Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana)

Modeling the Geospatial Distribution and Spatial Variability of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials on Farmlands

Seth Kofi Brimpong Dwamena — 2024-03-07

The surge in anthropogenic activities following industrialization compromises the nature of the environment, specifically through alterations of the activities of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs). This research focused on modeling the spatial distribution of NORMs in farmlands. The soil was sampled from the study area and the selected NORMs 238U, 232Th, and 40K were determined. The Kriging method of interpolation (ordinary Kriging) was also employed to model the activity of the radionuclides at the unsampled sites in the study area in the estimation of the unsampled points. The radiological analysis of the samples revealed the activity concentration of 3.49±1.07, 1.32±0.68 and 6.43±4.18 Bq/kg for the target radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, concentrations which were identified to be lower, compared to the average world limits 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg for these radionuclide species. Using the kriging technique, the predicted map produced activity concentrations of the radionuclides which slightly deviated from the measured values, as well as showing a strong concentration gradient of the radionuclides across the study area, with high radioactivity occurring at the upper section of the area. The distribution map for 238U showed high activity of the radionuclide from the northern to the central part of the study area while the southern section had relatively lower concentrations. Similarly, the spatial distribution for the activity of 232Th and 40K was varied, with higher concentration in the northern part of the study area, also, the greatest activity for 232Th was shown in the central part of the study. As it relates to the measuring and monitoring of radioactivity in the environment, the study improved both theoretical and practical understanding of quality assurance. This will ensure that measurement findings can be compared in the future and that methods and processes are standardized at local levels.

Estimating the Depth of Investigation in Electrical Resistivity Survey: Laboratory Measurements

Albert Asare — 2024-03-07

The depth of investigation in geo-electrical resistivity surveys is an important parameter required to make a reasonable interpretation of the measured apparent resistivity. Even though it is generally accepted that, the wider the electrode spread the deeper the investigation, no definite relationship has been developed between the depth of investigation and the current electrode spread (AB) for geological formations, especially in Ghana. The most commonly used depth factor for Schlumberger array (AB/2) for example, have been found not to be accurate from field observations. This study thus explores the depth of investigation for the Schlumberger and Wenner arrays through a laboratory study. A rectangular wooden box filled with compacted silty sand to different depths was placed directly on the natural ground, and the interface between the silty sand and natural ground was investigated through geo-electrical sounding. The vertical electrical sounding curves were inspected for points of conspicuous changes in apparent resistivity, which were attributed to the change from the silty sand to the natural ground interface. Then comparing the known depths of the interface to AB, it was established that, for both the Schlumberger and Wenner arrays, the depth of investigation is about 0.26 of AB (i.e., ~AB/4).

A Rare Occurrence of Left Radial Vein Thrombosis in A 23- Year-Old Ghanaian Male – A Case Report.

Kwame Adu Boahen Amankwah — 2024-03-11

The occurrence of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is rare. It is usually either diagnosed late or missed entirely, leading to dire complications. It is therefore imperative to highlight the need for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for UEDVT in patients presenting with upper limb swelling and to emphasize the immense benefit of prompt and effective therapy. We present a case of a 23-year-old Ghanaian male who presented to the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with a four-day history of painful swelling of the left forearm a day after the administration of an intravenous bolus of dextrose solution of unknown concentration at a peripheral facility to correct hypoglycaemia. Physical examination revealed a tender swollen left upper limb. The superficial veins were not visible. However, neurovascular examination of the left upper limb was unremarkable. A doppler ultrasound scan showed a nearly 74% occlusion of the left radial vein. A diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left upper limb was made. The patient was started on oral rivaroxaban, an anticoagulant, at 15mg twice daily for 21 days, then 20mg daily for 3 months at which a repeat doppler ultrasound scan showed no evidence of a DVT. Early detection of DVT and prompt treatment in patients with upper extremity swelling following an intravenous procedure is crucial as thrombophlebitis may not be the only cause of all such upper limb swellings.

Zearalenone-Contaminated Cereals in African Communities, Probabilistic Exposures and Adverse-Health Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey — 2024-03-13

Zearalenone, a Fusarium spp. mycotoxin is an exposome with estrogenic properties that adversely impact global public health concerns, including African cereal-growing communities. In this study, we used the keywords; “adverse health”, “cereals”, “zearalenone”, and “Africa” to screen published articles from Google Scholar, CrossRef, PubMed and Scopus databases. The returned queries were filtered to obtain 36 relevant articles covering 53 studies. Data including the year of study, zearalenone concentration, number of total samples and total positive samples were extracted from the included papers. The zearalenone concentrations were meta-analyzed to characterize the following: data heterogeneity, weighted averages, effect sizes, and to visualize Forest plots and regression models. The exposures were determined using zearalenone concentrations, mass of cereals ingested, and WHO-recommended body weight according to the EFSA-recommended guidelines. Based on Palisade @Risk probabilistic approaches, the uncertainties of exposures and risks (hazard quotient) were obtained after simulation at 105 iterations and benchmarked against PMTDI (0.25 μg/kg). The meta-analysis results presented a zearalenone contamination occurrence of 16% and a high heterogeneity (I2=97.9), which indicated high variability in the included articles. Zearalenone concentrations ranging from 0.90 to 1.03×103 μg/kg presented high occurrence in rice and rice-based products (75%), while the simulated modal exposures (μg/kg(bw)-d) ranged from 5.33×10-3 to 9.70×10-2, the 95th percentile ranged from 1.91 to 31.60. Although the modal exposures among the age-related consumers did not exceed the regulatory threshold (0.25 μg/kg), that for infants (0.10 μg/kg(bw)-d) and toddlers (0.04 μg/kg(bw)-d) were the highest. However, the 95th percentile exposures for all the age-related consumers exceeded the threshold at different intensities, while the infants (31.60 μg/kg(bw)-d) and toddlers (13.11 μg/ kg(bw)-d) exposures were significantly (HQ>1) alarming. Control measures are urgently warranted to address this public health concern.

Effects of Direct-Fed Microbial (DFM) On the Productive and Reproductive Performance and Haematologic Traits of Female Indigenous Guinea Fowls (Numida Meleagris)

Goodman kantanka Sarfo — 2024-03-07

A 2-phase (grower and layer) study was undertaken to investigate the effects of direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the growth, production and reproductive performance of indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) raised on-station. During the grower phase, two hundred and sixteen (216) nine-week-old pearl guinea fowl growers of mean weight of 510 grams were allotted to four dietary treatment groups, each with three replicates containing 18 birds (15 pullets and 3 cockerels) in a completely randomized design (CRD). At 20 weeks of age, the birds were transferred to four-layer dietary treatments. The control diet contained no DFM while DFM was added to the various treatment diets at the respective rates of 1.0ml/kg, 1.5 ml/kg and 2 ml/kg. Feed and water were provided to the birds ad libitum in both the grower and layer phases. Parameters studied included feed consumption, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg fertility and hatchability and blood traits. The dietary incorporation of DFM had no significant effect (p> 0.05) on feed intake, egg weight and quality, weight of first egg and body weight at first egg as well as blood cholesterol levels but significantly improved final liveweight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), age at first egg, egg weight, egg fertility and hatchability (p< 0.05) compared with the control. It is concluded that the addition of 1.5 to 2ml of DFM/kg diet for indigenous guinea fowls improves both productive and reproductive performance.

