Assessment Of The Adoption Of Agroforestry Technologies By Limited-Resource Farmers In North Carolina

The study was conducted to assess the awareness regarding the adoption of agroforestry technologies of limited-resource farmers in North Carolina. Agroforestry technologies are part of the solutions to challenges that limited-resource farmers are faced with. The adoption of these technologies is critical if an impact on the livelihood of limited resource farmers will occur. A survey was used to collect data from the farmers. The study found that farmers lacked ample information on the benefits of agroforestry technologies. In regard to the barriers for adopting the technologies, most farmers reported there were no markets for products, expenses for additional resources, lack of technical assistance, lack of demonstration sites, insufficient land, and lack of seedlings. The respondents reported a need for obtaining information on agroforestry technologies. Based on the findings, it was concluded that while farmers exhibited limited knowledge about agroforestry technologies, more education should be provided to fully explain the benefits of agroforestry technologies. It is recommended that limited resource farmers be provided with equipment and other agricultural inputs to remove the barriers for agroforestry adoption. More importantly, agricultural policies should be enacted to address their needs and ensure agroforestry is a part of the agriculture agenda for improving their financial well-being

Determinants of adoption of open defecation-free (ODF) innovations: A case study of Nadowli-Kaleo district, Ghana

This study investigated the adoption of sanitation innovations  introduced in Nadowli-Kaleo   District in Upper West Region of Ghana as part of the efforts to attain open defecation free (ODF) status. The study follows a Community Led Total Sanitation  (CLTS) programme implementation in the district in which less than half of the households in the community adopted the ODF   innovations introduced. It explored why some community  members adopt ODF innovations and why others do not. The study also investigated factors that determined continued use of the  innovations and the effects of sustained adoption on the community. A qualitative research design was used to gather data from 252 households across seven area councils in the  Nadowli-Kaleo District. An interview instrument was used together with, non-participant observation and key informant interviews to collect qualitative data. The study established that: while effective   communication of innovation resulted in  widespread awareness, low income levels significantly accounted for households’ inability to sustain and utilize latrines. Other factors that influenced sustainable adoption of ODF innovations are the health and security advantages as well as the comfort and dignifying experience of privacy. In addition, cultural beliefs contributed to low levels of attitudinal change resulting in resistance to the adoption and sustainable use of ODF  innovations. We recommend that future ODF programs based on CLTS module should intensify behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies such as interpersonal communication, mass media and role-play to bring about attitudinal change after the creation of awareness.Key words: Sanitation, Community Led Total Sanitation, Innovation, Open Defecation (OD), Open Defecation Free (ODF), Triggering, Ghan

Factor Analysis of Choice of Dress Code at Ho Polytechnic

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether society still holds the original essence of clothing in high esteem, what factors do people consider when choosing what to wear, and also, to compare today’s factors with those of earlier centuries. This research was carried out in Ho Polytechnic community where 350 respondents made up of academics and non academics were selected to complete a questionnaire asking them to indicate the level of importance attached to listed original factors. The raw data consists of 23 original factors subjected to factor analysis to identify new composite factors that can explain the clothing behavior of the populace. At the end, six factors were identified. These are; in order of importance, general undecided attitude of the people as to what actually controls their dressing, and the information base of the people.  The rest are; the resolution of some people not to dress to offend anyone, fabric influence, the specific social believes of the people and the blending factor. It is hoped that the findings of the research would prompt society to be mindful of what clothing communicates about the wearer. Keywords: Communication; Clothing; Character; Virtues; Hono

Capital maintenance study, the case of water supply systems in selected small towns

This Capital Maintenance Expenditure (CapManEx) study of seven Small Towns’ Water Systems provides understanding of the recurrent cost elements needed for sustainable services delivery. Field visits were carried out to the water systems and copies of available records on O&M were obtained. A data classification guide was used to classify the data and adjusted to the year 2011 using Gross Domestic Product deflators. The classified data was annualised to find the average total cumulative cost

Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection increases Foxp3, IL-10 and IL-2 in CXCL-10 deficient C57BL/6 mice

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cerebral malaria (CM) is a major cause of malaria mortality. Sequestration of infected red blood cells and leukocytes in brain vessels coupled with the production of pro-inflammatory factors contribute to CM. CXCL-10 a chemokine that is chemotactic to T cells has been linked to fatal CM. Mice deficient for CXCL-10 gene are resistant to murine CM, while antibody ablation of CXCL-10 enhanced the production of regulatory T cells (CD4+Cd25+Foxp3+) and IL-10 which regulate the immune system. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in malaria pathogenesis has also been shown to be a key regulator of Foxp3. However the role of Foxp3 in resistant murine CM is not well understood.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The hypothesis that resistance of CXCL-10-/- mice to murine CM may be due to enhanced expression of Foxp3 in concert with IL-10 and IL-2 was tested. CXCL-10-/- and WT C57BL/6 mice were infected with <it>Plasmodium berghei </it>ANKA and evaluated for CM symptoms. Brain, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma were harvested from infected and uninfected mice at days 2, 4 and 8. Regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+) and non-T regs (CD4+CD25-) were isolated from PBMCs and cultured with <it>P. berghei </it>antigens in vitro with dendritic cells as antigen presenting cells. Regulatory T cell transcription and specific factor Foxp3, was evaluated in mouse brain and PBMCs by realtime-PCR and Western blots while IL-10, and IL-2 were evaluated in plasma and cultured supernatants by ELISA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Wild type mice exhibited severe murine CM symptoms compared with CXCL-10-/- mice. Foxp3 mRNA and protein in brain and PBMC's of CXCL-10-/- mice was significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) by day 4 post-infection (p.i) compared with WT. Plasma levels of IL-10 and IL-2 in infected CXCL-10-/- were higher than in WT mice (p < 0.05) at days 2 and 4 p.i. Ex-vivo CD4+CD25+ T cells from CXCL-10-/- re-stimulated with <it>P. berghei </it>antigens produced more IL-10 than WT CD4+CD25+ T cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results indicate that in the absence of CXCL-10, the resulting up-regulation of Foxp3, IL-10 and IL-2 may be involved in attenuating fatal murine CM.</p

Assessing the Impact of a Dam on the Livelihood of Surrounding Communities: A Case Study of Vea Dam in the Upper East Region of Ghana

River basins are well known as the origin of advanced human social development and cultural heritage which ancient and modern communities have depended on for livelihood, commerce and habitat. Dam is one of the many man-made alterations to river basins that have been built for centuries and without doubt have contributed to the development of many nations. However, their social, health and environmental impacts have in too many cases not been assessed most often in developing countries. This research sought to explore and understand the Vea Dam within the context of socio-economic and health impacts on the host communities. Secondary data were collected from Irrigation Company of Upper Region and Bongo District Assembly in Ghana whilst primary data were obtained through random and stratified sampling. The results revealed that 2.6% and 66% of the respondents are employed in the fishery sector and irrigation sector, respectively. The dam necessitated the relocation of about 34% of the communities and on the average two people are drown annually in the Dam. The prevalence of water borne diseases after the construction of the Dam was also perceived by the communities to have increased. The Dam has both positive and negative socio-economic and health impacts on the surrounding communities with the benefits outweighing the negative impacts. The availability of potable drinking water in the area has created development with inevitable rise in standard of living. The study also revealed that agricultural activities, freshwater fishery and availability of water for irrigation of farmlands have improved. However, an enhancement in the beneficial impacts and minimization of the adverse impacts would help better livelihood in the communities. Keywords: Bongo District, Impacts of a dam, Livelihood, Socio-economic, Vea Da

Relationship between Patient Anatomical Thickness and Radiographic Exposure Factors for Selected Radiologic Examinations

The most common cause of errors in radiographic examinations is inappropriate selection of exposure factors, which depends on the patient’s anatomical thickness. Inappropriate selection of exposure factors could lead to either underexposed or overexposed radiographs and unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient. The study sought to assess the relationship between patient anatomical thickness and their corresponding radiographic exposure factors used in the selected examinations. Anatomical thicknesses of patients aged 18 years and above, who presented for chest, lumbar spine or pelvis radiographic examinations at the Korle-Bu Polyclinic, from April to May 2014, were measured and recorded using a calliper of least count 0.1cm. The corresponding exposure factors (kVp and mAs) used for each examination were recorded as well as the demographic data of the patients. The study established a correlation between patient anatomical thickness and exposure factors. The results revealed a positive correlation between kVp, mAs and anatomical thickness in almost all the examinations under study. A low-negative correlation between mAs and kVp was recorded for lumbar spine lateral examinations. As mAs increases, kVp reduced marginally. KEYWORDS: kVp, mAs, anatomical thicknes

Costs and Revenues Associated With Overweight Trucks in Indiana

This study established the unit costs of pavement and bridge damage due to overweight vehicles, and discussed issues concerning overweight vehicle e enforcement in Indiana. The study identified gaps in the existing practice and research, and established a practical framework that includes the development of asset families; establishment of realistic types and timings of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and maintenance, traffic volumes and growth projections; and damage cost estimation for each asset family and age group. The sensitivity of asset damage cost with respect to key policy and analysis variables was explored. Finally, the study examined the cost and operational issues associated with the enforcement of overweight truck policies. For pavement assets, the damage cost estimates were found to range from $0.006 per ESAL-mile on Interstates to$0.218 per ESAL-mile on non-national highways. The results also suggested that the pavement damage cost estimates are highly sensitive to the pavement life-cycle length, interest rate, rest period, and the costs and service lives of rehabilitation treatments. For bridges, an incremental-design methodology was used to assign damage cost to vehicle classes based on axle configurations and vehicle-miles of travel. Each FHWA vehicle weight group was classified into an equivalent AASHTO loading using the modified equivalent vehicle model which is based on gross vehicle weight, axle loading and axle spacing. Adopting a permit structure on the basis of gross vehicle weight only, will result in some vehicles underpaying by as much as 92% of their actual contribution to bridge damage. Finally, the study examined the cost and operational issues associated with the enforcement of overweight truck policies and made recommendations regarding equipment types and locations, staffing, and staff schedules, in order to promote cost-effective practices in weight enforcement

Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection up-regulates RANTES, CCR1, CCR3 and CCR5 expression, and induces ultrastructural changes in the cerebellum

BACKGROUND: Malaria afflicts 300–500 million people causing over 1 million deaths globally per year. The immunopathogenesis of malaria is mediated partly by co mplex cellular and immunomodulator interactions involving co-regulators such as cytokines and adhesion molecules. However, the role of chemokines and their receptors in malaria immunopathology remains unclear. RANTES (Regulated on Activation Normal T-Cell Expressed and Secreted) is a chemokine involved in the generation of inflammatory infiltrates. Recent studies indicate that the degradation of cell-cell junctions, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, recruitment of leukocytes and Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes into and occlusion of microvessels relevant to malaria pathogenesis are associated with RANTES expression. Additionally, activated lymphocytes, platelets and endothelial cells release large quantities of RANTES, thus suggesting a unique role for RANTES in the generation and maintenance of the malaria-induced inflammatory response. The hypothesis of this study is that RANTES and its corresponding receptors (CCR1, CCR3 and CCR5) modulate malaria immunopathogenesis. A murine malaria model was utilized to evaluate the role of this chemokine and its receptors in malaria. METHODS: The alterations in immunomodulator gene expression in brains of Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected mice was analysed using cDNA microarray screening, followed by a temporal comparison of mRNA and protein expression of RANTES and its corresponding receptors by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Plasma RANTES levels was determined by ELISA and ultrastructural studies of brain sections from infected and uninfected mice was conducted. RESULTS: RANTES (p < 0.002), CCR1 (p < 0.036), CCR3 (p < 0.033), and CCR5 (p < 0.026) mRNA were significantly upregulated at peak parasitaemia and remained high thereafter in the experimental mouse model. RANTES protein in the brain of infected mice was upregulated (p < 0.034) compared with controls. RANTES plasma levels were significantly upregulated; two to three fold in infected mice compared with controls (p < 0.026). Some d istal microvascular endothelium in infected cerebellum appeared degraded, but remained intact in controls. CONCLUSION: The upregulation of RANTES, CCR1, CCR3, and CCR5 mRNA, and RANTES protein mediate inflammation and cellular degradation in the cerebellum during P. yoelii 17XL malaria