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Approximately 60 % of men globally over the age of 50 experience a diminished quality of life as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Consequently, while the national direct cost for managing BPH is hovering around $4 billion in the USA, the individual direct cost for medications is estimated at $1536 and $425 annually for the USA and Ghana, respectively. Due to the chemotherapeutic drawbacks in BPH treatment, a concerted effort is urgently needed to find new chemotypes with novel mechanism of action to combat the disease. This research aims to employ computational techniques to identify new compounds from ethno-pharmacological plants from Ghana for treating BPH. Altogether, 250 natural products from Croton membranaceus, Heliotropium angiospermum, Annona muricata, Serenoa repens, Cissus quadrangularis, Tribulus terrestrials, Vernonia amagdalina and Momordica foetida from Ghanaian origin were virtually screened against 5alpha reductase 2 (5aR2), a primary drug target implicated in the parthenogenesis of BPH. Out of the 254 compounds docked, three compounds (A, B and C) showed a binding energy lower than testosterone (-10.4 kcal/mol), the main substrate of the target and comparative to finasteride (-11.7 kcal/mol), one of the drugs currently used for treating the disease. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations studies revealed Leu224 to be critical for ligand binding and complex stability. The pharmacological and physicochemical profiles show the compounds to possess good pharmacodynamics with negligible toxicities. While the compounds A, C, G, H, I and J were, respectively, predicted to treat prostate disorders with Pa (0.909, 0.221, 0.743, 0.729, 0.978, and 0.443) and Pi (0.003, 0.132, 0.005,0.005, 0.002, 0.016), that of A, B, D, G, H, I, and J were found to be associated with the inhibition of 5alpha reductase with Pa (0.840, 0.102, 0.097, 0.377, 0.123, 0.909, and 0.201) and Pi (0.001, 0.075, 0.089, 0.003, 0.036, 0.001, and 0.004), respectively. These lead-like compounds possessing plausible chemotherapeutic moieties with putative 5aR2 inhibitory potential need further experimental validation via in vitro studies.

This study investigates the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Densu Delta wetlands, a critical ecosystem in Ghana. Here, satellite images spanning from 1998 to 2023 were used to analyse the spatio-temporal patterns of LULC changes and their implications for water bodies, wetlands, vegetations, bare lands and urban areas in the Densu Delta wetland. Employing advanced techniques such as Markov chain modelling and artificial neural networks (ANNs), the research assesses and predicts LULC alterations. Significantly, the largest loss of LULC is observed in the Densu Delta wetland, where wetlands transition to waterbody cover type (14.02 km²). Model validation for 2023 attests to the accuracy of the model, boasting a correctness percentage of 70% and a kappa value of 0.74. In-depth analyses explore regional variations in the Densu Delta wetlands, revealing distinct patterns in the rates of LULC change before and after 2013. Notably, urbanization emerges as a prominent factor post-2013, with urban areas experiencing remarkable rates of change in the wetland. Transition matrices underscore the intricate interplay of different land cover classes over the years. Simulated LULC predictions for 2033 and 2043 highlight the urban land cover type as having the highest positive change, recording approximately 0.39% for the Densu Delta wetland. The wetland land cover in the Densu Delta wetland exhibit negative changes of about −0.52%. The synthesis of LULC data enhances our understanding of the complex interactions shaping these critical ecosystems. This research offers valuable insights for sustainable environmental conservation, emphasizing the pivotal role of informed urban planning policies. It also unveils potential challenges posed by climate change, advocating for a holistic approach to preserve these vital wetland ecosystems.

