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- ItemImpact of Dimension Stone Production on the Environment: A Case Study at Granites & Marbles Company Limited, Ghana.(2007) Benin, Abraham KwesiThe study evaluated the impacts of dimension stone production on the environment at the Tongo Quarry and the Factory at Accra. The variables studied were the blasting noise, pollution of nearby water sources and pollution of effluent discharge from factory. The study described the standard procedures for collecting and processing samples for water and sediment, and field analyses of conductivity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. An experimental study was carried out on sediment and water samples in the laboratory to assess the level of heavy metal pollution. For this study, several composite samples were collected and analysed. The pH and turbidity values of the water samples were 6.3-7.45 pH and 0.15-118 NTU respectively. Curves were drawn that relate metal concentrations in Water and Soil Samples. With the exception of chromium concentration in samples, GM1s and FS1 which have very high values of 2.64 mg/l and 1.34 mg/l respectively, all the other samples were below the maximum permissible level of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana guidelines for discharge into natural water bodies. Quality assurance is maintained by strict collecting and processing procedures, replicate sampling, equipment blank samples, and a rigid cleaning procedure using detergent, hydrochloric acid and methanol. In this thesis, blasting operation and its possible environmental effects are defined. To achieve the study objectives, 24 blasts were carried out and 3 sets of recordings were taken for each distance of 4m, 210m, 416m, 622m 824m and 2000m. A measurement was recorded for each site for ambient noise levels. From this, experiment curves were drawn that relate average ambient and noise levels in decibels with distance from blasting point towards the community. The evaluation was performed if the noise level were within safe limits or not. The field experimental work conducted indicated that the highest blasting noise of 92.3 dB and 85.2 dB recorded at distances of 824m and 2000m respectively are within acceptable maximum permissible level of 115 dB with 5% allowable to 120 dB or less in an annual period.
- ItemEstimation of petrophysical data for assessing hydrocarbon potential in Western Ghana Oilfield (Tano Basin)(2008) Kuffour, OpokuWell log data were obtained from Ghana National Petroleum Corporation for each of the six exploratory wells studied. For each well, the following logs were collected; resistivity log, sonic log, formation density compensated log, compensated neutron log and gamma ray log. These in situ well logs were subjected to well log analysis and interpretation methods. The following Petrophysical parameters; porosity, permeability, water saturation, reservoir thickness and volume of shale were estimated for each hydrocarbon-bearing zone delineated for each well. The data obtained have been analyzed and interpreted quantitatively, to assess the hydrocarbon potential of each well. The mean estimates for porosity and permeability of all the oil-bearing zones delineated, range from 23.75 % to 34 % for porosity and 65 md to 714.7 md for permeability, compared to mean porosity range of 8.5 – 23.15 % and permeability range of 6.83 × 10-2 md to 5.99 md of the gas zones. The results of the well logs interpretation suggest that oil- bearing zones are much more porous and permeable than the gas-bearing zones. This was evident throughout the wells. The estimates for the water saturation of hydrocarbon-bearing zones range from 6 % to 63.6 % indicating good hydrocarbon saturation potential. The reservoir thickness estimated for all the oil-bearing zones delineated range from 2 m to 40 m while the gas-bearing zones range from 4 m to 10 m. The Western Basin low estimated reservoir thicknesses for hydrocarbon-bearing zone suggests that reservoir reserves potentials are not sufficient, but the range 8 % to 36.8 % of volume of shale estimated for the hydrocarbon-bearing zones of the wells suggests that sandstone lithology of the Western Basin is clean. The Western Basin proved to be a high capital venture, as far as drilling is concern due to abnormal high pressure zones detected in almost all the wells studied.
- ItemSensory and rheological properties of reduced-fat rock buns and mango pie containing a papaya (carica papaya)-derived fat replacer(2008-08-08) Paintsil, Yvonne PerpetuaTwo perishable fruits Papaya (Carica papaya) and mango (Keit variety) which are locally abundant in Ghana were selected for this study. Freeze dried papaya was used as a fat replacer in two pastry products, namely rock buns and mango pies (with dried mango and mango puree as filler). The effect of fat reduction on the sensory and rheological properties of the rock buns and mango pies were determined. The dried fruits were also assessed for their physicochemical properties. Five rock buns treatments (full (100%)-fat, 25%, 50% and 75% reduced-fat and fat- free (0%) treatments) were produced as well as two pie crust treatments(full (100%)-fat and 25% reduced-fat treatments). Trained sensory panellists determined that the 25 % reduced-fat rock buns treatment was more similar in sensory attributes to the full-fat control, whilst the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was found to be satisfactory in comparison to the other reduced-fat treatments. With the exception of mouth feel in which differences between the full-fat control and the fat-free treatment were not significant (p > 0.05), there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in sensory attributes between the control and the fat-free treatment for all other attributes. In the pie crust as well, sensory results showed that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the full-fat control for most attributes. Texture profile analysis of rock buns showed that hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience increased with increasing fat reduction; however, values for fracturability and modulus of deformation decreased with increasing fat reduction. In the pie, texture analysis indicated that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p > 0.05) in hardness from the full-fat control; nevertheless, for fracturability, differences between them were found to be significant (p ≤ 0.05). Colorimetric measurements revealed that the 25 % reduced-fat treatment was more similar in appearance (colour) to the control than the other reduced-fat treatments which were dull in appearance. Notwithstanding the colorimetric results, sensory results also proved that the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was also not significantly different (p > 0.05) in colour from its full-fat complement. Dried fruits and puree produced from mango were more shelf stable than the unprocessed fruit. Analytical results indicated that the fat replacer contains 2.51 g/100 g and 12 % pectin and total nutrition fibre respectively. This is an indication that the pawpaw-derived fat replacer could be a viable additive for fat replacement.
- ItemA study of the impact of ICT on banking activities in Ghana (A case study of selected banks in Ghana)(2009) Kwateng, Kwame OwusuIn Sub-Saharan Africa, developments in information and communication technology (ICT) are radically changing the way business is done. Electronic commerce is now thought to hold the promise of a new commercial revolution by offering an inexpensive and direct way to exchange information and to sell or buy products and services. This revolution in the market place has set in motion a revolution in the banking sector for the provision of services that is compatible with the demands of the electronic marketplace (Balachandher at al, 2001). In Ghana however, banking institutions have been subjected to much criticism for not providing their customers with innovative and convenient banking services, with the result that some customers especially businesswomen, find it more convenient keeping their savings at home than hi the banks (Safo and Andoh, 1990). One of the areas of ICT that is of great concern to academics and professionals is the issue of how it has impacted on banking activities. Although there are many previous empirical studies about impact of ICT on large companies, the scientific community has only started to pay attention to similar institutions especially in developing economies. This study examined the impact of ICT on banking activities in Ghana. The issue is of critical significance given the important role ICT play in the banking industry. The study made use of both primary and secondary data sources. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect primary data from the field. The secondary data included annual reports of banks, journals and articles on ICT, technical papers and library work including the internet. Empirical studies of work done by some other people were also used. Analysis of the study was based on qualitative and quantitative measures. The results of the study suggest that ICT has played an effective and significant role in the banking industry in Ghana. It was observed that though ICT has had a positive impact in the banking industry, there is still mere room for improvement. The findings revealed that there is the urgent need to further strengthen the use of ICT. The bankers should also educate their customers to make use of their ICT services available. In conclusion, there should be further training for the entire staff of the institutions on new developments in the use ICT in the banking industry. This will let them be abreast with latest technologies available in the ICT Industry. Also a mini ICT center may be set up either within the banking hail or outside where customers will be able to access some of their ICT services, provided the necessary procedures are adhered to. This will reduce the queues in the banking halls. Customers can check their accounts and do other businesses without joining the queue.
- ItemFormulation and Monitoring the Stability of Artesunate in Artesunate - Amodiaquine Combination Tablets(2009) Danso – Mensah, StephenDispensing of antimalarial poses a challenge to the formulating pharmacist while presenting the combination of the two drugs in a single dosage form. The objective of formulating a single dosage form of artesunate and amodiaquine is to improve patient compliance and adherence to the drug resulting in decreased possibility of recurrence or developing resistance to malaria. Based on a WHO response to antimalarial drug resistance which calls for a period of change when treatment failure exceeds 25%, Ghana adopted a new antimalarial drug policy with artesunate – amodiaquine being chosen as the most cost-effective compared to all other alternatives. But with the new policy, for a 70kg+ patient to be adequately treated using the 50mg Artesunate and 150mg Amodiaquine formulation, he/she requires a total of 24 tablets in a three day treatment regimen programme. With such a treatment programme, many were those who expressed apprehension about the efficacy with respect to drug compliance and adherence. Amodiaquine is a 4 – aminoquinoline and artesunate is a water soluble hemi – succinate derivative of artemisinin. Amodiaquine acts by accumulating in the lysosomes of the parasites bringing about loss of its function, and also binds to their nucleoproteins inhibiting the DNA and RNA polymerase, which end up generating free radicals. Artesunate acts by heme – mediated decomposition of its endoperoxide bond to produce carbon – free radicals. This work aims to formulate combination tablets of artesunate and amodiaquine and to develop a simple and precise HPLC method to monitor the stability of the single dosage form using accelerated stability studies. In this work, a single dosage form of artesunate and amodiaquine was formulated. Each dosage form contains 100mg of artesunate and 300mg of amodiaquine constituting two tablets daily and a total of six tablets for three days for the full dose of adults in the treatment of malaria. A simple, accurate and precise isocratic reverse phase HPLC method with a mobile phase comprising 0.3% v/v of glacial acetic acid, acetonitrile and triethylamine in the ratio of 55%: 45%: 0.3% was developed using a C8 column. The final pH was always in the range of 4.5±0.1. A flow rate of 2.0ml/min with UV detection set at 254nm was employed at room temperature. Artesunate had a retention time of 4.13 minutes and amodiaquine had a retention time of 5.93 minutes. A linear calibration curve was obtained with r2 value of 0.998. RSD obtained was less than 1% indicating a high precision of the method. The method proved to be robust with variations in the mobile phase and stationary phase compositions. The limit of detection of artesunate and amodiaquine are 1.29*10-4 %w/v and 3.3*10-5 %w/v respectively. The limit of quantification of artesunate and amodiaquine are 6.45*10-4 %w/v 1.65*10-4 %w/v respectively. The shelf – life of the artesunate in the artesunate – amodiaquine combination tablets is 0.41 years or 4.1 months at 28oC and 0.1 years or 1.2 months at 40oC. Artesunate – amodiaquine combination tablets were found to have a short stability period. Artesunate and amodiaquine are incompatible, and there is severe degradation of the drugs in presence of each other.
- ItemSimulated Annealing in telecommunication network planning(2009-07-07) Puoza, Julius CaesarThis thesis proposes a Simulated Annealing (SA) based method for planning of fixed wireless access (FWA) in telecommunication network planning. It may be introduced as combinatorial optimization method that determines the location and capacity of base stations and end-users in a design space.
- ItemA bus replacement model for the State Transport Company, Kumasi.(2009-08-05) Kparib Yen-Won, DouglasThe State Transport Company, like many service organizations, faces the problem of how long a bus should be on the road before it is replaced. The aim of this thesis is therefore to determine a schedule of disposals and replacements of the Higher bus, taking into account the revenue generated, operating cost and the salvage values, such that the total cost of these activities is minimized. Data was collected from the State Transport Company Office in Kumasi on the revenue generated, operating cost, and the salvage values on the bus with time. The problem was solved by using dynamic programming. It was found out that the company should always dispose its buses when they are two years old.
- Item"Implementation of mobile applications for a commercial company" (case study: Bralima's Billing System)(2009-08-23) Kimwemi, Flory KilongosiSelling products at home is one of the channels used by many commercial companies for increasing incomes and competitive advantages. However, the capturing of manual invoices issued by salespersons into information systems for statistical analyses could be a consuming task and source of errors, particularly if the company has a great number of customers. This thesis focuses on a case study of one of Heineken's breweries, called BRALIMA, located in Democratic Republic of Congo which had developed a great Home Delivery Service as a channel of distribution. This brewery boasts around 3,000 customers that could patronize their products every single day. Therefore, this * involves a lot of manual invoices to be captured into the information system called MISHA SRD, a very cumbersome task and source of errors which lead to customer complaints and dissatisfaction. This thesis attempts an assessment of the current system of capturing invoices at BRALIMA, to bring out its strengths and weaknesses. Further, the project analyses the opportunity of a new system based on mobile application and assess the risks involved. The implementation and assessment of the result of this mobile application are parts of this thesis.
- ItemLevels of mercury and hydroquinone in some skin-lightening creams and their potential risk to the health of consumers in Ghana.(2010) Amponsah, DoreenIn this study, fifty (50) samples of Skin-lightening creams were analyzed for total mercury by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry using an automatic mercury analyzer and for total hydroquinone by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The concentration of mercury in the creams ranged from below 0.001 to 0.549 µg/g and that of hydroquinone ranged from below 0.001 to 3.45 %. All the creams sampled for mercury had concentrations less than the US Food and Drug Administration’s acceptable limit of 1µg/g. The low concentrations of mercury detected in the cream samples analyzed therefore do not pose any potential risk to consumers. Eight percent (8%) of cream samples analyzed contained hydroquinone levels higher than the recommended WHO limit of two (2%). The use of such creams may lead to health hazards. Therefore, it is recommended that all skin-lightening creams should be checked for hydroquinone levels before marketing.
- ItemPro-Inflammatory Cytokines as markers for the diagnosis of protein energy malnutrition(2010) Minkah, BridgetProtein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a public health problem and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are altered biochemical and immunological parameters which may serve as indicators of PEM.The study was aimed at assessing the use of pro-inflammatory cytokines as diagnostic indicator for Protein energy malnutrition in children. A total of 115 children (35 healthy controls and 80 malnourished children) aged 8 – 36 months attending the Maternal and Child Health Hospital (MCHH), Kumasi were recruited for the study. The study was conducted between December 2009 and June 2010. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference were taken for the study population and immunoassays on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and biochemical analysis of albumin and total protein) assayed. When categorized for PEM, 67.5% had marasmus, 18.8% had marasmic kwashiorkor and 13.8% had kwashiorkor. Mothers in the control group had attained higher education (p=0.0021) and were gainfully employed (p=0.0038) when compared to mothers of the subject group. Children in the subject group had a significantly low birth weight (<2.5kg, p=0.0255) as compared to controls and were more likely to have an exclusive breastfeeding period of less than three months (p=0.058). There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the mean total protein concentration of the controls (68.37± 1.43 g L-1) when compared to that of the subjects before (66.27± 1.61 g L-1) and after (69.55± 1.69 g L-1) treatment. Serum albumin concentration in the control group (43.21 ± 0.90 g L-1) was significantly higher than the concentration in the subject group before treatment (38.65 ± 0.90 g L-1, p=0.0027). The mean concentration of IL-6 in the subjects at baseline (46.08 ± 7.48 pg mL-1, p=0.0008) and after treatment (26.25 ± 5.19 pg mL-1, p=0.0148) were significantly higher than those in the control group (7.01 ± 1.37pg mL-1). A 43.8% decrease in the mean concentration of IL-6 was observed after treatment. TNF-α concentration before treatment (82.07 ± 6.02 pg mL-1) was significantly higher when compared to the mean concentration in the control group (55.81 ± 2.20 pg mL-1).The study observed increases in pro-inflammatory response in malnourished children with IL-6 concentration being a significant indicator of PEM in the subjects compared to TNF- α. The impact of dietary intervention on biochemical indices assessed in this study shows the ability of nutritional intervention to promote growth in malnourished children. Above all, the level of education and the socio-economical status of the mothers of malnourished children in this study had a significant impact on malnourishment.
- ItemOptimal loan portfolio (A case study of Atweaban Rural Bank, Duayaw Nkwanta)(2010) Kwarteng, ErnestMany Ghanaians both in the formal sector and the informal sector take loans for various reasons some being investment in businesses or their wards education. Others also take loans to acquire personal properties such as houses and cars. Most people rely on Banks for Loans. Due to poor allocation of funds by most banks to prospective loan seekers the banks are not able to maximize their profits. In view of this monies that can be used for social services in the community in which they operate go into bad debt. The main aim of this work is to develop Linear Programming model to help the Atweaban Rural Bank at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Tano North District of the Brong Ahafo Region to allocate their funds to prospective loan seekers in order for them to maximize their profits.
- ItemAssessment of sediment and water quality in the Owabi reservoir(2010-06-13) Abankwa, ErnestThe Owabi reservoir is one of the major sources of drinking water for the Kumasi metropolis and its surrounding communities. The streams serving the Owabi reservoir have been encroached upon with various human activities due to high population increase within the catchment area of the reservoir, resulting in the pollution of the water. This study sought to assess the extent of pollution of sediment and water from the Owabi reservoir, measure the chemical forms or speciation of the heavy metals and determine their bioavailability. Ten water and sediment samples were collected from ten different sites within the Owabi reservoir. The water samples were analyzed for pollution indicators using standard methods from the American Public Health Association (APHA). Parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, hardness and nutrients were all within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). Levels of lead, arsenic, colour, turbidity, total suspended solids, faecal coliform and E. coli were above the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). These make the water in the reservoir unsafe for domestic use without prior treatment or purification. Correlation analysis showed that arsenic correlated significantly with calcium, pH and conductivity, zinc also correlated significantly with fluoride, lead correlated significantly with magnesium and copper also correlated significantly with zinc. Factor analysis showed that agricultural discharge, domestic waste water discharge and the presence of decaying plant and other materials all contributed to the pollution of the water. The sediments were found to be acidic. The total metal content of Fe, Pb, Cu and Zn were also determined. The geoaccumlation index (Igeo) was also used to assess metal pollution in sediments. The sediment was found to be moderately polluted with respect to Pb and Zn and unpolluted with respect to Cu and Fe. Canonical correlation was carried out to establish the importance of pH, organic matter content (OMC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electrical conductivity (EC) in co precipitation and release of metals. pH was more important in co precipitating soluble Zn. Co precipitating lead and iron will more likely be associated with EC while co precipitating Zn and Cu will more likely be associated with CEC. Factor analysis was carried out on the heavy metals to identify the sites that were significantly polluted by the heavy metals. Sites Sl, S2 and S3 were found to be significantly polluted. Samples from these sites were subjected to a five step sequential extraction and the results showed that Zn and Pb were potentially bioavailable in the sediments. To understand the risk of the metals to the sediment dwelling organisms the data were compared with the Sediment Quality Values (SQV) using screening quick reference tables (SQUIRT). The comparison showed that Pb and Zn were above the probable effects level (PEL).
- ItemThe transportation problem; Case study :( Guiness Ghana Limited)(2011) Asase, AlfredThe proposed transportation model of manufacturing goods to customer (Key Distributors) is considered in this research. The data gathered were modelled as a Linear Programming model of transportation type and represent the transportation problem as tableau and solve it with the computer software solver to generate an optimal solution. This transportation model will be useful for making strategic decisions by the logistics managers Guinness Ghana LTD in making optimum allocation of the production from the two plants (KAASI and ACHIMOTA) to the various customers(key distributors) at a minimum transportation cost.
- ItemLevels of some heavy metals in omega-3 food supplements.(2011) Oti-Boakye, AdolfOmega-3 fatty acids also called essential fatty acids are known to have numerous benefits from pregnancy to old age. The presence of heavy metals in the fishes which are the main sources of the omega-3 acids however poses a serious health threat. Levels of six heavy metals consisting of four essential ones (Iron, Manganese, Zinc and Copper) and two toxic ones (Mercury and Cadmium) were determined in one hundred (100) samples consisting of ten (10) different brands of omega-3 food supplements available on the Ghanaian market using Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for mercury and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for iron, manganese, cadmium, zinc and copper. The amount of the metals consumed daily in µg/g in each brand was calculated based on the mean concentrations of the metals. The calculated daily intake of mercury in µg/g ranged from 0.021 for Cardioace brand to 0.818 for Dr. Chris brand with Iron ranging from 6.844 µg/g for Artic Sea brand to 1845.756 µg/g for Joint Care. Manganese ranged from 0.835 µg/g for Alaska brand to 488.475 µg/g for Cardioace brand and Cadmium ranged from 0.531 µg/g for Deep Sea brand to 4.712 µg/g for Seven Seas brand. The calculated daily intake of Zinc ranged from 0.812 µg/g for High Sea brand to1816.380 µg/g for Cardioace brand whilst that of Copper ranged from 0.073 µg/g for Artic Sea brand to 732.825 µg/g for Cardioace brand. Except cardioace brand, which recorded zinc as the highest metal, iron was the highest metal recorded for all the omega-3 brands. Also except the Seven Seas, Artic Sea, and Alaska brands which had copper as the lowest metal, mercury was the lowest metal recorded for all the brands.The calculated daily intakes determined for the metals were below the daily intakes recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food supplements and vitamins showing that the omega-3 food supplements analysed in this study are not likely to pose any health risk due to metal level to the public through consumption for both the toxic metals and the essential metals determined.
- ItemMathematical Modeling of the Epidemiology of Varicella(2011) Ofori, Michael MarteyIn this thesis a modified SIR mathematical model on the spread of Varicella (Chickenpox) in Ghana was developed. Here the population is divided into three compartments: the susceptibles, the infectives, and the recovered. The resulting system of non-linear differential equations was analysed, thus in respect of the stability of the equilibrium points. The model focuses on the spread of the disease at the initial stages of the infection when the infected persons are absent and when they are present taking into consideration birth rate and natural death rate. The study is based on the assumption that the population of Ghana is constant, and the natural death rate was assumed to be equal to the birth rate. We then determine how the various compartments react to increasing proportion of persons at the initial stages of their infection. We perform sensitivity analysis on the already estimated model parameters to determine their effect on the reproductive number and at what values of the reproductive number are the disease free and endemic equilibra stable.
- ItemConcentration of Pesticide Residues in Fermented Dried Cocoa Beans in Asukese and its Environs in the Tano North District of Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana(2011) Blankson, Daanu PeterThe concentrations of pesticide residues in fermented dried cocoa beans in ten inorganic sampling sites and one organic sampling site in Asukese and its environs were determined using partially modified multi-residue method for Agricultural chemicals by GC/MS. The Organochlorine pesticides residues found in samples of cocoa beans were aldrin, p,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, endosulfan Sulphate, beta-endosulfan, alpha-endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. Aldrin, p,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT and endosulfan are insecticides banned for use in the cocoa industry by the European Union (EU) and Japan. The mean concentration of aldrin was found to be above the EU MRL of 0.05 mg/Kg, ADI of 0.0001 mg/Kg bw/day and the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.01 mg/Kg bw/day. P,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, and p,p-DDT were within their various MRLs but above the Acceptable Daily Intake of 0.001 mg/Kg bw/day. The Organophosphate Pesticides residues registered in cocoa samples were Ethophosphos, Fenitrothion, Malathion and Parathion. Fenitrothion and Parathion insecticides have been banned for use in the cocoa industry by the EU and Japan. Parathion, malathion and ethoprophos recorded mean residue concentration higher than their various MRLs except fenitrothion which recorded highest mean concentration lower than the EU MRL and ADI of 0.2 mg/kg and 0.002 mg/Kg bw /day respectively. The pyrethroids pesticide residue recorded in the cocoa beans samples analysed from all the 11 sites were fenvalerate, Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin and Permethrin. The highest mean concentration of fenvalerate (0.0898 mg/Kg) was found to be above the EU MRL and ADI but lower than the NOAEL value of 1.7 mg/Kg bw/day. The highest mean concentration of cypermethrin occurring in a sample was slightly higher than the EU MRL and would be unacceptable at the EU markets. The highest mean concentration of deltamethrin was 0.0035 mg/Kg which is far below the EU MRL and the Acceptable Daily Intake. Permethrin mean concentration of 0.0144 mg/Kg was moderately higher than the EU MRL and the ADI value of 0.05 mg/Kg bw/day. The study conducted showed no significant difference between pesticide residues in inorganic cocoa farms and the organic cocoa farms (Control) in Tano North of Brong Ahafo as indicated in the statistical results. Residues of Chemicals approved for use in the cocoa sector under the CODAPEC (mass Cocoa Spraying exercise) were not detected in the fermented dried cocoa beans samples analysed.
- ItemThyroid Hormone Levels And Cardiometabolic Risk Factors In Hypertensive Adult Ghanaians(2011-05-18) Nkrumah, ChristopherMetabolic syndrome can be found in approximately one-third of patients who do not have diabetes but have hypertension. There are numerous correlations between the metabolic syndrome and hypertension, although this is not always the case. As metabolic syndrome and thyroid dysfunction are independent risk factors for the same disease process, namely cardiovascular disease, it is possible that patients suffering from both these disease entities may have a compounded risk. Our study will therefore attempt to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and investigate the proposed association between these two disease entities and identify the factors that increase the risk of this association. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hypertension Clinic of the Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi between April 2010 and November 2010. A total of 300 participants comprising of 200 hypertensives and 100 normotensives were enrolled. The prevalence of MetS among the hypertensive patients were significantly higher than the normotensive control (56.5% vrs 9.0%, 54.5% vrs 5.0% and 65.5%vrs15.0%, p<0.001) using NCEP ATP III, WHO and IDF criteria respectively. Irrespective of the criteria applied, all the components of MetS were significantly higher among the hypertensive patients as compared to the normotensive control. Among the hypertensive patients, the highest prevalence of cardiovascular risk factor was abdominal obesity as measured by WHR (77.0%), followed by reduced HDL-cholesterol (74.0%). From the univariate analysis, females were at about 3 times at risk of developing hypertension as compared to the male counterpart (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.6-4.4; p = 0.0000). Reduced apolipoprotein A1 served as a risk factor (aOR = 13.4; 95% CI = 1.5-121.4; p = 0.0210) whilst high apolipoprotein A1 protects the individual from developing hypertension (aOR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.0-0.2; p = 0.0000). High apolipoprotein B poses about 9 times risk of developing hypertension as compared to the normal level (aOR = 9.3; 95% CI = 4.2-20.9; p = 0.0000). Both Impaired fasting glucose and diabetes each pose more than 10 times risk of developing hypertension as compared to normoglycaemia. fT4 levels were positively associated to BMI and Apo A1 after adjustment for age. fT4 levels were however negatively associated to TC (β= -0.275; p<0.05), LDL-C (β= -0.337; p<0.05) and FBG (-0.121; p<0.05). We also demonstrated that, low normal FT4 levels were significantly associated with three of the cardiovascular risk factors. These findings are consistent with an increased cardiovascular risk in subjects with low normal thyroid function. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that, hypertension is more than just elevated blood pressure; it is intimately associated with the metabolic syndrome. There is therefore the need for metabolic screening of all hypertensives and increase awareness creation on the critical importance of public health strategies aimed at reducing risk factors in the entire population. Early detection and treatment (Multi-target approach) of the global risk profile should thus become a priority.
- ItemOptimal Treatment of Water using Linear Programming A case Study of Sunyani Water Treatment Plant(2011-06-18) Koufie, MosesPrimal-dual, one of the interior-point methods was used to reduce treatment cost of water at Sunyani water treatment plant...
- ItemStudies on the Concentration and Diversity of Airspora in an Apiary at the University for Development Studies- Nyamkpala Campus, Northern Region, Ghana(2011-06-20) Nuoricher, Be-OgriFungal species were sampled from the atmosphere around beehives at an apiary at various points from the beehives at various heights above the ground at these points for eight weeks by exposing Petri dishes containing fungal growth media for five minutes. Three nutrient media were used namely: PDA, MEA and SA. Samples were taken at different times of the day to determine diurnal variation in fungal concentration. Eleven different species of fungi were identified from the site of study. The most commonly occurring species was Aspergillus niger (115.31) whiles the least occurring fungi was Trichoderma sp (12.25). There was significant difference between the concentration of fungi around the beehives (0meter) and the concentration distance away (100 meters). The concentration of fungi was more around the beehives than at a distance (100meters) away. Aspergillus niger(58), Aspergillus versicolor(36.69), Curvularia sp.(24..63), Fusarium sp.(20.94), and Mucor(10.15) occurred more frequently at a height of 2m above ground than at 0.5m above ground whiles species such as Aspergillus ocraceous(10.43), Aspergillus tamarii(14.42), Neurospora sp.(31.37) , Penicillium sp.(22.31) , Rhizopus(11.69) and Trichoderma sp(6.15) were more abundant at 0.5m above ground than 2m above ground. With regards to diurnal variation, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tamari, Curvularia sp, Fusarium sp, Mucor, Rhizopus and Trichoderma sp. occured more frequently in the evening (5.00pm or 17.00h). Species such as Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus ocraceous , and Neurospora sp. were more common in the morning (7.00am or 7.00h) .There was relatively low abundance of the various species in the afternoon (12.00noon or 12.00h). It is however observable that there vi was no marked variation between the individual numbers of species for the three different times of which sampling were made. The highest fungal counts were made in the evening, followed by morning and then noon. With regards to influence of growth media on fungal concentration, the highest numbers of fungal counts were isolated from PDA, SA and MA respectively.
- ItemCrew Route Scheduling Using the Multiple Traveling Salesman Problems(2011-06-20) Amartei, Percy Nii AmaaMost of the coverage of maintenance operations of the technical men of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is unplanned. They have to move from one substation to the other to work on faults and cables as well as perform routine maintenance of which the maintenance schedule needs planning. This thesis uses the multiple traveling salesman problem model to plan the routes of a given number of maintenance crew so as to reduce the cost of traveling. Data used was distances of cities from ECG map of substations and transformers location in the Makola district from period 2003 to date. An algorithm was used to input the distances in Matlab. The algorithm was run ten different times varying the number of maintenance crew from two to five. The maintenance crew of two after all the tours covered the distance of 21.8100km being the minimized distance and routes for each of the maintenance crew was modeled with the two maintenance crew being the best.