ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of work stress on employees’ wellbeing: evidence from Essikado government hospital

The general wellbeing of employees’ has been an issue of major concern as employees are very important assets in organisations. Globally, poor wellbeing of employees is the foremost reason for long-term work incapability in business organisations. This is worse for health professions – stress is widely recognized as having a disproportionate impact on the health and care professions. Health professionals are a high-risk category because of their work of caring for people, as well as the accompanying ambiguities about treatment success and the need to mask their self-doubt about their own competence. Hence, with a descriptive outlook, this study investigated the effects of work stress on the wellbeing of employees, with focus being on 75 Essikado Government Workers. The study collected quantitative data which comprised Likert scale options that identified the sources of work stress. The study found that the predominant sources of stress for these workers included experiences of harassment and subtle bullying at work, long working hours, no flexibility at work and a generally heavy workload most especially. Also, it was found that they do not have the necessary resources to perform their jobs, they are overburdened at work, and some are ‘forced’ to work overtime and finally, work stress puts heavy strains on the wellbeing of employees and even their work performance– resulting in sleeping problems, poor mental health, depression, poor dietary patterns, and inebriation. The study recommends that management ensures adequate staffing to reduce the burden. Also, the provision of incentives for these workers and also training them on current practices in their fields to augment their knowledge and skills to perform better at work.

Source: UCC
Effect of Work-Family Conflict on Employee Creativity, Evidence from Assin Fosu Municipal Assembly

Creativity is an essential part of organizational innovation, which drives economic wealth. However, the emergence of the dual-career couple means that family support has been limited and the employee has to deal with the effect of time constraint, the strain associated with it, and the psychological effect of behaving differently at work and home. The research was undertaken to show the effect of “work-family conflict” on workers creativity with four (4) specific objectives. To achieve this, the study used quantitative methods to collect data from respondents. The study identified a significant negative connection between work-family conflict and employee creativity. It was also found that the support of family members plays a positive role in employees' ability to balance work and family life demands and career progression. The responses received from respondents in the study revealed that indeed employees face a lot of challenges in the area of being creative at work because of work-family conflict issues. It is therefore recommended that the government should consider implementing more work-life balance friendly policies such as setting up daycare centers close to district assembly buildings to enable employees to focus on the work at all times. The local government of Ghana should also be restructured to accommodate flexible working hours that will assist employees to balance their work and family life. These policies will go a long way to facilitate the balance between work and life and consequently, help employees to bring their creative skills to bear.

Source: UCC
Effect of work-family conflict on employees‟ job and family satisfaction: Testing the moderating role gender

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between work-family conflict on employees‟ job and family satisfactions. The study covered University of Cape Coast junior staff. Descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 339 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire which consisted four sections was used as the main instrument for data collection. Descriptive (frequencies, mean and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (regression analysis) were employed. It was found out that work-family conflict (work interference with family and family interference with work) affect job satisfaction negatively. Furthermore, work-family conflict (work interference with family and family interference with work ) negatively affect family satisfaction. Additionally, gender significantly moderates work-family conflict and family satisfaction, whereas gender does not moderate work-family conflict and job satisfaction. Recommendations were that managements and policy makers should tackle and implement work-family conflict managements programmes, job and family satisfaction initiatives and seminars to enrich the knowledge of junior staff on how to handle conflicts both at work and home. Also, managements and policy makers should apportion liberal work-load for women as compared to male counterparts since the society and culture determines what the obligations of males and females are.

