International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Research

A Review on the Uptake, Accumulation, Impact and Determinants of Microcystins on Intestinal Health

2022-03-20T13:51:13+00:00

Microcystins (MCs) released during cyanobacterial blooms induce immense toxic manifestations in animals and humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized MC as a possible carcinogen. Research indicates that aside from the liver, MCs can negatively impact the intestine. Interestingly, less attention exists with respect to MCs effects on the intestine in spite of the organ being the focal site of the toxins’ uptake. Compiling data from in vivo and in vitro studies, the current review summarized available literature on the impact of MCs on intestinal health. In addition, the toxins’ uptake, accumulation, and various methods used to determine intestinal toxicity were elucidated.

Fashion on Currency: Analysis of the 1977 – 1986 Millinery Fashion in Post-independence Ghana

2021-12-30T21:14:37+00:00

This article showed interest in millinery displayed pictorially on the currencies as well as the significance of those fashion representations in Ghana’s fashion culture. The article specifically analysed the millinery fashion that featured on currency notes of 1977 and 1986 and the Yaa Asantewaa’s imagery on the currency note of 1984. Three Ghanaian currencies purposively sampled for the study were the Five Cedis note issued on July 4, 1977; the Fifty Cedis note issued on 15^th July 1986; and the Twenty Cedis note issued on 15^th May 1984. These currency notes were released within nine years interval, that is, between 1977 and 1986. Content analysis of visual images, and social semiotics methods of visual data analysis constituted the method of analysis for the study focusing on the dominant feminine figures on the currency accessorised with millineries. The study put forward those feminine images represented on the Five Cedis, Fifty Cedis, and Twenty Cedis currency notes issued on July 4, 1977, 15^th July 1986, and 15^th May 1984 respectively that displayed the repertoire of straw-woven and the Akan militaristic millinery fashion in post-independence Ghana. The millinery practices depicted on the currencies embodied historical allusions to Ghanaian women irrespective of economic background and ingrained in the memory of the citizenry the fashioned feminine identities constructed through millinery fashion in relation to the popular culture of twentieth-century Ghana. The selected indigenous millinery-inspired visuals also celebrated female vitality and brought to the fore the visibility of women in the public sphere and represented the epitome of independent women of twentieth-century Ghana who contributed to national development. It also made a strong socio-political fashion statement about the indigenous classic millinery fashion consciousness of Ghanaians and the millinery structural design in use in the post-independence era.

Prospective Small Hydroelectric Power Sites along the Black Volta River

2023-08-16T11:18:25+00:00

This study investigates the potential sites for Small Hydroelectric Power (SHP) generation along the course of the Black Volta River. The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to renewed interest in harnessing hydropower resources. The objective of this research is to identify and assess suitable locations for SHP development, taking into consideration factors such as river morphology, flow characteristics, topography, and environmental impacts. By employing a systematic approach and utilizing geospatial analysis, the study aims to contribute valuable insights into the feasibility and viability of implementing SHP projects within this region. The outcomes of this research could provide a foundation for future decision-making processes regarding the sustainable utilization of hydroelectric potential along the Black Volta River while minimizing ecological and social implications.

Assessing the State of Sustainable Procurement Practices in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions

2023-07-05T21:51:11+00:00

This study assessed the state of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. The adoption of sustainable procurement practices has gained significant attention due to the growing emphasis on the environmental, social, and economic impact of organizations and their suppliers. It aimed to determine the extent to which sustainability principles were incorporated into procurement practices, identify challenges faced in adopting sustainable procurement, and identify factors that could influence sustainable procurement adoption. A quantitative approach was used, and data is collected through a structured questionnaire administered to procurement officers in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. The questionnaire included statements of sustainability practices, challenges of adoption, and factors influencing adoption. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the adoption of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions is a low to moderate state. Respondents show disagreement in areas such as following up on environmental and social performance, ensuring the well-being of the less privileged, and including reporting on environmental and social issues. However, respondents express moderate agreement in considering alternatives to purchasing, such as reusing, recycling, and hiring. Challenges in adopting sustainable procurement practices were identified, including difficulty in accessing suppliers of sustainable products, suppliers' lack of understanding of sustainability concepts, and low commitment of management to sustainability adoption. Factors that can influence sustainable procurement adoption are also explored, including demystifying the perceived cost of sustainable products, encouraging top management support and policy implementation, providing sustainability training for staff, and enforcing governmental laws and regulations on sustainability. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and implementation of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges and promoting factors that facilitate adoption. By incorporating sustainability principles into procurement practices, these institutions can contribute to a more sustainable future, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and social well-being is prioritized.

