World's First Malaria Vaccine
Authors: Official JOWACH
Published: April 2024

After decades of relentless pursuit, a beacon of hope shines brightly across Africa as the continent commences the widespread rollout of RTS,S, the first-ever licensed vaccine against the deadly malaria parasite. This historic immunization campaign marks a new era in the fight against a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives in Africa each year, disproportionately impacting young children under five.

The approval of RTS,S caps over 30 years of tireless research and development, much of it spearheaded by African scientists. While not a silver bullet, experts agree the vaccine will provide meaningful protection when incorporated alongside existing measures like insecticide-treated nets. Its launch represents a major milestone for African nations at the forefront of deploying this innovative tool to combat an ancient foe.
Impact of Violence against Healthcare Providers on Maternal and Child Health Service Delivery in Karachi
Authors: Mufaddal Tasneem , Ali Syed Tabeena , Siddiqui Muhammad Bilal
Published: April 2024

Background
There is an increasing global issue with workplace violence against healthcare practitioners. The healthcare system as a whole and individual employee are both hit hard by this. The purpose of this research was to identify the prevalence, nature, and consequences of workplace violence encountered by healthcare workers in maternity and child health service delivery settings in the violent metropolis of Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 healthcare providers from 14 randomly selected hospitals in Karachi. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their experiences of workplace violence, including the type of violence, perpetrators, frequency, and impacts on their health and work performance.
Results
A shocking 87.9% of healthcare professionals have encountered workplace violence, with verbal/psychological abuse (37.4%) and physical assault (31.6%) being the most prevalent. Violence was most commonly committed by patients' relatives (42.8%) and happened daily (43.2%) or weekly (31.2%). Violence had serious effects, with 87.9% of providers absent 51.9% wanting to resign, and 69.6% feeling PTSD. Violence also lowered paediatric and gynaecology treatment quality.
Conclusions
Workplace violence is a serious and pervasive problem for healthcare providers in Karachi, with severe consequences for their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Urgent action is needed to address this issue, including stronger enforcement of existing laws, improved hospital security measures, and training for healthcare providers in violence prevention and management strategies.
Keywords: workplace violence, healthcare providers, maternal health, child health, healthcare quality
Assessing Impediments to Healthcare Access for Children Under Five in Larkana, Pakistan Using the Three Delays Model
Authors: Khuhro Saqib Nabi , Siddiqui Muhammad Bilal
Published: April 2024

Abstract:

Background: Despite national improvements, Larkana district in Pakistan suffers from high under-five child mortality. This study employs the Three Delays Model (TDM) to identify impediments to healthcare access for children under five in Larkana, informing interventions to combat preventable deaths.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey (January-April 2021) in Larkana hospitals recruited 390 parents/guardians via simple random sampling. Semi-structured interviews explored sociodemographics, care-seeking behaviors, and barriers across the TDM's three delays: 1) recognizing and acting on illness, 2) reaching care, and 3) receiving adequate care. Data was analyzed in SPSS v22 using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests for associations between sociodemographic factors and care-seeking patterns.

Results: 47% of mothers and 29% of fathers lacked formal education. 49.7% of children were born at home. Delay 1 barriers included preference for traditional healers (36%). Delay 2 barriers included lack of transportation (17%) and long travel times (>3 hours for 84%). Delay 3 barriers included high healthcare costs (43% spending >1000 rupees). Illiterate mothers predominantly gave birth at home (44% vs. 13% matriculate mothers, p<0.001) and were less likely to recognize danger signs (61% vs. 89%, p<0.001). Rickshaws were the primary mode of transport (86%).

Discussion: This TDM-based study reveals multiple intertwined barriers hindering child healthcare access in Larkana. Maternal education significantly influences care-seeking behavior and danger sign recognition, highlighting the need for targeted community education programs. High prevalence of home births necessitates interventions promoting institutional deliveries. Lack of transportation and high costs demand affordable options like government-subsidized transport or expanded health insurance coverage.

Keywords: child health, access to care, Pakistan
Prevalence and predictors of Intimate Partner Violence among Women of Reproductive Age in Plateau state, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Okoh Elizabeth , Ismaila Esther , Noel Birdling , Sodipo Olutomi , Gwomson Dauda , Otokpa Elija , Aule Sarah , Chingle Moses
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an important public health problem that affects both men and women, especially women globally. This study brings to bear, the prevalence and predictors of IPV among women of reproductive age in Plateau state, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: An analysis of secondary data from the 2018 NDHS dataset was done. The survey collected data on a sample of women within the reproductive age group 15-49 years in Plateau State. The data set was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.

