Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasingly prevalent among youth and young adults, particularly college and university students. This is a population for whom e-cigarette use is not recommended due to potential health risks, including nicotine addiction and long-term respiratory effects. Social networks play a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward e-cigarettes and influencing use behaviors. However, the relative influence of different social ties—parents, siblings, and friends—on e-cigarette attitudes and use remains unclear. Objective: This study utilizes data from the SMOKES study to compare the influence of e-cigarette use within different social network sections—parents, friends, and siblings—on personal e-cigarette attitudes and use among college and university students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey of college and university students, we examined the associations between e-cigarette use within different social networks and individual e-cigarette attitudes and use. Multivariate regression models assessed the strength of these associations, adjusting for key demographic and behavioral covariates. Results: Findings indicate that among college and university students, the strongest influence on both e-cigarette attitudes and use comes from friends who use e-cigarettes. In contrast, parental and sibling e-cigarette use showed weak or non-significant effects. These results suggest that peer influence, rather than family influence, plays a dominant role in shaping e-cigarette-related behaviors and perceptions in young adults. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of peer influence in e-cigarette uptake and attitudes among college and university students. Public health interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette use in this population should consider targeting peer networks rather than focusing solely on family-based influences.

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and vaping tobacco have increased rapidly worldwide, raising concerns about their health effects, social acceptability, and regulatory challenges. In many countries, e-cigarettes are more commonly used by individuals from higher socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, who, in theory, should have greater knowledge about e-cigarettes and their associated risks. However, it remains unclear why a group with more knowledge about e-cigarette risks would also hold more positive attitudes toward vaping and exhibit higher usage rates — a phenomenon that may represent a knowledge-behavior paradox. Understanding this paradox, along with the complex relationships between e-cigarette knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, is critical for informing effective public health interventions, campaigns, social media messaging, and regulatory policies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the complex relationship between SES, e-cigarette knowledge, pro-vaping attitudes, and e-cigarette use. Methods: The SMOKES Study (Study of Measurement of Knowledge and Examination of Support for Tobacco Control Policies) used a multi-center, cross-sectional design, collecting data from 2,403 college and university students across 15 provinces in Iran (covering nearly half of the country's provinces). The survey measured family income, age, sex, ethnicity, e-cigarette use, knowledge, and attitudes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the interrelations between SES, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, while adjusting for age, sex, and ethnic minority status. Results: SEM analysis confirmed the hypothesized paradox. Although greater knowledge about e-cigarettes was linked to less favorable attitudes toward vaping and lower use, pro-vaping attitudes emerged as the strongest predictor of vaping behavior, while knowledge played a weaker protective role. Notably, individuals with higher SES simultaneously showed higher knowledge and, paradoxically, more pro-e-cigarette attitudes and greater usage. Female students and ethnic minority students reported higher correct knowledge and lower pro-vaping attitudes and use. Although age and higher family income were associated with more favorable attitudes, they did not directly predict vaping behavior. These results suggest that for higher SES individuals, poor knowledge is not the main driver of e-cigarette use; rather, their pro-e-cigarette attitudes, which seem to outweigh the influence of knowledge, play a key role. Conclusions: Although individuals from higher SES backgrounds report greater correct knowledge about e-cigarettes, this knowledge does not necessarily translate into reduced positive attitudes or lower usage. This study highlights the complexity of these paradoxical effects and suggests that public health strategies need to go beyond simple education and knowledge-based interventions. Targeted approaches should address industry messaging, challenge misconceptions, and strengthen regulatory efforts to reduce e-cigarette use among young adults, including those from higher SES backgrounds.