Source: UCC
Effect of working capital management on the financial performance of pharmaceutical companies in Ghana

Working capital management plays a vital role in improving the financial performance of companies. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effects of working capital management on the financial performance of pharmaceutical companies in Ghana. For this reason Pearson correlation and regression were used to analyze the secondary data in the form of annual financial report were obtained from the pharmaceutical companies for a period of eleven years (2005-2015). The study measured financial performance using Return on equity and Return on assets. The study used Rate of stock turnover, Average collection period, Current ratio, Firm size and Average payment period as the independent variable. The study found negative relationship with average collection period, firm size and rate of stock turnover and found a positive relation with current ratio and average payment period. However, firm size, average collection period were statistically significant. The results indicate that there was 22.5% and 9.8% of the variation in Return on assets (ROA) and Return on equity (ROE) as the dependent variable explained by the independent variables of Rate of stock turnover (ROST), Average collection period(ACP), Current ratio (CR), Firm size (FS) and Average payment period(APP). Based on the results from the study it concludes shareholders can create value for their wealth by reducing average collection period and delay payment for creditors. Managers of pharmaceutical companies must employ staffs with qualified expertise and experience to manage their working capital to improve their liquidity level and operations. ©University of Cape Coast

Source: UCC
Effect of working conditions on the performance of non Teaching Senior Staff of the University of Education Winneba

The study set out to examine to explore the impact of working conditions and performance among non-teaching senior staff at the University of Education Winneba. The specific objectives that guided the study were; to assess the effects of physical conditions on performance of the non-teaching senior staff; to analyse the effects of occupational health and safety on the performance of the non-teaching senior staff; to analyse the effects of internal organisational communication on performance of the non-teaching senior staff in UEW. The study was a survey study which adopted a quantitative research approach. The design of the study was descriptive, with a sample of 140 using Krejcie & Morgan (1970), out of which 126 responded. The study adopted a simple random sampling technique with a self-structured questionnaire as the main instrument. The results from the survey were analysed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 20 version) software. The study findings first indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between employee performance and physical working condition at UEW. The results of the study also pointed out that, there was a strong positive effect of occupational health and safety on employee performance. It was found that internal communication has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. The study recommends that the Management of the University should provide comfortable working environment for the job of the non teaching staff. The university should eliminate the barriers on communication and create participative and transparent communication medium to improve staff performance. Training must be provided to staffs on matters related to their health and safety.

Source: UCC
Effect of working conditions on the performance of non-teaching senior staff of the University of Education Winneba

The study set out to examine to explore the impact of working conditions and performance among non-teaching senior staff at the University of Education Winneba. The specific objectives that guided the study were; to assess the effects of physical conditions on performance of the non-teaching senior staff; to analyse the effects of occupational health and safety on the performance of the non-teaching senior staff; to analyse the effects of internal organisational communication on performance of the non-teaching senior staff in UEW. The study was a survey study which adopted a quantitative research approach. The design of the study was descriptive, with a sample of 140 using Krejcie & Morgan (1970), out of which 126 responded. The study adopted a simple random sampling technique with a self-structured questionnaire as the main instrument. The results from the survey were analysed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 20 version) software. The study findings first indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between employee performance and physical working condition at UEW. The results of the study also pointed out that, there was a strong positive effect of occupational health and safety on employee performance. It was found that internal communication has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. The study recommends that the Management of the University should provide comfortable working environment for the job of the nonteaching staff. The university should eliminate the barriers on communication and create participative and transparent communication medium to improve Digitized by Sam Jonah Library © University of Cape Coastiv staff performance. Training must be provided to staffs on matters related to their health and safety.

Source: UCC
Effect Of Workplace Spirituality On Organisational Citizenship Behaviour And In-Role Performance Of Senior Staff Of University Of Cape Coast: The Role Of Job Satisfaction

Despite a 20-year study on workplace spirituality, there are still aspects of this concept that remain incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to expand upon previous research and enhance our understanding of workplace spirituality by investigating the potential correlation between workplace spirituality and organisational outcomes, specifically in terms of in-role performance and organisational citizenship behaviour. The study specifically focused on the influence of job satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 266 staff members from the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region. The data was analysed utilising descriptive and inferential statistical approaches through the application of structural equation modelling. The findings indicated that workplace spirituality had a positive effect on both organisational citizenship behaviour and in-role performance. Nevertheless, job satisfaction could not operate as a mediator for in-role performance and could not simultaneously impact OCB. The research suggested that the management of the University should promote a work environment that demonstrates employee spirituality and fosters a feeling of belonging among employees.

Source: UCC
Effect of Xylopic Acid on Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathic pain in rats

Xylopic acid, a diterpenoid isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica has demonstrated analge- sic properties in acute pain models. It was therefore evaluated for its analgesic properties in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, a type of pain difficult to treat clinically. Neuropathic pain was induced in rats by injecting 2 mg kg-1 of paclitaxel on alternative days for four days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Paclitaxel-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured during pre-paclitaxel administration and on day 16 post-paclitaxel administration. The rats were treated with xylopic acid (10, 30 and 100 mg kg -1; groups 1-3), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg kg-1; groups 4-6) and vehicle (group 7) daily for 5 days. Pain thresholds were also measured daily for 5 days in the three models. Xylopic acid and pregabalin produced analgesic properties seen as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical and cold water stimuli during the five days treatment. In addition, the two agents significantly (P<0.05) exhibited analgesic properties in the thermal hyperalgesia test. These data suggest that xylopic acid is an effective agent against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Source: UCC
Effect of Xylopic Acid on Paclitaxel-induced Neuropathic pain in rats

Xylopic acid, a diterpenoid isolated from the fruits of Xylopia aethiopica has demonstrated analgesic properties in acute pain models. It was therefore evaluated for its analgesic properties in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, a type of pain difficult to treat clinically. Neuropathic pain was induced in rats by injecting 2 mg kg-1 of paclitaxel on alternative days for four days (days 0, 2, 4 and 6). Paclitaxel-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured during pre-paclitaxel administration and on day 16 post-paclitaxel administration. The rats were treated with xylopic acid (10, 30 and 100 mg kg-1; groups 1-3), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg kg-1; groups 4-6) and vehicle (group 7) daily for 5 days. Pain thresholds were also measured daily for 5 days in the three models. Xylopic acid and pregabalin produced analgesic properties seen as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical and cold water stimuli during the five days treatment. In addition, the two agents significantly (P<0.05) exhibited analgesic properties in the thermal hyperalgesia test. These data suggest that xylopic acid is an effective agent against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Source: UCC
Effect of zeolite types ltx and lta on physicochemical parameters of drinking water samples in Ghana, assisted by light transmission experiment

In this study, the effect of zeolite types LTX and LTA, assisted by laser light transmission experiment on the physico-chemical parameters of drinking water samples have been investigated. Water samples were collected from rivers, streams, and wells from Central and Volta regions of Ghana, and zeolite masses of 0.2 and 0.5 g were added to 100 ml portions of the samples in turn. Laser light intensities transmitted through the samples before and after zeolite addition were measured and recorded. The results obtained showed raw water turbidity of 33.8 NTU and treated water turbidity of 3.0 NTU (WHO recommends the limit of 5 NTU for drinking water); transmitted light intensity for the raw and treated water samples of 0.3122 AU and 0.3345 AU, respectively. Our results also showed that water turbidity highly correlates the transmitted light intensity, and water conductivity depends on dissolved metal concentrations and temperature

Source: UCC
The effect of Zika virus infection in the ferret

Although initial observations of infections with the Zika virus describe a mild illness, more recent reports show that infections by Zika result in neurotropism. In 2015, substantial congenital malformations were observed, with numerous infants born with microcephaly in Brazil. To study the underlying mechanism and effects of the disease, it is critical to find suitable animal models. Rodents lack an immune system parallel to humans and also have lissencephalic brains, which are likely to react differently to infections. As the smallest gyrencephalic mammal, ferrets may provide an important animal model to study the Zika virus, as their brains share many characteristics with humans. To evaluate the prospect of using ferrets to study Zika virus infection, we injected seven pregnant jills with the PR strain subcutaneously on gestational day 21, corresponding to the initiation of corticogenesis. These injections resulted in mixed effects. Two animals died of apparent infection, and all kits were resorbed in another animal that did not die. The other four animals remained pregnant until gestational day 40, when the kits were delivered by caesarian section. We evaluated the animals using CT, MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and immunohistochemistry. The kits displayed a number of features compatible with an infection that impacted both the brain and skull. The outcomes, however, were variable and differed within and across litters, which ranged from the absence of observable abnormalities to prominent changes, suggesting differential vulnerability of kits to infection by the Zika virus or to subsequent mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disruption.

Source: UCC
Effective internal control for credit unions in Takoradi

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of internal controls in credit unions in Takoradi. The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey. It was conducted in Takoradi for the staff/workers, management and the clients of Shama Co-operative Credit Union and Work place credit union. Simple random was employed to select 102 workers each from the various credit unions, however, purposive sampling was used to select 2 management officials each from various credit unions to form part of the study, thus, 208 respondents in all. Questionnaire and structured interviews were the main data collection instruments. The questionnaires were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages, however, the recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim, organised, presented in themes based on the research objectives. It was found out that respondents were negligence on the one responsible for setting up the internal control system in the credit unions. Also, there was no procurement policy and procurement committee in the credit unions in the metropolis. However, the major challenges in the implementation of internal controls in the various credit unions include; resistance to change, human factor and lack of independence, inadequate resources and wrongful application of findings by management of credit unions. On the other hand, possible solutions for sound and effective implementation of internal controls included; adequate training on internal controls for workers and management, effective monitoring and evaluations intermittently and given out operational policies and manuals to members in order to ensure effective implementation of internal controls.

Source: UCC
Effective mentoring of teacher trainees in the central region of Ghana: A case study of Mfantsiman and Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese Districts

This study, a descriptive survey, explored how effectively the mentoring programme of the Teacher Training Colleges was being carried out in basic schools in the Mfantseman and Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese districts. The subjects in the study were tutors and teachers –trainees of OLA Training College Cape Coast, head teachers and teachers in the two districts. It involved a sample of 274 people drawn from OLA Training College who were practising in selected schools from the two districts during the 2003/2004 academic year. Questionnaire and unstructured interview were the instruments used. The questionnaires had both open-ended and close-ended questions. The Questionnaire was pre-tested in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrim (KEEA) District to determine its validity or reliability. The return rate for all the questionnaires was 85.3%. The data gathered were coded and analysed in frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that the programme was to a large extent, being carried out effectively although there were some challenges that needed to be addressed. Some recommendations were made. There is the need for annual assessment and review of certain polices of the programme to ensure full success

Source: UCC
Effective Service Quality in Short-Lived Promotions; Its Effects on Brand Loyalty in the Teenage Segment

Even though the concept of service quality is widely researched, its role in short-lived promotions needs a closer look. Its relation to the teenage market segment has also seen low exploration. The purpose of the study is to examine whether service quality and customer satisfaction experienced by teenagers positively influence customer loyalty and, subsequently form a basis upon which other researchers can contribute further to the relevance of this topic. The paper examines the relationship between service quality of products [during promotion], customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty for brands. It, again, looks at the mediating role of customer satisfaction in the promotion of service quality - customer loyalty relationship in the teenaged segment. It, lastly, explores the role of customer satisfaction in building loyalty among teen consumers. The study was founded on the social exchange theory and the consumer tribe concept. The promotional activity of Vodafone Ghana [The Vodafone X] was used as a case in the study to identify how the variables play. Purposive sampling was applied to select a sample consisting of 300 teenagers in Ghana in a study that spanned six months. An analysis of the relationships was done using Structural Equation Modelling. The findings reveal that service quality evidenced in promotional products, does not directly result in long-term customer loyalty but this can be effectively achieved through customer satisfaction gained as actual service quality exceeds customer expectation. That is to say, service quality increases customer satisfaction which leads to customers’ long-term partnership with the brand. The practical implication for companies is that, product service quality should be improved in periods of promotions, with sustained efforts to improving customer satisfaction. In the light of this the firm can be assured of a long term loyalty of customers.

Source: UCC