BUILDING MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF LA GENERAL HOSPITAL ACCRA

It is highly desirable but hardly feasible to produce buildings that are maintenance free although much can be done at the design stage to reduce the amount of subsequent maintenance works. The research aim was to examine the various maintenance systems in use at La General Hospital in Accra. Field surveys and administration of questionnaires were used to collect the data. Most of the building structures in the institution have outlived their service period. Corrective maintenance was found to be in use and was ineffective in ensuring prompt remedial works. The level of manpower required (skilled) was also lacking. In view of these findings and by way of recommendations, it was suggested that management should adopt a maintenance policy for effective use in the institution and the entire scheme of corrective maintenance be re-structured. Furthermore, training, seminars and workshops should be organised for estate/maintenance officers to update their knowledge with regard to effective maintenance practices

Earthen Construction, as a Solution to Building Industries in Ghana

Adequate shelter is a basic human need. The use of sandcrete blocks as walling units have greatly influenced the construction industry in Ghana as compared to other building materials.Laterite but the latter forms about 70% of the land surface of the country and can be used for moulding blocks when combined with cement.(Adam, 2004, Gooding and Thomas, 1995). The purpose of the study was to determine the factor that has impact on the use of sustainable innovative building technologies for low-income residential buildings in the urban areas. The study also sought to compare the durability properties of walling units produced from the mixture of laterite and cement to that of sand and cement. A structured interview approach was adopted for the data collection. Architects, property developers – Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the State Housing Company Ltd (SHC) were among the institutions that were interviewed. Text were carried out on twelve blocks each moulded from different mix ratios of 1:6, 1:8, 1:10 for landcrete blocks, and 1:10 for landcrete blocks to determine the compressive strength, density, water absorption and total volume porosity after seven days and twenty eight days respectively.It was found out that residential building industries have stopped using earth material for construction but have high expectation on the success of the new building technology if introduced into the market. The test results showed that sandcrete blocks were more durable than landcrete blocks but the latter can equally be used as a walling unit to assist in the solving of the housing problems in the country. Keywords: durability, landcrete blocks, low-income housing, Ghana, sandcrete blocks

Modélisation volumes-finis en maillages non-structurés de décharges électriques à la pression atmosphérique

La modélisation numérique des décharges plasma joue un rôle important dans la compréhension des mécanismes physiques ou chimiques ayant lieu dans les dispositifs assistés par plasma. Une grande partie de ces mécanismes est déjà prise en compte dans les codes actuels. En revanche, beaucoup d'entre eux ne permettent pas de travailler avec des géométries complexes. Cette limitation provient essentiellement de l'utilisation de maillages structurés, cartésiens. Ceux-ci ne sont pas bien adaptés aux géométries courbes. Les calculs en maillages structurés deviennent rapidement compliqués et spécifiques à une géométrie donnée. Notre travail concerne la modélisation de décharge pour un réacteur de traitement à la pression atmosphérique développé par Dow Corning. Sa configuration complexe ainsi que ses grandes dimensions nous ont incités à faire un nouveau code fonctionnant en maillages non structurés. Celui-ci doit être capable de s'adapter à la présence d'une pointe, d'arrondis et de multiples diélectriques mais aussi permettre le passage rapide à de nouvelles géométries. De plus ses grandes dimensions nécessitent l'utilisation de maillages raffinés uniquement aux endroits nécessaires (pointe, surfaces des diélectriques...). Le modèle mathématique utilisé est basé sur l'équation de Poisson couplée aux équations de transport de type dérive-diffusion. Plusieurs discrétisations numériques ont été testées dans des configurations physiques différentes. Nous présentons et validons les méthodes numériques choisies. Les résultats obtenus pour le réacteur Dow Corning sont alors exposés et commentés.The numerical modeling of plasma discharges plays an important role in understanding the physical or chemical mechanisms which occurs in plasma-assisted devices. Much of these mechanisms are already factored into current codes. However, many of them do not work with complex geometries. This limitation is mainly due to the use of structured grids, Cartesian grids. These are not well suited for curved geometries. Calculations in structured meshes quickly become complicated and specific to a given geometry. Our work concerns the modeling of electrical discharges produced by a treatment reactor at atmospheric pressure developed by Dow Corning. Its complex configuration and its size led us to a new code operating in unstructured meshes. The mathematical model is based on the Poisson equation coupled with the transport equations in the drift-diffusion approximation. Several numerical disretizations were tested in different physical configurations. We present and validate the chosen numerical methods. The results obtained in the reactor are then exposed and dicussed

Impact of coarse aggregate on compressive strength of concrete / Jeriscot H. Quayson and Zakari Mustapha.

