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- ItemA review on the provenance of the Voltaian Basin, Ghana: Implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity(Scientific African, 2022) Zobah, Theresa Ngmenmaaloo; Adenutsi, Casper Daniel; Amedjoea, Godfrey Chiri; Wilsona, Matthew Coffie; Boateng, Cyril D.; Quaye, Jonathan Atuquaye; Erzuah, Samuel; Wang, Lian; Zhao, Guoxiang; Karimaie, Hassan; Danuor, Sylvester Kojo; 0000-0002-1721-4158The Voltaian Basin of Ghana has taken significance as a potential oil and gas basin. Since Ghana became a petroleum-producing country, every attempt is being made to understand the sedimentary basins within the country’s territorial boundaries, particularly, the Voltaian Basin. This review paper investigates studies on the Voltaian Basin drawing on a comprehensive literature review based on database searches from Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct, among others. Several branches of geology such as mineralogy, geochemistry, igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochronology, and sedimentary geology among others were integrated to reconstruct the source of the Voltaian Basin sedimentary rocks. Application of compositional analyses to determine provenance using petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques are also discussed. Results based on articles retrieved from the comprehensive literature review summarize the findings on provenance studies; stating the sediment source and history of the rock types in the Voltaian Basin to be most likely from the Pan-African orogenic rocks having a felsic source with some inputs from metasedimentary source rocks. Findings from provenance studies further point to the depositional environment being of shallow marine source and having a fluvial to deltaic environmental features, suggesting that the depositional environment is suitable for hydrocarbon source rocks as well as reservoir rocks formation. With regards to petroleum exploration, a lot of research work needs to be done to identify the type of sedimentary organic matter present in the shales and the limestones of the Voltaian Basin. Furthermore, the rock properties that define petroleum reservoirs such as porosity, permeability, pore type, and rock compressibility as well as electrical properties of some important sandstones need to be thoroughly investigated.
- ItemA Survey of Ackee Fruit Utilization in Ghana(Jamaican Journal of Science & Technology, 2014-12) Osei, Joycelyn Anima; Essuman, Edward Ken; Kyeremateng, Daniel Owusu; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; 0000-0002-8516-7656Blighia sapida is a woody perennial fruit tree species native to West Africa. The fleshy arils of the ripened fruits are edible while the seeds and capsules of the fruits are used for soap making. Our ethnobotanical survey revealed that although the ackee fruit is overlooked by researchers in Ghana, the fresh ackee aril is traded in some local markets. People have different interests in using ackee and variable knowledge of its uses. Preferred bakery products from suggestions in the survey conducted were cake, chips and rock cake.
- ItemAberrant plasma IL-7 and soluble IL-7 receptor levels indicate impaired T-cell response to IL-7 in human tuberculosis(PLOS, 2017) Lundtoft Christian; Nausch Norman; Owusu-Dabo Ellis; Jacobsen Marc; Lang Franziska....et alT-cell proliferation and generation of protective memory during chronic infections depend on Interleukin-7 (IL-7) availability and receptivity. Regulation of IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) expression and signalling are key for IL-7-modulated T-cell functions. Aberrant expression of soluble (s) and membrane-associated (m) IL-7R molecules is associated with development of autoim munity and immune failure in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Here we investigated the role of IL-7/IL-7R on T-cell immunity in human tuberculosis. We per formed two independent case-control studies comparing tuberculosis patients and healthy contacts. This was combined with follow-up examinations for a subgroup of tuberculosis patients under therapy and recovery. Blood plasma and T cells were characterised for IL-7/ sIL-7R and mIL-7R expression, respectively. IL-7-dependent T-cell functions were deter mined by analysing STAT5 phosphorylation, antigen-specific cytokine release and by ana lysing markers of T-cell exhaustion and inflammation. Tuberculosis patients had lower soluble IL-7R (p < 0.001) and higher IL-7 (p < 0.001) plasma concentrations as compared to healthy contacts. Both markers were largely independent and aberrant expression normal ised during therapy and recovery. Furthermore, tuberculosis patients had lower levels ofmIL-7R in T cells caused by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Functional in vitro tests indi cated diminished IL-7-induced STAT5 phosphorylation and impaired IL-7-promoted cyto kine release of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4+ T cells from tuberculosis patients. Finally, we determined T-cell exhaustion markers PD-1 and SOCS3 and detected increased SOCS3 expression during therapy. Only moderate correlation of PD-1 and SOCS3 with IL-7 expression was observed. We conclude that diminished soluble IL-7R and increased IL-7 plasma concentrations, as well as decreased membrane-associated IL-7R expression in T cells, reflect impaired T-cell sensitivity to IL-7 in tuberculosis patients. These findings show similarities to pathognomonic features of impaired T-cell functions and immune failure described in AIDS patients.
- ItemAckee (Blighia sapida) fruit arils: Nutritional, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties(International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 2014) Dossou, Veronica M.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Combey, Sussana; Afi-Koryoe, Sarah; 0000-0002-8516-7656
- ItemAckee (Blighia sapida) fruit arils: Nutritional, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties(International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 2014-11-10) Dossou, Veronica M.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Combey, Sussana; Afi-Koryoe, Sarah; 0000-0002-8516-7656The limited information on the health and nutritional benefits of edible arils of the ackee (Blighia sapida) tree makes it underutilized in West Africa. This study was to investigate the nutrient content, total phenols, antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of freeze and oven dried ackee arils. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocol whereas antioxidant activity and total phenol content was determined using the DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The minerals content was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate and energy content were in the range of 4.83-5.20%, 51.60-56.66%, 10.94-11.67%, 3.63-3.88%, 8.01-8.56%, 14.41-20.62% and 590.67-614.26 kcal/100g, respectively. The ackee arils also contained appreciable minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Zn) with K (425.10-475.71 mg/100g) being the highest while Zn (1.95-2.08 mg/100g) was the least mineral. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins and glycosides in the arils. The total phenolic content was 5235.04±103.9 and 5175.38±178.46 mg GAE/100g in oven-dried and freeze-dried samples, respectively. The vitamin C content was 29.6 and 35.7 mg/100 g whereas antioxidant activity was 66.0 and 29.4 % DPPH inhibition (with trolox equivalence of 91.0±9.4 and 40.6±0.6 µM TE/g) in the oven and freeze dried ackee arils, respectively. Drying method had effect on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the ackee flour sample. The findings suggest that ackee aril had considerable total phenols content and antioxidant activity, which implies that the fruit aril has the potential for application in food systems to maintain food quality
- ItemAction nominalization: a view from Esahie (Kwa)(Walter de Gruyter, 2021-10-14) Broohm, Obed Nii; Melloni, Chiara; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4036-1962; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4711-2689The paper provides a comprehensive account of the derivation of action nominals in Esahie, a Ghanaian language of the Tano subgroup (Kwa, Niger-Congo) which has been undocumented thus far, especially as far as morphosyntactic phenomena are concerned. The aim of the research is threefold: to contribute to language documentation, to provide a systematic description and analysis of the morphosyntactic properties of Esahie action nominals, and to offer a typological assessment of these constructions. We argue that action nominalization in Esahie primarily involves a composite strategy: a morpho-syntactic operation, invariably involving affixation, and a concomitant prosodic operation in the form of a change in tonal melody. As far as the derivation of action nominals is concerned, it appears that in Esahie, tone raising is not simply a phonologically-conditioned prosodic effect, but plays a morphemic role. Further, depending on the arity of the base verb, nominalization may or may not be coupled with incorporation of the internal argument, which derives a form of synthetic compounding, as in the English truck-driving type. Based on the seminal works by Koptjevskaja-Tamm, Maria. 1993. Nominalizations. London: Routledge; Koptjevskaja-Tamm, Maria. 2006. Nominalizations. In Encyclopedia of language and linguistics, vol. 8, 652–659. Boston: Elsevier, the current work argues that Esahie belongs to the possessive-incorporating subtype of the incorporating languages.
- ItemAetiological agents of cerebrospinal meningitis: a retrospective study from a teaching hospital in Ghana(Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, 2012) Owusu, Michael; Nguah, Samuel Blay; Boaitey, Yaw Agyekum; Badu-Boateng, Ernest; Abubakr, Abdul-Raman; Lartey, Robert Awuley; Adu-Sarkodie, Yaw; 0000-0001-5066-150X; 0000-0002-2118-7711; 0000-0002-0496-5155Background: Meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, the meningitis belt has been characterized by particularly high and seasonal incidences of bacterial meningitis extending throughout life. Despite the progress being made in treating the condition, the mortality rates continue to be high, ranging between 2% and 30% globally. In Ghana, the mortality rate of meningitis has been estimated to range from 36% to 50%. However little information is available on the pathogens contributing to meningitis and their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Updated information is essential to adjust the recommendations for empirical treatment or prevention of meningitis which could have immense implications for local and global health. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed laboratory records of all patients suspected of bacterial meningitis who underwent a lumbar puncture from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Data were retrieved from laboratory record books and double entered into a MicrosoftW excel spreadsheet. Results: Records of 4,955 cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed. Of these, 163 (3.3%, 95%CI: 2.8% to 3.8%) were confirmed meningitis and 106 (2.1%, 95%CI: 1.7% to 2.6%) were probable meningitis cases. Confirmed meningitis cases were made up of 117 (71.8%) culture positive bacteria, 19 (11.7%) culture positive Cryptococcus neoformans and 27(16.6%) Gram positive bacteria with negative culture. The most prevalent bacteria was Streptococcus pneumoniae 91 (77.7%), followed by E.coli 4 (3.4%), Salmonella species 4 (3.4%), Neisseria meningitidis 3 (2.5%), Pseudomonas species 3(2.5%) and others. Pneumococcal isolates susceptibility to penicillin, chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone were 98.9% (95%CI: 94.0% to 100.0%), 83.0% (95%CI: 73.4% to 90.1%) and 100.0% (95%CI: 95.8% to 100.0%) respectively. Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of meningitis among all age groups and its susceptibility to penicillin and ceftriaxone still remains very high. Ghanaians of all ages and possibly other developing countries in the meningitis belt could benefit from the use of the pneumococcal vaccine. Other bacterial and fungal pathogens should also be considered in the management of patients presenting with meningitis.
- ItemAn Assessment of Female Prisoners’ Perception of the Accessibility of Quality Healthcare: A Survey in the Kumasi Central Prisons, Ghana(Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 2015-05) Sarpong, A. A.; Otupiri, Easmon; Yeboah‑Awudzi K ,; Osei-Yeboah, J.; Berchie, G. O.; Ephraim, R. K.D.; 0000-0001-8986-1648Background: Accessibility of quality healthcare across the globe has generated a lot of attention among public health practitioners. Aim: This study explored the background characteristics of female prisoners and how it influences their assessment of the quality of accessible healthcare in the Kumasi Female Prison. Subjects and Methods: This descriptive cross‑sectional survey was conducted at the Female section of the Kumasi Central Prisons from June to December 2011. We used pretested questionnaires to obtain quantitative data from all 39 inmates of the female Prisons. An in‑depth interview was used to obtain qualitative data from the prison healthcare giver. Data were analyzed with Epi Info Version 3.5.1, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Excel, and Graph Pad Prism version 5.00 for Windows (Graph Pad software, San Diego California USA, www.graphpad.com). Results: Using a 12‑point scale inventory questionnaire, inmates with no formal education gave the highest mean health provision assessment score (6.0) whereas those with tertiary education gave the lowest (4.5). Females serving prison sentences gave the highest mean health assessment score whereas remand prisoners gave the lowest. Single females’ mean health assessment score was 5.7 whereas that of married inmates was 4.9. Unemployed inmates scored 5.8, informal 5.4 while civil servants scored 5.0. Conclusion: Access to quality healthcare was poor and demographic characteristics, marital status, educational background, and occupation influenced inmates’ perceptions of accessibility to quality healthcare. Inmates should be encouraged to be proactive in seeking healthcare irrespective of their background characteristics.
- ItemAn integrated fracture parameter prediction and characterization method in deeply-buried carbonate reservoirs based on deep neural network(Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2022) Yasin, Qamar; Ding, Yan; Baklouti, Syrine; Boateng, Cyril D.; Du, Qizhen; Golsanami, Naser; 0000-0002-1721-4158However, fracture prediction in deeply buried carbonate reservoirs has always been challenging. Fracture prediction in the deep-buried carbonate structure of North China is problematic because of multiphase tectonic movements, variable sediment lithology, and complex diagenesis. Because of deep burial depth and complex heterogeneity, the resolution of seismic reflection data beneath the buried-structure is poor, making it challenging to identify the fault reflection characteristics. This paper proposes a novel idea to identify natural fractures in carbonate reservoirs using conventional logs with seismic reflection data. The proposed model can also predict the fracture aperture and fracture density, a distinctive feature. Another novel hybrid model based on deep-learning neural network (DNN) and cluster analysis is proposed to predict further the spatial variations of lithology, porosity, and fracture parameters from seismic inversion. The proposed models provide valuable insights that help determine fracture parameters in the Paleozoic strata and associated reservoirs through quantitative analysis using petrophysics, rock physics, seismic inversion, and seismic attributes. The overlapping of seismic interpreted fault networks and spatial variations of the inverted fracture parameters indicate a high correlation of fracture development zones. The methodology proposed in this study presents a valuable template valid for the characterization of fractured reservoirs in deeply-buried carbonate reservoirs throughout the world.
- ItemAnthropogenic Sources and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mine Soils: A Case Study of Bontesso in Amansie West District of Ghana(Journal of Chemistry, 2023-11-16) Baah, Douglas Siaw; Gikunoo, Emmanuel; Arthur, Emmanuel Kwesi; Agyemang, Frank Ofori; Foli, Gordon; Koomson, Bennetta; Opoku, PhilipaContamination of the environmental receptors with heavy metals due to mining is a major topical environmental issue in Ghana. *is research investigates the possible ecological and human health risks of heavy metal impacts due to mining in the Amansie West District in Ghana. A total of 18 soil samples were taken from the Bontesso illegal mining site in the district and analyzed for the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). From principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation coe8cient analysis, the metals are derived from multiple sources, with substantial levels of correlations. Using geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (Er), and noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively, the impacts of As (12.2 mg/kg) and Cd (1.3 mg/kg) are above the WHO stipulated limit. Findings for pollution indices indicate moderate contamination, while HQ< 1 for inhalation and dermal exposure route, except for ingestion which is HQ> 1. Based on the USEPA standard, the carcinogenic risk of the pollutants for humans is higher than the range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Furthermore, the ingestion route represents the highest contributor to cancer risk with arsenic posing the greatest risk. *e results so far suggest that chemical components gradually accumulate and thus emphasize the importance of implementing the necessary mitigation methods to minimize the impacts of illegal mining activities in the study area.
- ItemAntinutrient contents of watermelon seeds(MOJ Food process Technol., 2018) Addo, Philip W.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Adu-Poku, David; 0000-0002-8516-7656However, previous studies have shown watermelon seeds as considerable source of food for human nutrition and health. In the present study, seeds of three (3) varieties of watermelons (Kaolak, Crimson sweet and Sugar baby) were analysed for their moisture content and antinutrients; oxalate, phytate and tannin levels. The oxalate, phytate and tannin contents were determined by means of potassium permanganate titration method, Iron (I) chloride titration method and Folin‒Ciocalteau assay, respectively. The seeds were also boiled‒oven dried and roasted to determine the effects of the processing on the antinutrient levels. Results indicated that the fresh watermelon seeds had moisture content in the range of 10.81‒12.04%; oxalate, 0.43‒0.48 g/100g db; phytate, 0.23‒0.30 g/100g db and tannin, 5.06‒6.45 g/100g db. The boiling‒oven drying and roasting significantly reduced the levels of the antinutrients. Decrease in the oxalate levels was in the range of 92‒96% for boiled‒oven dried samples and 49‒64% for roasted samples. Decrease in the phytate levels ranged 58‒76% and 73‒82% for boiled‒oven dried and roasted samples, respectively. However, decrease in the tannin levels ranged 15‒35% for boiled‒oven dried samples and 23‒38% for roasted samples. The present findings suggest watermelon seeds contain antinutrients which are minor components and can be reduced by boiling and roasting of the seeds.