Background: Tobacco use remains a major global health concern, and understanding the factors that influence tobacco-related knowledge and support for tobacco control policies is critical for effective development of tobacco control policies that are accepted by the public. Objectives: This study introduces the rationale, design, methodology, and participants of the SMOKES Study (Study of Measurement of Knowledge and Examination of Support for tobacco control policies), which is conducted to evaluate tobacco use, tobacco-related knowledge and attitude, as well as support for tobacco control policies among college and university students. Methods: The SMOKES Study was designed to address significant gaps in literature by focusing on college and university students in a non-Western context. A multi-center, cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from a diverse sample of college and university students across different geographical provinces in Iran. The survey instrument incorporated a range of measures covering socio-demographic characteristics, university-related variables, family tobacco use status, personal tobacco consumption behaviors (including detailed assessments of cigarette, hookah, and electronic cigarette use), and attitudinal as well as knowledge-based assessments related to vaping. Support for tobacco control policies is also measured. Data were collected using an online survey that included self-administered questionnaires, enabling access to a large diverse sample. This study may be used to determine the prevalence of ever and current use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and hookah, as well as examining the correlates of single, dual, and poly-tobacco use. The study also aims to assess the role of social determinants, attitudes, and ethnic/geographic differences in shaping these outcomes. Results: The study sample consisted of 2403 college and university students, including undergraduates enrolled in different academic programs from all faculties and disciplines. Participants were drawn from universities across 15 provinces, and 11 ethnic groups, ensuring a heterogeneous sample with respect to socio-demographic background, ethnicity, and institutional affiliation. This diversity enhances the generalizability of the findings and allows for the exploration of subgroup differences in tobacco use patterns and policy support. Conclusions: The SMOKES Study offers a framework for examining tobacco-related knowledge and the acceptability of tobacco control policies among a key part of the population, being college and university students. By providing detailed insights into the prevalence and correlates of tobacco knowledge, attitude, use, as well as the tobacco control policy support, the study lays the groundwork for tailored public health interventions and more effective tobacco regulation strategies particularly for college campuses in a non-Western setting.

The study aimed to examine the availability of protective clothing and its usage among workers at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. It used the Accident-Proneness Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action to achieve the study's objectives. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm. The study used a descriptive design with mixed methods. The study population comprised all workers and supervisors whose work demands the use of protective clothing at the University of Cape Coast. The study used multistage sampling techniques (stratified, purposive, proportional and Systematic random sampling techniques) to select one hundred and ninety-six departmental workers and five (5) supervisors in the University. The main instruments for data collection were a Semi-structured questionnaire and an unstructured interview guide. Mean and standard deviation, frequency count, and percentages were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed through the development of data categories and themes. The study concluded that “not all the protective clothing for the various departments were available. The University ensured that workers used what was in stock at the department. The protective clothing supplied to the various departments was insufficient, so their continuous use of the existing ones got them defaced, bringing about shortages. The study also revealed that workers used protective clothing most often, but not all used it because safety laws were relaxed. The study recommended that the University ensure a regular and adequate supply of PPC, insist on its usage, and enforce the use of PPC by all workers whose work demands it.

The purpose of the study was to examine the Influence of Physical Features of the Housing Environment on Students' Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. Quantitatively, a descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Housing Deficit Theory underpins the study. The study population comprised three hundred and eight one (381) level 100 students in the Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast. Stratified proportionate random and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the eight (8) halls of residence and three hundred and eight one (381) level 100 students. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was used in the study to assess the reliability of the variables. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and show the direction of the responses. The study revealed that the students were satisfied with the physical features of the halls of residence, which influenced their contentment. Features such as recreational facilities, fire service systems, and relaxation facilities were vital in reaching such satisfaction. The study also indicated that the students were satisfied with how much their housing environment influenced their contentment. Students' relationship with their colleagues, the proximity of their halls of residence to the lecture halls and the serenity of the environment of the halls of residence all proved helpful in aligning the students' contentment to such an extent. It is recommended that the hall management should maintain the present physical features and facilities in the halls of residence for students' satisfaction. It is also recommended that the university management take into consideration the proximity of the halls of residence to the lecture theatres and the serenity of the environment of halls of residence in any future halls of residence construction.

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.

This study investigated the English-only language-in-education policy in three primary schools in Ghana: University Primary, OLA Presby Primary and Apewusika Primary School in the Cape Coast Metropolitan in the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed Coulmas’s (2005) eight-step language planning model as a conceptual framework for the study. Nine teachers were randomly selected from Basic One to Basic Three to respond to the selection and supply items. The selected items were analysed and put into frequencies and percentages, while the supply items were coded into recurrent themes. Findings from data indicate that most teachers preferred using the local language (Fante) as a medium of instruction in the lower primary. The study also revealed that code missing is a significant feature in teacher-learner interaction. It was also observed that teachers encountered little problems when using Fante as a medium of instruction. Finally, most teachers express a lukewarm attitude towards using English as a medium of instruction in the lower primary school.

Access to and the availability of digital infrastructure remains the most significant issue influencing teachers' use of multimedia technology in teaching and learning processes. Qualitatively, the study focused on a case study research design. The study population consisted of five (5) Social Studies teachers at Presbyterian University College of Education Demonstration Junior High School in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select all the Social Studies teachers for the study. The main instruments for data collection were an interview guide and observation protocols. The data was analysed using the interpretative method based on the themes arrived at during the data collection. The themes were related to the research question and interpreted on the number of issues raised by participants. The study indicated that more resources are needed to use multimedia resources effectively in social studies instruction. Limited access to computers and the internet, unreliable power supply, time constraints for teachers, and a lack of necessary competencies all contribute to this challenge. Although multimedia has become crucial to education, teachers often need more training to utilise these resources fully. The government must collaborate with other organisations to procure ICT resources to address these challenges rather than shouldering the sole responsibility for financing education. Establishing a school-based ICT policy framework to guide technology implementation in teaching and learning is essential.

Over the past decades, quality assurance has received significant prominence in higher education management across the world. While the concept is pertinent to all areas of higher education management, nowhere is it considered more crucial than in curriculum development, given the importance of curriculum in supporting students to achieve the needed learning outcomes. In this study, we explored how quality is ensured in curriculum development in Ghana, using a STEM university, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), as a case study. We specifically examined the procedure for curriculum development in the university, how quality assurance is ensured during the process, and the challenges associated with the process. We explore the case using qualitative techniques, particularly in-depth interviews. Fourteen (14) participants were purposively sampled from four (4) functional levels responsible for curriculum development in the university. The study found that the quality of curriculum in UMaT is largely determined by both national and institutional quality assurance frameworks. The major challenges that hamper quality assurance are the need to design curriculum at a shorter notice to fulfil accreditation requirement, lack of experts to support curriculum development, and less consultation with other relevant stakeholders as required by the regulator, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

Ghana's Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has been touted as one of the most significant educational reforms in recent years, fueling the nation's achievement of Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While many studies have been conducted on the policy’s impact on beneficiaries, little is known about its impact on tertiary institutions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the socioeconomic effects of the Free SHS policy on tertiary institutions in Ghana's Western Region. We also provide suggestions on how to improve the policy's efficacy and lessen any obstacles to its incorporation into higher education. Methodologically, 103 employees of Takoradi Technical University and the University of Mines and Technology were sampled using a purposive sampling technique. According to the report, despite the lack of adequate facilities such as lecture halls, dorms, and residence halls on campus, the Free SHS policy has increased enrollment at the postsecondary level. This has resulted in a high student-to-lecturer ratio, increased utility bills, a high cost of living on campus, and a rise in the opening of businesses on campus. To address some of these socioeconomic impacts, respondents proposed that the government should improve infrastructure in the country's higher institutions, hire more lecturers, boost incentives for lecturers, and foster partnerships with private institutions to support infrastructure development.

Quantitatively, this study aimed to determine the abundance and diversity of the insect fauna that visits the staminate and pistillate flowers of Cocos nucifera. The study was conducted at an experimental plantation belonging to the Coconut Research Programme (CRP) of the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to provide diagnostic support for the Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) at Asebu in the Central Region of Ghana. The populations of coconut palms represented the dwarf type with few tall ecotypes. Five Insects were randomly chosen with newly opened inflorescences. Observations and collections of insect visitors to coconut flowers were made once a week on 30 newly opened inflorescences, five from each batch within the plantation. Specimens of the data were deposited in the official insect collection and processed at the laboratory of the Entomology Museum of the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study indicated that 9 different species of insects were identified to be the true fauna that visited the staminate and pistillate flowers of C. nucifera Ethiosciapus sp., Sarcophaga sp., Scolia dubia, Lucilia sp., Ornidia sp., Apis melifera, Dactylurina standingeri, Red Ant and Black Ant. These insects were observed in all the six batches considered and were available at all times of the day. Most of the insects were observed in the early morning from 6 am - 9 am followed by the evening 4 pm –7 pm. The abundance of insect visitors was low during the mid-day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in all six batches during high temperatures. The results of this study revealed that there were abundances of Ethioscipus sp. was the least abundant in all the batches followed by Scolia dubia then Sarcophaga sp. Red Ants had the highest abundance in most of the Batches thus becoming the most abundant insect that forage the coconut inflorescence at the Asebu plantation. The bees, Apis melifera and Dactylurina standingeri were the most abundant species after the Red Ants. All these groups of insects were not considered in the study and it is recommended that further studies consider such visitors to observe which insects are doing what on the inflorescence. The range for the ‘time of day for’ of the study was mostly diurnal (morning 6 am-9 am, afternoon 11 am-2 pm and evening 4 pm7 pm). There was no observation made of the pollination system or activities of these insect visitors nocturnally. There may be high pollination activities of these insects during the late evenings. It is recommended that future work should incorporate the late evening period to observe an abundance of diurnal insect visitors of the coconut inflorescences.Keywords: Insect, Fauna, Staminate, Pistillate Flowers, Cocos nucifera

The purpose of this study was to examine the empirical analysis of lexico-grammatical features used in the rhetorical structure of the Statement of the Research Problems of Master of Philosophy theses in the Faculties of Arts and Education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Qualitatively, content analysis was adopted for this study. Theses from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education at the University of Cape Coast were selected for this study. These theses were selected from 2012 to 2022 academic years to ensure currency in terms of the stipulated lexico-grammatical features used in the statement of the research problem. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the university, two faculties (Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education) and postgraduate theses for the study. The two faculties were purposively sampled. Eighty (80) theses were simple randomly sampled (Forty (40) theses each from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education). The main instrument used for data collection was content analysis. The data was analysed by the use of the interpretative technique based on the themes arrived at during the data collection of the statement of research problem from the post-graduate theses. The study indicated that integral citation was dominant in SRPs from the Faculty of Arts theses whereas non-integral citations were rather dominant in SRPs from the Faculty of Education theses. The use of adverbials to boost these claims was also found in only the SRPs from the Faculty of Arts theses. The use of hedging devices in SRPs from both Faculties to indicate a gap, and the use of simple noun phrases such as “the problem” and “the need” were mostly used to categorically state the research problem. It is recommended that a comparative study of theses in the two faculties in another university in Ghana be undertaken to identify how similar or otherwise the rhetorical structure and the lexico-grammatical features of the SRPs written by postgraduate students in the two faculties will be.

Qualitatively, the study adopted a content analysis approach. There were eight State of the Nation addresses that the Ex-President John Kufour delivered during his tenure of office but only two of them are analysed in this study. The purposive sampling approach was used to select two State of the Nation addresses samples. The State of the Nation addresses of two years were picked for the study. The years are: 16^th February 2001, and 14^th February 2008. The qualitative data was analysed by the use of the interpretative technique based on the themes arrived at during the content analysis of the two speeches delivered by ex-president Kufour. Selective coding was used to code the occurrence of the categories of the epistemic modality expressions in the data. The epistemic modal elements as well as the sentences in which they occurred were then manually copied for further verification. These processes made the frequency count faster, more effective and more accurate. The data shows the relevant clauses or sentences containing modal expressions sampled within the contexts of epistemic meanings in the texts. The study has made it apparent that the expression of certainty is predominant. The data also indicates that the Ex-president has a greater tendency to use more modal adjuncts followed by the other modal auxiliary verb categories in expressing certainty in the selected State of the Nation Addresses during his State of the Nation Addresses. One question that arises is, why the Ex-president had a greater tendency to express more certainty in his State of the Nation Addresses. The answer is that Ex-president was fully sure and convinced of the information on the nation’s development and future programmes captured in the addresses. Thus, he appeared a confident, trustworthy and knowledgeable leader. Furthermore, the use of epistemic modality in the State of the Nation Addresses is neither haphazard nor coincidental. Instead, it is informed by reason of specific communicative intent. It is recommended that Public speakers and politicians should take the epistemic markers into consideration when writing the State of the Nation Address or any other texts in order to clarify shared opinion. It is also recommended that the Faculty of Language of the University of Education of Winneba should consider the concept of epistemic modality as a course of study in all various Language Departments including the Department of Communication Skills.

