Leadership Education through Extracurricular Civic Engagement

This study evaluates an experiential learning civic engagement model of leadership education at a liberal arts university in Ghana. The extracurricular program, in which students apply for and receive funding for service projects aimed at impacting children and youth, includes ideation, project management and diversity training, coaching, and structured reflection. Key objectives include positive impacts on the community, growth in students’ leadership and project management competencies and increased civic engagement on campus. Document analysis, interviews with student project leaders and focus groups of community stakeholders were used to assess the degree to which the program met these objectives. Findings indicate that student led projects, particularly those in schools, can lead to academic and non-academic benefits for pupils, and that relationships between university student volunteers and pupils, teachers and parents are an important mechanism for pupils’ academic gains in the Ghanaian context. Service project leaders reported learning gains in 12 out of 13 leadership and project management competencies measured in the study. The funding increased overall student, faculty and staff involvement in community service and brought greater equity to extracurricular community service. The study suggests that such programs can enhance the civic purpose orientation of the university

The effectiveness of the concrete / semi-concrete / abstract (CSA) appoach and drill- practice on grade 10 learners' ability to simplify addition and subtraction algebraic fractions

This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at = 0.05: : The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; : The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions

Platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) signaling in liver biology: Promises and perils

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is amongst the top common cancers and the third cause of cancer related death worldwide. It is a disease of dismal prognosis. Much effort has been devoted to identifying the major players involved in HCC to facilitate the development of efficacious treatments. Due to the commonalities between development and cancer, our lab used developing livers to identify genes that might play a crucial role in HCC. We identified increased expression of Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha (PDGFRα), its ligands and activity in early developing mouse livers, which coincided with ongoing cell proliferation. Blockade of PDGFRα signaling using a mouse specific PDGFRα blocker in embryonic liver cultures led to significantly decreased cell proliferation and survival. PDGFRα overexpression was also evident in HCC with around 63% of the patients showing around 7-fold up-regulation. PDGFRα upregulation was also identified as the chief molecular basis of enhanced tumorigenesis in hepatocyte-specific β-catenin knockout mice exposed to chemical carcinogen. In fact, blockade of PDGFRα in this model led to a significant abrogation of tumorigenesis. Since most HCC develop in the background of cirrhosis where liver regeneration is ongoing and critical for maintenance of hepatic function, it is important to identify pathways that are dispensable for normal liver regeneration, but indispensable for tumor cell proliferation and viability. We sought to determine if PDGFRα, which is indispensable to HCC was important in liver regeneration using partial hepatectomy (PHx) model. We identified a dramatic increase in total PDGFRα at 24hrs after PH, which was accompanied by its tyrosine phosphorylation. However, hepatocyte-specific Pdgfra knockout mice (KO) that lacked any spontaneous phenotype, showed no difference in hepatocyte proliferation at 40hrs. Interestingly, we identified an increase in total and phosphorylated EGFR and MET expression in the KO at 24hrs, which eventually led to a modest increase in hepatocyte proliferation at 72hrs. Interestingly, PDGFRA knockdown in human hepatoma cells did not lead to EGFR or MET upregulation indicating that PDGFRα is redundant in liver regeneration but not in HCC. Thus we have uncovered important roles of PDGFRα in liver development, regeneration, and cancer

The Difference in the Achievement of JHS Students Taught Using the Integration of Indigenous Industrial Activities in the Teaching and Learning of Selected Concepts of Matter and Those Taught Using the Traditional Approach Only

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the achievement of JHS students taught using the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning ofselected concepts of matter and those taught using the traditional approach only at the basic schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. To be specific the second year Junior High School students of Kaneshie Kingsway ‘2’ JHS of Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools in the Okaikoi South Metro of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was used.The study employedposttest-only non-equivalent control group design of the quasi-experimental research design. The researcher employed the purposive sampling technique for this study, making up of   43 males and 47 females.The instruments used for collecting data for this research were test, questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules. It was found out that there is difference in the achievement of JHS students taught using the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning ofselected concepts of matter and those taught using the traditional approach only at the basic schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.This means that junior high school students who were exposed to the integration of indigenous industrial activities in the teaching and learning of selected concepts on matter retained significantly more of the scientific concepts taught in the study than those who were taught using only the traditional approach. Keywords: Indigenous Industrial Activities, Traditional Approach, Indigenous Knowledge, Enculturation DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-33-09 Publication date: November 30th 201

Needs assessment to strengthen capacity in water and sanitation research in Africa:experiences of the African SNOWS consortium

Despite its contribution to global disease burden, diarrhoeal disease is still a relatively neglected area for research funding, especially in low-income country settings. The SNOWS consortium (Scientists Networked for Outcomes from Water and Sanitation) is funded by the Wellcome Trust under an initiative to build the necessary research skills in Africa. This paper focuses on the research training needs of the consortium as identified during the first three years of the project

β-Catenin Loss in Hepatocytes Promotes Hepatocellular Cancer after Diethylnitrosamine and Phenobarbital Administration to Mice

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. β-Catenin, the central orchestrator of the canonical Wnt pathway and a known oncogene is paramount in HCC pathogenesis. Administration of phenobarbital (PB) containing water (0.05% w/v) as tumor promoter following initial injected intraperitoneal (IP) diethylnitrosamine (DEN) injection (5 µg/gm body weight) as a tumor inducer is commonly used model to study HCC in mice. Herein, nine fifteen-day male β-catenin knockout mice (KO) and fifteen wild-type littermate controls (WT) underwent DEN/PB treatment and were examined for hepatic tumorigenesis at eight months. Paradoxically, a significantly higher tumor burden was observed in KO (p<0.05). Tumors in KO were β-catenin and glutamine synthetase negative and HGF/Met, EGFR & IGFR signaling was unremarkable. A significant increase in PDGFRα and its ligand PDGF-CC leading to increased phosphotyrosine-720-PDGFRα was observed in tumor-bearing KO mice (p<0.05). Simultaneously, these livers displayed increased cell death, stellate cell activation, hepatic fibrosis and cell proliferation. Further, PDGF-CC significantly induced hepatoma cell proliferation especially following β-catenin suppression. Our studies also demonstrate that the utilized DEN/PB protocol in the WT C57BL/6 mice did not select for β-catenin gene mutations during hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, DEN/PB enhanced HCC in mice lacking β-catenin in the liver may be due to their ineptness at regulating cell survival, leading to enhanced fibrosis and regeneration through PDGFRα activation. β-Catenin downregulation also made hepatoma cells more sensitive to receptor tyrosine kinases and thus may be exploited for therapeutics

Characterization of dumpsite waste of different ages in Ghana

Open dumping of municipal solid waste is a common practice in developing countries including Ghana and it creates major problems in many municipalities and towns in the countries, and therefore, the dumpsites need to be reclaimed or decommissioned after years of dumping. However, it becomes challenging to infer from the results of studies from other part of the world for dumpsites in Ghana since they may have different waste characteristics. Therefore, this study sought to characterize the dumpsite waste with different age groups from urban city and small town to ascertain the impacts of aging of deposited waste on waste fractions, it also assessed the waste components at different depths within the same and different age groups in both small-town and urban dumpsites; for waste deposited more than 5 years (Zone A), 2–4 years (Zone B), and less than 6 months (Zone C) in Bono region, Ghana. Waste (100 kg) was taken at surface, 0.5 m, 1.0 m and 1.5 m and reduced to 50 kg using coning and quartering method; dried, segregated and analyzed. Plastics waste (24.5–28.1%) increased with age at urban, and increased (5.4–8.5%) with depth at small town dumpsite. Plastic waste was second to Decomposed organic matter (DOM) at both dumpsites. The metal (<1.0%) at all depths in all age groups for both sites. DOM fine particle sizes (FPS) decreased with depth, 26.8% (surface waste) and 14.4% (1.5 m depth), at both dumpsites. Statistically significant effects of age on plastics, metal, DOM-CPS, DOM-FPS (p < 0.05) at urban dumpsite. However, at small town dumpsite, effect of age was statistically significant on only DOM-CPS and DOM-FPS (p < 0.05). The pH, EC, and TDS for both dumpsites decreased with increasing age, and increased with depth. The study provides relevant scientific findings for stakeholders to develop policy framework for dumpsite decommissioning or reclamation

Physicochemical properties and heavy metals distribution of waste fine particles and soil around urban and peri-urban dumpsites

