“You always think about what other people be thinking”: Black men and barriers to cycling in London

The climate crisis and coronavirus pandemic have highlighted the need and potential to increase cycling, alongside inequalities in current cycling levels. In London, UK, groups including women, ethnic minority communities, and disabled people are under-represented. While gender-based marginalisation within cycling is more widely discussed, racial exclusions remain under-researched, and no other study focuses on experiences of cycling among Black men. This small qualitative study recruited Black male Londoners, a group whose cycling rates remain low compared to White males, although they have relatively high cycling potential and expressed demand for cycling. Speaking to Black men who cycle at least occasionally, it explored their experiences of and feelings about cycling, and the barriers that prevent them from cycling more. The analysis identifies barriers associated with direct discrimination or marginalisation, and barriers more connected to London's wider structural inequalities in areas such as employment, poverty, and housing. Among the former are racism, stop and search, and lack of visual representation; among the latter are access to infrastructure, secure parking, and the Cycle to Work scheme. Some interviewees suggest a Black cycling eco-system is needed to address a problematic dynamic of invisibility/visibility among Black men with respect to cycling

Producers and Consumer attitudes toward Biotechnology in Ghana

Over 265 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa face malnutrition, chronic hunger, and poverty. One of the technologies that could help alleviate the perpetuating cycle of chronic hunger is biotechnology. Genetic modification (GM) has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and improve Africa’s food security, but little is known about the potential benefits and costs of using genetically modified maize in Africa - Ghana. African and Ghanaian policy makers, farmers, and consumers often have difficulty accepting new technologies. Their reluctance is due to the investment required for new technology, - aversion to risk, the changes required to traditional production practices, and incomplete- knowledge of new technologies. This study elicits the knowledge, views, acceptability, preference, adaptability, and willingness-to-pay for genetically modified GM corn (maize). A survey instrument was used in two corn growing areas in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, to identify the barriers to the adoption of GM corn. The results of the study suggest that maize growers in the Ashanti region are willing to try GM maize, contrary to the current government restrictions.Producers and Consumer attitudes toward Biotechnology in Ghana, Agricultural and Food Policy, International Development, International Relations/Trade,

John Calvin’s perspective on music and worship, and its implications for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Different views on worship and music have been expressed by different Reformers. The Reformers rejected some aspects of medieval worship such as the Gregorian chant, the use of elaborate vocal and instrumental music, overly theatrical performances at worship, the unwarranted expense of elaborate ceremonies, enormous pipe organs and the uselessness of text unintelligible to the common man. The Reformers aimed at introducing simple forms of worship and music in the Church, and to restore the true worship of God and therefore introduce congregational singing and participation in worship. This paper surveys John Calvin’s views on worship and Music. Calvin held that the Word of God should be central to worship and that prominence should be given to the Bible over any other obsessions. He therefore prohibited many things in worship because he wanted God to be the focus of worship and devotion. The study concludes that although the Church today cannot limit itself to singing of the Psalms alone, nonetheless, music sung in the Church should be Bible-based to draw the attention of worshippers to God

Molecular marker screening of tomato, (solanum lycopersicum L.) Germplasm for root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species) resistance

Tomato is one of the crops in which genetic resistance has specially been effective against root-knot nematodes. In this study, molecular screening was done on some tomato germplasm to detect markers for the gene that confers resistance (Mi) with specific primer (Mi23/F//Mi23/R). The cultivars; VFNT, FLA 505-BL 1172, 2641A, “Adwoa Deede” and Terminator FI showed the marker for the homozygous resistant genotypes (Mi/Mi). The cultivars, Tima and 2644A showed both markers, corresponding to heterozygous resistant genotypes (Mi/mi). Twenty one (21) of the cultivars did not show any of the markers presumably due to non-specificity at the primer-binding sites. Five (5) heterozygous individuals were determined out of 6 resistant cultivars following the Hardy-Weinberg principle in population genetics.Keywords: Germplasm, Meloidogyne incognita, molecular marker, resistance, Solanum lycopersicum

Regenerative capacity and factors influencing the management of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis live-mulch

The regenerative capacity of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis live-mulch and factors affecting its management were investigated. Six plots of mucuna (each measuring 48 m2) were established at an intra-row spacing of 40 cm and inter-row spacing of 80 cm. The number of days to canopy closure after planting and after the first, second and third trimmings were recorded. The trimming frequency for early-maturing and late-maturing maize varieties and the biomass yield and number of active nodules per plant were determined. Mucuna pruriens attained complete canopy closure 55 days after planting (DAP). The number of days required for complete canopy closure after the first, second and third trimmings were 34, 32 and 26, respectively. The number of trimmings (60 to 90 DAP) varied from 0-1 (for earlymaturing maize) to 1-2 (for late-maturing maize). The fresh biomass yields at the first, second and third trimmings were 12364, 5941 and 7209 kg ha–1, respectively; while litter yield ranged from 469 to 914 kg ha–1. The effective nodule count per plant varied from 4 (45 DAP) to a maximum of 63 (120 DAP). The N yield (90 days after planting mucuna) was 179 kg ha-1 of which 60 kg ha-1 mineralizable N could be provided for an intercrop. Significant positive relationships were established between biomass yield, N content of mucuna plant, days after planting, and number of effective nodules per plant. The study showed that it would be appropriate to trim M. pruriens two times (at 60 DAP and 34 days after first trimming) during the intercropping of a latematuring maize crop to reduce competition between maize crop and live-mulch for water and plant nutrients in the soil. La capacité régénératrice de paillis vif Mucuna pruriens var. utilis et les facteurs influançant son aménagement étaient étudiés. Six lots de mucuna ( de 48 m² chacun) étaient cultivés avec un espacement 40 cm intra-rayons et un espacement de 80 cm inter-rayons. Les nombres de jours à la fermeture de la canopée après la plantation et après les tailles premières, deuxièmes et troisièmes étaient enregistrées . La fréquence de la taille pour les variétés de maïs de maturation tôt et de maturation tardive, le rendement de la biomasse et le nombre de nodule actif par plante étaient déterminés. Mucuna pruriens ont atteint une fermeture complete de la canopée 55 jours après la plantation. Le nombre de jours exigés pour la fermeture complète de la canopée après les tailles premières, deuxièmes et troisièmes étaient respectivement 34, 32 et 26. Les nombres de taille (60-90 jours après plantation ) variaient de 0-1 ( pour le maïs de maturation tôt ) à 1-2 (pour le maïs de la maturation tardive ) . Les rendements de biomasse fraîche aux tailles premières, deuxièmes et troisièmes étaient 12364, 5941 et 7209 kg ha-¹, respectivement, alors que le rendement de litière variait de 469 à 914 kg ha-¹ . Le compte effectif de nodule par plante variait 4 ( 45 jours après plantation) à un maximum de 63 (120 jours après plantation ). Le rendement d'azote (A) (90 jours après plantation de mucuna) était 179 kg ha-¹ dont 60 kg ha-¹ d'A minéralisable pourrait être disponible à une culture associée. Des rapports positives considérables étaient établis entre le rendement de biomasse, la teneur d'A de la plante mucuna, les jours après la plantation et le nombre de nodules effectifs par plante. L'étude montrait qu'il serait approprié de tailler légèrement M. pruriens deux fois (60 jours après plantation et 34 jours après la taille première ) pendant l'association culturale de la culture du maïs d'une maturation tardive afin de réduire la concurrence pour l'eau et les nutriments de plante dans le sol entre la culture maïs et le paillis vif. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (1) 2007: pp. 51-5

Monitoring quality of care in the WHO Africa Region-a study design for measurement and tracking, towards UHC attainment

This paper reports on the design of a study to generate a quality of care index for countries in the World Health Organization Africa Region.Quality of care, for all people at all times, remains pivotal to the advancement of the 2030 agenda and the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. We present a study protocol for deriving a quality of care index, hinged on indicators and data elements currently monitored through routine information systems and institutionalized facility assessments in the World Health Organization Africa Region.This paper seeks to offer more insight into options in the Region for strengthening monitoring processes of quality of care, as a step towards generating empirical evidence which can galvanize action towards an improved care process.The methodology proposed in this study design has broad implications for policymaking and priority setting for countries, emphasizing the need for robust empirical measures to understand the functionality of health systems for the delivery of quality essential services. Application of this protocol will guide policymaking, as countries work to increasingly improve quality of care and adopt policies that will best facilitate their advancement towards Universal Health Coverage

Siltation of Ore Particles in Leaching Tanks: Causative Factors and Mitigation Measures

Siltation involves the accumulation of sediment over a considerable period of time and this may occur in closed systems like leaching tanks. Most mining companies in Ghana experience siltation problems during leaching of gold ore. This paper examines the potential causes and possible mitigation measures of siltation. Particle size analysis, slurry settling rate tests and agitation efficiency analysis were used in identifying causative factors of siltation whiles deflocculation test and grind analysis were conducted to ascertain mitigation measures.  Results from the study indicated that, high settling velocity of particles, inefficient milling and classification, poor slurry agitation and particle flocculation were the major causative factors leading to siltation. Size analysis results revealed P67 of 106 µm instead of P80 of 106 µm, a situation which affects particle suspension by agitators leading to siltation. This study therefore suggests that increase in milling residence time and particle deflocculation are potential remediation measures for curbing siltation. Extended grinding of ball mill feed resulted in 94% passing 106 µm while settling velocity was reduced by 71% after deflocculant addition at 1000 ppm. Keywords: Siltation, Deflloculation, Settling Velocity, Grindin

Financial Knowledge and Attitudes of Youth in Ghana

Financial Knowledge and Attitudes of Youth in Ghan

Youth Saving Patterns and Performance in Ghana

Youth Saving Patterns and Performance in Ghan