Understanding the role of local safety groups in managing safety practices between micro construction firms and principal contractors

Construction projects incorporate the input of a range of tradesmen and different sized firms, ranging from micro to large organisations. Working practices of micro construction firms are carried out in an informal manner while larger organisations tend to adopt more formal on-site management techniques. Many micro firms seek to develop long-term relationships with large principal contractors and a major strain on their relationships stem from the difference in safety management techniques they employ. Faced with a fundamental shift in their style of safety management, workers of micro construction firms must successfully negotiate this challenge. Against this background, records from the Health and Safety Executives show year on year reductions in accident and incident rates in the East Midlands, an indication that the safety practices on projects are being implemented more effectively. Some of this success has been attributed to the efforts of local safety groups, such as Nottinghamshire Occupational Safety and Health Association (NOSHA). As such, it is important that the interdependencies between large principal contractors and micro firms, and the role that safety groups such as NOSHA play in managing this relationship are better understood. This paper presents interviews conducted with some members of NOSHA. This is the first of two phases of empirical work. The roles that the members of the local safety group perform have been found to go beyond simply promoting safety awareness and safety knowledge on site. They have been found to help in conflict resolution among the various construction parties. Such practices help create a harmonious working environment and subsequently lead to long-term working relations

AKT activation controls cell survival in response to HDAC6 inhibition.

HDAC6 is emerging as an important therapeutic target for cancer. We investigated mechanisms responsible for survival of tumor cells treated with a HDAC6 inhibitor. Expression of the 20 000 genes examined did not change following HDAC6 treatment in vivo. We found that HDAC6 inhibition led to an increase of AKT activation (P-AKT) in vitro, and genetic knockdown of HDAC6 phenocopied drug-induced AKT activation. The activation of AKT was not observed in PTEN null cells; otherwise, PTEN/PIK3CA expression per se did not predict HDAC6 inhibitor sensitivity. Interestingly, HDAC6 inhibitor treatment led to inactivating phosphorylation of PTEN (P-PTEN Ser380), which likely led to the increased P-AKT in cells that express PTEN. Synergy was observed with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) inhibitor treatment in vitro, accompanied by increased caspase 3/7 activity. Furthermore, combination of HDAC6 inhibitor with a PI3K inhibitor caused substantial tumor growth inhibition in vivo compared with either treatment alone, also detectable by Ki-67 immunostaining and (18)F-FLT positron emission tomography (PET). In aggregate AKT activation appears to be a key survival mechanism for HDAC6 inhibitor treatment. Our findings indicate that dual inhibition of HDAC6 and P-AKT may be necessary to substantially inhibit growth of solid tumors

Plant genetic resources management in Ghana: Some challenges in legumes

Legume genetic resources play a very significant role in supplying food for man and livestock, and in improving soil fertility. With this recognition, efforts toward its sustainable use should be the ultimate goal in its conservation. The Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, serving as the national gene bank of Ghana, together with other stakeholders, had made strenuous efforts in managing the legume genetic resources in the country, which constitute the basic ‘building blocks\' for crop improvement. However, several challenges hamper effective and sustainable management and use. This paper outlines problems confronting legume genetic resources in the area of germplasm collection, characterization, evaluation, regeneration, multiplication, distribution, utilization and conservation, together with suggested solutions that would ensure the effective and efficient management of legume genetic resources in Ghana.Les resources génétiques de légumineuses jouent un rôle très significatif dans la provision de vivres pour l\'homme, l\'élevage et dans l\'amélioration de la fertilité du sol. En reconnaissance de ce rôle, des efforts envers son utilisation durable devraient être l\'objectif final en sa conservation. L\'Institut de Recherche des Resources Génétiques de la Plante, servant comme un bagage génétique national du Ghana, ainsi que d\'autres parties prenantes, avaient fait des efforts acharnés pour la gestion des resources génétiques de légumineuse dans le pays, qui constituent les ‘composantes\' de base pour l\'amélioraton des cultures. Toutefois, il y a beaucoup de défi gênant la gestion et l\'utilisation efficace et durable. Quelques problèmes de resources génétiques de légumineuse auxquels nous sommes confrontés dans le domaine de la collection de germeplasme, la caractérisation, l\'évaluation, la régénération, la multiplication, la distribution, l\'utilisation et la conservation sont exposées en grandes lignes, avec des solutions suggérées qui assureraient la gestion effective et efficace des resources génétiques de légumineuse au Ghana. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (2) 2008: pp. 133-13

