ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prospects and constraints of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to find out the prospects and the factors which militate against the smooth operations of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A well-structured questionnaire was used to solicit data from all the staff of the 31 satellite libraries on the Campus of the University of Cape Coast. To ensure reliable findings, the survey approach was used. The first part of the questionnaire looked at the status of staff of the satellite libraries. The second part dealt with the information resources of the libraries, services provided by the libraries and staff developmental issues, while the last part solicited information on the challenges of these libraries. The quantitative data obtained mainly from the questionnaire were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings – Some of the major findings are as follows: staff of the satellite libraries have the opportunity to upgrade themselves academically; the Main Library organised a series of in-service training for the staff of the satellite libraries; majority of the staff of the satellite libraries were non-professional and inadequate; and the majority of the satellite libraries were ill equipped, lack of simple working materials like accession registers and stamps, and lack of recognition of library staff by administrators, lecturers and students. Research limitations/implications – The major components of a library are the building, staff and information resources; however, the study was limited to the staff and information resources, but excludes the building in which the libraries were housed. Practical implications – Functional satellite libraries are required to support the activities of the main libraries. Social implications – Satellite libraries are to support the main library to achieve its vision and mission; hence, their ineffectiveness affects the parent institution. Originality/value – Satellite libraries support the main libraries in accomplishing their vision and mission, but it can be noted that much has been written on the main libraries, and is it high time the state, management and challenges of satellite libraries were exposed

Source: UCC
Prospects of the fourth industrial revolution for the hospitality industry: a literature review

Purpose – The economy of today has moved toward the fourth industrial revolution (FIR), which is characterized by the adoption of technologies such as cyber-physical systems, internet of things, big data, artiﬁcial intelligence and robotics. Globally, there is a lot of awareness created on the inﬂuence of the FIR on all industries, including hospitality and tourism. A plethora of studies on FIR have been conducted in the setting of manufacturing industries. Nonetheless, there seems to be in-exhaustive and non-consensual agreement among researchers as to the development and prospects of the FIR for service industries. Therefore, the aim of this paper wastocomprehensivelyreviewtheprospectsoftheFIRforthehospitalityandtourismindustry. Design/methodology/approach – As a result of the novelty and gaps associated with the FIR in the hospitality literature, the authors explored the concept of FIR using a comprehensive literature review approach. Speciﬁcally, this paper reviews existing literature from diverse academic backgrounds, and annotatesissueswithregardtotheevolutionandprospectsoftheFIRforthehospitalityindustry. Findings – Emphatically, the development and principles of FIR were expatiated. Additionally, an exegesis was carried out on the prospects (positives and challenges) of FIR for the hospitality industry. Finally, practical and social implications were also discussed. Originality/value – It still remains a discourse among scholars and industry stakeholders as to the prospects of the FIR. This paper clariﬁes the confusion among researchers and bridges the literature gaps. Moreover, this review serves as a theoretical foundation for future research on the impact of FIR on the hospitality industry

Source: UCC
Prostitution in Ghana, it’s Religious and ethical implications: The case of some selected places in Ghana

The study was conducted to investigate the religious and ethical implications of prostitution in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to examine why prostitution still persists in spite of condemnation by some religious groups. Six selected communities, where mining and industrial activities are done, comprising 53 respondents and interviewees (50 prostitutes and 3 religious leaders) were used and this was done using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques, in the selection of respondents and interviewees. The researcher used a-five-point Likert scale format and semi-structured interview guide as the main instruments for the data collection.The major findings of the study indicated that prostitution persists among religious people in Ghana. People go into prostitution for different reasons ranging from financial to psychological needs. People engage in religious activities for reasons other than spiritual upliftment. Therefore, there are religious and ethical implications of prostitution which need urgent attention by the religious communities in Ghana. The study, therefore, recommends that religious institutions should look beyond spiritual enhancement of their members and also attend to the individual physical and psychological needs as well.

