ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Geophagia, nutrition and health of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension

Background: Calcium is a major nutrient implicated in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Aside dietary sources, geophagia has been reported to provide calcium needed to prevent PIH. These soils are shown to contain significant amount of heavy metals which have been associated with hypertension. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between geophagia and PIH, assess the dietary intakes and health of participants. Methods: This study was a case-control involving 30 women with PIH and 70 normotensive pregnant women. Results: Geophagia was not significantly associated with PIH. Women with PIH practicing geophagia recorded significantly low levels of haemoglobin, calcium and ferritin. Hypertensives recorded impaired fasting blood glucose (5.77±1.71mmol/L, p=0.051), higher levels of urea (3.60±1.29 mmol/L, p=0.000) and creatinine (382.67±11.66 µmol/L, p=0.000). Percentage intakes of macronutrients for normotensives were within the Adequate Macronutrient Distribution Range and PIH group recorded higher intakes of carbohydrate (72.75±16.16 %), lower protein (9.77±5.61 %) and fat (17.15±11.99%). Dietary calcium intakes in both groups were lower than recommended (< 1,000 mg/day). Conclusion: In this study, geophagia during pregnancy is not directly associated with PIH but is detrimental to maternal health. The pregnant women in this study had considerably low intakes of energy and nutrients. There is a need for measures to ensure adequate maternal nutrition for a positive health and pregnancy outcomes.

Source: KNUST
Geophysical exploration for groundwater in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Electromagnetic Profiling and Electrical Vertical Sounding methods have been used to explore for groundwater resources in some communities namely Buoyem, Nyinaponanse, Kranka, Offuman, Asonkwa/Adjeikrom in the Nkoranza, Techiman and Wenchi districts of Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The Geonics EM 34-3 ground conductivity meter was used to measure the lateral variation of ground conductivity along a profile (EM profiling) and the ABEM terrameter SAS 300 C resistivity was used to probe the vertical variation of apparent resistivity using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The VD responses of EM 34-3 was very sensitive to deeper ground conducting layers serving as good signatures for groundwater potential. The range of VD values lie between 6.0 -120 mmho/m. The minimum VD value being registered at Offuman in the Techiman district with the maximum at Buoyem also in Techiman District. The average borehole depth was 65.4 m. The yield of the borehole ranged between 0.5 -16.17 m3h-1 with the minimum occurring at Kranka and the maximum at Buoyem. The main aquifers intercepted during the drilling were sandstone. The integrated approach of using the electromagnetic profiling and Vertical Electrical Sounding for groundwater was successful in the aforementioned districts and can be recommended for further studies.

Source: KNUST
Geophysical investigation for groundwater in the Gushiegu-Karaga and Zabzugu-tatale Districts of the Northern Region of Ghana using the electromagnetic method.

Seasonings are flavour and taste enhancers that are used sparingly but frequently in Ghanaian meals. They contain some phytochemicals that are beneficial to man. Seasonings may be contaminated by heavy metals during cultivation, processing and handling. There is therefore the need to ascertain the safety of the seasonings consumed in Ghana. Thirty two (32) flavour enhancers were purchased from Asafo, railway and central markets in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels were measured using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and mercury (Hg) was determined by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard screening methods. In unmixed seasonings, Fe ranged from 19.4mg/kg to 971.40mg/kg, Zn was from 2.40mg/kg to 34.60mg/kg, Cu was from 0.9mg/kg to 10.10mg/kg, Cd was from ND to 0.9mg/kg (ND- not detectable) and Pb ranged from 0.6mg/kg to 1.8mg/kg. In mixed seasonings, concentration ranged from 83.36mg/kg to 480.82mg/kg for Fe, 1.72mg/kg to 26.78mg/kg for Zn, 1.73mg/kg to 7.70mg/kg for Cu, ND to 0.06mg/kg for Cd and 0.63mg/kg to 1.39mg/kg for Pb. Bouillon cubes had metal levels in the ranges of 9.66mg/kg to 52.45mg/kg for Fe, 0.83mg/kg to 8.93mg/kg for Zn, 0.66mg/kg to 3.59mg/kg for Cu, ND to 0.06mg/kg for Cd and 0.37mg/kg to 2.18mg/kg for Pb. Hg was not detectable in all seasonings. Positive and negative correlations were obtained between metals in some of the seasonings. The results indicated that Fe, Zn and Cu were below permissible levels whereas Pb and Cd were above permissible levels. However, it is unlikely for a person to consume amounts of seasoning in a day that will exceed the RDA for each metal. This suggests that intake of the seasonings will have negligible health effects on consumers. In the phytochemicals screening, 25% of all the seasonings contained saponins, 44% had coumarins, 9% had alkaloids and 25% were found to contain terpenoids. The seasonings may have health benefits in addition to their organoleptic properties due the presence of these phytochemicals.

Source: KNUST
Geophysical investigation for groundwater in the Tain district of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana using the 2D CVES method

The 2D continuous vertical electrical sounding (2D CVES) surveys using the Wenner configuration were carried out in twenty communities in the Tain District. The objectives are to assess the subsurface geology, identify high groundwater potential zones in each community and the possibility of drilling high-yielding boreholes that could yield sustainable amount of groundwater for hand pump water supply. A total number twenty two 22 profiles were surveyed at least one in each community. The collected resistivity data was converted from the apparent resistivity data to 2D model section using the least-square inversion with the help of Res2Dinv software. The 2D resistivity model-section produced a high quality structural resolution leading to the demarcation of the layering of various lithological units, weathered layers and identification of important structures such as joints, fissures, fractures and faults. These structures are quite substantial in groundwater exploration. The study revealed that the potential water-bearing aquifer in the Tain district in the Black Volta Basin are mostly as a result of weathering of the overburden and fracturing of the underlying bedrock. The results of the study therefore suggest that the hydrogeology of the studied region is highly complex since the development of groundwater is generally due to secondary porosities. Based upon the results of the geophysical investigations, the groundwater potential zones in the twenty two communities were selected and expected to produce sufficiently high yielding boreholes enough for hand pump water supply system.

Source: KNUST
Geospatial approach to study the spatial distribution of major soil nutrients in the Northern region of Ghana

Spatial distribution of soil nutrients is not normally considered for smallhold er farms in Ghana resulting in blanket fertilizer application which leads to low efficien cies of some applied nutrients. This study focuses on applying geospatial analyses to map 120 maize farms in 16 districts of the Northern region of Ghana to identify nutrient distribution. Soil samples were taken from these 120 locations and analysed for contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Spatial models of the contents were generated through geostatistical analysis to map the status of N, P and K nutrients across the locations. Study results indicated that proportion of area deficient in N is 97%, P is 72% and K is 12%. Distribution pattern for N and K nutrients were clusters of low or high contents at specific locations; and that of P was random. Outcome of this study could enhance site-specific nutrient recommendation in Ghan

Source: KNUST
Geostatistical approach to the optimization of sampling density at Goldenrae Mining Company Limited

The decisions on mineral deposit evaluation based on geological factors can be very crucial go belong classical statistics. Thus, geostatistical approach was used to establish the optimum sampling density for the evaluation of the Kwabeng alluvial deposit based on seven different grid densities. The seven grid densities are l00m x 50m, 100m x 100m, 200m x 50m, 200m x 100m. 400m x 50m, 400m x 100m, 800m x 50m and 800m x l00m, which corresponds to 427, 219, 324, 174, 177, 97, 102 and 52 alluvial pit respectively. The geostatistical studies involved variogram modeling of the grades of the various grid densities, examining the relationship between pit results and their zone of influence, with the view of establishing the optimum number of pits required, for the evaluation. The 100 x 50m (427 pits) was used as the standard for comparison. Histogram plots of the grades for the various grid densities displayed positively skewed log-normal distribution. The probability plots yielded two-parameter lognormal distributions. Both plots indicated excesses of high or low-grade distributions. The statistical parameters of the grid density, 200m x 50m, compare very well the standard. The directional variograrns calculated on the various grid densities revealed a geometric anisotropy with the range across the deposit being the shorter than the parallel to its strike length (i.e. downstream). The variability of grades on the deposit helped in determination of ranges of influence and assisted in optimizing the sample density. The geostatistical structural analysis in conjunction with statistical parameters of the various grid densities revealed close similarity between the 200m x 50m grid and that of the standard in terms of grade distribution and thus could have been used to evaluate the Kwabeng deposit. It was thus recommended that future evaluation elsewhere on the property or the Birim Basin could he based on the 200m x 50m grid with very minimum risk.

