Accra Institute of Technology

Purpose This paper aims at investigating how tourist experience elicits satisfaction and contributes to loyalty and willingness to pay more for a museum destination. The study also investigates the significant moderating role of visiting frequency on the relationship between satisfaction and willingness to pay more. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted with 385 tourists who visited the National Museum in Ghana and answered questions relating to experience, satisfaction, loyalty, and willingness to pay more. Structural equation modelling was used to test the relationships and effects of the adapted constructs. Findings The results revealed the significant effects of tourist experience on satisfaction, as well as the significant effects of satisfaction on loyalty and willingness to pay more. In addition, a significant moderating effect of visiting frequency was reported on the relationship between satisfaction and tourist willingness to pay more. Research limitations/implications The research is destination-specific. The application of the findings to other museums would demand a bigger sample size for generalisation to be made. Practical implications Managers should develop strategies that promote museum tourist travelling experience, satisfaction, desire and choice, and thereby attract more tourists to museum sites. Originality/value The research contributes to the growing literature on museum tourist experience as an important variable in promoting tourist satisfaction, loyalty, and tourist willingness to pay more.

BACKGROUND: Ségou Region in Central Mali is an area of high malaria burden with seasonal transmission, high access to and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and resistance to pyrethroids and DDT well documented in Anopheles gambiae s.l. (the principal vector of malaria in Mali). Ségou has recently received indoor residual spraying (IRS) supported by Mali's collaboration with the US President's Malaria Initiative/Africa Indoor Residual Spraying programme. From 2012 to 2015, two different non-pyrethroid insecticides: bendiocarb in 2012 and 2013 and pirimiphos-methyl in 2014 and 2015, were used for IRS in two districts. This report summarizes the results of observational analyses carried out to assess the impact of these IRS campaigns on malaria incidence rates reported through local and district health systems before and after spraying. METHODS: A series of retrospective time series analyses were performed on 1,382,202 rapid diagnostic test-confirmed cases of malaria reported by district routine health systems in Ségou Region from January 2012 to January 2016. Malaria testing, treatment, surveillance and reporting activities remained consistent across districts and years during the study period, as did LLIN access and use estimates as well as An. gambiae s.l. insecticide resistance patterns. Districts were stratified by IRS implementation status and all-age monthly incidence rates were calculated and compared across strata from 2012 to 2014. In 2015 a regional but variable scale-up of seasonal malaria chemoprevention complicated the region-wide analysis; however IRS operations were suspended in Bla District that year so a difference in differences approach was used to compare 2014 to 2015 changes in malaria incidence at the health facility level in children under 5-years-old from Bla relative to changes observed in Barouéli, where IRS operations were consistent. RESULTS: During 2012-2014, rapid reductions in malaria incidence were observed during the 6 months following each IRS campaign, though most of the reduction in cases (70% of the total) was concentrated in the first 2 months after each campaign was completed. Compared to non-IRS districts, in which normal seasonal patterns of malaria incidence were observed, an estimated 286,745 total fewer cases of all-age malaria were observed in IRS districts. The total cost of IRS in Ségou was around 9.68 million USD, or roughly 33.75 USD per case averted. Further analysis suggests that the timing of the 2012-2014 IRS campaigns (spraying in July and August) was well positioned to maximize public health impact. Suspension of IRS in Bla District after the 2014 campaign resulted in a 70% increase in under-5-years-old malaria incidence rates from 2014 to 2015, significantly greater (p = 0.0003) than the change reported from Barouéli District, where incidence rates remained the same. CONCLUSIONS: From 2012 to 2015, the annual IRS campaigns in Ségou are associated with several hundred thousand fewer cases of malaria. This work supports the growing evidence that shows that IRS with non-pyrethroid insecticides is a wise public health investment in areas with documented pyrethroid resistance, high rates of LLIN coverage, and where house structures and population densities are appropriate. Additionally, this work highlights the utility of quality-assured and validated routine surveillance and well defined observational analyses to rapidly assess the impact of malaria control interventions in operational settings, helping to empower evidence-based decision making and to further grow the evidence base needed to better understand when and where to utilize new vector control tools as they become available.

Leiomyomas, or uterine fibroids as they are commonly known, are mostly seen in women of reproductive age. However, they can go undetected in most women, and approximately 25% of women show clinical symptoms. Although fibroids are a global burden impacting 80% of premenopausal women, they are more prevalent among Black women than among women of other races. Based on clinical diagnosis, the estimated cumulative incidence of fibroids in women ≤50 years old is significantly higher for black (>80%) versus white women (∼70%). The cause of leiomyomas is not clearly known, but studies have shown evidence of factors that drive the development or exacerbation of the disease. Evidence has linked risk factors such as lifestyle, age, environment, family history of uterine fibroids, and vitamin D deficiencies to an increased risk of uterine fibroids, which impact women of African descent at higher rates. Treatments may be invasive, such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, or non-invasive, such as hormonal or non-hormonal therapies. These treatments are costly and tend to burden women who have the disease. Sub-Saharan Africa is known to have the largest population of black women, yet the majority of uterine fibroid studies do not include populations from the continent. Furthermore, the prevalence of the disease on the continent is not well determined. To effectively treat the disease, its drivers need to be understood, especially with regard to racial preferences. This paper aims to review the existing literature and build a case for conducting future research on African women.

Epidemiological relationships between cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been reported, but a molecular basis remains unclear. Some proteoglycans that strongly bind low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) are abundant both in atherosclerotic regions and in high metastatic-tumor tissue. LDL retention is crucial for the initiation of atherosclerosis, although its contribution to malignancy of cancer is not known. In our study, we show the importance of the accumulation of LDL in tumor metastasis. We demonstrated that high metastatic-tumor tissue contains high amounts of LDL and forms more oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). Interestingly, lectin-like ox-LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), a receptor for ox-LDL and a recognized key molecule for cardiovascular diseases, was highly expressed in tumor endothelial cells (TECs). Neutrophils are important for ox-LDL formation. Since we observed the accumulation and activation of neutrophils in HM-tumors, we evaluated the involvement of LOX-1 in neutrophil migration and activation. LOX-1 induced neutrophil migration via CCL2 secretion from TECs, which was enhanced by ox-LDL. Finally, we show genetic manipulation of LOX-1 expression in TECs or tumor stroma tended to reduce lung metastasis. Thus, the LOX-1/ox-LDL axis in TECs may lead to the formation of a high metastatic-tumor microenvironment via attracting neutrophils.

This paper consists of an extensive review on the modeling of hydropower plant. First a background was provided on all components needed to develop a full and comprehensive model on hydropower plant including penstock, governor, turbine and generator. The review of existing models was started with simple analytical models that were followed by system modelling. The complexity of modeling the dynamic aspect of water flowing through the penstock as well as the opening and closing of wicket gate have led to the development of complex control systems to model hydropower plant. Those complex models were rather represented as systems instead of been analytical. They are mostly equipped with numerous feedback as well as modern control systems such as fuzzy logic and PID control logic that improves their performances. However, these models are most often constructed and simulated with software of which Matlab is a fundamental one. In line with this, the paper investigated a simulation of hydropower plant including a model of hydraulic turbine, governor and synchronous machine, all simulated under Matlab software. A three phase to ground fault was introduced in the model at t=0.2s and remove after t=0.4s and this shows that the generated voltage quickly regained its stability due to the high excitation voltage that was maintained by the PID control system incorporated in the hydraulic turbine model. The speed of the motor also regained stability but this case was slower than the voltage one. In all, simulation results showed a perfect generation of energy from hydropower plant that was robust enough to resist faults.

Many people suffer from ulcer, a disorder of the digestive tract. Simply put, it's an inflamed break in the skin or the mucus membrane lining the digestive tract. Whenever there is a change in the equilibrium, such as increased aggression or decreased mucosal resistance, ulceration develops. Reasons for this could include drug use, poor diet, stress, and other similar factors. Peptic ulcers are a general term for any type of stomach or duodenal ulcer. To develop, peptic ulcers need mucosal defences to be compromised in addition to gastric juice acid and peptic activity. Ulcers can be treated with a variety of synthetic medications. However, compared to herbal remedies, these drugs are more costly and more likely to cause side effects. According to the research, many different ayurvedic doctors and traditional medicine practitioners use different medicinal plants and polyherbal formulations to treat ulcers. Peptic ulcer disease treatment should focus on symptom alleviation, ulcer healing, and preventing recurrence. In this article, we'll take a look at some medicinal plants that have been studied for their potential use in peptic ulcer treatment and prevention, both in ayurveda and Western medicine.