Introduction A major part of diabetes management involves patients’ self-management. Poor self-management increases the risk of complications from the condition. Good self-management requires appropriate and adequate education and caregiver support, typically provided through structured diabetes education programmes. Education on various topics, including self-management, is a key component of diabetes management services in Ghana. However, challenges such as limited knowledge, economic constraints and sociocultural factors hinder self-management practices. We explored the self-management education (SME), practice and support needs of adults with type-2 diabetes (T2D) at the Keta Municipal Hospital.Research design and methods This phenomenological study involved 16 adults living with T2D and two healthcare providers in the Keta Municipality of Ghana. Data were collected through in-depth and expert interviews using interview guides. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to analyse the data using NVivo V.12.Results SME was provided within an hour during the first section of the monthly diabetes clinic covering dietary needs and restrictions, physical exercises, adherence to medication and wound prevention and care. SME needs were individualised SME and extension of education to the general population. The participants practised self-management activities. They attributed their improved practices to both the general group education and the individualised goals and input received during individual counselling sessions. Motivators for self-management were cues from negative health outcomes, wanting to survive the condition for a long time and SME received. Challenges to self-management entailed job roles, insufficient medication dosages and unavailability of medication at the hospital during review visits.Conclusions The study suggests that individualised SME and caregiver support may enhance self-management practices and outcomes. This underscores the significance of considering patient-specific factors and support systems when designing effective diabetes management strategies. The provision of comprehensive SME, including group and individual sessions, along with the utilisation of visual aids, can contribute to improved self-management outcomes.

Groundwater is vital for drinking, agriculture, and domestic use in Sokoban Wood Village, Ghana, but concerns exist about its quality. This study assessed the suitability of 20 groundwater samples for domestic purposes. The study was carried out in 2023. We collected samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells using standard methods, analyzing them for various physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrates, fluorides, and heavy metals). The microbiological analysis assessed fecal coliforms and E. Coli to identify microbial contamination. Established methodologies were used to evaluate potential health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) associated with heavy metals. The Water Quality Index (WQI), Hazard Potential Index (HPI), and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) provided a comprehensive water quality evaluation. The results revealed that the water fell below the recommended WHO pH range for drinking water. While most other parameters and heavy metals fell within WHO guidelines, 25 % of the samples contained fecal coliforms and E. Coli, indicating ongoing microbial contamination. The overall cancer risk was low for all age groups. Although some parameters met WHO standards, the WQI classified 20 % of the samples as not of good quality. Despite this, the HPI and HEI (−4.62 and 0.001) suggested generally good water quality based on heavy metal content. In conclusion, despite some positive indicators, acidic water and microbial contamination raise concerns. Regular monitoring and potential treatment measures are crucial to ensure safe drinking water for the Sokoban Wood Village community.

Abstract This study explores the synthesis of nanoparticles through the thermal decomposition of single‐source precursors, a method gaining popularity due to its low cost, minimal environmental toxicity, rapidity, scalability, and the ability to form nanoparticles with few defects. Zinc ethyl carbamate was synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Its purity was confirmed through microelemental analysis and melting point determination. The melting point of the complex was determined to be 165 °C. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated a one‐step decomposition of zinc ethyl carbamate with a decomposition onset of of 200 °C, yielding a stable ZnS residue. Further thermal decomposition led to the formation of wurtzite phase ZnS nanoparticles, as evidenced by XRD. SEM micrographs displayed mixed spherical, and cubic unevenly sized, polydispersed nanoparticles, while EDX revealed approximately a 1 : 1 Zn to S ratio. Estimated band gap from the Tauc's plot gave 3.93 eV and 3.42 eV for the nanoparticles synthesized at 300 and 400 °C respectively. The wide difference in the band gaps may be as a result of the larger particles observed at 400 °C and the deformations in the sample as observed in the SEM.