THE POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN ACCRA, GHANA

The paper explored how governmental policies influence human vulnerability to environmental hazards. The main objective was to examine how economic and political processes impact on the choices households and communities make to mitigate flood hazards. The units of analysis were the household and community. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. The analysis shows the implementation of some development strategies, its consequential environmental degradation, and the marginalization of some groups increased the impact of disasters. Also, disaster impact has increased because of the lack of consistent government policy on vulnerability reduction. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a lack of flexibility of social networks to assist households in the aftermath of floods. The paper concludes that much of Accra’s current land use patterns and socio-economic characteristics can be traced to the past. Failure to address the problems rooted in history has limited householder and community options for reducing vulnerability to environmental hazards. Keywords: Floods, Disasters, Vulnerability, Political Ecology, Ghan

Phenotypic and genetic parameters in cattle populations in Ghana

This paper reviews phenotypic and genetic parameters in cattle in Ghana. Breeds include the Ghana Shorthorn (GSH), N’Dama, Sokoto Gudali, Sanga (indigenous breeds), Holstein–Friesian (exotic) and crosses between the indigenous breeds and exotics, including Jersey, Red Poll and Santa Gertrudis. A brief history of the dairy industry in Ghana is provided. Traits reviewed for the breeds, maintained in the coastal savannah zone and humid forest zone, include milk production, reproduction, calf growth, carcass parameters and adaptive traits. Even though exotic dairy breeds initially had higher milk production in Ghana than the indigenous breeds, none of the exotic breed programmes could be sustained. Both additive and heterotic effects were important in improving lactation traits in the GSH. Crossbreeding improved reproductive traits. Total heritability figures for birth and weaning weights indicated that selection would be effective in improving the two traits. Carcass parameters showed that crossing Red Poll or Santa Gertrudis with N’Dama improved weight at slaughter and warm carcass weight. Heat tolerance trials and mortality data indicated that while the Sokoto Gudali was the most adapted to heat stress, crossbred animals were better adapted than Holstein–Friesians in the hot humid coastal savannah zone

Hosts and transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans: a systematic review

