'Nothing about us, without us' : voices of leaders of disabled people's organisation in management of disability fund

In 2005, the Ghanaian government established cash grants for persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, PWDs are still living under deplorable conditions, which have raised questions about the involvement of fellow PWDs in the disbursement of cash grants. Using a human rights-based approach, nine participants with disabilities (hearing, visual and physical) who were leaders of the Disabled People’s Organisation in four districts were interviewed to explore their perspectives, which was thematically analysed. The results showed that leaders were not consulted or involved in the allocation of grants to PWDs. This paper discusses the need for bureaucrats to respect and involve PWDs in matters concerning their livelihoods

Performance Evaluation of Local Cassava Starch Flour as a Secondary Viscosifier and Fluid Loss Agent in Water Based Drilling Mud

The success of any rotary drilling process depends on the type of drilling mud selected to achieve a particular task. The main function of drilling mud is to remove cuttings during drilling process. Viscosity is by far, the most needed property of the drilling fluid to aid it perform its needed task. The viscosity property of the mud helps in well cleaning and also aid in the suspension of drilling cuttings when circulation of the fluid is put on hold. It is important to monitor and continuously adjust the viscosity of the drilling fluid. Series of investigations have been carried out to discover less expensive and high performance viscosifiers. Cassava starch flour with bentonite in controlling viscosity and fluid loss in Water Based Mud (WBM) was investigated in this study. Various mud samples were formulated consisting of different masses of cassava starch flour (2 g, 4 g, 6 g and 8 g) and an additional one being the control bentonite (0 g of cassava starch flour). Fluid loss and rheological tests were carried out to determine the plastic viscosity, yield point, gel strength among others. Results from this investigation showed that, increasing the amount of cassava starch flour in the WBM increased the viscosity of the mud samples due to its swelling ability. Mud samples with cassava starch flour exhibited greater suspension ability (gel strength) of cuttings than that of the control sample with the exception of 6 g and 8 g of cassava starch at 80 ℃ for the 10 minutes gel strength. At the end of the fluid loss test, mud sample with cassava starch flour concentration of 2 g recorded a filter cake thickness of 2 mm while that of 4 g, 6 g, and 8 g gave 3 mm thickness. In conclusion, introduction of cassava starch flour into the mud samples from concentrations of 2 g to 8 g reduced its fluid loss by an average of 8 %. Based on the analyses, starch flour prepared from freshly uprooted local cassava has the potential to improve viscosity and also control fluid loss in WBM. Keywords: Bentonite, Drilling Fluid, Fluid Loss, Rheology, Water Based Mud (WBM), Viscosifie

The self-efficacy of private school teachers toward the implementation of inclusive education in Ghana : a mixed-methods study

Background: Although efforts toward practicing inclusive education have stalled in countries such as Ghana, the available data have mainly centred on enacting inclusive education in public schools. With private schools being notable alternative service providers to public schools, understanding private school teachers’ perceived self-efficacy toward teaching students with disabilities in the classroom is essential. Method: To develop insights into inclusive practices, a two-phase mixed-methods design was adopted for this study. In the first phase, 82 teachers from six private schools responded to the self-reported Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) scale. In the second phase, there were 10 participants, including principals (n = 3), heads of department (n = 4) and teachers (n = 3). While the quantitative data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance and linear regression, the qualitative data were analysed thematically using the components of the TEIP scale as a priori themes. Result: The study confirmed the structural validity of the TEIP scale in measuring teachers’ self-efficacy and the correlations and covariances between efficacy in managing behaviour and performing instruction and collaboration. There was divergence between the quantitative and qualitative data and background variables, such as educational qualifications, pre-service training in inclusive education and participation in professional development, which provided additional insights into the teachers’ self-efficacy. Conclusion: The findings show that some private school teachers teach students with disabilities despite having no confidence in their capabilities. The study findings underscore the need to create more training opportunities for private school teachers to enhance their confidence in practicing inclusive education in schools

Barriers to utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young deaf persons in Ghana

Despite significant progress made to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the general populace in Ghana, information on the accessibility of such services to deaf persons is limited. This study investigated access to and utilization of SRH services among young female deaf persons in Ghana. Sixty deaf persons were interviewed from six metropolis/municipalities/districts in three regions of Ghana. The data were collected using focus group discussion and one-on-one interviews. The data were subjected to content analysis, leading to the identification of two broad themes. The study identified barriers at two levels: point of service delivery and barriers at the individual level. For instance, at the point of service delivery, they were claims that deaf women were victims of negative attitudes from health workers. The study concludes on the need forhealth policymakers to consider collaborating with the Ghana National Association of the Deaf in an effort towards designinginclusive SRH programmes. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 58-66). Malgré des progrès significatifs réalisés pour améliorer l'accès aux services de santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) pour la population générale au Ghana, les informations sur l'accessibilité de ces services aux personnes sourdes sont limitées. Cette étude a examiné l'accès et l'utilisation des services de SSR chez les jeunes femmes sourdes au Ghana. Soixante personnes sourdes ont été interrogées dans six métropoles/municipalités/districts dans trois régions du Ghana. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide de discussions de groupe et d'entretiens individuels. Les données ont fait l'objet d'une analyse de contenu qui a conduit à l'identification de deux grands thèmes. L'étude a identifié des obstacles à deux niveaux : le point de prestation de services et les obstacles au niveau individuel. Par exemple, au point de prestation de services, il y avait des allégations selon lesquelles les femmes sourdes étaient victimes d'attitudes négatives de la part des agents de santé. L'étude conclut sur la nécessité pour les décideurs de la santé d'envisager e collaborer avec l'Association nationale des sourds du Ghana dans le but de concevoir des programmes de SSR inclusifs. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 58-66)

Level of satisfaction and sexual and reproductive health needs of deaf persons in Ghana : a sequential explanatory mixed method study

Background: The intersection between deafness and culture in sub-Saharan African contexts such as Ghana has culminated in restricted access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. While some attention has been given to the barriers faced by deaf persons in accessing SRH services, discussion of their needs and satisfaction with SRH services is at an embryonic stage. This lends support to the use of sequential mixed-method study design to assess the level of satisfaction and SRH needs of deaf persons. Methods: This study was guided by explanatory sequential mixed-method study design. Thus, a two-phase data collection approach was adopted. In Phase I, a 32-item questionnaire with 16 items each for satisfaction regarding SRH services and SRH needs, was used for data collection from 288 deaf persons recruited from 3 of the 16 regions in Ghana. The data were subjected to the following computations: means, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlations, and multiple regression. In Phase II, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 60 participants who were drawn from the earlier pool. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: The results showed of correlation and multiple analyses showed a small relationship and significant contribution of needs in the variance of satisfaction. Also, there was a convergence between both the qualitative and quantitative data as participants confirmed the lack of consideration given to the needs of deaf persons regarding SRH service provisions. Conclusion: Deaf persons who took part in this study were unsatisfied with SRH services due to barriers such as sign language interpreters and inaccessible information. Consequently, they expressed the need for preferred mode of communication and expedition of awareness creation on SRH. The study findings warrant the need for policymakers to inculcate the needs of deaf person in SRH services to improve access and thus, enhance satisfaction. For instance, recommendations such as the training of health professionals in the use of sign language could be considered in future SRH policy and other implications, are discussed

Metal Oxide Polymer Nanocomposites in Water Treatments

Recently, several pollutants such as dyes, pharmaceuticals and phenolic compounds, which can cause toxic effects to human health, have identified in water resources. Water pollution has extensively studied and several conventional techniques, such as chemical treatment, adsorption, biological treatment, and membrane-based separation, have adopted for pollutants removal from wastewater/ water resources. However, these techniques had led to the production of soluble refractory organic compounds and health-threatening bacteria that are hard to be removed. Recently, photocatalysis has considered as one of the most viable technology for water treatment using sunlight to eliminate harmful bacteria and pollutants owing to its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. Metal oxide and polymers have become promising materials for water treatment owing to their properties, such as surface mobility, large surface area and superb magnetic and optical properties. This book chapter discusses recent design and synthesis of visible light response polymer/metal oxide nanocomposite through several synthetic strategies for water treatment. The results show that the polymer-metal oxide nanocomposite possesses a superior photodegradation activity toward pollutants under simulated visible light. Major challenges in polymer-metal oxide nanocomposite synthesis and future research perspectives for developing alternate synthesis methodologies are also discussed

Flow Assurance in Subsea Pipeline Design - A Case Study of Ghana’s Jubilee and TEN Fields

The increasing exploration and production activities in the offshore Cape Three Point Blocks of Ghana have led to the discovery and development of gas condensate fields in addition to the oil fields which produce significant amount of condensate gas. These discoveries require pipelines to transport the fluids avoiding hydrates and wax formation. This paper focuses on subsea pipeline design using Pipesim software that addresses flow assurance problems associated with transporting condensate gas from the Jubilee and TEN Fields to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant. It also considered an alternate design that eliminates the need for capacity increase of flowlines for the futuristic highest projected flow rates in 2030. The design comprises of two risers and two flowlines. Hydrate formation temperature was determined to be 72.5 ˚F at a pressure of 3 000 psig. The insulation thickness for flowlines 1 and 2 were determined to be 1.5 in. and 2 in. respectively. The pipe size for flowlines 1 and 2 were determined to be 12 in. and 14 in. respectively. The maximum designed flow rate was determined to be 150 MMSCFD. To meet the highest projected flow rate of 700 MMSCFD in the year 2030 at the processing plant, a 16 in. ID pipeline of 44 km length was placed parallel to the 12 in. ID flowline 1. This parallel pipeline increased the designed flow rate by approximately 4.7 times (705 MMSCFD). The alternate design employs 18 in. and 20 in. ID pipes for flowlines 1 and 2 respectively. Keywords: Condensate Gas; Flowline; Flow Assurance; Hydrate; Pipesi

5α-reductase 1 mRNA levels are positively correlated with TRAMP mouse prostate most severe lesion scores

Citation: Opoku-Acheampong, A. B., Henningson, J. N., Beck, A. P., & Lindshield, B. L. (2017). 5α-reductase 1 mRNA levels are positively correlated with TRAMP mouse prostate most severe lesion scores. Plos One, 12(5). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175874Background The contribution of 5α-reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2 to prostate cancer development and progression is not clearly understood. TRAMP mice are a common prostate cancer model, in which 5α-reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2 expression levels, along with prostate lesions scores, have not been investigated at different time points to further understand prostate carcinogenesis. Method/Principal findings To this end, 8-, 12-, 16-, and 20-week-old male C57BL/6TRAMP x FVB mice prostate most severe and most common lesion scores, 5α-reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2 in situ hybridization expression, and Ki-67, androgen receptor, and apoptosis immunohistochemistry levels were measured. Levels of these markers were quantified in prostate epithelium, hyperplasia, and tumors sections. Mice developed low- to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia at 8 weeks as the most severe and most common lesions, and moderate- and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia at 12 and 16 weeks as the most severe lesion in all lobes. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was observed at 20 weeks in all lobes. Poorly differentiated carcinoma was not observed in any lobe until 12-weeks-old. 5α- reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2 were not significantly decreased in tumors compared to prostate epithelium and hyperplasia in all groups, while proliferation, apoptosis, and androgen receptor were either notably or significantly decreased in tumors compared with prostate epithelium and hyperplasia in most or all groups. Prostate 5αR1 levels were positively correlated with adjusted prostate most severe lesion scores. Conclusion Downregulation of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase 2, along with upregulation of 5α- reductase 1 in tumors may promote prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer development in TRAMP mice. © 2017 Opoku-Acheampong et al.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited