Restructed process map for solving broadband and mobile data complaints at Vodafone Ghana

Applied project submitted to the Department of Business Administration, Ashesi University, in partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, April 2019Vodafone Ghana previously, Ghana Telecom is a company in the telecommunications industry in Ghana that delivers a widespread of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. In increasing Vodafone’s market share and maintaining Vodafone’s relevance in the market, a needs assessment was conducted to identify the gaps in their services and later a proposed solution was provided. From the needs assessment, the gap identified was the differences in the time the company uses to solve a broadband or mobile data complaint and the time the customers expect their complaints to get solved. It was concluded that Vodafone had and issue concerning service quality and needed a system that will ensure efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Reviewed literature revealed that Vodafone had a problem with the responsive aspect of their services. In relation to this problem identified, reviewed articles continued to highlight on the importance of service quality and how it is important in increasing both customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. In addition, the study provided ways in which service providers in the telecommunication industry could enhance their services which informed the proposed solution which was a service blueprint in association with the value stream mapping tool. The proposed solution suggested that Vodafone had to look at their value stream, to take out non value added processes that reduce the responsive aspect of their service quality. The removal of non-value added processes will not only ensure that Vodafone’s services are efficient but will ensure that the preferences of customers are catered for.Ashesi Universit

Direct Recruitment of eIF4GI and/DAP5 to the 5\u27 UTR of a Subset of Human mRNA Drives Their Cap-independent Translation

During unfavorable cellular conditions (e.g., tumor hypoxia, viral infection, nutrient deprivation, etc.), the canonical, cap-dependent translation initiation pathway in human cells is suppressed by sequestration of the cap-binding protein, eukaryotic initiation factor(eIF) 4E, by 4E-binding proteins. Circumvention of cap-dependent translation shutdown has been linked to tumor development and cancer progression. The stress-induced repression of cap-dependent translation has also been correlated with increased eIF4GI and its homolog, Death Associated Protein 5 (DAP5) expression levels, suggesting these factors have a role in cap-independent translation. Despite several evidence pointing towards a link upregulation of eIF4GI and /DAP5 levels during stress conditions, and the cap-independent translation of a subset of stress response mRNAs (e.g. HIF-1α, FGF-9, and p53) that drives cancer and tumor development, there has been reports showing direct quantitative measurement of these mRNAs (containing structured 5’ UTR) binding to eIF4GI/DAP5 and whether this binding drives their cap-independent translation in an eIF4GI/DAP5-dependent manner. Further, the mechanistic underpinnings of how these RNA structures within the 5’ UTRs recruits eIF4GI and/DAP5 to bypass 4EBP-mediated sequestration of eIF4E and switch from cap-dependent to cap-independent translation initiation mechanism is not well understood. Also, there are no reports showing the role of additional initiation factors in these translation mechanisms. The work described in this dissertation address this gap in knowledge by using fluorescence anisotropy-based equilibrium binding assay and luciferase-based gene expression reporter assay to provide new insights into how a subsets of human mRNAs with structured 5’ UTRs (HIF-1α, FGF-9, p53A and p53B) recruits either eIF4GI or DAP5 to mediate cap-independent mRNA translation. Results from this study provide evidence that these 5’ UTRs bind with different affinities to these proteins and that these same 5’ UTRs can promote cap-independent initiation in an eIF4GI or DAP5-dependent manner in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate depleted of eIF4GI or DAP5. We also show how translation of this subset of mRNAs with structured 5’ UTRs are either dependent on the availability of an exposed 5’ end or not, allowing us to distinguish between IRES- or CITE-mediated modes of cap-independent translation among this subset of cellular mRNAs. Further studies showed these mRNAs had distinct preferences for the additional initiation factors (eIF4A, eIF4B and eIF4E) required by these mRNAs for their cap-independent translation initiation, adding to our understanding of these different cap-independent translation mechanisms. Collectively, the quantitative binding- and in vitro translation studies obtained from this work allowed us to propose a model showing how eIF4GI/DAP5, and/or additional initiation factors are directly recruited to the structured 5’ UTRs of this subset of cellular mRNAs to facilitate a switch from cap-dependent to cap-independent modes of translation initiation

Studies on the Contribution of Fertilizers to Heavy Metal Levels in Soils and Cocoa from some Cocoa Farms in the Western Region of Ghana