Source: UCC
Protecting the questionably knowledgeable user of accounting information: a defence of paternalism in the accounting profession

The accounting profession has drawn and continues to draw criticisms from the downsides of paternalism based on libertarian economic views and the false assumption of the ability of people to make rational choices that are in their best interest. The modest goal of this paper is to call for a rethink in views on the paternalistic characterisation of the accounting profession. We argue that the accounting professional possesses specialised skill, expertise, and training for which he/she is hired by the client. Second, we assert that a prerequisite for understanding and use of accounting information is ‘reasonable knowledge of business and commerce’. The justifications for the paternalistic orientation of the accounting profession are overwhelmingly persuasive. The paper therefore asserts that the proto-paternalistic posture of the accounting profession is an ineluctable phenomenon. Contemporary demands for reporting complex transactions and the incessant calls for stringent oversight of accounting practice make paternalism compelling.

Source: UCC
Protective effect of bergapten in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Bergapten (5-methoxysporalen) is a furanocoumarin extracted from several species of citrus and bergamot oil. Bergamot essential oil is used traditionally in the management of inﬂammatory conditions. Previous studies on bergapten have explored mainly its in vitro anti-inﬂammatory activities which include suppression of the expression and release of pro-inﬂammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukins as well as prostaglandins. Bergapten enhances the clearance of neutrophils and macrophages from the site of inﬂammation and reduces oxidative stress by inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Bergapten was assessed for its anti-inﬂammatory properties in acetic acid-induced colitis. Animals were obtained and randomly placed in six (6) groups (n ¼ 5) after acclimatization. Colitis was induced by rectal administration using 4% v/v acetic acid in Sprague Dawley rats after pre-treatment for 5 days. Bergapten was administered at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg kg 1 p.o. while the control group received saline 5 mL kg 1 p.o. and the standard drug employed was sulphasalazine at a dose of 500 mg kg 1. Assessments made for colon-weight-to-length ratio, colonic injury, and mucosal mast cell degranulation. There were reduced colon-weight-to-length ratios in animals treated with bergapten which was signiﬁcant (p < 0.5) for doses 10 and 30 mg kg 1 compared to the disease control group Both macroscopic and microscopic damage were reduced as well, with a lesser percentage of degranulated mast cells. Macroscopic damage was reduced for bergapten at doses 10 and 30 mg kg 1 signiﬁcantly at p < 0.5 and p < 0.001, respectively. Similarly, microscopic damage was reduced at p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively for bergapten 10 and 30 mg kg 1. The reduction of degranulation by bergapten was signiﬁcant at p < 0.001. There was generally reduced damage at inﬂammatory sites as well as decreased inﬁltration of inﬂammatory cells. Overall, bergapten reduces inﬂam- mation in acetic acid-induced colitis.

Source: UCC
Protective effect of bergapten in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Bergapten (5-methoxysporalen) is a furanocoumarin extracted from several species of citrus and bergamot oil. Bergamot essential oil is used traditionally in the management of inflammatory conditions. Previous studies on bergapten have explored mainly its in vitro anti-inflammatory activities which include suppression of the expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and interleukins as well as prostaglandins. Bergapten enhances the clearance of neutrophils and macrophages from the site of inflammation and reduces oxidative stress by inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Bergapten was assessed for its anti-inflammatory properties in acetic acid-induced colitis. Animals were obtained and randomly placed in six (6) groups (n ¼ 5) after acclimatization. Colitis was induced by rectal administration using 4% v/v acetic acid in Sprague Dawley rats after pre-treatment for 5 days. Bergapten was administered at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg kg1 p.o. while the control group received saline 5 mL kg1 p.o. and the standard drug employed was sulphasalazine at a dose of 500 mg kg1. Assessments made for colon-weight-to-length ratio, colonic injury, and mucosal mast cell degranulation. There were reduced colon-weight-to-length ratios in animals treated with bergapten which was significant (p < 0.5) for doses 10 and 30 mg kg1 compared to the disease control group Both macroscopic and microscopic damage were reduced as well, with a lesser percentage of degranulated mast cells. Macroscopic damage was reduced for bergapten at doses 10 and 30 mg kg1 significantly at p < 0.5 and p < 0.001, respectively. Similarly, microscopic damage was reduced at p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively for bergapten 10 and 30 mg kg1. The reduction of degranulation by bergapten was significant at p < 0.001. There was generally reduced damage at inflammatory sites as well as decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells. Overall, bergapten reduces inflammation in acetic acid-induced colitis.

Source: UCC
Protective effect of Erythrina senegalensis sequential extracts against oxidative stress in SC-1 fibroblasts and THP-1 macrophages

Context: Erythrina senegalensis (ES) DC. is used traditionally in the management of various free radical-related diseases, including wound healing. Aims: To evaluate sequentially prepared leaf extracts of ES for the ability to protect against oxidative stress in fibroblasts and macrophages . Methods: Sequential extracts were prepared using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water in increasing polarity. Chemical profiling was done with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Cytotoxic potential was determined using the sulforhodamine B staining assay, phase contrast, PlasDIC, and live/dead staining microscopy. The ability to scavenge the ABTS and DPPH free radicals was assessed, while the effect on AAPH-induced oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. Results: A previously reported compound (neobavaisoflavone), and three others (kaempferol, rutin, and rotenone) were tentatively detected. With regards to cytotoxicity, no IC50 could be determined up to the highest concentration tested (100 µg/mL) in both THP-1 and SC-1 cells. The methanol extract displayed the greatest antioxidant activity against the free radicals (IC50 = 44.86 µg/mL [ABTS]; 291.1 µg/mL [DPPH]) and AAPH-induced intracellular ROS in macrophages (1.0-fold reduction at 100 µg/mL). The protective effect of the extracts (1 – 100 µg/mL) was comparable to the positive control (Trolox), which decreased ROS by 1.30-fold at 5 µg/mL. Conclusions: A significant ability to protect against oxidative stress was exhibited by extracts from ES, with no observed cytotoxicity. Secondary metabolites from the plant may have potential for use as alternative medicines in ROS-induced diseases such as chronic wounds.

Source: UCC
Protective effects of vitamin C against propanil-induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats

Objective: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Vitamin C in propanil intoxiciated Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four equal groups of six each: control; 100mg propanil/kg; 100mg vitamin C/kg; propanil (100mg/kg) plus vitamin C (100mg/ kg). Treatment was via oral route and was administered once daily for 7 days.Animals were orally treated once daily for 7 days. The effect of propanil on liver lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters as well as the possible attenuation of its toxicity by vitamin C was studied. Results: Compared to the control group, propanil treatment significantly increased serum total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST), and significantly lowered triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and total protein (TP) levels. Results obtained furthermore showed that propanil significantly (P<0.05) induced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while the activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were decreased in the liver tissues. However, co-administration of propanil with vitamin C ameliorated the harmful effects of propanil in most of the tested parameters. Liver histological studies revealed changes in liver tissues and the protective role of vitamin C. Conclusion: The present study suggests that Vitamin C could be an important dietary component based on its ability to attenuate propanil induced hepatotoxicity

Source: UCC
Prototype Design and Heuristic Evaluation of e-Collaboration Environment

Current e-learning environment do not adequately support collaboration among students and between students and lecturers. This paper presents the design principles, prototype design and heuristic evaluation of teach, learn and research (TELEREC) e-collaboration environment for higher educational institutions. The objectives are to investigate existing design principles and didactics for e-collaboration to ascertain a realistic option for designing and developing an e-collaboration environments; second, to report on the implementation of the prototype design using a blended learning approach; and finally, to conduct formative assessment and experts’ evaluation of the system. The methodological approach followed a design research approach which also integrates the values and practices of iterative development as well as user-centered design activities. The results of the study suggest that TELEREC e-collaboration environment support important usability elements such as navigability, consistency, efficiency, attractiveness, visibility and controllability as discussed in the findings

Source: UCC
Proverbs in the Dirges of Nana Abenaa Asantewaa of Pankorono in Kumasi

The Akan of Ghana, have their unique cultural practices which are vital to their existence as a people. Among them are birth rites, puberty rites, marriage rites, and funeral rites. Funerals or funeral rites are a core function of any Akan society. This paper examines and analyses proverbs in the dirges sung by Nana Abenaa Asantewaa of Pankorono. It exposes the fascinating and cultural elements of dirges sung at funerals especially, the one sung by Nana Abenaa Asantewaa. The speech act theory by Austin (1975) was employed as a theoretical tool when analyzing data. Based on the three tiers Austin proposed, the data was analyzed. Thus, the locutionary act, illocutionary act and perlocutionary act. Aesthetic values were also examined in the use of the proverbs of the dirges. The study makes use of a qualitative research methodology. This is because of the work's anthropological nature. Thus, ethnography as a method for studying cultures and people in descriptive ways and as a portrayal of people. Most of the dirges were sung to praise and appreciate the life of the dead. However, there were other cultural connotations such as moral lessons, appraisal of the dead, philosophical reflection on life and aesthetic values (kindness, love, anger, growth etc).

