RESEARCH ARTICLES

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AFETY ASSESSMENT OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY IN SOME SELECTED BUILDINGS WITHIN SUAME ECG STRATEGIC BUSINESS UNIT.
(2023-07) MANTE BISMARK
The research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical installation safety systems installed in residential and commercial buildings within the Suame Strategic Business Unit of the Electricity Company of Ghana. Electrical installation practices of artisans in Suame ECG Strategic Business Unit (SBU) are assessed to evaluate the adherence of electrical installation works and safety standards including the practices of artisans. A test sheet was design to identify the potential issues in electrical installations and safety precautions. SPSS was utilised to determine the common electrical installation network within the SBU while FlashWorks and ETAP were employed to model the common electrical installations to assess the short circuit currents performance. The result highlighted electrical wiring practices and installation details encompassing protective devices, conductor details, contuinity, polarity, insulation resistance test and ground protection within the Suame ECG unit. concerns such as unlicensed installers, outdated wiring structures, preferred brands of circuit breakers (MCCBs), residual circuit current breakers (RCCBs), conductors, cable termination in distribution boards, earth electrode protection, and adherence to wiring color code standards. The findings showed variations in the ability of circuit breakers to manage short-circuit occurrences, emphasizing the need to select appropriate ratings of breakers based on their short-time current and thermal energy capacities. These further revealed that most residential and commercial buildings lack basic safety standards.
Aligning Ghana’s Apparel Industry with Global Best Practices: A Critical Assessment of Sourcing, Production, and Distribution Operations
(2025-05-29) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah; Appiah Ninette Afi
This study examines how Ghana’s apparel manufacturing sector aligns with international best practices in sourcing, production, and distribution. Recognizing the transformative potential of the industry within the context of policy frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the study explores the operational, technological, and sustainability dimensions that define competitiveness in the global apparel value chain. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data were collected from 317 industry professionals across major industrial hubs in Ghana. The findings indicate a moderate adoption of sustainable sourcing practices, including traceability and ethical procurement, though supplier development and compliance monitoring remain underdeveloped. Quality control and ethical labour standards are prioritized in production, yet gaps persist in automation, lean manufacturing, and technological integration. Distribution practices reflect a strong interest in timely delivery and sustainable packaging but reveal limited implementation of data-driven logistics, e-commerce, and advanced digital tools such as RFID and predictive analytics. The study identifies critical challenges ranging from infrastructural limitations and technological constraints to workforce skill gaps that hinder the sector’s complete alignment with global standards. Policy implications include the need for targeted support in automation, digital transformation, and vocational training, alongside stronger regulatory frameworks for sustainability and labour practices. While the sector shows promising alignment in certain areas, comprehensive adoption of best practices is essential for positioning Ghana as a competitive apparel hub. The study contributes to broader discussions on industrial upgrading in Sub-Saharan Africa and provides strategic insights for enhancing the global integration and sustainability of localized apparel manufacturing
Application of Machine Learning and Predictive Models in Healthcare – A Review
(MECS Press, 2024-06-08) Agbesi Benjamin Eli; Addo Prince Clement; Oliver Kufuor Boansi
The use of predictive analytics or models in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize patient care by identifying high-risk patients and intervening with targeted preventative measures to improve health outcomes. This makes the application of analytics in healthcare a concept of utmost interest, which has been explored in various fashions by several scholars. From predicting patients’ ailments to prescribing appropriate drugs, predictive models have seen massive interest. This work studied published works on predictive models in healthcare and observed that the implementation of predictive models in healthcare is experiencing a notable upswing, with a particular focus on research in the United States, where a majority of the top publications originated. Surprisingly, all of the leading nations in this sector have affiliations spanning many continents, with the exception of Africa and South America, together producing a substantially larger volume of research than other countries. The United States also shone out, accounting for 60% of the top five researchers. Notably, although it was published in 2017 (relatively later), Jiang et al. had the most citations (1,346). These studies' core themes were clinical standards, machine learning terminology, and model accuracy. The Journal of Biomedical Informatics topped among journals, with 54 articles, while Luo Gang emerged as the top-performing author, with 12 publications.
Application of portable near infrared spectroscopy for classifying and quantifying cocoa bean quality parameters
(2021-03-11) Elliot K. Anyidoho; Teye Ernest; Agbemafle Robert; Amuah Charles L. Y.; Boadu Vida Gyimah
Fermentation duration (FmD), fermentation index (FI), pH, and moisture content(Mc) are vital quality attributes of cocoa beans. In this study, portable near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and multivariate analyses were used for rapid determination of FmD, FI, pH, and Mc of cocoa beans. The samples were scanned in 900- to 1,700-nmwavelength, and the spectral data were pretreated independently with first deriva-tives (FD) and second derivatives (SD), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), mean centering (MC), and standard normal variate (SNV), while linear discriminant analysis(LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and partial least squares regression (PLS-R)were used to build the prediction models for FmD, FI, pH, and Mc. MSC plus SVM gave an accurate classification of 100%. For predicting FI, pH, and Mc, the PLS-R model gave coefficient of correlation of 0.87, 0.82, and 0.89, respectively. The results showed that portable NIRS could be employed for cocoa bean examination. Novelty impact statement: Fermentation is the single most essential postharvest operation that influences cocoa beans quality parameters including moisture content ,fermentation index (FI) and pH. Unlike stationary laboratory based wet chemistry technique or table top NIR spectroscopy, this study revealed that the relatively inex-pensive portable NIR spectroscopy could provide very fast (within 30 s) results in the routine onsite evaluation of cocoa beans moisture content, fermentation index and pH on farmers field in Sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, the study outcome highlights the potential application of portable NIR spectroscopy based on machine learning for efficient classification of fermentation duration and quantification of moisture content & pH of cocoa beans in real-time usage.
Assessing Consumer Acceptability of Composite Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Bread
(2020-11-24) Sampson Gilbert Owiah
Cassava has gained attention as a potential industrial crop. The roots are processed into cassava flour for bakery and confectioneries. With the ever increasingly expensive level of wheat flour import for bread production in developing countries like Ghana, the need for other highly nutritious yet readily available and less expensive source of composite flour is important. The aim of the study was to investigate consumer acceptability of bread developed from cassava flour and wheat flour. A 4 × 3 factorial design was used to develop bread samples (A = 100% wheat flour, control, B = 10% cassava flour + 90% wheat flour, C = 20% cassava flour + 80% wheat flour and D = 30% cassava flour + 70% wheat flour). Sensory evaluation was performed on the bread samples using the 9-point hedonic scale to evaluate sensory attributes like colour, gumminess, mouth-feel, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability. The proximate compositions of the products were also evaluated using the A. O. A. C (2005) official methods. Statistically, there was significant difference among the protein and carbohydrate of all flour products developed. However, the energy content of products with 30% cassava flour replacement was significantly higher than other replicates. The control had the lowest moisture content of 17.5% with product 20% cassava flour replacement having the highest moisture content of 18.2%. In terms of overall acceptability 10% cassava flour replaced bread was rated like extremely ahead of the control sample which was rated as like very much. These results showed that the 10 and 20% wheat/cassava composite flour bread recipe could be a viable alternative to achieve the desired economic, food security and health.
Assessment of Farmer’s Usage of Pesticides on Cocoa Farms at Sefwi Wiawso District in the Western Region of Ghana
(2021) Boadu Vida Gyimah; Boadu Maxwell Osei
Cocoa is the most important agricultural export crop in Ghana, and the country has an enviable reputation of producing high quality cocoa. Pests of cocoa are mostly controlled by the application of conventional insecticides. The study investigated farmers’ knowledge, pesticide use pattern and practices along the cocoa production chain. Descriptive survey design was used for the study since the researchers wanted to find out farmers opinion on the use of pesticides at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western Region. Purposive sampling technique was used because it captures the area which was relevant to the study. Questionnaires were administered to 84 cocoa farmers. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the farmers had indepth knowledge and skills in all aspect of farming since cocoa farming is their main vocation. Cocoa farming is their main source of income, hence are not able to follow the recommended pesticide usage regulation before harvesting. Consequently, it could lead to higher pesticide residue levels of the cocoa beans. With regard to the recommendation, there should be a lot of training programme for the farmers which should be organized by Ghana Cocoa Board and CODAPEC programme should be restored to regulate the use of pesticide by farmers. This is to ensure that the pesticides residue levels in the country’s cocoa beans are within the permissible levels to avoid the rejection of beans from Ghana with its associated international sanctions and loss of substantial revenue
CHALLENGES FACING THE MARKETING OF FASHION PRODUCTS IN GHANA: CASE STUDY OF FASHION BUSINESSES IN HO MUNICIPALITY
(2018) Danso Daniel Kwabena; Nuworkpor Anita Afi; Kuwornu-Adjaottor Jonathan E. T.; Aboagyewaa-Ntir Josephine
The study assessed challenges facing the marketing of fashion products in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. A total sample size of two hundred (200) respondents was used in the conduct of this study. Quota sampling technique was adopted in the selection of staff and management of the selected fashion businesses. A total of 215 questionnaires were administered to respondents and 200 were received from them. The results indicated that there are several challenges facing the marketing of fashion products in Ho. These are lack of capital and credit facilities, high income tax, high utility bills and rent, lack of market, low and irregular income, competition of cheap imported clothes, lack of knowledge and skills in the use of clothing production techniques. It was found that challenges hindering the marketing of fashion products could be addressed through financial support, formal training, the ban of importation of fashion goods into the country and the regular conduct of fashion trade fairs. The study recommended that fashion enterprises should be supported by government and financial institutions in the prestart-up phase, the start-up phase and the growing phase in order to reduce the burden on them. Fashion firms should also be creative and innovative to survive the challenges facing the industry, particularly in terms of marketing, textile designs and fashion product designing. Fashion businesses should also embrace social media opportunities to promote their products. There is also the need for infrastructural developments that will help reduce production cost but improve quality.
characterization of Wood cellular structure of Plantation Grown Anogeissus leiocarpa and Eucalyptus camaldulensis in the savannah Ecological Zone, Ghana
(2024-12-28) Tampori, Enoch Gbapenuo; Bih, Francis Kofi; Appiah-Kubi, Emmanuel; Chakurah, Issah; Awotwe-Mensah, Michael; Donkoh, Mark Bright
The decreasing availability of economic hardwood timber species throughout tropical countries has necessitated the need to adopt plantation grown exotic timber species into the mainstream of raw materials in the furniture and wood manufacturing industries. However, published research on the material properties of most of these exotic timber species grown in the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana is limited. The wood properties of these species when known could result in their optimal utilization and broad acceptance in the wood industries as an alternative for the extinct tropical t imber species. This study determines the anatomical properties of plantation grown Anogeissus leiocarpa and Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees grown in the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana. Wood discs were obtained from three stem heights (butt, mid and top) from which cubes measuring 40 mm x 20 mm x 20 mm were produced for the microtome sections and macerated tissues, viewed under a microscope with Motic Image Plus software. Descriptions of wood anatomy followed IAWA's microscopic characteristics. It was observed that in the sapwood, there were more vessels than in heartwood, though the vessels were smaller in diameters, suggesting resistance to sap conduction which gives wood high aesthetic value and dimensional stability during drying. The species vessel diameter fell within the medium category and large vessels, demonstrating that wood will possess a greater mechanical strength since it will be denser, consequently possessing significant mechanical strength that can be compared favorably to other commercial timber species. This might be a major breakthrough in the production of quality and durable furniture as well as other wood products by using the exotic plantation grown timber species.
Combustion, Physical And Mechanical Characteristics Of Briquettes Produced From Coconut Residues By Three Companies In Ghana
(2024) TETTEH, Clara Lily Korkor; ANTWI, Kwaku; DONKOR, Mark Bright; ZAKARIA, Joseph
Converting biomass into a product that can be utilised efficiently for energy production is vital for its proper use. During briquetting, agricultural waste is turned into a product that is easily transportable, easy to handle, and easy to handle, as well as solid blocks that are more beneficial than raw biomass. Because of their makeup and natural differences, it is essential to be aware of the ideal techniques that must be adopted for more durable and lasting fuel from individual biomass compacted into briquettes. The physical, mechanical, and combustion characteristics of the bio-briquettes samples were examined in this study. The moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, density, ash content, calorific value, and compressive strength were analysed with existing standards and compared with the values from the other studies. Results revealed that the briquettes samples have a mean value of moisture content (7.02 - 8.76%), volatile matter (46.11- 61:03%), fixed carbon (41.64 - 26.26%), briquette density (1.16 -1.33g/cm³) ash content (55 - 63.8%), calorific value (22.35 - 21.45MJ/kg) and compressive strength in cleft (0.43-1.25N/mm²)-suitable for domestic use, packaging, storage and transportation. This study has revealed that durable and quality briquettes can be achieved with better combustion, physical and mechanical properties can be produced with coconut husk and shell with cassava starch as a binder and can serve as another way of accessing energy and controlling waste.
Compliance with Global Best Practices by Garment Producers in Ghana
(2025-07-23) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Appiah Ninette Afi; Chichi Cynthia Akua; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah
Purpose: This study investigates the level of compliance with global best practices among garment producers in Ghana, with a specific focus on sourcing compliance, production compliance, and distribution compliance. It covers aspects such as labour ethics, environmental stewardship, product quality, and adherence to international trade standards. Methodology/Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 317 garment manufacturing firms across Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. Compliance was assessed across sourcing, production, and distribution domains using Likert-scale items adapted from international benchmarks such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, ISO certifications, and the Higgs Index. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patterns and gaps in compliance practices, including mean scores and standard deviations. Findings :The study revealed moderate to low overall compliance, with mean scores. While firms exhibited higher compliance in ethical labour practices, employee training, and quality assurance, substantial deficiencies were identified in environmental sustainability, automation, data-driven quality control, and adherence to international trade regulations. Notably, blockchain use, recycling initiatives, and lean manufacturing practices were poorly rated, indicating limited digital and ecological transformation across the sector. Practical and Social Implications :These findings underscore the pressing need for policy reforms, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancements to facilitate Ghana’s integration into ethical and sustainable global garment value chains. For policymakers, the results underscore the importance of embedding compliance support within national industrial strategies. For garment producers, the study offers a roadmap for targeted investment in technology, sustainability, and workforce development .Originality :This study contributes original empirical evidence on compliance with global best practices in Ghana’s garment sector, a topic that remains underexplored in West Africa. It offers a model for examining compliance dynamics in other emerging economies. Beyond its academic value, the study is policy-relevant, providing insights to inform national industrial strategies, regulatory frameworks, and export support programs that aim to enhance sustainability and competitiveness
Compliance with Global Best Practices by Garment Producers in Ghana
(2025-07-23) Siaw Stella Daah; Howard Ebenezer Kofi; Appiah Ninette Afi; Chichi Cynthia Akua; Asinyo Benjamin Kwablah
Purpose :This study investigates the level of compliance with global best practices among garment producers in Ghana, with a specific focus on sourcing compliance, production compliance, and distribution compliance. It covers aspects such as labour ethics, environmental stewardship, product quality, and adherence to international trade standards. Methodology/Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 317 garment manufacturing firms across Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi. Compliance was assessed across sourcing, production, and distribution domains using Likert-scale items adapted from international benchmarks such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, ISO certifications, and the Higgs Index. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse patterns and gaps in compliance practices, including mean scores and standard deviations. Findings :The study revealed moderate to low overall compliance, with mean scores. While firms exhibited higher compliance in ethical labour practices, employee training, and quality assurance, substantial deficiencies were identified in environmental sustainability, automation, data-driven quality control, and adherence to international trade regulations. Notably, blockchain use, recycling initiatives, and lean manufacturing practices were poorly rated, indicating limited digital and ecological transformation across the sector. Practical and Social Implications :These findings underscore the pressing need for policy reforms, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancements to facilitate Ghana’s integration into ethical and sustainable global garment value chains. For policymakers, the results underscore the importance of embedding compliance support within national industrial strategies. For garment producers, the study offers a roadmap for targeted investment in technology, sustainability, and workforce development. Originality: This study contributes original empirical evidence on compliance with global best practices in Ghana’s garment sector, a topic that remains underexplored in West Africa. It offers a model for examining compliance dynamics in other emerging economies. Beyond its academic value, the study is policy-relevant, providing insights to inform national industrial strategies, regulatory frameworks, and export support programs that aim to enhance sustainability and competitiveness
Consumer Preference and Quality Expectation of Oyster Mushroom Black Hot Pepper Sauce “Shito”
(2022-12-30) Opoku Hannah; Adi Dedo Doreen; Fenteng Rita Adasi
This study was aimed at determining consumer preference and quality expectation of black hot pepper sauce “shito” in general as a basis for developing oyster mushroom black hot pepper sauce. A structured questionnaire was administered to 103 respondents in Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana. Respondents preferred onion (4.94), oil (4.86), powdered pepper (4.50), mixed spices (4.51) ginger (4.50), salt (4.46), garlic (4.27) and tomato puree (3.99) as their ingredient to be used for their black hot pepper sauce. Respondents expected their sensory quality attributes of black hot pepper sauce to be after taste (4.18), tastiness (3.17), spiciness (3.11) and mouthfeel (2.93). Conclusively respondents are willing to patronize black hot pepper sauce “shito” produced from oyster mushroom (81%) and recommended that oyster mushroom black hot pepper sauce be produced in commercial quantities
Consumers Knowledge of Symbolic Names and Meanings of Ghanaian Fabrics
(2022) Ampa-Korsah Hagar; Aboagyewaa-Ntiri Josephine; Adu-Gyamfi Vida; Yeboah Akwasi
Generally, Ghanaian fabrics are unique and authentic, with each bearing traditional riches that express more pride in their national history, physical, material or symbolic gestures to benefit the indigenous Ghanaians. The fabrics have symbolic names and meanings, based upon which this study investigated consumers’ knowledge of symbolic names and meanings of Ghanaian fabrics and their impact on consumer purchase intentions. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study with a targeted population of 3,490,030 that visit the various clothing and textile shops in the Kumasi Central Business District (KCBD). The sample size for the study was 385 participants. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to gather information from the respondents. The returned questionnaires were coded and keyed into SPSS-23.0. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that the customers have little knowledge about Ghanaian fabrics’ symbolic names and meanings. It was concluded that Ghanaian fabrics had symbolic value, with names and meanings attached and consumers had little knowledge about the Ghanaian fabrics they use. The study recommended that manufacturers could embark on social, cultural and traditional events as part of their promotional programmes to educate and remind consumers to appreciate their rich culture and the symbolic value of the Ghanaian fabrics.
