Assessment of the Key Indicators and Dimensions of Women Empowerment in Rural Zambia

It is obvious that COVID-19 has caused unprecedented global economic crises The study forecast stock amidst the negative shock of COVID-19 and also examine the effect of novel COVID-19 on the stock exchange market by employing ARIMA and EGARCH model using daily data of Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index from October 2017 to February 202

Policy Uncertainty, Macroeconomic Dynamics, And US Unemployment Conditions

This study provides empirical verification of the link between policy uncertainty[1], unemployment rate and other key US macroeconomic and performance indicators. A VAR augmented model (augmented by impulse responds function (IRF)) and Granger Causality test are employed in this study. Empirical results based on quarterly time series data (spanning the period 1960 to 2011) shows deficit induced policy uncertainty has significant negative impact on key US macroeconomic and performance indicators. This study also finds that one standard deviation policy uncertainty shock has immediate and significant negative impact on unemployment rate, GDP growth and other indicators tested. Concluding Granger causality test also shows deficit induced policy uncertainty granger cause variability in GDP and fixed private investment growth. [1] Measured in terms of Relative Political Capacity (RPC) formally introduced by Organski and Kugler (1980); and modified by Kugler and Arbetman (1997)

Dynamics Of US Economic Recovery: Can We Still Count On The Finance And Insurance Sector?

This study takes a quantitative approach toexamine the dynamic effects of post-recession sector and sub-sector growthperformance of U.S. economic recovery. The study employs contributions to GDPgrowth rate among selected sectors and sub-sectors of the US economy to measurethe probability to significantly impact the rate of economic recovery.Estimation results based on logistic model indicates the finance and insurancesector of the economy is still critical to US economic recovery after a majormacroeconomic shock; however, the sector’s potential to significantlyaccelerate economic recovery seem to be overstated compared to other keysectors of the economy. Further test suggests the real estate sector of theeconomy is significantly weak in generating growth levels required tosignificantly accelerate economic recovery after major economic shock such asthe recession of 2008

Macroeconomic Uncertainty, Consumer Sentiments, Consumption Expenditures And US Fixed Private Investment Growth

Using Johansen Cointegration and Error Correction frameworks, as well as Granger Causality test Procedures, this study analyze both short and long-run relationships, and direction of causal association between US fixed private investment growth and selected explanatory variables. Test results based on quarterly time series data spanning the period (1960 -2010) shows deviations from equilibrium in fixed private investment growth tend to be corrected relatively faster than this study expected. This study also finds significant long-run and causal relationships between macroeconomic uncertainty, consumer sentiments, growth in consumption expenditures, and US fixed private investment growth

Morphological and Behavioural Features of Bewo Cells Grown on Matrigel Offers a Model for Human Cytotrophoblast Cells During Early Implantation

In order to observe the morphological changes that occur in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions among trophoblast cells and other neighbouring cells during human implantation, BeWo cells were cultured in a 3-dimensional artificial extracellular matrix (Matrigel) using a double-chamber system. These cultures were then processed for light and electron microscopical examination. Results obtained show that the morphology and behavioural pattern of BeWo cells grown on Matrigel is similar to that reported for in vitro normal human cytotrophoblast cells on extracellular matrix (ECM). These results suggest that culture of BeWo cells on extracellular matrices may be useful for the study of some of the early embryonic events leading to human implantation, especially during the period when trophoblastic cells interact with and erode the uterine epithelium and ECM. Keywords: BeWo cells, Trophoblast, Morphology, Matrigel, implantation Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 28 (1) 2008 pp. 4-1

Growth and yield responses of cowpea to inoculation and phosphorus fertilization in different environments

Open Access Journal; Published: 03 May 2017Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a major source of dietary protein and essential component of the cropping systems in semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, yields are very low due to lack of improved cultivars, poor management practices, and limited inputs use. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of rhizobia inoculant and P on nodulation, N accumulation and yield of two cowpea cultivars in Mozambique. Field study was conducted in three contrasting environments during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons using randomized complete block design with four replications and four treatments. Treatments consisted of seed inoculation, application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1, inoculation + P, and a non-inoculated control. The most probable number (MPN) technique was used to estimate the indigenous bradyrhizobia populations at the experimental sites. The rhizobia numbers at the sites varied from 5.27 × 102 to 1.07 × 103 cells g-1 soil. Inoculation increased nodule number by 34–76% and doubled nodule dry weight (78 to 160 mg plant-1). P application improved nodulation and interacted positively with the inoculant. Inoculation, P, and inoculant + P increased shoot dry weight, and shoot and grain N content across locations but increases in number of pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, and 100-seed weight were not consistent among treatments across locations. Shoot N content was consistently high for the inoculated plants and also for the inoculated + P fertilized plants, whereas the non-inoculated control plants had the lowest tissue N content. P uptake in shoot ranged from 1.72 to 3.77 g kg-1 and was higher for plants that received P fertilizer alone. Inoculation and P either alone or in combination consistently increased cowpea grain yield across locations with yields ranging from 1097 kg ha-1 for the non-inoculated control to 1674 kg ha-1 for the inoculant + P treatment. Grain protein concentration followed a similar trend as grain yield and ranged from 223 to 252 g kg-1 but a negative correlation between grain yield and protein concentration was observed. Inoculation increased net returns by $104–163 ha-1 over that for the control. The results demonstrate the potential of improving cowpea grain yield, quality and profitability using inoculant, although the cost-benefit for using P at the current fertilizer price is not attractive except when applied together with inoculant at low P site

Breakfast Eating Habits among Medical Students

Background: Breakfast is often thought to be the most important meal of the day as it is known to provide energy for the brain and improve learning. It is also known to contribute significantly to the total daily energy and nutrient intake. Skipping breakfast may affect performance during the rest of the day.Aim: To determine the level of breakfast skipping among medical students and its effect on their attention span and level of fatigue during clinical sessions. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study of breakfast eating habits among medical students at the University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu-Accra. Setting: The University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu-Accra.Method: Questionnaires were distributed to second year (pre-clinical) medical students studying the basic sciences and clinical students in ophthalmology to be self-administered. Interview data was captured and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.Results: The total number of pre-clinical students recruited was 154 and clinical students 163 bringing to a total of 317 students made up of 203 males and 114 females (M: F=1.8:1). The overall breakfast skipping among the students was 71.92%. The prevalence among the pre-clinical students was 76.62% and clinical students 67.48%. Generally, breakfast skipping was significantly related to fatigue and poor attention during clinical sessions.Conclusion: This study suggests that the medical students, both pre-clinical and clinical, skip breakfast and this may affect their studies adverselyKeywords: breakfast skipping, medical students, fatigue, attention span, breakfast habit

Introduction: The Year of Ghana at Kennesaw State University

Introduction to the issue

The Use of the Mobile Phone Technology as an Instructional Tool for Lesson Delivery at Abura Asebu Kwamankese District

Technology has evolved over the years from being simple machines to complex ones which are making work easier and faster than usual. Despite the influx of the mobile technology with its functions into the Ghanaian society, most people are still stuck to its voice call and other basic functionalities neglecting the economic and productivity enhancement ones. It is for these reasons that this is being carried out to find out the educational benefits of teachers using their phone technology to teach, the cost benefits that major stakeholders stand to gain when teachers use their mobile phone technology to teach and last but not the list streamline ways by which teachers can effectively use their mobile phone technology in their lesson delivery. The study used the descriptive research design adopting the mixed-method approach. The research adopted the use of survey questionnaire and interview guide. Major findings made from the study showed that about 92% of teachers used smart mobile devices but just for personal reasons. The teachers did not use the functions of their mobile phone devices to support their teaching process. They, however, saw the educational and cost benefits of using their mobile phones technology to teach. They, therefore, needed training workshops to equip them to make adequate use of their mobile phone technology to enhance their teaching. The study however recommended to the government through the ministry of education to develop a basic school’s mobile app to help arouse the interest of teachers coupled with reduced tariffs from telecommunication networks operators. Keywords: MOBILE PHONE TECHNOLOGY, INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-9-15 Publication date:March 31st 202