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This study explored the prevalence of the null curriculum in the Ghanaian basic school education system. It also sought to identify the main reasons behind teachers' omission of specific topics or experiences from the basic school curriculum. Three hundred seventy-five basic school teachers from kindergarten, primary, and junior high schools participated in the study. A 32-item self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data for the analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study participants identified lack of resources, the problematic nature of some topics, insufficient time, and inadequate knowledge and skills as factors contributing to the prevalence of null curriculum in Ghanaian schools. The findings show that a null curriculum is prevalent in the Ghanaian basic education system. The study found no statistically significant difference between teacher characteristics (i.e., teacher status and grade level) and the reasons behind omitting some topics or experiences. Implications of the study findings for educational theory and practice are discussed.

ABSTRACTThe use of electric cooking appliances, also referred to as eCooking devices, presents a practical and sustainable solution for achieving universal access to clean cooking facilities by 2030. A choice modelling analysis on the factors that influence the selection of an eCooker in Ghana has been conducted to facilitate market expansion for organisations seeking to offer clean cooking services. The study utilised Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy-TOPSIS, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodologies to assess and rank electric cookers based on crucial factors such as kWh consumption rate, cooking efficiency, affordability, time-saving features, ergonomics, space utilisation capabilities, compatibility with cookware types, ease of cleaning and maintenance procedures, accessibility, among others. The rate of consumption was identified as the most critical factor, emphasising the significance of energy efficiency in the decision-making process. The analysis showed that the induction stove was optimal, considering both Fuzzy-TOPSIS and DEA evaluations. Although the induction stove may consume a considerable amount of electricity, its efficiency, performance, and other attributes make it the preferred choice. This study presents a systematic approach to assessing and ranking electric cooking stoves in Ghana, offering valuable insights for both consumers and policymakers.

Abstract Background Vaccination has contributed to the reduction in vaccine preventable diseases. Despite, improved global coverage, vaccination among nomadic populations is still low especially in Africa. This study explored factors influencing vaccination uptake among pastoralist nomads in Ghana. Methods We conducted key informant interviews (KII) in 11 districts across four regions of Ghana, using grounded theory qualitative research approach. One hundred and eighty-two KII were conducted among pastoralist nomads, community opinion leaders, community health volunteers, security services personnel, local government personnel and health workers. Guided by the WHO health systems building blocks, data was coded using Nvivo 12 and analysed thematically. Results were presented as narratives with excerpts to support the findings. Results Community leaders support vaccination among pastoralist nomads as part of their leadership and governance responsibilities. Language barrier between health workers and pastoralist nomads affects service delivery. Also, healthcare providers fear being attacked by pastoralist nomads hence are hesitant to visit their settlements for vaccination. With regards to health workforce, healthcare providers’ perceived use of derogatory words and discrimination against pastoralist nomads influence their vaccination uptake. On medical product, the lack of knowledge about diseases, severity and perceived negative effects about vaccines influence vaccination uptake. Inadequate funds and logistics at the district health directorates affects outreach to nomads during vaccinations. Leveraging existing partnership between the health services and community leaders, information centers, volunteers and butchers to send health information to pastoralist nomads influence vaccination uptake. Conclusion Community leaders support vaccination among pastoralist nomads. Nomadic pastoralist miss vaccination dues to language barrier, feel discriminated against, and lack information about diseases and vaccinations. Strengthening Ghana Health Service collaboration with leaders of pastoralist nomads could build trust, create awareness and overcome language barrier between healthcare providers and pastoralist nomads.

Engineering is critical for socio-economic development, however only a few women participate in engineering education and careers. This study aimed to identify the types of negative information propagated by the social networks of engineering students that could create barriers to students, and particularly women's retention in engineering education and careers, and assess whether they influence men and women differently. The study was exploratory hence six focus group discussions were conducted with undergraduate engineering students in their second, third, and fourth years of study in a Ghanaian university. An interview guide was used to, among others, examine the perceptions and misconceptions of students' social networks about engineering and the negative information that circulates within the networks. Demotivating information from students' social networks were mainly misconceptions such as (1) engineering is too difficult and strenuous for women, and only meant for strong and well-built people, (2) engineering negatively affects women's beauty and body image, (3) engineering makes women unfashionable and unattractive, and (4) engineering is a threat to marital and family lives. Both female and male students were negatively affected by misinformation about engineering being difficult and having limited job prospects as well as societal preferences for other programmes such as medicine. The misinformation could serve as a barrier, especially for students lacking 'faith and the spirit of perseverance' to pursue and graduate from engineering programmes. While efforts are being made to bridge the gender gap in engineering education and careers, there are misconceptions and misinformation that can hinder progress toward achieving the desired gender parity. Educational policies must integrate gender-responsive strategies including addressing the socio-cultural and stereotypical factors and public misconceptions. There is a need to provide strategic counselling services to engineering students to be able to cope with the effects of negative information from their social networks especially during the early years of their studies in the universities.

Abstract Background Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) plays a key role in cotton tolerance to abiotic stress. However, its role in cotton heat stress tolerance is not well understood. Here, we characterize the GhCDPK gene family and their expression profiles with the aim of identifying CDPK genes associated with heat stress tolerance. Results This study revealed 48 GhCDPK members in the cotton genome, distributed on 18 chromosomes. Tree phylogenetic analysis showed three main clustering groups of the GhCDPKs. Cis-elements revealed many abiotic stress and phytohormone pathways conserved promoter regions. Similarly, analysis of the transcription factor binding sites (TFBDS) in the GhCDPK genes showed many stress and hormone related sites. The expression analysis based on qRT-PCR showed that GhCDPK16 was highly responsive to high-temperature stress. Subsequent protein-protein interactions of GhCDPK16 revealed predictable interaction with ROS generating, calcium binding, and ABA signaling proteins. Overexpression of GhCDPK16 in cotton and Arabidopsis improved thermotolerance by lowering ROS compound buildup. Under heat stress, GhCDPK16 transgenic lines upregulated heat-inducible genes GhHSP70, GHSP17.3, and GhGR1, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR analysis. Contrarily, GhCDPK16 knockout lines in cotton exhibited an increase in ROS accumulation. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activity was dramatically boosted in the GhCDPK16-ox transgenic lines. Conclusions The collective findings demonstrated that GhCDPK16 could be a viable gene to enhance thermotolerance in cotton and, therefore, a potential candidate gene for improving heat tolerance in cotton.

Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent disorder wherein uterine lining tissue (endometrium) is found mainly in the pelvis where it causes inflammation, chronic pelvic pain, pain with intercourse and menses, and infertility. Recent evidence also supports a systemic inflammatory component that underlies associated co-morbidities, e.g., migraines and cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Genetics and environment contribute significantly to disease risk, and with the explosion of omics technologies, underlying mechanisms of symptoms are increasingly being elucidated, although novel and effective therapeutics for pain and infertility have lagged behind these advances. Moreover, there are stark disparities in diagnosis, access to care, and treatment among persons of color and transgender/nonbinary identity, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and adolescents, and a disturbing low awareness among health care providers, policymakers, and the lay public about endometriosis, which, if left undiagnosed and under-treated can lead to significant fibrosis, infertility, depression, and markedly diminished quality of life. This review summarizes endometriosis epidemiology, compelling evidence for its pathogenesis, mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology in the age of precision medicine, recent biomarker discovery, novel therapeutic approaches, and issues around reproductive justice for marginalized populations with this disorder spanning the past 100 years. As we enter the next revolution in health care and biomedical research, with rich molecular and clinical datasets, single-cell omics, and population-level data, endometriosis is well positioned to benefit from data-driven research leveraging computational and artificial intelligence approaches integrating data and predicting disease risk, diagnosis, response to medical and surgical therapies, and prognosis for recurrence.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, including lipids and cellular waste, characterizes this disease. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can migrate and proliferate to form a fibrous cap that stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque in response to plaque buildup. However, in some severe cases, the fibrous cap is unable to prevent plaque rupture, which can lead to a thrombotic event causing a stroke or myocardial infarction. Studies have been conducted to identify genes associated with this disease. However, the influence of sex on CAD risk is poorly understood due to the complexity of the disease and the lack of women in clinical studies. Methods: This study is investigated with a unique collection of human aortic smooth muscle cells (huASMCs) derived from 118 male and 33 female individuals who either underwent a heart transplant or were victims of motor vehicle accidents. In this investigation, we explore differentially expressed genes between males and females related to atherosclerosis using a unique RNAseq dataset of human aortic SMCs. Results: Our study identified 8 genes ( CHST1, DKK2, DLL4, EIF1AXP1, GALNT13, NOTCH4, SELL, SPARCL1 ) that exhibit sex-biased effects in SMCs. Of these, 6 genes were found in the Athero-Express dataset and 5 of them were associated with atherosclerosis-relevant phenotypes. We discovered a novel NOTCH4/DLL4 pathway that plays a role in the differential expression of these genes between males and females. This pathway is linked to coronary artery physiology and may play a role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease that differs between the sexes. Conclusions: Overall, this investigation shows that differentially expressed genes between males and females in human aortic SMCs exist.

Purpose of the study - This study assessed the effect of fringe benefits and remuneration on employee performance and explored the mediating role of employee engagement. Methodology- The study employed a quantitative approach to data collection and analysis. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among 270 employees from Asanduff Construction Limited- Accra, Ghana. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. Findings- The study revealed that fringe benefits and remuneration did not affect employee job performance. With the mediation analysis, the analysis showed that employee engagement mediated the relationship between remuneration and employee performance as well as fringe benefits and employee performance. Limitations- First, the study’s limitation has to do with its geographical coverage. The study was also limited to the working staff of Asanduff Construction Limited with an estimated sample size of 278 which could be relatively small. Again, through questionnaires being used as the main instrument, the study responses might be without honesty and accuracy. Thus, the study results might be affected by bias which will limit the generalizability. Practical implications- The results of this study will contribute to human resource managers' efforts in putting plans in place to improve the operations of their companies. Line managers should therefore make every effort to ensure that their staff members are motivated by the work they do to increase productivity, as this study also discovered a link between employee engagement and performance. Strategically, leadership and management of organizations will be based on the findings of this study and plan important workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, etc. with a major focus on providing employees with proper fringe benefits at the workplace to ensure that they increase productivity at the workplace. Originality/value- The study contributes to the literature by assessing the effect of fringe benefits and remuneration on employee performance and exploring the mediating role of employee engagement.

Endometriosis is a common condition associated with debilitating pelvic pain and infertility. A genome-wide association study meta-analysis, including 60,674 cases and 701,926 controls of European and East Asian descent, identified 42 genome-wide significant loci comprising 49 distinct association signals. Effect sizes were largest for stage 3/4 disease, driven by ovarian endometriosis. Identified signals explained up to 5.01% of disease variance and regulated expression or methylation of genes in endometrium and blood, many of which were associated with pain perception/maintenance (SRP14/BMF, GDAP1, MLLT10, BSN and NGF). We observed significant genetic correlations between endometriosis and 11 pain conditions, including migraine, back and multisite chronic pain (MCP), as well as inflammatory conditions, including asthma and osteoarthritis. Multitrait genetic analyses identified substantial sharing of variants associated with endometriosis and MCP/migraine. Targeted investigations of genetically regulated mechanisms shared between endometriosis and other pain conditions are needed to aid the development of new treatments and facilitate early symptomatic intervention.

Endometriosis is a leading cause of pain and infertility affecting millions of women globally. Herein, we characterize variation in DNA methylation (DNAm) and its association with menstrual cycle phase, endometriosis, and genetic variants through analysis of genotype data and methylation in endometrial samples from 984 deeply-phenotyped participants. We estimate that 15.4% of the variation in endometriosis is captured by DNAm and identify significant differences in DNAm profiles associated with stage III/IV endometriosis, endometriosis sub-phenotypes and menstrual cycle phase, including opening of the window for embryo implantation. Menstrual cycle phase was a major source of DNAm variation suggesting cellular and hormonally-driven changes across the cycle can regulate genes and pathways responsible for endometrial physiology and function. DNAm quantitative trait locus (mQTL) analysis identified 118,185 independent cis-mQTLs including 51 associated with risk of endometriosis, highlighting candidate genes contributing to disease risk. Our work provides functional evidence for epigenetic targets contributing to endometriosis risk and pathogenesis. Data generated serve as a valuable resource for understanding tissue-specific effects of methylation on endometrial biology in health and disease.

In recent years, the use of game-based learning platforms has gained significant attention in educational settings for their potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This paper examines the effectiveness of Kahoot!, a game-based student response system, in an online French as a foreign language course. The study aims to assess how students perceive Kahoot! across three academic terms. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from open-ended questions. This provided a comprehensive view of student perceptions and experiences with Kahoot!. The findings show consistently high student enthusiasm and engagement with Kahoot! across the three terms. Most students strongly agreed that Kahoot! positively impacted their learning, with high mean scores and low standard deviations reflecting widespread consensus. However, some students showed variations in competitive motivation, and minor technical challenges were noted. Overall, the study underscores Kahoot!’s sustained effectiveness in improving student engagement and learning in online French courses. Despite variations in motivation and some technical issues, the tool was largely seen as beneficial. This research adds to the growing evidence of the value of game-based learning tools in online education, particularly for foreign language instruction.

Background Stroke survivors are at a substantially higher risk for adverse vascular events driven partly by poorly controlled vascular risk factors. Mobile health interventions supported by task shifting strategies have been feasible to test in small pilot trials in low-income settings to promote vascular risk reduction after stroke. However, real-world success and timely implementation of such interventions remain challenging, necessitating research to bridge the know-do gap and expedite improvements in stroke management. The Phone-based Interventions under Nurse Guidance after Stroke (PINGS-II) is a nurse-led mHealth intervention for blood pressure control among stroke survivors, currently being assessed for efficacy in a hybrid clinical trial across 10 hospitals in Ghana compared with usual care. This protocol aims to assess implementation outcomes such as feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, fidelity, cost and implementation facilitators and barriers of the PINGS-II intervention.Methods and analysis This study uses descriptive mixed methods. Qualitative data to be collected include in-depth interviews and FGDs with patients who had a stroke on the PINGS-II intervention, as well as key informant interviews with medical doctors and health policy actors (implementation context, barriers and facilitators). Data will be analysed by thematic analysis. Quantitative data sources include structured questionnaires for clinicians (feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness), and patients who had a stroke (fidelity and costs). Analysis will include summary statistics like means, medians, proportions and exploratory tests of association including χ2 analysis.Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Committee for Human Research Publication and Ethics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Voluntary written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. All the rights of the participants and ethical principles guiding scientific research shall be adhered to. Findings from the study will be presented in scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. A dissemination meeting will be held with relevant agencies of the Ghana Ministry of Health, clinicians, patient group representatives, and non-governmental organisations.

ABSTRACT Introduction Data suggest malfunctioning mitochondria reduce oxidation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, disrupting insulin signalling. Cytochrome c (CC), acylcarnitine (AC) and citrate synthase (CS) are essential components of the mitochondria machinery and can be used as reliable biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether mitochondrial biomarkers (AC, CS and CC) are altered in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the association between these biomarkers and insulin resistance. Methodology A cross‐sectional observational study that recruited 170 participants (88 with T2DM and 82 without DM) was conducted. Blood samples were collected from the recruits and analysed for levels of fasting glucose (FBG), AC, CS, CC, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and magnesium. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric characteristics of participants were also taken. Appropriate formulas were used to determine %body fat, body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐β). Results Patients with T2DM had higher levels of CC, %body fat, FBG, TG, HbA1c, BMI and HOMA‐IR than controls (p

Abstract Background Obesity is a classified risk factor for several of the world’s leading causes of death. In this study, we combined information contained in body mass index (BMI), total percentage body fat (TPBF) and relative fat mass (RFM) to estimate obesity prevalence and examine the risk factors associated with obesity. Methods The study recruited 1027 undergraduate students aged between 16 and 25 years using a cross-sectional study design and two-stage stratified random sampling between January and April 2019 from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Demographic, lifestyle, and family history of chronic disease data, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bioelectrical impedance, along with height, weight, age, and gender, were used to estimate BMI and TPBF. The RFM was calculated using a published equation. The TPBF and RFM ranges were evaluated based on standard BMI thresholds and an informative combined obesity prevalence estimated in a Bayesian framework. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate potential risk factors of overweight/obesity. Results Concordance between BMI, TPBF and RFM for obesity classification was 84% among female and 82.9% among male students. The Bayesian analysis revealed a combined prevalence means of obesity of 9.4% (95%CI: 6.9-12.2%) among female students and 6.7% (95%CI:4.3-9.5%) among male students. The odds of obesity were increased between 1.8 and 2.5 for females depending on the classification index. A significant increasing trend of obesity was observed with university-level. A family history of obesity was associated with a high estimate of general, central, and high TPBF. Conclusion Using multiple adiposity indicators conjointly in a Bayesian framework offers a greater power to examine obesity prevalence. We have applied this and reported high obesity prevalence, especially among female students. University level and family history of obesity were key determinants for obesity among the student population.

This paper in revealing that the adoption of foreign religions has not eradicated the lingering influence of indigenous spiritual and religious values, explores the coexistence of Christianity, Islam, and indigenous Akan religious values among the Akan people. The study, employing a mixed-methodological approach, including interviews with three respondents and ten focus group discussions in Ghana’s Central Region, delved into the Akan conception of religion as a prevailing system. It highlighted the Supreme Deity’s role as the Great Ancestor, emphasizing how these concepts foster apathy towards religious differences and cultivate a trans-religious attitude among the Akan people. The findings suggest that Akan’s general indifference to religious disparities not only contributes to a tolerant society but also potentially serves as a model for interreligious harmony. This resilience is evident in the face of efforts by some Christians and Muslims to discourage trans-religious practices among the Akan. This showcases the enduring nature of Akan inclusivity in matters of religion.

Abstract Magnonic nano-devices exploit magnons - quanta of spin waves - to transmit and process information within a single integrated platform that has the potential to outperform traditional semiconductor-based electronics. The main missing cornerstone of this information nanotechnology is an efficient scheme for the amplification of propagating spin waves. The recent discovery of spin-orbit torque provided an elegant mechanism for propagation losses compensation. While partial compensation of the spin-wave losses has been achieved, true amplification – the exponential increase in the spin-wave intensity during propagation – has so far remained elusive. Here we evidence the operating conditions to achieve unambiguous amplification using clocked nanoseconds-long spin-orbit torque pulses in magnonic nano-waveguides, where the effective magnetization has been engineered to be close to zero to suppress the detrimental magnon scattering. We achieve an exponential increase in the intensity of propagating spin waves up to 500% at a propagation distance of several micrometers.

Abstract Background Although there are studies on disabilities in older persons, most of these studies have been carried out in developed countries. Hence, there are limited studies on disability in older adults in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. The few studies that have examined the prevalence and correlates of disability in older adults used survey data for their analyses. To contribute to addressing this knowledge gap that has arisen, this study used a national census, the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census, to examine the prevalence and correlates of disability in older adults in Ghana. Methods The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census data was used for this study. A sample size of 197,057 Ghanaians aged 60 years and above was used for this study. The Washington Group questions on disability were used to measure disability by asking older adults about their difficulties in performing the six domains of disability (physical, sight, intellectual, hearing, self-care, and speech). A multinomial logistic regression housed in STATA was used to analyse the correlates of disability in older adults in Ghana. A p-value less than 0.05 was used for statistical significance. Results The results show that slightly more than one-third (38.4%) of the older adults were disabled. In terms of the number of disabilities in older adults, 16.9% had one disability condition, while 2.4% had six disability conditions. Also, 9.4% had two disability conditions. Older adults who were females, aged 70–79 years and 80 years and above, resided in rural areas, with primary, JHS/Middle, SHS, unaffiliated with religion, ever married and never married, unemployed, and belonged to the middle and rich households were more likely to have a disability condition. Also, older adults residing in the Middle and Northern zones, having no health insurance, and using clean cooking fuel were less likely to have a disability condition. Conclusions The results show that socio-demographic and household factors were associated with disability in older adults in Ghana. Hence, policymakers and researchers should target these factors when designing appropriate policies, programmes, and interventions to improve the wellbeing of older adults.