South District Research Articles

Implementasi Teknik Sambung Pucuk untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas dan Keberlanjutan Tanaman Buah Lokal Duku (Lansium domesticum) di Desa Arisan Buntal, Sumatera Selatan

Arisan Buntal Village is a small village in South Sumatra's Ogan Komering Ilir district. Duku (Lansium domesticum Corr) is a highly valued commodity in Arisan Buntal. The most significant barrier to straw development in Arisan Buntal is a need for high-quality seeds. Duku are traditionally grown; therefore, they take a long time to produce fruit. As a result, more advanced stitching techniques, such as the grafting technique, are required. However, because the youth of Arisan Buntal knew nothing about it and did not practice it, they tended to abandon the attempt down the business. This activity seeks to provide instruction in the Samsung puck technique production to the Arisan Buntal youth, allowing them to get superior duke crops and encouraging the sustainability of duke crops at the activity site. The evaluation of the activities revealed that the training participants improved their knowledge of duku-related commodities and grafting techniques. The post-test findings showed that 100% of the participants were aware of Arisan Buntal Village's potential as a hub for the growth of duku farming and the clamping method for duku crops. Furthermore, as many as 94% of participants had already tried the procedure with the assistance of specialists. Furthermore, the percentage of participants who prefer to apply the grafting method to the front has increased from 76.5% to 91.7%. The observation shows that the success rate of this technique reached 80%.

Initiating systemic capacity development for leadership from the bottom-up: a realist evaluation of a leadership innovation in a South African health district.

The need for leadership in and of district health systems is critical for the effective delivery of services and for inter-sectoral collaboration for health. Leadership capacity development has not, however, been prioritised within health systems and the systemic capacity (i.e. roles, structures, and processes) that is needed to develop managers who can lead is not always in place. This paper aims to contribute to understanding how to build such capacity, considering a relevant bottom-up innovation. We observed, in the period 2013 - 2015, the emergent implementation of this innovation (a 'Leadership Commission') in a South African health district. What started out as an effort to train individual leaders evolved into the development of systemic capacity for leadership capacity development (LCD). We adopted realist evaluation as the main methodological approach, as well as case study design; and we first developed a programme theory of the internally driven LCD initiative, through a round of interviews with senior managers. We then tested the programme theory drawing on fourteen in-depth interviews and field notes of meetings and processes. Our analysis suggests that building systemic capacity for LCD requires leadership to be expressed as a strategic priority by those with positional authority; and that bottom-up LCD requires institutional commitment through strengthening routine structures or creating new ones. The ability to leverage existing resources is another key element of systemic capacity. The mechanisms that enable bottom-up capacity development include tacit and experiential knowledge, sensemaking, systems thinking, and trust between, and motivation of, those tasked with leading LCD. Leadership development is constrained by increased workloads for those involved if the prioritisation of leadership becomes simply an additional task, and sustainability challenges are likely in the absence of additional resources for bottom-up innovation.

A retrospective study of Quality Control of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) using Factor VIII levels in Central Blood Transfusion Services Indonesian Red Cross

Background: According to a report from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there are 470 blood transfusion units in Indonesia (235 units managed by PMI, 220 units managed by the government, four units of health services provinces, nine units of vertical hospital BTUs, two unit’s Indonesian police and army hospital) distributed in 38 provinces. With so many BTUs spread throughout Indonesia, each BTU must have the same quality standards to maintain and improve blood services. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out Quality Control of the blood component products produced. Quality control is critical in safely and effectively processing blood and other components. A quality concept comprises quality control, assurance, and management. The laboratory service should have a quality control system. Quality testing and monitoring of blood components for transfusion have led to manufacturing or development. Factor VIII levels are internal quality control parameters required for quality analysis of Fresh Frozen plasma (FFP). As per international standard guidelines and government national regulations (PMK 91/2015) for quality assurance of FFP, 1% of all the units prepared, or four units per month, are tested for stable coagulation factors, including Factor VIII levels. Objective: This study aims to evaluate factor VIII levels in each units FFP to ensure the availability of high-quality products with maximum therapeutic and minimal risk to recipients. Methods: The retrospective data were collected from Research and Development CBTS Indonesian Red Cross archives from 1 January 2019 to 30 April 2023. Out of total 284 units FFP collected from Blood Transfusion Unit Indonesian Red Cross from Sumatera Island (Lampung Province, Palembang City, Pekanbaru City), DKI Jakarta Province (CBTS IRC), Jawa Barat Province (Depok City, District of Bekasi City, District of Bogor City), Banten Province (Tangerang City, District South of Tangerang City), Government Hospital (Fatmawati Hospital BTU), Army Hospital (RSPAD Gatot Soebroto BTU) were tested Quality Control with semi-automated Sysmex CA50 and automated Sysmex CA620 to determine of factor VIII levels in each unit FFP. Results: A total of 284 units of FFP were tested, and mean factor VIII levels were 1,2 IU/mL with a range of 0,3 IU/mL-5,3 IU/mL, the normal range measure being > 0,7 IU/mL. Only 4,9 % (14/284) FFP units were inappropriate from the standard, while 95,1 % (270/284) FFP units could be accepted criteria standard. Conclusion: We conclude that there are still those below-standard Quality FFP products from blood transfusion units; it is necessary to increase the processing of blood components so that the coagulation factors are maintained. From taking blood collecting, transporting, and shipping, it is required to carry out quality control to produce products that meet national and international standards.

Rheumatic heart disease: an ongoing public health concern in vulnerable communities

Abstract Background Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) results from an autoimmune response triggered by group A streptococcus (GAS) infection (1). Severe or recurrent ARF episodes can cause permanent heart valve damage, leading to complications including heart failure, stroke, arrhythmias, carditis, and decompensation during pregnancy (2). Purpose Rheumatic fever (RF) remains a public health concern in Australia, particularly among Indigenous, migrant populations and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Europe and various regions worldwide have experienced significant migration from areas with a high prevalence of RHD (3). Amongst the more than 1 million asylum seekers who arrived in Europe in 2015, an estimated 1% could potentially be affected by RHD (3). This migration influx underscores the pressing need for the implementation of strategies in health policy and practice. We aimed to outline the attributes of our RF-RHD cohort to aid in the formulation of a Model of Care (MoC). Methods Cases were identified on a quarterly basis either through the NSW Public Health Rapid, Emergency, Disease, and Syndromic Surveillance (PHREDSS) system or via clinical diagnoses reported to the Public Health Unit (PHU) from January 2015 to June 2023. Demographic profiles, clinical particulars, and patient outcomes were collected from patients in the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), NSW, Australia. Results A total of 45 cases were reported (Table 1). This consisted predominantly of females with an average age at diagnosis of 14 years. A majority were obese (69%). Most were in the Maori and Pacific Islander populations (62%), while a smaller portion of patients were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (9%) (Australian Indigenous community). Notably, 84% of patients diagnosed with ARF subsequently progressed to RHD. Among the reported cases, 16 patients underwent valvular surgery, 2 patients progressed to end-stage heart failure, and there was 1 mortality. 39% (11) of female patients were pregnant during the study period, with 6 (55%) of these patients decompensating during their pregnancy (Table 2). Conclusion Rheumatic fever persists as a public health concern on a global scale. Our findings emphasize the need for a high index of clinical awareness in considering RF/RHD in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. In our setting, there is a disproportionate burden of disease among the Pacific Islander population. The high occurrence of cardiac decompensation during pregnancy, underscores the need for close monitoring in this demographic. Despite the prevalence of rheumatic fever predominantly affecting young patients in vulnerable groups, we found a significant proportion of individuals lost to follow-up or not connected with Cardiology services. Addressing rheumatic fever requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses improved healthcare accessibility, targeted health education initiatives, and socioeconomic interventions.

The role and value of counsellors in the treatment journeys of people with tuberculosis and their families: Qualitative insights from the South Fly District of Papua New Guinea.

Combined education and counselling can contribute to person-centred care for tuberculosis (TB), improving uptake, adherence, and outcomes of treatment for TB disease and TB infection. Though strongly recommended by the World Health Organization for all people diagnosed with TB, education and counselling is not widely implemented in TB programs around the world. In 2016, a pilot TB education and counselling program, delivered by trained professionals and peers, was initiated to support people on TB treatment in the South Fly District of Papua New Guinea. This article reports on select findings from a qualitative study that examined the socio-cultural dimensions of TB, including treatment support such as education and counselling, in the South Fly District. An assessment on data collected during 128 semi-structured in-depth interviews of the role of counsellors on TB treatment journeys revealed strong participant support for the counsellors and the services they delivered, with particular emphasis on the emotional support provided to address fears and concerns related to TB diagnosis and treatment, and to support treatment adherence; valuable attributes of counsellors; their role as intermediaries between patients and health workers; their provision of biomedical knowledge of TB transmission and disease; and their assistance in addressing stigma and discrimination from family and community. Participants also noted how tackling the socio-structural issues that drive TB transmission in people's homes and communities were beyond the remit of counsellors' work. TB education and counselling should be an essential part of all TB services to provide support and encouragement for people to continue treatment to completion.

Planning postpartum contraception for women with substance use disorders: Utilisation of the birth admission.

Women with substance use disorders (SUD) use less contraception, and experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy, compared to women without SUD. Contraception is discussed at the six-week postnatal appointment, which many women with SUD do not attend. Therefore, it is important women have the opportunity to formulate contraception plans before discharge from the birth admission. To assess postpartum contraception plans, including initiation and method of interest, among women with SUD and compare these to women without SUD. All births from January 2011 to September 2019 from one New South Wales local health district were analysed. Data included maternal demographics, SUD, and contraception plans. Chi-squared statistics and multivariate multinomial regression analyses were used to compare outcomes for women with and without SUD. Of 59 195 mothers, 429 (0.7%) had a SUD. There were 50.1% of women with SUD and 56.2% without SUD (P = 0.03) who had no documented plan for contraception. There were 37.3% of women with SUD and 42.4% without SUD (P = 0.06) who had a prescription for contraception or a referral to discuss contraception. There were 12.5% of women with SUD and 1.4% without SUD (P < 0.001) who initiated contraception in hospital. Although postpartum contraception initiation was higher among women with SUD, half of all women (with or without SUD) were discharged without a plan for contraception initiation. Embedding provision of postpartum contraception into maternity care, or investigating other opportunities, may improve access for all women, including those with SUD.

Examining Teacher Willingness and the Labyrinth of Challenges in Implementing Professional Learning Communities at the Senior High School Level in Builsa South District

Aim: This study aimed to examine teacher willingness and the labyrinth of challenges in implementing Professional Learning Communities at the senior high school level in the Builsa South District. Methods: The study was purely quantitative and employed a descriptive correlational design with a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. A census technique was used allowing for the total accessible population, 79 senior high school teachers participate in the data collection process. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a simple linear regression model. Results: The results showed that the regression model predicting willingness to participate in Professional Learning Community (PLC) activities from attitudes was statistically significant, F(1, 77) = 66.56, p &lt; .001, meaning that more positive attitudes are associated with greater willingness to engage in PLC activities. Additionally, challenges such as time constraints, lack of leadership support, and resistance from teachers were reported as key obstacles faced in the implementation of Professional Learning Communities. Recommendation: The study strongly recommends that schools should prioritize providing adequate support and resources for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to address teachers' dissatisfaction in this area. This can include allocating sufficient time, funding, and administrative support to ensure the smooth functioning of PLC activities. By enhancing support and resources, schools can create a more conducive environment for collaboration and professional development within PLCs.

Balancing the scale: Investigating the effect of frontloading and backloading salary structures on teacher turnover

This study investigates the impact of frontloading salary structures (higher early-career salaries) on teacher turnover using data from South Carolina public school districts in the U.S. from FY2014- FY2023. Employing a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model, the analysis reveals that frontloading salary schedules is associated with lower turnover among novice teachers but have a less pronounced effect on seasoned educators. The study highlights that the impact of frontloading varies by district demographics and teacher qualifications. Results indicate that higher experience premiums for early-career teachers can increase turnover when compared to mid-career premiums, suggesting a need for balanced salary structures, targeted financial incentives.

