ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Safety Culture, Perceived Risk, And Employee Well-Being Among Star-Rated Hotels In The Accra Metropolis

Hotel employees constitute the backbone of the industry, and their safety and well-being are crucial to maintaining high standards of performance and service excellence. It is also thought that workplace accidents have a significant detrimental effect on employee morale, job satisfaction, and engagement. This study looked at the safety culture, perceived risk, and well-being of employees in star-rated hotels located in the city of Accra. Conveniently, data from 338 hotel employees was gathered utilizing a cross-sectional study approach and a quantitative research design. The data was then analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS version 25. Standard deviations, averages, and frequency tables were among the descriptive statistical presentations. To find out how much of the variance explained was a result of a few important components or dimensions, factor analysis was used. The study's conclusions showed that even so, staff members do have some safety knowledge. They are also worried about the risks associated with their employment, particularly when it comes to using equipment. In summary, it can be concluded that there is little to no relationship between employee well-being and the organization's overall safety culture. Supervision, on the other hand, demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with employee well-being as one of the characteristics of safety culture. Therefore, to improve the wellness of all employees, it was advised that hotel authorities establish an organizational safety culture, with a focus on safety awareness, and make sure that this culture permeates every employee.

Source: UCC
Safety evaluation of Bon-sante cleanser ® polyherbal in male Wistar rats: Further investigations on androgenic and toxicological profile

Background: The global increase in acceptance and use of herbal remedies in recent times is still accompanied with poor knowledge of their potential adverse effects and the toxicological implications of their use are underestimated. Methods: Bon-sante Cleanser ® (BSC), a polyherbal containing Anogeissus leiocarpus, Terminalia ivorensis, Massularia acuminate and Macuna pruriens, is an “energizer and hormone booster”. We assessed the effect of BSC on reproductive function after administration for 60 days in male Wistar rats. Rats (150 e300 g) were assigned into four groups of 8/group. Control received distilled water (10 ml/kg) while other groups received BSC 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day p.o. respectively. Animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation and samples collected for analysis. Results: BSC (250 mg/kg) elevated (p < 0.05) follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels respectively. BSC decreased sperm motility and the live-dead ratio at 1000 mg/kg and reduced reproductive hormone at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. BSC at 500 mg/kg increased (p < 0.05, F ¼ 3.18e13.21) testicular reduced glutathione level (50.3%) and catalase (43.7%) but not activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and malondialdehyde level. Further, BSC influenced Mg, Zn, Cu, P, Mn, Ni and Fe levels (p < 0.05). BSC (1000 mg/kg) decreased testis weight (p < 0.05) and induced mild inflammation characterized by atrophic tubules. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest BSC at low doses may increase reproductive hormones regulated by FSH and LH as observed in this study. However, BSC administration should be done with caution as it may induce reproductive toxicity in large doses.

Source: UCC
Safety measures at Adwumapa buyers company limited in the Aowin Suaman district of the Western region of Ghana

The general objective underlying this study was to examine the effect of safety measures on the job performance of workers at the Adwumapa Buyers Company Limited in the Aowin-Suaman district of the Western Region. The study was to provide guidance to the improvement of safety measures at various workplaces with the aim to minimize risk and also improve worker efficiency and effectiveness. It was also geared towards making in-depth analysis of safety measures at the workplace and the degree to which it affects the performance levels of workers. Information was elicited from 142 selected respondents. In-depth interviews with respondents were used with the aid of a questionnaire. Most of the workers constituting (79.5%) indicated that there is the need to improve safety measures. On the impact of safety on performance, (68.2%) indicated that safety measures has great impact on their job performance. Absence of training officer (78.8%) and poor state of building (42%) are hindrance to the effectiveness and efficiency of workers. Most workers (80.3%) clearly indicated that they were willing and ready to undergo training activities on safety measures on their job. The analysis indicated that most workers high performance and commitment is influenced by adequate provision of safety measures and materials. The findings suggest that improving safety measures is a key factor in enhancing the performance levels of workers.

Source: UCC
Safety of copper, zinc and iron metal residues in fresh sugarcane juices sold in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Fruit juices are a highly valued, tasty food and usually have exceptional nutritional qualities. However, they can be a probable source of toxic elements. The presence of potentially toxic heavy metals in fruits is of intense public interest and requires rapid assessment of the levels of these contaminants and their potential to pose hazard. The aim of this study was to assess the levels and potential health of three essential heavy metals Cu, Zn and Fe in sugarcane juice sold by vendors in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Samples of sugarcane were obtained from ten vendors over a period of five weeks in November 2013. Three samples were collected weekly. The juice were quizzed from the fruits. The weekly samples from each vendor were composited and then filtered.10 mL of the homogenized juice was digested with Nitric acid and the metals analyzed using 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The risk was assessed by evaluating the hazard quotient, HQ and hazard index, HI. The overall mean concentration of metals in the fifty samples sugarcane juice were Cu, 0.31 mg/L; Zn, 1.37 mg/L and Fe, 9.79 mg/L. The mean concentration of metals in the sugar cane collected from the ten vendors over the period ranged between 0.20 and 0.46 mg/L for Cu; 0.30- 2.80 mg/L and for Zn 7.13 -13.04 for Fe. The HQs and HI were all less than 1, suggesting that adverse effects are unlikely

Source: UCC
Safety Of Micromobility Use Among Children In Selected Cities In Ghana: Perspectives Of Children And Stakeholders

Efforts in achieving sustainable transport were slow-paced globally until the advent of the COVID-19 which necessitated the need for cities to introduce additional safety measures to alleviate the preeminent risk of coronavirus transmission especially in crowded public transport. Micromobilities – bicycles, skates, scooters, and their various electric versions, are believed to have the potential to reduce the rate of transmission of the virus among people but most importantly could also address some key aspects of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and enhancing human experience. The objective of this study is therefore to understand children’s perception on the usefulness and safety of micromobility modes as an alternative means of transport and evaluate Ghana’s preparedness in embracing the emerging mobility trends through laid down policies and regulations. Conducted in Kumasi and Cape Coast – two capital cities in Ghana, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through interviews with 182 school children, a skating group and four key stakeholders. There were vast differences in children’s perception of the usefulness of micromobility between the two cities. However, despite the disagreements on cycling being safe between riders and non-riders, there is a consensus of the riding environment being unsafe for riders. A content analysis of four of Ghana’s key transport regulations and policies reveals the consideration of micromobilities as recreational modes. The study recommends that to make active travel and micromobility use attractive especially for children, there should a review of the road regulations and an implementation of the national transport policies to create a safe riding environment for children.

Source: UCC
Safety Practices of Informal Waste Collectors in the Ga -East Municipality

Although considerable efforts are being made by many Governments in tackling waste-related problems, informal waste collectors are involved in solving the Ghana‘s sanitation issues yet the significance of their work has been neglected. This research examined the compliance of knowledge of safety practices by informal waste collectors at Ga East Municipal Assembly and determining the role played by the Environmental Health Unit of the municipality to ensure the compliances with safety practices by informal waste collectors. One Hundred (100) respondents were selected randomly within four areas (kwabenya, tiafa, dome, haasto) in the Ga-East municipality and structured questionnaires were administered. The results indicated that; for 100 respondents, 53% of them said they were prone to cholera, 39% of them said influenza. 95% of them prefer using gloves as the only Personal Protective Equipments, 95% of the informal waste collectors have never had any program with the Environmental Health Unit. It was concluded that majority (90%) of the informal waste collectors had little knowledge on the dangers that they are exposed to, also, Environmental Health Unit, have not had any interaction with the informal waste collectors because they have not registered with them. It is recommended that, the informal waste collectors are provided with collection equipment such as (PPE and tricycles) by the assembly, also, awareness program for waste workers are to be focused on in order to increase their knowledge on occupational health hazards and ergonomic principles, Finally, the Environmental Health Unit should educate the informal waste collectors of the safety practices related to the work.

Source: UCC
Saff motivation as a factor in water and sanitation services delivery: A case study of community water and sanitation agency in two districts of the Eastern region

This is an exploratory and descriptive study that examined staff motivation as a factor in water and sanitation services delivery in Community Water and Sanitation Agency in Two Districts of the Eastern Region. The objectives of the study were to examine the satisfaction of staff of CWSA in terms of motivation, the effectiveness of the motivational processes on staff members and the stakeholder’s role and satisfaction in the service delivery process. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data for the study. Other information was assembled from the New Juaben Municipal and the Suhum District Assemblies. In all 139 people responded to the questions. They were 24 general staff members, 3 management staff, 6 M/DWST, 46 WASTANS and 60 community members and opinion leaders. The data were processed and analysed by using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 12. Findings from the study revealed that there were positive factors of motivation such as training programmes, availability of logistics and equipment, financial assistance and then meeting the needs of the communities. The major factors identified were low motivation and dissatisfaction. Others included job insecurity, poor conditions of work, lack of official reward and incentive schemes, inequality, low income and lack of appreciation for hard work. Recommendations offered in the study are that management should institute a reward and incentive scheme and make budgetary allocations for it. Appointments should be regularised instead of being contractual.

