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- ItemA critical review of carbonate reservoir wettability modification during low salinity waterflooding(Petroleum, 2022-01-12) Sagbana, Perekaboere Ivy; Sarkodie, Kwame; Nkrumah, Wilberforce AggreyThe nature of carbonate reservoirs promotes the adsorption of oil onto the rock surface hence making oil recovery a challenge even with the interventions of varied chemical EOR methods. Recently, low salinity water flooding has become of great interest since it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Although low salinity waterflooding has been highly investigated in sandstone reservoirs, it is not the same for carbonate reservoirs due to its complexities. Nonetheless, it has been proposed as a favourable technique to mobilise the trapped oil in carbonate reservoirs. Wettability alteration is regarded as the most accepted mechanism for low salinity flooding but has not been well understood making field scale applications doubtful. In this paper, we present a detailed review of the wettability alteration mechanisms in carbonate reservoirs during low salinity waterflooding. Parameters influencing wettability alteration in carbonates and the interactions that occur at the rock/brine/oil interface are also presented. The different methods utilised for wettability measurements during low salinity waterflooding are also reviewed including their drawbacks and advantages and recommendations. This will provide an improved understanding of the low salinity flooding application in carbonate reservoirs.
- ItemA formulation of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. Ex Benth and Cassia sieberiana DC. alleviates the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis: a single-blind, randomised controlled trial of a traditional Ghanaian remedy(Springer Open, 2019) Kwesi Prah, Thomford; Yorke, Joseph; Ama Kyeraa, Thomford; Amponsah, Isaac Kingsley; 0000-0002-5229-0340Background: Clinical validation of herbal medicinal products is important for their widespread acceptance and application. In this single-blind, randomised controlled trial, a traditional Ghanaian herbal medicine formulation with Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth and Cassia sieberiana DC. as ingredients was evaluated for its safety and effectiveness in the management of patients with osteoarthritis. The formulation for the purposes of this study was labelled with the code GC-500. Methods: A total of 57 participants were randomly assigned to receive either this herbal remedy, GC-500, or the control treatment of diclofenac. Subjects were then followed up for a period of 8 weeks using a modified Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) for their efficacy assessments. The control treatment comprised 13 subjects and the GC 500 group 44 subjects. Results: Upon completion of the study, 28 (63.63%) subjects in the GC-500 group attained the primary outcome, (GCPS of Grade 0) compared to 5 (38.46%) subjects in the control group. Improvement in disease indicators such as characteristic pain intensity, disability score and disability days was comparable between the GC-500 and diclofenac. Intensity of pain reduced after 8 weeks of treatment; disability score and disability days also declined indicating an improvement in the quality of life of subjects. GC-500 was also shown to be safe for human use. Conclusion: The herbal medicine formulation GC-500, provides a credible treatment option for managing the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- ItemA gist on an obscure neoplasm in Ghana: gastrointestinal stromal tumours(BMC Publisher, 2023) Yorke, Joseph; Brenu, Samuel Gyasi; Awoonor‑Williams, Ronald; Tabiri, Stephen; Seidu, Anwar Sadat; 0000-0002-5229-0340Background Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour is a rare but potentially curable tumour of the gastrointestinal tract accounting for up to 1% of all gastrointestinal tumours. The discovery of Imatinib mesylate, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor has improved the chances even for unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic diseases. Methods This study sought to document the clinical and pathological characteristics of GISTs from two tertiary hos‑ pitals in Ghana that have undergone immunohistochemistry confrmation between 2014 and 2021. Results The median age of the subjects was 50 years with most of them (28.0%) being above 61 years. There were more females than males (64.0% vs. 36.0%). Abdominal mass and abdominal pain made up the majority of the clinical presentations. The majority of the subjects had partial gastrectomy (32.0%) which was followed by wedge resec‑ tion (28.0%). Appendectomy and sleeve gastrectomy were the least performed procedures (8% each). Four of the 25 patients (16.0%) had resections of involved contiguous organs done with splenectomy being the most common procedure. The majority of GISTs were found in the stomach (68.0%) followed by the appendix (12.0%) and small bowel (12.0%). Gastrointestinal bleeding (55.8%) and abdominal pain (38.5%) were the most reported symptoms. Free resection margins were observed in 84.0% of the subjects and only 3/25 (12.0%) experienced tumour recurrence. Conclusion GIST is a potentially curable tumour that once was obscure but currently gaining popularity. Surgical resection ofers the hope of a cure for localized disease while targeted therapies is a viable option for recurrent, meta‑ static, or unresectable tumours.
- ItemAberrant plasma IL-7 and soluble IL-7 receptor levels indicate impaired T-cell response to IL-7 in human tuberculosis(PLOS, 2017) Lundtoft Christian; Nausch Norman; Owusu-Dabo Ellis; Jacobsen Marc; Lang Franziska....et alT-cell proliferation and generation of protective memory during chronic infections depend on Interleukin-7 (IL-7) availability and receptivity. Regulation of IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) expression and signalling are key for IL-7-modulated T-cell functions. Aberrant expression of soluble (s) and membrane-associated (m) IL-7R molecules is associated with development of autoim munity and immune failure in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Here we investigated the role of IL-7/IL-7R on T-cell immunity in human tuberculosis. We per formed two independent case-control studies comparing tuberculosis patients and healthy contacts. This was combined with follow-up examinations for a subgroup of tuberculosis patients under therapy and recovery. Blood plasma and T cells were characterised for IL-7/ sIL-7R and mIL-7R expression, respectively. IL-7-dependent T-cell functions were deter mined by analysing STAT5 phosphorylation, antigen-specific cytokine release and by ana lysing markers of T-cell exhaustion and inflammation. Tuberculosis patients had lower soluble IL-7R (p < 0.001) and higher IL-7 (p < 0.001) plasma concentrations as compared to healthy contacts. Both markers were largely independent and aberrant expression normal ised during therapy and recovery. Furthermore, tuberculosis patients had lower levels ofmIL-7R in T cells caused by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Functional in vitro tests indi cated diminished IL-7-induced STAT5 phosphorylation and impaired IL-7-promoted cyto kine release of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4+ T cells from tuberculosis patients. Finally, we determined T-cell exhaustion markers PD-1 and SOCS3 and detected increased SOCS3 expression during therapy. Only moderate correlation of PD-1 and SOCS3 with IL-7 expression was observed. We conclude that diminished soluble IL-7R and increased IL-7 plasma concentrations, as well as decreased membrane-associated IL-7R expression in T cells, reflect impaired T-cell sensitivity to IL-7 in tuberculosis patients. These findings show similarities to pathognomonic features of impaired T-cell functions and immune failure described in AIDS patients.
- ItemAckee (Blighia sapida) fruit arils: Nutritional, phytochemicals and antioxidant properties(International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 2014-11-10) Dossou, Veronica M.; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Combey, Sussana; Afi-Koryoe, Sarah; 0000-0002-8516-7656The limited information on the health and nutritional benefits of edible arils of the ackee (Blighia sapida) tree makes it underutilized in West Africa. This study was to investigate the nutrient content, total phenols, antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of freeze and oven dried ackee arils. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocol whereas antioxidant activity and total phenol content was determined using the DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The minerals content was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate and energy content were in the range of 4.83-5.20%, 51.60-56.66%, 10.94-11.67%, 3.63-3.88%, 8.01-8.56%, 14.41-20.62% and 590.67-614.26 kcal/100g, respectively. The ackee arils also contained appreciable minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Zn) with K (425.10-475.71 mg/100g) being the highest while Zn (1.95-2.08 mg/100g) was the least mineral. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins and glycosides in the arils. The total phenolic content was 5235.04±103.9 and 5175.38±178.46 mg GAE/100g in oven-dried and freeze-dried samples, respectively. The vitamin C content was 29.6 and 35.7 mg/100 g whereas antioxidant activity was 66.0 and 29.4 % DPPH inhibition (with trolox equivalence of 91.0±9.4 and 40.6±0.6 µM TE/g) in the oven and freeze dried ackee arils, respectively. Drying method had effect on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the ackee flour sample. The findings suggest that ackee aril had considerable total phenols content and antioxidant activity, which implies that the fruit aril has the potential for application in food systems to maintain food quality
- ItemAcute Gastric Necrosis in a Teenager(Hindawi, 2020) Yorke, Joseph; Gyamfi, Frank Enoch; Awoonor-Williams, Ronald; Osei-Akoto, Ebenezer; Acheampong, Emmanuel; Acheampong, Emmanuella Nsenbah; Adinku, Michael Ofoe; Yamoah, Francis Akwaw; 0000-0002-5229-0340Gastric infarction is a rare condition often associated with high mortality due to a delay in diagnosis. The stomach which has a rich supply of blood is a rare site for such a condition. Gastric infarction has a long list of etiological factors. We report a case of a patient who was managed successfully following gastric infarction from gastric dilatation. An 18-year-old female student presented with a three-day history of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension of two days. The abdomen was distended with generalized tenderness, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Bowel sounds were absent. Digital rectal examination was unremarkable, and a pregnancy test was negative. Biochemical tests were all normal. Intraoperatively, two litres of serosanguinous fluid was suctioned from the abdomen. About 300 mL of pus was suctioned from the pelvis. The gangrenous portion was resected, and repair was done in two layers using Conell and Lambert suture techniques. Acute gastric necrosis is a rare surgical condition that requires a high index of suspicion and prompts aggressive resuscitation and surgical intervention to obviate the high mortality rate associated with the condition.
- ItemAn Assessment of Female Prisoners’ Perception of the Accessibility of Quality Healthcare: A Survey in the Kumasi Central Prisons, Ghana(Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 2015-05) Sarpong, A. A.; Otupiri, Easmon; Yeboah‑Awudzi K ,; Osei-Yeboah, J.; Berchie, G. O.; Ephraim, R. K.D.; 0000-0001-8986-1648Background: Accessibility of quality healthcare across the globe has generated a lot of attention among public health practitioners. Aim: This study explored the background characteristics of female prisoners and how it influences their assessment of the quality of accessible healthcare in the Kumasi Female Prison. Subjects and Methods: This descriptive cross‑sectional survey was conducted at the Female section of the Kumasi Central Prisons from June to December 2011. We used pretested questionnaires to obtain quantitative data from all 39 inmates of the female Prisons. An in‑depth interview was used to obtain qualitative data from the prison healthcare giver. Data were analyzed with Epi Info Version 3.5.1, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Excel, and Graph Pad Prism version 5.00 for Windows (Graph Pad software, San Diego California USA, www.graphpad.com). Results: Using a 12‑point scale inventory questionnaire, inmates with no formal education gave the highest mean health provision assessment score (6.0) whereas those with tertiary education gave the lowest (4.5). Females serving prison sentences gave the highest mean health assessment score whereas remand prisoners gave the lowest. Single females’ mean health assessment score was 5.7 whereas that of married inmates was 4.9. Unemployed inmates scored 5.8, informal 5.4 while civil servants scored 5.0. Conclusion: Access to quality healthcare was poor and demographic characteristics, marital status, educational background, and occupation influenced inmates’ perceptions of accessibility to quality healthcare. Inmates should be encouraged to be proactive in seeking healthcare irrespective of their background characteristics.
- ItemAn explorative study on the potential of green roofs providing thermal comfort conditions for indoor spaces in Kumasi, Ghana(Emerald Publishing, 2021) Gyimah, Kwabena Abrokwa; Koranteng, Christian; Simons, Barbara; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7689-8879; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2521-5641; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9874-8468Purpose As the global population keeps increasing with its associated urbanisation and climate change issues being experienced in various degrees worldwide, there is the need to find mitigating measures to improve thermal conditions within spaces. The study aimed to evaluate green roofs to determine whether they could provide thermal comfort within residential buildings. Design/methodology/approach Forty-two-year weather data were retrieved from the Kumasi weather station to establish the pattern of the climatic variables. Furthermore, an experiment was conducted by constructing test cells to determine the potential of vegetation/green roofs on temperature development within spaces. This approach led to a simulation-based exploration of the thermal performance of the test cells to probe variables that could lead to the reduction in temperature after the models in the software (design-builder) had been validated. Findings The results on the 42 years (1976–2018) weather data showed a significant (p = 0.05) mean temperature increment of 2.0 °C. The constructed test cell with Setcreasea purpurea (Purple Heart) vegetation showed an annual mean temperature reduction of 0.4 °C (p = 0.05). In addition, the exploration using the simulation application showed combinations of various soil depth (70–500 mm) and leaf area indices (leaf area index of 2–5) having a potential to lower indoor temperature by 1.5 °C and its associated reduction in energy use. The option of green roofs as a valuable alternative to conventional roofs, given their potential in mitigating climate change, must be encouraged. A survey of occupants in six selected neighbourhoods in Kumasi showed varying subjective perceptions of several green issues (24–98%) and increases in temperature values because of the loss of greenery in the city. Originality/value Empirical data that point to the significant reduction of indoor temperature values and a subsequent reduction in energy use have been unearthed. Therefore, built environment professionals together with city authorities could invest in these sustainable measures to help humanity.
- ItemAssessing and Strengthening African Universities’ Capacity for Doctoral Programmes(PLoS Medicine, 2011-09) Bates, Imelda; Phillips, Richard Odame; Martin-Peprah, Ruby; Kibiki, Gibson; Gaye, Oumar; et.alUniversities can make a major contribution to good policy-making by generating nationally relevant evidence, but little is known about how to strategically support universities in poorer countries to train and nurture sufficient internationally competitive researchers. N It is difficult for universities to develop a coherent strategy to identify and remedy deficiencies in their doctoral training programmes because there is currently no single process that can be used to evaluate all the components needed to make these programmes successful. N We have developed an evidence-based process for evaluating doctoral programmes from multiple perspectives that comprises an interview guide and a list of corroborating documents and facilities; we refined and validated this process by testing it in five diverse African universities. N The strategy and priority list that emerged from the evaluation process facilitated ‘‘buy-in’’ from internal and external agencies and enabled each university to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of their own strategy for remedying doctoral programme deficiencies.
- ItemAssessing Climate Driven Malaria Variability in Ghana Using a Regional Scale Dynamical Model(Climate, 2017-03-05) Asare, Ernest O.; Amekudzi, Leonard K.Malaria is a major public health challenge in Ghana and adversely affects the productivity and economy of the country. Although malaria is climate driven, there are limited studies linking climate variability and disease transmission across the various agro-ecological zones in Ghana. We used the VECTRI (vector-borne disease community model of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste) model with a new surface hydrology scheme to investigate the spatio-temporal variability in malaria transmission patterns over the four agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The model is driven using temperature and rainfall datasets obtained from the GMet (Ghana Meteorological Agency) synoptic stations between 1981 and 2010. In addition, the potential of the VECTRI model to simulate seasonal pattern of local scale malaria incidence is assessed. The model results reveal that the simulated malaria transmission follows rainfall peaks with a two-month time lag. Furthermore, malaria transmission ranges from eight to twelve months, with minimum transmission occurring between February and April. The results further reveal that the intra- and inter-agro-ecological variability in terms of intensity and duration of malaria transmission are predominantly controlled by rainfall. The VECTRI simulated EIR (Entomological Inoculation Rate) tends to agree with values obtained from field surveys across the country. Furthermore, despite being a regional model, VECTRI demonstrates useful skill in reproducing monthly variations in reported malaria cases from Emena hospital (a peri urban town located within Kumasi metropolis). Although further refinements in this surface hydrology scheme may improve VECTRI performance, VECTRI still possesses the potential to provide useful information for malaria control in the tropics
- ItemAssessing The Acid Mine Drainage Potential of A Stockpiled Gold Bearing Sulphide Ore.(Earth Sciences Malaysia (ESMY), 2021-07-29) Koomson, Bennetta; Fosu, Shadrack; Brako, Blestmond Afrifa; Asiama, Elias Kwasi; Yanful, Ernest K.This work seeks to assess the acid mine drainage (AMD) potential of stockpiled sulphidic gold bearing ore that was left untreated for a period of four (4) years. The mineralogical composition of the stockpiled sulphidic gold ore was determined using X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Reflected Light Microscope. The AMD potential and kinetic studies on the ore sample were determined using Acid Base Accounting (ABA) and Humidity Cell (ASTMD 5744). The XRD and microscope analyses showed that the gold ore contain arsenopyrite and pyrite as the major sulphide minerals. The ABA confirmed that the gold sulphide ore could be a potential source of AMD with respect to AMD marginal of safety if the ore is left untreated for a very long period. Humidity Cell kinetic analysis showed a possibility of mobilizing Arsenic (As) into the geoenvironment when there is a long period of oxidation of abandoned sulphide run-of-mine (ROM) ore.
