Dissolved nitrogen in drinking water resources of farming communities in Ghana

A water quality study was carried out on streams and boreholes which serve as drinking water sources in farming communities in the Brong Ahafo region of the Republic of Ghana. The objective of this research was to determine concentrations of different forms of nitrogen in drinking water samples. Water samples were collected from these sources every three months (from January – December 2005) and analyzed for ammonia, nitrate and nitrite using the Palintest Photometer Method. Results indicated the annual mean concentration of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia varied from 0.09 - 1.06 mg/l, 0.006 - 0.36 mg/l and 0.008 - 0.179 mg/l respectively. An important observation is that, in general, higher nitrate and nitrite concentrations were found during the rainy season compared to the dry season. Concentrations of these potentially toxic substances were below WHO acceptable limits for surface and groundwaters, indicating these water resources appear safe for drinking from a dissolved nitrogen perspective.Key words: ammonia, Brong Ahafo, nitrate, nitrite, nitrogen, ground and surface water

Andrews University’s Thought Leadership Communication on LinkedIn: A Textual Analysis

Thought leadership is fast becoming a powerful communication tool for most industries and sectors including higher education institutions (HEIs). This study employed textual analysis to determine how Andrews University\u27s thought leadership on LinkedIn compares with four other top-ranking Adventist universities, namely Loma Linda University, Pacific Union College, Southern Adventist University and Walla Walla University. The text elements that were analyzed during the study were image posts and video posts on the respective LinkedIn pages of these institutions, spanning from January 2021 to June 2021. Among other findings, the results of the study revealed that Andrews University compares as the least ranked among the top-ranking Adventist universities with regards to its LinkedIn thought leadership communication

Heavy metals pollution profiles in streams serving the Owabi reservoir

Water samples from five sampling points on four rivers, Owabi, Akyeampomene, Pumpunase and Sukobri, representing the main streams serving the Owabi reservoir were analysed for some pollution indicators using standard methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cu, Pb and As) concentrations and some physical parameters of the water samples were determined. Electrical conductivity and pH of waters from all the streams were found to be within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization (WHO). All the streams showed high turbidity values above WHO limits. Of the heavy metals determined in the water samples, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations in all the streams were within the acceptable WHO limits, whiles Pb and As appeared to be higher than the acceptable limits in all the streams. The highest concentrations of most of the heavy metals were recorded at the Kronum site on Owabi stream. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pH and some metals at all the sample points (p = 0.05). The results showed that all the streams were polluted and must be treated before consumption. It was also recommended that, human activities within the catchments should be monitored closely to minimise their polluting impacts on the water quality.Key words: Heavy metals, Owabi, pollution, water quality, WHO

Evaluation of Water from Bokro Stream for Irrigation and Its Effect on Soil

This study focused on evaluating the water quality of the Bokro stream for its suitability for irrigation purposes. Among the water quality parameters examined were pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, major ions and concentration of some trace metals. The results revealed that most of the parameters examined were below the FAO limits for irrigation water. The results also indicated that nutrient concentrations (Sulphate, Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphate-Phosphorus) from the stream were far below the usual ranges in irrigation water. Based on values calculated for Sodium Adsorption Ratio and electrical conductivity, the water source could be described as possessing low salinity hazard and therefore no permeability problems are expected for the soils. In addition, human activities along the banks of the stream and inflow of untreated domestic sewage from communities in the catchment area of the stream were found to have great impact on the quality of water from the stream. Water from the stream will have no adverse effect on the soil when it is use for irrigation.Keywords: Bokro stream, Irrigation, Salinity hazard, Self purification, Waste wate

Malaria and anaemia among children in two communities of Kumasi, Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: A survey in Kumasi, Ghana found a marked Plasmodium falciparum prevalence difference between two neighbouring communities (Moshie Zongo and Manhyia). The primary objective of this follow-up study was to determine whether this parasite rate difference was consistent over time. Secondary objectives were to compare prevalences of clinical malaria, anaemia, intestinal parasite infections, and malnutrition between these communities; and to identify potential risk factors for P. falciparum infection and anaemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional house-to-house survey of P. falciparum parasitaemia, clinical malaria, anaemia, anthropometric indices, and intestinal helminths was conducted in April-May 2005. Data collection included child and household demographics, mosquito avoidance practices, distance to nearest health facility, child's travel history, symptoms, and anti-malarial use. Risk factors for P. falciparum and anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) were identified using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: In total, 296 children were tested from 184 households. Prevalences of P. falciparum, clinical malaria, anaemia, and stunting were significantly higher in Moshie Zongo (37.8%, 16.9%, 66.2% and 21.1%, respectively) compared to Manhyia (12.8%, 3.4%, 34.5% and 7.4%). Of 197 children tested for helminths, four were positive for Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Population attributable risks (PAR%) of anaemia were 16.5% (P. falciparum) and 7.6% (malnutrition). Risk factors for P. falciparum infection were older age, rural travel, and lower socioeconomic status. Risk factors for anaemia were P. falciparum infection, Moshie Zongo residence, male sex, and younger age. CONCLUSION: Heterogeneities in malariometric indices between neighbouring Kumasi communities are consistent over time. The low helminth prevalence, and the twofold higher PAR% of anaemia attributable to P. falciparum infection compared to malnutrition, indicate the importance of malaria as a cause of anaemia in this urban population

The efficacy and safety of intraoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution in complex spine surgery in a private surgical facility in Ghana

Objectives: To assess the safety and clinical benefits of intraoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) incomplex spine surgery.&nbsp;Design: Prospective comparative cohort studySetting: A private orthopaedic hospital in GhanaPatients: Seventy-six patients who underwent complex spine deformity surgeryInterventions: Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. 45 patients to the acute normovolaemic haemodilution(ANH) or Group 1 and 31patients to the non-ANH or Group 2. Following anesthetic administration and before incision, autologous blood was collected from patients in Group1 and was reinfused during/shortly after surgery while patients in Group2 were transfused with compatible allogeneic blood intraoperatively.Main Outcome Measures: Changes in haemodynamic parameters and incidence of allogeneic transfusions and related complications.Results: The mean age (years), gender ratio, deformity size and aetiology, fusion levels, and operative times were similar in both groups. Blood loss (ml) of patients in groups 1 and 2 were 1583ml± 830.48 vs 1623ml ± 681.34, p=0.82, respectively. The rate of allogeneic blood transfusion in groups 1 and 2 were 71% vs 80.65%, p=0.88, respectively. Haemoglobin levels (g/dL) in groups 1 and 2 were comparable in both groups at Post-operative Day (POD) 0 and POD 1. Incidence of minor allogeneic transfusion reaction was 1/45 vs 1/31, p=0.80, group-1 and group-2, respectively.Conclusion: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution can be safely performed in complex spine surgery in underserved regions. However, its use does not obviate allogeneic transfusion in patients with complex spine deformities in whom large volumes of blood loss is expected

A Proposed Two-Level Classification Approach for Forensic Detection of Diesel Adulteration Using NMR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

Adulteration of diesel fuel poses a major concern in most developing countries including Ghana despite the many regulatory schemes adopted. The solvent tracer analysis approach currently used in Ghana has over the years suffered several limitations which affects the overall implementation of the scheme. There is therefore a need for alternative or supplementary tools to help detect adulteration of automotive fuel. Herein we describe a two-level classification method that combines NMR spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms to detect adulteration in diesel fuel. The training sets used in training the machine learning algorithms contained 20-40% w/w adulterant, a level typically found in Ghana. At the first level, a classification model is built to classify diesel samples as neat or adulterated. Adulterated samples are passed on to the second stage where a second classification model identifies the type of adulterant (kerosene, naphtha or premix) present. Samples were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and the data obtained were used to build and validate Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification models at both levels. At level 1, the SVM model classified all 200 samples with only 2.5% classification errors after validation. The level 2 classification model developed had no classification errors for kerosene and premix in diesel. However, 2.5% classification error was recorded for samples adulterated with naphtha. Despite the great performance of the proposed schemes, it showed significantly erratic predictions with adulterant levels below 20% w/w as the training sets for both models contained adulterants above 20% w/w. The proposed method, nevertheless, proved to be a potential tool that can serve as an alternative to the marking system in Ghana for the fast detection of adulterants in diesel

Socioeconomic Indicators of Bamboo Use for Agroforestry Development in the Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana

Bamboo agroforestry is currently being promoted in Ghana as a viable land use option to reduce dependence on natural forest for wood fuels. To align the design and introduction of bamboo agroforestry to the needs of farmers, information on the determinants of bamboo acceptability and adoption is necessary. It is, therefore, the aim of this study to determine how socioeconomic factors, local farming practices and local knowledge on bamboo may influence its acceptability and adoption as a component of local farming systems. Data were collected from 200 farmers in the dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana using semi-structured questionnaire interviews. The results show that farmers’ traditional knowledge on bamboo including its use for charcoal production and leaves for fodder are influential determinants of bamboo adoption. Among the demographic characteristics of farmers, age and gender are the most significant predictors. It is also evident that the regular practice of leaving trees on farmlands and type of cropping system may influence bamboo integration into traditional farming systems

Cardiovascular disease prevention: Community Based Asset Mapping within religious networks in a rural Sub-Saharan African neighbourhood

Prevalence of conditions which raise cardiovascular risk, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes are seeing a dramatic rise in Sub Saharan Africa. A large proportion of these cases remain undiagnosed and there is limited resource to provide patients with self-management support and education once diagnosed. This study aimed to identify and catalogue community-based assets for the purposes of developing and deploying a screening and education programme for cardiometabolic risk factors (diabetes and hypertension) within religious organisations in a local community in a rural Ghanaian context. We utilised a community-based form of participatory research made up of a number of different components including community-based asset mapping and stakeholder consultation, supplemented by 18 in-depth interviews and 10 focus groups with n = 115 service users, to map existing assets with relevance to cardiometabolic health in this setting and context. Thematic analysis of interview and focus group data was performed to identify themes related to successful implementation of health screening. Two stakeholder workshops with local healthcare professionals, faith leaders and health policy makers were delivered to co-produced a prioritised list of recommendations and ‘asset map’ to aid deployment of mass screening within faith organisations in this context. The findings of this research highlight a number of ‘hidden’ community assets and motivational mechanisms at an individual, community and institutional levels; these have informed a list of recommendations which have been co-developed with the stakeholder group and local community to support the development of effective screening strategies for cardiometabolic conditions within faith organisations in this context. We have identified key mechanisms and assets which would support a sustainable screening approach designed to engage an underserved community at high CVD risk to promote general community health and well-being