Effects of Germplasm Accessions and Packaging Materials on The Quality Characteristics of Roselle Seeds

Paul Kweku Tandoh — 2024-03-07

Globally, the nutritional and economic importance of the Roselle plant cannot be underestimated. One of the major challenges that come with the conservation of the seeds is the rapid loss of seed quality due to the use of inappropriate packaging materials. This study was conducted to determine the effect of accessions and storage packaging materials on the quality characteristics of the Roselle seeds stored for 12 months. A 12 x 5 factorial arrangement in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was used. The first factor was accessions at twelve levels (HS08, HS11, HS19, HS25, HS27, HS32, HS41, HS58, HS59, HS69, HS83, H86). The second factor was storage packaging materials at five levels (paper bag, ziplock bag, pot, plastic bottle and no packaging). The study revealed that storage packaging significantly affected the physiological and biochemical properties of the roselle seeds such that seeds which were packaged in bottles and ziplock bags performed better as compared to the other packaging materials (paper, pot) and the unpackaged seeds. Seeds stored in the bottle and ziplock led to high percentage germination and seed vigour. Seeds of accession HS08 packaged in either bottle and ziplock bag had the highest total phenolic content as well as the highest antioxidant capacity. Pathogenic fungi found on the seeds in the various packaging materials were least in the bottle and ziplock bag. In conclusion, for a long-term conservation of roselle seeds it is imperative to use bottles and ziplock bags.

Exploring the Importance of Quality Management Practices and Influencing Factors of Construction Projects’ Quality in Nigeria

Olatunji Joseph Oladiran — 2024-03-07

Numerous building projects across the globe operate poorly to varying degrees of quality, costing money and failing to provide clients with value for their money. This study, therefore, investigates quality management practices (QMP) in construction organizations in Nigeria, with a view to enhancing project outcomes. The objectives of the study are to examine the important QMPs construction companies implement and examine the factors that influence the quality of construction projects. This study’s population comprised key built environment professionals such as architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors involved in project procurement in construction companies in Lagos State. A survey research strategy was adopted for this research and the respondents were conveniently selected. The total number of questionnaires administered was 150 out of which 114 were adequately filled and returned representing a 76% response rate. Appropriate statistical tools were used for the analysis including mean, percentage, frequency and t-test. Findings from the study revealed that the most important QMPs of construction companies are feedbacks and continuous improvement measures. The topmost factors that influence quality on construction projects are inconsistent quality control instruments and procedures, and insufficient management support. The study concludes that there are as many as 23 important QMPs engaged by construction practitioners, nonetheless, the most important of them all are feedback and continuous improvement techniques. Thus, concerted efforts by construction practitioners in ensuring the implementation of all these 23 QMPs could yield tremendous improvement of the quality of projects. It is recommended that quality control instruments and procedures should be standardized across construction firms. This can be accomplished through government procurement regulations and policies.

Deconstructing Hierarchical Bullying in Senior High Boarding Schools in Ghana

Larry Kofi Asiwome Afun — 2024-03-07

Bullying is a social behaviour that instigates psychological and/or physical harm to others. In Ghana, bullying is a growing issue of concern because it is ingrained in the senior high school (SHS) culture. The study was a retrospective observational one which required participants to fill out a survey. Male students in SHS 1 and SHS 2 that were in mixed-sex schools were bullied more predominantly than their counterparts in single-sex schools. They also bullied others in greater proportion in SHS 3. Female students in SHS 2 who were in single-sex schools were more considerably bullied than those in mixed-sex schools. Furthermore, bullying was independent of age group. Although not statistically significant, there is a trend of males who are popular being bullied very often in SHS 1 and SHS 2 while males who are “not popular” bully others “very often” when they are in SHS 2 and SHS 3. The high incidence of bullying in males in mixed-sex schools is suggestive of the tendency to exhibit aggression which is recorded in the literature to have a seductive influence on females and the opposite is true for females. The display of bullying, where popular people are bullied “very often” and unpopular people bully others “very often” suggests that there is a hierarchical underpinning to bullying. Bullying undermines the telos of senior high education, which is rooted in discipline and knowledge acquisition. Mapping out the structure of bullying will help eradicate this ingrained practice from our schools.