Food insecurity and its determinants in pastoralist and agrarian communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Despite the implementation of different interventions, food insecurity remains a major public health issue in rural areas of Ethiopia. However, there has been limited evidence regarding food insecurity and responsible factors in rural areas of Ethiopia, particularly in South Omo, Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess food insecurity and determinants in agrarian and pastoralist communities of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was done among 605 randomly selected households in Benatsemay and South Ari districts from February 1 to 28, 2023. A standardized and validated Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure food insecurity status. Data were entered using Epi-Info 7.1 and then transferred to SPSS V25 for analysis. To identify associated factors, a binary logistic regression model was employed. The strength of association was evaluated considering the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). A statistical significance was stated at p-value <0.05. A total of 597 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 98.7%. The overall prevalence of food insecurity using HFIAS was 42.2% (95%CI: 38.2, 46.3%), among which mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity accounted for 17.4, 16.6, and 8.2%, respectively. Of pastoralists, 114 (47.1%) were food insecure whereas 138 (38.9%) were food insecure in the agrarian. Food insecurity was affected by household head sex (AOR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.62), high dependency ratio (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.53, 4.20), no formal maternal education (AOR = 2.11, 95%CI: 1.07, 4.18), productive safety net program (AOR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.16, 3.46) and land ownership (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.72). Food insecurity was a significant problem in the study areas. Thus, it is crucial to improve female education, advance agricultural technologies, advocate family planning, and broaden productive safety net programs.

The impact of the RTS,S malaria vaccine on uncomplicated malaria: evidence from the phase IV study districts, Upper East Region, Ghana, 2020–2022

BackgroundThe RTS,S malaria vaccine has been prequalified for use in endemic settings prioritizing areas with moderate to high disease transmission. The impact of a vaccine at the population level may differ from observations during clinical trial due to programmatic, and individual-related factors, among others. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the RTS,S malaria vaccine on uncomplicated malaria among children aged 12–59 months in the Phase IV study districts, Upper East Region, Ghana.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using routine malaria surveillance data for the period 2020–2022. The burden of uncomplicated malaria was compared between the implementing (Kasena Nankana East and West districts) and comparator areas (Builsa North and South districts). The impact of RTS,S malaria vaccine was assessed by estimating the percentage reduction in uncomplicated malaria and incidence averted in the implementing area, accounting for the effect of confounders.ResultsOver 50,000 episodes of uncomplicated malaria among children aged 12–59 months were included in the study. Uncomplicated malaria was reduced by 33% (95%CI 29–36) over the entire study period, but the malaria incidence averted declined from 324/1,000 (95% CI 298–339; p < 0.0001) in 2020 to 287/1000 (95% CI 274–299; p < 0.0001) in 2022.ConclusionThe RTS,S malaria vaccine significantly reduced the burden of uncomplicated malaria among children aged 12–59 months in the implementing area. The sequential marginal declines in malaria incidence averted over the study period might be due to waning of protective immunity and acquisition of natural immunity as children age. Strengthening uptake of the currently recommended vaccines and other malaria control interventions is required to improve public health impact.

Strengthening local autonomy in development: composite budgeting, expenditure planning and implementation in Nanumba South district, Ghana

Strengthening local autonomy in development: composite budgeting, expenditure planning and implementation in Nanumba South district, Ghana

Factors affecting patients on antiretroviral therapy lost to follow-up in Asunafo South District of Ahafo Region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionDespite the increased and effective programme coverage for antiretroviral therapy (ART), a considerable proportion of individuals receiving ART discontinue medication at different stages of their treatment pathway. In sub-Saharan Africa,...

Relationship between Food Contamination Factors and the Presence of Escherichia coli in Juice Drink Outlets in Banjarbaru Selatan Subdistrict

Juice drinks are one of the beverage snacks that are favored by all circles of society. In South Banjarbaru Sub-district, there are 16 juice drink outlets. As with other food snacks, juice drinks have a risk of contamination by microorganisms, because the manufacturing process is without going through a heating process, so it is necessary to know the factors associated with the presence of Escherichia coli as an effort to prevent bacterial contamination.This study aims to determine the factors associated with the presence of E.coli in juice drink outlets in South Banjarbaru District with a total sample of 16 outlets and juice drink samples. Data collection was done by observation and laboratory tests using the MPN coli method. Based on the results of laboratory tests, 56.3% of the samples met the requirements of Permenkes RI No. 02 of 2023 concerning Regulations on the Implementation of PP No. 66 of 2014 concerning Environmental Health, namely &lt;3.6 MPN/gr or 1.1 CFU/gr. The results of statistical tests showed that there was a relationship between personal hygiene and the presence of Escherichia coli and there was no relationship between the condition of peddler facilities and infrastructure, equipment cleanliness, and food storage and packaging methods with the presence of Escherichia coli in juice drink snack food outlets in South Banjarbaru District. In order to maintain quality and improve personal hygiene, vendors are expected to wash their hands with running water and soap, use gloves/tools, masks and head coverings when handling food, maintain personal hygiene and not wear jewelry.

The likelihood of hospital-acquired complications in older people with dementia: a matched cohort study.

To investigate whether the likelihood of hospital-acquired complications for older people in Australia differs by whether they have dementia. Matched cohort study. People aged 60 years or older with dementia who were admitted to five public hospitals in the South Western Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020, and people without dementia admitted during the same period, matched by age, sex, number of medical conditions, and presence of selected specific medical conditions, emergency admission status, history of falls, and admission from a nursing home. Hospital-acquired complications (falls, pressure injuries, delirium, pneumonia, venous thromboembolism, new incontinence, malnutrition, in-hospital death), by dementia status. A total of 217 459 people aged 60 years or older were admitted to the five hospitals during the study period. The mean age of the 11 393 patients with dementia (83 years; standard deviation [SD], 7.5 years) was higher than that of the 206 065 patients without dementia (73 years; SD, 8.9 years), and the proportion of women slightly larger (55% v 50%). Median hospital length of stay was longer for people with dementia (nine days; interquartile range [IQR], 4-19 days) than for people without dementia (three days; IQR, 1-9 days), and the number of in-hospital deaths higher (768, 7% v 584, 5%). After propensity score-based matching, the risks of falls (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8-5.7), pressure injury (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8), delirium (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.0-3.0), and pneumonia (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.01-1.7) were higher for people with dementia than for those without dementia; differences between the two groups in the risks of venous thromboembolism, malnutrition, and incontinence were not statistically significant. Given the greater risk of many hospital-acquired complications for people with dementia, targeted models of person-centred care are needed to ensure the best outcomes for these patients.

Impact of the rural enterprise programme interventions on smallholder farmers’ climate adaptation strategies: Qualitative evidence from Ghana’s transitional agro-ecological zone

ABSTRACT This paper combines theoretical insights from vulnerability literature and interpretive paradigm using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to examine smallholder farmers’ climate perception, adaptation strategies, and challenges under the rural enterprise programme interventions in the Kintampo South district of Ghana. The farmers reported rainfall variability and rising temperatures as their key observed changes. The study revealed that climate impacts on farmers and their agricultural systems are multidimensional, which affect their productive capacity and livelihoods. These impacts have pushed them to adopt adaptation strategies with the support of the programme interventions. The farmers benefitted from material and non-material resources, minimizing climate impacts and reducing vulnerabilities. The paper provides critical insights into how future agricultural development interventions could develop effective interventions to build sustainable agricultural systems and livelihoods that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable communities and obviate smallholder farmers’ vulnerability.

Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness and Sleep Hygiene Among Youth in a Rural District in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Adequate sleep is crucial for youth cognitive function, academic performance, and mental health. However, various factors, including academic pressure, technology use, and socio-cultural norms can significantly impact sleep patterns, particularly in rural settings. This cross-sectional study assessed sleep quality, daytime sleepiness prevalence, and sleep hygiene practices among youth in a rural South Indian district. We also investigated factors associated with these sleep parameters in this understudied population Methods This was a cross-sectional study among 852 young subjects who were assessed with a self-reported proforma of socio-demographic details, behavioural factors,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Regression model was created to analyse the predictor for sleep quality and daytime sleepiness with respect to sociodemographic variables, behavioural factors and sleep hygiene practices. Results Our study revealed that 49.4% (n=421) of participants exhibited poor sleep quality, while 29.5% (n=251) reported abnormal daytime sleepiness. The most prevalent sleep hygiene practices were reading in bed (68.5%, n=584) and pre-bedtime eating (56.22%, n=479). Multivariate analysis indicated that sleep quality was significantly associated with accommodation type, with increased odds for those in private accommodation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.62) and hostels (AOR 3.79, 95% CI: 1.79-8.06). Additionally, eating in bed (AOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03-1.95) and pre-bedtime eating (AOR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07-1.88) were also associated with poor sleep quality. Factors significantly associated with daytime sleepiness included younger age (AOR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94), non-medical academic streams (AOR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.33-2.83), extensive internet usage (three or more hours) (AOR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.15-3.13), watching TV in bed (AOR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99), writing (AOR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.06), and eating in bed (AOR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.09-2.21). Conclusion This study reveals a significant incidence of poor sleep quality and daytime drowsiness among young individuals residing in rural areas of South India. The results of our study emphasize significant connections between sleep disturbances and several modifiable aspects, such as the kind of accommodation, eating habits, and use of technology. The impact of eating behaviours, both in bed and before bedtime, on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness underscores the importance of proper sleep hygiene education. Furthermore, the relationship between extensive internet usage and daytime sleepiness points to the growing influence of digital technology on youth sleep patterns. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive sleep health programs tailored to rural youth. Such initiatives should address environmental factors, promote healthy sleep hygiene practices, and provide guidance on balanced technology use. Additionally, the varying impact of academic streams on sleep parameters suggests that sleep health strategies may need to be customized for different educational contexts.

The Use of Extensive Reading in Promoting Communication in JHS Class: A Case of St. Joseph Practice JHS 1 Students

Extensive reading is a careful cognitive effort that allows individuals to decode the words on paper to extract meaning. The study was carried out to investigate the impact of Extensive Reading in Promoting Communication in JHS classes using St. Joseph Practice JHS in Tano South District of the Bono Ahafo of Ghana for the study. To achieve this aim, the following objectives were laid out to ascertain the teacher's awareness of the benefits of extensive reading and determine the techniques/strategies teachers employ to promote extensive reading for communication in St. Joseph Practice JHS 1. The research design used in this report is descriptive design, utilizing a questionnaire method to obtain information from the respondents for this project. Primary data were collected from the primary source, which questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection, while secondary data were sources from textbooks, journals, newspapers and the internet. The data were presented in qualitative. Extensive reading is a useful strategy for students to improve their communication. The study provides other researchers with some reliable instruments, action procedures, and experimental findings for use in future research. To the researcher's knowledge, there are no studies about the effect of extensive reading on communication in St. Joseph Practice JHS in Tano South District of the Bono Ahafo. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is the need to enact a policy that encourages the construction of ultra-modern libraries in the District, especially Bechem, where St. Joseph Practice JHS is located to improve communication of the students, provision of relevant information resources and, qualified librarians to run such libraries and parents should encourage their children and wards to read at home and watch children educational television programmes.

Implementation of Manonob Culture (Mutual Cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District

This research will look at the Implementation of Manonob Culture (mutual cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method to explain the Implementation of Manonob Culture (mutual cooperation) as a Local Wisdom of Religious Moderation in South Central Timor District. Commitment to nationality, tolerant life, non-violent life, and acceptance of tradition are the indicators used to measure the tolerance of the TTS community. Manonob culture (mutual cooperation) has been applied in various aspects of the life of the people of South Central Timor, including in religious moderation. In the context of religious moderation, Manonob (mutual cooperation) culture becomes an institution to mobilize community solidarity and create harmonious relationships in society and reduce polarization between religious communities. This concept encourages people to help and support each other, and respect the differences that exist between them. Thus ethnicity, religion and race do not become obstacles in instilling Manonob culture (mutual cooperation) such as building houses, cleaning gardens, harvesting garden produce and burying the dead. From the implementation of manonob culture (mutual cooperation) there are values contained therein such as the value of kinship, togetherness, brotherhood, supporting each other, helping each other, sharing each other and which is the main value of got culture.