COVID-19: fear appeal favoring purchase behavior towards personal protective equipment
(Routledge, 2020-04-16) Prince Clement Addo; Fang Jiaming; Nora Bakabbey Kulbo; Li Liangqiang
The 2019 novel coronavirus is a non-segmented positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae-Nidovirales family. We examined the swings in purchase behavior following the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, and across the world based on the theory of fear appeal. We gathered published statistics (suspected, confirmed, and fatality) on the COVID-19 alongside the purchase of personal protective equipment to examine the swings in online purchase behavior. With a serial mediated analysis, we established that fear appeal is associated with the sharp dynamics in the online purchase as related to the COVID-19. The results confirmed that fear appeal promotes social presence in anticipation of seeking affection, acceptance, and social information. This feeling is a precondition for developing e-loyalty, which promotes purchase behavior. Even though our variables might not be conclusive enough, we believe the findings are fundamental to understanding the swings in the purchase trend in this and any similar situations.
Crafting 21st-Century Trend-Compliant Fashion Collections for Muslim Women: Ghana in Perspective
(2024-01-18) Abdulai Rashida; Appiah Ninette Afi; Abraham Isaac
Purpose: The study examined the integration of global fashion trends with Islamic modesty principles in clothing design for Ghanaian Muslim women. It explored the blending of contemporary styles with the requirements of Islamic dress codes, considering the increasing diversity and modernization of Muslim women's fashion preferences. Method: The study utilized art-based studio research and the double Helix Praxis-Exegesis Model, which involves customer profiling, concept creation using mood boards, and design techniques. Ten respondents were purposively selected and interviewed. Feedback from interviews ensured the designs resonated with the target audience. Findings and conclusion: The study discovered that contemporary Islamic fashion combines modesty with modern trends, emphasizing the need for designers to respect religious dress codes and concludes that fashion in Muslim contexts should carefully blend global trends with Islamic modesty, considering cultural nuances. Social implications: The results highlight the significance of cultural and religious sensitivity in fashion design and underscore the role of religion in fashion choices and the necessity for designers, particularly those in Islamic contexts, to comprehend and adhere to religious dress codes. It also indicates the potential of fashion as a means of cultural expression and identity reinforcement among Ghanaian Muslim women. Value/originality: This study contributes to understanding Islamic fashion trends and the challenges and opportunities in designing modest yet fashionable clothing for Muslim women. It provides a unique perspective on blending religious requirements with contemporary fashion, offering insights valuable for designers, marketers, and policymakers in fashion and cultural studies
Cultural orientations and product innovation in the Ghanaian banking sector
(Routledge, 2019-01-22) Atarisigna Jenkins Asaah; Yunfei Shao; Ansong Kwame Wadei; Nkrumah Frimpong Adasa Kofi
The Ghanaian banking sector plays a major role in the socio- economic development of the country. However, the banks are faced with many challenges which include growing customers’ demands, inadequate innovation practices and poor financial performance. With the advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), there are calls for the banks to be more innovative. The paper explores the influence of organizational cultural orientations on product innovation. It also examines the moderating effect of extrinsic motivators on such relationships. Hypotheses were formulated and tested using data collected from the banking sector in Ghana. The findings are that innovate- oriented and compete-oriented cultures have a direct positive influence on product innovation. Both Informational Extrinsic Motivators (IEMs) and Controlling Extrinsic Motivators (CEMs) moderate the relationship between innovate-oriented, compete- oriented cultures and product innovation such that they diminish the positive relationship that exists between such variables. The paper offers theoretical contribution and managerial implications which are discussed.