Over one-third of the volume of concrete is occupied by coarse aggregate and any changes in coarse aggregate type can affect its strength and fracture properties. The paper examined the impact of coarse aggregates on compressive strength of concrete. Slump and compaction factor tests were conducted on the mixture of quartzite and crushed granite course aggregates, and quarry dust (fine aggregate). Nominal mix (1:2:3) was adopted and mix compositions were calculated by absolute weight method. Twelve (12) cubes (150x150mm) of each type of coarse aggregate were cast for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days to determine their compressive strengths. Quartzite was found to have the highest average compressive strength of 24.48N/mm2 with an average density of 2160kg/m3 , while compressive strength of crushed granite was 22.01N/mm2 with an average density of 2300kg/m3 on the 28 day of testing. Concrete made from granite had the highest workability, while concrete made from quartzite aggregate had the highest compressive strength. Densities and compressive strengths of the individual aggregates accounted for the variation in strengths of the concrete, due to differences in properties and strengths. In conclusion, the effect of any type of coarse aggregate on the compressive strength of concrete will be known and also enable contractors to determine the type of aggregate to be selected for a particular work

A MINI-FACTOR HEALTH AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE: A MULTIVARIATE FACTORIAL ANALYSIS

The construction industry employees all over the world experience serious injuries and deaths due to accidents in complex high-risk systems. These incidents have been attributed to conditions in which an employee is working or his actions that can result in human error or an unsafe action. Adherence to safety regulations features among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) contractors’ in Ghana were confirmed through the use of a confirmatory factor analysis. Findings from the Structural Equation Modleing (SEM) analysis confirmed that the Rio coefficient and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient on the internal consistency were over 0.70 criteria for acceptability. The influence of adherence to safety regulations featureson the Health and Safety (H&S) compliance was found to be statistically significant. Hence, strong in predicting H&S compliance among SMEs contractors’. The paper makes a significance contribution towards SMEs contractors’ adherence to safety regulations. The paper provides a significant insight into how H&S compliance among SMEs contractors’ adherence to safety regulations could be improved

Conceptualised integrated Health and Safety compliance model for the Ghanaian construction industry

Abstract: Lack of stringent measures in safety and construction laws has been attributed to poor performance in Health and Safety (H&S) in the construction industry. The review of literature in the existing body of knowledge becomes paramount in order to continue with the research on the subject matter. The review will enable the road map for the development of the conceptualised integrated H&S compliance model for the Ghanaian construction industry. The conceptualised model theory form the bases of the discussion in this paper. A total number of fifteen studies relevant to accident causation theories were selected out of the total number of thirty studies reviewed, through a rigorous process. The assessment of H&S compliance model for the study was carried out through the combination of objective and subjective attributes. The Domino Theory form the basis for theoretical and conceptual framework of this paper. The study adopted various constructs from Accident Root Causes Tracing Model (ARCTM) and Domino theory. The hypothesised integrated holistic H&S compliance model is presented in this paper based on an in-depth review of the previous models. Government support and contractor’s organisational culture serve as variable constructs identified as gaps in H&S compliance research. Discussions also included the integrated holistic model and the variables of the model, identification of the model and justification for the selected variables. The paper presented the hypothesised integrated holistic H&S compliance model. The gaps identified in H&S compliance research served as the variable constructs. They are government support and contractor’s organisational culture

Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Different Curing Methods

The structural use of concrete depends largely on its strength, especially compressive strength.Various tests were carried out to ascertain the properties of concrete materials, whereas test performances ofthe concrete with different mix ratios at specific ages of curing were undertaken. The study determined thecompressive strength of concrete using different curing methods. Four different methods of curing (ponding,continuous wetting, open-air curing and sprinkling with water) were used. Seventy-two (72) cubes were castusing a mix ratio of 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 with 0.5 water cement ratio and with 0.6 waters cement ratio respectively.The compressive strengths were determined after 7 days, 14 days and at 28 days of curing. Findings showthat for 1:2:4 concrete, maximum of 28-day compressive was the highest for concrete cured by ponding andthe least was by sprinkling water. Further findings show that for 1:3:6 concrete, maximum of 28-daycompressive strength was obtained using ponding and the least was open air curing. Despite ponding methodproducing the highest compressive strength of concrete, it is practically impossible to cure cubes aboveground structural elements. Wet-covering method is recommended for structural elements, such as columns,beams and slabs in other to produce concreteof a required compressive strength

Occupational health and safety challenges in Ghana : the way forward

Abstract: The concept of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was introduced in the Ghanaian industries before the introduction of the Factories, Offices, and Shops Act 1970. The introduction of different regulatory bodies in Ghana have not solved the OHS challenges. The purpose of the study is to address appropriate means for OHS challenges improvement in Ghana. Literature review was conducted on OHS practices and challenges in Ghana. Findings from the study shows numerous OHS challenges which include lack of comprehensive national OHS policy, inability to partner with organizations responsible for the implementing the OHS activities and inability to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention number 155 as the major challenges are OHS challenges in Ghana. This calls for the strengthening of the existing government policies and the ratification of the ILO convention 1981 (No.155) as a minimum to accommodate any possible OHS challenges in Ghana

Impact of Health and Safety regulations on Small and Medium‐ Sized Enterprise contractors in Ghana

Abstract: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices of Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprise (SMEs) contractors in Ghana is at an alarming state. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact based on the given measurement variables from literature. The study adopted Delphi survey method to collect data from experts (construction professionals and academics) through email. Rating of the variables by the experts were based on either the impact was considered to be very high or high. Microsoft EXCEL, spread‐sheet software was used in the data analysis. Four variable reached high degree on consesus, out of the twelve measurement variables. Only three measuement variable reached high degree of consensus under the interquatile deviation

Adjuvant nab-Paclitaxel + Gemcitabine in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Results From a Randomized, Open-Label, Phase III Trial

PURPOSE: This randomized, open -label trial compared the efficacy and safety of adjuvant nabpaclitaxel + gemcitabine with those of gemcitabine for resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01964430). METHODS: We assigned 866 treatment -naive patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) + gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2)) or gemcitabine alone to one 30-40 infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 of six 28 -day cycles. The primary end point was independently assessed disease -free survival (DFS). Additional end points included investigator-assessed DFS, overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-seven of 432 patients and 310 of 434 patients completed nabpaclitaxel + gemcitabine and gemcitabine treatment, respectively. At primary data cutoff (December 31, 2018; median follow-up, 38.5 [interquartile range [IQR], 33.8-43 months), the median independently assessed DFS was 19.4 (nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine) versus 18.8 months (gemcitabine; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88; 95% CI, 0.729 to 1.063; P =.18). The median investigator-assessed DFS was 16.6 (IQR, 8.4-47.0) and 13.7 (IQR, 8.3-44.1) months, respectively (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.694 to 0.965; P=.02). The median OS (427 events; 68% mature) was 40.5 (IQR, 20.7 to not reached) and 36.2 (IQR, 17.7-53.3) months, respectively (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.680 to 0.996; P =.045). At a 16 -month follow-up (cutoff, April 3, 2020; median follow-up, 51.4 months [IQR, 47.0-57.0]), the median OS (511 events; 81% mature) was 41.8 (nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine) versus 37.7 months (gemcitabine; HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.687 to 0.973; P =.0232). At the 5 -year follow-up (cutoff, April 9, 2021; median follow-up, 63.2 months [IQR, 60.1-68.7]), the median OS (555 events; 88% mature) was 41.8 versus 37.7 months, respectively (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.678 to 0.947; P =.0091). Eighty-six percent (nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine) and 68% (gemcitabine) of patients experienced grade >= 3 treatment -emergent adverse events. Two patients per study arm died of treatment -emergent adverse events. CONCLUSION: The primary end point (independently assessed DFS) was not met despite favorable OS seen with nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine