Aedes (Stegomyia) Mosquitoes in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: Implications for Yellow Fever Paucity

A research was carried out to map Aedes mosquito vectors of Yellow Fever (YF) in 4 localities (KNUST, Ejisu, Angola and Akropong) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to identify and catalogue the various species of Aedes mosquitoes that may occur in the Region. This is to ascertain possible factors (both physical and biological) that may influence the population densities of Aedes mosquitoes and the possible reasons for the paucity of YF in the Region. Several species of Aedes mosquitoes were encountered and identified. Of all the mosquito species identified, Aedes aegypti was the predominant (81%). This was followed by Aedes vittatus (3.3%) and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis (3.1%). The bulk of the other mosquitoes apart from Aedes and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis was only 9.5%.  The research analyzed the output of elliptical profile model generated for 4 Aedes vectors (n=2,7492) and 4 sample locations. Analysis of the model output  reveals that the standard deviational ellipse is significantly better able to predict the linear distribution of Aedes populations within the geographical region. The relationship between the orientation of the elliptical profiles and the mean linear orientation of the corresponding quarters was assessed to reveal a moderate but significant association.  These findings demonstrate that the sample locations vis-à-vis pH concentration impact on the distributions of Aedes within the geographical area and supports the ecological variability within the sample locations. Keywords: Yellow Fever, Aedes mosquitoes, Toxorhynchites brevipalpis,  pH Range, GI

Surface modification of PET film by a DBD device at atmospheric pressure

Plasma treatments are used to modify surface properties of materials such as adhesivity, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, hydrophilicity. The plasma interaction with the surface produces modifications of its chemical structure and morphology. The present work shows the surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate film (PET) after the exposure to an atmospheric pressure air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The treated surface has been analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurement. AFM analysis show roughness changes in both amplitude and peaks spacing: surface modifications cause both optical properties changes and adhesivity enhancement to coating and depositions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Health Policy and Systems Research and Analysis Capacity Assessment of the School of Public Health, University of Ghana

Introduction: Health Policy and Systems Research and Analysis (HPSR&A) is an applied science that deals with complexity as it tries to provide lessons, tools and methods to understand and improve health systems and health policy. It is defined by the kinds of questions asked rather than a particular methodology. Objective: Our objective was to assess capacity and capacity strengthening needs for HPSR&A conduct and teaching in the University of Ghana School of Public Health (UG-SPH). We conceptualized dynamically inter-related levels of capacity as contextual, institutional and individual. Methods: The study had a cross sectional, mixed methods design. Data collection involved desk review, ,an in-depth interview, focus group discussions (FGD) and an interviewer administered questionnaire with closed and open ended items. Netmap was used as a tool in the FGD. Findings: At all levels, HPSR&A capacity exists in Ghana but is somewhat fragile. The fragility reflects in part contextual challenges related to national income and priorities as well as the fact that globally HPSR&A remains an emerging field. At the contextual level, Institutions involved in some way or other in HPSR&A were part of larger organizations with broader mandates. Only a handful of SPH staff indicated that they specifically do teaching and /or research related to HPSR&A. Conclusion & Recommendations: There is a need to raise awareness of the field of HPSR&A and its potential contributions to health sector development; build upon already existing contextual, institutional and individual capacity; and also attract and develop the next generation of researchers and teachers