Continuous applications of fertilizers to soils are known to increase heavy metal concentrations to levels that may eventually exceed natural levels in soils. In this study, the levels of heavy metals comprising, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Fe in five major fertilizers namely, Cocoa Asaasewura; Sidalco Balanced; Sidalco Potassium Rich; Cocofeed; and Nitrabor usually supplied by Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to cocoa farmers, were determined. In order to assess the possible contributions of these fertilizers to the background levels in the soil and cocoa beans, the levels of the heavy metals were also determined in farm soils and cocoa bean samples from farms that have been fertilized for at least three years. Results from the analyses indicated that in general, Sidalco Balanced and Sidalco Potassium Rich had relatively very high levels of Mn, Cu and Zn but low levels of Pb, Ni and Cd. Cocofeed and Asaase-wura also had very high levels of Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd. Nitrabor generally had the least levels for almost all the metals. Fe occurred as the highest metal in all cases while Zn was the least recorded metal in the fertilizers. In general, contributions from the fertilizers to the metal levels in the soil and in the cocoa beans have been found to be minimal and fall within acceptable limits in the cocoa beans. . Keywords: Fertilizers, Heavy metals, Soils, Coco

OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND PHOTO CATALYTIC ACTIVITIES OF TITANIA NANOFLOWERS SYNTHESIZED BY MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

Abstract: TiO 2 nanostructures with flower like morphology was synthesized by a simple microwave assisted acid hydrolysis of TiCl 3 . Tuning the morphology was achieved by the microwave treatment and the nature of the medium or the precipitating agent. As-synthesized titania nanoflowers, was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The BET surface area, pore size distribution and pore volume of the samples were measured using a static volumetric system, Micromeritics ASAP 2010 equipment. The as-prepared TiO 2 nanoflowers appear to be single crystalline phase and the diameter is about 33.55 nm. The Photocatalytic activity studies reveal that the as-synthesized rutile titania nanoflowers show higher photocatalytic activity. In most cases, rutile TiO 2 nanoparticles show poor photocatalytic activities than the pure anatase phase. Interestingly, the single phase rutile TiO 2 nanocrystals with flower like morphology formed in the absence of any additives exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the famous commercial photocatalyst Degussa P-25 on the photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Red

To What Extent Have The Attitudes of Senior Management in The UK Insurance Companies Developed in The Light of Changes in Genetics Technology in The Last Decade?

In 1984, a twenty-year international science project namely Human Genome Project (HGP) was initiated to map the overall genetic structure of the human species. The findings of HGP threw a new light into genetic tests, which attracted the interest of employers, bankers and insurers in most developed countries. Thus, genetic tests became a precondition for the attainment of certain benefits like bank loan, employment and insurance. As a result, a lot of pressure groups in different countries started condemning the use of genetic information by some service providers. The fear of many was a possible creation of uninsured 'underclass'. The outcry of stakeholders led to the enactment of legislations and voluntary agreements such as the moratorium in the U.K. The Human Genetics Advisory Commission (HGAC), a non-statutory advisory body formed by the UK government to report on the various genetics developments conducted a survey among the insurance industry to ascertain the implication of genetic testing for life insurance in 1997. There have been a lot of changes in genetics technology since the study was conducted ten years ago including the two moratoria in 2001 and 2005 in the UK. This project was conducted to ascertain the extent to which the attitudes of senior managements of UK insurance have developed in the light of the changes in genetics technology. Therefore the questions for the previous study were replicated in this project except for a few interpolations. In conducting the research, existing theoretical and conceptual framework on the subject matter was reviewed. This was followed by the use of qualitative research approach to collect the primary data for this project. An Open-ended questionnaire was therefore used to collect the data from some senior underwriters in the long-term insurance sector. The responses were analysed and compared with that of the previous study in 1997. Based on the responses, a conclusion was drawn regarding the extent to which the attitudes of senior management of the insurance have developed in the light of changes in genetics technology in the last decade

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Seminario Desarrollo de Emprendedores. 2010. Carrera Ingenieria Industrial, Ingenierita en Sistemas. Docente Lic. Kathia Libeth Hernández Estrada.Microempresa enmarcada dentro del sector de mantenimiento y limpieza que ofrece un servicio de limpieza estructural. Esta se enfoca principalmente en la prestación de servicios de albañilería, carpintería, electricista, fontanero, jardinero, limpieza de piscinas, entre otros. Sus servicios pueden ser proveídos a las familias nicaragüenses, organizaciones gubernamentales y no gubernamentales. El segmento del mercado está constituido por empresas, complejos industriales, centros comerciales, organismos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales y casas particulares ubicadas en la ciudad de Managua que necesiten realizar mantenimientos y limpiezas en sus edificaciones

Pediatric neurosurgical-oncology scope and management paradigms in Sub-Saharan Africa: a collaboration among 7 referral hospitals on the subcontinent

BackgroundUnderstanding of the epidemiology and biology of pediatric CNS tumors has advanced dramatically over the last decade; however there remains a discrepancy in the understanding of epidemiologic data and clinical capacity between high- and lower-income countries.ObjectiveWe collected and analyzed hospital-level burden and capacity-oriented data from pediatric neurosurgical oncology units at 7 referral hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsA cross sectional epidemiological survey was conducted using REDCap at the 7 SSA sites, capturing 3-month aggregate data for patients managed over a total of 9 months. Descriptive statistical analyses for the aggregate data were performed.ResultsAcross the neurosurgical spectrum, 15% of neurosurgery outpatient and 16% of neurosurgery operative volume was represented by pediatric neuro-oncology across the 7 study sites. Eighty-six percent and 87% of patients who received surgery underwent preoperative CT scan and/or MRI respectively. Among 312 patients evaluated with a CNS tumor, 211 (68%) underwent surgery. Mean surgery wait time was 26.6 ± 36.3 days after initial presentation at the clinic. The most common tumor location was posterior fossa (n=94, 30%), followed by sellar/suprasellar region (n=56, 18%). Histopathologic analysis was performed for 189 patients (89%). The most common pathologic diagnosis was low grade glioma (n=43, 23%), followed by medulloblastoma (n=37, 20%), and craniopharyngioma (n=31, 17%). Among patients for whom adjuvant therapy was indicated, only 26% received chemotherapy and 15% received radiotherapy.ConclusionThe histopathologic variety of pediatric brain and spinal tumors managed across 7 SSA referral hospitals was similar to published accounts from other parts of the world. About two-thirds of patients received a tumor-directed surgery with significant inter-institutional variability. Less than a third of patients received adjuvant therapy when indicated. Multi-dimensional capacity building efforts in neuro-oncology are necessary to approach parity in the management of children with brain and spinal tumors in SSA

“MALAYO PA, PERO MALAYO NA”: A CASE STUDY OF ELEMENTARY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES DURING INTERNSHIP

Teaching Internship is an integral journey for pre-service teachers, providing a platform to apply academic knowledge in the workplace. However, emotional experiences are prevalent during the internship, posing challenges for pre-service teachers. Consequently, this study aims to understand the emotional experiences of pre-service teachers during their internship and assess how it impacts their performance. The current study employed a qualitative method, adhering to a multiple case study design. Ten (10) fourth-year elementary pre-service teachers from Immaculate Conception College of Balayan Inc. were selected using purposive sampling technique. Then thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Results revealed that participants experienced both positive and negative emotional experiences that challenge their self-confidence, time management, teaching abilities, and relationship with cooperating teachers and students. These results indicate that emotional experiences are highly evident during teaching internship. With this, the suggested advocacy plan in this study proposes interventions such as seminars, workshops, and tours to enhance the emotional resilience, emotional support, and emotional management of pre-service teachers. Furthermore, future research is advised to utilize diverse methodological techniques and include a larger sample of pre-service teachers from various majors to encompass broader perspectives on the discussed topic, building upon the findings of the current study

Stretching the Rules: Monocentric Chromosomes with Multiple Centromere Domains

The centromere is a functional chromosome domain that is essential for faithful chromosome segregation during cell division and that can be reliably identified by the presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CenH3. In monocentric chromosomes, the centromere is characterized by a single CenH3-containing region within a morphologically distinct primary constriction. This region usually spans up to a few Mbp composed mainly of centromere-specific satellite DNA common to all chromosomes of a given species. In holocentric chromosomes, there is no primary constriction; the centromere is composed of many CenH3 loci distributed along the entire length of a chromosome. Using correlative fluorescence light microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy, we show that pea (Pisum sativum) chromosomes exhibit remarkably long primary constrictions that contain 3-5 explicit CenH3-containing regions, a novelty in centromere organization. In addition, we estimate that the size of the chromosome segment delimited by two outermost domains varies between 69 Mbp and 107 Mbp, several factors larger than any known centromere length. These domains are almost entirely composed of repetitive DNA sequences belonging to 13 distinct families of satellite DNA and one family of centromeric retrotransposons, all of which are unevenly distributed among pea chromosomes. We present the centromeres of Pisum as novel ``meta-polycentric'' functional domains. Our results demonstrate that the organization and DNA composition of functional centromere domains can be far more complex than previously thought, do not require single repetitive elements, and do not require single centromere domains in order to segregate properly. Based on these findings, we propose Pisum as a useful model for investigation of centromere architecture and the still poorly understood role of repetitive DNA in centromere evolution, determination, and function

Evidence for Centromere Drive in the Holocentric Chromosomes of Caenorhabditis

In monocentric organisms with asymmetric meiosis, the kinetochore proteins, such as CENH3 and CENP-C, evolve adaptively to counterbalance the deleterious effects of centromere drive, which is caused by the expansion of centromeric satellite repeats. The selection regimes that act on CENH3 and CENP-C genes have not been analyzed in organisms with holocentric chromosomes, although holocentrism is speculated to have evolved to suppress centromere drive. We tested both CENH3 and CENP-C for positive selection in several species of the holocentric genus Caenorhabditis using the maximum likelihood approach and sliding-window analysis. Although CENP-C did not show any signs of positive selection, positive selection has been detected in the case of CENH3. These results support the hypothesis that centromere drive occurs in Nematoda, at least in the telokinetic meiosis of Caenorhabditis