The control of Buruli ulcer (BU), a debilitating neglected tropical disease, is hampered by the inadequate understanding of the mode of transmission of its causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). The DNA of M. ulcerans has been detected in some living organisms and non-living environmental samples of both aquatic and terrestrial sources. However, it is unclear whether the identified organisms support in vivo multiplication of the bacterium or play any role in its transmission. This paper identifies hosts of M. ulcerans, reviews progress made in unravelling the exact mode of transmission of M. ulcerans and identifies research gaps in this aspect of BU epidemiology. Using the search terms, ‘niche, Mycobacterium ulcerans’ and ‘mode of transmission, Mycobacterium ulcerans’ as well as defined inclusion criteria, information was obtained from the PubMed database and reviewed to assess their importance to the research question. Aquatic bugs of the genera Appasus and Diplonychus as well as Naucoris cimicoides and possums were identified to support in vivo multiplication of the bacterium. Bite of M. ulcerans contaminated Aedes notoscriptus, bite of aquatic bugs harboring or contaminated with M. ulcerans, and M. ulcerans contaminated skin-puncturing materials present in nature create opportunity for its transmission and infection. Appropriate protective measures may be useful to reduce the risk of exposure to M. ulcerans in BU endemic areas, and incorporation of trophic interactions of aquatic organisms known to support in vivo multiplication of M. ulcerans is needed in future research for better understanding of the spread of M. ulcerans in nature. French title: Hôtes et transmission de Mycobacterium ulcerans: une revue systématique   Le contrôle de l'ulcère de Buruli (UB), une maladie tropicale négligée débilitante, est entravé par la compréhension insuffisante du mode de transmission de son agent causal, Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). L'ADN de M. ulcerans a été détecté dans certains organismes vivants et des échantillons environnementaux non vivants de sources aquatiques et terrestres. Cependant, il n'est pas clair si les organismes identifiés favorisent la multiplication in vivo de la bactérie ou jouent un rôle dans sa transmission. Cet article identifie les hôtes de M. ulcerans, passe en revue les progrès réalisés pour démêler le mode exact de transmission de M. ulcerans et identifie les lacunes de la recherche dans cet aspect de l'épidémiologie de l'UB. À l'aide des termes de recherche « niche, Mycobacterium ulcerans » et « mode de transmission, Mycobacterium ulcerans » ainsi que des critères d'inclusion définis, des informations ont été obtenues à partir de la base de données PubMed et examinées pour évaluer leur importance pour la question de recherche. Des punaises aquatiques des genres Appasus et Diplonychus ainsi que Naucoris cimicoides et possums ont été identifiées pour soutenir la multiplication in vivo de la bactérie. La piqûre d'Aedes notoscriptus contaminé par M. ulcerans, la piqûre d'insectes aquatiques hébergeant ou contaminés par M. ulcerans et les matériaux de perforation de la peau contaminés par M. ulcerans présents dans la nature créent une opportunité de transmission et d'infection. Des mesures de protection appropriées peuvent être utiles pour réduire le risque d'exposition à M. ulcerans dans les zones d'endémie UB, et l'incorporation d'interactions trophiques d'organismes aquatiques connus pour favoriser la multiplication in vivo de M. ulcerans est nécessaire dans les recherches futures pour une meilleure compréhension de la propagation de M. ulcerans dans la nature. &nbsp

Improving Performance with Flowcharts

Blog post to AEA365, a blog sponsored by the American Evaluation Association (AEA) dedicated to highlighting Hot Tips, Cool Tricks, Rad Resources, and Lessons Learned for evaluators. The American Evaluation Association is an international professional association of evaluators devoted to the application and exploration of program evaluation, personnel evaluation, technology, and many other forms of evaluation. Evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and organizations to improve their effectiveness

Second-Generation Africans in the west could spur an era of brain gain

LSE alumnus Amma Aboagye examines the economic benefits that could emerge from children resulting from the mass exodus of African migrants to the West during the 1980s and 1990s

Capitation in HealthCare financing in Ghana

Objective: To analyse implementation of the pilot study of the per capita system of healthcare financing in Ghana in 2012 for a determination of the likelihood of realising the inherent theoretical benefits when the system is rolled out nationally.Design and Setting: First, publicly available information on how the pilot unfolded is presented, followed by the reaction of the health authorities to these developments. We then analysed accrued evidence on costs and  developments vis-à-vis the theoretical benefits.Results: It would appear that preparation for the pilot exercise could have been handled better. Concerns include i) the low level of both education and awareness of the capitation system among healthcare subscribers and primary care providers; ii) confusion about service provider to whom subscribers had been assigned for the capitation period; and iii) service providers not understanding differences between capitation financing and financing under the Ghana diagnostic Related Grouping; and iv) some indication of cost savings.Conclusion: Cost savings may be available nationally. This is important because cost containment is the driving force behind the introduction of the capitation system

Developing Signature Learning Experiences: A Case Study of an Institution’s Transformative Journey towards Global Citizenship and Equity

Signature Learning Experiences are unique learning experiences created by institutions to differentiate their graduates for employers. This study is a historical account of an institution's commitment to global citizenship and equity. In this case study, the institution uses diversity and the principles of global citizenship and equity to create a signature learning experience for students. The paper begins with a description of the context for change and looks at the changes that were implemented including a general education course; the embedding of global citizenship competencies in the whole institution; the implementation of a portfolio for students and the introduction of global citizenship and equity learning experiences abroad