Evaluation of Aquifer Characteristics of Voltaian Sedimentary Rocks in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Groundwater potential of the sedimentary formation in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana has been evaluated using computed transmissivity and specific capacity values. Data on multiple step and constant-discharge tests on twenty (20) boreholes were analyzed. The Cooper-Jacob’s straight line analytical approach was used to determine the aquifer characteristics. Computed transmissiv-ity coefficients of the underlying aquifer ranged widely from 0.82 – 61.27 m2d-1. The specific ca-pacity values obtained varied between 0.59 and 75.20 m3d-1m-1. Total head loses of the boreholes ranged generally between 5.49 and 99.2%. Hydrogeologically, the aquifer systems can be described as fairly heterogeneous in accordance with Krasny’s transmissivity classification model. Ground-water potential of the sedimentary aquifer system could be classified as high to intermediate to yield substantial groundwater resource for domestic and industrial water supply. To secure sub-stantial quantity of water for sustainable water supply in areas underlain by this sedimentary aqui-fer system in Ghana, integrated geophysical approach including 2D-Continuous Vertical Electrical Resistivity (CVES) survey, and other related tools such as Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) should be used to enhance the delineation of deeper aquifer zones of high groundwater potentialKeywords: Ghana, Brong Ahafo, groundwater, sedimentary rocks, transmissivity, aquifer, sustainable, specific capacit

Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, overweight and obesity were estimated to cause 3·4 million deaths, 3·9% of years of life lost, and 3·8% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) worldwide. The rise in obesity has led to widespread calls for regular monitoring of changes in overweight and obesity prevalence in all populations. Comparable, up-to-date information about levels and trends is essential to quantify population health effects and to prompt decision makers to prioritise action. We estimate the global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013. METHODS: We systematically identified surveys, reports, and published studies (n=1769) that included data for height and weight, both through physical measurements and self-reports. We used mixed effects linear regression to correct for bias in self-reports. We obtained data for prevalence of obesity and overweight by age, sex, country, and year (n=19,244) with a spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression model to estimate prevalence with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). FINDINGS: Worldwide, the proportion of adults with a body-mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m(2) or greater increased between 1980 and 2013 from 28·8% (95% UI 28·4-29·3) to 36·9% (36·3-37·4) in men, and from 29·8% (29·3-30·2) to 38·0% (37·5-38·5) in women. Prevalence has increased substantially in children and adolescents in developed countries; 23·8% (22·9-24·7) of boys and 22·6% (21·7-23·6) of girls were overweight or obese in 2013. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has also increased in children and adolescents in developing countries, from 8·1% (7·7-8·6) to 12·9% (12·3-13·5) in 2013 for boys and from 8·4% (8·1-8·8) to 13·4% (13·0-13·9) in girls. In adults, estimated prevalence of obesity exceeded 50% in men in Tonga and in women in Kuwait, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Libya, Qatar, Tonga, and Samoa. Since 2006, the increase in adult obesity in developed countries has slowed down. INTERPRETATION: Because of the established health risks and substantial increases in prevalence, obesity has become a major global health challenge. Not only is obesity increasing, but no national success stories have been reported in the past 33 years. Urgent global action and leadership is needed to help countries to more effectively intervene. FUNDING: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation