INCREASING DEFENSE CONTRACTOR COMPETITION IN A PREDOMINANTLY SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACTING ENVIRONMENT

This research was derived from a Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons System Support (NAVSUP-WSS) problem statement that identified that more than 80% of WSS contracts occur in a sole-source environment. Operating in this environment presents supply chain constraints, cost, and readiness risks for the Navy. The purpose of this research is to analyze the NAVSUP-WSS sole-source contracting environment to determine methods for increasing competition. We utilized the resource dependency theory as our foundational framework and employed a mixed-method approach involving both qualitative and quantitative methodologies for our research. We analyzed more than 62,000 contracting actions and conducted spend analysis on WSS procurements for FY19-FY20 and we reviewed NAVSUP’s supply chain and contracting operation following Kraljic’s supply matrix. Our results identified the top four items frequently procured under sole-source conditions, the percentage of awards and dollar amount awarded to the top WSS contractors, and the policy and operational conditions that contribute to the WSS sole-source environment. Lastly, we developed a NAVSUP-WSS supply matrix to apply methods for increasing defense contractor competition for selected items that were identified as a result of our spend analysis.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Utilization of cullets for the production of glass tiles through likn casting

The study explored the technique of kiln casting of glass as a means of recycling glass for aesthetic and functional purposes. Some disposed glass bottles were collected and processed through crushing, milling and sieving to particle sizes of 60, 80 and 120 mesh size. These particle sizes were batched and fired in an electric kiln to temperatures of 1050oc and 1180oc. The study revealed that the 60 mesh and 80 mesh specimens fired at 1180oc gave very good translucent effect with rich clear colour. It was observed that the sample that had addition of colouring oxides gave the best result when it was double fired. The results of the study revealed that the two major parameters that were investigated in this research, (temperature and particle sizes), had an effect on each other and that they were very important for the study. The study concludes that glass recycling through kiln casting presents an avenue for producing glass tiles for functional and aesthetic applications.Keywords: Cullets; kiln casting; glass tiles; recycling; melting temperatur

Farmers' agronomic and social evaluation of productivity yield and N2-fixation in different cowpea varieties and their subsequent residual N effects on a succeeding maize crop

Cowpea-maize rotations form an important component of the farming systems of smallholder farmers in the forest/savannah transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana. We evaluated five cowpea varieties for grain yield, N-2-fixation, biomass production, and contribution to productivity of subsequent maize grown in rotation. We further analyzed the interrelationship between these technical dimensions and the social acceptability of these cowpea varieties for farmers. Cowpea grain yield ranged between 1.1 and 1.4 t ha(-1) with no significant yield differences among the different varieties. Using the N-15 natural abundance technique, the average proportion of N-2 fixed ranged between 61% for Ayiyi and 77% for Legon prolific. This resulted in average amounts of N-2 fixed in above-ground biomass ranging between 32 and 67 kg N ha(-1), respectively. Variation in estimates due to differences in delta N-15 among reference plants were larger than differences between cowpea varieties. The amount of soil-derived N ranged from 15 to 20 kg N ha(-1). The above-ground net N contribution of the cowpea varieties to the soil (after adjusting for N export in grains) was highest for Legon Prolific (31 kg N ha(-1)) due to high N-2-fixation and high leaf biomass production. Maize grain yield after cowpea without application of mineral N fertilizer ranged between 0.4 t ha(-1) with maize after maize to 1.5 t ha(-1) with Legon Prolific. The N fertilizer equivalence values for the cowpea varieties ranged between 18 and 60 kg N ha(-1). IT810D-1010 was ranked by the farmers as the most preferred cowpea variety due to its white seed type, short-duration, ease of harvesting and good market value. Despite the high leaf biomass production and high amount of N-2 fixed by Legon Prolific, it was generally the least preferred variety due to lower market price, late maturity, least potential cash income (due to the red mottled seed type) and difficulty in harvesting. Although farmers recognized the contribution of cowpea to soil fertility and yields of subsequent maize, they did not consider this as an important criterion for varietal selection. Soil fertility improvement must be considered as an additional benefit rather than a direct selection criterion when designing more sustainable smallholder farming systems

Effect of water treated and urea treated neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel cake as protein supplement on haematological, biochemical and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

In a study to evaluate the carcass haematological and biochemical characteristics of broiler birds fed graded levels of water and urea-treated neem kernel cake (NKC), 300 day-old broilers (Cobb, 500) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments for 56 days. Water and feed were fed adlibitum. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous to replace soya bean meal at 0 per cent neem kernel cake (NKC), 5 per cent water treated neem kernel cake (WNKC), 10 per cent WNKC, 5 per cent water and urea treated neem kernel cake (WUNKC) and 10 per cent WUNKC for diets 1,2,3,4, and 5, respectively. The results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI), average body weight gain (ABWG), average daily water intake (ADWI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed cost kg-1 live weight gain were significantly (P = 0.05) different across dietary treatments. With the exception of the red blood cell (RBC), globulin and total protein, all the haematological parameters (white blood cell, haemoglobin, PCV, MCH, MCHC and MCV) and biochemical parameters (albumen, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and TGS) measured were not significantly (P = 0.05) different across the dietary treatments. Results on carcass parameters were significantly (P = 0.05) different among the dietary treatments. Liver, gizzard, heart, dressed weight, and intestinal weights of birds on the test diets were significantly (P = 0.05) different from those on the control diet

Detection of viable Mycobacterium ulcerans in clinical samples by a novel combined 16S rRNA reverse transcriptase/IS2404 real-time qPCR assay.

Detection of Viable <em>Mycobacterium ulcerans</em> in Clinical Samples by a Novel Combined 16S rRNA Reverse Transcriptase/IS<em>2404</em> Real-Time qPCR Assa

Improving Soil Productivity and Increasing Lowland Rice Yields through the Integration of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in the Savannah and Forest Agro-ecological Zones of La Cote d’Ívoire

Sole mineral fertilizers use by poorly resourced farmers for rice production in the lowlands is usually low and unsustainable. Field experiments were therefore conducted within two contrasting environments (Forest and Savannah), using two common organic amendments (Poultry manure and Cattle manure) to establish an effective and integrated soil nutrient management system for improved lowland soil productivity and increased rice yields. The study was also partly intended to encourage and promote the effective and sustainable use of locally available organic amendments for nutrient management in lowland rice production. Results showed that organic amendments {cattle manure (CM) and poultry manure (PM)} contributed significantly to grain yield increases and total productivity with PM having a significantly greater and positive effect on grain yield than CM. In addition, the application of organic amendments in combination with mineral fertilizer significantly contributed to increased grain yield over the application of sole mineral fertilizer. Within the savannah agro- cological zone, there was a 130% (CM) and 203% (PM) grain yield increase over the control due to the application of organic amendments . When organic amendments were applied in combination with mineral fertilizer (MF), grain yield increased by 21% and 43% over sole MF for CM and PM respectively. However, sole CM contributed 12% increase in grain yield over the control while PM gave a 35% increase within the forest agro- cological zone. The combined application of MF and CM resulted in an 11% increase in grain yield while MF and PM combinations produced a 30% yield increase within the ecology. The non-addition of N, P, K as mineral fertilizer resulted in a yield reduction of about 84% at both sites. Resource poor farmers within the West African sub-region should therefore be encouraged to use organic amendments, which are not only available locally but also affordable. Proper storage and handling of these organic materials is very important to minimize nutrient losses.&nbsp

The burden and characteristics of peripheral arterial disease in patients undergoing amputation in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

Background: To determine the prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and associated risk factors in patients undergoing amputation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana.Objectives: A cross- sectional study of all patients undergoing lower extremity amputation at the Department ofSurgery, KBTH.Materials: A coded questionnaire was used to ascertain risk factors for PAD. The Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire was used to determine symptomatic PAD and a 5 mmHz hand held Summit® Doppler together with an Accoson® sphygmomanometer was used to determine PAD and its severity.Method: Clinical diagnosis of symptomatic PAD was made using a symptom-based questionnaire and signs of PAD determined by measuring the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) by means of a handheld Doppler and sphygmomanometer. Risk factors were determined using the coded questionnaire and related to the occurrence and severity of PAD.Results: The prevalence of PAD among recruited participants was 71%. Twenty-eight per cent of participants with PAD in the index limb also showed signs of PAD in the other limb. The diagnosis of PAD was made in 71%, using ABPI, and 13%, using ECQ. Twenty-seven per cent of patient with hypertension, seventeen per cent with diabetes and all patients with hypercholesterolemia were not on any form of medication.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of PAD among patients undergoing lower extremity amputation at the KBTH. The majority of PAD patients presented with moderate to severe PAD. Instituting measures to identify and control risk factors of PAD may reduce this high burden.Funding: Not declaredKeywords: Peripheral arterial disease, ABPI, Prevalence, Ghana, AmputationFunding source: Authors funded the stud

Simultaneous Quantification of Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Related Impurities in Fixed Oral Dosage Combination Using RP-HPLC with DAD detection