The national-level land cover database is essential to sustainable landscape management, environmental protection, and food security. In Afghanistan, the existing national-level land cover data from 1972, 1993, and 2010 relied on satellite data from diverse sensors adopted three different land cover classification systems. This inconsistent land cover map across the various years leads to the challenge of assessing landscape changes that are crucial for management efforts. To address this challenge, a 19-year national-level land cover dataset from 2000 to 2018 was developed for the first time to aid policy development, settlement planning, and the monitoring of forests and agriculture across time. In the development of the 19 year span of land cover data products, a state-of-the-art remote sensing approach, employing a harmonized classification scheme was implemented through the utilization of Google Earth Engine (GEE). Publicly accessible Landsat imagery and additional geospatial covariates were integrated to produce an annual land cover database for Afghanistan. The generated dataset bridges historical data gaps and facilitates robust land cover change information. The annual land cover database is now accessible through https://rds.icimod.org/. This repository ensures that the annual land cover data is readily available to all users interested in comprehending the dynamic land cover changes happening in Afghanistan.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are essential to South Africa's development and economic progress. Information technology (IT) expenditures have become crucial for SMEs to stay competitive in the quickly changing digital market. The purpose of this study is to examine the variables affecting IT investments in South African SMEs. The paper provides a thorough examination of the literature, the technique used, the findings, and a discussion of the implications through a conceptual study. The study's findings were derived from an analysis of 15 of the best and most relevant journal articles out of a total of 200 that were obtained and evaluated through Google Scholar that are related to factors impacting IT investments in South African SMEs. The objective was to aggregate the views of many scholars on the issues affecting IT investments in South African SMEs from their writings. The study's findings indicates that financial constraints, perceived return on investment (ROI), industry-specific factors, technological complexity and skills, perceived risk, outside influences, organisational culture, and leadership are among the factors that affect IT investments in South African SMEs. With regards to the study's findings, it is recommended that SMEs should work to understand and address the factors influencing information technology investments in South Africa so they can make informed IT investment decisions, and policymakers should foster an environment that encourages the uptake of technology and the expansion of this industry.

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) comprises bioactive compounds with biological and pharmacological properties, especially flavonoid compounds with osteoblastogenesis-stimulating potential. However, the application of B. rotunda in the food and pharmaceutical industry is restricted by its low solubility and stability. Encapsulation becomes an alternative to overcome these restrictions. The purpose study was to encapsulate B. rotunda extract by freeze-drying and to investigate the effects of different wall materials (maltodextrin (MD), gum arabic (GA), and their combination (MDGA)) and extract contents on the physicochemical, bioactive properties and in vitro enhancement of osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells of the obtained encapsulates. The results revealed that encapsulated B. rotunda can reduce cytotoxicity, enhance biological activity, and maintain the stability of bioactive compounds. The MD was a good wall material for yield percentage. However, the values of moisture content Aw, and solubility among all the encapsulated powders were no significant differences, with all encapsulated powders having similar structures based on scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the extract was encapsulated by the selected wall materials. Combining the MD and GA encapsulation agents afforded the best protection of the bioactive compounds, increasing EE (MDGA-7 > MDGA-5), pinostrobin content, TPC, and antioxidant activities (MDGA-5 > MDGA-7). The MDGA-5 and MDGA-7 at 10–50 μg/mL were not toxic to cells and promoted MC3T3-E1 cell viability, while also enhancing the Alkaline phosphatase activity, and promoting matrix mineralization of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells after 21 and 28 days. This result showed that MDGA was a suitable wall material for B. rotunda encapsulations and a potential source of bioactive ingredients that could applied in food or pharmaceutical products for osteoporosis prevention.

Abstract This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of sachet drinking water samples in Kumasi, a major city in Ghana. Samples were collected from various sources within the city. Physicochemical properties, including pH, total dissolved solids, and concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium ions, were analyzed following established protocols. Additionally, fluoride concentration was determined. The assessment criteria for water quality were based on the World Health Organization’s and the Ghana Standards Authority’s recommended standards for drinking water. The samples were also subjected to microbial analysis to detect the presence of E. coli and coliforms, and to evaluate microbial quality. The findings indicated that most physicochemical properties of the samples met the World Health Organization’s standards for safe drinking water, except for the slightly acidic pH. Total dissolved solids and the concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, fluoride and magnesium ions were within acceptable ranges. Strong positive correlations were observed among various physicochemical parameters of sachet water. However, microbial analysis revealed that 67% of the samples were contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, including E. coli and coliforms, indicating poor microbiological quality. While sachet water samples generally meet physicochemical safety standards, addressing microbial quality is essential to ensure the safety of drinking water in Kumasi.

Abstract Background Intellectual disability (ID) involves impairment of general mental abilities, restricting the participation of individuals in conceptual, social and practical activities. Consequently, rehabilitation services are critical in efforts towards promoting the social and educational inclusion of persons with ID. However, the preparedness of health professionals in performing such a role depends on their perceptions of individuals with ID. Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour was used as theoretical framework to understand the relationship between the perceived attitude and self-efficacy of healthcare students towards persons with ID. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare students (N = 328) in a Ghanaian university. The Community Living Attitude Scale for ID(CLAS-ID) and General Self-efficacy (GSE) Scale were employed to assess their attitudes and self-efficacy towards people with ID respectively. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS and were subjected to a t-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression. Result The healthcare students were ambivalent about both self-efficacy and attitudes towards persons with ID, and there was correlation between attitudes and self-efficacy. Attitudes and self-efficacy also varied across the demographic characteristics of the respondents including age, having a relative with ID, level of study, religion, and programme of study. Conclusion The study underscores the necessity for healthcare curriculum reform and provides corresponding recommendations. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing healthcare students' understanding of ID, changing their attitudes, and bolstering their self-efficacy. This is crucial to foster positive attitudes, confidence in providing support to individuals with ID, and raising awareness within the broader community. To achieve this, health educators are encouraged to incorporate exposure to individuals with ID into healthcare students' training, along with more structured field experiences designed to increase their contact and interaction with individuals with ID. Such initiatives would enable students to better understand the uniqueness and requirements of individuals with ID.

Abstract Aim We determined the relationship between trust, belief and adherence among patients who complain of hypertension in Ghana. Design A cross‐sectional design was used. Method We sampled 447 Ghanaians with hypertension receiving care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a pre‐tested self‐administered questionnaire. Data analyses were conducted with the aid of Stata 15.0. Results There is low belief and trust in the biomedical treatment for hypertension. Only 36.9% of the respondents said they adhered to treatment with females expressing higher level of adherence. Trust and belief in allopathic care were associated with adherence to treatment. It is recommended that health workers identify effective ways of improving patients' trust in the allopathic care for hypertension through teaching and re‐enforcement models to enhance treatment adherence and reduce the complications of hypertension. Patient or Public Contribution.

Fire models predict fire behavior and effects. However, there is a need to know how confident users can be in forecasts. This work developed a probabilistic methodology based on ensemble simulations that incorporated uncertainty in weather, fuel loading, and model physics parameters. It provided information on the most likely forecast scenario, confidence levels, and potential outliers. It also introduced novel ways to communicate uncertainty in calculation and graphical representation and applied this to diverse wildfires using ensemble simulations of the CAWFE coupled weather–fire model ranging from 12 to 26 members. The ensembles captured many features but spread was narrower than expected, especially with varying weather and fuel inputs, suggesting errors may not be easily mitigated by improving input data. Varying physics parameters created a wider spread, including identifying an outlier, underscoring modeling knowledge gaps. Uncertainty was communicated using burn probability, spread rate, and heat flux, a fire intensity metric related to burn severity. Despite limited ensemble spread, maps of mean and standard deviation exposed event times and locations where fire behavior was more uncertain, requiring more management or observations. Interpretability was enhanced by replacing traditional hot–cold color palettes with ones that accommodate the vision-impaired and adhere to web accessibility standards.

Against a backdrop of insufficient food production for a rapidly growing world population, the search for alternative resources, particularly low-cost proteins with a negligible ecological footprint, is a vital issue. Biochemical studies have revealed coveted nutritional compositions in edible insects. Moreover, edible grasshoppers are often abundant for several months at a time in many parts of Cameroon. This study assessed the qualitative and quantitative contribution of the edible grasshopper (Ruspolia nitidula) meal in Cameroon to rat feed. The Clupea harengus fishmeal classically used was substituted by R. nitidula meal. Rats (n = 216, 108 males and 108 females) aged 10 weeks and weighing (165.15 ± 6.10) g were divided into 3 batches of 72 rats each. Rats in batches 1 and 2 were fed diets prepared from R. nitidula and C. harengus meal, respectively. Rats in batch 3 were fed a ration deficient in protein. The average body weight with R. nitidula meal was (180.10 ± 12.34) g and (172.76 ± 11.17) g with C. harengus meal. These values fell sharply with the protein deficient diet ((146.15 ± 8.65) g). What’s more, 94.58% of the hairs examined were in better condition for all animals fed R. nitidula meal, compared with 5.55% and 0.27% respectively for rats fed C. harengus meal and protein-free diets. In addition, R. nitidula meal boosted libido by + 4.77 intromissions per hour, boosted by + 1.26 ejaculations per hour compared to animals fed protein-free diets. Sleep was improved by 11.95, 5.99 and – 4.65 h/week on R. nitidula, C. harengus and protein-free diets respectively. No significant differences were observed between males and females. In addition to improving sexual desire and copulation frequency in rats, R. nitidula meal is a good candidate for improving hair aesthetics, sleep and fertility in rats suffering from hair loss, insomnia and infertility.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), continue to fail and discontinue operations at one of the highest rates in many developed and developing countries, such as South Africa. The chief goal of this study was to create a foundation for increasing the sustainability of SMEs. The methods utilised in this inquiry for gathering and analysing data were quantitative. The study's target population, the Central Supply Database of the Provincial Department of Finance, was utilised to count the number of South Africa's officially recognised SMEs. A non-probability sampling method was used to choose 400 small business managers and owners as the study's sample size. The study's findings indicate that there are a few key reasons why SMEs fail and discontinue operating in South Africa, including a lack of strategic business planning, insufficient funding, subpar management, a lack of innovation, a lack of business research, and insufficient human capital education and training.

In exploring the potential of agricultural waste as an efficient adsorbent, acid-activated coconut husk biochar was prepared, characterized and applied to remove amoxicillin from wastewater. The mechanism of adsorption was also investigated through isotherm and kinetic studies. The biochar was activated with HNO3 for 2 h at 25°C and investigated under varying experimental conditions of pH (1–11), initial amoxicillin concentration (0.5–2.5 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (2–20 mg) and contact time (0–24 h). The adsorption process was characterized by rapid attainment of adsorption equilibrium and high values of adsorption capacity. Acid activation had a significant impact on the adsorptive capacity of biochar as removal efficiency improved from 90% (over an hour) to 98.9% (within 40 min). The FTIR results confirmed the characteristic adsorption peaks of C-H, =C-H, C=C, C-O, C=O and O-H, suggesting the dominant presence of aromatic and carbonyl functional groups on the surface of the biochar. Adjustments in peak shapes and transmittance were observed for these functional groups after the adsorption; highlighting the likely interaction between the biochar and the amoxicillin during the adsorption which has been succinctly proposed. The SEM micrographs showed the growth of leaf-like flakes of irregular shapes and pores essential for the adsorption. The rate and mechanism of adsorption were driven by the variable surface charge of the adsorbent and the degree of ionization of the adsorbates, which were largely controlled by the solution pH. Adsorption rates were highest in the acidic medium, peaking around a pH of 3, then remained relatively stable between pHs of 5 and 7 before reducing dramatically with increasing pH in the alkaline region. The adsorption best followed the Langmuir model of isotherm while the kinetics mimicked the pseudo–second order (PSO). The findings suggest that HNO3-activated coconut biochar is a promising, low-cost and porous adsorbent effective for amoxicillin removal.

Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone, and the main stimulus of development, and studies demonstrate that these businesses play an essential role in the economic growth of the global economy. Adaptive management is a crucial approach for enhancing the resilience and growth of SMEs in today's dynamic and unpredictable business environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of adaptive management in the resilience and growth of SMEs. A qualitative technique was employed as the research method in this study to collect and analyze data to ascertain the role of adaptive management in the resilience and growth of SMEs. The population of this study constitutes SME owners and managers within South Africa and a straightforward random selection process was used to choose the 20 of them to participate in the study. Atlas ti was used to code and analyze transcripts, produce network diagrams, and visualize data. It is evident from the findings of this study that poor management in an enterprise would inevitably result in the failure of the business. This implies that SMEs that embrace adaptive management principles demonstrate a higher capacity to navigate through uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities, thus fostering resilience and sustainable growth. This suggests that for small businesses to succeed, SME owners and the government should collaborate to find solutions to most managerial problems faced by businesses so that the enterprises can grow and be sustainable.

Abstract: Increasing prevalence of vaping (e-cigarette use) among youth in Canada and elsewhere has become a serious public health concern. The Teens Talk Vaping project sought to co-produce research about teen vaping with teens to generate in-depth qualitative evidence about the everyday socio-environmental dimensions of teen vaping experiences and exposures across perspectives of both teens who vape and those who do not. Our participatory approach included a capacity-building programme to train teen team members to contribute to the project as ‘co-researchers’, equipping them with the research skills necessary to contribute to all phases of the project, from data collection through to knowledge translation. Paired with adult researchers, teen co-researchers facilitated 7 online focus groups with teens (n=17) from across Canada, including teens who vaped (n=3) and those who did not (n=14). Our participatory thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) Secrecy and surveillance at school; (2) Online omnipresence; (3) Social pressures and positionings; (4) (Un)restricted mobilities and access; and (5) Re-thinking school-based vaping education. Our findings reveal the extent to which exposure to vaping is deeply embedded and normalized in the everyday micro-geographies of teens in Canada as seemingly ‘everywhere.’ Teen vaping prevention efforts must be equity-centred, youth-driven, and take account of the nuanced ways in which vaping is layered into the day-to-day online and offline contexts of young people’s lives.

Abstract Background Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) has become a major cause of mortality and disability globally. We explored the coping strategies adopted by CNCD patients and the roles of caregivers in the management of CNCDs in Ghana. Methods This was a qualitative study that adopted an exploratory design. The study was carried out at the Volta Regional Hospital. Purposive convenience sampling procedures were used to sample patients and caregivers. Data for the study were collected using in-depth interview guides. Data were collected among 25 CNCDs patients and 8 caregivers and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti. Results Patients adopted a variety of strategies to cope with their condition. These strategies were emotion-oriented coping, task-oriented coping, and avoidance-oriented coping. Family members were the main caregivers, who provided social and financial support for patients. Financial challenges, inadequate family support, poor attitudes of health workers, delays at the health facility, unavailability of drugs at the facility, and patients’ non-adherence to the medical advice were major challenges that militated against caregivers’ efforts in supporting patients in the management of their CNCDs. Conclusion We found that patients adopted various strategies to cope with their conditions. The roles of the caregivers in supporting patients in the management practices were identified as very important as they contribute immensely to the financial and social support for the patients in their management of CNCDs. It is crucial that health professionals actively involve caregivers in every aspect of the day-to-day management of CNCDs as these caregivers spend more time with these patients and understand them better.

Abstract Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is considered a strategic component of the Sustainable Development Goals specifically for goal 3 which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, where all individuals and communities have equal access to key promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health interventions without financial constraints. Despite Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accelerated gains on the UHC effective coverage of 2.6% between 2010 to 2019, many countries in the sub-region show lagging performance. The major challenges faced in attaining the UHC in many countries include inadequate capital investment for health and their equitable distribution, fiscal space to finance UHC policies and programs. This paper discusses how increased investment in Universal Health Coverage in SSA is crucial to attain the Sustainable Development Goal 3 targets on maternal and child health. The Universal Health Monitoring Framework (UHMF) is adopted in this paper as the underpinning framework. The delivery of essential maternal and child health services to achieve UHC in SSA requires strategic actions such as policies, plans and programs with focus on maternal and child health. We report findings from recently published papers that clearly highlighted the strong connection between health insurance coverage and maternal health care utilization. Strategic actions such as implementing national health insurance scheme (NHIS) that directly incorporates free maternal and child health care could strengthen maternal health services and transform health systems in order to achieve UHC in SSA. We argue that achieving the SDG 3 on maternal and child health will only be possible if significant progress in made in increasing UHC. This is key to ensure optimal maternal health care utilization, and consequently reducing maternal and child deaths.

Previous research has indicated that anticipating positive effects from cannabis use may be linked with increased frequency of cannabis consumption, yet these expectancies remain poorly understood in adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Thus, our study aimed to investigate the expectancies of the effects of cannabis use in 26 frequently using adults with SAD (age: 27.9 ± 7.3 years; 54% female) and 26 (age: 27.4 ± 6.7 years; 50% female) without. While no between-group differences were observed, both groups reported expecting tension reduction and relaxation (F = 0.001; p = 0.974), cravings, and physical effects (F = 1.10; p = 0.300), but denied global negative effects (F = 0.11; p = 0.744). The trajectory of cannabis use perceptions (further investigated in 12/26 participants/group) also showed no between-group differences. Before the initial use, positive perceptions may have led to initial and continuous cannabis consumption, while the symptoms of cannabis use disorder may have contributed to repeated use. Our data indicate that, regardless of psychiatric history, frequent cannabis-using adults are more likely to report positive expectancies, which are often associated with increased patterns of cannabis consumption. Psychoeducational programs and openly discussing the risks of cannabis may be beneficial in preventing and/or reducing cannabis use in people with SAD.

A major part of Ghana’s current household energy policy is focused on using a branded cylinder recirculation model (BCRM) to promote the safe use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for primary cooking. The implementation of the BCRM is expected to increase LPG adoption by households to the announced policy goal of 50% of the population by 2030. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the BCRM, availability, and household use of cleaner fuels. This was assessed using existing data on clean fuel use prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional data was collected using questionnaire-based household surveys and qualitative interviews. It was found that the expansion of BCRM was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Planning activities such as baseline data collection and stakeholder engagement were delayed due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Changes in household incomes during the pandemic had the biggest percentage effect on household choice of cooking fuel, causing a regression in some cases, to polluting fuel use. This study provides insights that could be valuable in future understanding of the interactions between pandemic control measures and economic disruptions that may affect household energy choices for cooking.

Plain English summary Pregnancy increases risk of adverse short- and long-term outcomes for adolescent mothers and their babies. Adolescent pregnancy is significantly high in Zambia. However, the risk factors are varied and in need of further review and research. Using a systematic review process, we identify the trends and factors that influence adolescent pregnancy in Zambia from research articles published since 2000. We found that prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in Zambia was between 29%-48% and that nationally, 29.1% of the country’s adolescents had given birth as of 2018. Factors identified as influencing adolescent pregnancy in Zambia were analysed at four levels: 1) individual factors such as early or child marriage, exposure to media, knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and contraception, contraceptive use, as well as risky sexual behaviours; 2) interpersonal level factors such as peer pressure, educational attainment, household wealth, influence of male or female headed households, and family members; 3) community/environmental factors such as socio-cultural, gender and sexual norms; and 4) an enabling policy/legal environment covering mostly access to SRH information and services. It was emphasized that various stakeholders should deliberately collaborate to address these issues at all four levels using interventions that are socio-culturally suitable and should be supported by strong political will at policy and implementation levels to facilitate better access to education, improve economic empowerment of girls, review of gender and dysfunctional cultural norms and practices, amongst other considerations.

Abstract Background Breakfast is considered the day’s most important meal. Skipping breakfast consumption is detrimental to health and intellectual performance. University life has tight schedules and rigorous intellectual activities often very early in the morning. This study aimed at assessing breakfast intake and its associated factors among the students of Takoradi Technical University (TTU). Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected from 347 students in TTU using pre-tested questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using STATA v17. It employed descriptive and inferential statistics such as logistic regression. P-value less than 0.05 was set as statistical significance at 95% confidence interval. Results Regular breakfast was taken by 35.7% of the students. Higher odds of regular breakfast intake were found among respondents aged 25–29 years (AOR = 3.13, 95%CI = 1.57–6.24) and those who buy their breakfast (AOR = 5.13, 95%CI = 2.16–12.19). However, lower odds of regular breakfast consumption were found among respondents who were females (AOR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.18–0.85). Barriers to regular breakfast intake included negative mood, insufficient funds, health condition, weight management, religious reasons such as fasting, limited time/unfavourable academic schedules, daily activities/workload, and cost of food on campus. Conclusion The study stressed on the need for external and personal factors such as sex, age, religion, limited time/unfavourable academic schedules among others that hinder habitual breakfast intake to be addressed adopting innovative approach such as peer education and campaigns. University management should implement favourable policies on academic schedules, canteens/cafeterias, less stringent regulation on cooking at halls of residence.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) efficient use of nitrogen (NUE) determines its growth and yield. We assessed the interaction effect of N fertilizer and biochar of different particle sizes and rates on NUE, growth and yield of lettuce. A factorial design arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications was used to conduct a field experiment at the FRNR farm, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. The treatment consisted of biochar at 8.33 t and 16.67 t ha−1 with different particle sizes (