Source: UCC
Provision and utilization of guidance services in the colleges of education in western region, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the guidance services in the Colleges of Education in the Western Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample of 250 students and 63 staff members were selected for the study through purposive, stratified and simple random sampling procedures. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from a questionnaire designed by Adzakpa (2016). Data collected were analysed descriptively and inferentially according to the research questions and hypothesis for the study. The study found that the most common guidance services provided in the Colleges of Education sampled were orientation, counselling, appraisal and information. The service which was the least provided however, was placement. In terms of students’ patronage of guidance services, the study revealed that teacher-trainees mostly seek information about guidance services during orientation, and they get access to guidance services and patronize counselling usually for their personal and academic issues. The study also revealed that the main challenges encountered in the provision of guidance services were insufficient logistics, lack of office space for counsellors, insufficient time for guidance services and lack of support from teachers and administration. The study recommended that college authorities work with college counsellors to ensure that other guidance services such as placement are provided more often for students

Source: UCC
The provision of management support services to basic school teachers in the south Dayi district of the Volta region of Ghana

This study examined the current state of the provision of management support services to basic school teachers in the South Dayi District of the Volta Region of Ghana. It employed the cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Both purposive and random sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 173 respondents for the study. Questionnaire and an interview guide were used as instruments for the collection of data for the study. In all, 140 out of the 173respondents returned the questionnaires constituting 80.9 percent return rate. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using the computer’s Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS) Programme, while the responses from the interview were transcribed and the main issues emerging were categorised within the context of the research questions. The study revealed thatin-service training, induction, and appraisal were poorly provided to the teachers with motivation being the worst implemented. The study recommends that the GES must put in more effort to endorse the support services. In addition, there should be public education to involve all stakeholders in the provision of management support services to teachers. The SMC and the PTA should be instituted and strengthened by stakeholders of education to perform their roles effectively.

Source: UCC
provision of social services by the assemblies of God church in the Suhum district of eastern region

The fundamental thrust of the study was to investigate the social services provided by the Assemblies of God church in the Suhum District of the Eastern Region in Ghana. The study was guided by six research questions. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The target population for the study was made up of all the church members including the pastors and leaders and nonmembers in the Suhum, Asamankese and Nsawam towns in the Suhum District. Stratified proportional sampling technique was used to select the 100 members from the church whereas convenience sampling was used to select the community members. However, the 50 pastors and leaders of the church were purposively selected. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and interview guide. Frequency and percentage scores were used to analyse the data. The results showed that pre and post-marital counselling, contribution to healthcare and involvement in sanitation issues were the paramount social services the church provided to the community. The main beneficiaries of social services were the members of the church with occasional annexation to the needy, poor and those who ask for it in the community. The study also revealed that lack of finance as well as support from community members was the challenge that confronted the church in its social services provision. It was therefore recommended that the Assemblies of God church should consider increasing their assistance to the community in the area of education, microfinance and conflict resolution. Again, the church should solicit funds from external sources like NGOs to enable them accomplish their projects for the community.

Source: UCC
Provision of social support for the aged in the Cape Coast Metropolis

With the increasing number of the aged in Ghana, social support for this segment of the population is gradually becoming an issue of great concern. There is debt of research on this. This study is therefore an attempt to provide some information for policy makers towards enhancing planning of better health, social financial support services for the aged to promote their well-being. The descriptive and explanatory survey designs were employed to achieve the objective of the research. The present study examines the type of social support available for the aged in the Cape Coast Metropolis. It assesses the adequacy or otherwise of such support. Data were gathered in two type of social communities of the five zones of the metropolis. The research focused on the type of social support available, the main providers of the support and how the aged themselves react to the support. The evidence from the study shows that the informal support system is the most important source of support for the aged. It also found that the provision of the support has gradually shifted from the extended to the nuclear family with daughters of aged providing much more than their sons. The aged admit that their children could not provide all their needs in the face of the latter’s commitment to other responsibilities in the nuclear family. The implication is that government intervention will be necessary to augment the effort of their children, as a way of improving social support.

Source: UCC