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater evolution and quality in some Voltaian aquifers of Kintampo South District, Bono East Region, Ghana: Implications from chemometric analysis, geochemical modeling and geospatial mapping techniques

Kintampo South District in the Bono East Region of Ghana is dominated by metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Birimian and the Voltaian Supergroups, which are reported to show aquifer complexities and quality issues. Therefore, assessment of groundwater evolution and quality is important in this area because of the growing need for groundwater for both agricultural and residential use. The people heavily rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood, and the agricultural practices could potentially impact the groundwater quality. Consequently, this research aimed to evaluate groundwater appropriateness in the Voltaian aquifers of the Kintampo South District for irrigation and consumption. Irrigation water quality indices, geochemical modeling, hydrochemical graphing, and chemometric analysis were all used in the assessment. The investigation reported potassium ion (K+) as the principal cation in the groundwater, showing concentrations within the range of 0.200 to 61.0 mg/L and a mean of 6.32 mg/L. Bicarbonate (HCO3−) is also the major anion in the samples with values that vary from 2.00 to 238 mg/L and a mean of 27.8 mg/L. Geospatial mapping indicates that these predominant ions show higher concentrations in the central part of the study area. Groundwater evolved from K-SO4-HCO3 to Na-HCO3-Cl water types and other mixed forms, which are influenced by atmospheric precipitation and rock weathering. Geochemical modeling reveals that undersaturation of the groundwater occurs in relation to all the silicate and carbonate minerals in the aquifer. However, most samples show positive correlation with these minerals, suggesting precipitation under pre-existing conditions. Chemometric analysis indicated that the chemical composition of groundwater is controlled by human-induced and geogenic activities. With respect to all hydrochemical parameters, the groundwater is largely deemed safe for residential use based on the computed Water Quality Index values. The groundwater in the district is also appropriate for irrigation, according to irrigation indices of water quality such as the Wilcox diagram, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Electrical conductivity (EC), magnesium ratio (MR), and sodium percent (Na%).

Determination of Adoption Traits and Key Production Constraints of Improved Maize Varieties Using Participatory Research Appraisal

Introduction: Maize is a staple crop critical to the food security and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of improved maize varieties, adoption rates among farmers remain suboptimal. Understanding the traits that drive adoption and identifying key production constraints is essential for the development and dissemination of varieties that meet farmers' needs. Aims: This study aimed to identifying the most valued traits of improved maize varieties from the farmers' perspective, assessing the socio-economic and biophysical factors influencing the adoption of these varieties and identifying the main production constraints faced by farmers in different agro-ecological zones. Study Design: The study was conducted in three regions representing diverse agro-ecological zones. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of maize farmers. Data collection involved focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household surveys. PRA tools such as pairwise ranking and matrix scoring were employed to capture qualitative and quantitative data on adoption traits and production constraints. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at Ejura Sekyeredumasi, Nkoranza South District and Wenchi Municipal district, between June 2017 and December 2017. Methodology: Descriptive statistics were used analyzed the demographic characteristics of maize farmers as well as socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of improved maize farming technology using SPSS 16 version. Data collected included; socio-demographic characteristics, adoption of improved maize varieties and constraints to maize production. Results: The results showed that about 78 % and 18 % of farmer respondents perceived that both fertilizers and improved seed were too expensive. Other constraints to maize production were drought, high cost of other agro-inputs, lack of improved cultivars and poor soil fertility significantly influenced the adoption of improved maize farming technologies in the area Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of incorporating farmers' preferences and addressing context-specific production constraints in maize breeding programs. Enhanced extension services, improved seed distribution systems, and tailored agronomic practices are recommended to increase adoption rates and improve productivity. Participatory approaches in agricultural research are vital for aligning breeding objectives with the real-world needs of smallholder farmers, ensuring the relevance and impact of improved maize varieties in the Ghana.