A simple and fast isocratic Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of Lamivudine, zidovudine and their related impurities in tablets. The method consists of a mobile phase combination of Acetonitrile (HPLC grade) and Buffer (0.0680 g of Potassium Dihydrogen Orthophosphate, 0.3 ml of Triethylamine, pH adjusted to 8.0 with Orthophosphoric acid to a final volume preparation of 100 ml) in the ratio 10:90. Phenomenex Luna 5-µm C18 (2)-250 x 4.6-mm, 5-µm) was used as the stationary phase. The column oven was set to a temperature of 30±1oC. Quantification was achieved with a DAD detector set at 270 nm. Resolution was achieved at a short run time of 25 minutes. Zidovudine related impurity C, Lamivudine, salicylic acid, Zidovudine and Zidovudine related impurity B eluted at 3.749±0.004, 4.862±0.013, 15.332±0.064, 21.201±0.076 and 23.682±0.117 respectively. Relative retention times (RRT) for lamivudine unknown related impurities with respect to Zidovudine were 0.15, 0.17, 0.30 and 0.59. RRT for Zidovudine unknown related impurities with respect to Zidovudine were 0.39 and 0.63.  The method was found to be specific, robust, accurate and precise for the estimation of Zidovudine related impurity C, Lamivudine, salicylic acid, Zidovudine and Zidovudine related impurity B in fixed oral dosage tablets over the concentration ranges of 0.0204 mg/mL-0.0088 mg/mL, 0.0962 mg/mL-0.7699 mg/mL, 0.1929 mg/mL-1.5410 mg/mL and 0.0088 mg/mL-0.024 mg/mL respectively. The Correlation Coefficient (r2) for Zidovudine related impurity C, Lamivudine, salicylic acid, Zidovudine and Zidovudine related impurity B were greater than 0.998. The LOD were found to be between 1.9x10-4 mg/mL to 2.69 x10-4 mg/mL.  The proposed method is precise, specific, accurate and robust for the simultaneous estimation of Zidovudine related impurity C, Lamivudine, salicylic acid, Zidovudine, Zidovudine related impurity B and other related impurities in dosage forms. Keywords: Zidovudine related impurity C, Lamivudine, salicylic acid, Zidovudine, Zidovudine related impurity B, Lamivudine related impurities, Zidovudine related impurities RP-HPLC, Validation.

Assessment of the water balance of the Barekese reservoir in Kumasi, Ghana

The Barekese Reservoir constructed across the Offin River provides 80% of the total public pipe borne water supplied to the Kumasi metropolis and its environs. The reservoir was designed to produce both potable water and hydropower, however, the hydropower component has not been implemented since its construction in 1971.There is also reported land cover degradation in the catchment area which has the propensity to alter the hydrologic cycle and hence runoff into the reservoir. A 10 year water balance has been assessed for the Barekese Reservoir using an integrated Remote Sensing and GIS approach for estimation of surface runoff based on Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN). The SCS-CN model was calibrated against observed discharges recorded at Offinso located 10.3km upstream from Barekese and the result of the calibration used to simulate runoff into the reservoir. The SCS-CN model produced an R2 value of 0.84 and an efficiency of 82.68%. Monthly observed reservoir levels were used for the calibration and validation of the water balance model. The water balance model produced an R2 value of 0.84 and an efficiency of 81.9%. The monthly water budget revealed that total catchment runoff and direct precipitation respectively constituted 94.32% and 5.68% of the inflows while spilled water, water withdrawal and evaporation respectively amounted to 72.19%, 20.85% and 6.96% of the outflows. This result reveals that the reservoir is being underutilized. The current average production of treated water is 109,000m3day but the reservoir can safely yield the design capacity of 220,000m3day and an additional average hydropower of 368.6kW in six months during the rainy season provided the economic analysis for the hydropower generation is found to be justifiable.Keywords: Water balance, Barekese Reservoir, SCS-CN model, Offinso, Hydropowe

Exploring opportunities for enhancing innovation in agriculture: The case of oil palm production in Ghana

We carried out a study using key informant interviews, focus group discussions and individual interviews to explore opportunities to enhance innovation in the oil palm sector in Ghana. Current technical innovations at the farm level are insufficient to promote sustainable oil palm production and to alleviate poverty because of overriding institutional constraints at the larger-than-farm level. Oil palm was selected for the study for three main reasons: (1) It is considered a national priority crop because of its potential for reducing poverty, (2) It has a wide geographical coverage and (3) It is considered as both food and cash crop. Oil palm has evolved in the past 40 years from a public-sector to a private-sector crop. The study identified the following main actors in oil palm production: small private farms that produce about 80% of the crop; large-scale industrial estates with their network of smallholder and out-grower farmers who produce to supply their large-scale mechanized processing mills; small-scale semi-mechanized processing mills, medium-scale mechanized mills and secondary processors. Opportunities that will make it rational for farmers to invest in increased production and improved sustainability include: (1) creating institutional conditions that will enable small-scale processors to be integrated into the value chain; (2) organising farmers to be able to negotiate for better deals for themselves; (3) improve system of distribution of improved planting material in regions where accessibility to seedlings of the high-yielding tenera hybrid variety is difficult; and (4) developing new tenancy rules and arrangements that improve the income of tenant farmers and encourage them to invest in increased productivity