Source: UCC
The sagittal diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal in normal adult Nigerians

Anatomical narrowing of the lumbar vertebral canal and intervertebral foramina has been reported as a cause of compression of the cauda equina and the emerging nerve roots (Sarpyener, 1945; Schlesinger & Taveras, 1953; Verbiest, 1954; Crock, 1981; Venner & Crock, 1981). The compression is associated with neurological complications, notably pain in the back and lower limbs on walking, weakness and paraesthesiae along the distribution of the affected nerve roots. Classically, the symptoms are relieved by reversing the lumbar lordosis either by bending or crouching. Verbiest (1954, 1955, 1977) called this 'the lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome', and suggested that it could result from congenital or developmental narrowing of the canal. Morphometric studies by Epstein, Epstein & Lavine (1962), Hinck, Hopkins & Clark (1965), Hinck, Clark & Hopkins (1966) and Eisenstein (1977) have established that the abnormality may involve the transverse, sagittal or both diameters of the canal. In a recent review, however, Verbiest (1977) has made it clear that in developmental stenosis, the transverse diameters (interpedicular distances) are normal whereas the sagittal diameters are reduced because of thickened laminae and articular processes, and in some cases also, because of short pedicles. Recognition of the two types of stenosis thus depends, in part, on proof of involvement of the transverse and sagittal diameters. Clearly it is necessary to have baseline values for use in diagnostic work. Tables giving normal values of the sagittal diameter have been compiled by Huizinga, Heiden & Vinken (1951), Hinck et al. (1965), Sand (1970), Eisenstein (1977) and by Larsen & Smith (1981) for groups of Caucasian and South African subjects. Age, racial and ethnic variations in the shape and dimensions of the canal are reported, although Eisenstein (1977) cautions that the racial differences are subtle and probably insignificant.

Source: UCC
The sagittal diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal in normal adult Nigerians

Anatomical narrowing of the lumbar vertebral canal and intervertebral foramina has been reported as a cause of compression of the cauda equina and the emerging nerve roots (Sarpyener, 1945; Schlesinger & Taveras, 1953; Verbiest, 1954; Crock, 1981; Venner & Crock, 1981). The compression is associated with neurological complications, notably pain in the back and lower limbs on walking, weakness and paraesthesiae along the distribution of the affected nerve roots. Classically, the symptoms are relieved by reversing the lumbar lordosis either by bending or crouching. Verbiest (1954, 1955, 1977) called this 'the lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome', and suggested that it could result from congenital or developmental narrowing of the canal. Morphometric studies by Epstein, Epstein & Lavine (1962), Hinck, Hopkins & Clark (1965), Hinck, Clark & Hopkins (1966) and Eisenstein (1977) have established that the abnormality may involve the transverse, sagittal or both diameters of the canal. In a recent review, however, Verbiest (1977) has made it clear that in developmental stenosis, the transverse diameters (interpedicular distances) are normal whereas the sagittal diameters are reduced because of thickened laminae and articular processes, and in some cases also, because of short pedicles. Recognition of the two types of stenosis thus depends, in part, on proof of involvement of the transverse and sagittal diameters. Clearly it is necessary to have baseline values for use in diagnostic work. Tables giving normal values of the sagittal diameter have been compiled by Huizinga, Heiden & Vinken (1951), Hinck et al. (1965), Sand (1970), Eisenstein (1977) and by Larsen & Smith (1981) for groups of Caucasian and South African subjects. Age, racial and ethnic variations in the shape and dimensions of the canal are reported, although Eisenstein (1977) cautions that the racial differences are subtle and probably insignificant. There appears to be no information on the sagittal diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal of Nigerians. The aim of the present study is primarily, to determine the normal ranges of the sagittal diameters of the lumbar vertebral canal in the Nigerian population, and to find out whether they differ from those of other populations.

Source: UCC
Sales promotion and consumer response: evidence from customers of Kinapharma Limited in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis

The study was to assess Sales promotion as an effective tool in influencing consumer buying decisions in the Ghanaian market. The study used a quantitative and descriptive design of which customers of Kinapharma Company Limited were targeted. Two hundred and forty-Six respondents were chosen with the aid of convenience sampling technique. Questionnaire was the main data collection instruments. The data was analyzed by using frequencies and percentages of the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS version 21.0) software. The data was presented by using tables and graphs. The study found out that common sales promotion tools used by Kinapharma Limited included discount/price-off offer, free samples, bonus pack and buy one get one free and discount/price –off offer was the preference of the respondents. 197 of the 240 respondents agreed that Buy one get one free affects their buying decision making it the most effective promotional tool. It was closely followed by Free Sample, Discount/price-off offer and Bonus pack having 184, 182 and 128 respondents agreeing respectively. Premiums, Refunds and Rebates, Fairs and Exhibitions and Coupons fairly influence the buying decisions of consumers. Exchange schemes had the least influence with 94 of the respondents disagreeing to it. Factors that affect respondents’ decision to purchase a product were the price of the product, the brand and service loyalty, and quality service. It is recommended that Kinapharma Limited add premium as sales promotion tool in order to influence customers’ preference and buying behaviour.

Source: UCC
Salmonella typhi infection among waste collectors in the A blekuma north municipality

Salmonella typhi is the major cause of typhoid fever, a systemic bacterial illness of public health importance. This study examined the risk factors and prevalence of Salmonella typhi infection among waste collectors in the Ablekuma North Municipality. A cross-sectional approach and stratified sampling method were employed in this study. Pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic information, level of knowledge on S. typhi and personal hygiene practices was administered to each respondent. A total of 60 respondents were recruited and screened against S. typhi surface antigen using the Widal slide agglutination test. S. typhi prevalence of 31.67% was recorded among the waste collectors. Respondents showed good level of knowledge on typhoid fever as well as good personal hygiene. However, factors such as number of working years, finger biting, irregular hand washing without soap after handling waste, level of monthly income, and lack of personal protective equipment were observed as predisposing factors to typhoid fever disease. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that waste recycling companies must provide personal protective clothing and enforce their usage while the Municipal Assembly should educate the workers in the waste management sector on personal hygiene practices and sanitation related diseases in order to minimize the risk of acquiring infectious diseases in their line of duty.

Source: UCC
Salvaging nature: The Akan religio-cultural perspective

The way many Ghanaians relate to the environment now is not the best; they just do not care about how to handle the environment in a sustainable way. They have forgotten that life is environment and environment is life due to rapid cultural change, population explosion etc. There is indiscriminate logging, annual bush fires, illegal surface mining, bad farming practices, dumping of human and industrial wastes into our water bodies and the like. It is estimated that over 90 percent of Ghana’s high forest has been logged since the late 1940s. The sanitation situation is growing from bad to worse as the records show. All efforts to salvage the situation over the years have failed to yield the needed results. It is for this reason that this paper argues strongly for the inclusion of indigenous Ghanaian religion and culture in this fight, for they have proven to be eco-biased religion and culture due to the environmentally beneficial mechanisms inherent in them. Specifically, the traditional Akan use their conception of land, taboos, totemism, sacred groves and sasa to ensure the conservation of nature. Therefore, this paper believe, the time has come for us to forge a common ground in our efforts to find a lasting solution to our environmental problems from both the perspectives of science and that of Indigenous Spiritualties and Culture

Source: UCC
Sanctions: Panacea for Income Tax Non-Compliance Among Ghanaian Self-Employed

Income tax from self-employed is very important for governments but compliance among self-employed leaves much to be desired. This study used hypothetical questionnaire to a sample of 380 self-employed in the Accra Metropolis. Appling simple regression analysis and Analysis of Variance, this study finds positive effect each of sanction and cooperation on compliance. Though the coefficient of the sanction as enforcement strategy is insignificant, a joint significance test of sanctions and cooperation on tax compliance shows that sanction and cooperation jointly significantly influence tax compliance among self-employed. The study recommends that tax authorities should switch their approach to tax administration from a one-size-fits-all enforcement model (sanctions) to a blend of strategies and possible use sanctions as last resort.

Source: UCC
Sand mineralogy and related properties of some soils in South-Western Nigeria

Five representative soil profiles were excavated along a toposequence selected in the Itagunmodi area of South-Western Nigeria. The soils were subjected to physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses. The results indicated soils with high fine sand and clay contents, but low silt content. The soils were found to vary from slightly acid to strongly acid (pHH2O = 4.0 to 6.2). Organic C, available P, and Kjeldahl N contents decreased with increasing depth. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from 3.11 to 28.75 cmol(+)/kg soil. Base saturation was low (<51%). From a total elemental analysis, Si was found to be the dominant element, followed by Al, and then Fe. Extractable P, and exchangeable K, Mg, and Ca were quite low. The dominant minerals in the fine sand fraction were quartz, feldspar, zircon, hornblende, tourmaline, and opaque ores. The variation in the zircon/tourmaline (two resistant minerals) ratios with depth suggests a stratification of the parent material. The change in the quartz/feldspar ratios was an indication that the degree of weathering in the soil profile is not uniform

Source: UCC