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Open Access September 27, 2024

The Relationship between Physical Education Activity Programs and Academic Achievement

Abstract The benefits of physical activity are immense and indisputable; however, the inclusion of Physical Education Activity Programs (PEAP) within the college setting, specifically the University Undergraduate Core Curriculum, is largely disregarded and viewed as unnecessary. Increased physical activity has shown to have a positive relationship throughout the human development process. Health promotion [...] Read more.
The benefits of physical activity are immense and indisputable; however, the inclusion of Physical Education Activity Programs (PEAP) within the college setting, specifically the University Undergraduate Core Curriculum, is largely disregarded and viewed as unnecessary. Increased physical activity has shown to have a positive relationship throughout the human development process. Health promotion programs should target people of all ages, since the risk of chronic disease starts in childhood and increases with age. In addition to the physical activity benefits associated with human development, decrease disease rate, and extended lifespan, physical activity has also been thoroughly researched and documented to have positive effects on academic achievement. Despite the evidence identified through the results of the research, PEAP at the college level are consistently being ignored and removed from university undergraduate core curriculum. The purpose for university exclusion of PEAP is unknown; however, addressing the gap within the literature may provide justification for re-installment; research has not yet identified the impact of PEAP on the academic achievement of undergraduate students. A positive outcome could be gained by increasing the curricular value of compulsory PK-12 health and physical education requirements.
Commentary
Open Access July 15, 2024

The Role of Dignity and Respect in Maternity Care: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract This integrative literature review aims to explore the pivotal role of dignity and respect in maternity care, focusing on their profound impact on the experiences of pregnant individuals. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence as a crucial factor in fostering understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive approaches to maternal care. The overarching goal is to underscore [...] Read more.
This integrative literature review aims to explore the pivotal role of dignity and respect in maternity care, focusing on their profound impact on the experiences of pregnant individuals. Emphasis is placed on cultural competence as a crucial factor in fostering understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive approaches to maternal care. The overarching goal is to underscore the significance of dignified and respectful care in enhancing maternal satisfaction, postpartum outcomes, and overall well-being. Methods: The review synthesizes existing literature (n=22) on maternity care, dignity, and respect, drawing insights from diverse sources to comprehensively analyze the multifaceted nature of this critical healthcare aspect. Cultural competence is explored as a key theme in understanding and appreciating the varied backgrounds of pregnant individuals. The analysis encompasses factors such as effective communication, healthcare provider attitudes, cultural competence, informed consent, and systemic considerations, shedding light on their collective influence on dignity and respect in maternity care. Principal Findings: The literature review reveals that providing dignified and respectful care significantly contributes to improving maternal satisfaction and postpartum outcomes. Cultural competence emerges as a crucial element, ensuring that care approaches are inclusive and tailored to diverse cultural backgrounds. Effective communication, positive healthcare provider attitudes, and considerations for systemic factors are identified as key determinants of the dignity and respect experienced by pregnant individuals. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of these factors in shaping the overall quality of maternity care. Practical Applications: Recommendations stemming from the literature review include interventions aimed at enhancing healthcare providers' communication skills, cultural competence training, and the promotion of patient-centered care models. Acknowledging the systemic factors influencing maternity care, the review calls for collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers to create an environment that upholds pregnant individuals' autonomy and values. The practical applications emphasize the need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches to ensure that all pregnant individuals receive dignified and respectful care. In summary, this integrative literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical role of dignity and respect in maternity care, offering insights into effective strategies for improvement and emphasizing the importance of cultural competence and collaborative efforts in shaping the future of maternal healthcare.
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Review Article
Open Access July 12, 2024

Louis Henri Sullivan and His National Architecture

Abstract As an important pioneer in the implementation and promotion of American organic functionalism in the field of architecture, Louis Sullivan's slogan “Form Follows Function” and his "organic functionalism" are often misunderstood intentionally or unintentionally, resulting in his organic architecture being divided into the opposite camp of modern functionalism and Art Nouveau. To some extent, this [...] Read more.
As an important pioneer in the implementation and promotion of American organic functionalism in the field of architecture, Louis Sullivan's slogan “Form Follows Function” and his "organic functionalism" are often misunderstood intentionally or unintentionally, resulting in his organic architecture being divided into the opposite camp of modern functionalism and Art Nouveau. To some extent, this makes people ignore the credit of his architectural ideas for giving high-rise commercial buildings the American national spirit at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Through an analysis of the background of Sullivan's architectural thought and the causes of misunderstanding, this paper reveals the free, democratic and innovative American spirit conveyed by Sullivan's organic architecture, and explores how his practices contribute to the development of a positive architectural culture that shapes national self-confidence and identity. This discussion is particularly instructive given that architecture is becoming template-based processes in the modern world.
Communication
Open Access May 12, 2024

Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Work-Family Conflict Among Hotel Managers

Abstract This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected [...] Read more.
This study examines the influence of socio-demographic factors on work-family conflict among management staff in star-rated hotels in the Accra Metropolis. The research aims to explore how variables such as gender, age, marital status, and educational background impact the experiences of work-family conflict among hotel managers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a purposive sample of hotel managers. The findings reveal significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and work-family conflict, highlighting the complexities of balancing work responsibilities with family obligations in the hospitality industry. The implications of the study underscore the importance of tailored interventions to support the well-being of hotel managers, while the recommendations emphasise the implementation of work-life balance programs, support for family obligations, promotion of diversity and inclusion, and continuous training and development. It is recommended that hotel organisations create a supportive work environment that enhances the job satisfaction and productivity of their management staff. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on work-family conflict in the hospitality sector and provides a foundation for future research endeavours in this area.
Article
Open Access October 20, 2023

Factors Influencing Fertility Control among Highly-Educated Urban Women in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract Fertility control is crucial to achieving improved health and socio-economic status of women. The main objective of the study was to explore fertility control behaviours among educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study adopted the interpretivist (qualitative) philosophy in social research. The population for the study comprised women who have at least secondary-level education, are married or in a stable union and are between the ages of 18 and 49 years. A snowball sampling technique was used to select thirty-two (32) respondents for the study. The respondents constituted the number that provided the required information at saturation. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected from educated women within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Five items open-ended questions under the heading Factors influencing fertility control among highly-educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis [...] Read more.
Fertility control is crucial to achieving improved health and socio-economic status of women. The main objective of the study was to explore fertility control behaviours among educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study adopted the interpretivist (qualitative) philosophy in social research. The population for the study comprised women who have at least secondary-level education, are married or in a stable union and are between the ages of 18 and 49 years. A snowball sampling technique was used to select thirty-two (32) respondents for the study. The respondents constituted the number that provided the required information at saturation. The main instrument for data collection was a semi-structured interview guide. Data was collected from educated women within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Five items open-ended questions under the heading Factors influencing fertility control among highly-educated urban women in the Cape Coast Metropolis. All transcribed data were then imported into NVivo 11, a computer-aided qualitative data analysis package with each transcript coded sentence by sentence. The codes were determined and constructed based on the content of the data. After the coding process, each code was described and memos attached as ideas about the themes emerged from social-cultural, economic to educational factors. The study underscores the adequate involvement of male partners in women’s fertility control practices, especially women’s contraceptive preferences. This demonstrates the authority of men over women in the domain of the family. Recognising that men have enormous powers regarding fertility issues tend to appreciate the need to promote and advance family needs and welfare. Also, the results indicate that other close associates or relatives are involved in women’s contraceptive lives. These close relations are what describes as a social network in Bronfenbrenner social-ecological framework. Besides, there are multiple socio-cultural and economic obstacles that could work against achieving desired fertility levels. It is recommended that family planning programmes should not focus on only women, but include male partners to enhance a change in behaviour and norms regarding power and gender roles that do not make them supportive partners. There is a need for a high-level promotion through civil society to encourage men to get involved in family planning matters. This will help women or couples to freely adopt their desired fertility control methods without hindrance.
Article
Open Access July 29, 2023

Critical Success Factors of Adopting an Enterprise System for Pharmaceutical Drug Traceability

Abstract For conducting advanced analytics initiatives to acquire in-depth data into usage habits, regional access, sales, and promotional success, etc., unique identification of packaged pharmaceuticals will be a fantastic enabler. The main objective of this study is to prevent and reduce the production of erroneous and counterfeit drugs using the enterprise system, which has become a serious threat [...] Read more.
For conducting advanced analytics initiatives to acquire in-depth data into usage habits, regional access, sales, and promotional success, etc., unique identification of packaged pharmaceuticals will be a fantastic enabler. The main objective of this study is to prevent and reduce the production of erroneous and counterfeit drugs using the enterprise system, which has become a serious threat because it damages the reputation of legitimate drug manufacturers by trying to produce and market placebo medications that are identical to the real thing. Due to federal government procedures and priorities that frequently change over time, the majority of implementation takes time. To achieve compliance with numerous federal regulatory authorities, including drug traceability for patient safety, the pharmaceutical industry must implement a systematic procedure in an ERP environment. The goals would be to guarantee medical drug traceability and provide real-time warnings to supply chain stakeholders and regulatory bodies to maximize the benefit of integrating a drug traceability system into an ERP environment. Additionally, manufacturers are compelled to maintain product costs on the higher side due to a heavy burden of unchecked manufacturing cost spikes. As a result, innovative marketing schemes must be introduced in order to increase the reach to consumers by putting into practice successful strategies.
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Review Article
Open Access December 28, 2022

It’s time for reimagining the future of food security in sub–Saharan Africa: Gender-Smallholder Agriculture-Climate Change nexus

Abstract There is an ongoing debate regarding how to feed Sub-Saharan Africa's fast rising population in the long run, as well as the implications for food security. To maintain food security, various strategies have been recommended, including a focus on the significance of diversifying and improving people's diets. Proposals have been tabled elsewhere with a primary focus on enhancing agricultural inputs [...] Read more.
There is an ongoing debate regarding how to feed Sub-Saharan Africa's fast rising population in the long run, as well as the implications for food security. To maintain food security, various strategies have been recommended, including a focus on the significance of diversifying and improving people's diets. Proposals have been tabled elsewhere with a primary focus on enhancing agricultural inputs and technology adoption in order to increase agricultural production and productivity, hence strengthening food security. The current opinion piece attempts to contribute to this debate by examining smallholder agriculture and its role to African food security. This discussion proposes a future paradigm shift toward a gendered climate-smart smallholder agriculture and food production and security conceptual framework based on the promotion and development of smallholder agriculture and food production and security. Therefore, it's predicated that the micro-livestock-centered approach can remodel smallholder agrarian households and communities toward a gender-inclusive global climate change adaptive smallholder agriculture to strengthen production, supply, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. For Africa, today’s predicament is to ensure food security for the anticipated rapid population expansion, while on the other hand handling an overall net adverse effect of worldwide global climate change, and increased socio-economic ills associated with gender inequality in smallholder agriculture and ensuring long-term agriculture sustainable development. The failure to address gender inequality in smallholder agriculture and food production and pontificate of global climate change effect has thrown Sub-Saharan Africa into a state of perpetual food scarcity and insecurity because of low agricultural productivity and food supply, and by force of circumstances exposing the agricultural communities and its people to extreme poverty and nutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, it's predicated that the micro-livestock-centered approach can remodel smallholder agrarian households and communities toward a gender-inclusive global climate change adaptive smallholder agriculture to strengthen production, supply, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. For this purpose, this discussion proposes a future paradigm shift towards a gendered climate-smart smallholder agriculture and food production and security conceptual framework hinged on the promotion and development of the micro-livestock and/or unconventional animal species sub-sector to strengthen food security on the continent. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action to alleviate the negative effects of climate change and address gender inequality through promotion of micro livestock to assist in the development of long-term adaptation measures to maintain smallholder agricultural productivity.
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Review Article
Open Access December 23, 2022

Climate Change's Impact on Agriculture and Food Security: An Opportunity to Showcase African Animal Genetic Resources

