Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis for defluoridation: The role of inorganic carbon

Fluoride (F) concentrations above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 1.5 mg/L in drinking water can lead to serious health problems such as dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. High F levels are often associated with carbonaceous (i.e. high inorganic carbon (IC)) type waters. The high fluoride concentrations in natural waters often occur in arid regions where no sufficient quantity of alternative water is readily available due to scarcity of water, consequently, treatment is the best option to provide safe drinking water. Nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) are promising and appropriate membrane technologies for defluoridation due to their high fluoride removal efficiency and their ability to simultaneously remove a wide range of other inorganic and organic contaminants 1. Different ions can have various effects on F removal by NF/RO 2. IC in natural waters is present as carbonate ion (CO32-), bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), carbonic acid (H2CO3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) depending on the pH. Due to the different characteristics of these species it is important to study the impact of IC on F retention mechanisms at different pH. In this study the mechanisms of IC species impact on F retention by NF/RO has been investigated as a function of pH.Two commercial NF and RO membranes, BW30 and NF270 respectively from DOW Chemicals (USA) were used. Synthetic waters were prepared using realistic ranges of F and IC for carbonaceous waters found for example in the fluoride rich waters in Tanzania. Feed concentration of F and IC were 50 mgF/L as NaF and 500 mgC/L as NaHCO3 respectively. Visual MINTEQ software was used to predict the speciation of IC and F at various pH. Figure 1 indicates that the permeate F concentrations were high (35-47 mg/L) at pH 2 where F existed mainly as uncharged HF. At pH 8 and 11, when there was a change in speciation to F ion and the membranes were negatively charged, permeate F concentrations decreased drastically. Permeate F concentrations for the RO BW30 membrane were lower than that of the relatively open NF270. BW30 removed fluoride to meet WHO guideline value of 1.5 mg/L at pH 11 up to about 40% recovery, while NF270 did not achieve the guideline value at any pH studied. In the past, BW30 had achieved the guideline value at pH 8 but with relatively low electrical conductivity (EC) of about 2000 µS/cm. However, in the current study the high IC concentration resulted in high EC (3600 µS/cm) and high osmotic pressure. This led to a decrease in the net driving pressure thus facilitating the diffusion of F through the membrane 3. The predominant IC species at pH 2 was H2CO3. This resulted in very low feed IC concentrations (1-5 mg C/L, less than intended 500 mgC/L) at pH 2 due to degassing (H2CO3 decomposes to CO2). Monovalent HCO3- predominated at pH 8 and easily permeated the NF270 membrane. At pH 11, MINTEQ predicted divalent CO32- as the predominant IC species and permeate IC was lower than at pH 8 for the NF270. For the BW30 membrane, IC concentrations in the permeates were lower than the NF270 and impact of IC speciation was not observed. This suggests that the main retention mechanism of IC by the NF270 is charged repulsion and that of the RO BW30 membrane is size exclusion. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Placing Retailers as Agents of Change in the Transformation of Mobile Payment Transactions in Ghana

ABSTRACT The continuous rise in the number of mobile phone usage in Ghana has created the need for further study into the other uses of phones. Although some of the mobile money services are presently being used by some subscribers in Ghana, the market penetration has not been very encouraging especially among the rural and urban poor. This has precipitated further research in the area of mobile payment systems and financial services with emphasis on the role of the retailers as authorized agents for telecommunication operators in the business. Field survey was conducted in the urban and rural poor areas of Accra and Swedru respectively and it involved 350 retail agents in fourteen communities and towns. Semi-structured questionnaires served as the main instrument for collecting data from the field and the analysis were done using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Task-Technology Fit and Mobile Money proposition for retailers. The results show that although majority of retailers had heard of mobile money services, very few of them had used the services. Their response however revealed the need for further education on the benefits of mobile money usage and the relevance of transacting business without holding cash

Relationality and student engagement in higher education: Towards enhanced students’ learning experiences

This study examines how student engagement and social relationships between teachers and students may enhance the learning experiences of students in a South African university. Two separate sets of semi-structured interviews were held with 27 university teachers and 51 students respectively. The findings revealed that that the relationships between the behavioural and cognitive dimensions of student engagement and social relationships between teachers and students are motivated by good relational communication; relational pedagogy; good inter-relational culture; teacher relational competences (cognitive, behavioural and inter-cultural); and teacher demonstration of care. The current study adds to the literature on relational pedagogy and student engagement by highlighting the importance of inter-relational culture and teacher relational competences to the behavioural and cognitive development of university students. Moreover, when students and particularly, first generation students, students from low socio-economic backgrounds and students from rural communities develop good relationships with their teachers, they are set to have positive learning experiences

The Role of ICT in Teaching and Learning Mathematics at College of Education: A Systematic Review

Integrating ICT in education has become increasingly popular. This systematic literature review explores the role of ICT in teaching and learning mathematics at the College of Education level. A comprehensive search was conducted using various academic databases, resulting in a final sample of 27 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that the use of ICT in mathematics education has positively impacted teaching and learning. The studies reviewed reported improved student engagement, motivation, and achievement in mathematics, as well as increased teacher effectiveness and confidence in their ability to teach mathematics. Regarding specific ICT tools and strategies, the studies reviewed suggest that interactive whiteboards, educational software, and online resources effectively enhance teaching and learning mathematics. However, the effective integration of ICT requires adequate infrastructure, professional development opportunities, and teacher support. This review highlights the potential benefits of integrating ICT into mathematics education at the College of Education level. Further research is to be conducted to investigate the most effective strategies for integrating ICT in mathematics education and to address the challenges associated with ICT implementation in educational settings. Keywords:Information and Communication Technology, Collaborative Learning, Community of Practice, Constructivism, Teaching and Learning. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-12-06 Publication date: April 30th 202

Research and Development for Improved Cassava Varieties in Ghana: Farmers’ Adoption and Effects on Livelihoods

The importance of Cassava in the food systems of Ghanaians cannot be underestimated. As a main staple crop, Cassava contributes about 22% and 30% to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP) and daily calories intake respectively. Per capita consumption of 152 kg makes it the highest among all food crops. Due to Cassava’s importance, there have been lots of attention paid to it by the Government and Donor agencies towards its improvement. This has yielded substantial results in terms of the development of cassava varieties and good agronomic practices. This chapter reviewed cassava technologies development in Ghana, adoption of these technologies by smallholder farmers, and livelihood implications. Results generated showed that Research and Development since 1993 has developed, released, and disseminated 25 new cassava varieties to smallholder farmers. Average cassava yields have increased from about 14 t/ha in 2009 to 21 t/ha in 2018. Partial budget analysis showed that smallholder farmers’ profitability has increased over the years from GH₵644.32 (about US$111) in 2009 to GH₵5243.27 (about US$ 904) in 2018. Again, the crop is gradually gaining attention as an industrial crop for flour, starch, and alcohol production, a drive that would further improve on returns to farmers. It is a food security crop because it is robust, produces more per unit area, and versatile for multiple usages in household foods and derivatives. It is recommended that continuous policy consideration on cassava in national agricultural agenda setting is essential

Trends in multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections among asymptomatic residents in the middle belt of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is the most important cause of mortality and morbidity in children living in the Kintampo districts in the middle part of Ghana. This study has investigated the multiplicity of infection (MOI) within asymptomatic residents of the Kintampo districts, and the influence of age and seasonality on MOI, by studying the distribution of the polymorphic Plasmodium falciparum antigen merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2). METHODS: DNA was extracted from an asymptomatic cohort of children and adults infected with P. falciparum during the period November 2003 to October 2004. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out and multiplicity of infection (MOI) was determined. RESULTS: Children under 10 years of age had an average MOI of 2.3 while adults 18 years and above had an average MOI of 1.4. Children below five years had high and low average MOIs of 2.8 in the March/April survey and 0.9 in the May/June survey respectively. A similar trend in the monthly distribution of MOI was observed for the entire cohort. IC/3D7 strains outnumbered the FC27 strains throughout the year by a ratio of about 4:1 with the difference between the prevalence of the two strains being least marked in the March/April survey, at the beginning of the rainy season. MOI was not linked to the level of malaria transmission as measured by the entomological inoculation rate. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The impact of interventions, introduced since this baseline study was carried out on the parasite diversity of asymptomatic residents will be the subject of further investigations

Prospects for Intensifying Soil Fertility Management on the Growth and Yield of Assava in Ghana

Crop-specific fertilizer recommendations are necessary to improve yield and enhance food security in Ghana. This approach would help in improving crop productivity while maintaining a good soil health status. A new NPK fertilizer has been recently developed by the private sector with Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) proportions of 11:22:21 respectively for improved cassava root yield. This study evaluated the right and economic rate of this fertilizer to apply for improved cassava productivity and farmer livelihoods. Rates of 0, 300, 400, 600, and 800 kg/ha of newly developed fertilizer were applied at Fumesua and Akumadan located in the forest agro-ecological zone, and at Ejura and Techiman located in the transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana. The experiments were conducted in two growing seasons (May 2019 to April 2020 and May 2020 to April 2021). Increases in cassava growth were observed with the increasing levels of fertilizer at all locations and in the two growing seasons. Cassava yield was in the linear phase of the fertilizer response curve. It ranged from 28 to 52 tons/ha with the increasing fertilizer levels. Cassava in the forest agro-ecology had better growth and 25% more yield than other locations. Fertilizer rates between 0 and 400 were found to have the best yield returns and sufficient profit opportunities to sensitize adoption by financially constrained farmers. The results indicate that the newly developed fertilizer (11:22:21 N:P2O5:K2O) can improve cassava productivity in the inherently poor soils of Ghana. Keywords: fertilizer recommendation; plant nutrients; rainfall; agronomic practices; cassava productivity; root yield DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-18-03 Publication date:September 30th 202

Cystic Fibrosis in two Ghanaian Children

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a severe life-limiting genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene and is reported to be more prevalent among Caucasians than people of African descent. The past three decades have seen a gradual increase in the reporting of CF in non-European populations with CF in all regions including Africa. We report on the first two known Ghanaian children diagnosed with CF presenting early in infancy. The first patient presented with severe acute malnutrition and persistent diarrhea resulting from severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In the second patient, there were recurrent wheeze and recurrent pneumonia, severe dehydration with metabolic alkalosis. Diagnosis of CF in Ghana is challenging due to the absence of diagnostic tools such as sweat testing equipment. In the first patient, sweat testing and genetic testing were done in South Africa. In the second patient, sweat testing was not done but diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing. Both patients presented with classical CF symptoms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection before age 6 months. Both children are currently alive and healthy on appropriate treatment. These case reports highlight the growing evidence of CF occurring in people of African descent and the diagnostic challenges faced in Africa

Family Planning Awareness, Perceptions and Practice among Community Members in the Kintampo Districts of Ghana

Family planning is known to prevent maternal deaths, but some social norms, limited supplies and inconsistent use makes this difficult to achieve in most low- and middle-income countries. In spite of the high fertility levels in most sub-Saharan African countries and the potential economic benefits of family planning, its patronage remains very low in the sub-region. This study was with the objective of identifying the levels of awareness, utilization, access to and perceptions about family planning and contraception. A cross-sectional study design was used for the study, with data collected from multiple sources using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Relevant findings included a marked disconnect between family planning/contraceptive knowledge and use. The pills and injectables were the most frequently used, but females in the study population poorly patronised emergency contraception. Supplies of most family planning methods were found to be health facility based, requiring clients to have to necessarily go there for services. Some respondents harboured perceptions that family planning was the responsibility of females alone and that it fuelled promiscuity among female users. Recommendations made include ensuring that health facilities had adequate staff and expertise to provide facility-based family planning services and also to disabuse the minds of community members of the negative perceptions towards family planning