Results: A total of 139 responded to the questions on IPV in Plateau state, more of whom are within the age range of 25-39 years (67.6%) and resided in rural areas (77%). The overall prevalence of IPV was 62.6%, that of more severe physical violence was 7.9%, 15.8% for less severe physical violence, emotional violence was 58.3% and 12.2% for sexual violence. Living in rural a rural area (OR=4.28; 95% CI=1.72-10.93), belonging to the middle/rich/richer wealth quintile (OR=0.25; 95% CI=0.11-0.59), and having a partner who has control issues (OR=2.67; 95% CI=1.32-5.38) were significant predictors of IPV. Having a non-professional job also showed higher odds of IPV but it was not statistically significant (OR=1.67; 95% CI=0.56-4.97).

Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV among women in Plateau state was found to be high, with socio-economic status significantly predicting its occurrence. Opportunities for improving the socioeconomic status of women in the state, especially those in rural areas should be encouraged by providing better jobs and creating public awareness that would discourage IPV.
Evaluation of debt recovery strategies of micro-finance institutions in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Akrobor S. T. Akrobor
Published: April 2024

Debt recovery is crucial if micro-finance institutions are to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of debt recovery strategies used by microfinance institutions in Accra. The study specifically investigated the strategies put in place by the institutions to minimize risk of loan non-repayment; assessed the strategies adopted by the institutions to recover debt from clients; and examined the level of effectiveness of the debt recovery strategies used by the institutions. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from employees of the selected microfinance institutions. Ten microfinance Institutions in the Greater Accra region of Ghana were sampled. Overall, 60 employees were sampled comprising 10 management staff and 50 credit officers. The study found that the institutions adopted a number of strategies including demand for collateral security; early disbursement of loan; extensive screening of clients etc., to reduce the risk of loan default. The institutions also used seizure of collateral; deductions from savings; deduction from guarantors' income; and legal actions to recover loans in default from clients. The debt recovery strategies of institutions were effective in improving overall operational efficiency and profitability. The study recommends that microfinance institutions improve on their effectiveness in debt recovery in order to remain viable within the microfinance environment.
Orality in Ghanaian Newspaper Narratives: An Analysis of Yankah’s Woes of a Kwatriot.
Authors: Glover-Meni N. Glover-Meni
Published: April 2024

The study explores the influence of orality on Ghanaian prose by explicating the verbal art strategies utilized by Yankah (1990) in his newspaper writing, Woes of a Kwatriot, and, by so doing, illustrating how the interaction between literature and journalism help in bringing about a vector of expression that reveals indigenous literary values. Yankah foregrounds tensions in the Ghanaian society using the medium of orality in a newspaper format, showcasing how indigenous literary modes can facilitate and enhance the quality of the journalism prose. In other words, Yankah saw the emergence of experimental writing as crucial in bringing Ghana, at the margin, to the centre of not only literary production but to the global arena where the writer can play a big role in shaping the fortunes of the people. Yankah is making the case that the African writer should not only mimic what obtains in the established Western canons. Rather, he or she must consciously facilitate the creation of new forms, an example being combining African elements with the Western long form such as lodging orality in journalism prose in a bid to mediate “the forces of modernity”.
Transforming Professional Accountants’ Skills and Capabilities for a Sustainable Future.
Authors: Omane-Antwi K. B. Omane-Antwi
Published: April 2024

Professional accountants (PAs) find themselves working in a trans-disciplinary world, not a monodisciplinary one; a world of continuous flux, where technical and human factors constantly interact in a complex and unique ways. It is a world where unpredictability and change are always in the air and PAs skills, competencies, and capabilities are most tested when the unexpected happens, and unanticipated opportunity arises; when things suddenly go awry or they are faced with a ‘wicked problem’ or dilemma which turns to question or even rock the talent, skills and capabilities of the professional accountant. This paper, using documentary evidence and interactions with key employers as a methodology, discusses the growing interest in making sure that PAs equip themselves with the capabilities and competencies required not only to be work ready for today, but also ‘work ready plus’ for tomorrow.
Motivation Theory and Performance Measurement: Lessons from Classical Schools of Thought.
Authors: Antwi-Boasiako A. Antwi-Boasiako , Asante R. Asante , Nyako Gyimah K. Nyako Gyimah
Published: April 2024

This paper traces the development of motivation theory, particularly as an explanation of human behaviour in the workplace. It provides a new interpretation of recent developments in theory management. It also examines the uneasy relationship between performance measurement, appropriate for the purpose of establishing motivational rewards, and performance measurement as an integral part of the financial control systems. The paper is also written in response to and as a confirmation of a student’s question as to whether classical management theories are still relevant. The study of classical management thoughts, which involve a set of concepts that started in 1800s, took their roots in the study of organisations. The effects of the sets of theories of organisations have been and are still profound as demonstrated in this paper using Motivation Theory and Performance Management Measurement Concepts
Harnessing ICTs for Development in Ghana: A Research Agenda
Authors: Kwame Boafo S.T.  Kwame Boafo
Published: April 2024

