Undergraduate hospitality students’ perceptions of careers in the industry: The Ghanaian context

The study examined undergraduate students’ perceptions about careers in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Students were sampled from traditional and technical public universities through a stratified random sampling technique. With a sample size of 1 341, exploratory factor analysis, t-test and one-way analysis of variance were employed to analyse the data. The findings show that career attractiveness, prestige and mobility and the nature of hospitality careers were the main constructs of students’ perceptions about careers in the hospitality industry. Also, undergraduate students were generally indifferent about careers in the industry. Specifically, students perceived careers in the industry to offer opportunities to meet new people, but this was also stressful. Implications for educators and industry practitioners are presented. Keywords: careers, Ghana, hospitality industry, industry experience, perceptions, undergraduate student

Antibody-Driven Assembly of Plasmonic Core–Satellites to Increase the Sensitivity of a SERS Vertical Flow Immunoassay

Here, we describe a SERS-based vertical flow assay as a platform technology suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing. A capture substrate is constructed from filter paper embedded with spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and functionalized with an appropriate capture antibody. The capture substrate is loaded into a filtration device and connected to a syringe to rapidly and repeatedly pass the sample through the sensor for efficient antigen binding. The antigen is then labeled with a SERS-active detection probe. We show that only a few Raman reporter molecules, exclusively located adjacent to the plasmonic capture substrate, generate detectible signals. To maximize the signal from underutilized Raman reporter molecules, we employ a secondary signal enhancing probe that undergoes antibody-directed assembly to form plasmonic core–satellites. This facile enhancement step provides a 3.5-fold increase in the signal and a detection limit of 0.23 ng/mL (1.6 pM) for human IgG. This work highlights the potential to rationally design plasmonic architectures using widely available and reproducible spherical AuNPs to achieve large SERS enhancements for highly sensitive POC diagnostics

Assessing Internal Controls among Insurance companies in Ghana

This study assessed the internal controls system in the insurance companies in Ghana. Data were collected from internal auditors in the insurance industry in Ghana and in total, 91 questionnaires were successfully administered. The study employed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) as the analytical tool.There was a statistically significant difference among categories of insurance companies on the combined dependent variables (internal control variables-Control Activities, Monitoring, Information and Communication, Control Environment, and Risk Analysis). When the results for the dependent variables were considered separately, the variables that contributed to the statistical significance are the Control Activities, Monitoring, Control Environment and Risk Analysis.The study recommended that National Insurance Commission should organise seminar on effective implementation of internal controls for the insurance companies in Ghana with much focus on brokerage reinsurance, reinsurance and lost adjusters companies

Assessing Internal Controls among Insurance companies in Ghana

This study assessed the internal controls system in the insurance companies in Ghana. Data were collected from internal auditors in the insurance industry in Ghana and in total, 91 questionnaires were successfully administered. The study employed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) as the analytical tool.There was a statistically significant difference among categories of insurance companies on the combined dependent variables (internal control variables-Control Activities, Monitoring, Information and Communication, Control Environment, and Risk Analysis). When the results for the dependent variables were considered separately, the variables that contributed to the statistical significance are the Control Activities, Monitoring, Control Environment and Risk Analysis.The study recommended that National Insurance Commission should organise seminar on effective implementation of internal controls for the insurance companies in Ghana with much focus on brokerage reinsurance, reinsurance and lost adjusters companies

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Transmission in a Ghanaian Burn Unit:The Importance of Active Surveillance in Resource-Limited Settings

Objectives:Staphylococcus aureus infections in burn patients can lead to serious complications and death. The frequency of S. aureus infection is high in low- and middle-income countries presumably due to limited resources, misuse of antibiotics and poor infection control. The objective of the present study was to apply population genomics to precisely define, for the first time, the transmission of antibiotic resistant S. aureus in a resource-limited setting in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods:Staphylococcus aureus surveillance was performed amongst burn patients and healthcare workers during a 7-months survey within the burn unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.Results: Sixty-six S. aureus isolates (59 colonizing and 7 clinical) were obtained from 31 patients and 10 healthcare workers. Twenty-one of these isolates were ST250-IV methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Notably, 25 (81%) of the 31 patients carried or were infected with S. aureus within 24 h of admission. Genome comparisons revealed six distinct S. aureus clones circulating in the burn unit, and demonstrated multiple transmission events between patients and healthcare workers. Further, the collected S. aureus isolates exhibited a wide range of genotypic resistances to antibiotics, including trimethoprim (21%), aminoglycosides (33%), oxacillin (33%), chloramphenicol (50%), tetracycline (59%) and fluoroquinolones (100%).Conclusion: Population genomics uncovered multiple transmission events of S. aureus, especially MRSA, within the investigated burn unit. Our findings highlight lapses in infection control and prevention, and underscore the great importance of active surveillance to protect burn victims against multi-drug resistant pathogens in resource-limited settings

Virulence potential of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Buruli ulcer patients

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. BU wounds may also be colonized with other microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to characterize the virulence factors of S. aureus isolated from BU patients. Previously sequenced genomes of 21 S. aureus isolates from BU patients were screened for the presence of virulence genes. The results show that all S. aureus isolates harbored on their core genomes genes for known virulence factors like alpha-hemolysin, and the a and beta-phenol soluble modulins. Besides the core genome virulence genes, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), i.e. prophages, genomic islands, pathogenicity islands and a Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (ECG) were found to carry different combinations of virulence factors, among them genes that are known to encode factors that promote immune evasion, superantigens and Panton-Valentine Leucocidin. The present observations imply That the S. aureus isolates from BU patients harbor a diverse repertoire of virulence genes that may enhance bacterial survival and persistence in the wound environment and potentially contribute to delayed wound healing

Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Transmitted between Patients with Buruli Ulcer

BACKGROUND:Buruli ulcer (BU) is a skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The wounds of most BU patients are colonized with different microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus. METHODOLOGY:This study investigated possible patient-to-patient transmission events of S. aureus during wound care in a health care center. S. aureus isolates from different BU patients with overlapping visits to the clinic were whole-genome sequenced and analyzed by a gene-by-gene approach using SeqSphere(+) software. In addition, sequence data were screened for the presence of genes that conferred antibiotic resistance. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:SeqSphere(+) analysis of whole-genome sequence data confirmed transmission of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin susceptible S. aureus among patients that took place during wound care. Interestingly, our sequence data show that the investigated MRSA isolates carry a novel allele of the fexB gene conferring chloramphenicol resistance, which had thus far not been observed in S. aureus

Detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans by the Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method

In order to develop a simple and rapid test that can be used to diagnose Buruli ulcer under field conditions, we modified the conventional LAMP assay by using a disposable pocket warmer as a heating device for generating a constant temperature for the test reaction and employed the use of crude sample preparations consisting of boiled and unboiled extracts of the clinical specimen instead of using purified DNA as the diagnostic specimen. Thirty clinical specimens from suspected Buruli ulcer patients were investigated by the modified LAMP (or pocket warmer LAMP) and the conventional LAMP, as well as IS2404 PCR, a reference method for the detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans. There was no significant difference in the detection rate (63–70%) in all of the methods when purified samples were used for the tests. On the other hand the use of crude specimen preparation resulted in a drop in detection rate (30–40%). This study demonstrates that the LAMP test can be used for rapid detection of M. ulcerans when purified DNA preparations are used. With further improvements in the sample reaction, as well as in specimen purification, the pocket warmer LAMP may provide a simple and rapid diagnostic test for Buruli ulcer

Basic science232. Certolizumab pegol prevents pro-inflammatory alterations in endothelial cell function

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a leading cause of death. Chronic systemic inflammation involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could contribute to endothelial activation and atherogenesis. A number of anti-TNF therapies are in current use for the treatment of RA, including certolizumab pegol (CZP), (Cimzia ®; UCB, Belgium). Anti-TNF therapy has been associated with reduced clinical cardiovascular disease risk and ameliorated vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms underpinning CZP effects on TNF-activated human endothelial cells. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to a) TNF alone, b) TNF plus CZP, or c) neither agent. Microarray analysis was used to examine the transcriptional profile of cells treated for 6 hrs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysed gene expression at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hrs. NF-κB localization and IκB degradation were investigated using immunocytochemistry, high content analysis and western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect microparticle release from HAoECs. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed that while TNF alone had strong effects on endothelial gene expression, TNF and CZP in combination produced a global gene expression pattern similar to untreated control. The two most highly up-regulated genes in response to TNF treatment were adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1 (q 0.2 compared to control; p > 0.05 compared to TNF alone). The NF-κB pathway was confirmed as a downstream target of TNF-induced HAoEC activation, via nuclear translocation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB, effects which were abolished by treatment with CZP. In addition, flow cytometry detected an increased production of endothelial microparticles in TNF-activated HAoECs, which was prevented by treatment with CZP. Conclusions: We have found at a cellular level that a clinically available TNF inhibitor, CZP reduces the expression of adhesion molecule expression, and prevents TNF-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, CZP prevents the production of microparticles by activated endothelial cells. This could be central to the prevention of inflammatory environments underlying these conditions and measurement of microparticles has potential as a novel prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in this patient group. Disclosure statement: Y.A. received a research grant from UCB. I.B. received a research grant from UCB. S.H. received a research grant from UCB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interes

An exploratory study on the self-concept and the spiritual well-being of commercial sex workers

This study sought to explore the “inner world” of the Strip Dancers and Guest Relations Officers (GROs) currently involved as commercial sex workers (CSWs), and what specifically triggered them into commercial sex work, their self-concept and their spiritual well-being. Using the kuwentong buhay, an in-depth interview which is feminine friendly, eleven ladies aged 18 to 24 years were interviewed, five of whom were strip dancers and the other six, GROs. The main finding was that the women entered the CSW in order to free themselves and their families from poverty. The distant reasons for entry included abuses meted on them as children, minimum educational background, broken homes and broken marriages, homes of constant conflicts, and other environmental reasons. They entered at the invitations of their friends and relatives who assured them that the CSW is an easy work. All those who entered as GROs were using it as a stepping stone to go abroad. The female participants’ self-concept were very negative: one that had been irreparably damaged and still being damaged, stained and degraded by their experiences of abuse and prostitution, and therefore deserved no honor, love, or happiness. What kept them in the work was survival, fat financial incentives, and the hope they held of supporting their families, going abroad, waiting for their “soul mates” that would take them away from poverty and bring them dignity, respect, and real love and happiness. Having negative self-concept has adversely affected their spiritual well-being. Though they carry religious images, other religious items, and still rely on God to prevent them from harm, they expressed that their work has actually affected their relationships with God, neighbor, and environment. They are unhappy with what they do which is contrary to their inner voice of morality and their religion and also contrary to the expectations of their society and culture. Considering the needs of the participants, an intervention program was drawn to help enhance the self-concept of GROs and Strip Dancers who leave the work; by so doing their spiritual well-being may also be strengthened and help them perceive a more meaningful and decent life as they merge into a more transformed and less hostile society