Determinants of Chronic Illness Among Aged Population in Ghana: A Multinomial Logit Approach

Generally, the constant change in demographic trends among the aged depict gradual increase in the size of the aged population globally. The aged population is often capitalised with degenerative conditions such as chronic illness which affect their ability to function effectively and often require special support. Despite the increase in the size of the aged population and their associated degenerative conditions, very few descriptive studies on the determinants of chronic illness among the aged has been researched especially in developing countries such as Ghana and there is no compelling evidence on the association of chronic illness and its determinants. Thus, this study seeks to analyse and predict the impact of age, gender, education, marital status, Quality of Life (QoL), social cohesion, settlement and depression on chronic illness among the aged population in Ghana. From the studies a Multinomial Logit Regression (MLR) was employed to analyse the data obtained from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) under, Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), 2012. It was revealed that out of the 1384 sampled, 71% had no chronic illness whilst 22% and 7% had one and two or more chronic illness respectively. Again, it was observed that, Depression State, Gender, Marital Status and Settlement Type (rural or urban) play significant roles in determining the likelihood of the aged getting chronic illness while Physical Function, Social Cohesion, QoL, Age and Education Level were not statistically significant determinants of chronic illness. Our findings demonstrate that chronic illness among the aged is constantly increasing in Ghana especially in the urban communities and need to be addressed urgently through governmental policies and programs in the quest to help salvage the deteriorating conditions of the aged.   Keywords: Aged Population, Multinomial Logit Model, Chronic Illnes

Stated Preference Modeling for a Preferred Transportation Mode

This paper contains econometric analysis of commuters’ behaviour with regards to their choice between different transportation modes (car and bus) in traveling to Accra central. Using the data collected from an experimental survey, a binary logit model and its marginal effects was estimated. The magnitude of estimates generally indicates that bus users highly value attributes such as price and habit. However, the level of noise, comfort, and time (morning trips) will result in a disutility of public transport choice. Keywords: Commuters, discrete choice model, mode choice, public transport, stated preferenc

Mathematical Model of Two Isomeric Conformations for WASP Autoinhibition

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Protein (WASP) has been implicated in many diseases including Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Buruli ulcer, but no mathematical model has been developed yet to describe the kinetics/dynamics of WASP. WASP is regulated by autoinhibition. In the autoinhibited complex, intramolecular interactions with the GTPase-binding domain (GBD) occlude residues of the C terminus that regulate the Arp2/3 actin-nucleating complex. Binding of Cdc42 to the GTPase-binding domain relieves the autoinhibitory contact between the GTPase-binding domain (GBD) and the C-terminal VCA region of WASP proteins and causes a dramatic conformational change, resulting in disruption of the hydrophobic core and release of the C terminus, enabling its interaction with the actin regulatory machinery. Here we have developed a mathematical model that quantitatively describes WASP by two isomeric conformations, an active, largely unfolded conformation that is able to stimulate the Arp2/3 complex, and an inactive, folded conformation. The model invokes an intrinsic isomeric equilibrium constant  and an affinity constant  to control intramolecular contacts between the regulatory GBD and the activity-bearing VCA domain of the protein. The formulation is concentration-dependent based on steady-state equilibrium and conservation principles. By this approach we are able to quantify the fractional response of WASP against change in concentration of ligand. The model accurately predicts WASP autinhibition. The analysis confirms that WASP needs Cdc42 as an activator for maximal activation. In the absence of a ligand, WASP is regulated by the intrinsic isomeric equilibrium constant. We also find that the stability of equilibrium of the model is affected by the Cdc42 affinity of WASP.  The results further augment the understanding on the role of WASP in polymerization of actin filament and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Keywords: Wiskott - Aldrich Syndrome Protein, autoinhibition, isomeric, conformation, receptor, ligand, enzyme, protein, binding

Modeling Mode Choice in Passenger Transport with Discrete Choice Experiment

This article employs a discrete choice experiment technique to assess commuters’ attitude when they have an option of choosing a commercial vehicle from Nkrumah-Circle in Accra. This procedure with the binary probit in STATA permits the identification of the choice alternatives defining the experiment by capturing the choices of a user sample. By using the data collected from an experimental survey, a probit model was calibrated and segmented according to trip purposes; commuting and non-commuting trips. The magnitude of estimates generally indicates that commuters highly value travel safety, travel distance comfort, less waiting time, and commercial vehicles with good appearance. However, generally, an increase in transport fare will result in a disutility of commercial vehicle choice. Keywords: Commercial vehicle, commuters, discrete choice experiment, public transpor

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND VERSUS STATED PREFERENCES

The geographical imbalance of public sector teachers is one of the main challenges facing policy makers in developing countries. This study sought to analyze public sector teachers’ decision in choosing a remote and/or rural area job with reference to their historical background. Discrete choice experiment modeling approach was adopted to estimate consideration sets. The survey focused on 120 teacher trainees. The effects of certain attributes based on the findings from the study revealed that teachers were will to trade off location for benefits such as granting of study leave with pay, provision of housing, and early promotion (after 3 years of work). Teachers with rural living experience tended to prefer rural assignments. The extent to which teachers were will to trade off their initial preferences for salary was limited

Prevalence of parasitic infections on cultured Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) In Bong County, Liberia

This study investigated the prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean intensity of par­asites infecting cultured Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. in three fish farms, Gbarnga, Warta and CARI in Bong County, Liberia. Organs from thirty fish samples were exam­ined from September 2016 to February 2017, along with water quality parameters. Results showed the occurrence of seven parasites including protozoans, monogeneans, digeneans, cestodes, hirudineans, nematodes and crustaceans which were organ specific in terms of infection. The prevalence of the parasites varied seasonally, with the highest numbers oc­curring in November-January. The low prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean in­tensity of the parasites showed no threat to fish farmers in Liberia. All the water quality parameters were at desirable levels for the culture of the fish except nitrite, which was beyond the threshold for sustainable fish culture. It is therefore concluded that although parasitic infections in the three farms in the Bong County were low, best farm management practices are essential

Logistic Regression Analysis Of Predictors Of Loan Defaults By Customers Of Non-Traditional Banks In Ghana

The objective of this research is to identify the risk factors that influence loan defaults by customers in the microfinance sector and to develop a model that links these factors to credit default by customers in the sector. Data from a microfinance institution based in Accra Ghana was used. A binomial logistic regression analysis was fitted to a data of 548 customers who were granted credit from January 2013 to December 2014. The results of the study revealed that six factors: X3 (Marital Status); X7 (Dependents); X11 (Type of Collateral or Security); X13(Assessment); X15 (Duration); and X16 (Loan Type) were statistically significant in the prediction of loan default payment with a predicted default rate of 86.67%. It is therefore suggested that microfinance institutions adopt among others, the default risk model to ascertain the level of risk since it’s relatively efficient and cost effective. There should also be up to date training for loan officers of microfinance institutions in order to improve on their assessment skills and methodology. The supervising body of microfinance institutions (Bank of Ghana) should also consider enacting laws that will ensure that all such institutions in Ghana are roped into centralized database to check multiple borrowing and also serve as an internal control measure for the sustainability of these institutions

In vivo anti-malarial potentials of some plants extracts on ICR-mice, Mus musculus

Five medicinal plants, Acacia nilotica (Fabaceae), Citrus aurantifolia (Rutaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) Carica papaya (Caricaceae), and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) used for the treatment of malaria/ fever by the Hausa people of Kano-Nigeria were selected based on their traditional claims. These were extracted using ethanol. The in vitro antiplasmodial activities of these extracts against laboratory adapted chloroquine susceptible strain of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) were earlier reported (Dabo et al. 2013). This study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of four of these extracts using icr mice in the 4-day suppressive test against P. berghei. The extracts evaluated were: Acacia nilotica (Fabaceae) stem extract coded as ANSF1; Citrus aurantifolia (Rutaceae) leaf extract coded as CALF1; Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) leaf extract coded as MILF1 and combination of C. aurantifolia, Carica papaya (Caricaceae), M. indica and Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae) leaves extract coded as CBLF1. CALF1, ANSF1 and CBLF1 (combination) exhibited appreciable degree of suppression of 31.06%, 25.16 and %16.35% respectively. MILF1 did not exhibit any suppression against the P. berghei parasite in vivo at all. With the exception of haemoglobin content (P<0.0363), haematological analysis of the various blood parameters of mice in the control and treated mice indicated no statistical difference (P>0.05). Thus it can be concluded that, the apparent absence of changes in haematological profile alongside activities exhibited by CALF1 (Rutaceae), CBLF1 (a combination) and ANSF1 (Fabaceae),) suggest the bio-availability and antiplasmodial activities of the active substances in the plants evaluated.Keywords: Antimalaria; In vivo, Plants Extracts; Mus musculus; Plasmodium berghei

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

Generating temperature cycle profile from in-situ climatic condition for accurate prediction of thermo-mechanical degradation of c-Si photovoltaic module

The use of climate specific temperature-cycling profile is critical to precisely quantifying the degradation rate and accurately determining the service fatigue life of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (c-Si PV) module operating in various climates. A reliable in-situ outdoor weathering database is pivotal to generating the required climate specific temperature cycle profile. This research utilizes high-resolution data obtained at five minutes interval from installed c-Si PV modules to generate a temperature cycle profile that is representative of a test site in sub-Saharan Africa climate. The study collected a three-year data from 2012 to 2014 on weathering of c-Si PV module located at College of Engineering, KNUST Ghana. The data site is on latitude 6° 40″ N and longitude 1° 37″ W at an elevation of 250 m above sea level. Analysis of the data on temperature variation and thermally induced stresses demonstrates that the region has a profile with a ramp rate of 8.996 °C/h, a hot dwell time of 228 min, cold dwell time of 369 min. Maximum and minimum module temperatures of 58.9 °C and 23.7 °C, respectively; and a cycle time of 86400 s. Comparison with the IEC 61215 standards for terrestrial PV modules qualification reveals percentage changes of – 91%, 2180%, 3590%, 747% for the ramp rate, dwell (hot and cold) and cycle times, respectively. The generated in-situ temperature cycle profile predicts to qualify accurately, c-Si PV modules operating in the sub-Saharan African test site. The systematic technique employed in this study to generate the in-situ temperature cycle profile would be useful to the thermo-mechanical reliability research community. In addition, photovoltaic design and manufacturing engineers may harness the information to create climate specific robust c-Si PV module. Keywords: Temperature cycling, Ramp rates, Temperature gradient, Accelerated Thermal Cycling (ATC), Co-efficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), Rainflow counting, In-situ data generatio