The revolutionary transformations, dispersion, and convergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the past few decades, especially since the 1990s, have generated radical changes in the methods of communication within countries and across international borders, in social interactions, and in doing business. The phenomenon has also had major impacts on the transmission and reception of news and information of diverse nature as well as on development processes, social, economic, political, and cultural change. Since the early 1990s, a considerable amount of attention has been devoted to the role and functions of ICTs in international, regional, and national discourses and conferences. The increasing prominence of ICTs in discourses on communication, socio-economic change, and development is also reflected in the increased number of research and publications on that topic in recent decades, particularly since the beginning of the 21st Century. It is in this context that the present paper examines the implications and applications of ICTs in socio-economic development process in Ghana. It briefly looks at the broad landscape of ICTs in Africa with a focus on Ghana. It highlights some initiatives in the ICT sector, including selected studies carried out on ICTs and their applications. The paper makes a case for more research to examine the contributions of ICT to Ghana’s socio-economic development, with a focus on ICT availability, accessibility and, utilization as a crucial and necessary enabler for development.
The Impact of Technological Change (Digital Currency) on Traditional Banking
Authors: Mensah J. L. A. Mensah
Published: April 2024

The banking industry is vibrant and provides many resources to both public and private entities. Its existence primarily facilitates the movement of funds from companies and individuals who patronise its activities. With the aim of meeting this primary requirement, the banking institution makes money from the charges levied on clients who demand its services. Notwithstanding the importance of banking activities, the change in technology has brought more competition to the industry. The challenges faced by the industry have resulted in many banking institutions folding up as a result of non-compliance with rules set up by regulators. For this reason, the research investigates the causes of the inability of banks to meet the requirements laid down by regulators. The study indicates that the banking industry is often slow in the adaptation of new processes due to its peculiar culture. However, the inability to quickly adapt to changes in the fast-paced world of changing technology is impacting negatively on the operations of the traditional banking industry. The study identifies some of the current changes such as cryptocurrency, mobile money and the impact they have had on the banking industry. The study recommends the need for the banking industry to quickly adapt to the current changes so as to be competitive in the industry.
A Study of Stigma, Discrimination and Reintegration of Mentally Ill Persons in Ghana.
Authors: Yeboah Y. Yeboah , Gyabaah K. O. Y. Gyabaah
Published: April 2024

Mental health is the foundation of human capability that makes each life worthwhile and meaningful. There has been great progress in mental healthcare in Ghana over the years but too many people are still left behind from reintegration into society after recovery due to discrimination and stigma. In order to harness the full potential of the human resource, there is the need to reintegrate all treated mental health persons. It is for this reason that the Christian Health Association of Ghana which operates over 280 healthcare institutions in Ghana is seeking to deconstruct the way mental healthcare is delivered. The programme seeks to shift from institutional care to community-based care involving interventions by health professionals, peers and key members of the community. The purpose of this study was to gauge knowledge and attitude to stigma, discrimination, and community-based mental healthcare. The country was divided into three zones; coastal, middle and northern. From each zone, an urban and a rural site were selected. Using mixed method approach, qualitative data from caregivers and religious leaders was purposively generated while quantitative data from Junior High School students and nurses was randomly collected. Results showed that age, ethnicity, education, religious affiliation, and occupation were some of the key variables which influence reintegration of treated mentally ill persons. The study concludes that stigma and discrimination against the mentally treated person is a complex issue which needs multifaceted and multi-disciplinary approach including community and home care to solving it.
Integrated marketing communication in the hotel industry: Enhancing tourism and national economic development
Authors: Danquah D. D. Danquah
Published: April 2024

In recent years, integrated marketing communications (IMC) has gained popularity among academics and marketing practitioners. However, the term is not yet well known in the hotel industry in Ghana. This paper seeks to explain the importance of IMC strategy in the hotel industry as well as discuss the practical issues involved with the implementation of IMC strategy. From a broader perspective, IMC considers not only the promotional tools (advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, direct marketing and public relations), but also every contact with the company, the product, or the brand. IMC strategy should work for all customer-focused organisations, but the strategy is more beneficial for service providers, such as the hotel sector. Services are intangible, hence, the task of communicating or promoting service quality to customers is very challenging indeed. This explains the need for IMC strategy, because IMC seeks to promote the company and its services through other activities. These activities were not considered to be part of marketing communications in the past, but with the introduction of IMC, it has become abundantly clear to marketers that a lot of activities that businesses take for granted actually communicate powerful messages to a company's audience. Hotel industry constitutes a major component of the tourism sector and tourism plays a vital role in the nation's economic development agenda. For this reason, the adoption of IMC concept by the hotel industry will benefit the individual companies in the industry and the nation as a whole.
Introduction of common currency ‘ECO’ in West African states: Problems, challenges and impact on the national economies of member states
Authors: Asante P. K. Asante
Published: April 2024

