Science and Development

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Petrogenetic Evolution of the Eastern Buem Volcanic Rocks, South-Eastern Ghana
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Agra, N.A.; Kwayisi, D.; Amponsah, P.O.; Dampare, S.B.; Asiedu, D.; Nude, P.M.
Petrography, major, trace element and Rare Earth Element (REE) data are presented for volcanic rocks from the Eastern Buem Structural Unit (BSU) in south-eastern Ghana to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The volcanic rocks are generally aphanitic, ophitic and massive, although some varieties exhibit weak foliation. They are primarily composed of plagioclase and pyroxene. These primary minerals have either partially or wholly altered to chlorite, epidote, sericite and opaque minerals. The basalts have low TiO2 (0.56– 1.19wt. %) content with fairly low magnesium numbers ranging from 38 to 55. They display flat to slightly depleted REE patterns and are mostly more enriched than chondrite. On the primitive mantle (PM) normalised spider diagram, they are variably enriched in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) and incompatible elements relative to normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB), with similar Large-ion Lithophile Element (LILE) and High Field Strength Element (HFSE) patterns as enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB) but 10 fold more enriched than primitive mantle (PM). They show minor negative and positive Sr, positive Cs, Ba, Ta, La and Ce anomalies and minor negative Rb, Th, Zr and Ti anomalies. The basalts plot within the MORB mantle array on the Th/Yb versus the Nb/Yb diagram and have low Th/Nb ratios (0.07– 0.09) which indicate their derivation from asthenospheric sources with minimal or no contamination from crustal or subducted components. They show affinity to Enriched MORB on multi-trace element normalised diagrams. The E-MORB affinity of the basalts is also confirmed on Th–Hf–Nb, Y–La–Nb and V–Ti tectonic discrimination diagrams. These volcanic rocks may have erupted during rifting along the marginal basin of the WAC prior to peak collision during the Pan-African Orogeny.
Performance Evaluation of Chromatic Dispersion Compensation Techniques in Single Mode Fibre for Radio over Fibre Applications
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Dankwa, I.; Katsriku, F.A.; Amewuda, A.B.; Yamoah, G.G.; Abdulai, J-D.
With the increasing growth and high demand for data, fiber optic transmission, especially radio over fibre (RoF), has become a viable option for data and wireless communication. In such systems however, dispersion is a huge limiting factor in achieving the high data transmission rates. This work reviews current dispersion systems and proposes a system of dispersion compensation with fibre grating. Simulations are conducted using Optisystem 7.0 at varied data rates of 10, 20 and 40Gbps over a 200km transmission distance. The output is analyzed on parameters such as bit error rate (BER), Q-factor and eye height. It is shown that data rate exceeding 10 GB/s is achievable over a 200km distance.
Numerical Analysis of Graphene Cladded Optical Fibre
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Katsriku, K.A.; Yamoah, G.G.; Abdulai, J-D.
Graphene has been hailed as a material with extraordinary properties capable of transforming many scientific and industrial fields. In this work, the vector H-field finite element method is used in the characterization of a graphene cladded fibre. Results are presented on the modal analysis of various types of graphene cladded optical fibres. Such fibres may find use as nonlinear elements in linear pulse compression schemes for ultra fast pulse generation.
Morphometric Studies of the Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas Species- Complex in Southern Ghana
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Billah, M.K.; Agbessenou, A.; Wilson, D.D.; Dekoninck, W.; Vangestel, C.
The Sweet potato weevil, Cylas species, is a key pest of sweet potato, and widely distributed on the African continent. The management of the pest is limited because its taxonomic status is not clear. Populations of the same species occupying distinct localities experience different ecological and climatic pressures that might result in differentiation in traits. This study sought to identify and compare body sizes of Cylas species from four regions in southern Ghana – Central, Eastern, Greater Accra and Volta. Of the 6,686 samples collected from the four regions, two species were identified: Cylas brunneus Fabricius, and Cylas puncticollis Boheman. Twelve morphometric characters were examined and measured, of which four traits - elytra and rostrum lengths, pronotum and head widths contributed most to the variations observed. In C. puncticollis, individuals with the longest body were recorded in Greater Accra Region (7.084 ± 0.089 mm), while those in the Central Region had the smallest body size (6.786 ± 0.086 mm). Our findings suggest that distinct localities may influence changes in body size.
Cocoa Pod Husk Plus Enzymes is a Potential Feed Ingredient for Hy-Line Silver Brown Laying Hens
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Nortey, T.N.; Kpogo, D.V.; Naazie, A.; Oddoye, E.O.K.
The aim of the experiment was to determine whether the inclusion of pelleted cocoa pod husks (CPH) in diets for Hyline Silver Brown (HSB) layers would affect egg laying performance and egg characteristics. Two hundred and sixteen (216), 36-week old, HSB layers in battery cages were randomly assigned to twelve experimental diets for 12 weeks in a completely randomized design (CRD). Diets had three levels of CPH inclusion: 0, 10 and 15%. For each inclusion level, the diets were further sub-divided into four treatments. The four treatments either had, i) no enzyme, ii) phytase only, iii) a commercial enzymes cocktail only, or iv) a mixture of both phytase and cocktail. The enzyme cocktail and phytase were added at rates of 250g and 300g per ton of complete feed respectively according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Overall, adding CPH did not affect Average Daily Feed Intake, although a combination of an enzyme cocktail and phytase improved ADFI, especially at the 15% CPH-inclusion level. Hen-day egg production of birds on diets with 0, 10 and 15% CPH, with an enzyme cocktail alone (78.70, 76.23 and 71.96% respectively), or with a combination of enzyme cocktail and phytase (79.5, 71.89 and 72.16% respectively) was better than egg production of hens on the other diets. There were no effects of CPH or enzyme addition on egg quality characteristics. Cocoa pod husk can be used in diets for HSB birds (up to 15%) without adversely affecting production performance or egg quality characteristics when appropriate exogenous enzymes are added.
Characterization of Rock Samples from Yale Area of the Upper East Region of Ghana
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Atarah, S.A.; Atule, G.K.
Quantitative analysis of the mineral and elemental components of rock samples in Yale locality of Ghana, Africa has been done by using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Both the INAA and AAS tests independently showed that the samples were dominated by Mn. INAA showed that across all samples the average composition of Mn was 3322.90 +/-169.60 ppm. Ti (6625.299 +/- 344.68 ppm), Cr (291.27 +/-48.13 ppm) and Cu (16.50 +/- 1.43 ppm) were also revealed by the INAA test on the samples. The results from the AAS test confirmed that Mn was dominant, with an average composition of 6052.22 +/- 2219.03 ppm. The presence of Cr (67.32 +/-72.73 ppm) and Cu (91.61 +/- 69.53 ppm) was also confirmed in the samples from AAS tests. Additionally, Au (1.5 + /- 0.66 ppm) and Co (49.14 +/-15.18ppm) were found, but an AAS test could not be used to confirm the presence of these elements. Gold was detected and estimated for the first time in the rock sample in that area of Ghana. These preliminary results indicate that the Yale area in the Upper East region of Ghana has substantial amounts of Mn, Ti and gold, and signify that the area is a potential mining zone for Mn and Au. The results of the present study add to information on the minerology of the Yale area.
Automatic Satellite Dish Positioning for Line of Sight Communication using Bluetooth Technology
(Science and Development (A Journal of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), University of Ghana), 2017-12) Sowah, R.A.; Mills, G.A.; Nortey, J.Y.; Armoo, S.K.; Fiawoo, S.Y.
Satellite dishes are used to receive beams of signals from satellites and other broadcasting sources which are then focused onto an antenna. The dish needs to be adjusted to get the desired azimuth and elevation for maximum signal reception. To overcome the difficulty of adjusting it manually, it would be beneficial to have a system that aligns the satellite receiver by mechanical means while allowing the user to interact with the system remotely to achieve a line of sight communication with the satellite source of interest. This paper proposes the design and development of a system which receives user specifications from an Android application via Bluetooth by either specifying the direction of orientation of the dish or selecting a satellite of interest. A control system interacting with the developed user interface achieves this. It employs a microcontroller, a GPS device, a compass and two servo motors to manage the orientation of the dish on its horizontal and vertical axes. The Smartphone utilizes its Bluetooth socket to communicate with the Bluetooth module interfaced to the microcontroller. A database containing information on available satellites is included in the Android application which is transferred to the microcontroller for computation of azimuth and elevation angles when the GPS coordinates and compass headings are obtained from their respective devices. Tests carried out showed positive results for control of the orientation of the satellite dish in various directions over a 50m radius. The automatic adjustment functionality provided precise direction for line of sight communication when users chose their satellite of focus.
Understanding the smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in the forest-savanna transition zone of Ghana
(Science and Development, 2017) Ayivor, J.S.; Ofori, B.D.; Pabi, O.; Gordon, C.
Crop production choices made by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa may enhance food security in the face of biophysical and socio-economic constraints. The forest savanna transition zone of Ghana is traditionally characterized by a multiplicity of uncertainties, to which farmers respond by cultivating a diversity of crops including cereals, root crops, tuber crops and leguminous crops. There is, however, little understanding of the driving forces that underpin individual farmers’ choices of the type of crops they cultivate. Using the environs of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve as a case study, this paper investigates the array of crops available to the farmer, and what guides the farmer household in the choice of crops to cultivate. The study employed field-based techniques, namely focus group discussions and administration of questionnaires, for the data collection. The findings reveal that a combination of factors including knowledge of local conditions, length of the rainy period, market forces, dietary habits and crop maturity time dictate the choice of crops. The findings further indicate that local adaptation to climate variability has resulted in a shift of the farming calendar in the area from March/April to May/June since 2008; and in the intensification of the production of some lesser-known crops such as cowpeas and rice. Another important observation is that beyond what pertains at the community level, individual choices are based on relative risks posed and opportunities offered by each of the constraining elements. The study concludes that to a large extent, smallholder farmers, regardless of their experience, have to operate within constraints imposed by the biophysical environment and market forces, which potentially render crop production vulnerable to unexpected risks. Crop production choices are therefore an effective risk spreading strategy as a response to environmental vagaries and socio-economic uncertainties.
Public Perception of E-Waste Management and Disposal Practices in Accra Metropolis, Ghana
(Science and Development, 2017) Owusu, G.; Donkor, A.; Ziwu, C.; Nyarko, S.; Bonzongo, J.; Dubey, B.; Asante, I.; Nyame, F.
The electrical/electronic industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world today. The increasing demand for newer electrical/electronic equipment and the shorter lifespan of these products leads to the generation of large volumes of e-wastes (electrical and electronic wastes) in the environment. Unlike the developed nations, there is lack of public awareness and proper legislation to effectively manage these wastes in most developing nations, including Ghana. In this study, a survey was carried out on 800 respondents to determine their knowledge of e-waste management practices and the effects on humans and the environment. The results generally revealed a low level of awareness, with most participants showing little or no interest in their environment. The majority of respondents identified reselling and recycling of used electrical and electronic equipment (UEEE) as the most appropriate and safe disposal methods. There was a correlation between level of education and knowledge of: (i) toxic chemicals in e-waste, (ii) human health and environmental impact and (iii) disposal methods for e-waste using a Chi-square test, a fact emphasized by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Thus, there is the need for programmes to educate and create general awareness for this class of wastes as a potential source of pollutants.
Mechano synthesis of co-crystals of Sulfamethoxazole and 8-Hydroxy-7-Iodoquinoline-5-Sulfonic acid based on Green Chemistry principles
(Science and Development, 2017) Quashie, A.; Kingsford-Adaboh, R.; Gadzekpo, V.P.Y.
Co-crystals have been used to produce new drugs and to improve the physical properties of drugs. Some disease causing germs have developed resistance to newer drugs, hence there is a general trend to take ‘old’ but efficacious drugs, improve their properties and use them to treat the conditions. This study used mechano-synthesis to produce a co-crystal of two active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), Sulfamethoxazole and 8-hdroxy-7-iodoquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (Ferron), based on Green Chemistry principles. The two APIs were combined by mixing, grinding and kneading. The resulting co-crystals were characterized using analytical methods such as spectroscopy, thermal analysis and diffractometry. In-Silico techniques based on computer modelling using Gaussian 09 and VEDA 4 software were used to interpret the vibrational spectrum of the co-crystals. The study found that kneading gave the highest yield compared to mixing and grinding. The study also confirmed that a combination of the analytical methods was necessary to characterize a co-crystal. Co-crystals of Sulfamethoxazole and 8-Hydroxy-7-Iodoquinoline- 5-Sulfonic acid can therefore be formed by kneading, implying that the production of the co-crystals can be done using a process that reduces pollution by the minimal use of solvents. Another implication is that Sulfamethoxazole, whose use has been minimised because of problems such as allergic reactions from patients, can be looked at again and used to produce ‘polydrugs’ which can be used to manage conditions at relatively cheaper costs.
Leaching of trace metals from mixed electronic waste using four extraction methods
(Science and Development, 2017) Donkor, A.; Owusu, G.; Banson, S.A.; Ziwu, C.; Bonzongo, J.; Nyarko, S.; Tawiah, R.; Asante, I.; Nyame, F.
Rapid developments in technology in recent times, coupled with increasing demands for electronic products, have led to a rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) in the environment. The leaching of metals from e-wastes into the environment is a potential health and environmental hazard. The present study investigates the leaching potential of fourteen metals (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) in mixed waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) and plastic housing (PH) from recycling/dump sites. The assessment was carried out using rain water, deionized water, synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) solution and seawater over a period of 192 hours at regular intervals. The data obtained was compared to TCLP and WET limits. The toxicity characteristic potential of the elements extracted by these solvents were in the order deionized water>rainwater>SPLP>seawater. The levels of the 14 elements studied were generally low and in varying concentrations, with Ca, K, Mg and Na being relatively higher in all the leaching fluids. The results further proved that leaching from PCBs and PH was a significant source of trace metals from recycling/dump sites. Therefore, proper handling and disposal of these waste materials should be encouraged to lessen their impact on the environment.
Gross and Histo-Pathologic Findings in Goats with Plastic bags in the Rumen
(Science and Development, 2017) Otsyina, H.R.; Mbuthia, P.G.; Nguhiu-Mwangi, J.; Mogoa, E.G.M.
The objective of this study was to investigate the gross and histo-pathological changes caused by the presence of plastic bags in the rumen of goats. Sixteen castrated one-year old small East African goats were used for the study. The animals were divided into 4 groups, of 4 goats (n=4). Three groups were implanted with 129g, 258g and 387g of plastic bags, respectively, introduced into the rumen through rumenotomy, while the fourth group without implants served as control. All goats with or without plastic bags were observed daily for 6 weeks following implantation. Dead and surviving goats euthanized after the 6-week period were subjected to postmortem and histopathological examination. Gross pathological lesions observed were atrophy of the muscle and body fat, and atrophy and fibrosis of the spleen, liver, kidneys and hydropericardium. Lesions on the rumen epithelium included stunting, atrophy, thinning and loss of ruminal papillae, erosion, ulcerations and nodular formations on the ruminal mucosa. The histopathological examination revealed atrophy, erosion, ulceration, and disruptions of the stratified epithelial layer of the papillae. Other changes included parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, prominent rete pegs, oedema and severe hydrophic degeneration of different parts of the mucosal layer. There were areas of increased mononuclear cell infiltration, increase in the number of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiectasis in the submucosa, and oedema in the muscularis and serosal layers. The pathological changes observed may interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in poor animal condition, overall productivity and production.
Estimating Exceedance Probability of Extreme Water Levels of the Akosombo dam
(Science and Development, 2017) Ocran, E.; Doku-Amponsah, K.; Nortey, E.N.N.
The Akosombo dam is a major source of electric energy in Ghana. Considering the current increase in the demand for electricity in the country, where such an increase in demand implies more pressure on the dam, it is of key interest to study the tail behaviour of the water levels of the dam. Such a study is important because the level of water in the dam determines the amount of electricity generated. The study employed the Univariate Extreme Value Theory to model the monthly maximum and minimum water levels of the dam. The Generalized Extreme Value Distribution was fitted to the data and the Maximum likelihood estimation method was employed to estimate the model parameters. The study indicated that, the water levels cannot fall below 226.00ft which is the critical water level of the Akosombo dam. It further showed that, the lowest ever level of water the dam can attain is 226.69ft and the highest 279.07ft. The study also found that, though the water cannot fall below the critical level, there was evidence of its falling below the minimum operation head.
Effects of different pesticide management options on the population dynamics of aphids, Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), their natural enemies and the yield of cabbage
(Science and Development, 2017) Forchibe, E.E.; Fening, K.O.; Afreh-Nuamah, K.
Cabbage is a popular vegetable grown in Ghana and it serves as an important source of livelihood for smallscale farmers. Aphids are major pests of cabbage in the field and as such, farmers have resorted to the indiscriminate use of insecticides which have had adverse environmental and health implications. The current study sought to investigate the effect of commonly used management options on the population of aphids, Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), their natural enemies and the yield of cabbage. Cabbage seedlings were planted during the major and minor seasons of 2015 in 3 x 3 m plots and the treatments used included Chlorpyrifos, Lambda-cyhalothrin, hot pepper, Capsicum futescens fruit extract, neem, Azadirachta indica seed extract, solution of local soap (alata samina) with water as a control. Ten cabbage leaves per treated plot were randomly sampled weekly into 70% alcohol to obtain actual counts of aphids and their natural enemies. The least number of aphids was recorded in the neem treated plots, while Lambda-cyhalothrin treated plots recorded the highest number of aphids. The control and biopesticide treated plots recorded the highest numbers of the natural enemies (hoverflies, ladybirds and spiders). The highest yield and marketability was recorded in the neem treated plots for both seasons. The yield and marketability of cabbages obtained from plots sprayed with alata samina and pepper was also higher than that obtained from the control, Lambdacyhalothrin and Chlorpyrifos treated plots, with the insecticide treated plots recording the least number of marketable heads. It offered the most promising solution. The current findings suggest that the crude neem seed extract, and to some extent local soap, alata samina, and pepper, are effective and safe options for managing aphids on cabbage.
An Integrated Education Intervention Improves the Feeding Frequency of Infants and Young Children in the Upper Manya Krobo District of Ghana
(Science and Development, 2017) Ohemeng, A.; Marquis, G.S.; Lartey, A.
Childhood malnutrition is partly due to inappropriate complementary feeding (CF) practices. The effect of two education interventions on young child feeding practices was evaluated in the Upper Manya Krobo district of Ghana. A total of 32 child growth monitoring centers were randomly assigned to either of two intervention groups [integrated nutrition and agriculture education (IE) or nutrition education (NE)], or the control (CT) group. Over six months, mothers of children 6-24 months old in both intervention groups received monthly nutrition education delivered by community health volunteers; additionally, mothers in the IE group received agricultural education from extension agents. Information on complementary feeding practices and dietary intakes of study children were collected at baseline and at three-month intervals for nine months. Intention-to-treat analysis was complemented by a sub-sample analysis to determine the effect of attendance to education sessions on outcomes. At the end of the study, children in the IE were twice as likely to meet the minimum meal frequency compared to the CT children (aOR = 2.62; 95% CI; 1.11, 6.16), but energy, calcium, and iron intakes from complementary foods did not differ between the three groups. Additionally, children of mothers who attended at least one nutrition education session in the IE group tended to receive the minimum acceptable diet (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI; 0.98, 5.39, p = 0.055) compared to children in the CT group at the end of the study. Compliance to the intervention was low, with almost half of intervention mothers (45%) never attending an education session. A combined agriculture and nutrition education led to improved meal frequency among young children in the Upper Manya Krobo district of Ghana. Thus, this is one of the strategies that can be used to address sub-optimal complementary feeding practices in rural areas, where farming is a major source of employment.

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