Durability and strength assessment of copper slag concrete

The results of laboratory studies conducted to evaluate the characteristics strength and durability properties of concrete made with pulverized copper slag as partial replacement for Portland cement (PC) is presented. Concrete cube specimens were made with basic material proportions ranging from 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15% by weight of PC. For cement paste, test conducted were the initial and final setting times and the total heat of dissipation up to 60 hours of hydration. Fresh concrete mix was assessed for workability whiles, the compressive strength development of the pulverised copper slag admixed concrete was determined using three curing methods namely, ambient air, solar chamber and water curing. Moreover, for durability properties, oxygen permeability, water sorptivity, chloride conductivity and sulphate attack were performed to assess the long term performances of the concrete in harsh environmental conditions. The experimental results indicate a significant drop in the compressive strength as the copper slag content increases for all curing methods. Moreover, for the control samples, the percentage decrease in the compressive strength for the 3-day curing for water cured sample, compared to the solar chamber and ambient air were respectively 31% and 28%. However, beyond 28 up to 90 days of curing, the water cured samples yielded a higher compressive strength, followed by the solar chamber and ambient air. This trend was similar for all percentage replacement of cement with the pulverized copper slag. For all percentage replacement of Portland cement with copper slag, the concrete disc samples generally performed better in all the three durability tests. The resistance of copper slag concrete to sulphate attack was better compared to the control

Decontamination of Chicken Breasts Using Organic Acids and Lauricidin

Lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing and inhibiting the growth of predominant spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Chicken breasts (150 - 200 g each) of freshly slaughtered chickens were purchased from a local wet market and analysed within 2 hr. Chicken breasts were dipped in 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% solutions of lauricidin (w!v, containing 1% lactic acid and 1% ethanol), lactic acid (v/v) or oxalic acid (w/v) for 10, 20 and 30 min, then individually packed in oxygen-permeable polyethylene bags, and stored at 4°C. Aerobic plate counts (APC), populations of Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae on c,hicken breasts were determined before, after treatment and after storage for 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days at 4°C. Surviving aerobic organisms were isolated and identified from chicken breasts treated with lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids. Dipping chicken breasts in solutions of lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids caused significant (P~0.05) reduction in APC and also retarded microbial growth throughout the 14 d storage period. APC on chicken samples treated with 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin, lactic acid and oxalic acid solutions were significantly (P ~ 0.05) reduced by 0.92 - 1.2, 0.53-2.36 and 1.38-2.76 log CFUlg, respectively. Initial Pseudomonas counts on samples treated with 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin and lactic acid were in the range of 0.79 - 1.77 and 0.39 - 1.82 log CFU/g, respectively, which were significantly (P ~ 0.05) lower compared to fresh samples, and growth of Pseudomonas spp. was limited throughout the storage period. In chicken breasts treated with 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin and lactic acid, Enterobacteriaceae counts decreased by 0.14-1.14 and 0.59-2.18 log CFU/g, respectively. Less than log 2 CFU/g Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas counts were observed on samples treated with 1.0 - 2.0% oxalic acid for 10 to 30 min. Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas lundensis and Kocuria rhizophila were the predominant aerobic organisms isolated from chicken breasts treated with 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin, lactic acid and oxalic acid, respectively. Lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids were also evaluated for their effects on growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes (L55), Salmonella Enteritidis (8552) and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (EI9) inoculated onto raw chicken breasts. In chicken breasts treated with 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin, initial counts of L. monocytogenes, S. Enteritidis and E. coli 0157:H7 were significantly (P ~ 0.05) reduced by 2.90, 1.31 and 2.27 log CFU/g, respectively. L. monocytogenes, S. Enteritidis and E. coli 0157:H7 counts on samples treated with lactic acid were significantly (P ~ 0.05) reduced by 1.97, 1.71 and 2.59 log CFU/g, respectively. Initial counts of L. monocytogenes, S. Enteritidis and E. coli 0157:H7 in chicken samples treated with oxalic acid were significantly (P ~ 0.05) reduced by 2.87, 2.02 and 4.12 log CFU/g, respectively. Dipping of chicken breasts in higher concentrations of solutions of lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids and longer dipping time gave additional benefit. The colour and pH of chicken breasts dipped in solutions of lauricidin, lactic acid and oxalic acid were also evaluated. Sensory attributes of chicken breasts dipped in oxalic acid were determined. Oxalic acid residues in chicken breasts treated with oxalic acid were also determined. Dipping of chicken breasts in 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin, lactic acid and oxalic acid caused significant (P ~ 0.05) decreased in pH, however, the decrease in pH was more pronounced in samples dipped in oxalic acid. Dipping chicken breasts in 0.5 to 2.0% lauricidin, lactic acid and oxalic acids caused slight darkening, as reflected by the increase in Hunter L values. Lauricidin caused a slight decrease in Hunter a value (decreased redness), and an increase in Hunter b value (increase in yellowness). Lactic acid also caused an increase in Hunter a values (increased redness) and Hunter b values (increased yellowness). Oxalic acid gave a more bleached chicken breasts compared to lauricidin and lactic acid. Higher concentrations of oxalic acid and longer dipping time caused more bleaching of the chicken breasts compared to lower concentrations and shorter dipping time. The maximum residue of oxalic acid in unwashed chicken breasts was 36 mg/IOOg (in chicken samples dipped in 2% oxalic acid for 30 min). Oxalic acid residue significantly (P ~ 0.05) decreased by more than 50% when the chicken breasts were washed and subsequently cooked. The maximum residue of oxalic acid in roasted chicken breast was 2 mg/100g. Results showed that lauricidin, lactic and oxalic acids have the potential to be used as a sanitizer in chicken carcasses during processing. Sensory evaluation of chicken breasts treated with oxalic acid demonstrated that, even though instrumental measurements may indicate deterioration in appearance, cooked chicken breasts were acceptable to consumers

Cultural Variations in the Ideas of Wellbeing for Sustainable Development: A Comparative Review on the Traditional Akan and the Western Euro-American

There is a strong consensus that wellbeing or sustainable living are inextricably linked to cultural values, especially regarding individuals, and individuals in relation to each other and their environment. Qualities of independence and interdependence as well as human-environment relations are essential in most cultures, but particular cultures place value on one than the other and has attracted much attention in wellbeing studies, especially, those on indigenous cultures in comparison with Western life-ways.Wellbeing studies have been skewed towards Western cultures and traditional cultures of developing countries in the Pacific Islands and Asia, even though the greater majority of sub-Saharan African countries are going through periods of transition, including industrialization and the accompanying nutrition transition, nuances of public health burden and environmental degradation, as well as poverty and conflicts, which are directly or indirectly related to people’s assessment of their own wellbeing, including indigenous people.This paper therefore compares the traditional Akan culture’s ideas of wellbeing with that of the Western Euro-American. Due to the broad nature of the wellbeing subject, the paper focuses on independent- interdependent values and ideas of the “person” between the two groups, and how these ideas impact on their environments for sustainable development. Keywords: Western/Euro-American, Traditional/Indigenous Culture, Wellbeing, Sustainable Development, Akan, Independence, and Interdependenc

EXTRACTS OF EUPHOBIA HIRTA LINN AND PHYSALIS ANGULATA L. AND THEIR AMALGAMATION DEMONSTRATE POTENCY AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Objective: The goal was to investigate the antibacterial activity of the extracts of Euphobia hirta and Pysalis angulata from Ghana on clinical bacteria isolate found to associate with wound and skin infections.Methods: The aqueous and crude ethanolic extracts and extract-PEG ointment formulation as well as the combination of the extracts of P. angulata and E. hirta were tested against Psedomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus. aureus, using the agar diffusion bioassay. Antibacterial activities were indicated by the diameters of zones of inhibition of bacterial growth for both the test extracts as well the extract-PEG ointment formulations.Results: Ethanolic crude extract of E. hirta inhibited P. aeruginosa at inhibition zones ranging from 24±0.08 mm at 50 µg/ml to 21.00±0.40 mm at 250 µg/ml, whilst the aqueous crude extracts showed potency against P. aeruginosa at varying inhibition zones ranging from 20±0.60 mm at 250 µg/ml to 4.00±0.20 mm at 50 µg/ml. Ethanolic E. hirta crude extracts exhibited potency against S. aureus and was dose dependent, with a decrease in inhibition as concentration increased, recording a minimum zone of inhibition at 13.00±0.30 mm at 250 µg/ml and maximum zone of inhibition of 16.00±0.20 mm at 50 µg/ml. Only one concentration of 100 µg/ml at 20±0.60 mm zone for the aqueous extract of E. hirta was potent against S. aureus. Ethanolic crude extract of P. angulata inhibited P. aeruginosa at zones ranging from 23±0.30 mm at 100 µg/ml to 13.00±0.20 mm at 50 µg/ml, whereas the aqueous crude extracts showed potency against P. aeruginosa at dose dependent concentrations ranging from 10±0.30 mm at 50 µg/ml to 13.00±0.30 mm at 250 µg/ml. Here, inhibition zone increased as concentration was increased. Ethanolic P. angulata crude extracts exhibited potency against S. aureus, recording a minimum zone of inhibition at 12.00±0.40 mm at 50 µg/ml and maximum zone of inhibition of 21.00±0.30 mm at 250 µg/ml. At lower concentration of 50 µg/ml, the combination of ethanolic E. hirta and P. angulata inhibited S. aureus at a zone of inhibition of 2 mm for the combination of the crude aqueous extracts; P. aeruginosa was inhibited at the zone of 1.0 mm with extract concentration of 50 µg/ml. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the above values compared with the activity of Ciprofloxacin (positive control) indicated significant inhibitory activity by the unformulated P angulata and E hirta ethanolic crude extracts.Conclusion: The study indicates that crude extracts of E. hirta and P. angulate are possible sources of natural antibacterial agents against both skin and wound infections caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.Keywords: Inhibition, Amalgamation, Gram-negative, PEG-ointmen

Concentration of heavy metals in two fish species (Cynoscion regalis and Pomatomus saltatrix) from an oil drilling area in Western Coast of Ghana and public health risk assessment

This study assessed heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd)) concentration in water (from borehole, hand-dug well and the sea) and fish (Cynoscion regalis and Pomatomus saltatrix species) and possible health risk exposure by the consumption of these fishes. A total of 18 samples of water and samples of two species of fish (C. regalis and P. saltatrix) were collected from Jomoro, Ellembelle and Ahanta West District and analyzed for the concentration of Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results revealed appreciable concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Fe in the fish muscle and Ni, Cr, and Fe in water. Cadmium and Cr were not detected in the fish samples. Heavy metals in fish increased in the order Pb < Ni < Fe. The Estimated Daily Intake of fish value for adult ranged 1.88 x 10-3 to 2.03 x 10-1 (mg/kg bw/day), however, those for children were 4.40 x 10-3 to 4.74 x 10-1(mg/kg bw/day). For health risk assessment, the Total Targeted Hazard Quotient for adults was < 1; however, those for children were >1 for C. regalis but less than 1 (< 1) for P. saltatrix meaning children who consume C. regalis are exposed to health risk in their life time. The results confirmed that contaminated environments could result in bioaccumulation of metal pollutants in fish's muscle, which poses a health risk to humans when consumed. Awareness and education of the general public on the threshold of heavy metals in fish and water are crucial to safeguard against health risks

Police Training Practices in Ghana: An Empirical Analysis

This study was carried out to do an empirical analysis of police training practices in the Ghana Police Service taking the National Police Training School, Accra and the Winneba Police Command and Staff College, Winneba into perspective. The study aimed at finding out the demographic characteristics of police officers and trainees, the academic qualification (s) of police officers, the criteria for police recruitment, the criteria for training of police officers, the duration of the training programme and the motivational factors for one to pursue career in law enforcement. The study employed the mixed methods by using both quantitative and qualitative approaches in getting the relevant data to satisfy the purpose and objectives of the study. Sampling methods used were purposive and simple random sampling methods. In-depth interviews were also conducted to elicit qualitative data. The study revealed that males are more than females in the Ghana Police Service.  In addition, the study revealed that the Akan and Ewe dominated the Ghana Police. Notwithstanding, most of these police trainees were unmarried. The study further revealed that majority of the respondents were Senior High School Certificate holders and they did not have any relatives as police officers before they entered into police service. This implies that Senior High School graduates are employed more than any other category in the Ghana Police Service.  The study further shown that the police service has a general and standard criterion for recruiting personnel into the service. The Ghana Police Service follows these criteria religiously before a prospective applicant is recruited into the service. It is concluded that the criteria for police training takes the form of Physical Training (PT), drill, classroom work, weapon training, parade, defensive tactics training, oral training, firearms range, scenario training, driving skills, equipment training, mental training, visiting, preps, and an examination. It can be concluded that majority of the respondents were of the view that the motivational factor for entering into the police service was because of the salary structure and also getting the opportunity to help people in their community. Keywords: Training, Training Practices, Trainees, Trainers, Recruit, Police Officer DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-3-06 Publication date:March 31st 201

Cybercrime in Ghana and the Reaction of the Law

Since the advent of the internet, the world has become a global community. This is because through the worldwide web links information is being passed on and received almost instantaneously or in real time. People from different locations are able to communicate with one another by exploring social media platforms to advance their course. However, the increasingly use of the internet has fueled the emergence of cybercrime in Ghana and concerns have been raised by people in the position of trust about whether our current laws are robust to deal with the menace. The main thrust of the study was therefore to examine how the law enforcement agencies, especially the police and the judiciary are reacting to the cybercrime peril in the country. A total of nine (9) respondents took part in the study. Structured interview guide was employed as data collection instrument. In the data analysis, each of the in-depth interviews was transcribed as soon as the information is gathered and developed them into codes. The study revealed that the Ghana Police Service efforts to thwart the menace are being limited by factors such as computer crime investigators, ultramodern equipment, and cooperation from the Internet Service Providers to adduce electronic evidence.  In addition, the Electronic Transaction Act of 2008, (Act 772) needs to be reviewed to accommodate the new challenges that have emerged in the cyber ecosystem. It was concluded from the discussions that a progressive capacity building programmes should be organized for law enforcement agencies to enable them acquire ICT skills to deal with cyber laws. Keywords: cybercrime, reaction, law. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/84-04 Publication date: April 30th 201

Assessing the Various Opportunities Explored by Cybercriminals in Accra

This study was embarked upon to examine the strategies internet fraudsters explore to dupe their potential victims. The research was carried out in the Accra metropolis. The researchers gathered detailed information about the cybercrime offenders from the CID headquarters and used the report to contact some of the participants. A total of eleven (11) internet scammers took part in the study. Structured interview guide was employed as data collection instrument. In the data analysis, each of the in-depth interviews was transcribed as soon as the information is gathered and developed them into codes. The investigation revealed that cybercriminals in Ghana engaged in different forms of internet crimes such as gold market, romance, online shopping, collaboration with security agencies, and criminal networking opportunities to co-opt their partners. It was concluded from the discussion that socioeconomic conditions create the right environment for cybercrime activities to thrive in Ghana because all their strategies are gearing towards amassing wealth. Keywords: opportunities, explored, cybercriminals

Textual Analysis of Conflict and Political Songs of the Dentsefo and Tuafo Asafo Companies of Effutu, Winneba

Despite the global recognition of political messages in music, it is evident that such expressions often lead to friction and disagreement among the warrior groups. This study aims to investigate the political expressions and conflicts within the music of the Asafo companies in Winneba. The research utilizes participant observation and semi-structured interviews as its primary methods, drawing inspiration from existing literature. The perspectives of 10 Asafo company leaders are examined to discern the factors contributing to conflicts in their songs. The data collected through participant observation and interviews is subjected to textual analysis. The study’s findings reveal a consistent theme across all Effutu songs emphasizing conflicts and wars. These musical expressions are characterized by explicit elements of rivalry, provocation, and challenge. The study suggests that stakeholders should redirect their efforts towards using music as a means to foster peace and harmony among the Asafo groups in Winneba, rather than allowing them to serve as tools for conflict. This implies a need to rethink and restructure the current approach to musical expressions within these communities, emphasizing their potential for promoting unity rather than discord

Higher Order Thinking Skills in English Language Teaching: The Case of Colleges of Education in Ghana

The teaching and learning of language has, for many years, been centered on the four language competencies- listening, speaking, reading and writing. However, in modern times, the need to train students with critical, analytical, evaluative, creative, and problem-solving skills in order to meet and deal with the complex nature of modern-day challenges and real-life issues has made the teaching and learning of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) indispensable. This study, therefore, investigates the attitude of language tutors towards the teaching of HOTS. This study has a descriptive qualitative approach. 39 English language tutors from the Colleges of Education who voluntarily availed themselves as participants were recruited for the study. Using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation as data collection instruments, the data were subjected to a thematic analysis. It is revealed that teachers perceive HOTS to be a good concept and hence use strategies such as asking open-ended questions, engaging learners in group works, classroom discussions, lecturing method, asking learners to produce and/or create their own materials and the giving of constructive feedback to implement it. Regardless of all their efforts, teachers face challenges such as incompetency, learner’s low proficiency, learner’s inability to grasp concepts, insufficient and irrelevant teaching materials, time, and financial constraints. The study, therefore, recommends that HOTS be given some more attention in language teaching in Ghana