Customer engagement and purchase intention in live-streaming digital marketing platforms
(Routledge, 2021-03-12) Prince Clement Addo; Jiaming Fang; Andy Ohemeng Asare; Nora Bakabbey Kulbo
The lack of human and social cues and customer engagement impedes traditional e-commerce until the birth of social commerce. This study investigates how customer engagement in live-streaming digital marketing affects purchase intentions. The results of 1726 datasets from two e-commerce platforms suggest that customer engagement is significantly associated with followership and purchase intention in live-streaming digital marketing. Whiles price is a significant moderator, its effects become insignificant on their purchase intentions once consumers become followers. The results highlight the positive impacts of social elements, including likes, chats, visits, and exposure time in social commerce towards transactional (purchase) and non-transactional (followership) benefits. Finally, the paper introduces a new perception of measuring customer engagement in live-streaming digital marketing and calls for further research into this new paradigm of social commerce to promote business and service provisions even with the restrictions of COVID-19.
Determination Of Anatomical Features, Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Cashew Wood (Anacardium Occidentale L) From Semi Deciduous Forest, Ghana
(2024) ASARE, Frederick Kwadwo; ANTWI, Kwaku; BIH, Francis Kofi
This study investigates the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of cashew wood (Anacardium occidentale) sourced from a semi-deciduous forest in Ghana, addressing its potential as an alternative to threatened tropical hardwoods. Wood remains a crucial material for construction and furniture due to its versatility and sustainability. The research focuses on the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties of A. occidentale to assess its potential for various applications, in the context of challenges regarding the raw material scarcity and ecosystem degradation. The study is based on a destructive testing method on two mature trees, revealing significant fibre characteristics and mechanical properties variations between trees. Results indicated that, the anatomical, mechanical, and physical properties revealed significant variations between tree 1 and tree 2, underscoring the species' versatility for interior design applications, emphasising the need for sustainable forestry practices.
Developing a program to train nurses in exploration and management of pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients (PEMPAINP)
(Acorn, 2025) Dankyi Sawan; Bimerew Million; Chipps Jennifer-Anne
Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a program to train nurses to explore and manage pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients. Methods: A panel comprising 15 experts was purposively selected and engaged through the Delphi technique to formulate the training program. Data collection was executed over three rounds, employing both focus group discussions and self-administered questionnaires, to achieve consensus among the experts regarding the draft training program.Results: Among the 15 participants, a majority identified three critical components for training nurses in assessing pre-operative anxiety and patient information needs – ‘standard pre-operative interventions’ (12 participants, 80.0%), ‘communicative skills’ (13 participants, 86.7%) and ‘establish rapport’ (13 participants, 86.7%). In terms of managing information needs, all 15 participants (100.0%) agreed on the importance of ‘evaluating information on patient and family’, while 12 participants (80.0%) endorsed the significance of ‘being innovative’ and adopting a ‘multidisciplinary approach’.Conclusions: The training program has been meticulously crafted to encompass content crucial for enhancing the knowledge and competencies of surgical ward nurses in assessing and managing pre-operative anxiety and addressing the informational needs of patients
Effect of endosperm maturity on the physicochemical composition and sensory acceptability of coconut (Coco nucifera) milk and yoghurt
(2023-10-27) Konadu Lydia; Dedo Adi Doreen; Acquah-Mensah John; Olu Fagbemi Ellen
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of endosperm maturity on the physicochemical compositions and sensory acceptability of coconut milk, as well as to determine the effect of endosperm maturity and fermentation time on the physicochemical characteristics of coconut yogurt and its sensory acceptability, respectively. Varied coconut endosperm maturity (soft, medium, and hard) and fermentation time (6, 12, 18 and 24 h) were used to produce milk and yogurt. The physicochemical compositions and sensory acceptability of the samples were evaluated using standard methods. The physicochemical characteristics of coconut milk and yogurt were influenced by both endosperm maturity and fermentation time. Coconut milk produced from hard coconut endosperm was the most preferred and recorded the highest brix (3.31°), fat (6.71%), total solid (16.02%), and acidity (1.26%) levels. Coconut yogurt fermented for 6 h was the most preferred. Optimization of both coconut milk and yogurt processes could produce a commercially viable product.

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