- ItemAssessing the performance of the grain legume marketing system in northern Ghana(Academia, 2013) Aidoo R.; Mensah J.O; Opoku A; Abaidoo R. CThe main objective of this study was to examine costs, returns and efficiency levels associated with the activities of key players in the grain legume marketing chain in northern Ghana. A total of 140 market participants comprising 93 retailers, 39 wholesalers and eight (8) assemblers/aggregators were selected from major and satellite markets in the three Northern Regions of Ghana through a multi-stage sampling approach. Data for the study was obtained through personal interviews with the use of structured questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistics, gross marketing margin, net margin and marketing efficiency analyses were performed using field data. The study identified a long chain of greater than four different channels/pathways through which grain legumes moved from farm gate to final consumers. Marketing of grain legumes in the study Districts was found to be profitable, as only 18% of gross marketing margin was spent as marketing costs, with the remaining amount retained as net marketing margin. The study further showed that net marketing margins were not equitably distributed among different trading partners along the marketing chain. Generally, net marketing margin for assemblers/aggregators was far higher than that received by wholesalers and retailers. Marketing activities by all traders in the grain legume value chain were performed efficiently, with efficiency ratios far in excess of 100%. Trading in groundnut was far more profitable than trading in cowpea and soyabean. The main constraints identified by grain legume traders were limited access to credit, high cost of transportation, poor road network and inadequate storage facilities
- ItemAssessment of Mercury Levels in Omega-3 Food Supplements Available on the Ghanaian Market(Asian Journal of Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2321 – 0893), 2014-10-05) Acheampong, Akwasi; Darko, Godfred; Apau, Joseph; Oti-Boakye, Adolf; 0000-0001-7157-646XAs a measure to prevent cardiovascular diseases and enhance in-utero development of the foetus, adequate omega-3 intake has been recommended. This has led to the manufacture of omega-3 supplements by various pharmaceutical companies and these products have flooded the market. Coldwater fishes are the primary sources of the omega-3 food supplements but these fishes are known to have high levels of mercury in them. There is therefore the potential of mercury poisoning in the course of people taking the omega-3 food supplements. Mercury levels in ten products of Omega-3 food supplements have been determined in order to ascertain their safety for human consumption. The mean mercury levels determined for the ten brands were 0.0170.003 µg/g, 0.093 0.002 µg/g, 0.0210.003 µg/g, 0.2730.005 µg/g, 0.1230.004 µg/g, 0.06580.001 µg/g, 0.0180.005 µg/g, 0.0260.008 µg/g, 0.4280.002 µg/g, 0.4280.002 µg/g, 0.0290.004 µg/g. All the levels of mercury determined were within the acceptable limits stipulated by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, and therefore do not pose any health threat to consumers.
- ItemAssociation of genetic variants with prostate cancer in Africa: a concise review(Springer Open, 2021) Acheampong, Emmanuel; Asamoah Adu, Evans; Obirikorang, Christian; Amoah, George; Afriyie, Osei Owusu; Yorke, Joseph; Odame Anto, Enoch; Adu Gyamfi, Michael; 0000-0002-5229-0340Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) has one of the highest heritability of all major cancers, where the genetic contribution has been documented, and knowledge about the molecular genetics of the disease is increasing. However, the extent and aspects to which genetic variants explain PCa heritability in Africa are limited. Main body: In this review, we summarize studies that highlight how identified genetic variants explain differences in PCa incidence and presentation across ethnic groups. We also present the knowledge gaps in PCa genetics in Africa and why Africa represents an untapped potential ground for genetic studies on PCa. A significant number of genome-wide association studies, linkage, and fine-mapping analyses have been conducted globally, and that explains 30–33% of PCa heritability. The African ancestry has a significant mention in PCa incidence and presentation. To date, the candidate gene approach has replicated 23 polymorphisms including dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats in 16 genes. CYP17-rs743572, CYP3A4-rs2740574, CYP3A5-rs776746, CYP3A43-rs501275, and haplotype blocks, containing these variants, are significantly associated with PCa among some population groups but not others. With the few existing studies, the extent of genetic diversity in Africa suggests that genetic associations of PCa to African ancestry go beyond nucleotide sequence polymorphisms, to a level of environmental adaptation, which may interpret genetic risk profiles. Also, the shreds of evidence suggest that evolutionary history contributes to the high rates of PCa relative to African ancestry, and genetic associations do not always replicate across populations. Conclusion: The genetic architecture of PCa in Africa provides important contributions to the global understanding of PCa specifically the African-ancestry hypothesis. There is a need for more prostate cancer consortiums to justify the heritable certainties of PCa among Africans, and emphasis should be placed on the genetic epidemiological model of PCa in Africa.
