The potentiality of leather as alternative material for sustaining mask production in Ghana

This study explored the viability of the Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather for the production of aesthetic masks for ornamental purposes. The study was basically experimental, and all processes were observed and recorded carefully for analysis. Modeling technique was principally used in three experiments to produce masks with three different thicknesses of leather acquired from cow hides. The thicknesses were purposively selected. The outcome of the study has confirmed the versatility of leather as alternative material for mask production. The study has strategically created another impetus in diversifying and expanding the utility of Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather aside the conventional usage for making bags, sandals and footrests. Keywords: Leather, Mask, Alternative Material, Sustainabilit

Sanative Measures against Offensive Odour that Affect Indigenous tanned Leathers in Ghana

The negative impact of offensive odour associated with indigenous tanned leathers in Ghana is very high, thus making the promotion of the local leather products difficult in both local and external markets. This paper describes technology that can be adopted to control the offensive odour that affects the value of indigenous leather and leather products. Experiments were thus carried out using material and technical means to determine the possibility of curbing the offensive odour associated with these indigenous tanned leathers. The material and technical means refer to the use of sanding tool to sand off excess flesh from the fleshy side of leather; and soaking of leather in a soapy water made with perfume toilet-soap after which drying is done under room temperature. The experiments proved that the presence of excess flesh and fatty substances left after tanning and the use of untreated organic substances are the primary causes of offensive odour in the indigenous tanned leathers and leather products. The technology so devised has led to the production of leathers that are free of offensive odour.Keywords: Odour, Flesh, Leather, Pelt, Tanned Leathe

The Poetics of Traditional Ghanaian Beads

The use of beads in Ghana is a site for a robust cultural meaning-making Beads have been very popular in the past and are growing stronger in popularity with modernity to the extent that their modern meanings seem to be eclipsing the traditional ones This paper takes us back to their traditional meanings by examining closely their relationship with the wearer Using qualitative instruments of research methodology basically through interviews and participant observation this paper by examining the bead as a cultural text identifies two main relationships between the bead and the wearer the synecdochic and the metonymic relationships Using mainly linguistic theories to interrogating these relationships the paper relying on the entextualization theory of Michael Silverstein and Greg Urban and the performance theory of Richard Bauman discovers that in addition to being objects of aesthetics as the modern meanings mainly suggest the bead has very important traditional meanings The paper also demonstrates that where the bead is placed on the body is a function of traditional meanings Again when the bead is used is also contingent upon traditional meaning

Metabolic syndrome and subclinical Atherosclerosis: association, remodeling and its associated risk factors

This dissertation sought to examine the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with subclinical atherosclerosis, carotid artery remodeling and its related risk factors, as well as the longitudinal effect of MetS status changes on carotid artery remodeling, in midlife women in three manuscripts. In the first manuscript, the MetS, via all definitions, was significantly associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. The MetS components most strongly and consistently associated with carotid IMT and plaque were higher blood pressure and greater fasting glucose across all definitions considered in the current study. In the second manuscript, the MetS was significantly associated with maladaptive remodeling of the common carotid artery. Our findings also showed that the association between MetS and carotid artery remodeling was independent of select measure of inflammatory, hemodynamic, and metabolic risk factors. Finally, we observed differential maladaptive remodeling patterns of the common carotid artery with MetS status by race/ethnicity. In the third manuscript, midlife women with persistent MetS status were observed to have maladaptive remodeling of the carotid artery compared to those who never developed MetS over time after adjusting for potential confounders. Higher systolic blood pressure and larger waist circumference were significant and consistent determinants of adverse carotid artery remodeling in our current study. Each manuscript contributes uniquely to public health. Metabolic syndrome is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife women. Pharmacological intervention and lifestyle changes to target and prevent the metabolic syndrome construct or its components among midlife women may subsequently slow or reduce progression of atherosclerosis

Towards the Consideration of the U.S. Community College Model to Address the Need for Higher Education Reforms in Ghana

The higher education systems throughout the continent of Africa are undergoing unprecedented challenges and are considered in crisis. African countries, including Ghana, all have in common ties to their colonial legacy whereby they are confronted with weak policies put in place by their colonizers. Having gained their independence, Africans should now take responsibility for the task of reforming their higher education system. To date, nothing substantial has been accomplished, with serious implications for weakening and damaging the structures of the foundation of their educational systems. This qualitative, single case study utilized a postcolonial theory-critical pedagogy framework, providing guidance for coming to grips with the mindset posed by Ghana\u27s colonial heritage in the postcolonial era, especially in terms of its damaging effects on Ghana\u27s higher education system. The study explores alternative pathways for secondary school students to transition to tertiary education--a problematic transition that currently hinders open access to all and equality in educational opportunity, resulting in a tremendous pool of discontinued students. This transitional problem is directly related to Ghana\u27s crisis in higher education with far reaching consequences. The alternative pathway considered in this study is an adaptation of the U.S. community college model or an integration of its applicable aspects into the current structures of the higher education system already in place. In-depth interviews were conducted with 5 Ghanaian professors teaching at community colleges in the United States, 5 Ghanaian professors teaching at universities in Ghana, and 2 educational consultants from the Ghanaian Ministry of Education. Based on their perspectives of the current state of Ghanaian higher education, analyzed in terms of pedagogy, structure/infrastructure, and curriculum, the participants provided their perceptions of salient aspects of the U.S. community college model that would be applicable to Ghana\u27s situation, along with other recommendations. Access to all, including equality of educational opportunity, was considered essential, followed by adaptability, affordability, practicality, and quality of curriculum content and delivery. Canada\u27s successful adaptation of the U.S. model was also discussed. Findings can help guide consideration of alternative pathways to higher education in Ghana and Africa as a whole

Dynamism of Beauty Pageantry: The Conceptual Frame of Ghana’s Most Beautiful Pageant

In the African continent and for that matter Ghana, little is written or known about beauty pageantry. Viewers for the past 14 years, watch Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) yearly without enough documentation on the relevance of its concept.  This article expounds the main concept of the pageant and its possible significance on the Ghanaian society. Descriptive research design was employed to obtain answers to questions regarding its activities. The Population consisted of participants from contestants’ hometowns while the sample was purposively selected according to various stakeholders involved.  Research instruments employed were observation, interviews and content analyses. The study revealed that the pageant’s concept did not only align with its focus, but also promoted businesses and adoption of cultural values. It is a yearly event full of educative and brilliant scenes geared towards possible live transformations. It is recommended that GMB continues to evaluate its yearly events to avoid deviation from concept into undesired practices. Keywords: Dynamism, Beauty Pageantry, Conceptual Frame, Ghana’s Most Beautiful DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-16-06 Publication date:August 31st 202