- ItemAntioxidant activity, total phenols and phytochemical constituents of four underutilised tropical fruits(International Food Research Journal, 2015) Boakye, Abena A.; Wireko-Manu, Faustina D.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Oduro, Ibok N.; 0000-0003-0344-2683; 0000-0002-5020-6299; 0000-0002-8516-7656; 0000-0003-3731-2684The antioxidant activity, total phenols content and phytochemical constituents of edible portions of four underutilised tropical fruits; Irvingia gabonensis (African mango), Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit), Annona muricata (soursop) and Annona squamosa (sweetsop) were determined. Extracts of fruit samples were screened for selected phytochemicals using standard methods whereas the total phenols content and antioxidant activity (by free radical scavenging action) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH assay, respectively. The antioxidant activities were high with values ranging from 63% inhibition (breadfruit) to 78% inhibition (African mango pulp). African mango seeds had the highest total phenols content (20.96 mg GAE /100g). Tannins, triterpenoids, saponins, sterols, cardiac glycosides, flavanoids and coumarins were detected in most of the fruit extracts. The study revealed that these underutilised tropical fruits have considerable free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity and an array of phytochemicals necessary to significantly impact health of consumers.
- ItemArsenic Adsorption by Some Iron Oxide Minerals: Influence of Interfacial Chemistry(Ghana Mining Journal, 2020-12-12) Koomson, Bennetta; Asiam, Elias KwasiThe dramatic increase in hydrometallurgical extraction of gold from arsenic bearing gold ores has inevitably resulted in the release of arsenic into the environment worldwide. Residual arsenic minerals in tailings storage facilities can be oxidised and mobilise arsenic into the environment. This can contaminate soils, ground and surface waters and eventually biota. In spite of well-established technologies and recent advances in arsenic remediation, there are limited knowledge and understanding of the iron oxide substrate (goethite, hematite and magnetite) mineralogy and the fate of arsenic on the surface charge of these iron oxide substrates in an aqueous media during adsorption. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of interfacial chemistry on arsenic adsorption onto selected iron oxide particles to assist in developing a better understanding and new knowledge in arsenic removal from contaminated waters. Bulk mineralogy and partial chemical composition of selected iron oxide minerals were obtained using quantitative x-ray diffractometry (QXRD) and acid digestion followed by metal determination using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) respectively. Zeta Potential measurements involving iron oxide particles as arsenic adsorbents were carried out to elucidate the influence of interfacial chemistry on the adsorption behavior of arsenic from solution. The study confirmed that the iron oxide minerals were predominantly hematite, magnetite and goethite with goethite containing significant amounts of quartz. Arsenic adsorption was pH dependent and strongly influenced the zeta potential and isoelectric point (IEP) of the iron oxide particles. The zeta potential of all substrates studied was strongly positive at pH 2 but indicated a reversal at pH ~ > 9. The interaction between substrates, arsenic and its hydrolysable products resulted in significant decrease in the magnitude of zeta potential and change in IEP indicating specific adsorption.
- ItemAscertaining the Quality of Water for Irrigation and Its Impact on Vegetable Quality: A Case Study Along the Bibini River in Kumasi.(Environment & Ecosystem Science (EES), 2021-06-23) Kyeame, Gifty; Koomson, Bennetta; Asiam, Elias KwasiFarmers in peri-urban areas use diluted wastewater for irrigation. Over time, heavy metals may accumulate in agricultural soils and food crops causing health problems when consumed. Physicochemical, heavy metals (cadmium, lead and chromium) and microbial analysis of water, soil and vegetables were conducted to ascertain the quality of water and vegetables using standard methods. The results of the study showed that the water quality indicators; dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and water temperature were not within the recommended standards of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency. The presence of heavy metals in the water, soil and vegetables were in the order of; soil (1.47 ± 0.017 of cadmium, 0.0019 ± 0.00011 of chromium and 0.541 ± 0.017 of lead) > vegetable (1.472 ± 0.044 of cadmium, 0.0020 ± 0.00010 of chromium and 0.474 ± 0.021 of lead) > water (0.068 ± 0.009 of cadmium, 0.0047 ± 0.00037 of chromium and 0.110 ± 0.014 of lead). Cadmium, chromium and lead concentrations in soil, vegetables and water varied significantly. Cadmium and lead concentrations as well as coliform counts in water and vegetables exceeded Food and Agriculture Organization/ World Health Organization’s maximum permissible levels. Soil samples from the control site showed almost negligible concentrations of heavy metals (0.00017 mg/kg of cadmium, 0.00014 mg/kg of chromium and 0.0011 mg/kg of lead) whereas farm sites had heavy metals as a result of long-term wastewater irrigation. Cadmium and lead concentrations in the water and vegetables makes them toxic and microbial populations of faecal coliform in water and lettuce indicated faecal contamination. Therefore, the quality of vegetables produced using the Bibini river is low and unsafe for human consumption.
- ItemAssessing and Strengthening African Universities’ Capacity for Doctoral Programmes(PLoS Medicine, 2011-09) Bates, Imelda; Phillips, Richard Odame; Martin-Peprah, Ruby; Kibiki, Gibson; Gaye, Oumar; et.alUniversities can make a major contribution to good policy-making by generating nationally relevant evidence, but little is known about how to strategically support universities in poorer countries to train and nurture sufficient internationally competitive researchers. N It is difficult for universities to develop a coherent strategy to identify and remedy deficiencies in their doctoral training programmes because there is currently no single process that can be used to evaluate all the components needed to make these programmes successful. N We have developed an evidence-based process for evaluating doctoral programmes from multiple perspectives that comprises an interview guide and a list of corroborating documents and facilities; we refined and validated this process by testing it in five diverse African universities. N The strategy and priority list that emerged from the evaluation process facilitated ‘‘buy-in’’ from internal and external agencies and enabled each university to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of their own strategy for remedying doctoral programme deficiencies.
- ItemAssessing Climate Driven Malaria Variability in Ghana Using a Regional Scale Dynamical Model(Climate, 2017-03-05) Asare, Ernest O.; Amekudzi, Leonard K.Malaria is a major public health challenge in Ghana and adversely affects the productivity and economy of the country. Although malaria is climate driven, there are limited studies linking climate variability and disease transmission across the various agro-ecological zones in Ghana. We used the VECTRI (vector-borne disease community model of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste) model with a new surface hydrology scheme to investigate the spatio-temporal variability in malaria transmission patterns over the four agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The model is driven using temperature and rainfall datasets obtained from the GMet (Ghana Meteorological Agency) synoptic stations between 1981 and 2010. In addition, the potential of the VECTRI model to simulate seasonal pattern of local scale malaria incidence is assessed. The model results reveal that the simulated malaria transmission follows rainfall peaks with a two-month time lag. Furthermore, malaria transmission ranges from eight to twelve months, with minimum transmission occurring between February and April. The results further reveal that the intra- and inter-agro-ecological variability in terms of intensity and duration of malaria transmission are predominantly controlled by rainfall. The VECTRI simulated EIR (Entomological Inoculation Rate) tends to agree with values obtained from field surveys across the country. Furthermore, despite being a regional model, VECTRI demonstrates useful skill in reproducing monthly variations in reported malaria cases from Emena hospital (a peri urban town located within Kumasi metropolis). Although further refinements in this surface hydrology scheme may improve VECTRI performance, VECTRI still possesses the potential to provide useful information for malaria control in the tropics
- ItemAssessing The Acid Mine Drainage Potential of A Stockpiled Gold Bearing Sulphide Ore.(Earth Sciences Malaysia (ESMY), 2021-07-29) Koomson, Bennetta; Fosu, Shadrack; Brako, Blestmond Afrifa; Asiama, Elias Kwasi; Yanful, Ernest K.This work seeks to assess the acid mine drainage (AMD) potential of stockpiled sulphidic gold bearing ore that was left untreated for a period of four (4) years. The mineralogical composition of the stockpiled sulphidic gold ore was determined using X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Reflected Light Microscope. The AMD potential and kinetic studies on the ore sample were determined using Acid Base Accounting (ABA) and Humidity Cell (ASTMD 5744). The XRD and microscope analyses showed that the gold ore contain arsenopyrite and pyrite as the major sulphide minerals. The ABA confirmed that the gold sulphide ore could be a potential source of AMD with respect to AMD marginal of safety if the ore is left untreated for a very long period. Humidity Cell kinetic analysis showed a possibility of mobilizing Arsenic (As) into the geoenvironment when there is a long period of oxidation of abandoned sulphide run-of-mine (ROM) ore.
- ItemAssessing the Association between Nutritional Status and Asymptomatic Malaria Parasitaemia of Children Under Five Years in Ghana(Pyrex Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2017-03) Nyaaba, Daniel Ayine; Brown, Patricia K.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; 0000-0003-3116-5724; 0000-0002-8516-7656Background: Undernutrition and malaria are major public health challenges and are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in low and/or middle income settings. To fulfil a research need, this study was conducted to determine the association between nutritional status including anaemia and asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in children under five years old. Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study, conducted in four communities from randomly selected regions in Ghana. Blood samples and anthropometric measures of 250 children were collected for analyses. Parents of children involved in the study, also completed a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was 14.8% and anaemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dl) was 58.8%. Binomial logistic regression analysis predicted no significant association between asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and weight-for-height z-scores (p = 0.592; OR = 1.234; 95% CI: 0.573-2.658), height-for-age z-scores (p = 0.169; OR = 0.651; 95% CI: 0.353-1.200) and weight-for-age z-scores (p = 0.832; OR = 1.094; 95% CI: 0.478- 2.504). However, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was a significant predictor of anaemia (p = 0.04; OR = 2.419; 95% CI: 1.041-5.622) and ages beyond two years were risk factors for anaemia. Stunting however was associated with a significant lower odds of being anaemic (p = 0.003; OR = 0.484; 95% CI: 0.301- 0.778). Conclusions: Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia may have no effect on anthropometric measurements of young children or asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia have no significant influence on anthropometric measures of young children in the short or long term. However, children with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia are more likely to be anaemic especially after two years. Stunting however may reduce the risk of anaemia in children. This suggests that, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia may be a contributory factor to the existing burden of anaemia in children from developing countries. Efforts should therefore be made to screen for asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia during routine growth monitoring sessions.
- ItemAssessing the performance of the grain legume marketing system in northern Ghana(Academia, 2013) Aidoo R.; Mensah J.O; Opoku A; Abaidoo R. CThe main objective of this study was to examine costs, returns and efficiency levels associated with the activities of key players in the grain legume marketing chain in northern Ghana. A total of 140 market participants comprising 93 retailers, 39 wholesalers and eight (8) assemblers/aggregators were selected from major and satellite markets in the three Northern Regions of Ghana through a multi-stage sampling approach. Data for the study was obtained through personal interviews with the use of structured questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistics, gross marketing margin, net margin and marketing efficiency analyses were performed using field data. The study identified a long chain of greater than four different channels/pathways through which grain legumes moved from farm gate to final consumers. Marketing of grain legumes in the study Districts was found to be profitable, as only 18% of gross marketing margin was spent as marketing costs, with the remaining amount retained as net marketing margin. The study further showed that net marketing margins were not equitably distributed among different trading partners along the marketing chain. Generally, net marketing margin for assemblers/aggregators was far higher than that received by wholesalers and retailers. Marketing activities by all traders in the grain legume value chain were performed efficiently, with efficiency ratios far in excess of 100%. Trading in groundnut was far more profitable than trading in cowpea and soyabean. The main constraints identified by grain legume traders were limited access to credit, high cost of transportation, poor road network and inadequate storage facilities
- ItemAssessment of knowledge and socioeconomic status of caregivers of children with malnutrition at a district hospital in Ghana(African Health Sciences,, 2023) Ameyaw, Rita; Ameyaw, Emmanuel; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Hammond, Charles Kumi; Arhin, Benard; Afaa, Taiba Jibril; 0000-0002-8516-7656Background: Malnutrition is a significant public health problem and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Aims: To assess knowledge and socioeconomic status of caregivers of children under 5 years with malnutrition at a district hospital in Ghana. Methods: Case Report forms were used to gather data in a cross-sectional study which was carried out among 189 caregivers and their children aged from zero to fifty-nine months at the Out-Patient Department clinic. Results: Most (80.95%) children had marasmus. Sixty-two point four-two percent had severe wasting, while 35.45% had mild stunting. The rest, 21.69% had moderate stunting; while only 2.12% severe stunting. Almost all caregivers (94.71%) had heard of exclusive breast feeding as a good feeding practice but only 58.20% practiced it. Most caregivers (68.26%) had no education or only up to basic level, p=0.035. The average number of children per family was 4.8 per household (SD: 1.69) with majority of them (64.55%) having 4-6 children per family and 13.23% of them had more than 7 children per family, p=0.009. More than a third (37.04%) of the caregivers earned less than a hundred Ghana cedis (GhC 100 [US$ 19] per month and 50.26% of them earned between GhC 101 (US$ 19) and GhC 500 (US$ 96) per month. Conclusion: Lower level of caregivers’ education and large family size were risk factors for developing malnutrition among children.