Retail Store Managers’ Strategies to Reduce Employees’ Voluntary Turnover

Employee voluntary turnover can adversely affect the retail industry workforce and business success. Retail managers are concerned with high voluntary turnover as it leads to high hiring costs, poor customer service, and low productivity for store managers. Grounded in Vroom’s expectancy theory and Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies retail store managers use to reduce employees’ voluntary turnover. The participants were five store managers from five Delaware retail stores who successfully reduced employee voluntary turnover. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of publicly available company documents. Using thematic analysis, four themes emerged: (a) effective training, (b) competitive wages and compensation, (c) building relationships and trust between employees and their managers, and (d) empowering employees. A key recommendation is for retail managers to prioritize building relationships with employees by actively listening to their concerns and providing career development to foster inclusiveness in the workplace. The implications for positive social change include the potential to lower unemployment rates and reduce economic instability. Additionally, increased profits support local projects, such as building roads and providing educational opportunities for underprivileged citizens

Reducing Drill and Blast Cost through Blast Optimisation – A Case Study

This paper studied the current cost trends associated with the drill and blast operations of Golden Star Resources, an open pit gold mine in Ghana, and further developed a suitable, cost-effective drill and blast geometric parameters for the mine. The study was conducted on three operational pits of the mine, namely Blocks A, B and C. The surface mine was challenged with high cost trends in its drilling and blasting operations. The current and two proposed sets of blast geometric parameters for each active pit, for ore and waste zones, were assessed with the Kuz-Ram fragmentation model. The estimated mean fragment size for the proposed blast parameters were within the desired fragment size range (25 – 65 cm) of the mine, and explosive energy was effectively utilised per in-situ material blasted. The estimated total volume of in-situ material blasted using the proposed blast parameters increased by 14.3 to 50.0% for ore zones and 12.5 to 50.0% for waste zones over current blast parameters. The estimated total drill and blast cost savings if the proposed blast parameters were adopted ranged from 5.3 to 12.2% for ore zones and 2.9 to 14.8% for waste zones.Keywords: Burden, Spacing, Explosives density, Powder Factor, Cost savin

Blast Impact Prediction Studies at Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) Limited, Nsuta, Ghana

Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) Limited has its mining operations currently concentrated in the Pit C area, and the company intends to re-develop the northern extension known as Pit C North, close to Tarkwa-Banso community. Mining of the pits involve both free digging and drilling and blasting of the overburden and the fresh competent rocks respectively. To conduct safe blasting operations in the Pit C North, studies were undertaken to assess the environmental impacts of blast associated with ground vibration, air blast and fly rock at 400 m from the pit periphery. It is however envisaged that settlements within 400 m from the pit periphery should be resettled by the Company. Various models were used to predict the blast impact in terms of ground vibration, air blast and fly rock distance. The ground vibration at 400 m from the pit periphery predicted with the USBM model is 0.67 mm/s but predicted with Gustaffson’s model is 1.15 mm/s. Both predicted ground vibration values are below the Ghanaian’s regulatory threshold of 2 mm/s. Similarly, at 400 m from the pit periphery, the predicted maximum air blast based on current drill and blast design parameters of the Mine is 52.17 dB (L). This predicted air blast value is lower than Ghanaian’s regulatory threshold of 117 dB (L). The estimated maximum fly rock throw from Pit C North using the current drill and blast design parameters is 194 m. By adhering to best blasting practices and current drill and blast design parameters for Pit C North, impacts of ground vibration, air blast and fly rock on the neighbouring Tarkwa-Banso community are within the acceptable regulatory requirement for residential areas.Keywords: Blast impact, Environment, Prediction, Regulatory threshol

Impact Assessment of Atmospheric Pollutants Emissions from Mining Operations at Ghana Managanese Company Ltd.

