Pesticides Bioconcentration Potential of Aquatic Plants in the Volta Lake

The Volta Lake is known for the proliferation of numerous aquatic plants in its shallow waters. A major cause for the presence of the luxuriant vegetation is the intensive agricultural activities along the banks. These activities are heavily dependent on agrochemicals including fertilizers, which eventually get into the aquatic ecosystem via water ways. In this study, two aquatic plants; Ceratophyllum demersum and Nymphaea lotus were investigated in a pilot study to determine their bioconcentration of pesticides. Levels of organochlorine (OCs) and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) were analysed using gas chromatograghy equipped with electron capture detector while gas chromatography equipped with pulse flame photometric detector was used for the organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) determination in the plant tissues. The ambient concentrations of these pesticides in the aqueous medium were also determined and the ratios of pesticide concentration in the plant and water samples estimate bioconcentration potential of the plants. Out of 38 detected pesticides, 22 (representing 58%) were bioconcentrated by the aquatic weeds. The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) range for Ceratophyllum demersum was 1.06 – 4,470 and that for Nymphaea lotus was 1.27 – 800. By the standard of the European Union regulation for registration of chemicals, levels of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in Ceratophyllum demersum fulfilled the ‘bioaccumulation’ criterion (i.e BCF > 2000) while fenitrothion, with BFC of 5500 in the same plant fulfilled ‘very bioaccumulation’ criterion (BCF ≥ 5000). This study shows that aquatic weeds in their natural ecosystem have the remediation potential, though to varying degrees and hence play a role in the improvement of water quality

Underlying indicators for measuring smartness of buildings in the construction industry

Purpose: This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry; where the Smart Building Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Building (NZEB) concept) could ensure efficient energy consumption and high performance of buildings. Design/methodology/approach: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted to analyze primary quantitative data collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents. The mean ranking analysis and one-sample t-test were employed to analyse data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. Future research is required to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption. Originality/value: A blueprint guidance model (consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness) was developed to help improve building performance and inform policymakers

Efficacy of Corncob and Rice Husk Biochar as Liming Agent and Phosphorus Source for Growth of Soybean in Two Acid Soils

Soil acidity, unavailability and high cost of conventional liming materials are major constraints to soybean production in the Western Region of Ghana. Research has shown that biochar produced from agricultural waste has high concentration of basic cations and available P that could be exploited for use as liming material and/or P source. However, the biochar type that will provide an ideal soil pH and P availability for soybean production in acid soils has received little attention. Therefore, for this study, two acid soils namely; Ankasa Series (Typic Hapludox) and Tikobo Series (Typic Hapludult) were amended with corncob and rice husk biochar types charred at 500 and 700 oC at a rate of 80 tons/ha in a pot experiment in a screen house to ascertain the efficacy of the biochar types as agricultural lime and P sources for soybean growth. The Ca equivalent of the biochar types from CaCO3 was amended to the soils to serve as realistic control. The soils were arranged in a completely randomized design in a screen house to allow for pH equilibration. After pH equilibration, inoculated soybean seeds were sown at stake. Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0 kg/ha and 10 kg/ha. Phosphorus from TSP was applied at 0 and biochar P equivalent to the non-biochar-amended soils. Extra 30 kg P/ha from TSP was applied to some of the biochar amended soils to ascertain if any, the combined effect of synthetic and biochar P on soybean growth. At flower initiation, the crops were harvested, root volume and P uptake determined. Amended with rice husk biochar charred at 700 oC, the shoot P uptake was 1.3 times more in both the Typic Hapludox and the Typic Hapludult than the same soils amended with conventional lime with equivalent biochar P from the synthetic source

Underlying Indicators For Measuring Smartness Of Buildings In The Construction Industry

Purpose: The introduction of the Smart Buildings Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) concept) could be a measure in ensuring efficient energy consumption and high performance in buildings. Smart buildings provide solutions to improve building efficiency, and reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and concomitant energy costs. In order to adopt SBT in the construction industry, it is important to identify the indicators of smartness of buildings, even though such may differ from region to region or even country to country. However, there have been inefficient studies identifying the indicators of smartness of buildings, especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry. Methodology: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted for this research to analyse primary quantitative data. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents including project managers and construction design teams in Ghana. The mean ranking analysis and one sample t-test were employed to analyse the data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. With regards to the indicators of smart building, ‘sensors implementation to manage light level, air quality, temperature, fire alarm and smoke detector’ is regards as the most significant measure of smart buildings in the Ghanaian construction industry. Also, ‘remote implementation monitors building conditions and occupancy’, ‘implementation of any software that can talk to legacy equipment from many different manufactures’ and ‘data analytic’ are statistically insignificant in measuring smartness of buildings. Practical Implication: Practically, policy makers and practitioners can use the study’s results as blueprint guidance to appreciate and utilise the idea of smartness of buildings because it can improve building performance therefore, promoting the adoption of SBTs. To the body of knowledge, this study has identified the significant indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings, which can further influence SBTs adoption. Originality: Using the results, a model consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness was developed to help improve building performance. Recommendation: The study recommends future research to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption

Influence of Method of Residue Application and Moisture Content on Water Soluble Nitrogen in a RhodicKandiustalf Amended with Different Fallow Plant Materials

Use of plant residues as nutrient sources presents a viable option to resource poor farmers who sparsely use mineral fertilizer in crop production. A study was conducted to gain an insight into how different application methods of residues from different fallow management systems under two moisture regimes would affect soluble N release in a Rhodic Kandiustalf. Three residue types viz, elephant grass from a natural fallow (T1) and another as a fallow following a previously fertilized maize (T2) and a fallow legume (T3) were surface applied and incorporated in a Rhodic Kandiustalf at both field capacity (FC) and 60% field capacity over a sixteen-week period. Incorporation of mucuna residues and elephant grass from previously fertilized maize fallow released similar soluble N levels which were higher than levels from the natural elephant grass amendments. At 60% FC, both mucuna and elephant grass from the fertilized maize fields that were surface applied had slower N releases than the grass from the natural fallow, suggesting the elephant grass from the natural fallow field could be used as an N source amidst light watering to avoid leaching in the dry season

Antecedents and Consequences of Outward Emotional Reactions in Table Tennis

The purpose of the present study was to shed light on the behavioral component of emotions by investigating antecedents and consequences of outward emotional reactions during table tennis competitions. With regards to the antecedents of outward emotional reactions, in line with appraisal theories, we considered the importance and the controllability of the situation as two important constructs. Fifteen table tennis matches, involving in total 21 players (7 females) with a mean age of 16.71 (SD = 0.70), were video recorded during the finals of the youth National Championship in Greece. Based on the footage, outward emotional reactions after every point were classified as neutral, positive, or negative. Situational factors in relation to the scoring system, bearing the importance and the controllability of the situation, were formed to assess antecedents of outward emotional reactions. To measure the consequences of outward emotional reactions, the impact on the outcome of the next point was assessed. Generalized linear models with a logit link were computed separately for positive outward emotional reactions after having won a point and negative outward emotional reactions after having lost a point. In general, the results show that while situational factors bearing the importance of the situation could predict positive and negative outward emotional reactions, the effects of situational factors bearing the controllability of the situation were less conclusive. In addition, the results also showed interactive effects between the two constructs for both positive and negative outward emotional reactions. With regard to the consequences of outward emotional reactions, negative and positive outward emotional reactions could not predict the outcome of the next point. To conclude, this study highlights the behavioral component of emotions as a viable alternative to enhance our understanding of the role of emotions in sport

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Poor Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Employees' mental health and well-being are a growing concern as countries grapple with heightened mental ill-health and suicide rates, with the construction industry ranking in the top five. Drawing from the context of a developing country, particularly Nigeria, data were collected using mixed methods (i.e., survey and postsurvey interview). The study investigated mental health among 382 construction personnel. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) scales were employed in assessing mental health. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation were 55.1%, 16%, 9.8% among supervisors, 72%, 36.9%, and 15.3%, respectively, among tradesmen. Univariate logistic regression revealed that years of experience and organizational structure influence mental health. Multiple logistic regression showed that risk factors for mental ill-health include nature of work, little relationship with colleagues, job insecurity, occupational injury, low income, and unsatisfactory living conditions. The findings from this study will assist in intervention building and policy-making within the construction industry of Nigeria and globally

Importance of Training Needs Assessment at the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Questionnaires were forwarded to the target population of sixty, nonetheless fifty-two were retrieved which represents 86.6% of the total sample.  The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) research package and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the data. It was discovered from the study that 63.5% of the Radiation Protection Institute’s staff had attended some form of training, both on-the-job and off-the-job; however, 36.5% indicated that they have not had the opportunity of attending any training program since employed. Majority also agreed that the wrong people are sometimes selected to attend training programs.  It was thus recommended that in order to achieve maximum objective of a training program, before embarking on a training the first step in the training process must be carried out, thus conducting need assessment to know if training and what training would be required to fill a gap.  This would go a long way to maximize the benefits of the numerous training program at the Institute.  The nomination to a training program must be on the bases of identified need. Keywords: On- the- job and Off- the -job training, Radiation Protection Institut

Insurable and non-insurable risks in complex project deals: case of the Ghanaian construction industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the insurable risks that impacted the operations on complex construction projects in developing countries using Ghana as a case study. Design/methodology/approach In this study, structured questionnaires were used to collect relevant information from the top management of construction and insurance firms in Ghana, comprising 50 industry professionals. The study adopted the χ2 and independent samples’ t test to interpret the responses from participants. Findings The study revealed the major risks that severely impacted the operations on complex construction projects, including strikes and labour disputes, long waiting time for approval of test samples, damages to property during construction, delay in payment to contractor for work done, poor construction method, pressure to deliver project on an accelerated schedule, labour shortage, permits delayed or take longer than expected, inaccurate materials estimating, change in weather pattern, low productivity of subcontractors and inadequate contractor experience. Practical implications The study is expected to contribute to increase in the awareness of the insurable risks and policies that project participants are exposed to, which will serve as a decision-making tool for contract formation. Originality/value This study assists in managing construction and insurance firms to note the major risk in managing a complex construction project. In addition to knowing the major risks identified, the study investigates the insurable risk by managing both construction and insurance firms

Use of Corn Cob and Rice Husk Biochar as Liming Materials in Acid Soils

Most soils in Ghana are acid with those of the Evergreen Rain Forest belt having Al toxicities. Unavailability, high cost and poor grade of conventional liming materials have led to poor yields of food crops grown on these acid soils. Preliminary works on biochar produced from agricultural waste in Ghana have shown that some types have high concentration of basic cations and contain CaCO3, an active ingredient in conventional lime. Biochar could, therefore, be exploited for use as liming material.  However, the biochar type that would be ideal for use as liming material in acid soils of Ghana has received little attention. Two typical acid soils viz., Typic Hapludox and Typic Hapludult were thus amended with corn cob and rice husk charred at 500 and 700 oC at a rate of 80 Mg/ha in a screen house experiment to evaluate their respective efficacies as substitutes for conventional agricultural lime. The Ca equivalent of the biochar types from CaCO3, the conventional lime, was amended to the soils to serve as realistic controls. The amended soils, in addition to their un-amended counterparts, were all kept at 80% field capacity in a completely randomized design in the screen house to allow for pH equilibration amidst weekly pH and bi-weekly exchangeable Al, Ca and Mg monitoring. Results showed that corn cob charred at 500 oC was able to raise pH from 4.2 to 5.2 in Hapludox and from 4.9 to 6.2 (an optimum pH for most food crops) in Hapludult within a six-week incubation period. All the biochar types reduced Al concentration from 0.4 cmolc /kg to undetectable levels in the Hapludult. The element was reduced from 1.3 cmolc /kg to 0.45 cmolc /kg in the rice husk and corn cob charred at 700 oC amended Hapludox