Analyzing Domino Effects Occurring on Gasoline Storage Tanks at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Depot

Since processed crude oil products are very vulnerable (susceptible) and highly flammable to cause massive catastrophes, such as fire and explosion, which are frequent and can create a chain reaction (Domino effects). This research was carried out at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation LTD depot on the Accra plain in Ghana where gasoline and Gasoil are stored. The research was conducted on a flammable gasoline area subjected to a vapor cloud explosion and the hazardous zone. Analyzing domino effects, propagation of a gasoline flammable vapor cloud caused by the explosion, ALOHA (Areal Location of Hazardous Atmospheres) software was used to find out how to apply effective safety measures to prevent future risks at any BOST facilities across the country. After the analysis, it was realized that 5.0 miles to the west-south-west the fuel concentration in the air was 2100 ppm lower than the explosive limit (LEL), and could not be as severe as that at 2.3 miles distance from the source point (12600 ppm LEL) with a greater fuel concentration in the atmosphere. The results made available would be useful in maximizing (improving) safety at the facility, residential area, and as well as minimizing future incidents

Progress on implementation of an accelerated sweetpotato breeding scheme in Ghana.

The sweetpotato support platform for West Africa was established at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Kumasi, Ghana in early 2010 with the objective of supporting cultivar development in Ghana and elsewhere in West Africa through the development of adapted less sweet germplasm, and through a participatory approach. The accelerated sweetpotato breeding approach in Ghana uses multi-locational clonal evaluation of seedling families to identify promising families and genotypes, followed by 2 years of additional multi-locational evaluation in target environments. Superior early selections may be used as parents in population improvement in order to speed genetic gain for various attributes. In 2010, roughly 250 genotypes from 34 families, from Ghana, Uganda and Kenya were evaluated at 3 locations, and high yielding, virus resistant genotypes were selected, some at 2 or more locations. In 2011 selected genotypes and introduced clones from diverse sources (330 genotypes) were evaluated in replicated trials at 5 locations covering major production zones and agroecologies. At harvest, farmers were involved in assessment of performance and taste, and selections were evaluated for sugars, minerals and carotenoids using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Sixteen genotypes are in advanced trials in 2012.

HIV decline in Zimbabwe due to reductions in risky sex? Evidence from a comprehensive epidemiological review.

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