Atmospheric pollutants diffusion study was conducted around the operational sites and immediate neighbouring communities of Ghana Manganese Company (GMC). The pollutants are emitted by sources associated with the main operations and activities of the mine including on-bench rock drilling and blasting, material excavation and hauling, vehicular movements and mine machinery exhaust emissions, as well as crushing of blasted rocks. Methodologies involving computerised dispersion modelling was used to estimate near-field ambient pollutant impacts on neighbouring Tarkwa-Banso community, at 400 m from the Mine’s nearest operational site (Pit C North). The community is located in the dispersive fan of North to the East-South-Eastern part of the mine site. Measured airborne particulates (PM10 and TSP) concentrations in the Tarkwa-Banso community were below Ghana EPA’s permissible limits of 70 µg/m3 and 150 µg/m3 respectively. The predicted monthly concentrations of the airborne particulates (PM10 and TSP) at 400 m buffer from the crushing plant were greatly lower than the permissible regulatory limits. With effective dust mitigation measures, the predicted PM10 and TSP dust concentrations emanating from drilling, blasting, loading and hauling activities at Pit C North were also generally lower than the regulatory requirement. All the predicted monthly concentrations of NOx and SO2 at the 400 m buffer from Pit C North were significantly lower than the allowable regulatory requirement of 60 µg/m3 and 100 µg/m3 respectively. The study indicates that, the operation of the crushing plant together with the general mining operations at Pit C North in the mine has no significant impact on Tarkwa-Banso community.  Keywords: Impacts, Particulates Matter, Concentration Levels, Environment, Predictio

Empirical evidence of SMEs' ecopreneurship posture, green competitiveness and community-based performance: the neglected missing linkages of green practices

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct and mediation effects of small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) ecopreneurship posture (EP), green inbound practices (GIP), green production practices (GPP), green outbound practices (GOP), community-based performance (CBP) and green competitiveness (GC). Design/methodology/approach: Empirical data for the study were garnered by utilizing questionnaire from Ghanaian manufacturing SMEs. Structural equation modeling, specifically partial least squares is applied to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings: The findings suggest that SMEs' EP, GIP and GPP have significant positive effects on CBP and GC. However, while GOP has a significant effect on GC, it has no significant effect on CBP. Moreover, the mediation result demonstrates that while GIP and GPP significantly mediates the relationship between SMEs' EP and CBP, GOP does not provide any mediation mechanism through which SMEs' EP influence CBP. The result further confirms the mediation roles of GIP, GPP and GOP between SMEs' EP and GC. Originality/value: This research offers novel empirical evidence by exploring the mediation roles of GIP, GPP and GOP between EP, CBP and GC through the lenses of the natural resource-based view and stakeholder theoretical perspectives

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genotypes prevalent in West Africa

Findings from previous comparative genomics studies of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) suggest genomic variation among the genotypes may have phenotypic implications. We investigated the diversity in the phenotypic profiles of the main prevalent MTBC genotypes in West Africa. Thirty-six whole genome sequenced drug susceptible MTBC isolates belonging to lineages 4, 5 and 6 were included in this study. The isolates were phenotypically characterized for urease activity, tween hydrolysis, Thiophen-2-Carboxylic Acid Hydrazide (TCH) susceptibility, nitric oxide production, and growth rate in both liquid (7H9) and solid media (7H11 and Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J)). Lineage 4 isolates showed the highest growth rate in both liquid (p = 0.0003) and on solid (L-J) media supplemented with glycerol (p<0.001) or pyruvate (p = 0.005). L6 isolates optimally utilized pyruvate compared to glycerol (p<0.001), whereas L5 isolates grew similarly on both media (p = 0.05). Lineage 4 isolates showed the lowest average time to positivity (TTP) (p = 0.01; Average TTP: L4 = 15days, L5 = 16.7days, L6 = 29.7days) and the highest logCFU/mL (p = 0.04; average logCFU/mL L4 = 5.9, L5 = 5.0, L6 = 4.4) on 7H11 supplemented with glycerol, but there was no significant difference in growth on 7H11 supplemented with pyruvate (p = 0.23). The highest release of nitrite was recorded for L5 isolates, followed by L4 and L6 isolates. However, the reverse was observed in the urease activity for the lineages. All isolates tested were resistant to TCH except for one L6 isolate. Comparative genomic analyses revealed several mutations that might explain the diverse phenotypic profiles of these isolates. Our findings showed significant phenotypic diversity among the MTBC lineages used for this study

Analysis of drug resistance among difficult-to-treat tuberculosis patients in Ghana identifies several pre-XDR TB cases

BACKGROUND: Resistance to tuberculosis (TB) drugs has become a major threat to global control efforts. Early case detection and drug susceptibility profiling of the infecting bacteria are essential for appropriate case management. The objective of this study was to determine the drug susceptibility profiles of difficult-to-treat (DTT) TB patients in Ghana. METHODS: Sputum samples obtained from DTT-TB cases from health facilities across Ghana were processed for rapid diagnosis and detection of drug resistance using the Genotype MTBDRplus and Genotype MTBDRsl.v2 from Hain Life science. RESULTS: A total of 298 (90%) out of 331 sputum samples processed gave interpretable bands out of which 175 (58.7%) were resistant to at least one drug (ANY(r)); 16.8% (50/298) were isoniazid-mono-resistant (INH(r)), 16.8% (50/298) were rifampicin-mono-resistant (RIF(r)), and 25.2% (75/298) were MDR. 24 (13.7%) of the ANY(r) were additionally resistant to at least one second line drug: 7.4% (2 RIF(r), 1 INH(r), and 10 MDR samples) resistant to only FQs and 2.3% (2 RIF(r), 1 INH(r), and 1 MDR samples) resistant to AMG drugs kanamycin (KAN), amikacin (AMK), capreomycin (CAP), and viomycin (VIO). Additionally, there were 4.0% (5 RIF(r) and 2 MDR samples) resistant to both FQs and AMGs. 81 (65.6%) out of 125 INH-resistant samples including INH(r) and MDR had katG-mutations (MT) whereas 15 (12%) had inhApro-MT. The remaining 28 (22.4%) had both katG and inhA MT. All the 19 FQ-resistant samples were gyrA mutants whereas the 10 AMGs were rrs (3), eis (3) as well as rrs, and eis co-mutants (4). Except for the seven pre-XDR samples, no sample had eis MT. CONCLUSION: The detection of several pre-XDR TB cases in Ghana calls for intensified drug resistance surveillance and monitoring of TB patients to, respectively, ensure early diagnosis and treatment compliance

Association between Aflatoxin M1 and Liver Disease in HBV/HCV Infected Persons in Ghana

Aflatoxins are produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are common food contaminants in tropical developing countries. Extensive aflatoxin consumption has been shown to be highly associated with liver disease. A case-control study was conducted to determine the association between aflatoxin and liver disease in Kumasi, Ghana. A questionnaire was administered to examine socio-demographic characteristics and food storage and consumption practices, and urine samples were collected to measure levels of the aflatoxin metabolite (AFM1). Two hundred and seventy-six people participated in the study; 38 had liver disease (cases), 136 had neither hepatitis B/C nor liver disease (negative controls), and 102 were hepatitis B/C positive without liver cancer (positive controls). A much higher percent of participants in each group was male (76% of cases, 88% of negative controls and 65% of positive controls). Multivariate analysis showed that age was a significant predictor for being a case when cases were compared to negative controls. The odds of being a case was 70% less for participants aged 25–34 years (odds ratios (OR) 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.88) compared to those ≥45 years. For cases; Akans were seven times more likely to have AFM1 levels below the median when compared to other ethnic groups (OR 7; CI 1.41–34.68). When cases were compared to positive controls, they were 2.29 times more likely to report awareness of aflatoxin contamination of groundnuts (95% CI 1.06–4.91). Cases were also two times more likely to report awareness of aflatoxin contamination of maize than all controls combined (95% CI 1.02–4.11). However, most cases reported that aflatoxin contamination does not cause sickness in humans. This shows that there is awareness of aflatoxin contamination without proper understanding of the serious potential adverse health impacts among these study participants. These findings indicate that educational interventions that stress the harmful health effects of aflatoxin in food, with an emphasis on the higher risk for males, are urgently needed. The reasons for lower aflatoxin levels among Akans need to be determined, and the findings used to design interventions that benefit other ethnic groups in the society

