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1, 3-Dipolar cycloaddition reactions of selected 1,3-dipoles with 7-isopropylidenenorbornadiene and follow-up thermolytic cleavage: Acomputational study
(Elsevier Inc., 2019-08-08) Arhin, Grace; Adams, Anita Houston; Opoku, Ernest; Tia, Richard; Adei, Evans
The mechanism, regio-, stereo-, and enantio-selectivities of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of7-isopropylidenenorbornadiene (DENBD) with nitrones and azides to form pharmaceutically relevantisoxazolidine and triazole analogues have been studied computationally at the M06/6-31G(d), 6-31G(d,p), 6-311G(d,p), 6e311þþG(d,p) and M06-2X/6-31G(d) levels of theory. In the reactions of DENBDwith phenyl nitrones, the cycloaddition steps have low activation barriers, with the highest being 16 kcal/mol; and the Diels-Alder cycloreversion steps have generally high barriers, with the lowest being 20 kcal/mol, suggesting that the isolable products in these reactions are the bicyclic isoxazolidine cycloadductsand not the thermolytic products. This is in contrast to the reactions of DENBD with phenyl azide wherethe isolable products are predicted to be the thermolytic products since the Diels-Alder cycloreversionsteps had relatively lower activation barriers. Electron-donating substituents on the dipolarophile sub-strate favour attack of the nitrone on the least hindered side of the DENBD substrate while electron-withdrawing substituents on the dipolarophile substrate favour attack on the more hindered side ofthe DENBD, indicating that site-selectivity is affected by nature of substituents. Global reactivity indicescalculations are in good agreement with the activation barriers obtained. Analysis of the electrophilic(PþKÞand nucleophilic (P KÞParr functions at the reactive centres reveal that the cycloaddition occursbetween atoms with the largest Mulliken and NBO atomic spin densities which agrees well with theenergetic trends and the experimental product outcomes.
[3 + 2] Versus [2 + 2] addition: A density functional theory study on the mechanistic aspects of transition-metal-assisted formation of 1,2-dinitrosoalkanes
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016-11-21) Opoku, Ernest; Tia, Richard; Adei, Evans
The pathways for the transition metal-assisted formation of 1,2-dinitrosoalkane complexes of cobalt and its congeners, have beenstudied using DFT/M06 with the LACVP∗basis set. The activation barriers for the one-step [3 + 2] addition pathway for theformation of 1,2-dinitrosoalkanes, proposed by Bergman and Becker, are generally low compared to the activation barriers for the[2 + 2] addition to form an intermediate, which is the first of the two-step pathway proposed by Rapp ́e and Upton, which are veryhigh. The barriers of the rearrangement of the Rapp ́e intermediates to the final products by reductive elimination involving thesecond metal-nitrogen𝜋-bond are also very high. The reactions of the Co complexes have lower activation barriers than Rh andIr complexes. The barriers of the reactions involving olefins with electron-donating groups are generally lower compared to thereactions of the parent (unsubstituted) ethylene while the activation barriers for reactions of olefins with electron-withdrawinggroups are generally higher compared to the parent (unsubstituted) ethylene. The one-step [3 + 2] pathway remains the mostfavoured irrespective of the metal centre or the nature of the olefin. The mechanism of the reaction is therefore settled in favour ofthe [3 + 2] addition pathway.
A Mystery and Reality Divine Revelations at Jerusalem No. 2 at Nkoranza in the Catholic Diocese of Techiman
(St. Francis Press Ltd, 2019) Addai, Andrews; Kuusaana, Maria Marciana
Ab initio investigation of O2 adsorption on Ca-doped LaMnO3 cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2018) Aniagyei, Albert; Dzade, Nelson Y.; Tia, Richard; Adei, Evans; Catlow, C. R. A.; et. al
We present a Hubbard-corrected density functional theory (DFT+U) study of the adsorption and reduction reactions of oxygen on the pure and 25% Ca-doped LaMnO3 (LCM25) {100} and {110} surfaces. The effect of oxygen vacancies on the adsorption characteristics and energetics has also been investigated. Our results show that the O2 adsorption/reduction process occurs through the formation of superoxide and peroxide intermediates, with the Mn sites found to be generally more active than the La sites. The LCM25{110} surface is found to be more efficient for O2 reduction than the LCM25{100} surface due to its stronger adsorption of O2, with the superoxide and peroxide intermediates shown to be energetically more favorable at the Mn sites than at the Ca sites. Moreover, oxygen vacancy defect sites on both the {100} and{110} surfaces are shown to be more efficient for O2 reduction, as reflected in the higher adsorption energies calculated on the defective surfaces compared to the perfect surfaces. We show from Lowdin population analysis that the O 2 adsorption on the pure and 25% Ca-doped ̈ LaMnO3 surfaces is characterized by charge transfer from the interacting surface species into the adsorbed oxygen pg orbital, which results in weakening of the O–O bonds and its subsequent reduction. The elongated O–O bonds were confirmed via vibrational frequency analysis.
Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Inferno’ Is Nephroprotective Against Gentamicin and Cisplatin: Biochemical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Evidence
(Iranian Journal of Toxicology, 2020-10) Larbie, Christopher; Emikpe, Benjamin O.; Oyagbemi, Ademola A.; Jarikre, Theophilus A.; Adjei, Clement O.
: Kidneys exposure to toxins can cause injuries, leading to their functional impairments. Traditionally, plants have been used for the treatment of renal disorders and numerous medicinal plants have been tested for their nephroprotective effects, in such cases as gentamicin (GM) and cisplatin (Cisp)-induced nephrotoxicity. This study assessed the ability of Acalypha wilkesiana’s extract to counteract its toxic effect based on the biochemical, histological and proinflammatory cytokines components in rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=4 each) and administered the following treatments: a) normal control (1 mL/kg body weight normal saline from days 1-10); b) nephrotoxin (GM 120 mg/kg, days 2-7; or Cisp 7 mg/kg on day 3); c) standard drug (120 mg/kg Silymarin plus GM or Cisp, days 1-10); and, d) extract groups (100 or 250 mg/kg, days 1-10 plus GM). Blood samples were collected and subjected to hematological and biochemical evaluations while kidney tissue samples were examined for histopathological alterations, pro- and antioxidants, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Treatment of the rats pre-exposed to GM or Cisp with the extract decreased the serum creatinine, urea and MDA levels. The GST and GPx levels were also restored in rats. Glomerular atrophy with tubular epithelial necrosis induced by either nephrotoxin was restored to near normal. The expression of COX-2 following the administration of either nephrotoxin was reversed after treatment with the extract. Conclusion: The A. wilkesiana extract exhibited significant nephroprotective property, which could potentially be regarded as a promising alternative to the management of renal diseases.
Acalyphawilkesiana ‘inferno’hydroethanolicleafextracthas protectiveeffectoncarbontetrachloride-inducedsubacute toxicityinanimals
(Biomedical Research and Therapy, 2020-05) Larbie, Christopher; Emikpe, Benjamin O.; Oyagbemi, Ademola A.; Nyarko, Ruby A.; Jarikre, Theophilus A.; Adjei, Clement O.; Aseidu, Emmanue lB.
Introduction: Liverfibrosisisoneofthemostcommonclinicalmanifestationsofhepaticdiseases. However, though many synthetic drugs exist for the treatment and prevention of liver diseases, liver injuries still persist. The present study, therefore, sought to investigate the subacute protective effects of Acalphyawilkesiana against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in animals. Methodology: Liver injury was induced in experimental animals by administering CCl4 (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks) after pre-treatment with extract of A. wilkesiana(AWE).AWE(250mg/kg)andSilymarin(120mg/kg)wereadministeredorally(dailyfor8 weeks). Thehepatoprotectiveeffectwasstudiedbyassayingtheactivityofliverenzymes,suchas alanineaminotransferase(ALT),aspartateaminotransferase(AST),alkalinephosphatase(ALP),and alpha-fetoprotein. Theeffectofthetreatmentsonliverprooxidants(e.g. malondialdehyde[MDA]) andantioxidants(e.g. superoxidedismutase[SOD],reducedglutathione[GSH],glutathioneperoxidase [GPx], and glutathione transferase [GST]), as well as inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin [IL]-17, IL-23, nuclear factor kappa beta [NF-kB], and cycloxygenase-1 [COX-1]) and the histology of the liver were also examined. Results: The activity of liver function biomarkers changed significantly upon CCl4 administration; increases in ALT, total and direct bilirubin, and some fibrosis indices (e.g. alpha-fetoprotein and APRI [p<0.05-0.001, compared with normal]) were observed. Co-administration of AWE with CCl4 restored these to normal levels. The intensity of structural alterations revealed that the AWE treatment has protective potential against subacute liver injury. AWEtreatmentalsoreducedtheexpressionofIL-17,1L-23,NF-kBandCOX-1,underscoringitsantiinflammatory properties. Conclusion: The results of the current study generally suggest that hydroethanolicleafextractsofA.wilkesianainfernopossesssomesubacuteprotectiveactivitybyimproving liver function and inhibition of inflammation, and could be developed as a potent antifibroticagent.
Access to employment in Kenya: the voices of persons with disabilities
(De Gruyter, 2016-06-22) Opoku, Maxwell Peprah; Mprah, Wisdom Kwadwo; Dogbe, Joslin Alexei; Moitui, Joash Norman; Badu, Eric
Introduction: Unemployment is one of the major challenges facing persons with disabilities worldwide. Persons with disabilities experience significantly high rates of unemployment compared with the general population, and are often employed in low-paid jobs. This could indicate a missing link in identifying employment opportunities and impeding factors to the opportunities. This study examined access to employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the Nairobi County in Kenya. Method: An exploratory study design, using qualitative methods, was conducted with three categories of persons with disabilities: the physically disabled, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired. A convenient sampling was used to recruit 30 participants from five constituencies in Embakasi in the Nairobi County. Findings: The study found that access to employment for persons with disabilities in the study area was limited. Factors responsible for the high unemployment include inaccessible information on employment, negative attitudes, inaccessible physical environment, low educational attainment of persons with disabilities, and ineffective legislation on employment. Conclusion: The lack of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Kenya suggests that poverty reduction among persons with disabilities will be difficult. Therefore, efforts should be made through implementation of effective policies to remove barriers hindering access to employment for persons with disabilities in Kenya
Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana’s maize farmers matter
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2018) Wongnaa, C. A.; Awunyo‑Vitor, Dadson
Background: Whether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used. Results: The results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers. Conclusion: Efficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry
Achieving sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger: Does technical efficiency of Ghana’s maize farmers matter?
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2018) Wongnaa, C. A.; Awunyo‑Vitor, Dadson
Background: Whether or not maize farmers are technically efficient determines their choice of productivity improvement strategy and very important for achieving the sustainable development goals on no poverty and zero hunger. This study examined technical efficiency and its determinants of Ghana’s maize farmers. Analysis of the determinants is crucial to devising strategies aimed at improving technical efficiencies of the farmers as well as ensuring no poverty and zero hunger. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data collected from 576 maize farmers in the four main agro-ecological zones of Ghana with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic frontier production function were the methods of analysis used. Results: The results showed that the mean technical efficiency estimate for maize farmers in Ghana was 58.1%. They also revealed that an increase in educational level, maize farming experience, extension contact as well as uses of fertilizer and improved seeds would increase the technical efficiency of maize producers in Ghana. Similarly, male Ghanaian maize farmers were more technically efficient than female farmers. Furthermore, membership of a farmer association will increase their technical efficiencies. Finally, an increase in farm size and land fragmentation will decrease technical efficiency of the maize farmers. Conclusion: Efficiency improvement programmes by stakeholders in the maize industry could target literate maize farmers since education enhances the managerial and technical skills of farmers and also increase farmers’ ability to utilize existing technologies. Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) could also liaise with Ministry of Education to provide maize farmers with no formal education with special training prior to introducing new efficiency enhancing programmes to them. MOFA should analyse the problems extension officers face in the discharge of their duties to pave the way for the provision of appropriate incentives to extension officers by stakeholders in the maize industry.
Admission path, family structure and outcomes in Ghana’s public universities: evidence from KNUST students enrolled in the social sciences
(The International Journal of Higher Education Research, 2017) Ofori-Abebrese, Grace; Yusif, Hadrat
At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, first year enrolment increased by 1466.81% from 708 in 1961/1962 to 11,093 in 2011. In the 2013/2014 academic year, the total student population was 45,897. There are now five main admission paths, comprising regular, mature, fee paying, less endowed, and protocol/staff admissions. The number of dropouts and fails has risen steeply, for example, at the end of the 2013/2014 academic year, roughly 22.11% of the 1239 students were either withdrawn or repeated at the Faculty of Social Sciences due to non-performance. This paper examined the impact of the admission path and family structure on university students’ academic outcomes. A logistic model was applied to individual-level data obtained from 1000 students enrolled at the Faculty of Social Sciences in the university. The results indicated that the regular and mature admission paths have a positive impact on performance whilst the fee-paying admission path has a significant negative influence on academic performance. It wasalsofoundthatthefamilystructure(livingwiththefatherandmotherandthemotheronly) has a significant positive influence on performance. The study recommended that lecturers should bemotivated to conductadditionalclasses foracademicallyweakstudents.Counselling units should also identify students who experienced disruption in home life and raise their aspirations.
Adoption and Impact of Modern Rice Varieties on Poverty in Eastern India
(Elsevier, 2018) BANNOR, Richard Kwasi; Krishna KUMAR, Gupta Amarnath; OPPONG-KYEREMEH, Helena; WONGNAA, C. A.
The factors affecting the adoption of modern varieties (MVs) of rice and impact on poverty in Odisha, India were discussed. A total of 363 households from Cuttack and Sambalpur districts of Odisha via multistage sampling technique participated in the survey. The Cragg’s Double hurdle model was used to model the determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of MVs of rice, and the propensity score matching was used to analyze the impact of adoption on poverty. The results showed that age, education, risk aversion, land size, yield, perception of MVs as high yielding, resistant to diseases and availability of MVs positively influenced the decision to adopt. However, variables such as household size, experience of a farmer, off-farm job participation, amount of credit received, cost of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers negatively influenced the adoption of MVs. Intensity of adoption of MVs was negatively influenced by experience of a farmer, cost of fertilizer and marketability of MVs, and positively affected by household size, risk aversion, land size, cost of insecticides, perception of MVs as high yielding and availability of MV seeds. Poverty incidence, gap and severity were high among non-adopters to adopters of MVs. After matching adopters and non-adopters of MV groups using four different algorithms of nearest neighbour matching, stratification matching, radius matching and kernel matching, the impact of MV adoption resulted in higher per capita monthly household expenditure by about US$ 52.82 to US$ 63.17.
Antibody screening tests variably overestimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among HIV-infected adults in Ghana
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2014) King, S.; Adjei-Asante, K.; Appiah, L.; Adinku, D.; Phillips, Richard Odame; et. al
HIV coinfection with HCV has been poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa, and the reliability of available seroprevalence estimates remains uncertain. The study aim was to determine HCV RNA prevalence in HIV-infected subjects receiving care in Kumasi, Ghana, and relate the findings to HCV antibody detection. From a population of 1520 HIV-infected adults, all HBsAg-positive subjects (n = 236) and a random subset of HBsAg-negative subject (n = 172) were screened for HCV RNA using pooled plasma; positive samples were genotyped by core and NS5B sequencing. HCV antibodies were detected by three commercial screening assays and confirmed by the line immunoassay. HCV RNA was detected in 4/408 subjects (1.0%, 95% confidence interval 0.0–1.9%), comprising 3/ 236 (1.3%; 0.0–2.8%) HBsAg-positive and 1/172 (0.6%; 0.0–1.8%) HBsAg-negative subjects. HCV RNA-positive subjects showed reactivity in all three antibody screening assays. Among HCV RNA-negative subjects, 5/67 (7.5%), 5/67 (7.5%) and 19/67 (28.4%) showed antibody reactivity by each screening assay, respectively, including two (3.0%) with reactivity by all three assays. Only one sample (1.5%) had confirmed antibody reactivity by line immunoassay indicating past HCV infection. HCV-positive subjects (three males, two females) were aged 30–46 years, by questionnaire-based interview reported surgical procedures and blood transfusion as risk factors for infection. HCV genotypes were 2 (subtypes 2j, 2l, 2k/unassigned) and 1 (subtype unassigned). Without further testing, HCV antibody screening assays variably overestimated HCV prevalence among HIV-infected subjects in Ghana. These findings inform the interpretation of previous seroprevalence estimates based upon screening assays alone.
Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Properties of Alstonia Boonei Extracts
(OMICS Publishing Group, 2015-01-01) Opoku, Francis; Akoto, Osei
Alstonia boonei De wild is a major spice crop grown abundantly in Ghana and other tropical countries. In this study we have carried out phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial investigation of ethanol and aqueous extracts of the root of Alstonia boonei against a panel of clinically significant bacterial and fungal strains. Four Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were subjected to test the antimicrobial activity along with one fungi namely, Candida albicans. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of root of Alstonia boonei were subjected to microbial susceptibility assays using agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening was done to test the presence of phytochemicals responsible for the antimicrobial potential of roots of Alstonia boonei. The results of the phytochemical studies revealed the presence alkaloids, cyanogenetic glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids and saponins. Susceptibility testing by disc diffusion assay revealed significant antimicrobial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of the roots against the pathogens tested. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the various extracts by Agar Dilution method ranged from 3.0 to 10.0 mg/ml. The ethanol extracts exhibited better antimicrobial activity than aqueous extract. The study findings provide supportive evidence for the use of Alstonia boonei in traditional medicines.
Aqueous ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno accelerates the clearance of glucose in normoglycaemic rats
(The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2018-01) Larbie, Christopher; Oduro, Juliana; Tofah, Jesse John
Glucose tolerance refers to the body’s ability to metabolise glucose within a stipulated time interval. Failure of the body to use glucose results in hyperglycaemia and progressively to diabetes. Acalypha inferno (family Euphorbiaceae) is an ornamental plant found widely in the tropics of Africa and known for its phytoremediating properties. The study was aimed at investigating the effects of aqueous ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno on oral glucose tolerance in normoglycaemic rats. A 50% hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves was prepared, and the oral glucose tolerance effect of the plant assessed for 14 days in normoglycaemic rats at doses of 100mg, 250mg and 500mg/kg body weight. Glibenclamide (10mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. The effect of treatment on body weight, OGTT at day 7 and 14, lipid profile and kidney function were assessed. On day 7, FBG level increased from 4.93±0.29mmol/l to 25.03±0.93mmol/l after 1 hour and 17.53±4.50mmol/l after 3 hours in normal group. Extract and drug treated groups prevented such increases at all doses (p<0.001). FBG levels were restored to basal levels after 8 hours. Total cholesterol increased in the 250 mg group with a significant increase in LDL levels in the 100mg, 250mg and 500mg group compared to the normal. There was no significant difference in relative kidney weight, urea and creatinine levels. The hydro-ethanolic extract of Acalypha inferno possesses glucose tolerance abilities in normoglycaemic rats.
AQUEOUS ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ACALYPHA INFERNO LEAVES IS SAFE IN ANIMALS
(International Journal of Phamaceutical Sciences and Research, 2018-06) Larbie, Christopher; Nyarko, H. N.; Tofah, J. J.; Torkornoo, D.
Acalypha inferno(AI) is a well-known ornamental plant, presently with no known documentation concerning its therapeutic use and safety profile. However, other plants of the same genus, Acalypha, have been reported to have various uses ranging from food to medicine with their related adverse effects. This study therefore focused on the acute and subchronic toxicity effects of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Acalypha inferno leaves (AIE) in animals. The acute toxicity study was performed using the fixed dose method. In the subchronic assessment, both male and female rats were separately administered with AIE at doses of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg twice daily for 28 days. Change in body weight, relative organ weight, haematological parameters and biochemical parameters were recorded and analysed. In the acute toxicity study, no deleterious effect was observed up to 5000 mg/kg, hence the LD50≥5000 mg/kg. In the subchronic toxicity study, significant increase in weight was observed at all doses in male rats whilst a significant decrease was observed only at 500 mg/kg in female rats. A significant increase in weight of uterus was also observed at 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg. Decreased levels of ALT, AST, creatinine, WBC and P-LCR were observed, whereas increasing levels of FBG, platelet count and total bilirubin were observed in male rats at high doses. AIE produced no significant adverse effects and could therefore be considered safe with controlled use.
Are non‑market benefits of soybean production significant? An extended economic analysis of smallholder soybean farming in Upper West region of northern Ghana
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2020) Asodina, Francis Akabo; Adams, Faizal; Nimoh, Fred; Weyori, Emmanuel A.; Wongnaa, C. A.; Bakang, John Edudes‑Andvi
Background: Traditional cost–benefit analysis of soybean production tends to largely focus on financial benefits to farmers, and less so on non-market co-benefits in sustaining smallholder farming systems. Relying solely on the standard financial analysis undermines the actual benefit of soybean production, which often results in ineffectual policy designs. An economic analysis that incorporates key non-pecuniary co-benefits of soybean production provide vital insight that contributes to improving productivity and overall economic well-being of farmers. Cross-sectional data were collected from 271 farmers to estimate the overall economic benefit of soybean that captures both market and non-market attributes in three major producing districts (Sissala-West, Wa-East, and Dafiama-Busie-Issa (DBI)) of Ghana. Results: When non-market co-benefits were omitted, soybean production was not profitable (−Gh¢103.10/ha or −US$22.91) in DBI while Sissala-West and Wa-East had modest profit margins. However, the financial analysis changed dramatically when an average non-market value of Gh¢345.69 (US$76.82) was incorporated in the analysis. The soybean system was, therefore, financially viable for all the districts when the non-market attributes of the crop were considered. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the importance of the non-pecuniary benefits of soybean in smallholder farming systems for policy decision-making. For instance, farmers’ motivation for soybean production is closely linked to those ancillary benefits like the biological nitrogen fixed in the soil for cultivation of other crops. Similarly, crop administrators and policy makers’ support for conservation agriculture and green environment is tied to these nonmarket co-benefits.
Assessing and Strengthening African Universities’ Capacity for Doctoral Programmes
(PLoS Medicine, 2011-09) Bates, Imelda; Phillips, Richard Odame; Martin-Peprah, Ruby; Kibiki, Gibson; Gaye, Oumar; et.al
Universities can make a major contribution to good policy-making by generating nationally relevant evidence, but little is known about how to strategically support universities in poorer countries to train and nurture sufficient internationally competitive researchers. N It is difficult for universities to develop a coherent strategy to identify and remedy deficiencies in their doctoral training programmes because there is currently no single process that can be used to evaluate all the components needed to make these programmes successful. N We have developed an evidence-based process for evaluating doctoral programmes from multiple perspectives that comprises an interview guide and a list of corroborating documents and facilities; we refined and validated this process by testing it in five diverse African universities. N The strategy and priority list that emerged from the evaluation process facilitated ‘‘buy-in’’ from internal and external agencies and enabled each university to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of their own strategy for remedying doctoral programme deficiencies.
Assessing Climate Driven Malaria Variability in Ghana Using a Regional Scale Dynamical Model
(Climate, 2017-03-05) Asare, Ernest O.; Amekudzi, Leonard K.
Malaria is a major public health challenge in Ghana and adversely affects the productivity and economy of the country. Although malaria is climate driven, there are limited studies linking climate variability and disease transmission across the various agro-ecological zones in Ghana. We used the VECTRI (vector-borne disease community model of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste) model with a new surface hydrology scheme to investigate the spatio-temporal variability in malaria transmission patterns over the four agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The model is driven using temperature and rainfall datasets obtained from the GMet (Ghana Meteorological Agency) synoptic stations between 1981 and 2010. In addition, the potential of the VECTRI model to simulate seasonal pattern of local scale malaria incidence is assessed. The model results reveal that the simulated malaria transmission follows rainfall peaks with a two-month time lag. Furthermore, malaria transmission ranges from eight to twelve months, with minimum transmission occurring between February and April. The results further reveal that the intra- and inter-agro-ecological variability in terms of intensity and duration of malaria transmission are predominantly controlled by rainfall. The VECTRI simulated EIR (Entomological Inoculation Rate) tends to agree with values obtained from field surveys across the country. Furthermore, despite being a regional model, VECTRI demonstrates useful skill in reproducing monthly variations in reported malaria cases from Emena hospital (a peri urban town located within Kumasi metropolis). Although further refinements in this surface hydrology scheme may improve VECTRI performance, VECTRI still possesses the potential to provide useful information for malaria control in the tropics
Assessing sediment inputs to small reservoirs in Upper East Region, Ghana
(Lakes & Reservoirs Research & Management, 2009-10) Adwubi, Afua; Amegashie, Bright Kofi; Agyare, W. A.; Tamene, Lulseged; Odai, Samuel Nii; Quansah, Charles; Vlek, Paul
Many small dams and dugouts have been constructed in the Upper East Region of Ghana to address the problem of regional water scarcity. The reservoirs were constructed primarily as water supplies for agricultural irrigation and livestock watering, aquaculture and domestic use. However, many of the reservoirs dry up during the dry season, affecting the livelihoods of their basin inhabitants. A major cause for the dried reservoirs is siltation, which reduces the reservoir’s storage capacities. The goal of this study is to quantify the annual siltation rate of four study reservoirs, using a bathymetric survey and reservoir soil sampling. The sediment yield and its relation to catchment area also were assessed. The results of this study indicate that the annual siltation rates are 1272, 3518, 2764 and 6135 t year)1 for Doba, Dua, Zebilla and Kumpalgogo reservoirs, respectively. Analyses of the sediment yield and catchment areas illustrated that the sediment yields decreased with increasing catchment area. All the study reservoirs have lost their dead storage capacity, which was meant to store sediment until the end of their anticipated design lives. The decreasing storage capacity because of siltation will affect the livelihoods of the local basin inhabitants, as the reservoirs will not be able to achieve all their intended purposes. The results of this study indicate that, because siltation is not the only factor threatening the benefits gained from the reservoirs, the integrated assessment of all relevant factors is required.
Assessing the challenges facing small and medium scale enterprises sourcing funding in Ghana (A case study of cold stores in the Kumasi Metropolis
(2017-01-26) Ahiavor, Joyce Aku
The study identified and analyzed the challenges to the successful implementation of the TRIPS (Total Revenue Integrated Processing System) of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Effective tax administration is the goal of most nations since taxes emerges as the majority source of funds for governments to run developmental projects. E-government is the use of internet and telecommunication network for effective service delivery. GRA performs almost every task manually and this has resulted in high cost of compliance, low compliance level of taxpayers, poor service delivery and corrupt system. As part of the Electronic-Ghana (e-Ghana) project, TRIPS was acquired to enhance and raise service performance of GRA, based on a strategic and modernization plan commencing from 2012-2014 but is experiencing many setbacks, and has failed to meet the completion date. Qualitative semi structured face-to-face interviews and questionnaire via snowball sampling method and observations were used to gather primary data from employees of GRA. The study covered all the district offices in Accra that are currently using the TRIPS. Responses gathered were transcribed, translated and analyze by descriptive explanations to ensure clearer illustrations of data collected. The results indicate several challenges hampering the successful implementation of the TRIPS. However there were some suggestions and recommendations that include employing permanent project manager, re-analyze and re-strategize the project, project evaluation in the pilot offices, involvement of stakeholders, improve infrastructure, training, acquisition of bigger capacity servers and routine project evaluation. GRA would be strategically poised with an efficient and effective tax administration to maximize revenue for the benefit of the Ghanaian citizen

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