In developing countries like Ghana, the use of open dumpsites and landfills without proper waste management technique has resulted in environmental pollution with long-term adverse effects on soil, groundwater, human health and environmental sustainability. This study assessed the contaminants in fine particles of dumpsite waste and soil around urban and peri‑urban dumpsites at different depths of excavation and different age of deposited waste. Specifically, the study: (i) assessed physiochemical properties of fine particles of dumpsite waste and the surrounding soil, (ii) assessed heavy metals distribution from waste fine particles and surrounding soil at different depths and different ages of deposition, (iii) also determined soil quality indices (pollution index, geo-accumulation, and the potential ecological risk), and the hazards associated with the dumpsites on the residents living near the dumpsites. About 50 kg of waste was taken from surface, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m depths. The samples were dried, segregated and sieved to obtain fine particles. Again, 1 kg soil was excavated form 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m depths at different age zones around each dumpsite. The fine particles and soil were analysed for physiochemical parameters using standard methods, and heavy metals using microwave plasma spectroscopy. The results showed that, the concentrations (electrical conductivity, potassium, cadmium, iron, copper and zinc) of waste fine particles and soil samples observed statistically significant different between them (p  6). High potential ecological risk of Hg (RI = 514.29), and (RI = 571.43) was observed at (SMZC1) and (NZA1) respectively; and high potential ecological risk of Cd (1000 ≤ RI ≤ 320), at (SMZA1-SMCA4. The study shows that both dumpsites have caused environmental hazards and this can cause surface and groundwater pollution and adverse effect on public health. But the study could not assess the impacts of dumpsite on leachate and water quality. The findings can be used as benchmark for developing appropriate technology for dumpsite mining, reclamation or decommission project; and exploit valorization potentials of the fine particles of the waste as composite and construction materials

Assessment of current water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in the third and ninth districts of N'Djamena, Chad

Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in Chad's cities, especially N'Djamena, is a persistent and significant challenge. This study aimed to assess current practices in water, sanitation, and hygiene in N'Djamena's third and ninth districts. We surveyed 395 households, conducted water source identification, and analyzed seven water samples at the National Water Laboratory. Temperature, ammonium, total coliforms, and aerobic flora values exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Ammonium and temperature averaged 0.7 mg/L and 30.1–31.93 °C, respectively. Bacterial contamination (>100 MPN/100 mL) exceeded the WHO's 0 MPN/100 mL guidelines, rendering the water unfit for consumption. Survey results indicate that 78.7% use hand pumps, 21.1% have tap water access, and 0.2% rely on rivers for water. Regarding toilets, 92.8% have traditional models, 2.9% have modern facilities, and 4.3% practice open defecation. 95% dispose of untreated wastewater into nature, with only 5% using septic tanks. For solid waste, 72% use illegal dumpsites, 18% rely on public services, and 10% burn waste. Finally, 95.5% of households wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet. It is crucial to treat drinking water and implement proper hygiene and sanitation measures to safeguard the population's health in the studied area. HIGHLIGHTS Identification of gaps for targeted interventions.; Enhancement of public health and quality of life.; Information for more effective WASH policies and programs.; Foundation for mobilizing resources and partnerships.; Strengthening resilience in the face of water-related challenges.

Assessment of dumpsites leachate, geotechnical properties of the soil, and their impacts on surface and groundwater quality of Sunyani, Ghana

Leachate from sanitary landfill and dumpsites have potential to cause soil and groundwater contamination, and disrupt ecosystems. However, there is little information about dumpsite leachates and geotechnical properties and their impacts on surface and groundwater in Bono region, Ghana. This study assessed dumpsites leachate, geotechnical properties of the soil, and their impacts on surface and groundwater quality in Sunyani. Six triplicate leachates, eleven triplicate groundwater and three triplicate surface water samples were taken at (up-stream, mid-stream and down-stream) urban dumpsite, and eight triplicate groundwater samples taken around peri-urban dumpsite. Water samples were stored (100). WQI ranged from 6.51 to 289, indicating excellent to heavily polluted groundwater sources. Surface water was heavily polluted with WQI between 0.84 and 776.75, with majority having WQI>100. The heavily polluted samples were located 75-155 m away from urban dumpsite. Moderate significant negative association was established between (WQI-P and WQI-H) and distance with multiple R2=0.4709, p=0.0191 and R2= 0.4482, p=0.02425 respectively. Statistically, strong significant negative association between (WQI-P &amp; WQI-H) and Ip (p < 0.05). This implies that when plasticity index and distance from groundwater sources to dumpsite increased, WQI values decreased, and groundwater quality improved