A scorecard of progress towards measles elimination in 15 west African countries, 2001-19: a retrospective, multicountry analysis of national immunisation coverage and surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: The WHO Regional Office for the Africa Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group, in 2011, adopted the measles control and elimination goals for all countries of the African region to achieve in 2015 and 2020 respectively. Our aim was to track the current status of progress towards measles control and elimination milestones across 15 west African countries between 2001 and 2019. METHODS: We did a retrospective multicountry series analysis of national immunisation coverage and case surveillance data from Jan 1, 2001, to Dec 31, 2019. Our analysis focused on the 15 west African countries that constitute the Economic Community of West African States. We tracked progress in the coverage of measles-containing vaccines (MCVs), measles supplementary immunisation activities, and measles incidence rates. We developed a country-level measles summary scorecard using eight indicators to track progress towards measles elimination as of the end of 2019. The summary indicators were tracked against measles control and elimination milestones. FINDINGS: The weighted average regional first-dose MCV coverage in 2019 was 66% compared with 45% in 2001. 73% (11 of 15) of the west African countries had introduced second-dose MCV as of December, 2019. An estimated 4 588 040 children (aged 12-23 months) did not receive first-dose MCV in 2019, the majority (71%) of whom lived in Nigeria. Based on the scorecard, 12 (80%) countries are off-track to achieving measles elimination milestones; however, Cape Verde, The Gambia, and Ghana have made substantial progress. INTERPRETATION: Measles will continue to be endemic in west Africa after 2020. The regional measles incidence rate in 2019 was 33 times the 2020 elimination target of less than 1 case per million population. However, some hope exists as countries can look at the efforts made by Cape Verde, The Gambia, and Ghana and learn from them. FUNDING: None

Association between Aflatoxin M1 and Liver Disease in HBV/HCV Infected Persons in Ghana

Aflatoxins are produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are common food contaminants in tropical developing countries. Extensive aflatoxin consumption has been shown to be highly associated with liver disease. A case-control study was conducted to determine the association between aflatoxin and liver disease in Kumasi, Ghana. A questionnaire was administered to examine socio-demographic characteristics and food storage and consumption practices, and urine samples were collected to measure levels of the aflatoxin metabolite (AFM1). Two hundred and seventy-six people participated in the study; 38 had liver disease (cases), 136 had neither hepatitis B/C nor liver disease (negative controls), and 102 were hepatitis B/C positive without liver cancer (positive controls). A much higher percent of participants in each group was male (76% of cases, 88% of negative controls and 65% of positive controls). Multivariate analysis showed that age was a significant predictor for being a case when cases were compared to negative controls. The odds of being a case was 70% less for participants aged 25–34 years (odds ratios (OR) 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.88) compared to those ≥45 years. For cases; Akans were seven times more likely to have AFM1 levels below the median when compared to other ethnic groups (OR 7; CI 1.41–34.68). When cases were compared to positive controls, they were 2.29 times more likely to report awareness of aflatoxin contamination of groundnuts (95% CI 1.06–4.91). Cases were also two times more likely to report awareness of aflatoxin contamination of maize than all controls combined (95% CI 1.02–4.11). However, most cases reported that aflatoxin contamination does not cause sickness in humans. This shows that there is awareness of aflatoxin contamination without proper understanding of the serious potential adverse health impacts among these study participants. These findings indicate that educational interventions that stress the harmful health effects of aflatoxin in food, with an emphasis on the higher risk for males, are urgently needed. The reasons for lower aflatoxin levels among Akans need to be determined, and the findings used to design interventions that benefit other ethnic groups in the society