The function of obesity in an insulin-resistant syndrome associated with hyper insulinemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic diseased illness is vital. Hunger, body weight and lipid profile investigations thus assess Calotropis procera extract in animal models. Adult Wister rats (180-240g) 8 were used in each experimental group. The impact of Cactus Kalahari on hunger, body weight and profile of lipids. (A) Control in weight, (B) obesity and CP+ obesity. Control obesity caused by material of cafeteria cuisine (CD). (CP was induced at (100 mg/kg/day po. for 50 days). Every 10 days, the food give, animal body weight, blood glucose, serum lipids level examined—serum and term tests for Liver Function and Renal Function Tests were checked. Our research has demonstrated that following obesity induction CP pretreatment and administration at 100mg/kg/day p<0.05) have resulted in substantial reductions in food consumption, increased body weight and improved lipid profile, liver enzyme and kidney function tests. Cafeteria food rats also showed considerable growth in body weight gain, famine, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, and kidney function tests. When administered with a protein-rich food at the same time, the Kalahari extract prevented and reduced body weight gain and profile of lipid alterations in experimental induced obesity(fats) in rats.

The emergence of information communication technologies (ICTs) in developing countries has been hailed as a major step toward a solution to the problem of the underdevelopment of many of them. Obstacles such as corruption, delays in service delivery, lack of public sector accountability, and so on can many believe be overcome with ICT: particularly, the Internet and cell or mobile phones. Consequently, governments in these countries continue to expend a lot of their meager resources on ensuring the effective development and use of ICTs. In spite of this, a major problem that these countries face is what has been described as the digital divide. The purpose of this article is, therefore, to examine the government’s attempt to address this problem including how the problem has been defined, the steps that are being taken to heal it, the implied challenges, if any, facing the government, and how it can address these challenges.

The paper proposes a model that helps to explain consumer behaviour towards Mobile Number Portability (MNP) policy and the influence of MNP adoption factors on consumer switching intention process in the telecommunication industry. The proposed model was tested using data from a cross-section of 736 subscribers of six global companies in Ghana’s mobile telecommunication industry, where MNP has been introduced. The findings indicate that MNP adoption can positively influence consumer switching. The effects of MNP adoption on switching intention is realised through three main channels; directly through MNP-induced self-efficacy (or switching efficacy) and indirectly through perceived switching costs and attitude towards switching. The proposed model helps explain about 50% of switching intention. The paper discusses implications of the findings to marketing theory and practice and provides directions for future research. The paper advances our knowledge in the impact of government/industrial policy on consumer behaviour in marketing.

This article deepens the understanding of the emerging food sovereignty concept using a case study of a home-grown school feeding programme that promotes local food demand – supply linkages. A school feeding programme in four selected districts in Ghana is analysed with respect to community involvement in programme implementation and management as well as its socio-economic impacts. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches was used in data collection and analysis. Results showed a significant improvement in household food access and months of adequate household food provisioning, which were used as measurement proxies for food sovereignty, as a result of access to local market created by the Ghana School Feeding Programme. However, the study recommends more empirical evidence from research to support the claim that using locally produced food for school feeding actually reduces poverty and malnutrition in rural farming communities.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the cost benefit of a self-optimized solar-wind-hydro hybrid energy supply and to compare the outcome with a similar optimization done with the HOMER software.In reality HOMER optimization software has long been used for hybrid system optimization and many do consider it as the reference software for any optimization related to hybrid energy systems.However, due to some few lack of flexibility in the setting-up of constraints and also the ignorance of the true optimization approaches used by the HOMER, it has become necessary to develop selfoptimized algorithms based on rigorous mathematical models.One of these self-optimized models, developed in a previous study, was presented in this paper and was tested with data collected at Accra, Ghana.Results show that the cost of electricity proposed by the HOMER, 0.307$/kWh, is slightly lower than the one obtained through the self-optimized method, 0.442$/kWh.Moreover looking at the dynamism of selecting different sources to achieve the optimization at a lower rate for the user, more credit is given to the developed method than the HOMER because the self-optimization method gives more priority to the wind turbine than the solar plant due to the higher electricity cost of solar (0.64$/kWh).It was however observed that the HOMER software does the opposite in terms of priority.Moreover the probability of unmet load is lower with the self-optimized method than the HOMER result which consists of a big contribution because it is a major quality measure for hybrid systems to always satisfy the load request.

This letter proposes a novel stochastic gradient algorithm for the online adaptation of the pole position in Laguerre filters. The proposed algorithm exploits the inherent relationship between the values of the filter coefficients and the value of the Laguerre pole. This leads to an unbiased solution and, hence, a more accurate estimate of the error gradient. Simulations in a system identification setting support the analysis

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory infection caused by coronavirus 2. (SARS-CoV-2). Even while SARS-CoV-2 predominantly affects the respiratory system, it can cause problems for other important organs as well. Multiple novel variations of concern have appeared since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529), all of which are linked to increased transmissibility and severity. Both the newly discovered variants and the most recent innovative treatments for the treatment of COVID-19 are discussed in this work. Care for people with this disease is discussed, with an emphasis on the need of clinical interprofessional teams, government health organisations, and community involvement.

SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed a high frequency of nonobvious obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction, which can be detected only via the expression of the meibomian glands. The study advocates that meibomian gland expressibility should be a routine part of the clinical examination of patients especially those with dry eyes to avoid missing meibomian gland dysfunction among a youthful population. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of meibomian gland dysfunction including asymptomatic and symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction and obvious and nonobvious obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction among a youthful population in Ghana. METHODS: This was a clinic-based prospective cross-sectional study of consecutive patients visiting the University of Cape Coast Optometric clinic for comprehensive eye examination. RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen clinical subjects consented to participate in the study. Mean age of the entire sample was 21.9 (±3.8) years with an age range of 17 to 40 years. One hundred five males and 107 females participated. Frequency of meibomian gland dysfunction among the sample was 25.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.8 to 31.6%). Frequencies of asymptomatic and symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction were 10.1% and 15.4%, respectively. Frequencies of obvious and nonobvious obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction were 0.9% and 24.6%, respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio, 1.246; 95% CI, 1.037 to 1.496; P = .019) was significantly associated, but sex (odds ratio, 1.315; 95% CI, 0.707 to 2.446; P = .387) was not significantly associated, with meibomian gland dysfunction. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean corneal staining scores between meibomian gland dysfunction subjects and non-meibomian gland dysfunction subjects (t = 3.51, P = .01). There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean tear breakup time between meibomian gland dysfunction subjects and non-meibomian gland dysfunction subjects (t = 4.44, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Because of the high frequency of nonobvious obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction, reliance on overt posterior lid margin abnormalities for the diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction may lead to underdiagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction among clinicians in a youthful population.

This paper explores, at the micro level, the sociolinguistic backgrounds of teacher trainees in a College of Education in Accra and their perceptions toward Ghana’s current language-in-education policy. It aims at finding how these micro-level sociolinguistic insights could provide suggestions for language-in-education policies at the macro level. This paper argues that the disparities between policy and practice that have occurred in language-in-education policy partly stem from the possible neglect of the multilingual realities of Ghana in the formulation and implementation of the policies. Being a multilingual country, the recognition of a need for a language (or languages) of communication, and a need to select one or more languages for official purposes are crucial in the language planning activities. The linguistic backgrounds of the teacher trainees and their repertoires illustrate the high level of bilingualism and multilingualism in the country. Although a preliminary survey, we propose a flexible bilingual language-in-education policy to address the linguistic complexities of Ghana. We suggest a bottom-up approach for soliciting inputs toward a macro-level policy.

Purpose The migration-tourism discourse has gained attention in global tourism and mobility among scholars because of the vast contributions of migrant visitors to various sectors of the host country's economy, including the tourism and hospitality industry. However, few studies appear to have been undertaken on the subject matter, particularly within the developing country tourism context. The purpose of this research was to assess and understand migrant visitors' sense of safety among five different nationalities (United Kingdom, USA, Germany, China and India) and their perceptions on trustworthiness of tourism information. Design/methodology/approach Anchored on the national cultural dimension of Hofstede model, this study sampled 306 migrant visitors, with the use of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Games–Howell post-hoc test to examine mean differences of nationalities, with regard to trust of tourism information and sense of safety. Finally, the multiple regression analysis was conducted to establish the significant effects of national culture characteristics and trustworthiness of tourism information on sense of safety of migrant visitors. Findings The study finds that there were no significant differences in the sense of safety by the five nationalities. However, national culture characteristics (power distance and uncertainty avoidance) and trustworthiness of tourism information were significant predictors of sense of safety of migrant visitors. Research limitations/implications This research adopted only two cultural dimensions of the Hofstede's model, so future studies within the migration-tourism literature should consider adopting other cultural dimensions of the model. Practical implications The research provides, first, insight into sense of safety, trustworthiness of tourism information and national culture characteristics which are relevant for destination marketers, the ministry of tourism and local tourism officials to promote safety tourism. Originality/value The study expands the application of the cultural dimension of Hofstede model within the migration-tourism literature and establishes that national cultural characteristics and trustworthiness of tourism information are significant predictors of sense of safety of migrant visitors.

The Coronavirus pandemic has destabilized many healthcare systems globally since the outbreak was announced. The mode of transmission of the virus has affected the traditional face-to-face mode of seeking healthcare. The world health organization recommends measures, including limiting physical contact as a means of preventing the spread of the virus. Many countries across the world are utilizing telemedicine during this pandemic to provide basic healthcare to their citizens. The implementation of telemedicine in sub- Saharan Africa has encountered many challenges. The surge in the number of covid-19 cases in Ghana calls for drastic measures to contain the repercussions of the pandemic. The Government of Ghana and other private organizations continue to scale up efforts to integrate telemedicine into the mainstream healthcare system. This study seeks to explore and provide insight into the state of telemedicine in Ghana prior to and during the Coronavirus pandemic. This study is a narrative review of literature on the use of telemedicine in Ghana. Data was obtained from PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar. A secondary search was conducted on government of Ghana health agencies' websites and other relevant websites that published information on telemedicine in Ghana. Literature was analysed and topically discussed based on identified themes. There is an improvement in the number of information and communication technology coordinated healthcare services in Ghana since the outbreak was confirmed. Public-private partnership is required to boost the integration of telemedicine into mainstream healthcare in Ghana.

Social protection is an essential mechanism for a sustained poverty eradication and development. One of these social protection instruments is the informal pension scheme. In this study, the objective was to identify the factors that influenced informal sector workers' decision into pension scheme as well as their contribution levels. Heckman two-stage approach was adopted in analyzing the data collected from 150 informal sector workers in the Tamale metropolis. It was revealed that the elderly, the single, the highly educated, highly depended and higher income workers have a higher probability of contributing to the informal pension scheme. Similarly, traders, artisans, highly educated and highly depended upon workers contribute higher amounts monthly. Although informal sector workers in general should be encouraged to remain loyal or join pension schemes, farmers in particular need to be re-targeted. In order to restore confidence in the pension scheme and ensure its sustenance, public education must be intensified.

Purpose– This study examined the relationship between sustainability reporting and bank performance in Africa. Unlike previous studies that solely dwelled on accounting measures of performance, this study adopted both accounting (i.e., return on assets) and market-based measures of firm performance (i.e., Tobin's Q). Methodology– The study relied on secondary data gathered from the audited financial statements of listed banks in Africa over ten years from 2010 to 2020. Notably, the financial statements of 20 listed banks (drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa) were subjected to quantitative content analysis to quantify the extent of sustainability content. It was guided by the sustainability reporting framework developed by the global reporting initiative. The content analysis aims to identify and classify the extent to which firms report on Economic, governance, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Besides, the financial statement figures aided the computation of a performance measure (return on assets and Tobin's Q) for the banks. Concerning data analysis, the study utilized a panel fixed effect regression model to estimate the relationship between sustainability reporting and firm performance. Findings– The results suggest that economic, social, and governance reporting of sustainability content (in the financial statement) has a significant positive association with Tobin's Q and Return on Assets (ROA). Furthermore, the study's findings suggest that banks ' reportage of environmental sustainability content has a significant positive effect on ROA. However, it has no significant effect on Tobin's Q. Conclusion– Generally, the study concludes that increased sustainability reporting enhances bank performance in the long term. Among others, the study recommends that policymakers develop a sustainability framework specific to the banking industry's needs. Keywords: Sustainability, return on assets, bank performance, framework. JEL Codes: E44, F40, F43

The Blind Navigation System using Arduino and 1sheeld is a system that intends to enhance blind peoples' access to the environment, particularly in Ghana, Africa. This research aimed at designing a safe navigation system to allow seamless transitions for visually impaired people from one location to another, as well as a tool to assist them in communicating with their surroundings and guardians when in a difficult situation. The design uses PVC pipe as the cane, 1Sheeld, Arduino Uno, ultrasonic and water sensors for processing and monitoring, a buzzer and vibration motor to offer an alarm system via vibration and sound, housed within a circuit box and the handle, and finally powered by a portable mini solar panel with a rechargeable battery. The phone of the blind is connected to the 1sheeld board via Bluetooth link and the 1sheeld App is installed on the mobile phone. The guardian receives a call or an SMS with the GPS coordinates, which can be tracked when the blind person is lost through Google Map. The simulations related to the design's overall purpose were precise, and the trial findings from volunteers obtained from the final test were encouraging and ensured the safety and speed of mobility. As a result, the goal of designing a safe navigation system to detect impediments and provide the exact location of the visually impaired through GPS/SMS processing and powered by a mini solar panel with rechargeable battery system were achieved.