ABSTRACT Background: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) -G is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I protein which has been described as being selectively expressed on the invasive trophoblast at the materno-foetal interface at the beginning of pregnancy. HLA-G has the potential role of protecting the trophoblast from cytotoxicity and enhancing maternal acceptance of the semi-allogeneic foetus by modulating the maternal immune system. HLA-G exerts several immunomodulatory e...
ABSTRACT Bhungroo, a floodwater harvesting Aquifer Storage and Recovery technology, piloted in Northern Ghana for dry season irrigation, was assessed to determine its environmental and technical performance. The study evaluated the recharge, storage and recovery potentials of three Bhungroos, and their impacts on groundwater resources. Due to the limited time available for data collection, a multi-method approach was used. Water quality samples from rainwater, community boreholes, monitoring ...
ABSTRACT The intense extraction of fuelwood and its use in Traditional Three-Stone Stoves (TTSS) for cooking by riparian communities along the Volta Lake is deemed to be linked with deforestation and the release of harmful gases that influence household air pollution and water level of the Volta Lake which is vital to hydropower generation. This study evaluated the impact of introduced improved local cookstoves christened “Climate-Smart Stoves” (CSS) on household air pollution, fuelwood ...
ABSTRACT Organic wastes, such as faecal sludge (FS), cocoa pod husk (CPH) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) abound in large quantities in the Ghanaian environment. They contain considerable amounts of nutrients and organic matter which can be recycled to improve soil organic matter content and boost soil fertility status. This study was conducted to characterize and quantify FS produced in Sekondi Takoradi metropolis (STMA), co-compost FS with EFB and CPH, evaluate the suitability of the co-compo...
ABSTRACT Religious noise pollution is gradually becoming rampant and a nuisance in most residential areas in Ghana. This study set out to assess the levels of religious noise produced in some selected communities in the Ashaiman Municipality. A Geographical Positioning System (GPS) was used to obtain the coordinates of the churches and mosques and the distances of 50 m, 100 m, 150 m and 200 m away from the churches/mosques. Noise exposure zones were then mapped using ARCGIS 10.1 software an...
ABSTRACT As the current frequency of climate impacts is expected to increase in semi-arid regions of Ghana, smallholder farmers will require access to new and relevant information to adapt successfully. Institutional support is increasingly gaining attention for effective and successful adaptation; however, there is limited knowledge on the specific roles of both formal and informal organizations in implementing adaptation strategies in semi-arid regions. Using the Lawra and Nandom Districts...
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is often referred to as the invisible handicap and has been defined as debilitating, isolating and a frequently occurring abnormality present at birth. Early identification of hearing loss is important because early auditory deprivation owing to congenital or early-onset hearing loss interferes with the development of the neural structures necessary for hearing and subsequent speech and language acquisition. Data on neonatal hearing screening in Ghana is ver...
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is often referred to as the invisible handicap and has been defined as debilitating, isolating and a frequently occurring abnormality present at birth. Early identification of hearing loss is important because early auditory deprivation owing to congenital or early-onset hearing loss interferes with the development of the neural structures necessary for hearing and subsequent speech and language acquisition. Data on neonatal hearing screening in Ghana is ver...
ABSTRACT Management of waste in the Accra Metropolitan Area has been a very expensive venture for the Assembly over the years, yet coverage is still very low. Compounding the problem is the recent introduction of plastic products such as sachet water, whose waste are littered about the city daily. Bottled water, which has been on the market for years now, has always been a preserve of the rich. However, with the recent reports of falling sachet water quality, the bottled water industry appear...
ABSTRACT Cropping systems productivity in the Volta Delta is dependent on complex interconnecting biophysical and socioeconomic determinants. The study analysed the determinants of cropping systems yield and developed an integrated model for managing desired sustainable crop production scenarios. The analysis was conducted on change in yield over time, rainfall, temperature, Land use/land cover (LULC) and soil characteristics. District level crop yield was regressed on the biophysical vari...
ABSTRACT Cases of food contamination and poisoning in boarding schools have been reported in Nigeria. Although researches have been carried out on food safety in Nigerian schools, not many studies were conducted in boarding schools despite the health implications of consuming unsafe food. This study was designed to assess the food safety and hygiene conditions in selected Public Secondary Schools with Boarding Facilities(PSSBF) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was use...
ABSTRACT Land use/cover alteration within lake basins is occurring at accelerated rate most importantly in developing countries like Ghana. Anthropogenic activities (livelihood change, population growth, agricultural intensification and practices) and natural factors like seasonal variations are in most situations the major cause. To examine the effects of land use/cover on the physico-chemical and biological properties of Lake Bosomtwi, satellite images of the Lake’s watershed covering the...
ABSTRACT Virtually all countries, especially the developing nations, are being confronted with the twin problems of waste management and energy deficit. This development has led to the search for renewable energy sources. Although pig dung, water hyacinth and maize cob have been identified as good feedstocks for biogas production, studies utilising their mixtures have not been fully explored. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the biogas yield and microbial species from mixtures o...
ABSTRACT A study was undertaken to determine the total hydrocarbon (THC) and heavy metal contents of water (surface: 0-15 cm and bottom: 2-13 m), sediments (intertidal and waterbed) in coastal areas of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria affected by a major oil spill in 1998.
ABSTRACT Background: Mental illness is a very common mental disorder affecting women, especially in the low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pregnancy is an increased vulnerability to depression. Most researchers have concentrated on postnatal depression with very little on antenatal depression. This is a major public health concern and needs further investigation. Objective: The main aim of the current research is to assess depression status and its predictors among pregnant women seekin...