Exploratory and multidisciplinary survey of the cowpea network in the Tolon-Kumbungu district of Ghana: A food sovereignty perspective

An exploratory survey of selected deprived communities in the Tolon-Kumbungu district of northern region of Ghana was conducted in August 2007 by a multi-disciplinary team of social scientist, food technologist, plant breeder and food nutritionist. The survey sought to identify with farmers their critical agronomic needs and production constraints in order to develop appropriate breeding strategies, as well as cowpea varietal preference for improved processing technology development. A rural participatory and conventional survey approaches were used. Close to half of the interviewed farmers cultivate both improved and local varieties. It was realized that 33 and 22% cultivated only local and improved varieties respectively. Generally, farmers indicated preference for improved varieties due to market value but rather preferred local varieties for household consumption and food sovereignty purposes. The top three most preferred varietal traits mentioned by farmers for breeding considerations included yield, tolerance to diseases and pests and seed colour. Processors preferred white seed coat varieties due to their good whipping ability and short cooking period. Farmers stressed the role of local varieties in food sovereignty with the early maturing ones being the most significant in household food provisio

Firm productivity, profit and business goal satisfaction: an assessment of maintenance decision effects on small and medium scale enterprises (SME’s)

[EN] This study was carried out to identify which factors are most relevant to managers of SMEs in maintenance decision making, and to investigate how these factors influence the realization of business goals satisfactorily, using structural equation modelling, partial least square design (PLS-SEM) to establish significant relationships between manifest and latent variables. A study of maintenance cost vis a vis the number of maintenance works carried out and profits realized was conducted to ascertain correlations and identify which factors played key roles in profit maximization. Results showed that with increasing level of maintenance for SMEs, profit margins reduced significantly. Also, an R2 value of 0.83 showed that the latent variable, business goal satisfaction was explained to a high degree (83%) by the manifest variables. Rentals of equipment from third parties (0.27), halting production (0.11) and outsourcing (0.39) were less considered for business sustainability per correlation coefficients than funds (0.79), and the possibilities to carry out both corrective (0.64) and preventive (0.58) maintenance works.  F-square value greater than zero was realized (0.387) and this showed reliability of the both inner and outer models. These findings can be used in building a decision tool or framework that will best suit SMEs with high financial budget constraints.Owusu-Mensah, D.; Quaye, EK.; Brako, L. (2021). Firm productivity, profit and business goal satisfaction: an assessment of maintenance decision effects on small and medium scale enterprises (SME’s). Journal of Applied Research in Technology & Engineering. 2(1):23-31. https://doi.org/10.4995/jarte.2021.14615OJS233121Al-Tabbaa, O., Ankrah, S. (2016). Social capital to facilitate 'engineered'university-industry collaboration for technology transfer: A dynamic perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 104, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.11.027Alarcón, D., Sánchez, J.A., Pablo de Olavide, U. (2015). Assessing convergent and discriminant validity in the ADHD-R IV rating scale: User-written commands for Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Composite Reliability (CR), and HeterotraitMonotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT). In Spanish STATA Meeting (pp. 1-39). Universidad Pablo de Olavide.Barone, G., Frangopol, D.M. (2014). Life-cycle maintenance of deteriorating structures by multi-objective optimization involving reliability, risk, availability, hazard and cost. Structural Safety, 48, 40-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2014.02.002Bertolini, M., Bevilacqua, M. (2006). A combined goal programming-AHP approach to maintenance selection problem. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 91(7), 839-848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2005.08.006Hair, Jr, Joseph, F., Tomas, G., Hult, M., Ringle, C., Sarstedt, M. (2016). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Sage publications.Jiang, R., Murthy, D.N.P. (2008). Maintenance: Decision Models for Management. Science press, Beijing, China.Joo, S-J. (2009). Scheduling preventive maintenance for modular designed components: A dynamic approach. European Journal of Operational Research, 192(2), 512-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2007.09.033Lee, H. (2005). A cost/benefit model for investments in inventory and preventive maintenance in an imperfect production system. Computers and Industrial Engineering, 48(1), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2004.07.008Liu, X., Wang, W., Peng, R. (2015). An integrated production: inventory and preventive maintenance model for a multiproduct production system. Reliab Eng Syst Safety, 137(2), 76-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2015.01.002Liu, X., Zheng, J., Fu, J., Ji, J., Chen, G. (2017). Multi-level optimization of maintenance plan for natural gas pipeline systems subject to external corrosion. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 50, 64-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2017.11.021Ma, J., Cheng, L., Li, D. (2018). Road Maintenance Optimization Model Based on Dynamic Programming in Urban Traffic Network. Journal of Advanced Transportation. Article ID 4539324, 11 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4539324Marquez, A.C., Gupta, J.N.D. (2006). Contemporary maintenance management: process, framework and supporting pillars. Omega, 34(3), 313-326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2004.11.003Nourelfath, M., Nahas, N. & Ben-Daya, M. (2015). Integrated preventive maintenance and production decisions for imperfect processes. Reliab Eng Syst Safety, 148, 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2015.11.015Olivotti D., Passlick J., Dreyer S., Lebek B., Breitner M.H. (2018) Maintenance Planning Using Condition Monitoring Data. In: Kliewer N., Ehmke J., Borndörfer R.(eds) Operations Research Proceedings 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89920-6_72Pallant, J. (2007). SPSS survival manual, 3rd. Edition. McGrath Hill.Parida, A., Kumar, U. (2016). Applications and Case Studies. Maintenance performance measurement (MPM): issues and challenges. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, 12(3), 239-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510610685084Qiu, Q., Cui, L., Shen, J., Yang, L. (2017). Optimal maintenance policy considering maintenance errors for systems operating under performance-based contracts. Comput Industr Eng., 112, 147-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2017.08.025Ruschel, E., Santos, E.A.P. & Loures, E.D.F.R. (2017). Industrial maintenance decision-making: a systematic literature review. J Manuf Syst., 45, 180-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2017.09.003Shayesteh, E., Yu, J., Hilber, P. (2018). Maintenance optimization of power systems with renewable energy sources integrated. Energy, 149, 577-586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.02.066Shen, J., Zhu, K. (2017). An uncertain single machine scheduling problem with periodic maintenance. Knowledge-Based Systems, 144, 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2017.12.021Stebbins, R. A. (2001). Exploratory research in the social sciences (Vol. 48). Sage.Van, P.D., Bérenguer, C. (2012). Condition-based maintenance with imperfect preventive repairs for a deteriorating production system. Qual Reliab Eng., 28(6), 624-633. https://doi.org/10.1002/qre.1431Verbert, K., Schutter, B.D., Babuska, R. (2017). Timely condition-based maintenance planning for multi-component systems. Reliab Eng Syst Safety, 159, 310-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2016.10.032Yang, L., Ma, X., Zhao, Y. (2017). A condition-based maintenance model for a three-state system subject to degradation and environmental shocks. Comput Industr Eng., 105, 210-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2017.01.01

Physicochemical and biological properties of different Cocoa Pod Husk-based composts

The objective was to evaluate the properties of cocoa pod husk-based composts for potential application as soil amendments for crop production. The physicochemical and biological properties of the compost types were analysed. Four compost types were prepared by mixing cocoa pod husk, poultry manure and Panicum maximum in different proportions. A phytotoxicity test was carried out using maize (Zea mays L.) to test whether the compost types contain substances that inhibit seed germination or growth of the radicle. Bulk densities of the compost types were higher than 0.160 Mg m-3, an indication that the compost types as soil amendment will restrict root growth thereby inhibiting plant growth. The average pH of the compost types falls within the optimum range of 6.5 to 8.5 and thus, the composts are stabilized. The compost types had high nitrogen content, so when utilized as a soil amendment would improve the nitrogen content of soils. Copper concentrations in the compost types were far below the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 100 mg kg-1, therefore can be applied at high rates without any problem of copper accumulation in soil. Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya were not detected from the compost types, therefore the compost types could be used without Phytophthora disease infection. Germination percentage and germination index showed that the analyzed compost types achieved high percentages of the germinating capacity of maize seeds and had no phytotoxic substances. The cocoa pod husk-based composts showed substantially varied physicochemical and biological properties suitable to support plant growth. The results clearly showed that, CPHcomp3 made from CPH residues, poultry manure and Panicum maximum at the ratio 6: 1: 2 mixture is recommended for use as a soil amendment for crop production

Sexual dysfunction among Ghanaian men presenting with various medical conditions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several medical conditions can affect and disrupt human sexuality. The alteration of sexuality in these medical conditions often hinder effective communication and empathy between the patients and their sexual partners because of cultural attitudes, social norms and negative feelings such as anxiety and guilt. Validated and standardized sexual inventories might therefore help resolve this problem. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to obtain data on the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (SD) among Ghanaians with various medical conditions residing in Kumasi.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was administered to 150 Ghanaian men with various medical conditions between 19 and 66 years old (mean ± standard deviation: 40.01 ± 12.32 years) domiciled in the Kumasi metropolis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of the total 150 questionnaires administered, 105 (70.0%) men returned the questionnaires. Questionnaires from 3 men were incomplete, leaving 102 complete and evaluable questionnaires, indicating a 68.0% response rate. Of the remaining 102 men, 88.2% were married, 70.6% had attained higher education, 88.2% were non-smokers. Whereas 54.9% were engaged in exercise, 61.8% indulged in alcoholic beverages. The prevalence of the various medical conditions include: diabetes (18%), hypertension (24.5%), migraine (11.8%), ulcer (7.8%), surgery (6.9%), STD (3.9) and others (26.5%). The prevalence of SD among the respondents in the study was 59.8%. The highest prevalence of SD was seen among ulcer patients (100%), followed by patients who have undergone surgery (75%), diabetes (70%), hypertension (50%), STD (50%) and the lowest was seen among migraine patients (41.7%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>SD rate is high among Ghanaian men with medical conditions (about 60%) and vary according to the condition and age.</p

National framework for research, innovation, and commercialisation in Ghana

Research findings provide insights into the governance and institutional architecture of Ghana’s innovation system and mandate. As well, insights comprise functions of key actors (including ‘missing actors’), and inputs for policy, regulation, incentives and rewards required to spur commercialisation of research in Ghana. The Science Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem study was conducted to identify and map research and innovation actors. Case studies of selected incubation and innovation hubs were also undertaken to generate relevant research evidence for the establishment of the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation Centre (GIRC-Centre) in Ghana. The major threat to the innovation ecosystem is inadequacy of funding

Preliminary survey on Anopheles species distribution in Botswana shows the presence of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus complexes

Background: Botswana is one of the four front line malaria elimination countries in Southern Africa, with malaria control activities that include routine vector control. Past and recent studies have shown that Anopheles arabiensis is the only known vector of Plasmodium parasites in the country. This report presents a preliminary evaluation on Anopheles species composition in seven districts of Botswana with some inferences on their vectorial role. Results: Overall, 404 Anopheles mosquito females were collected, of which 196 were larvae collected from several breeding sites, and 208 were adults obtained from indoor pyrethrum spray catches (PSC). Anopheles arabiensis (58.9%) accounted for the highest relative frequency in 5 out of 7 districts sampled. The other species collected, among those identified, were barely represented: Anopheles longipalpis type C (16.3%), Anopheles parensis (8.9%), Anopheles quadriannulatus (5.4%), and Anopheles leesoni (0.2%). PCR test for human β-globin on mosquitoes collected by PSC showed that An. arabiensis and An. parensis had bitten human hosts. Moreover, An. arabiensis showed a non-negligible Plasmodium falciparum infection rate in two sites (3.0% and 2.5% in Chobe and Kweneng West districts, respectively). Conclusions: This work provides first time evidence of Anopheles diversity in several areas of Botswana. Anopheles arabiensis is confirmed to be widespread in all the sampled districts and to be vector of P. falciparum. Moreover, the presence of Anopheles funestus group in Botswana has been assessed. Further research, entomological surveillance activities and possibly vector control programmes need to be better developed and implemented as well as targeting outdoors resting vectors

Hydride transfer made easy in the oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by choline oxidase

Choline oxidase (E.C. 1.1.3.17) catalyzes the two-step, four-electron oxidation of choline to glycine betaine with betaine aldehyde as enzyme-associated intermediate and molecular oxygen as final electron acceptor (Scheme 1). The gem-diol, hydrated species of the aldehyde intermediate of the reaction acts as substrate for aldehyde oxidation, suggesting that the enzyme may use similar strategies for the oxidation of the alcohol substrate and aldehyde intermediate. The determination of the chemical mechanism for alcohol oxidation has emerged from biochemical, mechanistic, mutagenetic, and structural studies. As illustrated in the mechanism of Scheme 2, the alcohol substrate is initially activated in the active site of the enzyme by removal of the hydroxyl proton. The resulting alkoxide intermediate is then stabilized in the enzyme-substrate complex via electrostatic interactions with active site amino acid residues. Alcohol oxidation then occurs quantum mechanically via the transfer of the hydride ion from the activated substrate to the N(5) flavin locus. An essential requisite for this mechanism of alcohol oxidation is the high degree of preorganization of the activated enzyme-substrate complex, which is achieved through an internal equilibrium of the Michaelis complex occurring prior to, and independently from, the subsequent hydride transfer reaction. The experimental evidence that support the mechanism for alcohol oxidation shown in Scheme 2 is briefly summarized in the Results and Discussion section

Carbon dynamics, net primary productivity (NPP) and human appropriated NPP (HANPP) across a forest‐cocoa farm landscape in West Africa

Terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP) is an important metric of ecosystem functioning; however, there is little empirical data on the NPP of human-modified ecosystems, particularly smallholder,perennial crops like cocoa (Theobroma cacao), which are extensive across the tropics. Human appropriated NPP (HANPP) is a measure of the proportion of a natural system’s NPP that has either been reduced through land-use change or harvested directly and, previously, has been calculated to estimate the scale of the human impact on the biosphere. Additionally, human-modification can create shifts in NPP allocation and decomposition, with concomitant impacts on the carbon cycle. This study presents the results of three years of intensive monitoring of forest and smallholder cocoa farms across disturbance, management intensity, distance from forest and farm age gradients. We measured among the highest reported NPP values in tropical forest, 17.57 ± 2.1 and 17.7 ± 1.6 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 for intact and logged forest respectively; however, the average NPP of cocoa farms was still higher, 18.8 ± 2.5 Mg C ha-1 yr-1, which we found was driven by cocoa pod production. We found a dramatic shift in litterfall residence times, where cocoa leaves decomposed more slowly than forest leaves and shade tree litterfall decomposed considerably faster, indicating significant changes in rates of nutrient cycling. The average HANPP value for all cocoa farms was 2.1 ± 1.1 Mg C ha-1 yr-1; however, depending on the density of shade trees it ranged from -4.6 to 5.2 Mg C ha-1 yr-1. Therefore, rather than being related to cocoa yield, HANPP was reduced by maintaining higher shade levels. Across our monitored farms 18.9% of farm NPP was harvested (i.e. whole cocoa pods) and only 1.1% (i.e.cocoa beans) was removed from the system; suggesting that the scale of HANPP in smallholder cocoa agroforestry systems is relatively small