Information delivery channels and agricultural technology uptake: experimental evidence from Ghana

Author(s):  
Fred Mawunyo Dzanku ◽  
Robert Darko Osei ◽  
Paul Kwame Nkegbe ◽  
Isaac Osei-Akoto

Abstract Purpose: Adequate information is necessary for investments. We use data from a randomized controlled experiment in northern Ghana to advance knowledge on which communication options are most effective for reaching farmers with a new technology (Bradyrhizobium inoculation) to boost adoption. Farmers received information through either video documentaries or radio listening clubs. Joint test of all treatment effects provide strong evidence that the video was effective for inducing technology uptake and increased yields; the radio listening club effects were mostly imprecise, partly due to insufficient statistical power. We conclude that barriers to learning about correct technology usage or benefits constrain adoption.

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1206-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Richardson ◽  
Timothy J. Ness ◽  
David T. Redden ◽  
Christopher C. Stewart ◽  
J. Scott Richards

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus P Whelton ◽  
Khurram Nasir ◽  
Michael J Blaha ◽  
Daniel S Berman ◽  
Roger S Blumenthal

Introduction: Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging has been proposed as a method to improve risk stratification and motivate improved patient and physician risk factor modification. Despite increasing use of these technologies there remains limited evidence documenting its effect on downstream testing and improvement in risk factor control. Hypothesis: Addition of the EISNER study to a prior meta-analysis will improve statistical power to demonstrate the downstream consequences of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE database (1966 through July 2011) was conducted. Major inclusion criteria required: 1) randomized controlled trial design, 2) participants with no known history of coronary heart disease or stroke, and 3) comparison of a group provided with results of a non-invasive imaging scan versus those without results. A total of eight trials with 4,084 participants met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. We analyzed the data using a random effects model to allow for heterogeneity. Results: Among imaging groups there was a significant increase in prescribing for statins (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01–1.32) and a non-significant trend for increased prescription of aspirin (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97–1.35), ACE/ARB (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.96–1.31), and insulin (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.75–3.18). There was a non-significant trend towards increased smoking cessation (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.88–2.08). For downstream outcomes there was a non-significant increase in coronary angiography (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.92–1.57), but not for revascularization (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.55–1.53). There was no significant effect of imaging on the change in traditional risk factors. Limitations: There remains a limited number of trials in this important area. Therefore, trials included in this analysis use a variety of different imaging modalities and we were not able to pool the results based on appropriate clinical action (intensification at high risk and reduction at low risk). Conclusions: Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging leads to increased statin use, but associations with other downstream treatments and change in risk factors are not statistically significant. Our results highlight the limited amount of data for describing the downstream consequences after CAC testing.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihab Hassan Abdel Fattah ◽  
Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Allim ◽  
MortadaElsayed Ahmed ◽  
Yasmeen Ahmed Mohamed Taha

Abstract Background Preterm delivery with its associated morbidity and mortality still represents one of the major unsolved problems in Obstetrics. In PPROM, there is an increased incidence of preterm delivery which represents a life threatening situation. It has been calculated that the mean duration of PROM pregnancies is 37 weeks, so premature birth defined as delivery before 37 week of gestation, is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and short and long term fetal morbidity. Obviously, preterm deliveries represent a problem because of the severe neonatal complications that often occur afterwards. These complications are worse for the smaller newborn with earlier gestational age. These complications include respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Objective The present study aims to investigate the effect of 17-OH progesterone on primegravida and the possible change in the premature delivery rates and other pregnancy outcomes and complications regarding its use. Methods The current research is a randomized controlled study was conducted at Obstetric outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital and involved 80 pregnant admitted to assess the efficacy of intramuscular progesterone compared to placebo therapy in decreasing the rate of preterm birth in women with PPROM pregnancy, selected on basis being with age between 18-35 years, carrying Singleton pregnancy, at gestational age between24-34 weeks. Results The present study provides no evidence that 17OHP-C is beneficial in women with PROM. Although the trial turned out to be underpowered for the primary outcome, it had reasonable statistical power for the prespecified secondary outcomes, which allowed us to conclude that 17OHP-C does not prolong pregnancy or reduce perinatal morbidity after PROM. Preterm PROM is a frequently encountered obstetric diagnosis, with improved neonatal outcomes when an uninfected mother is able to continue her pregnancy for a longer duration to reach a more advanced gestational age. Conclusion Compared placebo with intramuscular 17-OHPC in women with prelabour rupture of membranes. Pregnancy is associated with lower percentage of preterm labour, fewer NICU admissions in 17 OHPC.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 160607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustav Nilsonne ◽  
Sandra Tamm ◽  
Armita Golkar ◽  
Karolina Sörman ◽  
Katarina Howner ◽  
...  

Emotional mimicry and empathy are mechanisms underlying social interaction. Benzodiazepines have been proposed to inhibit empathy and promote antisocial behaviour. First, we aimed to investigate the effects of oxazepam on emotional mimicry and empathy for pain, and second, we aimed to investigate the association of personality traits to emotional mimicry and empathy. Participants ( n =76) were randomized to 25 mg oxazepam or placebo. Emotional mimicry was examined using video clips with emotional expressions. Empathy was investigated by pain stimulating the participant and a confederate. We recorded self-rated experience, activity in major zygomatic and superciliary corrugator muscles, skin conductance, and heart rate. In the mimicry experiment, oxazepam inhibited corrugator activity. In the empathy experiment, oxazepam caused increased self-rated unpleasantness and skin conductance. However, oxazepam specifically inhibited neither emotional mimicry nor empathy for pain. Responses in both experiments were associated with self-rated empathic, psychopathic and alexithymic traits. The present results do not support a specific effect of 25 mg oxazepam on emotional mimicry or empathy.


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