Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation is training in the regulation of attention. Focused attention meditation requires focusing one’s attention narrowly on a mantra or one’s breathing. Open monitoring involves being fully aware of all feelings and sensations in the present moment. Both lead to a state of mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness have been associated with a variety of physiological and executive functions in which this talk will explore

Evaluation of plastic and steel bins for protection of stored maize against Insect Infestation in Ghana: Poster

Maize is a staple food in Ghana where there is ever increasing demand for its use to also support poultry and livestock production. However, post-harvest loss of maize is high in Ghana. This study evaluated the effectiveness of plastic and steel bins as bulk storage structures to reduce maize post-harvest loss in Ejura, Ghana during the period from February 2016 to January 2017. Maize pre-disinfested with a solar biomass hybrid dryer was stored in the following treatments: i. a white 7-ton plastic bin filled with untreated maize, ii. agreen 7-ton plastic bin filled with untreated maize, iii.a 6-ton Kikapu steel bin filled with untreated maize, iv. six 50-kg polypropylene (PP) bags filled with maize treated with Betallic Super (80 g pirimiphos-methyl and 15 g permethrin per liter as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC)), and v. six 50-kg PP bags filled with untreated maize ascontrol. Moisture content, insect pests, insect damaged kernels (IDK), grain weight loss, aflatoxin and fumonisin levels data were collected monthly. Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum, Cathartus quadricollis, and Cryptolestes ferrugineus were the dominant insect species collected from maize samples. At the end of 12 months of storage, % IDK in the control was >17% while IDK values in the other treatments were <3%. Mean grain weight losses of <1% were recorded in the bin treatments. Mycotoxin levels in the control were above the allowable threshold of 15 ppb. Our data suggest that use of plastic and steel bins has potential to reduce post-harvest loss of maize during storage.Maize is a staple food in Ghana where there is ever increasing demand for its use to also support poultry and livestock production. However, post-harvest loss of maize is high in Ghana. This study evaluated the effectiveness of plastic and steel bins as bulk storage structures to reduce maize post-harvest loss in Ejura, Ghana during the period from February 2016 to January 2017. Maize pre-disinfested with a solar biomass hybrid dryer was stored in the following treatments: i. a white 7-ton plastic bin filled with untreated maize, ii. agreen 7-ton plastic bin filled with untreated maize, iii.a 6-ton Kikapu steel bin filled with untreated maize, iv. six 50-kg polypropylene (PP) bags filled with maize treated with Betallic Super (80 g pirimiphos-methyl and 15 g permethrin per liter as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC)), and v. six 50-kg PP bags filled with untreated maize ascontrol. Moisture content, insect pests, insect damaged kernels (IDK), grain weight loss, aflatoxin and fumonisin levels data were collected monthly. Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum, Cathartus quadricollis, and Cryptolestes ferrugineus were the dominant insect species collected from maize samples. At the end of 12 months of storage, % IDK in the control was >17% while IDK values in the other treatments were <3%. Mean grain weight losses of <1% were recorded in the bin treatments. Mycotoxin levels in the control were above the allowable threshold of 15 ppb. Our data suggest that use of plastic and steel bins has potential to reduce post-harvest loss of maize during storage

Vitamin B-12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin: a cross-sectional study from South-Western part of Ghana

Introduction: Metformin is the most widely administered anti-diabetic medication among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, metformin induces vitamin B12 malabsorption which may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency among T2DM patients. We determined the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and related risk factors among Ghanaian T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 196 T2DM patients attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ghana. Fasting venous blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 \u3c 100 pg/ml and methylmalonic acid (MMA) ≥ 0.4µmol/L. Results: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency based on serum vitamin B12, MMA, and the combination of both methods were 32.1%, 14.8%, and 14.3%, respectively. Longer duration of metformin use [5-9 years, aOR= 2.83, 95% CI (1.03-7.81), p=0.045 and ≥ 10 years, aOR= 4.17, 95% CI (1.41-12.33), p=0.010], higher daily dose of metformin [1000-2000 mg/day, aOR= 1.34, 95% CI (0.25-2.74), p=0.038 and \u3e 2000 mg/day, aOR= 1.13, 95% CI (0.39-2.97), p=0.047], and very high body fat [aOR= 2.98, 95% CI (1.47-6.05), p=0.020] were significantly associated with increased odds of vitamin B12 deficiency. For daily dose of metformin, a cutoff value of 1500 mg/day presented with a sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 71.4%, 40.1%, and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.53-0.54), respectively, in predicting vitamin B12 deficiency. A ≥ six (6) years duration of metformin therapy presented with a sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 70.4%, 62.9%, and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.57-0.75), respectively, in predicting vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is high among T2DM patients on metformin therapy in Ghana. There is the need for regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels especially in T2DM patients on metformin daily dose of ≥ 1500 mg for duration of therapy ≥ 6 years

Author Correction: Deubiquitinase Usp12 functions noncatalytically to induce autophagy and confer neuroprotection in models of Huntington's disease.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper

Impact of universal childhood vaccination against hepatitis B in Ghana: A pilot study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is of public health importance worldwide. Vaccination against the infection, especially in early childhood has significantly reduced the public health impact. This pilot study was undertaken in Cape Coast Metropolitan area to assess the impact of the introduction of HBV vaccination in children. A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster sampling of 501 pupils from 30 public and private primary and junior high schools within the Cape Coast metropolis. A questionnaire covering basic demographic details and immunisation history were administered to the participants after consent and assent had been sought. Hepatitis B serological test for HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, HBeAg and HbeAb was undertaken using Hepatitis B test kit and capillary blood from the participants. The general prevalence of HBcAb, HBsAg and HBsAb was found to be 3.6, 2.6 and 19.8% respectively. The prevalence of HBcAb was 2.6 and 6.1% among pupils delivered after and before the vaccine programme introduction respectively. Introduction of the vaccination programme in Ghana has had a positive impact on the HBV infection in Ghana

Looking back and moving forward: 50 years of soil and soil fertility management research in sub-Saharan Africa

Article purchased; Published online: 02 Nov 2017Low and declining soil fertility has been recognized for a long time as a major impediment to intensifying agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Consequently, from the inception of international agricultural research, centres operating in SSA have had a research programme focusing on soil and soil fertility management, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The scope, content, and approaches of soil and soil fertility management research have changed over the past decades in response to lessons learnt and internal and external drivers and this paper uses IITA as a case study to document and analyse the consequences of strategic decisions taken on technology development, validation, and ultimately uptake by smallholder farmers in SSA. After an initial section describing the external environment within which soil and soil fertility management research is operating, various dimensions of this research area are covered: (i) ‘strategic research’, ‘Research for Development’, partnerships, and balancing acts, (ii) changing role of characterization due to the expansion in geographical scope and shift from soils to farms and livelihoods, (iii) technology development: changes in vision, content, and scale of intervention, (iv) technology validation and delivery to farming communities, and (v) impact and feedback to the technology development and validation process. Each of the above sections follows a chronological approach, covering the last five decades (from the late 1960s till today). The paper ends with a number of lessons learnt which could be considered for future initiatives aiming at developing and delivering improved soil and soil fertility management practices to smallholder farming communities in SSA

Potentiale biologischer Geotextilien für die Erosionskontrolle und von Substratverbesserung für die Vegetationsetablierung bei der Rekultivierung von Goldminen in Ghana

Designing and implementing comprehensive reclamation programme during mine operations can minimize environmental damage and decrease potential legal liability. Although Regulation (23) of the Ghana Environmental Assessment Regulation (1999) requires mine proponents to have plans for reclamation, it has been revealed most degraded mine-sites have not been reclaimed. Even in cases where some mining companies made reclamation attempts, such efforts could not produce any favourable outcome due to the failure in adopting such best reclamation management practices as slope stabilization and substrate amendment to promote vegetation establishment. Subsequently, this study was undertaken to (a) investigate the role of biological geotextiles in erosion control and (b) examine effects of organic amendments with stockpiled subsoil on tree growth and on ground vegetation cover. A waste-rock dump was graded to 33% slope and covered with a 70 cm layer of subsoil at the Amoma Pit of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited Ahafo-South project. To achieve the first objective, two kinds of biological geotextiles; Elephant-grass mat and “York” mat, were used with bare ground as control, in a randomized block design with two replications each. Mat performance against erosion was expressed as a percentage from the total sediment yield. Results showed both the Elephant-grass mat and the York mat significantly (p < 0.05) reduced soil loss by 56.6% and 97.3%, respectively, compared to the control. The mats acted as cover and protected the graded mine-slope against erosion and allowed vegetation to establish and grow through them. Two experimental plots (24 × 15 m) were established on a different portion of the waste-rock dump for the second objective. The treatments, manure (23 t ha-1) and control (no manure), were applied, followed by seeding of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and planting of potted-seedlings of five forest-tree species. The Laser-point-quadrat method was used to estimate ground vegetation cover, whereas erosion was visually observed. Diameter and height data of the planted trees were collected. The results indicated the manure had significant positive influence on tree growth and on ground vegetation cover which facilitated superior soil stabilization, compared to the control. Manure supplied sufficient N to overcome N deficiency of the subsoil and additionally increased soil organic matter that boosted microbial activity and mineralization. The findings of the study highlight the urgent need of implementing best reclamation management practices in protecting the environment and securing successful reclamation during mine operations in Ghana. The achievement of this will promote responsible mining and further contribute to Ghanaians’ acceptability of mining as a sustainable developmental land use activity, rather than as a curse.Die Planung und Umsetzung umfassender Rekultivierungsprogramme während bergbaulicher Tätigkeit kann Schäden an der Umwelt sowie mögliche rechtliche Haftungen reduzieren. Obwohl die Regelung (23) der Ghanaischen Umweltprüfungsverordnung (1999) Bergbautreibende dazu verpflichtet Rekultivierungspläne vorzulegen, bleiben viele Bergbauflächen nichtrekultiviert. Auch in den Fällen, in denen Bergbauunternehmen Rekultivierungsversuche durchführten, blieb der Erfolg aufgrund von Fehlern bei der Umsetzung von Rekultivierungspraktiken zur Hangstabilisierung und Substratverbesserung aus. Diese Studie untersucht (a) biologische Geotextilien für den Erosionsschutz und (b) Auswirkungen organischer Bodenverbesserungsmittel auf das Baumwachstum und die Bodenvegetationsbedeckung. Auf einer Abraumhalde der Amoma-Grube wurde im Rahmen des Newmont Ghana Gold Limited Ahafo-South Projekts ein Hang mit einer Neigung von 33% mit einer 70 cm mächtigen Lage aus Unterbodenmaterial bedeckt. Für die erste Fragestellung wurden zwei biologische Geotextilien (Matten aus Elefantengras sowie „York“-Matten) und eine Kontrollvariante mit unbedeckter Bodenoberfläche in einem randomisierten Blockversuch mit je zwei Wiederholungen der beiden Matten eingesetzt. Die Erosionsschutzwirkung der Matten wurde in Prozent des Gesamtsedimentabtrags ausgedrückt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass sowohl die Elefantengrasmatten als auch die York-Matten den Bodenabtrag signifikant (p < 0,05) um jeweils 56,6% bzw. 97,3% im Vergleich zur Kontrolle reduzierten. Die Matten schützten den Haldenhang vor Erosion und erlaubten die Entwicklung und das Durchwachsen der Vegetation. Zwei Versuchsflächen (24 x 15 m) wurden auf der Abraumhalde für die zweite Fragestellung eingerichtet. Auf ihnen wurde Mist (23 t ha-1) ausgebracht und eine Kontrollvariante (ohne Mist) etabliert sowie Kuhbohnen (Vigna unguiculata) ausgesät und Setzlinge von fünf Waldbaumarten gepflanzt. Die Laserpunkt-Quadrat-Methode wurde genutzt, um den Deckungsgrad der Bodenvegetation zu schätzen und Erosionserscheinungen wurden visuell beobachtet. Durchmesser und Höhe der Bäume wurden gemessen. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Mistzufuhr einen signifikanten positiven Einfluss auf Baumwachstum und Bodenvegetation hatte und damit zur Bodenstabilisierung beitrug. Der Mist stellte N bereit, um das N-Defizit des Unterbodenmaterials auszugleichen und erhöhte den Gehalt an organischer Bodensubstanz, was die mikrobielle Aktivität und die Mineralisation förderte. Die Studie zeigt den Bedarf für geeignete Rekultivierungsmaßnahmen für den Umweltschutz und zur Sicherstellung einer erfolgreichen Bergbaurekultivierung in Ghana. Damit wird ein verantwortlicher Bergbau gefördert sowie die Akzeptanz in der ghanaischen Bevölkerung für den Bergbau als eine nachhaltig Landnutzung und weniger als ein Fluch unterstützt

Enhancing smallholders' capacity to cope with climate change : participatory action research and integrated soil fertility management

This document is one of a series of factsheets that aim to share practical experience of how Participatory Action Research (PAR) can be used to trigger technological, social and institutional innovation in Africa to enhance smallholders’ adaptive capacity in the face of climate change and increased climate variability. The uniqueness of this approach is the integration of the “what” (the technologies) with the “how” (PAR) and the “why” (increased capacity of smallholders to cope with climate change)

Mindfulness and mood

Dispositional mindfulness is an attitude of acceptance of the present moment’s sensations, thoughts, and feelings. This is something everyone has and can be increased with focus based meditating ( OHMMMM meditation) and open monitoring meditation ( being told to be mindful). Each person varies in their degree of mindfulness. The research examines the relationship between dispositions mindfulness and college students self-reports of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as well-being

Barriers and opportunities in effective management of forest landscape restoration: Tain II degraded forest restoration, Ghana

Forest landscape restoration (FLR) approach has become a key strategy to ensure sustainable forest management and counteract the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and food insecurity. However, the management of FLR to restore degraded forest landscapes remains a major conundrum in most tropical regions, including Ghana. This study, conducted in Tain II degraded forest Reserve landscape in Ghana, examined the management of the forest landscape restoration project and associated barriers and opportunities. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 respondents from three fringe communities. A partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) was used to examine and identify interrelations between opportunity and barrier factors. The results indicated positive effects of incentives, farmers’ access to information, community-driven fire management, and technical assistance on FLR initiatives, while in contrast, social restrictions, conflicts over resources and land usage, difficulty in sustaining FLR, land ownership challenges, and governance issues impeded the FLR. There was a high degree of interdependence among the various contributing factors, suggesting that effective management of the FLR requires diligent management of trade-offs to help achieve sustainable forest management. Our findings underscore the need for community-based restoration programs and innovative interventions that offer incentives and technical assistance to farmers and provide constant information to stakeholders to foster synergistic future forest landscape trajectories for sustainable development