Source: KNUST
A Geostatistical Approach to the Optimization of Grade Control Sampling at Sansu mines

The Sansu Mines of the Ashanti Goldfields Company Ltd. (AGC), Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, comprises 5 pits which are currently in operation whilst resource estimations however have been prepared for 6 other pits which are to be mined in the near future. Most of the pits are within low grade mineralization from which more and more mining will occur in and around marginal areas. Quality and quantity of sampling for grade control would therefore have to be reassessed to increase company’s profitability margins. The current study is aimed at using geostatistical approach to optimize grade control ripline sampling within three of the pits which have varying lithological characteristics. These pits are (1) the Nhyiaso orebody - a granitic intrusive body, (2) 4 & 5 lodes of the Anyinam pit located largely within Birimian metasediments, and (3) the Sansu Pit, located within the metavolcanics of the Birimian. The study involved statistical and geostatistical analysis of the ripline sampling assay values taking cognisance of the geological characteristics of the pits to determine whether the current sampling density is adequate to support ore estimation. The variography and precision estimation showed that the current sampling interval of 10 m along strike for the Nhyiaso and Anyinam are adequate. Sampling interval across strike could be maintained at 2 m for Nhyiaso, however, the presence of pegmatitic type granitoids would call for a sampling interval of 1 m across strike, to obtain a better grade control. Within the 4 & 5 orebody sampling interval could be increased from 1 m to 2 m since there is not much difference in precision between the two intervals. Geostatistical analysis on the assay grades from the Sansu Pit was inconclusive. Steps to improve grade controlling practices within the open pits are suggested.

Source: KNUST
Geostatistical mineral reserve estimation of a Diamondiferous deposit - a case study

Ghana Consolidated Diamonds (GCD) Limited is located at Akwatia in Ghana and mines alluvial diamonds from the Birim River Basin by open-cast mining technology. GCD has faced and is still facing the problem of discrepancies between the estimated and actually recovered diamonds, with the latter, most often, being substantially lower than the former. These discrepancies had been suspected to be due to grade and volume overestimation and poor plant recovery. Renovation of the processing plant, recently, has resulted in the reduction of loss of diamonds at the plant. However, the discrepancies between the estimates and actual recoveries still exist which can now be attributed mainly to overestimation of grade and volume by the mine’s estimation method. This paper has reviewed the mineral reserves estimation method in use at GCD, and has investigated and demonstrated the applicability of geostatistics as an alternative method that would provide a more reliable grade and volume estimates of the reserve blocks. In this study two areas with different geological characteristics have been considered, namely, Sandy Creek Reserve Block 42/188/BV and Kusi Reserve Block 30/448/AV. Results from the study revealed that, in both cases, the grade and volume estimates using geostatistics were quite lower than the grade and volume estimates using the mine’s method. The implication is that, with the application of geostatistics to the estimation of mineral reserves at GCD, the disparity between the actual recoveries and the estimates will be reduced. It has been concluded that GCD can use geostatistics to estimate its mineral reserves in order to minimise the discrepancies between the estimated and actually recovered diamonds.

Source: KNUST
Geostatistical mineral reserve estimation - a case study at Ashanti Goldfields Company ( AGC)

The Obuasi Mine of Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) exploits part of the Birimian auriferous deposit of Ghana by underground method. Knowledge of the quantity and quality of the orebody is obtained through extensive exploration, development and sampling. The grade and the tonnage of mining blocks are estimated using weighted average method. One of the issues which have been brought into focus by the current expansion programme of the company is the need to find an alternative mineral estimation method. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the applicability of geostatistics as alternative mineral reserve estimation at AGC. Initially, the regional geology, sampling practice and the current estimation method in use at Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) were studied. Subsequently, geostatistical technique was applied to estimate the grade and tonnage of some chosen mining blocks at the George Cappendal Shaft (GCS) area of AGC. The results obtained by using the geostatistics correlated well with the results obtained from the weighted average method employed by the mine. It is suggested that geostatistical method is applicable at AGC and therefore can be adopted by the mine to give reliable estimates and to serve as a basis of comparison with the other methods.

Source: KNUST
Geostatistical methods for estimating iron, silica and aluminium within iron ore deposits:- a case study of the Mount Tokadeh Study Area, Yekepa, Yarmein District, Nimba County, Republic of Liberia

Mining history in Liberia is often plagued with difficulties of uncertainty of commercial quality and quantity of mineral existence in a particular region. Previous studies conducted at Mount Tokadeh, study area which lies between latitude 7 o 15’N and 7 o 45’N and longitude 8 o 15’W and 8 o 45’W was distributed in three ore zones; the Oxide Ore, Transitional Ore and Primary Ore. It was also proven that there is some considerable amount of silica and alumina in this ore deposit bu t the extent of these impurities within this ore deposit were unknown. The main aim of this research was to investigate the use of information gain from kriging interpolation techniques (Ordinary Kriging, Indicator Kriging and Universal Kriging) to estimate iron ore resources and categorize selective mining unit as High Grade Ore (HGO) or Direct Shipping Ore (DSO). Field data were processed in excel template and exported into shapefile format inputted into ArcGIS/Arcmap 10.2.1 for interpolation using t hree main kriging interpolators. Four classes of creative colors were used to delineate the relative quality of mineral distribution within mining site. The final output maps (Prediction map, Probability map and Error of Prediction map) were obtained. Voxler was used to model borehole data in 3D format and was overlayed on the output kriged map for validation. The results showed that Indicator Kriging which uses threshold was the best interpolation method that categorizes the various mining units. Integrated method using Kriging in GIS was introduced and implemented in this work to determine the prospect of using this approach in mapping the spatial division of iron, silica and aluminum content and tonnage of iron ore.

Source: KNUST
Geotechnical site investigation using seismic refraction and resistivity techniques

2D siesmic refraction and electrical resistivity surveys have been conducted at the KNSUT Business School extension site to find out how suitable the subsurface is for building construction purposes. The survey focused on using resistivity and p-wave velocity values obtained from the subsurface at the study area to predict clay zones, voids, fissures and faults, depth to the bedrock and also examine the campaction of the weathered zone. Fourteen traverses each 240 m long oriented in the north to south with an inter-profile separations of 10 m were covered. Resistivity data were collected using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 with the Wenner array and an electrode separation of 4 m. To cover the whole profile length, the roll-along technique was employed. Seismic data were collected using 10 Hz electromagnetic geophones with the ABEM Terraloc Mk.6, a 24 channel recording system. A full version of the RES2DINV software was used to obtain 2D inverse models of the resistivity data. The 2D resistivity data were collated and into 3D model of the subsurface. Seismic data was also processed with the ReflexW software into 2D velocity depth models unveiling three acoustic layers. P-wave velocity ranges of 699-870 m/s, 1189.1-1450.5 m/s and 3759-5321 m/s were recorded for the first, second and third layers respectively. The use of the 2D velocity depth models and the geoelectrical inverse models together with geologic information from the study area helped in the interpretations. Weak zones, distribution of the subsurface resistivity and possible voids were mapped with the resistivity method. The ii seismic method delineated the bedrock at depths > 20 m at the north which becomes close to the land surface at about 13 m at the south with p-wave velocity > 3759 m/s. The north and east display a highly compact weathered layer that can hold the weight of buildings but the south and part of the west cannot support the weight of buildings due to a highly weathered subsurface with low degree of compaction.

Source: KNUST
Germination responses as influenced by varying oil and protein contents of nine soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) genotypes stored under two storage environments

Experiments were set up to assess varietal differences on the effects of the oil and protein contents on the seed quality of nine soybean genotypes during storage. The samples used for the investigations were collected from three locations in Ghana. The seeds were of 12 % moisture content and further dried to a moisture content of 8%. The seeds were initially tested for germination, oil and protein contents and then packaged and stored at ambient temperature of 27ºC±3/79.6%RH and cold room of 15ºC±3/65%RH for 120 days. A 9×4×2 factorial experiment was used for the storage trial. Samplings were carried out every 30 days until 120 days in storage to determine the viability of each genotype over time using standard germination tests. The results indicated that genotypes with higher protein contents were found to have lower oil contents. Genotype Nangbaare had the highest initial protein content (42.03%) and TGX-1834-5E had the lowest protein (39.29) while genotypes 1904-6F and Sallintuya 1 had the highest (13.06%) and lowest (8.40%) initial oil contents respectively. Storage period was observed to influence the germination potential of the genotypes; as storage period increased the germination percentages declined. Among the variables studied, oil content and storage period together were observed to have significant effects on the viability and this was indicated by reduced germination potential and shrinking of the seeds of genotypes with higher oil content. Only seeds stored with moderate oil contents and higher protein contents maintained higher germination potential throughout the 120 days of storage. The effects of storage temperatures were also observed on the genotypes. Differences among genotypes under the two storage environmental conditions in all of the parameters (Germination percentage, vigour index, and seedling dry weight) were significant. Genotype (Anidaso (C) stored in cold room recorded the highest germination percentage of 93.81% while genotype TGX-1904-6F kept under ambient condition had the lowest germination percentage of 72.19%. However, the differences were not significant.

Source: KNUST
GHAFES Christian Centre

An invitation of students by lecturers into their homes for Bible studies and tea gave birth to GHAFES (Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students). Through this fellowship, thousands of students have given their lives to Christ and have been trained and equipped for evangelism and nation building for the past 25 years. However, GHAFES lacks facilities for conferences and training programmes. An attempt to design such a facility was the initial collection of data, analysis of the data, deduction to arrive at the brief, and consequently, the design. It is believed that such a facility would enhance the activities of GHAFES and the entire Christian community. This dissertation is thus a study for the development of GHAFES CHRISTIAN CENTRE.

Source: KNUST