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There is an academic acceptance that doctoral studies are a complex, multifaceted endeavour bound with the differing, emerging and contrasting identities of the students who undertake them. This article explores such journeys in the context of one of the most disruptive events to hit the higher educational sector worldwide: COVID-19. The study utilises data collected via an online forum established to collectively explore the challenges, the opportunities and the tensions in the lives of 12 students enrolled in a doctoral degree in an Australian higher education institution. Results indicate that the journey of such students pre-COVID-19 was characterised by a sense of liminality, agency and journey. COVID-19 exacerbated such feelings. The conclusion points to a need to enhance spaces of agency in the graduate research experience to reflect the multidimensionality of students' lives.

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the Kopčić House, a significant example of modernist architecture in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on its structural-specific features and seismic performance. The Kopčić House embodies a confined masonry structure with innovative construction features, combining load-bearing masonry walls with reinforced concrete elements. This architectural approach was pioneering for its time, combining traditional construction methods with innovative materials and techniques. Detailed analysis using numerical modeling techniques, specifically 3D modeling with the 3Muri software (Vers.14.2.0.4), was conducted to assess the seismic resilience of the structure. The analysis considered different load distributions and eccentricities to comprehensively evaluate the building’s response to lateral forces. The findings of this research reveal the structural capacity and potential vulnerabilities of the Kopčić House when subjected to seismic events. While the building demonstrates inherent strength due to its confined masonry design, areas requiring structural strengthening were identified through numerical simulations. This study contributes to the broader understanding of confined masonry construction within the context of modernist architecture. By integrating historical research with advanced structural analysis, this work aims to bridge the gap between architectural heritage and contemporary engineering practices.

α-Dicarbonyls are significant degradation products resulting from the Maillard reaction during food processing. Their presence in foods can indicate the extent of heat exposure, processing treatments, and storage conditions. Moreover, they may be useful in providing insights into the potential antibacterial and antioxidant activity of U.S. honey. Despite their importance, the occurrence of α-dicarbonyls in honey produced in the United States has not been extensively studied. This study aims to assess the concentrations of α-dicarbonyls in honey samples from different regions across the United States. The identification and quantification of α-dicarbonyls were conducted using reverse-phase liquid chromatography after derivatization with o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and detected using ultraviolet (UV) and mass spectrometry methods. This study investigated the effects of pH, color, and derivatization reagent on the presence of α-dicarbonyls in honey. The quantification method was validated by estimating the linearity, precision, recovery, method limit of detection, and quantification using known standards for GO, MGO, and 3-DG, respectively. Three major OPD-derivatized α-dicarbonyls including methylglyoxal (MGO), glyoxal (GO), and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), were quantified in all the honey samples. 3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG) was identified as the predominant α-dicarbonyl in all the U.S. honey samples, with concentrations ranging from 10.80 to 50.24 mg/kg. The total α-dicarbonyl content ranged from 16.81 to 55.74 mg/kg, with the highest concentration measured for Southern California honey. Our results showed no significant correlation between the total α-dicarbonyl content and the measured pH solutions. Similarly, we found that lower amounts of the OPD reagent are optimal for efficient derivatization of MGO, GO, and 3-DG in honey. Our results also indicated that darker types of honey may contain higher α-dicarbonyl content compared with lighter ones. The method validation results yielded excellent recovery rates for 3-DG (82.5%), MGO (75.8%), and GO (67.0%). The method demonstrated high linearity with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranging from 0.0015 to 0.002 mg/kg and 0.005 to 0.008 mg/kg, respectively. Our results provide insights into the occurrence and concentrations of α-dicarbonyl compounds in U.S. honey varieties, offering valuable information on their quality and susceptibility to thermal processing effects.

This research delves into the efficacy of machine learning models in predicting water quality parameters within a catchment area, focusing on unraveling the significance of individual input variables. In order to manage water quality, it is necessary to determine the relationship between the physical attributes of the catchment, such as geological permeability and hydrologic soil groups, and in-stream water quality parameters. Water quality data were acquired from the Iran Water Resource Management Company (WRMC) through monthly sampling. For statistical analysis, the study utilized 5-year means (1998–2002) of water quality data. A total of 88 final stations were included in the analysis. Using machine learning methods, the paper gives relations for 11 in-stream water quality parameters: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, K+, pH, conductivity (EC), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). To comprehensively evaluate model performance, the study employs diverse metrics, including Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient (R) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Notably, the Random Forest (RF) model emerges as the standout model across various water parameters. Integrating research outcomes enables targeted strategies for fostering environmental sustainability, contributing to the broader goal of cultivating resilient water ecosystems. As a practical pathway toward achieving a delicate balance between human activities and environmental preservation, this research actively contributes to sustainable water ecosystems.

Even though previous research points to the significance of kindergarten teachers' practices which consider the nature of children and how they learn, there is still limited research regarding how learning activities impact children's development. To address this gap in literature, a qualitative multi-case study into teachers' perceptions of classrooms practices of four kindergarten teachers' in two Ghanaian schools, Tata and Kariba, were carried out over a six-months period. One research question guided the study, namely, what kinds of learning activities do teachers engage kindergarten children. The sources of data comprised transcripts of audiotaped semi-structured individual interviews, pair-based interviews and field notes of classroom observations. Both within the case and across case interpretive analyses were constructed. The study revealed that teachers in both rural and urban settings described child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities they believed impacted children's development in diverse ways.

Individuals with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged in many communities. There are pieces of evidence that individuals with disabilities across the globe face distinctive obstacles when accessing healthcare facilities, and have worse health outcomes than people without disabilities. The purpose of the study was to explore access to healthcare services by students at Savelugu School for the Deaf in the Savelugu Municipality in Northern Region, Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to select fourteen (14) students for the study, five (5) girls and nine (9) boys. Data for the study was gathered through face-to-face in-depth interviews using semi- structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed on the interview data after it had been transcribed, coded, and analyzed. The analysis of the data showed that the most significant obstacles to students’ access to healthcare services were communication barriers. Participants were optimistic that when provisions like sign language use by healthcare providers and other health workers as well as the use of interpreters are made available at various health facilities, access to healthcare would improve. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers in the school should encourage students to visit approved healthcare facilities for healthcare services instead of visiting native doctors and prayer camps for treatment. The Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with other stakeholders should introduce sign language education in the curriculum of health training institutions so health practitioners can properly assist persons with hearing disability to access proper health care. This study adds to the existing literature on challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare across Ghana and the globe.

IntroductionLimited information exists on any interactions between hydroxyurea (HU) and antimalarials in sickle cell disease (SCD). We evaluated changes in clinical and laboratory parameters among children with SCD on HU therapy treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for acute uncomplicated malaria (UM).MethodsA prospective, non-randomized, pilot study of 127 children with SCD (23, UM; 104, steady state) were recruited from three hospitals in Accra. UM participants were treated with standard doses of AL and followed up, on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Venous blood was collected at baseline and follow-up days in participants with UM for determination of malaria parasitaemia, full blood count, reticulocytes, and clinical chemistry. Further, Plasmodium falciparum identification of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) positive samples was done using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsAmong SCD participants with UM, admission temperature, neutrophils, alanine-aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, and haemoglobin significantly differed between HU recipients (HU+) and steady state, while white blood cell, neutrophils, reticulocytes, bilirubin, urea, and temperature differed significantly between non-HU recipients (no-HU), and steady state. Mean parasitaemia (HU+, 2930.3 vs. no-HU, 1,060, p = 0.74) and adverse events (HU+, 13.9% vs. no-HU, 14.3%), were comparable (p = 0.94). Day 28 reticulocyte count was higher in the HU+ (0.24) (0.17 to 0.37) vs. no-HU, [0.15 (0.09 to 0.27), p = 0.022]. Significant differences in lymphocyte [HU+ 2.74 95% CI (−5.38 to 58.57) vs. no-HU −0.34 (−3.19 to 4.44), p = 0.024]; bilirubin [HU+, −4.44 (−16.36 to 20.74) vs. no-HU −18.37 (−108.79 to −7.16)]; and alanine aminotransferase, [HU+, −4.00 (−48.55 to 6.00) vs. no-HU, 7.00 (−22.00 to 22.00)] were observed during follow up.ConclusionParasite clearance and adverse event occurrence were comparable between SCD children treated with AL irrespective of HU status. However, distinct patterns of changes in laboratory indices suggest the need for larger, more focused studies.

Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) involves preparing for childbirth, bearing in mind the possible complications. The concept of BPCR has the potential to improve the awareness and utilization of suitable medical facilities to ensure safe delivery and minimize maternal and neonatal mortality. The purpose of the study was to explore pregnant women’s perspectives on the benefits and barriers of BPCR in the Northern Ghana. The study employed an exploratory descriptive design using a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 13 participants. Data was collected through individual face-to-face interviews. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Out of the 13 participants, the age range for participants was 17 to 37 years; more than half were married, but less than half had no formal education. The participants indicated their understanding of BPCR by explaining the concept of BPCR, dangers signs, and prevention of danger signs. A varied source of information on BPCR was reported including the midwives or clinic, media, and family. The participants indicated that the benefits of BPCR include ensuring adequate preparation, delivery of a healthy child, and arranging for support. The barriers to BPCR were inadequate information, lack of finances, lack of transport, lack of support from the family, and lack of community support. The study findings indicate that the participants were generally informed about the concept of BPCR. However, to enable pregnant women prepare adequately for childbirth, there is a need to involve the husbands in the education on BPCR. The use of mass media to get families and communities educated on the importance of BPCR will enable them to support pregnant women.

Background: In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), cardiovascular risk factors including glycemic control differentially affect various microcirculatory beds. To date, studies comparing the impact of blood pressure (BP) on various microvascular beds in T2D are limited. We assessed the associations of BP and its control with neural, renal, and retinal microvascular dysfunction. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 403 adults with T2D. Microvascular dysfunction was based on nephropathy (albumin-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g), neuropathy (vibration perception threshold ≥ 25 V and/or Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score > 1), and retinopathy (based on retinal photography). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations of hypertension, systolic BP, and diastolic BP with microvascular dysfunction with adjustments for age, sex, diabetes duration, smoking pack years, HbA1c concentration, total cholesterol concentration, and BMI. Results: The mean age (± SD), proportion of females, and proportion of hypertensives were 56.35 (± 9.91) years, 75.7%, and 49.1%, respectively. In a fully adjusted model, hypertension was significantly associated with neuropathy [odds ratio 3.44, 95% confidence interval 1.96–6.04, P < 0.001] and nephropathy [2.05 (1.09–3.85), 0.026] but not for retinopathy [0.98 (0.42–2.31), 0.970]. Increasing Z-score systolic BP was significantly associated with nephropathy [1.43 (1.05–1.97), 0.025] but not for neuropathy [1.28 (0.98–1.67), 0.075] or retinopathy [1.27 (0.84–1.91), 0.261]. Increasing Z-score diastolic BP was significantly associated with nephropathy [1.81 (1.32 – 2.49), < 0.001] but not retinopathy [1.38 (0.92–2.05), 0.120] or neuropathy [0.86 (0.67–1.10), 0.230]. Conclusion: Our study shows varying strengths of associations of hypertension, systolic BP, and diastolic BP with microvascular dysfunction in different microcirculatory beds. Hypertension prevention and/or control may be valuable in the prevention/treatment of microvascular disease, especially nephropathy, and neuropathy.

The development and deployment of renewable energy technologies into the national electricity generation mix have high potential in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the sector, which contributes to about 40% of GHG emissions globally. Ghana through the Nationally Determined Contributions has pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 15% unconditionally, especially in the electricity sector which is one of the major contributors of GHG in the country. The study explores how the impact of increasing renewable energy penetration in the electricity generation mix will have on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction from the sector. Four electricity supply scenarios were developed in the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) using existing renewable energy targets identified in Ghana's Renewable Energy Master Plan. These, including, the Business as Usual (BAU), 10%, 20% and 30% renewable energy penetration scenarios were modelled to assess GHG emissions reduction up till 2030 by replacing the thermal generation sources in the electricity generation mix with equivalent amounts of renewable energy sources. Electricity demand projections for the various consumption sectors including residential, non-residential, special load as well as street lighting were made from 2016 to 2030 based on historical data. The model projected the demand for electricity to rise from 10,129.0 GWh in 2016 to 24,151.4 GWh in 2030. The cumulative demand of 237,570.5 GWh was met in all four scenarios with a total installed generation capacity of 3,794.6 MW. GHG emissions for the BAU scenario rose cumulatively to 52,545.2 thousand MtCO2eq in 2030 but reduced to 46,178.3 thousand MtCO2eq, 41,603.2 thousand MtCO2eq and 38,332.6 thousand MtCO2eq in the 10%, 20%, and 30% renewable energy penetration scenarios respectively. The result indicates that renewable energy deployment could lead to the attainment of GHG emission reduction substantially leading to minimising effects on climate change.

Abstract Introduction Avian influenza viruses (AIV) cause significant economic losses to poultry farmers worldwide. These viruses have the ability to spread rapidly, infect entire poultry flocks, and can pose a threat to human health. The National Influenza Centre (NIC) at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with the Ghana Armed forces (GAF) and the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Ghana Detachment (NAMRU‐3) performs biannual surveillance for influenza viruses among poultry at military barracks throughout Ghana. This study presents poultry surveillance data from the years 2017 to 2019. Methodology Tracheal and cloacal swabs from sick and healthy poultry were collected from the backyards of GAF personnel living quarters and transported at 4°C to the NIC. Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated and analyzed for the presence of influenza viruses using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Viral nucleic acids extracted from influenza A‐positive specimens were sequenced using universal influenza A‐specific primers. Results Influenza A H9N2 virus was detected in 11 avian species out of 2000 samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis of viral haemagglutinin (HA) protein confirms the possibility of importation of viruses from North Africa and Burkina Faso. Although the detected viruses possess molecular markers of virulence and mammalian host adaptation, the HA cleavage site anlaysis confirmed low pathogenicity of the viruses. Conclusions These findings confirm the ongoing spread of H9 viruses among poultry in Ghana. Poultry farmers need to be vigilant for sick birds and take the appropriate public health steps to limit the spread to other animals and spillover to humans.

This paper seeks to shed light on the author’s perspective as far as the interplay between the church especially in Ghana, digital technology, and media is concerned. The study was done mainly through literary activity in existing sources from Biblical and materials on technology and media. It employed such methodological tools as descriptive and theological in discussing the subject at hand. It briefly looked at the basic meaning of the church. It then continued by highlighting what technology and media are and discussed how the church, especially in Ghana, can use them in these contemporary times. Through some biblical passages, the study demonstrated that technology and media are part of God’s creation. However, since technology and media are products of human ingenuity and natural resources, they like other creations as Paul argues in the selected passage (Rom. 8:19-23), are also subject to the present corruption of the creation as a result of sin or futility. In other words, technology and media are not excluded from the effects of humanity’s fall into sin. They are also groaning from the pain of sin and waiting eagerly for their redemption from the bondage of decay.

Abstract The ability of machine learning (ML) techniques to forecast the shear strength of corroded reinforced concrete beams (CRCBs) is examined in the present study. These ML techniques include artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive-neuro fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), decision tree (DT) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). A thorough databank with 140 data points about the shear capacity of CRCBs with various degrees of corrosion was compiled after a review of the literature. The inputs parameters of the implemented models are the width of the beam, the effective depth of the beam, concrete compressive strength (CS), yield strength of reinforcement, percentage of longitudinal reinforcement, percentage of transversal reinforcement (stirrups), yield strength of stirrups, stirrups spacing, shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d), corrosion degree of main reinforcement, and corrosion degree of stirrups. The coefficient of determination of the ANN, ANFIS, DT, and XGBoost models are 0.9811, 0.9866, 0.9799, and 0.9998, respectively. The MAPE of the XGBoost model is 99.39%, 99.16%, and 99.28% lower than ANN, ANFIS, and DT models. According to the results of the sensitivity examination, the shear strength of the CRCBs is most affected by the depth of the beam, stirrups spacing, and the a/d. The graphical displays of the Taylor graph, violin plot, and multi-histogram plot additionally support the XGBoost model's dependability and precision. In addition, this model demonstrated good experimental data fit when compared to other analytical and ML models. Accurate prediction of shear strength using the XGBoost approach confirmed that this approach is capable of handling a wide range of data and can be used as a model to predict shear strength with higher accuracy. The effectiveness of the developed XGBoost model is higher than the existing models in terms of precision, economic considerations, and safety, as indicated by the comparative study.

Heavy metal pollution of the marine environment has toxic implications for both the aquatic biota and human health. We examined the levels of Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) in muscles of Sardinella maderensis, Dentex angolensis, Sphyraena sphyraena and Penaeus notialis caught from the coastal waters of Ghana using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. Penaeus notialis recorded the highest concentrations of all the metals (Cu:12.08 ± 1.46 µg/g, Zn: 19.20 ± 2.27 µg/g, As: 8.46 ± 2.42 µg/g, and Cd: 0.03 ± 0.01 µg/g) except Hg. Mercury was relatively high in D. angolensis (0.14 ± 0.03 µg/g). Apart from As, all metals were within globally permissible daily limits for consumption by human per meal. The estimated Target Hazard Quotient due to the intake of Hg through D. angolensis consumption exceeded the threshold value across all age categories. Carcinogenic risks due to As intake through P. notialis consumption far exceeded the 10−6 threshold for all age groups in Ghana. It is recommended that the consumption of these fish species particularly, the shrimp P. notialis be done cautiously to avoid possible future health challenges.

Abstract Background Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major health problem, with a global prevalence of 9.3%, 4.7% in Africa, and 2.5% in Ghana. Despite the availability of the classic anti-diabetic medications, many patients have not benefited from them due to their poor glycemic controls, high costs, inability to halt disease progression, and untoward side effects. Some patients thus resort to plant-based medicines such as those obtained from L. taraxacifolia etc., which have little empirical evidence of efficacy. Therefore, this study investigated the possible antidiabetic effects of the leaf extracts of L. taraxacifolia and some potential mechanistic targets involved. Methodology Ethanolic extract of L. taraxacifolia leaves (LTE) was screened for phytoconstituents and tested for blood glucose-lowering properties in both non-diabetic and streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced (STZ-NAD) type-2 model diabetic rats for 4 weeks at doses of 500 mg/kg, 750 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg. Metformin (200 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Effects of LTE on blood glucose, serum lipids, hepatic gluconeogenesis, intestinal glucose absorption, liver enzymes, oral glucose tolerance, and rat organ weights were all studied. Pancreatic Islet histology was also conducted. Results The ethanolic extract of L. taraxacifolia leaves reduced fasting blood glucose levels and suppressed hyperglycemia during the oral glucose tolerance test. In addition, hepatic gluconeogenesis and intestinal glucose absorption were inhibited. The extract lowered levels of liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Again, it reversed STZ-induced weight changes to the liver, kidneys, and pancreas as well as restored the morphology of the pancreatic Islet of Langerhans. Conclusion Launaea taraxacifolia leaves extract (LTE) possesses anti-diabetic constituents and has the potential to repair diabetes-induced damages to the liver, kidney, and pancreatic Islets in SD rats.