Impacts of Illegal Mining (Galamsey) on the Environment (Water and Soil) At Bontefufuo Area in the Amansie West District

Illegal mining (galamsey) is known to cause significant environmental pollution; the chemical used and the waste heaps are a source of long term contamination of soil and water bodies. The thrust of this study was to assess the impact of illegal mining operations on the soil and water bodies at four (4) selected communities (Esaase-Manhyia, Aboabo, Mpatuam and Tetrem) in Bontefufuo in the Amansie West District of Ghana. Three 100m × 100m plots were demarcated at each galamsey site in each community. The extent of environmental damage was assessed in respect of numbers of pits and heaped laterite per plot, area of pits and heaped laterite identified on plots and amount of ore washed. Level of pollution of streams in the study area were also analysed. Large pits were dug and had all their streams polluted to a certain degree. There was a statistical significant difference (p = 0.000) between the mean radii of pits dug in the different communities. Furthermore, many heaps of stockpiles were found at Tetrem as compared to the other mining sites. The radii of the heaped laterite differed statistically (p = 0.021) between the communities. Large quantities of ore were washed daily in the communities and were statistically different (p = 0.001). Turbidity was extremely high above the EPA-Ghana recommended limit of 5NTU with corresponding low level of Dissolved Oxygen in the range of 1.43mg/L, and 2.40mg/L, recorded in all the water bodies at the sites. Notwithstanding, the pH, conductivity and Total Dissolve Solids (TDS) were all within the range of EPA Ghana standards. Mercury was identified as the main chemical used for the gold extraction in all the sites which is polluting the soil and water bodies in the area. Keywords: Illegal mining,       water pollution, galamsey operation, soil degradatio

Anterior thigh composition measured using ultrasound imaging to quantify relative thickness of muscle and non-contractile tissue: a potential biomarker for musculoskeletal health

This study aimed to use ultrasound imaging to provide objective data on the effects of ageing and gender on relative thickness of quadriceps muscle and non-contractile tissue thickness (subcutaneous fat, SF, combined with perimuscular fascia). In 136 healthy males and females (aged 18-90 years n=63 aged 18-35 years; n=73 aged 65-90). Images of the anterior thigh (dominant) were taken in relaxed supine using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Thickness of muscle, SF and perimuscular fascia were measured, and percentage thickness of total anterior thigh thickness calculated. Independent t-tests compared groups. Correlation between tissue thickness and BMI was examined using Pearson’s coefficient. Muscle thickness was: 39±8mm in young males, 29±6mm in females, 25±4mm in older males and 20±5mm in females. Percentage muscle to thigh thickness was greater in young participants (p=0.001). Percentage SF and fascia was 17±6% in young and 26±8% in older males, 32±7% in young and 44±7% in older females. BMI was similar for age and correlated moderately with non-contractile tissue (r=0.54; p<0.001) and poorly with muscle (r=-0.01; p=0.93). In conclusion, this novel application of ultrasound imaging as a simple and rapid means of assessing thigh composition (relative thickness of muscle and non-contractile tissue) may help inform health status, e.g. in older people at risk of frailty and loss of mobility, and aid monitoring effects of weight loss or gain, deconditioning and exercise

Massive subchorionic thrombohematoma: a case report demonstrating serial sonographic changes

Massive subchorionic thrombohematoma (MST) is the presence of a large hematoma or thrombus confined to the subchorionic space. Sonographic findings vary and include placenta descriptions such as heterogeneous, homogeneous, hypoechogenic, or jelly-like mass, which can be differentiated from the normal placenta. Our case report highlights the serial sonographic features observed in a singleton pregnancy from 13 to 29 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound findings of the placenta changed from a 65 ml subchorionic hematoma at 16 weeks to a well-defined placental mass with cystic areas at 20 weeks to an amorphous gelatinous mass at 23 weeks which became primarily replaced by an anechoic lesion with internal septations at 27 weeks. She delivered a live female at 29 weeks. MST usually has a dramatic initial presentation, but these findings may be compatible with a favourable outcome. Serial ultrasound assessment of the placenta is helpful to define the perinatal prognosis and may demonstrate gradual changes and eventual resolution

What do general practitioners know about ADHD? Attitudes and knowledge among first-contact gatekeepers: systematic narrative review

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder with international prevalence estimates of 5 % in childhood, yet significant evidence exists that far fewer children receive ADHD services. In many countries, ADHD is assessed and diagnosed in specialist mental health or neuro-developmental paediatric clinics, to which referral by General (Family) Practitioners (GPs) is required. In such ‘gatekeeper’ settings, where GPs act as a filter to diagnosis and treatment, GPs may either not recognise potential ADHD cases, or may be reluctant to refer. This study systematically reviews the literature regarding GPs’ views of ADHD in such settings. Methods: A search of nine major databases was conducted, with wide search parameters; 3776 records were initially retrieved. Studies were included if they were from settings where GPs are typically gatekeepers to ADHD services; if they addressed GPs’ ADHD attitudes and knowledge; if methods were clearly described; and if results for GPs were reported separately from those of other health professionals. Results: Few studies specifically addressed GP attitudes to ADHD. Only 11 papers (10 studies), spanning 2000–2010, met inclusion criteria, predominantly from the UK, Europe and Australia. As studies varied methodologically, findings are reported as a thematic narrative, under the following themes: Recognition rate; ADHD controversy (medicalisation, stigma, labelling); Causes of ADHD; GPs and ADHD diagnosis; GPs and ADHD treatment; GP ADHD training and sources of information; and Age, sex differences in knowledge and attitudes. Conclusions: Across times and settings, GPs practising in first-contact gatekeeper settings had mixed and often unhelpful attitudes regarding the validity of ADHD as a construct, the role of medication and how parenting contributed to presentation. A paucity of training was identified, alongside a reluctance of GPs to become involved in shared care practice. If access to services is to be improved for possible ADHD cases, there needs to be a focused and collaborative approach to training

D6.6 Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap

This deliverable presents the METIS 5G system concept which was developed to fulfil the requirements of the beyond-2020 connected information society and to extend today’s wireless communication systems to include new usage scenarios. The METIS 5G system concept consists of three generic 5G services and four main enablers. The three generic 5G services are Extreme Mobile BroadBand (xMBB), Massive Machine- Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-reliable Machine-Type Communication (uMTC). The four main enablers are Lean System Control Plane (LSCP), Dynamic RAN, Localized Contents and Traffic Flows, and Spectrum Toolbox. An overview of the METIS 5G architecture is given, as well as spectrum requirements and considerations. System-level evaluation of the METIS 5G system concept has been conducted, and we conclude that the METIS technical objectives are met. A technology roadmap outlining further 5G development, including a timeline and recommended future work is given.Popovski, P.; Mange, G.; Gozalvez -Serrano, D.; Rosowski, T.; Zimmermann, G.; Agyapong, P.; Fallgren, M.... (2014). D6.6 Final report on the METIS 5G system concept and technology roadmap. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/7676

A Survey on the Security and the Evolution of Osmotic and Catalytic Computing for 5G Networks

The 5G networks have the capability to provide high compatibility for the new applications, industries, and business models. These networks can tremendously improve the quality of life by enabling various use cases that require high data-rate, low latency, and continuous connectivity for applications pertaining to eHealth, automatic vehicles, smart cities, smart grid, and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, these applications need secure servicing as well as resource policing for effective network formations. There have been a lot of studies, which emphasized the security aspects of 5G networks while focusing only on the adaptability features of these networks. However, there is a gap in the literature which particularly needs to follow recent computing paradigms as alternative mechanisms for the enhancement of security. To cover this, a detailed description of the security for the 5G networks is presented in this article along with the discussions on the evolution of osmotic and catalytic computing-based security modules. The taxonomy on the basis of security requirements is presented, which also includes the comparison of the existing state-of-the-art solutions. This article also provides a security model, "CATMOSIS", which idealizes the incorporation of security features on the basis of catalytic and osmotic computing in the 5G networks. Finally, various security challenges and open issues are discussed to emphasize the works to follow in this direction of research.Comment: 34 pages, 7 tables, 7 figures, Published In 5G Enabled Secure Wireless Networks, pp. 69-102. Springer, Cham, 201

A Comparative Exploration of Community Pharmacists' Views on the Nature and Management of Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Codeine Misuse in Three Regulatory Regimes: Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom

Misuse of codeine containing preparations is a public health concern given the potential for associated harms and dependence. This study explores the perspectives of community pharmacists in three regulatory regimes on issues of customer misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed codeine. A qualitative design comprising six focus groups (n = 45) was conducted in Ireland, United Kingdom, South Africa. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method of content analysis. Pharmacists described popular codeine-containing products and the need for improved medicine information and warning labels. Issues around legitimate availability of codeine and regulatory status; presence of therapeutic need; difficulties in customer–pharmacist communication; business environments and retail focus were raised. Participants also discussed how they identified customers potentially misusing codeine and difficulties in relationships between pharmacists and prescribers. A number of recommendations were put forward as ways to manage the issues. The study highlights the difficulties encountered by community pharmacists operating under various regulatory regimes when supplying codeine containing preparations in negotiating patient awareness and compliance and potential ways to deal with misuse and dependence

D6.3 Intermediate system evaluation results

The overall purpose of METIS is to develop a 5G system concept that fulfil s the requirements of the beyond-2020 connected information society and to extend today’s wireless communication systems for new usage cases. First, in this deliverable an updated view on the overall METIS 5G system concept is presented. Thereafter, simulation results for the most promising technology components supporting the METIS 5G system concept are reported. Finally, s imulation results are presented for one relevant aspect of each Horizontal Topic: Direct Device - to - Device Communication, Massive Machine Communication, Moving Networks, Ultra - Dense Networks, and Ultra - Reliable Communication.Popovski, P.; Mange, G.; Fertl, P.; Gozálvez - Serrano, D.; Droste, H.; Bayer, N.; Roos, A.... (2014). D6.3 Intermediate system evaluation results. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/7676

METIS research advances towards the 5G mobile and wireless system definition

[EN] The Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society (METIS) project is laying the foundations of Fifth Generation (5G) mobile and wireless communication system putting together the point of view of vendors, operators, vertical players, and academia. METIS envisions a 5G system concept that efficiently integrates new applications developed in the METIS horizontal topics and evolved versions of existing services and systems. This article provides a first view on the METIS system concept, highlights the main features including architecture, and addresses the challenges while discussing perspectives for the further research work.Part of this work has been performed in the framework of the FP7 project ICT-317669 METIS, which is partly funded by the European Commission. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues in METIS with special thanks to Petar Popovski, Peter Fertl, David Gozalvez-Serrano, Andreas Hoglund, Zexian Li, and Krystian Pawlak. Also thanks to Josef Eichinger and Malte Schellmann for the fruitful discussions during the revision of this article.Monserrat Del Río, JF.; Mange, G.; Braun, V.; Tullberg, H.; Zimmermann, G.; Bulakci, O. (2015). METIS research advances towards the 5G mobile and wireless system definition. 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EURASIP J Wirel Commun Netw 2009, 10 (2009)ICT-317669 METIS, Final report on architecture, Deliverable D6.4, January 2015, https://www.metis2020.com/documents/deliverables/ICT-317669 METIS, Report on simulation results and evaluations, Deliverable D6.5, February 2015, https://www.metis2020.com/documents/deliverables/Ö Bulakci, Z Ren, C Zhou, J Eichinger, P Fertl, S Stanczak, Dynamic Nomadic Node Selection for Performance Enhancement in Composite Fading/Shadowing Environments, (IEEE VTC 2014-Spring, Seoul, South Korea)ICT-317669 METIS, Final report on network-level solutions, Deliverable D4.3 Version 1, February 201