Toward Confluence of Yoruba and Christian Beliefs in Egúngún (Masquerade) and Father Christmas: A Comparative Symbolic Analysis

2021-12-30T23:59:43+00:00

In Africa and among the Yoruba Christians in particular, the orientation that there are divergences in their religious beliefs sometimes results in religious intolerance culminating in religious conflict. Therefore, this study investigated the beliefs of the Babakérésì (Farther Christmas) and Egúngún (Masquerade). Egúngún, is a religious event whereby, the spirit of the dead and ancestors interact with the living and Father Christmas is an annual Christian Festival. However, Farther Christmas, as a socio-religious event has not been related to any form of Yoruba Egúngún. This gap is filled by this study. This study employs a cultural approach, which implies the social power that encodes culture in a society, using comparative method. Cultural and religious elements of Egúngún- the divinity of the ancestors, are compared with Nicholas and/or Santa Claus and Father Christmas to establish their relationship. It is found that religious elements of Egúngún are related to Father Christmas and Nicholas and/or Santa Claus in symbolisms- the spirits of the dead, ancestors, or saints manifest in humans to bless the children. It is equally found out that, Egúngún, Nicholas and/or Santa Claus and Father Christmas are imitated, especially in voice by the traditional and Christians during Christmas and Egúngún festivals, apart from the fact that both festivals are celebrated annually. This study concludes that there are convergences of beliefs on Father Christmas and Egúngún mediated by the spirit of the dead- ancestor inhibits in human-being. The two religions teach the same values in different modes and, therefore, the worshippers should tolerate one another by peaceful co-existence.

Perceptions of School Administrators and Students on Security and Safety at Selected Tertiary Institutions in Ghana

2021-12-30T19:07:40+00:00

The goal of the study is to review the perceptions of school administrators and students on security and safety at selected tertiary institutions in Bono Region, Ghana. The study was conducted at two public tertiary in Ghana's Bono Region. The study used a concurrent mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative data through Likert scales and qualitative data through open questions within a single questionnaire and some interviews with school administrators. A sample size of seven hundred and fifty-eight (758), including students and administrators was used for this study. The survey revealed that students believe there is good security and safety on the two campuses. Additionally, students say they feel comfortable on campus during the day and night. They also say they feel safe overall. In addition, students do not carry something on them for protection when walking on campus and students are ready to report crime/s against them to the university security. It, however, came out from the study that students avoid certain places on campus because of fear of their security and safety. The study revealed proactive security and safety management practices in the two universities. It came out that the universities provide annual security and safety reports detailing any security and safety-related events with crime prevention details. The study further recommends that University management should prioritize efforts to enhance campus security and safety by employing more strong security personnel and deploying modern security gadgets/items, particularly in locations that students perceive as unsafe.

Hypertensive Disorders (HDP) In Pregnancy at the Bono Regional Hospital in Ghana

2023-07-31T01:22:36+00:00

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) is one of the leading causes of maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality. Several studies have suggested that the occurrence of HDP may be dependent on environmental factors. Although, several countries have documented the prevalence of HDP with its mode of delivery and birth outcomes, and some parts of Ghana have data on these, little is known about the prevalence of HDP in the Bono Region. This study would therefore be conducted to determine the prevalence, the type of delivery, and birth outcomes of women with HDP in the Bono Regional Hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study. Guided by a data extraction sheet, a review of all pregnancies that were reported to the hospital between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2019 was done. For each month, the percentage of mothers who presented with any of the HDPs was calculated. Maternal age, parity, birth weight, mode of delivery, birth outcomes, and occurrence of Gestational Hypertension (GH), preeclampsia, and Eclampsia were variables evaluated and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 26.0. It is expected that the study would provide the data required to put in place interventions to improve birth outcomes among people with HDP.