This study was conducted with beans to determine a protocol that will help reduce the cooking time of beans. It was carried out in the Foods laboratory at the University for Development Studies, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. A quasi-experimental design was the design tool employed for this study to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable where the independent variable is cooking time and dependent variable is softness of the beans. An experiment was carried out to text the effect of 2 different treatments given to beans during cooking to ascertain which treatment is best for reducing the cooking time for bean. The treatments meted out were addition of blended onion, crushed cassava and no additives. Addition of blended onion had a very significant effect in reducing cooking time with cooking time of 43minutes. Cooking beans with crushed cassava also saw some reduction in the cooking time for beans with 46 minutes. Cooking dry beans with no additive having the highest cooking time (47minutes). With quantity of water, the dry beans sample with crushed cassava used more quantity of water (3.4 liters). Cooking with blended onion and with no treatment both used 2.9 litres per 100grams beans each. The study therefore recommends that crushed onions are added to help reduce the cooking time of dry beans.

The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ knowledge base in community resources used in assessing Social Studies concepts in the University of Education Practice Junior High School (JHS), Winneba. The case study design was employed as the study's qualitative methodology. The population comprised two Social Studies teachers in the University Practice JHS, Winneba. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the teachers and school for the study. The main instrument for data collection was the interview guide. The two teachers were interviewed because they were in a position to give all the relevant information required for the research. They were also readily available at the time of the research. The study revealed that even though the Social Studies teachers were aware of community resources, they did not involve them often in their lesson delivery. However, in the only case where a teacher took the learners round the school compound to look at the various types of rocks, the learners were excited and willing to learn. The assessment results also showed that almost all learners, both low and high achievers had high scores. Evidence from the inquiry also shows that teachers used only traditional forms of assessment in Social Studies. Teachers give multiple choice and essay type of assessment items to learners. Teachers did not involve community resources in the assessment of Social Studies concepts because of challenges like inadequate time allocated for the teaching of the subject, financial constraints, bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining permission and the need to meet the requirements of external examinations. It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should design appropriate policies to ensure that provision is made in the school academic calendar for field trips and community resource engagement for Social Studies education. Social Studies teachers should also be trained on the full range of assessment techniques suggested in the 2012 syllabus. Emphasis should be laid on authentic/alternate assessment practices. At the school level, heads of Social Studies department should organise periodic in-service training for the teachers to ensure that the curriculum, instruction and assessment practices are aligned to ensure that the subject attains its intended goals and outcomes.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate students’ awareness, understanding and use of the information on care labels. Quantitatively, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The population of the study comprised all the Family and Consumer Science students at the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala campus, Tamale. Morgan and Krejcie chart, was used to select 159 out 270 students. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS with descriptive statistics which included mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Findings of this study proved that students do not always use the information on care labels when purchasing and caring for clothes and cannot identify the symbols on care labels that do not directly link with their meaning. This study has practical implications for students by using the information on care labels when purchasing and caring for clothes. Students should likewise find ways of identifying the symbols even without their meanings. The Social Implication implications of this study also postulates that local clothes manufacturers should be encouraged to create their labelling schemes for care labels that will be peculiar to how Ghanaians care for their clothes as they exist in other countries. Organizations and bodies that formulate the symbols should make sure the shape of the symbols has a direct link with their meaning to aid in their understanding and usage.

The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the Horticulture Department, University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala campus with the aim of determining the response of three cucumber cultivars (Marketer, Nandini, Pointset) to the application of sulphate of ammonia as top dressing with respect to fruit yield, and shelf life. It was a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on total fruit yield, shelf life and percentage fruit decay in storage. Their effect on the varieties differed significantly to a varying degree. The factors, however, had no significant impact and caused no difference in the fruit yield and fruit weight. 15:15:15 NPK effect on the cucumbers caused a high decay incidence when applied alone or in combination with (NH₄)₂SO₄. Therefore, the application rate may be revised or reduced to experiment if decay incidence would decline in storage. Further studies may extensively be carried out to note if varying the rate of NPK would impact positively on the shelf life of cucumber. (NH₄)₂SO₄ effect increased weight loss in cucumbers hence, better storage techniques should be considered by controlling high temperatures. Complete fertilizer; 15:15:15 NPK and (NH₄)₂SO₄ had a positive impact on protein and fibre. Hence, their application is recommended for increasing protein and fibre level in cucumbers.

Background: On the first of October 2018, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) launched an initiative; named “100 Million Healthy Lives”, for nationwide screening of hepatitis c virus (HCV) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV infection in the world where about 10% of the Egyptian population is affected by the disease. NCDs are the leading cause of mortality in Egypt and account for about 84% of all deaths. This study was conducted to a) Estimate the prevalence of participation in the national campaign on viral hepatitis C and non-communicable diseases among administrative workers in Ain shams University (ASU), b) Estimate the self-reported satisfaction of these participants with the campaign. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 administrative workers of ASU faculties between March and August 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. A multistage random sample was done. Results: The study showed that 96% of the study group participated in the campaign. “Evaluating health status” was considered the main reason for participation at 92%, followed by "desire to obtain follow-up card", at 36%. Non-participation rate was about 4% and the main cause of non-participation was “fear of needle prick". About 91% of the participants were satisfied with the provided services. Mass media played a major role in awareness about the campaign for 91% of participants. Conclusions: The majority of the study group participated and was satisfied with the campaign. Mass media played a major role in participant awareness of the campaign.

Background: In December 2019, a cluster of patients with unexplained viral pneumonia was identified in Wuhan, China. Since March 11^th 2020 the WHO declared COVID 19 as a pandemic with rising number of cases all over the world. Aim of the work: The aim of the study was to measure the percentages of possible, probable and provisionally excluded cases among the first 500 attendants of the triage of Ain Shams University Hospital and describe their epidemiological and clinical characteristics. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive case series study including the first 500 patients attending the triage of Ain Shams University Hospitals from March 29th to May 31st. A constructed questionnaire in the form of a scoring system was used and data was collected through interviewing the patients after appropriate consent. Results: As regard the scoring system, 72.2% of patients had new onset of cough or old worsened cough in the previous 3 days, 59.2% had sore throat and 59% had dyspnea. Out of the 500 cases 33.2% were probable, 38.2% were possible and 28.2% were provisionally excluded. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia usually occurred at an age younger than 47 years and it was more predominant in the male gender. The most common initial clinical presentations were new dry cough or chronic cough with worsening over the last 3 days, sore throat and/or runny nose and fever. Thirty-eight percent were classified as possible COVID-19 cases, and 33% were classified as probable.

The study was conducted to assess the antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus (Schum and Thonn) extract against Salmonella typhi causative agent of typhoid fever at the laboratories of the Departments of Chemistry and Theoretical and Applied Biology of the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The objectives were to determine the highest yield of crude extract of P. amarus using different proportions of water to ethanol and to determine the sensitivity of Salmonella typhi to these. Three different extraction procedures were carried out. In the first procedure, seven extraction setups each containing different proportions of the two extract (water and ethanol) were used with 10g of the plant sample. In the second procedure, eight setups were used for the two solvents. Ten grams of both fresh and dry plant sample were extracted in two different 200ml of water and in another two different 200ml of water; 20g of both fresh and dry plant sample were again extracted. The same procedure was repeated using ethanol as the solvent. In the third procedure, 10g each of fresh plant sample were boiled in 100ml and 200ml of water for 30 minutes. A sensitivity test to determine the zones of inhibition for the various plant extracts was done on Salmonella typhi isolated from human. Results from the crude yield of P. amarus using water only had the highest crude yield of 2.57g, followed by ethanol only which was 2.52g. The sensitivity studies conducted on the fresh P. amarus indicated that aqueous extract of P. amarus inhibited S. typhi to a zone of 5.00mm in 10g/200ml and 7.17mm in 20g/200ml. Ethanol extract also recorded an inhibition zone of 2.67mm and 5.33mm in 10g/200ml and 20g/200ml respectively. Again, sensitivity studies using dry P. amarus samples showed that the aqueous extracts recorded a zone of inhibition of 7.33mm in 10g/200ml and 13.50mm in 20g/200ml. Also ethanol extracts also recorded an inhibition zone of 6.83mm in 10g/200ml and 10.50mm in 20g/200ml. Significant differences were observed among the extracts and the control in both 10g/200ml and 20g/200ml concentrations (P<0.05). Aqueous and ethanol extracts of P. amarus proved inhibitory to S. typhi.

The Adventures of Sasa and Esi is a dance theatre that takes its story reference from two short Ghanaian folktale stories the Adventures of Sasa and Esi, and the Witch of the Forest which were written by Martin Otchere Owusu and directed by Johnson Kwaku Edu and Latipher Amma Osei. The production was staged at the Amu Theatre of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Education (UEW), Winneba from the 3^rd to the 6^th of November, 2016. Though the play was written for children it appeals to adults due to the lessons embedded in it. Both plays were adapted by the authors to include Ghanaian folk and popular contemporary choreographed dances and theatrical special effects make-up as key theatrical elements to drive the production and to project the element of spectacle. The style of presentation was naturalism and realism. The production also served as a learning platform for the cast and crew who were students in the Department of Theatre Arts, UEW as they participated in it. Through experimentation, experiences, and concept development, the directors’ style and professional background in technical theatre and creative dance heightened the element of naturalism and realism to underscore the theme of the play, understanding, and interpretation of the play.

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soils has become a global concern, which is often caused by anthropogenic activities, posing serious threat to all living beings. The study for evaluation of the variability of crude oil on the physicochemical characteristics of sandy loam soil was conducted at demonstration farm, Rivers state university, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. The Bonny light crude oil was obtained from an oil and gas production company. Uncontaminated soil was mixed with crude oil. Standard procedures were adopted for the laboratory analysis, the parameters analyzed include bulk density, total porosity, pH, available phosphorus (P), Total hydrocarbon content (THC), organic carbon, organic matter, exchangeable cation (Mg, K, Na, Ca), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), total exchangeable acidity (TEA), and base saturation were monitored for a period of 21 days. 10 kg of sandy loam soils were mixed with 100, 300, 500, and 700ml of crude oil while no crude oil serves as the control using plastic reactors. The reactor with 700ml of crude oil recorded the highest THC of 1734.33 mg/kg, followed by 500ml with a THC of 1601mg/kg while the control with no contamination recorded the least THC of 534.33mg/kg. However, the values of all concentrations did not meet 5000 mg/kg of Department of Petroleum Resources (2018) intervention value but exceeded the target value of 50 mg/kg. Other parameters followed same trend except porosity which decreased with increase in crude oil volume. There were significant differences at P< 0.05 except for pH, available P, and base saturation. Therefore, this study calls for the utilization of its findings for adoption of remediation on crude oil contaminated soils.

This paper brings to light efforts of male institutional leaders in the University of Education, Winneba in promoting the gender equality agenda and effects of their efforts in bridging the gender gaps in staff and students’ levels. It sheds further light on involving men in the gender mainstreaming efforts. Both primary and secondary data on gender equality and equity measures were used in this study. The study found that male Vice-Chancellors have over the years been devoted to promoting gender equality agenda in the University. The effects of their efforts are largely seen in the increase in the number of females that have benefited from the institutional mentorship and scholarship programmes, which has impacted positively on addressing the gender gaps in the University. It is recommended that new strategies be adopted in promoting gender equality agenda. These strategies include revision in gender policies to involve men as agents of change in gender mainstreaming activities; gender training for male staff and students of all levels and categories for effective gender work, offering specific trainings and interactive discussions on gender issues for men as volunteers for gender mainstreaming. The study further suggests among other things, the need to engage the university community in entertaining activities like cycling for the equality agenda to be made more real to men and court their interest to promote men’s involvement in gender work.

With numerous unique physical, mental, psychological, and emotional challenges associated with being a university-level student-athlete, it can be assumed that student-athletes may be at great risk of mental health conditions such as burnout. Burnout results from the interaction of three different elements: physical or emotional exhaustion, sport devaluation, and reduced athletic accomplishment. This study sought to answer the following research questions: (1) Why do student-athletes experience burnout in their sport?, and (2) What can be done to avoid burnout? using standard qualitative interviewing techniques of a Division I Women’s Soccer coach. There were two prominent themes answering research question 1: Perfection and Performative Social Media and It’s a Job and Coach is the Boss. There were three prominent themes identified answering research question 2: Parental Influence, De-Professionalize Amateur Sport, and Value Athletes’ Time. Where this work differs from other qualitative studies regarding athlete burnout, is that it explores the perceptions and opinions of a coach. The coach interviewed for this study clearly expressed concerns for his student-athletes and their holistic well-being. In addition to a continuation of scholarship through the student-athletes lens, more research conducted exploring the perspectives of coaches, parents, and institutional administrators in pursuit of solutions to mitigating the effect of burnout on student-athletes is of value.

As COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, universities and academic institutions were forced to shift their face-to-face education to online learning since spring 2020. This shift was termed “emergency remote education or learning”, caused many distractions to students, and posed many challenges for both assessment and examination systems and practices at our Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Biomedical Science Institute, like other educational institutions worldwide. This necessitated the development of alternative and effective approaches and procedures to teach students, and several changes and adaptions of assessments and examinations at ZJU-UoE institute. In this article, we described the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for student assessment systems and practices at ZJU-UoE Institute. The article is particularly reflecting on alternative approaches and strategies that we have developed at ZJU-UoE institute to change and adapt student assessments and examinations during COVID-19 pandemic. These changes involved developing general examination strategies and settings, including online (MCQ-type) test exam settings and online written exam settings, and developing effective procedure and policy to safeguard academic integrity during the COVID-19 pandemic that can help with facing various education and learning challenges in a time of crisis worldwide.

In modern times, a lot of light has been thrown on Information literacy by empirical studies due to its significant role in facilitating access to information and use as well as lifetime learning. It is one of the main factors responsible for the information explosion and a key determining factor for students’ success in academics. The study gauged students’ attitudes on the IL programmes of the University for Development Studies (UDS) using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study discovered that students did not consider the library as a source of academic knowledge and information since their frequency of visiting was low. The study also showed that 43.1% of the respondents go to the library at least once a week while the majority (56.9%) of the respondents either visited the library once a month or not at all. Early Childhood and Basic Education, Development Education, Social Change Communication and Renewable Natural Resources, are the courses pursued by those who utilized the library every day. Alternatively, no student pursuing B. Ed Business Studies made use of the library daily and 48.6% of them did not enter the library at all. The majority (58%) of the respondents had not been oriented on the use of the library. It was realized that 49.8% were knowledgeable of the fact that electronic resources are available in the library. The remaining (50.2%) did not have any knowledge of electronic resources in the library and were unlikely to make use of them. The utilization of electronic resources also varied according to programmes of study. Students who had comparatively higher access to such resources were pursuing Early Childhood and Basic Education. The study also realized that students’ interest in participating in Information Literacy programmes in the university increased and this increased the quality of their information literacy skills. With their awareness and know-how in information literacy, they can use the internet to retrieve the necessary information for academic work. The study makes some recommendations, Principals and Deans should coordinate to organize more Information Literacy Programmes, increased staff participation in the teaching of the IL Programmes and lastly, implementation of Academic Board pronouncements on the IL Programme. This will go a long way to improve access and enhance the use of information in the university.

This is a comprehensive, multi-year study designed to explore proactive security technologies implemented in cloud-driven retail technology architectures. Deploying cloud technologies in the retail environment creates a need for more comprehensive and proactive security technologies that protect both the psychological estate and fiscal estate. This work contributes to cloud-driven retail research by investigating anticipatory security technologies across numerous case studies. These case studies offer best practice models for elevating proactive cybersecurity in retail environments. The academic and professional communities currently lack security information and practices that apply to the retail environment. It is anticipated that the final results of this project will have value in shaping the next set of research in cybersecurity in retail environments. Many retail organizations are restricted to reactive security operations. Advanced security technologies operate on piloted activations that require the intervention of security analysts. In actuality, basic security products and security operations are now piloted by automation and machine learning. In one case study, a retail CTO shares a forensics example using a proactive security technology aimed at both psychological estate and fiscal estate. In another case study, direct discussions provide a retail university lecturer with insight into the use of driven intelligence for inventory management. The use of card technology for a model is used as an example that can be implemented as security technology which can be offered as a service to retail organizations.