- ItemBarriers to Condom use among the Youth in a Municipal Town in Ghana(Journal of the Ghana Science Association, 2007-01-09) Abdul-Kabir, M.; Otupiri, Easmon; Opare, D.; 0000-0001-8986-1648Condom-use has been identified as one way to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS but the prevalence of consistent condom-use remains low, especially in West Africa. An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Sunyani Municipality in the Brong-Ahafo to identify barriers to condom-use among young people. The association between study variables were tested and quantified. Two hundred and twenty (220) sexually active individuals aged 15-24 years were interviewed using a questionnaire to elicit information on their sexual history and behaviour, condom-use history and the extent to which certain behavoiurs and experiences impede condom-use in their sexual relationships. Condom-use at last intercourse was reported by only 37.5% of males and 38.9% of females (p<0.832). Age, education and marital status were significantly associated with condom-use (p<0.001, p<0.005, p<0.030). Partner trust, non-availability of condoms, not achieving the desired sexual satisfaction and embarrassment of condom purchase were the main barriers to condom-use. Prevention strategies based on perceived severity or adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS may not be sufficient to induce condom-use. Reproductive health services to young people should emphasize personal vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections to encourage condom-use among sexually active young people.
- ItemBiogenically modified reservoir rock quality: A case from the lowermost member Paleocene Funing Formation, Gaoyou Depression, Subei Basin, China(Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2022) Quaye, Jonathan Atuquaye; Jiang, Zaixing; Liu, Chao; Adenutsi, Casper Daniel; Boateng, Cyril D.; 0000-0002-1721-4158Bioturbation can influence reservoir quality and is consequential to the producibility of a reservoir. The study of samples from the lowermost member of the Paleocene Funing Formation (E1f1), Gaoyou Depression, Subei Basin, shows how bioturbation affects reservoir quality. Techniques used to study the samples include petrography, pressure decay porosimetry, pulse decay permeametry, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Sample A is intensely burrowed by Taenidium, Scoyenia, Skolithos, Palaeophycus, and other trace fossils. Increased isotropy in sample A contributes to cleaner well-sorted burrows, relative to its surrounding matrix, and 67.18% augmented burrow porosity. Taenidium and Palaeophycus in sample B indicate 20.23% improved burrows porosity. Plant debris and/or root traces in sample C have a 3.68% reduction in porosity. In samples A and B, the arithmetic mean of permeability describes all horizontal fluid flows within burrows. In sample C, the geometric mean of permeability describes the fluid flow in all directions. Porosity is ≤ 11.2%, permeability ≤1 md in samples, and sample C log-derived porosity ≤0.33%. This study demonstrates that bioturbation together with depositional factors (sorting, grain size distribution, and mud matrix/burrow content) and diagenetic modifications (albitization, compaction, dissolution, kaolinization, and precipitation) control the quality of the high to intensely bioturbated (Bioturbation Index 4 to 5; 61–99 vol %) sandstone and siltstone reservoir facies of the E1f1.
- ItemBorassus aethiopum Fruit Pulp Extract has Antimicrobial Activity on Selected Clinical Microbial Strains(Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 2018-10) Ayertey, E.; Tandoh, M. A.; Mills-Robertson, F. C.; Kumah, D. B.; Larbie, C.; Aninkorah, N. P.Background: Antimicrobials of plant origin have a huge therapeutic prospective and can efficiently be used to treat infectious diseases with reduced or no side effects as related to using synthetic antimicrobials. A potential plant-based antimicrobial is that obtained from Borassus aethiopum. The anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, antipyretic and anti-venom properties of extracts of B. aethiopum plant have been reported in literature these past few years.Objective: The antimicrobial property and phytoconstituents of aqueous ripe fruit extract of B. aethiopum were investigated. Methods: The ripe fruit extract of B. aethiopum was prepared by macerating the mesocarps of the fruits and then screened for the presence of phytochemicals using standard methods. The extract’s antimicrobial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method against Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 33495, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus saprophyticus ATCC 15305 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Chloramphenicol mixed with tetracycline was used as a standard antibacterial agent (Positive control). Sterile distilled water was used as diluent for reconstituting the aqueous extract. Results: The aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The antibacterial activity revealed that at 30%, 40% and 50% w/v (0.3g/ml, 0.4g/ml and 0.5g/ml) of the extract, all the test bacterial strains were susceptible to the aqueous ripe fruit extracts of B. aethiopum. Conclusion: Ripe fruit extracts of B. aethiopum was rich in phytochemicals and exhibited potential antibacterial activity against all seven bacterial strains used
- ItemBuilding the capacity of students in creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Aesthetic narrative of Ayigya Township, Ghana(Royallite Global, 2023) Kquofi, Steve; Adom, Dickson; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6263-615X; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0559-4173The study set out to investigate the environmental aesthetics present in habitual areas, specifically in Ayigya Township, Ashanti Region, focusing on picture-making tendencies for optimal skill development. A total of 346 respondents from various structures were specifically chosen to participate in the study using the Narrative Case Study Design under the qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews, observation, and photographic documentation were used for the data collection. The data were analysed using photographic documentary and qualitative narrative analysis. The findings demonstrated how dispersed aesthetic elements are in everyday life and how this appreciation would have a positive impact on the Senior High School student’s capacity for creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It is suggested that students develop alternative means of expressing their creativity. The study contends that art teachers must help students to use aesthetics in their environments to develop the tools and materials for their artistic productions.
- ItemCharacterization of complex fuvio–deltaic deposits in Northeast China using multi‑modal machine learning fusion(Scientific Reports, 2020) Boateng, Cyril D.; Fu, Li‑Yun; Danuor, Sylvester K.; 0000-0002-1721-4158Due to the lack of petroleum resources, stratigraphic reservoirs have become an important source of future discoveries. We describe a methodology for predicting reservoir sands from complex reservoir seismic data. Data analysis involves a bio-integrated framework called multi-modal machine learning fusion (MMMLF) based on neural networks. First, acoustic-related seismic attributes from post stack seismic data were used to characterize the reservoirs. They enhanced the understanding of the structure and spatial distribution of petrophysical properties of lithostratigraphic reservoirs. The attributes were then classifed as varied modal inputs into a central fusion engine for prediction. We applied the method to a dataset from Northeast China. Using seismic attributes and rock physics relationships as input data, MMMLF was performed to predict the spatial distribution of lithology in the Upper Guantao substrata. Despite the large scattering in the acoustic-related data properties, the proposed MMMLF methodology predicted the distribution of lithological properties through the gamma ray logs. Moreover, complex stratigraphic traps such as braided fuvial sandstones in the fuvio–deltaic deposits were delineated. These fndings can have signifcant implications for future exploration and production in Northeast China and similar petroleum provinces around the world.
- ItemCharacterization of pectin extracted from muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)(Journal of Science and Technology, 2021-10) Nyarko, Benjamin; Agbenorhevi, Jacob K.; Wireko-Manu, Faustina D.; Kpodo, Fidelis M.; 0000-0002-8516-7656; 0000-0002-5020-6299; 0000-0002-7949-0502Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruits are cultivated for their seeds, but the peels are potential sources of pectin for food and pharmaceutical applications. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize pectin from muskmelon peels subjected to two different drying techniques. The pectin was extracted using acid treatment and the structure, chemical composition and functional properties determined. Oven and solar dried muskmelon pectin extracts gave comparable yields (6.48% and 5.27%), high degree of methylation (60.53 and 64.97%) and anhydrouronic acid content of 46.99% and 56.60%, respectively. Intrinsic viscosity was 0.3 gdL-1 irrespective of drying technique used. The pectin extracts from the oven and solar dried muskmelon demonstrated good water absorption (208g/100g and 269g/100g), oil absorption (237g/100g and 152g/100g) and emulsion (50% and 46%) capacities, respectively. The different drying techniques used did not significantly influence physicochemical and functional properties. The findings show that muskmelon pectin are high methoxyl pectin with good functional properties which can be tailored for use in food and pharmaceutical formulations.