Abstract One of the current issues facing humanity is ensuring sustained global food security in the face of devastating effects of climate change; this challenge is particularly pressing on the African continent. Here, I present an opinion piece identifying local animal genetic resources as "African leverage point" that provide the highest chances to cushion rural fork to climate change, enhance [...] Read more.
One of the current issues facing humanity is ensuring sustained global food security in the face of devastating effects of climate change; this challenge is particularly pressing on the African continent. Here, I present an opinion piece identifying local animal genetic resources as "African leverage point" that provide the highest chances to cushion rural fork to climate change, enhance environmental sustainability and food security in Africa. When it comes to boosting food production, coping with climate change, or bolstering the delivery of a wide range of ecosystem services, I believe that African animal genetic resources are essential alternatives for the sustainable growth of the livestock industry and its contribution to food security. Africa needs to address the support and development of indigenous animal genetic resources in order to meet the basic food needs of more than 1 billion people, address numerous environmental issues with continental implications, and focus on more effective and resilient food systems with the greatest impact on food security. The indigenous animal resources diversity and support actions to this unique group could provide a boost in protein that is lacking to constitute healthy diets in Africa. The priorities of nonprofit organizations, foundations, governments, citizens' groups, and companies can be influenced by this leverage point in the African food system. Due to continuous food insecurity, which appears to be becoming worse with climate change and makes it even harder to accomplish the SDGs on the continent, Africa has paid a hefty price for being misled about the worth of its own animal genetic resources. To the contrary, it is highly improbable that a strategy to improve food security and rural livelihoods that undermines the utilization of indigenous animal genetic resources will be viable in long-term. If Africa makes an effort, is committed, and fully commits resources to putting indigenous animal genetic resources at the forefront of combating food insecurity and accelerating the achievement of SDGs, it can achieve more under the adverse prevailing climate change induce environmental conditions. Our personal opinion is that we would not have had the ongoing food problems, even in the face of climate change, if Africa had over the years implemented the necessary mechanisms to develop and promote local animal genetic resources. What lies ahead in terms of climate change effect on food security in Africa is anyone's guess – but whatever it is, promoting continental adapted indigenous animal genetic resources portfolio is ready to handle it. Development and promotion of African animal genetic resources should be part of a continental strategy to transform smallholder animal production by 2050, in line with the goals of achieving the SGDs, to improve rural household food security, and bringing rural economy prosperity, resilience, sustainability, and all other desired animal related food outcomes for rural healthy diets. African animal genetic resources are the most important but underutilized resource to address the issue of ongoing food insecurity. The responsible use of local animal genetic resources through climate smart animal husbandry practices also contributes to food security, rural development and increased employment opportunities. African genetic improvement programs involving indigenous animal genetic resources must be considered as regards to local agriculture and livestock development aspirations, appropriateness to local reality and livelihood security, as well as environmental friendliness. Animal agriculture will fill in the enormous gaps in the continent's food supply if this animal group receives adequate attention and is used integrated properly in crop and livestock systems which characterize smallholder farming sector in Africa. Because they have evolved over time to accommodate the various climatic conditions and environmental pressures on the continent, Africa's native animal genetic resources are particularly resilient. Indirectly, the impact of climate change offers a chance to use native animal genetics from Africa. The use of local animal genetic diversity has the potential to substantially improve Africa's food security landscape hence should be given special consideration for sociocultural, environmental, and economic aspects, and with regard for smallholder farmer-specific factors of interest. African animal genetic resources have contributed significantly to the food and nutrition security aspects of the millions of people in their communities of origin and custody in Africa. The purpose of the perception piece is to educate the reader about the fundamental mechanisms that control the use of continental animal genetic resources and how the outlook for these mechanisms can be manipulated in the future for the benefit of improving food security in Africa. The discussion provides in-depth insight into the pertinent literature in understanding the significance of local animal genetic resources in terms of their contribution to food security in Africa.
Perspective
Open Access June 26, 2022

Appraisal of Challenges and Community Promotion in WASH Facilities in Senior High Schools in Ghana

Abstract This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study population covered the house masters and mistresses, students, teachers, grounds prefect and WASH coordinators in the Assin Manso, Adankwaman, Nyankomasi Ahenkro, Assin Nsuta Agric Senior High Schools in the Assin South District. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select respondents [...] Read more.
This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study population covered the house masters and mistresses, students, teachers, grounds prefect and WASH coordinators in the Assin Manso, Adankwaman, Nyankomasi Ahenkro, Assin Nsuta Agric Senior High Schools in the Assin South District. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select respondents for the study. The sample size for the study was 216. Two hundred students (200) were selected from the four senior high schools in the District, that is, 50 students from each school, four (4) grounds prefects, one from each school, eight (8) house masters /mistresses, that is, two (2) from each school, and four (4) WASH coordinators one each from a school. The main tools used for the study were semi-structured questionnaires, interview guide and observation checklist. Data analysis was done using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive data were analysed qualitatively and emerging themes from the data were obtained and categorised and then interpreted through the interview guide with observation checklist digital data such as photographs were used to bring out some aspects of the schools’ surrounding. On the other hand, quantitative data were collected using questionnaire on the numbers of schools and WASH facilities, and analysed using SPSS. The study indicated that the failure of the school administration to maintain the WASH facilities will eventually lead to their breakdown, thus making it difficult for the students to use them. The study also revealed that the poor participation by the communities in the provision and maintenance of the WASH facilities stems from the fact they do not get any direct benefit from the schools. It is recommended that, in promoting WASH facilities in the schools, administrators must include maintenance of the facilities in their provision to ensure their long-term use, other than that the facilities will break down, and resources will have to be mobilized again to repair them or provide new ones. It is also recommended that, Rules and regulations concerning the use and maintenance of WASH facilities should be made by school administration and copies given to the students to guide them as they use the facilities.
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