This paper seeks to identify the problems, challenges, and the implications of introducing a common currency 'ECO' in West Africa on the economies within the sub region. Specifically, the study focuses on the mandates of trade, the Customs, Immigration and Monetary and Payment Commission under the institution of the economic order of West Africa States. The augmented gravity model of Rose (1999), Alesina (2000), and Barro and Tenreyro (2002) was used to estimate the effects of monetary union on trade. The result shows that the performance so far of member countries as at the end of 2002 in meeting the convergence criteria revealed that it was inadequate to support the launching of the monetary union in 2004. The study concludes that though the introduction of a single currency will foster trade within the West-African sub-region, most countries have difficulty meeting the convergence criteria that will foster smooth take off of the project. It therefore recommends that the implementation of the single currency and common monetary policy in West Africa should be a gradual process as most countries within the sub-region are not politically mature, let alone to meet the convergence criteria.
Personal leadership: A major factor in organizational longevity in Ghana
Authors: Frimpong A. Frimpong
Published: April 2024

Many Ghanaian organisations, public or private, do not last long in the system due to ineffective leadership or management. Lack of personal leadership in the lives of leaders or managers in Ghana has been identified as a major cause of the short “life span” of organisations in Ghana and Africa. Leaders and managers in Ghana lack personal leadership because of flaws in the leadership foundation in Ghana. Flaws in the leadership foundation are traced to the misunderstanding of what leadership or management position is all about. This may be a legacy Ghanaians inherited from the colonial masters, as well as their own cultural orientation. The exercise of self-discipline by current and aspiring leaders and managers is the only way to correct these flaws and get leaders to lead and managers to manage effectively for organisational survival in Ghana.
Micro finance product development in Ghana: The case of Kraban Support Foundation’s micro loan products
Authors: Djan N. O. Djan
Published: April 2024

In Ghana today, the growing competition in the financial services sector has necessitated the need for innovative products with emphasis on sale of funds in order to succeed in the dynamic operating financial environment. Micro-finance institutions (MFIs), especially the financial non-governmental organizations (FNGOs), are playing pivotal roles in micro-finance service delivery in Ghana. Through innovative product development, these microfinance institutions render very useful financial services to the rural, peri-urban, urban, and the informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy to meet ever increasing demand for these innovative microfinance services.
The entrepreneurship challenge in Africa
Authors: Addaih S.
Published: April 2024

There is a great excitement in SME circles about the political, social, and economic developments taking place worldwide. Of particular interest are developments in emerging countries, especially those of Africa, where it is believed the SME sector can catapult socioeconomic development. But will entrepreneurship and SME develop be the panacea for African economies? This paper argues that while a positive link exists between economic development and entrepreneurship al least in the developed world (Birch, 1987) one cannot be too sure about a similar research systematically demonstrating the relation in Africa. This raises a fundamental problem. The problem that emerges when attempting to generalize economic development trends from one economy to another is the lack of consideration of current models of entrepreneurship development. Il is widely believed that the development of entrepreneurship is the result of coordination of internal and external components facing the entrepreneur. The favourable nature or lack of it regarding internal and external factors frequently influences the entrepreneurs' ability to create viable organizations. Therefore, external bottlenecks created by African economies need to be removed if SMEs are to be their engines of growth.
Creative conflict management in organizations
Authors: Frimpong A. Frimpong
Published: April 2024

In our relationships at our workplaces, we are involved in all kinds of actions, decisions, and changes that may threaten or confuse others. If these fears and misunderstandings are not quickly resolved, tension will mount and conflict will develop. Conflict itself can be positive and the idea that conflict is bad is very debilitating to organizations because it prevents growth, change, and new directions. It is not only possible but also undesirable to eliminate all conflict in an organization. However, understanding the dynamics taking place in conflict and knowing how to manage it can provide rich opportunities for organizational effectiveness. Organizational Conflict is a natural by-product of increased societal and organizational complexity. The average community, school, church and organization these days, are composed of people from many different backgrounds, cultures, religions, races, and value systems. These differing viewpoints and behavior increase the likelihood of misunderstandings that in turn lead to conflicts. Organizational conflict has therefore become one of the manager's greatest managerial plaques. The implication of all of this is that, it is essential that managers understand conflict and how to manage it successfully. If managers do not understand the dynamics taking place in conflict, they will tend to be “reactors” to whatever is happening in this process. Instead of turning it into a process for problem-solving, positive change, new goals, and relationship building.